Love is in the Air

by Devon Vaughn Archer

  “I think I can manage,” Anderson said. He had only ridden a bicycle sporadically over the years. But now, with Holly’s prompting, he planned to ride regularly with her. In turn, he intended to get her to the gym for some workouts.

  They rode on the quiet streets near Holly’s house and at the nearby park. She was only mildly surprised that Anderson seemed to have little trouble staying with her and even occasionally forcing her to catch up to him. It appeared as though she had met her match in bicycling, just as she had in bed. She wondered if this compatibility would know no bounds as their relationship continued to prosper.

  Anderson got as much of a thrill from watching Holly ride with such grace and athleticism as he did working on his cardio. This seemed as good a time as any to throw something at her that he had been thinking about.

  “How would you feel about us living together?” It seemed like a good first step in their evolving relationship.

  Holly was taken aback by the question.

  “I don’t know,” she told him honestly. “What do you think about it?”

  Anderson sighed, not wanting to say the wrong thing. “I think it would be a good thing for us. We wouldn’t have to go back and forth between our places and we’d always be there to fall asleep and wake up together.”

  “That sounds nice,” Holly said, feeling the strain in her legs from pedaling. “I’m not really sure, though, if I’m ready to give up my own space. And where would you want to live—your place or mine?”

  “Either one,” Anderson said, his heart beating fast. “I have no problem living with you or having you move into my place. We could even consider moving somewhere new together.”

  Holly was a bit disappointed that there was no talk of marriage in the equation. Or was that a blessing in disguise, considering his track record? Was this his way of having a committed relationship minus the official piece of paper?

  “Why not ask me to marry you?” she asked bluntly. “Or are you still struggling with the idea of having a wife instead of a lover?”

  Anderson sucked in a deep breath. “This isn’t about Madison or our past situation,” he said flatly. “I just thought this would be best for both of us at this point.”

  “I’m not sure it is,” Holly said candidly. “Living with someone is a serious thing for me. It means sacrificing my independence with no guarantees that it will last.”

  He held her gaze. “And you think marriage is a guarantee?”

  “No, it isn’t,” she admitted. “But it would show me that we’re entering into a life together the right way—at least the way my parents did it. Their values in that regard were passed down to me.”

  “I can understand that,” Anderson said. “I wasn’t suggesting that this would be forever. Marriage can still come later. I just see no reason for us to go there right now when things are going so well, though.”

  “If that’s true, why rock the boat by living together at all?” she challenged him. “Unless you simply have something against marriage that will always be there, no matter how long we’re together.”

  Anderson’s brows bridged. He had dug a hole for himself that threatened to get deeper if he wasn’t careful. “I have nothing against marriage,” he said. “This has nothing to do with Madison and—”

  “Are you sure about that?” Holly questioned. “Because it sounds to me like you’re trying to convince yourself. If you don’t want to marry me, just say so and I’ll deal with it. I just don’t want to play games like living together and expecting something that never materializes.”

  “I’m sorry if the idea of living together has put you off.” He sighed, feeling he had bitten off more than he could chew. “It definitely wasn’t a game to me, but an honest effort to spend more of our free time together. As for marrying you, it is something I think about and want to do when the time is right for both of us.”

  “Well, when it is, you let me know,” she said tersely. “In the meantime, I don’t think living together will cut it for me. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be,” he insisted. “It was just a thought. Let’s keep things as they are, if that’s okay with you.”

  Was it? Holly wondered if this had touched upon a nerve that would make it impossible for her to be happy with the way things were. Or was she putting undue pressure on him to do what he obviously wasn’t comfortable doing?

  The last thing she wanted was to marry someone who only agreed to be her husband to please her and not himself. Was that what Madison would have gotten had they tied the knot?

  I have to be real about this and not try to push him, Holly thought as they neared her house. They had a good thing going and she should just enjoy it for what it was.

  “Things are fine the way they are,” she finally told Anderson. But deep down inside, she had reservations about that.

  “That’s good to know.” Anderson smiled thinly at her. He realized that he had work to do to keep her happy and sustain their relationship.

  * * *

  On Thanksgiving, Anderson and Holly spent the afternoon at the soup kitchen, feeding the hungry.

  “I’m so glad you were both able to give of yourselves on this special day,” Esther told them during a break.

  “It was the right thing to do,” Anderson said.

  “I agree,” Holly said, smiling. “It’s a wonderful way to help the less fortunate.”

  “You two make a great team,” Esther said in a bubbly tone. “Anderson, you better not let this lovely young woman get away. Otherwise you’ll have to answer to me.”

  “I wouldn’t want to have to do that.” He chuckled. “I have no intention of letting her get away.” Not if it was within his power to keep them together as a couple. Anderson believed Holly was of the same mind. They seemed to have settled into their relationship and had agreed to leave the future open.

  A few minutes later, they were back to feeding people turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, corn bread, green beans and carrot cake.

  “Happy Thanksgiving,” Holly said. She greeted everyone she served warmly, and she was grateful for her own blessings and grateful that Anderson had given her this opportunity to do even more to help others.

  “You’re getting really good at this,” Anderson whispered in her ear. “And starting to grow on Esther.”

  “I’ll take both as compliments,” she told him softly. “I’m sure you can find ways later to show your real appreciation.”

  He grinned. “Count on it.” Anderson plopped a generous portion of dressing on the plate before him. He imagined that dressing was probably also on the menu for tonight’s Thanksgiving dinner that Holly’s father had invited them over to share. Anderson welcomed another opportunity to bond with him and to show Holly that he was in this relationship for the long haul, whether they had a marriage certificate or not.

  * * *

  Holly helped her father by setting the table and pouring the drinks, since he had stubbornly insisted on cooking the Thanksgiving meal all by himself. She suspected he wanted to impress Anderson, who had talked about football with him earlier and seemed to have won her father over.

  It meant a lot to Holly to have the two current men in her life get along. That still didn’t tell her if she could be content in a relationship that didn’t include marriage. Or, for that matter, if asking for more would simply push Anderson away.

  Anderson stuffed himself with the huge meal prepared by Holly’s father, which included roast beef, corn-bread dressing, macaroni and cheese, greens and biscuits.

  “Now I know where Holly got her cooking skills,” he said as they sat at the dining room table.

  “Thanks,” Robert said with a laugh. “Actually, the inheritance would have to come from her mother, who taught her and I much of what we know about cooking.”

  “Then I applaud both of
your parents,” Anderson said, looking at Holly. “I’m sure your mother would have approved of this meal.”

  “I’m sure she would have, too.” Holly smiled as she dabbed a napkin at the corners of her mouth. She was certain her mother would have approved of him, too, though she would have expected them to get married sooner rather than later.

  “So Holly tells me you’re trying to find your father,” Robert said, biting into a biscuit.

  Anderson nodded. “Yeah, I owe her for pushing me to do it.”

  “How’s that working out for you?”

  “A private detective is still looking for him,” Anderson said. “It’s probably a long shot, but I haven’t given up.”

  “I really hope it works out for you,” Robert said. “Family is important, even if they’re distant.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.” Truthfully, Anderson was still reserving judgment about that. He had survived well without a father and didn’t necessarily need one at this stage of his life. But should he materialize and be willing to meet him, why not see how it went?

  Holly got to her feet. “I’ll clear the table,” she said.

  “I can help,” offered Anderson.

  “That won’t be necessary. You and Dad can catch some of the football game that’s on tonight.”

  “Good idea,” Robert said, getting up and stretching his legs. “The Texans aren’t playing, but I still love to watch a game.”

  “Ditto,” Anderson said. He stood up, grinning. He suspected that Holly wanted him to spend some alone time with her father for perhaps some more interrogation.

  They went to the den, where the big-screen television was already on. The game was tied early in the third quarter.

  Anderson sat in a chair after Robert made himself comfortable on a recliner.

  “It seems like my daughter has become quite fond of you,” he said. “I think this is the longest time she’s ever dated anyone.”

  “I’m very fond of her, too,” Anderson said.

  “I’m glad to know that. Where do you see your relationship with Holly going?”

  Anderson sat back, and appeared deep in thought. “I’m in love with your daughter,” he said.

  “I gathered as much,” Robert said. “And it’s clear that she feels the same way about you.”

  “I want to make her happy—whether we date long-term or get married.”

  Robert faced him. “I understand you had some marital issues before.”

  “Yeah,” Anderson conceded, figuring he knew all the details. “I’m trying not to make the mistakes of the past. I want to do what’s right today, whatever that may be.”

  “That’s a good attitude to have. I just don’t want Holly to get hurt along the way.”

  “Neither do I,” Anderson said sincerely. “I will always be straight with her. I’d like to see if we can figure out every step we take together.”

  “Sounds fair enough.” Robert tugged at his chin. “That’s all I have to say about it. I wish you and Holly well.”

  “Thank you.” Anderson grinned, happy to have her father in his corner.

  He heard Holly coming in behind him. “Did I miss anything?” she asked.

  Anderson turned to the television and smiled. “Afraid so,” he said, assuming Robert would fill her in on their conversation. “San Francisco just scored again to take the lead.”

  Chapter 17

  In December, Holly was on the set finishing a news segment about this year’s KOEN toy drive. “Along with many of my colleagues, I will be at Coral Square all day tomorrow collecting new unwrapped toys for children. Please do your part to help make this Christmas one that lights the faces of as many children as possible. I look forward to seeing you, shaking your hand and thanking you for your generosity. Have a good day...”

  “You sure convinced me to show up with toys for the kiddies,” Anderson joked. He had come to the station to watch her do her thing. They were planning to go out to a jazz supper club afterward with Lester and his wife.

  Holly poked his chest playfully. “Somehow I don’t think it would have taken much to win you over, mister.”

  “True, since you do that every time.” He kissed her on the lips, not particularly caring if anyone saw them. After all, his very brief employment there had ended some time ago.

  “I don’t know about that,” she said, using a finger to wipe lipstick from his mouth, “but it sounds good anyway.”

  “Are we ready to head out?” he asked.

  “Yes, let me just grab my purse from my dressing room.”

  Holly was happy to be seen at the studio with her handsome man. She checked her reflection in the mirror and was satisfied with what she saw. Nonetheless, she applied a little lip gloss, brushed her hair and dabbed on some Oscar de la Renta perfume. Her gray blazer and matching skirt went well with a silk, rose-colored V-neck blouse and low-heeled black pumps. Though this was one of her work outfits, she was sure it would suffice for having dinner and listening to some jazz music with Anderson’s friends.

  * * *

  Anderson was holding Holly’s hand when they walked inside the Satin Jazz Supper Club. They were greeted right away by Lester and his wife, Odette, then Lester introduced her to Holly.

  “Nice to finally meet you,” Odette said, “since Lester has practically bragged about knowing Anderson’s anchorwoman girlfriend.”

  Holly blushed, gazing at the petite, thirtysomething woman with short black curly hair and bangs. “You too,” she told her.

  “Let’s get ourselves a table and check out a performance that is straight from another era,” Lester said.

  “I can hardly wait,” Anderson said.

  They sat and ordered their meals and cocktails.

  “So what’s it like doing the news?” Odette peered at Holly as she sipped her drink.

  Holly smiled; she was used to such questions. “When I first started in the business, I was a bundle of nerves every time I went before the camera. Now it’s pretty routine. I just read the script and improvise where necessary.”

  “Must be fun being on television,” Odette said.

  “I wouldn’t exactly call it fun,” Holly said, sipping her cocktail. “It’s just a job like any other, except it happens to show up on people’s television screens.”

  “See, I told you,” Lester said, chuckling. “Anderson’s latched onto someone who’s completely down-to-earth.”

  Anderson grinned. “Yeah, Holly’s as modest as she is beautiful.”

  Holly blushed, not expecting all the attention directed toward her. She had always just wanted a private life, even though she enjoyed working in broadcast journalism. With Anderson, she had found a man who treated her like an equal, which was the same way she viewed him.

  “Thanks, everyone,” she said, looking at the stage, “but I’m not the center of attention. She is—”

  The shapely vocalist wearing a purple rhinestone-pleated gown was belting out a song with a voice that reminded Holly of a cross between Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, two of her favorite jazz singers.

  Anderson was inclined to agree with Holly. He wrapped his arm around her as they watched the performer woo the audience. “She’s definitely got it going on,” he said. Just as Holly did in ways that went well beyond the surface. Loving her was the best thing he had going for him, and he was beginning to realize that more and more with each passing day.

  During a break in the music, Anderson and Lester were left alone while the ladies went to freshen up.

  “They seem to be getting along well,” commented Anderson.

  “Of course,” Lester said, grinning. “Odette’s as friendly as I am. And Holly made her feel comfortable.”

  “That’s who she is, once you get to know her.”

&nbs
p; “Yeah, I can see that,” Lester said. “We should hang out more often with our ladies.”

  “I’d like that,” Anderson said.

  Lester lifted his drink. “Looks like you two have gotten over that bump.”

  “Pretty much,” Anderson agreed.

  “Does that mean you’re ready to put a ring on her finger?” Lester met his eyes.

  Anderson sat back. “It means I’m getting closer...”

  “What’s the delay? It sure looks to me like Holly’s ready and willing to become Mrs. Anderson Gunn.”

  “But I’m not so sure that she’s mentally ready,” Anderson said thoughtfully. “I want it to be totally right in her mind and for her to be free of any thoughts of what happened between me and Madison.”

  Lester frowned. “I don’t see how she can’t think about that,” he said. “Wouldn’t you if the situation were reversed?”

  “Yeah, but—”

  “No buts. It’s a normal thing. Doesn’t mean it has to be a deal breaker, though. Holly knows how you feel about her. So don’t let fear hold you back. Your situation with Madison was different. You’re with someone now you’re meant to be with. Go ahead and make an honest woman out of her, and then she and Odette can really become good friends.”

  Anderson grinned. “Not to mention you’d get to play best man.”

  Lester chuckled. “Yeah, that too.”

  “We’ll see what we can do about that,” Anderson said. He still wanted to wait for the perfect time to ask Holly to be his bride. He didn’t want her to think of him as anything but one hundred percent committed to them. But would she also be totally committed?

  Anderson looked up and saw Holly and Odette coming. He and Lester stood to greet them.

  “Miss us?” Holly asked playfully as Anderson gave her a kiss and Lester did the same to Odette.

  “Just a little,” Anderson said lightly, pulling Holly’s chair out for her.

  Holly whispered in his ear, “We can do something about that at your place.”

  He felt his libido kick in. “Music to my ears.”