Chapter 58
Pleading the Fifth
Checking out of the hotel and spending the night with Julie’s mother had been Randi’s idea. She had packed everything she would need for the trip and was excited about flying out to see Martin’s family. As it had been the last time, everything was moving fast and the wedding would probably be the next day. There would be time for supper with the family that evening, and the next morning, preparations for the wedding to take place.
Randi had called her dad’s cell to let him know where she would be and asked him to inform her mother. They didn’t talk long and soon she was kissing the pups and carrying an overnight bag out to the cab that would take her to the airport.
Julie had been excited, declaring that she wanted to meet Martin soon, and that she would take good care of the dogs while Randi was gone. Waving one last time, Randi put her bag in the cab and they were off to the airport.
On the way, she checked her messages and learned where she would meet Martin. It seemed he was catching a ride to the airport with Mike. She hoped they had mended their fences and were on good speaking terms.
When she got out of the cab, she stood waiting. After a few minutes, a shuttle car came by and picked her up. She rode with the silent young man and smiled as she saw Martin and Mike waiting at a small outside table.
She climbed from the shuttle and shook her head as she approached. “This felt like one of your cloak and dagger movies, going from point to point.” She gave him a quick kiss then sat down.
“Martin’s always full of it. Trying to show off his star status.”
“I’m learning that,” Randi said, with a smile.
Martin laughed it off and took off his sunglasses. “It’s all in a days work. They will let us board first into the first class section. Can’t have us joining the mere peons.”
“You’re terrible,” Randi said, as she took Martin’s hand when he held it out to her.
“I’m joking, but they will board us first. They don’t want any disturbances. I’d forgotten what a hassle this could be. I might rent a private jet on the way back or something less commercial.”
“Spending that extra money already?” Mike asked, leaning back and taking a sip of his water.
“There will be no extra money until the house sells.”
“House?” Randi looked from Mike to Martin. “What are you talking about?”
“Mike’s informed me that Celia is moving out and into the house they’re trying to sell.”
“She wants to get out on her own. She’s going to take a job at the dealership as a salesperson. Her brother, Roger, will be moving in for a while until she gets on her feet.”
“That’s good. I’m glad she feels well enough to go to work,” Randi said.
“Well, I’m not sure she’s up to it yet, but she wants to try.”
Martin looked back at Mike and spoke, “I don’t want to rush her but I would like her out of that house so I can get it on the market. If this doesn’t work, let me know. I’ll get her a small apartment.”
Mike leaned on the table. “I’ll keep that in mind, but she’s adamant. I think she’ll manage. She’s a fighter when pushed into a corner.”
“I know all too well,” Martin said. “But if you need anything, just call.”
“I will,” Mike said, taking the last drink of his water and rising from the table. “Gotta run. I need to get some things for the house - a bed, some curtains and get a ramp built. She’ll be in that wheelchair for a while.”
“You seem to be in a good mood about all of this. Is there anything you want to tell me?” Martin asked, with a sly grin.
“Yes. He seems to be smiling a lot, don’t you think?” Randi asked, moving closer to Martin on the concrete bench. “I think he reeks of new love. I’ve seen that silly smile somewhere else.”
Martin turned and looked at her. “Was that aimed at me?”
“Just a little,” she said, and they both turned back to Mike, who only waved his hand. “You’re not the press, but still ‘no comment’. Have a good trip and keep your noses out of my supposed love life.”
“I knew it,” Martin said as Mike walked away ignoring their last comments.
“I know we were mostly teasing,” Martin said, turning his attention back to Randi, “but you should have heard him talking before you got here.”
“He was telling me Celia has agreed to go camping, and that she and Roger would be moving into that house they’re working on. He’s excited about the changes. I don’t know how it will work out, but I wish them well.”
“Who knows?” Randi said. “It could work out.”
“Mike is a great guy and if he wants to give it a go with Celia, that’s up to him. I think he knows what he’s getting into. But enough about them, did the pups see you off?”
“Yes. I hate leaving them, but they’re in good hands. Julie was so excited and she keeps asking me if she can tell her friends we’re dating. She wants to meet you, and just the whole idea of us dating keeps her chattering at 100mph.”
“Tell her to scream it from the mountain tops,” Martin said, leaning in to steal a kiss.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”
“It’s fine. I want the world to know we’re dating. Soon we’ll find some great event to attend, but for now, I’ll settle for a visit with the folks.”
“Me, too, and some alone time with my favorite guy.”
“Who is that?” Martin asked, with such a serious tone.
“You are a great actor, you know. I hope you never use those talents against me.”
“I never would, not in a serious way. Teasing you is loads of fun and kissing you is better. And, might I add, you’re always great about the Celia stuff. I just can’t see her on the streets with her just coming out of this accident.”
“I know and I don’t mind. Six months from now she’d better be history but I don’t have a problem with this. You’re a good man despite what she, or my mother, may think.”
Martin’s brows rose. “Did you have to remind me? I was just about to forget what a lowlife deadbeat my future mother-in-law thinks I am.”
Randi looked at him and wrinkled her nose. “Did you just say what I think you said?”
Martin smiled and kissed her. “I’m learning a lot from my new brother-in-law, so on that note let me say, ‘I think I’ll plead the fifth’.”