Chapter Nine

 

 

Finally, Rory’s cast was removed. She went to rehab three times a week and got the use of her arm back. Resuming her dog-walking duties, she was happy to be with her canine pals again.

Over the next two weeks, she pecked out the remaining chapters of her book, alone. Every morning when she took Baxter to the park, she searched the road for a tall, handsome man riding a bike too fast, but Hack never appeared.

Did he give up cycling because of me? Is he still with Felicia? Did they set the date? Does she care for him at all? Guess I’ll never know.

The sharp pain in her chest had settled down to a dull ache. Her ears pricked up, listening for the familiar buzz at ten o’clock that never came. This was my choice. She couldn’t decide which was worse, the pain of being with him but having him out of reach, or the pain of not seeing him. She rationalized his absence. Without the cast, he wouldn’t be coming here anymore, anyway.

But she couldn’t fool herself. He had been a big presence in her life. Hack had brought a reality, an excitement, and a friendship she had lacked. He filled a void. Her routines, including cooking food to delight him, had gone by the wayside. She even stopped thinking up epithets for Felicia. Life was rudderless—she simply poked along, taking care of essentials, but missing the joy she’d had with him.

She submitted her book to a publisher and said a prayer. Baxter’s cast had come off long before Rory’s. He was due for a checkup, but she delayed, not sure she could face Hack. Before she could call for an appointment, the buzzer sounded. Her heart leapt for joy, and her pulse pounded. Hack? Fluffing her hair, she opened the door.

“Bruce!”

Baxter ran over and barked furiously at him.

“Yep, it’s me. Bet you’re surprised,” he said, stepping into her apartment and handing her a bouquet of red roses.

She took the flowers. “That’s an understatement. What are you doing here?”

“Leaving you was a mistake.” He leaned down to pet the pug.

“What?”

“I see you’re all healed. You look good.” His gaze swept over her.

She recognized the glow in his eyes.“You’re kidding, right?” She shifted her weight.

“I’m completely serious.”

“What happened to that girl with the great job?”

“Her? Oh, well…” He blushed.

“Yeah, her.” Rory rested her fists on her hips.

“She wasn’t so great. Not as great as you.”

“Tell me why.” She narrowed her eyes.

He raised his eyebrows. “Can I come in?”

“You’re already in.”

“Can I at least sit down?”

She made a sweeping gesture with her hand. “Be my guest.”

“You don’t seem happy to see me. I thought you’d want me back.”

“I did, for a while, but I got over it.” She returned to the kitchen to stir soup on the stove.

“You’re over us? Already?”

“You think I was pining, waiting for you to come back? Thought you knew me better than that.” Be honest. You’re pining. Pining for Hack.

“I’m back, if you’re still available.”

“I’m not married, if that’s what you mean.” Boy, am I available. Hack, what’s happened to you?

“Always joking.” Bruce got up off the sofa and took Rory in his arms. He kissed her as his hands wandered down her back and squeezed her butt.

“Still perfect,” he murmured. “Give me some sugar.” Loneliness drove Rory to respond. Bruce looked pretty good. He wore a navy blue suit, a shirt that matched his eyes, and a gold tie, to match his hair. His body was still strong and powerful. She kissed him back, softening in his embrace. Until her brain short-circuited her response. This isn’t Hack. You want Hack.

Bruce undressed her slowly, commenting on every part he revealed. “Great body. Never met a girl as good as you in the sack. You’re the best.” Compliments, even as raunchy as his, had been nonexistent. She was flattered, horny, and not thinking straight. It wasn’t long before they were both undressed. Rory tried to focus on him, but Hack kept intruding on her thoughts. Every touch reminded her that he wasn’t Hack.

The magic with Bruce had passed. But it was Christmas. Any loving is better than no loving, right? I’m so tired of being alone. Lock regret in the closet and throw away the key.

Bruce eased her back down on the sofa and made love to her. Rory closed her eyes and imagined it was Hack pounding into her, Hack grunting in her ear, Hack kissing her breasts. But it wasn’t Hack’s scent teasing her nose. Her body responded because Bruce knew all the buttons to push. Still, total satisfaction was out of reach.

After, Rory slipped on a robe and put on the kettle. Bruce had a beer while she sipped tea. He invited her to his company’s Christmas party. She cringed. A room full of strangers, my worst nightmare.

“Come on. There’ll be great food. Music. We can dance.”

“Okay, okay.” She raised her hand.

“Good. It’s dress up.”

“I have a fancy dress,” she lied. I’ll borrow one from Brooke.

“You’ll be the prettiest one there.” He combed his fingers through her hair. She smiled. When he turned on the charm, Bruce could be okay to be around. Sort of.

He checked his watch. “Dinner with the boss. Gotta go. Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night?”

“Sure, why not?”

“Try to show a little enthusiasm, Rory. I’m sorry if I hurt you. I was stupid.”

“You can say that again,” she mumbled, under her breath.

The phone rang as Bruce was getting dressed. It was Mary.

“Hi, Rory, how are you doin’?”

“Uh, fine.” The heat of guilt crept up her neck.

“I’m just calling to set up a time for Baxter’s checkup. Can you bring him in tomorrow?”

“Sure.”

“Ten good for you?”

“Fine.”

“See you then.”

“Who was that?” Bruce asked, retying his tie.

“The clinic. Setting up an appointment for Baxter.”

“Do they usually call patients?” He stopped to stare at her.

She sensed the flush traveling to her face. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“It’s that guy. The doc there, isn’t it?”

“No.”

“I should have known you wouldn’t be alone for long.”

“I am alone. If it’s any of your business.”

“Yeah? I’ll take him on. Pansy. Bet I KO him in the first round.” He put up his fists and air-boxed before buttoning his jacket.

“Stop. He’s not a factor. I’m friendly with the nurse there.”

“Oh, that’s okay, then. See you tomorrow.” He bent down to kiss her and was gone.

Rory sank down on her sofa. “What the hell have I done?”

 

* * * *

 

Across town, Hack shaved, getting ready for his dinner date with Felicia. Nerves caused him to nick his chin. Swearing softly, he put on a jacket and tie before heading for her apartment. I’m going to tell her tonight.

“Come in. How about a drink?”

He looked at his watch. “No time. Our reservation at Le Mer Bleu is for seven.”

“This’ll only take a minute.”

He looked up. “What?”

“We have to talk.” Felicia began to mix drinks at the bar.

Hack followed her, taking her arm. “What’s going on?” Oh, God, she knows. Damn! His nerves kicked up.

“I have a confession.”

Hack sank down on her black, leather sofa. He braced himself.

“Your fat girlfriend got it right. I am looking for funding for my clothing line.”

“You have a clothing line?” He cocked an eyebrow.

“Not yet. Don’t have the money. But I have a business partner all lined up.”

“You do? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Felicia blushed. “We’ve been friends a long time. I know it wasn’t nice to try to lure you into marriage to get the money. I mean, it was more than that…”

“Let’s continue with the truth. We’ve never been well-matched. You know that.”

“Yeah. You like classical. I like rock. You like old-fashioned. I like modern.”

“Right. You were trying to make the charade real so I’d fund your business venture?”

She cast her glance at the floor. “I’m not proud of it, but that’s the truth.”

“Why didn’t you just ask for a loan?”

“I don’t have any collateral or anything.”

“I’m sure my dad would’ve given you the money.”

“I never thought of that.”

“So, where does that leave us now? How much do you need?”

“I don’t need it anymore.”

“Oh?”

She looked up, and her blush deepened. “My partner loves my line so much, he found an investor.”

“That’s good then, right?”

Felicia slipped the emerald ring Hack had given her off her finger. She laughed and avoided his gaze. “You know, I always thought Paul was gay. I mean, his deep interest in the fashion business and all. But last night, I found out he’s not.”

“You slept with this guy?” Hack’s eyebrows shot straight up. “After trying to seduce me?”

“Yeah.” She giggled.

“What the hell’s going on? Where’s the Felicia I used to know?”

“I admit I’ve changed. Grown up. I know what I want now, and I’m going after it. Paul wanted me. He’s very sexy. Dresses like a dream.”

“No baggy khakis and button-down shirts?”

“Nope. We shared an amazing night. Then, he proposed to me.”

“Proposed?”

“Yep. And I accepted. I’m sorry, Hack. I hope you understand.”

Hack could hardly contain his glee. I don’t have to dump her, she dumped me! He covered his mouth with his hand to hide a grin. “I understand completely.”

“I’ll do whatever you want to make it okay with your mom. Maybe I should pick a fight with you?”

Uh oh. Mom. Dad’ll have a fit. Maybe we can substitute Rory for Felicia, and Mom will be okay. “Thanks. We’ll figure out something.”

Felicia shot him a knowing look. “Or maybe you can bring Chubs and tell your mom she’s a fatter version of me.”

“She’s not chubby. Nicely rounded, I’d say.”

Felicia made a noise of disapproval. “Whatever.”

“You can keep the ring, if you want. I’m not going to give it to anyone else.”

“Thanks.” She slipped it on her right hand and fished around in her purse. Pulling out a small, velvet box, she opened it to reveal a large diamond ring. “This is from Paul.” She slipped it on the fourth finger of her left hand.

“Must be love,” Hack said, admiring the stone. Thank God. Paul, I owe you one.

“Do you want me to break it to Mary?” Felicia asked.

“Oh, dear. Mary. Hmm.” Hack sucked on his bottom lip for a moment. Mary hates you. She loves Rory. She’ll be thrilled. “Don’t worry about Mary. I’ll explain it to her.”

“Good. I’d hate to see her upset. Do it when I’m not there, okay?”

“Absolutely.” Hack could barely contain his excitement. Rory!

“Do you still want to do dinner?” Felicia asked. She shifted her weight and looked away from him.

Could you make it more obvious you don’t want to have dinner? “Not if Paul’s waiting.”

“As a matter of fact…”

Hack raised his hand. “Not another word. Go, and with my blessing. I’m so glad this is working out for you.”

“Thanks, Hack. You’re a doll.” She kissed his cheek and opened her front door.

“Good luck. With the marriage and the business.” He slung his jacket over his shoulder.

“Thanks. Same to you. Hope that chubby girl is still interested.”

“How do you know if she’s interested in me or not?”

“Woman’s intuition. Women know when someone else wants their man.”

“Didn’t think you cared.”

“Of course, I did. Do. You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, I get it. Take care, Felicia.” Hack kissed her goodbye and left her apartment a free man. He walked faster, feeling as if he had lost ten pounds. His heart was singing, and he couldn’t stop smiling. He’d figure out how to deal with his mother later. He dropped in on his parent’s for dinner, planning on a good meal and a private conversation with his father afterward.

He held his breath when his mother greeted him. She didn’t ask about Felicia, and he uttered a sigh of relief. After they finished eating, she went back to watching a favorite television program while Hack and his father had brandy in the study.

“The engagement is off, Dad.” Hack sipped his drink.

“I thought we were going to wait until I had a plan.”

“It wasn’t my doing. She left me for another guy.” Hack’s grin widened.

“Really? Didn’t have the brains I gave her credit for, then. Well, nothing you can do about it. What about the other girl?”

“I’m going over there first thing tomorrow.”

Monty Roberts raised his glass. “Here’s to you, Son. Best of luck with your new girl. May she soon become your new fiancée.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Hack said.

 

* * * *

 

Across town, Rory and Baxter were being admitted to The Wellington apartment building on Central Park West by Crash, the doorman.

“Ah, it’s Monday. I should have known. Miss Sampson, Baxter,” he said, opening the heavy wrought iron and glass door. “The dinner club, right?”

Rory smiled at him and headed for the elevator. She punched the button for the fifteenth floor. When she stepped into the hallway, Dumpling, Bess’s pug, came racing out, barking. Baxter scooted ahead of Rory, stopping to sniff Dumpling. The two pugs finished their greeting then trotted into the apartment.

Bess appeared in the doorway, hands on hips. “What’s this I hear about the return of Bruce?”

“Shhh. Bess! You’re broadcasting this to the entire Upper West Side.”

“Get in here. I need details, girl.” Bess pulled Rory inside. The buttery smell of a something warming in the oven made Rory’s stomach jump to life. Brooke and Miranda were already there. Brooke’s pugs, Fred and Ginger, were wrestling with Romy and Juliet. Baxter chased Dumpling into the back rooms, and the other dogs raced after them.

Brooke poured a glass of Moscato for Rory and perched on a stool at the bar. “What’s this I hear about that slime bucket, Bruce, coming back?” She cocked an eyebrow.

“He’s not really a slime bucket,” Rory began.

“That’s not what you said two months ago.”

“Guess he wanted to sleep with other women. Seems he’s changed his mind and came back for round two with you.” Bess wiped her hands on a dish towel.

“Something like that.”

“And you took him back?”

“I’m on my own…it’s the holidays…” Rory cast her gaze to the floor.

“What happened to that hunky vet guy?” Brooke asked.

“Nothing. He’s still engaged and sleeping with her.”

“Ouch! Didn’t he put the moves on you?” Miranda asked.

“I don’t want to go there. Bruce is serving a purpose. Keeping me company…”

“Keeping your bed warm,” Bess said, tossing an inviting salad in a large, glass bowl.

“Is there something wrong with that?” Rory asked.

The women exchanged looks.

“Not a damn thing,” Bess piped up.

They laughed.

“We want you to be happy, Rory, but if this guy’s using you…he’ll break your heart again.” Miranda said, giving her friend’s shoulders a squeeze.

“I agree. Being alone at the holidays sucks, but it’s a few days, and heartbreak takes forever to get over. It’s not worth it. He’s not worth it,” Brooke said.

“It’s hard to turn him down.”

“In the meantime, you could be out, meeting Mr. Right, instead of becoming a booty call for sleazy Bruce,” Bess said, closing the oven door.

“That’s true. You don’t need him. You’re a beautiful woman. You could have any man,” Miranda said.

Rory sighed. “But not the one I want.”

“Hey, you can hang out with us. Give this Bruce guy the boot, honey. You don’t need him.”

“Yeah, we’re here. Hang with us.” Brooke proposed a toast. “To booting Bruce.”

The women raised their glasses.

Rory teared up. “I appreciate you guys. You’re like my family. I know hooking up with Bruce isn’t great. Can I go to the Christmas party with him?”

“We’ll shut up. Right?” Bess looked around. The other women nodded.

“Do what you gotta do, but don’t let him take you for a ride,” Brooke said, taking a swig of her wine.

“Thanks. I knew you’d understand. What’s cooking?”

“Mushroom quiche, salad, and double-death chocolate cake,” Bess said, adding serving pieces to the salad bowl. “We’re almost ready.”

Rory took a gulp of Moscato and helped set the table. When Bess pulled the quiche out of the oven, they all sat down.

“Let me get his straight, Rory. You’ve taken Bruce back, though you’re in love with Hack?” Brooke asked.

“Sorta. Yeah.”

“Why?” Miranda asked, stabbing a piece of lettuce with her fork.

“Because Hack is engaged. I can’t have him. So, Bruce is the next best thing.”

“Nice he realizes how great you are,” Bess put in, taking a bit of salad.

“It doesn’t feel like that. Feels like he came back for sex.”

There was an audible grunt from the women.

“Hmm, I hate men who do that. Users,” Miranda muttered.

“Yeah. You’re great when they’re horny, but when you need something, they’re busy,” Brooke said.

“Rory?” Bess asked.

“He’s definitely second best. I mean, after Hack, well, there’s no comparison. But it’s a bad time to be alone.”

“Like there’s ever a great time to be alone?” Brooke said, laughing.

“Right. That’s it. If I can’t have Hack, I might as well take Bruce. He’s better than nothing.”

“Damning with faint praise,” Miranda muttered.

“I get that bit about being alone. I’ve spent a few nights with guys who were less than great.” Brooke said.

“Who hasn’t?” Bess agreed.

“Don’t fall for him. You’ll only get hurt with this creep,” Miranda said.

Rory grinned. Three best friends in the world. The best of family without the worst. A great meal and her fabulous friends buoyed Rory up. A new strength surged through her, and she straightened up in her chair. Then, a text arrived. When am I going to stop hoping I’ll hear from Hack? When am I going to give up on him? Nothing is happening there, and it only makes me miserable to think about him.

 

Miss you. Can I spend the night 2night?

Bruce

 

Rory messaged him back, giving him the green light. Better to spend the night with horny Bruce than alone with Baxter. After three glasses of Moscato, Rory was feeling no pain. She left Bess’s house at nine, singing Christmas carol after Christmas carol, starting with Deck the Halls, with Baxter trotting along in front of her. Bruce was waiting outside her building, rubbing his hands together to ward off the cold.

“Sorry to be late. Hope you’re not frozen,” she said, shoving her key in the lock.

“I know someplace I can warm them real fast.”

She grinned. “Come on, horn dog.” She opened the front door, and they trudged up the stairs. Rory began singing again, and Bruce joined in. He wasn’t drunk, or even high. But Rory was buzzed. When they got inside, she fell into his arms. He set to work undressing her. Baxter went into his bed and zonked out, exhausted from nonstop play with the Dinner Club pugs.

Bruce’s lovemaking was okay, but once she had had the gold standard of loving with Hack, nothing less would satisfy. Still, Bruce was affectionate and someone to keep the bed warm. It had been an emotional few months, and Rory was reeling. She cuddled up to him and fell asleep.

In the morning, he wolfed down a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee before making a quick escape. Rory didn’t kid herself that this was a grand, everlasting love. But he helped to fill a void, at least for a little while. In her heart of hearts, she was certain no one could ever take Hack Roberts’ place. She sighed. Life goes on. Get over yourself.