13.
Nora, Loren and Melissa watched as the men chowed down on the meal. Nora felt so pleased that they seem to really enjoy it. Melissa and Loren were tickled at how much they all enjoyed it. When they were finished and sitting around the table talking Nora stood up and went over to put coffee on. Melissa and Loren began to clear the table.
"Can we help?" Max asked.
"No, it will only take a moment. Besides I have dessert coming up."
"Dessert?" Eddie asked.
"Yes, my mom makes the best pecan pie you have ever put in your mouth." Loren said chuckling.
"This fabulous meal and dessert? I'm glad I got to come." Ian said with his mouth drooling.
"Is this an everyday thing with the pies? Because I have to tell you I absolutely love pie." Eddie said.
"Anytime you would like a pie just let me know my mom makes the best." Loren said smiling.
The dishes were in the dishwasher and the coffee was made. They all had a slice of pie on their plates.
"Oh my God. This is better then sex." Ian exclaimed.
"Then you must not be having the right sex." Mel said chuckling.
They all looked up at her in shock.
"I mean this is delicious Nora." she said blushing.
They all started laughing and it put everyone more at ease. Eddie looked over at Loren and was once again transfixed by her blush. Max could only think about what it would feel like to have Nora in his arms. Ian leaned over and whispered in Mel's ear. "Maybe you are right. Do you think maybe you could show me what I'm doing wrong?"
Mel giggled and leaned over to kiss him. They all sat around and talked for awhile and it was time for the guys to go.
"It was a fabulous meal Nora. Thank you so much for having us."
"Um.. anytime. It was the least I could do for what you did for my daughter."
"I was kind of hoping it was more than that."
"What do you mean?"
"I was hoping it was because you enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed yours."
"I do." she said almost breathless.
He leaned forward and kissed her.
Eddie, Ian and Max were at the door and said their good nights and left.
The girls squealed loudly once the guys were gone.
"That was the best night of my life." Loren said smiling.
"Me too." Nora said.
"Well I have had a few great nights but I have to say that most of them were with Ian."
"So what is this about the pecan pie not being better than sex?" Loren asked her jokingly.
"I have to agree Loren. It's not. One day when you are ready you will find that out for yourself." Nora told her daughter.
"Well it's time for bed girls. Have some sweet dreams, I know I will." she said with a wink.
Mel and Loren got in their pajamas and lay down in the bed. But neither of them could sleep. The excitement was keeping them up.
"What did you think Mel?"
"I think I'm falling in love with Ian."
"You are?"
"Yeah, I know it's too soon, but I can't help it. He treats me like a queen and he's so sexy and hot."
"No, it's not to soon. I understand."
"Yeah, I figured you would. I could tell that you are falling in love with Eddie."
"I am, but I don't think he feels the same. I think he is still in love with Chloe."
"Are you kidding me right now Lo? That man is falling crazy head over heels in love with you. The way that man looks at you almost heats my body up."
"No, that's just Ian."
"Lo, I'm serious. Eddie Duran is falling for you."
"I just don't know Mel." she said and turned over to try to sleep. She lay there in the dark for a long time just thinking about Eddie.
In the car with the guys on the way back to Eddie's penthouse.
"I have to say I haven't had a better meal since mom died." Eddie said.
"I know. Nora can definitely make a meal."
"You like her don't you dad."
"Yeah, um.. does that bother you?"
"Hell no. I think it's great. I mean the woman is screaming HOT."
All three chuckled. "Yeah, she really is and so is Loren and Mel."
"How did three beautiful women walk into our lives?" Ian asked.
"I don't know." Eddie said and he got silent thinking.
Max knew his son was going through turmoil. He just hoped his plan worked.
"So you leaving in the morning?" he asked his son.
"Yeah."
"Where are you going?" Ian asked and Eddie told him.
"I think that's good Eddie. I would hate for you to miss out on what could become of an amazing relationship." Ian said.
They all got silent and then they arrived at the penthouse. His dad and Ian decided to stay at the penthouse so they all crashed.
The next morning Eddie got up and packed his bag. He grabbed his guitar and left.
Ian woke up to the aromatic smell of coffee. He slowly walked down the stairs to see Max sitting there deep in thought with a cup of coffee in his hands. "Is there more?" he asked pointing to his coffee cup.
"Yeah, there's a full pot."
"Eddie already left?"
"Yeah."
Ian got his coffee and went back into the living room. "What's going on in that head of yours poppa Max?"
"I need to ask you a question."
"Okay."
"I need to find out what you think about what I have planned."
"Is this about Eddie and Loren?"
"Yeah."
"Let's hear it."
Before he started talking there was a knock on the door. Opening the door there stood the private investigator he hired.