The Man She Married (11 page)

Exercise was exactly what Maizie needed. She tore up the court with killer volleys and awesome lobs. Her forehand was sizzling and her backhand was mean. Not really, but she was at least able to keep it inside the white lines. And to her way of thinking, that was amazing progress.

Maizie was feeling better by the time she got home and discovered three new additions—Clay’s keys on the kitchen counter, his suitcase in the hall and a steaming-hot box of Giorgio’s Pizza on the table. The suitcase and keys meant another sleepless night, but the pizza was another story. It was manna from heaven, food of the gods, damned near perfect.

“I thought we’d do take-out tonight.” Clay had somehow managed to sneak into the kitchen while Maizie’s attention had been diverted by the pepperoni-and-double-cheese pizza, dripping in calories and butter fat.

“Are you staying here tonight?” Maizie wasn’t sure whether she wanted him to. Especially if he was going to insist on sleeping down the hall.

“Yep. That’s why I brought my toothbrush. Like I
told you, I’m not leaving you here by yourself, not while there’s a prowler on the loose.” And not even when they caught the bastard and threw him in jail, but he wasn’t about to tell his wife that.

Clay Walker was on a mission to salvage their marriage. Maizie had made the first move and now it was his turn.

He plucked his cell from his belt, punched in a few numbers and almost immediately the kitchen phone rang. Maizie gave him a funny look, but nevertheless she picked up the receiver and managed a perfunctory hello.

“This is Clay Walker. May I speak to Maizie?” With that bit of silliness he winked.

“Speaking.”

“Miss Maizie, would you like to go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?” He leaned against the counter, never breaking eye contact.

“Uh.” Well, look at that. She was speechless.

“I’ve made reservations at Antoine’s in Atlanta. We’ll have a romantic dinner and a good bottle of wine. What do you think?”

For a brief moment Maizie wondered whether they could afford it. Then her fiddle-dee-dee philosophy kicked in. Since Clay was being so sweet she’d worry about money later.

“I’d love to. What time?”

“I’ll pick you up around six.”

Why on earth would he pick her up if he was staying at the house?

T
HAT QUESTION WAS ANSWERED
the next evening. While Maizie was agonizing about what to wear, Clay had dis
appeared. Half her wardrobe had ended up either on the floor or on her bed before she finally settled on an outfit that was dressy enough without being too dressy, sexy enough without being overt and best of all, easy to remove—piece by tantalizing piece. But where was her husband? It was almost six now and he was nowhere to be found.

If this was some kind of sick joke she was gonna kill him. She’d barely finished that homicidal thought when the doorbell rang. Now what?

Maizie flung open the door expecting to see Liza or Mama, but no, it was Clay, all dressed up and looking as handsome as sin.

“What are you doing ringing the doorbell?”

The wink he gave her was a fascinating combination of conspiratorial fun and lascivious interest. “I’m picking up my date.” He pulled a bouquet of wild flowers out from behind his back.

Maizie almost swooned. He’d never been one for romantic gestures before. “Okay, what are you up to? Did you do something that’s gonna get you in trouble?”

Clay looked surprised, and then broke out laughing. “I’m courting you, you silly goose. Grab your purse and let’s get rolling.”

Five minutes later they were in Clay’s pickup on their way to Atlanta. They’d been married over twenty years and Maizie couldn’t think of anything to say. This felt like a first date, and that was incredibly uncomfortable.

“How about those Falcons?” If that was the best she could come up with, it was going to be a very long night. The Atlanta NFL team was tail-end Charlie in the
National Football Conference South division, so that discussion could only last about two minutes.

“I don’t think they’ll win on Sunday, do you?” she asked.

Clay answered with a shrug and that was the tone of the entire trip, at least until the truck started going thumpty, thumpty, thump.

He smacked the steering wheel as he pulled off the highway. “That’s effin’ fantastic. I think we have a flat tire.”

“Do you have a spare?”

“Yeah.” Clay jumped from the truck and ripped off his jacket. Then he leaned back into the cab. “This isn’t what I’d planned for our first date.”

No kidding!

By the time they made it to the restaurant, Clay’s formerly white shirt was smeared with grease, sweat was running off his face and Maizie was exhausted from watching him work. Lord only knew what would happen during dinner.

Clay pulled into the parking lot and cut the engine. “Tell you what. Let’s bag this idea and do something we’ll both enjoy. I’m not sure they’ll even let me in looking like this.”

Although Maizie was delighted, she couldn’t resist pulling his chain. “Oh, but I was looking forward to a fancy dinner and an extravagant bottle of wine.”

Clay’s face fell, but he recovered nicely. “Okay. Let’s go.” He pulled the keys from the ignition and opened his door.

Maizie put her hand on his knee. “I was just kidding. Let’s do something fun. This little number will go
anywhere.” She held out her hands indicating the black designer dress she was wearing. “And you look like you’ve been Dumpster diving.”

Clay laughed. “Are you impugning my hygiene?”

“No way. I’m sure you showered this week.” In the summer Clay bathed a couple of times a day. It felt good to joke with him again.

“I’ll tell you what. Let’s go to either the Big Chicken or the Varsity,” he suggested.

All roads in Atlanta led to the Big Chicken in northwest Atlanta. In 1963 an enterprising greasy spoon owner “hatched” the idea of building the world’s largest post-modern cubist steel chicken to attract customers. Through thick and thin, the chicken had endured, even though it was now a KFC, complete with buckets of thighs and legs.

The Varsity had been an Atlanta landmark for over eighty years. Located near the Georgia Tech campus it was famous for hot dogs, onion rings, fried pies and frosted orange drinks. The college kids considered it junk food heaven.

“Let’s do the Varsity.” Maizie almost licked her lips in anticipation of a chili dog with onions and a peach fried pie. It wasn’t traditional date food, but she did have a stash of mints in her purse.

“That sounds
really
good.” Clay fired up the engine and pointed the truck toward the Varsity.

T
HEY TALKED, HELD HANDS
and acted like kids in love. Maizie couldn’t wait to get her husband home and out of that suit. So when Clay stopped in front of the house without bothering to pull into the drive, she was confused. Where did he think he was going?

Her motto had always been when in doubt, ask. “Aren’t you staying here?”

He didn’t answer. “Don’t move a muscle. I’m coming around to open your door.” He hadn’t done that since they were teenagers and he was still trying to impress her.

Clay helped Maizie out of the truck and walked her to the front door. “I had a lot of fun tonight.”

“I did, too. We need to do this more often.” She leaned forward expecting a kiss—the wetter and hotter the better.

“I did, too. And believe me, I plan for us to have more date nights,” Clay said, but instead of pulling her into his arms, he took her hand and shook it. Then the jerk turned and walked back down the sidewalk.

“Clayton Walker, where do you think you’re going?” she hollered, not giving a flying fig what the neighbors thought.

He looked over his shoulder. His grin was a killer. “I plan to get in my truck and drive around the block. Then I’m going to sneak in the back door and hide out in Hannah’s room, right after I have a long cold shower.”

Maizie stomped down the stairs to confront her husband. “Why are you doing that?”

“Because I don’t think we should kiss on our first date.” And with that silly announcement, he kissed her on the end of her nose.

Maizie wanted to whack him upside the head. “So you’re really not planning to come back to our bed?” She managed to lower her voice so at least not
all
the neighbors would hear their conversation.

“Not until we’ve dated awhile. I wouldn’t want you to think I’m easy.” His grin got even bigger, if that was possible. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

He strolled down the sidewalk, got in the truck and drove away.

“So how was your date?” Liza asked. It was their traditional Tuesday morning southern comfort breakfast at Daisy’s Dining Spot. With its cracked vinyl seats and 1950s chrome tables, the diner’s ambiance was iffy but the food was excellent.

“You remember how I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to find the perfect outfit for a fancy dinner? And how I went online and discovered the restaurant offered a five-hundred-dollar bottle of wine?”

“Don’t tell me you guys bought that.” Liza didn’t bother to apologize for interrupting.

“Not even close. We ended up having chili dogs at the Varsity.”

Liza choked on her grits. “The Varsity? As in
the
Varsity.”

“Yep.”

“This I have to hear.”

Maizie told her the whole story including the fact that Clay shook her hand, kissed her on the nose and drove around the block before coming in the back door
and heading straight to Hannah’s room. He didn’t pass Go, he didn’t collect his nookie, nothing.

“He wasn’t kidding about dating you.”

“It appears that way. And it’s nice having him around even this much. I just wish he’d talk to me about his work. I know there’s still something bothering him.”

“So ask him. He’s not a mind reader. He’s a guy.” Liza pointed her fork at Maizie. “You two have never kept secrets before. Why start now?”

“I know.” Maizie’s shoulders sagged. “But I want him to come to me.”

“We don’t always get what we want. In this case I think you might have to bite the bullet and go to him. Everything’s gonna be okay. I promise, and when have I ever broken a pledge?” Liza picked up her orange juice glass in preparation for a toast.

“To clueless husbands everywhere.”

Maizie clinked her glass to her sister’s. “To brainless husbands. We can’t live with them and we certainly don’t plan to live without them.”

The twins got a laugh from that. Then Maizie quickly sobered. “I think someone’s been in my house.”

Liza chewed on her bottom lip. “What makes you think that?”

“Nothing specific. It’s just one of those creepy feelings. I bought some imported beer for Clay and I’m almost positive he hasn’t had any, but two are missing. A bag of chips is gone and there were crumbs on the family room floor. If Hannah was home I wouldn’t think anything of it, but I didn’t eat the chips and I don’t think Clay did, either. Then there’s my underwear drawer.”

Liza dropped her fork. “Underwear drawer?”

“I’d bet money someone has been rummaging about in my skivvies. You know how I am about my girly things.”

Maizie’s obsession with her lingerie was a running joke with the sisters. Everything had to be pristine and in its right place.

“The pinks are on top of the blues.”

“Oh, no,” Liza gasped in mock consternation. “Not the pinks on top of the blues.”

Maizie smacked her sister’s arm. “It’s not funny. Just the thought of someone putting their hands on my panties gives me chills.”

It was Liza’s turn to get serious. “I’ll let Zack know. I’m sure he’ll want to take a look around. Do you mind?”

“I’d appreciate it.” Why was someone targeting their house, especially since Clay had moved back home.

“Have you told Clay?”

“Not yet, you’re the first. He’s going to freak. And if it’s only my imagination, I hate to worry him.”

C
LAY AND
H
ARVEY WERE
across town at the DeLite Diner. There was a long-standing debate raging about which establishment had the best grits. As far as Clay was concerned the DeLite won, hands down.

“What’s your take on the meeting they had in Atlanta?” Harvey was buttering his biscuit.

“I’m hoping we’ve finally gotten a break.” Most of the trouble they’d been having was due to the uncooperative Department of Transportation planner, and rumor had it there was about to be a shake-up in that
office. Apparently it had become obvious to his boss that he was an obstructionist. “If we luck out and get someone reasonable who can work with the construction company, I think we might have a chance. The head honchos at the state want this road built as much as we do. So if luck is on our side, they’ll move him to another project. You know how the state feels about firing anyone”

“Yeah, he’ll probably get promoted. Whatever, as long as we don’t have to deal with him.” Harvey wiped his brow. “I pity the poor sucker who gets stuck with him.

“Me, too,” Clay replied.

“So what’s the latest on the Savannah bid?” Clay asked.

Harvey was taking the lead on preparing a proposal for a highway project in southern Georgia.

“I need to go down there next week and work with our prospective client. I’ll be gone three or four days.”

“Don’t worry about a thing. I can hold down the fort around here.”

“Have you told Maizie what we’re up against?”

Clay knew his friend was asking out of concern. “Sort of. That’s what our big fight was all about. She was upset that I didn’t trust her.” He thought about their blow-up at the country club. “Actually I’d trust her with my life—I just didn’t want to worry her. That was a huge mistake.”

Harvey clapped him on the back. “You got that one right. Don’t keep anything from your wife. If you do, you’re gonna regret it.”

Unfortunately that was a lesson that had come home to roost in a big way.

D
INNER WAS ANOTHER
take-out special—easy and disposable. After cleaning up, Clay and Maizie went to sit on the front porch swing.

It was a cool crisp evening that brought to mind pumpkin pies and falling leaves. “I love this time of year.” Maizie pushed the swing back and forth with her foot.

“I love you.” Clay leaned over and kissed her. It was as playful as a young crush and a sweet confirmation of a lifelong relationship.

“I know you’re mad that I didn’t tell you about our problems at work. If I promise to be better will you forgive me?”

He gently rubbed the back of her hand.

“I’m not mad anymore. Really I’m not. My feelings were hurt.” She didn’t know what else to say.

Clay looked uncomfortable, but what guy wouldn’t when stumbling through a heart-to-heart chat. “Since I’m being completely honest, here goes. I think we may be over the worst of this mess.” He explained the potential change of leadership at the state level.

Maizie snuggled in closer. “I pray that’s the case. But if it isn’t, don’t worry, we’ll make it.” She kissed his palm. “All we have to do is stick together.”

She was ready to share her suspicion about an intruder when Clay grinned and she was transported back to a time when they were young and desperately in love. Maizie could tell he was about to kiss her, to heck with the nosy neighbors. Then a police car pulled up in front of their house.

Not now!

That irritation dissipated when she saw who was
driving the cruiser. Zack Maynard didn’t normally stop by when he was on duty. This couldn’t be good.

“Hey guys.” Zack walked up on the porch with his hat in hand, literally. “I thought I should come by and talk to you in person.” He looked as uneasy as a preacher in a bawdy house.

Clay obviously picked up on the bad vibe. “Let’s go inside. From the look on your face, I suspect I’m going to need a drink. Would you like one, Zack?”

“Afraid I can’t, not while I’m driving that thing.” He pointed at the Crown Vic parked at the curb.

Maizie followed the men inside. “Go on into the kitchen. I’ll get us some refreshments.”

Zack and Clay sat down at the table while Maizie poured the iced tea and rummaged through the cabinet until she unearthed a package of Oreos. Store-bought cookies weren’t company fare, and Mama would be appalled at her pathetic hostess skills, but Maizie suspected this wasn’t a social visit.

She placed a glass in front of each man and then took a seat next to her husband. “What’s going on, Zack?” Maizie was scared to death she already knew.

“You remember I said I’d come by this morning to give your house a once over. See if there was any sign of someone tampering with a door or whatever.”

“Yeah,” Maizie said. Her bad feeling was getting even worse.

“There’s no easy way to say this, but it appears someone jimmied one of your basement windows.”

Maizie’s blood ran cold. Someone really had been in her house rummaging through her undies. It hadn’t just been her imagination.

Clay didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to.

“I crawled in and inspected your basement,” Zack said. “Have either of you been down there lately?”

“No.” Clay’s response was clipped.

“How about you?” Zack asked Maizie.

“Not in a couple of weeks.” Maizie wondered where he was going with this.

“There are some muddy footprints leading from that window to the stairs. From there I think he took his shoes off.”

“Oh, my God!” Maizie’s stomach decided to do a barrel roll. “Someone was in this house. Clay, go down and nail all those windows shut.” She knew that was like locking the barn door after the horse disappeared, but she was too freaked out to care.

“Why were you checking our windows?” Clay asked. Maizie knew he wouldn’t stay quiet long. Not when it was obvious he didn’t have all the information.

Zack gave Maizie a curious look. “I think maybe you’d better tell him.”

“I suspected someone had been in the house, maybe more than once. Liza said she’d ask Zack to drop by and take a look. I should have told you sooner, but I was afraid it was my imagination. I’m sorry.”

Clay was gulping like a fish out of water. “You thought someone had broken in and didn’t tell me?” he asked.

Another miscommunication. And this one was entirely her fault. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

“Worry me! You thought some lunatic had been in our house and you didn’t want to worry me!”

Two wrongs didn’t make a right, she knew that, but
in this case it was poetic justice. At least that’s what she told herself. She took Clay’s hand, hoping to keep him from jumping out of his skin.

“I’m sorry. I won’t keep any secrets from you again.” She managed a lopsided grin. “The worst thing is, I think he rifled around in my lingerie.”

“He touched your underwear?” Clay appeared incapable of saying anything without shouting.

Okay, clearly this wasn’t the time for jokes.

Zack stood. More than likely he wanted to get the hell away from the two crazy people. “If you want, I can come back tomorrow to do a complete inspection and help you secure the place.” He didn’t wait for an answer before bolting for the door.

“I’m so sorry, Clay. I should’ve told you as soon as I thought something was off. From now on, no more secrets.” Maizie stuck out her hand. “Deal?”

Clay pulled her into his arms. “Deal.”

Were they on the way to healing their marriage and making it even stronger?

“There’s something else I need to tell you.” Since they were coming clean this was as good a time as any.

Clay stepped away from her and leaned back against the counter.

“What?” he asked, rubbing his forehead.

Maizie chewed on her bottom lip. “You remember when I bought the tennis duds and started taking lessons?”

“Oh, yeah. Vividly.”

“There was a little more to it than wanting to get a tan.”

Clay didn’t say a word.

“I know it was silly, but I thought if you knew some
one else found me attractive you’d be jealous. And considering the male population of Magnolia Bluffs, Trip Fitzgerald was the perfect candidate.”

Silence.

“It didn’t take long to realize that it was one of the most idiotic ideas I’d ever had.”

More silence.

“Say something!”

Clay didn’t move from his spot against the counter—as far from Maizie as he could get. “What would you like me to say?”

“I don’t know. That’s funny. What a cute idea. I love you. Any or all of the above.” Maizie threw her hands in the air.

To his credit Clay didn’t stomp off. He didn’t yell, or scream or cuss. He simply rolled his eyes, and that was eloquent enough.