A New Attitude

by Charlotte Hughes

  “Just a small one,” she said. “For the baby.”

  Together, they pored over wallpaper samples for an hour, until they were distracted by the ring of the doorbell.

  Winnie froze. “Do you think that’s him? He’s not due for a while.”

  “Only one way to find out,” Marilee said.

  Winnie jumped from the chair and hurried to the door. She opened it then slumped when she found Sam on the other side. “Oh, it’s you,” she said dully.

  Sam stepped inside. He looked amused. “I’m happy to see you too, Winnie. Is my mother here, by chance?”

  “I’m in the kitchen, Sammy,” Nell called out.

  Sam filled the doorway as he stood there taking in the scene. “Well, now, what have we here?” He moved over to let Winnie squeeze by, but his eyes remained fastened on Marilee.

  “You tell him, Marilee,” Nell said.

  She looked at Sam and smiled. “Josh is coming to live with me.”

  Sam broke into a broad grin. “Oh, Marilee, that’s great! That’s just great. I know you must be relieved.”

  “We’re going to redecorate the house before he moves in,” Ruby said.

  Sam nodded. “When’s he moving in?”

  “Less than a week,” Winnie replied, taking a bite of pizza. “We plan to work this weekend.”

  “I’m so excited I can’t stop smiling,” Marilee confessed.

  Sam looked stunned. “You’re going to redecorate this entire house in a weekend?”

  “I’ll do as much as I can after work,” Marilee said.

  Sam scratched his jaw. There was no way in hell they could do it in two days. “The weatherman is calling for rain over the next couple of days, so I’m going to have some time on my hands.” He looked at Winnie. “Where are you going to stay while all this painting is going on?”

  “Huh?” The girl looked up.

  Marilee slapped her forehead with her palm. “What was I thinking?” She looked at Winnie. “Honey, you don’t need to be around paint fumes right now.”

  “She can stay with us,” Nell said.

  Winnie looked crestfallen. “I want to help.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll keep you busy,” Marilee said. “Somebody has to make sandwiches and prepare dinner. We won’t have time.”

  “Winnie and I will be glad to do it,” Nell said. “Won’t we, dear?”

  The girl nodded. “As long as I can do something.”

  “I’ll see you ladies later,” Sam said. His and Marilee’s gazes met and locked, and she held her breath. He smiled then, almost tenderly. “Congratulations on getting your son back.”

  “Let me see you to the door,” she offered.

  “Don’t bother. Looks like you have a lot of planning to do.” He turned for the living room but paused. “Have you already bought the paint?”

  “Two gallons for Josh’s room and two for the living room.”

  “I could’ve gotten you a discount. Don’t buy paintbrushes or anything like that. I can supply everything you need.”

  “Thank you,” Marilee said.

  “Well, I never,” Ruby said once Sam was gone. “Nell, did you see the way your son was looking at Marilee?”

  “Yes, dear. It’s gotten to be old hat.”

  “Did you see the way Marilee was looking at him?” Clara said.

  Winnie gave a grunt. “Okay, so they’re hot for one another. What’s the big deal?”

  Marilee blushed. “Sam and I are just friends. That’s all. Friends. Now, let’s get busy. We have to make a lot of decisions tonight.”

  ONCE THE GIRLS LEFT, WINNIE and Marilee cleaned the kitchen. Marilee noted the teenager was quiet. “Are you okay?” she asked.

  Winnie didn’t look at her as she wiped the kitchen table. “I knew he wouldn’t show.”

  “It’s still early.”

  “It’s almost ten o’clock. He got off work an hour ago.”

  “I’m sure he has a perfectly reasonable explanation.”

  “Yeah, like maybe he doesn’t want to become involved with a woman carrying another man’s child. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. I was stupid to get my hopes up. I’m crazy for letting it bother me. It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve been rejected.”

  Marilee turned to her. “So you think because one man rejected you it’s going to be that way forever?” When Winnie didn’t answer, Marilee took the girl’s hands in hers. “Listen to me, Winnie. You have everything going for you. You’re kind and loving, and you’re very bright. Sure, this baby is coming at a time in your life when it’s a bit inconvenient, but you’re not the type to let that stop you. Any man would be lucky to have you as a friend.”

  “Don’t worry about me. You need to think about Josh,” the girl said. “I’ll only be in the way, now that he’s coming home.”

  “We’ve been through this before. You’re family.”

  Winnie looked relieved. “Thanks, Marilee.”

  They turned off the lights and started upstairs, just as the doorbell rang. “That’s probably for you,” Marilee said.

  “I doubt it. Anyway, it’s late, and I’m tired.”

  “Answer the door.” Marilee was firm.

  Winnie sighed and started down the stairs. With the chain intact, she unlocked the door and opened it an inch. “Oh, it’s you,” she said when she spied the young man standing on the other side.

  “I’m sorry I’m late, Winnie,” he said. “My dumb car wouldn’t start, so I had to call someone with jumper cables.”

  “Yes, well, thanks for stopping by, but I have to go to bed now.”

  “Wait, this is for you.” He passed a single red rose through the door. “I picked it up at a convenience store. Didn’t dare turn off my engine. Please accept my apology.”

  “I prefer yellow roses,” she said.

  He chuckled. “Work with me here, okay?”

  “You’re just doing this to get free pizza.”

  “You’re right. Did you save me any?”

  “It’s cold.”

  “I like cold pizza.”

  Winnie sighed, closed the door and pulled the chain free. “You’ll have to eat fast because I’m tired.”

  He laughed. “I’ll have to eat fast because I left my car running.”

  Having heard the entire exchange, Marilee smiled as she quietly climbed the stairs for bed.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  MARILEE WAS STILL IN HER BATHROBE when Sam appeared the following morning with two men and a woman named Lori. Winnie had already left for school, grumbling about the rain.

  Marilee blinked at the sight of the people behind him. “What’s going on?”

  “This is part of my crew,” Sam said. “We’re going to get this place in shape. Why aren’t you dressed for work?”

  She was too stunned to speak at first. “I was just about to put on my clothes.” She smiled at the group and invited them inside. “Sam, would you mind coming into the kitchen for a moment?”

  He followed.

  “What are you doing?” she whispered.

  “I told you I’d help you redecorate your house.”

  “I didn’t expect you to bring in all these workers.”

  “Look, Marilee, I’m good, but I’m not that good. I’ll need a little help.”

  “I don’t expect you to do everything. The girls and I plan to work on it all weekend. Besides, I can’t afford to hire professionals.”

  He put his hand on her shoulder. “These people are on the payroll. They can’t work in the rain. Now, tell me which color goes where.” She shook her head to clear it, but it was no use. Sam had obviously decided to take matters into his own hands. She showed him the paint.

  “You selected wallpaper for your kitchen, right? What about the bathrooms? I noticed the paper was outdated.”

  Marilee was insulted. “They don’t look that bad. Besides, I really can’t afford to do the bathrooms right now.”

  “We’ll worry about that
later. Did you choose any samples?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Let’s see them. Lori, would you please come in here? And the rest of you can begin bringing in your supplies.”

  Marilee was growing more annoyed by the moment. How typical of Sam to bring strangers into her house when she wasn’t dressed. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate his good intentions, but it was a little embarrassing standing there in her kitchen in her pink and white polka-dot house slippers.

  “Marilee, this is Lori. She could wallpaper the Chickpea water tower and you’d never find a seam.”

  The two women nodded. “Show me what you’ve got,” Lori said.

  Marilee handed her a sample. “This is what I’ve selected for the kitchen. They’re half price at the Wall Covering Shop on Main Street. I understand they’re in stock.”

  Sam pointed to another stack. “What are these?”

  “They’re for later, when I can afford to do the bathrooms. And this—” she held up the paper Winnie had wanted for a nursery “—I was thinking I might turn the small room next to Winnie’s into a nursery. My mother used it as her sewing room. It’s not much bigger than a walk-in closet, but it would hold a crib and changing table and maybe a small dresser. I have plenty of time for that, but I should probably go ahead and buy the paper, since it’s on sale.”

  Sam’s men brought in ladders and laid drop cloths on the floor as Marilee talked. Lori took each sample and noted on the backs which room the paper was to be used in. “Okay, I’ll get the measurements and head to the wallpaper store,” she said.

  “You need to get ready for work,” Sam told Marilee.

  She pulled him aside. “Should I give Lori a blank check?”

  He shook his head. “She’ll charge it to my account. We’ll settle up later.” He checked his wristwatch. “Do you have time to show me the room where Josh will be sleeping?”

  Marilee led him upstairs and opened the door. Sam looked around.

  “What do you think?” Marilee asked.

  “This will be easy enough. I see you’ve already cleaned it thoroughly.”

  Marilee stared at him, noting the way the early-morning light shone in his dark hair. She had no reason to be irritated. He was simply trying to help in an impossible situation. “Sam, I don’t know how to thank you. You’ve been so kind.”

  “Your son is arriving in less than a week. We have to move on this right away.”

  “I’ll have to cook you five hundred meals to pay you back.”

  “That’ll work. Now, get out of here.” She turned for the door. “Wait,” he said. He caught her wrist and kissed her soundly. “Now you may go.”

  MARILEE ARRIVED AT THE funeral home twenty minutes later. Debbie was waiting for her, dressed in an olive suit with a matching scarf. She looked quite pretty.

  “Are you okay?” Debbie asked. “I heard those men who robbed the Pickford Inn confessed to everything.”

  “Yes, thank goodness,” Marilee said. She gave her a big smile. “And I’m better than okay. Josh is moving in early next week. My entire house is being renovated as we speak.”

  Debbie hugged her. “I’m so happy for you, Marilee. Would you prefer taking a couple of days off? Things are kind of slow right now.”

  “I’ve been ordered out of my house so the painters can do their job. I guess I’d better hang around here. Where’s Irby?”

  “In his office. He’s working with an older couple making future funeral arrangements. I wish more people thought ahead like that. It’s much easier when we have everything on file. Of course, not everyone gets a chance to make arrangements,” she added ruefully as she checked her wristwatch. “I have to run a couple of errands and meet a friend for an early lunch. The baby-sitter is already here. I’ll be back in time for you to go to lunch at one, if that’s okay.”

  “Fine.”

  Marilee spent much of the morning filing and adding information into the computer. As she worked, she thought about how lucky she was to have such wonderful friends who were so willing to help her prepare for Josh’s homecoming. Debbie returned precisely at one. “Go ahead and take as long as you like,” she said.

  On a whim Marilee drove to the local Dairy Queen where she ordered three foot-long hot dogs with onion rings and soft drinks. She drove to Esmerelda Cunningham’s house, wondering if the woman would turn her out the moment she saw her. Oh, well, she’d just have to risk it. She suspected Esmerelda needed a friend, even though the woman would be the last to admit it. She rang the bell, and Dudley answered promptly. He smiled when he saw her. “Have you and Mrs. Cunningham had lunch yet?”

  He eyed the sacks in her arms. “Actually, I was just about to prepare something.”

  “I brought foot-long hot dogs with all the fixings,” she said.

  He looked amused. “I’ll tell Mrs. Cunningham right away.”

  Five minutes later, Esmerelda stepped off the elevator that led from the third floor. “Really, Marilee, you’ve made quite a nuisance of yourself dropping by unannounced.” But the woman didn’t look as annoyed as she sounded.

  “I know, but I was never taught good manners, so it can’t be helped. Where should I unpack our lunches? I’m on my lunch hour so I can’t stay long.”

  Esmerelda sighed. “Let’s just eat in the kitchen. It’ll take Dudley forever to set up the dining room.”

  “In the kitchen, ma’am?” Dudley said, obviously surprised.

  “That’s what I said,” Esmerelda replied. “Move along, Dudley, Marilee doesn’t have long.”

  While Dudley prepared three glasses of iced tea, Marilee unwrapped their hot dogs. “Oh my,” Esmerelda said. “I can’t remember when I last ate one of these. And onion rings? It’s certainly not on my diet, but I suppose this one time won’t hurt.”

  Marilee noticed the woman ate with gusto, as if she hadn’t had a meal in days. She even ate half of Marilee’s onion rings.

  “I understand you work at Denton Funeral Home,” the woman said. “What a ghastly job that must be.”

  “It’s not so bad,” Marilee said. “Irby and Debbie are old high-school friends, so we get along well.”

  “What is your job description?”

  “I’m a receptionist. I was recently given a nice raise and promoted to administrative assistant.” Marilee wasn’t about to tell her what she’d had to do to earn it.

  “It must be awfully depressing,” Esmerelda said.

  Marilee shrugged. “I suppose it’s all in how you look at it. I have to meet with distraught families, some worse than others, but I’ve had a lot of experience dealing with those who’ve lost loved ones. And I’ve learned that the more you help people, the more it takes your mind off your own worries.”

  “What about those that don’t have family?” Esmerelda asked.

  “Doesn’t matter. Everybody has someone who loves them.”

  Esmerelda seemed to ponder that as they finished their meal.

  Marilee noted the time. “I have to run.” She pushed her chair from the table before Dudley could pull it out for her.

  “Dudley, get my purse so I can pay Marilee for lunch,” Esmerelda said.

  Marilee shook her head as she made for the door. “This one’s on me.”

  The rest of the day dragged for Marilee as she wondered what was taking place at home. She couldn’t help feeling guilty for being annoyed with Sam that morning, but she’d been so shocked. She hadn’t forgotten his kiss, though. It had stayed with her all day.

  She looked at the calendar, willing the time to pass quickly so she and her son could be reunited soon.

  Unless he changed his mind.

  Her stomach did a little flip-flop at the thought. No, she couldn’t start thinking like that or she’d drive herself and everyone else crazy in the process.

  Ruby called to let her know she and Clara would be right over after work.

  “I don’t think it’s necessary,” Marilee said. “Sam came in first thing this morning with part
of his crew. Everything seems to be under control.”

  “Oh, Marilee, that man has it bad for you.”

  “I haven’t really noticed,” she lied.

  “Honey, this is me you’re talking to, remember? I saw the way you looked at him last night. Listen, I know you need more time, but just don’t let a good thing pass you by.”

  “The man is a womanizer, for Pete’s sake!” Marilee said.

  “That was high school. Do you know how much testosterone young men have at that age? Now that Sam’s older, his level has probably dropped considerably.”

  “Ruby, I don’t have time to worry about Sam’s testosterone level.”

  “Okay, okay, but before I go I have something to tell you. You can’t breathe a word of it.”

  “What is it?” Marilee asked.

  “Clara met a man at the VFW.”

  “No kidding?”

  “I’ve been dying to tell you, but I haven’t been able to get a minute alone with you. His name is Melvin. He was in Vietnam. Lost an arm, bless his heart, but he’s the sweetest thing. He asked for her phone number before we left. You should have seen the look on Clara’s face. She got all flustered, started tugging at her hair. I had to jerk her into the ladies’ room for one of our girl-to-girl talks. Finally, she agreed to let him call her.”

  “Well, now, that is something,” Marilee said.

  “And Nell danced with a man, can you imagine that? She made us swear not to tell Sam. Oops, gotta run. My shampoo and set just walked in.”

  There was a click from the other end. Marilee hung up the phone, but she was smiling. Clara had met a man, and Nell had danced with one. Imagine that.

  Marilee arrived home after work and found several trucks still parked outside her house. She stepped inside the front door and came to an abrupt halt. For a moment she thought she was in the wrong house.

  Sam appeared out of nowhere. “What do you think?”

  “I’m speechless,” she said. “It doesn’t look like the same room. And you had the trim painted. Everything looks so clean.”

  “I like the color you picked out,” Sam said. “It’s a nice shade of blue. It seems to work okay with your furniture. Except for those drapes. Luckily we had to take them down to paint.”