“Of course, it’ll come down pretty easily, too, if Burt decides to walk through it,” John finished with a grin.
“I don’t think he will,” she smiled, “but it’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts.”
“Yes, it will.”
“So, I’ll see you Friday?”
“See you Friday.” He nodded at Otis and got into his truck.
Maddy looked back at her neighbor. “How about some lemonade?” she asked, linking her arm in his as they walked up the steps to the house.
Thursday morning dawned and Maddy contemplated what to do with her day. John won’t be here, she remembered with something bordering on dissatisfaction. What’s so important up in Augusta? She got up and played hostess for the rest of the crew, and then got to work on the windows. The men continued the tedious job of stripping the wood in the dining room.
The afternoon was spent installing Burt’s “play area” on the side of the house, an endeavor that was not fully appreciated by the intended recipient. Upon its completion, Maddy invited Burt inside, and he followed her willingly enough, sniffing the familiar bushes and trees and then looking inquiringly at her. When Maddy attempted to leave, he followed, and it took significant effort to get him to stay within while she secured the gate. She couldn’t help but feel sorry as he stood inside the fence and regarded her sadly.
“Walk away, Maddy,” Travis suggested. “He’ll be okay, and you can’t give in every time he makes those big eyes at you.”
Maddy scowled a little and then remembered that thanks were in order. “You’re right, Travis, and thank you for all of this. I’m sure my neighbors thank you, too.” She looked at Burt, whispered a quick word of comfort, and then joined the men on the porch.
They left a short while later, and Maddy immediately returned to her dog, who had remained at the gate. She let him back into the house, where he reclaimed his mat in the corner of the kitchen and settled down with a sigh.
six
Maddy spent most of Friday doing errands, finishing her business at the bank just before five. Rounding the corner of her street, she was pleased to see the trucks still parked in her driveway. Otis was sweeping his porch, and waved as she pulled in.
“How’s it going, Otis?” she called out.
He strolled over to chat with her. “More research today?”
Maddy nodded at the stack of books in her arms. “I can now tell you the difference between chintz and brocade. That’s a big deal for me.”
They walked into the house, and Maddy stopped to look at the progress in the dining room.
“Look at the difference,” she marveled. “I mean, I know it’s a mess, but look at what they’ve uncovered. Who would hide this?” She ran her fingers along the wood, intrigued by the detail.
“People do strange things,” Otis replied. “Mostly, they don’t want to take the time to care for the wood, so they paint over it. It’s a shame,” he shook his head. “So, do you have dishes to display in here?” He gestured at the glassed-in shelves along the wall. “Some of that colored glass would look mighty nice.”
“I know. That’s what I was envisioning, too. I’d love to find an old tea set and some vases…” She looked around the room.
“An art glass panel would be perfect in that window,” Otis pointed out.
Maddy considered her neighbor. Did everyone know more about the Victorian era than she did?
“And what might that be?”
“It’s like stained glass,” Otis explained. “It may even be clear, but when the sun shines through, it sends rainbows around the room. You’d catch the morning sun beautifully in here.”
“Sounds interesting,” Maddy agreed. “I’m hoping to check the antique stores, or some yard and estate sales; see if I can get some bargains.”
“There are a couple of sales going on tomorrow in town. Saturday’s usually a big day for those,” Otis said. “How about we go out shopping together?”
“I think I could probably use your help.”
Things began to quiet down up above, and at least one pair of work boots made its way downstairs as Otis and Maddy walked in-to the kitchen. John came through the door and Maddy smiled in greeting.
“I’ll head over early,” Otis was saying, “and I’ll bring some muffins. Afternoon, John,” he said, walking out onto the porch with a wave.
Maddy pulled the iced tea out of the fridge and filled a glass for John. The day had warmed up, and he was flushed from the work and increased humidity. His hair curled at the sides of his temples, framing his face nicely. Maddy found something very interesting to look at on her stovetop.
“So what did you guys get done today?”
“Well, you saw the dining room, and the bookcases in your room are rebuilt and primed. They’ll just need a coat of paint, which you could do this weekend if you like.”
An interesting commotion in the stairwell drew Maddy’s attention to the door, which burst open as Parker and Blake tumbled into the room.
“Hi, Miss Maddy!” Parker greeted her enthusiastically.
“Hello! What are you guys doing here?” Maddy got the lemonade and set out two more cups.
“Daddy picked us up early so we could come and see you and your big house. Then we’re going out to eat!” Parker began racing around the kitchen with the car he’d brought along with him.
“Easy, there, buddy,” John said, scooping him up as Parker lapped the room. “No running in Miss Maddy’s house.” He clamped his son onto his lap, and Parker giggled and wriggled to get free. John held him firmly and finished the explanation. “I hope you don’t mind. I’ve been promising I’d bring them by all week.” He smiled a little awkwardly over Parker’s head.
“You guys are always welcome,” she replied. “So, have you been painting, or what?”
“No, we were just upstairs with Uncle Frank,” Blake answered.
“We showed him our secret hideout!” Parker exclaimed.
Maddy smiled at his sense of ownership. “I hope he doesn’t try to go in there.”
“We told him he wasn’t allowed,” Blake replied matter-of-factly.
“I see,” Maddy nodded. “Oh, look who’s back.”
The boys immediately ran to open the door for Burt. He licked them in turn while they giggled and scratched his ears.
A few minutes later, after the rest of the crew had left, they regrouped on the porch to enjoy their drinks and the evening breeze. The sun had come out again, sparkling on the water and on the various boats that were beginning their weekend excursions. The mood was very companionable as the four of them sat together, and Maddy had a feeling of contentment that she hadn’t known in a long time. She didn’t want the afternoon to end.
“This swing is awesome!” Parker exclaimed, intent on propelling it to greater heights than Blake was comfortable with.
“I’m glad you like it,” Maddy replied. She’d never seen it move that way before.
“We’re going out to eat tonight!” Parker reminded her. “Don’t you want to come with us?” The swing was really going now, and John looked ready to grab it and keep it from launching over the railing onto the beach.
“Parker, ask Dad!” Blake whispered, holding on tightly.
John got up to slow the swing, and turned to look at Maddy. “We’d love to have you join us.”
She returned his gaze thoughtfully. It might be smarter and safer to keep the relationship simple, but what was wrong with a little dinner, especially with two small children in the mix?
Maddy looked into her closet and contemplated what to wear on her “date” with John, Blake and Parker. She didn’t want to get too dressed up, but she wanted a different look from the work clothes she’d worn all day, all week, and pretty much since she’d met John. Her Winnie the Pooh T-shirt would please Parker, she decided. Probably Blake would like to see her in a suit. What would John like? She pulled out her favorite black cocktail dress and sm
iled.
It would definitely make an impression, she thought as she held it up and looked in the mirror. Not long ago, she wore that kind of thing regularly. She couldn’t deny that she’d enjoy seeing the look on John’s face if she came down the steps in that dress. It was something she wore well. She hung it back up in her closet. Blake would most likely disapprove.
She finally decided on capris and one of her favorite summer blouses; not too fancy, but not too plain. A quick glance in the mirror revealed that the color had returned to her cheeks after her cold. She brushed through her hair and decided to leave it down.
Her dates were patiently waiting on the porch with Burt, and they turned around together when she walked through the door. Parker, not untypically, was the first to comment.
“You look pretty, Miss Maddy!” he said, running up to hug her. Surprised, she hugged him and tousled his hair.
“Thank you, handsome!” she responded. Parker giggled, and Blake smiled. “So, what’s for supper?”
The restaurant was small and dimly lit, and boasted the best pizza in town. Maddy slid into a booth, and Parker climbed in next to her; John and Blake sitting opposite. Maddy took a deep breath and told herself to relax. She only jumped a little when John’s knees knocked into hers.
“Sorry about that. Long legs.”
“The booths are a little tight,” she said as she shifted for him, “but from what I hear, the pizza’s worth it.” She smiled at Blake, who nodded.
“We come here a lot,” he acknowledged with a shy smile, and then looked down at the activities on his place mat.
“I want pepperoni, Dad,” Parker announced as he began coloring with the crayons the waitress had given him.
“Excuse me?” John replied.
“Pepperoni,” Parker said again, not looking up.
“Excuse me?” John put his menu down, and gave Parker his full attention.
“My dad can’t hear so good,” Parker explained, looking up briefly from his coloring.
Trying to hide her smile, Maddy watched the little family drama unfold.
“Dad wants you to say ‘please,’ ” Blake explained. “You always forget.”
“No, I don’t!” Parker defended himself. “Don’t I, Dad?”
John grinned at Maddy while he tried to untangle the negatives in his son’s question. “You don’t always forget, Parker, we just have to keep working on remembering.”
“Okay, then I’ll please have pepperoni, Dad.”
“What do you like on your pizza, Miss Maddy?” Blake asked.
“Oh, I like lots of things,” she answered thoughtfully. “Mostly, I like mushrooms.”
Blake gave his dad a somber look and Parker gasped.
“My dad hates mushrooms!”
John shook his head and closed his menu. “This will never work,” he said with an exaggerated frown. “Maybe Miss Maddy will have to sit at another table.”
Maddy, momentarily taken aback, had no time to respond before Parker started packing up his crayons and announced, “I’ll go with her!”
Maddy laughed and stopped him. “No, Parker, you’re staying right here with me. Your dad and I are going to have to work this out together.”
“Okay,” Parker answered cheerfully.
Blake seemed to think about Maddy’s answer, while his father looked pleased. Maddy regarded them both, and then leaning forward slightly, locked eyes with John. They were great eyes.
“You want to take this outside?”
John laughed, and Blake’s surprised face relaxed. John then turned ‘the look’ on Maddy and leaned forward himself. “That won’t be necessary. You can have whatever you want.”
Maddy smiled and sat back, putting proper distance between them again. “What I really want is a Diet Coke. Maybe that won’t be so controversial?”
“I’d like root beer, please,” added Blake.
“Me too, me too!” Parker agreed, and then catching his dad’s eye, said, “Me, too, Dad, please.”
John signaled the waitress, who came over and took their order. The conversation continued comfortably as they awaited their food. Maddy asked what the boys had been up to during the week, and they were happy to fill her in on their summer activities. After the drinks arrived, the conversation centered on her and how she liked her new home.
“So far, I like it very much,” Maddy told them. “I like my house, I like Clairmont, I like Maine, and I like my new friends.” She lifted her glass of soda with a smile.
The boys enjoyed taking turns clinking cups with her, and then Blake asked her, “Do you miss your old friends?”
“Yes, I do, Blake. It’s always hard to leave friends behind.” After a moment, she added, “You know who I really miss right now?”
“Who?” Parker asked, wanting to be in on the conversation.
“I miss my mom,” Maddy answered. “She’s not quite so far away as my other friends, but for some reason, I miss her the most right now.”
“My mom is gone, too,” said Parker, still coloring.
Maddy looked up at John abruptly, apologizing with her eyes for having opened up this potentially difficult subject. “I’m so sorry,” she said to Parker.
“It’s okay,” he replied. “She comes back sometimes.”
Well, here’s the story at last. Maddy could have kicked herself for inadvertently bringing it up.
“No, she doesn’t, Parker.” Blake looked solemnly at Maddy. “My mom left when I was five,” he explained quietly. “She has some problems.”
“Yeah, we pray for her,” added Parker.
“That’s a good idea,” Maddy answered somewhat mechanically. She looked again at John, wondering how to save him the embarrassment of any further revelation.
His face reflected his concern about how his boys were processing this difficult situation. His expression, however, was frank as he explained. “It was a little over two years ago.” He paused, then continued, “Blake’s right. She had, has,” he corrected himself, “some things to work through. And Parker’s also right,” he looked over at his son. “All we can do right now is pray for her.”
Maddy was struck by how he seemed to be at peace with whatever he’d been through. “Well,” she answered slowly, “I hope she, I hope you all…” she hesitated, not sure how to finish. Did she really hope they worked it all out? Whether she did or not, was it even fair to express that sentiment to the children?
“Thanks for the thought,” John gently interrupted her, “but we are living very separate lives now, and,” here he hesitated again, “that won’t change. It’s hard, but it’s what’s best.”
The waitress walked up with the double-cheese pizza, and set it down on the table with some plates.
“I’ll be back with more napkins,” she gushed at John.
He nodded his appreciation and turned his attention back to the table. “Why don’t you guys run to the bathroom and wash up?” he suggested. They quickly jumped down from the booth and made their way through the familiar restaurant.
John reached across the table and put his hand on Maddy’s. “I’m sorry to share all of this personal information with you so suddenly. It’s a lot to absorb at once.”
Maddy nodded as she looked at him, unsure what to say. Somehow, in all of this revelation, John seemed more worried about her than himself. She focused on his hand covering hers. His story wasn’t as hard for her to absorb as he thought. She wished it sounded unfamiliar.
“So,” she finally ventured, “are you okay? I mean, you seem so composed about it all.”
“It probably sounds strange, but I’ve found my peace with it.” John paused. “It’s complicated, of course, but we’re okay.” He looked up to see his boys running back to the table. He pulled his hand away and called out, “Walk, guys!”
“I think I’ll go wash up, myself,” Maddy said, sliding out of the booth. “Please, go ahead and start.”
She walked across the room and looked back a
s she rounded the corner into the hallway. The Fordhams had their heads bowed. Praying, she thought to herself. For their food? For their mom? Probably both, she decided, and continued down the hall.
After dinner, they decided to go to Checker’s Ice Cream Shop. Maddy listened to the boys’ animated discussion of ice cream flavors, absorbing their excitement at the prospect of dessert. It occurred to her, and not for the first time, that it must really be fun to be a parent. At least some of the time. Most of it was a complete mystery to her.
They walked several blocks to the popular ice cream place and found long lines, which neither surprised nor deterred the Fordhams. The choice of flavors was unending, and Maddy listened dutifully to the advice of everyone in her party before ordering a hot fudge sundae with peanut butter cup ice cream. She tried to pay for dessert since John had paid for the pizza, but he shook his head.
“You can have us over for dinner sometime,” he suggested.
“You have no idea what you’re asking,” she countered, tasting the hot fudge and whipped cream and closing her eyes to savor them.
John smiled and started on his own sundae, grabbing a handful of napkins for the road.
They took their treats to a park bench and sat down together. There was an awkward moment as they worked out who got to sit next to Maddy, but it was soon resolved. The privilege was granted to young men under the age of ten, and they squeezed on accordingly. The ice cream was wonderful, as promised, and this time as they ate, they talked about an upcoming vacation that John and his boys would be taking in New Hampshire. All in all, it was a wonderful evening, and everyone over the age of twenty-five was especially sorry to see it end.
Late the next morning, as Maddy and Otis were on their way to yet another sale location, Maddy found herself increasingly distracted.
She felt happy, yet guarded about her developing relationship with the Fordham family. One minute she was anxious to see them again, and the next she was relieved to have a break from John. She could never think clearly when she was around him. Apparently she couldn’t think clearly when she was away from him, either. She didn’t know what she wanted, and it was wearing her out.
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