Paradise Encounter Read online

  As she put the wine back in the fridge her eye fell on the red bandana folded neatly on the kitchen counter. Handy Andy’s bandana. She’d washed it after that day at the home show, and had been meaning to mail it back to him. Then, two days ago, the flowers had arrived, a gorgeous arrangement of lilies and gladiolas and huge white mums. The card that came with it was too personal to leave at the office, so she’d brought it home. She picked it up from where it lay near the bandana, and by the nightlight over the stove read the words once again.

  Congratulations, Maya, on your Best of Show Award. No one deserves it more than you. I think of you every day and the time we spent together in our own “paradise”. I’ll never forget it. I wish you the best. -- Andy.

  * * * *

  Andy tightened the blue bandana around his forehead and took a long pull from his water bottle. It was another scorcher, somewhat atypical for the last part of July in Portland. But even in the temperate Pacific Northwest, there could be a few days each summer when the mercury hit the century mark. During those times, the staff was hard pressed to keep the potted shrubs from drying out, and the more delicate shade plants had to be moved under cover. He had just checked to make sure the guys had secured the ferns and hostas under a tarped area. Now he headed toward the office. His walkie-talkie crackled on.

  “Uncle Andy, there’s someone here to see you.” For once Tiffany didn’t sound like she was dying of boredom.

  “Thanks, Tiff. I’ll be right there.”

  “It’s a woman.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “She says her name is Maya.”

  Maya!

  He came to a dead stop as his heart somersaulted in his chest. The surrounding yard, the customers, the scorching sun all seemed to recede; everything got blurry at the edges. Then, like an automaton, he felt himself making his way to the office building and going through the glass doors.

  She stood near the front counter, dressed in a snug pink t-shirt and a pair of shorts that showed off the smooth golden length of her legs. Her hair was gathered up in a messy knot on top of her head. Her amazing eyes were hidden by big black sunglasses. And around her neck she wore his red bandana, which she was fingering nervously.

  “Hello Maya.” He came to a stop several feet from her, aware that Tiffany was off her phone for once and watching the two of them with avid interest.

  “Hello, Andy.” She shifted from one foot to the other.

  “How have you been? I’ve missed hearing from you. That is, I’ve missed helping you with your orders.”

  “I know. I know. I’m actually way behind with my ordering. I’ve been – ” She looked down at her hands and hesitated, “I’ve been feeling funny about calling you.”

  Tiffany put her phone down and leaned forward on the counter, her chin on her palms. Andy threw her a glare but it didn’t seem to faze her.

  He took a step forward, wanting nothing more than to take Maya his arms. But since he wasn’t able to see her eyes, he couldn’t be sure how she was feeling. He hoped the fact that she was standing here was a good sign.

  “I’m sorry you felt you couldn’t call me. No matter what happened between us personally, I hoped we could continue as business associates.” He grimaced, hating how stilted the words sounded. “I mean – ”

  “That’s okay. I know what you mean. I’d hate to get my shrubs and bark dust anywhere else. No one’s been as helpful as you, Andy.”

  Now she took two steps toward him and pushed her dark glasses up on top of her head. Those green eyes of hers were sure amazing. Even with dark smudges beneath them, he was knocked back by their color and clarity.

  Only four feet or so now separated them. He could smell her perfume.

  She fingered the bandana again.

  “Do you know what I always used to call you?” She lowered her voice, the silky tones stroking over him like something alive.

  “What do you mean?”

  “In my mind. There was a nickname I gave you.” She closed the gap between them, her hand coming to rest on his arm. “Handy Andy.” She leaned forward and whispered the words, as if she were telling a joke on herself.

  “Handy Andy?” He couldn’t help barking a laugh.

  “You were always so helpful. Always. You were always my hero.”

  “I try.” He could feel a grin splitting his face.

  “And you’re nothing like Der – like some other men who are only about getting what they want. That’s not you at all.” She gave him a shy smile. “Thank you for the card and flowers. That was so thoughtful.”

  He put his arms out then and gathered her up. She came right into his embrace, fitting the lush curves of her body perfectly against his.

  No doubt about it, things were about to get complicated. But he had a feeling it would all be worth it. Over the top of Maya’s head, he watched as his niece got up and tiptoed out of the room. And then he kissed her, long and thoroughly.

  The End