by Scott, Lisa
“You’re breaking a code of trust, Julie,” Grandma said.
Julie laughed. “There aren’t any codes, there are no rules. You bring me ghosts with matchmaking requests. Turns out this time, he likes me.”
“Unacceptable,” Madge said.
“Sorry. I think you’re going to have to find someone new for Philomena,” Julie said, reaching for a magazine.
“No. I want him for her,” Madge said. “You slipped up, but I’ll let it go. It’s not too late to get them together. She works nights at the Coffee Perk. Take Phil there and make this happen, or you’ll be sorry.”
“I think you’re breaking some sort of code by threatening me. Grandma, tell her to be reasonable.”
Grandma shrugged. “She’s her own ghost. I can’t make her do anything.”
Madge stood up. “Let’s go. There’s still time to raise a ruckus at the Bucket of Babes.”
Grandma stood, too, blowing Julie a kiss. “Bye-bye, darling. Please cooperate with us on this one. I’ll find someone just right for you.”
“Because you did so well years ago with Dweeby Dwayne,” Julie said.
“Just make it happen,” Madge said, before the two of them disappeared.
Julie changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed. Why did she have to listen to a couple of bossy ghosts? She could just ignore them. Phil was the nicest guy she’d met in a long time. What could Madge do to her anyway? She was made of vapor, for God’s sake.
***
Phil arrived in a cute, red convertible. He’d brought along a divine picnic to share on the beach. She grabbed the blanket from the back seat and they found the perfect spot on the sand right in front of the dunes. He stripped off his shirt and she had another reason not to hand this man over to Philomena. His body was beautiful. He must be at the gym everyday, she thought.
Luckily, she didn’t look so bad herself, so she slipped off her sundress and sat next to him. He stared at her slack-jawed, and she held back a smile.
“Looks like I’ll never be able to introduce you to my brother,” he said. “He’d try and steal you away.”
“Impossible,” Julie said.
“Took my last girlfriend from me. Always seems to want what I’ve got.” Phil leaned toward her and gave her a long, sweet kiss. “Too bad. He can’t have you.”
Julie’s heart fluttered.
Phil pulled a bunch of grapes out of the picnic basket and plucked one from the vine. He brought it toward her mouth and set it on her tongue.
“Everything tastes better at the beach,” she said.
“Probably not banana splits. I think they’d melt.”
She laughed, and they finished lunch. They ran down to the water, which was colder than Julie had expected. Phil splashed her and she charged into the water after him. He scooped her up in his arms, holding her over the waves. “I’m going to dunk you.”
She shrieked, wrapping her arms around his neck, laughing. “Don’t! I’ll never chicken dance with you if you dunk me.”
“That’s a serious threat,” he teased before kissing her. Slowly, he set her down in the water so she was standing with her arms still looped around his neck, making out with him in the waves.
She shivered both from the water and the kiss. This guy was even more incredible than Madge had first described.
They took a long walk on the beach, picking up sea glass and interesting shells. When they returned to their blanket, he pulled out a bottle of wine, which they shared while tossing bits of bread to the seagulls.
“There’s a great little restaurant nearby. Want to grab dinner?” he asked.
She looked down at her sandy legs. “I hope beachwear is acceptable?”
“Definitely, especially on you. I can’t imagine you looking more beautiful,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. They kissed again, and she thought for a moment dinner sounded overrated compared to this, but they gathered their things and hit the road.
They ordered lobsters, and she wasn’t even self-conscious about how messy it all was. “I don’t have lobster often enough,” she said.
“Me neither. It always seems like a special occasion thing to order. And this is a special occasion. Our first date.”
She knew she should have simply smiled or agreed, instead she said, “We can order it for our anniversary dinners.”
He raised an eyebrow. “But it would probably be too expensive to serve at our wedding.”
Her heart soared, realizing he felt this amazing instant connection too. Could she really know after only one date that he was the one?
“One thing’s for sure,” he said.
“What’s that?”
“We’ll have ice cream. Think anyone’s ever done a banana split wedding cake?”
She laughed. “It would probably be a first.”
After dinner, they grabbed ice cream cones and walked along the beach. If they were going to continue eating like this, she’d definitely have to join a gym. As the sun set, she thought briefly about Philomena. She was working right now, and by all rights Julie should be dragging Phil down to the coffee shop. But it wasn’t like matchmaking was her job. She hooked people up as a favor, and this time it didn’t work out. Madge couldn’t be mad at her for that.
Phil drove her home, and while she thought about inviting him up for drinks and hopefully more, she got that tingling sensation she felt when ghosts were around.
He leaned across the seat and kissed her. “That was the best day I’ve had in a long time.”
“Me, too,” she said. “And as much as I’d like to invite you in, I like the idea of taking this slow.”
He kissed her again. “Sounds good to me. So, I’ll see you at the gym tomorrow?”
“What time do you go?”
“After work, around seven.”
“I’ll see you then.” After I join at six… Julie headed for her apartment, hoping that tingling feeling was Grandma waiting for her. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
Grandma stood in the middle of the room, which looked like it had been ransacked by ten burglars.
“Did you do this?” Julie demanded.
“Of course not. It was Madge. She saw you two today.” Grandma rolled her eyes. “There’s no stopping a mad ghost.”
“I can’t help it if Phil likes me instead of Philomena. He saw her at the wedding, but he wasn’t interested.” Julie picked up the magazines strewn across the apartment.
“So introduce them officially, and then you can tell Madge you tried.”
“And what message will that send to Phil if I introduce him to another woman I don’t even know?” She gathered the silverware off her kitchen floor and loaded it into the dishwasher. She looked back at her grandmother. “Aren’t you going to help?”
“I’m not good at manipulating objects like Madge is. Sorry.”
Julie gave up on the cleaning and sat cross-legged on the floor. “What if I find another guy for Philomena? Do you think that would help?”
Grandma shrugged. “If you’re not willing to give up Phil, it’s worth a shot.”
Julie closed her eyes and smiled, remembering their day together. “Phil is really special. I like him a lot. It actually feels like he could be the one. And I’ve only known him two days. Do you think that’s crazy?” She looked up at her grandma.
“I think the heart knows what it wants. Some people are made for each other. Your grandfather and I were, and we knew it right away. And it sounds like you and Phil might be too. You’re absolutely glowing. Love will do that to you.”
Julie sighed. “Then I’ve got to get Madge off my back.” She stood and brushed her hands together. “All right, I’m going to stop by the coffee shop and get to know Philomena better. Then I’m going to go man hunting for her.”
***
Julie joined the gym at six thirty and was working out twenty minutes later. Phil showed up soon after and took the treadmill next to her.
“You got an early
start on me,” he said.
“I have a lot of calories to burn off after yesterday,” Julie said.
They chatted as they ran, and an hour quickly passed.
“Want to get a drink?” Phil asked as they walked to the locker rooms.
“I’d love to, but I promised to meet a friend for coffee. We have some catching up to do,” Julie told him.
“How about dinner tomorrow?”
“Sounds great. Six o’clock good for you?”
“I’ll pick you up.” He kissed her and headed into the men’s locker room.
She went inside the women’s locker room and leaned against the wall. When was she going to have time to find a guy for Philomena?
***
Coffee Perk wasn’t far away, and Julie stopped in after she left the Y. Philomena came to the counter to take her order.
“Don’t I know you?” Julie asked.
“I don’t think so,” Philomena said.
Julie snapped her fingers. “You were at the wedding this weekend.”
Philomena studied her. “Right. You almost got the bouquet, but I beat you to it,” she said with a smirk.
“Did it bring you any luck?” Julie asked.
“No. There was this one really cute guy I wanted to talk to, but he left early. The guy you were talking to at the bar.”
Julie gulped. “I’m pretty sure he has a girlfriend. You know, my friends say I’m the world’s best matchmaker. I could find someone for you. What kind of guy are you looking for?”
“Hot, tall, and hot,” Philomena said.
Julie resisted rolling her eyes. “Well, what are your hobbies or interests?”
Philomena put her hand on her hip. “Like I said, hot, tall, and hot.”
Julie laughed. “I’ll see what I can do. Can you get me a chai latte?”
“No problem.”
***
Julie and Phil had another wonderful dinner and met to workout again the next day. As she looked around the workout room, she realized there were plenty of hot, tall men to choose from. She’d have to chat up a few of them and figure out who’d be right for Philomena. Someone shallow and rude should do the trick… Then she’d invite him for coffee, introduce him to Philomena, and dash off.
“Are you coming here tomorrow?” Phil asked.
She’d need some time alone at the gym to feel out the men. She certainly couldn’t do that in front of Phil. “No, I have to catch up on some stuff at home tomorrow. My place is a mess.” Which was true. Madge had messed it up again after her dinner with Phil Tuesday night.
“Okay. Want to get together this weekend? Maybe a movie on Friday?”
“I’d love to see a movie,” she said. “Something super cheesy.”
“Mmm, cheesy, my favorite. Let me know what you want to see, and I’ll pick you up.”
***
Julie dressed to work out but had no intention of doing any serious exercising. She had to find a guy—fast. Luckily, the Y was busy with folks just finishing work. She scanned the room for the buffest, tallest, hottest guy—someone who looked cocky and smug. There were a few contenders on the treadmills, but they didn’t look her way when she passed by. So she headed for the free weights where a tall, well-built guy was working on his biceps.
Julie reached for a weight and almost dropped it.
The guy set down his weight and came over. “Need some help?”
“I usually use the machines, but I wanted to give free weights a try. I have no idea what I’m doing, though.” She forced a laugh. She hated doing this, but if it meant she was free to see Phil without having to call Ghostbusters, she’d do it.
He flashed a bright white smile. “I was just wrapping up. I’m Laz. Let me show you a few quick moves.”
“Thanks. I’m Julie.”
He walked her through a few different exercises, and when she was done, she said, “I think that’s enough for tonight. Want to grab a coffee or something?”
“Maybe a protein drink,” he said.
“Okay, I think they have those at this little place around the corner.” Julie turned around and saw Phil standing there. Her heart sank. “Hey, I didn’t think you were going to be here tonight.”
“Obviously not.” His voice was flat, and his lips twitched into a frown.
“I’ll meet you outside the locker room in fifteen minutes,” Laz said.
Julie cringed. “Turns out tonight isn’t the best night.”
“Whatever.” The guy headed for the door.
“Don’t let me stop you,” Phil said, walking away.
Julie ran after him. “Wait, I need to talk to you. This is not what it seems.”
“It seems like you’re lining up a date.” His voice was laced with hurt.
She sighed. “I am. But not for me. Can you please let me explain?”
He crossed his arms. “I can’t imagine how. But give it a shot.”
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “Phil, I really like you, but there’s something I have to tell you.”
“Go ahead.”
She bit her lip. “I can’t tell you here. It’s…embarrassing. Can we go back to my place? Now? This can’t wait.”
Phil said nothing.
“Please. I think you’ll understand if I can just explain.”
“Okay. Fine. I’ll meet you at your apartment.”
***
While Phil followed Julie home, her heart slammed inside her chest the entire way. Would he think she was crazy when she explained about the ghosts? Would he believe her? Would he think she was horrible for stealing him from Philomena?
Her mouth was dry as she led him to her apartment. Neither of them said anything. Luckily, she didn’t feel the tingles that meant a ghost was around. She’d have the place to herself.
When she opened her door, Phil stood there for a moment, surveying the scene. “You weren’t kidding when you said your place was a mess.”
“That’s part of my problem. Take a seat and I’ll explain.” Julie sat in a chair and Phil settled on the couch.
“Let me tell you everything before you decide I’m crazy.”
“Okay….”
“All right, here goes.” She blew out a long breath. “I see ghosts.”
Phil looked around. “Right now? Here?”
“No, not now. But they come to me often,” she said quietly.
He blinked a few times. “I don’t understand.”
“I can see and talk to ghosts.”
He looked at her with raised eyebrows.
“I know how it sounds, but it’s true. It started with my grandmother about six months ago. She’s got all these friends in the afterworld who want me to set up their relatives still on this earth, to make sure they find love.”
Phil blinked at her and said nothing.
“At the wedding on Saturday, my grandmother brought a ghost named Madge who wanted me to set you up with her granddaughter who was also at the wedding. Her granddaughter was the woman who stole the bouquet from me.”
“So that’s why you came up to me?”
“Initially. But I ended up liking you, and she seemed like a jerk, so I didn’t introduce you.”
That got a little smile out of Phil.
Julie gestured to the mess. “And as you can see, Madge is not happy that I’ve kept you for myself.”
“She did this? The ghost?”
Julie groaned softly. “Yes. This is the second time she’s gone poltergeist. She says she’s going to make my life miserable until I get you together with Philomena.”
Her jerked back like he’d been slapped. “I couldn’t date a woman named Philomena. Especially not when she’s a bouquet stealer. And she probably hates ice cream.”
Julie’s shoulders slumped in relief. “You believe me?”
He smiled at her. “I’m trying to.”
“So that guy back at the gym? I was going to take him to the coffee shop where Philomena works and hopefully set them up so her grandmot
her will leave me alone.” Then her skin tingled and her heart started racing.
Madge appeared in front of her.
Julie jumped out of her seat. “You can’t just show up whenever and wherever you want!”
Madge pointed a finger at her. “I can when you’ve stolen my granddaughter’s boyfriend.”
Julie balled up her fists. “He’s my boyfriend now.”
“She’s here right now?” Phil asked.
“Yes.”
“And I’m your boyfriend.” He smiled. “I like that.”
Madge glared at him. “I was just over at his place, and when I saw he wasn’t there, I figured he’d be here.”
“You’re still spying on him?” Julie asked.
“It’s not spying,” Madge said.
“Spying on me?” Phil asked.
Julie pinched the bridge of her nose. “You really should close your bathroom door.”
Phil sucked in a breath.
“Madge, I’m trying to find someone else for Philomena. I was planning to bring someone down to the coffee shop earlier tonight, when Phil showed up and got the wrong idea.”
Madge’s nostrils flared. “I don’t want her with someone else. I want her with Phil.”
“But what if Phil doesn’t want her?” Julie asked.
“I don’t want your granddaughter. I want Julie,” Phil said, looking at the door.
“She’s standing in front of me,” Julie told him.
“Oh. Will it make you happy if I go out with her once?” Phil asked, still not facing the right direction.
Madge put her hands on her hips. “I’ll be happy when I’m floating around your wedding reception.”
“That would be a no,” Julie told him. “Madge, I’ll find someone perfect for Philomena. Phil will help me.”
“I will. I promise.” He nodded. “We won’t rest until we find the right guy for your granddaughter.”
“Very well. You have two weeks.”
“Two weeks?” Julie asked. “That’s not much time to find someone.”
“Then let’s get back to the gym,” Phil said.
“Don’t screw this up,” Madge warned before disappearing.
***
Julie could feel the heat in her cheeks as she and Phil stood in front of a tall, blond guy.
Phil closed his eyes and sighed. “No, we’re not looking for a threesome, we’re trying to find a guy for her friend.”
