Cinderella Story Part 2

Recalling the conversation in the hospital cafeteria the day before, Nina was tempted to remind her mother-on-law that he was merely living up to his part of the bargain, but now wasn’t the time or place.

“Come see.” Pete grabbed her hand and began pulling her down the hall.

“He’s learning to build an oil rig,” Elizabeth explained, falling into step beside her mother. “He and Alex spent the entire morning constructing it.”

Surprised, Nina glanced over her shoulder. “I thought you’d gone into your office.”

“As long as I have access to a computer and a telephone, I can run my business from wherever I choose. Right now, your family comes first.”

He sounded so genuine, she would have believed he really meant that if she hadn’t known he was only saying that for the servants’ ears.

“Look!” Pete demanded as they entered a room with a huge wide-screen television at one end and a pool table at the other. Down at the end where the television was housed, in front of the couch and chair grouping, were a variety of toys. To one side was an authentic looking oil rig, nearly as tall as Pete.

“My grandfather had miniature replicas created of all the equipment he used in the field for drilling and pumping oil so that he could teach me how to build them. He believes in a person knowing their business from top to bottom,” Alex explained. “This is a drilling rig. We’re going to work on one of the pumps next.”

Pete beamed as he pointed to the replica. “Drill oil.”

“Looks like my grandson is already teaching your son how to be an oil man,” an elderly male voice said from behind them.

Nina turned to discover William Bennett. He was in his pajamas and robe and leaning heavily on a cane.

“Grandfather. I thought you weren’t supposed to be out of bed,” Alex admonished, continuing to play the part of the grandson concerned his grandfather would die at any moment.

“Matilda told me about the young’un building on the rig and I had to see for myself. Nothing like having a bit of youthful blood in the house to give the place life. Must’ve rubbed off on me. I’m feeling a lot better.”

“So it appears,” Alex noted, fighting to keep a dry edge out of his voice.

“‘Course, I ain’t saying I’m ready to be doin’ cartwheels,” William added hurriedly. He made his way to a chair and sat down. “But I ain’t in no mood to lie up there waitin’ for Death to come knocking on my door.”

Fear spread over both Elizabeth and Pete’s faces, and Nina realized they’d taken the elderly man’s words literally.

“Death is coming here?” Elizabeth asked in horror.

“No. No, he’s not,” Nina said firmly.

She’d expected the children to accept her word. Instead, both Elizabeth and Pete looked to Alex for confirmation. How much they’d learned to trust the man shook her, and she hoped they weren’t getting too attached to him.

“No, he’s not,” Alex assured them. “You’re safe here.”

Both children visibly relaxed but kept their distance from the old man, as if not totally sure he wasn’t a friend of Death’s and hadn’t invited the specter for a visit.

“Can you show me how the rig works?” William asked Pete, clearly trying to take the children’s minds off of the fright he’d given them.

Making a wide circle to avoid getting too near William, the four-year-old went to the structure and sat down in front of it. He looked up at Alex and, after getting a nod of approval, began to turn one of the gears.

William laughed. “Right smart little fellow.”

Pride spread over Pete’s face and he grinned happily.

Nina saw Elizabeth look at Alex, the hurt expression of one who felt left out on her face. She was about to place a comforting arm around the girl’s shoulders when Alex turned to the child.

“I believe I heard Charles instructing you on the proper etiquette for serving tea earlier today,” he said.

A smile spread over Elizabeth’s face. “Yes. He told me that he thought every young lady should know how to serve a proper tea.”

Alex gave her a comradely wink, then turned to Matilda who had just entered the room. “Would you see that a tea tray is prepared? While Nina freshens up, Elizabeth will practice what Charles has taught her and preside over an afternoon tea.”

“Really? Could I really?” Elizabeth asked.

“I’ll see what pastries Rosemary has in the kitchen and have her start some water brewing,” Matilda said, already on her way to the door.

Elizabeth looked excitedly at Nina. “Will you hurry so you can join us?”

“Yes, of course,” Nina replied.

As she left the room, Helen accompanied her, asking questions about Tommy. Once satisfied that her grandson was getting the best of care, Helen said, “Alex Bennett really surprised me today. He played with Pete for quite a while this morning and actually seemed to be enjoying himself. And just now when he saw Elizabeth looking left out, he made her feel important. He’s good father material. Who would have thought?”

“Yes, who would have thought?” Nina muttered, not convinced that Alex’s behavior wasn’t all an act.

“I’d better get back,” Helen said. “Alex seems to be able to control the children well, but I like to keep an eye on them, as well.”

Continuing into her bedroom, Nina frowned. Tom used to play with the kids just like Alex was doing now. But Alex Bennett wasn’t anything like her Tom. Alex Bennett was a cynic. “And he’s only putting on a good show for his grandfather,” she told herself as she shed her clothes and climbed into the shower.

Chapter Six

Nina never thought time could pass so slowly. She’d again spent the night at the hospital with Tommy. Both she and the surgeon had agreed that it would be best not to give the boy any specifics regarding the operation. All he knew was that the doctor was going to fix him and make him better. Still, he was scared, so she’d stayed to ease his mind and because she was as afraid as he was and couldn’t bear to leave his side. Alex had stayed late, as well, and had arrived at the hospital early enough to see Tommy before the boy went into the operating room.

Now she sat by her son’s empty bed. Trying not to dwell on what was happening to him, she studied Alex Bennett. Earlier, he’d been working at his computer. At the moment, he was standing at the window. She recalled the light, brotherly kiss he’d placed on her nose following her first meeting with William Bennett, then frowned at herself when the memory caused a curl of warmth to spread through her. He did not fit her requirements for a man she could learn to care deeply for. He scorned love and marriage. To her those were basic values that went to her core.

Alex looked at his watch. “Four hours. Only four or eight or more to go.”

The phone rang, causing both of them to jump. Alex grabbed it up. He listened for a couple of moments, said “Thanks,” and hung up. “That was the operating room. The nurse called to tell us that everything is going well.”

“Do you think she was telling the truth?” Nina asked, fighting a rush of terror.

“Yes.”

He sounded so positive, her fear subsided to a manageable level. “I should call Helen and tell her everything is going well.”

Alex punched in the number and handed the receiver to her. Reassuring her mother-in-law when she wasn’t at all certain of the outcome was difficult, but she forced her tone to remain positive.

“It’s taking a very long time,” Helen said, voicing Nina’s concern.

“You wouldn’t want them to rush,” she replied, repeating Alex’s argument.

“You’re right about that,” Helen conceded. “Alex’s grandfather has been very generous. He’s offered to arrange for the children and me to go to a fireworks display, but I thought it would be best if we stayed here. I have a cell phone, but I don’t feel like being out in a crowd. So he’s sent John out for a few sparklers and we’re going to have our own Fourth of July celebration here.”

“That sounds nice.” Nina had forgotten all about the holiday. The mention of sparklers brought a flood of memories to the forefront of her mind. She took a couple of minutes longer to ask about Elizabeth and Pete, then rang off.