Emma couldn't believe it. Waking up on Saturday morning and a
sprinkler in the back was sprouting what looked like Old Faithful all over
her backyard. The noise had awakened her when it had hit the window. She
put on a robe and managed to get the water turned off. Normally she would
call Gary. He usually would come over when a household emergency came up,
even though he made sure Emma knew what an inconvenience it was for him.
Emma stood outside overlooking the mess, and Melody joined her, "You better
call Dad."
Why did that always have to be the answer? Wasn't it time to sever that whole 'save me, Gary.' routine. "Maybe I'll call a handyman."
Melody looked at her. "We can't afford it."
Melody was right. Their finances weren't in the best shape, and a visit from some handyman could set them back quite a bit. She had to figure out something, since not having water this weekend was out of the question. She thought of Stanley. She didn't know what he knew about sprinklers or anything like this. But she knew he had just finished remodeling his bedroom and adding a bath. He must know something. Melody watched her mom's expression change. Like a light bulb had gone off over her head, just like in the cartoons.
"Stanley."
"What does he know about stuff like this?"
"I don't know. But he has to know something." Her mom hadn't mentioned him once since last Sunday. Melody and her mom had spent the whole week together. Kyle had been working most of the days and they went shopping and to the movies. Went out to lunch. It had been brilliant. Today Melody had plans with friends. They were going to the mall and to a movie. And now she wished she could stay here. She didn't want him coming over, not when she wasn't here.
A horn honked from outside, it was Tanya's mom, who was taking a few of the girls to the mall. Emma gave her daughter a quick kiss on the cheek, "you have a good time."
"What if i want to come home early?"
"Call me. No problem. It looks like I will be home with this problem all day." Emma's mind was preoccupied and didn't notice Melody's melancholy mood. -
* * * * * *
Stanley had decided to close the shop for Easter weekend. Brent had plans with Chelsea, and it had been slow all week. It wasn't like he needed the money. He was going to enjoy sleeping in and relaxing. Of course Holly would probably plan something but it was just nice lying in bed knowing you didn't' have to get up. The phone rang and he picked it up fairly quickly. "Hello"
Emma jumped in when she heard his voice, no greeting whatsoever."Stanley, I have a problem. And I know I shouldn't' be calling you on your day off. In fact I've probably woken you up and I'm sorry.. But...."
Stanley smiled, and interrupted, " 'Good morning, Stanley.' " he imitated her voice, "Well, good morning, Emma. It's so lovely to hear you ranting at..." he looked at his clock, " 10am on a beautiful Saturday morning. Can't think of anything I would like to hear more."
She felt embarrassed, but knew he was teasing. "I'm sorry. That was really rude. Can we start again?"
"Sure. Good morning, Emma."
"Good morning, Stanley. I haven't disturbed you, have I?"
"Well, as a matter of fact I have a bevy of beauts in my bed. But Just tell me you haven't been able to cope without me all week and I 'll gladly tell them to leave. On one condition, you take their place."
Emma smiled but she had to concentrate on her problem. "Sounds inviting but..."
"I don't like the sound of that but."
"I have a problem, I had Old Faithful erupt in my backyard earlier, I think I have a broken sprinkler head or something. I don't know anything about these kind of things." She felt like a desperate needy female once again. "I had to shut the water off and I can't live without water for the weekend. Calling someone out out on a holiday weekend, will cost me a fortune."
"Why didn't' you just say you needed me?"
"I need you, Stanley." she added a little sexiness to her voice.
"I'm there." He replied lowering his voice to a sexy whisper.
"Seriously?"
"Of course. I'm sure I can handle the problem. Do you mind me bringing Holly?"
"Of course not."
"Great. Even better idea, after I fix the problem I'll take you and the kids out to dinner. No time like the present to get them used to me being around. What do you think?"
Emma still had apprehensions about Melody. She had told Stanley that she needed some time with Melody. And Stanley had just assumed a week was plenty of time. Was he in for a surprise. But he was right. They needed to spend some time together.
"Sounds wonderful."
"Give me an hour, and I'll be there."
"Thanks."
"I want you to be able to call me for anything. Okay? I know how you are. Wanting to be independent, and I think that's great. But I want to be able to help you out. Whenever you need me."
She had a hard time believing this guy was for real half the time. There was silence on her end, "Have I lost you, Em?"
"No, just thinking..."
"About needing me." He smiled.
"I'll see you in an hour, Stanley. Goodbye." She smiled as she hung up the phone, if he only knew!
* * * * * *
Stanley went straight to work on the problem upon arrival. He sussed out that a pipe was probably rotten and needed replacing. So a trip to Home Depot was inevitable. Kyle, who normally would be either still in bed or at the computer, had been interested in Stanley's assessment of the problem and Emma was amazed that her son was actually listening to every word involving the procedure of sorting it out. When Stanley said he needed to go to Home Depot, Kyle asked to tag along. Stanley didn't think anything of it, but he looked at Emma's quizzical expression and while Kyle was getting his shoes he questioned her.
"You don't want Kyle going with me?":
"No, that's not it. I'm pleased. You don't get it. He has never been interested in anything to do with the house."
"Surely he helped Gary, while growing up."
'No. They didn't have that kind of relationship. Never did anything together." She smiled at him, "He wants to be with you. He likes being with you."
"I'm not doing anything."
"I know. You're being you. And I think it's great."
Kyle came out and saw his mom's expression, almost like she was going to cry, "What's with you, mom? Why are you looking at me that way?"
"I think it's great you want to help Stanley."
"Don't read anything into it, okay? I just thought maybe I should know something about things like this. So I could help you out. And Stanley is great to learn from. Dad doesn't have the patience."
While the boys were gone, Emma and Holly decided to bake cookies. It was Holly's idea. She got to do this with their neighbor, Mary, but her dad wasn't into baking. And while Emma was not a cook. She could bake. When the guys arrived back with the necessary equipment, the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filled the air.
Stanley walked into the kitchen, " Chocolate Chip, My favorite." He tried to sneak a finger into the bowl of cookie dough, and Emma slapped the back of his hand with a spoon.
"Nothing for you, until I see some work being done."
"Oh, I see how it works. So is a cookie, all I'm going to get for my efforts." He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her towards him. Kyle standing behind them.
"Stanley, let go of me." Their faces inches from each other, Emma felt Kyle's glare, but turned to see him laughing.
"You know you should take this to the bedroom."
She had never heard her son speak like that, and Stanley laughed, "I think he has been hanging around Brent too much." Holly who had been peering into the lit oven at the first batch of cookies rising, looked up when she heard their laughter. She had been oblivious to it all.
"What's so funny?"
Kyle covered her eyes"You're much too young." Holly pushed his hands away, and Emma watched the two of them as if they were brother and sister.
"I know a lot more than you think." She walked away from him and started to put spoonfuls of dough onto another cookie sheet.
"Well, I'm going to start unloading the car, Stan, and when you think you can take your hands off my mom, maybe you could come help me." He smiled and walked out the door.
Stanley kissed her, Emma still feeling a bit awkward, noticed Holly wasn't paying any attention. Stan noticed her looking over his shoulder, "They don't care. Isn't this how it's supposed to be?"
It was strange. Holly went along with what she was doing, like Emma and her Dad having a hug and kiss in the kitchen was an everyday occurrence. And Kyle really surprised her. He was teasing Stanley about it. Something she never thought her 16 year old son would do.
"You can stop being so paranoid. The kids are accepting this."
"Melody isn't here."
"You really think she is going to cause problems."
"I don't think, Stanley, I know."
"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I am spending the day with the woman I love..."
Emma added... "doing menial labor."
"And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. You don't know, Emma.." he paused. He had thought about her all week. Had wanted to be with her. And this opportunity to be in her home with her kids meant a lot to him. Kyle peeked his head through the sliding screen door, seeing Stanley and his mom still in an embrace, Stanley's hands in her hair, his mom had her hands on his ass. This was a bit weird, he had to admit.
"Hey, Stan...are you coming?"
She gave him a little pat on the behind, "you better go. Take advantage of the free teenage labor, who knows how long this enthusiasm will last."
He let go, and then gave Holly a kiss on the cheek, whispering in her ear, "Sneak me out a cookie, when Emma's not looking."
She smiled, "Oh, Dad."
He winked at her and then headed out the door, winking at Emma too, "we haven't discussed payment..." he raised his eyebrows.
She threw an oven mitt at him and he dodged it. Smiling.
The afternoon went extremely well. Kyle managed to help Stanley the whole time. Emma and Holly brought out cookies and a drink, Stanley was now a filthy mess. The job had been a little more complicated then he first imagined. But he finally had the job finished, the water back on and things seemed to be in working order.
It was a beautiful spring day. Actually on the hot side, and Stanley didn't think twice as he took a sip of ice cold water, and then pulled his dirty sweaty T-shirt over his head. Emma had noticed one of her plants in need of a little more sunlight and picked it up to move it. Kyle right away noticed Stanley's tattoo, "You have a tattoo, how cool is that?"
Emma looked over at him, just realizing he had taken off his shirt. The tattoo was the last thing she was even looking at. Her eyes gravitated to his muscular torso. My god! Emma's mouth dropped open and the pot slipped out of her hands. Crashing unto the patio, breaking into pieces, the plant and dirt scattered everywhere. Stanley and Kyle both looked up. Holly, who had been playing with Scrap also stopped what she was doing. Emma's face turned red,
"A bug must have gotten in my eye or something.." they were all looking at her, " it startled me." She didn't even look at Stanley averted her eyes from him and knelt down to pick up the pieces. Kyle got up and went to the garage, bringing a broom and a dust pan.
"I'll get that mom." As he started sweeping up he mentioned Stanley's tattoo. "Did you see Stanley's tattoo, mom? It's way cool I know you have always said I can't have one, that I'm too young, but his is tasteful, you know."
Stanley sensed this was a topic that had been bounced around before and by Emma's expression, not one that was welcomed. Stanley commented, "Your mom is right, you are too young for a tattoo. And one thing you have to remember ,Kyle ,is once you get one, you're stuck with it."
Emma wasn't paying any attention to their conversation. Since Kyle was handling the mess, she stood up. She glanced over at Stanley briefly and he sensed her being a bit distant. He stood up and was about to approach her and she quickly thought of something to get her away from him, "Well, since you boys seem to have everything in control here, and I now have running water, I'm going to get that washing started." She darted off into the garage.
Kyle noticed she was acting weird and looked at Stanley. He was very confused, "What was that all about?"
"I don't know, Stanley, you're the expert on women."
"Oh. Yeah, I'm the expert." he laughed. He contemplated his next move and decided he needed to know what was going on. He followed her into the garage. Emma was standing over the washing machine, throwing in a load of clothes. Stanley leaned on the dryer, facing her,just watching. He was really wondering what was going on.
She sensed his glare, but didn't look at him, instead found herself babbling, "I have a lot of laundry to do. It's my own fault leaving it till the last couple days of vacation." She was trying to stay preoccupied, not even even a glance up at him which he found odd. Another shirt was added then taken out for examination, then re-added to the tub.
"It's the tattoo. You hate it."
She nervously laughed and continued to load the machine. "The tattoo? Really, Stanley."
That had to be it, Stanley concluded. It was pretty evident, the way she wasn't looking at him. And the reaction she had when Kyle brought it up. "So do tattoos turn you off?"
She glanced sideways at the exposed shoulder. There was something about the way the sword lay across his shoulder muscle. She let out a sigh, and averted her eyes quickly. There was so much more territory to explore. She knew that where her eyes would roam, her hands were soon to follow.
"Of course not."
"It was one of those things I did in college. An all night drinking binge and ended up the next morning with a sword tattooed on my shoulder." Stan continued on not quite sure why but wanted to be close to her. Just to talk. "Thank god, I at least had the sense to stay away from hearts and girlfriends names. I'm not overly fond of it to tell you the truth, but I live with it."
"Stanley, it's not the tattoo. I don't care about the tattoo."
"Okay, then tell me what it is?" She poured one cup of detergent into the machine. How in the world can she tell him, .explain to him how her belly just performed one dozen flip-flops in the fleeting glance of seeing him shirtless? Feeling very flustered with his presence, the laundry suddenly caught her interest as a light colored sock was mixed in with the darks. She was glad for the very minor distraction. That rebellious sock removed, she would just add the detergent. There. Now, close the lid. A turn toward him and the sword was right in her view again. She would never be able to watch a Errol Flynn swashbuckling in those old pictures quite the same again, that was for sure. The flip-flops were down to ten in just under 2 seconds. Oh, I'm glad I saw those. Just past Stan there lay two more dark shirts that would mix in with this load. If she could stand to pass him to return to the washing machine. Open the lid, add the shirts. He was still standing there, his beautiful body, that tattoo. Emma's mind started going fuzzy. A million thoughts raced through it.
I wonder how they do those tattoos anyway? She thought. The lines are so fine. Inserting the stray laundry articles she added the detergent.
Stanley looked at her oddly, that was the 3rd cup of detergent, she was definitely nervous about something, but what?
She began to babble, "It's just the amount of stuff I have to do. I've had a whole week off and now I have these two days to get everything done before I go back to school. I'm so glad you could help with the sprinklers. I don't know what I would've done without water for the weekend. I can now get the laundry done that I have put off all week." Hadn't she already said that, Stan thought confused.
She rechecked the tub making sure they were all darks and found a stray white sock peeking out of a pair of Kyle's jeans, she pulled it out.
"And a shower, you can now have a shower...." he smiled wickedly, knowing she wasn't really listening to him, "with me."
She nervously laughed, not hearing a word, "That sounds nice..." and backed away, leaning down to get another cup of detergent.
Now he was sure she wasn't listening, "You think it's a good idea?" He watched her poor in the 4th cup of detergent and found this extremely odd.
She nodded. He leaned in front of her, so she would have to look at him "Emma, I'm not an expert on doing laundry, but isn't 4 cups of detergent a bit much?" The way he was leaning, on his right elbow on the washing machine, she had no choice but to look at his chest. She realized she hadn't heard what he had just said either. And closed her eyes, trying to recollect her thoughts.
"What?"
"You are definitely preoccupied."
She ignored him and began to turn the machine on, Stanley put his hand over hers, "Did you hear me say you put 4 cups in there? Emma, the washer could over flow."
She pulled her hand away from him, "I couldn't have."
She opened the washer lid and looked in, Stanley had been right, the amount of detergent in the machine was definitely more than the intended one cup. "How did I do that?" For a brief moment she had forgotten that Stanley was standing half naked next to her and she looked at him and smiled, he smiled back. And her eyes grazed down his face to his chest, the fine line of hair up the center, the bits of sweat on his pectorals. A flush came to her face. It felt hot and she felt her heart beating faster. Why did this keep happening to her. Time to refocus. She quickly looked away, taking the cup and trying to get as much detergent out as she could.
Stanley now realized what was distracting her and smiled. He moved behind her. Placed both hands on her hips, and leaned in whispering her name into her ear, "Emma," his voice was low and sexy and Emma stopped still in her tracks. She didn't move, took a deep breath. He leaned over her reaching his left hand up to the lid of the washing machine, "Let me help you with that." Once closed he turned the dial to start.
His finger tips sat lightly on her hips and she placed her left hand over his, their fingers soon entwined together. Emma felt her body tremble. It was happening again. Her body was taking over and she felt no control as he held her in this innocent embrace. Her heart raced, her breathing quickened. Her right hand reached back over her head and placed it in his hair, her body leaned back pressing into his. Stanley's affectionate embrace had turned into something much more. He felt her body tremble and his own body fed off her desire and passion, Emma felt his excitement as he pressed harder against her. She closed her eyes, as he nibbled on her earlobe and traveled down to her neck, covering it with warm soft kisses. She sighed. His free hand slid up her t-shirt, caressing her stomach and then found her breasts, he brushed his hand across her bra and felt her excitement. Emma wanted him but something inside told her how wrong this was. In her own home, in the garage, their children in the next room. Stanley was feeling much the same thing.
Then sound from inside, Kyle's excitement over some achievement in his computer game, there was a lot of yelling and even a wolf call coming from her teenage son. Emma quickly came back to reality. This guilty pleasure was not to be.
"Stanley...the children." That was all he needed to hear and his hand reluctantly slipped back out from under her shirt, he stood up straight, but kept hold of her hand, as she turned towards him, they both looked at each other with longing then a smile appeared on Stanley's face, he took her other hand in his and drew her close, their foreheads touching.
She smiled, "What were we thinking?
"A number of things." Stanley responded, a crooked grin appeared across his face.
She laughed, "This is crazy. Carrying on like this in the garage, while trying to do the laundry. This is all your fault, Stanley."
"Really?"
"If you would have kept your shirt on..."
"I'm glad I didn't. I enjoyed this little interlude." He raised his eyebrows, "Hey, now what about that shower, you promised me?"
"What? I didn't promise you anything."
"Oh,yes, you did. While you were loading the machine up with too much detergent, you agreed to shower with me."
"That is unfair, you knew I was preoccupied...and you took advantage of the situation."
"You were preoccupied with me." He smiled, "In fact, I bet you were thinking about showering with me before I even mentioned it."
"And you, Stanley Jobson, are full of yourself. Just because I had a moment there, when I felt a bit out of control...."
He laughed cutting her off, "A bit...that's good, Emma. The sight of me shirtless had you shaking like a leaf." he teased. She headed into the house and he followed. Holly and Kyle were still engrossed in their game. Holly turned briefly and smiled at them. She had never been so happy as today. This was what a real family was like. An older brother, her dad working in the yard, Emma baking and doing laundry. It was perfect. Her dad winked at her and she knew he thought it was perfect to. They headed down the hall and she went back to the game.
Emma got clean towels out of the cupboard and handed them to him, "You can use my bathroom." She pointed towards her bedroom.
He looked a little dissapointed, "So you won't join me? I can't persuade you?"
She pushed him into the bedroom and stood with her arms crossed at the door, he gave her a look that was to die for, "You want to."
"I can control myself. See I am looking at your chest and nothing is happening. Nothing whatsoever." She looked briefly and then turned away.
"But if I moved closer...I doubt you could say that."
"There are children in the house." she lowered her voice and then added, "Impressionable children."
"Who won't even notice."
"The answer is no." She turned to walk out, but before she did she turned back and leaned up against the door, "Stanley,"
He raised his eyebrows, "you've changed your mind?"
She smiled, "No, but could I take a raincheck."
His mouth turned up at the corner, one eyebrow raised, "You bet. Anytime."he walked into the bathroom and turned back to see if she was still there. She was, hanging on the door, looking down at her feet, a smile on her face...a sigh escaped. She didn't see him watching her. If only the kids weren't there. Things would be different right now, he thought. But he shook that thought. They both accepted their situation. Not always ideal when wanting to have some time to themselves. But none the less, it was the way it was.
Melody arrived home and seeing the Suburban parked in the driveway was enough to get her riled up before she even entered the house. Why was he still here? Surely the sprinklers had to be fixed by now. She entered the house and it was quiet, the computer screen was on, paused on a game, but no Kyle. She heard noise coming from the backyard, laughing and she went to the family room and looked out the screen door, the perfect ideal family. As her mom would say. Her mom sitting in an patio chair, her feet up drinking a glass of wine, throwing a tennis ball to Scrap. Holly flitting around after the dog, encouraging him. Laughing. Kyle winding the dog up by pretending to throw something and Holly getting angry with him. This was so not like her brother. Stanley was no where to be seen. But she knew he was around somewhere. She shrugged her shoulders looking at this happy family situation. Part of her wanted to bite her lip and go out there and be a part of it, but the other part of her was holding her back. Holly and Stanley were intruding into her family. It wasn't fair. She didn't want them there. And look how happy they all were, it made her sick. She stormed down the hall, entering her room and once again slammed the door with full force.
Stanley had just stepped out of the shower, running a towel through his wet hair, and drying himself off, he heard the door slam, and then the familiar sound of breaking glass. Not again. A repeat from last weekend. He wrapped a towel around himself and decided he should peek his head out the door to see what damage had occurred.
After slamming the door, the pictures adorning the hall shook and two fell off. Glass shattering all over the floor, Melody closed her eyes, not believing this could be happening again. Why did she get so mad? She opened the door and saw the damage. Much worse then last week. Two frames shattered, and small pieces covered the hallway. She better clean it up was her first thought. As she entered the hallway, her mom's door opened and out popped Stanley in a towel. She was a bit shocked seeing a half naked man standing in such close proximity. And her face showed it. Her mouth dropped open, her eyes widened.
Stanley had acted so nonchalantly like he belonged here, parading around in a towel, not expecting to come face to face with Melody. Not knowing what to do or say next, there was a tense silence between them.
Stanley was so concerned with Melody's reaction that he hadn't noticed the amount of glass that covered the hallway, but he carefully stepped towards her. She was on the verge of either crying or shouting, it was hard to tell which. Stanley's experience with teenage girls was non existence. He didn't know what to expect. But he felt he needed to say something.
"It's okay, Melody, it's just glass...we can have it cleaned up in a jiff."
He reached out to lay a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she let out a blood curdling scream, "Don't you touch me." Stanley was not prepared for this reaction and he stepped back without thinking, tiny bits of shattered glass penetrated the soul of his left foot, he immediately let out a cry, and while lifting the foot in pain, managed to lose his balance. So he wouldn't fall he put his hand out, steadied himself against the wall, but in this process his right foot managed to get a piece lodged in the big toe. He grimaced in pain,
Emma had heard the racket and when she heard Melody's scream she jumped out of the deck chair and ran inside, Holly and Kyle right behind her. The scene in the hallway was not pleasant. Glass covered the floor, Stanley propped against the wall, his left foot bleeding onto the carpet, Melody standing in shock crying.
"This is my fault." She cried. Emma was torn who to go to first, but Kyle was quick on the spot and went to Stanley lending him a shoulder to lean on while he managed to get him into Emma's room and Stanley sat on the bed.
She went to her daughter and put a supportive arm around her, "It's going to be okay. It's just glass, but I need to go see to Stanley, okay?" She nodded. "you can help me. Get the first aid kit out of the bathroom." Melody rubbed her eyes and did as she was told.
Holly was sitting next to her dad on the bed, "Maybe we should take him to emergency. It could get infected." Emma got him to sit back on the bed so she had a good view of his feet.
Stanley was in a considerable amount of pain, "I'm not going to emergency. I'm going to be fine, Holly. I'm sure Emma can get the glass out." Emma was a bit squirmish, had never liked removing splinters or anything like that when her kids were little. So this was going to be interesting. Melody came in with the first aid kit and couldn't even look at her mom or Stanley, she quickly stood back.
Kyle didn't help matters, "When are you going to learn to stop be melodramatic about everything? Slamming doors right and left. You're a big baby."
Emma turned towards him and said sternly, "That's enough, Kyle."
"Mom...it's true." She cut him off before he could continue, "Out" She pointed her finger towards the door. "You could help by cleaning up the mess in the hall."
"But I didn't do anything. She did." He pointed at Melody. "She should be cleaning it up."
"Kyle." She looked at him sternly.
Kyle gave Melody an evil look and then looked at his mom, ready to fight if he defied her. Stanley cleared his throat, and Kyle looked towards him. He was cocking his head, signaling him for him to leave. And gave him that look, as if to say just do it. Don't fight her. Emma couldn't help but notice her sons immediate reaction to Stanley. He did as he was told, and went to the cupboard to get this dust pan and brush. Amazing! If she could only get the same reaction, how easy life would be she thought.
She turned back to Stanley. In the position he was in on the bed, in just a towel, Emma found it incredibly difficult to start. She stood and stared at the first aid kit, Holly and Melody looking on.
Stanley finally snapped her out of it, "Are you going let me bleed to death? OR are you going to remove the glass?"
"Right."Nervously she moved towards the bed, she stood over Holly, who was peering at his feet
"he's got a lot in there. There's a lot of blood." she started to poke around it and Stanley grimaced,
"Holly, could you not do that?"
"Sorry, Dad, I've never seen so many pieces of glass in one place before."
Holly's curiosity right now, was becoming a bit irritating. He was surrounded by an emotional 13 year old, a curious 11 year old and Emma...who didn't seem to have a clue at what she was doing.
"Holly, I am sure Emma can take care of this on her own. Why don't you go finish that game you and Kyle had started."
"But Dad." she looked a bit dissapointed.
"Go on." He didn't raise his voice and Holly listened. This struck Melody as odd. Her dad would never have approached a situations like this. He would have been yelling. Melody watched her leave and wondered if she was to be sent away too.
"Melody, get your mom, a bowl of warm water and a washcloth. Can you do that?" She looked at Stanley a bit shocked he wasn't yelling at her, and wanted her help. She nodded and Stanley smiled at her, "Good." When she left the room, Stanley took hold of Emma's hand.
"Can you do this?" he looked up into her eyes, that seemed a bit leary of this situation. Like she might pass out.
"Of course. I'm sorry." she took a deep breath and he pulled her closer to him, she sat on the bed. His other arm went around her shoulders.
"I know you're concerned about Melody...more so than me."
"That's not true. This is horrible." She felt embarrassed that her teenage daughter had a hand in this happening.
"This is nothing. The glass is removed and I'll be fine. A little pain for a few days, not comfortable to walk, but basically fine." He squeezed her hand, and she looked into his eyes, "I am concerned about Melody too. She found a strange man coming out of her mom's bedroom in a towel. I really had no idea that this could be so upsetting to her. I was foolish to think that she would just accept us."
Emma's free hand reached over and stroked his cheek, "I said it would take time. It's only been a week." Melody came back into the room with the water and cloth. Emma quickly removed her hand from his cheek and Stanley's arm dropped from her shoulders. Melody was slightly aware of their closeness, but moved closer and set the bowl on the chair. Emma got the tweezers out and went to work on his foot. Melody felt a bit awkward standing there. Stanley wasn't mad and was making light conversation, while her mom tried to get the glass out. She started to walk out the door, thinking she wouldn't be noticed, when Stanley spoke her name.
"Hey, Melody, you don't want to stay and see your mom inflict pain on me? It should be a pretty good show." He then let out a cry, as Emma tried pulling out a piece. He gave Emma a look, "Think you could possibly be a bit more gentle?"
"Sorry." She tried again, carefully, the pieces were so small and there were so many. He had no idea how hard this was.
Stanley smiled at Melody, "See what did i tell you." Just as he said that she did it again. "Emma!" he grimaced in pain, "I'd have to say the stepping on the glass was nothing compared to the torture you're putting me through now."
He got a smile out of Melody, and that was what was intended.
"I should go help Kyle clean up the mess." She stood at the door a minute and Emma looked up at her daughter, there was so much that needed to be said. She needed to help Melody get through this time. Melody acknowledged her look, "I'm really sorry." At first it was about the glass, the slamming of doors, and her temper, an apology to her mom for being so horrible lately. But then she looked at Stanley. She thought he had really kind eyes, a nice smile. She didn't want to hate him. He hadn't done anything bad to her. He had been nice and kind. She wanted to say she was sorry, but couldn't get herself to say it to him. But he seemed to know what she was thinking. The apology was for Stanley as well. And he knew it. His gaze embarrassed her and she slowly turned walking out of the room.
Emma looked at him, "You might win her over yet."
"As I can recall, her mother wasn't my easiest conquest." He teased.
"Conquest?!" This time the tweezers pull was far from gentle. She pulled at the last piece of glass forcefully and he let out a scream. In a playful rage, he grabbed her hand with force. She gave him an evil look. He chuckled as she began fighting him.
"I am not one of your conquests, Stanley Jobson." As she struggled he fell back onto the bed pulling Emma on top of him, the towel slightly shifting. There was silence. Her face in his chest hair, that fine line she found incredibly sexy. Her cheek touching his bare skin. She was well aware the only thing keeping him from being naked was that towel...and the thought sent shivers throughout her body. Emma closed her eyes for a brief second, as Stanley's hands found their way into her hair, one right at the nape of the neck. She gently kissed his chest right where the hairline started, and a finger trailed the line down over his bellybutton and stopped when it reached the towel. It was loose, no longer tucked into the top holding it on.
Stanley felt that same tension that had existed in the garage and looked towards the door, he could hear the kids. This was getting more difficult by the minute. Emma's innocent curiosity, causing a sensatational jolt through his body. His body telling him one thing, his mind something else. This had to stop. His hands reluctantly left her hair and he reached for her hand, now tracing the top of the towel across his stomach. There was no question where it fully attended to go next.
It wasn't the first time he had stopped her, and she felt like a child being scolded, but it brought her back to reality. It was as if those few brief minutes someone else had taken over her body. She pulled herself off him and averted her eyes away from the towel, or lack of one, Stanley in turn sat up and tucked the towel back on, he chuckled nervously, "I think I got it all wrong" She then slowly turned to him with a questioning look, "no, you are definitely not my conquest. I am yours...or let's say will be yours soon enough." His hand stroked her cheek, and she blushed, his other hand finding that spot in her hair at the nape of her neck, that he loved touching. He looked into her eyes, "Patience...it will happen, Emma."
"But not today." a small pout appeared on her face, and he traced her lips with his finger, smiling at her.
"Soon, I promise." he managed to get her to smile, he then gently kissed her.
She let out a sigh, "Your foot. I need to bandage your foot." averting his gaze, not wanting him to see the desperation she felt. She began to bandage his foot with gauze and tape. Glad of the distraction.
* * * * * * *
Melody had taken over the cleaning up of the glass, and Kyle had rejoined Holly on the computer. There was a knock at the door. Emma called from the bedroom, "Can one of you get that?" Kyle nudged Holly, he was too engrossed in the game.
"You can get it."
"It's not my house."
"So? Just get it." Holly shrugged her shoulders and went to the door.
It was Rachel. She was a bit surprised to find Holly answering the door, but she had seen the Suburban parked in the driveway,knowing it was Stanleys.
"Holly, this is a surprise."
"Hello, Ms. Jacobs. Emma and my Dad are in the bedroom. Watch out for the glass in the hall. There was an accident. " She then walked away back to the computer and Kyle. Rachel stood at the doorway, trying to take in this scenario. Emma and Stanley in the bedroom, Kyle and Holly on the computer. Melody appeared from the bathroom resuming her place on the floor of the hall, cleaning the mess. Rachel moved towards her.
"Hey, kiddo. What's going on?" Melody looked up,
Not wanting to talk about it, she motioned to her mom's bedroom, "She's in there."
Rachel walked past her and looked into the open bedroom door, not knowing what she would be witnessing. Stanley on the bed in a towel. This definitely took Rachel by surprise. The guy had a dynamite physique in clothes, but half naked..well, he was a sight to behold. She watched as Stanley stroked her cheek and something was said between them, Emma's blushing. Stanley's other hand in her hair. Rachel quickly stood back. She felt she had just witnessed something so intimate and personal, that she herself blushed. When she looked back, Emma was bandaging his foot.
She rapped on the door, "Are you two decent?" Melody looked up when she heard this comment and gave her a dirty look. Why were adults always making references to sex...Melody thought and let out a disgusting sigh as she stood up, Rachel had forgotten she was there. She shook her head and headed into her bedroom.
"Rachel?" Emma was surprised she was here, she got up and handed Stanley his clothes. "Please get dressed. I really don't need Rachel making comments about your body."
"No, I don't really think I need that either." he gave her a quick kiss and took hold of her hand as she was walking away, "I won't be long."
Emma walked out the door and shut it behind her. Rachel was smiling, "What's going on in there?"
"Absolutely nothing. AS you can see I have a house full of children. Do you really think anything would be going on under those circumstances?" Emma desperately trying to hide the truth.
"Stanley Jobson is in your room with a towel on." Rachel saw her cheeks turning bright red. She was holding something back from her, it was obvious. Emma was a horrible liar.
"Did you look in?" Emma now concerned about what her friend might have seen. Not her lying on top of him touching him. God, she could never live with that.
"The door was open."
Emma knew Rachel would not give up, she headed into the kitchen and poured Rachel a glass of wine. Then headed outside to find hers still sitting on the table. She sat down and Rachel joined her.
"Looks like it's been an eventful afternoon." Rachel casually commented.
"He came to fix the sprinklers." Emma said defensively, knowing full well, what Rachel meant by that comment.
"And wound up stepping on glass?" Rachel coolly sipped at her wine.
"It's a long story. Melody slammed the door, and well...."
Rachel sat forward in her chair, and glared at her, "he's in a towel, Emma."
"I know he's in a towel, Rachel. He took a shower after he was finished working." Emma still felt defensive. Why did she have to justify any of this?
"He could do that at home."
How long was she going to keep this up, Emma thought. "He brought a change of clothes, so he could take us out to dinner."
"The whole family?"
"Yes, what's wrong with that?"
"Well, I misjudged him. I think he has more on his mind than getting into your pants."
"Rachel, really!" Stanley appeared through the screen door, with a slight limp favoring his right foot. He had overheard Rachel's comment and found himself blushing and smiling as he headed toward them. He was in a pair of jeans and and a plain black tshirt, fairly tight fitting and Emma thought he looked wonderful. Rachel watched her reaction to him. There was definitely something going on.
He acknowledged Rachel with a nod, "Rachel." and sat on the edge of Emma's deck chair, leaning over whispering to Emma.
"I think you're needed." He motioned his head towards the house, "I heard crying from Melody's room."
Emma felt horrible. She had been so preoccupied with Stanley's injuries, whatever had happened in the bedroom and then Rachel showing up, she had totally forgotten her own daughters needs. Without even thinking about it, as she stood up she placed her hand over his and leaned in kissing him gently on the lips, "Entertain, Rachel." She handed him her wine glass and he kissed her back, looking deep in her eyes.
"It's going to be okay. You're a great mom." She then walked into the house.
* * * * * * *
Emma knocked on the door, "Melody, can I come in?"
She heard a faint yes, and Emma slowly opened the door. Melody was sitting on her bed, clutching her favorite stuffed dog, tears in her eyes, clutching the photograph that had been in one of the frames that had shattered. Emma moved over the to the bed and sat down next to her.
She took the photograph from her hands and smiled. The one picture she had allowed to stay up of Gary in the house. Gary and the kids the summer they had spent traveling around Europe camping.. Melody had been 7 and she had always said it was the best holiday they had ever had. She could even remember the day, the kids had been at a kids activity for a few hours and she and Gary had rode bikes into the village nearby, had a drink along the waterfront watching the boats. They had made love in the camper. It had been good...well, sometimes. Why she had kept the picture up was a mystery. Did she want to remember the last time she had been happy? The last time she had enjoyed any kind of intimacy with her husband. The last time her husband had laughed with his children. The picture showed Kyle wrestling his dad from behind, Melody being tickled sitting in his lap. They had been happy.
Melody watched as a smile appeared on her mom's face. "You were happy with Dad. You were happy then."
"We all were happy then. Do you ever see your dad smile like that anymore?"
Melody shook her head. "I want to be happy like I was then. Why can't I be happy, mom? I don't think I'm really a bad person, but sometimes I do stupid things like slamming the door and yelling and I hate it. I don't want to be like that."
"Your dad leaving has been incredibly hard on all of us. And look at all the times I was angry and slamming things around, feeling sorry for myself. It takes time to heal. Sometimes a long time."
"It didn't take Dad long." Emma put a comforting arm around her.
"Because it was what he wanted. But I really don't think he is as happy as you make out. It's hard for him too, he just doesn't want to admit it."
Melody looked straight into Emma's eyes questioning, "Did you stop loving him when he left or before that?"
"I think like you, I wanted it to be the way it was before, when we first were married. But it was a fantasy. He had stopped loving me, and I was desperately trying to hold on to anything, trying to please him. But I couldnt get it right. He didn't make me feel very good at the end. I didn't want him to leave, but it was good he did, before things got bad. I know you don't see it."
"Stanley makes you happy doesn't he?" Melody wasn't sure she really wanted to know the answer to this one.
Emma smiled and nodded. "Very much. But more than anything I want you and Kyle to be happy."
"Kyle's happy. He acts like Holly's his sister and not me." she tensed up slightly crossing her arms across her chest.
"Oh, Melody, he's being nice. I think he's doing it for me. And you know, he really likes Stanley."
"I don't see what is so great about him."
"He's a good person. He's kind...he's interested in things Kyle is interested in." Emma wisped a straggling hair off Melody's face, " You know Kyle comes across so unaffected, but it's hard for him, never being close to your dad. I think having Stanley as a friend has been good for him. Someone to look up to, someone to talk to about things, he can't talk to me about."
"And you like Holly too." Emma sensed the jealousy in her tone.
"Yes, I do. But she's not you, Melody. Never will be." She gave her a hug. "Holly has been through a lot too. I think she desperately wants a family."
She pulled away from Emma's arms standing up, Melody raised her voice, "She can't have mine. You're my mom and Kyle's my brother, not hers." She looked down at her mother, "You aren't thinking about marrying him are you? Mom, I couldn't bare it."
"Melody, you are jumping the gun here. We are friends." Melody gave her a look, knowing it was more than that., "Okay, we are more than friends, but I don't want to get married. I enjoy being with him and I want us all to get along." She had a feeling dinner tonight would not happen and she was so looking forward to them spending the time together. "He wants to take us to dinner tonight."
"You're going to make me go?"
"No...I won't make you. I want you to go. Stanley and Holly both want you to go. But I'm not going to have you with that face all evening, ruining it for everyone. But, Melody, I'm going. Whether you go or not." Emma stood up feeling a little bit of guilt. How could she place Stanley in front of Melody? But she stuck with her gut feeling on this. Melody wasn't going to win, "It's your decision."
Emma turned to her daughter as she opened the door. Melody looked defiant, not willing to budge, but there was something behind her eyes. Emma saw it. She then walked out, leaving her alone to make this decision on her own.
* * * * * Stanley relaxed into the the deck chair, taking a sip of the wine Emma had handed to him. Rachel eying him. She felt a bit awkward. She had never realized just how serious the two of them were becoming til this afternoon. Trying to make some conversation, she looked down at his foot, "Is it pretty bad?"
"This is nothing." Stanley's tolerance for pain was fairly high. He had been through a lot in his 34 years of life. Scrap came over to him and nudged his hand, and he tousled his mangy fur on his head. He glanced into the family room where Kyle was occupied on the computer Holly looking over his shoulder. He wondered how Emma was coping with Melody. Wishing he could have been of some assistance.
"You seem to be fitting in here quite nicely." she smiled at him. She didn't want to overstep. But she was curious where this whole relationship was going or where it had already gone.
He kind of laughed, "Well, somehow Melody doesn't share that feeling."
"She's had a rough time."
"I know." Stanley felt a bit awkward. He could tell by the way Rachel was looking at him, she was curious about him and Emma and this was something he felt was very private. But he knew Rachel, only to well, she had the ability to push for answers.
"I take it Emma has pretty much decided to tell the principal to stuff it concerning his dating policy." She paused briefly, treading lightly over this subject not wanting Stanley to think she was interfering. "I'm glad. She was pretty miserable the last month, unbearable to be around."
"We'll see how she is once Monday rolls around. I'm pretty certain she will avoid me like the plague at school. But I think I can deal with it. She's coming around." HE smiled at the thought of their escapade in the garage and then on the bed earlier. Not to mention the prospects that lay ahead. Rachel lowered her eyebrows wondering what the hell that look was about. Had they actually been intimate? Rachel had been away for the week, obviously something had gone on.
"Then you two are finding some time to be alone together?"
"Alone together? I've always found that phrase an interesting one...actually, no. We're parents...alone isn't part of our vocabulary." He took another sip of wine. She was beginning to push. He sure hoped Emma returned soon.
"Are you going to do something about that, Stanley?"
"Rachel, this is none of your business." He didn't want to be rude, but once he said it he heard the edge in his voice.
"Well, I think I might be able to help."
He smiled curiously, "Really, how so?"
"I'll come up with something."
He found this amusing. "Really Rachel, Emma will have a fit if you are scheming behind her back about this. And then if she knows I'm involved...well, I'm sure I will end up in the dog house or much worse. You stay out of this. Emma and I are perfectly capable of finding time to be together without your help."
"Like this afternoon?" she questioned and Stanley was only to aware this scenario was one most men would not find desirable in the least. Holly opened the sliding door and moved towards them, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind. He placed his free hand over hers, as she kissed his cheek. He was glad for the distraction.
"Is Melody okay, Dad?"
He took hold of her hand and pulled her around to the front of him, motioning her to sit on his lap. Rachel watched this father and daughter display. Holly got on his lap and he put his arm around her. As far as Stanley was concerned she would never be to big for his lap. And Holly still loved cuddling him. Most of her friends had gone past that stage, but Holly savored every moment she was with him. And being close to him.
"Emma's talking to her now. I'm sure she'll be fine. She wasn't very happy finding me here."
"That doesn't make sense to me. Why doesn't she like you?"
He stroked her hair, pausing briefly to think of an acceptable answer, "She doesn't want anyone coming between her and her mom. It's hard to explain."
"Does she want her dad to come back?" Stanley looked over at Rachel, who was feeling she was intruding on something very private and personal.
"I can't answer that, baby. I don't know what the relationship is between her and her dad."
Rachel joined the conversation, "It is nothing like what you have with your dad, Holly. And never was. And because of that Melody and Emma are extremely close." Stanley welcomed Rachel's assistance, sometimes he felt these serious father /daughter talks were way out of his field of expertise and he was destined to say the wrong thing. "She doesn't want him to come back, I think she wants it like she remembered it to be when she was little."
Holly looked a bit confused, but tried to soak in what she had been told. "You were too little to remember what it was like before your mother and I divorced, but Melody has good memories. She wants her family back the way it was, I think that's what Ms. Jacobs is saying."
"But it wouldn't be like that, right?"
"Exactly. People change. Melody knows that but wants to hold on to something that meant so much to her. "
"I wanted you to come back too, but not to be with mom. To be with me. Is that what it's like for her too?"
'I don't think so." This was hard for him to explain. Holly was so excepting of Emma and her family. It was what she had always dreamed of. Melody had had the perfect family once, and didn't want to go through it again..thinking that it would just end up in a disaster.
Emma came out into the patio, all three of them looked up at her, Stanley spoke, "So?"
"I don't think she's coming for dinner." Stanley saw the dissapointment in Emma's eyes.
"We can make it another time." Stanley knew that Melody's mood would effect the whole evening. Leaving her behind, would make Emma worried and it wasn't the evening he had envisioned.
"No, we're going out as planned. Kyle's in the shower, Melody isn't going to control what the rest of us do." Stanley heard the stress in her voice. Stanley motioned for Holly to get up, and once she did he went to Emma's side. Slipping a comforting arm around her.
"Why don't I just get some take-a-way or something. We can all eat here, Rachel can join us."
As he said that he noticed the screen door opening and Melody standing in the doorway. Stanley's expression caused Emma to turn around. But Melody was looking at Stanley.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Jobson. I behaved badly. I hope your foot is okay."
Stanley moved closer to her cautiously, "No need to apologize. And you know, I'd much rather you call me Stanley."
His voice was kind and warm, and she looked over at her mother, who smiled and nodded.
"I do want to go out to dinner with you. If that's okay?" Kyle stepped outside, he had just showered and he whacked Melody with his towel.
"Ah, she's not going is she, I was looking forward to some peace and quiet for a change." Melody turned on him and he was smiling. "Hey, sis, stop being so pleasant, I don't recognize you."
She gave him an evil look, "Why you!" She began to chase him. Kyle darted back into the house and Melody followed. Holly watched in amazement. Never having had a sibling, she was envious of their teasing. Stanley smiled and wrapped his arms around his daughter, leaning over her.
"Aren't you glad you don't have to deal with that on a daily basis?" But Holly wasn't smiling. It's exactly what she wanted. Stanley was used to her giggling or at least acknowledging him in someway when he teased, but this time there was nothing.
Emma noticed Holly's expression, her not responding to her Dad's question. It was pretty obvious to her that Holly felt she had missed out. Even though Melody and Kyle fought, they did have each other. And for the afternoon, Holly had just that. She had played with Kyle and he had fought with her, like they were brother and sister. Emma knew what Holly wanted. A real family. And Emma quickly shook this thought out of her head, she didn't even want to think about that now.
"I don't know about you but I'm starving." She looked over at Rachel hoping she would excuse herself, but Stanley had already offered for her to join them for take out. Now that dinner was back on, she really wanted it to be just them and the kids. Rachel got the hint just from her look,
"And that is my cue to depart." She stood up and pointed at Emma, "you better call me." There was that look, the raised eyebrows..like Emma had been keeping something from her. As she stepped by Stanley, she gave his cheek a pat, and he lowered his eyebrows questionably, "And I'll look into that problem you're having Stanley. See what I can come up with."
Emma looked at both of them questionably. "What's going on, you two?"
"Let me walk you to the door, Rachel." Holly ran into the house in front of him and Stanley put a hand on Rachel's back and looked back at Emma glaring at him.
"Oh, no, Stanley, you need to keep off that foot. I wouldn't want you to be out of commission for too long." Rachel was enjoying this. He was definitely uncomfortable. She headed into the house turning back to Emma before she disappeared, "He's a keeper, Emma. You are one lucky lady."
Stanley knew she was going to want to know what that was about but was surprised when Emma didn't bring it up. She wrapped her arms around his neck, "Rachel's right, I don't want you out of commission for too long." She kissed him.
"You have nothing to worry about, the only thing this will stop me from is running the next Boston marathon." He raised his eyebrows knowing exactly what she was implying to. He kissed her.
Both of them oblivious to the sounds around them, then a chorus of clearing throats, And they both looked up to find all 3 children standing in the sliding doorway trying to get their attention. Kyle and Holly arms crossed scowling, in fun. Melody stood back, still not thrilled by these new developments but trying to accept them. "We're hungry," Kyle stated.
"Right." Stanley let go of Emma and gave her a playful pat on the behind, "And your mother is holding us up."
"What do you mean by that?"
He looked down at the front of her shirt, there was a few spots of blood, and dirt stains from the plant that had broken earlier. "Are you going out looking like this?"
She realized she hadn't changed. So much going on. Totally preoccupied. "I won't be long." She smiled sheepishly and rushed past the kids into the house. It took her only a few seconds to change, comb her hair and reapply makeup, and she headed out into the living room. Even with all the chaos of the afternoon, everyone was in good spirits. Melody telling Holly about the movie she had seen, Kyle and Stanley discussing some computer babble. This is what Holly wanted, a family. Was it what Stanley wanted too, and what about what she wanted? She still knew very little about this man, she knew she was physically attracted to him, that she found him warm, kind, funny and loving and good with her kids. All the qualities she had always wanted in a man. She needed to just let things happen as they had been. Stop analyzing so much.
Stanley turned to see her standing there deep in thought. The sight of him in her living room with Holly and her children, could that be it? He wasn't sure. Rachel had been right, he felt he fitted in here. He and Holly fit in with Emma and her family. And his thoughts were where was this going, and did they both want the same thing. There was still so much she needed to know about him. Things he had kept from her. But today was not the day to dive into that. But soon.
Their eyes met and he smiled at her, then turned to the kids, clapping his hands to get their attention, "Alright, you motley crue, out to the Suburban..." Holly and Melody jumped off the couch and ran out the front door, Kyle slowly got up, headed for the door and turned to watch his mom take Stanley's hand. He was happy for her, he thought Stanley was the greatest, but in the back of his mind things he knew about Stanley were there. Things his mom didn't know. His prison sentence, restraining orders against him to see Holly, involvement with some terrorists..even though it seemed they had cleared him of that. But he really didn't understand it. Stanley was a good person. But what would his mom make of these facts? He started thinking he might have to talk to Stanley soon. Tell him what he knew. But not now. Not when it was so obvious how happy both of them were together. The day had already been full of enough drama, what he knew could wait.
Why did that always have to be the answer? Wasn't it time to sever that whole 'save me, Gary.' routine. "Maybe I'll call a handyman."
Melody looked at her. "We can't afford it."
Melody was right. Their finances weren't in the best shape, and a visit from some handyman could set them back quite a bit. She had to figure out something, since not having water this weekend was out of the question. She thought of Stanley. She didn't know what he knew about sprinklers or anything like this. But she knew he had just finished remodeling his bedroom and adding a bath. He must know something. Melody watched her mom's expression change. Like a light bulb had gone off over her head, just like in the cartoons.
"Stanley."
"What does he know about stuff like this?"
"I don't know. But he has to know something." Her mom hadn't mentioned him once since last Sunday. Melody and her mom had spent the whole week together. Kyle had been working most of the days and they went shopping and to the movies. Went out to lunch. It had been brilliant. Today Melody had plans with friends. They were going to the mall and to a movie. And now she wished she could stay here. She didn't want him coming over, not when she wasn't here.
A horn honked from outside, it was Tanya's mom, who was taking a few of the girls to the mall. Emma gave her daughter a quick kiss on the cheek, "you have a good time."
"What if i want to come home early?"
"Call me. No problem. It looks like I will be home with this problem all day." Emma's mind was preoccupied and didn't notice Melody's melancholy mood. -
* * * * * *
Stanley had decided to close the shop for Easter weekend. Brent had plans with Chelsea, and it had been slow all week. It wasn't like he needed the money. He was going to enjoy sleeping in and relaxing. Of course Holly would probably plan something but it was just nice lying in bed knowing you didn't' have to get up. The phone rang and he picked it up fairly quickly. "Hello"
Emma jumped in when she heard his voice, no greeting whatsoever."Stanley, I have a problem. And I know I shouldn't' be calling you on your day off. In fact I've probably woken you up and I'm sorry.. But...."
Stanley smiled, and interrupted, " 'Good morning, Stanley.' " he imitated her voice, "Well, good morning, Emma. It's so lovely to hear you ranting at..." he looked at his clock, " 10am on a beautiful Saturday morning. Can't think of anything I would like to hear more."
She felt embarrassed, but knew he was teasing. "I'm sorry. That was really rude. Can we start again?"
"Sure. Good morning, Emma."
"Good morning, Stanley. I haven't disturbed you, have I?"
"Well, as a matter of fact I have a bevy of beauts in my bed. But Just tell me you haven't been able to cope without me all week and I 'll gladly tell them to leave. On one condition, you take their place."
Emma smiled but she had to concentrate on her problem. "Sounds inviting but..."
"I don't like the sound of that but."
"I have a problem, I had Old Faithful erupt in my backyard earlier, I think I have a broken sprinkler head or something. I don't know anything about these kind of things." She felt like a desperate needy female once again. "I had to shut the water off and I can't live without water for the weekend. Calling someone out out on a holiday weekend, will cost me a fortune."
"Why didn't' you just say you needed me?"
"I need you, Stanley." she added a little sexiness to her voice.
"I'm there." He replied lowering his voice to a sexy whisper.
"Seriously?"
"Of course. I'm sure I can handle the problem. Do you mind me bringing Holly?"
"Of course not."
"Great. Even better idea, after I fix the problem I'll take you and the kids out to dinner. No time like the present to get them used to me being around. What do you think?"
Emma still had apprehensions about Melody. She had told Stanley that she needed some time with Melody. And Stanley had just assumed a week was plenty of time. Was he in for a surprise. But he was right. They needed to spend some time together.
"Sounds wonderful."
"Give me an hour, and I'll be there."
"Thanks."
"I want you to be able to call me for anything. Okay? I know how you are. Wanting to be independent, and I think that's great. But I want to be able to help you out. Whenever you need me."
She had a hard time believing this guy was for real half the time. There was silence on her end, "Have I lost you, Em?"
"No, just thinking..."
"About needing me." He smiled.
"I'll see you in an hour, Stanley. Goodbye." She smiled as she hung up the phone, if he only knew!
* * * * * *
Stanley went straight to work on the problem upon arrival. He sussed out that a pipe was probably rotten and needed replacing. So a trip to Home Depot was inevitable. Kyle, who normally would be either still in bed or at the computer, had been interested in Stanley's assessment of the problem and Emma was amazed that her son was actually listening to every word involving the procedure of sorting it out. When Stanley said he needed to go to Home Depot, Kyle asked to tag along. Stanley didn't think anything of it, but he looked at Emma's quizzical expression and while Kyle was getting his shoes he questioned her.
"You don't want Kyle going with me?":
"No, that's not it. I'm pleased. You don't get it. He has never been interested in anything to do with the house."
"Surely he helped Gary, while growing up."
'No. They didn't have that kind of relationship. Never did anything together." She smiled at him, "He wants to be with you. He likes being with you."
"I'm not doing anything."
"I know. You're being you. And I think it's great."
Kyle came out and saw his mom's expression, almost like she was going to cry, "What's with you, mom? Why are you looking at me that way?"
"I think it's great you want to help Stanley."
"Don't read anything into it, okay? I just thought maybe I should know something about things like this. So I could help you out. And Stanley is great to learn from. Dad doesn't have the patience."
While the boys were gone, Emma and Holly decided to bake cookies. It was Holly's idea. She got to do this with their neighbor, Mary, but her dad wasn't into baking. And while Emma was not a cook. She could bake. When the guys arrived back with the necessary equipment, the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filled the air.
Stanley walked into the kitchen, " Chocolate Chip, My favorite." He tried to sneak a finger into the bowl of cookie dough, and Emma slapped the back of his hand with a spoon.
"Nothing for you, until I see some work being done."
"Oh, I see how it works. So is a cookie, all I'm going to get for my efforts." He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her towards him. Kyle standing behind them.
"Stanley, let go of me." Their faces inches from each other, Emma felt Kyle's glare, but turned to see him laughing.
"You know you should take this to the bedroom."
She had never heard her son speak like that, and Stanley laughed, "I think he has been hanging around Brent too much." Holly who had been peering into the lit oven at the first batch of cookies rising, looked up when she heard their laughter. She had been oblivious to it all.
"What's so funny?"
Kyle covered her eyes"You're much too young." Holly pushed his hands away, and Emma watched the two of them as if they were brother and sister.
"I know a lot more than you think." She walked away from him and started to put spoonfuls of dough onto another cookie sheet.
"Well, I'm going to start unloading the car, Stan, and when you think you can take your hands off my mom, maybe you could come help me." He smiled and walked out the door.
Stanley kissed her, Emma still feeling a bit awkward, noticed Holly wasn't paying any attention. Stan noticed her looking over his shoulder, "They don't care. Isn't this how it's supposed to be?"
It was strange. Holly went along with what she was doing, like Emma and her Dad having a hug and kiss in the kitchen was an everyday occurrence. And Kyle really surprised her. He was teasing Stanley about it. Something she never thought her 16 year old son would do.
"You can stop being so paranoid. The kids are accepting this."
"Melody isn't here."
"You really think she is going to cause problems."
"I don't think, Stanley, I know."
"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I am spending the day with the woman I love..."
Emma added... "doing menial labor."
"And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. You don't know, Emma.." he paused. He had thought about her all week. Had wanted to be with her. And this opportunity to be in her home with her kids meant a lot to him. Kyle peeked his head through the sliding screen door, seeing Stanley and his mom still in an embrace, Stanley's hands in her hair, his mom had her hands on his ass. This was a bit weird, he had to admit.
"Hey, Stan...are you coming?"
She gave him a little pat on the behind, "you better go. Take advantage of the free teenage labor, who knows how long this enthusiasm will last."
He let go, and then gave Holly a kiss on the cheek, whispering in her ear, "Sneak me out a cookie, when Emma's not looking."
She smiled, "Oh, Dad."
He winked at her and then headed out the door, winking at Emma too, "we haven't discussed payment..." he raised his eyebrows.
She threw an oven mitt at him and he dodged it. Smiling.
The afternoon went extremely well. Kyle managed to help Stanley the whole time. Emma and Holly brought out cookies and a drink, Stanley was now a filthy mess. The job had been a little more complicated then he first imagined. But he finally had the job finished, the water back on and things seemed to be in working order.
It was a beautiful spring day. Actually on the hot side, and Stanley didn't think twice as he took a sip of ice cold water, and then pulled his dirty sweaty T-shirt over his head. Emma had noticed one of her plants in need of a little more sunlight and picked it up to move it. Kyle right away noticed Stanley's tattoo, "You have a tattoo, how cool is that?"
Emma looked over at him, just realizing he had taken off his shirt. The tattoo was the last thing she was even looking at. Her eyes gravitated to his muscular torso. My god! Emma's mouth dropped open and the pot slipped out of her hands. Crashing unto the patio, breaking into pieces, the plant and dirt scattered everywhere. Stanley and Kyle both looked up. Holly, who had been playing with Scrap also stopped what she was doing. Emma's face turned red,
"A bug must have gotten in my eye or something.." they were all looking at her, " it startled me." She didn't even look at Stanley averted her eyes from him and knelt down to pick up the pieces. Kyle got up and went to the garage, bringing a broom and a dust pan.
"I'll get that mom." As he started sweeping up he mentioned Stanley's tattoo. "Did you see Stanley's tattoo, mom? It's way cool I know you have always said I can't have one, that I'm too young, but his is tasteful, you know."
Stanley sensed this was a topic that had been bounced around before and by Emma's expression, not one that was welcomed. Stanley commented, "Your mom is right, you are too young for a tattoo. And one thing you have to remember ,Kyle ,is once you get one, you're stuck with it."
Emma wasn't paying any attention to their conversation. Since Kyle was handling the mess, she stood up. She glanced over at Stanley briefly and he sensed her being a bit distant. He stood up and was about to approach her and she quickly thought of something to get her away from him, "Well, since you boys seem to have everything in control here, and I now have running water, I'm going to get that washing started." She darted off into the garage.
Kyle noticed she was acting weird and looked at Stanley. He was very confused, "What was that all about?"
"I don't know, Stanley, you're the expert on women."
"Oh. Yeah, I'm the expert." he laughed. He contemplated his next move and decided he needed to know what was going on. He followed her into the garage. Emma was standing over the washing machine, throwing in a load of clothes. Stanley leaned on the dryer, facing her,just watching. He was really wondering what was going on.
She sensed his glare, but didn't look at him, instead found herself babbling, "I have a lot of laundry to do. It's my own fault leaving it till the last couple days of vacation." She was trying to stay preoccupied, not even even a glance up at him which he found odd. Another shirt was added then taken out for examination, then re-added to the tub.
"It's the tattoo. You hate it."
She nervously laughed and continued to load the machine. "The tattoo? Really, Stanley."
That had to be it, Stanley concluded. It was pretty evident, the way she wasn't looking at him. And the reaction she had when Kyle brought it up. "So do tattoos turn you off?"
She glanced sideways at the exposed shoulder. There was something about the way the sword lay across his shoulder muscle. She let out a sigh, and averted her eyes quickly. There was so much more territory to explore. She knew that where her eyes would roam, her hands were soon to follow.
"Of course not."
"It was one of those things I did in college. An all night drinking binge and ended up the next morning with a sword tattooed on my shoulder." Stan continued on not quite sure why but wanted to be close to her. Just to talk. "Thank god, I at least had the sense to stay away from hearts and girlfriends names. I'm not overly fond of it to tell you the truth, but I live with it."
"Stanley, it's not the tattoo. I don't care about the tattoo."
"Okay, then tell me what it is?" She poured one cup of detergent into the machine. How in the world can she tell him, .explain to him how her belly just performed one dozen flip-flops in the fleeting glance of seeing him shirtless? Feeling very flustered with his presence, the laundry suddenly caught her interest as a light colored sock was mixed in with the darks. She was glad for the very minor distraction. That rebellious sock removed, she would just add the detergent. There. Now, close the lid. A turn toward him and the sword was right in her view again. She would never be able to watch a Errol Flynn swashbuckling in those old pictures quite the same again, that was for sure. The flip-flops were down to ten in just under 2 seconds. Oh, I'm glad I saw those. Just past Stan there lay two more dark shirts that would mix in with this load. If she could stand to pass him to return to the washing machine. Open the lid, add the shirts. He was still standing there, his beautiful body, that tattoo. Emma's mind started going fuzzy. A million thoughts raced through it.
I wonder how they do those tattoos anyway? She thought. The lines are so fine. Inserting the stray laundry articles she added the detergent.
Stanley looked at her oddly, that was the 3rd cup of detergent, she was definitely nervous about something, but what?
She began to babble, "It's just the amount of stuff I have to do. I've had a whole week off and now I have these two days to get everything done before I go back to school. I'm so glad you could help with the sprinklers. I don't know what I would've done without water for the weekend. I can now get the laundry done that I have put off all week." Hadn't she already said that, Stan thought confused.
She rechecked the tub making sure they were all darks and found a stray white sock peeking out of a pair of Kyle's jeans, she pulled it out.
"And a shower, you can now have a shower...." he smiled wickedly, knowing she wasn't really listening to him, "with me."
She nervously laughed, not hearing a word, "That sounds nice..." and backed away, leaning down to get another cup of detergent.
Now he was sure she wasn't listening, "You think it's a good idea?" He watched her poor in the 4th cup of detergent and found this extremely odd.
She nodded. He leaned in front of her, so she would have to look at him "Emma, I'm not an expert on doing laundry, but isn't 4 cups of detergent a bit much?" The way he was leaning, on his right elbow on the washing machine, she had no choice but to look at his chest. She realized she hadn't heard what he had just said either. And closed her eyes, trying to recollect her thoughts.
"What?"
"You are definitely preoccupied."
She ignored him and began to turn the machine on, Stanley put his hand over hers, "Did you hear me say you put 4 cups in there? Emma, the washer could over flow."
She pulled her hand away from him, "I couldn't have."
She opened the washer lid and looked in, Stanley had been right, the amount of detergent in the machine was definitely more than the intended one cup. "How did I do that?" For a brief moment she had forgotten that Stanley was standing half naked next to her and she looked at him and smiled, he smiled back. And her eyes grazed down his face to his chest, the fine line of hair up the center, the bits of sweat on his pectorals. A flush came to her face. It felt hot and she felt her heart beating faster. Why did this keep happening to her. Time to refocus. She quickly looked away, taking the cup and trying to get as much detergent out as she could.
Stanley now realized what was distracting her and smiled. He moved behind her. Placed both hands on her hips, and leaned in whispering her name into her ear, "Emma," his voice was low and sexy and Emma stopped still in her tracks. She didn't move, took a deep breath. He leaned over her reaching his left hand up to the lid of the washing machine, "Let me help you with that." Once closed he turned the dial to start.
His finger tips sat lightly on her hips and she placed her left hand over his, their fingers soon entwined together. Emma felt her body tremble. It was happening again. Her body was taking over and she felt no control as he held her in this innocent embrace. Her heart raced, her breathing quickened. Her right hand reached back over her head and placed it in his hair, her body leaned back pressing into his. Stanley's affectionate embrace had turned into something much more. He felt her body tremble and his own body fed off her desire and passion, Emma felt his excitement as he pressed harder against her. She closed her eyes, as he nibbled on her earlobe and traveled down to her neck, covering it with warm soft kisses. She sighed. His free hand slid up her t-shirt, caressing her stomach and then found her breasts, he brushed his hand across her bra and felt her excitement. Emma wanted him but something inside told her how wrong this was. In her own home, in the garage, their children in the next room. Stanley was feeling much the same thing.
Then sound from inside, Kyle's excitement over some achievement in his computer game, there was a lot of yelling and even a wolf call coming from her teenage son. Emma quickly came back to reality. This guilty pleasure was not to be.
"Stanley...the children." That was all he needed to hear and his hand reluctantly slipped back out from under her shirt, he stood up straight, but kept hold of her hand, as she turned towards him, they both looked at each other with longing then a smile appeared on Stanley's face, he took her other hand in his and drew her close, their foreheads touching.
She smiled, "What were we thinking?
"A number of things." Stanley responded, a crooked grin appeared across his face.
She laughed, "This is crazy. Carrying on like this in the garage, while trying to do the laundry. This is all your fault, Stanley."
"Really?"
"If you would have kept your shirt on..."
"I'm glad I didn't. I enjoyed this little interlude." He raised his eyebrows, "Hey, now what about that shower, you promised me?"
"What? I didn't promise you anything."
"Oh,yes, you did. While you were loading the machine up with too much detergent, you agreed to shower with me."
"That is unfair, you knew I was preoccupied...and you took advantage of the situation."
"You were preoccupied with me." He smiled, "In fact, I bet you were thinking about showering with me before I even mentioned it."
"And you, Stanley Jobson, are full of yourself. Just because I had a moment there, when I felt a bit out of control...."
He laughed cutting her off, "A bit...that's good, Emma. The sight of me shirtless had you shaking like a leaf." he teased. She headed into the house and he followed. Holly and Kyle were still engrossed in their game. Holly turned briefly and smiled at them. She had never been so happy as today. This was what a real family was like. An older brother, her dad working in the yard, Emma baking and doing laundry. It was perfect. Her dad winked at her and she knew he thought it was perfect to. They headed down the hall and she went back to the game.
Emma got clean towels out of the cupboard and handed them to him, "You can use my bathroom." She pointed towards her bedroom.
He looked a little dissapointed, "So you won't join me? I can't persuade you?"
She pushed him into the bedroom and stood with her arms crossed at the door, he gave her a look that was to die for, "You want to."
"I can control myself. See I am looking at your chest and nothing is happening. Nothing whatsoever." She looked briefly and then turned away.
"But if I moved closer...I doubt you could say that."
"There are children in the house." she lowered her voice and then added, "Impressionable children."
"Who won't even notice."
"The answer is no." She turned to walk out, but before she did she turned back and leaned up against the door, "Stanley,"
He raised his eyebrows, "you've changed your mind?"
She smiled, "No, but could I take a raincheck."
His mouth turned up at the corner, one eyebrow raised, "You bet. Anytime."he walked into the bathroom and turned back to see if she was still there. She was, hanging on the door, looking down at her feet, a smile on her face...a sigh escaped. She didn't see him watching her. If only the kids weren't there. Things would be different right now, he thought. But he shook that thought. They both accepted their situation. Not always ideal when wanting to have some time to themselves. But none the less, it was the way it was.
Melody arrived home and seeing the Suburban parked in the driveway was enough to get her riled up before she even entered the house. Why was he still here? Surely the sprinklers had to be fixed by now. She entered the house and it was quiet, the computer screen was on, paused on a game, but no Kyle. She heard noise coming from the backyard, laughing and she went to the family room and looked out the screen door, the perfect ideal family. As her mom would say. Her mom sitting in an patio chair, her feet up drinking a glass of wine, throwing a tennis ball to Scrap. Holly flitting around after the dog, encouraging him. Laughing. Kyle winding the dog up by pretending to throw something and Holly getting angry with him. This was so not like her brother. Stanley was no where to be seen. But she knew he was around somewhere. She shrugged her shoulders looking at this happy family situation. Part of her wanted to bite her lip and go out there and be a part of it, but the other part of her was holding her back. Holly and Stanley were intruding into her family. It wasn't fair. She didn't want them there. And look how happy they all were, it made her sick. She stormed down the hall, entering her room and once again slammed the door with full force.
Stanley had just stepped out of the shower, running a towel through his wet hair, and drying himself off, he heard the door slam, and then the familiar sound of breaking glass. Not again. A repeat from last weekend. He wrapped a towel around himself and decided he should peek his head out the door to see what damage had occurred.
After slamming the door, the pictures adorning the hall shook and two fell off. Glass shattering all over the floor, Melody closed her eyes, not believing this could be happening again. Why did she get so mad? She opened the door and saw the damage. Much worse then last week. Two frames shattered, and small pieces covered the hallway. She better clean it up was her first thought. As she entered the hallway, her mom's door opened and out popped Stanley in a towel. She was a bit shocked seeing a half naked man standing in such close proximity. And her face showed it. Her mouth dropped open, her eyes widened.
Stanley had acted so nonchalantly like he belonged here, parading around in a towel, not expecting to come face to face with Melody. Not knowing what to do or say next, there was a tense silence between them.
Stanley was so concerned with Melody's reaction that he hadn't noticed the amount of glass that covered the hallway, but he carefully stepped towards her. She was on the verge of either crying or shouting, it was hard to tell which. Stanley's experience with teenage girls was non existence. He didn't know what to expect. But he felt he needed to say something.
"It's okay, Melody, it's just glass...we can have it cleaned up in a jiff."
He reached out to lay a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she let out a blood curdling scream, "Don't you touch me." Stanley was not prepared for this reaction and he stepped back without thinking, tiny bits of shattered glass penetrated the soul of his left foot, he immediately let out a cry, and while lifting the foot in pain, managed to lose his balance. So he wouldn't fall he put his hand out, steadied himself against the wall, but in this process his right foot managed to get a piece lodged in the big toe. He grimaced in pain,
Emma had heard the racket and when she heard Melody's scream she jumped out of the deck chair and ran inside, Holly and Kyle right behind her. The scene in the hallway was not pleasant. Glass covered the floor, Stanley propped against the wall, his left foot bleeding onto the carpet, Melody standing in shock crying.
"This is my fault." She cried. Emma was torn who to go to first, but Kyle was quick on the spot and went to Stanley lending him a shoulder to lean on while he managed to get him into Emma's room and Stanley sat on the bed.
She went to her daughter and put a supportive arm around her, "It's going to be okay. It's just glass, but I need to go see to Stanley, okay?" She nodded. "you can help me. Get the first aid kit out of the bathroom." Melody rubbed her eyes and did as she was told.
Holly was sitting next to her dad on the bed, "Maybe we should take him to emergency. It could get infected." Emma got him to sit back on the bed so she had a good view of his feet.
Stanley was in a considerable amount of pain, "I'm not going to emergency. I'm going to be fine, Holly. I'm sure Emma can get the glass out." Emma was a bit squirmish, had never liked removing splinters or anything like that when her kids were little. So this was going to be interesting. Melody came in with the first aid kit and couldn't even look at her mom or Stanley, she quickly stood back.
Kyle didn't help matters, "When are you going to learn to stop be melodramatic about everything? Slamming doors right and left. You're a big baby."
Emma turned towards him and said sternly, "That's enough, Kyle."
"Mom...it's true." She cut him off before he could continue, "Out" She pointed her finger towards the door. "You could help by cleaning up the mess in the hall."
"But I didn't do anything. She did." He pointed at Melody. "She should be cleaning it up."
"Kyle." She looked at him sternly.
Kyle gave Melody an evil look and then looked at his mom, ready to fight if he defied her. Stanley cleared his throat, and Kyle looked towards him. He was cocking his head, signaling him for him to leave. And gave him that look, as if to say just do it. Don't fight her. Emma couldn't help but notice her sons immediate reaction to Stanley. He did as he was told, and went to the cupboard to get this dust pan and brush. Amazing! If she could only get the same reaction, how easy life would be she thought.
She turned back to Stanley. In the position he was in on the bed, in just a towel, Emma found it incredibly difficult to start. She stood and stared at the first aid kit, Holly and Melody looking on.
Stanley finally snapped her out of it, "Are you going let me bleed to death? OR are you going to remove the glass?"
"Right."Nervously she moved towards the bed, she stood over Holly, who was peering at his feet
"he's got a lot in there. There's a lot of blood." she started to poke around it and Stanley grimaced,
"Holly, could you not do that?"
"Sorry, Dad, I've never seen so many pieces of glass in one place before."
Holly's curiosity right now, was becoming a bit irritating. He was surrounded by an emotional 13 year old, a curious 11 year old and Emma...who didn't seem to have a clue at what she was doing.
"Holly, I am sure Emma can take care of this on her own. Why don't you go finish that game you and Kyle had started."
"But Dad." she looked a bit dissapointed.
"Go on." He didn't raise his voice and Holly listened. This struck Melody as odd. Her dad would never have approached a situations like this. He would have been yelling. Melody watched her leave and wondered if she was to be sent away too.
"Melody, get your mom, a bowl of warm water and a washcloth. Can you do that?" She looked at Stanley a bit shocked he wasn't yelling at her, and wanted her help. She nodded and Stanley smiled at her, "Good." When she left the room, Stanley took hold of Emma's hand.
"Can you do this?" he looked up into her eyes, that seemed a bit leary of this situation. Like she might pass out.
"Of course. I'm sorry." she took a deep breath and he pulled her closer to him, she sat on the bed. His other arm went around her shoulders.
"I know you're concerned about Melody...more so than me."
"That's not true. This is horrible." She felt embarrassed that her teenage daughter had a hand in this happening.
"This is nothing. The glass is removed and I'll be fine. A little pain for a few days, not comfortable to walk, but basically fine." He squeezed her hand, and she looked into his eyes, "I am concerned about Melody too. She found a strange man coming out of her mom's bedroom in a towel. I really had no idea that this could be so upsetting to her. I was foolish to think that she would just accept us."
Emma's free hand reached over and stroked his cheek, "I said it would take time. It's only been a week." Melody came back into the room with the water and cloth. Emma quickly removed her hand from his cheek and Stanley's arm dropped from her shoulders. Melody was slightly aware of their closeness, but moved closer and set the bowl on the chair. Emma got the tweezers out and went to work on his foot. Melody felt a bit awkward standing there. Stanley wasn't mad and was making light conversation, while her mom tried to get the glass out. She started to walk out the door, thinking she wouldn't be noticed, when Stanley spoke her name.
"Hey, Melody, you don't want to stay and see your mom inflict pain on me? It should be a pretty good show." He then let out a cry, as Emma tried pulling out a piece. He gave Emma a look, "Think you could possibly be a bit more gentle?"
"Sorry." She tried again, carefully, the pieces were so small and there were so many. He had no idea how hard this was.
Stanley smiled at Melody, "See what did i tell you." Just as he said that she did it again. "Emma!" he grimaced in pain, "I'd have to say the stepping on the glass was nothing compared to the torture you're putting me through now."
He got a smile out of Melody, and that was what was intended.
"I should go help Kyle clean up the mess." She stood at the door a minute and Emma looked up at her daughter, there was so much that needed to be said. She needed to help Melody get through this time. Melody acknowledged her look, "I'm really sorry." At first it was about the glass, the slamming of doors, and her temper, an apology to her mom for being so horrible lately. But then she looked at Stanley. She thought he had really kind eyes, a nice smile. She didn't want to hate him. He hadn't done anything bad to her. He had been nice and kind. She wanted to say she was sorry, but couldn't get herself to say it to him. But he seemed to know what she was thinking. The apology was for Stanley as well. And he knew it. His gaze embarrassed her and she slowly turned walking out of the room.
Emma looked at him, "You might win her over yet."
"As I can recall, her mother wasn't my easiest conquest." He teased.
"Conquest?!" This time the tweezers pull was far from gentle. She pulled at the last piece of glass forcefully and he let out a scream. In a playful rage, he grabbed her hand with force. She gave him an evil look. He chuckled as she began fighting him.
"I am not one of your conquests, Stanley Jobson." As she struggled he fell back onto the bed pulling Emma on top of him, the towel slightly shifting. There was silence. Her face in his chest hair, that fine line she found incredibly sexy. Her cheek touching his bare skin. She was well aware the only thing keeping him from being naked was that towel...and the thought sent shivers throughout her body. Emma closed her eyes for a brief second, as Stanley's hands found their way into her hair, one right at the nape of the neck. She gently kissed his chest right where the hairline started, and a finger trailed the line down over his bellybutton and stopped when it reached the towel. It was loose, no longer tucked into the top holding it on.
Stanley felt that same tension that had existed in the garage and looked towards the door, he could hear the kids. This was getting more difficult by the minute. Emma's innocent curiosity, causing a sensatational jolt through his body. His body telling him one thing, his mind something else. This had to stop. His hands reluctantly left her hair and he reached for her hand, now tracing the top of the towel across his stomach. There was no question where it fully attended to go next.
It wasn't the first time he had stopped her, and she felt like a child being scolded, but it brought her back to reality. It was as if those few brief minutes someone else had taken over her body. She pulled herself off him and averted her eyes away from the towel, or lack of one, Stanley in turn sat up and tucked the towel back on, he chuckled nervously, "I think I got it all wrong" She then slowly turned to him with a questioning look, "no, you are definitely not my conquest. I am yours...or let's say will be yours soon enough." His hand stroked her cheek, and she blushed, his other hand finding that spot in her hair at the nape of her neck, that he loved touching. He looked into her eyes, "Patience...it will happen, Emma."
"But not today." a small pout appeared on her face, and he traced her lips with his finger, smiling at her.
"Soon, I promise." he managed to get her to smile, he then gently kissed her.
She let out a sigh, "Your foot. I need to bandage your foot." averting his gaze, not wanting him to see the desperation she felt. She began to bandage his foot with gauze and tape. Glad of the distraction.
* * * * * * *
Melody had taken over the cleaning up of the glass, and Kyle had rejoined Holly on the computer. There was a knock at the door. Emma called from the bedroom, "Can one of you get that?" Kyle nudged Holly, he was too engrossed in the game.
"You can get it."
"It's not my house."
"So? Just get it." Holly shrugged her shoulders and went to the door.
It was Rachel. She was a bit surprised to find Holly answering the door, but she had seen the Suburban parked in the driveway,knowing it was Stanleys.
"Holly, this is a surprise."
"Hello, Ms. Jacobs. Emma and my Dad are in the bedroom. Watch out for the glass in the hall. There was an accident. " She then walked away back to the computer and Kyle. Rachel stood at the doorway, trying to take in this scenario. Emma and Stanley in the bedroom, Kyle and Holly on the computer. Melody appeared from the bathroom resuming her place on the floor of the hall, cleaning the mess. Rachel moved towards her.
"Hey, kiddo. What's going on?" Melody looked up,
Not wanting to talk about it, she motioned to her mom's bedroom, "She's in there."
Rachel walked past her and looked into the open bedroom door, not knowing what she would be witnessing. Stanley on the bed in a towel. This definitely took Rachel by surprise. The guy had a dynamite physique in clothes, but half naked..well, he was a sight to behold. She watched as Stanley stroked her cheek and something was said between them, Emma's blushing. Stanley's other hand in her hair. Rachel quickly stood back. She felt she had just witnessed something so intimate and personal, that she herself blushed. When she looked back, Emma was bandaging his foot.
She rapped on the door, "Are you two decent?" Melody looked up when she heard this comment and gave her a dirty look. Why were adults always making references to sex...Melody thought and let out a disgusting sigh as she stood up, Rachel had forgotten she was there. She shook her head and headed into her bedroom.
"Rachel?" Emma was surprised she was here, she got up and handed Stanley his clothes. "Please get dressed. I really don't need Rachel making comments about your body."
"No, I don't really think I need that either." he gave her a quick kiss and took hold of her hand as she was walking away, "I won't be long."
Emma walked out the door and shut it behind her. Rachel was smiling, "What's going on in there?"
"Absolutely nothing. AS you can see I have a house full of children. Do you really think anything would be going on under those circumstances?" Emma desperately trying to hide the truth.
"Stanley Jobson is in your room with a towel on." Rachel saw her cheeks turning bright red. She was holding something back from her, it was obvious. Emma was a horrible liar.
"Did you look in?" Emma now concerned about what her friend might have seen. Not her lying on top of him touching him. God, she could never live with that.
"The door was open."
Emma knew Rachel would not give up, she headed into the kitchen and poured Rachel a glass of wine. Then headed outside to find hers still sitting on the table. She sat down and Rachel joined her.
"Looks like it's been an eventful afternoon." Rachel casually commented.
"He came to fix the sprinklers." Emma said defensively, knowing full well, what Rachel meant by that comment.
"And wound up stepping on glass?" Rachel coolly sipped at her wine.
"It's a long story. Melody slammed the door, and well...."
Rachel sat forward in her chair, and glared at her, "he's in a towel, Emma."
"I know he's in a towel, Rachel. He took a shower after he was finished working." Emma still felt defensive. Why did she have to justify any of this?
"He could do that at home."
How long was she going to keep this up, Emma thought. "He brought a change of clothes, so he could take us out to dinner."
"The whole family?"
"Yes, what's wrong with that?"
"Well, I misjudged him. I think he has more on his mind than getting into your pants."
"Rachel, really!" Stanley appeared through the screen door, with a slight limp favoring his right foot. He had overheard Rachel's comment and found himself blushing and smiling as he headed toward them. He was in a pair of jeans and and a plain black tshirt, fairly tight fitting and Emma thought he looked wonderful. Rachel watched her reaction to him. There was definitely something going on.
He acknowledged Rachel with a nod, "Rachel." and sat on the edge of Emma's deck chair, leaning over whispering to Emma.
"I think you're needed." He motioned his head towards the house, "I heard crying from Melody's room."
Emma felt horrible. She had been so preoccupied with Stanley's injuries, whatever had happened in the bedroom and then Rachel showing up, she had totally forgotten her own daughters needs. Without even thinking about it, as she stood up she placed her hand over his and leaned in kissing him gently on the lips, "Entertain, Rachel." She handed him her wine glass and he kissed her back, looking deep in her eyes.
"It's going to be okay. You're a great mom." She then walked into the house.
* * * * * * *
Emma knocked on the door, "Melody, can I come in?"
She heard a faint yes, and Emma slowly opened the door. Melody was sitting on her bed, clutching her favorite stuffed dog, tears in her eyes, clutching the photograph that had been in one of the frames that had shattered. Emma moved over the to the bed and sat down next to her.
She took the photograph from her hands and smiled. The one picture she had allowed to stay up of Gary in the house. Gary and the kids the summer they had spent traveling around Europe camping.. Melody had been 7 and she had always said it was the best holiday they had ever had. She could even remember the day, the kids had been at a kids activity for a few hours and she and Gary had rode bikes into the village nearby, had a drink along the waterfront watching the boats. They had made love in the camper. It had been good...well, sometimes. Why she had kept the picture up was a mystery. Did she want to remember the last time she had been happy? The last time she had enjoyed any kind of intimacy with her husband. The last time her husband had laughed with his children. The picture showed Kyle wrestling his dad from behind, Melody being tickled sitting in his lap. They had been happy.
Melody watched as a smile appeared on her mom's face. "You were happy with Dad. You were happy then."
"We all were happy then. Do you ever see your dad smile like that anymore?"
Melody shook her head. "I want to be happy like I was then. Why can't I be happy, mom? I don't think I'm really a bad person, but sometimes I do stupid things like slamming the door and yelling and I hate it. I don't want to be like that."
"Your dad leaving has been incredibly hard on all of us. And look at all the times I was angry and slamming things around, feeling sorry for myself. It takes time to heal. Sometimes a long time."
"It didn't take Dad long." Emma put a comforting arm around her.
"Because it was what he wanted. But I really don't think he is as happy as you make out. It's hard for him too, he just doesn't want to admit it."
Melody looked straight into Emma's eyes questioning, "Did you stop loving him when he left or before that?"
"I think like you, I wanted it to be the way it was before, when we first were married. But it was a fantasy. He had stopped loving me, and I was desperately trying to hold on to anything, trying to please him. But I couldnt get it right. He didn't make me feel very good at the end. I didn't want him to leave, but it was good he did, before things got bad. I know you don't see it."
"Stanley makes you happy doesn't he?" Melody wasn't sure she really wanted to know the answer to this one.
Emma smiled and nodded. "Very much. But more than anything I want you and Kyle to be happy."
"Kyle's happy. He acts like Holly's his sister and not me." she tensed up slightly crossing her arms across her chest.
"Oh, Melody, he's being nice. I think he's doing it for me. And you know, he really likes Stanley."
"I don't see what is so great about him."
"He's a good person. He's kind...he's interested in things Kyle is interested in." Emma wisped a straggling hair off Melody's face, " You know Kyle comes across so unaffected, but it's hard for him, never being close to your dad. I think having Stanley as a friend has been good for him. Someone to look up to, someone to talk to about things, he can't talk to me about."
"And you like Holly too." Emma sensed the jealousy in her tone.
"Yes, I do. But she's not you, Melody. Never will be." She gave her a hug. "Holly has been through a lot too. I think she desperately wants a family."
She pulled away from Emma's arms standing up, Melody raised her voice, "She can't have mine. You're my mom and Kyle's my brother, not hers." She looked down at her mother, "You aren't thinking about marrying him are you? Mom, I couldn't bare it."
"Melody, you are jumping the gun here. We are friends." Melody gave her a look, knowing it was more than that., "Okay, we are more than friends, but I don't want to get married. I enjoy being with him and I want us all to get along." She had a feeling dinner tonight would not happen and she was so looking forward to them spending the time together. "He wants to take us to dinner tonight."
"You're going to make me go?"
"No...I won't make you. I want you to go. Stanley and Holly both want you to go. But I'm not going to have you with that face all evening, ruining it for everyone. But, Melody, I'm going. Whether you go or not." Emma stood up feeling a little bit of guilt. How could she place Stanley in front of Melody? But she stuck with her gut feeling on this. Melody wasn't going to win, "It's your decision."
Emma turned to her daughter as she opened the door. Melody looked defiant, not willing to budge, but there was something behind her eyes. Emma saw it. She then walked out, leaving her alone to make this decision on her own.
* * * * * Stanley relaxed into the the deck chair, taking a sip of the wine Emma had handed to him. Rachel eying him. She felt a bit awkward. She had never realized just how serious the two of them were becoming til this afternoon. Trying to make some conversation, she looked down at his foot, "Is it pretty bad?"
"This is nothing." Stanley's tolerance for pain was fairly high. He had been through a lot in his 34 years of life. Scrap came over to him and nudged his hand, and he tousled his mangy fur on his head. He glanced into the family room where Kyle was occupied on the computer Holly looking over his shoulder. He wondered how Emma was coping with Melody. Wishing he could have been of some assistance.
"You seem to be fitting in here quite nicely." she smiled at him. She didn't want to overstep. But she was curious where this whole relationship was going or where it had already gone.
He kind of laughed, "Well, somehow Melody doesn't share that feeling."
"She's had a rough time."
"I know." Stanley felt a bit awkward. He could tell by the way Rachel was looking at him, she was curious about him and Emma and this was something he felt was very private. But he knew Rachel, only to well, she had the ability to push for answers.
"I take it Emma has pretty much decided to tell the principal to stuff it concerning his dating policy." She paused briefly, treading lightly over this subject not wanting Stanley to think she was interfering. "I'm glad. She was pretty miserable the last month, unbearable to be around."
"We'll see how she is once Monday rolls around. I'm pretty certain she will avoid me like the plague at school. But I think I can deal with it. She's coming around." HE smiled at the thought of their escapade in the garage and then on the bed earlier. Not to mention the prospects that lay ahead. Rachel lowered her eyebrows wondering what the hell that look was about. Had they actually been intimate? Rachel had been away for the week, obviously something had gone on.
"Then you two are finding some time to be alone together?"
"Alone together? I've always found that phrase an interesting one...actually, no. We're parents...alone isn't part of our vocabulary." He took another sip of wine. She was beginning to push. He sure hoped Emma returned soon.
"Are you going to do something about that, Stanley?"
"Rachel, this is none of your business." He didn't want to be rude, but once he said it he heard the edge in his voice.
"Well, I think I might be able to help."
He smiled curiously, "Really, how so?"
"I'll come up with something."
He found this amusing. "Really Rachel, Emma will have a fit if you are scheming behind her back about this. And then if she knows I'm involved...well, I'm sure I will end up in the dog house or much worse. You stay out of this. Emma and I are perfectly capable of finding time to be together without your help."
"Like this afternoon?" she questioned and Stanley was only to aware this scenario was one most men would not find desirable in the least. Holly opened the sliding door and moved towards them, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind. He placed his free hand over hers, as she kissed his cheek. He was glad for the distraction.
"Is Melody okay, Dad?"
He took hold of her hand and pulled her around to the front of him, motioning her to sit on his lap. Rachel watched this father and daughter display. Holly got on his lap and he put his arm around her. As far as Stanley was concerned she would never be to big for his lap. And Holly still loved cuddling him. Most of her friends had gone past that stage, but Holly savored every moment she was with him. And being close to him.
"Emma's talking to her now. I'm sure she'll be fine. She wasn't very happy finding me here."
"That doesn't make sense to me. Why doesn't she like you?"
He stroked her hair, pausing briefly to think of an acceptable answer, "She doesn't want anyone coming between her and her mom. It's hard to explain."
"Does she want her dad to come back?" Stanley looked over at Rachel, who was feeling she was intruding on something very private and personal.
"I can't answer that, baby. I don't know what the relationship is between her and her dad."
Rachel joined the conversation, "It is nothing like what you have with your dad, Holly. And never was. And because of that Melody and Emma are extremely close." Stanley welcomed Rachel's assistance, sometimes he felt these serious father /daughter talks were way out of his field of expertise and he was destined to say the wrong thing. "She doesn't want him to come back, I think she wants it like she remembered it to be when she was little."
Holly looked a bit confused, but tried to soak in what she had been told. "You were too little to remember what it was like before your mother and I divorced, but Melody has good memories. She wants her family back the way it was, I think that's what Ms. Jacobs is saying."
"But it wouldn't be like that, right?"
"Exactly. People change. Melody knows that but wants to hold on to something that meant so much to her. "
"I wanted you to come back too, but not to be with mom. To be with me. Is that what it's like for her too?"
'I don't think so." This was hard for him to explain. Holly was so excepting of Emma and her family. It was what she had always dreamed of. Melody had had the perfect family once, and didn't want to go through it again..thinking that it would just end up in a disaster.
Emma came out into the patio, all three of them looked up at her, Stanley spoke, "So?"
"I don't think she's coming for dinner." Stanley saw the dissapointment in Emma's eyes.
"We can make it another time." Stanley knew that Melody's mood would effect the whole evening. Leaving her behind, would make Emma worried and it wasn't the evening he had envisioned.
"No, we're going out as planned. Kyle's in the shower, Melody isn't going to control what the rest of us do." Stanley heard the stress in her voice. Stanley motioned for Holly to get up, and once she did he went to Emma's side. Slipping a comforting arm around her.
"Why don't I just get some take-a-way or something. We can all eat here, Rachel can join us."
As he said that he noticed the screen door opening and Melody standing in the doorway. Stanley's expression caused Emma to turn around. But Melody was looking at Stanley.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Jobson. I behaved badly. I hope your foot is okay."
Stanley moved closer to her cautiously, "No need to apologize. And you know, I'd much rather you call me Stanley."
His voice was kind and warm, and she looked over at her mother, who smiled and nodded.
"I do want to go out to dinner with you. If that's okay?" Kyle stepped outside, he had just showered and he whacked Melody with his towel.
"Ah, she's not going is she, I was looking forward to some peace and quiet for a change." Melody turned on him and he was smiling. "Hey, sis, stop being so pleasant, I don't recognize you."
She gave him an evil look, "Why you!" She began to chase him. Kyle darted back into the house and Melody followed. Holly watched in amazement. Never having had a sibling, she was envious of their teasing. Stanley smiled and wrapped his arms around his daughter, leaning over her.
"Aren't you glad you don't have to deal with that on a daily basis?" But Holly wasn't smiling. It's exactly what she wanted. Stanley was used to her giggling or at least acknowledging him in someway when he teased, but this time there was nothing.
Emma noticed Holly's expression, her not responding to her Dad's question. It was pretty obvious to her that Holly felt she had missed out. Even though Melody and Kyle fought, they did have each other. And for the afternoon, Holly had just that. She had played with Kyle and he had fought with her, like they were brother and sister. Emma knew what Holly wanted. A real family. And Emma quickly shook this thought out of her head, she didn't even want to think about that now.
"I don't know about you but I'm starving." She looked over at Rachel hoping she would excuse herself, but Stanley had already offered for her to join them for take out. Now that dinner was back on, she really wanted it to be just them and the kids. Rachel got the hint just from her look,
"And that is my cue to depart." She stood up and pointed at Emma, "you better call me." There was that look, the raised eyebrows..like Emma had been keeping something from her. As she stepped by Stanley, she gave his cheek a pat, and he lowered his eyebrows questionably, "And I'll look into that problem you're having Stanley. See what I can come up with."
Emma looked at both of them questionably. "What's going on, you two?"
"Let me walk you to the door, Rachel." Holly ran into the house in front of him and Stanley put a hand on Rachel's back and looked back at Emma glaring at him.
"Oh, no, Stanley, you need to keep off that foot. I wouldn't want you to be out of commission for too long." Rachel was enjoying this. He was definitely uncomfortable. She headed into the house turning back to Emma before she disappeared, "He's a keeper, Emma. You are one lucky lady."
Stanley knew she was going to want to know what that was about but was surprised when Emma didn't bring it up. She wrapped her arms around his neck, "Rachel's right, I don't want you out of commission for too long." She kissed him.
"You have nothing to worry about, the only thing this will stop me from is running the next Boston marathon." He raised his eyebrows knowing exactly what she was implying to. He kissed her.
Both of them oblivious to the sounds around them, then a chorus of clearing throats, And they both looked up to find all 3 children standing in the sliding doorway trying to get their attention. Kyle and Holly arms crossed scowling, in fun. Melody stood back, still not thrilled by these new developments but trying to accept them. "We're hungry," Kyle stated.
"Right." Stanley let go of Emma and gave her a playful pat on the behind, "And your mother is holding us up."
"What do you mean by that?"
He looked down at the front of her shirt, there was a few spots of blood, and dirt stains from the plant that had broken earlier. "Are you going out looking like this?"
She realized she hadn't changed. So much going on. Totally preoccupied. "I won't be long." She smiled sheepishly and rushed past the kids into the house. It took her only a few seconds to change, comb her hair and reapply makeup, and she headed out into the living room. Even with all the chaos of the afternoon, everyone was in good spirits. Melody telling Holly about the movie she had seen, Kyle and Stanley discussing some computer babble. This is what Holly wanted, a family. Was it what Stanley wanted too, and what about what she wanted? She still knew very little about this man, she knew she was physically attracted to him, that she found him warm, kind, funny and loving and good with her kids. All the qualities she had always wanted in a man. She needed to just let things happen as they had been. Stop analyzing so much.
Stanley turned to see her standing there deep in thought. The sight of him in her living room with Holly and her children, could that be it? He wasn't sure. Rachel had been right, he felt he fitted in here. He and Holly fit in with Emma and her family. And his thoughts were where was this going, and did they both want the same thing. There was still so much she needed to know about him. Things he had kept from her. But today was not the day to dive into that. But soon.
Their eyes met and he smiled at her, then turned to the kids, clapping his hands to get their attention, "Alright, you motley crue, out to the Suburban..." Holly and Melody jumped off the couch and ran out the front door, Kyle slowly got up, headed for the door and turned to watch his mom take Stanley's hand. He was happy for her, he thought Stanley was the greatest, but in the back of his mind things he knew about Stanley were there. Things his mom didn't know. His prison sentence, restraining orders against him to see Holly, involvement with some terrorists..even though it seemed they had cleared him of that. But he really didn't understand it. Stanley was a good person. But what would his mom make of these facts? He started thinking he might have to talk to Stanley soon. Tell him what he knew. But not now. Not when it was so obvious how happy both of them were together. The day had already been full of enough drama, what he knew could wait.