by Diana Currie
I show Kelly to their room and help her carry one of the suitcases. They packed light and will only be staying a few days. The fishermen's rooms have all be thoroughly cleaned today but even so, I've decided to put them in the blue room which hasn't been occupied for a while. It's next to Larry's empty room and hopefully there's no lingering fish odor. Kelly leaves the door open while she freshens up from their long drive and Leila seems right at home playing Barbie's with Gabby. My daughter is in seventh heaven already.
Dinner is about fifteen minutes from being done when Adam finally returns. I want to hear all about his day but I'm caught up in food preparation and can't leave the stove. It's important to me to make a good impression on the new guests, and to be honest with myself, I'm still trying to impress Adam too. Kelly is sitting in the living room familiarizing herself with one of my hand drawn town maps while the kids play Legos on the floor.
Adam sees Kelly sitting there but still comes into the kitchen to greet me first. One point for Amanda. The butterflies fly a little victory lap around my tummy. He leans against the counter, smiling at me as I rush around to get everything ready at once. I think he likes seeing me flustered.
"Need any help?" he offers politely.
I let him take the serving bowls to the dining table as they become ready. Soon I've got it all done and ring the bell over the sink to call everyone to the table. I love ringing that bell. Even though everyone in the house is just in the next room, I get a nostalgic warm and fuzzy feeling inside when I hear the bell ring. It belonged to Rebecca's grandmother, the original owner of the house, and reminds me of my childhood.
The six of us congregate in the dining room and I make the necessary introductions. "Kelly, this is Adam Brickman. He's new to town and is about to take over as our pediatrician. Adam, Kelly and her daughter, Leila, are thinking about moving to Swainsboro too."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she says with a flutter of her eye lashes.
"Likewise," Adam replies walking past two empty chairs to take the seat beside me. Another point for Amanda.
Adam has polite conversation with Kelly while I dish food out onto the kids’ plates and cut up their meat. He asks about her interest in moving to town and he shares his parents experience with that same decision.
"What made you decide on Swainsboro of all places, Kelly?" Adam asks conversationally.
“My cousin grew up here. He convinced me to consider the town when I mentioned I wanted to move, so here I am. He feels the same way about this place as your mother does. I would stay with him but he's married with four sons." She smiles and rolls her eyes.
Kelly's description of her cousin is enough for me to identify him. George Olsen. Wife, Beth Anne. They have four boys, the oldest of which will be sorely disappointed to learn Adam is building on the land off that dirt path in the woods. See how small this town is? Absurd. George is a nice enough guy. He's in his late thirties and manages the only men's clothing store in town. Because of his age and profession I don't run into George or Beth Ann often, but I think my dad's played bingo with him at the church a time or two.
"Well, coming from someone who has just made the decision you're contemplating, I have to say that if a close knit community is what you’re after, this is the place. Everywhere I go people already seem to know who I am," Adam says chuckling.
Kelly takes a bite of food and makes a yummy noise. "So, Adam, if you've already decided to move here why are you staying here at Thatcher’s? If you don't mind my asking."
"Mostly for Amanda's cooking," he replies and winks at me. "And also because I'm building a house and it won't be ready for quite some time."
I know I’m blushing now. "Adam, how did your meeting go?" I ask remembering he was going over paperwork with the realtor today.
Adam's face lights up with excitement. "I signed the paperwork. Andrew emailed me some specs. He's working on a schedule and thinks I might be able to move in by Christmas."
"Christmas!" I exclaim in a high squeaky voice. Where did that come from?
Adam chuckles at my reaction but nods his head. "Yep, cross your fingers."
I can't believe Adam might be living here for the next six months. I really need to convince Mr. Thatcher to lower his rate so Adam won't have to leave.
"That's very exciting," Kelly replies, giving him that look. The one that says 'I'm enjoying this pleasant conversation, but when can we take this up to your bedroom?' "Any tips for me about the houses on the market here? My boyfriend and I were hoping to find a three bedroom with a yard for Leila."
Once I hear that blessed word boyfriend my whole body relaxes. Maybe I was wrong about her.
"But then we broke up. So it's just me and Leila now," she shrugs.
Bad words. Lots of bad words are being shouted inside my head. Damn it, I'm pathetic. If I have no intentions of dating this man then I really need to accept the fact that sooner or later someone else will. Ugh, I am not looking forward to that. Just, please God, don't let it be Nikki. Or Rebecca, that would be awkward. Or Kim the nurse. Damn it...
"Amanda?" Adam says. I have a feeling it isn't the first time he's called my name.
"Yes?" I reply coming out of my inner diatribe.
He smiles knowing he caught me daydreaming at the table. "I was going to offer to help you clear the table."
I look around and see everyone's plates are clean already. I guess that means everyone liked the food. Why is it that preparing the meal takes hours and eating it takes a few minutes?
"I'd appreciate that, thank you," I say returning his smile.
Gabby and Tyler bring their plates to the sink and then I tell them to put away all the toys. We've been here all day and I'd like to get them home as soon as I can. I wash dishes while they clean up the mess of Legos all over the living room floor. I hear Gabby asking Leila if they can play again tomorrow. It's really cute to see her with another girl. She wants a baby sister so badly but I know that isn't in the cards for us. It makes me kind of sad. There are far too many boy children in this town. I’m sure it won’t bother her so much when she hits her teen years.
"Drifting off again?" I hear Adam ask.
"What? Oh yeah, sorry. I'm sort of out of it today."
"Did you get all your cleaning done? How bad was it?" Adam asks referring to the mess I had to deal with when he left this morning.
"It was bad, I'm not gonna lie. But I got everything done by the time Kelly checked in, thank goodness. Oh, crap. Except I have sheets and pillow cases in the dryers," I answer more to myself than to him.
"I'll get them," Adam replies and is on his way down the basement steps before I can refuse. Honestly, this man. He's so eager to please.
Gabby and Tyler come into the kitchen with their bags packed and look happy to be leaving. They haven't been home since yesterday morning. Adam carries both loads of clean sheets up from the basement and deposits them on the green room's bed. He eyes my kids as he reenters the kitchen.
"Are you guys headed out so soon?" he asks.
I've just finished the dishes and turn around as I dry my hands on a clean towel. "Yes, I need to get the kids home. And I'm exhausted," I say.
"Okay, I'll see you all tomorrow?" Adam asks.
"I'll be here right after dropping them off at daycare. What do you want for breakfast?"
"I thought I only get meatloaf from here on out?" he teases grinning at me with a twinkle in his pretty green eyes.
"Obviously I'm cooking a hot breakfast to impress Kelly and Leila, not you. I was just asking your preference," I reply with a silly grin to match his.
"How about pancakes?"
"You got it. Have a good night, Adam."
He looks to the kids and gives them each a high five. Then turns back to me and says, "Have a good night, Miss Sommerer."
Adam gets himself a glass of water and heads up the stairs. Just as I'm shuffling the kids towards the front door I hear the floorboards creak above my head as Adam enters his room. A few seco
nds later his infectious laughter floats down the stairs. He found my note on his pillow.
The next day I take Tyler and Gabby to daycare and hurry over to the B&B for breakfast. I'm looking forward to getting to work again, not a good sign for my self preservation. No matter what I do I can't stop thinking about Adam Brickman. Luckily, I have three guests to feed and lots of chores to keep me busy. Then I have plans with Rebecca to hang out at Sarah's after work. I'm in need of some serious girl time.
Today I make sure to be in the kitchen when Adam returns from his run because I intentionally dodged him yesterday and now I’m experiencing withdrawal. Yes, bare-chested Adam withdrawal, it’s a real thing. Kelly's bedroom door is closed when he walks passed; too bad for her. Adam greets me with a smile and wipes the sweat off his face with the t-shirt he holds in his left hand. I've learned that's the best opportunity to sneak a quick look at his upper body without him noticing.
"Good run?" I ask.
"Very good," he replies and then darts up the stairs. A minute later I hear the water running in the bathroom. Adam seems to be quite consistent in the morning and I like being privy to his morning routine. It makes me feel close to him in a strange way.
Pancakes with blueberries, strawberries, and maple syrup are served at eight am. Mr. Beautiful has eyes the size of saucers when he comes downstairs and sees I've come through for him once again. Over breakfast I give Kelly some more tips on the town. She's going over to the school first and wanted to know where a nice place to have lunch would be. I recommend the local diner because there really aren't many other options. Kelly is a nice woman and Leila is a well behaved kid. I really like them both and a part of me hopes they do decide to move to Swainsboro. I could see us being friends. Unless she starts dating Adam. I physically shiver at the thought.
Adam says he's leaving for Dr. Brickman's office just a few minutes after breakfast. "Have you looked outside today, pal. I hope someone is picking you up," I say pointing out the window at the heavy rainfall.
"Shit, I guess I should have checked the weather report," he says frowning. "I'm still working on getting a car."
"Yeah, you really need to get a set of wheels. You can borrow mine today if you want. I don't go pick up the kids until 4:30."
He grins but refuses to accept the offer to drive my car. "Thank you, but I'll manage. The office is only five or six blocks from here."
I quirk an eyebrow at him as he reaches for one of the courtesy umbrellas that sit at the base of the coat rack by the front door. He's going to get soaked and he doesn't even have rain boots on his feet. I wonder if he really just hates my old junker. My rusty dented car may be an eyesore but she is waterproof.
"Suit yourself, Honda hater," I tease. He smiles guiltily knowing I've got him pegged. I decide to just let him walk in the rain in his dress shoes; he'll learn quickly.
"I'm making lasagna for dinner and will leave it warming in the oven, okay? My father's coming over for dinner at my house so I won't be back tonight. Do you need me to do anything for you today?"
"Just some clothes to wash. I left them in the designated laundry bag," he replies.
"Okay, I'll take care of it. Have a good day, Doctor."
He chuckles fiddling with the umbrella at the front door. "You too, Hotel Manager. Tell Pastor Sommerer I said hello."
I watch him walk out into the rain and barely miss stepping into a deep puddle. "Egads!" he exclaims looking back at me and winking. I laugh uncontrollably as I wave goodbye and close the front door tightly.
I can't stop smiling for at least twenty minutes. Adam seems to have that effect on me quite often. I continue to grin like a fool as I start on my mental list of chores for the day. Kelly doesn't have any laundry for me yet so I take Adam's bag down to the basement and get his load started. I have some other chores to do like dusting, vacuuming, and washing the dishes from breakfast. I spend the afternoon whistling while I work with daytime talk shows on the living room television to keep me company.
Kelly and Leila have been out all day and I hope they're finding the town to their liking. They haven't yet returned by the time I leave to pick up Tyler and Gabby at 4:15 so I leave a note on the refrigerator to tell them about the lasagna I made. There's a Caesar salad prepared and wrapped up in the fridge to go with it. I make sure to set the table for three and return Adam's clean laundry to his room before I leave for the day.
Dad shows up at my house around 5:30 and I've got dinner in the oven already. Tyler and Gabby love it when their grandpa comes to visit. He keeps them busy while I finish getting our food on the table. After eating together I get everyone situated on the sofa. Pajamas are on, kitchen is cleaned, and I instruct my father as to what snacks the kids are allowed to have when they get hungry again. Dad is going to watch a movie with them while I go meet Rebecca at Sarah's.
I kiss the kiddies goodbye and head out the door dressed in snug denim jeans and a beige top that shows just the right amount of cleavage. I'm feeling rather good tonight and looking forward to catching up with Rebecca. We meet inside the bar and find ourselves a table. It's not very busy being a Monday night. I recognize some of Rachel's regulars, and one or two people I went to high school with. We plop down in our chairs and sigh at the same time, which then makes us both giggle. This feels good.
"You first or me?" Rebecca asks. It seems like we both are in need of girl talk tonight.
"After you. What's been happening with Eric lately? Or not happening I should say," I joke.
Rebecca's mouth turns up into a smile slightly but then it slips away. "Friday night was fun but it made me realize Eric is never going to ask me out. If we're ever going to become more than just friends I will probably have to initiate it, which I think I'm ready to do. I just don't know how to go about it."
"He does scare easy," I agree. "Becca, I'm proud of you for wanting to take control. It's time, and if Eric is really the man you want then go get him already!"
"But how, Amanda? Tell me what to do!"
Just as I'm about to give her my advice Rachel comes over to our little table. "Hey ladies, looking good tonight!" she greets cheerily. "What are we drinking?"
"Hey, Rach! I'll take a margarita and a water please," Rebecca says.
"Same for me. How are you?"
Rachel glances around the modestly filled bar and smiles. "Can't complain. Looking forward to tourist season of course. Thanks for sending those guests over last week, Mandy. They sure can drink!"
"Ah, yes. My merry fishermen. They were cool, just a tad on the messy side," I reply crinkling my nose.
"We had fun here the other night. They were drinking and carrying on; entertained the whole crowd," Rachel says.
"I hope they behaved," I laugh. "They said you were awesome too, which was no surprise to hear."
"You got that right! Well, let me go make your drinks. I'll have one of my waitresses bring them over. Come sit at the bar later if I'm not busy."
"We will. Thanks, Rachel."
"So about Eric," I say to get us back on track. This particular conversation is long overdue and I don’t want to forget the advice I was about to give my friend. "I've been thinking about how you should do this for years, Rebecca. Seriously, years. What you need to do is take him somewhere you're both comfortable. I'd suggest Margo's Coffee Shop. It's cozy, soft music in the background, big comfy sofas where you can sit next to him and sip cappuccino. Talk to him for a while like always, make sure he's giving you that look that he always gives you, and then just put your hand over his. It's subtle; you won't have to worry about getting the right words out. Just take his hand, look into his eyes, and smile that super sweet Rebecca smile."
"You think he'll get the message? What if he just assumes my hand is cold and I want him to warm it up?" she asks seriously.
I roll my eyes. "Then tell him your lips are chilly too."
She giggles. "You might be on to something, Mandy. I've been fixated on exactly how to phrase what I want to say. Do I go
with "Eric, I'm in love with you," or "I think we should go out on a date," or even "kiss me already, you friggin' idiot!"
We both laugh as the waitress delivers our margaritas. I love Rebecca so much, she is truly the best friend a girl could ask for, and I really want her to be happy. We toast to our friendship and clink our glasses together.
"Now about you, missy," she says pointing her finger at me. "How are you going to tell Adam Brickman how you feel about him?"
"What are you talking about? I don't have anything to tell! He's too sexy for his own good and I'm a little infatuated. I'm dealing with it, making sure he's a satisfied B&B customer, and when he isn't looking I wipe the excess drool off my chin," I tease.
"Um, Amanda? Were you at the same dinner and movie I was Friday night? That man is severely crushing on you."
"No, he isn't, Becca. He just went with us because he's trying to make some friends in a new town. And even if he was into me, I'm not ready to date," I argue.
"Amanda, you know how great I think it would be if you could fix your marriage. Believe me, I do. But if you've really moved on then it's okay to start dating other men. Of course Tommy will have a hard time with it, but that will happen regardless of how long you wait."
"Not if I wait until he's remarried," I reply only half kidding.
She rolls her eyes at me. "You are too much! Adam Brickman likes you."
"This you're absolutely positive about after meeting him, what three times? But you still aren't convinced Eric Chapman wants you after nine years?"
Rebecca thinks for a moment and can't come up with a defense. She knows I have a valid point. "There's much more at stake with me and Eric. We have a long standing friendship that would be ruined if I admit my feelings and it turns out he's not into me too. But Adam is new to town. If I'm wrong, which I'm not, then you let it roll of your back and move on to the next guy."