CHRISTMAS IN A NEW TOWN

chapter seventeen

Dorothy had invited Emily to stay for dinner since she was there visiting her daughter it would be bad manners to make them leave and not feed them,
After dinner they were good to get on the way
"I'll call your dad so you and I can talk" Evelyn said
That make Eddie look at her, he wondered what make her think he want her calling his phone but then if she call him to get to her it doesn't matter anymore that she up and leave because she believes that he and his daughter were too much trouble he found  that bitterness keep you from flying and he wants every ability to fly right now, he nod and turn to go up the stairs he bid goodbye to the man grace was already sleeping on his shoulder so he rubbed and kiss her forehead at first he had felt a little disliked for the man for he believe he didn't treat his daughter right for he complained about her crying and let her mother gave her up to live with her grandmother but today he didn't feel that way anymore he guess Toni has changed him like her words did to Evelyn
"Eddie from now on I will love it if Hariel could spend some weekends with me" Emily said
" What you think honey?" Eddie asked
Hariel look from her dad to her mother then to her sister she smile "I think it's ok" she  said
Eddie nod he started walking up again
"And Eddie that woman  Toni you should keep this one she actually suites you"
Dorothy look at her grandson
He just walk away he left wondering how it is he's going to make keeping her possibly she'll leave on Saturday"
He was a lone later when he called already his daughter and grandmother were off she was almost a sleep when she open the line " you're at the door? The key is where it's always was" Toni said
Eddie laugh
" You're not I thought you would come make me your pillow tonight"
" I'll come gave you me for sending off"
Toni sigh she was going to miss him but she'll come again maybe soon " ah is that so?" Toni said
"I hope it's a send off to bring you right  back" Eddie said
she laugh "I was hoping it'll keep me here"
They both laugh
"I promise you to keep you here if not even in the flesh"
"I'm going to miss you these few weeks with you have really been special, I am going to need a piece of you to pull a long back to Manhattan"
"Why not take me?" Eddie said
Toni giggle and bite her nails wishing it was possible to take him a long "it won't be long for my friend wants to bring her husband here"
"The grieving widow?" Eddie asked
Both of them laugh,
"She was  hoping to come right after the new year but I'm saying I have thing to sort out"
"You're longing to see your husband"
"My husband is not really why I want to go, I run a floral business and i'm sure people are looking for me"
"Wouldn't you get a call or something?"
"My work number is at the shop"
"So you must lost a lot of business then"
"It'll bounce back"
"To me I hope"
Toni giggle
"I got to tell you that you're one magnificent woman"
"Thank you"
"Yeah"
"And you love me even though I can't have children"
"I have a daughter who loves you freely and we share her and can do that equally"
"She has a mother and no woman can replace that, speaking of what's the plan you two made on behalf of Hariel? I hope it's a good decision for I don't want her caught between your fights, I've never seen you so angry I didn't even you know anger" she laugh
"I'm sorry you had to see that"
"Don't hide anything side of you from me baby at least I get to know the man I'm dealing with" she giggle
"That's true I'm not like the woman who speaks to plants so I don't always have that calm relaxing nature"
"I may have my do and don't too I might with some one like yo and Hariel's mom"
"Nah, no way there's no fights that was when I felt immature, She's hoping to take her on some weekend"
Toni smile" That's nice I'm glad you come to your senses both of you, for Hariel need her mother"
"What will I have when she took her?" Eddie question
"Grandma is there"
"Ah grandma how will grandma handle tickles and run around"
"You need to get another child then"
"That I'm hoping" he laugh and sigh, he stretch with a yarn "babes I'll check in on you later ok"
"I'll be waiting"
"Yes later"
"Sleep well" Toni said hanging up on her last words she got up and climb the stairs she took a late shower then got into bed  she got comfortable and falls a sleep
After some gardening Thursday morning Toni consider a walk she got back took a shower pour a drink then walk around the yard just looking she had done a series of chores yesterday since he was a lone and wasn't going anywhere and she is leaving on Saturday she didn't want to leave a mess, she went inside to put the things together packing up her grip she finish all that and fix a nice meal then sat to eat she visited instagram found Angela on line and texted her which they chat like that for a while she called Eddie to talk to Hariel but Eddie was out Toni thought he should get her a small cellphone before leaving she finish what was there to be done fresh up and went to bed earlier than she would normal,
Friday morning she made coffee did some gardening she then fresh herself and went into town she stop by Mildred to collect some papers from her for the building as it was officially hers she went to the registry office to update the building registration and to change the form into Eddie's name she didn't have many information but got his name and he'll fill what to be fill in when he receives the paper work, she went and got Hariel a cellphone it wasn't nothing fancy but she could go on use it for some time since she's only eight this is enough for her, they were together at the lounge Eddie, Hariel and Dorothy people were having coffee and snacks while some shop on the other side for items Toni walk in to see someone back to her she didn't pay attention but she was talking with Eddie she was walking up to the counter when Hariel ran to her, "Toni" she said making the woman turn, Emma look with wide eyes,  surprised at her present she wasn't expecting to see her in Texas she thought chris had said she was in Colorado with her friend,
Toni ignore her eyes, they haven't spoken to each other for Toni notice she didn't act to want to talk to her she wasn't sure why but avoided talking to her too,
"Hi"  she greet Eddie who was behind the counter
"Hi" Eddie said not letting it get personal for Toni had told him Emma was her husband's assistant he can't help to think the man he met with her is that same guy Toni's husband although he didn't know him and Emma said he's the father of her daughter but it droning on him,
"A cup of sweet black coffee, having" Toni said
Eddie nod
When he turned to go serve the coffee Emma left the counter
"Ah you're going?" Dorothy ask when saw her leaving
"Yes I have to pack I will be heading back home later on"
"Well take care say hello to you family"
Emma nod
Toni got her coffee and sat after going by Emma when she was leaving she look at Toni turning to look with every step, Toni didn't look until the door ding behind her,
Toni went in her bag and hang Hariel the bag with the phone,
"For me?" Hariel asked with a grin
"Yes so you and I can talk when daddy isn't around" Toni whispered
Hariel giggle "I'm going to miss you"
"Me too I'm gonna miss you"
They share a hug
Eddie and Dorothy watch from the counter
"She really seems to love her" Dorothy said
"And spoiled her too" Eddie said he left his grandmother and went to them,
Dorothy smile and shook her head,
Eddie sat to both their side looking at the phone
"I hope you are fine with it" Toni said
"And if I'm not don't you already get it for her?"
"You're going to be working and your grandmother doesn't have a cellphone and this way she'll get my calls" Toni explained
"If that's what you say" Eddie frowned
Toni knocked him he ease away smiling
"Let's go a head and set it up" Toni said
Eddie sat with them while they put it together Toni ring her number then save it to contact doing so with her number on Hariel's phone she save her dad's number and the number from home and the business Dorothy ran
"You can go a head and get use to it" Toni said
Hariel giggle she didn't get up but sat looking at the features that was in it, she got distracted from her dad and Toni Eddie lean over to whispered something to her making her smile,
Although she was none responsive that in words for she didn't say anything Eddie lean into whispered once more this time Toni laugh out, Dorothy look their way Toni got up as she was ready to leave, "Dorothy I'm going to leave you now" she said
"Oh yes dear it was nice having you do take care" she comes to Toni and they share a hug
"You've been a mighty good host, thank you for the hospitality"
"Hariel miss pretty, under the sea Hariel" she said
Hariel giggle
Toni hug her "every day I'm going to call you"
"I hope you do cal every day" Hariel said
They spoken together
Toni laugh and held her to her "as long as we talk"
"And you'll tell auntie Angela I said hi?"
"I'll make sure I'll tell her"
"Do you guys live close?"
"Your aunt lives in Colorado  and I live in new york Manhattan"
"Oh, ok " Hariel said
"Ney York and Colorado are kind of close we don't have to take the plain to visit I can drive down to see Angela, One day I'll take you to visit" Toni said
Hariel giggle with excitement she nods happily and hug her again
Eddie walked with Toni  out to her van sharing a conversation as they walked there
"So you won't keep me waiting" Toni said
"I promise not to" Eddie said
"Ok I'll be waiting on you"
Eddie smile he shove his both hands in his pocket as they walk slowly he sigh
Toni look at him,
"Mildred told my grandma you bought the motel"
"Yes I did"
"But you're leaving tomorrow, what you plan on doing"
I'm going to come again remember"
Eddie nod
Toni open the door to the van Eddie held it when she climb in he stepped away and she drove off leave him there, before going to the house she stop at the bank to withdrew one money and do what little to be done then head to the house to prepare for Eddie's coming
Eddie drop his grandmother and daughter home he showered and left saying later he would normally wait for Hariel to fall a sleep but with her pet puppy   pups  and her  toys and with her new phone, he knew he would be able to slip away and avoid all the questions,
Eddie got to Toni's and let himself in soon as he entered the house he  find her standing in the living roon waiting for him he walked to her hug her waist and kiss her deeply he picked her up taking her up the stairs to the bedroom lay her down as he attempts to love her, tonight was what they have for she was leaving tomorrow, they love the night away giving more of him than was expected but it was still so wonderful she swell around him with a tight sweet grip making him more anxious to love her more, Toni lay nestle to him rubbing him down, she lift her head to look at him he just laid there his eyes focused on the ceiling
"What's on your mind?" Toni asked
"You of crouse"  Eddie said turning to look at her he kiss her forehead then turned away again
"Is that so?" Toni asked she giggle and kisses his cheek turn his head to her and kiss his lips,
"I could use a drink' want one too?" Eddie inquired
Toni nod she got up and follow him to the living room, he went to get wine then came back he handed her a glass she took it and drink a small portion he sat so she sat on him, after two more sip she took the glass down, "I was thinking of your grandmother's lounge"
"You want to buy it too?" Eddie asked teasingly
Toni laugh she shook her head she wasn't thinking of buying it she could if she was selling but her only interest is in her floral business, "I know she's strong but she's aging I'm sure she's not thinking to sell the only family business she is tired so I was thinking that instead of her working up herself  there every day she could hire someone to run the place while she sit and observe "
"I have to get a job first" Eddie said
"So I had bought the building from Mildred hoping that you can start the light company there"
"That's why you bought the building?"
Toni nod "you're so professional Eddie you need your own business so I"
"Toni I don't have that much money to equip the business I have to get a full job before"
"So I was saying I am going to say I'll lend you the money to start the business when you start making money then you think of paying me back, it can be long term it doesn't matter"
"Toni you don't have to bother yourself"
"I have received some money from my God mother that has grown ten years of interest and my parents had left me some the floral business pay me well and I have a house in Manhattan that pays off for I collect rent and I have enough I'm able to help you and that's what I want to do,   I really want to share with you Eddie, and I am willing to pay anyone you get to work at the lounge until your  business starts growing"
"Toni I won't let,  let you do that what you're going to give me will do I'll take it from there" he said taking her to his arms, they hugged tightly and share a hard kiss,
"I don't know how to express my gratitude I appreciate it so much" Eddie said
"I appreciate you my lover, lover boy"
Eddie smile
she kisses him softly rubbing his cheeks  before she handed him the papers and envelope with the money she was giving to start the business and two months pay for the persons  he get to work for his grand mother,  Eddie was so astonish of the amount,
"That's two months pay you can get two to three persons, I'm sure after checking it you'll know how to work it out" Toni said
Eddie nod "I am sure I'll do that, and I  promise to make it up to you, this is a great help"
"Just do what you have to and take care until I see you again I love you Eddie I swear nothing matter to me now more than you do" she roll her eyes "and if crouse there's Hariel"
He pulled her in and kiss  her another long and hard kiss they were soon to be in the mode once again they make soul thrilling love on the sofa  sleeping closely all tangled up.
"If I should beg you to stay what will happen?" Eddie asked
"Beg me to come back soon and see what happens" Toni said she wrapped her arms around him hugging his neck
"Will you comeback soon?"
"I will come soon" she handed him a bunch of keys for the house and another for the motel building'
"I'll keep very thing under control"
"I trust you to do all that you said" Toni said she kisses him with a giggle "I am going to miss kissing you it's as if I can't stop" she said
"Yeah all my girls been this crazy about my kisses" Eddie said
Toni knocked him, they both chuckled, she  kiss him  once again before getting in her van "take care of you" she said "and of that good stuff I'm going to drop in your town and want to see you and that thing"
Eddie giggle and hang his head
Toni smile, she left the garage Eddie watch her backing out the door close leaving him to sigh he was really going to miss her but still he felt excited to know that he has money to start his own business he promised to let it become the most successful business in Stafford and his grandmother's lounge the next best business he walked back to the living room where he sat down he let his mind think through life the image of a successful business man flash crossed and he smile, he sat and work out the money to pay the worker at the lounge working in a place as this normally pays two hundred dollars for the day that's  a thousand for the week,  for four weeks would be forty  thousand forty thousand times two that's eighty thousand for the two months and in the envelope he has received two hundred and forty thousand since she said two months pay he figured he will fine three person to work between both businesses, he decided to start looking today he'll put up a sign on the door and one in the community but before any decisions he was going home to talk with his grandma,
Eddie left to go  home it was eight in the morning a hour before his grandma's opening hours the lounge open at nine, he was on his way when he call Jack to tell him he was pretty excited for him he better than anyone knows Eddie's potential and know he'll manage this business very well, "any help you want just le me know" jack said
"I want to check it out a little later and figure out what to do"
"Well yes I'm free I'll meet you at the lounge"
"Sure man thanks catch up later" Eddie said he hang up from Jack and call Noah to share the good news he's going to start his own business
"Whoo hoo!" Noah said shouting a little more,
"Yeah pretty exciting ah"
"You see how well it pays off" Noah said
"What?" Eddie asked
"Working up a storm on Toni I knew it that the chick likes you"
"She's just helping me out"  Eddie hissed
"I'm sure the way you ride her to satisfaction what she gave you is like a token to the way she appreciates it" Noah said
Eddie chuckle"let's talk later" he said
"Be sure to tell me when you want to start things"
"As soon as possible I told Jack I want to go by the place later he's meeting me at the lounge"
"Cool then I'll be there"
Eddie hang up park and got down from the van Hariel come running through the door pups behind her barking Eddie pick up his daughter and shower her with lots of kisses he bend to pet the dog, "Have  you gave him his bath already?" Eddie asked
"Yes daddy" Hariel smile Eddie smile too,
Dorothy came out ready to go "Hey grandson" she said
"Nana" Eddie said meeting her halfway he hug her with a kiss,
" Almost believe you weren't coming, but well I'm not going to pressure you it happens and truth is I was tired still feeling tired but ah child" Dorothy said touching Eddie's shoulder
Eddie smile, he help her in the van Hariel got in with the dog  he left the driveway taking them to the lounge
"If it wasn't Saturday I would stay in but people normally comes more in Saturday"
Eddie look at her"
"Nana why didn't you just let me open up today?"
"Son you can't let this place stop you from doing what you do best" Dorothy said
Eddie remember how Toni said that he has potential and know that he was going to be a good business man
"I will do that grams"
"Are you even looking for a job?" Dorothy ask
"I'm going to work something out and you'll get to stay home and rest"
Dorothy look at him,
He look at her
"So Toni has left?"
On hearing Toni's name Hariel lift her head
Her father didn't say more than a nod
Emma look at Chris then to Nellie on the back seat
Chris caught her eyes and question"is everything alright?"
"Yes" she scratched her nose, "when you reach a certain point you can pull over and let me drive"
"You don't like the way I'm driving alright" he said stopping at a near by gas station, just as he was parking Emma spot Toni getting in her van before Chris notices they change seat but Emma decided to grab some snacks she left Chris and her daughter in the car and went inside it took her sometime to pick up a few things, she got back to the car and started it
"What took you so long?" Chris asked
"I was finding it hard to choose"
Chris look at the few snacks in her hand and nod
Toni was almost in Manhattan when she called Nicky and Angela on Three way what has become a regular thing having the feeling that Nicky felt left out of their friendship she sure wasn't leaving her on the next trip
"Hey girl this is saying home I'm coming over later"
Toni laugh
"Yes you do that go check on her I'm far away"
"I'll do that, later ok" Nicky said
"Bye" Toni and Angela said
Nicky hang up leaving Toni and Angela on line,
"So how are you other wise from missing Eddie?" Angela asked grinning
"I'm alright I ran into Emma in Stafford at Eddie's grandmother's lounge" Toni said
"You mean your husband's assistant Emma?" Angela asked
"I didn't know she was from Texas Eddie knew her and his grandmother knew her I saw her before but she didn't see me but unexpectedly she was in the lounge talking with Eddie and his grandmother"
"She was a lone?'
"Both time when I saw her"
"She is going to tell your husband"
"Probably"
"No probably you know she's going....,.. to.,..." She trail off "wait a minute Toni didn't you say that when you called your husband his area code was showing similar to your code in Stafford"
Toni widen her mouth she didn't think of that but now that her friend has mentioned it
"Could it be that they came to Texas together?" Angela asked
"But if so happened that Emma came to Stafford to celebrate the holidays with her family it would mean it wasn't a work relationship what reason would he have to come?" Toni said
"You don't think they, oh no let's not get into that thinking call me when you're home when you settle down even after Nicky left"
"I'll call you"
"Yes please love you talk to you later"
Toni hang up and was given something to think of she realized that Emma doesn't talk to her as if they were at war she wondered if it could be because she's in to something with Chris for now that Angela had mentioned it she's looking at the possibility wondering if her husband was seeing Emma behind her back, Toni recalled Eddie saying she came with her nan and child he said he wasn't sure if they're married she didn't mention that she don't want to think it or believe it that her husband would be seeing Emma other than work she's aware they're in each other's presents a lot but sleeping together sge dear not accuse him of that, but something was going on and before she make a fool of herself she was going to have to find out.