The Swear Jar

by Osorio, Audra

  “I’m sorry, Mike. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

  Mike laughed. “Duncan, you’re the only guy I know who apologizes for being early. How the heck are you? No, wait on that. Let’s get seated. I’m starving. The trip was longer than I thought. I haven’t eaten in hours.”

  Duncan had known Mike for years. They had gone to library school together. They had attended each other’s weddings. Mike and his wife, Sara, had moved to Pennsylvania and had a house by the Shore. Whenever Mike had time, he traveled to New Jersey to check on the house and visit Duncan. Mike and Sara had given Duncan and Brenda a set of keys for the house. They had a standing invitation to use it whenever they wanted. Duncan was also an emergency contact, if necessary. Brenda hadn’t liked the Shore and there had never been any emergencies, so Duncan had never seen the house. He wondered how Meara felt about the Shore.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Earth to Duncan. Come in, Duncan.” Mike laughed.

  “Sorry. What were you saying?”

  “The food looks good. I don’t know what to get. Where were you just now?”

  “I was thinking about your Shore house. How’s everything going there?”

  “No problems with the renters. The season will be over in a few weeks. Did you want to use it?” Mike asked. “It’s beautiful this time of year.”

  They spoke with their server and ordered. Duncan didn’t know how to explain Meara to Mike. Brenda and Sara had been friends. He wasn’t sure how Mike would react.

  Mike was worried. “You have something on your mind. What’s up? The library? The family? I’ll shut up. You tell me.”

  “Work is fine. I’m fine. The family is fine.”

  “Yes, that sounds like every time I see you.”

  “How’s Sara?”

  “She’s fine. I’m fine. The kids are fine. See how boring it sounds?”

  Duncan laughed heartily. His green eyes danced. Mike was surprised at the change in his serious, somber friend.

  Mike laughed too. “That’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh in a very long time. What the heck is going on? Tell me.”

  “Make sure you’re not eating or drinking anything. You might spit it out.”

  “Mouth empty. Should I drop my jaw in horror?”

  “Maybe. I’ve met someone.”

  Mike stared at Duncan for a minute, but his jaw didn’t drop. “I can see that. You’re happy. For the last ten years, I’ve worried about you. You’ve always been quiet. Brenda’s death hit you hard. Now you’re downright giddy. Who’s the lucky lady?”

  “You’re not surprised? At my age?”

  “You’re only a few years older than me. Romance is not dead in my life, buddy. Why should it be in yours?”

  “I wasn’t looking for it until I met Meara.”

  “The mystery woman has a name. Meara. Tell me about her. How did you meet?”

  “We met at the supermarket. Meara and her niece, Anne, were shopping. The two of them were funny together. I followed them around until I was cornered. I found out she was a librarian. You know my librarian retired, so I asked Meara to apply. She did and I hired her in June. We’ve become friends.”

  “This woman must be a miracle worker. I’ve never heard you talk so much. You followed Meara around the supermarket. I never figured you for a stalker. She must be cute. She’s a librarian and you just happened to need one? Is she at least qualified for the job?”

  “I checked her references and they all loved her. She swooped in mid-June and had a Summer Reading Club up and running by the end of the week. She rallied the troops on my staff and painted the entire Youth Services room in a few hours. This woman is amazing. And yes, she is cute.”

  “Is the feeling mutual? You have to be careful, especially if she’s your staff member and she isn’t interested in a relationship.”

  “The feeling is mutual and we’re exploring it. She lost her husband five years ago. From what I’ve learned so far, he was a bit of a jerk.”

  “At our age, emotional baggage is to be expected. It’s not anyone’s first time on the merry-go-round.”

  The server returned with their food. Mike attacked his plate. Duncan pushed his food around a little.

  “Do you think Sara will be upset?” asked Duncan.

  “No. I’m sure she’ll understand just like I do. You’re not cheating on Brenda. Don’t worry about Sara.”

  “There is one problem.” Duncan set down his fork.

  “What’s the problem?”

  “Maybe I’m the only one who thinks it’s a problem. Meara doesn’t think it’s a problem.”

  “You’re killing me. What’s the problem?”

  “Meara’s about twenty years younger than me.”

  Mike’s fork clattered as he dropped it. “That’s a PROBLEM? You need to stop thinking and start having fun. If Sara was gone as long as Brenda has been gone and I had a second chance at love, I would grab Meara and not let go. Age? What the heck is wrong with you?”

  “I hope it won’t become an issue.”

  “If it isn’t an issue now, it won’t be an issue later. If she said it didn’t bother her, believe her.” Mike picked up his fork again.

  “I believe her. She met Russell in June.”

  “Is that idiot still director over at South Branchville?”

  “Yes. He wants to offer her a job. And if he can’t hire her, he might date her. He wants Meara to be the Youth Services Committee chairperson. I got the meeting moved from his library to my library. He has a raincheck from Meara for lunch.”

  “Wait a minute. She met him back in June? And has she gone on an interview with Russell?”

  “Not that she has told me. She didn’t seem too thrilled with him.”

  “You think if he offers her a job, she’ll leave? Or if she turns down the job, she’ll date him?”

  “I’m wondering. Russell can be quite charming.”

  “Meara has had since June to jump ship or to date Russell. Who does she like? You. I don’t think that’s going to change. It sounds more like self-confidence and jealousy issues on your part.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Maybe we should have met in a bar. I’d buy you a couple of beers and loosen you up.”

  “I’m not looking forward to Russell cornering Meara. I’d hate to lose her as a librarian and as…whatever she’s going to be.”

  “It’s the job of the director to protect his staff. Don’t let Russell get too close. If he does get to Meara and she changes her mind, then let her go. It may hurt like hell, but won’t you be sparing yourself some grief?”

  “You’re right. I can’t let what I can’t control ruin what might happen.”

  “If that was meant to be positive and philosophical, that sounded great. The real question is do I need to have that special talk with you about being careful and protecting yourself? Do we need to take a trip to the pharmacy?”

  “What? No. No.” Duncan waved his hands.

  “You’re clamming up again. I’ll back off on the teasing if you remember that in a couple of weeks, the Shore house could be your very own personal love shack.”

  Duncan grinned, looking away from Mike. Mike narrowed his eyes and chuckled. He shook his finger at Duncan.

  “Wait a minute. That’s what you were thinking about before. You dirty old man. You should be ashamed of yourself. Luring the poor woman into a romantic getaway! Call me if things heat up faster than you think. I can kick out the renters.” Mike grinned impishly.

  Duncan cleared his throat. “This conversation has degenerated right into the gutter. I think it’s time to turn the topic away from my love life.”

  “Let me bend your ear for a while on what’s been going on in my life. It’s not nearly interesting or exciting as yours, but I would like your opinion on a few things.”

  After dinner, Duncan could see Mike was exhausted. He invited Mike to stay over. Mike gladly accepted because he wasn’t looking forward to driving in the dark. H
e followed Duncan back to his house. Duncan waited for him at the front door. When Mike and Sara had been there years ago, the house had held Brenda’s little feminine touches.

  Those little touches were gone. The décor was now streamlined and masculine. In the living room, a table by the wall held family photos and one large framed picture of Brenda. Duncan turned on the kitchen and family room lights. There was a large dark brown sectional couch that looked very comfortable. After the long day, Mike was ready to curl up on it.

  “I don’t have any beer. I do have soda,” Duncan said. “Do you want anything?”

  “To be honest, all I need is a pillow and blanket. I’ll curl up right here. You have an early day tomorrow with John’s birthday.”

  Duncan pointed to the ceiling. “Are you kidding? I’ve got three rooms upstairs with perfectly good beds. You have your choice unless you really do want to sleep on the couch.”

  “You twisted my arm. Let’s check out upstairs. Are they going to celebrate your birthday too?”

  “I hope not. It’s not until Friday. Lisa always makes a fuss. John should be the center of attention, not me. Why do you ask?”

  “Maybe your worries about age come from the fact that you are about to be a year older?”

  Duncan headed upstairs. “You have a valid point. Let’s get you settled. If you need an extra blanket, it might take me a while to find it. Lisa rearranges when she comes over. She’s like a mother hen who thinks I can’t do anything.”

  Duncan’s master bedroom was to the right of the landing. The other three bedrooms were to the left. He swept his arm towards the bedrooms.

  “Take your pick. The one on the left has a twin size bed, the one straight ahead has a full size bed, and the one on the right has a queen size bed.” He pointed.

  “I feel like Goldilocks. I’m going with the biggest bed. It’s not often I get a big bed to myself. I’ll take the door on the right!” Mike chuckled.

  Duncan flipped on the bedroom light. Mike had never been upstairs. He didn’t know what the room had looked like when Brenda was alive, but now it was a simple bedroom with a bed, dresser and nightstand. The wall colors were neutral and the bedclothes were sedate. The bed looked comfortable. Mike heaved a sigh and flopped forward onto the bed.

  Duncan chuckled. “I’ll leave you two alone. Let me know if you need anything. The bathroom is next door. There are extra towels in the bathroom closet. Lisa didn’t move those. Feel free to raid the fridge. There aren’t any televisions up here, so if you want, there’s one downstairs in the family room. I usually sleep with the bedroom door open, but I’m told I snore, so I’ll close the door. See you in the morning.”

  “Thanks again, Duncan. I appreciate it.”

  “Thank you for the advice. I’m happy to know you and Sara will be comfortable with my relationship with Meara.”

  “Anytime, Duncan. See you in the morning.”

  The next morning, Mike awoke to the smell of good, strong coffee. He sat up in bed and inhaled deeply. A glance at the clock told him it was nine in the morning. He padded out to the hall bathroom. Duncan’s bedroom door was open. He was tempted to peek and see if Duncan’s bedroom was devoid of feminine touches like the rest of the house. Brenda had been a good woman, just not very sentimental. He suspected she had eliminated her presence with Lisa’s help. He wasn’t so sure that had been the best thing for Duncan, his sensitive and deep thinking friend.

  It probably didn’t matter anymore. Meara had Duncan under a spell. He had been chipper and lighthearted yesterday. Mike hoped Meara felt the same way about Duncan. He didn’t want Duncan to withdraw again. As he headed to the kitchen, Mike thought it would be great to meet this Meara someday. The kitchen was cool and the natural daylight made the house bright. There was no sign of Duncan. Mike could hear paper shuffling in the dining room. He heard Duncan sigh.

  “Good morning, Duncan,” said Mike.

  Reading glasses propped on his nose, Duncan sat at the dining room table with a pile of picture books, wrapping paper, tissue paper, a colorful bag, scissors and tape. He was overwhelmed.

  “Good morning, Mike. How are you? Did you sleep well? I hope I didn’t wake you.” He smiled.

  “I’m fine, thank you. I slept like the dead. It was exactly what I needed. That good Colombian coffee is driving me crazy. Is there enough for two?”

  “Of course. Help yourself. Mugs are in the cabinet above the machine. Spoons in the drawer next to the machine. Sugar on the counter and milk in the fridge.”

  “Efficient setup. I’ll be right back. Then you can tell me what the heck you’re doing.” Mike came back with a mug of coffee. “Excellent coffee. My compliments. You always knew how to brew a good pot of java.”

  “I’ll make you breakfast too once I figure out this wrapping paper nightmare.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m trying to wrap the books and teddy bear I have for John, but I confess I’m lost. I’ve got no gift wrapping skills.”

  “Maybe you should call Meara and ask her to do it.” Mike grinned wickedly.

  “Don’t think I haven’t thought of it. She has a sprained ankle. It’s a long story. I don’t want to go into it right now. And if I go over to her place, I won’t leave.”

  “I’m shocked. I hardly know you anymore. It’s awesome.”

  “I’m changing, aren’t I?”

  “It’s about time too. Now if you can’t get Meara’s help, then you’re stuck with me. The problem is you have sons. Your daughter-in-law would just do it for you. Now, if you had daughters like I do, then they would make you learn this stuff. What do we have here?”

  “Lucy told me I would need birthday-themed wrapping paper, tissue paper and one of these bags. How do I wrap the books and shove the bear into the bag?”

  Mike put his hands on his hips. “Wait a minute. Who’s getting the dragon and the wounded teddy bear? As if I didn’t know.”

  “Are you going to help me or what?” Duncan was cranky.

  Mike laughed. “Step aside, novice and let an expert at it.”

  Duncan watched in fascination as Mike took the books and the wrapping paper. Soon he had a wrapped package. Mike took the tissue paper and made a nest to surround the teddy bear. He placed the tissue paper nest in the bag.

  “Voila! Do I get breakfast now?” Mike asked.

  “You sure do! Bacon, eggs and bagels. And more coffee, of course. You saved me, my friend. Thank you!”

  “Happy I could help. I’m starving after all that gift wrapping origami. After that, I should get out of your way so you make it to the party. I have to admit, I want to get to the Shore house and enjoy it while I can.”

  “Breakfast, coming right up. If you’d set the table, I’ll get the eggs going.”

  The two men worked around the kitchen to make breakfast. The coffee aroma was joined by the smell of eggs and bacon. Duncan scrambled eggs while Mike toasted bagels. Mike set the kitchen table and refilled their coffee mugs. Duncan got orange juice out of the refrigerator. The two men sat down to eat. They passed food back and forth.

  Once their plates were full, Mike laughed. “I should save your butt more often. This is great. Thank you. How are Tom and Lucy? Have you ever noticed you can’t say their names separately?”

  Duncan chuckled. “Yes, it’s difficult to think of them as individuals. Tom and Lucy are doing well.”

  “That’s good. What do they think of your Meara?”

  Duncan smiled. “They both like her. There is a difference of opinion as to how to proceed in my pursuit of a relationship with Meara.”

  “Let me guess. Tom thinks full speed ahead and Lucy says go slow. Sound about right?”

  “Yes, you got it.”

  “You’ll find a happy medium. As soon as I’m done here, I’ll take a shower, if you don’t mind. I’ll get out of your hair as soon as possible.”

  “You’re no bother at all, my friend. It’s been great spending time with you. We should do this
more often.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Soon after breakfast, Mike was ready to go and carrying his overnight bag. “I made the bed. If I had a mint, I would have left it on the pillow. Is Hotel Phillips open year round? You should think about starting a B and B. For a guy who claimed all he could do was grill, you did pretty well this morning. Thanks again for everything.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ve been developing my cooking repertoire. It’s always great to see you. Please give my regards to Sara. Have a safe trip to the Shore.”

  “I will. I left a birthday present for you upstairs. It’s nothing big, but I hope you like it. Don’t open it until Friday.”

  “I’ll try not to. I make no promises.”

  Duncan watched Mike’s car pull away. He was tempted to call Meara. If he did, he wouldn’t want to leave her, even for John. That would make him the worst Grandpa ever. Around noon, he decided to leave for Andrew and Lisa’s house. He didn’t mind socializing with his own family, but the addition of Lisa’s family and John’s little friends made him uncomfortable. He wondered how his family would react if he showed up with Meara. They would be shocked, but it would be great to have someone with him who didn’t treat him like an old geezer.

  Duncan found Andrew in the backyard wrestling with the outdoor grill. He was mumbling to himself. He was a taller, thinner version of Duncan with the same reddish blonde hair, but with light brown eyes. Andrew was easy-going and had always been a serious child. Duncan smiled at Andrew’s discomfort with the grill.

  “Hello, Andrew,” Duncan said. “Need some help?”

  “Dad! I am so glad to see you. I can’t get this to catch. Any suggestions?”

  “Stand back and let the grill master take over.” Duncan rubbed his hands together.

  “You’re in a good mood. Things going well at the library?”

  “Indeed they are. How are you? Besides the toddler party crisis, of course.”