Chapter 25: Meeting Cynthia Wesley

“Wow! This is some house,” Janet said, her eyes opened to their widest as she looked avidly around the foyer. 

“We like it,” Wes retorted.

“Oh, Wes!” she said, excitedly going to a large portrait opposite the door. “This must be your mother.”

She stared at the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. Her hair was long, black and curling, just like the lashes which fanned so perfectly around large, midnight black eyes. Those eyes, Wes’ eyes, held mischief and her smile seemed playful. In all, the woman had a distinctly happy aspect. It made you long to be with her, to know her.

“She’s so beautiful!” Janet gushed.

Wes stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders as he too looked at his mother’s lovely face. “She was,” he said, sadly.

 Janet suddenly remembered this woman was no longer on this earth. This loving wife and mother was dead due to some stupid drunk with a car. Angry tears filled her eyes. She knew Wes missed her dreadfully as she would if it had been her own mother who was dead with only her portrait left as proof she had been here at all.  

She grabbed one of his hands squeezing it. “I wish I could’ve met her,” she mumbled.

Wes wrapped his free arm around her waist and pulled her close. “She would’ve loved you,” he whispered in her ear.

“You think?” she said, both surprised and hopeful.

“Positive,” he replied, kissing her cheek.

For several minutes they stood like this simply staring at the portrait and enjoying the feel of each other. Finally, Janet sighed and slowly turned around. Wes looked so much like his mom yet he lacked that decidedly happy aspect she had, at least at the moment. She so wanted to tell him something, anything to make him feel better, but not finding the proper words she did the next best thing. She hugged him.

“I’m sorry about your mom, Wes,” she said quietly.

Surprised, Wes smiled and held her tight. “You’re so sweet, Janet…just like my mom,” he said.

She lightly kissed him. “You’re not so bad yourself, Mr. Genius,” she said. “Um, will you show me your house?”

Taken aback he said, “Really?”

“Please?” she said pouting a little.

“How could I say no to my yenta?” he retorted, taking her hand and leading her first to the formal living room. “I think you can guess what this is.”

“Yes,” she said smiling impishly. “It’s the kitchen.”

He chuckled. “Smart girl.”

Janet ooh-ed and ahh-ed throughout the first floor, loving the house. Wes seemed to be enjoying showing her the house and her reaction until he brought her to double sliding pocket doors and he just stood there staring at them.

“Um, Wes, are you okay?” she asked after having waited a full minute.

He nodded absently. “I don’t go in here…much,” he said gruffly. “It’s my mom’s office.”

“Oh,” Janet said, touching his arm. “We don’t have to go in there.”

“It’s okay,” he said, squaring his shoulders before throwing the doors open. He let Janet enter first.

Feminine and efficient, Janet thought as she moved further into the room and looked around. It was a sunny, airy room with large floor to ceiling windows covered with lacy curtains and overlooking the formal gardens.  At one end of the room, a comfy sofa with a large floral print sat in front of a massive stone fireplace. Twin bookcases flanked this each full with leather bound books. As Janet got closer she noticed one was full of famous and not-so-famous novels, thrillers, romance, mysteries and classics. Oddly, the other held books from only one author, a Cynthia Wesley.

Janet had heard of this author and even read a few of these books. She was one of her mother’s favorites, too. Then, Janet turned and spotted several New York Times best seller plagues and other impressive romance novel writer awards on the walls beside the shelves. They all bore the same name Cynthia Wesley. She gaped at these and read them over and over again. She then turned to Wes, the question apparent on her face.

“That was my mother’s pen name. Her real name was Margarita Esperaza Cabrera Sabastian. Not exactly as easy to remember as Nora Roberts or Stephen King. Her agent told her it wouldn’t sell, so she changed it to Cynthia Wesley. Her children’s names put together,” he said dispassionately.

“Wow,” Janet whispered in awe. “I know you said she was a writer, but I never thought she was someone I would know. There must be hundreds of her books here. I’m gonna read all of them now that I know who wrote them! I heard once that writers pour a little of themselves into their stories. JK Rowling did. I’ll bet your mom did too. I can get to know her through her stories. Maybe I can. What do you think? Wes?”

Janet tore her eyes away from the books to see if Wes was even still there. He was, but it didn’t seem he heard her at all. He stood just barely inside the door with his fists stuffed deep into his front pockets. He stared miserably at the beautiful, antique white and gold wooden desk which sat at the other end of the room. It was lovely yet somewhat messy and disorganized with notebooks, sundry sized scraps of scribbled on paper, folders, brochures, pamphlets and books on topics as diverse as astrology, forensic evidence, baby names, mythology, medicinal herbs, drug interaction and criminal profiling. All this surrounded a dusty computer monitor and keyboard with several letters worn off, probably from overuse. 

This, Janet could see quite clearly, was the center of a very successful creative writer’s world, one which she would love to explore if only to get to know how it all worked, the putting together of a novel. But she merely glanced at this. It was Wes which concerned her at present. The sad, lost little boy expression on his face broke her heart.

She rushed to him and forced a smile on her face. “Come away, Wes. I have to go home soon and I haven’t seen the rest of the house,” she said as cheerily as she could muster taking him by the arm and out of the room, closing the doors behind them.

She led him to the curving staircase at the front of the house all the while chatting nonstop about anything that popped into her head. It was the only thing she could think of doing. It was how she saw her mom deal with her sister when her husband had been killed in the war. You have to try your best to distract them. That way they don’t feel as bad as they might otherwise. 

“Have you lived here all your life? It’s such a great house…twice the size of mine. You know, I may get lost here. You better draw up a map for me or I’ll get lost on the way to the bathroom,” she  teased.

By the time they reached the top of the stairs, she managed to get Wes to smile ever-so-slightly.

“Is this your room?” she asked pointing to the first closed door.

“No, that’s Cindy’s room,” Wes said, as he reached for the doorknob.

“Oh, we better not go in there. She might kill us!” she said, feigning fear.

“You may be right,” he agreed. “The room at the end is my dad’s and the one across is a guest room but this one, is mine. Before I let you in, though, I should warn you.”

“Hmm, a typical teenage boy’s room? Posters of half-naked girls on the walls and playboys under the bed?” she asked smirking. “I’ll try to divert mine innocent eyes.”

He chuckled and scooped her into his arms, squeezing her tightly. “Thanks, Janet.” He wanted to say so much more, but he couldn’t.  He figured she wouldn’t want to hear it anyway.

“Um…okay,” she said.

“What I was going to say was that it’s messy,” Wes said after he released her.

“Oh, well, I can handle that,” she said dismissively.

He stared at her for a few seconds and odd thoughts popped into his head. He pictured himself carrying Janet over the threshold as if they were newlyweds, the both of them falling onto his unmade bed and…

“Wes, are you okay?” she asked, her soft, warm hand on his cheek. “I don’t care if it’s messy.”

“Uh…yeah…right. Sorry,” he mumbled, opening the door. He frowned as he walked in and looked around. “What the…?”

“You call this messy? It’s cleaner than mine!” Janet said laughing.

“I thought the house seemed much cleaner. I think my dad finally got a maid service to come. I didn’t think they would come in here though,” he said grumpily.

Janet patted him consolingly on the arm. “I’m sure they didn’t take your playboys,” she said, trying to hide a grin.

“I don’t have any,” he said genuinely smiling now.

“Penthouse, then?”

He laughed. “You are so…”

“Unreasonably clothed?” she suggested innocently. “I’m not playboy material anyway.”

He stared at her grinning and took a minute to thank God for the best girl he’d ever have in his bedroom. He then went to the door and closed it until it clicked.

Chapter 24: Nothing phony

“You come from a rather entrepreneurial family,” Janet said as she waved goodbye to Billy and Joanne, her two newest friends.

They had had a wonderful time joking and talking as she and Wes watched Billy devour enough food to feed a small army. Janet supposed he had to eat that much just to stay alive. He was huge; almost twice the width of Wes and about five inches taller.

Wes scoffed as he buckled up, started the car and drove on. “Billy’s dreaming! His grand delusion of being a talent agent is ridiculous. He’s in for a rude awakening if he thinks it’s gonna be that easy. It takes more than a would-be baseball player not even out of high school and a singer to make it in that business. If he expects it to happen just like that,” he said snapping his fingers. “It’s just not gonna happen. He’s sadly mistaken if he expects Marc and Luke to be his meal tickets to fame and riches.”

“But they said Marc is really good, that he really could make it to the major leagues,” Janet said.

“Janet, there’s good and then there’s major league good. Marc may be in the top one percent of high school kids wanting to get into pro sports…maybe. To make it to the majors, he’d have to be in the top one percent of the top one percent. I just don’t see that happening.”

“And Luke?” Janet asked.

“Truthfully? Luke is the most musically talented person I know. He can pick up any instrument and learn to play it within minutes…perfectly! He’s amazing!”

“And he can sing, too?”

“He’s a great singer,” Wes said.

“So, then Billy’s right. He could be big if…”

“Well, here’s a secret that I don’t think anyone knows. Luke’s just not that ambitious. He has zero desire to be a rock star, to be famous and whatever else that comes with it. Sure, he loves to sing and he loves music and he’s really good at it, but he really doesn’t get a thrill out of all the attention. He hates it actually. And he hates that his dad pushes him in that direction. He wants Luke to be the next Justin Beiber or something!”

“Luke told you this?”

“Not exactly, but I see how he is when people ask him to sing. He’s modest about it, almost embarrassed. Does that sound like a rock star in the making?” Wes asked pointedly.

“No, I guess not, but everyone says he’s just awesome. When someone’s that good, they will be famous whether they want to be or not, won’t they?”

Wes laughed. “I don’t think it works that way. You gotta want to be a star to become one and I just don’t see him wanting it…unless he’s changed. It’s been more than three years since I’ve seen him.”

“Three years? Wes, he could be a totally different person now! I’ll bet he’s almost the next Justin Beiber already. At least in this town. Would explain all his fans coming to me to hook them up with him. Idiots!” Janet said derisively.

Wes laughed again. “Ah, my poor yenta has to deal with Luke’s fans even before he’s a rock star.”

She shrugged. “I can usually make them see reason.”

“How?” he asked curiously.

“I tell them he’s got a girlfriend already and they better pick someone else, someone’s who’s not a rock star,” she said. 

"Not sure that'll work. Some girls just don't take no for an answer. They see a guy they want, even a married one and they're all over him. Kinda sick," he said derisively.

Janet frowned thinking about that. She couldn't imagine someone evil enough to try to break up a couple like that, but she knew they did in fact exist. She couldn't help hating them.

They fell silent but after a bit she spoke again. “Are you really going to do a website for Joanne for free?” 

“Sure, why not? She’s almost family or will be when they do get married. I still can’t believe that,” he said turning onto his development. 

“But it’s your job, it’s how you make your money. If you give it away…”

“It’s no big deal, Janet,” he assured, pulling into his driveway and turning off the car.

“Is this your house?” Janet incredulously said looking up at the large Tudor style home. “It’s beautiful!”

“Why don’t you wait until you come inside to say that? It’s probably a mess like usual,” he said, stepping out of the car and going around to her side. He opened her door and held out his hand to her. “Come on. I got something to show you.”

She gave him an impish grin as she took his hand and stepped out of the car. “Not sure I should. My fath…someone once told me never to trust a guy when they say that. They might show me something I won’t want to see.”

Wes laughed. “How about if I promise to be good?” he asked.

“Hmm…that might be okay if…” she stopped, her smile slowly vanishing when he stepped closer to her and put his hands on her hips. “What...what are you doing?”

“Nothing,” he said, stooping down and kissing her softly.

That most definitely was not nothing, not to her. Her heart pounded frantically and her head buzzed, even after he pulled away from her. It took a while for her to realize she was clutching at his shirt. She opened her hands and pushed against his chest. It was like trying to move a boulder.

“What do you have under here? A bullet proof vest?” she asked.

“No, that’s just me, my pecs,” he said.

“Pecs? What’s that?” she asked frowning slightly.

“Pectorals. Chest muscles and if you keep touching me like that, I’m gonna have to touch yours,” he said.

“ I don’t have chest muscles like this,” she said innocently.

 “I’m sure I could find something enticing to rub in the general area. You have wonderful pectorals, Janet.” He laughed when he saw her eyes widen in shock and her mouth fall open.

“I can’t believe you just said that!” she said, trying not to smile. “You shouldn’t even be looking at my...my pecs.” 

“Least I’m just looking,” he reminded her.

She swiftly pulled her hands away. “Um, sorry.”

“Do I look like I’m complaining?” he said. “It’s all about equal rights, you know.”

“Equal rights?” she said, making a face at him.

“Sure… tit for tat,” he said smirking.

“Wes!” Janet shouted, trying desperately not to laugh. She failed miserably. 

They both burst out laughing and it took a while for them to stop. When they did, Wes wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Janet seemed to melt against him and he loved it.

“See? Any other girl would have smacked me for that,” he whispered in her ear.

“I’m not too sure I won’t yet,” she replied, breathlessly.

“No, you won’t,” he said, pulling back just far enough to look into her eyes.

“How do you know?” she asked.

He smiled and pushed a strand of silky hair out of her face. “You get me.”

“I do?” she said, incredulous. This was news to her!

“Yeah, you’re very comfortable.”

She looked her confusion. “What am I… an easy chair?”

He laughed and kissed the tip of her nose. “I mean I can tell you anything. I can be myself with you.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Who else would you be if not yourself?”

He stared in awe. “That’s why you make a perfect… friend, Janet. You’re real. There’s nothing phony about you. I’m definitely gonna keep you.” 

Before she could respond to that he pulled her close and kissed her again. Head too fuzzy to think, she just clung to him until he abruptly pulled away.

“What?” she said.

“We should get inside before the neighbors call the moral police on us. Come on, I already promised I’ll be good. I never break my promises,” he said taking her hand and pulling her toward his house.

Janet, however, wasn’t too certain about that.

Chapter 23: Billy and Joanne

Three stops and two and a half hours later, Wes was done for the day and he was glad of it. However, he wasn’t at all happy to think his time with Janet may be at an end. He sat in the car watching Janet savor every tiny bit of the first piece of baklava. He was starting to wish he was one of those sticky honey-drenched pastries.

Janet had her eyes closed as she allowed the sweetness to flow through her straight to her soul. At least, that’s what it felt like. Baklava had that big an effect on her. She sighed and opened her eyes with a satisfied smile on her face. That’s when she noticed Wes staring at her with an odd expression on his face.

“What?” she said, licking her lips nervously.

“I didn’t say anything,” he replied, giving her his sexy grin.

“These are so good it’s like…like going to heaven,” she said, feeling slightly embarrassed, licking her fingers.

“Don’t tell me, cuz they’re to die for, right?” Wes asked, smirking.

She giggled. “Yeah. I’m so selfish though. Here, you should try some,” Janet said holding out the last  bit to him.

He shook his head. “No, you have it. I’m enjoying watching you enjoy it.”

“Huh?” she said, not at all understanding that.

He laughed. “Eat it. I don’t want it,” he told her.

“Are you sure? It’s really good,” she said. When he shook his head again she added, “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

“Hmm, that’s true. Okay then. I will try it,” he said. But instead of taking her offering of the treat still in her hand, he leaned over the middle console and kissed her. “You’re right, it is good.”

Janet’s heart did a back flip and her mind went blank as she stared into his eyes. “I, uh…I meant the…the baklava. You should try this.”

“No, thanks. It can’t possibly taste as good as my yenta,” he said.

See? It was stuff like that which utterly bewildered her. Wasn’t that the kind of thing a real boyfriend would say? But Wes didn't have to do that, not with her. She wasn't the one to convince, was she?

“Go on. Eat it,” he said, taking the pastry box off her lap and closing it over. He then placed it on the back seat and smiled. 

She did have the last bit all the while watching him watch her. “Good idea taking them away. I was thinking of having them all.”

He chuckled. “You know, Janet, you never did answer me,” Wes said. “Maybe you didn’t want to hurt my feelings.”

“About what?” 

“You didn’t say if you thought I needed practice,” he replied, now putting his arm behind her so he could play with her hair.

“Practice?” she said, utterly confused.

“If you’re willing to help me out, I’ll practice with you until you think I’ve got kissing near perfect,” he said, watching her expressive face for any clues. “I hate doing anything half-ass. So, what do you think? Am I any good? Do you think I need loads of practice?”

Was he kidding? She felt his kisses down to her toes, and everywhere in between! Wasn’t that how all the romance books described really good kissing? Of course, she couldn’t tell him this. For one thing, he’d get an overly inflated head and for another, he wouldn’t need to “practice” with her anymore if she told him the truth, that he was great. She really kind of liked kissing him and consequently didn’t want it to stop, but she couldn’t tell him that either. He’d think she was falling for him, and she definitely wasn’t doing that! At least she didn’t want Wes thinking she was. So, how was she going to say this without giving herself away?

“How would I know? You’re my first try. We could be doing this all wrong,” she said in a snippy voice.

“Believe me, we’re not,” he said seriously.

“And how would you know? You said I’m the first one you’ve kissed. So, how would you know? You’ve got nothing to compare it to, just like me.”

“I just know,” he said, staring fixedly into her big brown eyes.

“But how do you know?”

“Cuz it feels right,” he replied, his hand now caressing her cheek. Before she knew it, he was kissing her again.

 Questions popped like bubbles in her head, gone before she got a chance to touch them. It did feel right, just like he said. 

“How does it feel for you?” she whispered before she could stop herself.

“Awesome,” he said, putting his hand behind her neck and pulling her closer. The gear stick was digging into his ribs, but he didn’t care. He just wanted his moment to last forever.

Tap-tap-tap. 

Wes heard it as a faraway sound and ignored it. 

Rat-a-tap-tap-tap. 

The sound was more persistant this time, but still he ignored it. Only Janet mattered right now. To hell with everything else!

“Wes! How about coming up for air?”

That did it. Wes pulled away and stared at Janet. She was breathing heavy, too and she had her arms wrapped around his neck so tightly he couldn’t move.

“Billy,” he said.

“What?” she said, loosening her grip on him.

“It’s my cousin Billy,” Wes said grinning at her. “We don’t have to convince him you’re my girlfriend.” He kissed her again, then straightened up, grimacing. The gear stick might have broken a rib.

Janet looked around Wes and saw peeking at them through the driver’s side window a very cute boy with dancing brown eyes and long wavy hair several shades lighter than Wes’.   

“Billy, what are you doing here?” Wes asked, coming out of the car.

“Nice to see you, too,” Billy replied wrapping his huge gorilla arms around Wes and hugging him so tightly it surely hurt. It did knock the air right out of his lungs.

Janet tentatively came around the car and stood next to Wes taking his hand.

“I’d ask how you’re doing, but I can see for myself,” Billy said with a devilish grin. “You’re Janet. You’re even prettier than Dad said. I’m Billy. Really good to meet you.”  He then stuck his hand out.

Janet shook it and smiled. 

“Are you coming or going?” Billy asked.  Wes and Janet exchanged puzzled looks before turning back to him. “Of the restaurant...are you going in or coming out? It’s a simple question.”

“Oh, coming out. They’re a client of mine. Just finished up. How about you?” Wes said.

“Going in. Just waiting for Jo-Jo. I guess you wouldn’t know, but we finally hooked up. We’re getting married, too...someday,” he said ruefully.

“What?” Wes said shaking his head. “I thought it was Becky getting married.”

“She is. Mom and Dad are going nuts about it, but we don’t care,” he said, unperturbed. He grinned at Janet. “Hey, you can come to the wedding...if there is a wedding. We might just elope. We’ll let you know.” 

“You're not serious. You’re still in high school,” Wes said needlessly.

“Now you sound like our parents,” he said dismissively. His face suddenly lit up as he gazed over their heads. They turned to see a very pretty and tiny girl with long curly hair and startlingly blue eyes bouncing towards them. When she saw Wes she gasped and she ran to him.

“Wes, I can’t believe it’s you!” she said jumping into his arms and hugging him tightly.

“Hi, Joanne. It’s good to see you. Pretty as ever,” he replied as he let go of her and put his arm around Janet. “This is Janet,” he said proudly.

“Oh, I’ve been so anxious to meet you,” Joanne gushed.

“Eager,” Wes interjected.

“Huh?” Joanne said.

“I think you meant to say you’re eager to meet Janet not anxious, unless you’re nervous,” he replied.

Billy and Joanne exchanged dumbfounded looks.

“He’s just like his mom,” Joanne whispered, although quite audibly.

“Tell me about it,” Billy retorted.

Janet giggled.

 Joanne shook her head as if shooing away an annoying fly and continued. “I’ve so wanted to meet the girl that has Wes all smitten. How did you manage it?” Joanne asked excitedly.

Janet suddenly looked like a deer in the headlights. “Uh, I got a virus on my computer,” she said, shrugging.

 They all laughed.

“Have you asked him yet?” Joanne said to Billy.

He shook his head. “I’m starved! You know I can’t think when I’m hungry,” Billy said.

“That would mean you never think, cuz you’re always hungry,” Joanne said pouting.

“Ask me what?” Wes asked suspiciously.

“Just a favor and cuz I’m your favorite cousin you’ll do it for free,” Billy said.  He then grabbed Wes by the arm ushered them all into the café.

“But we just had lunch a couple of hours ago,” Janet said.

“Billy, we’re not eating,” Wes said.

 Billy ignored them and forced Wes onto a tall stool. Almost before the waitress could even tell them her name, he ordered enough food for all of them and then turned to the others saying, “So, what do you guys want?”

“We already told you. We’re not hungry,” Wes said.

“Come on, share a smoothie of something. It’s on me,” Billy said.

“You suddenly rich or is this a bribe?” Wes asked. “Whose computer is down?”

“No one’s. We want you to design a website for Joanne,” Billy said.

“Yeah? Selling naked pictures of yourself, Jo? You’ll be a millionaire by next week,” Wes told her smirking.

“No, wise guy. Billy has convinced me to sell my clothing designs online. Amy’s my first customer. I’m designing a wedding gown for her. Oh, you probably don’t know! She and Marc are getting married possibly before they graduate, but we’ll see. It’s all in the planning stages,” Joanne said happily. She smiled at the shocked faces staring at her. “No, I’m not kidding,” she added.

“Amy didn’t mention any of that, did she?” Wes asked Janet. She shook her head. “I’ve missed a lot.”

“What I want to know is what in the world have you guys been smoking?” Janet asked, almost angry.

 “You’ve got your entire lives ahead of you, so why would you want to ruin it by getting married?”

Billy and Joanne stared at her, astonished. “It’s called love, Janet. You know, fireworks and hearts ablaze, never wanting to part. Love. I love my Billy,” Joanne sighed, gazing lovingly at him. He leaned forward and kissed her softly.

“Love my Jo-Jo,” he whispered.

Janet felt faint. Fireworks? Hearts ablaze? That sounded dangerously close to what it felt like to kiss Wes. No-no-no! Love, sickening, crazy, mindless love like she saw between Troy and Jasmine and now Joanne and Billy wasn’t going to do happen to her. This thing with Wes was just make-believe, a ruse, just pretending. Yes, she told herself calmly, she had nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.

Just then, Wes grabbed her hand, smiled and her heart did a tumble. 

Or did she?

Chapter 22: Pity it isn’t real

 Wes entered his car checking his cell for messages. There were three. 

“I have a few more stops to make. They’re over in Port Orianco, though. Do you want to come with me?”

Janet’s eyes widened dramatically. “Are you planning on leaving me here?” she whined.

He burst out laughing. “No, you funny girl. I thought maybe you were getting bored. I could take you home first or…”

“No! I…uh…I’d like to come with you… if it’s okay,” she said, feigning a casual attitude she didn’t feel.

“Yeah, it’s okay,” he said, unable to keep from grinning. God help him, but he loved spending time with this girl and maybe she did too. 

“I’m learning loads you know,” she said.

“Are you? Like what?” he asked curiously, starting the car and pulling into traffic.

“Oh...loads…about how to run a business, you know?”

“Okay. That is why I brought you,” he countered and they lapsed into silence.

“Wes?” she said, at last.

“What?” he said, stopping at a light.

“Do you know my father?”

Taken aback he made a weird face before answering. “I never met him, remember?”

“You might have done some work for him, fixing up a website for him or something?” she said.

“I would remember if I did. What’s his name?  What does he do for a living?”

She gaped at him. “You mean you don’t know?”

He shook his head. “Should I?”

“I thought everyone at school knew. Fummel? As in Fummel Jewelers over in Port Orianco?”

“Really? Jeffery Fummel is your dad?” he said, incredulous.

She gasped. “So, you do know him!”

“Not, you know, personally, but I’ve been to his store. My dad always bought jewelry for my mom there and I bought a nice little charm bracelet for my sister this summer,” he said staring at her. “I should’ve known. You look a lot like him… only…you know, much prettier.”

The car behind him honked when the light changed to green. Wes absently waved and moved forward. He then frowned. “But what does me knowing your dad have to do with anything?”

“Uh…nothing, just…wondering,” she lied.

“Are you sure?” he asked, not at all believing her.

“Yep,” she said.  “So… um… where to now?”

“Papa Franco’s bakery,” he replied.

“Oh, I love that place! Have you ever had their baklava? It’s to die for!” she gushed.

Wes laughed. “Then I’ll buy you a dozen or two. Gotta keep my yenta happy.”

“And fat! I’ll gain thirty pounds if I eat all that!”

“Then share them,” he said.

“No way, they’re too good for sharing,” she said.

He laughed again. “Well, then I’ll buy you… four pieces. How’s that?” he asked.

“Make it two and I’ll lov…like it very much,” she said, shyly looking away.

“As you wish,” he said, grinning.

Twenty minutes later, Wes was hunched over the computer screen with Janet looking over his shoulder.

“Did you design this one, too?” she asked into his ear. "It's beautiful!"

“Yep,” he replied. 

“You do good work, Wes,” Janet said. “But does a bakery really need a website?”

“Need one? No, but it’s increased their sales about forty percent in less than a year, so….”

“Seriously?” she said completely aghast.

“They ship all over the state now. I remember someone telling me their baklava is to die for,” he said, smirking. She playfully pushed him then giggled.

“Wow, that’s awesome! I told my father to get a website so he could increase his sales, but he never listened to me,” she said angrily.

“We can stop by his shop and…”

“No!” she snapped.

He turned and stared at her. “It’s no problem. I don’t mind helping him,” he said.

“But I do. He doesn’t deserve it,” she muttered, turning away and folding her arms over her chest.

Wes sighed and turned to the computer screen. The moody Janet was back again. He knew better than to try to get anything out of her, but at least now he knew it all had to do with her dad, just as he thought. He applied himself to updating his client’s website instead of worrying about it.

“There it is, all done,” he said several minutes later. “Now to get my yenta some yummy goodies.”

“You don’t have to, Wes. I was just kidding,” she said, coming out of her reverie to stand next to him and take his hand. 

“You mean you don’t like their baklava?” he asked.

“I love it, but you don’t have to get me any,” she replied.

“Sure I do,” he said, pushing her hair from her face.

“Why?” she asked.

“Cuz that’s what boyfriends do for their girlfriends, we buy them stuff they like,” he said just before kissing her lightly.

“Wes, you shouldn’t do that here,” she whispered, nervously looking around.

“Why not?”

“It’ll get you in trouble again. Remember last time at the sawmill? It’s not professional,” she said earnestly.

Wes grinned. “And that’s why you make such an awesome girlfriend, Janet. You worry about me… and my business,” he said. He kissed her again then led her out into a fray of customers who shouted their orders to three frazzled looking counter girls plus the owner.

“Uh, maybe next time?” Janet said. “You still have those other clients to see yet.”

Before Wes could reply, a very pretty girl with long glossy black hair and stormy gray eyes approached him. 

“Hello, Wes. Do you remember me?” she asked, smiling brightly at him.

“Amy! Hey! How are you?” Wes said, obviously surprised.

“I’m well, thanks. And you?” she asked.

“Good…great actually,” he said, putting his arm possessively around Janet and bringing her forward. “Meet my girlfriend, Janet Fummel.”

“Hello, Janet,” Amy said. “Related to the jeweler?”

Janet and Wes exchanged looks.  “See? I told ya!” she said.

“Guess I’m the last to know,” he said, laughing.

“Yeah, he’s my dad. My great-grandfather started it though,” Janet said to Amy.

“Yes, it’s one of the oldest stores here. How nice,” Amy said. She then turned to Wes. “I haven’t seen you since… the funeral. How are your sister and father doing?”

Wes shrugged. “Good.”

Amy smiled sympathetically and nodded. “Well, I guess I’ll see you at the party.”

“Party?” Wes repeated.

“The engagement party,” Amy said, looking perplexed. “I know it was last minute and all, but you do know Rebecca’s getting married, don’t you?”

“My cousin?” Wes shouted, incredulous.

Amy laughed. “None other and you’ll never guess to whom. Like I said, very sudden.”

“She’s not…” Wes whispered the last words, “Pregnant, is she?”

“I…I couldn’t say, but I doubt it. They’ve only been together for a week,” Amy said. “Anyway, I should be going. I told Marc I’d meet him after I got these.” She held up the string-tied box then added, “Janet, it was really nice meeting you and I hope to see you on Sunday.”

“Why would you see me on Sunday?” Janet asked, bewildered.

Amy laughed. “I assumed you’d come with Wes to the party.  I’m sure everyone would love to meet you. Bye!”

Wes stood dumbstruck staring at Amy’s retreating back, her long silky hair swaying from side to side as she moved through the crowd. “I can’t believe Becky’s getting married and no one bothered to tell me.”

“Well, you heard her, it was sudden. Don’t see how she thinks I should be there, though. They don’t even know me!” Janet said.

This statement brought Wes out of his stupor. “You gotta come with me, Janet. Please!”

“But why? I don’t know your cousin,” she said.

“But she knows about you. She’s Billy’s sister,” Wes said almost frantically.

“No, she’s not. You said her name was…”

“Rebecca, we call her Becky.”

“Oh…”

“By now, my Uncle Rob and Aunt Beth would’ve told them about you. If you don’t come they’ll think…”

“That I’m not really your girlfriend.”

“Yes! Exactly. You gotta come,” Wes said, earnestly.

Janet stared up at him and smiled. “Guess we’re going to a party.”

Before she knew it Wes had her in a brutal embrace and was kissing her soundly.

“You are the best girlfriend ever,” he said before kissing her again.

In a blur she saw him chatting with the bakery owner, Papa Franco and in what seemed like no time, she was sitting in the car with Wes beside her driving away.  On her lap she held a string tied box very similar to the one Amy had. It was full of her favorite baklava, too.  However, all she could think of was that kiss and what Wes said. 

If she didn’t know better--and in all truth she didn’t-- she could’ve sworn Wes was the best boyfriend ever, too. Pity it wasn’t real.

Chapter 21: Talk to me

“For a girl who said she was hungry, you’re not eating much,” Wes said. “If you don’t like the salad, you can have half my sandwich or I can get you something else.”

“Huh?” Janet said, snapping back to the present. She had been a few light years away. “Oh, no, this is fine. Thanks.”

He watched her for a minute as she fiddled with the food, but ate little. “We can go for some ice cream later. Is that okay?” he said watching her with a creased brow.

“Sure,” she said poking at her salad, spearing a chunk of chicken and popping it into her mouth.

“Janet, please tell me what I did to upset you,” he said.

“You didn’t do anything,” she lied. Because she knew he was about to argue she quickly added, “How did you know baby spinach is my favorite?”

“Janet…”

“You didn’t tell me how you got passed all those people,” she interrupted, now sounding almost desperate.

Wes sighed. He knew a diversion when he saw it, but if she didn’t want to talk about what was bothering her, he wasn’t going to push. “What people?” he said unenthusiastically before taking a bite of his sandwich.

“At the restaurant. There was a line out the door, but you were in and out in ten minutes. How’d you do it? And don’t tell me you know the owner. Don’t see how that matters when there’s a huge lunch time rush,” she said, taking a sip of her drink.

“I get lunch there on Saturdays…always the same thing, sandwich for me, salad for my sister, but since she’s at a friend’s house today, you got her lunch,” he said with a shrug. “My mom used to like them and my sister does, so I thought you might too. I could get you something else. It’s no trouble,” Wes said, watching her anxiously.

“No, I like it fine,” she said frowning slightly. “So, you’re done by now on most Saturdays?”

“Done?” he asked.

“With your work and then you go home?” she said, curiously.

“No. Saturdays are my busiest days. Weekdays I have school and soccer, so I can’t do much. On weekends I’m free to work whenever. Sometimes I’m out working into the night. Depends. It’s been slow today.”

“You call today slow?” she said, incredulous. 

He laughed. “Phone usually is ringing off the hook.”

“Wow,” she said pensively. “But you still bring home lunch for your sister?” 

“Well, she’s not much of a cook, so, yeah,” he said. “And my dad’s always working, too. Someone’s gotta feed her.”

“Can’t she do anything for herself?” Janet asked.

“Of course she can, but you can only have so many PB&J’s and grilled cheese sandwiches before you’re sick of them. It’s usually the only thing in the house,” he said shrugging. “Happens when you don’t have a mother anymore to do the shopping and cooking.”

Janet didn’t know what to say to that, but she couldn’t have spoken if she wanted to. There was now a formidable constriction in her throat which threatened to choke her. And to make things worse, she felt like crying again. She tried to hide her face behind her curtain of hair, but at that moment Wes pushed it aside and looked at her. 

“Janet, what’s wrong?” he said. “Please, talk to me.”

She bit her quivering lip. “I’m sorry you don’t have a mom,” she whispered.

Taken aback, he stared at her. Was that all it was? Janet felt sorry for him?  Relief like he never knew stole over him.  It wasn’t anything he had done after all! But it actually was, he thought.  He kept mentioning his mother, didn’t he? He supposed he ought to stop it, but then…was that a good idea? She seemed to like him more when she felt sorry for him. On the other hand, it made her so sad. He didn’t like that!

Now he didn’t know what to do. until he took a look at her miserable face, that is. It tore at his heart.

“Janet, it’s okay, really,” he said, gently rubbing her back. “Things happen all the time, good and bad ones, but always for a reason. Mom used to tell us that all the time, so I gotta believe it. Don’t feel bad, okay?”

“Can’t help it. I keep thinking…” She bit her lip again, forcing the tears back. “You should come over for dinner, you and your sister, maybe your dad, too…anytime. My mom’s a really good cook,” she said earnestly.

“Shouldn’t you ask her first?” he said, grinning despite himself. 

“Maybe, but I know my mom. She loves feeding people especially if they can’t cook,” she said.

“Your mom is really nice,” he said. 

“So…you’ll come…to dinner?” she asked.

He nodded. “You’re so sweet, Janet.”

She almost choked on a piece of celery.

“Hey, you okay?” he said rubbing her back with just the tips of his fingers, in slow, hypnotizing circles.

She nodded, staring at him as if he was a ghost or something more unbelievable—a boy just like her father. 

Her mind went zooming back in time when she was about seven. She had rushed home after school, not stopping with Jasmine to play with their friends. It was the only day her father closed his store, so he’d be home. She burst through the front door tossed her book-bag onto the bench in the foyer then shouted, “Daddy! Where are you?”

“In here,” he replied, tossing the newspaper to the side. And just in time, too. Janet had tossed herself on top of him in a brutal hug. “Happy to see me, huh?” Jeffery chuckled, holding her tightly. “How’s my baby girl?”

“I missed you, Daddy. I wish I didn’t hafta go to school on Mondays. I didn’t learn anything today ‘cept that Tony Bishop can blow milk out of his nose and Sandra Miller can do a back handspring. Big whoop!” she said grumpily.

Jeffery laughed and kissed her cheek. “I love my baby,” he said.

“I’m not a baby anymore, silly Daddy,” she said giggling.

“No, you’re not,” he said sadly. “I know you have to grow up, but why does it have to be so fast? I remember when I first held you in my hands. You were so tiny, not even five pounds.”

She watched in fascination as he held his large hands together and looked down at them as if he could still see her that little.

“You were screaming your little head off when you popped into the world, but as soon as I held you, you stopped and just stared at me. Those big brown eyes found me and wouldn’t let go. That’s when I knew you were my baby and you always will be, Janet,” he said smiling and rubbing her back in slow circles.

“But you love Jasmine and Stevie, too, don’t you?” she said looking worried.

“Of course! But you’re my special girl and Jasmine is mom’s special girl. We were so lucky to have twins. Stevie, he’s the only boy, so we gotta share him,” he said shrugging.

“So, twins are better so you don’t hafta share?” she said her eyes growing large and round.

He laughed and kissed the tip of her nose. “Exactly.”

“I love you, Daddy,” she said, hugging him tight around the neck. He hugged her back just as tightly and it felt wonderful, the best feeling ever.

“You’re so sweet, Janet,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Promise you’ll always be a baby girl, no matter how old you get, okay?”

“Janet, why are you looking at me like that?” Wes asked bringing her forcefully back to present.

“Huh?”

He popped the last bit of food into his month and chewed as he stared at her, frowning slightly. “You were a million miles away again. What were you thinking about?” he asked, now sipping the last of his drink and shaking the cup. It rattled with ice.

She handed him her drink which was almost entirely full. “I won’t drink all that. I’d rather just have the  ice.”

“Thanks,” he said, taking the cup. He didn’t drink, but continued to stare at her, a bewildered expression on his face.

“Remember you said I don’t have cooties, so it’s okay for you to take it. You can even change the straw if you like. I won’t get insulted if you don’t want my germs.”

He laughed and she smiled. Then she finally started eating. That pleased him. When there were only a few black olive pushed to the side--he made a mental note to remember she didn't like black olives-- and some salad dressing left in the bowl, he took it from her and stuffed it into the bag it came in, tossed it all into the trash and stood up. He held out a hand to her and she took it. They walked to the car in silence, but they didn’t get in. Instead, they stared at each other, both with too much on their minds.

Wes caressed her cheek silently wishing she would tell him something, anything!

 Without stopping to think, Janet rose on tip-toe and kissed him.

Shocked but delighted, Wes grinned. "My yenta's full of surprises," he said, just before taking her into his arms and hugging her tightly.

He didn't exactly know what the kiss meant, but at this point, he didn't much care. Talking, he decided, was way overrated.

Janet smiled even as tears pricked her eyes. A hug was still the best feeling ever.

Chapter 20: Serious talk with Yenta

“What are you doing? Thought we were going to lunch,” Janet said.

“We are, but first we’re having a serious talk,” he said and he jumped out of the car slamming the door before Janet could reply.

“What for?” she said, once he came around to her door and yanked it open. He practically pulled her out then trapped her between the car and himself.

“Wes, what the hell?” she shouted.

“What happened, Janet? What do you have against love?” he asked earnestly.

She blinked stupidly up at him with no idea what to say. Where was this coming from and why did he care?

He placed a hand on her cheek. “Was it what happened between your parents?” he quietly asked.

Her eyes widened for a second then were mere slits in her face. “That’s none of your business,” she muttered through clenched teeth as she pushed away his caressing hand.

“Janet, talk to me,” Wes said gently. 

“We’ve been talking all day,” she said.

“Something is definitely bothering you.”

“You’re crazy. Nothing’s bothering me until now,” Janet snapped.

“We’re friends. Friends talk to each other about whatever is bothering them and…”

“Well, maybe you’re not my friend,” she muttered angrily.

That felt like a knife to the heart. “So, I’m only your friend when it’s convenient for you? You might want to look up the definition of friendship. I’ll let you borrow my dictionary,” he retorted, starting to lose his patience.

“I never needed a friend before and I don’t need one now,” she said waspishly. 

Wes could feel her slipping away from him and that was the last thing he wanted. “Janet, please…”

“Hey, folks…” came a shout from behind them.

They turned to see a grinning salesman coming toward them. “Great,” Wes muttered irritably. “Just what I need. a sleazy salesman.”

The man stopped in front of them, put his fists on his hips and frowned at them. “I…uh… you’re just kids.”

“Well, you’re brilliant, aren’t you?” Janet snapped. “What was your first clue?”

“Well…you here to buy a car? Maybe trade in yours?” the man asked doubtfully.

Wes snorted. “You expect me to trade in my Jag for a Toyota? Do I look stupid?” he asked gruffly.

“Then whatcha doing here? This isn’t McDonalds. We sell cars,” the salesman retorted impatiently.

“We were talking until you showed up,” Wes replied.

“This isn’t a kid’s hangout. This is a place of business. If you’re not here to buy a car then you can leave and stop wasting my time,” the salesman said.

“Yeah, I can see how busy you all are,” Janet remarked sarcastically, watching the dozen sales people just hanging around hoping for a customer. “Let’s get outta here, Wes. I don’t want a Toyota after all. Let’s go to the Dodge dealer instead. They like kids...kids with money to spend.”

Wes opened the door and Janet slid in. 

“Wait! Toyotas get much better gas mileage than any Dodge and I can make you a great deal!” the man said, now sounding quite friendly.

“Yeah, but we’re just kids and this isn’t a kids’ hangout. You just said so,” Janet said before slamming the door. 

She smirked watching the salesman ball his fists in frustration. “That should teach him to treat kids with more respect. Like we were hurting anything…Idiot.”

They drove in silence for a while until they reached a very crowded restaurant.

“We won’t eat for hours here,” Janet muttered.

“I know the owner,” Wes said before he stepped out of the car and went around to the passenger side. Again he opened the passenger door and pulled Janet out.

“Are we starting this again?” Janet said wearily.

“No,” he said, shaking his head. Much to her astonishment he took her into his arms and held her tightly. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

At first, she stood frozen. Then she tried to push away, but he held her closer. “Please, Janet, don’t be mad at me. If you don’t want to talk, I won't make you. I’m sorry.”

The oddest feeling came over her, something which rarely happened anymore. She simultaneously thought of her dad and had the overwhelming urge to cry. Tears welled up in her eyes, but by sheer force of will she blinked them back. She would not cry in front of Wes. Then he did something that made it virtually impossible for her to do this.

“You smell so sweet, like vanilla,” he said, giving her an extra squeeze and kissing her cheek.  He then drew back, but he didn’t release her. Instead he stared into her eyes for a long moment all the while his hands performed some ancient magic turning her to putty. The tantalizing fingers of one hand caressed her spine and the other wove its way into her hair. Before she knew it, he was kissing her and she was floating.

Had three days passed or just a few minutes? She couldn’t tell.  He pulled back and again he stared at her. Was he reading her thoughts? Were they plainly visible on her face? She couldn’t say. She could barely breathe, though, and her heart pounded way too hard in her chest. She couldn’t make sense of anything.

“I have one question, but I’m not sure I want to know your answer,” Wes quietly said. “Do you think I need practice?”

She looked her confusion, blinking stupidly up at him. What in the world was he talking about? Why wasn’t her brain working? And why did she just want another kiss?

“I’m willing to practice as long as you let me if you think I need it. Think about it and let me know, okay?” he said, before giving her exactly what she wanted, another incredible kiss.

This time, when they parted, he did release her, but quickly grabbed her again when she swayed. 

“You okay?” he asked anxiously, one hand going to her cheek.

She moved her head in a semblance of a nod and he smiled. He was so unbelievably cute she could eat him up!

“So soft,” he said absently, caressing her cheek.  “I’ll be quick. You stay here.” He then kissed the tip of her nose and left, going into the restaurant and pushing through a throng of people. 

Leaning against the car, Janet stared after Wes until her vision blurred. Why did he do stuff like that? Why did he do everything her father used to do?  And why did she like it so much? The more time she spent with Wes, the more she realized she terribly missed her father and she hated herself for it. She got back in the car and tried to get a grip on herself. She wiped furiously at the tears streaking her face. She tried to make sense of all this.

Was Wes doing it on purpose? Did he know what he was doing to her? Did he know how much his slightest touch affected her? She tried to wrap her mind around these stupid feelings Wes evoked, but before she could do more than blow her nose, he was back. 

“Hope you’re hungry. I’ve…”

“How did you do that?”

“What?” he asked, handing her a large paper cup and two straws.

“That place was jam-packed. How did you get this so quick?” she said, stuffing the tissue into her pocketbook before taking the cup.

“I told ya. I know the owner,” he said, now handing her a large paper bag. He looked at her now and frowned. “Janet, you okay?”

“Uh, yeah, I’m fine,” she sniffed, looking away from him.

“Janet, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she said, sticking the straw into the cup and taking a sip.

“Did I do something?” he asked anxiously.

“Wes, don’t start,” she snapped. “I got something in my eye. That’s all. Now can we eat? I’m hungry.”

He opened his mouth ready to argue until she gave him a pleading look and he shut it again. 

“Yeah, we’ll go to the park,” he said. He snapped his seatbelt in place, put the car in gear and left the packed parking lot. It seemed he would have to wait for that serious talk with his yenta.