The sun was just coming up over the lake when John stepped outside. “So here you are. I thought maybe you’d found the limo keys and left without us.”
“Do you have to shout?” Quinton frowned.
“Got a bad one, don’t you, buddy?”
“Hadn’t had a hangover like this in years.” He rubbed the stubble on his chin.
“I guess you haven’t drunk yourself into oblivion in years.” He handed a cup of coffee to Quinton. “Here. See if this helps.”
“The only thing that’s going to help me is if I fall down dead.”
John laughed. “You deserve it.”
“What? Dying?”
“I’m not talking about dying. I’m talking about the drunk you pulled. I’ve never seen you in that shape.”
“I don’t think I’ve been in that shape since college.”
“Good for you. Let us hope this was the last time.”
“I agree.” He sipped the coffee. “Where’s Calvin?”
“Still asleep. I figured he deserved to sleep in since he’s been so faithful to help me pull you through this.”
“I agree.” Quinton took another sip. “Have you talked to Jillian?”
“No. Have you?”
“No.”
“Are you going to?”
“Not yet. Maybe later today.”
“Are you still determined to break her heart by telling her about Maddie?”
“No.”
“Good.”
“Does she know where I am, John?”
“Jillian thinks you and I are out of town on some urgent business. Marilyn is keeping her busy so she won’t get suspicious.”
“Bless Marilyn.”
“Yeah. She’s a good one.”
Quinton eyed his friend. “Are you beginning to realize what a good wife you have?”
John gave him a sharp look. “It wasn’t just the booze talking was it? You’re actually in love with Jillian, aren’t you?”
Quinton nodded. “I don’t know when it happened.”
“Men never do. We think we have it going just like we want it to go, then suddenly we’re in over our heads. People can’t tell me this is a man’s world. Women run the men, therefore they run the world.” John drained his cup and stood. “I want some more coffee. Want a refill.”
Quinton handed him his cup.
Calvin came onto the porch as John went inside. “Good morning, Sir.”
“Hello, Calvin.” He glanced at his chauffeur. “Don’t you want some coffee?”
“I’ll get some in a minute, Sir. I wanted to see if you felt better.”
“Except for a hangover that would kill an army, I’m fine.”
Calvin smiled and started for the door. He met John.
“I figured you’d want this so I brought you a cup of coffee, too.” He handed the cup to Calvin.
“Thank you, Sir.”
John looked at him. “Calvin why don’t you take that damn coat off? We’re three men in the mountains and there’s no reason for you to act as if you’re going to start the limo any minute.”
Calvin glanced at Quinton.
“Listen to John. It’s too warm today for that wool coat.”
Calvin took it off and hung it across the banister. “Thank you, Sir.”
“We’re discussing wives, Calvin,” John said. “You don’t have one, do you?”
“Not yet, Sir.”
“What do you mean, not yet? Is there a woman I don’t know about?” Quinton looked at him.
“Yes, Sir.” He smiled. “I’m in love with Gloria. Whenever I get my degree, we’re going to get married.”
“Well, I be damned. You’ve been courting right under my nose.”
“Yes, Sir.” He frowned. “I hope that doesn’t mean you won’t let me continue to work for you until I get out of school.”
“I didn’t know you were going to school, Calvin. When did this take place?”
“I’ve been taking classes at the college while you’re at work, Sir.”
“But you’re always there when I page you.”
“I know. I have the understanding with the professors that I might have to get up and leave at any moment. It has happened a few times, but not often.”
“What are you studying, Calvin?” John asked.
“Computer Technology, Sir.”
“Can’t go wrong studying that. It’s a computer world,” John mumbled.
“We have a whole computer section keeping track of the inventory at the store, not to mention the ones that keep the information flowing.”
“What do you plan to do when you finish?” John looked at him.
“I’m not sure. They have a job placement center at the college. I hope to find something where I can make enough so Gloria can quit work and go to school. She always wanted to be a nurse. She’s already had a year’s training and I want her to realize her dream, too.” He shot a glance at Quinton. “Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sure she likes working for you. Especially now that Mrs. Kincade has come, but she still wants to be a nurse.”
“The staff has all taken a liking to Mrs. Kincade, haven’t they, Calvin?”
“Yes, Sir. She’s a nice lady.”
“Yes, she’s a very nice lady.” Quinton squared his shoulders. “I wish I was worthy of her.”
“May I say something, Mr. Kincade?”
“Of course, Calvin. We’re being informal today.”
“I think you and Mrs. Kincade make a wonderful couple. I know you love each other and when there’s love, that’s all you really need.”
“I wish that was true, Calvin.”
“It’s true, Quinton.” John looked across the water. The morning sun made it dance with millions of sparkles. “I’m going to take Marilyn on a nice vacation when we get back. I think I owe it to her. It’s time I became the responsible husband her old man said I’d never be.” He chuckled. “I’m swearing off other women and I’m going to have a nice long romance with my wife, if it’s not too late.”
“Can it really be that easy?”
“Yes, Mr. Kincade.” Calvin smiled. “Can I say something else?” Quinton nodded and he went on. “I’ve wanted to knock some sense into you ever since you got back from your honeymoon. I knew right then you’d fallen in love with Mrs. Kincade, and it made me furious inside every time we had to go to the condo.”
“So, you wanted to cream the boss?”
“I sure did, Sir, but what could I say? You control my job.” He chuckled. “I admit it gave me a jolt when you were only there twenty minutes or so the first time we went after your honeymoon.”
“Let me give you a bigger jolt, Calvin. Maddie was dressed in a very sexy outfit that night. One that most men would drool over and I couldn’t even get it up.”
“You’re kidding.” John stared at him. “Is it still out of commission?”
“Not at all. I went home and had dinner with Jillian, then made love twice with my wife before we went to sleep.”
“Any problem since?” John asked.
“Nope.” Quinton laughed then grabbed his head. “I pretended it was, though.”
“Why in God’s name would you do that?” John stared at him.
“It seemed the right thing to do at the time. It was during the next visit to the condo. I started out mad, but Maddie got me all stirred up. I could have done it in a heartbeat, but I told Maddie I still had the same problem. For some reason, all I wanted was to go home and make love to Jillian.”
“Did you?”
He grinned. “Remember how late we got to the country club?”
“You mean…”
“Yep. There’s something about an empty department store and a fur coat on the floor and…well, use your imagination.”
“Damn, Quinton. You always had a great imagination.”
“So I’ve been told.” He pulled his chair to an upright position. “Why don’t we three men go in and scramble some eggs or something then go fishing. I have some fishing gear here, and I think a few hours on the lake might do us all good.”
“You said you were maybe going to call Jillian later today. Are you?”
“I sure am, John. And before you ask, I’m going to tell her we’ve finished our business and I’ll be home in time tonight to meet her on the balcony before she goes to bed.”
“The balcony, huh?” John raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, John. Put a little excitement in your life and take Marilyn outside. The bedroom isn’t the only place to make love to your wife.”
“I think that’s a great idea, Sir.” Calvin smiled.
“So do I, Calvin. So do I.”