Best Foot Forward Read online

  “Tell your mother I said, ‘Thank you very much.’ It’s a beautiful ring. I can’t wear it at school because it might make the other children feel jealous, but I’ll wear it home. Okay?”

  “Okay!” he said, grinning from ear to ear.

  This was not the first time one of her students had been infatuated with her, but it was the first time it had happened this early in the school year. She would have to be gentle in her discouragement so as not to hurt his feelings.

  “Now, would you like to make me really happy?”

  “Yes ma’am!”

  “Let me see how still and quiet you can sit for reading time, because that’s my favorite time.”

  “Yes ma’am. I can be really still, like not moving at all. And I won’t make any noise at all. I’ll even hold my breath.”

  “No, don’t hold your breath; you might pass out.”

  “Really?” Horatio’s exultant expression demonstrated his delight at this possibility.

  “No, you won’t actually pass out from holding your breath, but you don’t need to be that quiet. Now go sit down so we can get started with reading time.”

  She leaned over to reach for her book, and a lock of fried orange hair fell across her face. She chuckled as she tucked the stiff strand behind her ear. At least she had one admirer who wasn’t turned off by her new clown coif. She had high hopes her hair stylist would work a miracle at her emergency appointment after work.

  *****

  “Well... Say something... What do you suggest? I’ll pay whatever it takes to fix it. Really, money is no object,” Grace rambled on to the girl who’d stood staring at her hair with wide unblinking eyes since she removed her scarf.

  “Uhmm... Let me ask the other colorists.” Soon there were six stylists, including the owner, gawking in abject horror.

  The owner said, “We could maybe shave your head. The shop has some nice wigs.”

  “Shave it?” squeaked Grace. “Isn’t there anything else you can do? Can’t we just color it brown again?”

  “What do you think, Carlos? You’re the expert.”

  Carlos tapped his finger on his chin, “I’d say give her a pixie cut and a brown temporary rinse to tone it down a little. That’s the best you can do. You can’t use any more bleach on that hair.” He reached out to crackle a strand between his fingers. “I’m not even going to ask what you did to cause this, but please don’t ever do it again.”

  Grace was surprised she didn’t have the urge to cry. After her week of stressing about Brad, this seemed like a walk in the park. She smiled at Carlos, “I guess I’m getting a pixie cut. No worries—I’ll never do it again.”

  She wished she could go back in time and make a different decision about her hair. But she wished even more she could turn back the days and reverse the decision to breakup with Brad. What should she have done when he declared his love and intent to marry her? All she knew was her decisions had resulted in heartache. She’d had no idea how much she would miss him. After all, they’d only been dating for two months. But there was nothing she could do about it now—he’d made it clear there was no going back, no second chances. At least her hair would grow back some day.

  *****

  Ben was really enjoying his visit to New York. Nothing gave him more pleasure than teasing his brother, and Brad had really set himself up this time. He was looking forward to an evening with Emily and Spencer and, of course, Grace. He ought to be able to gain enough fuel in one night to irritate his brother for a week or two. And if he managed to spur him into fighting for Grace, that would be even better. He hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d claimed Grace was the only one of Brad’s girlfriends he liked. He had no intention of allowing Brad to throw away the best thing he’d ever had.

  “So where’s Grace?” Ben asked. “She’s not coming to dinner?”

  Emily said, “She called to say she’d be late. She said something about having a hair appointment.”

  “Well these fajitas are great—she’s really missing out,” said Ben.

  “She’ll be here in time for the baseball game,” said Spencer. “She never misses a game.”

  Ben said, “So before she gets here, we should discuss how we’re going to get her back together with Brad.”

  “Great,” said Emily. “Do you have some good ideas?”

  “Wait—that’s none of our business,” said Spencer, as he glowered at Emily.

  “Of course it’s our business,” said Ben. “I’m Brad’s brother. You’re Grace’s brother. It’s our job to make sure our siblings don’t screw up their lives.”

  “I agree,” said Emily. “Grace is miserable. How’s Brad doing?”

  “He’s even grouchier than usual,” said Ben. “Grace kept him a lot more even-keeled. He has obsessive and perfectionist tendencies.”

  “I’m sure they’ll get back together without our help,” said Spencer.

  “Did he tell you he’s going to the baseball game with another woman? She’s one of the doctors he works with.”

  Spencer scrunched his eyes to narrow slits. “No, he didn’t say he was going with a girl. They just broke up; I’m surprised he’s already dating someone else.”

  Ben said, “Isn’t Grace dating some guy named Horatio?”

  “That’s right,” said Emily. “I found out he’s a waiter at Per Se and getting a degree in Meteorology. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but I really wanted her to be with Brad. I think he’s good for her, and she’s good for him.”

  “I have to admit, she hasn’t been quite as crazy since she started dating Brad,” said Spencer.

  A knock at the door alerted them to Grace’s arrival. “I’ll get it,” said Ben. “You two just need to remember my ultimate goal is get them back together, no matter what I say to Grace.” He opened the door with a flourish. “Come in, Grace. We’ve been waiting...” His voice trailed off when he caught sight of the girl at the door. “Grace? Is that you?” This girl didn’t look like Grace, at least not the Grace he remembered. She was petite like Grace, but she had really short hair and it was... He wasn’t sure what color to call it. It was kind of a rusty brown.

  “It’s me,” said Grace as she swept into the room. “I know... The hair is horrible. But believe me, it’s a lot better now than it was this morning.”

  Ben glanced at Emily and Spencer who were gaping in silence. They weren’t going to be any help at all. He scrambled to say something reassuring to Grace, “It’s cute Grace. I just didn’t recognize you.”

  Grace turned toward him and a laugh burst out. “Ben, that’s actually pretty good. I mean, I know you’re lying, of course. But you’re pretty good at it. Have you taken some acting lessons?”

  He smiled at her good humor. “No, but I worked for a while at a used car lot.”

  “Ah ha! That explains it,” she said, flashing her cute grin. “You don’t have to be nice. It was a terrible accident, and I’ve been told I’m lucky to have any hair at all.”

  “You know, Grace. It’s growing on me. I think I actually like it.” This time he meant the words he said. She was just so good-natured about everything she couldn’t help but look appealing. He was more determined than ever she was the right girl for Brad. His uptight brother had really started enjoying life when he was dating Grace.

  “Ben, you’re probably the only man on the planet who would say that right now.”

  Spencer said, “The haircut is cute, Gracie. It’s just the color that’s kind of weird. But it’s probably not the worst you’ve ever looked. I remember one time when you got such a bad sunburn you were peeling like a lizard. And then one time you put some kind of temporary pink color on your hair, but it took like six weeks to fade.”

  “Oh, I’d forgotten about that. And I think I swore never to color my hair again. Oops,” she chuckled.

  “Since I’ve gotten over the shock, I think I might like it,” said Emily. “What did Horatio say?”

  “Uhmm... I think he’s fine with it,” said Gr
ace.

  Emily’s voice shrieked, “Grace! What is that ring on your finger?”

  Ben followed Emily’s gaze to Grace’s hand. There was a large diamond ring—at least a carat and a half, maybe two carats.

  Grace pulled the ring off and stuck it in her pocket. “It’s nothing, really. It doesn’t mean anything.”

  “Did Horatio give it to you?” Emily asked. “I thought you just started dating.”

  Grace hesitated, glancing at Ben. “We’re not serious. It’s not an engagement ring.”

  “That looked like a honker of a diamond,” said Ben.

  “His mother bought it,” Grace said, as if that explained everything.

  “He sounds like a real winner.” Ben relished the way Grace blushed at his sarcastic response. “I can certainly see why you would want to date Harry Toe instead of Brad.”

  “Horatio,” she corrected.

  “Horatio,” he repeated. “How long have you two been dating? I’m surprised you’d actually date someone else behind Brad’s back.”

  “I didn’t,” said Grace. “We haven’t actually gone out yet, not according to the rules.”

  “I’m sorry, Grace. But if he gave you a ring, that counts as paying for something,” Emily said.

  “No,” said Ben. “I guess that technically means Grace went on a date with Horatio’s mother.”

  “Please, can we not talk about it?”

  Ben softened at her pleading eyes. “Fine. I won’t tease you anymore. At least for a while.” He winked at her.

  “Are you hungry, Gracie? I made fajitas, and the game’s about to start. Just grab a plate.” Spencer turned on the television.

  *****

  Brad was rather astonished to find their tickets were behind home plate in Yankee Stadium, but he was still determined to pay for his ticket. His feelings were hurt, but in his heart he knew he still loved Grace. He wasn’t about to have an “official date” with Kara on his record. It might interfere with his plan to get Grace back. And that was definitely his plan. Only one week since their breakup, and he’d hardly gone an hour without thinking about her. He’d even dreamed about her. Josh was right—he’d made a mistake when he considered giving up on the relationship simply because Grace had gotten cold feet. He was going to win her back, even if he had to eat humble pie to do it.

  “So how much do I owe you for the ticket?” he asked Kara.

  “I got them for a bargain price—a friend of my father has season tickets.”

  “How much?” he insisted.

  “Only five hundred.”

  “Five hundred dollars? Each?”

  “Yeah, but you don’t owe me anything. I wasn’t expecting you to pay. I’m just glad to have your company.”

  “No, I’m paying for my ticket.”

  “Whatever makes you happy.” Kara grasped his arm and pushed herself against him as she leaned in to whisper in his ear. “This is so much fun.”

  Brad carefully disentangled his arm from her grasp. “Dr. Dickson, I hope I haven’t misled you in any way. This is not a date.”

  She shrunk away. “I know. I’m just excited about seeing the game. I didn’t mean to offend you.” She offered him a trembling smile.

  He groaned inwardly. “I’m not offended. But I have a girlfriend, and I want to make sure this stays on a ‘friends’ basis.”

  “You have a girlfriend? I thought...”

  Brad caught the surprise in her tone. “You thought what?”

  “I... I thought you said something about breaking up with her. I’m almost sure you said something about it.”

  His jaw tightened. “I never said anything about breaking up.”

  “So you’re... you’re still with her?”

  “Yes, I’m still with Grace. And what business is it of yours?” The words came out with more force than intended, and he saw her cringe. She blinked rapidly as if fighting tears. “I’m sorry. If you’re upset with me, we don’t have to stay for the game. We can end the date now, and you don’t owe me anything.”

  Brad breathed out slowly, trying to control his temper. “No, it’s fine. But we were very clear when we made this date... I mean, when we made this arrangement we were only going together as colleagues. You told me you wanted me to go with you so some other guy would back off. Was that a lie?”

  “No, but I thought when things changed between you and that Grace girl—”

  “Who told you things had changed between us? I never said anything of the sort.”

  “Uhmm, I don’t know. I guess it was maybe Dr. Branson who told me you two had had a fight. And then I just assumed...”

  “Josh told you that?” Brad felt his blood boiling. He’d been feeling bad about his prickly attitude with his roommate, but not now. Josh had no business airing his private business with anyone, especially not Kara Dickson.

  “Oh please don’t be upset with him! Dr. Branson is my attending. If you say anything to him, he’ll take it out on me and put me on the worst schedule.”

  “Dr. Branson is a professional, and he would never do that.”

  “Please! Oh please don’t tell him! Maybe I was wrong—maybe someone else told me.”

  “Actually no one else knew about it.” Brad felt like all of his muscles were wound up tight, ready to break.

  “So you did have a fight, then?”

  “No! Well, yes, but we’re still together.”

  “But you can’t blame me for hoping. I know I’d never stand a chance if the two of you were still together, but I thought maybe—” Good grief. Was she actually batting her eyelashes?

  “Kara, I was very clear this was not a romantic relationship. Look, let’s just forget this and enjoy the game.”

  “Maybe we’ll get lucky and the Yankees will win.”

  “What, you don’t expect them to win?” Brad squinted. “I thought you told me you loved baseball?”

  “I do. I love baseball.” Her expression was as fervent as her voice. “I love the Yankees. And the Mets, too.”

  “Well, don’t say that too loud around here. Most Yankees fans hate the Mets.”

  “Who do you like?” Kara asked.

  “I like the Yankees and the Giants and the Knicks. I’d like to get really good seats to see the Knicks play sometime.”

  “Maybe I could get some tickets, and we could go together. I really like the Knicks, too.”

  Brad couldn’t help but feel he was being played. Grace’s enthusiasm about sports was one of her most unusual and attractive traits in his eyes. He found it difficult to believe Kara Dickson was being honest with him, but he knew a way to find out.

  “Did you watch the Knicks game last week?” he asked, wondering if she would know the Knicks were a basketball team and the season hadn’t started.

  “I missed the game—I had to work.” Her face was stricken with disappointment. “Was it good?”

  “It was great,” said Brad. As he suspected, she appeared to have no idea who the Knicks were or when their season was. Just to be certain, he probed a little further. “The Knicks’ new quarterback is great, don’t you think?”

  “I agree,” she said with an enthusiastic smile, looping her arm through his.

  “But that game they played against the Rangers was something else.” He named the New York ice hockey team.

  “Yeah. I didn’t see it, but I heard about it.”

  Brad kept his expression neutral, but at least he knew what he was up against. Evidently Dr. Dickson felt comfortable lying about her interest and knowledge of sports. He’d have to listen carefully lest she try to get by with any other lies during the evening. He was fortunate he’d gotten her to reveal her source for the information about his fight with Grace. If he hadn’t caught her off-guard, she probably would have lied about that as well.

  *****

  “Did you see who’s sitting right in front of us?” Kara leaned in to whisper. “Isn’t that Alicia Winters?” Kara was almost certain she recognized the movie star. “Do you
think that means we’ll be on television sitting here?”

  Brad stiffened and inched away. “We’re right behind home plate, Kara. We’re probably on television right before every pitch. That would be true even if Alicia Winters wasn’t sitting here.”

  Kara fumed inside. This wasn’t going at all the way she’d planned. Brad still seemed to have an attachment to that puny Grace, even though they’d obviously had a terrible fight. She could tell from his continuing grumpy mood, they hadn’t made up with each other. And as far as she knew, Brad was unaware Grace had attempted to apologize with flowers and a card. Kara couldn’t fathom why he was so attracted to Grace. She wasn’t smart or pretty, and she didn’t seem to have much money. Her only advantage over Kara was her preference for sports, and Brad didn’t realize Kara barely tolerated sports events. But Kara had one huge advantage over his tiny ex-girlfriend—she was a really good actress. She’d been fooling her parents since a very early age, and she could make Brad believe anything she wanted. She just needed to get rid of Grace so he would see he and Kara were perfect together. And she had a really good idea how to do it.

  “So where is Grace tonight? She doesn’t like the Yankees?”

  The muscles in his jaw flexed. “She’s watching the game with her brother.”

  Her heart leapt. Grace would see them together tonight. As she suspected, Brad was attempting to keep his distance because he’d realized Grace might see him at the game with Kara.

  *****

  Grace hadn’t managed to swallow a single bite of her fajita since she’d spotted Brad sitting behind home plate with the beautiful blond girl. She recognized the girl at once. “That’s Leanne.”

  “Who’s Leanne?” asked Emily.

  Grace hadn’t even realized she’d spoken the words aloud.

  “Nobody. I mean... She’s... That’s who Brad is sitting with at the game. They have amazing seats. I’m happy for him.”

  Ben was sitting beside her on the couch. “I don’t think her name is Leanne. I think it’s Kara.”