The Best Things in Life

by Kate Sweeney

  “Well, it certainly worked. So what are you going to do?”

  “Do? What can I do? She left.”

  “And you’re going to let her go.”

  “Don’t sound like that, Linda. She’s the one who left.”

  “You gave her no reason to stay.”

  “That’s not fair. I was honest.”

  “You were afraid.” Linda held up her hand. “I’m not blaming you, take it easy.”

  “It sure sounded like it. Look, we do live different lives.”

  “Are you in love with her?”

  Cara closed her mouth. “I don’t know.”

  Linda made a sound like a strangled duck. “Wrong answer.”

  Cara hung her head. “I suppose.”

  “Nope.”

  “What’s the point? I—”

  “Try again, please.” Linda leaned on her desk. “You’re probably never going to see her again. At least not for a while. What happens if another woman comes along? And don’t give me that line of crap that she never leaves the lake. She came here. And you saw how the women flocked around her. What will you do if that happens? Would it matter to you at all?”

  Cara thought about it. “What if I found someone? Would it matter to her?”

  Linda raised a curious eyebrow. “Morgan already told you how she felt. She may not have said the words ‘I love you,’ but I think you know. It would matter to her. So, answer my question.”

  “Yes, I suppose it would matter.”

  “Well, until you know for sure, I guess that’s that. You have nothing to worry about. Morgan is gone. You don’t have to worry about changing your life or hers. It’s all fine. So, you can take the rest of the day off. And come back to work tomorrow.”

  “You don’t want me to go there and do the articles?”

  “Not now. Why would I send you up there when you don’t want to go? What kind of articles would I get? No. You’re right. You stay here where it’s comfortable. Besides, it’s going to get damned cold up there. You wouldn’t want to get stuck there, would you?”

  “I suppose not.”

  “See? Then you did the right thing. Now scram. I have work to do. See you in the morning. Shoo.”

  Cara obediently walked out, not knowing which direction to go. She opted for her lonely apartment.

  *******

  A week later, she was still confused.

  “Why so glum?” Linda asked, popping a peanut into her mouth. “I’m starving. What’s for lunch?”

  Cara stirred her drink. “I’m not. I’m fine.”

  Linda let out a snort. “Tell that story to someone who doesn’t know you. It’s been a week. Have you called her?”

  “No. And she hasn’t called me.”

  “I keep telling you, you’re the one who decided it wouldn’t work between you. Why should she call you?”

  Cara noticed someone by the door at the end of the bar. For a moment, her heart stopped. When she grinned, Linda looked at the door.

  “Morgan,” Cara whispered.

  When the woman turned around, Cara’s heart sank. It was not Morgan.

  Linda laughed, eating another peanut. “Yeah, you’re fine. Why don’t you just admit you’re falling for her? It’s all right, Cara. Falling in love is a good thing.”

  “Why am I fighting this?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “But she hasn’t called. Maybe she doesn’t feel anything anymore.”

  “Well, you certainly won’t know until you call her.”

  With that, her cell went off. She fumbled with it like a fish out of water. Linda helped, and between them, Cara got a firm hold on it.

  “Hello?” she said quickly.

  “Hi, Cara.” It was Betty.

  “Hello, Betty. Gee, it’s good to hear your voice.”

  “Same here. How’ve you been?”

  “Oh, I’m all right. How’s Chuck and everyone?”

  “Chuck is just fine, but I’m not sure about everyone. That’s why I’m calling.”

  The familiar arrythmia started again. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, if you don’t mind Morgan seeing another woman.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “What else can that mean, dear? Morgan is dating Jean Savard.”

  “The vet?”

  “What? Another calf?” Linda whispered.

  Cara impatiently waved her off.

  “The very same. So, I thought you might like to know. If it matters.”

  Cara bit at her bottom lip; she glanced at Linda, who watched her intently.

  “But it’s probably for the best. Jean is here, and you’re not. Morgan has been moping around here since she came home.”

  “I didn’t know Morgan was interested in her.”

  “Well, they’ve known each other for years. I think they went out a few times, but nothing came of it…Until now, I suppose.”

  “She probably doesn’t want to talk to me.”

  “You can think that if it makes you feel better, but I think we know that’s not true. She talks about you every day. But don’t worry, I’m sure Jean will help her get over you. Well, I should go, Chuck has his head in the fridge again, so you know what that means. What? Oh. Chuck says hi, and he misses you.”

  Cara smiled sadly. “Tell him I miss him too. And you, Betty.”

  “And Morgan?” Betty whispered.

  “And Morgan.”

  “Well, that sounds hopeful. But you’d better make up your mind and do something. Before they, ya know…”

  “Thanks, Betty. I love you.”

  “We love you too, Cara. All of us.”

  Cara set the phone on the bar.

  “What? You’d better tell me.”

  Cara told her what they talked about. Linda snorted, shaking her head.

  “I swear you are the dumbest…What’s the matter with you? Betty said Morgan talks about you all the time. And now the moose doctor moves in. You know what’s going to happen. And you only have yourself to blame.”

  Cara thought of the idea of someone else in Morgan’s life. Someone else kissing her, lying in front of the fire with her. She finished her drink, setting the glass down with resolve.

  “Nobody is eating her venison stew but me.”

  “What?”

  “I still have vacation time, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can I take it now?”

  “Only if you’re going to Minnesota.”

  “Fine. I need to get a flight out.”

  Linda paid the bar tab. “I’ll have Debbie make the reservations and get a car. Go home and pack. And get that woman. Boy, will she be surprised to see you.”

  “Surprised? Okay, we’ll go with that.”

  Chapter 25

  Cara was exhausted by the time the plane landed in International Falls. She had enough time to back a small bag. Linda got her the flight and a car. She jumped out of her seat, forgetting to unbuckle herself. That was going to leave a mark.

  As she got off the plane, the cold air smacked her in the face. She pulled her collar around her neck and made her way to the rental office. That was when she saw Betty, smiling and waving.

  Cara ran up, hugging the life out of her.

  “How did you know to meet me? Did Linda call? Has something happened? Is everything all right?”

  “Everything is fine.”

  “I have a rental.”

  “No, you don’t. Come on.”

  Cara picked up her luggage and followed her. “Betty, please tell me what happened.” She tossed her bag in the back, then got in, strapping herself in.

  Betty glanced at her. “Nothing more. I’m just glad you’re here. I like Jean, but she’s not for Morgan.”

  “Suddenly, I think I made a mistake. If Morgan wants—”

  “Oh, Morgan doesn’t know what she wants. I tell you they’ve spent every day together since Morgan got back.”

  Betty pulled out of the airport, taking the now familiar roa
d to Morgan’s.

  “I wondered what you were going to do, but now that you’re here, you’ve answered that question.”

  “What can I do? If they’re already—”

  “They’re not, well, I’m not sure, but I think I’d know if they were per se.”

  Cara turned as much as the seat belt would allow. “Per se? What does that mean?”

  Betty glanced at her, then concentrated on the road.

  “What do you mean, per se?”

  “Per se means—”

  “I know what the word means.”

  “I don’t think they’ve done the horizontal mambo.”

  Cara hid her face in her hands. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

  “I didn’t know how else to say it. I suppose I could have said—”

  “Okay, okay.” Cara sat back. “So…”

  “So…?”

  “Do you think it’s serious between Morgan and Jean?”

  “Huh? Oh, I don’t know. But they’ve been together every day for the past week.”

  Cara looked around. “What am I doing here?”

  “You’re here to stop this nonsense.”

  “No, I mean, literally. What am I doing here?”

  “Oh.” Betty laughed and pulled up to the house. “This is our house. I have an idea, and we can talk here without being interrupted. We have to devise a plan.”

  Cara let out a dejected sigh. “Oh, Betty. This is not a good idea.”

  “Don’t be a pessimist. We haven’t even come up with an idea yet. Good or otherwise.”

  Chuck met them at the door. “Well, long time no see.”

  Cara laughed and practically jumped into his arms. “It’s so good to see you.”

  “It’s only been a week. But I missed you.”

  “Let’s get off the porch. The temperature is dropping like a rock,” Betty said.

  They sat around the kitchen table. Betty made a pot of coffee. Chuck got the fire going. Everything seemed so normal. Their log house was adorable. It was much like Morgan’s but seemed older, and cozier, if that were possible.

  “So, how’s Chicago?” Betty asked.

  “Oh, it’s fine.”

  “And how’s work?”

  “It’s fine.” Cara drank her coffee.

  Chuck eased into a kitchen chair. “As long as everything is fine.”

  “Don’t you have something to do?” Betty said to him.

  Chuck looked offended. “No.”

  Betty motioned to the back door. “I thought you were going to make sure the snowblower was ready. It’s going to snow tonight.”

  Cara smiled while drinking her coffee. “Chuck doesn’t have to leave.”

  “He certainly does. This is women’s talk.”

  Chuck grabbed his coffee. “I’m going to the airfield.”

  “Where’s Morgan?”

  “She’s there. Why?”

  “Good. Go. And don’t you dare tell her Cara is here!”

  Cara nearly spilled her coffee when Betty screeched.

  “What the heck is wrong with you, woman?” Chuck asked.

  “Nothing.”

  “Why can’t I tell her? What’s going on?”

  “Nothing, I’m telling you. Just keep her there until dinnertime.”

  “That’s a long time, Betts.”

  “It is not. It’s nearly one, just keep her there till five or so. And do not tell her Cara is here.”

  “I don’t get why.”

  “I have my reasons. Now do as I say, Charles Gavin.”

  Chuck laughed. “Now I know you’re serious. Okay, you insane thing. Mum’s the word.”

  “Good. Now go, go…”

  Chuck shook his head. “I’ll see ya. Sorry to leave you with this crazy woman, Cara, but I’m glad you’re here.”

  Betty waited until Chuck left. “Good, he’s gone. Now I have a supremely perfect idea.”

  “Supremely? Betty…”

  “Let’s go.”

  “Where? We just got here.”

  “To Morgan’s.”

  “What?”

  Betty wasn’t listening. She opened a cabinet drawer and pulled out a few things, then grabbed her apron.

  Cara raised an eyebrow. “Um, what are you doing?”

  “No questions. We don’t have much time. Let’s go.”

  Betty pulled her out of the chair. Cara grabbed her coat and off they went to God knows where.

  Chapter 26

  “Are you sure?” Cara lifted her arms. “This has disaster written all over it. What if Morgan comes home? What if Jean stops by?”

  Betty rolled her eyes while tying the apron strings around Cara. “This is symbolic.”

  “Betty, no jokes.”

  “Chuck will keep her at the airfield. Jean is out of town.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Betty looked exasperated. “Which part of ‘she’s out of town’ don’t you get? Stay with me.”

  “Where is she?”

  “She’s at some conference in Minneapolis.”

  “I’m confused.”

  “Good. It’ll keep you on your toes.”

  “I can’t make this.” Cara picked up the recipe index cards. “It looks very time-consuming.”

  “Of course you can. For heaven’s sake, you’re a college graduate and a grown woman—”

  “Who can’t cook or bake.”

  “A minor point. And you will after this. If you can pull this off, you’ll be better than Bobby Flay, who I find absolutely yummy. Now I picked these out because they’re Morgan’s favorite.”

  “Everything seems to be Morgan’s favorite.”

  “True. But this will make you Morgan’s favorite.”

  Cara suddenly felt like vomiting. She slowly eased herself into a chair. “What if she…? I mean, we’ve never talked about anything like this. And there’s Jean now.”

  Betty sat. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

  Cara laughed. “I’m wearing your apron, and I’m about to make a culinary idiot out of myself. I think it’s too late. What’s your question?”

  “Do you love Morgan?”

  Cara’s jaw dropped. “All right. I wasn’t expecting that. I’m not sure how to answer that.”

  “Yes or no might work.”

  Cara shook her head. She sat back, looking at the index cards. “I care—”

  “Good Lord. Woman, are you in love with her? Is she the one?”

  “I think she is.”

  “And what about this Kim woman?”

  “We decided to call it a day. We’re on two different paths.”

  “So, no vacation?”

  “No. There isn’t going to be any vacation. Or anything else. It’s over.” Cara looked up to see the surprised expression; she nearly laughed.

  “And how do you feel, sweetie?”

  At the term of endearment, Cara felt like crying. “I feel relieved most of all. Part of me is sad, but there was so much I wasn’t facing, and I needed to. I didn’t want to lie to her. She asked if anything had happened between Morgan and me, and I told her no. She was suggesting we were, you know.”

  “Doing the horizontal mambo?”

  Cara pinched the bridge of her nose. “Yes.” Cara quickly looked up. “Morgan and I have never—”

  “Why not?” Betty actually looked confused.

  “Because we hadn’t talked about any, anything. How? We can’t just…I mean, one doesn’t…” Cara knew she sounded like a babbling fool. “And now she’s probably…”

  “Okay, okay. Don’t have a stroke before you cook. Let’s change the topic.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So, now that Jean is out of the way—”

  “Betty,” Cara begged.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t joke. Jean is a very nice woman. But all’s fair in love and war. And if this is love, it must be war.”

  “What in the hell does that mean?”

  “I have no idea. Let’s get st
arted.”

  “All right.” Cara looked at the recipe. “I just have to follow this?”

  “Yes. Exactly as it says, and you’ll be fine. It’s my mother-in-law’s recipe. And it’s delicious. Give the bread dough time to rise, about an hour. Then once you put it in the pan, it has to rise again. Just read the directions.”

  “You don’t think making bread is too ambitious?”

  “No, no. It’s the easiest thing in the world to make.”

  “That’s what you said about apple pie. Why don’t I just make that?”

  “Stop arguing and get going. Chuck is keeping Morgan away until at least five, remember. Now I’m leaving.”

  Cara staggered back. “Leaving? Are you crazy? You can’t leave me like this!”

  Betty let out a maniacal laugh. “You’ll be fine. Calm down. There’s a fire extinguisher under the sink.”

  “That’s not funny.”

  Betty put on her coat. “It wasn’t meant to be. If you burn down Morgan’s cabin, you’re on your own. You’ll be fine. It’s just bread and baked chicken.”

  “Okay.” Cara didn’t sound too sure. “And I can call you if I need any help?”

  “Of course you can. And a whole baked chicken and roasted veggies couldn’t be simpler.”

  “You keep saying that.”

  “Trust me.”

  “Can’t I just take a couple steaks out of the freezer? That and wine sounds very good.”

  “Don’t be a snob. Cook a chicken.”

  Cara looked at the package. “We don’t know this chicken, do we?”

  Betty laughed and laughed.

  “Betty…”

  “What? Oh, no, no. I got it from the butcher. I don’t think it’s one of his. I’m kidding.” Betty stood and kissed her on the cheek. “I have to go. Cook well! Call me!”

  Cara hugged her. “Don’t worry. I’ll be calling you.”

  Betty laughed all the way out the door, which did nothing for Cara’s confidence. She looked at the recipe cards that were taunting her, then the ingredients Betty purchased. The table was full.

  “Yeast, sugar, warm water. Doesn’t say how warm,” she said absently. “Yuk, stir together until creamy bubbles form? What the hell…” She shrugged. “Betty’s mother-in-law must know.”

  She used the bowl Betty took out of the cabinet, along with the measuring cup and spoons, and the loaf pan.

  She followed the directions with the warm water and sugar, and when it came to the yeast, she opened the three packets and promptly spilled all of them in the mixture.