CHAPTER FOUR

 

JoAnn Nelson opened the door wide. "Hello, and welcome," she greeted Macey. "Come in, the both of you. My husband is freshening up and will join us shortly."

"Hope we're not coming at an inconvenient time," Cal said, following Macey into the apartment's foyer. He took off his hat and held it at his side.

"Not at all. Lexie called and told us the exact time your plane landed. Jim and I left the office early so we could have dinner ready."

"That's very kind of you," Cal said.

JoAnn turned to Macey. "So you are Linda and Tanner's daughter. I'm so pleased to meet you."

Macey smiled a greeting, but it was difficult for her to hide her sudden shyness and discomfort. The surroundings were all new to her, as was the charming young woman who was temporarily entrusted with her care. She seemed nice enough. And she was lovely, her manner inviting. A few inches taller, she was blonde like her, hair pulled back and pinned into a french twist. Her eyes were dark blue and she had a slim figure that Macey already envied, JoAnn seemed not the least ill-used by Macey's planned stay in her home. Macey mustered the courage that had suddenly abandoned her and found her voice.

"I'd like to thank you as well for having me here. I promise I'll be out of your hair as soon as I can settle in a residence of my own."

"There's no rush, hon. We have a guest room and a den and they are all ready for you both. The luggage that your parents sent ahead of you, arrived yesterday." She addressed Cal. "One of the suitcases was yours."

Cal nodded. "It was my mother's idea to send the luggage ahead; travel light, and avoid the hassle of claiming luggage.

"Not at all a bad idea."

Jim entered the foyer. Macey's heart skipped a beat. Wow, she thought. JoAnn had done well for herself.

"Hello, Cal. Good to see you again. And this is Macey?"

"Yeah, that's me," she said, eyes beaming with admiration. What kind of lawyer are you?" Macey asked. She ignored Cal's exasperated sigh.

"Mostly cases for business firms." Jim said. He glanced at his wife and winked at her, adding with an affectionate smile ... and the occasional murder investigation."

To be on such intimate terms with someone so desirable, Macey pined. Jim's wife was a lucky woman, indeed.

JoAnn closed and locked the front door. "Come into the dining room and let's have dinner. I made a casserole of rice, chicken and veggies. And Apple Pie for dessert."

"She's a great secretary and a great cook," Jim praised." Again that glance at JoAnn and the affectionate smile, before he turned back to his guests. "I'll take your coats," Jim said. "Hang them up right here in the closet."

Macey removed her coat and handed it to him. Cal did the same.

"I'll put your boarding bags in here as well for the time being," Jim said.

The foyer opened up into a spacious modern furnished living area. A breakfast aisle with high backed counter stools partially enclosed a medium-sized kitchen. To the sides, was the dining room with a mahogany china closet and buffet, and doors that led to the bathroom and bedrooms.

 

The meal was delicious. Jim's words of praise for his wife were no attempt at flattery. The apple pie and coffee had them asking for seconds. Much of Macey's shyness evaporated as her excitement returned at the prospect of finally starting her own life on her terms. A job awaited her at Jim's firm, and JoAnn had already contacted the landlord about an affordable studio apartment in the same building for Macey.

"I think you can go back home now and assure my parents I'm in safe hands," Macey told Cal, as they left the table.

"I agree with you about the safe hands, but I think I'll hang around a bit longer. There are sites I'd like to revisit while I'm here."

The grim expression on her face told him plainly that she guessed his real reason for hanging around, and it wasn't what she wanted to hear.

"Sorry, sweets, but I did promise your father I'd keep an eye on you."

"Until I'm settled."

"Settled and on safe ground," Cal rephrased.

"I am on safe ground."

"In here you are. Out there, you're a small white pigeon in the midst of a pack of feral cats."

Macey shuddered, not at the image which she gave no credence in relation to herself, but at the determined tone of his voice, its slightly gravelly quality reminding her of a lion's roar. Unwittingly, she fell back a step. The Nelsons were clearing the table, and she hoped they hadn't heard.

She rallied her courage. "You keep thinking like everyone back home that I'm stupid and scatterbrained!"

"You may be a bit scatterbrained, but you're not stupid! You're as smart as most of us. But maturity-wise, you have a lot of growing up to do."

No matter what she said to him, he always had an answer, and one she could not deny had her well-being at its center. She had known Cal all her life. Even as a child he had a generous soul, and a kind disposition. But she was no stranger to his stubborn streak, much like her own. She'd seen him ride a bull, and tame a wild-spirited stallion, yet never hurt either animal.

Still she asked, "So how long do you plan to stay?" Nose upturned, she waited for that answer.

It came, and left her speechless.

With all seriousness, he said, "Until you can judge the difference between a pretty face and a charitable heart." That might take forever, his expression said. "Or at least," he added, "until you find someone worthy of you."

Macey felt the pit of her stomach constrict. She tried to think of those she considered her friends who would make such a statement. None came to mind. At that moment, instead of feeling oppressed and angry, she felt the opposite. Strangely protected and defended. Lord, she wished, if only Cal could light that spark in her.

She turned away, tired, jet lag setting in.

JoAnn noticed. "You two must be exhausted. Let me show you to your rooms. Tomorrow's another day."

Gratefully, she followed JoAnn to the extra bedroom. Jim showed Cal to the den and the sofabed. Neither of them realized how truly mentally exhausted they were, until their heads hit the pillows and they both zonked out.