Round the Clock (9 page)

“Yes. I don’t want to be alone tonight. Especially in this house.”

He turned to her. “You’re not alone. There are other people here.”

“Yes, but they hate me, just like the kids did before.”

Desmond lifted himself onto his elbow and drew down the sheet so he could see her breasts. “I’m sure they don’t hate you.” He kissed each nipple.

Anna Marie laughed. “Not everyone feels about me the way you do.”

He playfully narrowed his eyes, then said in a low growl, “They’d better not.” Suddenly, his gaze grew serious. “I thought you had fond memories of this place.”

“I have fond memories of Mrs. Bell. Anyway, I now have Nika.”

“Who?”

“My turtle. He likes to stay in his shoebox and hide. Anytime I let him out, he disappears under the bed or a dresser. I’d introduce you, but he’s shy around strangers.”

The corner of Desmond’s mouth quirked in a smile, but he didn’t laugh. “I’ll give him time.”

“Thank you.” Anna Marie drew up the covers. “I can’t make you stay, but if you have to leave, please wait until I’m asleep.”

“Are you sleepy?”

“No.”

He drew the cover down again. “Good, because I don’t plan to leave anytime soon.”

Anna Marie woke up alone. She wasn’t surprised. Her dream had come true. She’d wanted one night with Desmond Rockwell and she’d gotten it—she hadn’t expected to wake up with him beside her. She knew that dreams could never withstand the glare of day.

She glanced at her clock, then heard a buzzing noise. It took her moment to realize it was her cell
phone. She searched in her handbag and answered “Hello?”

“Did I wake you?” Desmond asked.

Anna Marie sunk back into her bed, her knees weak from the joy of hearing his voice. “No, I was up.”

“Sorry I couldn’t stay. I have some business I have to take care of. But if you need me tonight, I don’t have any plans.”

Anna Marie fell back on the bed and grinned. “I’m glad to hear that, Mr. Rockwell, because I
will
need you.”

“I’m always happy to be of service.”

She rolled on her stomach and put her feet in the air. “In fact, I may need you the rest of the week. Solving these cases of loneliness takes time.”

“Yes, and I wouldn’t want you to be lonely,” he said in a husky whisper.

“I miss you already.”

“What are you wearing?”

“Nothing. Just a big smile.”

He groaned. “I’m not sure you’re good for me.” He laughed. “And I don’t care. I’ll see you tonight.” He hung up.

Anna Marie dropped her cell phone on the bed and screamed into the pillows. She’d slept with Desmond Rockwell and he was coming back tonight! It was more than she could have ever hoped for.

“You’re getting cantaloupe today,” she told Nika.

She was in high spirits as she prepared for the day and decided to select something fun to wear from her closet. She selected a two-piece white-and-blue-striped sleeveless pantsuit and white leather pumps, then bounded down the stairs. However, the cold reception she received effectively dampened her spirits.

Again she ate alone. Whenever she entered one of the “common areas,” like the kitchen, dining or family room, the conversation either stopped or the boarders got up and left. Her questions were met with terse replies or, sometimes, no reply at all. It continued this way for the next several weeks. Anna Marie endured their coldness because her nights were so pleasurable. Being with Desmond healed every slight and hurt she suffered during the day. And she thought everything was perfect until Sonia showed up.

“W
hat have I done now?” Anna Marie asked, letting her shoulders slump.

“We won’t discuss that out here. Let’s go to your room.” Once inside Anna Marie’s bedroom, Sonia closed the door and pointed to a chair. “Sit down.”

She did. “What—”

“You haven’t called Rania,” Sonia said with the same drill-sergeant expression she’d had before.

“Oh, that,” Anna Marie said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I remember reading instructions to call Rania at my earliest convenience. I’ve been busy. I’ve met with the lawyer and moved in here and…” she faltered.

“And what?” Sonia pressed. “You don’t work, so what has been keeping you busy?”

Hiding in her room had been her main priority. “I’ve been getting used to everything.”

“You’ve been delaying. You don’t want to do it.”

Anna Marie squirmed in her chair. “I just don’t think it’s necessary. To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure I need this society anymore. I’m really not a group person and besides, my life has already changed. My dream has already come true. I spent one night with Desmond Rockwell. Actually, more than one night, and everything is perfect.”

Sonia frowned, unimpressed. “Perfect?”

“Yes.”

“Then why is it that you didn’t introduce me to any of the residents here?”

“You wanted to meet in my room.”

“That’s not an excuse.”

“And also because the society is a secret and—”

“You could have introduced me as a friend. Don’t pretend you haven’t lied before. You rushed me to your room as though that’s the only place where you feel comfortable. Why is that?”

“The boarders and I don’t get on. They don’t want me to be here. I don’t blame them so I stay out of their way and they stay out of mine.”

“And you call that
perfect?
”

“Okay,” Anna Marie admitted in defeat. “It’s not, but—”

“And about Desmond. Wouldn’t you also like to be with him in the day?”

“It’s not like that,” Anna Marie said, annoyed.

“Because you’re not giving the relationship a chance. Wouldn’t you like to wake up beside him and then spend the whole day with him?”

“I didn’t ask for that.”

“But isn’t that what you want?” Sonia shook her head. “You’re settling for less, Anna Marie, and that’s against the oath. You’re going to make your appointment with Rania right now.”

Anna Marie stifled a groan. “But the instructions said she wants to show me home decoration. Why would I need to know that? Homes are for families and I never plan to have one.”

“Even though you want one?”

Anna Marie crossed her arms but didn’t reply.

“You’re doing everyone a disservice. Why do you help the wrong people, like Nancy, Bruno and Sandy, and hurt the ones who need you, like the boarders and Desmond?”

“I haven’t hurt anyone,” Anna Marie said, stunned by the accusation.

“You’re a wonderful woman hiding yourself in this room. With Desmond you only give one side of you. He deserves a complete woman. A woman who can be there day
and
night. A woman he can trust round the clock. And those residents downstairs need someone like you. Mrs. Bell was a smart
woman. She knew that when she was gone, you would be what this place needed. Anna Marie, you have a generous heart, but you’re afraid to share. Yes, it’s been broken, but it can be healed.”

Sonia sat on the bed. “Now you’re going to do three things. Tomorrow you will go to Rania. Then you’ll wear your second pair of stockings on a date with Desmond.”

Anna Marie shook her head. “He’s not going to ask me out.”

“Yes, he will and you’ll say yes. And number three, you’ll share a meal with the residents. I don’t care how, just make it happen.”

“But—”

“What’s the oath?”

Anna Marie reluctantly repeated it and Sonia smiled. “Good. I’ll check on you next month.”

Anna Marie fought to stay awake as she followed Rania around the large furniture store. She found the striking, full-figured, dark-skinned woman fascinating but everything else held little interest. She didn’t belong here, she thought as she watched a couple walk past. Her gaze fell on the young families and older ones; the pairs who looked like newlyweds and the ones who looked as if they’d been married for years.

She vaguely listened to Rania’s commentary and pretended to be interested. She didn’t see any point
in knowing about color choice or the right fabric or choosing the right couch, but her membership required she get this chore over with. Finally, Rania decided to break for lunch.

“You hate this, don’t you?” Rania said, looking at Anna Marie over their turkey salads.

Anna Marie blinked. She didn’t want to upset her. She seemed very nice. “No, I don’t hate it.”

“A home reflects the people who live in it.”

“Yes, but I’m more an apartment type of girl.”

“Anywhere can be a home. It’s all about creating a place of peace. A sanctuary.”

“Of course,” Anna Marie said, unconvinced, but she was willing to say anything to maintain her relationship with Desmond. She didn’t want this dream to end yet and she’d do whatever the society wanted her to do so that wouldn’t happen.

“When we go back to the store, I want you to select five items that will turn the boarding house into a home.”

Anna Marie didn’t know what she meant but was willing to do anything to make Rania happy so they could leave.

After they finished eating, they returned to the store. Anna Marie wandered for several minutes before making her selections. She chose an ovesize leather recliner, an adjustable remote-control floor reading lamp, a hexagonal glass dining table with matching burgundy upholstered chairs, a hand
crafted computer cabinet with a rollout desk and file cabinet and lastly, several colorful, large throw cushions. When the items were delivered that weekend, Anna Marie placed them in appropriate locations throughout the house.

Nobody said anything, but she caught Jane’s quick smile. That Saturday evening she went into the kitchen, where Gerald and Jane sat at a small table while Leona cooked. She saw a stack of dishes and utensils for the table.

“Let me help you,” she said and picked up the plates.

Leona took them from her. “I usually set the table and I don’t need any help.”

Anna Marie wasn’t sure what it was, Jane’s frown or Gerald’s smile, but something in her snapped. She snatched the plates back. “That’s fine, but I’m going to help you so you better get used to it.” She looked at Gerald and Jane. “I will set the table and you will eat with me. I don’t care if you don’t talk to me because I’ve dealt with worse. I’ve been spit on, punched, gone a week without food, been locked in a closet and felt a buckle against my back more times than I can count. So you can ignore me and shun me all you want, but that’s not going to defeat me because I’m not going anywhere.”

They stared at her, but didn’t argue.

“You have so much,” she continued. “You have a family. Something I’ve never had and if it is so hard for you to be nice to me, then I truly feel sorry for you. I don’t know why Mrs. Bell left me this house and maybe I don’t deserve it, but I’m going to honor her wish because I hurt her years ago and I want to make up for it any way I can.” She paused and took a deep breath. “And don’t worry. I have no plans to get between you and this house. In six months I’ll sign it over. I don’t want it. And I’ll be gone and you can have your family back. I won’t miss you and you won’t miss me, but I’m here now, so deal with it.” Anna Marie marched out of the kitchen, into the dining room and set the table for four.

The first few minutes of dinner started with an awkward silence, then Jane said, “My father was a bastard, too.”

“I didn’t know mine,” Gerald said.

“I haven’t seen mine in years,” Anna Marie said.

“We’re sorry,” Leona said. “We haven’t been nice to you and this is your house.”

Jane bobbed her head in agreement. “Thanks for the new pillows. They really brighten up the living room.”

“I think the place needs more changes,” Anna Marie said.

“Yes,” Gerald said. “The railing could be sturdier.”

“And perhaps we could get new carpet in the family, I mean, TV room?” Jane said.

“And some updated kitchen utensils would be nice,” Leona added.

Anna Marie nodded. “After dinner, let’s write down everything we want and what needs to be worked on or fixed and start from there.”

“It could get expensive,” Gerald said.

“That’s okay,” Anna Marie said. “I have money.”

They finished dinner then Jane followed Anna Marie into the living room. Jane continued to give suggestions while Anna Marie sat with a pad and wrote them down.

“That’s my chair,” Gerald said to her.

“Is it? I’m surprised because it’s the worst one in the room. It’s too soft and is terrible for someone with a bad back. You need something sturdier, like that lovely one near the window under the lamp.” She gestured to the new recliner. “But if you want to claim this second-rate one, that’s fine by me.” Anna Marie began to stand.

He frowned. “Wait. There’s no reason to move if you don’t have to.” He sat in the other chair, then nodded. For the rest of the evening, the ladies continued their discussion on needed changes.

“We’ve thought of every place but the basement,” Gerald said.

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Anna Marie said quickly.

“Sure, we’ll deal with it later.”

Leona sent her a look. “What do you have against the basement? It was Mrs. Bell’s favorite place in the house.”

Anna Marie doodled in the margin of her notepad. “I know.”

Jane’s gaze darted between the two women, then she said, “Let’s think of what we can do to the outside.”

Over the next few weeks as spring turned into summer, everyone worked on painting, waxing, nailing and fixing up the boarding house. In the morning they discussed what they planned to accomplish that day and at night they played board games, watched TV and at times just read and enjoyed each other’s company. Anna Marie introduced them to Nika and showed them how to take care of him. Gerald played with him and told Anna Marie stories of his youth. Jane showed Anna Marie her Brain Age game and Anna Marie helped her select a better fitting wig and showed her how to do different hair styles. She helped Leona try new recipes and they both had fun learning to use a new food processor and bread machine. Everyone helped around the house. When Sonia stopped by to see Anna Marie’s progress, she was amazed.

However, despite her busy schedule, Anna Marie still devoted her late-night activities to Desmond and thoroughly enjoyed them. They went dancing, drinking, to the movies and clubs. She didn’t want to change anything. The night suited her. It was enough.

Then he changed the rules.

“Are you free next Saturday?” Desmond asked her one day over the phone as she sewed a button back on one of Gerald’s shirts.

“Sure.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up after breakfast.”

Anna Marie stabbed herself with the needle then winced and swore. “You mean Saturday
morning?
”

“Yes, I want to take you somewhere.”

She sucked on her finger, then shook it. “In the daytime?”

“Yes, are you busy?”

“No. Um…okay, how about you come over for breakfast?” She didn’t expect him to say yes and nearly dropped the phone when he did.

“Great. See you then.”

“Yes.” She hung up, then ran downstairs. “Leona, I think I made a mistake. I just invited the guy I’ve been seeing to breakfast.”

“That’s okay. There’ll be plenty.”

Gerald said, “About time you introduced us to your boyfriend.”

“He’s just a guy I’m seeing, not my boyfriend.”

“From the sounds coming from your bedroom, he’s seeing an awful lot of you.”

“Gerald!” Leona said.

“It’s true. I know about sex.”

“Why are you worried?” Jane asked.

“It’s just…I don’t know.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be on our best behavior.”

Anna Marie wanted to believe them but still couldn’t stop thinking that the invitation was a mistake. She tried relaxing with a book when her cell phone rang. She looked down and saw her sister’s number.

“At last,” Tracie said with an edge of annoyance. “Where have you been?”

Anna Marie set her book aside, knowing that any kind of relaxation was now impossible. “I left a message.”

“Bruno told me you left him.”

“I did. What’s wrong?” Anna Marie asked, determined to change the subject.

“Nothing. I’ve missed you and want to see you. It’s been a long time. Where are you staying?”

“I don’t think—”

“I’ll bring lunch. It will be fun! Please,” she begged.

Anna Marie rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Fine.”

“Great. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Anna Marie gave her the address and directions, then hung up.

“Who was that?” Jane asked.

Leona frowned. “Don’t be nosy.”

Anna Marie sighed. “It’s okay. That was my sister, Tracie.”

“I didn’t know you had family,” Jane said. “You don’t look happy to hear from her.”

“I love her because I’m supposed to, but I don’t like her very much.”

“I have a sister like that,” Jane added.

“Well, mine is coming by tomorrow for lunch. If you want to disappear, I won’t blame you.”

“Is she anything like you?” Gerald asked.

“She’s nothing like me.”

He grinned. “Then this I have to see.”

Anna Marie knew that the others would be interested in Tracie’s visit, but she could do without seeing her. First she had to find something to wear. Her sister always made her feel like a “don’t.” Not that Tracie could help being naturally tall, with flawless features and brownish-black hair that fell in natural waves around her face. But that fact didn’t make Anna Marie feel any better about her visit. She needed courage. Then a thought came to her. She opened her drawer and pulled out another pair of shimmery extra-sheer stockings and smiled.