Chapter One

I pulled up in front of my store, and while the car was still running I rested my head on the steering wheel. It wasn’t spring, but I felt like I had spring fever. I found myself daydreaming of how my life used to be, when Marty was still alive, while our favorite old cd played. I longed to feel the way I did before Marty had gotten ill, when life was full of love and family. I especially wanted those feelings when love was new. Taking hold of the car door I wished to stay in this cocooned space a few minutes more, but knew I had to let go and get to work. Suddenly I felt something wet on my arm, and I looked to see slobber. Butch had brought me back to reality.

“Sorry boy, I guess we have to go in and get on with our day, but did you have to do that?”

I darted out of the car. I hoped to find a towel or something so I wouldn’t have to go around like this the rest of the day, with his drool on my sleeve. I had Butch in tow and opened the shop door. The phone was ringing off the hook. At that moment I had to smile, pleased with the fact that I hadn’t given out my cell number to clients. With my guard dog at my side, I hurriedly but gently pushed him through the door.

Looking down at his pouty face, I mumbled, “I think you’ve put on a few pounds. Have I neglected you? We definitely need to walk more.” Butch wagged his stubby tail as I inhaled and then blew my overgrown bangs out of my eyes.

I had a life away from work, and tried as hard as I could to keep work and home separate. Having said that, there would always be exceptions, like Michael. I had fallen for him, and I still have the chair that brought us together. Lately, though, he was always so busy, and traveling a lot for work. I'd stopped by his office a couple of times, and his assistant gave me a bad feeling. I could tell she didn’t like me, and she made no secret of it. In conversations with Michael, he mentioned how he couldn’t get along without her, though. I wanted reassurance that he felt that way about me

Stop! I had to stop thinking about both Michael and Marty, and concentrate on my work.

I sailed to my desk, tossed down my purse, and got to the phone on what must surely have been the last ring.

“Hello, Second Life. Sarah speaking.” I gulped, catching my breath. I wedged the phone under my chin while I did what I do best. I hit the keyboard, pulled up sources on the computer, and furiously began taking notes at the same time. Smiling, this is when an extra couple of arms would come in handy. I opened the filing cabinet, looked through a sea of manilla folders--all very neat and orderly thanks to Mrs. Pye, my part time worker. I‘m basically a slob, and my desk could have mountains of paperwork, but I could always find things. You know what they say: the artist can paint but has a hard time selling himself and his work. How could I have given Mrs. Pye this weekend off with so much on my plate? My daughter Suzie was having her sixteenth birthday tomorrow, and I had so much to do. She was so hard for me to reach. Suzie and I butted heads all the time, and yet Michael seemed to connect with her

I need a cup of coffee.

“No I don’t see any windows in my inventory at the moment, but I’m sure I can find some for you. Let me get an idea what you’re looking for. Do you want them for decorating or to replace some windows you have?”

I sat at my desk taking notes as the woman on the other end of the line rambled on, I was continuously brushing my hair out of my face. You see, it wasn’t long enough to scoop behind my ears yet. Oh, I never should have had bangs, and growing them out was a real pain. Searching the desk I found a large paper clip and put it in my hair till I could find something better. Now able to concentrate on the client, I asked her if she could drop by the shop, and told her it would be helpful if she had pictures of the windows she wanted to replace. A previous owner or someone had built an addition to her house, she mentioned. She wanted the windows to match the rest of her old Victorian. The new client made an appointment for 9 a.m. the next day, and told me she could send me a fax with the pictures of the windows.

“Okay Mrs. Baxter, see you tomorrow at nine.” I hung up the phone and knew I would need help with the installation of the windows, once I located them, and Ryan’s name popped into my head. He was a contractor, and my husband’s best friend. He helped me get through the tough times after Marty died. He always made the time for me in his busy schedule when anything involved carpentry work, and I knew he would enjoy this job. I sat there, my eyes glued to the fax machine, but nothing was happening

I looked at Butch again, and my shirt, which had now stuck to my arm with doggie glue, and hoped no one would notice. Just in case, I grabbed a sweater.

With my voice an octave higher I said, “Let’s go see Maggie." At the mere mention of her name, Butch's whole back end would shake uncontrollably, and it always made me laugh.

Caffeine here I come.

Maggie's cafe was only a couple of blocks away, and we could both do with a little fresh air and a walk. I had to be careful at the mention of her name, what with Butch's whole back end shaking uncontrollably. When we would walk in Maggie's door, the aroma of fresh baked bread and muffins never failed to tickle my taste-buds, and my stomach would inevitably let out an unbelievable growl that I know even Butch could hear.

"I guess I should’ve eaten breakfast. Oh no. Now I'm talking to the dog--and in public. Heaven help me!"

Rounding the corner with all of the cute shops, the cafe came in sight, and my feet couldn’t move fast enough. Finally at the front door I could see Maggie's smiling face, and noticed the place was packed as usual.

"Hey stranger, we've missed you." Maggie smiled hugged me, and rocked me back and forth.

“Sit down sweetie. Have you eaten anything today? Look at you! You’re too skinny? “

"I'm dying for a cup of coffee."

"You’ll have a cup of coffee and more. You sit tight. I want to hear what you've been up to.”

Maggie came back a moment later with a breakfast fit for a lumberjack. Scrambled eggs, fruit, and my favorite--a Blueberry muffin.

"You know me too well," I said when she set the platter and the coffee down. "I am starving. Maggie you're the best. I've missed talking to you, girl."

She reached down and made over Butch, (his jowls were elastic), then grabbed a biscuit from her apron pocket. "Here you go boy. Eat slowly so I can sit for a while with your master.

"Okay spill it. Let me know everything that’s going on."

"Ok. For starters, tomorrow Suzie will be fifteen."

Maggie's mouth fell open. "I can't believe how fast she's grown up."

"Michael got her tickets to a Bruno Mars concert. First we're taking her with a couple of her friends out to dinner, then afterward we’ll drop them off at the concert. Michael offered to pick them up and drive everyone home when it ended. You know, Suzie has really taken to him, and that worries me because Michael and I aren't as close as I hoped. He’s always working, Maggie. Oh he remembers my birthday and special occasions, but most of the time I spend alone."

I started to feel the tears coming on, and I had to take a deep breath and then eat so I wouldn’t have to go on about Michael. I knew Maggie could see I was uncomfortable, and so didn’t push any more about him. She diplomatically changed course.

"How's your business doing?"

“I have an appointment with a new client tomorrow morning, we’ll see how that goes. I think I'll need to have Ryan’s help if I get the job,” I answered.

Maggie elbowed me and laughed. "He’s a real cutie. I’d find it hard working around someone so handsome.”

“He’s just a friend." I blushed; looked down at my plate. "That breakfast was great, just what I needed," I said rubbing my stomach.

“Breakfast is on me today. You need to eat, young lady.

"Well, got to get back to my customers. You stop by anytime, okay? And bring Ryan with you next time." She winked, and we hugged.

Butch and I finished our breakfast, and then headed back to the store.

Chapter Two

The day was gorgeous. I almost skipped back to work. The sky was painted an Egyptian Blue, allowing me to imagine the coming of spring, my favorite season. 

I was stuffed, and Butch seemed happy enough about that, but he never took his eyes off the two separate doggie bags Maggie had given us for lunch. With coffee in hand, and Butch in tow, we enjoyed our stroll, but I still felt a little flighty. Suddenly at my front door Butch jerked on the leash, and whined. 

I bent down when he started snorting, and really pulling, “What’s wrong boy?”           

Unable to calm him, I opened the creaky old shop door, and then let him off the leash. I quickly placed our lunch and my steaming cup of coffee on the front counter.   Butch was wild as he whined, running up and down the jagged aisles. I don’t know if I’d ever seen him like that. I couldn’t hold back the laughter. I saw him making an attempt to jump onto an overstuffed library chair. Then seconds later he was squirming on the floor, under a small side table. That did it. He looked like he was attached to the table and began to whimper. He was stuck. 

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a white flash dart across a hutch in front of me, and heard a deep hiss and a growl. Seems that we had a feline intruder. I knew I had to get rid of the cat before I rescued Butch, and so I ran to the front door and opened it. The cat thanked me by flying out as though the last of his nine lives depended on it. After the cat got away I returned to poor Butch, grabbed his leash, and proceeded to rescue him.                                                                               

“Hold still if you want me to help you, and quit wiggling.”

He wasn’t getting anywhere, only exhausting himself trying to get free.   I hooked the leash to his collar, and with a soothing motion worked the table off him. He was worn out, and went directly to his bed next to my desk. I fell back in my chair and laughed at all of the excitement we’d just had.  I looked over at his big brown eyes as he dug his head in embarrassment into his comfy bed.                                                                                                                            

 “Time to get to work. You stay there, and behave, you big vicious dog you. Our intruder has left.”

I spun my chair around and saw our lunch and my coffee resting on the counter, so I got up and retrieved them, placing the lunches in the fridge. I had never regretted the impulse to buy the small refrigerator, even though it only housed treats for Butch most of the time. With my hands wrapped firmly around the best cup of coffee in town I took a big sip and got back to my business.                                                                     

I slipped the fax’s out of the tray. The first of the group was the picture Mrs. Baxter had promised to send. The detail work on the house was amazing, what a beauty. I couldn’t see the addition that well though, and so I would have to send Ryan out to the house. Tricky since I hadn’t asked him yet.  There were close ups of the windows that needed to be replaced, but they were grainy. I could hardly wait to start, but first… well, I had to see if Ryan was available.  I grabbed my cell phone and tried to remember his number. Luckily Suzie had put all the important numbers in my phone.  I scrolled down till I saw Ryan Hardy. How long has it been since I’ve talked to him?  I’m nervous.   Heanswered the phone seconds after I keyed in the number. 

“Hi Ryan. It’s been too long.”                                                                                                                         

“Who is this?”                                                                                                                                   

“It’s me. Sarah.”                                                                                                                                                      

I heard him laughing.  I realized at that moment how much I’d missed him.                                                                                                                                          

“I’m just foolin’ with you Sarah. I’d know you voice anywhere.” 

  “How’ve you been?” I started to feel uneasy and began tapping my pencil on the desk, something I do when I’m nervous. Why haven’t I kept in touch?  Then I remembered that Michael had asked me why I counted on Ryan so much. He thought maybe I had feelings for Ryan, and felt uncomfortable. He asked if I might use someone else for the projects that came up. I was so gaga over Michael I would have done anything. Still I can’t believe I’ve ignored a friend I’d known since junior high, and he was Marty’s best friend, too.                                                                                                                             

“I’ve been so busy with work. I‘ve been able to see some progress on that old house I bought so long ago that I was beginning to think was a money pit. The neighborhood is improving, and there are a lot of new people moving in. The houses are getting some well-deserved attention, so I’ve kept busy. How are you? Still seeing what’s-his-name?” he asked.

 “You mean Michael? Yea and I am really happy. He’s a great guy.” I was lying through my teeth, but I didn’t want to explain why, to Ryan. 

 “Yea. He’s the lawyer?”                                                                                                                      

“Yes,” I paused. I should have known he would hear about Michael, there are no secrets in a small town.Then I nervously tried to change the subject, after what seemed like forever, I knew he still wanted to hear more.

 “Well, he’s been on a really big case and hasn’t been in town much. You know, the kids have really enjoyed being with him. When he’s in town.  By the way, tomorrow Suzie will be sixteen! I wish Marty could see what a lovely girl she is.  I only hope someday I won’t be her enemy.”    

“I can’t believe it. I remember how excited Marty was when he found out he was going to be a dad. She was a beautiful baby.”   

 “Yes. She’s a sophomore in high school… did you know that? And she wants to think she knows everything. She even told me she didn’t know what Michael saw in me. Can you believe it?”   

 “She probably has a crush on the handsome lawyer, and you’re her mom. The only man she can see you with is her dad.”

“Yea that’s probably true.” I switched gears. “Hey, what are my chances of you squeezing in a side job? I don’t want to kill you, but I know you’d love this one. The client needs windows changed out, but she wants windows like the original ones. The house was built in the mid eighteen- hundreds. It’s beautiful! She sent me a picture. Someone put on an addition, but the windows in it aren’t the same. I’m due to meet her tomorrow at the shop at nine. Do you think you can come? Please.”    

“I’ll drop everything,” he said with a laugh. “My remodel can wait, and I can have my crew handle the job we’re on now.”                                                                                                                                           

“Ryan, I can’t wait. This job sounds like fun. I’ll be hunting for some windows. See you tomorrow. Thanks so much.”                                                                                                                                               

I immediately started calling the dealers with the restoration companies. I was so excited.  I didn’t know if it was because of the new job, or because I was going to see Ryan.

 The day was sailing by when Butch popped his head up and started to cry to go outside. He led the way. Out back I had a small fenced yard where Butch could relieve himself , and on the warm days he would spread out and sunbathe if it wasn’t too hot. If it got too unbearable, he would scamper back into the air -conditioned space inside, something Marty was unaware of when he bought him.  I heard the all-too- familiar scratching on the screen door, and walked over to see the dog’s nose glued against it.                                                                                                                                        

“Come in.” He was so happy; his little stub of a tail was in constant motion.  

One-thirty had passed, and we hadn’t even thought about lunch. I guess I can’t speak for Butch since I’m sure he dreams about food. Then I remembered our treats from Maggie. I ran and retrieved our lunch, and spread a napkin on my desk.  I felt Butch’s eyes on me and decided he should eat first since he’d had such a strenuous morning. I opened his bag and put his lunch in his dish, and he was one happy dog. My bag consisted of a big tuna sandwich with red onions , tomatoes, and pickles on homemade bread, there was also a cup of fresh fruit and a little piece of dark chocolate. Maggie loved hearing the declaration from her doctor that a little dark chocolate was good for her. When lunch orders went out from Maggie’s Café, so did the little dark chocolates.                                                                                                                                            

As I started to eat, I heard the bell on the front door, and hurriedly cleaned up my not-so-tidy desk. I would have gotten scolded if Mrs. Pye had been there. I could hear her.                                                                                                                                                    

“You need to go out into the fresh air! Get away from your work so you can enjoy your lunch. You don’t want people to think you can’t take a short break, and besides it’s more professional.”

To my surprise, when I looked up I saw Ryan standing in front of me.                                                                                          

I let out a half-laugh. I was embarrassed. I didn’t even have time to comb my hair!                

“I just talked to you,” I giggled. 

“Yeah. I was in my truck running errands in the neighborhood, and couldn’t wait to see the pictures. You know me, and how I get with older homes.”                                            

“Do I ever. I remember when Marty had repairs to do you were the first one he called. Now I’m the one calling. I always loved older homes, and I must admit at times they can be a challenge, but the two of you were fearless when it came to a project. My home is the proof.”                                                                                                                     

Then I realized I had eaten those big onions and I’m sure my breath was witness to that. I opened my emergency drawer where I kept a toothbrush, lip-gloss, band-aids, and breath spray.  Ryan turned to say hi to Butch, and I managed a few quick squirts. Then suddenly I could feel his eyes on me.                                                                                                                                                 

“Is that the new style?”                                                                                                                       

“What?” 

  He pointed to the paperclip in my hair. “One hundred and one ways to use paper clips.”

  I felt the heat on the back of my neck, and I knew my face must have been beet-red. 

                                                                                                                             

“Sorry I didn’t mean to make you blush,” he said with the grin he was famous for.                                                                                                     

My cell phone rang just then. I was saved.                                                                                                       

”Excuse me for a minute.” I glanced at the caller ID. Of all the times for Michael to call. I made my way to the back door and answered the phone.                                                                                                     

“Hello. This is a surprise. I am trying to get things set up for a new client that I’ll see in the morning.”                                                                                                                        

Michael was stammering. “I have some bad news. The case I’ve been working requires that I go out of town late tomorrow morning.”                                                                                        

I was furious. “You can’t! You promised Suzie.”                                                                                             

“It can’t be helped. I’ll have the tickets for the concert delivered to your shop before you leave. I’m really sorry.”                                                                                                                                         

“Fine. Just forget it, I don’t think I want to see you anymore Michael. I mean really, when was the last time we were together?” “You knew this was a big client, Sarah. Why are you acting like this? I said I was sorry.”                                                                                                                                                  

“This is important to Suzie and you promised, and she is looking forward to it. Your work always comes first. So you go and take care of that big client, but I think we need time apart. Oh wait, we haven’t even been together in such along time , lets leave it that way.”                                                                                                                                  

I hung up the phone. I was so infuriated. I wanted to hit or kick something. I had mixed feelings about Ryan showing up so unexpectedly. I had to calm down before I went back in the shop, though. I closed my eyes, imagined a river, and the cool water as I took in several deep breaths. I’d used this method so many times before when things were so stressful with Marty and his illness.  It had always worked. I was determined not to let Ryan see how upset I was. I breathed in deeply one more time just for good measure, grabbed hold of the screen, and left my anger at the door. Walking in, I smiled and thought of the job ahead of us. 

 As I approached Ryan I asked,  “Okay, are you on board?”                                                                    

I think I must have caught him off guard he didn’t answer right away.                                                                       

“You meet with the woman tomorrow at nine, you said? Shall I come too?” 

I was so excited I didn’t even take time to think, and threw my arms around him, and gave him a big hug.   

Ryan was one of the good guys. I never understood how his wife let him go. And he never really talked about his divorce. I couldn’t believe he was still single. He had a good business, owned a couple of homes, and he wasn’t bad on the eyes. A girl would be lucky to have a guy like him.                                                                                                  

I nervously cleared my throat, and took a step back. Looking around everywhere in the room but at his face.                                                                                                                   

“What do you say, Ryan? I’ll even bring the coffee. What do you drink?”                                                                      

“I take mine black,” he said with a big grin.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The bell at the door chimed right at that second, and I looked up to see a young guy in a baseball cap with bright orange shaggy hair underneath.                                                                                      

“I’m Tom with a delivery for Sarah,” He said as he reached over and handed me a manila envelope. I knew that those were the concert tickets Michael promised to send. 

“Sign here please,” he said as he laid the clipboard on the counter. I scribbled my name and handed it back to him. “Have a nice rest of the day,” he said smiling, and left.                                                                            

I threw the envelope on the desk not wanting to tell Ryan, and got back to him.                                                            

“Okay then I’ll see you in the morning.”                                                                                               

“I’m confused, I thought you said you had some pictures, and to be truthful that’s one reason why I came today.” 

I wondered what some of the other reasons might be? “Sorry I must be thinking about Suzie’s birthday. I’d forgotten about the pictures. ”                                                                                                          

 What must he think of me?   I reached over and grabbed a picture of the house.                                  

“See what you think. This house is a real gem.”      

     

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 14.02.2013

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