The Marrying Kind

by Judy Christenberry

  “You were busy on the weekend?”

  Diane didn’t take offense at the surprise in Wendy’s voice. “As a matter of fact, yes, I was.”

  Luckily, Wendy didn’t ask with whom.

  A phone call from one of her largest clients just before closing threw her schedule completely off. He’d heard a rumor of a corporate takeover that, if true, would cause his investments to nosedive. Diane tried to calm him down, but he seemed to grow more hysterical by the minute. She anxiously looked at her watch, worrying about John, which shocked her when she realized what she was doing. Her work was more important, wasn’t it?

  Trying to reassure the man, she promised to do some research and call him back. Then she began to phone contacts who might have some information. When she finally tracked down the rumor and realized it was untrue, she called her client back, able to satisfy him that his fortune was still safe.

  It was almost seven when she finally got home. John wasn’t there.

  The silence echoed.

  This was ridiculous. How had she let this man turn her around so quickly? She used to like her life, her quiet, regimented, solitary existence. But suddenly, with John in her world, she looked forward to her days…and especially her nights. And not for work.

  She put down her briefcase and wandered into her bedroom to change.

  Next, she took stock of her pantry and refrigerator. It was a wonder John had even found eggs and bread that morning. She’d really let things slip since he’d come into her life.

  Making a list as she went through everything, she was just about to head out to the grocery store when she heard a key in the lock.

  She immediately ran to the door, hoping he hadn’t come to tell her goodbye. When he pushed it open, she saw he had bags of groceries in his hands.

  “You went grocery shopping already? I was just getting ready—”

  He bent over and kissed her. “That’s the best I can do until I put these groceries down.”

  She followed him to the kitchen, where he set the bags on the counter, then turned and hugged her to him, covering her lips with his.

  “Mmm, I’ve missed that all day long,” he said with a grin.

  So had she. More than she cared to admit.

  When he turned to start unpacking the sacks, she hurriedly offered, “I can do that.”

  “Okay. I’ll go get the other bags.”

  More food? For whom had he been shopping? Diane began unloading the paper bags and found he’d bought things she’d never splurge on. Like thick sirloin steaks and a whole barbecued chicken. She didn’t eat that much.

  He entered with two more sacks.

  “You spent a lot of money. Tell me how much and I’ll reimburse you,” she said at once.

  “No way. These are my groceries. You can buy your own.”

  “Oh, so you’re not going to share those steaks or any of that barbecued chicken? I know you have a bigger appetite than me, but I didn’t think it was that big.”

  He grinned. “I might share…if you’re good.” Together they finished storing the groceries and he then took her in his arms again. “Now, let’s go out for a quick dinner.”

  “After you bought all that?”

  “Why not? We’ll cook those things later in the week. Tonight we’re already tired.”

  “I think I should cook, since you did the shopping. I’m sorry I was so late.” Truthfully, though, she was never home by seven. Not before she’d met John.

  “You can tell me about your day over dinner. Come on. Let’s go find some food.”

  They enjoyed a quick meal at a nearby restaurant. Afterward, John reminded her he’d bought ice cream for dessert.

  “I saw that, and it happens to be my favorite flavor.”

  “You like Cookies and Cream, too? That’s great!” John beamed at her.

  “You’re easy to please.”

  “See if you say that later,” he teased with a mischievous gleam in his eye.

  They hurried home then. But they never made it to the ice cream.

  SEVERAL TIMES in the next month, they went out to dinner with Elizabeth and Mark, enjoying their companionship. They even went out with a couple of other friends John wanted Diane to meet.

  She found the wives of John’s other friends were more like Angi than Elizabeth. There was a streak of pettiness and jealousy in those women, but Diane tried not to let it bother her. After all, he was going home with her.

  They also returned to John’s house for dinner at least one night a week. He said he had to keep in touch with Gladys, who, at their invitation, always joined them for dinner. It gave John a chance to catch up on what was going on in the neighborhood.

  Diane’s life was expanding so much, even without the many romantic moments she shared with John. For the first time ever, she shared every intimate detail with another person.

  John complimented her at every turn and supported her in anything she wanted to do. Having never had parents who backed her, she found his support unbelievable.

  Trying to return the favor, she worked hard to believe in his projects and take an interest in them. She felt it was the least she could do.

  One evening, John brought up her idea about a project with multiple levels of housing. She looked up but didn’t offer any comment.

  “Have you changed your mind?” he asked.

  “No, I haven’t, but that’s your business.”

  “Well, I think I’ve decided to do as you suggested. I acquired some land I’ve been looking at, and I think it will be a perfect location. It has good bus routes on the exterior, good for lower priced housing, and I can put more expensive housing toward the inside.”

  “I like that idea.”

  “Good. I’ve got some house plans, but I want you to look at them and tell me what you think.”

  Diane enjoyed sharing her opinions, enjoyed the healthy give-and-take in their relationship. John valued her feelings and put them above all else.

  As they approached Thanksgiving, he warned her one night at dinner that he’d promised his dad they would join him and Angi for dinner. “Is that okay with you?”

  “I’ll manage.”

  “You could invite your parents,” John suggested casually.

  Diane’s head snapped up and she stared at him across the table. Then she looked away. “No. Thank you, though.”

  “Why not?”

  “My parents and I don’t socialize.” She continued to avoid his gaze.

  “But, honey, maybe they’d be interested in what you do.”

  She shook her head and didn’t bother to give excuses.

  “Okay. But they’d be welcome.”

  “No, they wouldn’t. Not by me.”

  “We could ask them out to dinner some evening, just the two of us.”

  “No, John. Leave the subject of my parents alone.”

  “Okay. Did Jennifer get back from her honeymoon?”

  “Yes. I talked to her when they returned, but they’ve bought a house and they’re moving out.”

  “Will you miss her?”

  “Yes, she’s a good friend. We’ll invite them to dinner some evening.”

  “With their three children?” John asked in alarm.

  “We could ask them to come alone. Once they get settled in their new home.”

  “Good. I don’t know how to make conversation with kids.”

  “It’s not that hard, John,” Diane protested.

  “You want me to give up on your parents, and I will. But you have to give up on me and kids. Okay?”

  “Okay,” she agreed quietly. She had no choice. She’d gotten to the point that she didn’t think she could live without John. Though she still warned herself the day would come when he would leave her, she dreaded it desperately.

  But she would have wonderful memories. Of their lovemaking, the sharing of their daily lives, doing little chores together. Everything seemed so much more fun with John by her side.

  Even her work was going
well. She’d found a stock she’d believed in, and had invested several of her clients’ funds in it, including John’s and Mrs. Winthrop’s. It had suddenly shot up beyond her wildest dreams. When the steep rise started leveling off, she pulled Mrs. Winthrop out and invested her profits in a safer stock, but asked John what he wanted her to do.

  “What would you do if it was your money?” he inquired.

  “I still believe in the stock and I’m staying in it for the time being.”

  “Then, honey, let mine ride, too. I trust you.”

  “But, John, I could be wrong.”

  “I know.” He bent and kissed her. “But it’s a risk I’m willing to take.” She knew all about risks. She was taking one with her heart.

  Diane still kept their relationship a secret in the financial community. It wouldn’t be to her advantage to let people know about her and John.

  But she wasn’t ashamed of what she was doing. John had liberated her from a lot of the rules she had followed, all her life, many of them for no reason. And she’d never been happier.

  The next evening they had dinner at John’s house.

  “I’m so glad you let me cook for you once a week,” Gladys said as she served them a delicious-looking roast. “Otherwise I’d be doing nothing to earn my salary. Diane, don’t you want to live here, instead of your apartment?”

  “I’m warming to the idea slowly, Gladys. We’ve only been together for six weeks,” she pointed out, and then shivered suddenly.

  “What’s wrong, honey?” John asked.

  “I don’t know. It was like I was jinxing us. What if we don’t last much longer? Then I would’ve moved for nothing. It’s not like I own my place, Gladys. I just need some time.”

  “Or someone to ask you to make it permanent,” the woman said, staring at John.

  “What are you looking at me for? We’re doing just fine the way things are. And I’m getting my money’s worth from you,” he told his housekeeper. “You take my messages and keep my house in good shape.”

  “Whatever you say,” Gladys muttered.

  For dessert, she brought out a double chocolate cake that Diane thought looked very decadent. “Oh, Gladys, that looks yummy!”

  “Good. You could use some fattening up.”

  “In that case, I’ll have an extra-large piece.” Diane suddenly remembered her skirt being a little lose on her this morning, which had surprised her.

  “Are you not getting enough rest?” John abruptly asked.

  “Of course I am, John. You know I am. You’re both being silly, but I’ll take a big piece of cake just to satisfy the two of you…not to mention me,” she stated with a smirk.

  “Good. I’ll serve you first.” Gladys cut a large piece for her, then glanced at John. “How about you? Are you hungry?”

  “Like always, Gladys. I never turn down your desserts.”

  She cut him a portion, and as she served herself, John asked, “What do you hear from Dad lately?”

  “Nothing much. Mildred told me he’s not been feeling well recently.”

  John frowned. “What’s going on? Any problems on his jobs?”

  “No, Mildred didn’t say that. I think Angi is wearing on him.”

  “That’s nothing new. I think he realized really early in their marriage he’d made a mistake, but he didn’t want to give up on it too fast.”

  “Divorce is a failure that is difficult to admit,” Diane said quietly.

  “Yeah, especially for Dad. I’ll call him tonight after we get home.”

  The phone rang just then. It was his father, beating him to it.

  Chapter Ten

  “Is everything okay?” Diane asked when John came back to the table after talking to his father.

  “Yeah. He had problems with the delivery of materials at a job site.”

  “Can you help him?”

  “Yep, I told him who to call.”

  “So why do you still look worried?”

  “Do I?” John asked. He shrugged. “I guess I was still thinking about Dad’s health. But he’ll be fine.”

  “Yes, of course.” Somehow, as much as she wanted to believe him, she felt John wasn’t telling her the truth. She hated even thinking that—that after everything they’d shared over the past six weeks, he’d keep things from her.

  She suddenly stopped eating her chocolate cake.

  “What’s wrong, Diane?” Gladys quickly asked.

  “Nothing, really. The cake is wonderful. I just lost my appetite.”

  “Are you feeling all right?” John asked, reaching out to touch her hand.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” she assured him, giving him a smile.

  “I’d better get her home so she can get some rest,” he said, standing. “Come on, honey.”

  “I want to help Gladys with the dishes.”

  “Nonsense, Diane. I have all night to finish the dishes,” she declared. “Go home and put your feet up. Promise me that you’ll get some rest.”

  Diane stood and hugged Gladys. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

  She said nothing after she and John got in his car, just turned her head and stared out the window.

  When they reached her apartment without speaking, she climbed the stairs slowly, feeling more and more exhausted.

  “Diane, why don’t you go get dressed for bed and then come watch television with me.”

  “I have some reading I need to do, John. It can’t wait until tomorrow.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? We could’ve stayed home tonight.”

  “Nonsense. I have plenty of time.”

  She put on a nightgown, something she hadn’t done since he’d moved in with her, and crawled into bed with the papers she wanted to review.

  All she could think about was the earlier conversation with Gladys.

  She should’ve realized the woman would urge John to make their relationship permanent. But he had no intention of doing that. He liked being free to move in or out of relationships, and had no desire to make anything permanent. So tonight, in his own way, he had just let her know that soon they wouldn’t be together anymore.

  JOHN CAME INTO the bedroom after turning off the television. When he found Diane already asleep, he gathered her papers and put them in her briefcase by the front door. Then he crept back into the bedroom. He’d wanted to make love to her, but for some reason he didn’t understand, she seemed in a funny mood tonight.

  So he undressed and slid into bed beside her, pulling her into his arms. It wasn’t the same as making love, but it would do. He just needed to be close to her.

  Thinking back over the dinner conversation, he wondered if something was physically wrong with Diane. She had lost a little weight the last few days, but her appetite had slacked off a little.

  The thought of her being ill was enough to cut him off at the knees. He couldn’t bear that.

  Maybe he should make her an appointment with Dr. Fielding. Everyone regarded him as the best doctor in Dallas. John had built a medical center for the man a few years ago. Surely he’d see Diane.

  But then John would feel like a fool if she wasn’t sick at all. No, he’d better just encourage her to see her own doctor. Then he’d discuss things with her.

  The next morning, John tried to initiate lovemaking with Diane. She resisted, saying she was too tired. When he suggested she see her doctor, she dismissed his concern.

  “I’m fine, John. Just because I don’t have time to make love before going to work doesn’t mean I’m sick.”

  “I didn’t say that. But—”

  “Maybe you need to find a girlfriend who doesn’t work for a living! That would take care of your problem!” She bolted from the bed.

  Following her, John caught her by the arm and pulled her to him.

  “I don’t want anyone but you, Diane. I just want you to take good care of yourself. If you need me not to be so demanding, then say so. I’ll do whatever you want.”

  “No, John, I didn’
t mean that. I’m just a little tired this morning. Maybe if we stop going out during the week, except for dinner with Gladys, I won’t get so crabby.”

  “Done. I’ll call and cancel Elizabeth and Mark on Wednesday.”

  “No, don’t cancel them. I like to meet them for dinner. It helps me relax.”

  “Okay, but we’ll take a little downtime after that.”

  “Fine,” she agreed, before kissing him goodbye.

  He stayed at the door watching her go, thinking he should’ve stood up to her and canceled all their plans for a month or two. He had to be sure to take good care of her.

  “Hey, John, how you doing?” a female voice cooed.

  He looked over his shoulder to see Carolyn approaching, her sights set on him. “Fine. I’m off to work,” he called, and jumped in his car and peeled out of the parking lot.

  DIANE FELT UNSETTLED all day long. Surely she wasn’t disturbed that much just because John hadn’t wanted to make things permanent? No, she wasn’t that bad. She’d known it was going to end sometime. And as she had told herself, she would have wonderful memories of the weeks with John.

  But she hoped he’d tell her when he was leaving, and not drag it out. That would make it painful.

  She concentrated on her work that day, looking for the satisfaction she’d always found in it. But concentration proved difficult.

  “Diane, have a minute?”

  She looked up to find Wendy at her door.

  “Sure. What did you need?”

  Wendy set some projections on her desk. “I think there’s an error here somewhere. The numbers don’t seem to jive.”

  Diane rechecked her work from yesterday and found her assistant was right. “Good catch. Thanks for calling that to my attention.”

  “I only noticed it because you’ve taught me so well, Diane.” She smiled as she went back to her desk.

  Diane pressed her lips together. How had she made such a stupid mistake? But she’d been tired yesterday, out of step. She had been for a while.

  Maybe she should call her doctor, she thought, but then dismissed that as silly. Instead, she discussed it with Elizabeth when the two couples met for dinner two nights later.