I know its difficult. My mother was sick for nearly ten years. When she was feeling good, she was fun and easy to be around, but after days of being in pain she got Holly hesitated.
Cranky? Louise offered.
Holly smiled. Thats as good a word as any.
She glanced back toward the study. Jordan had asked her to come back, and she really would like to spend some more time with him. Tonight had been great fun. Talking with another person was much better than spending the evening alone.
So youll be here? Louise asked.
Holly started toward the front door with the housekeeper following behind. Yes. Id like that very much.
Good. I look forward to it, and Im sure Jordan does, too. She held the door open.
Holly stepped onto the porch and waved. Good night.
It was just dinner and conversation, she reasoned as she started her car and backed down the driveway. It wasnt really like a date. So what if Jordan was funny, charming and handsome? She was being neighborly. Besides, shed been so busy getting her business started, she hadnt had time to meet anyone. Jordan could be her first friend. And Louise, too, although the thought of seeing Louise again wasnt quite as exciting.
If nothing else, the visit would get her out of the store. Since shed lost her apartment, shed been sleeping in the shop. There were plenty of sofas to bunk on. They werent that comfortablebut it was only for a few weeks. Stocking her store with inventory for Christmas had taken every last penny she had. When the storm had struck, shed lost all her furniture and most of her clothes. She couldnt afford to replace everything, let alone come up with first and last months rent. But if she had a good holiday season, she would be fine come January first. Then she would find a new apartment and buy a few things. In the meantime she had the store, and that was enough.
That night, as she stretched out in her sleeping bag on one of the more comfortable sofas, she thought about her evening with Jordan and smiled in the darkness. Her pleasure wasnt just about how he looked, even though his smile took her breath away. It was that he really took the time to listen to her. No one had ever done that before. She shifted, and Mistletoe meowed in protest. The cat was using her feet as a pillow. Holly could feel the vibration of Mistletoes purring through the sleeping bag. The familiar sensation relaxed her.
Maybe Ill take you to meet him, she murmured. Then you can thank him in person.
Mistletoe yawned, obviously not impressed.
Three days later Louise opened the front door as Holly climbed the stairs.
Right on time, Louise said.
There werent any customers in the store, so I closed exactly at five. She stepped inside, then set the large basket she was carrying on the floor. I hope you dont mind, but I brought Mistletoe.
Louise eyed the basket. Is she the cat responsible for Jordans injuries?
Yes. Shes really very sweet, but she got scared by everything going on.
Dont make excuses. I like her already. Louise bent down and opened the basket. Mistletoe was curled up inside. Her long gray fur fluffed out around her. Big green eyes stared at Louise. The housekeeper let Mistletoe smell her hand, then scratched behind her ears. The cat purred in ecstasy.
Shes beautiful, Louise said.
A purebred Persian, and she doesnt hesitate to remind people that shes special.
Louise stood up. Mistletoe sniffed the air, then stepped out of the basket. Her round belly hung low.
Has she been eating too many table scraps or is she pregnant?
Pregnant, Holly said. Its only a couple of weeks until shes due. Ive been coming here every night, and I didnt want to keep leaving her alone. Youre not allergic, are you?
Not at all. Louise bent over and petted the cat. Arent you a pretty girl? Now, you go bother Jordan. Theres a sweet cat. Yes, you go shed cat hair all over his sheets. Mistletoe arched into the caresses. When Louise straightened, the animal began to explore the foyer.
Holly took a deep breath. Something smells wonderful. What is it tonight?
Spaghetti. I had some frozen sauce. I just defrosted it in the refrigerator, then started heating it about twenty minutes ago.
In the past three days theyd settled into a routine. For some reason Jordan continued to complain about Louises cooking. So Holly took credit for the evening meal, even though she didnt prepare it. It made Jordan happy, and Louise didnt mind.
The housekeeper disappeared each evening. Some nights she was at the local college taking courses. Other times she was baby-sitting or studying in the library. Holly privately thought she simply left to get away from Jordan.
I dont understand why hes so stubborn, Holly said as she followed Louise into the kitchen.
As usual the housekeeper dressed to attract attention. This evening she wore a brilliant orange long-sleeved silk blouse tucked into black jeans. A gold belt circled her small waist. Her dangling earringsa teapot twirling from one ear, a cup and saucer hanging from the otherswayed with her movements.
Holly admired her sense of style even if it wasnt what she would have chosen for herself. For the shop Holly favored ruffly blouses and long, flowing skirts. They reflected the era of the store but allowed her to be mobile. Fortunately shed kept her work clothes at the store, preferring to change into jeans before she went home. Shed lost a lot of casual wear but could still be dressed appropriately at work.
You really dont think hes caught on? she asked as she leaned against the kitchen counter. The old-fashioned room hadnt been updated since the early fifties. The counter tiles were alternating light and dark green. The big stove had rounded corners and a storage area on one side. The only modern appliance was the microwave on the counter.
Even if he has, why would he want to admit it? Louise bent over and pulled out a large pot. This should do for the pasta. The sauce is simmering on that back burner. Just give it a stir every fifteen minutes or so. The longer it cooks, the tastier it will be.
She motioned to a loaf of bread by the sink. I picked that up fresh this afternoon. She winked at Holly. I think he suspects Im doing the cooking, but he likes pretending youre doing it instead. He gets to growl at me and have you keep him company every night. Whats not to like?
I suppose. I guess I feel a little guilty claiming credit for all your wonderful meals.
If it makes him feel better to think hes eating your food and not mine, let him. The faster hes feeling better, the quicker I can get out of here.
Hows he doing today?
Louise grimaced. Pretty bad. The fool got up this morning. The doctor told him to relax. Anyway, he overdid it and spiked a fever this afternoon. I finally convinced him to take an over-the-counter painkiller, and last time I checked, he was sleeping. You might want to look in on him. I think hell wake up on his own in an hour or so.
Thats fine. Holly brushed her hands against her skirt, then stared at Louise. I have another favor to ask.
Sure, what?
She cleared her throat. Could I use the shower? She felt her cheeks getting hot, but plunged on before she lost her nerve. Ive been living at the store since the fire. Theres a bathroom with a sink but no shower. Ive been bathing piecemeal, and I really want to be able to wash my hair without having to bend over that tiny sink.