Christmas Choices (14 page)

“Dante asked me to pick you up and drive you to the airport, Signorina. St. Claire. I’m sorry, I thought he had informed you of his wishes.”

“No, he did not inform me, sir.”
He must have wanted to do one last nice thing for me.
“He really didn’t need to. I can wait for the taxi. I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s no trouble, I am his chauffeur and get paid to drive whomever he asks me to drive. It will not be a problem to take you to the airport.”

“Well, thank you. What’s your name?” She moved so he could get her bags. “I have just a couple of suitcases here.” Once he took her bags, she closed and locked the door. “Will you make sure Dante gets this back?” She dropped the key into his waiting hand.

“Yes, I will, Signorina. Let me put these in the trunk and I’ll open the door for you. My name is Leone.”

“Thank you, Leone,” she replied as he opened the door and helped her into the backseat of the limo. It surprised her that Dante sent his car. He had been so arrogant at first. Maybe he was really a nice man, although a confused one.

After Leone got her settled at the airport, Rhian felt a little twinge of regret in leaving this beautiful country. But she missed her family and longed for home.

* * *

R
hian arrived home happy but exhausted from the trip. She unlocked her front door and looked around, content with her little corner of the world.
I’ll unpack later. A shower and my bed is what I need right now.

After her shower, she fell into her antique brass bed, pulled the covers over her, and fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. The next morning, she awoke with a start before remembering she was in her own place.
Maybe I won’t get up today.
She stretched, snuggled deeper under her covers, and just dozed off when her phone rang.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
She grabbed her cell off the nightstand. “Hello.”

“Hello, Rhian.”

“Hello, Kellen,” she replied, unable to breathe.

“I hope I didn’t wake you. I was wondering when you would be back in town so we could go over the last details of the café.”

“I got home late last night. When would you like to get together?” She pushed the covers off and sat up on the edge of the bed.

“Oh... If you feel up to it, we could meet for lunch later today. We could go for burgers at Danny’s Pub again.”

“Sure, what time?” Walking into her closet, she reached for her favorite blue blouse and matching shoes then laid them on her bed.

“Would noon be all right?”

“Noon is fine. Should I just meet you there?” she asked, as she pulled out her favorite pair of dress jeans from her dresser.

“Sure, that’s fine. Unless you want me to pick you up?”

“No, I want to run by and see my grandfather. I didn’t say goodbye to him before I left.”

“Yeah, he told me. He was a bit shaken you just left a note. He likes what you picked out so far,” he added, obviously trying to change the subject.

“I feel so bad about doing that. But you know if my father had known, he would have tried to talk me out of it.”

“I know, your grandfather told me. Did you have a nice time?”

“Yes, I did. I got a couple of paintings done, and I adored Italy. I hope to go back one day. Have you ever been?”

“No. Listen Rhian, I’ll let you go get ready and see you at the pub.”

“Sure. I’ll see you later. Oh Kellen, please tell Denny I said hello.”

“Sure. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.” She heard the phone click as he hung up.
Gosh, he sounds sad.
She made her way to the kitchen for some coffee and a bagel she had frozen before she left. She realized she had even missed the sounds of her squeaky wood floors. There was just enough time for a quick breakfast, shower, and a visit with Grandfather before her lunch date. While her coffee brewed, she dialed her grandfather’s number. “Hi, it’s me,” she said when he answered the phone.

“Hi, baby doll. Where in Italy are you? I’ve been worried.”

“I arrived last night. I’m sorry I didn’t call to tell you I was heading home. I had some stuff I wanted to sort out. Are you mad at me?”

“No, I’m just happy you’re back. Are you coming by to see me today? I didn’t say anything to your father about your trip, but he’ll be home in a few days.”

“Good. You know he would have tried to stop me. The only reason he had me oversee the renovations with Mr. Slade was to do what he always does—control my life. I really needed to go. I did some paintings. I’ll show them to you when they get here. I’m having them shipped.”

“Rhian, I know your father smothers you most of the time. I think I do as well, but we don’t mean to.” She heard him sigh. “I’m glad you’re painting again. Will I see you soon?”

“I’ll stop by for a few minutes this morning. I have a business meeting at noon, but we’ll get together later for a longer visit.”

“Sure. Do you want me to fix lunch?”

“No, I’m meeting Kellen for burgers.” As soon as it came out of her mouth, she regretted it.

“Oh, well that’s good. I suppose you want to see how things are going?”

“Yes, sir. He told me you stopped by.”

“I did. He seems like a nice young man. Does good work from the looks of it.”

“Yes, he does. Okay Grandfather, I’ll see you in about an hour okay?”

“An hour it is. Bye, sweetie.”

***

R
hian knocked and pushed the screen door open. “Grandfather?”

“Baby doll.” He came out of the kitchen with arms open wide and a huge grin. “Come hug this old man.”

She quickened her pace and threw her arms around his neck. “I missed you,” she said, kissing his weathered cheek. “It feels so good to get a hug from my favorite person. I needed this.”

“I did, too. Come and sit down. I want to hear all about your trip to Italy.” He pulled her down next to him on the old plaid sofa, her hand firmly tucked in his.

Later, when she left her grandfather’s house, she found herself trembling at the thought of seeing Kellen again. How would he react when he saw her? How would she react? Would she be able to forget about all the women he had been with? Thoughts raced through her mind.

She turned into the pub parking lot the same time he pulled up on his Harley. Her breath caught at the low rumble of the bike. She loved that sound. He parked it, and she noticed how the muscles rippled in his arms as he leaned the bike over onto its kickstand. God, she had missed him. Turning her car off, she climbed out, and walked toward him.

He smiled when he saw her and waved. “Hey, Rhian. You look beautiful.” He placed his hand on hers and leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Rhian kissed him back, “Thank you. How are you, Kellen?”

“I’m good. Putting in some long hours. Denny is one hell of a worker. He’s good with his hands.” He walked, still holding her hand in his.

Rhian felt her heart race from his touch.

Inside the pub, Kellen led her back to the same table they had shared for their first meal together. He held a chair for her as she sat down then stood for a moment before letting go of her hand. As he took a seat across from her, he said quietly, “You look beautiful in that blouse, Rhian. Is it new?”

“No.” She blushed. “I’ve had it for a while now. It’s one of my favorites. I—”

The waiter walked up to the table. “What can I get you guys today?” he asked. “Would you like to hear today’s special?”

Kellen glanced over at Rhian, his brow raised. “Would you like to hear the specials?”

“I know what I’m going to have already but if you want to hear them, that’s fine.” She cocked her head, enjoying this new side of Kellen.

With a big grin, he turned to the waiter. “I think we’re both ready to order.” He motioned her to proceed.

Rhian smiled. “I’ll have the house burger, fries, and the house beer. I think my friend here will have the same thing.”

“Yeah, the same for me,” he said, without looking away.

She sat and watched several emotions run over Kellen’s face and wondered what was going on in his head. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine. I was just thinking.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, I saw your grandfather the other day. He seemed happy with what we’ve done so far. He’s a hell of a nice man.”

“He told me he was pleased with the work you’re doing. I’m so happy ya’ll hit if off. I love him very much. My dad on the other hand...” She shrugged her shoulders. “He’s another story.”

“That’s what your grandfather said.” Kellen laughed. “Harry is a special guy. I can see how much he loves you by the way he talks about you. Denny is another special guy, Rhian. I never expected he would be so helpful. What a sense of humor that man has.”

“Denny knows a lot more than what most people think he does. If you take the time to listen, he is pretty darn intuitive. Did you know he was a handyman before his accident?”

“Harry told me.” He sat back and watched her face, making her feel uncomfortable.

“Would you excuse me? I need to use the ladies’ room.” Rhian needed a moment to gather herself. His change in tactic had taken her by surprise.

K
ellen watched her walk away and the old insecurities came flooding back. He knew with his background, she should run away from him as fast as she could. His mind told him Rhian deserved better. His heart told him to take a chance.

Thoughts of that terrible night wound their way into his mind again, seeping into his thoughts like smoke winding and curling around the fire creating it. He’d come home and found his new girlfriend, Kelly, sitting in the living room with his mother. Christmas decorations lay broken on the floor by the tree. He knew instantly his mother was drunk again. Kelly wouldn’t meet his eyes.

“What’s going on?” His heart hammered in his chest. He walked over and stood in front of Kelly. “Can you look at me, please?” The happiness he’d felt that someone so perfect and popular had chosen him was now replaced by fear. “Kelly? Mom, what did you do?”

He tried to shake the memory away, but the smoke wound itself tighter now. She laughed. “I told her about you. Told her you’re a loser. You’ll never be good enough for someone like her. Boy, you’ll never be good enough for any woman. You’re nothing.”

Humiliation hit him hard and he looked at Kelly. She was crying. He reached for her hand, but she stood up shaking her head. “Stop Kellen. I can’t go out with you. I’m sorry.” She ran from him as his mother’s laughter filled the room.

He never spent another night in her house. He took his pitiful stash of money, threw some clothes in a backpack, and jumped on his dirt bike. He escaped that town and had never looked back.

It had taken years of wandering to reinvent himself. He would stay in a town for a few months, find work, and save a little money. He learned carpentry and picked up odd jobs for quick cash. His body changed, his muscles becoming chiseled from all the hard work. He cut his hair and started wearing a few days stubble on his face. Watching women in bars, he studied the type of man they found attractive. He bought a used Harley and developed the same attitude and swagger of the men he watched. He became the image of a bad boy, molding himself into the aloof man that wanted sex with no strings attached.

He shook his head
.
He had worked too hard to get past his mother’s disdain, and his feelings of worthlessness. No one would ever hurt or humiliate him like that again. Those memories needed to stay tucked away. He looked over at Rhian returning to the booth and saw her brows knitted together as she stared at him.

“Are you okay, Kellen? You looked far away.”

“I’m fine.” He picked at a napkin, feeling the doubt start to creep into his mind again. “I thought about something I needed to order for the cafe.”

Rhian reached across the table and took his hand. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost. Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not right now. I don’t know...” His words trailed off as the waiter arrived with their burgers.

Rhian watched him as they ate. She sighed and leaned back from the table. “Are you ever going to trust me, Kellen?”

His eyes shot up to look into hers. “What are you talking about?”

“I don’t know everything that happened to you in the past, but you need to trust me. I like you a lot, but I can’t be in a relationship with someone who will never open up. I need someone who gives me everything, not just a little piece here and there. So I’ll ask you again, are you ever going to trust me?”

“I want to. You’re right, you don’t know my past. It took me a long time to get over it.”

“Kellen, I don’t think you got over whatever happened. You have a wall around yourself. I think you like me, but you keep holding back.”

“What happened in Italy? You seem different, more forthright. Did you find what you were looking for while you were there?” He shrugged his shoulders and smiled, knowing she knew he was changing the subject from him to her.

“Yes, I did.” She sighed. “I found out something about myself. I don’t want to be alone. I want someone to love me for who I am, trust me and believe in me. I want a man who will give himself to me completely, like my grandfather gave himself to my grandmother. I want a person who won’t judge my flaws or my mistakes, see my imperfections and still accept me as I am. When I reflected on what happened there, I realized something very important.”

“What was that?”

“Can we go somewhere else to talk about this? Somewhere private, please?” She wiped away the tears that now streamed down her face.

Kellen grabbed money out of his pocket and threw it onto the table. “Come on, I know just where we can go.” He took her hand and helped her out of her seat. When they got to the parking lot, he walked straight to her car.

“What’s going on?”

“You’re upset. I’m driving, and you’re not dressed to ride on the bike. Hand me your keys.”

***

R
eaching into her purse, she took the keys and tossed them into his hand. She wanted to ask where they were going but saw Kellen’s jaw clenched, the muscles working in his face. For once, she decided to let it be. She closed her eyes and thought back to when she had made the decision in Italy to live only for herself.
Am I doing the right thing? Why does everything always have to be so complicated?