Ready-Made Family (17 page)

“D
ude, she’s a stunner,” teammate Brockton Drake said to Ben at Manny’s party. They’d reserved the entire Mexican restaurant.

“Dead on.” Vince ogled Amelia as Amber whisked her away.

Ben thumped Vince on the forehead. “Eyes off.”

Nolan laughed.

Vince faced Nolan. “If you weren’t still hung up on an old love, you’d be checking her out, too.”

Nolan shrugged and sipped his soda.

Chance Garrison leaned in. “She got a twin sister?”

“No. Don’t be crude around her or I’ll deck all of you.”

Vince laughed. “Like to see you try.”

Manny jabbed Ben’s pectoral muscles. “I don’t know, Reardon. I think he could take us. He’s hitting the gym pretty hard these days.”

Brockton massaged Ben’s shoulders. “To impress the girl.”

Celia’s son, Javier, peeled off a straw wrapper and snickered.

“Dude, it doesn’t bother you that she has a kid?” Javier’s friend Enrique asked Ben.

Vince smirked. “That’s probably why he’s chasing her, because she comes equipped. Anyone who knows Ben knows how bad he wants to father a kid.”

“Any moron with working parts can father a kid, bozo.” Javier made a weird face at Vince. He looked at Ben. “But it takes a man with working faith and guts and heart to be a dad. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had two good ones in my life, dude. For sure, that chick and that little girl would be lucky to have you around.”

“Thanks, Javier. That means a lot.”

Vince blew his straw wrapper at Ben and Manny. “I see how it is. You’re Daddy First Class and I’m Major Moron.”

Javier punched Vince. “Chill, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Shh. Here she comes,” Ben warned.

“Hey.” Amelia scooted into the booth next to Ben a minute later.

Celia came over. “Well, if it isn’t Skinny Mouse.”

Ben’s brows rose.

“She calls me and Reece Skinny and Minnie Mouse.” Amelia laughed. “Then chases me around with large quantities of fudge.”

Celia pushed a plate of nachos toward Amelia. “Yo, Skinny. Amber tells me you think you look plain.”

Amelia blushed. “I—I…”

Manny gave Celia a look then skipped his gaze to Amelia. “Don’t say ‘plain’ in her presence. She’ll have your face covered in gook before you can blink.”

Amelia laughed. “I prefer to wear makeup, when I can afford it, actually. Um, excuse me? Why is she looking at me like a vulture circling something dead?” Amelia asked Amber, since Celia mumbled things in Spanish.

“I’m pretty sure you’re her next victim.”

“Of?”

“One of her famous makeovers.”

Amelia patted her split-ended hair and the cheeks of her pale face and laughed. “I don’t mind being a guinea pig if that means I get free makeup.”

“That’s it.” Celia dragged her up, snagging Amber’s arm on the way to the restroom.

“You might want to rescue her from Celia’s clutches,” Manny said.

“She looks like she’s having a good time,” Joel said.

“Yeah. Besides, I’d kind of like to see her all dolled up.”

In the bathroom, Celia circled Amelia. “We’ve also got to get you some clothes that fit. You’re so skinny!”

“Celia!” Amber jabbed Celia in the ribs.

Celia’s arms flailed in the air. “Well! Look at the girl. She looks practically anorexic.” Celia swooped in, clutched Amelia’s shoulders in her fingernails and got nose to nose. “Are you anorexic? Come on, what gives? Why are you thin enough to give people paper cuts when you turn sideways, huh? ’Fess up.”

“I’m not anorexic. I had the flu and I admit I hadn’t been eating right for a few months.”

“A few months? The flu doesn’t go on for months. And just how many stripes do you have on your pajamas, huh? One?”

Amelia laughed because Celia sounded serious. “I’ve lost weight recently but I was small to begin with. I have a high metabolism and my mother is thin also. It runs in our genes.”

Celia’s nose squished up. “Well, I must admit I really despise you for that.”

“She’s kidding.” Amber put a hand on Amelia’s.

“I figured.” Amelia smiled. She loved these women and longed for their kind of friendship. That they automatically pulled her into their closely knit circle meant oodles.

“I’m not entirely kidding. Look, Amber. Here’s the scoop. Stock up on chocolate because I can’t have two good friends looking thinner than me.”

Two
good friends? Celia already considered Amelia a friend? Tears pricked her eyes. She blinked them back.

Amber laughed. “You’re not that big, Celia.”

“Who says I’m big? I never said anything about being big. I’m not…big. I’m just…a mite hippy.”

“Manny says you’re curvaceous.” Amber held Amelia’s hair back while Celia attacked her face with a mascara brush from her huge bag.

“Don’t worry, Skinny Mouse. This makeup’s never been used. I keep samples with me. It’s yours to keep.”

“Thank you.” Tears welled.

“Don’t blink! Or cry!”

Amelia laughed. “Yes, ma’am. I see how you and Manny are so right for each other. He’s so laid-back, he’s horizontal. And you’re, well, a fireball.”

Amber handed Celia the lipstick. “Yes, but believe me, it took a miracle for Manny to convince Celia to marry him.”

“A miracle.”

That’s precisely what Amelia and Ben would need if things ever progressed past the realm of friendship. What was she saying? It already had. And soon as her dad got wind of it, their already strained relationship would snap.

A big choice was swirling to shore.

Ben blinked. Then again, nearly not believing his eyes.

“Down, boy.” Nolan laughed.

Ben sat, not even realizing he’d stood.

“Celia, stop force-feeding her. That’s so rude,” Amber was saying as the women returned from whatever groups of women convening in restrooms did. Amber and Amelia ventured toward the game tables where Reece and Bradley were involved in air hockey.

By the looks of Amelia, Celia’d unloaded her makeup bag. Wait. Celia was bugging Amelia about food. Now Ben did stand. So did Manny. They dragged Celia off.

“Celia, don’t harass the girl,” Manny warned.

“Oh, hush. The moment she stops being able to use a Cheerio for a hula hoop, I’ll stop bugging her about food.”

Ben eyed Amelia as he talked with Amber. Her face looked fuller, healthier. The hollows in her cheekbones were less pronounced. And, well, she boasted a little more curve all the way around. Not that he’d noticed. Okay, maybe a little. His face heated. Ben had never been embarrassed about noticing women’s shapes before, but then again, he’d also never respected a woman as much as Amelia. “She’s gained since I met her.”

“Yeah? Well, not enough. Here I’ll prove it.” Celia stood on a chair, waved her arms madly and yelled across the room, “Yo, North! Turn sideways and stick out your tongue.”

Amelia must have gotten used to Celia’s strange ways because she only gave her a mildly odd look before obeying.

Celia’s hand jabbed out. “See? The girl looks exactly like a zipper.”

Ben laughed. “You’re something else, Celia. Just do me a favor and don’t bug her about food. It’s a sensitive subject.”

“Ah, and the truth comes out. You do care about her, don’t you? Come on, ’fess up.”

“No way. Anything I tell you will get back to her.”

“You take the fun out of everything.”

“For you. Not for me.” If Amelia was going to find out his romantic feelings, it was going to come from his mouth, and not from Celia’s. Speaking of which…“Did you attack her with lipstick?”

“You noticed, huh?”

He saw how much fuller her lips looked. Her eyelashes stood out and so did her eyes. He couldn’t stop looking at her.

“Yeah. I noticed.” Ben grinned because he couldn’t stop it. Couldn’t stop the giddy way she made him feel when she aimed her eyes at him. “I never met a girl who could smile with her eyes more than she smiles with her mouth.” But Amelia did. And he’d noticed she didn’t cover her lazy eye
as often. She must be feeling more comfortable and confident around him.

Ben smiled. Amelia lifted her face as if sensing his stare across the room. She smiled back. Something fluttered inside his chest.

He tilted his head at her, realizing what this compelling surge of emotion and longing was.

“Whoa, amigo! You love her,” Celia whispered.

Ben nodded, holding his girl with his gaze. “Very much.”

“I
like her because she got funny eyes like me,” Hutton said the following weekend at Cone Zone.

“Your eyes aren’t funny, Hutton. They’re uniquely yours. But I’m glad you liked Amelia.” Ben had introduced them the previous night. Hutton and Reece had hit it off big time.

“I know God gave me my eyes, Benny. And at least I can see. Some people are blind. Did you know that, Benny?”

“I did. Sad, isn’t it?”

Benny nodded his head then blinked fast.

“He also gave you a good heart, Hutton. And I hope you see with your eyes and with your heart how much I admire you.”

“I mire you too, Benny. Always have. Even when—” Hutton chewed his tongue, effectively cutting off his words.

Ben reached over and took his brother’s hand, and didn’t care how it looked. “Even when I was mean to you?”

Hutton stared at the table then nodded. “Yeah, Benny. Yeah. But you’ve always been my hero.”

“Yeah? Well, seems we have more in common than we realized, because you’re my hero, too.”

Hutton’s face squished up in a grin. Ben pushed the dessert
menu in front of him. “Another thing we have in common is milkshakes. So pick which one you want.”

Hutton snorted laughter and pointed to a large chocolate shake domed with whipped cream.

Hutton had opened up to Ben more this week than he had in years.

“I really enjoy hanging out with you, Hutton.”

Hutton grinned. “Me too. When did you say I go to my job interview, Benny?”

“In a week.” Ben gave Hutton the same answer he had all day. He supposed Hutton repeatedly asked out of nervousness.

“Would it help if we practice the questions they might ask you?”

“Yeah. Benny. I want this job more than anything besides having you as a brother. And a friend. That’s the most thing I ever wanted, Benny. I always wished you would be my friend.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t a better friend growing up.”

“But we can be best friends now. If you want.” Hutton chewed his tongue and scratched his head.

“I definitely do want that. I’m honored you do. So, are you excited about your interview?”

“Yeah, Benny. But kinda scared too.”

“That’s natural.”

“Do even normal people feel this way before a job?”

Interview. He hoped Hutton understood it wasn’t totally in the bag yet. He needed to prepare him, in case he didn’t get chosen. After all, there were five applicants, but only one position. “I’m sure the other applicants are as nervous as you.”

“Are they getting interviews next Thursday too, like me?”

“Yep. Miss Evie’s son said she’s doing all of them on the same day.” Ben hadn’t mentioned Hutton to Miss Evie because he wanted Hutton to be able to get the job on his own.

“I’ll take you there and wait outside the door.” If Hutton
faltered, he’d venture into the room for moral support. But he wanted Hutton to see he’d gotten the job on his own credentials.

“I understand if they want to give somebody else the job besides me. Especially somebody normal. I might be very sad if I don’t get the job. But I’ll understand.”

“Hutton, don’t think negatively. If the job is meant to be yours, God will make sure you have it.”

“Yeah Benny. God will work this out how He wants. I just hope he wants to work it out how I want it so that I can have the job.”

“He knows how bad you want a job. He’ll do what’s best. Honest.”

“God knows how bad you want this, Amelia. Stop fretting.” Glorietta followed Amelia into the bathroom Thursday morning of her scheduled interview.

Amelia patted makeup beneath her eyes. “I barely slept a wink last night. Thanks for agreeing to watch Reece today.”

“No problem. I’d better head out, but know I’m praying for you. Also know that God has your best interests at heart, no matter what happens, okay?”

She nodded and brushed a hand down herself. “Okay. And, thank you for bringing this business suit by.”

Glorietta hugged her. “You look very professional in it. It looks much nicer than those boxy clothes you’ve been wearing. I’ll bet if Ben sees you today, he’s likely to have a coronary at how this hugs your figure.”

Amelia blushed. “I’ve always worn my clothes four sizes too big. Ever since Reece was born.”

“I see your caricatures all around town. They’re becoming quite popular. The rave of Refuge, in fact. Word on the street is, tourists have even started asking about them.”

“I still need another job so I can start paying Miss Evie rent.”

“She’s not hurting for money, hon. Her husband left her
with a huge life insurance policy. That man took care of her before he died, and afterward by planning ahead.”

“I think Gus kinda likes her. He gets nervous when he drops me off at the B and B sometimes when Ben’s gone on trainings. It’s cute to watch the two of them.”

“That’s another one who has money.”

“Gus?”

“Yeah. You wouldn’t know it by the way he keeps his garage, but he got a multimillion dollar settlement out of the corporation that knowingly served booze to the minors who smashed into his daughter and took her life. But he can’t bring himself to spend the money. Says it won’t bring his daughter back. So he’s waiting to find a community project to donate it to.” She eyed her watch.

“It’s time?” Amelia’s breath fell short. Interviews made her so nervous. Especially this one, since she’d invested hope.

“Me and Reece are gonna go to Cone Zone and have a good time, and you’re gonna go blow Miss Evie’s socks off during your interview.”

“Pray for me, Glorietta?”

“Rest assured. Call me soon as you know something. She happen to say when that’d be?”

“Said she’d decide today. I’m fourth to be interviewed. There is one other person after me. So wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck. You’ve got God on your side.”

“Have a seat, Amelia.” Miss Evie waved to a chair across from a gleaming mahogany desk. The warm colors in the room set Amelia at ease. Except her stomach, which suddenly twisted up.

Miss Evie pulled out a folder with her name on it. Amelia glimpsed at the other folders to the right of Miss Evie. Folders much thicker with papers than hers.

No.

No.

Was written in red on each tab. Beside those two folders was another with
Maybe
on the tab. A red Sharpie lay on top of the stack. Another folder rested to Miss Evie’s left, and there was no red mark on it. That must be the appointment after hers.

Which meant the job was between Amelia and two other persons. Hope soared.

Until her eyes lit on the name.

Hutton Dillinger? Hutton? Ben’s brother applied for the job? Her heart sank. This was the job Hutton had talked about so excitedly to Reece?

Miss Evie finished flipping through the pages. “Not many references here.”

“I—I know.”

Miss Evie ran her finger down Amelia’s skill list.

Her very. Short. Skill list.

She set the folder on the desk, then removed her glasses. She folded her hands on the desk and smiled in a sympathetic manner. “I don’t conduct interviews like most people, Amelia. I don’t much care about your credentials. I want you to tell me about you. And before you get more nervous than you already are, know I’m more apt to base my hiring decision on whether I think a person can be taught, regardless of experience.”

Miss Evie closed the résumé folder. “So, without further ado, tell me about you. Never mind about your experience. What are your hobbies, your interests? What’s your family like? People’s personalities come out when they talk about their passions. Tell me about your drawings. When did you know you wanted to do that?”

“From the time I can remember…”

After several moments, Amelia realized she’d been rambling. But Miss Evie was smiling.

Until she put her glasses back on. “You don’t have many references here. Only one I could reach in fact was your mom.”

Amelia nodded and lowered her head.

“Among other things we discussed, she assured me you have the drive to learn, which is important to me in an employee. And I happened by the garage yesterday to get my oil changed. I nearly walked right back out of Gus’s office, thinking I’d gone into the wrong building. I hardly recognized it. He told me you’re the one who cleaned and organized it.”

Amelia nodded. Tried to focus on what Miss Evie was saying, but her eyes kept veering back toward Hutton’s folder. How disappointed he’d be if he didn’t get the job. Thankfulness hit her though that her mother had said good things about her. But, if Amelia got the job, that meant Hutton wouldn’t.

I don’t understand why You pit us against each other like this. There’s only one job and two of us. I need to feed my daughter and Hutton needs to feel a vital part of society.

She tuned back in to Miss Evie.

“Gus then showed me how you created a filing system for him and organized his office. I’m impressed with your work ethic, people skills and efficiency. He said he got lots of positive feedback the two hours a day that you answer his phone. Word on the street is you are helpful, friendly, polite and professional.”

She was about to get the job. She could tell by Miss Evie’s excited chatter. Her heart soared and sank at the same time.

Until Miss Evie drew a breath and sighed. “I’d hire you for the dishwasher position for that alone, Amelia, but…”

But she needed a job!

“I’m afraid you’re overqualified. You’re worth more than minimum wage.”

“B-but please. I’m willing to work for minimum wage. I understand.”

Miss Evie held a hand up. “Before you get upset, I’m not finished. Hear me out. I was saying that I think you’re overqualified for the dishwashing position.”

“Can I say something? I didn’t know Ben’s brother had applied for the same job. I think the position belongs to him.”

“I agree. He needs to be made to feel like an active member of society and that’s one way he could contribute. So, out of the three of you, I’m leaning equally toward you and him. But mostly toward you.”

“I can’t do this to Hutton. Or to Ben. I’m sorry, Miss Evie for wasting your time today. I’m retracting my application.”

“I think that’s prudent. And honorable of you, considering the dire straits you’re in.”

“I understand.” And truly she did. She couldn’t be angry with Ben for looking out for his brother and putting him first. Though she really needed that job, she’d humble herself and concede it for Hutton. What would she do now? She could barely afford a fifty-cent paper to look for job listings.

“I’d really appreciate it if you wouldn’t tell Ben that I conceded the job to Hutton. Ben has been so kind, I don’t want to make him feel bad.”

Nodding, Miss Evie plucked on her bifocals and turned to a credenza to rifle through papers.

Amelia assumed that meant she was dismissed. She stood, fighting tears, but longed to be polite without her voice quavering. Her possibilities in Refuge were exhausted. She’d have to look elsewhere for a job. The thought of leaving Refuge made her throat ache.

“Thank you. I appreciate your time.”

Startled, Miss Evie looked up. “Well, Amelia, where are you going? Please sit down. Our interview is far from over.”

Amelia sat, confusion weighing her down. She wouldn’t take Hutton’s job. She wouldn’t. And she had to get out of here before she embarrassed herself by bursting into tears. Then everyone would know how weak and scared she really was.

Pray, then trust and believe.

Ugh. Glorietta’s stupid words coming back to stalk her again.

Pray, then trust and believe.

I did that. And it didn’t work.

Pray. Then trust. And believe.

Understanding suddenly dawned

Pray and trust didn’t always go together. Trust was tougher when what you believed for didn’t come true.

I believed but it didn’t happen. But this time, I’m gonna choose to trust You anyhow.

And what on earth was the woman doing, pilfering through her own drawers?

Miss Evie continued to rifle through papers a moment more before tugging a file out. “Aha. Here it is.” She turned back to face Amelia. “I was saying, however, I do have something else you may be interested in. Take a look at this.” She tugged papers from the file and handed them to Amelia.

Amelia’s eyes scanned the header. She further she read, the more confused she became.

“But, this is a list of duties for a salaried management position here at the bed-and-breakfast.” A position that paid three times what the dishwasher position did. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” She looked up.

Miss Evie grinned over her bifocals, hands folded on the desk in front of her. “Don’t you, Amelia? Because I think you’d be perfect for the job. You’re sharp. What you don’t know, I’ll teach you.”