A Change of Heart

by Nancy Frederick

  "You are a great guy."

  "Thanks. You're a good friend."

  "It's hard for me to imagine being in love with someone new."

  Doug opened his mouth, and Annabeth was sure he was going to say, Oh, I'm not in love with her. Instead he volunteered, "Sometimes just having fun is all you need."

  Annabeth shook her head, "Oh, no. How could fun ever be enough?"

  "You're right. It isn't. I learned a lot from you tonight. Thanks."

  "Oh go on. You knew it all along. I just listened."

  "Say, Annabeth," said Doug in a voice that was so quiet she could barely hear him, "Would you like to..."

  "Hiya!" George pressed his hand warmly against Annabeth's shoulder, wresting her attention from Doug and his question.

  "Hi," said Doug and Annabeth simultaneously.

  Without being asked, George pulled up a chair and sat down. "How's it going?"

  Annabeth looked toward the bar where he had been sitting. The woman he had been with was now gone. "Fine."

  "Good," said Doug.

  "You know, Patsy told me not to let you hang out here too late. She said not to let you overdo."

  "I'm in no danger of that," said Doug, an edge creeping into his voice. "How's Flora?"

  "Who?"

  "Flora. Weren't you two engaged?"

  "For about fifteen minutes."

  "Then it's Amy now?"

  "Amy?" George looked off into the distance. "Oh...Amy. We're just friends."

  Annabeth watched the interaction between the two men. There was something quite fierce about Doug, something she'd never noticed before.

  "Feeling well this evening?" George asked Annabeth, making her blush.

  "Yes, thanks, I'm fine. And you?"

  "Actually I was thinking about you. That newel post on your staircase. I'm trying to duplicate one similar to that--one that was badly replaced--and I wanted to take another look at yours."

  "Well, sure."

  "Great."

  They sat like that for a couple of hours, exchanging pointless remarks, the two men determined to remain at the table, Annabeth trying to be polite but wondering how to manage the situation. Didn't it seem as though George wanted to be alone with her? What was Doug doing? What had he intended to ask her? Out of her depth, she floundered along, hoping for an inspiration that would diffuse the tension.

  Finally Doug took charge, "It's late. Let me walk you to your car, Annabeth."

  He rose from his seat, tossed some money on the table, and reached to help her out of her chair.

  "I'll be happy to do the honors," said George nonchalantly.

  "Not necessary at all. We're old friends."

  "Well, I'll walk along with you. It's a nice night."

  When Annabeth drove up to her house, there was a car parked in front of it. The owner sat casually on one of her porch rockers, a lit cigarette in his hand.

  "How did you get here before me?" she asked incredulously.

  "Motivation," he said pressing her tightly to him.

  Annabeth's breath exited her throat sharply as she leaned into him. Briefly she remembered the remarks Doug had made, for surely he had been bringing up all those women for a reason, but as George leaned in to kiss her, the thoughts in her mind scrambled and she whispered, "Come inside."

  13

  Annabeth awakened and looked over at George. He was lying on his back, his mouth open, and he was snoring. Thinking how nice it was to wake up with a man, Annabeth smiled and then wriggled over to snuggle against his side, resting her head gently against his shoulder. She lay peacefully, listening to him snore until his breath fluttered and he awakened too, saying "Hi, baby."

  He called her baby! Wasn't that cute? "Morning," she said, twisting toward him and kissing his cheek. "I work pretty late," she said, "but still if you want you could come over after work. I could make you supper."

  "Oh, that sounds great. I'm sure you're a fantastic cook."

  "I'm not bad."

  George pulled her close, his hands on her skin too distracting to allow her to complete her train of thought.

  After they'd made love, she'd given him breakfast, and waved George on his way, Annabeth stood under a hot shower, her eyes closed, the steamy water pouring down her shoulders and back. It really was good, wasn't it? It wasn't a fluke. No, it was great. Well, she thought it was great and it seemed like it was great for him, too. She looked down at her body, which was rosy and glowing from the hot water. And he was coming back tonight. A little tingle flowed over her. She had a boyfriend!

  The afternoon at work was filled with daydreams and sweet sighs. With each scoop of ice cream, Annabeth thought of George and the nights they'd shared, the morning that just ended with her in his arms. She smiled a bit to herself, caught up in the newness of the sweet romance she was envisioning, the night that was to come and the closeness they would build together. There's so much she didn't know about him, everything actually! He had good hands, she knew that. Annabeth quivered a little, thinking of the specifics of what she did know. And now they would learn about each other, and she could have the girls meet him, and they would see she was just rebuilding her life, not acting like a slut. She glanced at her watch. It was early. It would be hours. And then she would be in his arms again. Annabeth reminisced briefly about the days when she and R.J. had first met, and she felt a bit guilty, but only for a moment, because her desire to see and be with George was just the same as she had once felt about her husband. It was over with R.J.. He had moved on and so had she. How about that--she had someone else too.

  When Doug walked in, she offered him her warmest smile. "What a nice surprise," she said.

  He seated himself at the far end of the counter, away from the teenage couple who were busy feeding each other ice cream and giggling. "You're looking happy," he said.

  "I guess I am," she said smiling. "In fact, I think I ought to treat you to an ice cream. Name your poison!"

  "All right. How about a chocolate cone. Small."

  "I was thinking hot fudge. Whipped cream. Nuts."

  "Okay, sure. I oughta steal you out of here, set you to selling cars."

  "I imagine I'd do very well as long as I started out by offering to treat the customers to whatever they wanted."

  Doug laughed, "Don't sell yourself short. You wouldn't have to give it away. You could make a fair deal."

  "Me? Nah! Nobody would buy a car from a cream puff like me."

  "With the right training..."

  Annabeth smiled at Doug. His faith in her was always touching, and a bit of a surprise. "You know," she confided shyly, "I have a date tonight."

  For some reason he winced. "Oh?"

  "George. He's really only the second boyfriend I've ever had," she continued, "And you introduced us."

  His eyes narrowed and he said, "You don't know him all that well do you?"

  She shook her head, blushing. "I guess I'm acting like a silly teenager, but I sort of feel that way."

  "Be careful. I'd hate to see you hurt."

  "Why would I get hurt?"

  "Just don't put your faith in someone who's not able to live up to it."

  "What do you mean?"

  "You're new at the dating game is all, and I want you to be careful, go slowly, don't be too trusting." His voice became more intense, although he spoke softly, "Promise me, Annabeth. Be careful."

  "Don't worry, I will."

  Doug's comments pushed far to the back of her mind, Annabeth raced home after work, hurriedly baked a batch of brownies, put together some cold salads, jumped into the shower, applied fresh makeup, and dressed in something pretty and casual. She glanced at the clock. It was ten-thirty. He would be along any minute! Flipping on the stereo, she sat on the couch, ruffling the cat's soft fur and waiting for her date to begin. The time passed slowly as she waited, and Annabeth let her mind wander.

  "Let's drive cross country this summer," enthused George.

  "Sure, honey, why not. We can to
ur a lot of old homes."

  "Yes, wouldn't that be just the best." He reached out to enfold her hand. Draping his arm around her back, he hugged her tightly. "We could have another honeymoon."

  "It would be pretty hard to beat the one we already had," she said, smiling.

  "You know, we ought to take Jack Jr. along with us. If Sally and Jackson wouldn't mind."

  "Oh, hon, that would be fun, wouldn't it. I wish you and I had had kids together."

  "Your girls are plenty for me, and now we have grandchildren."

  Her reverie fading into sleep, Annabeth wriggled down on the sofa and dozed off, the cat draped across her abdomen and a soft smile still on her face. In her dreams she floated smoothly on a raft, clear water all around her, the sky above a cloudless blue. Off in the distance a ship's bell rang, louder and louder. Was she floating on the ocean? Annabeth looked about. There were no waves. And she could not see the ship, but the bell was clanging. Feeling the cat awaken and jump off her stomach, Annabeth roused, then realized that it wasn't a ship at all, but her doorbell. She leapt up from the couch so quickly her head spun. "Oh," she said, pressing her hand to her temple. What time was it? Two in the morning? How was that possible?

  "I'm coming," she said, and walked to the door, glancing first into the peephole. It was George! Annabeth flung the door open, smiling. "Hi!"

  "Hi, baby," he said, and took her in his arms, pressing her body against the back of the door.

  "I thought you'd forgotten me."

  "Of course not. I was just busy."

  "Are you hungry? Do you want anything?"

  "I want you," he said, "Right now."

  Early the next morning, the phone rang, awakening Annabeth, who grabbed it before the second ring so that George would not be disturbed. "Hello," she said softly into the phone.

  Becky's voice crackled with electricity as always. "Hi! All ready for the next show?"

  Annabeth spoke softly, as George slept beside her, snoring loudly. "Becky, hello! Yes, I am! How are you?"

  "Gee, is it too early?"

  "No, of course not."

  Becky chuckled, then said "You know I've wanted to have you over for supper for a long time. Why don't you come on Friday. And bring your boyfriend if you want."

  Annabeth's eyes opened wide. She had never mentioned a boyfriend. Could Becky hear George snoring? "I am seeing someone," she said, "But I don't know if he's free. I'd love to come, though. And I'll ask him."

  "Great! See you then."

  Annabeth snuggled back down against George, who awakened and pulled her close. She smiled at him, thinking of Becky calling him her boyfriend. They lay peacefully for a while, Annabeth wondering if they would be making love again and glancing at George from time to time, but once he was more fully awake, he checked the clock and shook his head trying to rouse himself completely.

  Giving Annabeth's shoulder a squeeze, he turned and rose from the bed. "Early meeting," he said.

  She nodded to him, reached for her robe and rose as well, planning to make him some breakfast while he showered. "Um, hon?"

  "Yes?"

  "Would you like to come to supper with me at a friend's house on Friday night?"

  He nodded affably, then replied, "Sure, why not?"

  Later Annabeth prepared a sundae for two teenagers to share and she thought what fun it was to be dating. The work she did daily was not challenging, nor was it fun, but now, a song hummed gently under her breath, thoughts of the boyfriend that she imagined George to be, she was happy and she moved behind the ice cream counter in a spirit of contentment and joy.

  "Don't you look beautiful today," said Grady as he strode through the door and up to the ice cream counter.

  Annabeth looked up at the sound of his voice and smiled involuntarily. "Thank you. What can I get you?"

  Grady sat at the same stool he had chosen on the last visit. "Chocolate shake as usual."

  Annabeth set the drink in front of him along with a check, then stepped slightly back from the counter.

  "Avoiding me already. And I just got here," said Grady, sighing with mock desperation, then taking a giant gulp of his drink.

  Annabeth reached over, took the metal shake canister and poured the remainder into the glass, smiling slightly, to show she was not being mean.

  Grady grasped her wrist before she could move back again. "I bet you thought I had given up on you, didn't you?" he asked, then released her hand.

  Looking around the store for an excuse to leave, Annabeth found none, so she remained in the conversation although she didn't reply to the question put to her.

  Taking a new tack, Grady asked, "How are you?"

  She smiled then and answered, "Good. How are you?"

  "Lonely. Have dinner with me."

  Annabeth thought for a long moment, still uneasy around this man, still bewildered by his interest. Then she spoke, "I can't Grady, I'm sorry. I'm seeing someone now."

  His face darkened into a scowl, the disappointment greater than anything that made sense to Annabeth. "First you're married, then you're not ready to date, then you're involved. What's the matter Annabeth--why aren't I good enough for you? Doug say something to you about me?"

  "No, of course not." Her voice was calm but inside she felt a little shocked. Deciding to be honest, she opened up a little and said, "The truth is you make me a little nervous. I don't see why you would want to date me, why you've been so persistent. You're a football hero and all. And we don't even know each other."

  "If you go out with me, we'll get to know each other. And I promise to be good."

  "I'm sure you'd be a perfect gentleman, but I really am seeing someone."

  "You can date more than one person at a time. Why tie yourself down?"

  "Oh I could never do that," she said so seriously that he sighed once again. "I think you're very attractive," she said honestly, "But I can't imagine what we'd have in common. You're used to exciting women and I'm really very dull."

  "Let me be the judge of that. Listen to me, Annabeth," he said sincerely, "You have a standing offer. If ever you change your mind, give me a call and I'll buy you dinner." He reached in his pocket, tossed a ten-dollar bill on the counter and winked at her. "It would be fun." With that he turned and walked through the door.

  Annabeth shook her head, thinking of Grady. What was it about him that disturbed her so? He must have an ulterior motive. Otherwise he'd never even notice her. But what was it? She didn't know, but now and then during the course of the next few days she would puzzle over it a bit and then let go of the idea. By Friday Grady was no longer on Annabeth's mind. She had called George to remind him of their dinner date at Becky's house, and although he had sounded surprised to hear from her, he assured Annabeth that he was planning to attend and would pick her up at six in the evening, which was more than enough time to drive to Becky's house.

  Annabeth examined her own reflection in the hall mirror as she passed it on her way down the stairs. She nodded, pleased with the way her makeup enhanced her features. It was almost as good as the makeup in the Glamour Poses photo. She glanced at her watch as she reached the bottom step. Five-forty five. Perfect. There was plenty of time to relax. Annabeth took a seat briefly in the living room, then jumped up to walk into the kitchen to check on the dessert she had prepared to bring along. Perfect. Returning to the living room, once more she sat on the couch, checking her watch again.

  By six-fifteen she was pacing in the hallway, glancing at her watch every few seconds. Where was he? They would be late! Reaching for the phone, she first dialed George's office, but there was no answer. In his house an answering machine picked up, and Annabeth hung up silently, feeling that it was pointless to leave a message. Then thinking better of it, she re-dialed and left a brief message. What if he were hurt? Perhaps he'd had a car accident on the way to her home? Should she just stay there and wait to hear? Annabeth shook her head, knowing that it was unlikely that George was in any danger. She reached for the phone o
ne more time and dialed Becky, who answered on the first ring.

  "Becky, I'm sorry," Annabeth blurted out. "George is late. I'm worried something may have happened to him."

  "Oh no," said Becky. "I hope not."

  "He said he'd definitely be here."

  "Did you want to cancel then, or just leave it loose until you know?"

  "Oh Becky, I don't know." Annabeth envisioned her friend and all the work she'd no doubt done as well as the food that would spoil and she felt guilty. But what was she to do?

  "Do you have call forwarding?"

  "No, not even an answering machine."

  "Hmm. This is terrible. If something had happened, would someone be likely to notify you?"

  "Probably not."

  "Do you want me to come over there and wait with you?"

  "Oh, Becky!" Annabeth exclaimed, "You are just so nice. Here I am ruining your dinner party and you're being so nice."

  "Listen, I'm going to make a plate for this man of mine and then I'll bring some food and come over to your house. That way you'll still get your dinner and you won't have to sit alone and worry."

  "Well, gee, I don't know what to say! Thank you so much. But I can't ask you to feed your husband and leave him home alone when he was expecting to attend a dinner party." Annabeth paused for a moment and her mind cleared. "Listen, this is silly. George probably forgot and when I see him I'll clobber him, but I'm just going to get in the car and drive to your house. Is that okay?"

  "Yes, of course it is. And hon," Becky paused briefly and then continued, "I'm sure he's fine. Probably just a mix-up."

  When, a little while later, Annabeth pulled up into Becky's driveway, she took a deep breath, opened the door and walked to the house. Becky was right. It was surely just a mix-up.

  "Hey!" said Becky, opening the door and enfolding her in a hug. "You poor thing. Come on in." She removed the dessert from Annabeth's hand, cooing, "Oh this looks fantastic. Come meet Shep and then I'll put this in the dining room."

  Annabeth followed her friend into the living room, where Becky's husband rose to greet her.

  "It's so nice to meet you," he said warmly. "Now how about a glass of wine--or would you prefer some iced tea?"