All In The Game (Dearly Beloved) Read online

  Oh, oh, the woman is working on me to let my guard down. It isn’t going to work. “Only about ten times since I’ve had it done. As for dinner, I’ve got everything ready. Other than the chicken casserole, everything else is cold. It’ll be less formal that way.”

  “I can always set the table. Are you going to eat in the kitchen or the dining room?”

  “The kitchen is homier. We can discuss plans out on the lanai over drinks. I already have a platter of noshes prepared so we don’t get sloshed,” Amanda sang the ending phrase.

  “You are too cute for words these days. When are the guys due to arrive?”

  “Sid’s car is in the garage so Keith is picking him up. Stuart, over at Brady’ Garage, said it won’t be ready until Monday or Tuesday at the latest.”

  Rita took four plates out of the cupboard and four cloth napkins from a drawer along with the cutlery and went to the table.

  “I think most everybody in Calusa goes to Brady’s. Are you going to use a tablecloth or the placemats that are already on the table? What about the candles?”

  “Leave them there. I’ll light them right before dinner. Use the placemats that are on the table,” Amanda called from the lanai where she was busy lighting a display of scented pillar candles. “I told you we’re not going to do anything fancy.”

  “That’s why you’re going to light all these candles.”

  “The sun will be setting in a while. I like the atmosphere candles create. You wouldn’t want to sit out here with the harsh overhead light on.” She walked back into the kitchen. “This is mainly to talk about the wedding plans. Speak of the devil, I do believe I hear a car door.”

  “Woman, you have hearing like a bat. At least, I think it’s a bat that is supposed to hear so well.”

  Amanda laughed and waved the comment aside. “Whatever.”

  Keith came through the door followed by Sid. “Sure smells good in here,” he called as he walked through the house.

  Amanda came out of the kitchen and gave him a quick kiss. “I’m glad you’re here. I was just getting ready to open a bottle of wine and you know I’m useless when it comes to corkscrews.”

  He raised an eyebrow and shot her a quizzical look. She gave him a gentle shove on the chest with both hands and sniggered. “I can read your mind. Don’t go any further with that statement.”

  “Aw, come on, babe,” he said, waggling his brows.

  Sid cleared his throat. “I think I’ll head for the lanai and leave you two love birds to deal with your double meaning conversation.”

  Amanda pointed to her friend sitting outside at the table, paging through a magazine, and obviously not reading because of the flickering candlelight. “That’s up to you. Rita’s out there. We’ll be there in a few.”

  “I don’t think he’s ever been in love,” Keith said as Sid went outside. They watched as he introduced himself to Rita, before taking a seat across from her.

  “Yes, I have been in love, several times, then I got over it,” Sid called back.

  “Boy, Rita thought I had good hearing but I think Sid has me beat,” Amanda said.

  Going directly to the refrigerator she took out the bottle of wine and handed it to Keith. As she did she raised her left hand to once again admire the beautiful pear shaped diamond engagement ring. The overhead light enhanced the sparkle. It was still hard to believe this whole scene of forging a life with Keith. Everything that was happening now was what she had expected to happen in her younger days. Lately she went to bed at night fearing she was living a dream and that it would all be gone when she woke up in the morning.

  “You know, hon, I still can’t believe our big day is just around the corner,” she said. “Have you gotten cold feet yet? There’s still time to tell me that you’ve changed your mind.”

  He put the bottle down and pulled her into his arms and rested his forehead against hers. “You’ve got to be putting me on. Stop asking that.”

  “I’m sorry. It seems so unreal. I can’t believe it’s happening.” She couldn’t share the dream she’d had a couple of nights ago that he’d left her standing at the altar with a note saying he couldn’t go through with the wedding.

  “Trust me; I’m the one counting the days. By the way, I spoke to Rev. Moore and he’s expecting us on Monday night at seven for our joint session, I’ll go solo on Wednesday and you on Friday. Then we’ll go together the Monday before the wedding.”

  “It still seems strange that we’re going for counseling at our age. After all, we’ve both been there and done that.”

  “I know but with the high divorce rate these days he just wants us to be sure.”

  They heard a voice calling their names and turned to see Rita standing in the doorway. “A woman could die of thirst out here. Do you think you two could give it a rest with the huggy stuff and come out and join us?”

  He kissed Amanda on the nose as he ran his hands up and down her back. “Those two are a royal pain in the ass.”

  She took his face in her hands and gave him a deep, comforting kiss on the lips. “Indeed they are but they’re our pains. We had better get out there before it gets worse.”

  “Yeah, they should be so lucky.” He picked up the bottle of wine along with the stone container to keep it cool. Amanda followed with a tray of fruit, cheese and crackers.

  It was a perfect evening to be outdoors. The huge live oak tree in the backyard provided shade but didn’t block the spectacular Florida sunset that filled the sky with color. Large paddle fans kept the air moving so it was pleasant to be outdoors. The scent of night blooming jasmine filled the air with a delicate fragrance. Amanda was glad that she took the advice of the clerk at the local garden center and planted the jasmine at the far corner of the yard. Her neighbor had planted it all around her pool area and had to have it removed because having the scent that close to the house was overpowering.

  Sid was slouched down in the chair, legs stretched out in front of him, feet crossed at the ankles. Rita went back to the chair closest to his where they resumed what appeared to be a serious conversation.

  “What’s going on with y’all,” Amanda asked. “When I got to the doorway you two looked so serious, I thought you might be praying or meditating.”

  Keith set the wine bottle on the table, poured four glasses then snorted, “Fat chance of Sid ever doing either of those things.”

  “Now, now, don’t be so quick to judge,” Rita said, pushing back her chair to reveal a pad of paper on her lap. She twirled the pencil like the champion majorette she’d been in high school. “I picked up the one on the table that you used to keep score when you played SCRABBLE last night. You are so compulsive, you even date your games.”

  Keith tilted his head toward Amanda and raised an eyebrow. “Next thing you know they’re going to ask why. Should we tell them, babe?”

  “No way,” she teased. “Let’s keep that secret between us.”

  He reached over and took her hand. “Fine by me. However, I think we should ask them why they needed paper and pencil.”

  Sid waved his hand toward Rita to indicate that she should take the lead, which she did with relish. “Amanda you told me that you two were going to be busy next week because you were having some sessions with Rev. Moore.”

  “Is that a problem?” she asked after spying the title of an article on the cover of the magazine Rita was now browsing, Questions To Ask Before Marriage. A chill of unease slid down her spine. What were Rita and Sid up to?

  “Don’t get all pissy on me,” Rita said. “While Sid and I were out here waiting for you, we decided to come up with some questions of our own to see if you two are compatible.”

  The wide-eyed innocence on Rita’s face set off alarms in Amanda’s head. She knew she’d have to be very careful with her answers and hoped Keith would be as well.

  “Will we be able to return the favor and ask if the two of you are compatible?” Keith queried and shot an inquiring look at Amanda who only shrugged.
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br />   Rita tapped the pad with the side of the pencil. “Nice try but Sid and I only met this evening, and we’re not the ones getting married.”

  Sid snickered and grabbed a cracker and a cube of cheese. “See, I told you they wouldn’t go for it.”

  “We don’t have anything to hide as long as you don’t get too personal,” Keith said.

  Even though her level of concern was off the charts, to be a good sport, Amanda agreed. “Fine by me. I guess we can always tell them not to go there.”

  This time Rita spoke. “I won that bet now you owe me, Sid. We’ll talk about you paying up later.”

  “Depends on what you’re asking for in payment,” he retorted, rubbing his palms together and smiling.

  “Whoa fella, don’t get any ideas. Let’s just say I’ll think of something good. While you’re doing that keep in mind that I can be had but I’m expensive. Now, on to the questions. Ready?”

  Amanda held up her hand to halt the session. “Before we begin, I have a question.”

  “Shoot,” Rita said.

  “Did you make up these questions or did you take them from the magazine article?”

  “A combination. First, explain your sleeping habits...and don’t get all huffy. I’m not talking about sex, so get that thought out of your head.”

  Early in their relationship, she and Keith had agreed that they were not going to share that they had been spending the night together for quite a while. He agreed there was no reason for anybody to know why they wore big smiles on their faces.

  “What exactly are you talking about?” Amanda asked.

  Sid ran the tops of his bent fingers along the side of his jaw. “Do you snore? Do you hog the covers? Are you a restless sleeper?”

  Rita stopped him by putting her hand on his. “I just thought of another one. Is either of you combative while you’re dead to the world? I read an article in the paper yesterday about that happening during REM sleep.

  Since these two were acting like instructors, Keith raised his hand like he used to in school. “Hold on. Let’s take them one at a time and start with the first one. I don’t snore.”

  “How do you know?” Rita asked as she picked up a stem of grapes and popped one in her mouth. “Mmm, these seedless black grapes are my favorite.” She licked her lips. “So sweet.”

  Keith took a sip of wine before shooting her a big grin. “I know I don’t snore because I stayed up all night once to check myself and I didn’t snore once.”

  Amanda poked him in the ribs. “Good for you. I probably sound like a buzz saw. As a matter of fact I woke myself up last night. A point in my favor is that I don’t hog the covers.”

  “Me either. I usually end up throwing them on the floor during the night,” he said

  “That could be a problem during cooler weather,” Sid winked at Rita before adding, “Then again, there’s always body heat to take away the chill.”

  Keith took Amanda’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “Could be but look at the fun we are going to have while we’re working on that particular problem.”

  Amanda wished he hadn’t made that remark but remained silent.

  Sid stuck his index finger in his mouth and mimed gagging.

  Rita nodded. “I’m with you, Sid. Now what about the combative thing. I don’t like to bring up the past, Amanda, but your ex sometimes got wild in bed...physically, I mean. Now don’t give me the look. I remember you telling me about the night he thought he was fixing the roof, or so he said, and you woke up to him pounding on the top of your head with his fist. Then there was the night he thought your arm was his pillow and he was pounding it to make it softer.”

  Before she could utter a word, Keith said, “Honest to God, babe, I don’t do that.”

  Eyes narrowed and brow raised, Sid asked, “Do you have proof?”

  Keith grinned and popped a cube of cheese into his mouth. “Boy, you must be serious; you’re using your courtroom tone. The answer is no and you’ll just have to take my word for it. If I do act that way I grant Amanda permission to pound the crap out of me.”

  Suddenly Amanda stood up. “Okay, the fun session is over. It’s time to serve dinner and discuss the wedding plans. Do you want to give me a hand in the kitchen, Rita?”

  Once out of earshot Amanda asked her, “What in the world was that all about out there?”

  “Nothing really. Sid and I were bored silly commenting about the sunset while we waited for you to come out. Somehow the idea simply popped into my head when I saw the magazine cover. You didn’t have to answer.”

  “Right, and then you and Sid would be gawking at each other making up your own responses.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. Don’t get in a state. Sid thought it would be good fun.”

  “And you went along with him to be sociable?”

  Rita bobbed her head and pursed her lips. “Yeah, something like that. It shouldn’t have upset you.”

  Amanda tensed her jaw and scowled as she handed Rita a bowl of salad from the fridge. “I have a right to be upset. You tossed me a curve with those questions. They were intrusive and if I hadn’t called a halt to it I’m sure they would have gotten more personal. In fact, I’m sure they would’ve.”

  Instead of responding to the accusation, Rita remained silent and carried the salad to the table.

  Amanda followed with the casserole. In a low tone she said, “I thought for sure you and Sid would be discussing something else.”

  “Like what, for instance? We have nothing in common.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “Yeah,” Rita snapped.

  “I beg to differ.”

  “Name one thing?”

  “You and Sid would love to try to drive me and Keith around the bend, especially about getting married. You did a bang up job in that department a few minutes ago.”

  Rita placed the salad in the center of the table. “I didn’t think you noticed.”

  Amanda stared at her. “Stop it. Now.”

  ****

  After the women walked into the house, Keith glared at his friend. “What in the hell was that all about?”

  “Whadda ya mean?”

  “Don’t try to play the innocent with me. You know damn well what I mean.”

  “You’re getting bent out of shape over nothing. We just wondered if you were getting it on. I agreed this might be a good way of finding out. If I know women, Rita’s getting a lecture in the kitchen.”

  “Is it all that damn important that you know about our intimate life? You embarrassed the hell out of Amanda.” Keith fumed.

  “Don’t send you blood pressure up. We didn’t mean anything by it. You both probably lied anyway. It was just fooling around...passing the time.”

  “In the future find a new way to ‘pass the time’.”

  “How?”

  Keith shook his head. “You’re the guy who won the Pick-Up-Artist of the year award at all the local watering holes. I find it hard to believe that you couldn’t find something else to talk about besides me and Amanda.”

  Sid shrugged. “The scene was different here. It was strictly one on one. When I’m out and about there’s a sea of women.”

  “And a hasty escape through the rear exit.”

  Sid made a gun out of his hand and pointed his index finger at his friend. “I better be more careful here because whatever I say might come back and bite me in the ass.”

  ****

  Dinner was tense, but to a lesser degree, when the topic of the actual wedding was discussed. Sid was happy to hear that he could wear his best navy blue suit and not have to rent a tux. Amanda noted that Sid tried not to look bored to death when the conversation centered on the ceremony, flowers and food. Granted it wasn’t his wedding but his jaded disinterest really irritated her. She would have to talk to Keith when they were alone.

  Despite Sid’s behavior Amanda continued relating the plans including that she’d opted for silk flowers for the bouquets she and Rita would carry. She’d alre
ady ordered fresh ones for the church and would leave them there for the Sunday service. Her son, Adam, was flying in from Chicago with his wife and two kids, to give her away. She had decided not to have her grandchildren as flower girl or a ring bearer as that would be too much for a second wedding.

  After the church ceremony they would all gather at the restaurant for dinner. It had been decided that there would be no formal portrait. Rita’s son, Jeff, an amateur photographer, offered to take pictures. He would enlarge the best ones. His wife, Colleen, was into scrap booking and she planned to make an album.

  Rita assured her that no matter how carefully Amanda planned there were sure to be a few minor glitches, but she was sure everything would be in order on the big day. After all, with all of this careful planning and it being such a small wedding, what could possibly go wrong?

  After dinner the guys stayed out on the lanai having coffee. They opted to finish off the blueberry pie Rita brought while the ladies cleaned up the kitchen.

  As Rita put the last plate in the dishwasher she groused, “If you used paper plates, napkins and plastic cutlery we could’ve just dumped everything in a big green garbage bag.”

  Trying to keep her tone of voice pleasant, Amanda said, “Not at my house.”

  “So you tell me each time we have a gathering here,” Rita sighed.

  “Maybe one of these days I’ll surprise you. By the way, would you mind taking Sid home? Keith and I have a couple of things to go over.”

  “Ah ha! Private things. I’ve been suspicious.”

  “Get your mind out of an X-rated movie. We’re going online to make arrangements for our honeymoon.”

  Rita gave her a mocking grin. “So that’s what you’re calling a good romp in the sack. Now before you get your knickers in a knot, we’ll drop the subject, and, yes, I’ll take Sid home.”

  Chapter 5

  They stood in the doorway and waved as Rita backed out of the driveway. Once out in the street she stopped the car. They watched Sid buckle up after Rita apparently shot him a quick glance before turning her attention back to the road.

  “I’m surprised she backed out of the driveway without his seatbelt in place. As a rule she won’t move the car until everybody has their harness locked.”