First off sorry for the delays guys…end of august was time for the annual family get togethers…aka family vacations from hell, then we were called back to Quantico for our two week USMC reserve training…Secondly, this is no longer a kaci&kam production. remember we told you a few chaps back that we brought in someone new...well this is now a KHK production. Kaci/Heather(keezy)/Kam. hope you like it...….so here it is
Chapter 8
By the time they arrived at the Topaz Room, Serena had put Jadeite and his vague threats out of her mind. Darien looked especially handsome in a dark gray suit and a blue shirt that matched his eyes. More than one woman stared at him as he led Serena to a window table in the elegant restaurant with a view of the city.
After the waiter had brought them each a drink, Darien raised his glass in a toast. "Here's to the end of all of our problems."
Serena dutifully raised her own glass, but she was abruptly reminded that their problems weren't over. Jadeite was a menacing shadow hanging over them.
Darien caught the troubled expression that crossed her expressive face. "Is anything wrong, Ser?"
"No, nothing." She turned her head to look out the window. "Isn't that a beautiful view?"
"Don't change the subject." He reached over and took her hand. "Are you feeling badly about giving up Matt?"
"I'll miss him," she admitted. "He changed my life drastically."
"Look on the bright side. It should be a lot easier now. You've had to put your personal life on hold. There must be some frustrated men out there," Darien remarked casually.
"Dozens of them, all threatening suicide if I don't go out with them." She smiled.
"I'm serious."
"You don't think I am?"
"I think you could fill a man's head so completely there wouldn't be room for anyone else," Darien said in a deepened voice.
"You're a man, and I wasn't enough to drive Matt out of your mind." She was careful to keep her voice light.
"What can I say to convince you that my feelings for the two of you are quite different?"
"I believe that," she said dryly.
"You know very well what I mean. I'm not here tonight because of Matt."
That was debatable, but it would be futile to pursue it. "Then let's not talk about him. Tell me about all the women who are waiting impatiently to get you back."
"Why would I talk about other women, when I'm with the loveliest of all?"
"I'll tell you about mine, if you tell me about yours," Serena said mischievously.
Darien laughed. "It's a deal, if you go first. Who was your first date?"
"You're really going back in time. Okay, his name was Melvin Butlers and he was the handsomest boy I the seventh grade."
"Come on! How could he be, with a name like Melvin Butlers?"
"Names are simply something wished on you by your parents. They don't have anything to do with who you are. Tom Cruise was just as handsome when his name was his name was Thomas Cruise Mapother IV. Same goes for Archibald Leach, or should I say Cary Grant?"
"Then why'd they change it?"
"Maybe because it wouldn't fit on a theater marquee."
"Okay, I'll buy that, if only because I want to hear the rest of the story."
"It has a sad ending. My best friend, Molly Baker, made a play for Melvin and he dumped me."
"What a jerk! He probably grew up to an auditor for the Internal Revenue Service. You were will rid of him."
"Now it's your turn," Serena said. "But I want to hear about your more recent conquests."
"A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell."
"I wasn't asking for the intimate details," she protested.
"But you're positive that all of my dates are filled with them. I don't know where you got the idea that I spend all my time having sex."
"You talk about it a lot," she said defensively.
"Some people say talking is a substitute for doing." He laughed.
"I don't think you practice celibacy."
"I'm an adult male, Ser, not a schoolboy. Are you a virgin?"
Her cheeks bloomed like roses. "That's a very personal question!"
"I didn't object when you commented on my sex life," he said calmly.
"You're right, I shouldn't have." Serena wondered how conversations with Darien got around to sex so often. "Let's change the subject."
"Why does it bother you so much to talk about making love? It's the most ultimate bonding between a man and a woman."
"If they care about each other," she corrected him.
"I thought that was understood. There is not experience quite like holding that special person in your arms and hearing her call out your name as you bring her pleasure."
Darien's eyes held hers, urging her to fantasize along with him. It was almost impossible not to. She knew instinctively how it would be. His seductive hands would caress her body and encourage her to do the same to him. His skin would be smooth over hard muscles that would grow taut as the passion climbed.
With an effort, Serena forced herself to sit back in her chair and take a deep breath. "I'm tempted to go to bed with you just so you'll stop trying to convince me," she said with a shaky laugh.
"I don't want to take you to bed. I want to make love to you. I hope one day you'll want me as much as I want you. That's the only way it would be any good."
Before she had a chance to answer, the waiter came over to take their order. After he left, Darien didn't return to the subject.
For the rest of the evening he was utterly charming. Serena was wary at first, but Darien was the perfect date. He told her funny stories and kept her so amused that the evening flew by.
When she realized what time it was, Serena gasped. "I had no idea it was so late! We've been talking for hours."
"And we didn't have a single argument," he teased. "We're making progress."
"I feel guilty for enjoying myself so much that I forgot about Matt. He should have been in bed hours ago."
"It's too bad you didn't let Mother keep him overnight. You still can. We could call her. She'd be delighted."
"He doesn't have his pajamas, and I told him I'd be back for him. Besides, you were the one who said he should have a routine he can count on."
"I guess you're right," Darien answered reluctantly. "I'll get the check."
When they reached the Shields house, Joan was reading in the den, a wood-paneled room with a Persian rug and impressive oil paintings on the walls. A cheery fire in the fireplace made the room seem homey in spite of its elegance.
"I'm sorry we're so late," Serena apologized.
"It was my fault," Darien said. "Serena was such a good audience that I lost track of time."
"We both did," she said.
"That's quite alright," Joan assured them. "Matt and I had a lovely time together. He ate all of his dinner and he taught me to play Go Fish."
"Where is he?" Serena asked, glancing around.
"He was falling asleep, so I took him upstairs and put him down on Seiya's bed. Are you sure you don't want to leave him here?" Joan asked wistfully.
As Serena hesitated, not knowing how to refuse the older woman, Darien said, "There will be lots of other nights, Mother. We don't want to make it harder on Serena. She's been more than generous already."
"You're right, of course," Joan said. "His shoes are at the foot of the bed, and be sure you don't forget his teddy bear."
"We'd have to come back for it," Serena laughed. "He and that bear are inseparable."
"You'd better give me a blanket to wrap Matt in," Darien said. "The fog has rolled in and it's wet and chilly out."
Matt awakened when Darien lifted him, but he went back to sleep immediately, hooking an arm trustingly around Darien's neck. Serena followed them downstairs, carrying the little boy's shoes and teddy bear.
They could be any young couple picking up their son at Grandma's house after a night on the town, she thought poignantly. Which showed how deceiving appearances could be.
Serena held the sleeping child on her lap during the ride home, then Darien carried him into her apartment.
After Matt was tucked into bed they returned to the living room where Darien relaxed in an armchair, resting his head on the back and stretching out his long legs.
"This is beginning to feel like home," he commented.
"I imagine it's a lot smaller than your apartment," she said.
"The size isn't important." He smiled warmly at her. "It's whom you share it with."
Serena knew Darien was just feeling mellow. He didn't want to share his space with anyone on a permanent basis.
"It must have been difficult to move into an apartment after living in your parents' big house," she remarked.
"Not really. I can leave my socks and shorts on the floor in my own place." He grinned.
"I can't imagine you doing that."
Darien was always so fastidious and well-groomed. Even this afternoon, in jeans and a sweatshirt, he'd looked like an ad for casual chic in some upscale men's magazine. His public image couldn't be that different from his private one.
"People who live alone don't have to be neat," he said. "Some of the bonuses are being able to toss your bath towel over the rod without folding it neatly and walking around the apartment in the nude. Don't tell me you never do things like that."
"My apartment might not always be as neat as I'd like it, but I certainly don't walk around naked."
"Why not?"
"Because it's a wonderfully free feeling. You're welcome to come over and be my roommate for a few days," he said mischievously. "I guarantee it would get rid of all your inhibitions.
"I couldn't be roomies with a man who didn't fold his towel neatly." She kept her voice light.
"I'd be willing to change my ways."
"I wouldn't want to bet on it," she answered dryly.
"Have I ever lied to you?"
"Not that I know of, but you could be so adept at it that I can't tell," she joked, rising from the couch. "I think I'll make coffee."
As she walked by his chair, Darien caught her wrist and toppled her onto his lap. "Forget the coffee," he said. "I want to talk seriously for a minute." When Serena tried to get up, he restrained her with an arm around her waist. "We joke around a lot, but I hope you know that when it comes to important things, I'm dead serious."
If he was trying to get her attention, he'd succeeded! She always reacted physically to Darien—his arm around her shoulders, his hand squeezing hers. Those things didn't mean any more than this did, but the close contact with his disturbingly masculine body was making her pulse race.
"Let me up, Darien!" She struggled against his restraining arm.
"After I'm sure we understand each other." He captured her chin with his fingers, immobilizing her even more. "My family owes a great deal to you. Do you really think I'd pay you back by trying to take advantage of you?"
"I guess not." She tried to avoid looking at him, which was difficult since their faces were so close.
"That's not exactly a vote of confidence," he said wryly.
"Well, you must admit you do make a lot of suggestive remarks."
"I suppose I do, but it's difficult no to. You're very lovely." His grip on her chin loosened, but he didn't remove his hand. "I'm just sorry that I've made you uncomfortable. That was never my intention."
"I knew you were joking," she said carefully. "But I'm not good at sexual games."
"I think you'd be very good," he teased. "In fact, I think you'd be terrific."
Darien had removed both his hand and his arm. Serena was free to get up, but she couldn't seem to move—because she didn't want to. It was foolish and foolhardy, but this was where she wanted to be, in Darien's arms.
His teasing expression changed as he gazed down and her lambent face. Serena's head was pillowed on his shoulder, long lashes veiling her eyes, her lips parted invitingly.
Darien drew in his breath sharply. "Serena, darling," he said in a husky voice. "I hope I'm not getting my signals mixed."
He lowered his head slowly, almost tentatively, tantalizing her with his indecision. Serena flung an arm around his neck impatiently and pulled his head down. When their lips touched, she uttered a small sound of satisfaction.
Darien's eyes blazed triumphantly as he tightened the embrace, crushing her breasts to the hard wall of his chest. His mouth captured hers possessively and his tongue entered her parted lips for a probing exploration that made her entire body throb.
Serena clung to him with a mindless desire, lost in the male magnetism of him. She'd never wanted any man with this intensity.
Darien finally dragged his mouth away and buried his face in her fragrant hair. "Sweet, little Serena. I've wanted to do this for such a long time."
"I have, too," she whispered, but too softly for him to hear.
He kissed her eyelids, then his lips slid down her cheek to the corner of her mouth. His kiss was less urgent this time, but more seductive—a promise of what was to come. Serena drew in her breath sharply as his hand slid under her dress and he slowly began to draw patterns on the small of her back.
The rest of the world ceased to exist for both of them; nothing mattered except each other. The rising excitement was mounting like a rocket about to explode. At first they barely heard Matt call. It was a distant sound intruding on their private paradise.
Then he called again. "Serena! Where are you? I can't find Teddy?"
Darien and Serena stared at each other in bewilderment for a moment, as they were wrenched back to earth. Then reality set in and they both jumped up and hurried into the bedroom.
"It's alright, sweetie, we're here." Serena sat on the edge of the bed and put her arms around the little boy while Darien smoothed his hair reassuringly.
"I want Teddy," Matt wailed. "Where is he?"
"We must have left him at Mother's house," Darien said to Serena.
"No, I gathered him up, along with Matt's shoes," she said. "I simply forgot to bring him upstairs."
"Teddy's losted again." Tears ran down the child's face.
"He isn't lost, he's just downstairs in the car," Darien said reassuringly. "I'll go down and get him and be right back."
Matt's tears stopped, but he continued to look anxious until Darien returned with the stuffed toy. A smile lit up his face when the bear was placed in his outstretched arms.
"See? You got all upset over nothing," Serena said, tucking the covers around the little boy. "Go back to sleep now."
"I want a drink of water first."
While Darien went to get it, Matt crooned happily to his bear. He was wide-awake now and reluctant to go back to sleep. It took a good fifteen minutes before the adults could convince him that Teddy was sleepy even if he wasn't, so he'd have to stay in bed.
When Darien and Serena finally returned to the living room, Darien said wryly, "Talk about you bad timing!"
She avoided looking at him. Matt's timing was just right. Serena didn't want to think about what would have happened in another couple of minutes.
"I suppose he'll go back to sleep," she remarked.
"I don't think we should count on it."
She darted a quick look at him. Did Darien think she wanted to take up where they left off? "Well… it's getting late," she remarked.
"Yea, I should leave—unfortunately."
As Darien moved toward her, Serena sidled around him and went to the from door. "It's been a lovely day," she said formally. "Thanks for everything."
"I wish it could have ended differently."
He reached for her, but she took a step back. "It might have been worse," she answered in an attempt at lightness. "You could have had to drive back to your mother's to get Teddy."
Darien looked at her with a puzzled frown. "What's wrong, Sere?"
"Not a thing, now that Matt had his bear. I wonder if he's too attached to it. Maybe it's a substitute for the real-life friends he actually wants."
"Forget the damn bear! What happened between us, Sere? A short time ago we were on the verge of making love. Now you're treating me like a guest who's overstayed his welcome. Why?"
"You're imagining things," she said dismissively.
"Am I? Then why won't you let me kiss you goodnight?"
"It's late and I'm tired, Darien. Can't we discuss this some other time?"
"No. I want to find out what I did wrong."
"Nothing!" When he simply waited in silence, she said reluctantly, "I just realized that what almost happened between us would have been a mistake."
"You didn't feel that way when you were in my arms. You were a willing participant. I didn't seduce you, Serena."
"I didn't say you did." Her cheeks flushed as she remembered just how eager she'd been.
Darien put his hands on her shoulders and kept them there, even though she stiffened warily. "You've obviously changed your mind. I don't know why, and I can see you're not going to tell me. It's too bad. I think we would have been quite wonderful together, but it's your decision. As I told you before, I always take no for an answer."
"I appreciate that," she said in a low voice.
"I hope this won't affect our friendship. I made a mistake, but I promise it won't happen again."
"It wasn't anyone's fault," Serena murmured. "But maybe it would be better if we didn't see each other anymore. Like on a date, I mean. You can see Matt, of course."
"You don't trust me to keep my word?"
"I'm sure you always do. That has nothing to do with it. I just think it would be …less awkward."
"I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable. I'll try to remedy that in the future."
Which meant he intended to revert to their former casual relationship. Serena didn't think she could manage it, but there was no need to tell him that now. She could always make up an excuse the next time he asked her for a date.
"I'll pick you up tomorrow around eleven-thirty." When she gave him a startled look, Darien said, "We're taking Matt to a birthday party, remember?"
"I guess I forgot for a minute."
He smiled sardonically. "It's understandable after everything else that's happened here tonight. Stop worrying about it, Sere," he said more gently. "I'd like to have been your lover, but I'll settle for being your friend."
Serena breathed a sigh of relief after Darien left. He was usually as tenacious as a bulldog when he wanted answers, and she couldn't have held out much longer. But Darien must never know the real reason she didn't want to see him anymore—that she'd fallen in love with him.
There was no use denying it any longer. She'd told herself it was merely sexual attraction, that Darien was an outstandingly handsome man with great animal magnetism. That was true, but she wanted more from him than sex. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him and have his children.
Unfortunately Darien didn't want to be tied down to one woman. He was more that willing to have an affair with her, but that's all it would be to him. When the novelty wore off there would be another woman, and another one after that.
Serena knew she'd be devastated if—or rather, when—Darien left her. She'd had a small tasted tonight of the ecstasy he could bring. How could she give him up after knowing the full power of him?
It was late by the time Serena dragged herself off the couch and went to bed. Her entire body ached for Darien, but that wasn't to be, so she'd better get used to it, she told herself.
Matt was up early, bright and chipper in spite of his disturbed night. "Get up, Serena. We have to go to a birthday party."
She looked at the clock, groaned and put a pillow over her head. "Go back to sleep. It's practically the middle of the night."
"No, it isn't. It's morning, and Uncle Darien said he'd be here early. We have to get dressed."
That was enough to wake her completely. As memories of the night before washed over her, Serena didn't want to get out of bed. How was she going to get through another day with Darien?
"Serena, come on." Matt pulled the covers back.
Luckily there wasn't time to dwell on her problems after that. She had to fix breakfast for Matt and help him get dressed. Then she had to clean up the kitchen and get herself dressed.
Serena didn't know what one wore to a children's birthday party. She didn't want to get too dressed up, but she couldn't wear the usual Joans that were her uniform on weekends. Finally she settled on a pleated pink silk skirt, a matching sweater and high-heeled pumps. The outfit was casual, but not too much so—she hoped.
Darien arrived early, as he'd promised, which was a blessing in one way. Matt had been driving her crazy all morning, asking how soon Uncle Darien would get there.
Serena was tense about meeting Darien again. They'd parted on good terms, but the atmosphere between them was bound to be strained. Surprisingly, she was wrong.
Darien acted the same way toward her as he had prior to the incident the night before. Nothing in his manner suggested the man who'd kissed her so passionately while caressing her body until it throbbed with desire. It didn't seem possible they'd almost made love.
Darien wasn't just pleasant that morning. He was completely natural, complimenting her appearance in his usual teasing way, casually discussing their plans for the day. Obviously their romantic encounter hadn't made much of an impression, Serena thought bitterly. On him anyway.
Okay, fine, she could match his cool. "Should I make some coffee to keep us awake?" she asked jokingly.
Matt objects before Darien could answer. "No, we have to go! We'll be late for the party."
"There's plenty of time," Serena assured him. "It doesn't start for another hour."
"That's too long. I wanna go now!"
"We could go over to Mother's," Darien remarked. "She wouldn't mind if we're early. In fact, she'll be delighted."
"I guess we might as well." Serena sighed. "Matt has been champing at the bit since it got light out."
"I know this isn't the way you'd prefer to spend your Sunday," Darien said. "I don't suppose you have to be there. Would you rather I took him without you?"
Is that what he would prefer? The thought was painful, but no more so than the whole situation. Maybe it was the best solution.
""If that's what you'd like," she said carelessly.
"I'd like to be with you." He smiled. "I haven't made any secret of it."
"Teddy and I are ready." Matt looked hopefully at the two adults.
"Okay, champ, we're leaving." Darien gave Serena a laughing glance. "You had your choice," he told her. "Now you're stuck with it. We're all going to a birthday party."
The party was at another of the large homes near Joan's in Pacific Heights. It was as expensive as hers, but not as serenely uncluttered. Rita and her husband, Chad, had two children.
The house was filled with noise and laughter, although most of the children were outside in the spacious backyard. Their parents were milling around inside, at what looked like a big cocktail party.
"Darien! How good to see you again." Rita detached herself from a group and came over to give him a kiss on the cheek.
After all the introductions and greetings had been exchanged, Rita turned her attention to Matt. "He looks like his father," she commented softly.
Matt was a little daunted by all the people and the attention being directed at him. He clung silently to Joan's hand.
"I'm so glad you could come today, Matt," Rita told him. "The children are outside playing games. Would you like to go out and play with them?"
When the little boy nodded, Joan said, "I'll take him. You and Darien stay here and catch up on all the news."
"Rita and Chad and I grew up together," Darien explained to Serena, as Chad joined their group.
"And now we see more of his mother than we do of him," Rita commented, after introducing Serena to her husband.
"Why would Darien want to hang around with old married people? He has better things to do with his time," Chad said, giving Serena an admiring glance.
"You haven't been wasting your time." Darien grinned. "You have two beautiful children."
"We're way ahead of you," Rita said. "Cate, the birthday girl, is four and Ryan is three. They're great kids. I can highly recommend parenthood."
"You're rushing things a bit," Darien said. "I'm the old-fashioned type. I want a wife first."
"That sounds like his intentions are honorable," Chad said to Serena.
"He's changed a bit since you knew him," she answered lightly. "Darien is a confirmed bachelor."
"There's no such thing," Rita said. "Men only think they don't want to get married. It's up to women to show them what sad, lonely lives they're leading."
"You're right," Chad chuckled. "My heart breaks when I think of Darien going out every night with a beautiful woman, dancing and drinking champagne. What did he ever do to deserve such a fate?"
"And you wonder why I don't come around more often?" Darien asked dryly.
"I was only teasing and Chad is jealous," Rita said. "We love you, even if you are a carefree bachelor."
"Not as carefree as I used to be."
Rita's face sobered. "Joan told us that Matt is Seiya's son. It must have been a shock to find out that way. Do the police have any leads on his mother?"
"Nothing so far. At least, nothing they've told us."
Rita hesitated. "The newspaper didn't mention anything on Seiya."
After a glance at Darien's set face, Chad deftly steered the conversation in a different direction. "How did it feel to become an instant mother?" he asked Serena. "Or do you have children of your own?"
"No, but if they're all like Matt, I wouldn't mind having several," she answered.
"You might have second thoughts if you'd started with an infant. You skipped over the wet diapers and the middle-of-the-night feedings."
"He's putting you on," Rita said. "Chad is a doting father. He adores children."
"With a few notable exceptions," he said. "Look who's here, the Harunas and their little twin terrors."
Rita glanced over her shoulder. "I was beginning to think they weren't coming."
"I always admired that optimistic streak in you," her husband grinned.
"Oh well, if I'm lucky I can steer them outside before they break something. Get Serena a drink, Darien. The bar is set up in the den." With a resigned look, Rita went to greet the newcomers.
"What are all the adults doing here?" Darien asked Chad. "Birthday parties used to be for kids. We had cake and ice cream and played Pin the Tail on the Donkey. No big deal. Our parents dropped us off and picked us up when the party was over."
"You're living in the past," Chad told him. "Now everything is supposed to be a shared family experience." When Darien stared at him with a raised eyebrow, Chad laughed. "Hey, I don't make the rules. I just supply the food and drinks." One of the guests called to him, and he excused himself.
"I guess we might as well get a drink," Darien remarked to Serena. As they walked toward the den, he said, "I suppose you're wondering why I didn't tell them about Seiya."
"It's a difficult thing to talk about."
"They'll find out soon enough," he said moodily. "I just didn't think this was the time or the place."
"I can understand that. You don't have anything to tell them yet, anyway. I mean, you don't really know what happened to Mina or your brother."
"I hope Mina is still alive. I wish I could believe Seiya is, but I'm sure she told me the truth about him."
Serena wished she could say something to ease his pain, but platitudes wouldn't help. The picture was bleak for both of Matt's parents. Darien was too intelligent not to know that. Fortunately his friends provided a diversion.
The den was even noisier and more crowded than the living room. Couples were clustered around the bar and a group of men were watching a baseball game on a large-screen television in the corner.
As soon as Darien entered the room, people came over to say hello. There were the usual remarks about his elusiveness, while the women gave Serena a covert examination and the men eyed her with approval.
"It's good to see you again, Darien," a man named Rubeus Warren said. "I ran into Damon Mourney the other day and he asked about you."
"How is old Damon?" Darien smiled. "Still working on his golf game and pushing junk bonds?"
"In that order," another man, named Bruce, chuckled.
"When he runs out of friends, he'll have to get a real job," Jeff's wife, Catzi, remarked.
They talked about mutual acquaintances, unconsciously leaving Serena out. It didn't bother her, since they'd taken Darien's mind off his brother. She was happy to see him so much more relaxed.
Darien realized belatedly that they were excluding her. "I'm sorry, babe. Forgive me for being rude. You're not interested in a lot of people you don't know. Some of them don't even interest me."
"It's quite all right," she answered. "You haven't seen each other in a while. Why don't you stay here and visit with your friends while I go outside and see how Matt is getting along."
"I'll go with you," he said.
"It isn't necessary," she insisted.
"I know that, but I want to." Taking her hand, Darien said to his friends, "I'll catch up with you later."
Catzi gave them a speculative look. "Give us a call. Maybe four of us can go out to dinner one night."
She clearly thought they were having a heavy romance. Serena could have told her appearances were deceiving.
The backyard was very festive. Long tables, gaily decorated with paper tablecloths and clusters of balloons, were set up in one corner of the spacious property. Dozens of excited children were watching a magician perform in the center of the lawn, while a couple of clowns with red noses and orange hair were wandering through the crowd, making the youngsters laugh.
A group of chairs were clustered under a large shade tree. They were occupied by older women, grandmothers and aunts, who watched the festivities indulgently. Joan was among the group.
Darien and Serena strolled over to her. "Is Matt doing okay?" he asked his mother.
"He's having such a good time," she answered. "It's a pleasure to watch him."
"Where is he?" Serena asked. "They move around so much I can't locate him."
"That's what makes birthday parties so much fun." Darien put an arm around her and pointed. "See? There he is. The one with chocolate all over his shirt."
"Another trip to the Laundromat," she groaned. "I should make you do the wash this time."
An elderly woman was watching them with interest. "I haven't seen your son in years, Joan," she said. "He certainly turned out to be a handsome young man."
"I like to think so." Joan smiled.
"I'll bet you don't remember me, do you?" the woman asked Darien archly.
He looked to his mother for help and she came to the rescue. "Of course he does," Joan said smoothly. "You remember Mrs. Worthington, Darien, Chad's grandmother?"
"It's been a long time, Mrs. Worthington, and you're looking as beautiful as ever," he said.
"That kind of flattery only works with pretty girls like your wife," she answered, looking pleased.
"We're not married," Serena said swiftly.
"Oh, I didn't realize." The elderly woman gazed at them with a slight frown, noticing Darien's arm around Serena and her flushed cheeks. Then the woman's face cleared. "You haven't told anyone yet, is that it? Oh dear, I hope I haven't let the cat out of the bag. You knew about their engagement, didn't you Joan?"
"No, we hadn't gotten around to telling her yet." Darien's eyes sparkled mischievously.
"I can't tell you how terrible I feel!" Mrs. Worthington exclaimed.
"It's quite alright," Joan soothed, giving her son a reproving look. "I would appreciate it, though, if you didn't tell anyone just yet."
"I won't tell a soul," the other woman promised.
Joan rose and beckoned to Darien. He and Serena followed her to another part of the garden.
"It was very unkind of you to make fun of an old lady," Joan told him.
"I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention. It just struck me as funny."
"You have a weird sense of humor," Serena said stiffly.
"Now I've really done it," Darien muttered. "What I meant was, her reason for thinking we were married amused me. I assume it was the fact that I had my arm around you."
"Estelle Worthington is an elderly woman," Joan said. "In her day, public displays of affection were only indulged in by married or engaged couples. So if you and Serena weren't married, then you must be engaged. I suppose it is rather amusing in light of today's excesses." Joan smiled.
"See, Mother, forgives me." Darien took Serena's hands. "Do you?"
"I've forgiven you for everything else," she said wryly. "What's one more thing?"
"Have you been harassing this dear girl?" Joan demanded.
"Not lately—at least not that I can remember." Darien sighed. "This just isn't my day."
"At least Matt is having a good time," Serena said. "That's why we're here."
"How long do these things last?" Darien asked his mother.
"Quite a while," she answered. "They haven't had ice cream and cake yet, or opened the presents." When Darien groaned, she said, "You and Serena don't have to stay."
"You said we should be here so Matt wouldn't be the only one without any parent figures."
"I thought he might feel a little strange," Joan said. "But he's having such a good time that I don't think he cares whether you're here or not. You can go over and say hello, but after that there's no reason for you to stay. Why don't you and Serena go somewhere for an hour or two?"
"That sound like a winner. How about it, Ser?"
"I guess it would be alright, if Matt doesn't really need us," she answered slowly. Serena wasn't anxious to be alone with Darien, but she wasn't happy that his friends thought they were having an affair. Only old Mrs. Worthington believed his intentions to be honorable.
"Mother will be here to keep an eye on Matt," Darien said. "Come on, let's try to separate him from the herd."
Matt barely had time to say hello. "You know what? A man pulled a real live rabbit out of a hat!" he said excitedly. "And now we're gonna play some more games, and then we're gonna have ice cream and cake."
Serena smiled at his animated face. "I'm glad you're having such a good time."
"We're going to leave for a little while," Darien said. "But Auntie Joan will be here if you need anything."
"Yeah, okay. I gotta go now or I'll miss my turn. Bye."
"Our little boy doesn't need us anymore." Darien chuckled as Matt ran to join his new friends.
"That just goes to prove that nobody's indispensable," she said ruefully.
"I wouldn't say that." He turned his head to look at her as they went out the side gate. "A person can get attached to someone in a remarkably short time."
Serena was looking down at the uneven flagstone path so her high heels wouldn't get caught in the cracks. "Matt is dependent on me now, but that doesn't mean he's formed an attachment—which is fortunate. He won't mind leaving me when the time comes."
"I think you underestimate yourself," Darien murmured.
"No, the transition will be smooth. You'll see."
He didn't comment, because they'd reached the car. When they were inside, Darien said, "Where do you want to go?"
"Wherever you like."
"That's no answer. What do you feel like doing?"
"Nothing special. Whatever you want," she said.
"One of us had to make a decision or we'll just sit here for an hour. I always choose where we're going, now it's your turn."
"I really don't care, so let me put it this way…What would you be doing today if you didn't have to take Matt to this party?"
"It's been a rough week. I'd probably be flaked out watching the finals of the golf match on television."
"That's fine with me," Serena said. "Let's go to my apartment and turn on the TV."
"That's not very exciting for you," he protested.
"I've had all the excitement I can take lately," she said dryly. "I'd welcome a chance to lie down and do nothing. I might even take a short nap."
"Well, okay, if you're sure." Darien turned the ignition key. "But why don't we got to my place instead of yours? It's closer."
"Sure, why not? I know you don't have an ulterior motive. I can't compete against a championship golf match," Serena joked.
"Don't be too sure." He smiled. "I might be a sports nut, but I'm not a fanantic."
……
Once again sorry for the delays guys…we'll try to make it up to you and get out the next couple chaps promptly….so what'd you think? And what is gonna happen when they get to the apartment? You know what to do…till next time. Kaci