You've Got Game

Lorna glanced around with a smile. It was the Wednesday after her move-in, and she was in good shape, with almost everything unpacked and put away. “It is looking good, isn’t it? You know, at first I thought I would have a hard time getting used to having a much smaller place than I had at home, but I’m finding I like it. It’s cozy.”

Claudia grinned. “It is cozy. In fact, it’s adorable. And Buttercup seems to like her new surroundings, too.” She looked over at the cat, who was curled up on the hearth, even though it would be months before it might be cold enough to build a fire.

“Yes, she settled right in as if she’d lived here forever. Didn’t you, Buttercup?”

The cat never even turned her head.

Claudia laughed. “Don’t you love how cats totally ignore you unless they want something?”

Lorna smiled. “So what brings you here so early? I thought your last class wasn’t over until three.” The new semester at Bayou City College, where Claudia taught business and marketing courses, had just begun.

“I had a doctor’s appointment, so I rescheduled today’s classes.”

“Nothing’s wrong, I hope.”

Claudia grinned. “No, nothing’s wrong. Just the opposite, in fact.”

From her sister’s expression, Lorna had a pretty good idea of what was coming.

“I’m pregnant,” Claudia said, her smile filling her entire face.

“Oh, sweetie, that’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you!”

“And I want you to be our baby’s godmother,” Claudia bubbled on. “Well, actually, I thought we’d have two godmothers. You and John’s sister Jennifer.” She jumped up from the couch and hugged Lorna. “Oh, Lorna, I’m so happy! I never knew I could be so happy!”

Laughing and squealing, the sisters danced around the room together.

“Does John know yet?” Lorna asked when they’d finally settled down again.

“Of course. I called him right away. He’s totally thrilled.”

“He’ll make a wonderful father.”

“He will, won’t he?” Now Claudia’s smile turned tender.

Lorna wondered if Claudia had any idea how much she envied her. How much she wanted a baby, too. They hadn’t discussed the subject recently, because Lorna didn’t want her sister feeling sorry for her or feeling as if she had to censor everything she said in deference to Lorna’s sensibilities, so maybe she imagined Lorna had given up on the idea. “When are you due?”

“The doctor said about the middle of April.”

“Perfect. You’ll beat the summer heat.”

“I know. I couldn’t have planned it better if I’d tried.”

“So you weren’t trying?”

Claudia laughed. “You know what I mean.”

Lorna smiled affectionately. “Yes, I do. I was only teasing you.”

They talked baby plans for a while, then Claudia said, “Telling you about the baby isn’t the only reason I dropped by today.”

“Oh?”

“I wanted to invite you to go out with us Saturday night.”

“That’s sweet of you, but you and John will want to celebrate your good news by yourselves. I’d just be a fifth wheel.”

“No, you won’t. Anyway, we’ll be double-dating.”

Lorna made a face. “Oh, Claudia, not a blind date.”

“Don’t say it like that.”

“I can’t help it. I hate blind dates.”

“Jonah’s great. He’s a cameraman and works for John’s company. He’s a bit younger than you are, but he’s lots of fun and cute, and I think you’ll like him.”

Lorna grimaced. “Younger?”

“Not that much. Maybe a couple of years. Anyway, what’s the big deal?”

“I’m not good with younger guys.”

Claudia just rolled her eyes.

Actually, Lorna wasn’t good at dating, period. And she was especially bad at blind dates.

“Why are you always putting yourself down?”

“I’m not. I just…oh, you know. I never know what to say when I first meet a guy. I always feel like I’m boring them to death.” Like I bored Keith.

“Oh, Lorna, that’s ridiculous. You’re smart and beautiful and funny. Why would they be bored?”

“I might be smart, but I’m certainly not beautiful, and funny is still up for a vote.”

“See? There you go again. Putting yourself down.”

“Being honest isn’t putting myself down.”

“I swear, Keith did a real job on you, didn’t he?”

“Well, you’ve got to admit that finding out your husband prefers a silicone-breasted cheerleader barely out of high school and who can’t talk about anything more complicated than who’s dating who in Hollywood doesn’t do a lot to build your confidence.”

“Keith is an idiot.”

“I won’t argue with you there, but the fact remains he lost interest in me as soon as he realized he would have to work for my money.” Lorna wasn’t bitter. The truth was the truth. She’d misjudged Keith. She’d thought he really loved her, that her money wasn’t a factor in his courtship. She’d been wrong.

“Like I said, he’s an idiot,” Claudia said. “Anyway, back to Saturday night. We thought we’d go see a movie—maybe that new one with Drew Barrymore—it’s supposed to be hilarious, then go out for dinner. John and I discovered this really good Cajun place, and on Saturday nights they have a zydeco band.”

“Oh, Claudia, I don’t know….”

“Lorna, I’m not going to take no for an answer. You’re going, and that’s that. We’ve already told Jonah all about you, and he’s excited about meeting you.”

“If he’s so great, why does he need a blind date?”

Claudia shook her head in exasperation. “Honestly, Lorna, sometimes I just want to choke you.”

Lorna grinned.

“That’s better. Now say you’ll go.”

“Oh, okay, I’ll go.”

“Good. I’ll let you know what time after I talk to John. Now, tell me, have you visited the plant yet?”

“No, but I thought I’d pop in tomorrow just to say hello and meet the office staff.”

“You’re starting work on Monday?”

“Yes.”

Lorna had been going to take a couple of weeks off, then had decided one was enough. Besides, she was anxious to get started on her new job.

Claudia stood. Lorna couldn’t help studying her belly, exposed by her low-riding pants and cropped top. So far, she didn’t look any different than she’d always looked, which was fantastic. She grinned at the glint of silver. “How long are you going to wear that navel ring?”

Claudia laughed. “John likes it, but I plan to take it out when I start to show.” She slung her handbag over her shoulder. “Walk out with me?”

Lorna stood on the front stoop and waved goodbye until Claudia’s Jeep disappeared around the corner. Then she slowly walked back inside. Her shoulders sagged. She was happy for Claudia, thrilled for Claudia. But a part of her ached with the knowledge that even her baby sister had passed her by. That it was only she, Lorna, who had failed at marriage and was still childless.

Would motherhood ever happen for her? she wondered forlornly. Or was she forever doomed to be just an aunt or a godmother to her siblings’ children?

For the rest of the day, she fought against a rising melancholy. Finally, knowing the only way to stop the negative emotions was to lose herself in something she loved, she headed for the piano. It hadn’t been tuned since the move—something she had planned to take care of immediately—but today she didn’t care.

Minutes later, she was deep into the lilting waterfall of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 1 in F-sharp Minor and the rest of the world fell away.

Nick was on the plant floor supervising the installation of a new bagging machine when his secretary paged him. Telling Jim Hennessey, his maintenance manager, he’d be right back, Nick walked out to the distribution center where it wasn’t as noisy.

“Yeah?” he said when he had Karen on the phone.

“Miss Hathaway’s here,” she said.

“What? What the hell is she doing here?” he muttered. “She doesn’t start until Monday.”

Ignoring his irritated response, she chirped, “Would you like me to show her around? Or do you want to come up and do it yourself?”

Nick knew Lorna Hathaway was probably close enough to hear what Karen had to say. He swore under his breath. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“You go on, Nick,” Jim said when Nick rejoined him. “I can finish this up.”

Nick exhaled a frustrated breath. “Thanks.” He stripped off his work gloves and the hairnet everyone had to wear on the plant floor, then headed toward the metal stairs that led to the next level where all the offices were located.

When he reached his office he told himself not to show his irritation. To be polite and businesslike. But one look at the haughty ice queen wearing a dress that probably cost more than he made in a week and thumbing through the second quarter report, and all Nick’s good resolutions flew out the window. He didn’t know what it was about Lorna Hathaway that got under his skin so bad, but he couldn’t stand her. She was the epitome of the type of woman who had always looked down her nose at Nick and his brothers. The kind that knew he was from the wrong side of the tracks and thought he should have stayed there.

“You should have called first,” he said.

Her head snapped up. Something flashed in her eyes, but was gone in a second. “Nice to see you, too,” she said evenly.

He almost smiled. She might be a snob, but she wasn’t stupid. “Thing is, I’m a little busy today. The cooler was on the fritz for two hours earlier this morning, which backed everything up, so now we’re behind. Added to that, we’re installing a new outer-bagging machine, and that’s put us even more behind. So this is a real bad time. Maybe you and I could reschedule?”

“I’m sorry about the problems. However, I only dropped into your office as a courtesy,” she said, rising. “I actually came to meet my staff.”

He frowned. “Staff? You don’t have a staff.”

She stared at him. “But Nan had a secretary—her name was Stella, I believe—and I know there were at least two clerks the last time I was here. And the bookkeeper.”

Nan Mackey was their former business manager, the one Lorna was replacing.

“Stella quit when Nan left. She was pregnant. Stella, that is. And the two clerks were temps. We were in the middle of inventory the last time you were here. Phyllis, the bookkeeper, telecommutes, only coming in at the end of the month or for meetings.”

“I see. Well…have you done anything about replacing Stella?”

He shrugged. “No. I figured you’d rather hire your own secretary.” Someone you can count on to help sabotage me. “Not take someone I chose for you.”

She nodded. “Yes, you’re right, although I would have much preferred to have Stella, since she would have been a big help to me. I don’t suppose there’s anyone else here who might fill the bill?”

“Nope. Not that I know of.” He looked at Karen. “You know anyone who aspires to the office, Karen?”

She frowned in thought. “I could ask around. Maybe Rita?”

“I can’t spare Rita. She’s my best line-supervisor.”

“Yolanda?”

He shook his head. “Not Yolanda, either.”

Karen shrugged. “Well, they’re the only two I can think of.”

“Sorry,” he said to Lorna. “Maybe you’d like to bring someone over from the Morgan Hills plant.”

She just looked at him. “You know I can’t do that.”

“Hey, you’re one of the owners. You can do anything you want.” Whether it’s kosher or not.

For a moment, she didn’t answer. Then, coolly, she said, “Can we step into your office, please?”

“I only have a few minutes.” He walked over and opened the door, motioning her through. Then he closed it firmly behind him. “Have a seat.” After she was seated, he perched on the edge of his desk, knowing that height always gave an advantage. He waited. If she had something to say, let her say it.

“Look, Nick, can we call a truce?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean just what I said. Let’s agree that we don’t much like each other. That’s fine. I don’t need for everyone to like me. However, we do have to work together, so can we also agree to be civil and courteous to one another?”

“Sure.”

She seemed taken aback by his ready agreement. “Good. Then you’ll not be making any more remarks like the one you just made in front of your secretary, right?”

“What was uncivil or discourteous about that? It’s the truth, isn’t it?”

Now she bristled, sitting up and tensing like a cat ready to strike. Her eyes, normally an icy blue, blazed. “No, it wasn’t the truth. When have I ever thrown my weight around?”

“Could it have been when you and your brother decided you’d replace Nan without consulting me or even asking me if I had a problem with it?”

That took the starch out of her sails. “I…” Her voice trailed off, and she sank back in her chair. Her gaze met his. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize Bryce hadn’t consulted you. And you’re right. He should have. We both should have.”

Nick shrugged. “Apology accepted.” He stood. “But you really should have called before coming over today, because I’ve got a full schedule. If you want to look around on your own, though, you’re welcome to do it. But if you can wait till Monday, I’ll show you everything you need to know to get started.”

She nodded. “Fine.” She stood, too. “Seeing as how I have no staff to meet, I guess I’ll wait until Monday. In the meantime, would you ask Karen to find a temp for me until I can get someone hired?”

“Why don’t you talk to Karen about that? That way she’ll know exactly what you want.”

“Okay. I just didn’t want to step on your toes.”

“No problem.”

Nick watched as she walked out of his office. She might have tried to disarm him with an apology, but she was a tight-ass if he’d ever seen one. No wonder her husband had left her. Nick could just imagine the way she’d lorded it over the poor guy and made him toe the line. No man with any pride could live like that.

Well, she’d met her match now. Nick wanted to keep his job, but he wouldn’t grovel before Lorna Hathaway in order to do so. And the sooner she knew that, the better.

But even as he told himself this, he felt the stirring of a grudging admiration for the way she’d handled herself today. At the very least, having her at the plant promised to be interesting.

Damn, damn, damn, damn.

Lorna mentally kicked herself for not calling Nick before going to the plant, but mostly she was furious with herself for not doing her homework.

She should have known the only “staff” she’d have would be a secretary. Why hadn’t she thought to check before opening her mouth? Instead, she’d just assumed that the people she’d seen on her last trip to Houston were permanent employees.

You know what they say about making assumptions, don’t you?

Now Nick DeSanto not only didn’t like her because she was part of the Hathaway family—at least she thought that’s why he didn’t like her—but he probably also thought she was lazy or careless or worse—stupid.

Well, it was her own fault if he did, and she would have to work doubly hard to correct that impression.

And topping everything off was the glaring omission Nick had pointed out—that neither she nor Bryce had asked him if he would have a problem with her taking the business manager’s job. In Nick’s shoes, she’d be furious. She’d think that they didn’t value him as an employee, which she knew wasn’t true. Bryce had recently told her he considered Nick DeSanto the best of his seven plant managers.

Lorna sighed.

Not exactly the best way to begin. Not the best way at all.

Nick never got home Friday night. He worked straight through until Saturday morning when they finally got back on schedule. He was exhausted and was sure Cal Lopez, his production manager, who’d also worked a twenty-four-hour stretch, was equally exhausted.

That was the trouble with running at full production capacity. There was no wiggle room, no way to make up downtime from equipment problems. As it was, each of the ninety nonoffice personnel put in anywhere from fifty to sixty hour workweeks. For months now, they’d been running three shifts a day, ten hours per shift.

So when they had a serious problem on the line, they lost money, because some orders could not be filled.

Nick knew it was time to expand the plant, and he was pretty sure Bryce Hathaway knew it, too. Soon they would have to discuss the pros and cons, and Nick imagined Lorna Hathaway would have to be included in the discussions.

But that was a problem for another day.

Today, after getting at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, the most complicated decision he intended to make was where to take his date for dinner tonight.

Lorna tried on ten different outfits before she decided on slim black pants and a sheer rose-colored blouse worn over a deeper rose tube top. She wished she hadn’t agreed to go on this date. She’d never yet had a blind date that was more than bearable. Why had she allowed Claudia to pressure her into saying yes?

Staring at herself in the mirror, she wondered what this Jonah person would think when he saw her. She knew she was too tall and too skinny. And she had no boobs. Well, not enough to speak of, anyway.

“I’m not sexy,” she muttered aloud.

Tonight’s date probably imagined she looked like Claudia, who was sexy. Well, he was bound to be disappointed, and then the evening wouldn’t even be bearable.

It would be miserable.

I’ll call Claudia and tell her I’m sick.

Lorna was halfway to the phone when she knew she couldn’t do it. First of all, Claudia wouldn’t believe her. And then she and John would be put in the really impossible position of having to lie to John’s friend.

Lorna sighed heavily and headed into the bathroom to put on her makeup. As she tried to decide whether to tie her hair back loosely or leave it down, she told herself that no matter what happened tonight, this was the absolute last time she’d ever allow anyone to talk her into a blind date.

Yes, she wanted to meet men.

And yes, she knew she’d have to go through the dating ritual no matter how much she hated the entire scenario.

But she would do so on her own terms. She’d join a church that had a singles group and she’d sign up for some classes in things that interested her and she’d get involved in some community activities.

That was the way to meet people and get to know them gradually. Not on a blind date.

Jonah Whitfield turned out to be a pretty nice guy, and Lorna found herself relaxing once she realized he wasn’t a smart-ass or one of those guys who think they’re God’s gift to women. In fact, by the time they reached Burney’s, the restaurant Claudia had mentioned, and were seated over drinks, Lorna was actually enjoying herself. And the zydeco band was great, especially the fiddle player. Lorna got a kick out of watching the people do some kind of line dance that looked like lots of fun.

“Want to try it?” Jonah said, turning to her.

“I’m a terrible dancer.”

“Oh, you are not!” Claudia said. “C’mon, we’ll all go out there and try it.”

The dance turned out to be as much fun as Lorna had imagined, and she didn’t screw up too badly. At any rate, by the time it was over, she was managing to follow fairly easily. It was only as she and Jonah were walking back to their table that she saw Nick DeSanto. Her mouth dropped open. Their gazes locked, and she knew he was as startled to see her as she was to see him. For a second, she wasn’t sure he was going to acknowledge her, but then he raised his hand in a salute. She gave him a little wave in return and quickly turned her attention back to Jonah. She felt awkward until they reached their table, certain Nick was watching her.

She couldn’t believe it. Why, with all the places there were in Houston, did Nick DeSanto have to turn up here?

“Somebody you know?” Jonah asked, looking in Nick’s direction.

“Just someone from work.” Surreptitiously she tried to see who Nick’s date was. Oh, of course. She should have known. He was with a busty redhead who wore a short, tight white skirt and skimpy green top that hugged her breasts and bared her midriff. The band was now playing a romantic ballad and as Lorna watched, the two of them got up to dance.

“You want to dance to this?” Jonah said.

Lorna shook her head. All the couples on the floor, including Claudia and John, who were still out there, looked glued together. Nick and his redhead were no exception. Lorna quickly averted her eyes. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her watching him.

The remainder of the evening was excruciating, although she did her best not to show it. After all, it wasn’t Jonah’s fault Nick DeSanto was here. But she couldn’t help wishing Jonah were different, that he didn’t wear his long hair in a ponytail, and that he didn’t look as if he were ten years younger than she. Why what Nick thought about her or her date was important to her, she didn’t know. She only knew she wished she were with someone older and more sophisticated.

And then, just when Lorna thought she couldn’t stand another minute of pretending to be having a wonderful time, Nick and his date left. Lorna hadn’t realized just how tense she was until they walked out the door.

Even so, the evening had been ruined for her, and she couldn’t wait until it was time to go home. When Claudia yawned and looked at her watch, saying, “It’s almost midnight, and I’m tired. Do you mind if we go?” Lorna couldn’t agree fast enough.

There was another awkward moment when Jonah walked her to her door, when she was afraid he’d want to kiss her good-night, but all he did was grin and say he’d had fun and hoped to see her again.

“Thank you,” Lorna said, knowing she’d make an excuse if he called her.

And then he was gone, and she was blessedly alone. Finally she was free to think about the evening—especially about seeing Nick. She wished it hadn’t happened. She didn’t know why, but she couldn’t help feeling having Nick see her at the restaurant with Jonah had put her at a disadvantage.

And yet there was a part of her that wondered if he’d thought she looked attractive tonight. Why she cared, she couldn’t have said. She certainly wasn’t interested in Nick. Not only would she never date someone she worked with, but Nick DeSanto was not her type.

Not by a long shot.

Forget about him, she told herself as she climbed into bed. What he thinks is not important.

“Want to come in?” Cherry said in her low, sexy drawl. There was subtext written into every word.

Nick shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m driving over to Lake Charles in the morning, and I need to get an early start.” That was true, but in the past it wouldn’t have stopped him from the spending the night with a sexy number like Cherry.

“Are you sure?” She moved closer, putting her arms around his neck.

“It’s tempting,” he said gallantly, “but I can’t.” For some reason, he just wasn’t in the mood tonight.

Cherry pouted. “You’re no fun.” She continued to wheedle, but he remained firm, and finally she stopped trying to get him to change his mind.

Later, as he drove home, he thought about how he hadn’t been in the mood for a long time now. He never would have confessed it to his mother or his sister, but Nick was tired of the dating scene. He was ready for a committed relationship, but some days he wondered if he’d ever find the right kind of woman.

What he wanted was the kind of woman who would not only fit in with his family, but who was smart and interesting and sexy. Someone who was a match for him, who would give as good as she got. Someone he could respect.

For some reason, his thoughts turned to Lorna Hathaway. Not that she was his kind of woman. Not even close. Still, he had to admit she’d surprised him tonight. He never would have imagined the ice queen could look so…hot. He’d noticed her long before she’d seen him. Watching her dance with that young guy, he’d been amazed. She’d shown a side of herself Nick hadn’t known existed.

Nick fell asleep wondering how he could use what he’d learned about Lorna Hathaway tonight to his advantage.