“Is what necessary?” Gerald responded. “A few questions?”
“You’re interrogating her,” Lenora said.
“That’s fine,” Deanna said, waving her arm with studied nonchalance. “He’s looking out for you.”
“Thank you,” Gerald said to Deanna. “I’m glad you understand that. Any agent with any amount of confidence should expect a few questions.”
Lenora rolled her eyes skyward and looked out the passenger window. Asking a few questions was one thing, she thought. Gerald’s line of questioning, not to mention his tone, was something else entirely. Deanna was a fellow member of her new club, and Lenora didn’t like the way this meeting was going. But it wasn’t her job to defend Deanna in a business arrangement. Deanna had been doing this for a while now, and she had likely worked with clients who were more difficult than Gerald. Lenora told herself to relax.
“Where are you taking us first?” Gerald asked.
“To a wooded area nearby with older homes.”
“Older homes don’t generally have the modern features that you find in newer homes,” Gerald said.
“Such as?” Deanna asked.
“Large gourmet kitchens with new appliances, a real priority for Lenora. Big master bathrooms with soaking tubs, and plenty of storage and closet space.”
“That’s true,” Deanna said, and Gerald nodded with confidence.
“Unless they’ve been updated,” Deanna added. “And at the price range we’re looking in, the houses are often very tastefully updated, especially kitchens and baths since the home owners can afford it. You also generally get more bang for the buck with older homes. Some people think they feel more solidly built.”
Lenora smiled. Score for Deanna. If Gerald didn’t settle down, she was going to pull him aside and remind him that this was her house they were shopping for and that she could handle the deal, questions and all, by herself.
“That’s a good point,” Gerald said. “But with a new house, you’re the first to own it.”
“I asked her to show me older houses first,” Lenora said. This was a total lie, but she wanted Gerald to shut his trap. This was supposed to be a pleasant trip to look at houses for her. Instead, Gerald had taken over as if he thought he was buying a house for himself.
Lenora turned back to face Gerald and gave him a “Please stop this now” look.
“If that’s the case, fine,” Gerald said. “This is Lenora’s show.”
Lenora turned back around in her seat. Hopefully she had put an end to the nonsense.
They pulled up in front of the first house, a large French country manor style with stone and stucco siding.
“How much is this going for?” Lenora asked.
“This one is $1,150,000,” Deanna said as she double-checked the listing.
Gerald whistled. “Really? For this?” He shook his head with disbelief.
“It’s about five thousand square feet and it’s on two acres,” Deanna said. “Plus it’s a wooded area with mature trees.”
“So you essentially pay for all the trees,” Gerald said sarcastically.
Deanna shrugged. “A lot of people like having mature trees.”
“Me included,” Lenora said.
“I never knew that,” Gerald said.
“Well, you do now,” Lenora said curtly.
“Um, let’s look inside,” Deanna said. “It’s got a lot of quality craftsmanship.”
“Which I also like,” Lenora said pointedly.
Gerald was noticeably quiet as they walked through the house, which had stunning wooded views from all of the rooms.
“It may look a little small for a million-dollar house from the outside,” Lenora said as they left and Deanna placed the keys back into the silver-toned Realtor lockbox. “But the details are outstanding. I really liked the updated kitchen and the landscaping.”
“I have to admit the landscaping is nice,” Gerald said. “I just think you could get more for your money in other neighborhoods.”
“Such as?” Lenora asked.
“Prince George’s County has some nice upscale areas where you can get a mansion for a million bucks,” he said.
“I know, but I prefer Howard County,” Lenora said as she and Gerald followed Deanna down a flower-lined pathway back to the car.
Gerald lifted his arms. “Prices are too high to buy out here, if you ask me. But it’s your call. I’m just offering advice.”
“Then can you please stick to doing that and only that?” Lenora said.
“That’s what I have been doing,” Gerald said. “Or so I thought.”
“No, you’ve been criticizing everything.”
“If you don’t want to hear what I have to say, let me know. I’ll just go along for the ride.”
“I want your opinions,” Lenora said. “I just don’t want you to be so critical of everything.”
“Fine. I’ll shut up.”
“Go ahead, Gerald. Be an asshole.” Why was everything always such a challenge with him? Why couldn’t they be in sync the way couples on television are—rarely arguing and always understanding of each other?
They walked down the rest of the pathway and climbed into the car in stony silence. Deanna had obviously heard them bickering, although she tried to pretend otherwise. Lenora hated putting her club member through the crap she had going on with Gerald.
“Um, if you want to look in Prince George’s County, I’ll be happy to take you there,” Deanna said as they pulled away from the curb. “I was going to show you a few more properties out here and then closer to Columbia, but I can stop by the office and check what’s available in Prince George’s County.”
Lenora shook her head firmly from the passenger seat. “Stick to the plan.”
They managed to get through two other houses that afternoon before Lenora decided to call it quits. Deanna wanted to show them more, but Gerald was being so negative about everything, Lenora wasn’t really enjoying the trip the way she should be. She had real money to spend and was looking for her first house. She should be listening to Deanna and taking mental notes. Instead, she was fuming at her boyfriend and he at her. So she decided it would be best to cut the trip short and go house hunting another day without Gerald.
Deanna dropped them off in front of Lenora’s building, and she and Gerald walked quietly up to the unit. Lenora fumbled hastily with the lock, marched inside, and tossed her shoulder bag on the couch. She was so annoyed, she thought of canceling their plans to go to a restaurant for dinner.
“What the hell’s going on with you?” Gerald asked before Lenora could say what was on her mind.
“You mean what’s going on with you,” she countered as she turned to face him, arms folded tightly over her waist. “You’re trying to take control of me.”
“No, I’m not. I was just trying to be helpful.”
“How is jumping all over Deanna being helpful? You were finding fault with everything.”
He sighed deeply as he removed his suit jacket and draped it over the back of a chair. He sat down on the couch and petted Paws, who hopped up beside him. “You’re about to spend a fortune on your first house. It will probably be the biggest investment you ever make. Whether it’s going to be my house someday or not, I want you to be smart about the decision. Don’t you think you need an agent who has worked extensively at your price level? Deanna hasn’t.”
“Maybe not. But she’s a club member, one of the few I already know before the meetings start in September. This is going to be a big commission for someone, and I’d like to give her a chance to get it.”
“Sometimes you have to put your own needs first, Lenora. This is one of those times.”
Lenora realized that Gerald had some good points. Buying an expensive house probably was the biggest purchase she would ever make. Yes, Gerald had been extremely annoying during their outing, but he was trying to help her. She had to try to remember that. “You’re right. I’ll look with Deanna one more time. If
it doesn’t work out, I’ll think about finding another agent.”
“Fine,” he said. “And I promise to keep my thoughts to myself next time we go out with her.”
“I think it might be better if I go alone, Gerald,” Lenora said, walking to the kitchen. The heated discussion and all the tension between her and Gerald had left her throat dry.
“You don’t think I can behave?” he asked.
“I’m not trying to be difficult, just reasonable,” she said as she opened the refrigerator door and reached for a bottle of Poland Spring. “Sometimes you can be a little overbearing.”
“Again, only trying to help.”
“I know. Maybe once I narrow it down to a few houses, you can go back out with me.”
“If that’s the way you want it,” he said from the main room. “I’m really sorry this trip didn’t turn out to be what you expected.”
“You should have married me,” she said teasingly as she removed the top from the water bottle. “Then you’d have more of a say.”
“Well, I thought we were moving toward that,” he said.
She took a generous drink of water, then walked back into the main room. Gerald was standing with his back to her and reaching into his suit jacket.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted, but you wanted to wait for…”
She paused as Gerald turned to face her, a small navy-colored box in his hand. Lenora stared at the box, then up at Gerald’s smiling face. It was the kind of box she had dreamed of seeing Gerald holding out to her. She held her breath as he walked slowly toward her and dropped down to one knee. He popped the box open and Lenora gasped softly. It was a square-cut diamond and platinum ring.
“Oh, my God,” she said and placed the water bottle on the coffee table.
Gerald’s smile widened at the expression of utter surprise on her face. He took her right hand in his. “We’ve talked about this long enough,” he said. “What do you say? Will you marry me?”
“Oh, my God,” Lenora said again. She stared at Gerald. She could barely catch her breath to respond. She had thought that he would never propose to her. She had even told herself that he was right in believing they weren’t ready for marriage. Too much bickering, too much disagreement, not enough patience with each other. And now here he was waiting anxiously for her response.
“Well?” he asked. “Will you marry me?”
She giggled nervously. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes. Or I’ll be crushed.”
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Took you long enough to answer,” he said as he slipped the ring on her left hand. “Had me worried for a minute there.”
She admired the ring as he stood back up on his feet. He kissed her on the lips. “So, you happy?” he asked. “You’re so quiet.”
She nodded. “I think I’m in a state of shock.” Yes, she thought, that must be it. In her mind she had always pictured this moment as one of joy and excitement. Instead, she felt numb.
“I was going to surprise you later at dinner, but then I thought, What the heck, why wait? Why not give it to her now? Then we can start making some plans at dinner.”
She nodded and kissed his lips. “I’m glad you did.”
“So, you ready to leave for the restaurant? We can talk about setting a date and all that there.”
“Yes. Yes, I’m ready,” she said. “Just give me a minute to freshen up.” Lenora walked into the bathroom and closed the door. She looked in the mirror. The woman staring back at her did not look like someone who had just gotten engaged to the man she had wanted to marry for three years. The woman in the reflection looked sad, confused.
She was finally getting what she wanted. She should be dancing for joy. Instead she felt like climbing into bed, huddling into a ball, and pulling the sheet up over her head. Why?
She knew why. No point trying to fool herself or pretend. She could sum it up in one word.
Ray.
Chapter 30
The first thing Lenora ordered at dinner with Gerald was a big stiff martini. By the time their appetizers arrived, she had finished her first drink and was starting on her second. And she had to admit that she was feeling pretty good—or at least better than she had when she left the condo.
“I’ve never seen you drink a martini that fast,” Gerald said. He reached across the table and covered her hand gently with his. “You don’t think you’re overdoing it, do you?”
She eased her fingers from his grasp and waved him off. “I’m fine. And we’re celebrating, remember?” She bit into a crab-stuffed mushroom and wondered why his hand touching hers irritated the hell out of her. She had always loved his touch before.
“About setting a wedding date,” Gerald said. “What are your thoughts?”
She cleared her throat. “So much is going on with me now, and you’re struggling to hold on to your own business. Maybe we should wait a month or two to decide that. By then we should be able to focus on the wedding without so many distractions.”
“Sure, makes sense.”
“I mean, there’s no rush, right?”
“I agree,” he said. “We have time.”
“Good,” she said. “Glad we agree on that.”
“So are you settled on staying in Howard County?” he asked. “It’s nice out here, but we could get a lot more bang for the buck in other places like Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.”
“I won’t argue with that,” she responded.
“And with you striking out on your own, we can buy anywhere.”
For some reason, all the “we” stuff was really getting on Lenora’s nerves. “Why did you propose to me all of a sudden, Gerald?”
“Huh?” He paused, holding his drink in midair, and stared at her.
“I’ve been wanting us to get engaged for years now, but you always resisted. Something always held you back. Now all of a sudden you propose.”
“Yeah, and I thought you’d be happy about it,” he said. “What’s the problem?”
“Why now? Why after I win the lottery?”
“So you think this is all about the money?”
She shrugged. “What am I supposed to think, given the timing?”
Gerald slapped his napkin on the table and leaned toward her. He spoke softly but pointedly. “I can’t believe you’re saying this. To me. We’ve been together for three years.” He held up three fingers for emphasis and repeated. “Three years. Are you doubting my intentions?”
She quietly took a sip of her drink.
“Since you asked,” he continued, “the reason I always said we should wait to get married was that I wanted us to be more secure financially. Naturally, your coming into this money does a lot to alleviate that issue. But if you’re trying to say that I proposed only because of the money, that’s an insult to me. Why would I stick around for three damn years, even when one or both of us were nearly broke, if it was about money?”
She grimaced and squirmed in her seat. He had a point. If money had been the issue preventing him from moving forward with marriage, her lottery win had eliminated that issue. “I know that you love me, Gerald. It’s not that.”
“Then what’s the problem?” he asked. “Why are you doubting me?”
“Nothing,” she said. “I guess I thought you would never propose after so many years. Maybe I need some time to get used to thinking in terms of ‘we’ and ‘us.’ ”
He smiled and covered his hand with hers again, and she thought of Ray.
What the hell was wrong with her? Her boyfriend of three years had proposed, just as she had always wanted, and her thoughts were full of another man.
“Isn’t that what you always wanted?” Gerald said. “To go forward as ‘we’ and ‘us’?”
She forced a smile and covered his hand with hers. “Yes,” she said. Her future was with Gerald, not with someone she barely knew.
Chapter 31
Lenora awoke Monday morning knowing exactl
y what she had to do. She and Gerald had returned to the condo after dinner and stayed up talking until he left at nearly two in the morning. The hours with Gerald were just what she needed. She had come back to her senses. She was going to start her own photography studio and graphic design business. She was going to stop obsessing about Ray, a man she barely knew. And she and Gerald were going to get married in June of next year. It felt so good to have reached these decisions with Gerald and to know that she had his support. It felt like her life was back on track.
By the time Gerald left, he was almost as excited about launching a photography and graphic design business as she was. They even talked about going into business together. He would deal with the finances, and she would handle the creative side of the business.
First, she had to get real live, paying clients. This morning she was going to put finishing touches on the mockups for Ray. He was her first potential client, and Lenora was determined not to mess this up. When they met later this afternoon, she was going to maintain a strict business relationship with him. If he came on to her, she would put him in his place. If she kept things professional and did a good job for him, he might later recommend her to others. That was how you made it in this business.
After working on the project for Ray, she would go into the office before noon, tell Dawna she was leaving for good, and pick up her personal things. She’d had a good ten years at the Baltimore Scene magazine. She had learned a lot and developed confidence in her abilities, despite her differences with Dawna. The magazine had helped her to grow as a photographer, and Dawna deserved to hear the news of her departure in person rather than over the telephone.
She tossed the bedcovers aside and stretched leisurely. She was about to start a new life as a wife and independent businesswoman. She came out of the shower with a towel draped around her body and sat on the edge of the bed to apply lotion to her arms and legs just as the telephone rang. She noticed that it was only nine a.m. Gerald was in a big meeting with his partners this morning, so it wasn’t him. Lenora figured it was probably Dawna or someone from the office calling to find out what she had decided to do about her job. She leaned over and glanced at caller ID, thinking she wouldn’t even bother to answer, since her hands were covered with lotion. But it was Ray. She grabbed the receiver with the tips of her fingers.
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