Bliss, Inc. (Indigo Love Spectrum)

by Chamein Canton

  “You’re the first person on my list.”

  She smiled. “Well, I’d better get in here and feed this wayward kitty.”

  “Have a good evening, Mrs. Hall.”

  “You too, dear.” She went inside.

  Matthew went back upstairs. She’s right. When it’s the right person that’s all that matters. I just hope Paige feels that way, too.

  CHAPTER 23

  The next morning Matthew gassed up once he left Manhattan and arrived at Paige’s place around eight-thirty. They loaded the suitcases in the trunks of the two cars and were on their way. Paige estimated the trip would take about five hours, which would put them on campus about a half hour before the appointed time for students with last names beginning with A-G to move into their residence halls.

  It was a nice ride to Ithaca. Every now and then Matthew had to flash his lights to remind Max to slow down. When that didn’t work, a call from Paige did the trick. Somewhere between Binghamton and Ithaca Paige nodded off.

  “Paige, sweetheart.”

  She yawned. “Oh, my God, did I fall asleep?”

  He smiled. “You were out cold.”

  She stretched. “I’m sorry. You should have awakened me. I would have shared the drive.”

  “That’s okay. I like to drive.” He rubbed her hand. “Besides, take a look in front of you.”

  She looked ahead and there was Cornell in all its glory. The campus was a piece of heaven. “It’s gorgeous.”

  “You’ve never been here before?”

  “We came for an unofficial tour in the winter. You can imagine what that was like.”

  “Upstate in the winter?” He pretended to shiver.

  Paige took out the orientation brochure. “There should be signs to direct us.”

  “I see one up ahead.”

  She looked at the clock. “It’s 1:30. Did he give you any more speeding trouble?”

  “No. He’s been good.”

  “Good.” She looked at some of the cars in the parking lot. “There are some expensive cars in the student parking lot. Joshua wanted to get him the latest car, but I told him a certified pre-owned car was just fine.”

  “That would have been a small fortune for the latest model.”

  “I know. A friend told me that a lot of people think kids from Long Island are too flashy. So I figured a sedan was the epitome of understatement.”

  “That’s true, especially when you see Porsche, Mercedes, and Lexus models in the same lot.”

  Once they parked Matthew and Max got the suitcases while Paige went to see where the shipping company had delivered their stuff. She found out after a few minutes and waved them over.

  Max put his bags down. “I have to go to the check-in table, Mom.”

  “Okay, Max. We’ll wait here.”

  “So, Paige, here we are. How are you holding up?”

  “I’m okay.” She looked at all the boxes around them. “I’m really glad I listened to Susie. Can you imagine trying to pack up all this stuff?”

  Matthew looked around. “It would have been way too tight.”

  A few minutes later Max returned with the directions to his room. Paige snagged two dollies and they loaded the boxes onto them. It took them only three round-trips to get everything into Max’s room. On the third trip Paige unpacked the bed linens and made up the bed.

  She kept an eye on all the activity in the hall as kids and parents tried to get their bearings.

  “Mom, you don’t have to make up the bed,” Max said.

  “That’s okay. It’s already done. I will leave you to set up the room any way you’d like.”

  “Okay. I think I’m going to put my television over there.” He pointed to a desk.

  She looked over. “Good idea.”

  Matthew walked in. “So, we’ve unloaded everything. I think we should probably check in to the Statler, Paige.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  Max was about to hang his calendar. “Oh, my God. I can’t believe it. Mom, it’s your birthday.”

  “So it is.”

  Matthew’s mouth dropped. “You didn’t say a word.”

  “Today wasn’t about me. It’s just the third anniversary of my fortieth birthday.”

  Matthew laughed and then hugged her. “Happy birthday.”

  “Thank you.”

  Max hugged her. “Happy birthday, Mom.” Max was ashamed he’d forgotten.

  “That’s not a problem. Most of us ladies over a certain age would prefer to put our age into the witness protection program.”

  Matthew laughed.

  “You know I’m right.”

  “I hate to say it, but you are.”

  “Anyway, we’re going to check in at the hotel.” She kissed Max. “How about you meet us at the hotel and we’ll have dinner.”

  “Sounds good, Mom.” Max said.

  “How about 6:30?”

  “Okay.” Max nodded.

  “See you later,” Matthew said.

  “Later, Matthew.”

  * * *

  Paige was painfully aware of the looks she and Matthew got as they checked in at the hotel, but she was too tired to care. Once they were in the room they left the suitcases on the floor and flopped onto the bed.

  “I hadn’t realized how tired I was,” Paige sighed.

  “It’s been a big week for you. I still can’t believe you didn’t remind anyone it was your birthday.”

  “It’s not that big of a deal to me. Birthdays are more fun for kids or people in their twenties and even thirties. My thirtieth birthday didn’t bother me at all.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Oh yeah. In fact I can remember thinking I had ten years before I turned forty. A whole decade. Now here I am forty-three years old.”

  “And looking fabulous, I might add.”

  She smiled. “You’re so sweet.” She kissed him.

  Her cell phone rang.

  “Don’t answer it.”

  She reached over to get it. “It could be something important.”

  He rolled onto his back. “Okay, it’s up to you.”

  Paige sat up. “Hello?”

  “Paige. It’s Deidre.”

  “Hi, Deidre. What’s going on?”

  “Well, there’s been a little glitch in the Madison/Best wedding.”

  “What kind of glitch? “

  She could hear papers rustling. “According to the contract, the country club was supposed to provide a wedding cake.”

  “Right.”

  “It looks like it’s going to be a sheet cake instead of the small three-tier Marjorie ordered.”

  “A sheet cake for a wedding? What Einstein did that?”

  “No one wants to admit to anything. Now Marjorie is upset.”

  “I can’t blame her. There’s no way to get a cake that quickly. It’s just not possible.”

  “I know. So what can we do?”

  Paige thought for a minute. “I know Madame Butterfly can’t do anything. They have three weddings this weekend. You know what? Call the Cupcake Company. I believe their number is in our baker’s directory. See if they have about one hundred cupcakes.”

  “Okay.”

  “The country club has tiered platters so we, I mean you, can set up a wedding cupcake stand. This way it’s still cake but everyone gets their own little cupcake.”

  “That’s a great idea.”

  “Have Adriana call the banquet manager. They’re picking up the tab for this.”

  “Will do. Thanks so much, Paige. I’m sorry I bothered you, but everyone is off-site today.”

  “Not a problem. Be sure to let me know how it goes.”

  “I will.”

  Paige closed her phone and flopped back onto the bed.

  “Another wedding crisis averted?”

  “Yes, thank God.” She took a deep breath.

  “You amaze me with how quickly you think on your feet.”

  “I don’t know if I’d use the wor
d amazing to describe it. Sometimes I just think it’s dumb luck.”

  “Luck has nothing to do with it. You’re a professional.”

  “Maybe so. I’ll say one thing that might shock you.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m not sure if I would put myself through a wedding. I did the big wedding with Joshua, and it was nice, but I’m a little older and a lot wiser.”

  “So you would think about getting married again, just without all the fuss.”

  “That sounds about right.”

  Matthew glanced over at his jacket. “So do you want to take a little nap before dinner?”

  “Yes. I think I need to rest my eyes for a while before we meet Max for dinner.”

  “While you’re resting your eyes, I’m going to do a little exploring, okay?”

  “All right, honey.”

  He gave her a kiss. Then she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  * * *

  Matthew went downstairs to the restaurant where he conferred with the staff for a little birthday surprise for Paige. Once that was done he made a couple of calls before he dialed Michael.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, brother, it’s me.”

  “I wondered when I was going to hear from you. Did you get there in good time?”

  “The ride up was a dream. We made it here in about five hours.”

  “You did make good time. Did you get Max settled?”

  “He’s all squared away. Paige had the big stuff shipped ahead of time. All we had to bring was his suitcases.”

  “Smart woman. I see why you’re proposing to her. Have you talked to her son about it?”

  “I asked Max to meet me here in the lobby before we go to dinner.”

  “Where’s Paige?”

  “She’s taking a nap. By the way, today’s her birthday.”

  “Wish her a happy birthday for me.”

  “Will do.”

  “So are you nervous?”

  “I’m a little nervous about talking to Max, but I think he knows how I feel about his mom.”

  “I’m sure it will be fine. You know Jennifer’s about to burst.”

  Matthew was a little alarmed. “Mike, she can’t let Paige know anything. Tell her to keep it in check, please.”

  “I will, but you know how women are about these things, and you did show her the ring.”

  “I know.” He paused. “Well, you two are the reason we met. Officially met, that is.”

  “That was some coincidence. Maybe fate had a hand in it.”

  “Who would have thought it? You’re a business warrior with the soul of a romantic.”

  “Just don’t go around telling anyone that. I have a reputation to uphold.”

  “Your secret’s safe with me.” He looked at his watch. “Listen I’m going to head back up to the room to shower and get ready to meet Max. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Later, brother.”

  With Paige still asleep Matthew showered, got dressed, and went downstairs.

  Paige’s cell phone rang.

  She lifted her head. “Hello?”

  “Paige?”

  “Jennifer? Is that you?”

  “Yes. It sounds like you were sleeping.”

  “I was, but it’s time I got up.”

  “Are you sure? You sound tired.”

  “I’m sure.” She looked at the clock. “I’ve been asleep for a while now. I need to get ready to meet Max for dinner.”

  “So Max is all settled in. Does he like it?”

  “Max is already in love with Ezra Cornell’s place.”

  She laughed. “By the way, happy birthday.”

  “Thank you. How did you know it was my birthday?”

  “Michael spoke to Matthew and he told him. Are you planning to do anything special?”

  “I brought my son to Cornell. That’s present enough for me.”

  “Spoken like a mom.”

  “So, Jennifer, is there anything happening? Did your cousin make it to her fitting with Siobhan?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. The chocolatier was supposed to send you a sample of chocolates for the welcome bags. Did you get it?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ll have to check with Charles.”

  “Let me know. If they didn’t I’ll get right on it.”

  “I know you will, but this is your weekend. I just called to see how you were doing.”

  “Thanks, Jennifer. I’m fine.” She focused on the time. “I’d better get up so I can take a shower and get dressed. From the look of things I think Matthew’s already beat me to it.”

  “I’ll let you go. Enjoy your birthday.”

  “I am. Thanks for calling.”

  Paige got up and went to her bag, wondering why Jennifer had called. She shrugged it off as she went into the bathroom.

  * * *

  Matthew looked like an expectant father pacing in the lobby when Max arrived.

  “Sorry if I’m a little late, Matt.”

  “That’s okay.”

  “So what’s up?” Max asked.

  “I wanted to talk to you about your mom and me.” He took a deep breath and adjusted a nonexistent collar.

  “You want to ask Mom to marry you.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I did the math, so to speak,” Max answered.

  “So you’re okay with the idea? You don’t have a problem with anything?”

  “Like what?” Max asked.

  “Your mom and I only started seeing each other in March, and that’s only five months. You don’t think it’s rushing things?”

  “You don’t have to play devil’s advocate, Matt. My Dad married Tara after three months together. So as far as I’m concerned Mom has waited long enough,” Max said as he took his NY Yankees cap off.

  Matthew felt the weight of the world lift from his shoulders. “Do you want to see the ring?” Matthew took the small black Harry Winston ring box from his pocket and opened it.

  Max’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Holy cow!” he exclaimed. “That’s the biggest ring I’ve ever seen.”

  “Do you think your mom will like it?”

  “After she picks her jaw off the floor she’ll love it. So when are you planning to pop the question?”

  “I’m waiting for the right moment. Maybe it will be this weekend.”

  “You’ll know when it’s the right moment,” Max said.

  “How did you get to be so smart?”

  “I was raised by the woman you love, and you know what a smart cookie she is.” Max smiled and looked over at the elevator. “Here she comes.”

  Matthew quickly put the ring away and stood up.

  A refreshed Paige walked over to them. “Hello, gentlemen. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

  Matthew kissed her. “No, we were just shooting the breeze, birthday girl.”

  “I see. So have you met your roommate?”

  “My roommate is Sean McDougal from Scarsdale and he’s majoring in government,” Max said.

  “Impressive.”

  “So are we ready for dinner?” Matthew asked.

  “Oh yeah.” Max patted his stomach.

  “Then let’s go eat.”

  * * *

  The next morning Paige and Matthew checked out early so they could make the convocation ceremony at nine. Afterwards Paige and Matthew walked to the parking lot with Max.

  “So you’re already checked out, Mom?” Max asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “Are you going to take the scenic route back? It’s not like you have to go to work today.”

  “That sounds like an idea, Max. What do you say, Paige?”

  Paige got a little suspicious. “What’s going on here?”

  “What do you mean, Mom?” Max asked innocently.

  “It seems to me that there is either an inside joke or something going on here.”

  Matthew downplayed it. “Don’t be silly. It’s just you
r imagination.”

  “If you say so.” Paige took a deep breath to keep from getting upset. “I guess it’s that time.”

  Max hugged her tightly.

  “Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll be fine,” Max said reassuringly. “Besides, I’ll be home to feast on Thanksgiving before you know it.”

  “I think the first real break is Thanksgiving. And if memory serves me well, there is nothing like a semester of college food to make you appreciate home cooking.” Matthew leaned on the car.

  “Susie did tell me her sons used to mail their dinner requests before the break.”

  “Now that’s hilarious.” Matthew grinned.

  “Don’t forget to e-mail me, and be sure to call and let me know how your first day of classes went.”

  “Okay.”

  Paige got into the car and Matthew shut the door.

  “Don’t forget to call me afterwards,” Max mouthed silently.

  Matthew gave him the thumbs-up before he got in.

  Paige rolled down the window. “Love you.”

  “Love you too, Mom.”

  Matthew kissed her hand. “Ready, baby?”

  “As I will ever be.”

  As they pulled away Paige waved until she couldn’t see Max anymore.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I will be. I just need a few minutes.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Unlike most road trips the drive from Ithaca back to Long Island was a scenic route rather than a shopper’s paradise. So without the usual retail distractions they made it back to Long Island by mid-afternoon.

  Matthew unpacked his things. He’d decided to stay for a while because he hadn’t wanted Paige to come back to an empty house. He took the ring out of his pocket. Paige was in the kitchen.

  “You know, I forgot I defrosted a couple of steaks. Do you feel like steak tonight?”

  He quickly put the ring back. “That sounds good to me.”

  “Then steak it is. I’ll make the salad after I turn on the grill.”

  “All right, sweetheart.”

  Paige went outside.

  Matthew’s cell phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Matthew Daniel Smythe,” his mother said sternly.

  Matthew knew instantly he was in trouble. “Hello, Mother. How are you?”

  “Confused. And do you know why I’m confused?”

  Matthew didn’t say a word.

  “Well, do you?”

  “I can’t say that I do know.”