Another Day (Books We Love mature romance)

by Roseanne Dowell

  “Hello,” Liz’s voice came from the living room.

  “Come on in, we’re in the kitchen.”

  “Okay, what did I miss? From the serious looks on your faces, I’d say it was something important.”

  “Nothing really.” I laughed. “Andrew was here, and I missed him. Sandy wanted to know if we were getting back together. I pretty much told her I didn’t know. But if we do, it’s going to be on my terms.”

  “Wow, big sister’s finally growing up.” Liz leaned over and planted a kiss on my cheek.

  “Not sure about growing up, but Dr. Keller made me realize I have to make me happy first. And it’s time to start living my life pleasing me - not everyone else.”

  “Well, it’s about time.” Sandy leaned over and kissed Liz hello.

  “Okay, ladies. Here’s the list of houses I thought sounded good. Our first appointment is at four, how about we do lunch in the meantime?”

  ***

  After an afternoon of house hunting with little success, I thought I was going to go crazy. I suggested we rent a movie and make plans for Saturday. Liz already had made an appointment to meet the realtor at ten, hopefully with at least one house Liz would like.

  “She has a list of homes that fit my price range and my needs.”

  “If you guys don’t mind, Matt is picking me up about seven tomorrow night. We had previous arrangements to visit his sister.” Sandy said.

  “Whew, a date with the cop, and with his family no less. Why don’t you bring him around us? Afraid we’ll scare him off?” Liz paused the movie, she had just put in.

  “Yeah, Sandy, why don’t you bring him around us?” I tossed a pillow at her.

  “Because his sister invited us over, and you guys didn’t, that’s why.” Sandy stuck her tongue out at Liz, who stood ready to toss another pillow.

  A few minutes later, Julie and Jason came in with Harvey to find an all out pillow fight in progress. Harvey immediately joined in, barking and nipping at us.

  “Looks like some people never grow up.” Jason laughed.

  “Yeah, if that was us, Mom would be having a fit.” Julie picked up a pillow that landed at her feet and tossed it at Jason.

  I noticed Sandy moving away from the group. I signaled to Liz and the kids. All of a sudden a barrage of pillows flew at Sandy.

  “Hey! That’s not fair, four against one.” Sandy caught her breath, as we all pounced on her. Harvey licked her face when we knocked her to the floor.

  Finally working her way free, Sandy stood up and sounded indignant. “Okay, if that’s the way you’re all going to treat me, I’m going to bed.” She turned toward the stairs. “Goodnight!” She flipped her hair with her hand in fake indignation and started up the steps.

  I gave the high sign, and we battered her from behind with pillows.

  “Okay, you guys asked for it.” Sandy turned around, pulled a cushion off the chair, and began swinging, taking two of us down with one swing. She pounced on top of us and held us down, daring the other two to come near her. We all ended up on the floor laughing.

  ***

  The next morning, I got up before everyone. At least, I thought I did. I came downstairs to let Harvey out and to make coffee.

  Sandy hung up her phone.

  “Early morning call to the boyfriend?”

  The color crept into Sandy’s face. “Actually, yeah.”

  “Well, whatever you’re thinking sure turned your face red. Or was it the conversation? Don’t tell me you were having phone sex?” I filled the coffee pot.

  Sandy’s face turned even redder.

  “You were, weren’t you? Egad, my sister’s a pervert.”

  Sandy laughed. “Actually we weren’t. We’ve never even had real sex. I can’t even imagine having phone sex.”

  “So what’s his family like? You spent some time with them. How’s his mother?” I changed the subject.

  “They’re nice. I mean they all welcomed me, made me feel like part of the family. Even his mother acted like...I don’t know.” Sandy shrugged. “She seemed happy to see me. Of course, his family is just like you guys, waiting for him to get married. It’s kind of like just because they’re all married he has to be too, ya know.”

  I grinned. “Looks like my little sister’s in love.”

  “So where’s Liz? I thought she’d be the first one up, anxious to start her house hunting.” Sandy changed the subject.

  “I’m right here.” Liz pulled a stool up to the counter and sat next to Sandy. “I knew there was something between you and that cop when you brought him to the hospital.”

  “Oh brother,” Sandy groaned. “Here we go again.”

  “No time to discuss it now, we have to get ready to go.” I sipped my coffee. “But we’ll get back to it later, I guarantee.”

  ***

  After a long afternoon of house hunting, I retreated to my room. Liz sure was picky. It didn’t matter that I tried to make her picture the houses after I worked my magic on them, Liz couldn’t seem to picture them. She wanted a house all decorated and move in ready.

  I didn’t think we’d ever find one to satisfy her. Until the last one, that is. Even I liked the ultra modern look of the house. I swore it had Liz’s name on it.

  From the outside, it looked like an ordinary ranch. But when we stepped through the front door, what a dramatic surprise. We were met with stark white carpeting. Not something Sandy or I wanted, but it screamed Liz.

  It was as if the house was designed specifically for her. A mirrored wall opposite the entry way extended the small hall, making it appear larger. Apparently, the owners had the same taste in furniture as Liz, too.

  A long, sleek, black sectional couch extended around two walls of the huge living room. Black lacquered tables were situated around the room and a lamp with arms that reached out to various parts of the room lit the room with soft, subdued lighting.

  The dining area showcased a built in black lacquered hutch. It definitely screamed Liz. I pictured Liz’s glass-topped table in the center of the room.

  “This is definitely you, Liz. Everything about this house. It’s like they decorated it just for you.”

  “I know. I love it. And I can picture my furniture in here.”

  Liz was ready to sign the papers and move in right then. She was so excited. She didn’t even make an offer on the house. She agreed to the asking price, which surprised me and Sandy. Liz, the frugalist of us sisters, rarely paid full price for anything.

  “I don’t want to take the chance of someone else offering more. I agree to pay the asking price, there’s no discussion. The house is mine.”

  I guessed that made sense. Besides, Liz could afford it. She had a successful business in Fremont that her assistant was buying from her. She already had her building in Trenton, and I couldn’t wait to get started helping decorate the shop.

  I came out of the bedroom just as Sandy stepped out of the spare room. Wow, even in casual clothes she looked terrific. I whistled. My baby sister sure had grown up.

  Love agreed with her. Her face radiated happiness. I just hoped the detective felt the same way. I’d hate to see another of my sisters hurt. Not that Sandy was a baby anymore. Besides, she was in her thirties, time for her to get married. Her biological clock was ticking.

  Matt arrived right on time and planted a big kiss on Sandy’s lips right in front of us. Sandy’s face turned bright red. I couldn’t remember ever seeing my sister so flustered. It was kind of cute.

  He seemed to think so too. He put his arm around Sandy and grinned, a silly mischievous grin. Reminded me of Andrew when we first met.

  While Matt chatted briefly with Liz, I watched Sandy. It looked like she couldn’t wait to leave. My sister didn’t want him spending time with us. She was embarrassed. Surely, she couldn’t be afraid we’d say something. Could she?

  After Sandy left, I decided to walk Harvey while Liz took Jason and Julie out to rent a movie and for a pizza.

  Chapter
Sixteen

  A car, I didn’t recognize, pulled alongside the curb. I edged toward the far side of the sidewalk and watched it out of the corner of my eye. The window slid down.

  “Hey!” Andrew yelled. “Feel like going for a ride?”

  I stopped and stared. “Sure, but I have the dog.”

  “Will he ride in the back seat?”

  “Yeah.” I opened the door and put Harvey in the car. “Whose car is this anyway?”

  “It’s mine. I just picked it up. Like it?” He grinned one of his ear-to-ear, mischievous grins. The same grin I had seen on Matt earlier.

  “Like it? It’s beautiful. Are you sure you don’t mind Harvey?” I asked. “He does shed.” Hmm, a new car, and he never even talked it over with me. Did that mean he was going to call it quits? If so, why bother coming around? Andrew wasn’t the type to seek revenge, surely he wasn’t trying to hurt me. Was he?

  “Not a problem, it’ll clean.”

  That didn’t sound like the Andrew I remembered. He never cared much for dogs. And messy though he was about everything else, he was meticulous about his car. The kids weren’t even allowed to put their feet on the seats when they were little.

  Maybe Andrew had changed too? I knew he had gone to see Dr. Keller. I wondered what they talked about. Me, more than likely.

  “He loves to ride. Look at him,” I said. “He’s already found his spot and is sound asleep.”

  “You don’t mind if we drop him off, do you?” Andrew turned the car toward their house. “I thought we’d go someplace for dinner.”

  “I’d love to. Mind if I change first?”

  “You look great, but if you must...” Andrew reached over, took my hand, and squeezed it.

  “By the way, where are we going?” I asked when we pulled in the drive.

  “Just for a ride. I want to show you something,” Andrew said. “Then I thought we’d grab a bite to eat — nothing special.”

  I ran up to change. “I’ll just be a minute. Come on Harvey. Crate. Write the kids a note for me will you?”

  ***

  Nothing special, just our whole lives hanging in the balance. Would she accept his offer? He wasn’t sure about her anymore. She’d become so self-sufficient. So independent.

  Andrew had finally learned not to be so materialistic. After almost losing Meg and talking to Dr. Keller, he discovered life was way too short. Things could be replaced. People couldn’t. Especially not Meg. He loved her, wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. They had made plans for the future, and he wanted to carry them out. There were too many good years to throw it all away now.

  He liked the new Meg. He only hoped a little of the old Meg was left. The passionate part. He wanted her the way she was before he found out about Paul. She looked delicious. He’d love to help her change, but they’d never make it to the restaurant if he went upstairs with her. Besides, he had something he needed to show her. Something to talk to her about. There’d be time enough for that later. And they would get to that if he had anything to say about it.

  He couldn’t stand to lose her now. He prayed he hadn’t taken too much time to come around. He wrote the kids a note and set it on the hall table.

  ***

  I couldn’t believe he asked me to dinner. And he had something to show me. What?

  What was he doing? He confused me. The look in his eyes said he wanted me. But he acted indifferent sometimes. Other times, he acted like he enjoyed being with me. I wished he’d quit sending mixed signals. I didn’t know what to think anymore. Right now, he wanted to take me to dinner.

  Okay, I could live with that. In fact, I liked the idea. Liked the way he looked at me when he asked. But then, he looked away. I changed into a light weight sweater and pair of jeans. Nothing special he said. What the heck, other than really formal, jeans were the proper attire for just about any place any more.

  I remembered when people dressed up to go out. Even when Andrew and I dated a lot of restaurants required dressier clothes. Now guys wore suit jackets with jeans. Not that I found anything wrong with the look, but I kind of missed those special occasions where you dressed up to go out to dinner or for special occasions.

  ***

  “So what made you get a new car? And a Lincoln Navigator at that?” Meg asked when she got into the car. Meg had been after him for years to replace his Cadillac. He wasn’t usually tight fisted, but when it came to cars, he drove them until they died. What did he need a new car for? When he had clients to entertain he used the company car. The way he traveled he didn’t drive much, anyway. All of his cars had low mileage. In fact, Meg’s car probably had more miles than his.

  “I thought it was time for a change.” Andrew smiled. Wait until she sees what other surprise he had for her. Would Meg be receptive? Agree to let him come back?

  No, she hadn’t kicked him out - he was the one who left. At first she asked him to come back all the time, but she hadn’t asked him to come home in a while. She was busy building a career and seemed to be enjoying it. Would she prefer that to him? She didn’t need him anymore, not even for financial support.

  She seemed to have settled into a nice little life of her own and was quite successful at her job. Not that it surprised him. She was a talented lady.

  Dr. Keller made him realize he was at fault for squelching those talents. He should have let her get a job before they got married. But Meg hadn’t protested. She seemed to like the idea of staying home. But then, Meg hadn’t protested about anything. At least, not until lately.

  He still remembered the incident with the wine. Why he let that bother him, he’d never know. What was the big deal? If she liked white wine with red meat or red wine with white meat or vice versa, who cared?

  That was her decision to make. Hell, he didn’t eat or drink anything he didn’t like, why should she? Besides, he kind of liked the way she stood up to him. She had never gotten mad at him before, let alone walked out of a restaurant.

  He still saw her face when she stood up and threw her napkin down on the table. The color had rushed to her face and the anger in her eyes sparked something in him.

  Spunky side of her he’d never seen before. Okay, so he wouldn’t like to see it often. But, she wasn’t his doormat. He liked that she had her own ideas and opinions. Too bad, she hadn’t shown him that before. Maybe none of this would have happened. But, hadn’t he squelched that? She was more independent when he first met her, even disagreed with him a few times. Not often, but when she did he rationalized everything, and she gave in.

  They drove in a comfortable silence for a while. It felt good just being with her. They’d always been that way. Not always a need to talk, like now. He turned into a development and stopped in front of a small ranch type house with a for sale sign. One of the styles of house Meg liked.

  “What do you think?”

  Meg looked at the house. “What do you mean, what do I think? What do I think of what?” She looked around.

  “The house. I’m thinking of buying it. I’ve decided to make some changes in my life.” Andrew got out of the car and walked around to her side.

  “I guess it’s nice. I mean, you can’t tell much from the outside. It looks small, but it’ll probably fill your needs.”

  “Would you like to see inside?” he asked. “Come on, I have the key.”

  He took her hand and helped her out of the car. He wanted to put his arms around her, but sensed hesitancy in her.

  God, she looked good. He could hardly keep his eyes off of her. His eyes, hell. He could hardly keep his hands off her. He wanted to touch her. Wanted to feel her body pressed against his. He wanted to see her in that sexy red number again. Wanted to experience that passion in her again.

  Crap, he hoped he hadn’t overstepped his bounds. She did like ranch style houses. He remembered that from when they first talked about buying a home. That and Victorians were her favorites.

  He didn’t think he had it in him to buy an old Victorian to fix
up. Not at this stage of his life. He wanted something that didn’t need much work. Besides, Victorians were way too big. The kids would be going off to college in a couple of years. They didn’t need anything that large.

  He put the key in the lock and opened the door.

  Meg followed him.

  “It needs to be remodeled. I thought maybe you’d like to do it. I know you can turn it into a beautiful home.”

  “Oh, umm...” Meg looked around the living room. “It’s bigger than it looks from outside.”

  They went from room to room. The house, much larger than it appeared from outside, had four bedrooms, a library and a den.

  “Well, what do you think?” Andrew stood at the kitchen window and looked out at the large back yard. “There’s even enough room for a pool.” Not that a pool mattered much anymore.

  What mattered was that she liked it. That she accepted his proposal. He wanted to take her in his arms, she looked so sexy. Sexy and unsure. The way she stood there, so rigid and fiddling with her necklace.

  Hell, she was going to refuse. Something in his gut told him, she decided to leave things the way they were.

  “It’s nice, Andrew.” Meg said. “I’m sure you’ll be quite comfortable here.”

  He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. She liked it. “Yeah, and did you notice the size of the kitchen? Plenty of cupboard space, but I think it needs modernized, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, it could use some updating.”

  She sounded strange. Almost like she was going to cry. Were those tears in her eyes? She swallowed hard. Something didn’t feel right. Hell, she was going to refuse. Didn’t matter that she liked it.

  “So what do you think? Are you up to some remodeling?” Why did she sound so hesitant? Why didn’t she just say what she thought? This wasn’t like the new Meg. This was the old Meg, unsure, insecure.