Just Us Box Set

Can’t Buy His Love-3

Wednesday morning was pure torture. I awoke at four o’clock, stiff as a board and aching all over. The journey from my couch to the bathroom was utter torment. By the time I got into my car at ten minutes to five, I was in anguish.

It was usually just me and the machines first thing at the gym until seven or so. I turned on the lights, TV, and some music, then checked the equipment. Moving slowly, I made sure the bathrooms were pristine and gingerly took my seat behind the desk.

Across the street, the daycare center lights were on, which meant that Gregory was preparing for the first of his little charges to arrive at six-thirty. I didn’t usually get a glimpse of him until then. I thought briefly of our lunch “date” on Thursday.

Would I be able to penetrate that thick wall of his? It wasn’t only me who got the cold shoulder, either. I’d noticed that anyone who even showed mild interest in him was rebuffed. I’d never thought through why that would be, except that now, after seeing the possible warmth beneath that frigid exterior, I was definitely curious.

My pocket buzzed. I checked the cell phone to see that Mamá had sent me a text. She had always been an early riser.

Mamá: Mijo, you didn’t call me yesterday

Me: Lo siento.

Mamá: Something happened, didn’t it?

Me: Estoy bien, stop worrying.

Mamá: Don’t lie to your mother.

Me: Why would I lie to you?

Mamá: If I was there, I’d pinch your arm.

Me: I love you, too

Mamá: Papá sends his love.

Me: Tell him I love him, too.

Mamá: Have a good day, amorcito.

I looked up just in time to see Gregory step outside and greet the first of his daycare charges. A member of his staff was also there with him. There was a light breeze and Gregory’s hair moved gently around his face. It was bright enough to see his smile as he gave hugs to the parents and took charge of their little ones. I heaved a besotted sigh. I wanted him to smile at me like that. Someday. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.

Mrs. Ragsdale arrived on time and fussed over me even as I worked with her on the weights. “You should be resting at home, Wheeler Ridley. I can watch the gym for you, you know. I’ve nothing else to do today.” She used to coach the girls softball teams among other things in her younger years. She was retired and likely bored out of her skull, what with her husband now deceased. She’d never had children.

I smiled. “I know that, Mrs. R. and I appreciate it. If I don’t feel better as the day goes on, maybe I’ll take you up on your offer.”

By lunchtime, it seemed like half the town had stopped by. Tory hadn’t been kidding. I received gentle hugs, roses, and the diner sent me lunch. I was overwhelmed. Right before the gym closed that evening, a tiny woman almost half my height came inside toting the little boy whose life I’d saved the day before.

When she stopped before me, the boy lifted his arms and I had no choice but to take him. He bussed my cheek and squeezed the daylights out of my neck. I hugged him back.

“Mr. Ridley,” the young mother said, “my name is Rebekah. I don’t know how to thank you for what you did yesterday for my son.” She sniffled and wiped her nose with a tissue she’d had in her hand. “If there’s ever anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. I owe you that and so much more.”

I blushed, unused to such sincere, effusive praise that didn’t stem from my bedroom prowess. “It was nothing, really. I just…reacted, I guess.”

She came forward and gently touched my forearm. “It’s everything to me. Jamie is all I have left in the world, and if he were…gone, I don’t know what I’d do.”

Jamie started to wiggle, so I handed him back to her. “Well, you’re welcome.” I ruffled the boy’s hair. “Don’t run into the street anymore, okay?”

He nodded and gave me an impish grin.

Rebekah said, “Woody stopped by the daycare center just now, hoping to catch me when I picked up Jamie. He was very apologetic, but after chewing him out, I told him it was okay. Woody’s been through a lot, and while I’m mad, I just didn’t have the heart to…Anyway, he’s coming over to my place this weekend to do some renovation work for free.”

“Oh, before I forget,” she said as she used a free hand to dig into her handbag. “Gregory asked me to give this to you. It’s his cell phone number. He said to tell you that, if you need dinner or anything, no matter what, just call.” She smiled shyly at me. “Believe me, this is unprecedented. Gregory never lets anybody in. I went to school with him, and he’s the most closed-off person I know.”

With a wink, she and Jamie were gone.

* * * *

Should I call?

I drove home and sat in the car for a while, watching the sunset. It would be the perfect opportunity to get to know Gregory better, now that I had an opening. But, while in the past I would have used any means to get what I wanted—scrupulous or not—I figured that being a selfish, arrogant Don Juan wouldn’t get very far with a guy like him.

Something about Gregory proclaimed, “Beware, careful handling required.” I didn’t want to make him think any less of me that he probably already did, no matter how much his eyes scorched my skin whenever he looked at me.

When I climbed the porch steps, I spied a basket of goodies. There was no card. I unlocked the front door, groaned as I bent over and picked up the gift, then went inside. I placed the item on the table along with the piece of paper with Gregory’s number.

After I showered and changed into shorts and a T-shirt, I stood in front of my open refrigerator. I had meant to go to the grocery store today, as was my habit on a Wednesday, but with all that had happened, I wasn’t feeling like it. My fridge was bare, and I was really hungry. I decided, what the hell?

I grabbed the piece of paper, dialed Gregory’s number, and hoped for the best.

“Hello?” his smooth voice said.

I tried not to sigh out loud like a sycophant. “Um, hi. It’s, uh, Wheeler, you know, Ridley.” Great, I sounded like a five-year-old. “Rebekah gave me your number. I, uh, well, damn.”

As I tried to recover my usual suave self, I heard the most surprising sound in the world. Gregory Wang was laughing. At something that I had said. Hallelujah!

“It’s nice to hear you fumble a bit for once in your life. Didn’t know you had it in you.”

I chuckled. “I didn’t, either. I guess you bring out the best in me, if that’s what this is.”

“It can’t hurt. Why the call? Everything okay?”

“My fridge is empty and I just don’t have it in me to face shopping right now. Would you mind terribly if I asked you to bring me something from the diner? Pretty please?” I batted my eyelids, though he couldn’t see it.

“It’s no trouble, though home-cooked would be better for you. Why don’t I make you something?”

My heart raced. “Y-You would do that? It’s totally not necessary.” Shut up, fool. Let him cook for you!

“I insist. Give me half an hour, okay?” He rang off and left me staring at my cell phone, wondering what on earth had just happened.