Karma Read online

  “Sure did. How’s it going there?”

  “About as expected.”

  Shelby chuckled at his dry tone, sensing he must have had quite a day. “How’s the girl? Is Jesse with her?”

  “Most definitely,” Frank was sure Shelby would get the underlying meaning. “Abby seems almost recovered. I’m in their room now.”

  “That sounds promising. You are planning to call me back when you can talk?”

  “That’s an affirmative.” He could practically hear the questions forming in her mind. “You home?”

  “Already in my pj’s. Thought I might be able to talk you into some phone sex when you are too.”

  “Roger that.” Frank loved the way she teased him when they were apart. “Why don’t you grab a glass of wine and let me tell you about my day.”

  “Okay, feel free to start.”

  “As you must suspect, your brother-in-law is up to no good again. And if I hadn’t seen his cohort earlier, I’d swear she was in on it.”

  “Can you put us on speaker? I’m sure Jesse’ll have some comments to go with this and I don’t want Abby to feel left out.”

  “Shelby wants to know if you’ll join in for this.”

  “Ready to be part of the family?” Jesse asked as he nodded.

  Frank pushed the button. “They’re on, Shelby.”

  “Hi, Jess. Abby, I’m glad that you seem to be feeling better. I knew Jesse would insist on taking care of you.”

  “Um, hi, Shelby. I’m sorry my mix-up took Frank away from home.” Abby seemed to feel out of place.

  “Don’t give it another thought. Frank will no doubt make it up to me the instant he gets back. And, since it sounds like he has a story for me, I don’t mind all that much. Is he prowling around the room and glaring at Jesse?”

  “Yes,” Jesse responded with a grin.

  “That means it’s a good one. Okay, Frank. What do you think Jesse did to you this time?”

  “You remember what I said this morning when I repeated Earp’s situation report?”

  “Earp already?” Shelby interrupted. “Abby, Frank only calls Wyatt that when he’s annoyed.”

  “Left annoyed behind with the first step into the warehouse,” Frank clarified. “Henderson is so much worse than your brother-in-law described. I can’t believe he didn’t try harder to persuade Earp to drop him.”

  “I resent that,” Jesse stated. “You heard me at least half a dozen times, Shelby.”

  “Yeah, Frank, I think he put maximum effort into it too.” Shelby was already trying not to laugh.

  “Taking sides, Shelb?”

  “Nope.” She giggled, “Just stating the truth as I see it. Is he really that awful?”

  “Worse. Before I left today, I told him to stay out of my way the rest of the time I’m here or I am going to sabotage not only this system but all the others he got from Earp. I swear if he says one word tomorrow, I’m gonna do it. I attempted to enlist your brother-in-law’s help in carrying out the risk-free plan I formed to take Henderson out but he’s too busy making a good impression on Abby.”

  “Thanks, Jess.” Shelby said. “I’m counting on you to keep him out of jail.”

  “Got it covered.” Jesse winked at Abby, grateful Shelby asked her to listen too. “If he does it on his own and screws up, I’ll even break him out of jail for you.”

  “As if I’d be there long enough for you to get there.” Frank rolled his eyes. “Anyway, there I was, putting up with Henderson’s bullshit, planning Earp’s downfall, and, being the nice guy that I am, I call here to check on Abby and see if they need anything while I’m still out.”

  “You are a nice guy,” Abby said softly.

  “Thank you. At least someone in this room has some sense.” Frank flashed Abby a smile before returning his scowl to Jesse.

  “What did Jesse have you get?” Shelby asked.

  “Nothing. He asked me to stop in when I got back to the hotel so I could meet the guy who helped him get Abby out of the warehouse this morning.”

  “And that was bad because?”

  “The guy, and I use the term ‘guy’ loosely, is nothing I ever imagined. Jesse set me up, big-time, and Miss James went right along with it.”

  “I didn’t!” Abby denied.

  “I’m sure you’re completely innocent, Abby,” Shelby said reassuringly. “Stick with us and you’ll get used to Frank’s sense of humor in no time. Tell me more about the guy, Frank.”

  “His name is Milo. He’s light black, soft featured, styled hair, slender, average height. Sounds fine, right?”

  “Right but what’s the twist?” Shelby asked.

  “Milo is the second most effeminate gay man I ever met. His buddy, Petey, who was also waiting for me, gets top honors.” Shelby, Jesse and Abby were all laughing together as Frank went on calmly. “Milo had on this shirt that looked like it was swirled in Easter egg dye. The pale kind. And his pants, well, his pants matched the light purple color in his shirt just perfectly.”

  “Oh my God.” Shelby could obviously picture him.

  “I shook his hand and he wouldn’t let go of me.” Frank was circling Jesse again. “He actually held on with the right and stroked me with the left before I got away from him. He batted his eyelashes at me and squeezed my arm. You should have heard the things he suggested.”

  Shelby laughed. “I wish I’d been there.”

  “Wait, there’s more,” Frank continued dryly. “Let me tell you about Petey. He’s Latin with a heavy accent that is exaggerated but real. He’s what I’d call petite if I were describing a female. His hair is wavy but fairly short, I’m sure to show off all the dangly earrings he was wearing. I have no idea how he kept his eyes open since his false eyelashes were bigger than a wooly bear caterpillar. He had on a scoop-necked, ruffled blouse with an attached sash that tied at the side of his midriff.”

  “What color?” Shelby choked out.

  “Imagine being hit by fluorescent orange, yellow and green paint balls. He kept leaning over and flashing his glitter-dusted nipples in my face. He was wearing what I suspect were ballerina tights as pants. At least they were black. I swear, Shelb, he flexed his dick at me. Repeatedly! He ran his hand over my ass.”

  “Wait.” Shelby was laughing so hard she was crying. “You’re putting me on.”

  “No he’s not.” Jesse managed to speak.

  “You forgot to say how he ruffled your hair,” Abby added.

  “No!” Shelby was in hysterics again.

  “Yes,” Frank confirmed.

  “Poor baby,” Shelby said.

  “I’m not done.” Frank kept his voice even. “As they were leaving, they invited me to go out on the town with them. They said that even though I declined all their other offers and they know I’m committed to you, it would do wonders for their reputations if they walked into some clubs on my arm. Especially if I scowled a lot and didn’t say much.”

  “They think Frank has a mysterious aura.” Abby giggled.

  “And gives off dangerous vibes,” Jesse added.

  “Oh, Frank.” Shelby was beside herself. “Should I be jealous? Are you going?”

  “Not tonight but I’m meeting them for dinner at Cousin Harry’s restaurant tomorrow,” Frank admitted. “I thought you would like hearing about this one.”

  “I’m sure I’ll get several columns from your experience with these guys,” she agreed. “You are such a sweetheart.”

  “Just don’t forget it and plan on placating me in a major way.”

  “I’ll have to come up with something really special before you come home,” Shelby promised.

  “Columns?” Abby asked in the lull that followed.

  “Shelby works for the newspaper,” Jesse explained. “Ever hear of SL Benton?”

  “You write the Let me Tell You…column? I love that!” Abby exclaimed.

  “Thank you. I’m sure you can guess where the name came from.”

  “Wow, I always thought you made up th
ose things you write about.” Abby sounded amazed.

  “I don’t need to. Not with the interesting family and friends I have. I can’t wait to hear about your date tomorrow, Frank. You have to call me no matter what time you get back to the hotel.”

  “It is not a date,” he growled. “I’m only going because Milo’s cousin Harry sent over some grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. I’ve never had a gourmet version of that before and I’m really looking forward to dinner.”

  “Gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup?” Shelby questioned.

  “Harry used a dill Havarti, pepper bacon and sun-dried tomatoes on a fresh baked multigrain bread with a subtle dill butter for the sandwiches. The soup was spicy but echoed the dill. It was made with fresh tomatoes, a vegetable-herb stock and heavy cream. He even swirled it with an avocado cream garnish and some croutons that were homemade,” Abby answered.

  “Abby’s a chef,” Jesse supplied when Shelby didn’t comment.

  “Not really. I mostly stick to desserts,” Abby stated shyly.

  “When can we get together?” Shelby asked instantly. “I have got to spend some time with you.”

  “I, um.” Abby’s nervousness returned.

  “I don’t think Abby’s headache is entirely gone yet, Shelby.” Jesse rescued her. “Maybe you can hold off with the inquisition for now and save it for some other time?”

  Shelby understood. “Sure, sorry to bulldoze you like that, Abby. Your description was so good I could almost taste it and I got a little carried away. I forgot all about your migraine. I’m surprised you could eat that tonight. Holly never wants anything.”

  “She didn’t,” Frank explained. “Abby had the bland, boring unflavored bread, butter and cheese version without any soup. She could tell all that by taking a whiff of Jesse’s. Migraine or not, Abby says her sense of smell is intense.”

  “Now I’m even more impressed,” Shelby declared. “And I have so many additional questions. I won’t pin you down right now but please, would you call me sometime?”

  “I guess,” Abby replied but looked very uncomfortable.

  “Thanks. Frank, put my number in her phone,” Shelby instructed.

  “Sure thing,” He plucked Abby’s phone from the table. “It’s done.”

  “Please call, Abby. Any time. And not just so I can pick your brain. I’ll tell you stories about Jesse and Frank,” Shelby added as incentive.

  “Gee, would you look at the time,” Jesse interrupted. “Abby looks a little worn-out and I’m sure Frank has something else to do.”

  “I guess that’s my cue.” Frank chuckled. “I’ll call you later, after I’m done with Earp.”

  “Be nice,” Shelby warned.

  “Not a chance,” Frank responded.

  “Make him promise, Jesse. Wyatt had a bad day too,” Shelby said gently. When Frank snorted, she added, “Ignore him, Abby. Frank refuses to admit that despite all of Wyatt’s quirks, he has a soft side and is very aware of what’s going on around him. I’m sure he spent most of the day worrying about you. He probably blames himself for not letting Jesse talk him out of this job. If he had, you wouldn’t have been yelled at this morning.”

  “But we wouldn’t have met either,” Jesse reminder her.

  “Maybe not today,” Shelby stated. “You would have gotten around to it eventually.”

  “On that note.” Frank averted the discussion about Jesse’s cosmic plan, not sure if he had mentioned it to Abby yet. “I’ll behave, Shelb.”

  “And that’s why I love you so much.” She sighed.

  “Wow, I thought it was because I’m willing to hang out with two gay guys and let them use me as bait to lure unsuspecting hotties. I’m sure I won’t escape entirely untouched and I’m doing it all so you can publicly make fun of me.”

  “That too. Jesse, make Abby’s migraine go away. Abby, let him take care of you. I’m glad you joined in and I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. Get Frank to tell you a little about us so you know I’m harmless.”

  “Oh, okay. Bye,” Abby murmured.

  “Don’t worry about us. I plan on sticking close. I’m counting on a really good column about Frank’s tête-à-tête,” Jesse teased as they all hung up.

  “Don’t look so smug, little brother,” Frank warned. “I owe you for this one.”

  “Can’t wait.” Jesse grinned before he noticed how Abby cowered at Frank’s remark. “He’s just teasing, Abby. Frank and I pull stuff like that on each other all the time but it’s always harmless. Many of Shelby’s columns have been inspired by us.”

  “He’s right.” Frank softened his features. “I may come off like a hard-ass but I love this kid.” He dropped his hands onto Jesse’s shoulders, standing behind him. “I pick on him all the time but there really is nothing I wouldn’t do for him. And Wyatt. They feel the same way too.”

  “Absolutely,” Jesse agreed.

  “Call me when you’re up tomorrow. Abby, may I compliment you one last time on your new hair? It’s really cute. I have to tell Shelby when I call her later. She’s been threatening to cut her hair as long as I’ve known her but never has.”

  “I don’t think I can picture her with short hair,” Jesse muttered.

  “Did you tell her not to cut it?” Abby asked strongly.

  “Me?” Frank glanced at Jesse. “That’s Shelby’s choice, not mine. Sure, I’ve given my opinion when she’s asked but she knows it’s not her hair that makes me love to look at her.”

  “Oh.” Abby looked at her hands on the table.

  “Abby, you must be beat but can you tolerate me a few more minutes?” Frank sat and covered her hands with one of his, startling her into raising her eyes. When she nodded, he spoke. “I’ll never forget the first time I saw Shelby. I was in eighth grade. Jesse and Wyatt were standing at my locker with me when this girl came out of the office. She was obviously new. She had a slip of paper in her hand with some other things and was on her way to find her locker when one of the typical class-clowns knocked her stuff out of her hands. I grabbed her coat while she picked up her notebook. We both reached for the paper at the same time. I held on to her hand as we stood up. By the time she finally pushed her hair out of her face and looked at me with those big brown eyes of hers, I was already in love. Shelby says she was too.

  “We spent every possible minute we could together from that time on. She was in some of my classes so we studied together every day. Shelby and Holly hit it off right away so no one questioned the way she was constantly around the following summer. My birthday is in the fall. About a week before, Shelby asked me what I would want if it were possible for me to have anything in the world.”

  “What did you want?” Abby couldn’t help being curious.

  “Since she was being so serious, I pretended to give it some thought even though there wasn’t any question in my mind. I told Shelby that the only thing I would ever want in my life was her. I told her I loved her and some day was going to marry her and spend the rest of my life with her. On my birthday, we went for a walk. We ended up in our favorite park. It overlooked the city and there were lots of trees. The leaves were changing and it was one of those clear, crisp days when the sky gets so blue it hurts your eyes. Shelby had me sit on a bench and kneeled down in front of me and asked me to marry her, right then, right where we were. She said we could do our own ceremony and for her, it would mean more than one that someone else could come up with for us.”

  Abby had tears in her eyes as she watched the expression on Frank’s face while he relived the moment in his mind.

  “Shelby was right. It was so perfect and magical. We made a commitment that day and it’s only gotten stronger. I don’t know how long we stayed there, holding on to each other. When we finally left the park, Shelby told me she had enlisted Jesse, Wyatt and Holly to help us celebrate. We all went camping together over the summer and they told our parents we wanted to go on one last campout before it got too cold.

  “We me
t up in the same clearing where we always went. The other three made us something to eat and Holly brought a cake with a bride and groom on it. After dinner, they took off. They set up our second tent about half a mile away so we could be alone. Wyatt actually got us a box of condoms and left us a note, asking us to use them, since he doubted if anyone other than the five of us would believe we knew what we were doing. My wife and I were both fourteen-year-old virgins but that night we made love. And we’ve been doing it ever since. There have been plenty of opportunities for both of us to experiment with other partners but neither one of us has broken our vows. I am already with the only woman I could ever desire and I trust Shelby when she tells me the same. We know we won’t find anyone better suited for either of us.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Abby seemed overwhelmed.

  “There is nothing to say. When it’s right, you just know. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else as long as you’re sure in your heart. Shelby and I are part of each other, even when we’re not together. We’re a team. We complement each other. We know each other as well as we know ourselves. The odds of us making it were so slim that it would have been scary to think about especially when I joined the army while she went to college.” Frank told her a little about his time in the army and how Shelby supported him emotionally. “Abby, we knew we’d be okay even though we were apart for a while, living completely different lives. Yes, from the first minute, we knew we’d be holding hands forever.

  “You asked if I told Shelby not to cut her hair. Her hair isn’t important unless it’s making her unhappy. If she likes it long, the way it is, then so do I. If she cuts half of it off and dyes it, I’ll love it. If she wants to go short like you did, then I’ll play with her curls like Jesse was doing with yours. I’m sure she’s curious about you. I’m going to tell her how you decided to cut off hair that was even longer than hers all by yourself. You’ve got guts, girl. I can see you don’t think so right now but you do. If you call and talk to Shelby, she’ll be able to sense it too. I know why Alyssa was here today. Don’t be embarrassed. You got away and I’m impressed with your courage. You’re one hell of a woman and I know Shelby will admire you.”