Clue Into Kindness Read online

  “How sweet. They set a good example for you.”

  “I was head over heels with Alan and didn’t recognize how he that he didn’t have the same qualities as my dad, but no matter. He has many other fine abilities.”

  “Taking you back to Lugio’s for your birthday was a romantic touch.”

  “Yes it was. I enjoyed it, and he never spoke a word when I ordered my favorite pasta dish. I kind of figured he’d suggest a grilled chicken salad with no creamy dressing, but he wanted to make the evening special because he’d forgotten my birthday. Guess what he gave me for a present?”

  “No idea.”

  “He told me while we were away at dinner, my expensive gift waited for me at home. He explained it was something I’d wanted and expected me to fall in love with it. He could hardly wait for me to unwrap it. I was so excited. I thought maybe he’d gotten me the oil painting to go over the sofa—he knew how much I’d admired it. Or perhaps I’d be surprised with a long, black, wool coat—kind of silly to own a heavy one in Houston, but I travel to Chicago as well as New York City, and it is cold up there. I’d mentioned I needed one, and since he didn’t bring it to a place where they served food, I assumed the coat might be it. When we arrived home, he insisted I close my eyes. My sweetie almost jumped up and down with excitement and repeated over and over, ‘It’s perfect for you. You’re going to love it—absolutely fall head over heels for it.’”

  “Hey, this sounds like a romantic moment—certainly an exciting thing to do. When you opened your eyes, what did you find?”

  “A huge treadmill.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Jana’s mouth caved open wide enough to make her jaws hurt. “He gave you a what?”

  Georgia nodded. “You heard right. Alan expects me to use it every morning, so I get up an extra thirty minutes ahead of my normal schedule. The thing is okay, I guess. Not something I’d choose for a birthday present, but it’s a fancy, gigantic, state of the art treadmill. Alan watches me walk on it and he’s so proud of himself for buying the ‘perfect gift’—as he calls it. The TV has exquisite color with good sound. I can set the speed, vary the height of the platform, and check my pulse rate. The only problem with all this exercise is I become hungrier and eat extra carbs.”

  “Well, if I ever write a blog with ideas for romantic gifts to give a wife, husband, or sweetheart, a treadmill won’t be on it.”

  Georgia snickered as if the response turned her boots to biscuits. “What would you place on your list?”

  Jana stooped to tie her shoe. “I’ll tell you about my gift to Ken on Valentine’s Day. First thing on my list was to select a very expensive and exclusive restaurant. I interviewed the server and explained how I planned a special night for my husband. He helped me choose an isolated table, and we prearranged the four course menu. When the evening came, I asked Ken to dress up, and I did the same. He wore his best suit, and I chose a slinky, black cocktail dress. I blindfolded my honey and drove him to the restaurant. When he removed the blindfold, he was astonished.” Jana laughed. “His eyebrows shot up—giving him the appearance of a facelift. He murmured, ‘Can we afford this place?’”

  “How did you answer his question?”

  “I leaned over, kissed him and whispered, ‘Shush, I’ve been saving.’ He mimed zipping and locking his lips, and then threw away the key. He smiled and promised to enjoy. When we went inside, our exclusive server showed us to our table. He’d lit the candles in advance, placed fresh red roses in the vase and scattered petals on the table top. No one sat close to us, and the attendant spoiled Ken as if he was a king from some important country. The soft music enhanced the experience.” Jana giggled. “We even fed each other once or twice. After Ken’s favorite steak dinner, we ate chocolate mousse for dessert, and then I presented him with a small, colorfully wrapped box with a big red bow.”

  “And what did he find inside the package?”

  Jana gave a wicked smirk and resembled a debate champion winning a point. She winked. “A tiny, black lace thong with a note describing how I intended to use it when we got home.”

  Georgia laughed. “Yeah, now that’s something a man would enjoy. Now tell me about you. So what does Ken get you?”

  “I’ve enjoyed several nice surprises. I loved my last birthday. Ken woke me up with a kiss and told me to dress casually and he had a treat prepared for me. He took me to a site where an air balloon waited—all inflated and ready to go. He’d arranged for the two of us to float over the city of Katy. After we toured the area, we drifted west to the countryside. When the balloon landed, he’d organized a sumptuous, fancy breakfast to be served at a table under a tree next to a creek. Once they brought the food out, the men left. Ken went so far as to park our car, and we spent the day together. I’ll treasure that memory forever.”

  “That sounds better than a treadmill.”

  “You betcha it was!”

  * * *

  When Jana and Georgia arrived at Chou Ling’s, they found their husbands sitting at the table with tiny cups of hot tea. Both men jumped up and pulled out chairs for their wives.

  “Hi, honey. Did you have a good class?” Ken leaned down and placed a kiss on Jana’s ready lips.

  “We did. Georgia is amazing. After a few classes, she can keep up with the rest of us. It took me a lot longer to learn the techniques when I first started.”

  Jana sat down, and Georgia smiled as if Jana had handed her a red rose. Jana turned her gaze to Alan. If he ventures to brings up her size, I’m gonna give it to him with both barrels. He’s a real nut job.

  “She practices at home. Those movements ya’ll do are quite comical. Did she tell you what I gave her for her birthday?” Alan returned Jana’s scrutiny and leaned forward with shoulders held high, lips parted and raised eyebrows as though he waited to hear he’d won another trophy.

  “As a matter of fact, she did.” Coldness infused Jana’s tone.

  Jana hoped her smile appeared enigmatic. Ask me my opinion of your gift. I dare you. I’m loaded for bear and ready for you. She folded her hands on the table and she too inclined forward.

  “The treadmill will do a lot more good for her than those silly exercises ya’ll do. I spent a great deal of money and bought the best one on the market. If she’ll use it, she’ll get quicker results than with a ridiculous weekly class.” He leaned back and pounded his chest. “It’s good for the cardiovascular system. Walking or jogging causes your heart beat faster, and increases the blood pressure for the short duration of exercise. When you finish the run or power walk, the pressure returns to normal and readings are lowered overall.”

  “Oh I’m sure the machine surges the heart rate. My blood pressure goes up just thinking about it,” Jana stated while narrowing her eyes.

  Ken cleared his throat and placed a hand over Jana’s. “Those yoga classes work too, and our wives are both beautiful.” With one hiked brow, he glanced at Alan—as if to warn him a storm approached.

  “Always room for improvement, at least that’s what I tell Georgia.” Alan waved a dismissive gesture. “A treadmill is just the answer she needs. She’ll lose those extra pounds now that she has it.” Alan turned to observe his wife. “Why is your face pink? Are you still flushed from your pointless yoga class?”

  “A shower cooled us down. I imagine she’s embarrassed because you’re yakking about numbers on a bathroom scale. No female in her right mind wants to hear weight as a topic for conversation.” Jana tapped her foot under the table and glared at Alan as if he needed therapy.

  Alan furrowed his brow. “She doesn’t care. We have a heart-to-heart regarding it all the time. She knows she needs to shed a few.”

  Jana gripped Ken’s knee under the table, and he bit his bottom lip as if the gesture concealed his amusement at her signal. “Hey, old buddy, Jana is right. We shouldn’t mention age and weight to the ladies. Shoot—we don’t even discuss it among ourselves.”

  Alan shrugged. “It’s a health issue, and I beli
eve it was a great gift.” He glared at Georgia with a scowl hot enough to light a furnace. “Didn’t you tell her about the first-rate treadmill? I paid a whopping sum for the perfect gift. Why didn’t you gush over it?”

  Georgia glanced away and then directed her gaze to the tea pot. “Yes. I told her about our fantastic dinner and how excited you were with your surprise.” She focused her attention on Alan. “My birthday present will last for years, and it was a generous, well-thought-out gift.”

  Alan leaned back, crossed his arms and shot daggers at Jana—as if he failed to understand her insinuations. “Exactly what I thought. I like to spend my money on stuff that survives. Flowers live a few days and then go into the trash. Candy adds bulk to your hips. Workout equipment is better.”

  Georgia nodded and glanced at Jana with a plea for understanding. “And this is an investment we both can use and it will bring good results.” She touched Alan’s arm. “Thanks again, honey.”

  Clinching her teeth hard enough to expose the jaw’s muscles, Jana kept quiet.

  * * *

  Jana fumed and pouted as she turned down the bed covers. “How can that arrogant man be your best friend? The two of you hold different ideas on almost everything.”

  “He has good qualities—very smart, a hard worker, and he’d be there for me. Don’t forget, he rented a truck with a trailer and helped us move into this house. He even refused to let me pay for the rental.”

  Jana nodded and shrugged. “Yes, that was thoughtful, and he’s assisted you with other projects, but he isn’t kind to Georgia. The guy puffs himself up too much. I don’t get how you can excuse some of his heartless remarks.”

  “He lacked love in his childhood. Perhaps it is one reason he comes across as uncaring. His mother left him when he was eight years old, and he never heard from her again. He built up a defensive shell to protect himself. Georgia is aware of the details and probably grants allowances for the past.”

  “If he’s not careful, his pompous attitude will run his wife and friends off. Might be the reason his mom left home.” She rolled her eyes.

  Ken laughed as if she’d ticked his funny bone. “Not hardly. He wasn’t haughty before she left. I believe he expresses himself in an assertive way to make up for his insecurity. Her departure probably made him sense he was unworthy—as well as to blame--and so he brags over accomplishments in an effort to cover up his lack of self-confidence and the failure he senses. My guess is he believes he did something to cause her to go. Sometimes people talk a good fight when they feel desperate and inadequate inside. Folks long for love, but if we haven’t received it, we often don’t know how to give it.”

  “He certainly has no clue about the best way to communicate his care for Georgia—actions or words.”

  “He’s really a decent person. I want you to like him.” Ken carried his shoes to the closet.

  Jana sighed. “I’m trying.”

  “Alan deserves the gift of grace.” When Ken returned, he slipped into bed and held his arms out to welcome his wife.

  Jana slipped into bed and placed her head on Ken’s shoulder. “A gift of grace would be a far more acceptable indulgence than a treadmill. Don’t ever give me some kind of weight control contraption to denote a special occasion.”

  “No worries.” He kissed her nose.

  After a bit of silence, Jana closed her eyes. “What a perfect concept. A gift of grace. Hmm. Georgie extends Ken that all the time. Perhaps the enormous amount of charity she gives him may one day make a difference. I hope it impacts his personality in a positive way.”

  “Mankind received the gift of grace wrapped around a baby in Bethlehem. The right thing for us to do as recipients is to extend kindness, mercy and charity to our fellow human beings—especially our mates.”

  Jana inhaled deeply. “Have I told you how much I value your wisdom and love?”

  “Yes, but you can tell me again.” Pulling her close, he kissed an earlobe as he played with her hair.

  Jana turned toward him and slid her arms about his neck. Ken propped up on elbows and gazed at her. “Your smile almost lights this dark room.”

  Jana rose to meet his lips.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Georgia removed the three slices of bacon from the microwave and placed them beside the scrambled eggs and toast. She poured coffee into two cups and carried them to the table.

  Alan glanced up from the paper. “Thanks. Bacon smells good.”

  Georgia nodded. “It really does. I know these little strips of fat are the devil’s food, totally unhealthy, but it’s one of my favorites too.” She walked to the refrigerator and returned with a carton of yogurt.

  Alan peppered his eggs. “I’m careful with the cholesterol—only eat bacon a few times each month. Most mornings it is oatmeal. I’ll eat salmon for lunch today to make up for it. You have anything special going on today?”

  Georgia tore the seal from the carton of yogurt. “Just the usual. I’m meeting with a vendor at noon. The agent represents the latest company we’re considering for the stores. I’ll decide whether or not to purchase the line of sportswear after I meet the new rep.”

  Alan nodded but didn’t lift his gaze. “Agents make or break a company. Good persuasion techniques help reps do well. My numbers top the company nationwide.”

  Georgia spooned the last of the yogurt and sipped her black coffee. “Not everyone has your unique style to sign a new client. Some are too pushy and others never know when to conclude the transaction. I’ll see how this person handles it.”

  Alan nodded. “I train my team to request an order right out of the box. Some clients are ready for the deal before you arrive, but if the customer doesn’t commit to the merchandise after three attempts to convince him to do so, I tell the wannabes to politely thank the client and leave. If they depart on good terms, they’re usually welcomed back for a later appointment.”

  “Follow through is important too—if you don’t bug a person. Too many vendors annoy me—call or e-mail way too often.” Georgia sipped her coffee.

  “That’s another thing. You’ve got to learn when to buzz back. I keep a calendar and notations about their objections—helps me remember when to get in touch again.” Alan wiped his lips with a napkin.

  Georgia smiled at him. “With your excellent memory, I’m surprised you find it necessary to be organized.”

  “It’s my backup tool in case I need it. Most often I don’t.” Alan folded the paper and stood. “Time to get into the traffic. I must drive across Houston this morning.”

  “I’m putting chicken into the crockpot with mushroom soup, but I’ll stop at the market for fresh veggies before I come home.” Georgia rose and began clearing the table.

  Alan nodded. “Sounds good. Don’t forget to eat a simple green salad at your lunch meeting.”

  Georgia pressed her lips together before she spoke. “It’s on the plan.”

  “Excellent.”

  “Alan?”

  She watched him stop in his tracks and turn to face her. “Just wanted to say I love you.”

  He gave a lopsided grin. “Right.” He left the kitchen.

  Georgia blinked back tears as she swallowed hard to remove the golf ball-sized lump in her throat.

  * * *

  After she refreshed makeup in the corporate ladies room, Georgia slipped a finger in the waistband of her black slacks. Loose! The scale didn’t record a loss this morning, but maybe she’d gained muscle while dropping inches. She’d heard that could happen. If only the numbers reflected the smaller size, then perhaps Alan would lay off about the diet.

  Sigh.

  Donning a grass-colored jacket piped with black on the lapels, she surveyed her image. The green highlighted her blond curls and matched the color of her eyes. The ebony skirt matched the jacket detail and halted an inch above the knee. Shiny onyx pumps completed the outfit. The combo of hues, along with the green, black and gold necklace added a touch of chic to the business attire. Exiting the
ladies lounge, she found her way into the company’s lobby. As she entered, she noticed a guy watching her.

  “Ms. Davis?” A tall, athletic man in a suit screaming Armani stood and approached her.

  “Yes. I’m Georgia Davis.”

  “Hello. I’m Giovanni Savini. Nancy Easterly can’t fulfill her scheduled luncheon with you today. She received an emergency phone call and had to leave the office unexpectedly. I offered to fill in for her. I hope you don’t mind. If you’d rather wait for Nancy, I understand, but I’m not sure when she will be able to reschedule.”

  “No, no need. We can meet and discuss your clothing line. Headquarters wants me to decide as quickly as possible.” She smiled and gazed up at the man. “By the last name, I’m guessing you’re an important part of the company. Right?”

  Giovanni laughed. “Yes, I’m afraid so. When I schedule appointments with clients for Savini Sportswear, my name usually gives away my position as owner. If it’s okay with you then, shall we go? My car is waiting outside.”

  A black limousine idled at the curb. Seeing his boss arrive at the car, the driver held the door. Georgia widened her eyes as she sank into the sumptuous leather seat. “I’ve never had a rep call on me in a limo before. This is a bit unusual.”

  Giovanni nodded. “I apologize—it is a little over the top, isn’t it? I didn’t have time to arrange other transportation on such short notice. Nancy received the emergency message a mere thirty minutes ago.”