Christmas Elopement

He took her hands in his once again.”You’re just as pigheaded as your pop, lassie.” He smoothed a stray lock of hair from her cheek and smiled.”And just as beautiful as your mama, God rest her soul.” He stood at last, pulling her into a gentle embrace before returning to his post behind the bar.

“Well?” he said, after a moment.”What are ya doin’ sittin’ around here lookin’ all misty-eyed? Don’t ya have boxes to pack?”

Sunday afternoon Carrie darted in front of the big screen, trying not to obstruct the game behind her. M. M. Day’s was filled to capacity with San Francisco 49ers fans cheering or booing each play of the game. The team was beating the Detroit Lions handily, which meant the crowd was in a good mood. Beer and tips flowed freely. She’d only been patted on the backside once so far.

Funny how the only accident she’d had was in that guy’s lap.

Well, it’d been a long time since she’d carried such a heavy tray, Gus explained to the irate patron as he left for home in search of dry clothes. Gus returned to the bar and Carrie placed another order, busying herself with cherries, olives and the like, ignoring Gus’s probing stare.

“So, lass…is that how you’ll handle anyone who gets too friendly?”

She grabbed a handful of cocktail napkins and kept her eyes cast down.”Probably,” she said, knowing full well she would.

Gus lifted her chin with his finger and looked at her sternly.”Do you suppose when the next accident happens you could have just one or two drinks on the tray and no food?”

A laugh burst from Carrie’s lips.”I suppose that could be arranged.”

He dropped his hand from her face and chuckled.”That geezer’s been a thorn in my backside for years. Don’t know why I never did that myself.”

His gaze left hers and she turned to see what had caught his attention. A young, prissy-looking man in a Brooks Brothers suit had settled into the corner booth by the window, far from the game and the men in jeans.

“Do you know that man?” Carrie asked.

“Afraid so. Comes in fairly regular. Orders salads and Perrier, which is fine with me. But he likes to talk. Gossips about everything and everyone and expects me to sit down and visit.” Gus looked back at Carrie and grinned.”Gee, the boys watchin’ the game are motionin’ for me, lass. Why don’t you go introduce yourself to Dwayne over there. Take a break. Talk to him about opera or somethin’. That’ll make him happy.” Gus patted Carrie on the shoulder as he passed, seeming pleased that he’d dodged the bullet.

Carrie watched the little man in the corner with a critical eye. He seemed harmless enough. Kind of reminded her of Dr. Niles Crane on the sitcom”Frasier.” She couldn’t help but wonder what brought him here. He looked as out of place as Rush Limbaugh at a Democratic fund raiser. Curiosity piqued, she strolled over.

“Can I get you something?” she started, taking a closer look at his precisely cut blond hair and deep-set brown eyes.

He lifted his chin and managed to talk down at her, even from his lower position.”I think I’ll do something daring and have a cup of clam chowder.”

Carrie bit the inside of her cheek.”And to drink?”

“Oh, some of that wonderfully flavored iced tea of yours, I think. Yes, yes. Bring me a tall frosted glass of it, please.” He closed his menu and handed it to her, cocking his head to one side.”You’re new here, aren’t you?”

“Yes. As of this weekend. It’s temporary, though…till I find something in my field.” His snobbishness had drawn the same from her. She scribbled his order and started to leave.

“Wait!”

She turned back and saw a rectangular smile of perfect teeth. With long, deliberate fingers he withdrew a gold case from his breast pocket, removed a business card and presented it to her with great flair.

She read it and said,”Ahhh…a headhunter.”

His back straightened.”I prefer to think of myself as a management placement professional.”

She was sure he did. She shot him a phony smile.”I’ll get your order.”

When she returned with the soup and tea she noticed a legal pad in front of Dwayne, a Waterman rollerball pen poised between his fingers. He nodded to the seat across from him. With only the slightest hesitation, she obliged. Why not? Maybe he could find her something similar to the opening at Cunningham Construction. She thought about telling dandy Dwayne what had happened last Friday, but decided against it.

Monday morning Peggy peered around the corner and Cash motioned her in.”I’m afraid to ask…Anything?”

Peggy wrinkled her nose and tossed her short blond hair from side to side.”Sorry, boss…but I did as you suggested. Dwayne Flutie is on line two.”

Cash looked at the ceiling and blew out a stream of hot air. The last time he used the guy it had cost the company over twenty grand in finder’s fees. However, he had located a good project manager—one who was still around and was a hell of a worker.”Okay, Peg. Thanks.”

Cash watched her scurry away before he picked up the phone.

Ten minutes later he hung up, stunned by the speed and efficiency with which Flutie had handled him. He had actually agreed to join the guy for dinner at some pub in Carmel. How was it he’d put it?

Oh, yes—”to meet just the woman you need.”

At 7:25 Cash parked his loaner a block past M. M. Day’s and slammed the door. He shook his head at its garish red color and made a mental note to call the garage in the morning. Hopefully the parts were readily available and he’d have his own wheels sometime soon. He strode the short distance to the entrance and found Flutie in a booth by the window. He half stood and held out his hand as Cash slid in across from him.

“Kind of you to join me on such short notice, Cash,” he said over a limp shake, then sat down and got right to business.”I have a résumé here that I’m sure you’ll find very impressive.” He slid it in front of Cash and leaned back, chin high, shoulders too straight.

Cash forced his gaze away from this strange little character to the paper in front of him. He’d read so many résumés the past few weeks that they all looked the same. Skipping the top portion, he went right to the experience section. He was prepared for a nice, neat format, good grammar and no substance. What he saw was fifteen years at a construction company—a woman who had worked her way from the bottom to management in nice steady steps. He even recognized the name of one of her references—a well-respected developer he’d done business with a few years back. As much as he hated to admit it, Flutie might have something here.

“Well, Dwayne,” he said,”when do I get to meet her?”

Three

Carrie flew down the back inside stairway, then stopped at the connecting door. She inhaled and exhaled three deep breaths, then yanked the handle inward. Gus gave her a low whistle as she paused at the bar.

“You look terrific, lass. If your resume hasn’t already sold the guy, how can he resist the prettiest gal in Carmel?”

Carrie emitted a not too convinced chuckle.”I think your opinion is a tad biased, Gus McGee,” she said, as she eyed the front booth. She wished she’d allowed herself extra time to prepare. She felt more tense than usual, and there was also the fact that the only unpacked, unwrinkled outfit was the same one she’d worn last Friday. Adjusting the scarf at her neck, she questioned just how lucky it truly was. It hadn’t worked Friday. Why did she think it would now?

“Your man just got here,” Gus said, cutting into her jitters.”Still time to rescue him before Dwayne puts him to sleep.” He chuckled and shook his head. “I’ll be right over and take your order. Knock him dead, lassie.”

Carrie rolled her eyes and forced a smile.”Thanks, Gus.”

As she approached the corner Dwayne lifted his chin a notch and looked as if he were about to consummate the sale of the century. He may be a little odd, but she liked him. She couldn’t help but smile at him as she neared the booth.

“Carrie, I’m so glad you could join us.”

Carrie turned toward her prospective boss, who stood to greet her.”You!”

“Yes, me,” he said, the contempt in his voice apparent.

All Carrie could do was stare at him.

Dwayne cleared his throat.”Well…it appears we may have a minor problem here.” He rubbed his hands together, then clasped them to his chest.”But surely nothing that can’t be fixed.”

Cunningham glared at her as if looks could kill.”I’m afraid there’s way too much to fix, the least of which is the front end of my car…thanks to this reckless—”

“Your car!” The audacity of the man!”Do you know how long I’ll have to wait for Woodie’s parts?”

“Not as long as you’ll have to wait to get a job at Cunningham Construction.”

Dwayne clapped his hands together twice, loud and sharp, and they both stared at him, stunned into silence.”Now stop it. Both of you. And sit down. You’re acting like children.”

“Here we go,” Gus said, with forced gusto.”Some of California’s finest, on the house.”

Carrie looked at Gus’s desperate-looking smile and knew her freckles had disappeared behind her scarlet cheeks.

“Well…enjoy!” Gus said and raced off.

She braved another peek at Dwayne, who was sharing a stern look between his two mismatched clients as they reluctantly slid into the seats across from him.

“Okay,” he started.”We’re going to begin again.” He took a slow, deliberate sip of Perrier, wiped his mouth with an embroidered handkerchief and then proceeded.

“Carrie Sargent, I’d like you to meet Cash Cunningham. Cash…you may shake her hand and say something polite.”

Carrie turned toward Cash, her hand making the long journey from her lap. When she saw his hand slowly rise to meet hers, she let her gaze travel to his face. She caught a slight quiver at the corners of his mouth, and she lost it. She laughed aloud as she clasped his long, elegant fingers. She watched him struggle a second longer before he gave in to his own amusement. She doubted anyone quite like Dwayne had ever crossed this man’s path. The idea of anyone scolding this…this…His hand was still in hers as he laughed and eyed Dwayne. Damned if Cash Cunningham weren’t one of the most handsome men she’d ever met.

“Now, that’s better,” Dwayne said, and Carrie withdrew her hand quickly.”We’ll just put aside the past and move forward.”

He turned to Carrie first.”Carrie, maybe you would like to explain to Cash why you are no longer employed at S & S Construction. Yes. 1 think that would be a good starting point.” He folded his arms and waited.

Carrie turned in her seat and met Cash’s gaze. Those eyes. She remembered noticing how blue they were before. Distracted, she answered the question.”My father had a stroke last year. He owned the company I worked for so…so…” Damn, but this was difficult. She tried again.”So when someone made a good offer to buy S & S, we sold it and my father retired. The new owners had their own management team…”

Dwayne finished for her.”So here she is, working temporarily for a friend of the family until we find her something suitable.”

Now he turned toward Cash.”Cash, I’d like you to tell Carrie about Cunningham Construction and the position you would like to fill.” As before, he leaned back and folded his arms, fully expecting Cash to comply.

Which he did. Carrie listened carefully, surprised at her sudden interest in the job. As Dwayne had told her earlier, it was everything she wanted. Then why, apart from their disastrous first meeting, was she so apprehensive? Maybe it was his too-good looks. Brian had been handsome, and wealthy, too. Yet something told her that was where the resemblance ended, that Cash Cunningham was nothing like her ex-fiancé. But then, her judgment regarding men left something to be desired.

“There,” Dwayne said, bringing Carrie back to the present.”That wasn’t so difficult.” He opened his planner and held his pen in ready.”Cash, when may we schedule another interview? Perhaps at your office?” .

Cash twisted his wineglass in his hands and swiped at the condensation.”Why don’t I get back to you on that. I’ll have to check my calendar.”

Dwayne looked crushed, but put up a brave front.”Very well. I’ll call you tomorrow and we can discuss it then.” He slid out from the booth and Carrie followed suit, Cash right behind her.

Carrie held out her hand to Dwayne.”Thank you, Dwayne. I appreciate your help.”

“My pleasure, Carrie,” he said, with another limp shake.

She turned to face Cash, not certain what to say. As much as another interview would have been encouraging, she felt a measure of relief at having been politely put off. Before she could speak, he took her hand between both of his. He didn’t shake it, but held it there gently. It was something far more intimate than she would have expected from this button-down executive type.

“It’s…well, it’s been interesting, Ms. Sargent.” A smile lingering on his lips, he turned and left, his hand now on Dwayne’s shoulder, nudging him out the door.

She stood there a moment longer, staring after them. Cash wasn’t going to call her back; she knew that. There were other jobs. She’d find something else in time.

So why did his rejection feel like a sharp jab to the solar plexus?

“What do you mean Sam’s not here?” Cash lowered his voice and tried again. It wasn’t Peg’s fault things were in chaos.”Did you try the yard?”

“Yes, sir. Uh—” she swallowed hard, then finished in a flurry”—his wife just called. He’s sick and won’t be in today.”

“Again? How many times does that make this month?” Peg started for the file cabinet and Cash stopped her.”Never mind, Peg. I’ll look into it later. For now, why don’t you try to find Flutie for me? We need to talk.”

The phone rang and Peg darted back to her desk.

“Good morning, Cunningham Construction.”

“Good morning, Peg. Dwayne Flutie here.”

“Mr. Flutie! I was just about to call you. Just a moment and I’ll transfer you right to Mr. Cunningham.”

With a blueprint propped open with his elbow, Cash picked up the receiver and barked a greeting.”Hello?”

“Cash…Peg tells me you wanted to talk. Could this have anything to do with last night’s meeting in Carmel?”

Cash could hear the dollar signs in Flutie’s tone and mentally calculated how much this decision was going to cost him. He sighed out his answer.”Yes, it does. Why don’t you give her a call and see if we can talk before the lunch crowd arrives? Tell her I can be there by eleven.”

“Wouldn’t you rather she come to your office?”

He didn’t have time to wait for her day off, whenever that might be. If he made an offer, she’d probably have to give notice at the pub.”No. I’d rather go there…as soon as possible.” There was a moment of silence at the other end of the line. “Is there a problem?”

“Well…actually, I have a luncheon appointment I can’t break at this short notice.”

Ah, gee. That’s too bad.”Look…Dwayne…” He swallowed a smirk and forced his voice to remain even.”I promise to behave myself in your absence. And by the way, you were right. She does seem to be the perfect person for the job.”

“Thank you, Cash.” Another pause, then,”You know, I should be the one to discuss her compensation package with her, should you get that far.”

So you can hold me up for the highest possible salary and a higher commission.”Yes, I know.” He purposely avoided answering the question, giving his own directive instead.”Give her a call and let Peg know, okay?”

“I’ll get right on it.”

Cash eyed the blueprint in front of him, then checked his watch. If he left now, he could visit at least one job site and still make it to the pub on time. He rolled up the blueprint, shoved it into its labeled tube and grabbed his briefcase.

As he passed Peg’s desk, he called over his shoulder,”Flutie’s going to be calling me back. Catch me on the mobile with his answer. I’ll be back after two, Peg.”

Peg waved an acknowledgment and picked up the next call.

Carrie replaced the receiver and met Gus’s curious gaze.

“Cunningham wants to talk with me…here at eleven.”

“How ‘bout that! He’s not as pigheaded as I thought he was,” Gus said with a devilish twinkle in his eye. “I think you have a new job, lass.”

A part of her said Gus was right. Another part left her breathless and worried. But there wasn’t time to analyze why. Tables needed setup and the bar needed restocking. She pulled a couple of fifths from the crate, wiped them with a damp cloth and found empty spaces behind Gus. “Even if he makes an offer—which isn’t at all a sure thing-I’ll still give you two weeks’ notice.”

Gus stopped wiping the counter and faced her.”You’ll do no such thing, Carrie Sargent. If he wants you to start tomorrow, you go.”

“But you’ve already scheduled—”

He gripped her by the shoulders and finished her sentence.”I’ve already scheduled you for more hours than two of my regulars…which means they’re grousing among themselves when they know I’m listening. So it’s settled, lass.”

“Why didn’t you tell me, Gus?” She’d half suspected as much from her lukewarm treatment by the other waitresses, but she’d hoped it was just because she was new and had to prove herself.

“Because I knew you’d find something soon and they’d get over it. Besides, the same ones complain when I don’t give ‘em enough time off. So now, Carrie darlin’, do we have a deal?”

She pulled him into a bear hug.”You’re not the crusty old goat you pretend to be, Gus McGee,” she said, a sheen settling over her eyes.

He thumped her on the back and returned to his chores, disguising his own emotions with a gruff response.”Well, we’ll see about that. If ya don’t get those tables ready before I open the door, I might have to fire ya before ya ever set eyes on that Mr. Cunningham.”

She threw a stack of napkins atop a tray of silverware and rushed around the end of the bar, doing her best to feign fear at his idle threat.

Her tasks were barely complete when Gus unlocked the door at 10:30 and a stream of patrons rushed in. Carrie greeted them all with a smile, calling the regulars by name as she ushered them to a booth or table. It was nearly eleven before more help arrived and the customers’ needs were all attended to. She’d intentionally left the front booth by the window unoccupied. Now she noticed the lone figure there. He’d seated himself and was patiently waiting, watching her every move. Dark hair and blue eyes faced her whenever she stole a peek.

Finally Gus took her tray and whispered hear her ear,”What are you waiting for? Christmas? Go talk to the man, lass. We got things covered.”

Carrie wiped her hands on her apron and tucked unruly curls behind each ear, exhaled a long breath and walked to the corner booth. She slid in opposite him, noticing her shortness of breath—which seemed to be a recurring problem whenever she was near this man. Was she intimidated or bedazzled? Either way, she didn’t like it, and she fought for a measure of control.

“Would you like some coffee?” Way to go. Start off subservient. That strengthens your position.

“No, thanks. I’ve had my fill for the day.” His planner was open to blank note pages, with his pen resting on top.”Are you sure you can spare the time now? I don’t want to cause you trouble on the job.”

Well, I’ll be! Sensitivity. Maybe she’d misjudged him.”It’s okay. I told Gus you were coming and he said to take whatever time we need.”

Cash picked up his pen and rolled it in those long, elegant fingers of his—fingers she could picture on a keyboard, rather than a high beam on a construction site. Slow, methodical fingers. She forced her gaze away from his hands. It wasn’t calming her nerves in the least. He raised his head and eyed her, seeming to weigh his words carefully before he spoke.

“Your résumé is impressive and your references think highly of you.”

But? She could feel his hesitation.

“Are you interested in the job?”

She blinked twice, trying not to let her mouth fall open.”Well…yes, I am.” She straightened in her seat.”Is this the time to discuss terms?”

He smiled, then thumbed through his planner for a page of prepared figures, which he tore out and placed on the table. Slowly he turned the page around and slid it closer to her, nodding for her to read.

After one full year—insurance and one week’s vacation. He had to be kidding. She glanced up, hoping to find a teasing smile, but was met by a poker face. She looked back to the paper and skimmed to the last line—compensation.

That did it!

“You can’t be serious?” She shoved the paper back in his direction.

His jaw muscles tightened.”You don’t like the terms?”

“Terms?” She tried to control her temper, but felt it slipping by degrees.”Those aren’t terms.”

“And what would you call them?” His anger flared as easily as hers.

“I’d call them a cash-and-carry discount plan! That’s what I’d call them.”

His anger disappeared, replaced by an amused smirk.”Cash and Carrie.” He paused a moment, considering her words, then laughed a low laugh and shook his head.”We’re bound to be the brunt of a few jokes around the office. Never thought of that before.” Then he met her gaze again.”Okay. I give, Carrie.” He leaned on her name.”What do you think would be fair?”

Carrie relaxed a little, encouraged by his reaction. Anyone with a sense of humor couldn’t be all bad.”First tell me what your policy manual says about insurance and vacation. You can’t very well give me something contrary to the manual.”

Cash closed his planner, leaned back and crossed his arms. His gaze drifted around the room before settling on hers.

“You don’t have a policy manual?” she asked incredulously.

“Have you ever written one?”

“Yes.”

“Then maybe that should be your first task. Are you up to the challenge?” He shot her a coy look, and she picked up his pen.

Retrieving the paper, she scribbled new terms next to his, then slid it back to him.”Are you up to these?” He drummed his fingers in silence, and she thought she’d pushed too far.

Finally he folded the paper, stuffed it in the back pocket of his planner and slid from the booth. Carrie sat looking up at him, her stomach in her throat once again.

“Do you have to give notice?”

She exhaled softly.”No.”

“Will eight tomorrow morning work for you?”

She slid from the booth, her feet now inches from his. She put on her best piece-of-cake smile and pretended not to notice his baby blues gazing down at her.”Eight tomorrow it is.”

Four

Early Wednesday morning Gus pulled up at the front door. Carrie yawned, then stretched across the car’s console, planting a kiss on his unshaved cheek.”What would I do without you, Gus McGee?”

He waved his hand as though it were no big deal.”What time should I pick ya up, lass?”

“Uh-uh. You take care of happy hour, and I’ll manage on my own.” She opened her door and stepped out, the wind catching her wild mane. With one hand on the door and the other pushing back a heavily moussed tangle of curls, she gave him one last nervous smile.”Thanks, Gus. I’ll tell you all about it tonight.”

“Okay, lass, but if ya find ya need a ride, ya call.”

She shut the door, made a small X over her breast pocket, then waved over her shoulder as she fought a bone-chilling wind the last dozen yards to the entrance.

This weather was just the wake-up call she needed. She’d helped close the pub at 2:00 a.m., then tossed and turned till the alarm sounded at six. Now, as Carrie strode through the front door of Cunningham Construction, butterflies flickered behind her ribcage and a small laugh passed her lips. The last time she walked out that door, she’d been certain she’d never return.

She punched the elevator button and studied the barren atrium with more interest than the first time. It was a massive space that begged for warmth. Maybe everything had been cleared out in anticipation of the holidays. She could picture a tall pine with all the trimmings and large red poinsettias here and there. The door slid open and she stepped in. She smoothed the wrinkles from her navy skirt and straightened the red-white-and-blue scarf that had been tied in a large, loose bow just above the lapels of her red blazer. When she stepped out a moment later, Peggy came around the reception desk and offered her hand.