Just Like Em. Marion Ekholm

ran a hand through her hair and pulled out the fancy elastic holding her ponytail.

      For a fleeting second, Em recalled what Jodie had said about her husband. But Em couldn’t afford to pay Harve, and she didn’t want to accept his charity. Besides, Bradley could still threaten her with repealing the custody agreement. She didn’t want to give him any reason to come after the one thing he knew she treasured.

      “I’m accepting that job.”

      “Where you’re a temp? I thought you said they didn’t pay enough.”

      “The pay is doable. I’ll get benefits immediately, and Sammy’s start in six months. I haven’t found anything better, and Metro stopped hiring.”

      For several moments they sipped their tea in quiet companionship. Em played with the torn strap on the table, making a coil first one way and then the other.

      Finally, Doris said, “How was the party?” She placed the glass in front of her face, but it didn’t hide the grin. “Was Roger there?”

      Em nodded and pushed the fabric to the side.

      “Did he finally wake up and realize how the two of you were meant for each other?”

      Em tossed the cork coaster at her mother. “That was a long time ago.”

      “So, your fatal attraction has worn off?”

      “He’s still very attractive, but...I don’t know. It’s different.” Em sighed and checked out the peeling paint on the ceiling again. “A lot of things have happened in my life since I had a childish crush on him.”

      “Anything new with Jodie?”

      “She’s the same old Jodie. I think she tried to set me up by introducing me to some single parents. One guy actually asked me for a date.”

      “And you said...?”

      Em scrunched her nose and shook her head. “A real jerk.”

      “I think you just have a total dislike for men right now. That, too, will fade with time.”

      Not possible, Em thought as she continued, “Sammy made good friends with Roger’s twin boys. They’re coming over tomorrow for a swimming party.”

      “Sounds like fun. It should go a long way in helping Sammy adjust to life here.”

      * * *

      “I’M TAKING THE boys over to Em’s apartment to see her little boy,” Roger told Samantha as he sent his sons off to the car. “You’ll be all right till I get back?”

      Sophia had the day off, and it meant Samantha would be all alone. Mentally, he ticked off the damage she could do in that time. Long distance calls to her cousin in England. At least she couldn’t get on the internet and buy out China without his password.

      “Can’t I come, too?”

      Roger’s jaw dropped. Samantha had always avoided her brothers every chance she got. Now she asked to be included in something that couldn’t interest her at all. It had to be Em. What spell had she cast over his daughter?

      “Sure,” he said, “but I wasn’t planning to stay. The boys are going to swim and then watch a video.” Something that would probably make your skin crawl, he almost added.

      “That’s okay. I’ll help. Watching three boys is a handful. I’ll get my suit.”

      Still agape, Roger watched her rush up the stairs. What had happened to her? This daughter, who put up a stink if he asked her to watch her brothers while he showered, was volunteering to babysit? No way. Whatever she had going with Em was going to stop right now. Even if he had to stay around and supervise.

      “Sounds like a good idea,” he said as he followed Samantha up the stairs and passed her in the hall. “I think I’ll take my suit along, too.”

      Samantha paused by her door and regarded him. “Dad, I thought you wanted the time alone to get some paperwork done.”

      “All work and no play makes fathers very dull. Besides, I can bring the work with me.” She shot him a look of disbelief before disappearing into her room.

      What had he gotten himself into? He had yet to make all the schedules for the transfer to Seattle. A half dozen people had posted for other jobs; now, who would do their work? He had to review the remaining personnel and determine what jobs required immediate attention. And here he was blowing a chance at a peaceful day alone. Crazy. How could he accomplish these tasks at a noisy apartment complex while he baked in the hot sun?

      But he had to go. He’d never be able to concentrate on his work knowing what he did about Em. He reminded himself again that in one summer she’d annihilated his sister’s good family upbringing. Who knew what she was capable of doing now?

      While he changed in his room, Roger talked to the picture of his wife, which held a prominent place on the white-washed oak dresser. “You wouldn’t recognize Em,” he said as he pulled on his gray plaid swim trunks. “She’s grown up into quite a woman. Not that I’m interested, mind you. It’s just that Samantha seems to like her.

      “Remember what a pill Em was? Well, your daughter’s another Em.” Roger slipped on his loafers and a shirt, and walked over to the picture. Picking up the gold frame, he said, “I sure could use your help raising Samantha.” He kissed the glass surface and whispered, “I miss you so much.” With a heavy heart he returned the picture to the dresser and headed out the door.

      Roger met Samantha in the front hall. “Dad, you’re not wearing that!” When did she start talking like her mother?

      He glanced in the hall mirror at his gray-plaid trunks. His white ones probably would look better, but he’d tossed them in the laundry last night. The colorful Hawaiian shirt had faded a little since Karen bought it for him on their delayed honeymoon to Oahu. Okay, so it looked a little weird, especially with the briefcase, but he was going for comfort, not to make a fashion statement.

      “What will Em think? That I’m related to some geek?”

      Roger dismissed the remark and opened the door. “This is me. You coming or not?” He had no intention of dressing to impress Em. This shirt reminded him of happy times with Karen. Furthermore, if Samantha found his clothes so despicable, she might decide to stay home and eliminate his need to stay at Em’s. After yesterday’s encounter with the cigarettes, he planned to keep his family’s exposure to Em at a minimum.

      * * *

      THE BOYS FOUND Sammy and hit the pool the moment they arrived at the apartment complex. Samantha took off for Em, who was sitting under a ramada, a wooden roof that shaded a picnic table within easy access of the pool. She got up and headed toward him as he secured the safety gate. He stopped short and stared along with every other male in the area.

      Her white suit was conservative, covered by a sheer, colorful blouse in blues that hugged her every time a breeze passed by. “Hello, Roger. Samantha says you’re planning to work here.” Her puzzled expression showed a concern he hadn’t expected. “Maybe you’d prefer the apartment, where it’s quieter.”

      “No, this will do fine.” He placed his briefcase on the table. “I just have a few things to catch up on for the office.” Not that he’d get anything done with so much distraction, but he didn’t want to leave his children alone with her. Her attention was already back on the boys horsing around in the pool. It gave him a chance to observe her.

      Several strands of blond hair had come loose from her ponytail. When had she decided to grow her hair long? It certainly was an improvement over the short spikes he remembered. He looked back at his sons, intending to keep an eye on them. They had a tendency to get rowdy if they thought they could get away with it.

      At least he didn’t have to worry about Samantha. She was sloshing in the pool with some kids her own age. Four years in high school followed by four more in college. How was he going to pay for that without a job?