A McClendon Thanksgiving Page 10

  Faith got up from her chair and threw her arms around him. “This is so nice, Michael. Come on and help me put them on the wall in my office.”

  She rushed from the table, down the hall to her sewing room, which she’d just completed redecorating. She had a bulletin board on the wall so that she could pin her ideas and sketches, etc., on, and everything was neatly in its place. She was so proud of the outcome.

  “Not as fancy as your mom’s sewing room, but I like it,” she said.

  “When did you do all this?” Michael asked, looking around.

  “My sisters helped me get things started and I’ve been doing a little bit every night, when I’m not too exhausted after a full day at the shop.”

  “Let’s get these bad boys up on the wall,” he said to Faith, holding up one of the photos.

  They worked together to find the perfect spot for the framed pictures. Faith chose to put them above her desk.

  “Oh, by the way, dinner was delicious and the next time we’ll cook together at my place,” Michael said.

  Faith smiled. “That’s sounds like fun. I’m in.”

  The next two weeks seemed to jet by and it was already the end of September. Faith’s life had become one task after another, be it big or small, from getting the permits, moving into her apartment, finalizing the plans for the renovation, to the Smith Brothers starting on the renovations. Every day she was making decisions concerning her new business venture.

  The biggest lesson she learned about leasing a building was you are still responsible if something goes wrong. After the lessee takes possession the lessor’s only responsibility was to make sure everything worked on move-in day. Faith found that out the hard way when a pipe in the restroom at the back of the building burst. She had to absorb the extra expense to get it fixed, though, thankfully, Ezell told her not to worry. They were still within budget.

  Faith hated to overspend and didn’t like it much when Kevin used to do it. He bought things he didn’t need, but did it anyway because he could afford it. He was such as wasteful spender, but Faith wanted to be just the opposite.

  True to his word, Ezell Smith was at the worksite every day, supervising and managing the entire project. Since this was the first time Faith had pursued a venture of this magnitude, she was grateful for his knowledge and expertise when things went wrong. She started to rely heavily on him for suggestions.

  Ezell came up with the three-dimensional concept rendering by using a computer software program that made the space look so much more feminine than industrial, based on her vision. She was very satisfied with the job they’d been doing so far, but the long, meaningful glances he gave her just out of the blue sometimes threw her off.

  The other day when he’d asked if she wanted to go and have a drink after work, she was at a loss for words. He hadn’t made any advances or small talk with her, outside of the weird glances he gave from time to time. When she couldn’t think of how she should respond, she tried to let a small smile linger as he stood in front of her, gazing at her with piercing intensity, his hands pushed down into his jean pockets, waiting for an answer.

  Faith admitted that she was attracted to Ezell—that wasn’t the problem. She didn’t know if she was ready to start dating someone so soon after her divorce. Besides, she wanted to focus on getting to know herself better and launching her business, so a relationship would complicate matters.

  On the other hand, she had to remember that all people weren’t the same. She should have known better than to judge Ezell based on his being an entrepreneur. It didn’t mean that he would be like Kevin. To the contrary, he could be totally different. But did she want to take that chance?

  Faith had no idea, but figured she needed to concentrate on her business and think about love later. She did wonder, however, how long he had waited to ask her out.

  Unfortunately, Faith had to turn him down. She hoped he stayed a gentleman so she could continue to work with his company.

  Over the next several weeks, Faith and Michael had little time to see each other, so they would check in via phone or text just to see how the other person was fairing that day. Fall semester had begun at the community college, so Michael’s schedule increased tremendously. Even though it was a lot of work, Michael enjoyed every minute of it—almost as much as spending time with Faith.

  After working on the photos from the fall dance at the local high school, Michael called Faith to check in for the day. Hearing the excitement in her voice got him curious as to how the renovation of the shop was going. He decided to stop by the shop, hoping to surprise her with lunch.

  When he arrived, he noticed she was in conversation with a tall, dark-skinned man who Michael assumed was Ezell Smith. Faith had bragged to Michael about the man’s expertise and how invaluable he was. Michael didn’t quite know how to take it because each time Faith talked about the man, she’d have a smile on her face and her eyes sparkled. He needed to meet this guy in person to see what he was really up to—Michael didn’t think it was all about the hammer and nails for the guy.

  Michael stood at the entrance, frowning as he watched the pair from a distance. He wondered how long it would take Faith to notice that he had come into the building. She had to have heard the door chime when he walked in—he certainly had.

  Upon closer inspection, Michael realized Ezell was standing entirely too close to Faith for his comfort. The frown deepened once he noticed how engaged Faith was with their conversation and that she still hadn’t acknowledged his presence. Maybe she didn’t hear him come in because she was so entranced with what the tall guy had to say.

  Was she interested in him? Michael hoped not. He’d lost Faith once before—he wasn’t about to let it happen again.

  Michael casually strolled over to where they were standing. “Hey, Faith,” Michael said before kissing her on the cheek.

  Faith smiled. “Hey, you. What brings you by?”

  Michael’s jaw flexed as he glanced at Ezell, who still hadn’t moved from the spot he’d been standing in, and nodded.

  Faith made the introductions. “Ezell Smith, this is my dear friend Michael Montgomery.”

  Dear friend? Michael didn’t like the sound of the title she’d just given him. Was that all he was to her, a dear friend? He had to blame himself for that because Faith had no idea of his feelings for her. Still, Michael felt like he’d gotten punched in the gut.

  Plastering a smile on his face, he extended his right hand to Ezell. “Pleased to meet you,” he said, trying to sound genuine.

  “You as well,” Ezell said in response.

  Michael observed the activity going on in the building and then gave his attention back to Ezell. “Well, looks like you guys are making progress. Do you know how long before you’re done?” He wanted to find out how much longer before Ezell would be out of Faith’s life. He watched two men on a scaffold, busy painting the ceiling, another using a drill to affix shelving to the wall.

  Ezell pushed his hands down into his jeans, his thumbs sticking out. “We are right on schedule, so Ms. McClendon will be able to proceed with her plans for opening the boutique in November.”

  Michael nodded then turned his attention to Faith who was standing in front of him. She was the only woman he knew who could pair an A-line dress, high-heeled shoes and hard hat, and still look gorgeous.

  Faith looped her arm through his and they walked away, leaving Ezell standing there. “Let me show you around the space.”

  Michael looked back to see the scowl on Ezell’s face, but his heart smiled. He turned back to Faith. “I came to see if you were available for lunch or if you wanted me to pick something.” He looked around the room once more. “But by the looks of things, you’re swamped.”

  Michael wondered how Ezell had so much time for Faith, with all the work going on around him.

  “I’m really not working. I’m just
making sure things get done. I’ve heard too many horror stories about renovations, but Ezell is a great guy.”

  Michael looked down at Faith’s feet. “I was wondering what you were doing in a construction zone in high heels.”

  Faith laughed. “I know, right?”

  Michael side-eyed the foreman and thought that maybe he needed to pop up more often to see what was really going on. What would the guy’s next move be? He needed to keep an eye on him.

  “Would you like for me to run and get you some lunch?” Michael asked.

  “Actually, that’s what Ezell and I were talking about when you came in. I know we aren’t supposed to feed the crew, but these are the best group of guys and I wanted to do something nice for them.”

  Michael couldn’t say anything against what she wanted to do. “Okay, what did you have in mind?”

  Faith gave him a familiar look.

  “You want pizza from Beggars.” Michael had never understood her fascination with Beggars Pizza, but he guessed everybody has a favorite food. Pizza just happened to be hers.

  “I can taste it now.” Faith licked her lips, and before Michael paid any attention to what he was doing, he had taken two steps closer to her.

  Michael cleared his throat, embarrassed by his actions. “I would have thought you dropped all that kind of stuff living in the high-class area of Manhattan. Did they even have pizza places up there? I thought you guys only ate caviar.”

  Faith socked him playfully in the arm. “Of course we had them. You know New York is famous for their pizza, but there’s nothing like a slice of Chicago-style pizza.”

  Michael would get whatever she wanted, since it didn’t matter to him what they ate. “Can you call it in so that it will be ready when I get there?”

  Faith kissed Michael on the cheek. “Well, of course. You are doing me a favor and I really appreciate it.” Faith looked around at the people milling about in the building.

  Michael cocked his head to the side, watching Ezell watch them. Once the pizza arrived, Ezell and his crew could eat and he could have Faith all to himself for at least an hour. He didn’t often get a chance to see Faith these days, so he wanted to take advantage of whatever time he could steal with her.

  “Let me go and get my purse,” Faith said, turning to walk away.

  But Michael caught her hand. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it.”

  She kissed his cheek again.

  Turning on his heel, he left the building, but promised to keep an eye on Mr. Smith.

  Chapter Ten

  On his way to the restaurant, Michael started thinking about the interaction he’d just witnessed between him, Faith and Ezell. He had never been one to be jealous of another man, but there was no doubt that Ezell was interested in Faith. And from the looks of it, Faith didn’t mind. That incident pressed Michael to really make up his mind, to decide whether or not he should express his true feelings.

  He’d tried to give subtle hints, but Faith didn’t seem fazed by it. Their relationship was like brother and sister, but that’s not what he wanted. She should know how he felt.

  On the way to the restaurant, Michael passed Kelly’s Lily of the Valley flower shop and it gave him an idea. Maybe if he expressed his feelings for Faith in writing, she would take him seriously. He parked in the nearest empty spot and got out.

  Lily of the Valley was a popular floral shop in the area and specialized in exotic, elaborate arrangements and beautiful bouquets. The jingle of the doorbell sounded as he stepped inside onto the wooden floor. The fragrance of fresh blossoms wafted throughout. He had frequented the store, ordering flowers for his mother and other relatives on special occasions.

  Looking around, he saw a glass-fronted display cooler that held several premade bouquets in decorative glass vases with the prices displayed on tags. There was an array of flowers, wreaths and gift items exhibited on a large, round claw foot table. Huge potted plants were arranged in different areas around the shop.

  The very helpful clerk assisted him with his order. Michael told the designer what he was trying to accomplish, and she suggested that he send a fresh, seasonal bouquet of flowers. She presented him several photos of the arrangements she had in mind.

  The first one was presented in a beautiful glass vase with lisianthuses, carnations and roses. The second arrangement she called the “just-because bouquet” echoed the sentiment he had in mind. There were red gerberas, orange roses, red spray roses and yellow lilies, all arranged in a bright-red container. Attached would be a card that read:

  I hope you have a wonderful week.

  Love always,

  Michael

  Michael was sold, so he gave her Faith’s address along with his credit card.

  After signing off on the order, he left the shop and picked up the pizza.

  With his arms stacked with pizza boxes, Michael made his way to the makeshift lunch table on the right side at the back of the shop. He placed them on the table, sorting them by ingredients—including pepperoni, sausage, spinach, green pepper and onion, plain cheese.

  Michael surprised Faith by ordering her favorite—sausage-ham-and-pineapple, thin-crust pizza. She suggested they go into her office so the men could enjoy their lunch and they could catch up. While they had lunch, he asked her to have dinner at his place and Faith agreed.

  Ezell’s frown wasn’t lost on Michael, but Michael didn’t hide the smile on his face from Ezell. He knew that Mr. Smith was watching when he and Faith walked away.

  A lover of flowers, the next Monday Faith received a floral delivery just as she was walking out of the apartment. The bright, fragrant floral bouquet lifted her spirits. Quickly placing the bright-red glass container on the counter, she snatched the card that was attached. As she read the words, her right hand rested on her chest and a smile appeared on her face.

  What a beautiful sentiment from her dear friend, she thought. Michael knew the stress opening her business had become, and the colorful floral arrangement he’d sent her was a sweet gesture. She picked up her flowers, turned them around so that she could get a good look at them all and placed them in the center of the coffee table in her living room before heading out the door. She would call to thank Michael as soon as she got in the car.

  After receiving a phone call of gratitude from Faith for the floral arrangement he’d sent, Michael was disappointed that she still hadn’t gotten the message that his feelings were more than platonic. Why couldn’t she see that it wasn’t a friend buying a friend some flowers, but a man trying to show the woman he loves that she is on his mind?

  Maybe she felt that their calling and texting each other every day to check in was something she did with her siblings. At this rate, he would run the risk of losing her to someone else, and that was out of the question. It was time to just come out and tell her the truth about his feelings for her. He was relieved when she agreed to have dinner with him at his place, so they would be alone when he told her.

  He’d spent most of the night before trying to figure out what he was going to say and how he was going to say it. He wanted his intentions to be clear this time so there wouldn’t be any misunderstandings.

  Michael was never one to worry about what to wear, but in this instance it was a pivotal point in their relationship, and he wanted to look his best. He’d gone through his closet, putting things together, considering several outfits, then rejecting them and starting all over again.

  Michael finally settled on gray slacks and a black V-neck cardigan. He also made sure to text, telling her to dress up. He couldn’t wait to see those long, sexy legs of hers.

  Since they were supposed to be cooking together, he had picked up all the ingredients that Faith suggested to make their meal of chicken fettuccine Alfredo. It was a simple enough dish to cook but, honestly, he really didn’t have an appetite because he had more important t
hings on his mind.

  He’d purchased for the table a shimmering, iridescent tablecloth and ivory tapers nestled inside twin gold candleholders, and now paired them with his crystal salt and pepper shakers. Michael stood back and checked his handiwork. He thought the table looked beautiful and romantic. Hopefully, Faith would make him happy by giving him a real chance to take their friendship to the next level.

  After the table was set, he turned on his sound system, choosing an old-school mix with the latest R & B playlist that fit the occasion. Soon the room was filled with the musical sounds of Con Funk Shun crooning about being hooked on love.

  Right on time, Michael thought, doing a Michael Jackson spin, then danced down the hall to get dressed.

  On the drive over to Michael’s apartment, Faith wondered what he had up his sleeve. Asking her to dress up when they were supposed to be cooking dinner didn’t make much sense to her. When she suggested she bring her dress and change after they’d finished cooking, he insisted that she wear it.

  This would be the first time she’d been in his apartment and she questioned why the thought made her stomach do a flip. She tried to push her nervous energy aside as she continued to follow the directions to his place.

  Faith pulled up to the curb in front of a brick, three-story apartment building. In her slim-fitting red dress and black heels, she walked up to the entrance and pressed the buzzer for his apartment.

  Tonight Michael looked different, leaning on the casing outside the door, when Faith walked up to the apartment. He was the epitome of masculinity and had a gleam in his eyes that she hadn’t seen before. She wondered if it was her imagination.

  Michael grabbed her hand, guiding her inside.

  Faith was taken aback at his gesture. “Are you so hungry that you have to pull me inside like I’m the maid?” She tried to be sarcastic because his touch made her a little nervous. It wasn’t because he wasn’t gentle with her; it just felt different.

  Michael helped her with her trench coat and put it away. “Beautiful,” she heard him whisper standing behind her.