Anything Your Heart Desires

by AJ Adaire

  “Sure. You can ask me now.”

  “No, I want to spend some time together first.”

  Squelching the laughter that threatened to erupt, Amanda asked, her tone serious, “You don’t want me to donate a kidney to you, do you?”

  “What? Are you nuts? No, forget I mentioned it. I’m sure we’ll have time to talk about it during our vacation. By the way, I think Justine might want to come. The twins will be away at camp, so they won’t be a problem. I know she’s eighteen, but I don’t want to leave her home alone with us so far away.”

  Amanda bit her tongue. Although she wanted to say, ‘For God’s sake, Spencer, she’ll be away at college in a little over a month,’ she refrained. Amanda couldn’t imagine what Spencer wanted to ask her, and she remained just a little uneasy about the upcoming encounter with her brother. She readily agreed, however, to Justine coming, feeling excited at the prospect of seeing her niece again after so many years of imposed estrangement.

  ***

  The preparations for the Fourth of July party were progressing smoothly. Nic's mother had accepted the invitation, as had Mallory's parents. After the exchange of several emails, Amanda's brother and his wife had also sent a formal note expressing their appreciation for being invited and accepting the invitation for the holiday festivities. Jo’s parents also confirmed after agreeing to book a later cruise, and Stacy’s parents were looking forward to meeting Stacy’s friends as well as Jo’s parents.

  Two weeks before the gathering, the friends met to discuss living arrangements for the weekend. They confirmed their original plans to keep Spencer in with the rest of the family. “So, let’s plan out everything we need, and discuss where we’ll put everyone,” Jo suggested.

  “First on the list is food,” Amanda said, checking her notes. “Dana? Is everything arranged?”

  “Yes, we’re all set. We’ve booked the caterer. Like Jo said, she’s bringing her sister along to help. Apparently, the sister is eighteen and will be going off to college this fall. She’s happy to be making some extra money.”

  “Did you review the menus?”

  “Yes, some of the meals will be done on the grill. We can have roast chicken one night, hotdogs and hamburgers on the holiday, and pasta the last night. She’s prepared to cook any fish we catch.” Dana turned towards Jo and winked. She knew Jo was looking forward to fishing with her father and hoping she’d bond with Stacy’s father during the fishing outings on the lake. “Since we’re all traveling up on Thursday or Friday separately, I figured we’d all fend for ourselves until Saturday morning, our first group meal. There’ll be a couple of casseroles that will be easy to heat up and some sandwich stuff, too. Breakfasts will be quiche one morning, hot and cold cereal and an egg bake called Governor’s Eggs the second day, and Danish and other assorted pastries on the fourth to allow some extra time to prepare for the lunch. Everyone can clean out what’s left on Tuesday before we leave. We’ll be sure there’re enough scrambled eggs and toast for everyone as the main part of the meal before everyone leaves.” With her tongue firmly in her cheek, figuratively speaking, Dana added, “I ordered a variety of snacks, too. The caterer will set up a table of snacks every afternoon with some iced tea or lemonade to stave off any threat of starvation until dinnertime and, of course, there will always be fresh fruit out for anyone wanting it.”

  “Great job, Dana.” Amanda checked off the first item on her list. “Everything sounds like it’s taken care of in the food department. One thing, let’s remember to bring up any tray tables we have. We don’t have any dining area big enough to seat everyone at a table. The food sounds relatively portable, so maybe we can serve buffet style and let people find places to sit wherever. Dana, please let the caterer know that so she doesn’t expend energy with table decorations we won’t need.”

  Amanda moved on to the next item. “Ok, next up is sleeping arrangements. We have the following people coming. She read from the list:

  • Nic’s mom, Anna Bianchi

  • Jo’s parents, Chris and Josette Martin

  • Stacy’s parents, Frank and Marcia Alexander

  • Amanda’s brother, Spencer; sister-in-law, Amy; and niece, Justine.

  • Lindy and Ren from Maine

  • The six of us

  Ticking them all off on her fingers, Amanda pronounced, “That’s a total of sixteen people.”

  “Maybe seventeen,” Stacy said. “My friend, Maria, has volunteered to drive my parents up as far as our house a few days before the holiday. If no one objects, I would like to invite her to join us. I promise you’ll like her.”

  “We’d better make that eighteen.” Amanda laughed. “I told Jean she could join us after she closes up the office on Saturday.”

  “Okay, so that’s it, then, eighteen, no, twenty. We forgot the caterers. What are their names, Dana?”

  “Judy, and her sister’s name is Brenda.”

  “Good.” Amanda added the caterers’ names to her list. “Let’s figure out where we’ll put everyone. We have twenty people and eleven bedrooms or sleeping areas. How about each couple figures out a sleeping plan, and then we can discuss them. We can pick the best one via majority vote.

  The couples went to work. When everyone was finished, they gathered at the table. The results were interesting. Everyone agreed that all the family should stay at the neighbor’s house. They all felt that it would be best if they used the house belonging to Jo’s parents as a central meeting place, since it had the largest living area and the larger kitchen. The only discrepancy in the plans was how to arrange Ren and Lindy, and Jean and Maria.

  Jo defended her idea. “One of the reasons for Lindy and Ren to come down, besides that we all want to see them, is because I’m consulting with Lindy on her book. Remember, she asked me if I’d advise her on police procedure. Anyway, Lindy and I want some time to meet so I can review with her the material she’s written. I thought maybe it would work best if Stacy and I stay with them in the boathouse apartment. One of the bedrooms in my folks’ house has twin beds. Since Jean and Maria won’t know each other very well, that would be more comfortable than having them have to share a bed with someone they just met.”

  “Valid point,” Dana observed. “But, Jo, how will your parents feel about giving up their own home and bedroom to stay next door? Won’t that be awkward? We’re taking over their home and evicting them, aren’t we?”

  “I don’t think they’ll mind if I explain everything to them. They’re pretty ‘go with the flow’ people. If they object, we’ll have to regroup. I’m reasonably sure it’ll be acceptable to them. I’ll call them tonight and confirm it’s okay.”

  Amanda summarized their agreement, taking brief notes. “Okay then, in the neighbor’s house, we have Nic’s mom alone in the twin room, Jo’s parents, Stacy’s parents, and Spencer and his wife in the double bedrooms there.” Amanda winked at Jo. “We’ll give Jo’s mom and dad the master suite with the queen bed to make up for evicting them from their home.”

  Jo added, “That’ll work. The other bedrooms are about equal in size, so it doesn’t matter who gets which room there. Amanda, what about your niece?”

  “Oh, I forgot her,” Amanda answered. “Suggestions?”

  “Well, we could put her in with Nic’s mom. I’d like to suggest the screened in porch for her, instead,” Jo offered. “It’s weather proof, like the one in my folks’ house, and it’s private. I’m sure both Mrs. Bianchi and Justine would appreciate not having to share with someone they don’t know. If I remember correctly, there’s a huge sofa out there on their porch, with removable cushions along the back, though, not daybeds. She can throw a sleeping bag on it and have her own private little sitting area when she’s not sleeping. There’s a television out there, too. It’ll be like her own little apartment.”

  Continuing to write as she talked, Amanda said, “So, that leaves Dana and Nic, Mallory and me, and Jean and Maria in Jo’s folks’ house, with Jean and Maria in the room with two si
ngle beds, right?”

  Everyone nodded in agreement.

  Looking at Dana and Nic, Amanda asked, “Do you want to flip a coin for who gets the bigger bedroom?”

  Dana laughed. “Nah, we’ll take the smaller room.” She reached over to squeeze Nic’s hand, and with a twinkle in her eye, she said, “We like to be close to each other, anyway.”

  Jo chided them. “Maybe it’s good that all the parents are in the other house. It would never do to put the two of you in a room next to Spencer.”

  Laughing at the good-natured teasing, Dana tossed back, “What’s that saying about people in glass houses, Jo?” Everyone laughed as Nic and Jo both turned bright red.

  “I know you’ve all made arrangements with your families individually as to who is driving whom and when. I’d appreciate it if you’d send me an email when you get your plans firmed up so we know who will be where and at what times. I’ll organize it and send back a master list to you. Dana, are we buying the food, or is the caterer taking care of that?”

  “No. The caterer is handling all things food related. We’ll just get the bill when it’s over.”

  Everyone groaned in unison.

  ***

  A few days before the big weekend, Maria drove Stacy’s parents up for a visit so they could spend extra time with Jo prior to the big weekend. They all stayed at Jo’s house. Dana and Nic arrived for dinner early to help Jo and Stacy with the meal prep for Stacy’s family. Mallory and Amanda had been working at the office with Jean, giving her some final pointers and last minute instructions. Just before they left, they reminded her to drive carefully on her trip up to join them for the weekend.

  Jean laughed. “If you two don’t get out of here, I’ll beat you there. Now go!”

  That evening at dinner, Stacy’s parents asked a variety of questions, ranging from, “Tell us how you met each other,” followed by, “Tell us about each of your family members who are coming this weekend.” Each woman took a turn answering the questions.

  When Dana’s turn came, she revealed that since she had no siblings, and her parents and both sets of grandparents were deceased, she had to develop a different definition of family. “These women here are my family. I can guarantee that if we were related by blood, they would be no more loved than they are.”

  Stacy’s mother, who was sitting next to Dana, reached for Dana’s hand. She had tears in her eyes. “Well, I hope you’ll come to think of us as your family, too. I think my daughter is lucky to have found such a wonderful group of friends.”

  As the evening progressed, the group continued to learn things about each other. Many questions, posed to Stacy’s parents by members of the group, served to sufficiently embarrass Stacy to the point where she finally protested. “Okay, I think that’s enough about me. A girl’s got to have some secrets.”

  “If anyone wants to know more, I have a few secrets about our girl Stacy that have yet to be revealed,” Stacy’s mother teased.

  When Stacy put her head in her hands and groaned, Jo took pity on her partner. She put a hand around her shoulder and said protectively, “Let’s give my girl a break, shall we, or do I have to get out my service revolver?” To a chorus of a variety of denials mixed with laughter, Jo stood up. “Who wants coffee?”

  Realizing that Jo’s quick embrace was the first display of affection that her parents had witnessed between Jo and herself, Stacy quickly glanced at her parents. She was relieved to see they were chuckling right along with everyone else at the table.

  Frank, Stacy’s dad, who had been relatively quiet all evening, glanced at his daughter. “All right, I guess we’ll have to save her baby pictures for tomorrow. I brought the eight by ten glossy of her on the bearskin rug in case anyone is interested. Jo?”

  The look of shock on Jo’s face, accompanied by a bright red flush, caused everyone at the table to break into uproarious laughter.

  “Oh, Daddy. Behave!”

  After dessert and coffee, the group adjourned to the living room.

  Jean announced that she’d eaten so much she needed a short walk to help her meal settle.

  “I’ll come with you, if you don’t mind,” Maria offered.

  “Great! I’d love the company.”

  Conversation was light and casual. Stacy’s father was a consummate teller of tales, from fishing to golf stories. He told several jokes that made the group laugh. Maria and Jean returned from their walk shortly before Nic and Dana announced that they were going to head home. When they stood to leave, Jean, Amanda, and Mallory stood, taking their leave at the same time.

  Hugs were exchanged all around, and Stacy overheard Jean say to Maria, “I’ll give you a call in the morning and we’ll make final arrangements for brunch. I have to be at work by one, so let’s shoot for around ten.”

  Maria gave Jean a warm smile. “Thanks. I appreciate you showing me around. Brunch is on me, by the way.” She gave her new friend a quick wave.

  Later that evening, Stacy saw that her parents were settled in bed before she went across the hall to Maria’s room.

  Maria was already in bed, leaning against the headboard, a book propped on her knees. “I’m pooped,” she admitted. “It’s been a full day. I don’t think I’ll be awake for long.”

  Stacy sat on the edge of the bed and gave her friend a hug. “Thanks, Maria, for driving my folks up. I really appreciate it.”

  Maria patted Stacy’s hand. “My pleasure. I mean that. I’m really enjoying myself. Your friends are great people. One is nicer than the next. I also love your partner. Jo is perfect for you. You’re really happy, aren’t you?”

  Stacy nodded. “It’s laughable how happy I am. I would never have thought this is the person I would end up with. It just feels so right.” Stacy met Maria’s eyes. “So, what’s going on with Jean?”

  “Nothing. She figured that you’d be busy with your parents tomorrow, so she offered to show me around.” Maria’s bland expression gave no indication of the excitement she was feeling at the prospect of spending the better part of the day with Jean, whom she found to be witty, warm and fun. “It was very considerate of her, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, very. I don’t know her very well yet. She just started working at the office. Jo has known her for quite a while, though. She’s always spoken highly of her. She helped search for Amanda last year when she took a header off the trail on her bike. Jo and a group of her friends, Jean included, participated in the search.”

  “She’s really funny and seems like a really kind person. Jean told me that she volunteers a lot of her time. She told me some amusing stories about some of the rescues she’s been on. Then she told me about searching for Amanda when she fell off her bike, and about Jo’s shooting, her injury, and subsequent kidnapping.”

  “Yes. I met Jo while she was recovering after the shooting. The kidnapping happened when I was down home when Dad had his heart scare.” Stacy leaned over and gave Maria another hug. “I’m glad you’re here. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  As Stacy stood to leave, she quickly reviewed the agenda for the next couple of days. Today was Wednesday, and they weren’t leaving for the cabin for another two days. She hadn’t really told Maria her plans, so she paused at the door.

  “Enjoy your day with her tomorrow. Be home by five-thirty. We’re going out for an early dinner. Then, if you can, I’d like you to help me pack the car. We’re leaving early on Friday morning for the cabin. I’d like to get there around noon time so I can help Dana and Nic get things set up.”

  “Roger! I’ll be home before that. Jean has to work in the afternoon, and I want to spend some time with you catching up, anyway. I’ll be back after lunch.”

  Chapter 31

  THURSDAY AFTERNOON, AFTER LUNCH, Amanda, Jo, Dana, Nic, and Jean met at the office to review the status of all the work assignments and to give Jean a final review of the protocols she should follow while they were away.

  After what seemed like an endless set of unnecessary instr
uctions, Jean finally said, “Please, ladies, you’re going to be gone for a long weekend. I swear I can handle things for that long. Honest.” She crossed her heart with her index finger. “If you’re this nervous about leaving your business, I sincerely hope none of you ever has children, for surely it’ll be an eighteen year commitment with not one day off. Really, you are all just a phone call away if I have any questions I can’t answer. Now, please go and leave me in peace to do my job.” She gave them a big grin to soften her criticism before pulling Jo aside to whisper, “And tell that hot house guest of yours I had fun this morning, and I’m looking forward to seeing her on Saturday.”

  “Moving pretty quickly, aren’t you? I’m not even sure she’s gay.”

  “No. Not really. We’re just friends. Oh, and for the record, I asked. She describes herself as ‘flexible.’ She’s really fun, and that accent. How do you manage to keep your wits about you when Stacy whispers sweet nothings in your ear? I could listen to Maria read the want ads for hours. I know what you’re saying, though. She’s too far away for a serious relationship, and I’m not looking to move anywhere anytime soon. So, like I said, just friends.”

  “Okay, have fun. We’ll see you Saturday. Don’t forget to put the Closed Tuesday sign on the door when you leave.”

  “Got it. It’s on the list. I think it’s item four-hundred-fifty-three.”

  “You know, Jean,” Jo said with a grin, “nobody likes a smartass!”

  Pulling Jo into a quick, firm hug, Jean replied, “Really? Could’ve fooled me. Have you been fibbing to me all along, then?”

  “I guess so.” Jo released Jean from their embrace.

  “Okay, I’m out of here to go home and help entertain the in-laws. Bet you never thought you’d hear me say that, or even that I’m looking forward to it.”