CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Lorraine had never felt lonelier than she did when she drove home that night. Bliss would have two lines of bath and body products in the Livingston Christmas catalogue. They’d have to hire help to get the thousand sets Livingston had ordered ready, find storage, and fifteen other things, but none of them doubted they’d succeed.

Gray, who had stayed at his office and out of the negotiations, wanted to take Livingston’s newest business associates out to celebrate. Brooke had called John to join them. He’d been able to get his parents to stay with his children so he could meet them at the Peninsula Grill. Lorraine had called Hamilton, but he said he was too tired. He’d congratulated her, but hadn’t sounded as if he meant it.

She swallowed and eased on her brakes at a stop sign. Not wanting to put a damper on the celebration, she’d left after a couple of sips of champagne. There should be a person she could share her triumphs with. She didn’t have to think long before Thomas came into her mind. The light changed and she pulled off. Picking up the cell phone, she punched in his number.

“Hello?”

Just hearing his voice made her feel better. Margaret had been lucky to have such a supportive husband. “Two of Bliss’s product lines will be in the Livingston’s Christmas catalogue.”

“Wonderful!” he exclaimed. His warm laughter boomed through loud and clear. “You ladies are certainly making your mark.”

“We’re trying. Thank you. I wanted to ask you if you had a property we might lease to make and store the products.”

“I think I have just the place. But first, we should celebrate. How about lunch tomorrow?”

As always, he was there. “I’d love to. Is eleven-thirty all right?”

“It will be. I’ll see you then.”

Lorraine hung up the phone, no longer feeling lonely.

*   *   *

Three bouquets of flowers were delivered to Bliss by eleven Tuesday morning. The largest and much more elaborate was from Livingston, welcoming Bliss. The second, a mixture of peach and white roses, was from Thomas. The third, a spring bouquet, came from John. All the notes congratulated the “Ladies of Bliss,” but each woman knew they were for her.

Lorraine was even more appreciative of Thomas’s friendship. She’d never been one to compare herself or be jealous, but she realized that if only Claire and Brooke had received flowers, she would have felt left out, especially after Hamilton’s refusal to attend their impromptu celebration. He’d left that morning on another business trip. They’d barely said goodbye. He certainly hadn’t sent flowers. Thomas was more considerate. He’d chosen a wonderful restaurant and the salmon was fabulous.

“Thomas, this is marvelous. The roses were perfect and beautiful.”

He sipped his wine and smiled across the table at her. “I’m glad. I seemed to remember you liked roses.”

Her brow lifted in surprise. “How could you remember something like that?”

He paused. “Most men notice what beautiful women enjoy.”

Lorraine was even more startled by his announcement. She wasn’t sure what to say.

“If my compliment surprised you, I’ll have to have a talk with Hamilton,” he told her easily.

Sighing, Lorraine leaned back in her chair. Brooke and Claire were aware of her increasing problems with Hamilton, but Lorraine hadn’t wanted Thomas to know the extent of her marital problems. She was tempted to change that.

“Lorraine, you looked so sad for a moment,” he said, reaching across the table to place his hand on hers. “Is everything all right?”

Lorraine glanced at the large hand covering hers, the offer of comfort it represented. How long had it been since Hamilton has been there for her? Aching a little inside, she pulled her hand from beneath his. “Just thinking of all the work ahead in getting the products ready.”

“I can take you to see the property I think will be ideal anytime you want,” Thomas told her.

“Perhaps Thursday. They’re doing the photo shoot Wednesday.”

“I can pick you up around ten Thursday morning. The photo shoot sounds interesting.” He picked up his fork. “Mind if I drop by and watch?”

“Of course not,” she said. “We’d love to have you.”

Something flickered in Thomas’s eyes, then it was gone. But her breathing went off kilter and she began to wonder just what in the world she was doing.

*   *   *

It took the photographer from Livingston Catalogue longer to decide the angle and positions of the shot than to shoot the actual picture. She wanted seduction and sensuality, and decided on a tight shot with ribbon, potpourri trailing from its bottle, and a couple of the flowers from the bouquets amid the orange-pear products. BTS products were grouped on the vanity seat.

The photographer had barely finished when Mr. Turner phoned. A reporter from The Post and Courier was doing a piece on the catalogue and, when she’d heard about the photo shoot, she wanted to interview the Bliss owners. This article was scheduled to go in the business section next Wednesday. Would it be all right? If Knight Ridder picked up the piece it would go nationwide.

The answer had been a resounding yes. Less than an hour later, the reporter and photographer were there. As with the freelance photographer for Livingston, the reporter and her photographer left with products in Bliss’s signature bag.

“Looks like you have more to celebrate,” Thomas said to Lorraine. “I’d like to take you and Hamilton to dinner.”

The happy smile faded. “He’s out of town.”

“Well, there’s no reason for you not to celebrate. I could pick you up at your place at eight and we could have dinner.”

She debated only for a moment. “All right.”

“Good. See you at eight.” Lorraine stared after him as he left the shop.

“He’s a handsome man,” Brooke said from beside her.

“Yes, he is, and considerate,” Lorraine said, a soft smile playing around her mouth.

Brooke’s brow lifted. “I think we need to talk.” Without giving Lorraine a chance to balk, Brooke took Lorraine by the arm and pulled her to the back of the shop.

Lorraine frowned all the way into the storage area. “What is it? We shouldn’t leave Claire by herself.”

“I’m more concerned with you handling yourself.” Brooke finally dropped the other woman’s arm. “I may be out of line, but I’ve seen it happen too many times.” As the puzzled look on Lorraine’s face grew, Brooke continued, “Inattentive husbands and neglected wives.”

Lorraine gasped. “How dare—”

“I dare because I like you and respect you,” Brooke interrupted. “You’re vulnerable now and some guys can see that.”

“Thomas is just a friend.”

“A friend who lost his wife six months ago. He can’t be more than fifty-five and from a couple of the looks he threw at you, sex is still on his mind.”

Lorraine’s mouth gaped.

“Cancel the date, Lorraine,” Brooke said gently.

“I—I’d never betray Hamilton.”

“Intentionally no, but sometimes the unexpected can happen.” Brooke took her purse from the file cabinet. “Soft music, slow dancing, then—wham—you’re in a situation you hadn’t counted on. I had a couple of close calls when Randolph was out of town, but I have to say, if one of them had been John, I wouldn’t have been able to hold back.”

“But … but you care about John,” Lorraine said.

“My body wanted him before my mind caught up.” She touched Lorraine’s shoulder. “Call off the date. After Mark’s try outs we’ll probably grab a pizza. I’ll be home if you want to talk.”

Lorraine closed her eyes. Brooke had already said enough.

*   *   *

Brooke arrived home that night at eight-seventeen. Mark had made the team as the alternate pitcher. He’d been more worried that his father would be disappointed than anything. After John had reassured him, he was all right. She and John had managed to steal a goodnight kiss, then he had taken the kids home. She had gotten in her car and tried to call Lorraine at home. There had been no answer.

Pacing in her apartment, she hit redial, then dialed Lorraine’s cell. “Lorraine, pick up.” She was seriously considering calling Claire to see if she knew where they were having dinner when the phone was picked up.

“You had no right to say those things to me.” Lorraine’s voice wavered.

Brooke sat on the arm of the sofa. “Before Claire, I never had any close female friends. You’re the second.”

“Claire might need your advice, but I don’t.”

To debate that would cause even greater friction. “Of all of us, I think Claire is the only one who has a clear picture of what she wants and accepts that she may not get it. I’m not sure I’m that strong.”

“You’re right. She’s proven to be the strongest of the three of us.”

Brooke slipped off her shoes. “Loving Gray was a big part of it, but we helped. We helped each other.”

“I was so angry with you this afternoon. I still am.”

“And I was so worried about you, I only took time for a pitiful goodnight kiss. I wouldn’t do that for just anyone.”

“Brooke?”

“Yes.”

“I think you’re wrong, but I canceled the dinner engagement.”

Brooke relaxed against the back of the sofa, a slow smile growing on her face. “Lunch is on me tomorrow. What shall it be?”

“Slightly North of Broad.”

Brooke smiled. S.N.O.B., as most of the locals called it. They served wonderful low-country cuisine. Expensive, but that was all right. “You’re in luck. I just paid off my MasterCard.”

Hanging up the phone, she headed for bed, hoping Lorraine stopped seeing Thomas completely until she was less vulnerable. If she didn’t, she could still find herself in trouble.

*   *   *

Lorraine was almost afraid to see Thomas again. She didn’t want to think she could be so needy that she was attracted to another man, especially the husband of a woman who had been her oldest and dearest friend. She’d always detested women who ran after men before their wives were even cold in the grave.

Bliss’s door opened and Thomas walked in right on time for their appointment to see the property. Her heart didn’t thump, she didn’t feel breathless, but it was a near thing. He stared at her for a few moments. She really looked at him this time and saw the interested way he looked at her. Brooke has been right.

He crossed to her immediately. “Morning, Lorraine. I hope you’re feeling better.”

Because this morning she really did have a headache, she rubbed her temple. “A bit.”

Reaching out, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I hate to see you in pain.”

The warmth of his hand seeped through her blouse. His hand was larger than Hamilton’s, softer. Aware of what she was doing, she stepped away. “Thank you.” She glanced around the shop and saw Brooke watching her. She flushed.

“Would you rather we put off looking for a place?” he asked.

“No. I’ll get my purse and we can leave.” She passed Brooke on the way to the back, and wasn’t surprised to find that she had followed her.

“You sure this is wise?”

No. “We need to find a place so we can order the supplies and begin production. You know that as well as I do.”

Brooke came further into the room. “I can go, or Claire, or we can find another realtor.”

Lorraine’s chin lifted. “Thomas is a friend. I won’t hurt him that way.”

Brooke sighed. “Is the risk worth it just to keep his feelings from getting hurt? Besides, I think he knows you’re conflicted. A real friend would make himself scarce.”

Not wanting to think she might be right, Lorraine brushed by her and went to Thomas. “I’m ready.”

“Let’s go,” he said. With a friendly wave to Claire at the cash register and Brooke, who had followed Lorraine out of the back, they left.

“What’s the matter?” Claire asked Brooke. “Why the frown?”

Folding her arms, Brooke whispered her suspicions to Claire. “She won’t listen and she’s headed for trouble.”

Deeply troubled Claire asked, “What can we do to help her?”

“Absolutely nothing.” Brooke’s hands came to her side. “Lorraine is on her own on this one, and I think she’s out of her league.”

*   *   *

Despite being in Thomas’s roomy Lincoln Navigator, Lorraine felt almost claustrophobic. She kept fidgeting with the neck of her blouse, the hem of her short skirt. She felt odd in her own skin.

“I think this property will suit you best and it’s not because I own the building,” Thomas said as he pulled into the parking lot of the five-story white brick building. “It has twenty-four-hour security so you ladies can come and go at will and feel perfectly safe.” Pulling into a parking space, he got out and came around to open her door and help her down.

Lorraine hesitated a fraction too long before placing her hand in his.

“Lorraine, what’s the matter?”

She didn’t want to meet his gaze. What kind of friend and wife was she? Was she attracted to Thomas, or what he represented: a man to comfort her?

“Lorraine?”

“I–I think my headache is coming back,” she said evasively.

He stepped closer to her. Too close. “It wouldn’t be any trouble to put this off for another day.”

Try forever. “No, I’d like this settled.”

He reached out his hand again and this time she didn’t hesitate. As soon as her foot touched the concrete she withdrew her hand. He lightly took her elbow and they entered the building. Lorraine’s nerves didn’t settle until they were inside the office suite on the first floor.

“I think you’ll be comfortable here. It already has a few office pieces like the sofa, desk and file cabinet. I think you should take this one.” Releasing her arm, Thomas went to open the door in front of them. “This room has plenty of storage and electrical outlets for your equipment.”

Lorraine made her feet move toward him. Thomas moved back, but not far enough and her breast brushed against his arm. She jumped. She stared up at him with horror-filled eyes. “You did that on purpose.”

He looked away. “Yes.”

“Why, Thomas? Margaret and I were friends.”

His head whipped back around. This time she could see the passion and desire there. “She’s been gone almost six months. I loved her, but I can’t deny I have feelings for you. Helping you these last weeks have shown me that I’m not dead.”

“I’m married,” she cried, half-wondering if she’d said it for her or him.

“To a man who doesn’t appreciate what he has.”

The truth of his words hurt. “I’d like to leave.”

He clenched his hands. “Please, don’t be angry.”

“I’m not, I’m just…” Lorraine swallowed, then pushed the hard words out, “I’m not entirely immune to you.”

His eyes lit and he started for her. She quickly backed up.

“No. Please, let me finish. It’s because you were there when Hamilton wasn’t. You’ve been my anchor, my solace when he hasn’t. But I love my husband. I substituted you for him, and for that I’m sorry.”

“We could build on that,” he told her.

“Nothing can be built on lies and deceit.” Her chin lifted. “And I won’t shame Margaret’s memory. She loved you and your children so much.”

His head fell forward. “I miss her so much. Sometimes I catch myself listening for the sound of her voice or looking for her in the gardens she loved.”

“Perhaps you’re attracted to me because I was so close to Margaret,” Lorraine offered.

His head came up. “That would make it nice and neat, but that isn’t the case. Come on, I’ll take you back.”

Lorraine didn’t protest when he led her back to his SUV. Thankfully, the ride back to Bliss didn’t take long. As soon as he parked, she was out the door.

He also got out and came around to the passenger side. With a weary sigh he pulled a key out of his pocket and held it out. “Take Claire and Brooke back to see what they think. This place suits your needs and I’d feel better knowing you’re safe.”

She moistened her lips. “Thomas, perhaps I should get another realtor.”

He was already shaking his head. “Please don’t make me feel worse than I do already.”

She’d been just as wrong as he had. She accepted the key.

“Thank you. I think I may go visit the children for a couple of weeks. Call the office and ask for Helen Steins if you decide to take the place.”

He was giving her space and notice that he wouldn’t be there for her to lean on. She was extremely grateful. She could have wrecked so many lives by turning to another man instead of her husband. “I’m sorry if I led you to believe we could be more than friends.”

“I won’t lie. I am, too. Goodbye, Lorraine.” Getting in his vehicle, Thomas drove off.

Lorraine crossed the busy street against the light and entered Bliss. The second she opened the door, Brooke and Claire’s heads came up and they rushed to her. She looked at Brooke. “I was a fool.”

Brooke put her arms around her shoulder. “Most women have been at one time or another. Now, go put up that purse and get busy.”

Lorraine’s smile trembled. “No feeling sorry for myself, huh?”

“Nope. Rule of Bliss,” Brooke said, then her eyes widened in excitement. “I just had a great idea for our Web site. Rules of Bliss, and the first one is giving yourself permission to make a mistake.”

Lorraine shook her head. “At least something good has come out of the mess I almost made.”

“That’s the beauty of a mistake,” Claire said. “We learn and move on and we’re lucky to have each other. Now, lets all get back to work.”