Blame it on the Stars (The Blame Game) Read online

  Catlin shrugged. “I’d never know where the stupid thing was, anyway. I have a home phone, and of course there’s one at school. It works for me, okay?”

  “Whatever you say.” He inhaled and let the breath out. “So, lord, this is like pulling teeth…your address?”

  She smiled sweetly. “Would you like to write it down?”

  He tapped his temple. “I don’t forget the important things.”

  “Okay.” She got in her car and rolled the window down. “1428 Hazelnut.”

  “Six-thirty?”

  “See you tomorrow.” She started to drive off, then remembered. “Hey,” she called back to him. “Your sweater?”

  He waved it off. “Later. It probably smells like popcorn and hot dogs, anyway.”

  Catlin waved, and sank down into the sweater as she drove home. It did not smell like popcorn or hot dogs. It smelled heavenly.

  She spent two hours getting ready for their date on Saturday. She usually didn’t dry her hair, but this time she dried it and set it on hot rollers, so it would look especially good. She teased the top and sprayed it with hairspray. Then she held up two mirrors and checked it out from all angles. “You look good,” she said to her hair.

  From her closet she pulled out the dress she was going to wear. It was teal blue with a full skirt that ruffled when she walked or danced. The top was strapless with a valentine shaped bust line, and a little zipper up the back that she squirmed to zip by herself. She ran her hands over the silky fabric, and did a quick spin around to see the skirt flare. “Perfect.” She surprised herself with how much she was looking forward to this evening.

  The clock on her wall chimed six-thirty, and her doorbell rang.

  Catlin opened her front door. “Right on time. I should have expected that.”

  Steve’s eyes gleamed as he looked her over. “I didn’t expect that you could look more beautiful each time I see you, but somehow you manage it.”

  She motioned him in. “Why, thank you. You look pretty spectacular yourself.”

  He ran his hand over the sleeve of his black suit. “What, this old thing?”

  “Yeah, right.” She laughed, noticing the expensive cut and modern style of his suit.

  “These are for you.” He handed her three red roses.

  “They are lovely. Thank you.” She smelled the roses as she reached for a vase. “Let me get them in some water.” She went into the kitchen. “Is there significance to the number three?”

  “Yeah,” he replied. “That’s how many the florist had left.”

  She walked out with the roses in a vase, and set them on a table. “Sure.”

  “Why do you think there might be significance?” he asked her, amused.

  “You seem like the type of man that has significance for everything he does.”

  He laughed. “You got me. So maybe three is for the three times I’ve gotten to see your lovely face.”

  “How sweet.” She motioned to the couch. “Would you like to sit for a minute?”

  “Sure.” He sat on the couch. “Nice place you have here.” He looked around the small, somewhat cluttered, little house, his face expressionless.

  Catlin laughed. “I realize it’s not Trump Towers, but it suits me fine. I live alone, I have very few needs. It’s got a garage and I enjoy the fireplace.”

  He shook his head. “I didn’t say anything.”

  She grinned. “Yeah, I could see the look on your face. What difference does it make to you, anyway? This is just dinner, remember. No commitments.”

  Steve stood. “Why do I think I’m going to regret saying that to you?”

  She smiled sarcastically. “I never forget the important things, either.”

  He cleared his throat and looked at her. “Somehow I feel like I haven’t gotten off to the best start.”

  “Perhaps it was the insulting of my house…” she teased him.

  He laughed and shook his head. “I never insulted your house! Honestly, I didn’t! Well, I didn’t mean to, anyway! Maybe we should go eat.”

  Catlin reached for her jacket. “I don’t know how hungry I am anymore. But since I spent so much time getting ready, I am going to make you buy me dinner.”

  He took the jacket from her. “You spent a lot of time getting ready for me? By the way, it’s almost a crime to cover up these gorgeous shoulders.” He slipped her jacket on.

  “Keep talking, buddy. You have a ways to go to get back in my good graces.”

  He opened the door for her, Catlin grabbed her purse, and they stepped out.

  “Look at this. You made such a big deal about my car. You drive a Beemer.”

  He opened the door to his BMW and she got in.

  “Yeah, but it’s a sedan—not a sports car, like yours.” He got in and started it up.

  She laughed. “Something tells me you could have a sports car if you really wanted one.”

  He shrugged. “I suppose so. But it’s not always fun getting everything you want. Sometimes anticipation is half the fun.”

  She looked out the window. “And sometimes anticipation can drive you nuts!”

  When they were seated in the restaurant, Steve asked Catlin “Do you like wine?”

  “I drink wine, but just a little. I don’t handle alcohol well.”

  “I’ll remember that.”

  She unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap. “Don’t be thinking you’re going to get me drunk and agreeable, because I’m not that kind of a drunk. I’m more the barf-in-your-Beemer type. So just remember that.”

  Steve had been sipping water and choked at her comment. “I will definitely remember that.”

  They ordered, and relaxed over a glass of wine. “Catlin,” Steve began “I’m sorry if I’ve been sort of a jerk tonight. I’d like to be honest with you about something.”

  “Please do,” she said to him dryly.

  “I was nervous as hell asking you out. You don’t have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve asked a woman out, or had to make small talk. I’m afraid I’m awfully out of practice.”

  Her tone softened and she smiled. “How long were you married, Steve?”

  “Twenty-one years. You get pretty settled into a routine in that amount of time. This whole dating business, well, I thought it was like riding a bike. But oh my God, it’s so much harder than that!”

  Catlin laughed. “Okay, since we’re being honest. I’ve been nervous as hell since the minute I met you. You are, in Jetta’s words, one good looking hunk of man.”

  Steve looked down, and Catlin grinned. “Oh, look who’s blushing now.” She reached out and touched his hand. “That’s okay. I feel like I’ve been blushing since Thursday.”

  He held on to her hand. “You’re so young and beautiful. I almost can’t believe we’re sitting here together.”

  They separated hands as their dinner arrived. Catlin was looking at her food when she said, “The young part is kind of true, I guess. I was five when you got married. Gee, I could have been your flower girl.”

  Steve choked and took a drink of water. “Hey, thanks for that shot of confidence.”

  She smiled at him again, slyly. “I think you have confidence to spare, mister. And I also happen to think older men are very sexy.”

  He blushed again.

  “But it doesn’t matter, because it’s just dinner, right?”

  Steve shook his head. “Now I definitely regret saying that.”

  They ate and talked about their jobs, their interests, likes and dislikes. By the end of dinner, Catlin felt very comfortable with him.

  He looked out at the dance floor. “Would you like to take a spin?”

  She stood. “Are you kidding? I didn’t wear this dress for nothing.”

  He followed her onto the dance floor. A slow song was playing, and Steve admired Catlin’s bare shoulders as he pulled her in close to him. “Believe me,” he whispered. “It wasn’t for nothing.”

  She slapped his shoulder lightly and sl
ipped into his arms.

  “Mmm…” he said softly, and ran his hands up her back until he reached skin. “I’ve wanted to do this since the minute I met you.”

  “Dance?” she teased.

  “Hold you in my arms.” He brushed her hair away from her neck. He touched his face to her neck softly, and she shivered.

  The song ended, and Catlin took a step back. “Maybe we should get some air.”

  Steve nodded “I could use another drink.” He led her back to their table. “Anything for you?”

  “Nope.” She held up her water glass. “I’m good.” They sat quietly for a few minutes, then the music changed, and a fast song came on.

  Steve set his glass down. “Are you ready to give it another try?” He held out his hand to her, and they stood up.

  They danced to several fast songs, then the music changed, and once again it was slow. Steve pulled Catlin into his arms and whispered, “Hello again.”

  She slid her arms around his neck. They danced without speaking until the song ended. Finally, she pulled away and looked at him. “It’s getting late.”

  He nodded, touched her chin softly, and led her back to their table. They gathered up their things, he signed the check and they headed out.

  In the car, she fumbled in the dark for her seat belt. Steve found it for her, and clasped it shut. Their hands touched, and slowly intertwined. He drove back to her house, never letting go of her hand.

  “This car is very comfortable,” she commented, for lack of anything else to say.

  “Not bad.” Steve pulled into her driveway. He held his hand out to her. “Keys, please?”

  She got them out, but before handing them over, said, “I’d ask you in but...”

  “I know…but...I wouldn’t want to leave. No, I’ll just unlock your door.”

  She gave him the keys.

  They walked up to the front step, where Steve unlocked the door, and turned to face her.

  “I had a wonderful time tonight,” she said softly.

  He reached out and pulled her close. “So did I.”

  Before he could kiss her Catlin whispered, “Steve, I’m afraid.”

  He stopped, and rubbed his nose on hers. “Afraid of what, beautiful?”

  She looked down, but he gently lifted her chin up to look in her eyes. She whispered, “I’m afraid that I could really fall for you, and I don’t know what I’m going to do if Mrs. Twenty-one years comes back around to claim—”

  Steve put a finger up to her lips. “Shh,” he whispered quietly, and pulled her face to his. Their kiss was soft, slow and gentle.

  Catlin hesitated for just a second, and then let herself fall against him, the intensity of their kiss increasing. All thoughts left her mind as he held her securely in his arms.

  They stood there like that for several minutes. Finally, Steve forced himself to pull away. “When can I see you again?” he whispered hoarsely.

  She let her head fall back. “You tell me. Whenever you want to see me again.”

  “I’m out of town most of the week, but I’ll be back by the weekend. I can call you—”

  “Steve,” she interrupted.

  “Hmm?”

  “You talk too much.” She pressed her lips on his, and their kiss was passionate and lingering.

  Several minutes later he pulled away for the last time. “I’d really better go.”

  “Thanks again, for tonight.”

  “My pleasure.” He kissed the back of her hand, and disappeared in the darkness.

  Catlin watched out her window as his car drove off, and hugged herself tightly. Images of Steve ran through her mind as she washed her face, brushed her teeth, and climbed into bed. It didn’t take her long to fall into a deep, dreamy sleep.

  Chapter Three

  Catlin woke early on Sunday, in the best mood she thought she’d ever been in. She forced herself to wait until eleven a.m. to call Jetta, so as not to wake her.

  “Hey, I’ve been up,” Jetta told her. “We just got home from church, in fact. I didn’t see you there.”

  “You’re right, you didn’t. I’m doing my worshipping at home this weekend,” Catlin smarted off to her.

  “As usual,” Jetta smirked. “But I did see someone else there.”

  “You probably saw lots of someone else’s there.”

  “True, but only one person who told me he had a wonderful time with you last night.”

  “Ooh!” Catlin squealed. “Did he say wonderful?”

  “From his mouth to God’s ear. We were in church, after all.”

  Catlin sighed and snuggled back against her sofa.

  “So,” Jetta continued. “Inquiring minds want to know. Did you have a ‘wonderful’ time as well?”

  Catlin thought about it. “Yeah, I did. It started off a little weird. He obviously wasn’t impressed by my house. But once we got through a few hoops, everything was fine.”

  “Yeah, well, babe, if you could see where he lives, you’d understand his reticence about getting comfy at your place.”

  “How do you know where he lives?”

  Jetta laughed. “I know everything. Haven’t you figured that out yet? I looked it up on the school computer and Jimmy and I drove by last night. Holy shit, girl, it’s a mansion.”

  “Oh.” Catlin had never stopped to think about where he lived. She looked around her tiny, cluttered home. “No wonder,” she said to herself.

  Jetta laughed. “So, I want to hear...how did your evening end up?”

  Just then, Catlin’s phone beeped. “Saved by call waiting. I’ll talk to you later!”

  “Hey!” Jetta protested.

  Catlin punched her telephone ‘flash’ button and said, “Hello.”

  “Good morning,” Steve said softly.

  Catlin could almost see the smile on his handsome face. “Well, hello. I was just thinking about you.”

  “Good thoughts, I hope.”

  “Very good thoughts. I had such a nice time last night.”

  “Funny,” he replied “I was just saying that same thing to Jetta and Jim Craft. We ran into them at church.”

  “Oh, really?” Catlin acted surprised. “That’s nice.”

  “I looked around for you, but I guess you weren’t there.”

  “Nope, I was right here, thinking about you.”

  “Oh. Well, I think they have a later mass this afternoon.”

  “Steve,” she interrupted him.

  “Yes?”

  “Even my own father knew better than to keep tabs on whether or not I went to church.”

  “Sorry. Guess I’m still sticking my foot in my mouth, even the next day.”

  “Not a problem,” she told him. “Just getting some of the sticky points out of the way, up front.”

  He laughed. “Well, I called to let you know what a nice evening I had.”

  “It’s a long time until next Saturday,” she pouted.

  He thought about that. “The kids and I have a lot to do around the house today. We’re still trying to get settled in, you know. But sometimes on Sunday nights, we go out for ice cream.”

  “I like ice cream,” she said softly.

  He laughed.

  Catlin’s good mood spilled over into the next day. She didn’t see Jetta until their second hour planning time. Catlin was popping open her Dr. Pepper when Jetta came into the lounge and Catlin could tell she’d been crying. “Hey, what’s wrong?” She moved to put her arm around Jetta’s shoulder.

  Jetta shook her head “It’s nothing, really.”

  “Nothing?” Catlin grabbed a tissue from the box on the table and dabbed at Jetta’s face. “This doesn’t look like nothing.”

  Jetta shrugged. “I started my period. We’re not pregnant.”

  “Oh honey, I’m so sorry.” Catlin hugged her, and Jetta broke down again.

  “It’s just so damned unfair! Some girls get pregnant in the back seat of a car the first time they do it. Why am I having so much trouble?”
>
  Catlin gulped, not wanting to go there. She just held Jetta, and rubbed her back as she cried. “You just need to give it more time. Remember, the fun is in the trying! Once you have a kid, it’s nothing but work.”

  Jetta had to laugh at that, and she grabbed another tissue and pulled herself together.

  “It’s all going to work out. I know it is.” Catlin nodded firmly.

  Jetta dabbed her eyes one last time. “You’re a good friend, you know that?”

  Catlin nudged her shoulder. “Yeah, I know.”

  She was dozing off on her sofa that night when the phone rang. “Yeah, hello.” Catlin grabbed it up.

  “Did I wake you?” Steve asked softly.

  “Oh, hi! No, I’m grading papers.”

  “On the sofa, right? With a fire in the fireplace?”

  “You got me. And it is so boring, I was dozing off. How’s your trip going?”

  “Talk about boring. Western Kansas, sheesh! I worked until nine, just so I didn’t have to spend so much time alone in my hotel room.”

  “I’m sorry you’re all alone in your hotel room.”

  He laughed. “Actually, it sounds like it makes you happy.”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, it does. May I remind you, I am also alone?”

  “Well, I just called to hear your voice before I turn in. Think I could call you tomorrow night?”

  “I think I’m already looking forward to it.”

  “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, then.”

  “Goodnight.” Catlin hung up the phone and hugged her knees to her chest.

  Steve phoned Catlin every night, and their conversations grew longer each time. They found comfort in the distance, and talked not only about their days, but about their lives in general. By Thursday night, after a two hour talk she finally said, “I’m falling asleep. I’ve got to go.”

  “I’ll be home tomorrow, but I have meetings all afternoon and then I really want to spend some time with the kids. Can we plan on Saturday night?”

  “I am so planning on Saturday night, like you wouldn’t believe.”

  He laughed.

  She continued, “Can I cook you dinner? Do you like lasagna?”

  “I do, but I’d be happy to take you out.”