Chapter 4
Old Friend
Martin wasn’t looking forward to going to the hospital so he went to the hotel. Celia’s parents wouldn’t be there until the next morning so he saw no use in hanging around sparring with Mike.
He fixed a sandwich and kicked back missing Randi. He knew she might not be back until morning but he hoped to hear from her later. This ordeal had to be bizarre for her. He wondered if Addison was right. Should he have just pushed this off on Mike?
That wasn’t exactly what she said, but he was sure it was what she meant. He ate his sandwich, drank most of his soda and glanced at the clock. Addison was supposed to talk to his parents and ask them to pray. She had at least spared him that task.
He knew she should be off the phone by now so he put in his wireless ear bud and dialed. It was just after six in the evening, Rafa might still be at work. The phone rang twice and she picked up.
“Hello, brother dear. How’s Celia?” Addison asked. It sounded like she was in the kitchen as he could hear the movement of pots and pans.
“Did I catch you at a busy time? I suppose she’s holding her own.”
“No. I’m fine. I’ve just got you on speaker while I work on supper.”
“What are you having? I just ate cold cuts and bread.”
“The woes of a rich actor. I’m broiling chicken and going to make brown rice pilaf, spinach and garlic toast.”
“Sounds yummy.”
“It will be. Why cold cuts? Wouldn’t Randi cook for you?”
“She went home. I’m staying in a hotel close to the hospital. She picked up a few things earlier in the day.”
“Martin! When are you going to stop treating that beautiful woman like your maid? The crack about her cooking was a joke. Are you dating her or not? Men! Do you only have half a brain?”
“I hope it didn’t come off like that. She didn’t seem to mind.” Martin rose and walked to the window looking out.
“She’s in love with you. She’s not going to say no, but that doesn’t make it right. I know you can’t do all of these things because you’d make a scene, but I do suggest you find a lackey. Maybe a young guy, you don’t want to get a pretty young thing either.”
“I’ll think about it but I really don’t think she minds.”
“She may not, but don’t push it. You need to treat her like you did Celia. You would have never asked her to do that.”
“You’re right. Then again, Randi is not Celia.” Martin sighed and ran his fingers across his face. He needed to shave. He walked to the bathroom and looked at his reflection. “I will apologize. I really didn’t know what to do when Emma called with the news about Celia.”
“I’m sure it was a tough call and I’m also sure Randi is being nice, just don’t push her. Don’t try to get her to hang around the hospital. And you don’t need to be there around the clock. You are not dating Celia.”
Martin knew she was right but he felt some kind of obligation since the Carson family was not in town. “I plan on bowing out as soon as her mom and dad get there. I think that Mike is capable of taking over.”
Addison paused, the phone made a clicking noise and she sounded closer. “Okay, everything’s on the stove now. Did I hear a tone there? What’s going on with Mike? Are he and Celia dating?”
“I don’t know but he’s not happy with me. He’s taken up where Celia left off . . . complaining about everything, reminding me what a heel I was for dumping her.”
“Yikes. It sounds like Celia has turned him into a mini-me.”
“Pretty much. I’m not sure if he’s fallen for her or if she’s just brainwashed him.”
“I don’t know your friend. Is he the type to be duped easily?”
Martin looked around to see if Randi had picked up the razors and smiled when he noticed she had. He sat them next to the sink, laid out a towel and turned, leaning on the sink as he crossed his arms. “A month ago I would have told you never. Mike even agreed before it happened that I should dump her, that she wasn’t what I needed.”
“Strange.” Addison sounded as if she was moving again and then she finished her thought. “Do you think he wanted Celia then? Were there signs you missed that he was interested in her?”
“No, and none. Whatever this is, it started after Celia left.”
“Wow! She works fast. I feel bad talking about her since she’s in the hospital but she may have just wrapped him around her little finger. Some men are like that. They can fall hard and fast for a weepy lady.”
“Could be. Either way, I’m going to bow out and tell Mike that I think he should be the one there and not me. I really don’t think he’ll mind.”
“If he’s got the Celia bug as you say, he won’t mind and he’ll be happy to see you go. I do think it will be the best thing for you and Randi. She’s a sweet girl and she’d never say anything but I’d bet you my new Lexus that she wants Celia out of her life and yours.”
“Wow, sis! A new Lexus. Things must be going really well at the firm. What happened with that case Rafa was working on?”
“It is, but the car is not paid for. The man I told you about, Winston Fields, he and his wife are seeing a marriage counselor. She dropped her divorce and the firm is happy with Rafa.”
“That’s great. I’m happy to hear that.”
“There were a few rough bumps starting out and they are about to lose one of the partners. If all goes according to plan, he’ll be voted out of the company sometime next week.”
“That sounds serious,” Martin said, stifling a yawn.
“It could have been, but some prayers, fancy footwork and a bit of woman’s intuition saved the day.”
“It sounds like you have a handle on things.”
“I didn’t at first, but I do now and you need to do the same. In the morning, you need to go to the hospital, kindly give the Carson family your best wishes and leave Celia in your friend’s capable hands.”
Martin sighed. “That’s the plan, Addison. That is the plan.”