Chapter 37
Tears and Clarity
After finishing her morning cleaning, Randi drove by the house and picked up the pups to take them to the park for a walk. She managed to get in and out without having to speak to her mother, and for that she was thankful.
It was a beautiful day and the pups enjoyed their romp, but she felt numb. When the pups lay down in the sun to take a nap, she sat on the grass and let her mind wander over the choices she was going to have to make.
She would have to find somewhere to stay, and though she didn’t want to move in with Martin, she would, if she had to. She was not going to stop seeing him.
In all of the years she had dated, not once had her mother been against any of the guys she had brought home. Then again, she hadn’t brought that many guys home to meet her parents. She wasn’t sure what bothered her more, her mother not trusting her to make a good choice, or that she was making such harsh demands.
Either wasn’t good. She sighed, thinking that if only her mother could just be patient. She hadn’t even met Martin and she was judging him - wrongly.
Martin was nice and sweet - none of the things her mother thought he was. If she would only have an open mind maybe she could see him for the man he was. Randi could feel the tears welling up. If she kept thinking it over and over, she was going to cry.
She squinted her eyes and looked up at the sun that was peeping in and out behind some fluffy white clouds. Feeling the warmth on her face, she began to smile. Martin made her feel this warm. He brightened her days and made her feel whole. She assumed that was what your mate for life should do.
Laughing, she looked down at the pups. “I’m walking us down the aisle before he’s even asked.” Bandit raised his head up and yawned, slowly stood to his feet, shook, walked over to Lady and gave her a nudge.
“I’m ready too, guys. I finally know what I need to do. It won’t be pretty and it might create a stalemate for me and Mom, but we might not be homeless just yet.”
As if he understood what she was saying, Bandit barked and walked toward a big tree. Lady followed not too far behind. Randi glanced at her watch and decided they had time for a longer walk.
There weren’t too many people in the area so Randi took out her phone and dialed Martin. She guessed he would be staying at Mike’s, and with the first thought of Celia today, her brow furrowed.
“Hey, beautiful.” The second the words were out of his mouth, the thoughts of Celia were gone, and that silly smile was playing on her lips.
“Thanks, and you’re not too bad yourself. I hope you aren’t too busy to talk.”
“Never, not for you. Talk away.”
Randi knew she wasn’t ready to talk to Martin about her troubles with her mother so her mind raced to think of something to say. Finally, she blurted out, “I didn’t have anything particular in mind, just checking in. I finished a job this morning and have the pups out for a walk.”
“It’s a great day for that, or a bike ride, or many other things, and I’m stuck inside reading.”
“The same script we looked at before the accident?”
“That’s it. I read for it in a few days and I really want this part. Not that I’m broke or anything, but I do need to work now and then.”
“Low on cash? I could loan you a few bucks.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not destitute, yet.”
“That’s good to know. Then maybe… you could afford to take your new girlfriend out? That is, if you can tear yourself away from your script long enough.”
“I think I could manage as long as I don’t stay out too late. I do need to run over the scenes again until I’ve got them down.”
“Works for me.” Randi smiled, and as she had hoped, talking with Martin had taken her mind off her worries. “I’ve got a gig with Pitt in the AM. It seems his house is in need of a good cleaning.” Randi waited for the response.
“Watch yourself. I can be the jealous type. And, I think I told you, Pitt is off limits.”
“You did, and of course, I’m teasing. It would be a hard one to turn down, but I’d do it for you.”
“Good to know. I don’t need any more bad publicity. I can see it now. ‘Martin Taylor takes down Pitt at nearby restaurant. Film at eleven.’”
“I’d tune in to see that.” Randi laughed. “But I’ll try to do my part to keep your name out of the gutter.”
“Thanks. It seems I’m pretty good at getting into trouble without any help.”
“Nothing new I hope?”
“No, but I worry what will happen if the press gets wind of Celia living at the house. It could bring everything back into the news.”
“I suppose, but could it really hurt? I mean, isn’t some publicity better than none at all?”
“Now you sound like my agent.”
Randi laughed. “I’m not telling you to call the paper, I’m just saying don’t worry about it. If they find out, we’ll deal with it.”
“I like the sounds of that,” Martin said, and the tone in his voice made Randi wish she was with him. He would be pulling her close for a kiss, and she could use a kiss right about now.
“The sounds of what?” she asked, trying not to sound like a giddy teenage girl.
“The ‘we’ in your answer and the fact that you’re willing to stand up with me and face the world. It’s nice to hear, and the best part is, I know you’re serious. We started this relationship on some rough road but you’ve hung in there with me every step.”
Randi walked over to put the dogs on their leashes so she could take them back to the car. “I’m glad to be here for you. We might not have started out on the best footing, but we’re getting there.”
“Yes, we are. I feel closer to you than anyone I’ve ever dated, and it’s scary, but in a good way.”
Randi laughed. “I’m glad you said that last part, but I know what you’re saying. It is kind of scary to think that maybe after looking for so long, you’ve finally found the right person.”
“So, you feel it, too?”
“Oh, yes, I do.”
“I do? That has a ring to it. Are you tossing out hints, Randi Sanders?”
“No, I’m not. Where I come from, the man does all the asking, and I’m not pushing or prodding, just speaking from the heart.”
Martin didn’t speak quickly and the line was silent for a few seconds. “I like that about you, Randi. You’re a lady. If you don’t mind my saying, you’re sorta old fashioned and I’m so glad I met you.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet! I am, too, Martin, and I do love you. Before we get too mushy, and you make me cry, I’m going to run off and let you get back to your script.”
“Pick you up at six?”
“Yes. I’ll see you then.”