Serendipity

by Fern Michaels

  Jory was looking at him strangely, wondering why he was here. The vision of a fire with the dogs curled on the fire mat, Woo on the sofa, Jory next to him with a cup of hot cocoa, made Ross feel light-headed. She wasn’t just looking at him strangely, she was looking at him suspiciously.

  “I’m here for two reasons,” he said, “three actually, if you count Woo. He resigned today and I came out to try and talk him out of it. He signed a contract, and if he breaks it I’ll have to file a suit.”

  “You’d do that to your best friend?” Jory said in disbelief.

  “Business is business. Friendship doesn’t enter into it. Either you’re professional or you’re not. The second reason I’m here is to give you this. It was on my desk this morning. Everything’s been taken care of. The third reason is, I’d like to invite you to have dinner with me on Saturday evening.”

  “What is this?” Jory said, backing up a step and refusing to accept the manila envelope in Ross’s hands.

  Ross laid the envelope on the coffee table. “You can read it at your leisure. What about dinner?”

  “I don’t think so, Ross. I thought we agreed to have dinner when the divorce is final. We discussed that this morning. What’s in the envelope?”

  “Open it. I want you to know I had nothing to do with it. My father . . . my father pretty much does what he wants. He’s always been fond of you, Jory.” Then he asked, “What’s wrong with a simple dinner?”

  “I’m sorry, Ross, I’m much too busy. Why are you insisting on this? We’re getting a divorce. We haven’t seen each other in five years to actually talk to one another. I don’t need any problems in my life right now, so let’s just keep things the way they are. What’s in the damn envelope?”

  “My father deeded the Landers Building on Andover Street to you. TIF will pay you rent to the tune of five grand a month. The building is yours for your lifetime. You can’t sell it, you can’t give it back. All you can do is collect the rent and maintain the building. I filed the deed this morning. Your first month’s rent check is included. My mother fought like a tiger over this, but my father . . . well, he wanted to do something nice for you, and this is what he came up with. I guess he wanted to ensure your well-being. My father, as you know, is a very kind man.”

  “Is this some kind of joke? If it is, I don’t appreciate it, Ross. Why would your father . . . yes, he is a nice man. You’ll just have to tell him I can’t accept it. Thank him, but I’ll manage nicely without the old family building.”

  “You can’t give it back, didn’t you hear me? You have to pay the taxes, make arrangements to have the snow shoveled in the winter, maintain the shrubs and lawn, keep up the parking lot, things like that.”

  “I’ll get a lawyer. I don’t want it. You cannot tie me to your family. I won’t tolerate it, Ross. I meant it when I said I don’t want anything except to get on with my life. Please don’t make this any harder on me than it already is. Undo it, you’re a lawyer.”

  “Jory, I had nothing to do with this. My father’s attorneys handled it. I have nothing to do with this. Call my father.”

  “I think you should leave, Ross, and take that with you,” Jory said, pointing a trembling hand at the envelope on the coffee table.

  Ross shook his head. “It belongs to you. I’m sorry you won’t have dinner with me. I think if we set our differences aside, we could have a pleasant evening. Who knows, we might even come to like one another.”

  “You’re five years too late, Ross.” Was that admiration or approval she was seeing in his eyes? She felt like crying. There had been a time once when she would have kissed his feet to see such a look. She would have prostituted herself for a smile or a friendly pat on the head. Too much, too little, too late. “I’ll walk you to your car, I have to bring the dogs in. Pete was kind enough to watch them all afternoon. Please don’t come here anymore, Ross,” Jory said, leading him through the kitchen and out the back door.

  Jory’s eyes burned as she bent down to gather the dogs close to her. Part of her wanted to call Ross back and part of her wanted to go to him and beat at him with her clenched fists. She turned her back on him and walked over to where Woo was standing.

  “Is it true, can he really make you go back and work there?”

  “He’s right, I do have a contract, but contracts are made to be broken. I should know, I drew it up,” he said ruefully. “But don’t concern yourself with my problems, Jory. I’m sorry I said anything.”

  “I hate to see such a wonderful relationship go sour. I always envied your friendship. I never really had a close friend. I guess I was too wild and willful back then. I regret it now when I could really use a friend. I miss that,” Jory said in a rare burst of confidence.

  “Two people have to work at a friendship. I keep an open mind for the most part. Ross is going through some turmoil right now, and I understand that. I’ll give him some slack and things will work out. If they’re meant to work out. In the meantime I’ll be your friend. Feel free to confide or weep on my shoulder at any time.”

  Jory laughed. “Thanks. Do you know about the Landers Building, Pete?”

  “I heard about it this morning. Ross thought it was the funniest thing he ever heard. By that I mean he was happy for you. Something about his father outsmarting his mother.”

  “By using me,” Jory said bitterly.

  “Possibly, but I don’t think Mr. Landers would deliberately do anything unkind to you, Jory. I think he wanted to provide for you in his own way. You turned him down, didn’t you?”

  “I tried to. Ross said I can’t sell it and I can’t give it back. That doesn’t sound right to me. I have to pay the taxes and maintain the building. Mrs. Landers will be paying rent of five thousand dollars a month. Can you believe that? You’re a lawyer, Pete, what can I do?”

  He was right about her. He felt like singing. “If I give you sound, free advice, will you follow it?” Woo asked seriously.

  “It depends,” Jory hedged.

  “Accept it. Bank the money. There’s no law that says you have to spend the money. You can give it to charity if you want. You’ll have to pay the taxes, add it on to your income, and maintain the building and keep up the insurance. All of which can be taken out of the rent. You’ll have the security of a nest egg to tap if need be. Be gracious in your acceptance and forget about it. For a reasonable fee I can act as janitor for you, and it won’t embarrass me one bit to do blue-collar labor.”

  “Do you really think I should, Pete?” Jory asked, a frown building on her face.

  “I really do. You don’t have to decide right now. Give it some thought. These guys won’t have to worry about their dishes being empty if you accept. Jasper Landers means well, Jory, I truly believe that.”

  “Looks like you got carried away,” Jory said, pointing to the forsythia bushes. “By the time spring arrives, they’ll be a foot and half high.”

  “I allowed the anger I was feeling at Ross to get the best of me. It was a dumb thing to do. I think I’m going to call it a day. The dogs are all yours. By the way, they did what they’re supposed to do, all four of them. I gave them appropriate praise and we’re buddies now. I can hand out cookies too.” He guffawed.

  Jory giggled before she called the dogs and took off on the run. “See you tomorrow,” she called over her shoulder. “Oh, by the way, I called and spoke to one of my father’s friends at the prosecutor’s office. He said you should stop by for a chat. Tomorrow at two o’clock.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me. I think it’s in the bag. You can thank me by blacktopping the driveway. Whenever you get around to it.”

  Peeking out of the kitchen window Jory watched Woo leave. He looks like a huge grizzly bear, she thought. But grizzly bears didn’t have endearing smiles that warmed one’s heart. Grizzly bears didn’t dispense good advice or pitch in with the chores.

  “I’m glad Pete’s living here,” she said to the dogs. “Now, what should we have for dinner, left
over spaghetti or leftover pot roast?” The dogs waited for the refrigerator door to open, their tails swishing furiously, their noses quivering with delight. “Pot roast,” she chortled, “with a tad of gravy for you guys.”

  She was happy, she realized. She was really happy! She had a new job, one she thought she was going to like; she’d set Ross straight; she now owned a building—if she decided to keep it—which meant money in the bank; and best of all, she had a friend. “I don’t know what I did to deserve all this,” she said aloud, “and I don’t know how I’m going to repay you, but I’ll think of something. Thank you, God, and thank you for these little guys.” Jory dropped to the floor to tussle with the dogs. She laughed and giggled, and the dogs yapped and yipped as they rolled over and on top of one another.

  Outside, his gardening tools under his arm, Woo watched his landlady and the four dogs through the screen door. He’d give anything to be inside on the floor with the romping dogs and happy young woman, he thought.

  Anything.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Lena Davis put the finishing touches to her makeup. She looked fetching, she thought. Today after work she’d rushed to Wanamaker’s for a new dress. She felt prim, schoolgirlish in the blue-and-white-striped dress with the full skirt that swished seductively around her knees. She grimaced at the white pique collar and narrow pique trim on the elbow-length sleeves. It was too late in the season for such a summery dress, but it was on sale, and Ross seemed to like what she considered virginal-looking dresses. She added a narrow white rope belt that cinched in her twenty-four-inch waist. The platform-soled sling backs would add at least an inch to her height, to bring her to Ross’s chin. Perfect for kissing position.

  The coronet of braids was absolutely perfect, as were the small white earrings. “I look delectable.” She made a kissing motion with her lips at her reflection in the mirror.

  Men were such suckers.

  Lena’s smile was sweet and warm when she opened the door to Ross a few minutes later. “You’re always on time, Ross. I like that. I don’t like to keep people waiting either. You’re very considerate. Did you decide on which movie you want to see? It really doesn’t matter to me.”

  “Heads for From Here to Eternity and tails for Roman Holiday.”

  Lena laughed, a tinkling, musical sound. Ross felt a chill go up and down his arms. “Tails,” she said seriously. Ross flipped the nickel in his hand.

  “Looks like we’re going to see Roman Holiday. I thought we’d have dinner at Armand’s and take in the second show. Is it all right with you if we walk?”

  “It sounds wonderful, Ross. I’m relaxed already, just being with you. I really don’t mind if you don’t. All I need is a sweater.”

  “You’re sure you don’t mind?”

  “I’m positive. I love to walk. Especially if I have someone to walk with. Do you like walking in the rain?” she asked, linking her arms with his.

  “I can’t say that I do or don’t. When I was a kid, I’d get caught in it from time to time, but I don’t suppose it’s the same thing.”

  “All the big fat worms come out on the sidewalks. We used to catch them and put them in a can and go fishing. Have you ever gone fishing, Ross?”

  “At a bazaar or fair.”

  “Let’s go fishing on Saturday! I know how to bait hooks and everything. I’ll fix a picnic lunch and we’ll make a day of it. Oh, Ross, let’s do it! Fishing is such fun.”

  “Why not? Okay, I’ll pick you up at noon and we’ll go fishing. I don’t suppose you have poles.”

  “Heck no. We’ll make our own. I’ll pick up some string and a few hooks. Of course, I’m not promising we’re going to actually catch our supper.” She giggled. “How is it, Ross, that you’ve never gone fishing?” Without waiting for a reply she said, “Did you ever steal apples or pumpkins in the rain? Did you ever go to a fireman’s carnival?”

  “No to all your questions.”

  Lena pretended shock. “Truly, Ross?”

  “Truly.” There was such bitterness in his voice, Lena stopped and swung Ross around to face her.

  “Let’s forget the movie and go to the park and sit on a bench and talk about when we were kids. I have some wonderful stories, and if yours aren’t wonderful, you can share mine. I’m not hungry. Later, if you like, we can pick up a hot pretzel from one of the street vendors.”

  He’d been dreading the evening all day, more so after his visit to Chestnut Hill. Now things seemed better, lighter somehow. Lena was acting so nice, and she wanted to share. “That sounds good,” he replied. “I more or less lost my appetite a little while ago, and to tell you the truth, Roman Holiday sounds like something that would give me an itch. The park sounds like a good idea.”

  “Good. Ross,” Lena said suddenly, “have you ever gone square dancing?”

  “No. Are you trying to tell me I missed out on the finer things in life?”

  “You sure did. Next month they’re having the annual harvest dance at West Chester. I’m taking you. You have to wear overalls and a plaid shirt. They are soooo much fun. I know you’ll have a good time.”

  Later, in the park, Lena said, “I love it here. Sometimes I come and eat my lunch. Let’s go on the seesaw, but promise not to keep me up in the air.”

  “Won’t your dress get dirty?” He must have gone on one when he was a kid, he thought, but he couldn’t recall it. He eyed the swings, remembering the fat bald tire hanging from a maple tree in Woo’s yard in Lancaster. “Old tires make the best swings,” he said, his voice ringing with authority.

  “Yeah, I know,” Lena said, straddling the seesaw. “Don’t worry about this old dress. Besides, after tonight I won’t be able to wear it again till next summer.”

  “It’s pretty. I meant to tell you how nice you looked, but we got to talking. Okay, hold on now.” Lena squealed as her end of the seesaw shot upward.

  They played like children for over an hour, running from the slide to the swings to the merry-go-round and back to the seesaw. Exhausted, Ross spread his jacket under a tree. He leaned back against it, Lena in the crook of his arm.

  “That was so much fun. I wish sometimes I was a little girl again. Life was so wonderful then. The only thing I ever worried about was what my mother would make for dessert. I have this sweet tooth, you see.” Ross chuckled.

  They talked for hours. At first Ross was reticent, but gradually, with gentle prodding from Lena, he opened up and revealed more about his life than he’d ever told anyone. He felt such an immense sense of relief, he hugged the girl sitting next to him. In turn, he learned about catching tadpoles; spitting on lucky stones; playing Red-light, Green-light and Simon says; exactly how to snitch pumpkins under the cover of rain; climbing trees, skinned shins, patching bicycle tires with bubble gum, and lordy, lordy, skinny-dipping in Miller’s pond.

  “What do you mean you never went skinny-dipping? Everyone has gone skinny-dipping. Did you go in your underwear? Not even in your underwear!” Lena said in mock outrage. “Well, we’re going to take care of that before it gets too cold. We’ll go on Saturday afternoon after we go fishing, providing it’s warm enough. Buck-assed naked, Ross. Just you and me. I’ll bring a blanket and picnic basket. Deviled eggs, potato salad, fried chicken—the kind you eat with your fingers—wine, and a loaf of French bread. Some apples and cheese. Did I miss anything?”

  “Not a thing. Who’s going to get the worms?”

  “We’ll both dig them up. You have so much to learn, Ross. Do you know, it’s a quarter to twelve. Fifteen more minutes and I’ll turn into a pumpkin. We should be going.”

  Ross kissed her lightly, and she responded in the same manner. This was not going to be a night that ended in wild, abandoned sex. This was a kiss-good-night-at-the-door evening.

  As they walked along, hand in hand, Lena said, “You seem in a better mood now. You see, Ross, sometimes you have to play a little, be a child again so you can get a little more perspective on adulthood.”

  “
Was I so transparent?”

  Lena nodded. “Want to talk about it?”

  “Woo resigned today. I got a little angry over it and went out to where he’s living now and said a few things I regret. Sometimes I act on impulse.”

  “Sometimes I do too. As long as you’re aware of it and make a conscious effort not to do it too often, it’s okay. Why did he resign, or is that something you don’t want to talk about?”

  “It was a stupid thing. In his own inimitable way I think he was trying to tell me I’m an emotional cripple. I reacted, and then he reacted. End of story.”

  “Does this have anything to do with Jory?” Lena asked coolly.

  “I think Woo had a date with her. Actually, I ran into them having lunch today. Woo tried to cover it up, and I don’t know why. He said it was a chance meeting.”

  “Why would your best friend lie to you? Be more generous, Ross. Make amends. You said yourself Woo is the best thing that ever happened to you. Some people can go through their whole lives and not make one lasting, real friend. You’re very lucky to have Woo. I hate seeing you unhappy.”

  “How’d you get to be so smart?” He was wrong about this girl, he thought. He was about to tell her the evil thoughts he had concerning her when she interrupted his thoughts.

  “Ross, would it be so terrible if Woo dated Marjory? Now, be honest. You said your marriage is over and you’re getting a divorce. Why shouldn’t they date? You can’t have it both ways. I think Woo was telling you the truth. Friends don’t lie to one another. My sweet, on that thought I’m going to leave you. We are home, in case you hadn’t noticed. I had a wonderful time, Ross.” Lena stretched to plaster warm, wet kisses all over his face. “Sweet dreams,” she said, laughing, tripping up the front steps.

  “ ’Night,” he called softly.

  Ross executed a two-step dance all the way down the street to where his car was parked. He thought about the evening, about Lena’s words on the short drive home. He was still thinking about them when he put on his pajamas. It was possible he was simply a lousy judge of character. One minute he believed the worst about his friends, the next he compared them to saints.