Spicing Up Trouble: a romantic comedy (28 page)

In the morning, I rose early and ventured out alone. I wanted to explore the house, which was more like a resort. An open veranda at the back of the house faced the ocean. The roar and might of it took my breath away. The house offered every comfort imagined and accessible. Invisible staff who only appeared when summoned. Nothing interfered with relaxation. Not a care in the world.

"May I help you, Alexia?" Gavin asked.

"No thanks, I'm snooping."

He offered me his arm and took me on a quick tour. The bedrooms lush, the dining room regal, the kitchen bustling, the living room inviting.

"Does it look familiar?" Gavin asked.

"Yes, it's Ben's condo. Their tastes are identical."

"Uncanny how similar they are. You remind me of the late Mrs. Cobb. A true lady and a pleasure to work for. I'm sure Mark feels the same about you. Now please excuse me. Duties call."

"Thank you, Gavin. I appreciate your comments."

He had a crush on Helen? Did Mark have a crush on me?

The next two days were spent in the sun. Mr. Cobb made himself scarce. We had the house to ourselves. We swam, sailed, and lounged everywhere. Ben used the entire bottle of suntan oil on me. I smelled of cocoa butter even after a shower. He insisted I would burn if even a ray of sun fell on me. Our playtime flew by, and we prepared for the flight back.

"Call, write, and fax me all the baby and museum news," Mr. Cobb said.

"I will," I said.

"Take good care of her, or I'll have you drawn and quartered," he warned Ben.

"I hope I have a safe trip too. How come only Alexia likes me?"

"Because I know you better than she does. Behave," Mr. Cobb said.

"Yes, Daddy," Ben said, shaking his hand.

We left Florida and went home to Chicago. The brutal wind bit through my coat, and a cold rain fell.

"I love autumn," he said as he bundled me closer.

Mark picked us up at the airport and began to fill Ben in on what he had missed.

I scheduled a doctor's appointment for tomorrow. I instinctively touched my stomach. Please be healthy and happy to have us. My whole future loomed large before me: husband, baby, home, and museum. All on my shoulders.

What made a good wife and mother? How many books did I need to read and memorize?

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

When in doubt, cook. I had an insane, yet wonderful idea.

"Do we have plans for Thanksgiving?" I asked.

"I'll get reservations wherever you want," Ben said.

"No, it's not a restaurant holiday. I usually host my sisters. You could invite your dad."

"You'd feel safe with my father, Irene, and Eleanor all in the same room?"

"Sure. All weapons will be checked at the door, and no alcohol will be served, except sparkling grape juice," I said with a wink.

"You're fearless, but if my dad hits on Eleanor…"

"He'll show he has excellent taste in women. They'll all be on their best behavior. No one else will offer to feed them. Plus, my sisters will be vying for favorite aunt-to-be status."

"Okay, but remember blood stains are permanent on linens and carpeting."

"We'll keep them in the kitchen. The tile and grout can be replaced."

We pulled out our phones and texted our relatives.

The next morning I awoke alone. A note sat on his pillow.

Meetings and more meetings. Speaking of which I think you should meet the staff. Be ready at noon for lunch. Ben.

Already nine o'clock, I should shower and start digging in more boxes. They were all in the proposed nursery. My doctor's appointment was at three o'clock. I had a slight chill. Everything happened at once: first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes architectural drawings and insurance estimates. I hoped the baby had an MBA, a law degree, and a great sense of humor.

In the kitchen, I grabbed a banana, two jalapeños, a horseradish and feta sandwich and a glass of chocolate milk. I settled in the office and listed Helen's awards: societies of children's writers, Caldecotts, a Pulitzer, and many lifetime achievements. A Mother's Day card from Ben. What a sweet boy. I rubbed my belly.

I hope you are just like your daddy
.
Sometimes.

The time flew. I had just finished with my hair, when Ben came through the door. "I have to go to the doctor today at three," I said.

"I know. I'm going with you."

"Thank you."

He kissed me and wanted more.

"I'm eternally grateful to you for loving me and having my son. Nothing I have ever done or will do will repay those debts. Now let's go before I drag you to bed," he said.

We walked the two blocks to Ben's office because I needed some fresh air. The tall steel and glass building bustled with people. Up to the thirty-fifth floor, the door simply stated Cobb and Associates. Ben entered and all activity stopped. I counted seven people, including Mark. Boxes labeled for the museum were on a table in the conference room. The phones rang as everyone stared at me.

"This is Alexia. Alexia, meet your fellow employees. Now someone please answer the phone," Ben said.

Activity resumed. Two women answered the phones and typed information into their computers. Mark moved the boxes, and two other men helped.

Ben asked everyone to bring him up to date. Pledges poured in. The publisher had sent book cover mockups to be approved. The usual bidders sought to buy anything he cared to sell. He thumbed through phone messages.

An older woman waved at me. Must be Doris.

"Here I thought I was being helpful, and I redid your work," I said, shaking her hand.

"Actually Mary had to be off to take care of her mother. You were doing her job. Very well I might add. You're welcome anytime," she said.

"I know there will be more to do with the museum. I would appreciate it if you would let me know when you need help. I can type, seal envelopes, or answer the phone."

Before Doris could respond, Ben put his arm around me.

"I don't know, the boss is an idiot. I hate dealing with him," he said.

"I would like to be useful," I said.

"You're in charge of the personal stuff and me. Your days and nights are booked. Now, we're off to lunch. Why don't you order in for everyone?" Ben suggested to Mark.

"Yes boss. I have a business idea for Mrs. Cobb. She can relay all the bad news to you," Mark said

"You don't think I'd growl at her?" Ben asked as he kissed my forehead.

"Never, she's got you eating out of her hand."

"Careful, if anyone took advantage of her good nature, I wouldn't like it."

I said goodbye and reminded Doris to call me for help. Of course, she wouldn't dare without Ben's permission.

"They're very nice. Do you pay them well?" I asked.

"Don't you think they should feel honored to work for me? You were."

"I thought I saved a desperate man."

"You did." He hit the elevator button.

"But I only got one payment."

"I opened my home and heart to you. You're welcome to write yourself a check. I have contacted the bank, you're all set."

"I don't want your money," I said as we headed downstairs.

"Thanks for reminding me. We need to talk about money," he said.

"I have six hundred fifty-eight dollars in my checking account. It's all yours."

"Don't be ridiculous. I don't want your money either."

We hailed a cab and rode to the restaurant.

"Our marriage is a partnership," he said.

"You're the senior partner." I caught the cabbie flick us a glance. Probably delighted to have a set of squabbling passengers.

"Yes ma'am. Now and always."

"I don't want to be bossed around."

A glint in his eye grew. He would not be denied.

"Let's try it my way for now," Ben said as he patted my leg.

"Because you're smarter and older than me?"

"I'm older. I believe I have more life experience. I want to take care of you. You're my responsibility now."

"Do you believe I'm capable of caring for my child or will you search for more competent help?" I didn't want to hand off the baby, but a full time advisor would come in handy.

"Our child, Alexia. You will be in charge of all things baby. Truce? I'm hungry."

We walked into the restaurant. My feelings were so muddled. I wanted someone to carry the load. Take the responsibility. My sisters let me coast. He offered me a lifetime pass. Why fight him? Follow his lead? Take his directions?

"Ben. I thought I saw your name. How are you?" a man said, extending his hand.

"Roger, this is my wife, Alexia."

"Congratulations. Finally took the plunge. Good luck, fair Alexia. He's a handful. We went to high school together so if you have any questions, please feel free to call me."

"I'm never coming here again," Ben said.

We were seated at a table in the back, away from the crowd.

"Enjoy your lunch, Mrs. Cobb. It's on the house as a small wedding gift."

Ben, whether he liked it or not, was a mover and a shaker in Chicago. Roger appeared friendly and wanted to impress me. The new wife of a celebrity could help business tremendously.

My critical eye sharpened in a restaurant. A horseshoe bar dominated the center of the room. The people surrounding us conducted business. The clientele wasn't there to eat. They were there to work. I surveyed Ben in these different surroundings: the power suit, crisp white shirt, pure silk tie. Stoic expression as he perused the menu. His profession: corporate board member, visiting head of state, or power broker at large. I married a chameleon, fitting in everywhere.

"You intimidate people," I said.

"I know. I got it from my Dad. Does it upset you?"

"No, I'm determined to get used to it."

He took my hand and kissed it.

"Please try hard."

After lunch, we had an hour to kill before the doctor's appointment.

"You're going to need maternity clothes soon," he said.

"We'll look, but no buying yet."

Too superstitious.

He put his arm around me.

"Everything is going to be fine. Easy pregnancy, carefree delivery, wedded bliss. We'll just float for the rest of our lives. If shopping spooks you, how about taking a tour of the museum site?" he asked.

I had only seen the plans not the actual construction.

"Absolutely."

The square block had been walled off with protective scaffolding over the sidewalks. The work site was noisy, dirty, and progressing.

Ben marched over to the wall and opened the door with a key. The foreman appeared and yelled conversation.

Crews were shoring up the sides. The skeleton of the building rose to the sky. Sparks flew from the steel beams. I closed my eyes and tried to imagine the finished product.

The deafening machinery became children's laughter. The hanging rods were beautifully decorated walls. Mobiles hung from the ceiling. A little boy approached me with a flower. I bent down, took the flower, and kissed his cheek.

"See you soon," he whispered.

"Alexia, what are you doing?"

Ben had been squatting on the ground checking some invoices with the foreman when I leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"Newlyweds are the best," the foreman said.

I turned beet red as we left.

"I'm sorry. I daydreamed, and I thought you were our son. I have been seeing him in my mind."

"Pregnant women are fascinating," Ben said.

"Or crazy."

"The doctor will render the verdict."

I braced myself in the back of the cab. My stomach flipped. I shouldn't have had the corned beef sandwich with sauerkraut, whole dill pickle, and chocolate peanut butter pie.

He took my cold hand and kissed it.

"Good thoughts. Positive thinking. Deep breathing. Relax," he said as he rubbed my shoulders.

"Practicing to be my birthing coach?"

"Women have had babies forever. Don't worry. You'll be a great mother. He couldn't ask for better."

I nodded my head in agreement as the tears flowed down my face. When we arrived at the doctor's office, I was shaky. Ben went to the receptionist and explained my condition.

"First time moms are a handful, Dad. Get used to it. Bring her in the side room. She'll be able to calm down faster without an audience."

She led us into the examining room and handed Ben the trash can. I promptly deposited my lunch in it. He wet a paper towel and dabbed my face.

"This reminds me of my senior year of high school. We would drink till somebody puked. It always felt better after," Ben said.

I feigned a weak smile.

The nurse put the can in the hall. Then she asked questions, checked my vitals, handed me a gown and sheet, and asked Ben to leave.

"I beg your pardon," he said.

"The doctor will want to examine your wife. If she has any questions or concerns to discuss with him, she's entitled to some privacy."

"I'm the reason she's here."

"I understand, sir."

We heard voices in the hall and a slight knock on the door.

Just then, the doctor appeared. "Ben, go and fill out the paperwork. Give Alexia some space. I have to examine her, and I don't need you hovering over my shoulder," Tad said.

"I've seen everything she's got."

"Out."

He frowned, stood toe-to-toe with Tad, and left.

"I don't envy you, Alexia. You'll have an infant and a three-year-old. Before you change, you should be in another examination room. Come down the hall with me," Tad said.

I picked up my purse and followed. The next room had an ultrasound machine, a plastic bottle oozing blue gel, and a torpedo wearing a condom.

"It's ominous, but useful. Everything off and I'll be back," Tad said.

I hated going to the dentist, but the gynecologist came in as a close second. Too many pointy metal stakes in my private parts. Pregnancy meant multiple visits instead of once a year. Oh, joy. I undressed, put on the fashionable gown and matching sheet, and plopped myself on the cushioned bench. The stirrups stretched out before me. My stomach calmed, but my nerves were shot.