PREVIOUSLY

“Shhhhhh,” he soothed, pulling the dress from under her and bringing the comforter up to tuck around her body. “Sleep tight, Delgado,” he whispered. She settled back into sleep. After watching her for a few minutes, he reluctantly got to his feet and headed to the door, dousing the light. “Best date I ever had, too, Delgado,” he chuckled, quietly closing the door. Walking down the hall toward the living room, he checked one more time on his daughter. “Feel free to barf on me anytime, Shorty,” he whispered.

*************************************************************************************************************

Burdened with several boxes of baked goods, Todd let himself into his apartment, still sweating from his morning run. He tossed the breakfast pastries and the Sunday editions of both the Sun and the Banner on the dinette table. Heading into the kitchen to check that the coffee had brewed during his absence, he emerged with a plate and carefully arranged an assortment of bagels and breakfast rolls in the center of the table. Satisfied with the display, he quietly headed down the hall and peeked into each bedroom.

A few minutes later, he nursed a mug of coffee as he enjoyed the view from the living room window. He couldn’t believe how completely happy he felt at having both Téa and Starr under his roof. After being alone for nearly a year, he had almost forgotten the contentment that came from sharing a home with a family. For once, he was optimistic. Sure, Blair had only let him have Starr out of desperation when she couldn’t find a baby-sitter, but he was convinced that the one night of caring for his daughter would lead to regular over-night visits once his ex-wife became used to the idea. Téa had fallen asleep on his bed after having a little too much to drink, not because she consciously decided to stay over. Todd smiled to himself. The elaborate evening of dining and dancing he had planned was spoiled when Starr became ill, but there was no denying that the ‘date’ had turned out to be a memorable one. It wasn’t too hard to imagine a scenario where over-night visits by Téa became a regular, and most welcome, event.

Todd snapped his head around at the sound of desperate pounding on the apartment door. Glancing at the clock on the mantle, he noted that it was just past seven in the morning. He didn’t want the noise to wake either of the sleeping occupants of the bedrooms. “Manning!” shouted a man’s voice from the hall. It didn’t sound friendly. Frowning in annoyance, Todd went to answer the door. He had only just turned the knob when the door was pushed in violently and he found himself shoved up against the wall of the foyer by none other than Detective John Sykes. “What have you done with Counselor Delgado?” asked the intruder, his clear eyes practically bugging out of his head. “I know you had a date with her last night,” he continued, “and she never came home! Where is she?”

Quickly chopping both his hands upward, Todd managed to break the hold the detective had on his shoulders and shove him back a few feet. He eyed the tall man fiercely, a cold smile slowly curving along his lips. “What have I done with Delgado?” he asked in an even voice. “Well, let’s see… I left her legs in the dumpster behind Rodi’s; her arms I tossed into the river; but I just couldn’t live without seeing her face, so I put her head in the fridge…”

Seething with anger, Sykes roughly grabbed Todd’s arm as he said, “Maybe you’ll take my questions more seriously down at the station. C’mon, let’s go.” Todd yanked away.

“Forget it, Syko. I’m not going anywhere with you. And last time I looked, Delgado didn’t have a curfew. She doesn’t have to check in with you.”

“He’s right, John,” said Téa, startling both of them. She was standing in the doorway across the living room, her arms crossed over her chest defiantly. She still wore Todd’s shirt from the night before. “There is a sick little girl in this apartment that needs her rest, and you’re about to wake her. Now get out of here before I report you to Bo for harassment.” The detective gaped at her attire, looking back and forth at the couple incredulously. Finally he turned to Todd, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

“Enjoy it while you can, Manning,” he said in a low voice, “because I’ll be wiping that stupid smirk off your face soon enough.” Shrugging his shoulders, he walked into the hall and turned around. “You both are going to pay for this,” he threatened, shaking slightly. Todd slammed the door in his face, then stood staring at it, clenching and unclenching his fists. After a few moments, he took a deep breath and turned around.

“I’m sorry he woke you up, Delgado,” he said quietly, letting his eyes roam appreciatively to her bare legs. “I think he got the wrong impression.”

Téa was incensed, pacing angrily around the room. “He can take his impression and stick it up his…how dare he run around checking up on me! He has no right!” She stopped abruptly and turned to Todd, her eyes two pools of concern. “I’m sorry, Todd. I’ve pulled you into the middle of his obsession.”

“He’s had it in for me for a long time, Téa. Don’t worry. I can handle him. But I’m scared he’ll try to hurt you.”

“I’ll be careful, Todd. I believe you now when you say he can be dangerous.” Glancing at her attire, Téa suddenly looked self-conscious. “I’m sorry about falling asleep here. I was just so sleepy…”

Todd grinned. “You can sleep in my bed anytime, Delgado. It’s…it’s nice to have somebody around in the morning.” He gestured at the table. “You want a bagel or something?”

“Uh, sure,” said Téa, clawing at her tangled hair. “I think I’ll grab a shower and get going soon. You don’t want Blair to find me here when she comes to pick up Starr.”

A short while later, Todd and Téa sat at the breakfast table together. She was again wearing her evening dress and heels from the night before as she sipped at her coffee and looked over the entertainment section of the Banner. Todd pretended to be interested in the sports section of the Sun, but in reality he was sneaking frequent peeks at Téa as she picked at a breakfast roll with her fingers. As he watched, her eyes lit up in response to something on the page in front of her. She looked up at him, barely hiding her excitement. “Today is the fifteenth annual Apple Festival at the Bayberry Inn,” she said in a hushed voice. “Doesn’t that sound fun?”

Todd snorted derisively. “The Bayberry Inn and fun don’t belong in the same sentence, Delgado. And what the heck is an apple festival?”

Téa looked disappointed at his lack of enthusiasm. Glancing at the paper she said, “It says here they have a crafts fair, an antique show, free music, and all kinds of goodies made from apples.”

“Gee, and the Bayberry Inn thrown in for good measure.” He rolled his eyes. “I’d rather do another six months in jail,” he said, absently tossing the sports page away. He didn’t see the hurt look on Téa’s face as he reached for another section.

“I’ve got to get going,” she said, quickly pushing away from the table and standing up. “As it is, I’m running the risk of being discovered sneaking into my building just as all the other residents are leaving for Sunday mass.”

Realizing his mistake too late, Todd quickly jumped to his feet. “Don’t rush off, Delgado,” he pleaded. He watched helplessly as she gathered her coat and handbag and headed for the foyer.

“I hope Starr is feeling better,” she said in a strained voice as she reached for the doorknob.

“Look, Delgado, I didn’t mean….I’m sure the Apple Festival is nice and everything…it’s just that I….”

“I don’t care about the Apple Festival, Todd,” said Téa, pulling open the door. “I should have remembered that the Bayberry Inn is your idea of hell. I’m sorry I brought it up.” She stopped and turned toward him, reaching a hand up to caress his cheek. “Our date last night was wonderful, Todd. Thank you for everything.” Pressing her lips lightly over his, she kissed him softly, then turned and headed down the hall. Todd watched her from the open doorway. Seeing her retreating form, he suddenly felt bereft. He realized that he didn’t want their date to end. Flinging his arms out helplessly to the side, he glanced up at the ceiling in resignation.

“Delgado, wait!” he called as he ran toward where she waited for the elevator. She turned toward him in surprise. “Uh…I have to wait until Blair picks up Shorty, but then I was thinking we should drive out to check out the Apple Festival.”

“Forget it Todd,” said Téa, angrily punching at the elevator button. “Why don’t you call Bo? You said you’d rather go to jail than the Apple Festival. Maybe he has your old cell available.” The elevator arrived and Téa quickly went in. Todd reached out a hand and held the doors open.

“Please, Téa? I’m not very good at this date thing. I didn’t realize that you liked that crafts and antique junk, but if you want to go….”

“No. I’ll go by myself,” she said stubbornly.

“C’mon,” he coaxed. Suddenly brightening, he said, “I’ll drive the Ferrari.”

Téa looked at him, shaking her head in amusement. “You aren’t going to take no for an answer, are you?” she said affectionately. He rewarded her with one of his heart-stopping grins.

“I’ll pick you up in an hour,” he said, letting go of the elevator doors. As they began to close he said, “I don’t care where we go, Téa, as long as I’m with you.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Todd gripped the bottle in front of him with white knuckles as the local amateur banjo group struck up yet another number. As he watched with gritted teeth, a woman in her sixties sporting a straw boater and red and white striped vest stepped to the microphone and began leading the spectators in an off-key rendition of “Yes, Sir, That’s My Baby.” Closing his eyes tightly and rubbing his left temple, he brought the bottle to his lips and drained it in two gulps. “At least it’s better than the Peruvian Indians,” he muttered. “No flutes.” He looked around for the waiter to order another drink and spotted Téa struggling up the slope toward him, laden with several large shopping bags. He rose to help her get settled at the small white plastic table.

“So this is where you were hiding,” she said, trying to hide her annoyance. She looked around at the stone terrace of the Bayberry Inn, noting the beautiful fall foliage surrounding them. “Although I can’t blame you. This is lovely. And they have live music today!” she said twisting around to admire the banjo players for a moment.

Todd grimaced while her back was turned. “Looks like you had some luck,” he said keeping his voice even. She turned back, her eyes bright with excitement, and Todd began to think the torture of the last two hours might be worth it after all.

“I got so many great things, Todd!” she said, rummaging in one of her shopping bags. “Look at these handmade quilts…you know, I’m doing my apartment in kind of an old world cottage look and these will really add a nice touch.” Todd grinned stupidly and tried to look interested as she pulled out some napkin rings carved and painted to look like apples, a doll with a dried apple face she had purchased for Starr, and several jars of homemade apple butter for Viki and Carlotta. “And I bought that Shaker rocker. I was striking a bargain with the dealer when you disappeared.” She looked at him accusingly.

“Uh, what can I say? I needed a break from apple-mania.” He signaled to a nearby waiter. When he arrived, Todd ordered them each an apple cider. “You have to try this stuff, Delgado. It’s not half bad.” He slurred his words slightly and Téa looked at him sharply.

“Have you had anything to eat, Todd?” she asked. “They have apple fritters, baked apples, caramel apples, apple ice cream…” Todd held his hands up to stop her.

“Enough, Delgado. You’re giving me a stomach ache just talking about it.” The waiter arrived, setting two chilled bottles in front of them. Todd quickly put his to his lips and took a long pull at the bottle. He set it down, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He belched loudly, and covered his mouth. “Uh, sorry,” he said, noting her scowl. “I forgot my manners.” He gave her a sleepy-eyed grin. Looking suspicious, Téa picked up her bottle and examined the label.

“How many of these have you had?” she asked, eyeing him closely. He shrugged.

“I lost count….six, seven. It’s just apple juice, Delgado.”

“Todd, this is hard cider!” she said, rolling her eyes. “It has more alcohol content than a glass of wine!”

Todd hiccuped. “Oops.”

“Well, that’s that,” said Téa, pushing her bottle away. “I’ll be driving home.”

“Not in my Ferrari, you won’t,” he said, trying to focus.

“Todd, we’re out in the middle of no where. There are no buses and taxis out here. And we’ll have to wait for hours if we call someone from Llanview to pick us up. There’s no other solution. I’m going to have to drive.”

“Now listen, Delgado. After the last time, there’s no way…”

“Well, well, well. Look who’s here! The Mannings, right? I never forget a face, especially one as pretty as yours, Mrs. Manning.” A short, elderly gentleman stood next to their table. He wore a vest made from a bright yellow fabric adorned with red apples. His bow tie was made from the same material.

“Mr. Barkus!” said Téa, not bothering to correct the name he used to address her. “How flattering that you remember us. Todd, you remember Mr. Barkus, the proprietor of the inn, don’t you?” she said, patting her companion’s hand. Todd grunted, glaring at the man through bleary eyes. Téa subtly dug her fingernails into his hand, causing him to flinch. “I’m sorry, sir,” she said, giving the innkeeper her most winning smile. “Mr. Manning is a little….indisposed.” The old man chuckled warmly.

“It’s not uncommon, Mrs. Manning. We get a lot of folks down here for the festival who sort of over-do it on all the apple goodies. It’s hard to say no to five kinds of apple pie, eh, Mr. Manning?” Narrowing his eyes, Todd opened his mouth to speak, but stopped short at a sharp pinch from Téa on his wrist. Mr. Barkus suddenly looked inspired. “Our meeting must have been written in the stars!” he said brightly. “I don’t know if you’re interested, but I just had a cancellation on one of our best suites. We’ve been booked up for months, of course, but one of our guests just had to be taken to the hospital.” He leaned forward and whispered loudly. “Apple allergy.”

Téa bit her lip and eyed Todd, looking uncertain. “I don’t know…” Todd hiccuped again, then stood up. He reeled for a moment, then sat down abruptly.

Looking a bit green around the gills, he said, “Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea, Delgado. I’m not feeling so good.” Téa looked at the innkeeper.

“It’s a suite you say?”

“Yes. One of our finest, and decorated especially for the apple festival. We’re calling it the Macintosh Suite, in honor of the apple variety, of course.” Téa still hesitated, haunted by the memory of the last time she had shared a suite with Todd at the Bayberry Inn. That time had started out fun, but ended in disaster as she had tried to force a little too much intimacy on him.

“We’ll take it!” said Todd. “Now quit yapping and show us the way. I’ve got to lie down.” He got to his feet unsteadily, but managed to stay standing this time. He followed the wiry old man a few feet, then turned around and looked back at Téa. “You coming, Delgado?” he asked thickly.

Téa quickly began to gather her bags. “You go ahead. I’ll be along in a minute.” She breathed a sigh of relief when Todd complied, leaving her a moment to gather her wits. A night alone with Todd in a romantic place like the Bayberry Inn? Her mind reeled at the possibilities. But Todd was just looking for a place to crash after his drinking binge, right? He wasn’t a Bayberry Inn type of guy. Swallowing hard, Téa willed her breathing to return to normal. It wouldn’t do to let herself have too high of expectations for the evening, especially with Todd incapacitated like he appeared to be. “Oh well. Qué será, será,” she said with a deep sigh. She picked up her bags and headed for the inn.

TO BE CONTINUED

This page hosted by Get your own FREE Home Page