The Best Thing Yet Read online

  * * * *

  “It’s good to be back home.”

  Arissa glanced at Tim sitting beside her as the plane taxied down the runway to the terminal. He had switched his seat so they could sit together. Tim had turned out to be lots of fun after Deiter left. He’d refused to let her wallow over Deiter being gone. Tim and she had become inseparable—he was a good friend.

  “It is. Don’t forget you’re coming over next weekend to meet Jackson and to watch the game. You have my info right.”

  “Yep. Programmed into my Blackberry.” He patted his suit pocket.

  “I’ve got yours in my iPhone,” she replied.

  They were silent as the plane finished docking at the gate. Once done, they got up and joined those departing the plane. After retrieving their luggage they headed to the exit.

  “You want to share a cab?” Arissa asked.

  “I’ve got a car picking me up. I’ll give you a ride,” Tim said.

  “Okay.”

  “I’m at the terminal,” Tim said into his phone.

  She glanced at Tim. He put away his phone.

  “He’ll be here in a sec.”

  Arissa waited beside him silently. A black limo glided in front of them then a driver got out and came to meet them. Arissa blinked at his attire. His coat was opened to show a blue, yellow, orange and green Hawaiian shirt. Yellow slacks complimented the shirt.

  “Tim, it is good to have you back,” the older man said.

  Arissa was surprised at the crisp British accent.

  “Jorge. It was a fabulous cruise,” Tim replied.

  “At least you got to relax, I hope,” the man said fondly.

  “I did. Seeing as someone stole my Blackberry.” Tim laughed.

  “And you got another one. What am I going to do with you?” He rolled his eyes.

  “Put up with me,” Tim teased then turned to her. “Jorge, I want you to meet a very special lady, Arissa Wright. She made my cruise enjoyable.”

  “Nice to meet you, miss,” Jorge said. He smiled at Tim slyly. “Did you find a girlfriend finally?”

  “Jorge. She’s a friend. Just a friend,” Tim said in warning.

  “Boy, what have I told you about lost opportunities. Letting this one be only a friend,” Jorge said, winking at her.

  Arissa laughed. “I can see where Tim gets his incorrigible behaviour.”

  “Pash. I’ve been trying to teach him to misbehave but failed miserably. Let me get your bags.” Jorge took her bags before she could protest.

  “Have a seat in the car.” Tim opened the door for her.

  Arissa did as he’d bid and slid into the spacious back seat. Tim moved away. She listened absently as he and Jorge talked.

  “Give me my Blackberry,” Tim said.

  “Fine. Here. You know you’re still on vacation for a few days,” Jorge said.

  “I know but I can at least check email,” Tim replied.

  “If you do, you’re going to get back to work,” Jorge said.

  “I won’t.”

  “I’ve heard that before.”

  “Don’t make me fire you,” Tim said.

  “As if you would. No one would put up with you. Now get in the car and let’s get the lovely lady home.”

  Moments later, Tim joined her. Jorge got behind the wheel and had them on their way.

  “Do you want something to drink?”

  “Nah, I’m good.” Arissa watched Tim curiously.

  “Go ahead and say it,” Tim said.

  “You’re an architect?” Arissa asked.

  “I am. I’ve done okay for myself.” Tim shrugged.

  Jorge snorted.

  “Nothing from the peanut gallery,” Tim said.

  Arissa interjected. “This looks more than well for yourself.”

  “Is it a problem that I have some money?” Tim studied her with his piercing blue gaze.

  “Please, like I give a crap,” Arissa said.

  “I like her. Can we keep her, Tim?” Jorge said as he drove.

  “For Christ’s Sake she’s not a pet, Jorge,” Tim said in exasperation.

  “I know that but she could be your girlfriend and maybe become you wife. Then we can keep her.”

  “She’s a friend. Why are you trying to marry me off all of a sudden?” Tim demanded.

  “I’m not getting any younger. My biological clock is ticking. I want some of your kids to spoil.”

  “Humph. Probably so they could torment me.”

  “Exactly. Tick tock, Tim. We need a woman for you. Are you sure, miss, that you won’t take him off my hands?” Jorge gave her a puppy dog look in the rear-view mirror.

  Arissa laughed. “I’m sure. We’re just friends. But I’ll keep you as one too, if you like.”

  “See she wants to keep me. Do you need an all-around guy Friday? I’m a hell of a cook and organisational guru. And a great driver.” Jorge was playful.

  “But then what would Tim do without you?” Arissa asked in the same tone.

  “Work himself to death. The boy needs a keeper or jailer.” Jorge gave Tim an evil look.

  “One of these days I’m going to fire you,” Tim warned.

  “Yeah, whatever. I’m so afraid,” Jorge said cheerfully.

  “Behave so Arissa doesn’t think we’re lunatics,” Tim said.

  “If she spent the cruise with you then she already knows you’re crazy.” Jorge shot back.

  “I do.” Arissa laughed and Jorge joined in.

  “Now the two of you are picking on me.” Tim sounded affronted.

  “Poor baby.” Jorge mocked.

  Arissa listened as they baited each other back and forth, laughing. Before she knew it they were at her apartment. Tim escorted her to her door.

  “I’m sure Deiter will call now you are home,” Tim said gently.

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “You’re such a liar. It does and he will.” Tim squeezed her shoulder.

  “Thanks for hanging with me on the cruise.” Arissa stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Please, you kept me from jumping ship and swimming back to the mainland to work.” Tim grinned.

  “From now on, we both have to promise to take some time just for fun. Okay,” Arissa said.

  “Okay.” Tim hugged her.

  “Arissa.” She glanced at Jackson as he strode off the elevator towards them.

  “Hey, Jackie. Jackson Carlyle. This is Timothy Vastin. We met on the cruise.”

  A rolling, drumming sound interrupted them.

  Tim winced and said, “Excuse me a moment.” He walked away a few steps. “Jorge, I’ve told you about messing with the ringtone on my phone.” His voice faded as he walked farther down the hall.

  “Only you would go on a cruise and come back with Timothy Vastin,” Jackson said.

  “What does that mean?” Arissa frowned.

  “You don’t know who he is?” Jackson looked at her in disbelief.

  She shook her head and he chuckled. Arissa slugged him in the shoulder. She pushed open her door and went inside. Jackson followed. She put down her bag and turned to face her.

  “So who is he?”

  “He designed this building and all the brownstones on the block. Not to mention a few other notable structures. And has won a boatload of awards,” Jackson said.

  “Okay so he’s good. But he’s just Tim.” Arissa shrugged.

  “See that is why I love you my friend. Just accepting anyone for who they are. So fill me in on the trip.”

  “In a sec. Let me check on Tim.”

  “Okay. I’ll grab some drinks,” Jackson said going into the kitchen.

  Arissa went back out into the hall. Tim, from the sounds of it, was still on the phone with Jorge. Arissa walked up behind him. “Have him park the car and come up. There is a garage across the street.”

  Tim glanced at her. “I’ll be down in a moment.” He pressed a button to end the call. “I’d love to but need to get home to get a
jump on work.”

  “Jorge said you were still on vacation.”

  “He’s an interfering pain in my ass.” Tim grinned.

  “And I’m sure you need it.”

  “He’s already won you over to his side.” Tim groaned.

  “It was the shirt and pants,” Arissa said.

  “He loves to be shocking. Confuses people when they hear that British accent and then see his clothing. It’s amusing to watch.” Tim laughed.

  “I bet.” She studied Tim then added, “Jackson mentioned you designed this building and a few others. And are some kind of big shot.”

  “And does it matter to him?”

  “Nope but I’m curious why you didn’t say something on the cruise.”

  “It wasn’t relevant. And still isn’t. Or is it?”

  “Are you going to keep asking me that?”

  “No need to get growly on me. Come give me a hug and let me get on my way.” Tim laughed.

  Arissa went over to him and hugged him. Tim embraced her and kissed the top of her forehead.

  “See you this weekend.” Tim released her.

  She followed as he went into her apartment. Tim approached Jackson and put out his hand.

  “It was nice meeting you at least briefly. We’ll talk more this weekend.”

  “This weekend?” Jackson said.

  “Arissa invited me over to your game day. Hope you don’t mind.”

  “No, that’s cool.”

  They shook hands. Tim came towards her, touching her shoulder as he passed.

  “Tell him about Deiter.”

  Arissa shoved him. “Get out, troublemaker.”

  Tim laughed as he left. She locked the door behind him then went to join Jackson on the couch. She picked up the beer he had got her then curled her legs under her.

  “Who’s Deiter?” Jackson asked in a mild tone.

  “Nobody.”

  “Rissa,” Jackson said in his calm way.

  Arissa sighed, knowing it was useless not to tell him. He’d get it out of her. Or gang up on her with Deyon and Sarah until they got it out of her. She filled him in. Jackson listened not interrupting her. Once she was done she leant back and they drank their beers.

  “You really like this man.” It wasn’t a question.

  Arissa shrugged.

  “He’ll call then explain what happened to make him leave. I’ll get us another one and you can fill me in on the rest of the cruise,” Jackson said.

  He stood and went to the kitchen. Arissa picked at the label of her beer. She didn’t want to get her hopes up, but she would be willing to listen if Deiter did call. Jackson returned.

  “Turn up the heat,” Arissa said.

  Jackson paused by the thermostat, adjusting it. “This is one thing I will not miss when we move to New Mexico.”

  “Amen. Just three more months,” Arissa agreed.

  Jackson finished with the heat then sat where he had been before. He held out a new bottle. She put down the old one and grabbed the new one.

  “Are you sure you’re ready for the climate change and relocating?” she asked.

  “Yes. I’ve loved all the times we’ve visited McKingley, your family and Deyon. Deyon telling us about the open positions in McKingley Hospital came at a great time. For us both.”

  “It did,” Arissa said.

  The thought of returning to her hometown of McKingley made her happy and apprehensive all at once. She loved the town but hadn’t lived there in a long time. She wondered if she could once again get used to the different pace. Arissa shook off the apprehension. She wanted this. Working in Chicago was draining her. It was time to reconnect with her close-knit family. Emails and phone calls only did so much to keep up with their large extended family.

  “I think Deyon was more excited than we were when we got the jobs.”

  “Deyon has an ulterior motive. Having at least two of her three best friends in driving distance to bug made her dance a jig. She insists she will convince Sarah. But Sarah is stubborn and loves Minneapolis. She isn’t moving from there anytime soon.” Arissa snorted.

  “You’re right. Deyon recorded her dance of joy and sent it to us. She is nutty.” Jackson laughed.

  “Yep, she is,” Arissa agreed.

  “Now tell me about your trip.” Jackson prodded.

  She filled him in on her vacation. Much later, she closed the door behind him. She retrieved her laptop and booted up. As she waited, she picked up her house phone and dialled voicemail for her messages. She listened to all the messages from her family welcoming her back, waiting to hear that one voice she longed for. As they droned on she skimmed through her emails. All the messages were from the familiar names of her family and friends. Even the spam folder didn’t show anything. Clicking off the phone after the last message, she closed her eyes. He hadn’t called. She stood and got ready for bed. After cleaning up, she slid between the cotton sheets.

  He’ll call soon. She went to sleep hoping it was true.

  * * * *

  McKingley, New Mexico

  Three months later

  “Is this it?”

  Arissa startled, looking out of the window then at Tim. “Yes.”

  “It is beautiful. I wonder who the architect is?” Tim murmured.

  “Iona McKingley.”

  “Like the town? I want to meet her,” Tim demanded.

  “Yes like the name of town. And yes, she’s in town, you can meet her,” Arissa said.

  “But no working while you’re here,” Jackson said.

  “You’re worse than Jorge. It’s not work just admiring the house,” Tim grumbled.

  “I’ll tell Jorge on you,” Jackson said.

  “Tell me what?” Jorge said.

  Arissa motioned to Jorge outside her window. He stepped back. She opened the door and Jorge helped her out of the black Chevy Tahoe LTZ. Arissa bit her lips, stifling a grin. When they had arrived in the warmer climate he had gleefully changed his pants to matching Hawaiian shorts. Today’s shirt was red, blue and green.

  “Tim is thinking of work already,” Arissa said, heading for the sprawling house.

  “Christ, Tim. We’re helping our friends move to New Mexico. A beautiful place with scenic views. Take in the sights instead of thinking of work,” Jorge said.

  “Rissa, you’re a traitor. You know how he nags,” Tim called.

  “Yeah, yeah. You need it.” Arissa waved her hand over her head not breaking stride.

  Jackson was laughing as Jorge continued to bitch. She and Jackson had gratefully accepted their offer to help them move. Between them splitting the drive time they hadn’t been too tired. Jorge had insisted that they’d made some stops along the way and act like tourists. Being fond of the older man, they had all agreed and had had a great time. As they’d got closer to McKingley, Arissa had become more anxious to get home than taking in the sights. She stopped just before the house and inhaled deeply. The familiar scents filled her nose.

  “Rissa,” a melodious voice said.

  She smiled and rushed to the woman running towards her out of the house. The woman hugged her tightly. Arissa leaned away, looking up into her face. She studied Deyon De’clare. The familiar teasing grin was on her lush lips and her captivating face enhanced her curly lashed, light grey eyes. As usual, Deyon was dressed stylishly. Her burgundy and pale yellow shirt sloped off one shoulder, highlighting her rich caramel skin.

  Arissa released her to take in the rest of her ensemble. She realised that the outfit was actually a pants suit. The shorts matched the top and stopped just above her smooth legs. Stylish red, high-heeled sandals finished the look. Arissa made a twirling motion with her finger. Deyon turned around in a slow model spin, making sure Arissa got a good look. Once facing her again, Deyon struck a pose, lowering her head making her wild kinky hair frame her face enticingly.

  “Now strut,” Jackson said.

  Deyon raised her head then strutted her stuff. Arissa stood back and watched th
e walk that had made Deyon the most recognised full-figured super model in the world. The walk was graceful, powerful and all out sensual. Deyon had used her talent and success to create a fashion line then a boutique that catered to full-figure women. Deyon’s home base was in McKingley, however she travelled for various fashion shows and events. She was in high demand. Deyon reached Jackson then put her hands on her hips and moved from side to side.

  “Is that what you meant, Jackie?”

  “Exactly, divalicious,” Jackson teased.

  “I’m so glad you’re moving here, studly.” Deyon laughed delightedly.

  “Me too.” They hugged.

  “Can we keep her, Tim?” Jorge asked.

  Deyon pulled away from Jackson. “You must be Jorge. It is great to put a face to the voice.” Deyon hugged Jorge.

  She glanced at Tim and cocked her hip. “What, no hug after harassing me so many months?”

  “You’re the one who was harassing me.” Tim laughed then hugged her, lifting her off her feet.

  “Oh you’re strong. Nice. I have so many great buildings to show you. But no working. Maybe you’ll move here too,” Deyon said.

  Arissa grimaced, recognising the tone. It was the one Deyon had used when she had been working on getting Jackson and her to move here. She walked over to them.

  “You might as well give in and move. She is relentless,” Arissa said.

  “I like the weather here. I’d love it,” Jorge said.

  “Hush, you. Go unload the truck,” Tim said.

  “See how he treats me? I should stay here with you and Jackson.” Jorge linked his arms with Arissa’s.

  “You know you’ll miss him. And he needs you,” she whispered.

  “He does,” Jorge said.

  Arissa went with him to the back of the U-Haul he had been driving. They opened it then Jorge reached for a box.

  “Not that one.” Tim growled.

  He stopped Jorge from taking out a heavy box handing him some cushions instead.

  “I can damn well lift a box. I’m not that old!” Jorge roared.

  “You won’t hurt yourself.” Tim’s tone was impeccable.

  Arissa stifled a laugh. It was the same argument they had when they loaded the truck back in Chicago.

  “Don’t think I don’t know you bought the Tahoe so when we drive back I have lots of space so I won’t feel cramped. It wasn’t needed, boy. I’m fine.”