You said no TV.
I know. Im talking about going to a game. Live. I bet I can still get us tickets to see the Bobcats play. What do ya think?
Patricks face lit with enthusiasm. Montana State? Seriously, Dad? Can we? Patrick whooped.
Ill take that as a yes, Peter chuckled as his son bounced in his seat. But remember our deal.
Patrick screwed up his face. What deal?
Peter shook his head in frustration. Youre going to bring up your grades, apologize to your teacher and promise me that your days of clowning around in class are over. Got it, buddy?
Patrick slumped back against the seat, a contrite expression pulling his mouth taut. Yes, sir.
On the way home from school, Lisa stopped at Salon Allegra for a pedicure. Sure, it was November and no one except her would likely see her bare feet until next spring, but after standing all day and dealing with Patrick Walshs aggravated father, she figured she deserved a little pampering. Heck, she might get a manicure, too.
Lisa pulled the collar of her parka up around her chin as she bustled into the beauty shop. The bell over the front door tinkled as she entered, announcing her arrival to the staff. The shops owner, Eve Kelley, looked up from the appointment book at the front desk and sent her a bright smile.
Afternoon, Lisa. What brings you in on this blustery day? Eves blue eyes shone warmly, her girl-next-door-meets-cheerleader friendliness in place as always.
Hi, Eve. I need a pick-me-up in the worst way. I thought Id get a pedicure if you could work me in.
Well Eve glanced to her beauticians, each with a customer already, and gnawed her bottom lip.
If youre too busy, Ill
Nonsense. Ill get you fixed up myself. She picked up a tube of salted crackers and motioned for Lisa to follow. Sobad day at school?
Not for the most part. Plans for the rescheduled fall festival are going well. But one of my better students decided to act out today, and when I called his father in for a conference, I got an earful. Dad settled down a little once I got the chance to explain myself, butwhew! Confrontations with parents always leave me wrung out.
I bet. Eve patted an elevated chair, showing Lisa where to sit, and set her crackers on a nearby table. As Eve took her seat, Lisa noticed the former prom queen and cheerleader had unbuttoned her jeans at the waist, as if they didnt quite fit anymore.
Had Eve put on a couple of pounds? Lisa couldnt really tell.
The beauty shop owner look as gorgeous as ever to her. Eve turned and caught Lisa staring, speculating. So
who was this irate father?
Oh, uhPeter Walsh.
Eve paused in her preparations for Lisas pedicure. Peter Walsh? But Peters always struck me as the laid-back, easygoing sort. Eve flashed her a devilish grin and wiggled her eyebrows. The extremely hot, laid-back, easygoing sort.
An image of Peter Walshs broad shoulders and rough-hewn jawline taunted her as Lisa returned a smile. Oh, he is good-looking, no lie. But when it comes to his son, he apparently has a bit of pit bull in him.
Hmm. Eve hummed as she nibbled a cracker and tipped her head in thought. Ive known the Walsh family for years. Peter has never been overly social, but also never anything but kind and polite. Hes had a tough road, raising Patrick on his own.
When Eve paused to munch another cracker, Lisa asked, What happened to Patricks mother?
A shadow crossed Eves face, her sculpted eyebrows puckering with some dark emotion. She diedin childbirth. Eves gaze drifted away, across the room, as she recalled the details. She rubbed a hand over her belly almost without thought.
An odd tingle of recognition nipped Lisas nape. She glanced at Eves crackers then studied the pretty blondes glowing face. Could she be?
Katie and Peter were so young, Eve said and shook her head sorrowfully. Probably only nineteen or so, but theyd been high-school sweethearts and married right after graduation. Katies death crushed Peter. And after losing his father a few years earlierwell, we thought his dad was dead
Eve gave her head a shake and puffed out a breath. But thats a whole other can of worms. One more freak tragedy for him and his family to have to deal with. Jamming one more cracker in her mouth, Eve turned on the jets of the steaming foot bath for Lisa to soak in.
Lisa slipped off her shoes and socks, giving her sore feet a little rub before sinking them in the warm water. Her fatigue now pressed on her with a more somber note, but she couldnt blame Peter Walsh for her gray mood.
Mention of childbirth gone wrong and the subtle clues that Eve was pregnant stirred up painful memories. Memories that were better locked away where they couldnt haunt her.
Shoving down thoughts of the baby shed never have, Lisa wiggled her toes in the steaming foot bath and redirected her thoughts to the subject at hand. So Peter has raised Patrick alone since his birth?
Yep. Although Im sure his family gives him plenty of help and babysitting services. Jolene cant say enough glowing things about Patrick when shes in here. Eve smiled wistfully. Like any good grandma would. She started working on Lisas right foot, buffing, trimming and shaping. Anywaydont let this first impression of Peter Walsh color your opinion of him. He really is a great guy. Any gal would be lucky to have him.