“Fine. Lisa has everything under control. Or as much as you can with our family, her family and about six kids under the age of five. Sean’s throwing his first tantrum of the day.”
Duncan’s younger son, Sean, came over and hugged him. “Hi Dad. Very funny, Andy. Lisa sent me out here to find out what’s the holdup. Now that Dad’s here, I guess your barbecue problems are over.”
Sean was taller than Andrew. He had dark blonde hair and blue-green eyes. Sean had always been the problem child. He wasn’t a bad kid. He had never gotten into serious trouble, but he was more daring than Andrew. He wasn’t ready to settle down. And he was a smartass.
“Hi Sean, how are you?”
“Just fine, Dad. Still looking for someone to change my diaper. I was hoping Andy could introduce me to one of the moms here today, but they’re all taken. How’s it going at the book tomb, Dad?”
“Fine. We haven’t found any ghosts in the stacks lately.”
“Funny! You’re in rare form today. What’s up with you?”
Lisa came out into the backyard. She was shorter than Duncan. She had shoulder length black hair and brown eyes. With her hands on her hips and her eyes fixed on them, Lisa was not a woman to be trifled with when she wanted something done. She reminded Duncan of Brenda, but Lisa had a softer side when she wanted. Now was not one of those times.
“Thank goodness you’re here, Dad. I love you! Andrew has been fussing with that grill for half an hour. We’ve got starving guests and toddlers about to explode. Sean, I need you inside. Andrew, please come get the plate of hot dogs and hamburgers.”
The three men looked at each other in silence until Lisa disappeared back into the house.
“It’s a good thing we love her. Otherwise, I might have to pick a fight with her. Lovely woman you married, big brother. I’m off to do whatever it is she wants me to do. With my luck, it’s entertaining the kids,” said Sean.
“Just remember those warm meals she gives you and all the freeloading you do around here,” Andrew retorted.
“Yeah yeah yeah,” Sean laughed as he disappeared inside the house.
“How’s it looking, Dad?” asked Andrew.
“Just fine son,” Duncan replied. “I’d go get those hot dogs and hamburgers. She might come back and throw them at you.”
“And I’ll kindly remind you Lisa is extremely fond of you.”
“I know. I’m fond of her. Do I stay chained to the grill? Or is someone at least going to let me see my grandson?”
“I’ll be back with the plate and the kid.”
Duncan grinned as Andrew went into the house. He got the coals going. He was glad he didn’t have to be in the house with the other guests. He was wondering what had happened to Andrew when he heard a squeal of joy.
“Grandpa! Grandpa! It’s my birthday!”
Duncan knelt down. John ran into his arms. Duncan hugged him until he giggled. John had dark brown hair and brown eyes. Duncan kissed his forehead.
“Let me look at you. I can see you’ve gotten taller. Yes, it’s your birthday. How old are you now? You’re ten, right? No, no, you’re twenty years old, right?”
“Grandpa! You’re silly. I’m three!”
“Three years old? You’re bigger than that. Happy Birthday, John!” Duncan stood up.
“Thank you Grandpa!” John hugged Duncan’s legs.
Duncan laughed. “Do you want to help me cook the hot dogs?”
Lisa materialized beside Duncan and Andrew. “Oh, no, you don’t. Get to work boys. There’s extra cake in it for you. Maybe I won’t complain the next time you guys watch football. Let’s go, John. Your friends are looking for you.”
Andrew’s eyes were dancing with laughter. Duncan kept a straight face until Lisa went back into the house.
“She’s scary,” Duncan chuckled.
Andrew laughed. “Yes, it’s true. She is sometimes.”
“Let’s get this over with so she doesn’t come out again. I don’t want a fork stuck in my backside.”
Duncan and Andrew had platefuls of food heading into the house. Sean, the errand boy, came out with new plates to be cooked. When Sean returned empty-handed, Duncan and Andrew knew their job was done. They headed into the house. Lisa’s look of approval made Andrew pat Duncan on the back.
“Thanks, Dad,” Andrew said.
“Anytime, son,” Duncan replied. “Can we make a plate and sit outside? It’s a little noisy in here. I’m sure Lisa will track us down for garbage detail when it’s present time.”
“Sounds like a good idea to me,” said Sean. “Let’s head for the picnic table.”
“She might kill me, but I’m right behind you,” Andrew whispered.
They sat at the picnic table, eating happily. They talked about birthday parties from the past. They were laughing heartily when Lisa appeared.
“Gentlemen,” she said. “Nice work. Thank you. Andrew, I swear to you now we’ll never do this again. Only immediate family in the future. I promise.”
“Yes, dear,” Andrew replied.
Lisa narrowed her eyes at Andrew. “I deserved that one. Guys, it’s time to open the presents.”
“Let’s go men. This is the toughest job yet. It will be a sea of wrapping paper and ribbons. We may not survive, but we’re going in!” said Sean, pointing to the sky.
Sticking her tongue out at Sean, Lisa took Duncan’s arm and led him inside. She hugged him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to say hi, Dad. How are you?” Lisa asked.
Although Duncan loved her, she sometimes treated him like a doddering old man. “I’m fine. You might be surprised at how well things are going for me.”
“That sounds interesting. Anything you want to tell me?”
“Not right now. We’ll see how it goes.”
She kissed him on the cheek. “If you want to talk, let me know.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I will.”
Lisa led John to the living room and sat on the floor. Family and friends surrounded them. Duncan, Andrew and Sean stood around the edges. They took pictures, handed presents to Lisa and held garbage bags. When Lisa read Duncan’s card, John squealed.
“What did Grandpa give me?” He clapped his hands.
He quickly shredded the paper. His face beamed while browsing the pile of books. He wanted to stop and read all of them.
Duncan intervened. “John, we can look at the books later. There’s another present from me. And John, my friend Meara says happy birthday.”
Lisa’s head whipped up while Andrew and Sean stared at Duncan. He gleefully avoided eye contact. John reached for the teddy bear bag and pulled it out. It was love at first sight as John hugged the bear.
“Thank you, Grandpa!” John exclaimed.
“You’re welcome, John.”
Sean made his way over to Duncan. “Hey, Dad, who’s Meara?”
“She works at my library,” Duncan said slowly.
“She works for you? Is she a librarian?”
“Yes, she works for me and yes, she’s a librarian. We’re also friends.”
Sean liked to tease Duncan. Andrew knew Duncan missed Brenda and wouldn’t blame him for wanting companionship. Andrew wasn’t sure Sean felt the same way. If Sean started in on Duncan, Andrew was going to stop it. In ten years, Duncan hadn’t mentioned anyone. If this Meara was important to Duncan, Andrew was not going to let Sean ruin it.
“How can you be friends if she works for you? Is she one of those little old lady librarians with the bun in her hair and thick rimmed glasses?” Sean laughed.
“You know I’m friends with Tom, Lucy and Sherrie. It’s the same thing. And no, she’s not a little old lady librarian.”
“You said Meara wished John a Happy Birthday. Did she help you pick out the presents?” asked Andrew gently.
“No, she told me what to look for at the bookstore.”
Sean smirked. “She’s a nerdy bookworm, not a cool cybrarian.”
“Mea
ra’s good with computers and technology. She also likes working with children.”
Andrew watched Duncan closely. His face lit up when he spoke about Meara. Andrew wanted hear more about her without Sean pressing Duncan’s buttons.
Sean continued. “Is Meara socially awkward, homely and old? Are the kids afraid of her? Does she smell like peppermints?”
“No, Sean, she’s not. The kids love her. As a matter of fact, when you come for Thanksgiving, John should go to Meara’s storytime,” Duncan said.
“I’m sure John would love it,” replied Andrew, glaring at Sean.
“If she’s your friend, does that mean you’re gonna start dating her?” asked Sean innocently.
“Maybe. She’s interested in me. We could always double date. Oh wait. You don’t have a girlfriend, do you?” Duncan fired back.
Sean and Andrew were both shocked. Whoever this new Duncan was, Andrew liked him. Sean was not so sure.
“Ouch, Dad,” Sean said. “What the hell’s gotten into you?”
“If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen,” retorted Duncan.
Andrew laughed. “He finally got you, Sean. Admit it. Nice one, Dad!”
“Yeah, old man, this round goes to you, but I’m looking for a way to get you back,” Sean said, walking away.
“Do you think I hurt his feelings?” asked Duncan.
“Maybe a little, but he deserved it. He was asking for it,” replied Andrew. “Don’t feel bad. He’ll bounce back. Enjoy the victory.”
“I will,” Duncan laughed.
“Dad,” Andrew said, seriously.
“Yes, Andrew,” Duncan said, nervously.
“I want you to be happy,” Andrew said.
“Thank you, Andrew,” Duncan sighed. “I’d like you to meet Meara.”
“Is it that serious? You’ve never mentioned her before.”
“I met her in June. We’re taking things slowly. We’re friends.”
“I mean it when I say I want you to be happy.”
“I’m not sure Sean would be as understanding.”
“Don’t worry about Sean. I’ll take care of him. It’s Lisa you have to worry about. She’s going to want details. You’re on your own, even I can’t save you.”
Duncan chuckled. “I’ll tell her I can’t find something. She’ll say I’m a silly old grandpa. She’ll forget I ever mentioned Meara.”
“Good luck with that one!”
“Good luck with what?” asked Lisa.
Duncan and Andrew jumped. Lisa had a habit of appearing out of nowhere and popping into people’s conversations.
“Nothing, honey.” Andrew smirked innocently.
“Yeah, right. Dad, who’s Meara?” asked Lisa with determination.
“Meara’s my friend. She works at my library,” Duncan said simply.
“Why is Sean mumbling about his own father picking on him?”
“No clue.” Grinning, Duncan hoped the questioning was done.
Lisa was a bulldog. “Meara’s your friend? Friend, as in Tom and Lucy friend, or friend, you need silk boxer shorts for your birthday friend?”
“Honey, thank you for the lovely visual. Now I need to wash my brain out with soap,” Andrew laughed.
“Dad? You haven’t answered,” Lisa said, hands on hips.
“Can I pass on that question?” Duncan replied, his voice serious.
Andrew stopped laughing. “You’re not kidding, are you? Lisa, we’ll be meeting Meara at Thanksgiving. That’s a long time off, Dad.”
“We’re taking it slow,” Duncan said.
“Thanksgiving it is then,” Lisa said. “I’m looking forward to meeting your Meara.”
Duncan smiled at the thought of Meara being his. He couldn’t wait to see her on Monday.
Chapter Eighteen
Monday morning, Duncan was up before the alarm. John’s birthday party had gone well. Although Lisa didn’t make him wear a party hat, they did sing him Happy Birthday. They gave him his usual gift, a tie. Birthday ties were an inside family joke. Growing up, the boys would pool allowances and buy him a hideous tie. The joke was on them because no matter how bad the tie was, he would wear it. He had been proud they chose presents for him, even if the style was questionable.
When Andrew started dating Lisa, she stopped them from buying ugly ties. Lisa had chided them for abusing poor Duncan’s affection. This year’s tie was cerulean blue. He thought the tie would look great when Meara had the Youth Services Committee meeting. He wanted to impress her and if he also outshone Russell, it was a bonus.
He got ready for work in nervous anticipation. He was going to be incredibly early, but he couldn’t wait anymore. He wanted to see Meara and find out where their friendship was going. He arrived before anyone else. He carried a bag from the Branches and Twigs Bookstore with the dragon and bear inside. Not sure what to do with it, he put it in his office. Meara appeared, walking slowly up the path. She wasn’t limping, but he could tell her ankle was bothering her. He opened the door for her.
She smiled radiantly. “Thank you, Sir Duncan. I was hoping you’d open the door. My ankle is killing me. Good morning!”
His fears melted away. “Lady Meara, may I carry your bag for you?”
“You don’t mind? Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” He lowered his voice to a growl. “What else are knights in shining armor for?”
Momentarily lost in his eyes, she asked nervously, “How was your weekend? How’s your friend? And John’s birthday party?”
He unlocked the door to her office. “Fine. Everything went fine. Here you go. Get yourself settled. I’ll be right back.”
He left her standing in the office, staring after him quizzically. She busied herself around the office. He returned a few minutes later, carrying the bag from the Branches and Twigs Bookstore.
She laughed. “You went to the bookstore! Did you find any books for John?”
“I found a huge pile and a teddy bear. John was enchanted. He wanted me to read to him right in the middle of the party. The bear is his new best friend. I wanted to thank you.”
“Mr. Phillips, I didn’t do anything. You picked out everything,” she said.
His smile faltered as he handed her the bag. “This is for you.”
She reached inside. “What a gorgeous dragon! I love it. We’ll have a lot of fun with him in storytimes.”
He frowned. “No, he’s for you. I mean, you can use him in storytimes, but he’s yours.”
She lowered her voice. “Thank you, Duncan.”
His heart skipped a beat. “There’s something else in the bag.”
She pulled out the little bear. “He’s adorable! And look at the bandage on the left ankle! I feel so stupid about what happened.”
“It was an accident. There’s a card too,” he said.
She shyly bowed her head as she read the inscription aloud. Her voice radiated warmth into his soul. He had written ‘To Meara from Duncan.’ Today was a fantastic day.
“Hey guys! How did it go on Friday?” asked Sherrie, from the doorway.
“Hi, Sherrie! The painting is done, but Miss Meara sprained her ankle. Don’t let her work too hard. The ankle is still bothering her,” he said.
“Sherrie, you’ve been warned. I’m a klutz,” Meara laughed.
“May I speak to you in the meeting room, Miss Meara? I’d like to get your opinion. All this painting has made me realize maybe the meeting room could use some work,” he said.
“Of course, Mr. Phillips. Sherrie, can you start putting the books back on the walls?”
Meara followed Duncan to the meeting room. He held the door open. Walking in, she turned to face him. He put his arms around her waist.
He whispered in her ear. “I missed you.”
“I missed you.” She relaxed in his embrace.
“You called me Mr. Phillips. You scared me a little.”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t sure how you wanted to handle this,” she giggled.
“We said to forgo formality around each other. Did you really think I got the dragon for the library?”
“I didn’t want to assume on either count. I can’t decide if I want to call him George or Smaug.”
“Please assume. George? As in Saint George and the Dragon? And Smaug as in The Hobbit?”
“All right, I’ll assume. One of my favorite books.”
“Mine too.”
“Smaug it is then.”
“I’m going to kiss you now.” He pulled her close.
“Duncan! What if someone peeks in the window?” she giggled.
“That giggle. Then he or she will get an eyeful.”
He held her face and kissed her on the lips. She returned the pressure and wrapped her arms around his waist. One kiss turned into many. In a short time, they lost track of long they had been standing there.
He whispered into her ear. “Have lunch with me today. There’s a little café in town. Unless you have other plans?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, I have a hot date with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I got on Diana’s last nerve so I was left to my own devices this morning. I managed toast for breakfast. I’m not sure I’m even dressed right. My socks might not match.”
He laughed. “Break your plans. I’ll feed you. We can sneak in a discreet nibble or two. I could give you a clothes inspection.”
He nuzzled and kissed her neck. He could get lost in her arms. She felt lightheaded and nervous. She shook her head.
“Duncan! I’ll take my chances with my wardrobe. Lunch sounds good. What time?”
“I love when you say my name. High noon. Meet me by the Circulation Desk and I’ll drive.” He silently kicked himself for using the word love.
“High noon it is, Mr. Phillips.” She tried to release herself from his embrace.
He held her fast. “John says thank you for wishing him happy birthday. My two sons and daughter-in-law asked me about you.”
She wriggled free, unable to breathe. “What did you tell them?”
“I told them you’re my friend.” He frowned, realizing he had said something wrong.
“How do they feel about it?”
“They’re getting used to it,” he said softly, realizing he needed to go slowly with her.
The Swear Jar Page 14