Beauty and the Big Bad Wolf

by Carol Grace

  “Really? I can’t imagine what that would be,” Amelia said from her chair at the small dining table.

  “You’re both successful businesspeople, something I could never be,” Helen said with a modest smile. “I was only a simple housewife.”

  “Granny,” Amelia said, setting her fork down. “You were never a simple anything. You were the world’s greatest grandmother—self-sufficient and talented. You taught me so much—how to make an apple pie, how to knit, how to prune roses, how to plant carrots and potatoes…not that I have time for that kind of thing anymore, but still. As for your neighbor, he told me he doesn’t do anything.”

  Helen laughed merrily, as if Amelia’d told a joke. “He’s such a tease. It is true that Brian’s been taking a well-deserved break.”

  “From…?” Amelia asked, hoping she didn’t sound too interested. After all, she was just making conversation. If Granny wanted to talk about her neighbor, who was Amelia to stop her?

  “From his business,” Granny said. “He sometimes seems reticent, but when you get to know him, I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it.”

  “That would be lovely,” Amelia said, knowing that would never happen. “But I’m going to be busy taking care of you.” And getting some work done whenever she could. “I doubt I’ll have time for any socializing.”

  “Oh, nonsense,” Helen said. “I can’t have you cooped up here with me all the time. You’ll be bored silly. It will do you good to get out and smell the roses.”

  “I can smell them from here,” Amelia said. “Unless you’ve torn out your Lady Bird Johnson hybrids.”

  “Oh, no. Which reminds me— I need some plant food from the hardware store in town. If you get a chance sometime this week, maybe you could run in and pick some up?”

  “Of course. I’ll go tomorrow. I need a few things myself.”

  “You’ll hardly recognize the place. They’ve added a complete housewares section. The whole town is talking about it.”

  “Really?” Amelia wondered whether, if she lived here, she’d get excited about some small-town store expanding. It boggled her mind to think her life might be reduced to that.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Granny said. “This is nothing compared to San Francisco, where you can get anything you want anytime of day or night. But there are some advantages to living in the country.”

  “Of course there are. I never said—”

  “But you thought it.” As usual, Helen could see right through her. When her grandmother put her fork down and folded her napkin, Amelia jumped up and removed her plate. “Sit down and relax and tell me what’s happening in your life these days,” Granny said, putting her hand on Amelia’s arm. “It’s been so long since we’ve had a good talk.”

  Amelia sneaked a glance at her watch. She had planned to set up her fax machine and check her messages, but she couldn’t go now without seeming abrupt. She’d just have to wait. Surely Granny would go to bed early.

  “How about some coffee?” Amelia asked. “I brought my espresso machine.”

  “Oh, my, that sounds wonderful. Wait until Brian hears that. He’s quite a coffee drinker. He’ll be sorry he didn’t stay for dinner.”

  “I’m sure he will,” Amelia said. “I bet he’s kicking himself right now for rushing away when he could have had the pleasure of our company, not to mention your excellent lasagna.”

  Her grandmother gave her a knowing smile that said she was no stranger to sarcasm, either, before Amelia went out to her car to get her coffeemaker as well as her fax machine. Granny was so very anxious that her granddaughter and her neighbor get along, Amelia didn’t have the heart to dampen her enthusiasm. She’d realize soon enough that it wasn’t meant to be.

  In a few minutes, Amelia was frothing milk and making decaf lattes. Her grandmother exclaimed at how clever she was to come up with such a novel drink. Trying to ignore the fax machine she’d set on the floor, which reminded her of all the work she had to do, Amelia curled up in the large overstuffed armchair, put her coffee on the table next to her and tucked her bare feet under her.

  “My life is…well, things are kind of hectic these days.”

  Her grandmother nodded. “No time for fun?”

  “I enjoy my work,” Amelia said, conscious of how dull that must sound. “It’s interesting and exciting and full of possibilities.” There, that sounded good. Even Granny would have to admit it. Hadn’t she just been bragging to that man about how accomplished as well as beautiful Amelia was? It made her blush all over again to think about it.

  “Yes, but don’t forget that on their deathbed, no one ever says they wish they’d spent more time at the office. Not that you’re anywhere near your deathbed.”

  “I hope not.” Amelia stifled a yawn. It was only eight-thirty, but her eyelids were heavy and her brain seemed to have shut down. It must be the air or the altitude. She had hours of work to do, and she never went to bed before midnight at home. Then she was usually up at six for a workout at the health club before work.

  “You’re tired. You go on up to bed,” Granny said.

  Amelia got Granny’s medicine, helped her into the bathroom and settled her in for the night. After kissing her grandmother good-night, she picked up her fax machine and started upstairs.

  “Amelia?”

  “Yes, Granny?”

  “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “So am I.”

  But in the small bedroom at the top of the stairs, Amelia couldn’t help thinking of what she’d be doing if she were at home. On Friday nights, a group from the office went out for sushi on Union Street. Because of all the bars and upscale restaurants, parking would be scarce and the sidewalks would be crowded with young professionals like herself. She’d probably run into friends, and they’d end up at a Starbucks, talking shop. The city was energizing, and being in the country had mellowed her so much, she couldn’t seem to function. Tomorrow she’d be back on track.

  She plugged in her fax machine and charged the battery to her cell phone. But she didn’t check her messages. She looked around the room, with its flowered wallpaper and rolltop desk that had belonged to her grandfather, and the memories came flooding back. When she’d been a little girl, she’d been sent to Granny’s for the summer so her overachiever parents could go off on research projects to the far corners of the earth. She’d spent many happy hours in the kitchen with Granny, making wild-strawberry jam, rolling piecrust or picking wildflowers in the woods and pressing them between waxed paper. She always looked forward to summer at Granny’s. Fall meant a return to school and a structured routine.

  Yes, even if she had to stay here for two weeks, she owed Granny that much, and more. Her grandmother had been there when Amelia had needed her, and now Granny needed Amelia. Instead of setting up her computer, checking her messages and sending off a few faxes, Amelia slipped into her nightgown, crawled between the flannel sheets and fell sound asleep just as the grandfather clock downstairs struck ten.

  A few hours later, the hooting of an owl woke her up. She, who could sleep through sirens and garbage trucks, had been awakened by a bird. She went to the window and looked out through the trees. In the distance, there was a light shining. From the neighbor’s house? What was his name— Wolf? If he didn’t work, why would he still be up? Maybe he was hunched over his computer, writing mystery novels. Or maybe he was in an online chat room, talking to Russian mail-order brides. Maybe he was doing something illegal, such as making moonshine liquor. Or maybe he was ordering tighter security equipment on eBay. None of her business, she thought, as she firmly closed the window and went back to bed. But now her mind was spinning, thinking about the mystery man. And the images kept rolling through her sleepless brain until finally, mercifully, her brain shut off and she fell asleep.

  The next morning, Amelia opened the bedroom window and shivered in her sheer nightgown in the cool morning air. There in the distance was the outline of a large house—the house where the occupant
was a night owl. She assumed it was the same house she’d stopped at last night. She’d had no idea it was so close. Though it was a mile or two by the road, it was only a hundred yards or so through the woods, as he’d said. The house was much too close for comfort. Though she was sure Brian was just as eager to avoid any further contact with her as she was with him.

  What did her grandmother see in him? He was arrogant, obnoxious and overbearing. Perhaps in the country, one got desperate for company. And of course he was helpful and nice to her, on hand to move heavy objects or whatever. Amelia was glad to say she’d never be that desperate for help or company.

  After sleeping fitfully, she was still tired, but she had work to do. If she were at home, she’d go for a run on the Marina Green then head into the office, though it was Saturday. She’d get caught up when no one else was there. Jeff wouldn’t mind. He worked on the weekends, too. They had so much in common. Maybe that was enough for a good marriage.

  She was so lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear the truck pull up until it was too late. Brian Wolf got out and stood on the gravel driveway, looking up at her. Their eyes met briefly, and she shivered again before she slammed the window shut and got dressed. She gave a sigh of relief when she heard the truck’s engine start. He could have seen right through her sheer nightgown, if he’d wanted to—which he probably didn’t, so why was she so upset about nothing? He’d been there last night and then first thing in the morning. If this was his pattern, how was she going to avoid him?

  Her grandmother was alone downstairs. Amelia greeted her with a kiss and got her pills for her. She didn’t even glance out the window or ask any questions. She didn’t want to know why Brian had returned this morning, when he couldn’t get out of here fast enough last night. She fixed toast and coffee for her grandmother, and together they made a shopping list. Halfway through it, Helen paused.

  “What did you think of Brian?” she asked lightly. Amelia wasn’t fooled. Helen was waiting anxiously for her answer.

  What could she say? He’s the man I’d least like to be marooned with on a desert island? He’s the epitome of everything I despise and I hope I never see him again? He’s an out-of-work loner with no apparent social skills, and if that wasn’t enough, he’s awfully full of himself?

  She cleared her throat. “Granny, I’m sure Mr. Wolf is a good neighbor, and you’re fortunate to have him close by. As for me, I’m almost engaged to a wonderful man. His name is Jeff Mason. I think you’d like him. We have a lot in common. He’s very successful.”

  “You’ll have to forgive me,” Helen said, rubbing her palms briskly together. “I’m not up to date on the latest terms. What does ‘almost engaged’ mean, exactly?”

  “Well, in this case, it means he’s asked me, but I haven’t said yes yet.”

  “Why not?”

  Why not? That was a good question. What was she waiting for? Lightning to strike? Bells to ring? A prince to come riding up and sweep her away? She wasn’t naive enough to believe life was like that. “I… I’m not sure.”

  “If you’re not sure, that’s a good reason to say no.”

  “I’ll have to decide when I get back. What was it you used to say— ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’?”

  “For somebody else,” her grandmother added with a wink.

  Amelia went to the window and looked out. There was a ladder leaning against the apple tree. There was no vehicle and no obnoxious neighbor.

  “Brian was here this morning,” Granny said. “He was good enough to lend me his ladder so you can pick some apples for a pie. I told him to stay for coffee, but he had to run off to do some errands in town.”

  “Too bad,” Amelia murmured. “Tell me more about him.” Maybe if Helen got it off her chest, she’d leave Amelia alone.

  “He’s a wonderful man,” Helen enthused, her eyes glowing. “So kind and generous. He knows I’m not supposed to go up and down stairs until my hip heals, so he’s promised to make a ramp for me so I can get outside to the garden. Isn’t that sweet?”

  “Very sweet,” Amelia agreed. “But wouldn’t that be a lot of work, and make a lot of noise and sawdust? I mean, you’re supposed to be resting or napping or whatever, and I thought I might do a little work while I’m here.” After all, wouldn’t that mean the man would be outside the house, pounding and hammering, just when she was trying to work upstairs? “Sweet, but not necessary. I can help you down the stairs when you want to go.”

  “Oh, I hadn’t thought about that. It was so sweet of him to offer, I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, not after what he’s been through.”

  “What has he been through?”

  “That’s not for me to say. If he wants you to know his background, he’ll tell you. I’m sure he will. You just have to be patient.”

  Patient? As if she really wanted to know his background or what he’d been through! “I will,” Amelia said. “I promise not to ask him one single question about his past, or about anything at all. Don’t worry about the ramp. I’ll speak to him about it. You know, when I asked him what he did, I was just being polite. Believe me, it doesn’t matter to me at all. I really don’t care.”

  “I think you’re protesting a little too much,” Helen said with a wink. “Whatever you say, you must admit he’s a good-looking man.”

  “I really didn’t notice,” Amelia said breezily.

  “Not notice? Come now, Amelia, you’re a red-blooded American woman in your prime. If I were your age…”

  “What would you do, Granny, throw yourself at his feet?”

  “I’d just be nice to him, that’s all,” Helen said primly. “These things take time.”

  “I only have a week or two, and by the way, I was nice to him,” Amelia said.

  “Very nice.”

  “All right,” Amelia said reluctantly. “I’ll be very nice to him. If I see him again, which I doubt. I think he’s already brought the ladder by, so chances are I won’t be running into Brian again. I’m sure he’s just as uninterested in me as I am in him. I have the feeling he’s not looking for company. Perhaps that’s the real reason we really didn’t hit it off.”

  “You didn’t?” Granny’s eyes widened in surprise. “I thought you were getting along famously.”

  “Granny, he’s just not my type.”

  “Not your type? The type with big, broad shoulders and a brilliant mind, a granite jaw and a face like a movie star is not your type?”

  Amelia sighed. She didn’t want to talk with Granny about men in general, or any one man in particular. Granny had always been a little too perceptive.

  “What is your type, then?” Granny asked.

  Amelia sighed again. How had she gotten into this conversation? “Someone who shares my interests, who’s geographically desirable and who—”

  “By that you mean someone who lives in the city.”

  “Well, yes,” Amelia said. “Since that’s where I live. Not that I don’t love it here, but…”

  “There’s nothing to do—is that what you were going to say?”

  “There’s no work to do, Granny. And work is what I do. I have to earn a living, you know.”

  “Of course I do,” Granny said. “And I’m very proud of you.” Granny gave her a warm smile, and the conversation was over. But Amelia couldn’t get it out of her mind. What more could she say to convince the dear lady that her matchmaking was not going to work?

  Instead of saying anything, Amelia drew a stick figure on her shopping list. Then she drew a dog next to the figure and a ladder in the figure’s hands. Then she crossed it out with thick double lines, a little more forcefully than she needed to. “I’d better get going to the store. Anything else?”

  “The pharmacy. Here’s the prescription for my pain pills.” Granny looked at the grandfather clock in the corner. “Go there first, because the pharmacist is only there from ten to twelve.” Helen added a few more items to her list, and Amelia grabbed a sweatshirt and drove to the nearby town of
Pine Mountain. She parked and strolled down Main Street, noticing that not much had changed since the last time she’d been there—the diner, with its long counter; the small grocery store and the old-fashioned drugstore with the soda fountain at the front and the pharmacy at the rear. She’d just handed the pharmacist the prescription when she heard a voice from behind her.

  “Well, if it isn’t Little Red Riding Hood.”

  She wished she hadn’t worn the red hooded sweatshirt she’d found in the upstairs closet, but it was cool out this morning, and now it was too late to take it off. She clamped her jaw shut to keep from saying something rude. She turned her head slightly, but not far enough to see his so-called movie-star face or his granite jaw.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, barely able to keep the annoyance out of her voice.

  “Getting some medicine for your grandmother.” He held up a small, white prescription, just like the one Amelia had.

  “That’s what I’m doing. I don’t know why she asked you… Oh, yes I do. Look, I’m sorry about this. She’s got this idea that you and I… Never mind.” Amelia was babbling. She couldn’t stop. All she could think of was him standing beneath her window this morning looking right through her nightgown. “Give me your prescription, and I’ll get them both filled,” she said.

  “No, you won’t,” Brian said. “I said I’d pick up the pills and I will. You can be on your way now.”

  “It doesn’t make sense,” Amelia said. “It’s out of your way, and I’m going straight back home.”

  “All right,” he said. “You can do it. I have to go to the hardware store next.”

  “So do I. Don’t you see what she’s up to?” Amelia rested her hands on her hips. “I adore her, but honestly, the woman is unbelievable. When she gets something in her head, there’s no stopping her. I don’t know what she thought would happen when we ran into each other here.”

  “Don’t you?” Brian asked. “At the very least, she thought we’d have to exchange polite greetings and maybe stop for coffee at the diner, and at the most, I’d ravish you in the front seat of my truck.”