A Splash of Vanilla (Three Sisters Catering Book 3) Page 7

  I shut the door to my mom’s room behind me and looked down the hall. Robert, the man my mom always accused of cheating at cards, and who I thought had a crush on her, was standing at the end of the hall. He was Dru’s lookout.

  I’d stopped in earlier to see how the setup was going, and I could already tell that Dru had outdone herself on planning my mom’s party.

  The rec room was decked out in red and black. There were tables set up for roulette, craps, black jack, and poker, as well as keno in the corner. There was a huge tiered birthday cake, also red and black, with an ace, spade, club, and heart, surrounding the large letters that said, Happy Eighty-Fifth Birthday, Dotty.

  I held up my hands, indicating we’d be ready in ten minutes, and Robert hurried off to go tell Dru.

  He was taking his duties as lookout very seriously.

  Ten minutes later, my ma was ready, and we were walking through the halls, her hand in my arm.

  “Where you goin’? The cafeteria is at the end of the hall, you know that,” Ma said when I turned toward the rec room.

  “I just wanted to check on Robert real quick and he said he’d be in the rec room,” I fibbed.

  Ma rolled her eyes.

  “Is it Robert’s birthday, or mine? I’m hungry.”

  “It’ll just take a minute,” I assured her, then pushed opened the door and led her inside.

  “Oh my . . . what is all this?” Ma asked softly, her hand tightening on my arm as she took in the room.

  Everyone was there, waiting to yell, “Happy Birthday,” and I noticed my ma’s eyes getting wet as she took in the rec room-turned-casino.

  I fished the handkerchief out of my pocket and handed it to her.

  “Happy Birthday, Ma,” I whispered, dropping a kiss on her cheek.

  “Oh, Mickie, it’s too much.”

  I looked down into her beautiful face and replied, “Never enough.”

  She patted my arm and gave me a watery smile, then turned to the room and yelled, “Get ready to lose! Mickie, take me to the black jack table . . . and get me some of that good food I smell.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I replied, then shot Dru a grateful grin.

  Once my mom was happily deposited at her table, I walked over to where Dru was standing by the buffet line.

  “This is perfect, thank you,” I said as I grabbed my mom a plate.

  “She looked surprised, and very happy. Good job, Mick,” Dru replied sweetly, and I took a second to take her in.

  She was dressed for business in her pants suit, but her floral blouse and loose curls softened the look up and made her look classy, yet touchable. And I had the sudden urge to touch her.

  I cleared my throat and got back to the business of getting my mom’s dinner.

  “She deserves a special day. My dad always made a big deal out of her birthday, and since he’s been gone, I’ve been lucky if she lets me get her a present and wish her happy birthday. She just hasn’t wanted to celebrate without him, ya know. But, I couldn’t let her eighty-fifth go by like that, and, after seeing her face tonight, I’m going to make sure every birthday from now on is a big deal. My dad would want that.”

  I felt Dru’s hand on my arm, and when I looked in her face, I saw the yearning there. It was the same yearning I felt whenever I was around her.

  “I’d better take this to Ma, don’t want her getting hangry at her own party,” I said, suddenly feeling like a big-ass chicken.

  Dru smiled indulgently, not fooled by my excuse.

  “Okay, but Mick, we will talk . . . tonight.”

  I nodded, then stalked off, wondering how I was going to let her down again, or if I even wanted to.

  Dru

  I INDULGED MYSELF BY WATCHING Mick walk away for a moment, then bit back my smile and got back to work.

  My stomach was a mess of nerves, but I felt hopeful.

  Mick didn’t seem to be as resolved to holding me at arm’s length. Not that I was trying to force him into liking me, but, since I was pretty sure he already did, I didn’t feel bad about forcing his hand a little.

  I was a strong, independent woman, who knew her own mind and what she wanted. And it was time for me to take my own advice and go after it.

  “How’s everything going? We still good on everything?” I asked Claire.

  She looked down at the clipboard in her hand and said, “So far, so good. The guests really like the meatballs, spring rolls, and roast beef, but I don’t think we’ll run out.”

  “Great, I’m going to walk the room.”

  I made my way around the rec room, checking with the staff to make sure they were all right, and making the room looked up to snuff. I had a big smile on my face as I took it all in, inordinately pleased with how the event had turned out.

  Well, at least as far as décor and guest involvement. We wouldn’t know for sure if it was a success until it was over, but, barring anything crazy happening, I thought this would definitely be the benchmark for any casino parties to come.

  I was gathering thoughts for my After Action Report as I checked in on the gaming tables, then stopped when I saw Mick’s mother get up from the black jack table and start moving toward the poker table.

  I didn’t see Mick, so I hurried over to help her.

  “Mrs. O’Donnelly,” I called, coming up beside her and offering my arm. “I was hoping to get the chance to meet you and say happy birthday,” I added easily, helping her cross the room. “I’m Druscilla, Dru. Your son hired me for this party.”

  She grinned up at me, looking so much like her son my heart warmed.

  “You did all this?” she asked, gesturing to the room with her free hand.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Ma’am? Oh, no, I don’t have one foot in the grave yet . . . call me Dottie.”

  I let out a small laugh and amended, “Yes, Dottie, I did this, but it was all Mick’s idea.”

  Just then, I saw him. He was standing next to a much smaller, much older gentleman, his face full of mirth as they talked.

  I felt that now-familiar flutter when he raised his glass of sweet tea with fresh peaches at me.

  I smiled back at him, then let out a soothing breathe as I tried to calm my racing heart.

  Can I really do it? Put myself out there and possibly face rejection again? If he didn’t want me after I put myself out there, and after that kiss, that would be it. I’d accept his wishes and walk away.

  “How did you say you knew Mickie again?”

  I blinked, bringing myself out of my thoughts as we reached an open chair at the poker table.

  “Oh, well, initially we met through his friend Jackson, who just got married to my sister, Millie. And, he’s also friends with Jericho, who is married to my other sister, Natasha. But, I recently got to know him better when I hired him.”

  “Are you married?” Dottie asked as she eased into the seat.

  “No, I’m single,” I replied, and I could have sworn, I saw her eyes light up.

  “And what do you think of Mickie? He’s handsome, makes a good living, has his own home . . .”

  I couldn’t help but laugh as she listed Mick’s attributes.

  “Mick’s a great guy,” I assured her. “You did a wonderful job with him. But, he has a policy about dating clients.”

  “Oh, is he currently doing an investigation for you? When will it be resolved?”

  Dottie picked up her cards and looked at them, then took out three and tossed them toward the dealer, before placing the remaining two face down in front of her.

  “Well, no, actually, I guess his job for me is technically done . . . all we have left is his final report and my last payment.”

  “Well, then, I guess his policy no longer applies, now does it?” she asked, her eyes on the cards.

  Even though she wasn’t facing me, I could tell her lips were turned up.

  “No, I would think that it doesn’t. Although, I’m not sure Mick will see it that way,” I replied softly.

>   “Then, make him see it,” Dottie said, her voice strong and sure.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I said, chuckling when she let out a huff. “Is there anything I can get for you?”

  “All I want for my birthday is my son’s happiness.”

  Wow, she’s good, I thought as I left her to continue my rounds.

  After a couple hours of gambling, eating, and talking a whole lot of smack to each other, the residents of Dottie’s home, and the birthday girl herself, were clearly exhausted. Guests started to go to their rooms, some stopping to thank us for the party, others simply disappearing with fists full of play money, which the facility had provided.

  “I’m gonna take Mom to her room, then I’ll be back to help,” Mick said, coming up behind me.

  I turned from where I’d been boxing leftover food for the guests and said, “Oh, I’d like to say goodnight, if she’s not too tired.”

  “Ma’d kill me if I ever said she was too tired for anything, let alone the chance to thank you for making her birthday party perfect.”

  We walked over to Dottie, who was watching us with a look of unadulterated hope, and I felt a tug of happiness because she obviously liked me for her son.

  “Dottie, I hope you had a wonderful birthday. Thank you so much for letting us share it with you,” I said, holding out my hand.

  She looked at my hand and gave a pshhh sound, then held out her arms and said, “Bring it in.”

  I heard Mick’s chuckle as I leaned down to give her a quick, soft, hug. Although she was tough in spirit, her body felt slight, fragile, so I took care as I held her briefly.

  “I’ll be back,” Mick said as he turned his mother toward the door.

  As they walked away, I heard Dottie say, “Son, if you have a brain in your head, you won’t let that one get away. Smart, pretty, and successful? Girls like that don’t come around often. I’d like some grandchildren before I die . . .”

  I got back to work with a smile, as I heard Mick grumble in response.

  Mick

  AFTER GETTING AN EARFUL FROM Ma about Dru while she got ready for bed, I’d finally gotten her settled and was headed back to the rec room to see if I could help with tear down.

  Ma was still feeling the adrenaline rush from her party, and I wasn’t sure if she was gonna crash or stay up half the night reading. Or, more likely, stay up half the night plotting out my future with Dru, who she’d somehow managed to fall in love with and mentally marry me off to, after a fifteen-minute conversation.

  When I stepped into the room, I was surprised to see that it was almost completely set back to rights. Dru’s crew were working methodically, loading their things up in bins and on carts, while others were putting the room back the way it had been.

  “Wow, you guys work fast,” I said as I approached Dru.

  She smiled over her shoulder and replied, “Most of them have been with us for six months or more, so they’re used to the routine. Tearing down is a lot easier than setting up, and everyone usually gets their second wind when they know it’s almost time to go home.”

  “Makes sense. So, ah, do you still want to talk tonight, or are you too tired?” I asked, not sure if I was hoping she’d say yes or no.

  It wasn’t that I was afraid to talk to her, or that I didn’t enjoy the hell out of spending time with her. I just didn’t want to disappoint her again.

  “Yes, I’d still like to talk, if you’re not too tired,” Dru replied.

  I shook my head.

  “I’m good. You wanna head out for a drink?”

  “It’s been a long day; would you mind coming to my place instead? I live in an apartment above Three Sisters,” she asked, and my body tightened at the thought of being alone with her in her place.

  Not that I was an animal or anything . . . I could control my urges, but I knew it would be much easier to keep my hands, and lips, to myself in a public place.

  Still, she looked so hopeful, I said, “Sure, I can stop on the way and pick up some beer.”

  “Great, that gives me time to get things settled with work. I do have some whiskey and maybe a bottle of wine or two, but Jericho finished off the beer last time he and Tasha were over.”

  “It’s no problem, I’ll pick some up,” I assured her, then added, “Well, if you don’t need me, I’ll meet you at your place in, what, thirty?”

  “Sounds good,” Dru said with a smile, then turned back to her work.

  I thanked the admin at the front desk again for allowing us to take over for my ma’s birthday, then got in my Jeep and headed toward the nearest convenience store.

  I wandered the aisles, thinking about Dru. I’d gotten to know her a lot in the weeks I’d been working for her.

  It’s funny how you can go from not knowing someone, to them becoming a part of your everyday life. The difference was, with most of my previous clients, once their cases were closed, I no longer spoke, or saw, them, unless they hired me again.

  That hadn’t been the case with Jackson or Jericho. They’d somehow gone from clients to friends, and were now two of the most important people in my life. With Dru, it looked to be going the same way. The fact that those friends were now also her family, made a relationship with Dru seem even more likely.

  But, what kind of relationship do I want with her?

  I was attracted to her. We had chemistry, the kiss had solidified that fact, and I liked spending time with her. But, other than sharing friends, and having that sexual attraction, what did we really have in common?

  I looked at my watch and grabbed a six pack, thinking Dru should be almost done, and moved toward the counter to check out.

  When I pulled in behind Three Sisters Catering, I saw the last few employees getting in their cars, and Claire turning off the lights in the building. I’d only seen Claire in passing, but knew from hearing Millie talk that she was her right hand in the kitchen.

  I beeped my alarm and cleared my throat as I walked, wanting to be loud enough for her to hear me and hopefully not freak her out. I was a big dude, the kind a woman wouldn’t feel comfortable running into at night, if she didn’t know me.

  When she turned her head, I lifted a hand and said, “Hey, Claire, I’m Mick. I’m here to see Dru.”

  “Oh, hey, Mick,” she replied, the relief in her voice evident. “You just go in through there and up the stairs.”

  “Thanks, have a good night. Drive safe.”

  I looked around the parking lot. It was to the side of the building, not behind, so you could see Main Street, and not only was the street lit up, but they had lights in the back of the building as well, so the lot was well-lit.

  “I will, thanks. Oh, and, Mick, I have to say, I love your mother. She’s hilarious. I really think she had a great time tonight.”

  I couldn’t help but grin. Ma had always had that thing about her that made people like her and want to be around her.

  “She did, and it was all thanks to you and your crew. I appreciate all the hard work you all put into making tonight special.”

  Claire nodded and said, “Of course, it was our pleasure.”

  I waited until she was safely in her car and pulling out of the lot, before I went inside and up the stairs.

  When I got to the top and saw there were actually four apartments, I pulled out my phone to call Dru and ask which was hers, then realized one of the doors in the middle was open. I kept going down the hall, hoping it was hers and she’d left it open for me, rather than some stranger who would probably freak if I darkened their doorway.

  I peered around the corner, then leaned against the doorway with a grin, while I watched Dru dash around her apartment, trying to clean things up.

  Dru

  GAH, WHAT HAD I BEEN thinking? Why didn’t I invite him over once I knew my apartment was clean?

  I’d walked in to my apartment, excited that Mick was coming over, then I’d looked around and realized my slob was on display.

  The place wasn’t dirty . . . I always did
my dishes, vacuumed, and made sure my apartment was clean, but I was a messy person. Always had been. That meant, that although my laundry was clean, it was strewn about my living room from when I’d been looking for my favorite pajama shirt last night, and T-back bra this morning.

  I’d hurried in and began running around the living room, picking up clothes and shoving them back into the laundry basket.

  I ran into my room, threw the full basket on my unmade bed, and hurried back out to see what else needed to be put away. That’s when I saw Mick standing just inside my doorway, a sexy grin on his lips.

  “Oh, hey,” I managed between pants. “How long have you been standing there?”

  I moved toward him and took the six pack of beer out of his hands, then went into the kitchen and set it on the counter.

  “Long enough,” he replied with a chuckle, causing me to flush.

  “So, you know my big secret . . . I’m a bit of a slob,” I admitted, pulling out two bottles of beer and popping the tops off, before handing one to Mick.

  “If that’s your biggest flaw, then I have to say, you’re damn near perfect.”

  I looked into his light-green eyes, saw the sincerity there, and asked, “Will you go out with me? To dinner . . . on a date?”

  My nerves were humming with pleasure from his compliment and worry over his answer, so I took a long drink of the cold beer and waited to hear what he’d say.

  “Dru . . .” Mick began, like he was gonna argue his no-client rule again, so I figured I’d better lay it all out on the line before he could deny me again.

  “I’m no longer your client, not really. I mean, you found my dad, I talked to him. Case closed. All we have to do is wrap it up and call it good. I don’t think I’ll ever need a PI again, so you can just take me off your client list and we can give this a shot . . . What do you say?”

  “You’ve really been thinking about this . . .”

  Did that mean he hadn’t been?

  Worried that he was going to come to a snap decision again, I decided it was time for a little distraction.

  “Are you hungry? I have some leftovers Millie left for me. I didn’t really eat much today.”