Three of Hearts

by W. Ferraro

  Robyn called to her brother to follow her in so they could discuss Mae and her rent payment. Now was as good a time as any to lay into Robyn for not following his instructions. Without surprise Robyn didn’t go into the apartment but went into the main house. Seth followed her in and immediately noticed the boys had pretty much eaten him out of house and home. There were cereal boxes laying all over the counters as well as chip bags and pretzel boxes. An open container of Rocky Road ice cream that was now dripping onto the floor—because apparently they couldn’t quite eat the whole quart but god forbid, they put it back in the freezer. Seth was about to turn around and yell for the boys to get their Irish hides in this house to clean up this mess when Robyn read his thoughts. “Leave them be, I’ll clean this up before Lynne comes home and besides you heard Conner, they are on prime fishing.”

  Seth knew he could never repay Robyn for moving in after Megan was born and taking over the full time care of three kids, including a new born baby. But he hated how she covered for them and went easy on them all the time. He loved his kids, but knew his kids took advantage of Robyn and Lynne’s kind heartedness. He thought it was time to have a talk with his kids.

  “So dear brother, I can clean and talk so tell me what you think of Mae.” Robyn said.

  “Ro, how many times do I have to tell you, I don’t want to rent to a couple. I was very clear when I told you I wanted a single person who wasn’t going to be home too much. Now you’ve pretty much guaranteed her this apartment and I’m going to be the asshole that says no.” Robyn stared blankly at her brother and then said “Seth what are you talking about? She is a single person looking to rent.”

  “But the Camaro—” Seth started.

  Robyn more than willingly finished for him “. . . can be owned and driven by a woman. Sometimes Seth, your Neanderthal tendencies show,” Robyn finished with a laugh that came right from her belly.

  Now with his Irish temper aflame, “I do not have Neanderthal tendencies; I just assumed that car was not hers! How do you know she is single?”

  “Because dear brother, when I spoke with her on the phone earlier, I asked her given your specific requirements of a single person renting the apartment. She confirmed it would just be her. She further explained that she was new to Hamden and just transferred to the hospital from Boston.” Robyn was nervous about adding this additional piece of information but knew it would eventually come up so she thought to just get it out of the way. “Mae is an oncology nurse at the Cancer Center at Hamden General.” She looked at Seth to see how he swallowed that bit of information and was not disappointed when she saw the pulse in his throat beat faster.

  After a short bit of silence Seth added “Well they need all the help they can get, don’t they?” and on that note, Robyn knew there would be no more discussing the cancer center any more.

  “Seriously Seth, Mae fits all of your requirements for the apartment and I don’t think she is going to be having any wild parties. Besides I like her. And I think she will be good for Megan. You don’t need to charge a fortune for the apartment; God knows you don’t need the money. So give Mae a chance. If you would feel better why don’t you do a shorter lease? That way if I’m wrong, but we both know I’m not, you don’t have to renew if you don’t want to.”

  “Fine, whatever, if you say she is good for it, give her the go ahead. I swear Ro if you are wrong, you and Bryan are going to have a roommate fast.” Seth said with less bite in his tone.

  Robyn couldn’t wait to call Mae and let her know the apartment was hers.

  TWO

  Three weeks later, Mae was so excited about moving in to the apartment at Seth Finn’s house. She was overjoyed when Robyn told her that all the furnishing, towels and kitchenware would be staying. Given her lack of furniture, moving to another place meant just some boxes in a small U Haul—it would make moving day easy.

  With the U haul parked in the driveway, Mae was on her fourth trip carrying boxes when the boys from the other day came up to her. “Hi Ms. Turney, I’m Conner Finn. Can me, my brother Aidan and my friend Michael help you with your boxes?” Given that Mae was starting to think she was going to have a heart attack climbing the stairs another twenty times, she quickly took the boys up on their offer. But making sure they didn’t carry too much or anything too heavy especially the smaller boy, Aidan. On one of the last trips from the U haul to the apartment Mae could have sworn she saw something fast and red moving from the screen porch to the apartment entrance. Mae immediately dismissed it and thought she was just tired. Considering it was the beginning of April the weather was quite warm. Mae mentally chastised herself for not picking up something cold to drink. When the last box was in, she turned to the boys and said “thanks for all the help, I thought it was going to take me until tonight to get everything in. Let me just get my purse and I’ll pay you for your help.” Mae scurried around searching for where she left her purse. Conner spoke up. “No, that is ok Ms. Turney. My dad told us to help.”

  Mae was stunned “Well thank you guys. I really appreciate the help. And please call me Mae. Ms. Turney makes me look for my mother.” Both Mae and the boys laughed.

  Just as the boys were heading out, Mae asked them “can you guys tell me where the closest grocery store is so I can get some stuff for the apartment?” Conner turned to her with a smile and said, “Lynne stocked your fridge and cabinets this morning. Oh and I’m supposed to tell you she will be bringing some pot roast over for dinner. She thought to make it easy for you while you were moving.”

  Mae didn’t know what to say. After a moment, she answered, “well please tell your mom, I said thank you and to let me know how much I owe her.”

  The smaller of the boys responded this time. “I’m Aidan, Lynne isn’t our mom, she’s our housekeeper. Our mom died a long time ago.” And with that clear answer all three boys ran down the stairs and headed to the dock. Mae didn’t think she could be so stunned twice in such a short amount of time, but she was.

  After she came out of her stupor, she went about unpacking boxes. There wasn’t much for the kitchen and dining area except for her tea pots, cups and saucers and of course the china she inherited from Nana Jean.

  As Mae unpacked the china, she ran her fingers over the glazed glass of blue and orange. Admitting it wasn’t the prettiest of china patterns, she still loved it. She remembered as a child feeling so important eating off of it at Nana Jean’s house. When she passed away, Mae asked her mom if she could have it. Mae knew she wouldn’t use it often. Sometimes when she thought of Nana Jean, she would break out a plate and reminisce, and her heart would fill of warm, distant memories.

  Since Mae made quick work of those boxes she decided to head up to the bedroom, bath and unpack there. She walked up the stairs and could have sworn she heard a giggle. She got halfway up when she heard a knock from the door in the living room.

  Mae went back down the stairs and opened the door. On the other side stood a woman in her mid-fifties, with a grandmotherly look about her. She had her gray hair cut in a stylish bob and a white frilly apron covering her blue dress. When she spoke a lovely Irish accent could be heard. “Hello Ms. Turney, I’m Lynne O’Shanahan. I’m the Finns’ housekeeper. Are you settling in okay? Do you need help with anything?” Mae immediately thought of Nana Jean. The thought and pleasant demeanor of Lynne O’Shanahan made her smile.

  “Please Ms. O’Shanahan, call me Mae. And thank you for stocking the apartment up for me. I would really like to pay you for the groceries.”

  “Please call me Lynne, and the groceries are a welcome to the house. I hope Conner told you about my famous pot roast. It’s cooking as we speak and I thought you’d like a hot meal after your long day moving.”

  “That sounds fantastic. I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Is there anything I can do for you, or help you with, Mae?”

  “No I’m good but thank you for the offer. If you’d like to come in and have a cup of tea, I’d be happy to take a brea
k,” Mae said with a smile.

  Lynne responded in kind. “As delicious as that sounds, I will have to take a rain check on that cup of tea. I have some laundry about to need folding along with a few beds that need new linens. Please call over the house if you need anything. There is an intercom in your dining area.” With one last smile Lynne, closed the door, and Mae heard the click of a deadbolt.

  Mae climbed the stairs and opened the box marked Shoes, deciding here was a good of a place to start as any. She opened the door to the walk in closet and suddenly let out a scream as if being mauled by a grizzle bear. She dropped the box of shoes and landed on her bottom. On the inside of the door was a ghoulish mask with dark hollow sockets where eyes should be and a grotesque mouth. The body was concealed by a black hooded cloak. She regained her composure and, regardless of the fact that the unknown being was only tall enough to barely reach the light switch, Mae decided that she should probably still air on the side of caution.

  “Hi, I’m Mae; I don’t think I’ve been introduced to the closet ghoul.” With that the grotesque ghoul let out a giggle that was entirely female and quite contagious. Mae laughed along with the now hysterical ghoul and noticed a hint of bright red hair coming out of the hood. Still waiting for the little girl to make the move to remove the mask, Mae heard the living room door open and Lynne O’Shanahan climbing the stairs. “Megan Hope Finn, you apologize right this very minute to Mae for scaring her. You are supposed to be watching Tinkerbell in your room.” Lynne turned to Mae and in a heavy Irish accent. “Sweet Mae, I am so sorry she gave you a start. This is Seth’s youngest child, Megan. She is what we all call the “Spitfire.” If she isn’t causing trouble or jumping out at people you aren’t watching her close enough.” Even though there was bite in Lynne’s tone, Mae could tell there was also a lot of Love. Megan removed the cloak hood and mask and turned to Mae with a look that said “it was funny, what’s the problem”.

  The little girl was a redheaded angel. She had long bright red hair that hung in Shirley Temple spirals down to her bottom. Her skin was just as fair as her brothers and her eyes were that unique green that reminded Mae of an expensive jewel. Innumerable freckles covered her nose and cheeks, and she wore small gold Claddagh hoops in each ear. Her lips were pink like a rose. She still had a smile on her face and lingering giggles from the fright of Mae. Just as Lynne was grabbing for Megan’s hand, Mae got to hear her voice “you’re funny. You fell down. I’ve never made anyone fall over before.” Now Mae smiled too. “Well I’m glad I could make this a memorable moment for you.” Megan took Lynne’s hand and walked towards the stairs; she looked over her shoulder and waved to Mae. Mae waved back still with a smile on her face. While walking down the stairs Lynne said “Mae I am so sorry she frightened you. I’ll make sure she stays out of your way.” And with that the living room door closed.

  Five hours later Mae was just about to open a bottle of Pinot she found in the fridge when there was a knock at the living room door. Mae put the bottle back in the fridge and opened the door. Expecting to see Lynne, Mae was surprised to see Seth Finn standing there. He was holding a covered bowl from which wafted the most amazing aroma Mae had ever had the pleasure to smell. Staring at the bowl, afraid she would drool, she looked up and said “Please Mr. Finn, come in.” Mae stepped back so Seth could walk in. She noticed now that he was so close how tall he really was. Mae never considered herself tall but standing next to Seth Finn her height of 5'5” was anything but tall. He must be at least 6'4” she thought. His head was shaved bald and he had a goatee the color of a shiny penny. Much darker than Robyn’s but not as flame-colored as his daughter. As he walked by she noticed his aftershave and was drawn by the pleasantness of its scent. He was a large man but solid. His broad shoulders were dressed in a black tee shirt and his thighs were denim-clad. He walked in and looked around as if he never saw the place before.

  “Please call me Seth. Are you settling in well enough?” His voice was deep and smooth, Mae realized immediately she liked the sound.

  “Actually I’m all unpacked. It is such a gorgeous place. I appreciate your letting me rent it. I’m sure I’m not paying anywhere close to what you wanted for rent. And please call me Mae.”

  Seth became aware that he was still holding the covered bowl of pot roast and immediately handed it to Mae. “I was given the special job of delivering the bowl before my sons could swipe it from Lynne,” he said with a sly half-smile.

  “I realized that I didn’t really get a chance to talk to you about moving in, and I wasn’t sure what Robyn may have mentioned. Please feel free to use the yard at your leisure. There is a grill on the main deck that you can use as well. I’ll have available one of the garage bays for you to use if you choose.” Seth continued to look around, anywhere that wasn’t at Mae Turney. He noticed her hair was up in a high ponytail again and wondered if it was as soft as it looked.

  “I’d appreciate the use of a garage. My car doesn’t really care for rain or birds.” Mae smiled. “But I insist on paying extra for the use.”

  Enjoying how her cheeks dimpled when she smiled and how her eyes just lit up as she spoke, Seth studied her and decided that Mae Turney was not going to take no for an answer. So he simply responded with “I’m sure we can come up with a reasonable amount.”

  Aware that he was staring at her, Seth turned and walked to the gas fireplace and asked “do you know how to turn this on and off?” Of course as soon as the words were out of his mouth he realized he sounded like he didn’t think she could figure out a simple on and off switch. Mae surprised him when she said, “Actually the fireplace isn’t what I’m concerned about, I’m afraid the shower has more knobs and settings than I even thought possible.”

  Immediately, sensuous thoughts of Mae wet and naked in the shower opened a whole chest of vivid fantasies of what he could do with her there. Putting a halt to the flood of images in his head, he thought where did that come from? He didn’t even know Mae Turney. I mean, he was male and could admit he know she was an attractive woman any one with eyes could come to that same conclusion.

  He realized he should get out of here fast. So he simply said, “I’ll send Lynne over to give you a lesson on how to work the shower. And on that note Mae, I will leave you to your pot roast.” Seth walked to the living room door, before he could close it on his side Mae said “Thank you again Seth for everything and please thank the boys, Megan and Lynne for making me feel welcome. Goodnight Seth.” Without saying a word Seth closed the door.

  The next morning Mae awoke feeling refreshed and rested. She honestly couldn’t remember sleeping as well as she did last night. The bed was so comfortable and the sheets were so soft. With the windows open, she was lulled to sleep by the lapping of the water against the shore.

  Mae decided she would take a soak in the tub that had been calling her name since last night. She filled the tub with hot water and added her favorite bath oil. She thought she would enjoy her soak, get up wash the bowl from Lynne and return it, then check out the surrounding area. She didn’t need to be at the hospital until 3 o’clock in the afternoon, plenty of time to get a lay of the land.

  She finished in the bath and went to the walk in closet, and as she opened the door she smiled thinking of her meeting with Megan Finn. She could begin to understand why both Robyn and Lynne called her a spitfire. Mae dressed quickly in her favorite jeans and a soft t shirt the color of raspberries. She went downstairs and quickly washed the bowl, dried it and put her flip flops on. She walked through the screened porch to the connecting deck and knocked on the sliding door.

  Aidan, wearing Angry Bird pajamas, came and answered the door. She liked how his blonde hair stood up on one side. “Hey Mae, come on in.” Mae followed him in and was in awe once again at Seth Finn’s home. She felt like she walked into a magazine layout of the rich and famous. To her left was a gourmet kitchen that would make Gordon Ramsey jealous. There were more solid cherry cabinets and drawers than she thought were possible
to fill, but they were there nevertheless. There was an industrial size stainless steel side by side refrigerator and freezer that she was sure could hide a whole cow. The counters were black granite and had such a shine she immediately thought of her Camaro. About 20 feet in front of her there was a huge fieldstone fireplace that was open on all four sides. No matter which room you were in you had a perfect view of the gas fireplace. Above the fireplace on the side facing her was a TV, well she would call it a small movie theater screen. It had to be at least six feet wide. Aidan had gone back and plopped on a black leather sectional sofa that dominated most of the room. Next to Aidan on the floor was a tuff of red hair which she assumed to be Megan. Before she could look around anymore, Lynne came in from the right. “Good Morning Mae, how was your first night in the apartment?” Mae never thought she would get tired of Lynne’s Irish accent.

  “It was lovely and restful Lynne, thank you. I came over to return your bowl and tell you how delicious your pot roast was. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

  “Do you have time for a cup of tea or coffee? I could whip you up something for breakfast.”

  “I would love a cup of tea. English Breakfast if you have it. But no thank you on breakfast I wouldn’t want you to go to any trouble.”

  “No trouble at all Sweet Mae, but if you insist. However I do have some freshly baked blueberry muffins in the cupboard if you’d like one to go along with your tea.”

  Mae smiled. “That sounds wonderful Lynne. What can I do to help?”

  “Nothing at all just take a seat here at the breakfast bar and chat with me while I fix the tea.” Lynne replied.

  As Mae sat and watched Lynne move around the kitchen she continued to look around the house. She noticed there were a lot of pictures around the house; the children at different stages of life, and some professional current photographs. She noticed there were very little clutter or knick knacks. But Seth Finn didn’t strike her as a knick knack kind of man.