The Swear Jar

  She opened his dresser drawers. She made a small pile of socks, underwear and jeans on the bed. Heading into the closet, she couldn’t help touching his suits. She found his ties, running her fingers through them like ribbons. She found his casual shirts, choosing several comfortable ones. She couldn’t find a swimsuit. Hands on hips, she frowned. She placed his shirts on the bed.

  He smiled at her. “I do have plans for this weekend. Yes, as a matter of fact, my friend Meara did wish me a Happy Birthday.”

  She grinned and blew him a kiss. She looked through his dresser for a swimsuit. She threw her hands up in disgust.

  He chuckled. “Sorry, Sean. I was laughing at something. Thank you again for the birthday wishes. I’ll see you at Thanksgiving. Yes, Sean. I haven’t forgotten. You’ll meet Meara then. Goodbye.”

  She whirled around. “What?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “When I mentioned you at John’s party, they said they wanted to meet you. Remember, I told them you were my friend. We go to Lisa’s mother’s house for Thanksgiving. I’ll ask if you can come with us.”

  “That’s not such a good idea. I don’t want to go where I may not be welcome. I’ll meet them at Thanksgiving.”

  “I’m not sure I want to go without you. They know I like you.”

  “Don’t change your plans on my account. Let’s not ruin this weekend thinking about months from now.”

  He pulled her into an embrace, kissing her. “Agreed.”

  “Where’s your swimsuit?”

  “Good question. We better find it and get moving. It’s almost eight thirty. Diana will be wondering where you are.”

  She laughed. “And you need pajamas.”

  “Do I really need them?” He teased.

  “Yes, please. You’re distracting enough fully clothed. Without clothes, I would be helpless.”

  “That’s not much of an argument for me to bring pjs.”

  “How about I find pjs to be extremely attractive and soothing?”

  “Better. From what Mike has told me, the house has its own pool and hot tub. The beach is about two blocks away. There’s even a little cottage behind the pool. He says it’s very private and the house is all ours for the weekend.”

  “Find those pjs and swimsuit. Let’s get going!”

  “As you command, Lady Meara.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Duncan packed his overnight bag. They headed out the front door. Meara offered to drive her Jeep because they could load it with beach gear and food. He agreed. Arriving at her house, they parked the Jeep on the street. They walked up the driveway, hand in hand. She swung close and bumped him with her hip. He grabbed her around the waist, pulling her close. They were passing the Victorian house when they heard Diana clear her throat.

  “Isn’t the point of a walk of shame to do it alone? I didn’t realize you were coming too, Duncan. Good morning,” said Diana, shaking her head and laughing. “Anne’s inside and Ben’s holding her down. She was asking about you last night.”

  Hanging her head, Meara’s smile faded. “I should have realized she’d be wondering. What did you tell her?”

  “I told her it was Duncan’s birthday. You went to his house for dinner. It got late and you stayed over. It’s simple, truthful, and enough to satisfy Anne. She keeps asking if this is a big change. Ben, you can let her go!”

  Anne came running out. “Happy Birthday, Mr. Phillips! Aunt Meara, I was so worried about you! Mom told me about your sleepover. Did you have fun?”

  Ben had a big smirk on his face. Meara turned bright pink, but Duncan squeezed her waist.

  “Thank you, Anne. I had a great birthday yesterday. I’ve declared it my birthday weekend. We’re sorry we had to postpone the birthday dinner. I want you all to know Meara and I are dating, officially. She’s my girlfriend and I’m her boyfriend. Anne, I’d like you to call me Duncan. I know you wish to be polite, but if I’m your Aunt’s boyfriend, the formality is a little awkward. Is that all right, Diana and Ben?”

  “That’s fine with us, Duncan. Welcome to the insanity,” Diana said.

  “Boyfriend! Aunt Meara has a boyfriend! Are you sure? She can be a pain sometimes,” asked Anne.

  “I’m sure, Anne,” Duncan replied. “I’ll take my chances.”

  Meara smiled. “Thanks, Anne.”

  Meara squeezed Duncan’s hand. He squeezed back.

  “Have you two had breakfast yet?” asked Diana, coming down the stairs.

  “No, I was supposed to make breakfast this morning, but I didn’t have the necessary ingredients,” said Duncan. “Meara promised me breakfast here.”

  “We haven’t had breakfast either. I had a feeling your plans changed. How about a birthday brunch?”

  “Thank you, that sounds wonderful as long as Meara is all right with it.”

  Meara nodded. “Thank you, Di.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. I don’t have any eggs. Do you?” asked Diana.

  Meara nodded again.

  Diana jumped into action. “Meara, go cook up some scrambled eggs. Anne, get the pancake batter going. Ben, those strawberries and blueberries need to be cleaned. Duncan, would you come inside and help set the table?”

  They all stared at Diana. They tried not to laugh.

  “Gee, you’re starting to sound like Aunt Meara,” Anne said, retreating into the house.

  “Well, Ems?” asked Diana.

  Walking to her house, Meara waved to Duncan from the porch. Ben stood at the top of the stairs, arms folded over his chest. He wanted to hear what Diana was going to say to Duncan.

  “Duncan, let’s get something straight right now. Ems stands for Mother Meara. I love her fiercely. She’s more of a mother to me than my own mother. She’s an adult, but I don’t want to see her hurt. I hope she’s not going to get hurt.”

  “Diana, I can understand your concern. I love Meara. I have loved her for some time now. I was waiting for her to feel the same way. I have nothing but the best of intentions. I would never hurt your sister.”

  Unfolding his arms, Ben smirked. “Meara said she loved you?”

  Duncan smiled. “Yes, she did. Should I believe her?”

  Ben replied, “Are you kidding? If she told you, it’s the truth. My wife is going to kill me.”

  “No, I’m not. If Meara said she loves Duncan, then I’ll back down from angry, protective sister mode. Why don’t you two go inside while I speak to my sister?”

  Ben and Duncan retreated indoors. Ben clapped Duncan on the back. Diana walked over to Meara’s house, knocking on the door when she reached the porch.

  “Duncan, is that you?” Meara called out cheerfully.

  “No, it’s me, Ems. How are the eggs coming?” Diana asked.

  “Fine. A few more minutes.”

  “You love him? And he loves you?”

  “Yes. And yes.”

  “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” asked Diana.

  “I think I can cook eggs,” replied Meara.

  “That’s not what I meant and you know it,” snapped Diana. “If this doesn’t work out between you and Duncan, he’s your boss. It could be awkward.”

  “Who was the one pushing me to go on the pill?”

  “Let’s not fight. I like Duncan, but don’t settle for the first guy who comes along and makes you feel good in bed once.”

  Meara scrambled the eggs. “Once?”

  “It was more than once?”

  Meara turned red. “None of your business. I love Duncan. I’m not settling. He makes me happy.”

  “So happy you forgot about Yolanda?”

  “I was supposed to talk to her last night! Oh, crap. I’m sorry, Yoli!”

  “When she couldn’t get you, she called me. She was concerned. I told her you were with Duncan. She knew you liked him, but she didn’t know it was this serious. I told her it looked like you would be spending the night.”

  “What did Yoli say?”

  “She said life is short, you sh
ould go for it. She wants you and Duncan to use protection. She also asked for a picture of him, in case he breaks your heart. That way she knows who to look for when she gets here to kick his ass.”

  Meara smiled. “I love Yoli. My two sisters are always looking out for me. Did you tell her I was sorry?”

  “No, I thought you would talk to her today. Since you’re probably leaving for the Shore after breakfast, I’ll email her. I’ll let her know the plan changed. When are you coming back?”

  “I don’t know. All I know is he wants to take me away for the weekend.”

  “How do you feel about that?”

  “I like it. I want to make sure we get to know each other and not just be intimate.”

  “He’s okay with that?”

  “Yes. He said this weekend has no expectations.”

  “He loves you. I can tell. No, it’s more like he adores you.”

  “Then what’s your problem, Di? You push me towards him, and then you pull me back. Spit it out.”

  “I don’t want to see you get hurt. If it didn’t work out with Duncan, you’d be heartbroken. I don’t want to see you like that, EVER again.”

  “That’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

  “I said what I had to say. If he does break your heart, Yoli won’t be the only one looking for him. Let me handle the eggs. I put a pile of clothes on your bed. I couldn’t find any lingerie. I didn’t know if you wanted any. Make sure you pack your birth control pills. I’m not ready for a little Meara running around.”

  “I’m sure I’m past that point.”

  “Not until you hit menopause, my dear. Miracles happen. Get going.”

  Meara kept Duncan’s shirt on, but changed into shorts as she packed her bag. Meara and Diana walked back to the other house. As they entered the kitchen, Ben and Duncan looked up from their tasks and smiled at the sisters.

  “She survived!” Ben joked. “See, Duncan? My wife didn’t kill Meara.”

  “I’m glad to see that. I’d hate to eat breakfast without her.”

  “Very funny, you two,” Diana smirked. “Where’s Anne?”

  “She mixed the batter, and then the phone rang. She took it into the living room. I have no idea who it is,” said Ben.

  Checking the caller id box, Diana threw up her hands. “Oh, no.”

  “Oh, no? Oh, crap. I’m not here! I was eaten by a shark in the pool. I got severe paper cuts from library books and I’m in the hospital,” Meara hissed.

  Ben laughed. Duncan looked puzzled. Anne came into the kitchen. Meara put her finger over her lips and pointed at Anne.

  “Nana, Mom’s here now. Do you want to talk to her?” Anne asked.

  She listened and handed the phone to Diana. Meara grabbed Anne.

  She whispered, “Did you tell her I was here?”

  “She asked for you. She called you last night and you didn’t answer. She wants to talk to you. I told her you were over at your house,” Anne said.

  Duncan watched in amusement as Meara fished in her shorts’ pocket. She found a dollar bill and handed it to Anne.

  “For the Swear Jar. I might as well give it to you now. Duncan, I’m sorry you’re going to witness this. My mother drives me crazy,” Meara sighed.

  “Yes, Mom, Meara’s right here,” Diana said loudly. “But we’re going to eat breakfast. You’ll need to make it fast. The pancakes are almost done.”

  Handing Meara the phone, Diana whispered, “Behave.”

  Rolling her eyes, Meara took the phone. “Yes, Mother? How are you? I’m fine, Mother. Sorry, I wasn’t home. The one night I’m not home and everyone, including my own mother, was looking for me. Where was I? I’m an adult, Mother. I don’t need to tell you that. No, I wasn’t out partying or crying home alone. Drop it Mom. I’m not going to tell you.”

  Meara waved her hand in the air to get Anne’s attention. She fished in her pocket and handed Anne a five-dollar bill. She shushed Anne away. Meara’s cheeks were turning pink. She closed her eyes.

  “She’s gonna blow. Duncan, stand back over here. Being in the line of fire is not a good thing,” Ben said, gesturing to a spot next to him in the doorway. “Always know where your exits are.”

  “Mom, what do you want? Thanksgiving? I said I’d come. Who? Mom! You owe me. Now it’s eight hours of labor? I thought I was indigestion due to red cabbage. Ma, I gotta go. Breakfast is ready. Would you like to pick on someone else? Here’s Anne.” Meara held the phone against her chest. “I’m going to kill you for telling her I was alive. Get off soon, it’s Duncan’s birthday.”

  Duncan moved, but Ben held his arm. “It’s not safe yet. Just wait a minute or two.”

  “What’s up, Ems?” asked Diana.

  Meara hesitated. “Our beloved mother has reminded me of my obligation to attend Thanksgiving dinner at her house.”

  “Not so bad. You were planning to anyway,” said Diana.

  “She’s invited my mother-in-law.”

  “She didn’t!”

  “Yes, she did. Dinner with the mother AND the killjoy. Remind me to have my widow’s weeds cleaned and pressed. Shit. Oh, sorry, Duncan.”

  Duncan pulled Meara close and kissed her forehead. “You handled it pretty well. I was expecting more colorful sailor language. Anne owes you a refund.”

  “Technically, the swears should be spoken, but I had a few rolling around in my head. It’s a donation to a worthy cause. She knows how to press my buttons. My mother-in-law, Jane, lost her son, but she thinks I’m frozen in time with her. Well, it could be worse. I don’t know how, but I’ll take it for now.”

  “Who’s here? Mom, Dad, Aunt Meara and Duncan. Who’s Duncan? That’s Aunt Meara’s boyfriend. He’s her boss at the library and he’s her boyfriend now. He’s really nice. They had a sleepover,” Anne chatted away. “It’s Duncan’s birthday.”

  “And then the other shoe dropped,” Meara said. “Di, I’m going to kill your daughter. I’ll give her a head start, but she’s toast.”

  Chuckling, Duncan held Meara tight. She scowled at him. His eyes danced merrily, melting her anger. Sighing, she relaxed in his arms. He kissed her dimple.

  “Wait. How did you do that?” asked Ben. “Duncan, dude, I’m calling you the next time she gets angry at me. That’s so cool.”

  Diana snatched the phone from Anne. “Mom, it’s none of your business. Leave Meara alone. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  Diana hung up. Anne was speechless. Meara giggled.

  “You’re in trouble now, Di,” laughed Meara, still in Duncan’s arms.

  “She’s a pain in the ass sometimes,” said Diana.

  “You owe me a dime!” chirped Anne.

  Diana and Meara turned on Anne. Anne threw up her hands.

  “You’ve earned enough for today, young lady,” Diana said coldly. “Breakfast, everyone, now. No more distractions.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The birthday brunch was a lively affair. Blueberry pancakes, bacon and eggs were passed around. Coffee, tea and orange juice flowed for everyone. The family sang ‘Happy Birthday’ with strawberries and cream instead of cake. Smiling bashfully, Duncan held Meara’s hand.

  “Thank you,” Duncan said. “Thank you for making me feel welcome and for a wonderful feast.”

  “Are you and Duncan going to have another sleepover?” asked Anne.

  Meara choked on a sip of tea. Duncan took away the cup and handed her a napkin. She stopped coughing. Raising his eyebrows, he smirked at her.

  “Anne!” squeaked Meara nervously.

  “I was wondering if Duncan could go in the pool,” said Anne.

  “I’d be happy to hang out in the pool some time, Anne,” said Duncan. “But we should be going soon.”

  “We’ve got a lot packed for you,” said Ben. “We decided it was better for you to use it than have it sit here waiting for you to come back. That way, you don’t have to waste time food shopping when you get there. We all know Meara hates to food shop.”


  “Go get the Jeep, Ems. The boys can load up the coolers. Anne, run over to her house and get her bag. We’re kicking you out! Get going while I clean up,” ordered Diana.

  “She really is getting pushy like me,” Meara said to Anne.

  “Duncan, right this way. We get the hernias,” Ben chuckled.

  Duncan laughed, following Ben to the back porch. Two coolers filled with food sat waiting.

  “Are you guys sure about this? It’s a lot of food for two people.” Duncan pointed.

  “Diana and Meara don’t pack light when it comes to food. You’ll never go hungry in this family. While we’re away from the womenfolk, let me welcome you to the family,” Ben said, holding out his hand.

  Duncan took Ben’s hand. “Thanks. I’m lucky to be here.”

  “You have no idea. Meara ran off all the guys Diana liked, except me. It wasn’t a walk in the park. While Diana was at college, Meara and I would wait separately for her at the train station each week. Diana would get off the train, say hello to me, and ride home with Meara. I wasn’t going to give up. One day, it rained and I brought a huge umbrella with me. I made Meara stand under it. It was big enough for the three of us. After that, Meara let me pick Diana up. She let me into the family. If Meara said she loves you, don’t ever forget how lucky you are. Diana’s not the only one protective of Meara,” Ben smiled.

  “Understood,” Duncan said solemnly. “I’ve never met anyone like her. I want to make her happy.”

  “Then let Meara be Meara. It’s worked for the rest of us so far!” Ben laughed.

  With a well-packed Jeep, Meara and Duncan were off to the Shore house. She drove while he navigated. She was surprised he had never been to the Shore house. It made her a little nervous. He was nervous they would get lost and never find the house. They were overwhelmed as they pulled into the driveway. The bright white and green clapboard house was three stories high. They peeked through the window in the round wooden backyard gate to see a lush oasis. Just beyond the green lawn and cozy pool was a little white and green cottage.

  “This place is enchanting,” she breathed, holding his hand. “If the backyard looks like fairyland, I can’t imagine how the inside of the house looks.”