Read Online Weeds in the Garden of Love by Steven J. Daniels - Free Book Online Page B

all the time. She listened, but Craig thought it went in one ear and out the other. He felt, at the same time he was explaining to her why she couldn’t do something, Heather was busy trying to figure out a way to do it. She had a mind of her own and learned her lessons the hard way. She needed lots of discipline, but Craig worried about being too strict. Heather loved her dad, and Craig loved his little girl. She was the apple of his eye.
    After their bath, Craig read to Robbie and Heather. He gave them a choice of bedtime stories. They invariably picked the same one. Their favorite story was about a nice monster everyone was afraid of. A boy befriends the monster, and everyone lives happily ever after. Heather was always afraid at the beginning of the story. Robbie would say she was just being a baby.
    Bedtimes spent with Heather and Robbie would be some of Craig’s favorite recollections after the divorce. These memories would sustain him through some long, lonely nights.
    When the story was over, Craig sent Robbie off to his room while he tucked Heather into bed. She was so cute in her flannel p.j.’s. She smelled of gentle soap and baby shampoo. She had her mother’s brown eyes and thick hair. Heather had an effervescent laugh and a never-ending supply of love, which she gave away free of charge. Craig kissed her on the forehead. “G’night, Heather. Never forget—I love you.”
    Heather wrapped her arms around his neck for a good night hug. “I love you too, Dad—lots and lots. Oh … and Dad … don’t forget to leave the hall light on and my door open a bit.”
    “ Sure, honey, see you in the morning.” Heather was already drifting off to sleep.
    Craig opened Robbie’s door. “G’night, Rob. See you in the morning.”
    “ G’night, Dad. Hey Dad—ya know what?”
    “ What?”
    “ I love you.”
    “ I love you too, big guy. G’night.”
    Craig smiled as he went down the hallway. He cherished these times. Those kids are the best. I’m a lucky dad. I wonder where their mother is.
     
    * * *
     
    Chrissie was on her way home. While stopped at a red light, she used breath spray, applied lipstick and fixed a stray strand of hair with her fingers. She caught a glimpse of her eyes in the rear view mirror. She looked away feeling guilty. Looking into the mirror again, she smiled and then noticed a new wrinkle. I don’t remember seeing that before. Boy, d oes that make me feel old .
    Chrissie knew she was awfully late and hoped Craig wouldn’t be upset. I should have called , but I really didn’t have a chance. He’ll understand. He knows this business. The client comes first.
    In Chrissie’s mind, she had a perfectly legitimate excuse for working late. She and Eric Millard, one of the star realtors at Towercrest, had a late showing with some buyers who had flown in from Houston. Eric was an excellent realtor and mature beyond his years. He was a quick study and had a charming way with clients. He had the highest sales at Towercrest, two months out of the past six. He was destined to be their top salesperson in no time. This deal, however, was Chrissie’s. Eric was along for the ride.
    Eric and his wife Vikki had been to Craig and Chrissie’s house on several occasions for Towercrest staff functions. They had been married for three years and had no children. The relationship between Chrissie and Eric was strictly businesslike. That suited Chrissie just fine. She believed sex had no place in a business relationship, at any time, for any reason. Eric respected her and had never shown any interest in pursuing a personal relationship. That all changed tonight.
    Waiting for their clients’ flight to arrive, Chrissie and Eric waited in a bar on the arrivals level. They enjoyed spending time together. Chrissie had become his mentor, and Eric was her star pupil. They loved discussing business and real estate deals; past, present and future. But what Chrissie liked best about Eric was—he could match her