Love and Fire (4 page)

“I
prefer you sign this one.”  She said and handed him the paperback. 

His
face lit up in surprise.  “Wow!  I didn’t know anyone still read this one!”

“Why? 
It’s actually very good.” 

His
lips curved into a genuine smile.  “I’m glad you like it.”  He opened the book
to the first page and signed it with a flourish.  “Can you stick around?” 

“Why?”

“Could
you just do it?” 

Tammy
debated for a moment before nodding her head.  It was obvious that he was
accustomed to getting his way.  She moved back to where she had been seated
before.  She looked around at the few remaining people and marveled at the fact
that his two sidekicks weren’t present.  She opened the book to look at his
signature and saw that he had written more than his name.  Under the actual
signature were the words, “Have dinner with me.” 

Tammy
felt heat move from her neck into her face.  What was this handsome man trying
to pull?  He was obviously younger than her.  She was just a plain woman. 
Nervous energy made her fingers twitch.  Her eyes moved towards the table,
where Jake was signing his final book.  A man in a suit and bow tie leaned over
his shoulder and whispered something to him.  The man was fairly short and wore
old fashioned dark rimmed glasses.  Between the glasses and the bow tie, Tammy
couldn’t decide if he looked like a Jehovah Witness or just a nerd.  The way
they spoke to each other and the way the man began taking care of the few
remaining books, Tammy knew he must be Jake’s agent. 

Jake
glanced her way and moved towards her.  Watching him walk was a pleasant
experience.  His long legs moved with ease.  There was something sensual in the
way his lanky frame was graceful instead of being awkward. 

“Thanks
for sticking around.” He took a seat beside her. 

“Why
did you ask me to?”  She couldn’t look at his face just yet, but she didn’t
want to appear uneasy.  She busied herself with putting the book back in her
bag. 

“I
want you have dinner with me tonight.” 

She
swiveled her head around with flashing eyes.  “What about frick and frack? 
Won’t they need someone to dine with?” 

He
sputtered before throwing his head back and laughing loudly.  “
Frick and
Frack?
 That’s hilarious!  I’m guessing you are referencing the two women
that rudely interrupted us last night?” 

“Yes.” 

His
eyes twinkled as he leaned forward.  “You think I’m with one or both of them?” 

Tammy
sighed and crossed her legs.  “It’s a singles cruise not a swingers.  I thought
you were with the blonde.” 

“Ah.”
He said and leaned back casually.  “She is very touchy.  You do realize that’s
the oldest trick in the book, right?” 

Tammy
looked at him hard.  “I was married for nearly thirty years.  I don’t know
any
of the tricks.” 

Jake
lifted his hand and rubbed under his nose lightly as he studied her.  He knew
she had been hurt.  Terribly hurt.  “I’m sorry.  What I mean is the way she
touches me in a familiar way.  From an observers point of view it would look
like we are already together.  That’s her point in doing it.” 

Bingo
. 
“I see.  So why weren’t they here today?” 

“I
have no idea.  Honestly, I don’t care.  I just met them last night at the bar, and
they
approached
me
.” 

Tammy
didn’t know if she believed him, but what did it matter?  It was a cruise, not
a marriage chapel.   She stood suddenly and looked down at him.  “Yes, dinner
would be nice.” 

“Should
I meet you at your cabin?” 

Tammy
shook her head.  “No, just meet me out there by the staircase.  In the big
foyer.” 

“Seven,
then?”

“Sounds
good,” She threw over her shoulder as she walked away. 

Jake
watched her go with mixed feelings.  She was going to be a tough one to crack. 
She was self-assured yet insecure at the same time.  Yes, she was going to be a
challenge. 
Do you think you deserve anything less?
 

Tammy
looked at every outfit she had brought with her.  She had carefully lain them
out on the bed and she walked slowly from one side to the other.  She couldn’t
wear the dress from the night before.  She knew that would be a complete social
faux pas.  She didn’t want to spend more money just because Jake Butler had
asked her to dinner.  She did have a nice floral dress that hung to her knees. 
It was sleeveless with a cinched waist.  The shoes Melissa had picked out to
match it were slip on sandals that matched a greenish color found in the print
of the dress.  With a sigh, Tammy decided to wear it.  She hoped it would be
light and whimsical enough to give her a slightly younger look.  She thought
her hair in an up do would be nice as well. 

Descending
the stairs and seeing Jake waiting at the bottom with his back turned was just
like a snap shot from a movie.  He wore clothes similar from the night before,
except he did for go the sports blazer.  As if on cue from a hidden director,
he turned slowly to see her descending the stairs.  His eyes registered warmth
and his slow spreading smile caused an identical one to spread across Tammy’s
face.  He met her at the last step and took her hand. 

“You
look lovely.” 

“Thank
you.”  She felt nervous.  She didn’t want to appear girlish or immature.  She
wanted him to see her as the seasoned woman of forty eight that she really
was.  “So where are we having dinner?”

 “There’s
a little restaurant onboard that I want to take you to.  Do you like Asian
foods?”

“Yes. 
I’m particularly fond of Korean.” 

“Good.”
He said slipping her arm through his.  “Then you’ll love this place.”

“I’m
surprised the ship has other establishments.” 

“I
think they are all part of the ship.  I didn’t see any recognizable franchise
names.” 

They
walked in silence the rest of the way to the restaurant.  It was on the deck
level that had the most shops and of course the bars and clubs.  When they
walked in it was darkly lit; mainly candles provided the light with a few
Chinese lanterns hanging here and there.  The restaurant was decorated with
various styles of the east.  She saw Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and what may
have been Mongolian decorations.  The restaurant was amply named, “A Taste of
the Orient”.  

Jake
had reserved a small private dining room for them that was closed off with rice
paper and bamboo partitions.  Large pillows were on the floor for them to sit
on and eat from the low standing table. 

“If
it’s alright with you, I thought we could have the sampler.” 

“What
is it?”

“It’s
a sample from several different dishes.  From what I understand, it’s an
impressive amount of food.  Plus you can try Saki for free.” He winked at her.

“I
see.” She said smiling lightly.

“So
tell me, what do you do with yourself when you aren’t traveling the Caribbean?”

“Honestly?”

“Yes,
I prefer honesty.” He said wirily. 

“Nothing. 
I was looking for a job when my daughters decided to send me on the cruise. 
Well, truly it was one daughter.” 

“You
just have the two?” 

“Yes.” 

They
were interrupted long enough for Jake to give the order to the waitress. 

“Tell
me about them.” 

“Well,
Demetria, the one who actually gifted the cruise to me; she’s my oldest.  She
owns her own travel agency.  Melissa is an image consultant.  Her job was to
clean me and my wardrobe up.” 

His
eyes twinkled with amusement.  “I doubt her job was very hard.”

Tammy
shrugged.  “No, not really.  But I did enjoy the shopping.”

“So,
you are going through a divorce.”  He said matter-of-factly. 

Tammy
nodded and looked away, as the waitress returned with their free Saki and small
ceramic cups of hot tea.  

“I’m
sure it’s rather painful.” 

“It’s
getting better.”  She sipped the Saki and winced.  “That’s a little strong.” 

Jake
laughed and swallowed his with one gulp.  “For a light weight maybe, but
unfortunately, I’m no light weight.” 

Tammy
studied him for a moment.  She wanted to know why he thought that was
unfortunate, but the undercurrent of unspoken things was back in his voice. 
She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know anyway.  “So, tell me about yourself.” 

“There’s
not much to tell.” 

“Oh
really?” she laughed.  “You’re an international bestselling author.  “I’m sure
you live a very interesting life.” 

“Not
really.”  His eyes darkened. 

“So,
this slight accent I hear, where did that come from?”

“Now
that is an interesting story!”  He poured more Saki for them, and smiled
wickedly.  “Would you believe that I really don’t know?” 

“No.”
she said flatly. 

“Ha! 
Actually, I spent four years in Greece with my Grandmother when I was between
ten and fourteen.” 

“I
thought you looked Mediterranean.”

He
looked at her thoughtfully.  “Most women see what they desire.  I have been
told I look Latino, half black, etc.  I was once told that my accent sounded
Russian.” 

“Wow. 
Why?” 

“Like
I said most people see and hear what they want.” 

“So,
you’re Greek?” 

“Just
half of me.  My father is Greek.  My mother is American.”  He turned his head
upward for a moment.  “She’s of Irish and English blood I think.  I haven’t
seen her since I was ten.” 

“Oh. 
I’m sorry to hear that.” 

“Don’t
be.  I’m happy for her.”

Tammy
wasn’t sure how to respond to a statement like that.  Wouldn’t a little boy be
heartbroken at the absence of his mother?  As if reading her mind, Jake spoke
again quietly.  “Don’t get me wrong.  I missed her.  I still miss her, but my
father was a… intense man.  Life was too hard for her with him.  I have never
blamed her for leaving.” 

Tammy
reached a tentative hand forward.  She lightly touched him just above the
wrist.  He looked up at her with a startled expression.  Her touch spoke what
she was feeling.  It was an amazing thing. 

“I
hope you never blamed yourself.” 

“Surprisingly
no, I didn’t.  I had seen my father’s intensity on her skin too many times. 
She was very beautiful, and loved life.  He just wanted her safely indoors all
of the time, unless she was with him of course.  She once took a beating that
sent her to the hospital just because she had taken me to the park.” 

Tammy
slid her hand from his arm.  “Didn’t the police do something?” 

“No. 
She never called the police.  She felt like it would embarrass her as much as
him.”  Jake didn’t understand why the words were leaving his lips so easily. 
He felt a moment of regret, until he looked into her hazel eyes again and saw
nothing but sympathy there.  This woman was hurting herself.  She didn’t
want
anything from him. 

“That’s
terrible.” 

He
let his eyes drop again.  “Yes, but it was a long time ago.” 

The
food began to arrive, and it took three people to arrange it for them.  A
second low sitting table was brought in and set caddy corner to them.  Tammy
was amazed at all of the little ceramic bowls and plates.  The mixture of
smells were enough to make her mouth water.  After the original waitress had
bowed herself out of the space, they dug into the food.  Neither spoke for at
least five minutes. 

“I
just love Kimchi!”  Tammy finally said. 

Jake
nodded and expertly took another dumpling using chop sticks.  “So, tell me, if
I’m not being too forward that is; why are you divorcing your husband?” 

Tammy
set her fork down and sighed.  “Well, I certainly wouldn’t have chosen it.  He
actually left me.” 

Jake
couldn’t believe his ears.  “
Why?
” 

Tammy
gave him a sardonic smile.  “The typical younger woman.  She was one of his
students.  He’s a professor.  She was a graduate student.” 

“So
she’s a lot younger?” 

“Twenty-seven
I think.  She’s the same age as my oldest daughter.” 

“He’s
a moron.” 

Tammy
laughed and nodded her head rapidly.  “Yes, he is!” 

“How
long were you married?” 

“We
would have celebrated our thirtieth anniversary last month.” 

Jake
looked at her, trying to pin her age.  It was hard.  “You married young?” 

“Straight
out of high school.  I worked two jobs to put him through college.  After he
graduated and was offered a position, I worked one job.  Once he made tenure I
didn’t work at all.  I haven’t held a job in five years.”