Chapter 48
Celia’s Dream
Mike wasn’t looking forward to learning what Celia had cooked up. With all the events she had planned, he was sure she could come up with something he would hate. He could now understand the dread she would feel about a camping trip, and not for him but for her, was thinking of backing out of the pact.
He was almost home so he took out his phone and called Martin. There was some mail piling up and he wasn’t sure what to do with it. He didn’t want to ask Celia about it because some of it was for her from the hospital and some of it was for the household.
It might take longer than he thought so he pulled off on the side of the road and Martin picked up on the third ring. He sounded preoccupied when he answered. “What’s up man? You sound a million miles away.”
“I’m sitting, five miles from Randi’s house. I’m trying to work up the courage to deliver some flowers and a card to her mom.”
“I think you mentioned that. Not good. Do you think this is the best plan?”
“I’m not sure. I wrote a few things on the card just in case she won’t see me. I’ve never had this problem before. I’m not sure how to handle it.”
“You mean having the prospect of a mother-in-law, or someone who hates you?”
“Well, I don’t think she hates me, she’s just afraid I’m the wrong person for her daughter. And the hate thing, sure I’ve had people who I thought hated me before but I never wanted to change their minds. This is different. I want to impress her and try to get her to see I’m not so terrible.”
“Good luck. Did you put Randi in your apartment? If so, I wouldn’t mention that part.”
Martin laughed. “No, she’s in a hotel for now. She thought it best to think it through. I didn’t expect her to move in with me. It would go against her values.”
“So, you’re sleeping alone on this one?”
“Yes, that’s another thing I’m not used to. But I’m coping. I care for Randi, and I don’t mind the extra work.”
“Hey, join the crowd of those of us who go to bed alone every night. But, seriously, if you need somewhere for her to say, she could stay at my house and you could stay at the mansion.”
“That’s a great idea on her staying at your place. She could let the dogs run loose and I could get her a kennel for them at night.”
“Sure thing. You could open up your guesthouse out back and stay there if you needed to. That way you wouldn’t be in the house with Celia.”
“I’d not thought about that. I more than likely won’t. I’d hate to be that close to Celia for Randi’s sake.”
“Then stay in the house we’re renovating. I know you hate hotels because of the publicity.”
“Oh, no, a hotel wouldn’t be an option. I’ll think about it. I’m hoping that my visit will calm things down but thanks for the offer. I’m sure you didn’t call to help me with my living arrangements. Do you need something for Celia?”
“There are some bills coming in and I wondered what you wanted me to do with them.”
“I’ll need to deal with the mail. Emma is taking time off to take care of one of her kids. I’ll drop by soon and get the mail, my checkbook and some other things I need. What time does Celia normally sleep?”
“That’s a good question, now and then. I could arrange to have her eating out by the pool and just shoot you a text.”
“That would be great, and thanks man for doing all of this. I never meant to set you up for being her babysitter. If you need a nurse or someone to clean, let me know.”
“Thanks, so far we’re good. Her mother is doing what needs to be done, washing, etc. Not sure about the rest of the house and the room Roger’s staying in. He seems like he’d be the messy type.”
“He’s never stayed with us so not sure. I can deal with the aftermath when he’s gone. How is Celia doing? Is she in a lot of pain? Does she curse me every other breath?”
Mike laughed but felt a pang inside. It was jealousy but he hated to admit it. A part of him wanted to tell Martin to get over himself, that Celia would be fine. He knew his friend meant well or else he wouldn’t be taking care of Celia and her family. “She’s moving on and doesn’t talk much about you anymore.”
There was a bit of silence and Martin spoke. “This is a bit strange isn’t it? I get the feeling there could be something going on between you and Celia, and I hate this. I don’t want to become Dear Abby. I did a movie a few years back where two friends fell for the same girl. It wasn’t pretty.”
Mike wasn’t sure what to say and he supposed his few seconds of silence told more than he cared to. “I’m fine. I’m just helping out. She’s in a bad spot and needs a friend.” This time the silence was on Martin’s end, and about the time Mike was wondering what his friend would think if he did date Celia, Martin spoke.
“Unlike the movie, I’ve moved on. I don’t think I was ever in love with Celia. I love her and care for her but not like that. She can be a sweet person when she wants. We were just not made for each other, so if you want to date her, or are thinking about it. Go for it. I won’t . . .”
“Burn my house down?”
“So you saw the movie?” Martin laughed.
“I’ve seen most of your movies, even the duds.”
“Ouch.”
“Not all of them were duds.”
“Good thing, or I’d be out of a job. But I know what you’re saying.”
There was more awkward silence and Martin broke in quickly. “I should go before my flowers wilt and I lose my nerve. When you get Celia out by the pool, text me. If I’m handy, I’ll run over and grab what I need.”
The called ended and Mike started to put his phone away. Instead he dialed one of his favorite restaurants and ordered enough for two. A smile came to his lips as he also made reservations for two. It would be good for Vicky and Roger to get out of the house.
He hadn’t needed Martin’s blessing to date Celia, but if he was going to see if this small connection he felt was going anywhere, now was the perfect time to do so. Putting the car back into drive he headed to the mansion. The thought popped into his mind as he parked.
This was a nice home and it was closer to town then his home. It had all the room a person could ever want, and more. Maybe he’d have to see what kind of a deal Martin would offer him. But, then again, maybe he was about to step into someone else’s dream . . .
He’d have to be careful or he would end up doing the same thing Martin had done.