#Hallmark #Christmas #Romance#
M. Bradley McCauley
©2020
I am back in my hometown
having lunch in mom's Christmas decorated kitchen with Claire, my best friend and confidant since Middle School. I am revealing details about the sudden
break up with Jamie, my boyfriend in New York, losing my job when the advertising
agency downsized, and coming home for the holidays or maybe for good. I haven’t
decided.
We are sipping coffee
and devouring mom's fresh out of the oven pecan pie.
"I don't know why I
broke up with Jamie. It was a momentary reaction when we argued about going on
vacation. It was an unthinking, angry blurt. Before I could apologize and take
it back, he hung up and would not answer when I called him."
Expecting sympathy from
her, I watch as she adds another heaping spoon of mom’s fluffy whipped cream to
her pie. Looking up at me, she says, "Come on Kara, the best way to get
over him is to get back out there and have fun." Savoring a bite of the
pie, she adds, “Bruce and I are going to Vic's tonight to meet some of the old
gang. Come with us."
Before I can answer, she
shushes me by mentioning Greg might be there
Greg, my boyfriend in
high school and half of college. I instantly remember the night he proposed,
and I said no. Not because I didn't love him, but I had career plans. New
York-bound after college and a career in advertising. He planned to move out
west, Idaho, or the Dakotas where there was open land to start a ranch or farm
or something. He hated city life, I longed for it. He quit college and made the
move within days after I turned him down.
"Claire to Kara.
Are you here or somewhere else?"
"Sorry. Got into my
head for a moment."
"Not tonight, Claire, I’m helping mom finish Christmas baking and decorating."
Pouting and wrinkling her forehead, Claire frowns,
pretending to be mad, then a big smile. "If you change your mind, we are
meeting at Vic's at about 8. Hope you'll come." She slips on her faux fur-collared jacket, ties a green woolen scarf around the neck, gives me a quick hug, and sprints out
the door leaving a swoosh of cold air behind.
"Is Claire gone? I
heard the door close." Mom hustles into the kitchen, glances at me then at
the decorated tree in the living room area. "It's one of the best trees
ever. " She's wearing makeup, including eyeliner.
"Nodding, I get up,
stack the plates and coffee mugs into the dishwasher asking when we are going
to start baking.
"Tomorrow."
She brushes the table crumbs into her hand. "I'm going out tonight with
Andy."
Mom and Andy were
friends and recently became more than friends. They are both divorced, have
known each other for years, and I often encourage mom to marry him.
"Sweetie, why don't
you do something tonight? Go out, have fun. It’s the holidays, time for
celebrating.”
Shrugging, I gave her a
quick hug and said I'll think about it. Which I am doing now while having some
of mom's leftover spicy pasta salad. The TV is droning on a corner counter as I
eat, sip wine, toy with a cold slice of garlic bread, and remember Greg.
He was the typical all
American guy in high school. He played sports, had many friends, got a football
scholarship to a small state college where I majored in Communications. He
proposed to me in the middle of our Junior year, during the holidays. He quit
school and left a few days later.
Now I wonder if turning
him down was another one of my unthinking reactions? It must have been. I was
devastated when he left, truly heartbroken. I dated no one the rest of
college, I just hung out with friends and Claire.
Erasing thoughts of Greg, I am seriously thinking about going back to New York. I love
advertising, especially when creating commercial videos with Josh Cambell, an amazing producer/director of a rising commercial video company. Plus, I love the city,
When I left NY, packing
up my things was easy. I shared a small furnished apartment with two other gals
that I know would welcome me back if they haven't already found someone to rent
my room.
At about nine mom calls
saying she is staying at Andy's. I am thankful she stays at his house and not
ours. It would be uncomfortable knowing they were sleeping together in the next
room.
I am job and or career
hunting on the Internet when the doorbell rings. I'm not expecting anyone. It's followed by a knock on the door.
I'm startled, "Oh please, don't
let it be anything about mom." I silently pray fearing she might have been
in an accident. Glancing out the peephole, it is hard to tell who it is other
than someone tall.
"Kara! It's Greg.
Is it too late to say hi?"
My nervous fear of who
might be at the door becomes anxiety when it is Greg. Nervously opening it, I
look up into his grinning face and am taken aback by his engaging hug.
"Hope it's not too
late to say hey." He releases me. We are staring at each other for a few
moments before I motion for him to come in.
"You look great,
Kara. I know I should have called first, but I don't have your new number, and
I forgot your mom's."
I stand motionless by
the door trying to think of what to say.
"If it's too late,
I can go." He holds up a bottle of wine.
"No, it's not. Come
in." Guiding him to the living room, I point to a chair, "I'll get
glasses." I am stammering.
"And a corkscrew."
In the kitchen, I
breathe deeply before slipping glasses from an overhead cabinet. Seeing him
unnerved me. I wasn't expecting him, at least not at my door.
“You still like Pinot
Noir?”
Nodding my reply,
annoyed with myself for being so nervous, I hand him the wine opener.
"I didn't mean to
surprise you, Kara." Pausing a moment unscrewing the bottle. "It
seemed like a good idea when Claire suggested it. I'm sorry."
"I'm fine." I
lie."I wasn’t expecting anyone this late. The doorbell ringing startled me
and with mom out, I was concerned."
Handing the glass to me
as he sits on the couch, he grins. “To memories,” he toasts, pausing a moment,
“the good memories.”
I smile, raise my glass,
remain quiet, glad the shaking has stopped.
"Claire says you
may not go back to NY."
"I guess she also
told you I lost my job, broke up with my boyfriend, and have no idea what I'm
going to do now." I sound bitter. Damn, another unthinking outburst. I am
bitter, but it's not his fault.
"Greg, I'm
sorry...I’m still adjusting to so much happening. I didn’t mean to be
flippant."
He doesn't let me
continue. "It's okay. It's tough when so many negative things happen at
once. I know. I've had them happen to me."
"Greg, I am sorry.
How are you? Are you home for the holidays?"
Slipping into casual
conversation, he thoughtfully tells me ranching didn't work for him. He went
back to school, got a Psychology degree, opened a counseling practice in Boise,
married, divorced, has no kids, and is not seeing anyone. Fifteen years of his
life, just like that. The bottle of wine is empty as he talks. I offer coffee,
he accepts, we go to the kitchen. Warm memories surface as I feel him close
behind me.
"You sure it's not
too late for coffee?" I can tell he isn't in a hurry to leave. I'm not in a
hurry for him to leave. It is like old times, only this time we are two friends not
two lovers.
Elbows propped on the granite-topped island, he tells me about Boise; I give him a brief review of
New York as I fill two mugs,
“You still drink it
straight?”
Nodding, wrapping his
hands around the steaming mug, he surprises me.
"I almost looked
you up when Deb and I stopped for a few days on our honeymoon trip to Europe.
She wanted to shop. I thought I could meet you for coffee or a drink. Then I
thought maybe it wasn't such a good idea."
"How long were you
married?"
"Seven years. She
was disappointed that ranching wasn't for me, and she didn't want to leave her
father's ranch, among other things."
A long pause as I refill
his mug nearly spilling it as I watch him get up and saunter around the living
room area looking at the pictures on the wall. Is it the broad shoulders? I put
down the coffee pot. Continuing to stare at him, I notice the tight butt, his
broad shoulders. I quickly reach for the coffee mugs when he takes a picture
from the wall and brings it to me.
"This is us. The night before graduation, right?"
I blush, remembering it
was more than the night before graduation. It was the first time we made love.
The way he looks at me,
I know he is remembering too. Abruptly he turns, hangs the picture back on the
wall, takes his time straightening it, and without turning he says softly, "I
think I better go. It's pretty late."
I feel the tension
building. Finally turning, he smiles, a smile I remember so well when it used
to make my heart dance.
"It was good seeing
you again, Kara. Maybe I'll run into you before I go back to Boise. You look
great."
That's it! Before I have
a chance to come around the island and walk him to the door, he is gone. I'm
not sure if I'm disappointed that he didn’t suggest we get together or
relieved.
///////////////////////////
In the bedroom, I search
for my phone and remember it's in the bathroom where I'd left it earlier when I showered. I
turn it over to check messages. There are two, both from Jamie whom I met two years
ago when he came to our advertising firm to hire us to create an ad campaign for
his online clothes store, 'The Complete Business Woman'.
We did not hit it off in
the beginning when I was assigned his account. It was my first solo account. I
was ecstatic to finally go from copywriter to assistant producer, to producer.
I would handle all the details from creating the ad, programming the script,
selecting a video company, and the director. Jamie was not happy when he
learned it was my first account. I shouldn't have mentioned it to him. Another
one of my unthinking blurts.
Stomping into Hal
Arnold, the agency manager’s office, he demanded his account be assigned to
someone with more experience. Hal assured him I was well experienced, had
fashion sense and style, and was perfectly capable of handling his account. He
resisted until he was told I was the only one available on short notice since he
wanted a pre-holiday campaign and other ad reps were already tied up.
We clashed on just about
everything from ad theme to script, to which video company to use, and director
to hire. I knew exactly who I wanted to direct, Josh Campbell. I'd worked with
him on other shoots when I was an assistant producer. He was a strong forceful
energy who didn't waste time and not bad to look at with compelling blue eyes, a smile often flickering in them when a scene went well.
On the set, he was all
about work and getting the job done right. Those who worked with him were the
best in the industry. Quiet and shy when not directing, I often found a reason
to talk with him about work, hoping to get to know him better. I liked the way
he treated everyone on the set from lighting guys to camera techs. He was firm
and well respected.
Sometimes we shared
coffee breaks and talked about doing more videos together. He had a way of
making me feel special and that he liked not only how we worked together but being with me. Once I thought
he was going to ask me out. He mentioned going to a gallery opening. Just when
I thought he was going to invite me, a prop dropped on the set. He was off to check it out. When the break was over, we went back to being work associates.
Getting him to direct
Jamie's account was an asset. He convinced Jamie I was well qualified. We took
him to lunch to go over the ad theme and script. I learned later that when I
left the table to take a call, he assured Jamie I was more than capable and highly
recommended me.
Our video theme was the
end of Fall and into holiday styles. His line of clothes was good at any time
of the year. I had to convince him it needed holiday accessories and colors.
It was when we were
choosing the accessories for various outfits that we mellowed into an easier
going relationship. He became a completely different person. His brown eyes
softening, and he even displayed a captivating smile when we found the perfect
necklace or bracelet for an outfit.
“Josh was right,” he
said one day touching my shoulder, “you have good fashion sense and style.”
Pausing a moment he added, “I also think he is interested in you as more than a
coworker.”
I may have blushed.
Hoping it might be true and disappointed when it didn't seem to be, I gave up
the idea of being more than an accounts manager to Josh.
In time, Jamie and I
began to relax more with each other. Before we finished his account, our eyes
locked into one of those 'boy meets girl and connect’ stares. My heart
fluttered. His might have too. I sensed an intense energy building between us. I had no
hesitancy when he suggested we go to dinner.
Being together working on
the video and going out a few nights a week led to romance, commitment, and
talk of a future together. That was until my outburst, our break-up, and his
refusal to get back to me when I tried to apologize.
Now he is calling,
texting, and emailing wanting me to come back to NY. I sense he is hinting at
getting back together. I am wavering, unsure, and then there is Greg. Am I
feeling something or just remembering a feeling?
///////////////////////
Tossing another outfit
on the piling heap on my bed, I am sure I lost what was supposed to be my sense
of style. Nothing looks good on me. I am frustrated and nervous about going to
dinner with Greg. We met accidentally on Main street yesterday. He invited me
to dinner, Without hesitation, I said yes. That warm, romantic feeling
scurrying from my toes to earlobes.
Taking deep breaths,
calming myself, or trying to, I'm thinking it's stupid to be nervous. It is just
two old friends going to dinner. After the holidays, he goes back to Boise,
I'll know by then if I am going back to New York.
I grab black wool pants
I had tossed on the bed earlier, pull a scooped neck red jersey off a hanger, and slip on
a short black blazer. Now for shoes.
Was that the doorbell a half-hour early. Greg was never early, more often late. Grabbing a
pair of black dress boots, I dash to the stairs and take a deep breath. I am
caught totally by surprise when I turn to the living area to greet Greg and see Jamie talking to mom.
“Surprise!” Embracing me
he holds me a bit tighter and longer than a greeting hug, whispering in my ear,
“I've missed you.”
“You didn't tell me
Jamie was coming.”
“I didn't know, Mom. I'm
as surprised as you are.”
There's a knock at the
door, then it opens and Greg comes in like he did when we were a couple. He's
holding a bouquet. Stopping abruptly as he walks towards us, a surprise and
questioning look in his eyes, he presents the flowers to Mom. “These are for
you, Mrs. M.”
Thanking him, she
suddenly reaches around his neck, hugging him “Welcome home, Greg. We've missed
you.”
Noticing my statue-like
stance and gaping mouth, Mom points to Jamie.
"Greg, this is
Kara's coworker friend from NY, Jamie...I'm sorry Jamie, I don't know your last
name."
"Clayton," Jamie
nods to Greg, holds out his hand, "Kara was in charge of my commercial
account."
"Greg McLish. Kara
and I go way back to high school."
Awkward can't describe
the stiff tension. I suddenly come out of my stupor. "We were school
friends." I want to smack myself, hide somewhere, get out of the
uncomfortable situation. Both men are hiding the truth of their relationships
with me.
"Kara and I are
going to dinner to catch up on what's happened these past 15 years." Greg says.
"I flew in to
surprise her for the holidays." Jamie pauses, "I thought we could go over
some details for my next campaign."
"Kara, I thought
you weren't going back to NY." Mom blurts. I know where my unthinking
comments come from.
"You aren't coming
back?"
Jamie and Greg, along
with mom are waiting for my answer.
"I haven't decided
for sure, Mom. I'm still thinking about it." How am I going to get out of
this mess? How did I get into this mess?
"Why don't you and
Greg run along," Mom nods toward the door. "I can fix something for
Jamie and me. “You will stay?" She turns to him, "I insist." Pointing towards the door she say, "Now you
two go, catch up on your lives before Greg goes back to Boise." She is
attempting to ease the situation.
"Are you sure Mrs.
M?” Jamie asks. "Tell you what, why don't I take you to dinner. I'm sure
you have a favorite restaurant."
Of course, it happens,
it's inevitable, the powers that be are not with me tonight. Greg insists we
all go to dinner together, refusing to take no for an answer.
I cringe, sit on the
couch to slip on my boots as mom gets our coats. I can tell what she is
thinking. How did Kara let this happen?
/////////////////////
"I am guessing he
is more than a co-worker from New York." Greg breaks the uncomfortable
silence in the car. He is driving. Mom is with Jamie in his rental. She asked
him to drive saying she may need to leave early. She knows it is not a good
idea for all of us to ride in one car.
"Kara," Greg
glances at me. "I saw the way he looks at you. Besides, why would a
co-worker fly all the way here at Christmas just to discuss future ads?"
I'm hesitating, unsure
of how to respond. Do I tell Greg about my relationship with Jamie, my former
relationship? Do I tell him he is the boyfriend I broke up with?
“Hey, you can tell me.
We're old friends, remember?”
“We broke up a couple of
weeks ago.” I finally decide what to say.
Greg stops at a light,
turns towards me. “If you broke up, why is he here?”
I silently point to the
light. It is green.
He turns back to the
street. “I get it. He wants to get back together.
A momentary pause. “Is
he staying with you?” Another pause. “Sorry. That's none of my business.”
“No. He isn't staying
with me. I didn't know he was coming. He just showed up before you got there.”
Greg stops in front of
'Bonne Nourriture', a French-style popular restaurant on the north side of
town. The valet opens my door. Before I can get out, Greg takes my hand. “Kara.
I hope it works out for you.” He lets go of my hand and opens his door.
“Whatever it is you want.”
I let the valet help me
out. Mom is standing by my car door. I glance at Jamie's rental. He is handing
a key to another valet. Greg holds his arm out to mom. They start towards the
beveled double doors. Jamie puts his hand on my back guiding me behind them and
says.
“Greg's the guy you
almost married isn't he?"
Inside massive flower
arrangements, dimly lit chandeliers, and several roaring fireplaces combine to
produce a romantic atmosphere. Jamie helps me take off my coat, lightly brushing my neck with
his finger. It sends shivers down my back.
Gregg talks with the
hostess. The reservation is for two not four. Glancing around the room, I see
only couples at small white linen-covered tables.
Turning to us, Greg says
it will be a few moments for our table. Back near the kitchen, I see two
servers undoing two tables, pushing them together, and resetting them.
“It's a lovely place,
isn't it, Kara? Your dad and I came here once for an Anniversary dinner.”
“It reminds me of La
Grenouille in New York. Kara. Remember when we had dinner there last
Valentine's Day?” Jamie touches my shoulder.
I nod. Of course, I
remember. It was one of the most beautifully romantic restaurants I ever saw or
could even imagine.
“Remember the owner
telling us he named it after his wife, his little frog? Turning to mom and
Greg, he explains 'La Grenouille' means frog. “Kara and I thought it was a very
sweet sentiment.”
Thankfully we are guided
to the table, Greg grimaces. “Sorry, it is so close to the kitchen. It's the
only space available.”
“Hey.” Jamie touches
Greg's shoulder. “Would it be better if we split up? Mrs.M and I can sit at
another table.”
“Call me Marie,” Mom
tells him as Greg insists we sit together.
“A wine list, please,”
Greg tells the server. “Jamie, would you like to choose?”
“I usually like to wait
until I order to choose wine.” Mom picks up the menu.
“How about pre-dinner
cocktails? Marie, are you a Manhattan drinker like Kara?” Jamie winks at me.
“I thought you were a
Scotch Old Fashioned gal.”
I smile at Greg.
He turned me onto Scotch Old Fashioned drinks when we spent a week on a
Caribbean cruise during college Spring Break.
Waiting for our
cocktails, we are quietly looking at the menus. Finally, we order. I pick up
the breadbasket, take a roll, pass the basket to mom as the server fills our
crystal water goblets.
"So, are you going
to be here for Christmas?" Greg asks Jamie.
"Not sure."
"No family back in
New York?"
"No, my parents are
in Europe for three months."
"Greg, will you be
staying or going back to Boise?" Mom spreads butter on a piece of roll.
“I plan to be here
through the New Year.” Greg looks from Mom to me. “Remember the New Year's Eve
party we went to before I left for Boise?”
I shake my head. Why?
Why did I shake my head? I remember it so well. It was the night I didn't
accept his proposal.
I am becoming annoyed.
They are playing a game. No longer avoiding talking about their relationships
with me, they are now sparring, a 'do you remember jab' here and there.
Thankfully our food arrives. I will get through this.
Mom knows what is
happening. She changes the subject. “I heard on this evening's news a snowstorm
is heading this way. Should hit this weekend.”
“That's not good. It
could spoil the pre-Christmas weekend festival.” Greg says.
“I haven't been to a
Christmas festival since I left my hometown and went to New York.”
Mom looks at Jamie.
“Where are you from?”
And small talk ensues as
we go from Christmas Festival to the news of the week. A difference of
political opinions changes that subject to Jamie mentioning he would like to
talk with me tomorrow about producing his Spring fashion video.
I hear music coming from
a room adjacent to the dining area. A combo is starting to play and some of the
couples at other tables go there.
Looking at Jamie, mom
says.“I hate to break this up, but I feel I need to go home.”
“No problem.” Jamie
folds his napkin, places it on the table.
Before he stands, Greg
says, “I'll be happy to take you, Mrs. M. Okay if I have one dance with Kara
before we go....for old time's sake?”
Jamie and Greg stand as
I get up, hesitant at first until Greg reaches for my hand. On the dance floor,
he holds me loosely. “Deb called earlier today.”
"Deb?”
“My ex-wife. She wants
to know when I'm coming home.”
“Home?”
"Back to Boise. To
her dad's ranch where we lived. I think she wants to try again.”
“Do you?”
“No. I don't but...”
“But what?” I'm not sure
what I want to hear as his answer.
He pulls me closer, his
cheek against mine, his arms tightening.
“It depends.” He
whispers hoarsely.
“Depends on what?” I
murmur.
“On what happens here.”
Pulling me tighter against him, I feel his heart beating as mine joins the
rhythm. “I’ve never stopped loving you, Kara”.
He suddenly releases me,
quickly turns and I watch him walk back to the table, help mom out of her
chair, and a nod to Jamie.
I’m speechless on the
dance floor. Not sure how I’m feeling, just aware that long-hidden thoughts and
feelings are surfacing.
“Would you like to dance
or just stand here swaying to the music?” Jamie is smiling. Not waiting for me
to get out of my stupor, he wraps his arms around my waist and begins slowly
moving me from side to side. It's like it was in New York, we fit perfectly
together, at least on the dance floor.
////////////////////////
Claire wakes me with
bagels and a steaming take-out cup of black coffee. Groggily I stare at her
sitting yoga-style on the bottom of my bed.
“Wake up. I’ve got to
hear about last night.” She hands me a napkin wrapped sesame seed bagel oozing
with melted butter. “I called Greg this morning. He was groggier than you but
mumbled you all went to dinner together. I didn’t know your NY ex-was here.”
I lay the napkin wrapped
bagel on the night table, blow on the coffee, sip, blow again. It’s hotter than
hell.
“Kara! Details!”
“Give me a minute.” I
dash to the bathroom. Before going back to Claire, I wash my hands, splash
water on my face, and rinse my mouth. I crawl back into bed, stack every pillow
I can find behind my back and inhale the coffee steam.
“You’re stalling. I want
step by step, moment by moment details. Your mom didn’t say much when she let
me in other than the restaurant is lovely.”
I tell her how Jamie
surprised me. The awkwardness when Greg insisted we all go to dinner. I even
mention my annoyance at their sparring with 'remember this, remember that’. I
grab the bagel, take a big bite to give myself time to put my thoughts
together.
“And..go on.”
I swallow and start to
take another bite. She grabs the bagel from me.
“Details, Kara.”
I’m still unsure what I
think about what happened. I tell her about dancing with Greg and how Jamie
wrapped his arms around me on the dance floor.”
“Oh good heavens. First,
you have no boyfriend and now you have two.”
“Exes, Claire.
Ex-boyfriends.”
“So Greg tells you he still
loves you, and Jamie came all this way because he does too. What are you going
to do?”
I close my eyes, shake
my head, so unsure. Words to an old song on one of my Grandma’s records seeps
into my mind. “Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool…” I can’t remember
the next lines.
“You look like you are
in agony.” Claire stands. “Go shower, get dressed. We can do some Christmas
shopping. You can make up your mind later. I’ll go downstairs and chat with
your mom. Maybe she can give me better details.”
//////////////
Light rain is falling
as we slip on the icy sidewalk. Downtown is only minutes away. The stores are
beautifully decorated, most for Christmas and some for Hanukkah. Salvation Army
volunteers are outside some of the shops. It is a time for giving. I’m wrapped
in a big bear hug by a Santa outside Bella’s Boutique. I recognize Pete Sloane,
he’s been Santa since I was in high school.
“Home for the holidays?”
He asks.
“Maybe for good,” Claire
tells him as he hugs her.
“Good to see you both.
Merry Christmas.” He goes back to ringing his bell and smiling at everyone
passing by.
Inside Bella’s, I find
the perfect beige cashmere sweater for mom. Claire holds up a pair of sparkling
earrings. We finish shopping and go to Vic’s for lunch. It’s a cafe serving
breakfast and lunch during the day and a bar at night.
Once we are sitting, I
reach in my purse for my phone. It’s not there. I left it at home. Why do I feel
lost without my phone? I’m not addicted to it, am I? I ask Claire to use hers
to see if mom needs me to pick up anything.
While she is searching
her purse, I look over at the bar just as Jamie spins on the stool, breaks into
a big smile, and comes to our table.
“I called you a couple
of times earlier.”
“I forgot my phone.”
I introduce him to
Claire. She invites him to join us. He goes back to the bar and returns with
his meal and coffee. Sitting, he looks at Claire. “Any chance you can talk Kara
into coming back to NY?”
“I don’t think I want
her to. I’ve missed her and glad she is home.”
Peggy Brandt, our
server, puts our Cobb salads on the table.”Vic says it’s on the house and
welcome home.”
“Is he in the kitchen?”
She nods. Isn’t he
always?”
“I’m going to run back
and thank him and get one of his big fatherly hugs.”
He welcomes me with his
usual bear hug. He and my dad were close friends.
“You look great,
Sweetheart. Are you home for the holidays?”
“I am thinking of
staying.”
“I hope you do. He turns
back to the burners. "I gotta get back to cooking. You come any time,
Kara. You are always welcome.”
I give him another hug
and scoot back to Claire and Jamie.
Jamie has finished his
burger and is drinking coffee. He and Claire are laughing as if they heard a
joke.
“What’s so funny?” I
slip back into the chair.
“Jamie was telling me
about the time you two got locked out of the video studio and when you tried
going in the back door all the alarms went off.”
Squinting at Jamie, I
tell him I didn’t think it was funny. Looking over at Claire, I can see she is
enjoying Jamie’s company. He is likable, charming, and makes friends easily.
Her phone rings as he
starts to tell her about the time we got lost on a hike in Vermont. She picks
up the phone, looks at who is calling and signals she is answering it. She goes
outside.
"I like her."
Jamie orders more coffee.
"She's great."
I nibble the last of my salad. For some reason, I'm feeling uncomfortable.
"Kara, can we go
somewhere from here? We need to talk."
Claire is back, hands me
the phone. “Kara, this is for you. I think you need to take it.”
“Is it Mom?”
Shaking her head she
tells me it's Greg and he needs to talk to me.
I take the phone, see
Jamie frown, Claire shrugs her shoulders, and I go outside. Greg is standing
there, the phone to his ear.
“What.” I click off the
phone, slip it into my pocket. “What is so urgent it couldn't wait?” I'm
annoyed. I don't know why I'm annoyed.
“My mom asked me to see
if you can help her put up her booth for the festival. She says I'm no help
decorating and she can't get here until tonight. Her sister had an emergency in
Hanover and she is there.”
“That couldn't wait
until I finished lunch?”
“The festival starts
tomorrow. There are only a couple hours left to do it, and I just got it put
together. Decorating is not one of my talents. Kara, we need you.”
“Let me get my coat and
tell Claire what's going on. Maybe she can help.”
“Sorry kiddo, I've got a
meeting with a potential buyer at 3:00.” She tells me. Claire is a real estate
broker.
“Can I help?” Jamie
asks.
I hesitate, he smiles.
“I'm not bad with a stapler and hanging wreaths.”
I'm thinking it is not a
good idea but can't turn him down. With only a couple of hours to work, I can
use the help. I am hoping I won't regret it.
It's hard to do anything
when it is so cold. I can't wear my gloves to decorate. The temperature must
have dropped 10 degrees since Claire and I left to shop. I can feel the storm
mom mentioned is on its way.
Greg greets Jamie with a
nod. I am uncomfortable with both of them silently stapling, hanging, and
hammering items as I point where I think they should be. I'm glad I let Jamie
help but wish there is some way I can ease the tension between him and Greg.
Mistletoe is the last
decoration to hang. I hand it to Greg and point to the overhang of the booth.
Looking at Jamie, he
smiles, holds it over my head, and I move away. Shrugging his shoulders, he
hangs it in the middle where I had pointed. Anyone coming to the booth tomorrow
to look at and maybe buy the baked goods will be under it.
Finally, he shakes
Jamie's hand, hugs me, and thanks us for the help. Before we walk away,
he pulls me to him. Ignoring Jamie, he says, “I'll pick you up about 8:00 for
our 'catch up with old times' dinner we didn't have last night.”
I pull away.
“Are you good with
that?” He asks.
I nod, smile and walk
away. Beside me, Jamie puts his arm around me, pulling me closer.
Another game between
them has begun
//////////
Mom has turned the porch
light on. Nighttime is slipping in as fast as the storm clouds. Chilling cold
is wrapping around us. Jamie's nearness helps a bit, but I can't wait to get
into the warmth of the house.
We are standing at the
door. Jamie is waiting. I know he expects me to invite him in. I don't because
I have to shower and get ready for Greg. Just as I am thanking him for walking
me home, mom opens the door.
“Thank goodness you are
home, Kara. Hi, Jamie.” Without blinking an eye she pulls us into the house.
“There are storm
warnings all over the news. I was getting alarmed, especially since I knew you
didn't have your phone with you.”
“Jamie, can you stay for
dinner?”
“Mom, I'm going out for
dinner.”
“Oh. You and Jamie?”
“No mom, with Greg.”
Awkwardness ensues until
Jamie thanks her for the invitation and declines saying he has to get to the
hotel and get in touch with the company manager. “My employees are getting
anxious about when I'm coming back to NY.”
“Have you decided?”
“No, but I have to
pretty soon. The company can't run just on the phone and computer.” Taking my
hand, he asks me to meet him for breakfast at Vic's. I agree and tell him
goodnight.
He starts toward the
door. “Oh, by the way, Josh texted me today wanting to know how to get in touch
with you. He said you didn't answer his calls or texts today."
“Josh?” Mom asks.
“He's someone I work
with on commercial videos. I should say ‘worked’ with.”
"I'll call him,
Jamie. Thanks for letting me know." He touches my cheek lightly and
quickly walks out the door. A snap of cold air tinged with snowflakes slips
into the room.
My phone battery has run
out. I snap on the charger and plug it in before my shower. I’m trying not to
think of anything or anyone as the hot water warms me. I don’t want to go back
out into the cold. I shiver thinking about it.
Wrapping myself in a
towel and adding a warm robe, I tackle drying my hair. Mom opens the door
slightly. I jump and drop the blow dryer when she taps me on the shoulder.
“Greg is downstairs.”
“Oh no. Mom I don’t want
to go out in this cold.”
“Not to worry. I have
lasagna in the oven, garlic bread thawing, there are salad fixings, and I have
some nice red wine. He can join us.”
Before I reply, she
closes the door.
Relieved we aren’t going
out, I finger fluff my hair, dab on a bit of blush and mascara before slipping
into an old pair of wool slacks I find in my closet. I top it with a bulky knit
sweater and realize it is a sweater Greg gave me one year for Christmas.
Grabbing my phone, I
glance at the screen. One call jumps out at me from all the others, Josh
Campbell.
/////////////
Greg and Mom are in the
kitchen. He is opening the wine as she takes the lasagna from the oven and
slides in the garlic bread.
“Dinner is nearly ready,”
Mom says and adds, “I’m going to freshen up.”
Greg puts the wine
bottle on the island, stares at me a moment, glides over and kisses me lightly
on the cheek. “You look great, Kara. But then you always do.”
“Thanks.” I get wine
glasses from a cupboard and hand them to him. Mom comes back, asks me to get
the bread as she carries the lasagna and salad to the dining room table. Greg
brings the glasses and wine.
We talk about the
weather, the possibility of the festival being canceled, and wonder if the roads
will close. Greg asks if I’ve made up my mind about staying in Homewood. I
shake my head as an image of Josh flashes through my mind. I am anxious to
listen to his voice message.
After dinner mom insists
Greg and I go into the living room while she cleans the kitchen. We both offer
to help. She is firm about doing it herself.
The rest of the evening
drags on as we discuss mundane topics. I am getting anxious for it to be over.
That’s when it becomes obvious to me. I am suddenly aware that turning down his
proposal because I wanted to go to New York was not the only reason. It was
that I wasn’t in love with him enough to consider spending the rest of my life
with him.
“I’m heading up to bed.”
Mom leans over and kisses me on top of my head. “It was good to see you again
Greg, hope you will come by on Christmas Day.”
He stands, hugs her,
then turns to me. “I’m going to be going. I think I’d better get back to mom’s
before the roads are closed.”
I can tell he knows it
too, there is no spark, no bells, and whistles, or flashing lights, only
memories of what had been. At the door, he takes my hands, gives them a
squeeze, another light kiss on the cheek, and says. “It was good seeing you
again, Kara. I hope whatever you decide to do works for you.”
“Thanks, Greg. Be sure
to come by Christmas Day and bring your mom if she’s free.”
The wind gushes and the
pelting snow flies in when I open the door. He leaves quickly. I shut it, hurry
to the kitchen, and get my phone. I hear Josh’s message.
“Kara, I heard about the
company downsizing. I’m sorry it meant losing your job. I’m wondering if you
would consider working full time for me.” There’s a pause. I think he has hung
up. “I think you are good at what you do. We work well together," another
pause then, "I like being with you, and I heard Jamie is seeing
someone else." He ended the message with, “I hope you call me back with a
yes."
I listen to it several
times before checking calls that came in while I was downtown. Three from Greg;
two from Jamie, and another from Jamie after he went back to the hotel.
“Kara, I am heading to
the airport before all flights are canceled. Call me when you get this.”
I speed-dial him.
"Kara, you got my
message. I'm about to board the plane."
“I heard the weather
might close down flights.” I pause a moment and continue firmly. “ Jamie, I
want to know why you came here. What was the real reason?"
"I wanted to talk
you into coming back to New York. You are the only one I want to work on my
ads. I have a brand new line coming out for the Spring season, and,
Kara...." I wait for him to continue. "I'm seeing someone. I wanted
to tell you in person, not on the phone. She was one of the models in our
video."
"I'm happy for you,
Jamie.”
“Every time I thought I
could tell you, something came up and we were never alone, except for that
first night when Greg took your mom home. I wasn’t sure what to say or how to
tell you.”
Now I am unsure what to
say.
“I was hoping to take
you to dinner tonight and tell you, but Greg beat me to it.”
“Jamie, it’s okay. I
hope you have a safe flight.”
Putting down the phone,
I am feeling relieved. I don’t have to decide between Greg and Jamie. My only
decision now is should I call Josh tonight or tomorrow?
Picking up the phone, I
speed dial Josh’s number. I hope mom and Claire are okay with me going back to
New York after Christmas. How can I turn down doing what I love, in a city I
love, and well, then there's Josh?
The End
More Mary McCauley short
stories.
Click any headline to go to
that story.
Ellen returns to Chicago
after 24 years and runs into Jack Logan, a guy she lusted for but never met.
She connects with him in a museum and thinks maybe there is a chance for
romance but...isn't there always a but....she reads of a possible engagement
between him and Mindy. He assures her there isn't; they begin a relationship
and suddenly she receives threatening phone calls.
Callan has only one more
Internet Match to satisfy her mom's pleading. Thank goodness it would be over,
but why was there no match? What was wrong with her? The four men she met
seemed bored with her, uninterested, and did not even say anything other than goodnight.
Thankfully only one more to go.
Older Friends With Benefits!
Bruce and I had a consenting
relationship that seemed to be working well for both of us. Things changed
after my adult daughter came by as we were finishing breakfast.
Harry and Meg became friends
online. Thinking it might become more than friends, they agree to meet on a
weekend cruise to the Bahamas. Each has a secret about themselves they need to
reveal. Will it stop a romance before it begins?
It's been six years since
Justin broke Shaye's heart. Now he is home, a war hero. Will seeing him again
bring back her heartache?
Time again he promised her and
his mother he was coming home for good. Finally, he did, on the last train from
New Orleans,
She thought she was too old for
romance. She had not dated since her husband and then her invalid mother died.
Was she ready, or was she too old for romance? Dating again let her know.
Sheila's heart beats faster as
she watches the handsome Todd Prentice pitch to her young son. Disappointment
sets in when a gorgeous blond picks him up in a red sports car.
For the first time since his
wife died, David is attracted to another woman. It isn't just the sexy jeans
and shoulder-length auburn hair that attracts him. It's something about her
eyes. He has looked into them before but where? Why are they so hauntingly
familiar?
Being
female in a brawny male career field isn't easy, especially when you are not
only female but also little and considered cute. Alley struggles with
this in the male-dominated private detective industry. Other private eyes are
either lusting after her, not adverse to making overt suggestions, or trying to
undermine her investigations.
It has been 44 years since
Megan has seen Robert, the father of her son. He is in the church at her
Granddaughter's wedding and will be at the reception. Megan fears he will
reveal the secret she has kept from her son all these years. Why and how did
she keep the secret? Why had she not married Robert? How will she react when
she sees him again?
There is no way Lord Cranston's
parents would approve of the American he brought home to be his bride. At
least, that's what he is hoping.
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