Maid for Martin (16 page)

Since the family would be staying until New Year's and after, it didn’t bother Emma that there was going to be a delay. Also, it gave her more time to try and figure out what was going on with Martin and Randi. She finished her drink and rose to go do a little digging.

She found Randi by the front stairs working on the second tree. Randi was down on her hands and knees trying to hide the extension cords. “How are things coming along?” Emma glanced around for the other maids, Maria and Juanita. She hoped they were still in the den working on the third tree.

Anna was outside with the men working on some last minute decorations, so hopefully she’d have a few minutes alone with Randi.

“It’s good. The extra cords that Anna brought in will help us finish the two trees. I want this one to be perfect. It’s the first thing the guests will see when they come in.” Randi straightened and looked things over, then did a bit more pulling and tucking, trying to hide all of the cords.

“Good.” Emma looked again for anyone that might be eavesdropping. “How are things going with the new guy, Mike?” This comment won her a huge smile and Randi paused in her work and spoke.

“Great. I hate to admit it, but I really, really, could see this going somewhere. He seems like such a gentleman, and he’s so handsome.”

Wonderful, Emma thought as she tapped her foot, trying to decide what to say. That’s all the house needs, a secret affair between Martin and one of the maids. The man should have known better than to try something like this with his family coming.

Since she still wasn’t a hundred percent certain that Mike and Martin were the same person, Emma went on with her questions. “When was the last time you saw Mike? Have you gone out on a date?”

“I wouldn’t call anything we’ve done a date, but I did see him last night.”

“Really?” Emma reached out, fiddling with a tree branch.

Randi emerged from beneath the tree for a few seconds. “Yes, he was having a late-night cola. He finally told me that he lived here.” Back under the tree she went.

“Really? That’s handy.”

“Yes it is. He didn’t say if he had a room out back or inside the mansion, but it doesn’t matter. I’m all business for now. No time to be working on a new relationship.”

Emma wasn’t sure if Randi was worried she’d said too much, or if she was really that dedicated. “That’s good. Glad to see you have your priorities straight.”

“Oh, yes, ma’am, I need this job and would like to see it become something permanent.”

“There will be at least one opening, I’ve been told.” Emma forced a smile.

“Great.” Once again Randi came out from under the tree. This time she rose and stepped back, looking the situation over. “I would never do anything to ruin my chances of becoming a staff member for the Taylor’s.

“I think that’s best, so just try to ignore Mike, if he comes near you. You especially don’t want anything going on with the family here.”

“Oh, no, of course not. The only time I’ve even spoken with him is when we’re alone.”

Emma stepped back as Randi walked around, looking at the tree. “I’m not sure I’ve met Mike. I don’t deal with the men that much. What does he look like?”

Randi smiled, reaching out to move an ornament to anew place on the tree. “He’s rough-looking. His hair comes down to his collar. He has a beard and moustache. If you saw him once you wouldn’t forget him.”

Emma nodded. “Brown hair? A good build?”

“Yep, that’s him. I met him my first night here. He came out to pick me up. He’s really cute. But I’ll be a good girl and behave myself.”

“Please do that. When all this is over, and the company’s gone, the two of you can work this out, and see . . . ” At that moment the doorbell rang.

Emma turned toward the door. “Wonder who that could be? Maybe someone selling something. We did leave the gates open today. Finish up with the tree, then check on the girls in the den.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Randi said.

Emma went to the door, peeked out the side window, and her heart sank. She stole a glance of Randi and then took in a deep breath and moved to the door.

The easy next few days were turning into a nightmare. She had the man of the house sneaking around with one of the maids. The maid had no idea that the Mike she was dating was really Martin Taylor. And to top it all off, now Martin's mother was standing just outside the front door. What in the world would happen next?

Chapter 26

Mommy Dearest

Randi thought the tree looked fine so she rose to do her next task when she heard Emma at the door.

“Mrs. Taylor, welcome. We weren’t expecting you so soon. Come in, Come in.”

One of the women must have started to pick up a bag, but Emma spoke. “Oh no, leave those bags right there and we’ll tend to them. Randi, will you come here, please?”

“Coming, ma’am.” Randi pushed a wisp of hair back as she came to stand by Emma. The older woman before her looked modern, other than the fine-looking bun she had her graying brown hair tucked into.

She wore a tan suit, sensible-looking loafers, and carried a bulky purse. The woman by her side, whom Randi assumed was Mr. Taylor’s sister, wore white dress pants, a white blazer and a red blouse that suited her darker brown hair.

Emma gestured to the two ladies. “Would you like to see your rooms or have something to drink? Mr. Taylor isn’t home yet, and Celia has stepped out. I must say that no one was expecting you today.”

“I know. We should have called.” Mrs. Taylor forced a smile and glanced to her daughter. “If it’s all right with you I’d like to see my room.”

“Certainly. Randi, please see Mrs. Taylor to her room.” Emma stepped back, gesturing to the back of the house.

“Please call me Lillian, and this is my daughter Addison. We won’t be offended if you call us by our given names, and I’m sure all Addison needs is a place to make a few phone calls, but I’m ready for a bit of a rest.”

“Follow me, then,” Randi said.

“This is mother's bag. She’ll need this one now,” Addison said, and Randi took the bag and motioned for the elder Taylor to follow. The petite woman and Randi made their way back past the den to the three back bedrooms. Randi had been told earlier who would sleep where, so she went to the correct room and held open the door.

Randi was going to set the bag down, but Lillian spoke. “Would you mind coming in for a few minutes, and close the door? I need a little privacy.”

“Certainly.” Randi wasn’t sure what the lady needed, but she did as Lillian asked and closed the door, taking the case over and setting it on the end of the bed.

“Would you like me to turn down the bed, or help you put your items away?” The woman considered this for a moment and then nodded. “You can place my items in any those of the drawers.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Randi pulled out two drawers and began to work as Lillian sat down in a soft chair and began to take her shoes off. When the woman first began to speak, she kept working but with the last comment Randi stopped and forced her mouth closed.

“Well my dear, this is a nice house, and it looks well-cared for, but I know the help always knows all of the dirt, so come on and tell me. How are my son and Celia getting along? Don’t hold back. I want the truth.”

Randi bit her bottom lip and wondered how to answer. “I’ll be honest, I’ve not worked here but a few days. I haven’t even met your son. He seems to always be gone while I’m around.” This answer didn’t suit Lillian, and for a moment she was quiet as she also took off her watch and jacket.

“I see. Well, a good mother always has a picture of her son.” As Randi finished working on the clothes Lillian began to dig through her purse and a few minutes later she brought over a small, wallet-sized picture. “Here is Martin at age twelve. He was so cute then.”

Randi placed a pair of hose, a gown, and a few other undergarments into a drawer, pushed it closed and turned to take the picture. The picture was in good shape and the young man was holding up a fish with a huge smile on his face. “Handsome young man.” Randi said, reaching the picture back.

“That he is. I’m sure you’ll meet him tonight at dinner. He’s still a handsome young man and I’m very proud of him. I didn’t mean to pry, but I’ve never met Celia, only heard about her. I just was hoping for an opinion.”

“I understand, and I don’t mind your asking. I’ve been here at the house since Friday, and I’ve only met Celia a few times.”

Lillian nodded and turned around. “Can you unzip this for me? I want to change clothes.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Randi unzipped the dress and, much to her surprise, Lillian slipped right out and began to parade around the room in her full slip. She didn’t seem to mind at all. “Would you like me to turn down the bed?”

“Please, and you could bring me some cold water.” Lillian disappeared into the bathroom. Thankfully, when she came out she was wearing one of the terrycloth robes Emma had suggested they provide. She sat down on the bed and was surprised to find a bottle of water on the nightstand.

“Are you really fast or did you have this hidden in your pocket?” Lillian took the bottle of water, opened it, and took a long drink.”

Randi laughed and pointed to the small refrigerator. “I’m pretty fast, but there is a refrigerator for your convenience. Also, here's a cordless phone. If you need anything just push the intercom button and I’ll be at the other end.”

“Goodness, I don’t need pampered that much, but who do I thank, Celia or Martin?”

“Your son. Emma helped to arrange it. Please, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here for you anytime, day or night.”

“I’ll remember that, but my concern is to know if my son is happy, and if Celia is the one for him. If you think of something, don’t hesitate to tell me. I’m not doing this to try and get you in trouble. I love my son, and I only want what’s best for him. And if Celia isn’t the one, I want to know.”

Smiling, Randi turned, leaving Lillian alone to take her nap. One accord or affinity might not be the best way to explain this small gathering, but Randi was pretty sure it would be interesting, to say the least.

Chapter 27

The Good Son

When Celia suggested that he take his mother and sister out to dinner, Martin jumped at the idea. He didn’t even come home, but instead had a cab pick them up. Celia didn’t ask why he wasn’t coming home, and for that he was thankful.

They were going casual so what he was wearing would be fine. His mother wouldn’t feel at ease in some of the more fancy restaurants, so Martin chose a small family diner. It was one of the places in town that he could enter without really being known, and was an Italian place. The owners could barely speak English.

He waited, sitting in the car, until he spotted the cab approaching. Martin stepped out and waited for his mother and sister to move from the cab. He’d paid with a credit card, so there was no fare to worry about. His sister was the first one out, and she quickly hugged him.

“It’s so good to see you.”

“I’ve missed you, sis, and you too, mom,” He said, and he hugged both of them twice. “Come in and let's sit down.”

“Afraid someone will recognize you?” Addison raised a brow and crossed her arms.

Martin laughed. “You just can’t stand it that I’m famous, can you?” He gave her a playful smile. “Jealous, are we?”

“Yeah right, like I would enjoy having total strangers come up while I’m dining, asking for my scribblings on their dinner napkin. Get over yourself, Marty.”

Martin ignored the remarks, held the door open, and as his sister walked passed, put his hand on her shoulder. “I knew it. You’re jealous.” Addison gave him a dirty look and ignored him as they followed their mother to a table. The place was crowded but no one seemed to even look up as they walked in.

Though he’d not been in a lot of movies he’d been in a few popular ones and people did know his face and did want his 'scribblings', as his sister called it. At times he hated the fact that he couldn’t have a normal dinner out with the family, and then again he loved it, and loved his fans.

Some fans were polite and would giggle or smile, and maybe steal a snapshot while he was out on the town. Others were die-hard fans, the ones that just had to get his autograph or a picture with him. They always seemed to talk as if they’d known him all their life. He attributed this trend to his acting skills.

Tonight appeared to be one of the better nights. He noticed a young couple at a table to his left recognized him, but they didn’t seem to be going to do anything about it. He tried to forget about his fame and settled in to enjoy the company of his family.

After all, when the three of them arrived at his home, there would be the chance of running into Randi. He would be stressed and not comfortable in his own home. He’d made this mess and would have to deal with the consequences. Still, he wasn’t looking forward to the truth of his identity coming out.

“So, son, I would think that you would want to have us meet Celia tonight. Why didn’t she join us?”

“Mom, can’t you wait until he’s had time to get used to seeing us again? He wanted to spend some time with us, alone. Don’t misread things.”