“Actually, it was quite productive. I ordered our desserts.”
“Oh, good.”
A moment later, the waitress appeared with two of the largest banana splits ever created by human hands. Liza would have to run around the Meadow Springs city limits fourteen times to burn off those calories! Remember, you’re Meg now, she told herself sternly. And Meg doesn’t count calories.
Martin talked about the upcoming town meeting, and Liza tried valiantly to keep up with the conversation. But her heart ached as she listened to him talk.
She was such a fraud. She shouldn’t be here enjoying dessert with Martin -- that was Meg’s privilege not hers. Talking with Madeline and Carly made her realize what a complicated farce she’d set in motion. And the farce wasn’t just unnerving, it was borderline disgraceful. After all, she was an attorney who prided herself on telling the truth.
Martin’s hazel eyes probed hers sending her already-frazzled nerves skittering. “Are you tired, Meg?”
“A little.”
The more time Liza spent with Martin, the harder it was to hear him call her Meg -- and to have him think she was Meg.
“You’re not keeping anything from me, are you? You know our one rule is we’re always honest with each other.”
If she didn’t have enough to feel tortured about, Martin just gave her another reason. He and Meg based their relationship on total honesty, and Liza hadn’t said one truthful word to the man since they’d met!
“It’s a good rule. And no, I’m not keeping anything from you,” she lied.
They ate a while in silence, and hundreds of calories later, Martin said, “I promised you we’d have some fun this week, but Sam’s accident has impacted my schedule. I have several civic events I need to attend.”
She leaned forward. “Really? What kind of events?”
“As you know, the County Fair starts tomorrow. I’m helping judge the Top Dog Contest and later in the day, I’ll help choose ‘Miss Meadow Springs.’ I know you’re not crazy about the fair, Meg, but why don’t you come with me?”
Hmm. Liza’s other choice was chatting ad infinitum with Lancelot. And while she adored the pup, her brain cells were dying at an alarming rate of speed. “I’d like that,” she said.
His eyes lit with approval. “Great. The judges for the Miss Meadow Springs contest and their spouses always sit on the platform. I’d like you to sit with me.”
Her stomach turned a back flip. “Since we aren’t spouses that doesn’t seem appropriate.”
He reached over and squeezed her hand. “But we’re close, aren’t we? We had a serious marriage discussion just last week. You didn’t forget, did you?”
His gaze made her tingle inside. And for one crazy moment, Liza wished he’d been discussing marriage with her!
“I haven’t forgotten,” she said, pretending his touch didn’t start a revolution inside her body.
The last man who’d made her heart race and stirred deep longings inside her was Travis. They’d met their senior year of law school and dated for about six months. And Liza had felt certain she’d found the love of her life.
Travis had proposed, and she’d accepted. But his affair with another woman put an abrupt end to their wedding plans.
“You look really tired, sweetie. I’ll take you home so you’ll feel chipper for the fair tomorrow.”
“Thanks. I’m ready to go home.”
As they left Scoops Galore, Liza wished she could tell Martin that the home she wanted to return to was her upscale condo in Kansas City. And that she wasn’t Meg—she was her twin sister.
But she couldn’t. For Meg’s sake, Liza would have to keep the charade going a while longer.
* * *
“Today was great,” Martin said as he walked Meg to her front door. Even though he would see her again in the morning, he didn’t want the evening to end.
The dim light from the street lamp was heightened by the glow of a nearly-full moon. And the blossoms from Meg’s hydrangea bush scented the air with sweetness. “But I must admit, you were full of surprises today,” he added.
She turned to face him. “What do you mean, full of surprises?”
He shrugged. “I never figured you for a speech writer, but you’re really good at it.”
Meg lowered her gaze. “Because I do publicity for Dance Unlimited, I write lots of brochures and promotional materials. And writing is writing.”
“True. But you were also great at pulling information from my background—information we can use if I do run for mayor.” He hesitated to bring that subject up in case Meg had changed her mind again.
“People need to know you have the skills for the job. You’ve got to build a solid case.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. The last time we discussed my running for office, you weren’t pleased.”
Her gaze met his, and even in the soft light he could see the frown creasing her brow. She took a deep breath then said, “I want what’s best for you, Martin. It’s important to pursue your dreams. And if yours include being Meadow Springs’ mayor, you should go for it.”
“But what about becoming a politician’s wife? As I recall, you said you weren’t interested.”
The frown lines deepened, and she took another breath. “I’ve had time to think about it, and I can see the advantages.”
He felt a surge of relief. “I’m glad to hear that, honey. Because if we do get engaged, I won’t run for mayor unless you’re behind me one hundred percent.”
Meg closed her eyes for a moment and rubbed her forehead. “Do you have a headache?”
She nodded.
“Come and sit in the swing, and I’ll massage your neck and shoulders.”
She drew another deep breath but made no effort to move. “You’ve got a busy day tomorrow. Don’t you need to get some sleep?”
“I’ve got enough time to give my girl a back rub.”
He took her hand and led Meg to the swing. When they were settled, he started massaging her shoulders. She sat stiffly on the swing—so stiffly that if she were a twig, she would snap in two. “Your muscles are super tight. Maybe computer work isn’t good for you.”
She didn’t reply. But as Martin kept massaging, he felt her start to relax. And when he moved his hands to her neck, she sighed. It sounded like a sigh of pleasure, not one of frustration.
“Feel good?”
“Mmm. Wonderful.”
By the time he’d finished, Meg was leaning against his shoulder so he slipped his arm around her. “There’ll be no computer work or speech writing tomorrow -- just enjoying ourselves at the fair.”
“I agreed to meet Rachel for breakfast. But that won’t take long.”
“Good.” Martin wanted Meg all to himself for as long as he could have her. Of course, he’d need to share her with hundreds of other people attending the fair, but he couldn’t help that.
She yawned. “Thanks for the great shoulder rub. I’m really tired and think I’ll turn in.” She reached for her purse and dug through it.
“What are you looking for?”
“My house key.”
“Why?”
She flashed that look again. The slightly vacant, mildly confused look he’d seen several times today.
“To unlock the door, of course. Ah, here it is.”
“You mean you locked your door? Are you expecting a crime wave in Meadow Springs?”
Meg coughed, and it took a minute to catch her breath. “Um, no. But Mrs. Vogel mentioned that some of the neighborhood teenagers are playing pranks. And I need to make sure Lancelot is safe.”
“That makes sense,” he said, not at all sure it did. He hadn’t heard a word about teenagers playing pranks, and if that had happened, he would know. And did Meg think a band of dog-nappers was ready to pounce on Lancelot? He felt a wave of concern and wondered again if something else was troubling her. Something she didn’t choose to share with him.
When she stood, he followed suit. As he pull
ed her into his arms, he noticed how tired she looked. “Are you getting enough sleep? Maybe your night-owl lifestyle is catching up with you.”
She yawned again. “I’ll go straight to bed, I promise. And I’ll feel terrific in the morning.”
“Good.” He bent to kiss her and the moment their lips met, he felt the same powerful rush of pleasure he’d experienced all the other times. Their goodnight kiss was as delightful as the rest, except that Meg pulled away sooner.
“Goodnight, Martin,” she said. “Thanks for a nice day.”
“‘Night, honey. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at ten.”
“Fine.”
She turned, inserted the key in the lock, and opened the door. Martin waited until she turned on the lights before heading to his car. Funny, he wished tomorrow would hurry up and come. Walking away from Meg proved harder than ever.
Maybe he’d drop by Milton’s Jewelers and take another look at the diamond he’d put on layaway several months ago. While he felt certain Meg was the right woman for him, memories of his engagement to Melissa still haunted him.
He felt a stab of disappointment as he remembered that time. He’d fallen deeply in love with Melissa, and when she’d agreed to marry him, he felt like king of the universe. But she left him without a word, nearly destroying his life. It had been a long time before he’d dated again.
But if he and Meg had many more days as amazing as this one, he’d be ready for marriage. He smiled as he started the Cadillac and headed for his cabin. Was a proposal just around the corner? That possibility warmed his heart so much, he whistled all the way home.
CHAPTER 4
“I ordered breakfast for us,” Rachel said as Liza joined her in a corner booth at Felicia’s. “Are you feeling better this morning?”
“I’m fine,” she said but it wasn’t true. Pretending to be Meg was tougher than taking on a class-action lawsuit.
Rachel frowned. “You’re white as a sheet, girl. And you’re not leaving here until we talk things out.”
“There’s nothing to discuss. I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”
“I know you do. It’s Martin, isn’t it?”
Ouch! Meg’s friend jumped straight to the heart of the matter.
Liza shrugged. “It’s partly Martin.”
Felicia brought two plates containing an omelet, sausage and toast and set them down. “Enjoy, girls.”
Liza sighed. Since she wasn’t a vegan at least she could eat the eggs and toast.
Rachel stabbed a bite of sausage and held it midair. “You and I have been ignoring a problem for far too long. There’s an elephant in the room, and we’re not ignoring him a moment longer.”
Liza blinked. “An elephant in the room? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I’m talking about your relationship with Martin. We’ve side-stepped this subject far too long.”
Liza choked on a bite of toast and took a minute to catch her breath. “What about my relationship with Martin?”
“I’ve tried not to interfere, Meg, but I can’t keep still any longer.”
Liza took a stabilizing breath and wondered what was coming next. Since the moment she’d met Martin, her life had been spinning out of control.
Rachel gazed at her intently. “I know you really well, Meg O’Malley. And you’re making a big mistake where Martin is concerned. You don’t love the man, and it’s time you stopped kidding yourself.”
Liza opened her mouth, but no words came out.
“Look, we both know Martin’s one terrific guy and a really good friend. But most women don’t marry their good friends.”
Rachel had just said what Liza wholeheartedly believed: that Meg didn’t love Martin Landsburg enough to marry him.
“If you don’t break off this relationship now, you’re heading for trouble.”
Silence reigned for several moments. Finally, Liza said, “You’ve caught me off-guard, Rachel. I don’t know what to say.”
“Then just listen. You can’t marry Martin. It isn’t right. I want more for my best friend than a mediocre marriage.” She sank back against the booth seat. “There. I’ve wanted to tell you that for the last six months.”
Liza’s thoughts swirled faster than a funnel cloud. “I appreciate your concern but you don’t need to worry. I’ve been giving my relationship with Martin some serious thought.”
Hope flashed in Rachel’s dark eyes. “You have? So you’re concerned about it, too?”
“In a way.”
“Oh, that’s a relief. I’m glad I’m not the only person who’s worried.”
“I’m not worried, exactly, but I want to be careful. I consider marriage a lifetime commitment so I’ll move slowly.”
“Are you saying you won’t marry Martin? That you’ve reconsidered?”
“I promise you this, Rachel. I’ll be very careful how I proceed with Martin.”
Her eyes brightened. “Then I don’t need to worry about an immediate engagement?”
“I doubt that’s going to happen.”
Liza felt like she was tiptoeing through a minefield. After all, her plan to reconnect Meg with Zach could backfire. And if it did, Meg might marry Martin, after all. So she had to choose her words with care.
“Oh, thank goodness. Now I can relax.”
“Look, Rachel, I’m glad you’ve expressed your concerns. I appreciate knowing how you feel.”
“I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings, Meg. After all, you get to choose your own husband. Are you mad at me?”
She looked so contrite that Liza reached out and squeezed her hand. “Not a bit. We’ll talk more about this later, okay?”
“Okay.” Rachel sipped her coffee then said, “So what are your plans for today?”
“I’m going to the fair with Martin.”
“Well, enjoy yourself.” She glanced at her watch. “Uh oh, time to go. I’m signing up three little girls for beginning ballet in half an hour.”
“That’s great,” Liza said, knowing how hard Meg and Rachel worked to recruit new students.
“Do you still want me to teach your classes?”
“I’d appreciate it if you would.”
“No problem. Sorry to eat and run.”
“I’m meeting Martin in an hour so I need to go, too.”
Rachel pulled her billfold from her purse. “Put that away,” Liza insisted. “You’re doing double duty at the dance studio so breakfast is on me.”
“Hey, thanks.” Rachel reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “Meg, you’re my best friend in the entire world, and I’ll support you whatever you decide. You need to know that.” The sincere look in her eyes tugged at Liza’s heart. She could practically feel Rachel’s affection and concern.
The affection and concern are for Meg, not for you, her conscience reminded -- none too subtly.
Funny, though. Liza felt close to Rachel already. And it seemed that the concern and affection were meant for her.
* * *
Martin whistled as he strode up the sidewalk leading to Meg’s cottage. An iron kettle filled with purple and yellow pansies adorned the front lawn and baskets of pink petunias hung from the eaves on the porch. Color and flowers. Meg loved all things bright and beautiful.
The screen door swung open, and Lancelot bounded out to greet him. Martin scratched the pup’s ears then glanced up and saw Meg on the porch. She wore a yellow and blue flowered blouse, a tan skirt, and sandals. And she looked downright irresistible.
He took the porch steps two at a time and bent to kiss Meg’s cheek. He’d like to do more than that, but Mrs. Vogel, the inquisitive neighbor, was probably watching. Meg couldn’t sneeze without Mrs. Vogel saying, “Gesundheit!”
“How’s my girl this morning?” he asked.
Her cheeks flushed at his comment, making her more irresistible than ever. “I’m fine, thanks.”
“Are you ready to head for the fairgrounds? The weatherman promises a perfect day.”
“Fir
st, let me grab my bag of stuff.”
“What bag of stuff?”
“Oh, the usual. Bug spray, calamine lotion, and antibiotic cream.”
“Honey, it’s the county fair, not a cross-country march.”
Her flush deepened. “I like to be prepared. Will you come in for a minute?”
“Okay, sure.”
Martin dropped onto the couch, and Lancelot vaulted into his lap. Meg hurried off to the bathroom and returned moments later with a stricken look on her face.
“What’s wrong?”
“I can’t find any calamine lotion and no Band-Aids, either,” she said, as if those were catastrophes of major proportion.
“We could stop by Denton Drugs, but then we’d miss the tractor pull. And I promised Ben I’d be there to watch.”
She squared her shoulders and sighed. “Never mind. I’ll rough it today.” Judging from her expression, you’d have thought they planned to cross the Sahara without a water supply.
He glanced at his watch. “We’d better get going.”
When they reached the fairgrounds, Martin drove down the dusty road to a grassy parking area. Meg leaned forward in her seat, her eyes wide and inquisitive. “When’s the last time you came to the fair with me?” he asked.
“I’m not sure when that was.”
“Probably two years ago. You and I had just met. And if memory serves, you didn’t enjoy yourself.”
She shrugged. “To be honest, I don’t remember much about that day.”
“I do. We hadn’t been here fifteen minutes when you stepped in a gopher hole and twisted your ankle. And while we were eating lunch, one of the Wilson kids spilled his extra-large root beer in your lap.” Martin chuckled. “I’m surprised you agreed to come back at all.” Meg flashed a weak smile as if she wasn’t sure about her decision, either.
When they arrived, he took her hand to steady her as they walked over the uneven terrain. He’d welcome any excuse to touch the woman. Just holding her hand made his pulse pound with excitement.
The powerful emotions that kicked in yesterday morning showed no signs of dying down. And while he’d loved spending yesterday with Meg, his delight was mixed with confusion. Normally, he could read her like a book. But his sixth sense, where Meg was concerned, was out of synch.
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