Kisses from the Heart

9781618428318

One

Mindi Adams was just finishing up her work for the day.  The orders were filled and the invoices were in the sealed boxes with the orders.  The UPS man would be there for pick up promptly at nine on Monday morning.  He came three days a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—to pick up her shipments for delivery to consumers across the United States.

Ever since she began advertising on the Internet and had a website developed, her unusual candles became more than just a hobby—they became her sole source of income.  When she wasn’t candle-making or filling orders for candles, she participated in merchant shows and expos.  A local shop in a nearby town carried her wares and she was constantly asked to replenish the supply.  Her scented see-through pastel candles were known as Mindi-Glo’s, and were becoming quite popular everywhere.  When her business took off she was forced to leave the office where she had worked for two years, and turn one of her bedrooms in her small frame house into a storage-slash-packing room and another into her candle-making lab. Life was good, she felt.  She worked at her own pace, she was her own boss, and she loved what she was doing. 

Her business was bringing in more than enough to cover her expenses and things got even easier when Steve moved in six months ago.  The money he gave her every month wasn’t quite half of the household bills, but she rationalized that part of the household expenses was her business overhead.  It wouldn’t be fair to expect him to pay for her business expenses.  His contribution was plenty.  Besides, he was a local cop and the small-town salary for a police officer wasn’t all that great.  When she did the math, she realized that she actually cleared much more than he did every month, even with the extra duty he pulled when special events required extra police patrol.

That’s where he was tonight.  He had called earlier to say he was pulling duty at the church in the community next to their tiny town.  Senior bingo night was every Friday, and she would have this Friday evening to herself.  Sitting on her porch swing drinking a glass of iced tea, Mindi smiled as she thought about her handsome policeman being ogled by all those elderly women.  Steve was very attractive to both young and old.  His light hazel eyes danced when he smiled.  He kept his light brown hair at a police regulation length but one couldn’t miss the blonde highlights when the sunlight hit it.  What was most attractive to the elderly women was the large dimple in his right cheek.  Mindi had to admit she was fascinated by it, too.  Steve was a cutie, all right—right down to his beautiful smile.  Those senior ladies shamelessly flirted with him, and he flirted right back.  One lady told Mindi that if she were forty years younger, Mindi would have some stiff competition.  Mindi was tickled just knowing that her man was loved and appreciated by them. 

Mindi and Steve met when they were attending Edinboro University, and immediately they became a twosome.  Steve was taken in by Mindi’s flashing silver-gray eyes and her raven black hair.  She wore it short, very close to a pixie style.  She was small so the hairstyle suited her.  At five-feet, and ninety-nine pounds, she was quick on her feet and just as quick witted.  Steve liked that about her.  He called her his little spitfire, a name that fit her well.  Mindi kept herself in shape, running three miles almost every morning before breakfast.  Often, Steven joined her when he had a later shift.  Running was one of the few things they had in common.  They didn’t like the same types of music or movies, their politics were totally different, and their thoughts on religion, economics, and foreign policy were complete opposites.  It was agreed that they wouldn’t discuss any of the latter points, but when it came to music and movies, it was Mindi who seemed to bend and give in to what Steve wanted.  She believed in picking her battles, and arguing over the choice of a movie or song selection was not worth the aggravation. In spite of their differences, they had a compatible relationship.  It was comfortable—no fireworks—just comfortable.

Sighing, Mindi stretched out on the porch swing and opened the novel she had begun reading.  Since she was engrossed in the story, she didn’t hear the slam of a car door, but she jumped when she heard someone climbing the porch steps. 

Mindi looked up from her novel and grinned at her best friend as she hit the top step.

Ashes….what are you up to tonight?  It’s Friday night…..you’re not staying home, are you?  ‘Ashes’ was Mindi’s nickname for Ashlyn Taylor, her best friend since junior high school.

I got stood up.

YOU?  Maybe the guy died or something, Mindi suggested.  She couldn’t imagine any guy standing Ashlyn up.  Not only was she beautiful with her dark blue eyes and long chestnut hair, but she was sweet and funny, too.  Not to mention her gorgeous figure on a five-feet-four frame.   

"He may as well be dead now.  I’ll never talk to him again.  Anyway….what are you doing?"

Nothing.  Steve is pulling extra duty at the senior citizen’s bingo game.  You never know when one of them is going to get rowdy and out of control.

Ashlyn laughed.  Well, that means you’re free tonight then…right?

Looks like it.  Why?

Well….there is a carnival in Edinboro.  Want to go?  Rides…games…cotton candy…hot sausage sandwiches…..am I tempting you?

Y-yes…you are.

Well?

Just let me change clothes, Mindi grinned as she got up and ran into the house.

She and Ashlyn never outgrew the fun of carnivals.  They loved the sights, the noise, and the smells of the festivities.  As she was changing into a pair of jeans and a comfortable t-shirt, she was becoming excited about the prospect of spending an evening at the carnival, riding the rides, playing the games, and eating enough junk food to make her sick.  She was back out onto the porch putting on her sneakers within five minutes.  She remembered that she needed money, so she dashed back inside and grabbed a handful of bills from the stash she kept inside the refrigerator in an old Arm & Hammer baking soda box.  It was her private stash that not even Steve knew about.

Ashlyn started the car as Mindi counted her money.  I guess this should be enough.  I have sixty-four dollars here.  Mindi grinned.

Well, I have forty-nine, so we should be able to have some fun, Ashlyn responded with a grin of her own.  We never really grew up, did we?

No….but so what?  Where is it written that we have to? 

I think I saw it on a bathroom wall somewhere….but we don’t have to believe graffiti….right?

Nope, Mindi laughed and shook her head.

They chatted about their week as Ashlyn drove down Highway 6N, leaving the little town of Mill Village behind as they headed toward Edinboro.  The designated parking lot was packed but fortunately there were parking attendants directing cars into parking spaces.  As soon as Ashlyn shut the car off, they emerged and quickly headed toward the excitement of the lights, sounds, and smells.

I hope you brought ID…there may be some height requirements for some of the rides, so you may have to prove that you’re old enough, Ashlyn teased.

Screw you, Mindi laughed.

Where do you want to go first?

Tilt-a-whirl.  It’s right there.

They stopped and bought amusement ride tickets and stood in line for the tilt-a-whirl first, and then moved on to the Ferris wheel.  They rode several rides, spending all their tickets, and then turned to the hot sausage stand for hot sausage sandwiches, fries, and large cokes. 

Why don’t these things taste nearly as good anywhere else other than at carnivals and fairs? Mindi questioned Ashlyn.

I don’t know, but that’s just the way it is, I guess.  Games next?  I saw a big white bear I want to win.  It’s at the frog pond.  All we have to do is get a ping pong ball into a lily pad, Ashlyn told her as they moved toward the frog pond.

After a half hour they moved away from the frog pond, with $22 less and no bear.  Next, they tried darts and both Mindi and Ashlyn won a stuffed dog.  Next up was the chocolate covered ice cream cones with a cherry on top.  They sat down to enjoy them and decided they would head toward the fun house next, after the ice cream was gone, and after a pit stop at the rest room. 

They emerged from the rest room, after using the facilities and washing the stickiness from the ice cream off of their hands, and headed toward the funhouse.  When the fun house was directly in front of them, Mindi froze.

Exiting the funhouse, arm-in-arm with a willowy blonde was Steve—her Steve.  He stopped to kiss her as Mindi stared at them.  Ashlyn saw Mindi’s face distort in anger and followed her line of vision, her eyes resting on Steve and the blonde.  Ashlyn couldn’t look away.  How could he?  As though he felt the daggers boring into his back, he stopped kissing the girl and turned around, his eyes connecting with Ashlyn’s.  She heard him tell the blonde to wait there and he trotted over toward Ashlyn.  Turning her head slightly, she realized that Mindi was not beside her any more.  How dare he approach her?

Hey…..Ashlyn…..don’t say anything to Mindi…..please.

I won’t have to.  Mindi is with me tonight.  She saw everything.

Oh, gees…..tell her….tell her….we’ll talk when I get home.  This doesn’t mean anything.  Please…..Ashes…..

My name is Ashlyn…..only my friends can call me Ashes.

Whatever……Ashlyn….please tell her not to do anything crazy.  Tell her I want to talk about this.

Without a word, Ashlyn turned and walked away, looking both ways to see if she could spot Mindi somewhere nearby.  When she was far enough away, she felt a hand on her arm.  Mindi.  Her face was streaked with tears and her lips were quivering in anger.  Ashlyn pulled her close and hugged her.

What do you want to do? Ashlyn asked quietly.  To her surprise Mindi smiled, and then grinned.

Let’s leave and go to my house.  I have work to do and you can help.

Help to do what? Ashlyn quizzed.

Putting trash into garbage bags and setting them outside on the porch.  I need more closet space, Mindi narrowed her eyes and grinned wickedly.

Oh…well….then we better get started.  Ashlyn laughed.

Two

They drove to Mindi’s in almost total silence, stopping to get garbage bags at the local convenience store and then stopping once again so Mindi could copy down the emergency number of the local locksmith.

As soon as we get to my place, I’m going to call him.  I want those locks changed tonight.

I don’t blame you.  He had the audacity to come over to me and talk to me!  Told me to tell you it didn’t mean anything….and not to do anything crazy.  He said he wanted to talk about it.

Well, I’m not going to do anything crazy.

What?  What’s your plan then?

"Well….crazy would be to kill him.  I’m just putting him out of my house.  There isn’t room for three there and after what I saw….there would always be three in the house.  We’re done. Oh, I am so angry! I’m not even hurt! I’m pissed!"

…

They worked at packing Steve’s belongings into plastic bags, neatly folding the clothing.

I don’t want him to think I did this in a frenzy because I’m angry or hurt.  I want him to know that this was done rationally, calmly, and deliberately.  Mindi stopped to let the newly arrived locksmith in.  Hi, Ralph.  I need all my locks changed.  Front door, back door, cellar door, and garage door.

Mindi…that’s going to be expensive, seeing that it’s after-hours.

It’s okay.  Just do it as quickly as you can….okay, Ralph?

Sure, Honey.  It’ll be done in less than an hour.

Good.

Uh….is this a break-up?

Yeah….why do you ask?

I don’t know.  Maybe because of the way your jaw is set….hard and determined.

You’re very intuitive, Ralph.

Not really, Honey.  I see that look on my wife’s face when she’s about to tear into me for something.  He must have done something terrible.

Well, you never know, Ralph.  He may have done me a favor. Mindi smiled at him.  I’ll get you something to drink, Ralph.  With that, she hurried off to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

Ralph the locksmith finished with the last lock just as Mindi and Ashlyn carried out the last of the garbage bags filled with Steve’s things.  Mindi didn’t even flinch at the cost as she wrote the check for Ralph before he left.  He wished her well, reminding her to be careful before he got into his van and drove away. 

What time is it? Mindi asked Ashlyn.

Ten-fifty.  What time do you think he’ll be here?

Midnight….if he comes at all.  I think he knows me well enough to know that it might not be pleasant for him here tonight.  Ashes, I wonder who she is, and how did he meet her?

Gee, Min….I have no idea.  She certainly isn’t one of the seniors down at the bingo games, and I’ve never seen her anywhere around here.

You know….I never even thought about Steve cheating on me.  I wonder if maybe this isn’t the first time.  I’ve always trusted him when he said he had extra duty.  I believed it.

Well, you never had a reason not to…..I thought so, anyway.  Are you going to be okay tonight?  I mean, I don’t want to be in the crossfire, but I’ll stay if you want me to.

No….that’s okay.  I’m locking all the doors with the new locks, putting on the deadbolt, and the chain.  I won’t answer the door or the phone.

"You know what just crossed my mind?  You can’t call the police if he gets out of control.  He is the police.  You know the others will back him." 

But I live far enough out that if I call it’s the State police that come.  Not the locals.

Well, that’s a relief.

I’m not afraid.  Steve has never given me any reason to fear him.  He knows he’s wrong.  I think he’ll just get his stuff and leave.

I hope so.  Well, I’m going to head home.  I may just stop at the tavern and have a cold one.  I saw a couple of familiar cars there when we drove past.  Want to come?

No….I’ve had enough excitement for one night.  I’m drained.

Okay….call me if you need me.

Will do.

Mindi shut the door and locked all the locks, checked the back door just to be on the safe side, and then undressed for bed.  Grabbing her novel, she propped the pillows up in bed, set a glass of red wine on the nightstand, and climbed halfway under the light blanket and top sheet.  She opened the novel and began reading.  It was almost midnight when she saw the headlights from Steve’s car turn into the driveway.  Tensing, she stopped reading, snapped off the lamp, and listened, straining her ears to hear. 

…

Steven quietly closed the car door and stood beside it just staring at the porch.  He didn’t have to go any further to know that those bags on the porch held all of his things.  He toyed with the idea of just grabbing everything and stuffing it into his car and leaving, but that wasn’t what he wanted.  He didn’t want to lose Mindi.  She was great.  He didn’t have any idea what he had been thinking when he hooked up with Elaina.  She had talked him into taking her to that carnival, even though he planned on taking Mindi the following evening.  Now that wasn’t going to happen.  But maybe it could happen.  Maybe he should just go up and unlock the door and go in and face her.  Plead with her.  Cajole her; make promises; say anything to win her over.  What was he going to say?  What excuse could he possibly give her to explain Elaina?  Long lost cousin?  Wife of a friend?  No, she saw him kiss her.  Besides, he lied to her. God!  He really screwed up here.  He had to get inside.  Touch her; hold her; make her listen to him.

Resignedly and quietly, he slowly walked up the steps onto the porch and pulled out his key.  ‘What the hell?  The key won’t work!’ his breath caught in his throat.  He looked closely at the lock and realized that it was not the same lock that was there earlier in the day.  ‘She had the locks changed!  Already….she had the locks changed!’ His mind screamed.  Still as a statue, he stood there staring at the door.  Making up his mind, he knocked lightly.  No response.  He knocked a little harder.  Nothing.  Yet again, he knocked, and still nothing.  He walked over to the bedroom window and tapped lightly on it.

Mindi?  Honey….please let me in.  Please?  Let me explain.  Explain what? He thought to himself.  He had no explanation that would please her.  Let’s talk, Baby….please?

Mindi pulled the pillow over her head and didn’t make a sound.  ‘Just go away, Steve,’ she replied silently.

Finally, Steve gave up.  He gathered the garbage bags and threw them into the car, stopping and turning to stare once more at the house before getting into his car and driving away.  He had nowhere to go.  He would find a motel and get some sleep.  That would help him clear his head and think.  He couldn’t lose her!  He had to come up with a plan to win her back.  Okay—so Elaina hadn’t been the first, but there had only been two others.  Mindi hadn’t found out about them, but this time she caught him red-handed.  ‘God, if I get her back, I promise I won’t ever do it again,’ he prayed silently. ‘I’ll even ask her to marry me. Please make her give me another chance.  I don’t know what I was thinking.  I guess I just wanted a little glamour. Mindi’s great, sure…but she’s gentle and steady.  Everybody needs excitement once in awhile….don’t they?  God? Are you listening?’ Steve silently talked to God until he pulled into a small motel.  There had to be vacancies since there were only two cars in front of the rooms.  The office lights were still on, so he got out of the car and went in and registered, paying cash in advance.

Three

Saturday morning.  Mindi was awakened by the ringing of the telephone.  She checked the caller ID and saw that it was Ashlyn.

Good morning, Ashes.  You’re up early.

Did he come last night?

Say good morning, Mindi, first and then I’ll answer.

Good morning, Mindi.

That’s better.  Yes, he did.  He stood outside, then tried his key, and then knocked—three times.  Then he knocked on the bedroom window, begging me to open the door.  He wanted to talk…he said.

What did you do?

Nothing.  I didn’t open my mouth or move a muscle.  Finally, he grabbed his things and left.

Where do you think he went?

I don’t know.  Maybe to that long-legged blonde’s house.

What are you going to do today?

I think just stay here and make candles.  I don’t want to go out and run into him somewhere.  I have a show coming up next month sometime. It’s in a mall in Pittsburgh, so I should have lots of inventory to take with me.  There’s a lot of traffic in those malls all the time.  Then there is another show in Erie at the Millcreek Mall, so I would need more inventory for that one.  I just may spend the entire weekend replenishing my inventory.  This might be a good opportunity to jump ahead on inventory.  I got a shipment of materials delivered just yesterday so I have plenty to work with.

How are you feeling?  Aren’t you feeling down about everything?

I’m trying not to.  Ashes, if he did it once, he’ll do it again…that’s if he hasn’t already.  The trust is broken, and you can’t go back once that happens.

I figured you would be heartbroken.

I’m sad…but I can get over it.  Yes, it hurts….but not all that much. But to forgive him, Ashes…that would be the beginning of just lying down and becoming his doormat.

I agree.  Can I stop by and bring you lunch?

That sounds great!

What’s the secret knock?

What?

The secret knock….to make you come to the door?

Mindi burst out laughing.  You Goof!  I’ll see you later. I gotta get up and make coffee.

…

Mindi felt a pang as she got the coffee maker ready and reached for a frying pan to make breakfast for one.  Saturday morning breakfasts were special for her and Steve.  They always talked as they lingered over breakfast and then finished the coffee in the pot.  Sometimes they would make another half-pot to drink, just to prolong the special time.  Mindi loved those mornings and she always looked forward to them.  Now there would be no more of those Saturday breakfasts.

Mindi’s eyes filled with tears.  Damn him! she muttered and then swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat, wiped her eyes, and started cooking breakfast.

After she finished eating, Mindi rinsed and