The Best Things in Life

by Kate Sweeney

  “It’s okay with me. I’m just along for the ride. Besides, I’m leaving in almost forty-eight hours, and I’d like to see where you live. If that’s all right.”

  “Sure. Sure. I’ll…” She started in one direction, then Linda stopped her and turned her around.

  And that was just how she felt—all turned around.

  Chapter 23

  They took a cab to Cara’s apartment. All four crammed in the back.

  “This is cozy,” Linda said. “On a cold October night.”

  Morgan laughed, lifting her arm to put it on the back of the seat, giving Cara more room. “Now I know what a sardine feels like.”

  Cara easily leaned into the curve of Morgan’s body—after, of course, Linda elbowed for more room. She saw the happy look on Linda’s face.

  “If I could move, I’d slap you,” she whispered to her.

  “There’s no room for violence.” Linda laughed, patting her knee.

  The cab pulled up to Cara’s apartment. As Morgan and Cara filed out, Linda and Mike did not.

  “I just remembered. Mike has a huge meeting tomorrow.” Linda reached back and put her hand over Mike’s mouth. “So, you kids have fun. Call me in the morning.”

  “Linda—” Cara said as the door closed.

  Linda smiled and waved as the cab pulled away from the curb. Cara saw her waving in the back window.

  “Well…um.”

  “Linda is nothing if not subtle,” Morgan said.

  “You saw that, huh?”

  “I can catch a cab to the hotel if you’d prefer,” Morgan said.

  With her face half-hidden by the streetlight, Cara couldn’t make out her expression.

  “No, I’d like you to come up. And Linda is right, I have a fireplace.”

  “Good. I’d like that too.”

  Cara led the way to the elevator. “I live on the fifth floor.”

  “So, you do have a great view of the city?”

  “Yes, I do. It’s the best part.”

  It seemed like an hour to get to the fifth floor. Cara led the way to her apartment, and with a shaky hand, she opened the door. Stepping aside to allow Morgan to enter, she saw the wide smile appear on her face.

  “This is spacious. Wow, you do have a great view.” She walked over to the huge window.

  Cara flipped on the soft lighting by the kitchen island. “It was a great find. It’s a little expensive.”

  “But worth it for the view, eh? So many lights. I’m assuming that’s the lake straight ahead.”

  “Right. Would you like a glass of wine?”

  “Yes, please. Can I get a fire going? Where do you keep the firewood?”

  Cara laughed, retrieving two glasses. “It’s gas. So, just push that button.”

  “Really?” Morgan said as the fire slowly started between the logs. “Amazing. That has to save on firewood.”

  “Yeah, but you should see the gas bill in the winter.” Cara handed her a glass of wine. “Please have a seat.”

  Morgan opted for the cushions across the window seat. Cara joined her.

  “Thanks for all this, Cara.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s been fun so far. And somewhat painless.”

  Morgan laughed and sipped her wine. “I was glad I didn’t have to say too much with that fellow from the mayor’s office. He seems like a nice guy.”

  “He’s a prince.”

  “I’m beginning to know your sarcasm.”

  Cara drank her wine, acutely aware of Morgan watching her.

  “So, what’s left on our agenda?”

  “Actually, we’re done.”

  Morgan looked stunned. “Done?”

  “Yes. When we had the meeting with Ken today, he wanted Marcie and her friend to be there at the same time. So, we cut out a day of photo-ops. With the mayor out of town, there’s no more formalities.”

  “You mean there’s nothing more to do?”

  Cara shrugged. “Not really. Oh, there’s a few things the mayor wanted to make sure you saw. You know, the museums and Michigan Avenue, a sightseeing tour for the most part. You’re scheduled to leave the day after tomorrow, in the morning. So, you have one more day.”

  “Oh.”

  “If you’d like to get home, I’m sure the mayor won’t care. If you want.”

  She noticed the frown that Morgan rarely showed. “You, of course, are welcomed to stay as long as you like.”

  Still frowning, Morgan sipped her wine.

  “You’re scaring me,” Cara whispered.

  Morgan blinked, then chuckled quietly. “I’m sorry. I was just thinking.”

  “What about?”

  “Oh, everything that’s happened in the past couple weeks. Mostly since I met you.”

  Cara quickly drank her wine. “I hope I haven’t crimped your style too much.”

  Morgan grinned then. “No, you haven’t. That article you wrote. Is that how you see me? I suppose I never thought about my life or what I do. I just never saw it in print.”

  “It is how I see you. I think you have a good life, and you’re a good woman who helps others without any thought of yourself. Donna wanted to meet you because you and her husband have this in common. And to people like you, you don’t understand or want the limelight. I know coming here wasn’t anything you wanted to do.”

  “We can thank my mother for that.”

  Cara laughed. “I think I’ll thank Betty for a lot.”

  “Like what?”

  “Uh, well…” She noticed Morgan’s inquisitive grin. “Well, she gave me the opportunity to write a good, truthful article about a special woman, instead of writing about corrupt politicians and lousy tax laws.”

  “Is that all?”

  Cara’s heart rate rose exponentially when she heard the hopeful tone in Morgan’s voice.

  “No. As it turns out, I’m glad I met you.”

  “That’s good to know. Now another question, glad how? Glad like I’ve turned out to be a friend, or glad like you might think of me as more than that?”

  It was getting very warm from where Cara sat. Her mouth was dry; her hands were clammy. She was a mess.

  “Both.”

  Morgan’s eyes widened. “Did you say both? As in a friend and perhaps more?”

  “Look, Morgan.”

  “I need to understand. Is that what you meant?”

  “You’re not going to let this go.”

  “Nope.”

  Cara gazed out the window, sighing deeply if not dramatically. “Look…”

  “You already said that.”

  “Morgan…” She stopped, trying in vain to stop her heart from leaping out of her chest. “All right, all right. I have grown fond of you.”

  “That’s a good start.”

  “We live in two entirely different worlds.” The look of confusion on Morgan’s face was endearing, but it was the truth. “Look at this logically.”

  Morgan moved closer to her, holding her hands. The warmth spread through Cara, and she knew then, she’d never be the same.

  “Cara, let’s just admit for now that we care for each other. That’s logical, isn’t it?”

  “I suppose so, but I have a feeling you’re being sneaky. I’m not sure I trust you.”

  Morgan laughed, caressing her hands. “Out of everything in this life, you can always trust me. Even my mother thinks so.”

  Cara reached up, cupping Morgan’s face for the first time. She was glad to hear the sharp intake of breath from Morgan.

  “I do trust you. But—”

  Morgan turned her head, kissing the palm of Cara’s hand. “Enough for now. We’re not on any timeline. We don’t have to make any decisions right now.” She looked at Cara then. “I’m going to kiss you.”

  Before Cara could argue—if she was going to—Morgan pulled her into her arms, kissing her softly on the lips.

  “But…”

  The more Cara tried to resist, the deeper the kiss. She gave up, wrapping her arms aro
und Morgan’s neck just enjoying the heavenly kiss.

  It was Morgan who pulled away. By the look on her face, Cara wasn’t sure what to think. Morgan looked both confused and elated, if that were possible.

  “All right then,” she said breathlessly. She then laughed quietly. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “What?” Now Cara was worried. “What?”

  Morgan gently took her hands in her own. “I think I’m having a heart attack.”

  Cara couldn’t help it. Morgan sounded so bewildered, she started giggling like a schoolgirl.

  “You think I’m kidding.” Morgan then laughed along with her. “Cara, it’s been a long time for me. I—”

  Cara reached up, placing her fingertips against her lips. “I know. Like you said, we’re in no rush.”

  Morgan let out a snort. “Maybe not for you.”

  Cara stood, offering her hand. “C’mon. Let’s sit by the fire.”

  She led Morgan, who walked like a zombie, over to the couch. Morgan sat back, and Cara handed her the glass of wine, then sat next to her.

  “I need to ask you a question,” Morgan said, looking at her glass.

  “You can ask me anything.”

  “What about Kim? Is it really over between you? I’m sorry if I’m…”

  Cara hid her grin. “You don’t have to apologize. Yes, it’s over between us.”

  “Then why was she at the party?”

  “She told you. She was at the bar and saw us. We…we talked more as you and everyone else noticed.”

  “I wasn’t sure. I saw you with her, and it didn’t look very happy. I’m sorry for laughing, but it brought the whole wild bug up your ass comment back to mind.”

  “It’s been a long time coming. And to be honest, since I met you, I’ve been trying to come up with a reason to stay in the relationship.” She sighed deeply. “I can’t come up with anything. Please, don’t get me wrong. I care about Kim, and for a while, we shared common interests. But interests never turned to love.”

  “I’m sorry,” Morgan said quietly.

  “Thank you. But like I said, it was a long time coming, then you came along.”

  “And disrupted your life?”

  Cara looked up then. “No. This is going to sound so sappy, but you gave it meaning.”

  Morgan seemed stunned.

  “How’s that for an admission?” Cara laughed nervously, then drank her wine.

  Morgan took the glass out of her hand, pulling Cara close to her. Leaning into the curve of her body, it took a moment for Cara to relax—just a moment.

  “Are you all right?” Morgan whispered.

  Cara nodded. “Are you?”

  “I think so. But honestly, I have no idea.”

  “I know how you feel.” Cara had no choice but to lay her head on her shoulder.

  “This is perfect,” Morgan whispered, kissing her forehead.

  They were silent for a few minutes, watching the fire.

  “Cara,” Morgan whispered, “what do you want out of life?”

  Cara looked up. “What?”

  “I mean, did you ever think you might do something else?”

  “I’ve always wanted to write.”

  “But you do. You’re a journalist.”

  “No, I mean writing a novel.”

  Morgan’s grin spread across her face. “You said that. What kind? Like a mystery or something like that?”

  “I’m not sure. I have so much running around in my head. Everything I’ve experienced as a journalist. I’ve always wanted to just write. But I took a job at a paper, and I’ve never done anything else.” She looked around the apartment. “To pay for this.”

  “Ah, I see. Writing doesn’t pay well.”

  “Not unless you’re on the New York Times Bestseller list.”

  Morgan seemed excited. “But you don’t have to make a million bucks if it’s what you love.”

  “But if it doesn’t pay the bills…”

  Morgan sat back. “Yeah. I see what you mean.”

  “I have a car and this apartment, and well, things…”

  “I understand, really. I see exactly what you’re saying.”

  “What about you?”

  “Me? I couldn’t write to save my life.”

  “Very funny. Have you ever thought of living or doing something else?”

  Morgan was silent for a moment; Cara looked up to find Morgan watching her so intently, it made her nervous.

  “I only thought of it once, and you know how that turned out. Since then, I’ve never given it another thought.”

  “Why should you? You love your life and where you live.”

  “I don’t know. It would have to be for a very good reason to leave and start over.”

  “What kind of reason?” Cara asked softly.

  “Love maybe. Though I haven’t been in so long I’m not sure I know what it is.” Morgan drank her wine, then gazed out the window once more. “Is it just me, or do you feel any sexual tension between us?” She looked at Cara then.

  “I have to be honest with you. Yes, I do. I never thought we’d talk about it.”

  “Why?” Morgan asked quietly.

  “Because you have your life and I have mine.”

  That hit like an anvil between them. Cara had no idea what to say.

  Morgan gently stood and walked over to the fireplace. “Amazing how this is just as warm as a wood fire.”

  Cara hung her head, her heart ached. “Morgan, you have to see how different our lives are.”

  “I do,” Morgan said over her shoulder. “Would you do me a favor and call a cab?”

  “Why? Morgan, please.”

  “Cara,” Morgan said, turning around. “I get it. Truly I do. Just please call a cab and we’ll talk in the morning over breakfast. Please. I’ll wait downstairs. Thanks.”

  “Morgan, wait.”

  Morgan grabbed her coat and walked out without another word.

  Chapter 24

  Cara didn’t sleep at all. Every time she looked at the clock, it seemed to be the same time. She stood under the hot shower, remembering the way Morgan left the previous night, watching her standing alone under the streetlight until the cab arrived.

  After she dressed, she decided to go to Morgan and hash this out during the day. She didn’t want Morgan until this was settled. But how would it be settled?

  She walked into the lobby of the Drake, and Cindy immediately met her by the desk.

  “Good morning,” Cara said. Then she saw the odd expression. “Is something wrong?”

  Cindy handed her a small envelope. “Miss Gavin wanted me to give you this when she left.”

  “Left? She’s not here?” Cara’s heart pounded in her ears.

  “No. She checked out very early. She asked me if I could change her flight, which I did. I had to charge the Sentinel for the cost of the change. She left around six this morning. She said you’d be stopping by.”

  Cara barely heard her. She stared at the white envelope and merely nodded. She sat in one of the chairs in the lobby. With her hands shaking, she opened the envelope and took out the letter written on the hotel stationery.

  Dear Cara,

  Sorry for being a coward, but I just couldn’t stand finally saying goodbye to you. By the time you read this, I’ll already be home. Tell Linda sorry for the additional cost for the flight change.

  I want to tell you how much I loved meeting you and spending those ten wonderful days on the lake. I wouldn’t change any of that for the world. It’s the one time I’ll thank my mother for interfering. But I understand your position. We do live different lives, and I wish with all my heart that was not the case. It took me to come here to Chicago to realize that. I would never want to disrupt your life. I can see how you love what you do, it’s just that for a moment, I thought I saw something there on your part. Something to build on. You know I would have liked to try. But again, I do understand. And I have no regrets. I loved every minute and every kis
s.

  Please follow your dream of writing. You’re a good person, with a kind, if not sarcastic, heart. I believe you will write a great book, whatever the topic.

  I suppose, from now on, I’ll say what my mother and your father said in all their letters and Christmas cards–

  I wish you the best things in life, Cara, with all the happiness and contentment you can find.

  Drop a line every now and then and let the “folks up north” know how you’re doing. We’d all love to hear from you.

  Much love and great affection,

  Morgan

  When a tear plopped on the letter, Cara quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks. She took a deep shaky breath and neatly placed the letter into the envelope. She did not remember leaving or the drive back to the office.

  She numbly walked into the reception area. Debbie called out to her.

  “Is Linda in?”

  Debbie stopped grinning. “Y-yes. Go right in. Is everything okay?”

  Cara waved but said nothing. Linda looked up.

  “Well, good morn…What’s wrong?”

  “She’s gone.” Cara sat in front of her desk, handing her the envelope.

  “Who’s gone?” Linda quickly took it.

  Cara waited until Linda, looking stunned, took off her glasses.

  “What happened? Why would she leave a day early?”

  “We started out very nice. We sat by the fire, had a glass of wine, even exchanged a few kisses.”

  “Then what did you do?”

  Cara shot her an angry look. “Why do you assume it was me?”

  “Because I know you. What happened?”

  “We had a talk. I explained how our lives are different. She knows I broke up with Kim, but I’m not sure she believes me because she asked why she was at the party.”

  “I wondered that myself. Kim’s not one to easily let go.”

  “I know. But it’s over. Anyway, Morgan said she understood and wanted to go back to the hotel, and we’d talk this morning. But I got that instead.”

  “What does she mean, like my mother and your father?”

  Cara took a deep breath and calmly told her what Betty had done. When she finished, Linda’s jaw dropped.

  “Are you kidding? She literally planned this?”

  “Yes. I think she believed it was some sort of sign that Morgan and I could somehow meet.”