The Swear Jar

by Osorio, Audra

  Duncan arrived first. Tom and Lucy arrived next. Meara was still on time, but the last to arrive. Meara and Anne lugged their bags into the library. Anne ran ahead to Meara’s office. Duncan stood in front of the Circulation Desk, tapping his watch.

  “Cutting it a little close today, aren’t we, Miss Meara?” Duncan frowned.

  “If someone hadn’t played dirty pool and dragged Diana into this, I’d have been first. And I wouldn’t get so cheeky, Mr. Phillips. I still have to make your breakfast and coffee. You wouldn’t want me to slip some poison into them, would you?” Meara scowled, her eyes dancing.

  Duncan stepped closer to her, feigning annoyance. “You would poison me after this morning? Fine, last time I agree to a quickie with you.”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “Take your chances.”

  His voice softened. “Will you make the coffee how I like it? Nice and strong? For someone who doesn’t drink coffee, you make one hell of a cup. And you’re not a bad looking dish either.”

  He swatted her on the butt. Meara looked around. Tom and Lucy were busy in the Circulation Office. Anne was not in sight.

  “Thank you, Mr. Phillips. You’re not so bad looking yourself.” She kissed him and made a run for it. “Coffee and a bagel, coming up.”

  A party atmosphere reigned at the library. The day before a holiday was always hectic. It was easier to embrace the chaos instead of fighting it. Meara set up breakfast for everyone. Coffee, bagels, and pastries made everyone happy. Meara served Duncan’s coffee, hot and strong, in his favorite mug. The mug read Kiss Me, I’m a Librarian. She hadn’t been able to resist buying it for him. Duncan was standing at the Circulation Desk with Tom when she handed him the mug. Duncan offered his cheek. Meara winked at Tom and kissed Duncan on the lips. Meara left without looking back. Duncan blushed.

  Tom roared with laughter. “I guess she showed you. What time is the family descending on your little paradise?”

  “One o’clock. I’m sure Andrew and Lisa will love Meara. I’m not sure about Sean. Any advice?”

  “Last time I gave you advice, you wanted to punch me. But you asked, so here’s my advice. That woman has changed your life for the better. That doesn’t come along every day. Whether they like her or not, don’t lose her. Don’t give her up.”

  “I agree with you completely. I have no intention of letting her get away, ever.”

  “That sounds pretty serious. Are you thinking of what I think you’re thinking?”

  Duncan turned to Tom. “Let’s keep that quiet for now. I’m still working on the details. Let’s get through today and we’ll see what happens. She may have poisoned my coffee.”

  “If Meara wanted you dead, she’d take the direct route. You’d see it coming. She wouldn’t use something subtle, like poison. Her Jeep, maybe.”

  “Yes, I could see that.” Duncan laughed, watching Meara and Anne walk towards the meeting room.

  Meara and Anne were setting up for the storytime. Meara knew it was early, but keeping busy took her mind off meeting Duncan’s family. Anne needed to be put to work before she became bored. Meara gave Anne tasks until they ran out. Then Anne was sent to the Circulation Desk to see if they needed any help. Luckily, they did, and Anne was given a cart of picture books to reshelve.

  Lunchtime approached. The party atmosphere called for pizza. Duncan called in the order and they descended on the kitchen when the pizza arrived. Meara was forced to eat a slice because Lucy and Sherrie knew she was nervous. Anne ate heartily and asked for a pastry to top off her lunch. Meara turned green thinking of the contents of Anne’s stomach.

  The library filled up with children and their families awaiting storytime. The grandfathers and single dads had given up hope Miss Meara’s attentions would be turned to them. They had figured out Miss Meara’s heart belonged to some lucky guy. Meara was glad the attention had died down.

  Duncan had liked Meara’s black cat outfit at Halloween. He still called her his hellcat or his little sex kitten. He sometimes asked her to wear the outfit again. She liked to dress for him, but not for anyone else. She dressed comfortably because she worked with children, but she tried to catch his eye from time to time. Today, she dressed as demurely as possible. She wanted to make a good impression on his family.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  At one o’clock, Meara and Anne opened the doors to the meeting room. Familiar faces as well as new faces filled the room. Storytime had a Thanksgiving theme, so Anne insisted on braiding and sticking feathers into Meara’s hair. The children were mesmerized as they read stories and sang songs. The children laughed and sang along. The parents were having fun too.

  One particular mother watched Meara closely. Anne recognized the woman’s son from the picture Duncan had shown them back in August. This was Duncan’s daughter-in-law, Lisa, and his grandson, John. Anne knew Meara was going to meet Duncan’s family for the first time today. Anne wasn’t telling Meara they were there because she was nervous enough already.

  Lisa looked from Meara to her son, John. John was enchanted. Meara presented a flannel story where all of the children placed felt pieces on the flannel board. John was shy, but Meara managed to get him up and put the turkey on the board. Impressed, Lisa smiled. Anne exhaled in relief.

  When storytime was over, Lisa and John looked for books. Books would keep John happy on their long trip. Ever since his birthday, John had wanted someone to read to him every day. As Lisa watched Meara and Anne after storytime, the affection between them was obviously genuine. Several children ran over to Meara as she made her way back to the office. They all wanted to hug her.

  Lisa liked her and wondered if Duncan had asked her out yet. She had loved Brenda, but she could see why he was attracted to Meara. It was obvious she was younger than him, but if she was as gentle and kind as she appeared to be, then Lisa would be happy. All Lisa wanted was for him to be loved. Lisa smiled to see Meara still had feathers in her hair and didn’t seem to notice.

  Tom, Lucy, Andrew and Sean chatted at the Circulation Desk. Lisa and John had slipped into storytime. Duncan stood quietly, hoped it went well, and Meara wasn’t nervous. He spotted her heading to her office, Anne trailing behind carrying the flannelboard easel. He was amused to see her hair braided and full of feathers, obviously Anne’s handiwork. He chuckled.

  Turning to see why Duncan was laughing, Sean whistled. “Who’s the cutie? She’s a little older than I’m used to, but I wonder if she’d go cougar for me.”

  Duncan’s temper flared. “Sean, watch your mouth. Miss Meara is a member of my staff and deserves respect.”

  Sean flinched. “Sorry, Dad.”

  Andrew spoke soothingly to Duncan. “Did you say Miss Meara? Is she your friend, Dad?”

  “Yes, Andrew, she’s my friend. I’m going to ask her to step down here and meet you. I’ll be right back.” He stalked away.

  “Dad’s dressing better. He’s lost weight, but he looks very healthy,” remarked Andrew.

  “He’s been getting quite a workout lately,” Tom quipped.

  “Tom! Behave yourself,” Lucy snapped.

  “He joined a gym with Meara. They go often,” Tom said, throwing up his hands in self defense.

  “Maybe losing weight has made him cranky,” said Sean.

  “No, you insulted his friend,” Lucy said, always able to put Sean in his place. “Meara is important to your father.”

  “Wait! THAT’S Meara? What happened to the glasses-wearing, bun in the hair, homely, bookish librarian stereotype? She’s closer to Andrew’s age than Dad’s,” said Sean in disbelief.

  “Shut up, Sean,” Andrew snapped.

  Andrew watched Duncan speaking with Meara. Duncan’s body language changed. Meara flashed a radiant smile.

  “He loves her,” Andrew murmured.

  “Yes, he does,” said Tom quietly, so Sean couldn’t hear. “And she loves him. They’re discreet, but they love each other very much.”

  Andrew watched, fascinated. Duncan
touched Meara’s cheek. She tilted her head towards his hand. Duncan reached up to pull a feather out of her hair.

  “She’s more than just a friend, isn’t she?” asked Andrew, wide-eyed with surprise.

  “That’s for them to tell you,” said Tom.

  “Uncle Sean! I had fun in storytime!” John squealed, jumping into Sean’s arms. “Miss Meara is nice!”

  “The jury is still out on that one, little guy.”

  Lisa stood next to Andrew and Tom. “She’s really impressive. I like her.”

  “Our Miss Meara is very special. She can work miracles. Give her a chance,” Tom smiled. “Lisa and John like Meara. Sean’s on the fence. How about you, Andrew?”

  “I’d like to meet her before I decide,” Andrew said thoughtfully.

  Duncan and Meara walked over to the Circulation Desk. Meara hung back shyly. John wiggled out of Sean’s arms and ran to her.

  “Miss Meara! Thank you for letting me put up the turkey!” John hugged her legs.

  She knelt down to embrace John. “You’re very welcome, John. Thank you for coming to storytime. I hope you have a good Thanksgiving.”

  Andrew was amazed. John didn’t warm up to strangers easily. Tom was right. Meara was special. Duncan held Meara’s hand.

  “Andrew, Lisa, Sean. This is Meara Martin. She’s my Head of Youth Services. She’s also my girlfriend,” Duncan stated simply.

  Meara gripped Duncan’s hand tightly. Her smile faded, her heart beat wildly and her eyes grew wide. She didn’t understand why he would make that announcement. She thought he was merely introducing her so they would get to know her. She sighed and bowed her head. He held her hand firmly and squeezed it reassuringly.

  Lisa shook Meara’s other hand. “Anyone who can enchant my son is all right in my book. Dad, you said Meara was your friend. Now you’re saying she’s your girlfriend? You’ve been keeping things from us. Bad Dad! But if you’re happy, then I’m happy. Andrew?” Lisa prompted him to say something.

  Clearing his throat, Andrew shook Meara’s hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Dad has been keeping you a secret. I can respect that. Why aren’t you coming with us for Thanksgiving?”

  Tearing up, Meara spoke softly. “Thank you, Andrew. I didn’t want to go where I might not be welcome.”

  Worried he had hurt her feelings, Andrew replied, “You’d be welcome. I’ve never seen Dad so happy. Won’t you come with us?”

  Duncan squeezed Meara’s hand. “Meara has a prior commitment for this holiday.”

  She grimaced. “Yes, I do. My mother has commanded a royal audience. There are two queens dowager awaiting my arrival. If I don’t show up, I’ll be persona non grata. Or she’ll call the police and fill out a missing person’s report. She threatens that every now and then.”

  Andrew smiled. “Then we’ll expect to see you for Christmas. Christmas Eve is at Dad’s house. Right, Sean?”

  Andrew stepped aside so Sean could come forward. Duncan gripped Meara’s hand. She leaned into his arm. He braced himself, hoping Sean would not be rude to her.

  Smirking, Sean shook hands with Meara. “It’s nice to meet you, Meara. You’ve managed to win over everyone else, but I’m not as easily impressed as John or as willing as Andrew to overlook the fact my father didn’t tell us he was dating someone. It’s also difficult to take someone seriously when she has feathers in her hair.”

  Duncan and Andrew took a step closer to Sean, both wanting to punch him. Lisa’s jaw dropped while Tom and Lucy shook their heads.

  Pointing to her head, Meara scowled. “Do I still have the stupid feathers in my hair, Sean? Oh crap, thank you for telling me. I would have walked around all day with them and looked like an idiot. Duncan? Why didn’t you tell me? Thanks, HONEY.”

  Andrew stepped back uncertainly while Duncan grinned mischievously. Lisa froze while Tom and Lucy shook their heads. Sean laughed. Meara dropped Duncan’s hand while she fished feathers out of her hair.

  She sighed. “Trying to make a good first impression while looking like a lunatic. I’m surprised any of you could keep a straight face. And don’t think you’re forgiven, Mr. Phillips. I’ll get you. Sean, you’re entitled to your opinion. No one can change it but you. Feel what you feel. I would expect no less from you. I only hope we can get along in the future.”

  Startled, Sean’s grin disappeared. As much as he tried not to, he liked Meara. She had a great sense of humor. She had repeated the same advice Brenda had given him before she died. Feel what you feel, Brenda had said. Sean wasn’t into signs, but even he couldn’t ignore this push from his mother. He wasn’t against Duncan dating. He just didn’t want his mother replaced by a younger, attractive woman who obviously adored his father. Brenda had said Duncan might find someone to share his life.

  Brenda said Sean should be protective of his father, but let Duncan love again. There was something about Duncan and Meara Sean didn’t like. Sean watched as Duncan took the last feather from her hair. He brushed her cheek with the feather when he thought no one was looking. Sean feared Duncan loved her more than he had loved Brenda. If he loved Meara more than Brenda, Sean wondered if he had even loved Brenda at all. Sean wondered if Duncan loved him.

  Sean said, “We’ll see you at Christmas, Meara. Shouldn’t we be hitting the road soon so it’s not dark by the time we get there?”

  “I hate to admit it, but Sean’s right. We need to get going. Especially if we’re going to stop at Mom’s grave first,” Andrew said, darting a glance at Meara. “We usually go as a family at least once a year.”

  “Yes, I know. Your father told me. I’m sorry about your mother. She’s very beautiful. I’ll be visiting the graves of my husband and father with my family as well,” Meara replied softly.

  Sean asked, “How do you know what my mother looks like?”

  “I’ve seen her picture at your father’s house. She’s beautiful. I can see why you love her, especially your father. You have her eyes, Sean,” Meara replied.

  Sean was shocked. Duncan entwined his fingers with Meara’s. He silently pleaded with Sean to give her a break.

  Sean nodded. “I didn’t know you were a widow. We’re sorry about your husband and your father.”

  Andrew and Lisa nodded agreement. Everyone marveled at Sean’s polite behavior.

  “Thank you. My niece is here somewhere and if I don’t keep an eye on her, she’ll wreak havoc. I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and it was nice meeting you.” Meara turned to go, but John stopped her.

  “Aren’t you coming with us?” asked John.

  Meara knelt down beside John. “No, I’m not going with you, but you have lots of books. Your Grandpa will read to you. Make him do funny voices as he reads. I’m sure he packed his reading glasses.”

  “I will,” John said solemnly as he hugged Meara. “Will I see you again?”

  Duncan said, “Yes, John. Meara will be at Grandpa’s house for Christmas. We’ll make her do storytime for you. And we’ll make her sing. She loves to sing.”

  Meara shot him an ugly look. “You’re treading on thin ice already, buddy. You must be feeling lucky.”

  They all laughed. Lisa and Andrew hugged Tom and Lucy goodbye. They shook Meara’s hand and bundled John out the door. Sean hugged Lucy and slapped Tom on the back.

  Sean shook Meara’s hand. “We’ll be outside, Dad. When you’re ready.”

  Nodding thanks to Sean, Duncan led Meara into his office. He closed the door. He pulled her into an embrace.

  “I’m not the only one with magic. You’re winning Sean over. I’ve never seen him this nice to anyone.”

  Meara was quiet. Her head was buried in Duncan’s shoulder. He lifted her chin. Her eyes were filled with tears.

  She whispered, “I’m not worried about Sean. It’s like you said, if they don’t accept me, it’s their problem. I do like them.”

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  “I’m going to miss you.” Tears ran down her cheeks.

 
; “I’ll miss you too. You promise to call when you get to your mother’s? And once each day? And if you have a nightmare, you’ll call me immediately? If you do, I’ll come for you right away. You promise me?” He kissed away her tears.

  “Yes, Duncan.” She whimpered softly.

  “No more crying. If you don’t stop, I won’t go. I’ll go meet your mother.”

  “You poor, crazy, delusional man. I won’t subject you to that torture. Maybe at Christmas when there are more people around so we can lose her. Go. Spend time with your family. I’m sure they have lots of questions. I should be mad at you for telling them I’m your girlfriend, but you were right. I’m mad about the feathers.” Her tears dried up and she pouted.

  “You looked so cute. I couldn’t help it. Now kiss me. I can’t go four days without kissing you.”

  Meara was right. Duncan’s family had a lot of questions. During the car ride, he was a captive audience as questions were fired at him in rapid succession, mostly from Lisa. Sean was quiet, listening intently. Rolling his eyes, Duncan almost regretted telling them Meara was his girlfriend.

  “Where did you meet? And you hired her? How long have you been dating? Why didn’t you say anything?” Lisa was in top interrogator mode.

  Grouchy, Duncan grumbled. “What difference does it make if I told you or not?”

  Sean smirked, thinking Duncan sounded a lot like him. “Dad, if Meara is so important to you, why didn’t you tell us?”

  “Dad, you’ve never mentioned anyone. Now you’ve met someone you call your girlfriend and we know nothing about her?” Lisa asked.

  “At John’s party, I told you I had a friend. Sometimes the coddling and teasing bothers me. I’m not an old grandpa and Meara doesn’t treat me like one. I need someone who sees me as a person. She loves me. I love her. It’s as simple as that. I’m sorry if I haven’t kept you in the loop, but it isn’t going to change how I feel. It would be easier if you liked her. I love and miss your mother very much. Meara understands that and doesn’t want me to change how I feel. I can’t let Meara go.”

  Duncan had never spoken openly to his family about his feelings. Sean sat in silence. Lisa’s eyes filled with tears. His eyes misting up, Andrew pulled over to the side of the road.