Love At Last Part 2

Toni grinned as she watched from the doorway. aWhy canat you get the hang of a coffeemaker?a She walked into the office.

Kevin looked up and laughed. aI donat know. Whaddaya got there?a he asked and licked his lips.

Toni set the boxes on his desk and handed him a large cup from Starbucks.

aAh, Toni darlina, youare a grand gal,a Kevin said in a thick brogue.

Toni snorted and sat at her desk. aAnd, Kevin darlina, youare full of s.h.i.+t.a aStop swearing,a Kevin said as he opened the boxes. aHow are you everaa aI know, get a woman with a mouth like that,a Toni finished for him. aThatas exactly what Mrs. Walinski said this morning.a Kevinas head shot up. aUm, how is she?a aSheas fine. She asked about you again. She said you have to share.a Toni motioned to the pastry. aShe also told you to come around more often.a aShe did?a Kevin asked, then cleared his throat.

aWhy donat you?a Toni asked quietly as she concentrated on her paperwork. When Kevin didnat answer right away, she looked up. Kevin was frowning as he blew at the hot coffee. aKev?a He looked at her then and shrugged. aI dunno. Sheas a cla.s.sy woman, widowed, and owns her own business, for chrissakes.a aSo what?a Toni asked, honestly baffled. aShe likes you.a aYa think so?a He took a bite of the pastry. He rolled his eyes. aThis is so good.a aYeah, I think so. Donat you like her?a All at once, her stomach started growling again. Even Kevin heard it. They both stared at her stomach.

aGeez, feed it before it explodes.a Kevin slid the pastry box to the end of his desk.

Toni reached for the box. aAnswer me. Donat you like her?a aWhatas not to like? Sheas attractive, nice. She sure can cook. I just thinka"a Toni looked up when he stopped abruptly. aWhat?a aSheas out of my league, kiddo.a Toni heard the disappointment in his voice. aWell, probably.a She glanced his way. aShe was telling me sheas worried about the neighborhood.a aWhatas she worried about? Whatas wrong?a He sat forward.

aOh, nothing, I guess. Mr. Su, you know the Chinese place with great egg foo yung? Well, evidently, somebody broke his window the other morning and Mrs. W. is worrieda"a Kevin quickly stood. aWell, why the h.e.l.l didnat you say this before? Christ, Toni, that woman is all alone, all the time. d.a.m.n it, OaHara!a He grabbed his coat. aIall be back.a Toni watched Kevin dash out of the office, mumbling all the way. She eyed the pastry box and grinned. aSo easyaa *******

Across town, Lidia Walinski hummed quietly as she swept the floor in the kitchen when the last of the morning rush had dissipated. With that, she heard the little bell. aI will be right with you!a she called out.

She walked out of the swinging door to see Kevin Murphy standing there. Her heartbeat quickened when she noticed he was dressed in his firemanas uniform with his hat in hand.

He looked up as she walked out of the kitchen. Lidia saw the frown turn to a smile and smiled back. aGoot morning, Mr. Murphy.a aGood Morning, Mrs. Walinski. I was in the neighborhooda"a Lidia gave him a confused look. aYou donat work today?a Kevin blushed to his roots and laughed nervously. aYes, what I meant was, I was on my way to aaumameeting, and I thought Iad stop by and sayaerah.e.l.lo.a Lidia raised an eyebrow and nodded. ah.e.l.lo.a ah.e.l.lo,a Kevin repeated and swallowed.

They stood in silence for a moment. She sensed his awkwardness, and when he looked as though he might leave, she quickly said, aWould you like a cup of coffee? A piece of pie? I just made a nice pie with the rhubarb from my garden.a aOh. Okay, sure. If itas not too much trouble,a Kevin added.

Lidia smiled at his serious tone. aIs not too much trouble, Mr. Murphy. I am a baker, remember? Sit, please.a Kevin chuckled and sat at the small table by the window.

Lidia calmly walked back through the swinging door, let out a deep breath, and put a hand to her heart. aOh, Got,a she said and fanned herself with her ap.r.o.n. Trying to ignore her racing heart and her shaky hand, she quickly sliced two pieces of pie, one slightly bigger. She tore off her ap.r.o.n and ran her fingers through her thick white hair. She picked up both plates and took a deep confident breath.

aHe is so cute,a she whispered with a giggle. aAnd so it begins, Mr. Murphy.a

Chapter 4.

aYou want to go where and watch what?a Allie asked, looking back and forth from Vicky to Rita as they helped her into her jacket.

aMike is playing flag football in Grant Park. Theyare playing in the champions.h.i.+p game. Thereas a menas and womenas champions.h.i.+p.a aI didnat know there was a womenas league in Chicago,a Allie said.

Vicky chuckled. aWell, theyare women, but theyare no ladies. Mike says they play tougher than most of the men do. I honestly think heas afraid of them.a Rita laughed along. aCamon, itas Sat.u.r.day, the last days of summer are waning, and itas beautiful in Grant Park. Youave been moping around for weeks for whatever reason.a Allie felt the color rush to her face. Shead been illogically disappointed ever since she didnat see Toni OaHara at the museum.

aWe know Paul is working. Now weall sit with the wives. Iave got the vodka and lemonade.a She held up the huge thermos and wiggled her eyebrows.

Allie gaped at them. aItas a Chicago Park District. You canat drink ata"a Vicky and Rita rolled their eyes and dragged her out of the house.

They set up their lawn chairs and watched the mayhem. aGood grief. I canat believe women play this game,a Allie said as she watched the men flying around the field.

Vicky winced, as well, then looked behind her. aI wonder how the women play. Letas go watch them for a while,a she suggested and quickly got up, pulling Allie with her.

Rita pouted. aI like watching the men.a Allie laughed at Rita, who with great intelligence, went back to retrieve the thermos.

It was indeed a beautiful Indian summer day. Not a cloud in the sky, though it had rained the previous night. Not much, just enough to make the playing field muddy. The three women made the incredibly short walk to the womenas game.

Vicky stood between the two games, looking back and forth. aHey, if we stand right here, we can see both games at once.a Allie raised a maternal eyebrow as Vicky sipped her drink.

aDonat be a dud, Allie,a she said without looking at her.

aI am not a dud. Iall have you know, I can drinka"a She stopped abruptly and blinked. The hammering started in her chest againa"the onset of her mild stroke. There she was again.

Toni OaHara stood thirty feet away from her. She was wearing what once was a white rugby s.h.i.+rt, the Chicago Fire Department emblazoned on the front and back. She wore green shorts and knee-high socks, her feet encased in heavy cleats. She had her thick hair pulled back in a ponytail. Some tall blond prep.u.b.escent-looking thing was wiping her face as Toni gulped the bottle of water. As she glanced over, she grinned wildly when she saw Allie. Allie, in turn, smiled and gave her a short wave.

Toni waved back and noticed Vicky and Rita, then looked at the menas game and nodded as if understanding her reason for being there. As if Paul would ever get dirty and play flag football, Allie thought. Well, maybe if it was for his joba Allie cringed as Vickyas eyes widened. aHero!a she screeched.

Allie looked around for a hole in which to throw herself.

Toni sported a lopsided grin, and to Allieas horror, she walked over. aGood morning, ladies,a she drawled with a flirtatious grin.

Allie smiled weakly. Rita looked like she was drooling. aYou have to admit sheas gorgeous in a butch sort of way,a Rita whispered in Allieas ear.

Toni glanced at Allie and nodded. Vicky stuck out her hand. aSave any damsels in distress lately?a Toni wiped off her hand before taking Vickyas hand. aNope. Not lately,a she said as the blond woman walked up and draped her arm around her.

aSweetie, theyare starting. Canat start without the star.a She ran her hand up and down Tonias sweaty back.

aThe star, huh?a Vicky asked happily.

Allie saw the blush spread through Tonias neck as she chuckled. aHardly. Well,a Toni said and looked at Allie. aI should be going. It was nice to see you. We go out afterward if you and your husbands want to join us. Weare going to The Shamrock Tavern on Statea"a aThatas where weare going, too,a Vicky said, still grinning.

Tonias eyes never left Allieas. aWellagood. Maybe weall see you there,a she said as the blonde pulled on her arm.

aG.o.d, if only I were into women.a Vicky sighed.

Allie laughed as she watched Toni. Rita laughed, as well, and whispered, aYouare a s.l.u.t!a Vicky gaped in mock horror, putting a hand over her heart. aI am not.a Listening to her friends banter, Allie glanced back at the playing field to see Toni pluck the football out of the air and take off down the field. Allie gasped and winced openly as Tonias opponents tackled her, ripping the flag from her waist, but not before Toni tossed the football back to a teammate. This left her lying on the ground in their wake.

For an instant, Allie wanted to run out there. Toni slowly got up and shook her head rapidly, flexing her leg and rubbing her rear end. Allie smiled. Youare a bit too old for this, Inspector OaHara, she thought, noticing the much younger women running up and down the field. Toni looked to see Allie watching. Allie laughed and shook her head, while Toni grinned and shrugged, then ran down the field.

When the games finished, the Chicago Fire Department, both men and women, proved victorious.

Mike was grumbling as usual. as.h.i.+t, we almost had aem.a Vicky hugged him around the waist. aSure you did. You were the best, you know.a Mike smiled and kissed her nose. aI was, huh? Hey, I saw you talking to that woman. You know what that does to me,a he warned playfully.

Vicky nodded wickedly. aYep...so celebrate, Mr. Belden, but donat you dare drink too much,a she warned as she kissed him deeply.

aThere they go.a Rita rolled her eyes.

aThereas nothing wrong with that,a Allie said, laughing as they walked to the car.

Allie glanced over at the other field and noticed Toni limping slightly as she walked next to the blond woman. They were talking, and the blonde immediately stopped. She looked irritated at Toni, who sported that d.a.m.ned grin and said something. The woman whirled around and took off in a huff, leaving Toni standing there shaking her head. Allie wondered what the exchange was about as she watched the much younger woman march off.

As they sat at the small table, Mike and his teammates licked their wounds. A few firefighters were doing a bit of bragging, and several of Mikeas teammates were getting annoyed.

aG.o.d, men and their compet.i.tiveness,a Rita groused as she ate the popcorn.

Allie tossed a few kernels in her mouth. aThatas not only a male trait, Rita.a aTrue,a Rita said, abut take a look at the womenas table.a They all glanced at the other table. All the women were laughing and drinking. Then they collectively looked back at the table of men, who were drinking but definitely not laughing; they were still brooding.

As Allie sat with the other wives listening to the boasts of the winners and the complaints of the losers, she absently ate her popcorn and stole a glance across the bar. Toni stood there, one foot up on the bar rail, as she leaned in talking to the bartender. She said a few words, and he threw his head back and laughed uproariously.

aOaHara, youare a wild one.a The bartender laughed and walked away.

Toni laughed and shrugged as she drank her black beer, absently swiping her tongue across her mouth.

Allie heard Vicky groan and glared at her. aWill you stop with the groaning?a Rita chuckled and Vicky giggled and leaned in. aI just called my mother. Sheas keeping the kids tonight.a With that, they all saw Toni saunter over with three pitchers of beer. She set them on Mikeas table. aPlease accept this, guys. My boys can sometimes be hard to handle,a she said, glaring at her fellow firefighters. aAnd very bad winners.a The younger men hid their faces in their beer and Mike grinned. aThank you. That was nice of you.a Toni nodded and turned to Allieas table.

aHave a seat,a Vicky said.

Allie watched with amus.e.m.e.nt as Vicky glanced at Mike, who shook his head, wagging a finger at her. Ah, to be in love, Allie thought, smiling inwardly at her younger friends.

aGlad to.a Toni eased herself into the chair, letting out a small groan.

Allie raised an eyebrow. aSore?a aCompletely. I have to learn when to quit. Every year, I say itas the last.a Several wives and husbands said their goodbyes. It left Allie, her friends, and Toni.

Vicky leaned in. aSo, Toni, what do you do for a living? Do you fight fires?a aNot anymore. Iam an inspector now. Itas less wear and tear on the old bones,a she said as she drank her beer.

All three women snorted. Toni grinned at their disbelief. aWhat?a aHow old are you? Thirty-something?a Rita asked honestly.

Toni laughed out loud. aWow, you made my day, Rita. Are you married?a she asked with a sly grin.

Rita laughed. aNo, and I donat walk on your side of the street.a aMy misfortune.a She winked.

Vicky sighed openly and Allie smiled as she drank her beer. She couldnat blame Vicky. Toni was indeed charming. She absently ate the popcorn, not really paying attention.

aHowas Claude?a Tonias voice was low as she leaned into Allie.

She chuckled quietly. aHeas doing well, thank you.a aYou really like to sit there, donat you?a Toni asked, sounding completely intrigued. She pulled her chair in, letting a grunting firefighter by.

aSuck in it, OaHara,a he growled playfully, slapping her hard on the back.

Allie winced at the playful encounter. aTo answer your question, Inspector, yes, I do love to sit there. Itas very cathartic for me. Why? Is it unusual?a she asked; she knew she had an edge to her voice. Paulas inability to understand her basic need was like a raw nerve, but she really didnat need to take it out on a stranger.

Toni raised an eyebrow. aNot at all. Everyone has a special place for solitude. Mine is Lake Michigan, right at sunrise or looking at the horizon at the end of the day. I understand,a she said softly, then shrugged and drank her beer.

aBeyond the blue horizonaa Allie sighed openly as she toyed with her mug of beer.

Toni grinned and lifted her beer and sang along, aWaits a beautiful day.a Allieas mouth dropped in surprise. Toni picked up a piece of popcorn, aimed, and tossed it into her open mouth. Allie nearly choked as she laughed. aIf we know that song, weare showing our age.a Toni laughed. aNow tell me. Why the museum?a aWhen the kids were small, I would just sit there for hours, just staring anda"a Toni ate some popcorn and waited. aAnd what?a Allie shrugged. aDreamed, I guess,a she said with a grin and looked into the gray eyes.

aWhaddya dream about?a Toni gently prodded.

Allie thought about it as she nibbled on the popcorn. aYa know, I donat remember. I guess I dreamed of being a famous artist.a aYou paint?a Toni asked, completely enthralled. aI have a hard time with color by numbers.a Allie let out a genuine laugh, and Toni laughed along with her. aYes, I paint. I used to teach full time, believe it or not.a aWhy did ya quit?a Allie fought the urge to compare this woman with her inquisitive daughter when she was a child. aI had children.a aI like the way youare smiling right now,a Toni blurted out and continued, aIt seems to come from your soul. How many?a Toni asked as the waitress brought an enormous plate of nachos.

Allie raised an eyebrow. Toni sported that d.a.m.nable grin. aI ordered them, sorry. Iam starving. Dig in.a She handed her a small plate, then one to Vicky and Rita.

aSo?a aOh, two. A son, Nick, and a daughter, Jocelyn,a Allie said proudly as she blew at the hot cheese.

aJocelyn, thatas a beautiful name. Does she want to be an artist when she grows up?a Toni asked, taking a healthy bite.

Allie laughed and wiped her mouth. aShe is a grown adult, as is Nick.a Toni blinked stupidly. Then her gaze darted all over Allieas face and body. Suddenly, Allie felt extremely uncomfortable. She was aware Vicky broke her conversation with Rita, and both women now listened.

aIam serious,a Toni said, sounding every bit of it.

aSo am I,a Allie said emphatically and took a drink of her beer. aG.o.d, Iam having a good time. I havenat had nachos and beer in ages.a Hips, the hips, she thought. She didnat care. Not tonight.

aAre you trying to tell me that you look as good as you do and you have two grown children?a Toni asked.

Allie heard her incredulous tone and could feel the color rush to her face at the compliment. Her hand instinctively went to her hair. aThatas because Iam like a Monet painting. The farther away, the better I look.a She noticed Toni wasnat laughing, just staring with an odd look on her face. aIt was a joke.a Vicky cleared her throat and called out, aHusband!a He looked up curiously. aYes, wife?a aNow. We need to go homeanow!a she said quickly and stood.

Allie, knowing why Vicky was leaving, felt the color rush once again. She avoided Toni, who was still watching her.

aBye, guys,a Mike said to the men at his table and grabbed Vickyas hand.

Allie gaped at Vicky and Mike. aYouare my ride.a She tried to sound nonchalant, but she was painfully aware of Tonias eyes on her.

aInspector OaHara? Take Allie home?a Vicky called out as Mike yanked her out the tavern door.

Toni blinked and looked away from Allie; she nodded and waved. aSure, no problem.a aHey, wait a second.a Allie called out in vain, but the heavy door slammed on Vickyas laughter. She nervously looked back at Toni. aY-you donat have to take me home. I can drive with Ritaaa She looked at her other friend. Rita was flirting with a firefighter, totally oblivious and in a tonsillectomy duel.

Toni looked on, as well, and laughed. aI donat mind, Allie. I think Rita is otherwise engaged.a *******

They walked a couple of blocks to Tonias car. Allie noticed her slight limp and chuckled.

Toni glared at her. aDo not laugh. I think I broke something of extreme importance.a aIam sure that girl could tell you what,a Allie said and had no idea why she emphasized agirl.a Toni let out a low laugh. aSheas part of the reason.a aWhy didnat she come to the bar?a aWe, um, we had a disagreement.a aAbout her curfew?a Toni stopped, and for a second, Allie thought she had overstepped her bounds. Then to her relief, Toni laughed. aNo, that wasnat it.a Allie glanced up at her new friend as Toni opened the door, then gently closed it after Allie slipped into the pa.s.senger seat. She watched as Toni got in and started the car. As she pulled away from the curb, Allie gave instructions.

aSo, Allie. Short for Alexandra?a aNope.a Toni frowned and grunted. aAlexis?a aIce cold.a Toni was undaunted.

aAlice?a aWrong.a Silence fell, and Allie glanced at Toni, who was scowling, her gaze darting back and forth.

aAha!a she said triumphantly, then stopped. aNo, that canat be.a She took a deep breath.

Allie gave her an incredulous look and laughed. aGood grief, youare a compet.i.tor.a Toni shot her a quick look. aI am not. IamaIam playful,a she countered playfully. aNow keep quiet. Iam trying to think.a Allie hummed a little as she looked out the window.

After a few more minutes, Toni grumbled. aOh, all right. I giveaa aAlana,a Allie said in a quiet voice.

aThat is a beautiful name. Who are you named after?a Toni asked, mirroring Allieas quiet tenor of her voice.

aMy grandmother. She was born in France. So were my parents. Jocelyn is named after my mother,a Allie said quite easily. She shook her head, trying to remember the last time she talked to anyone about her children. She looked over at Toni, who was smiling while she watched the road. aItas easy to talk to you,a she admitted.

Toni glanced and grinned. aI know. I feel the same way. I-I like talking to you, Alana. You donat mind if I call you Alana, do you?a Allie couldnat help but hear the hopeful sound in her voice. aNo, I donat mind at all,a she said. aThis is my house on the left. The brick bungalow here.a Toni nodded and pulled into the driveway. They sat there for a moment in silence.