by Amy Harmon
Lizzie: fine. I’ll see you at three.
Chad: promise?
Lizzie: promise.
* * *
After a nice, relaxing morning of laundry and reading, I drove to the Keller’s. I was so excited to see the finished product that it had been hard to wait out the day. By the time I headed home tonight, the job would probably be finished. I’d already called Delia to let her know I’d be back at the bank on Thursday. Matt would probably be happy to learn I’d saved two of my vacation days.
“You’d better not be lifting any heavy furniture,” Chad said when he entered the house.
“I’m not. Don’t worry.”
“I hope you’re hungry. I know it’s early for dinner, but I only had a sandwich at lunch, so I needed some fuel.”
I’d eaten a late breakfast and hadn’t even realized I was hungry until the tangy smell of sweet and sour wafted toward me. “Mmm. What did you bring?” I asked. The bag was enormous.
“I wasn’t sure what we’d want so I got several things.” I followed Chad into the kitchen where he unloaded carton after carton of Chinese food.
“You must have been starving,” I said.
“Maybe we’ll eat now and then we’ll eat again when we’re finished.”
When we’d finished off two of the cartons of food, we got to work. Most of the furniture was wrapped in plastic foam and then shrink-wrapped or taped. Getting some of the pieces unwrapped was nearly a surgical procedure. We listened to music and talked as we unwrapped each piece. I put the legs on the side tables while Chad carried in the dining room chairs. With some difficulty, we positioned the sisal rug under the dining room table and the buffet against the wall.
With the buffet in place, I stood on a stepstool and hung Mrs. Keller’s collection of plates on the wall, meticulously planning out the random placement. I stepped back to take in the wall and then moved a couple of the plates to other positions. I folded my arms and eyed the wall again.
“You know Mom’s going to cry, right?” Chad asked.
“She already did at the consultation.”
“Imagine what she’s going to do when she sees this. I can’t believe this is the same room we were ripping wallpaper out of ten days ago.”
“I know. It’s so different.” I looked at the wall for a moment longer. “Well, one room down, one to go.”
We resumed our work in the living room. “Why is this rug so thick?” Chad asked as I cut the tape off the huge rolled rug.
“Wait ‘til you see it. I couldn’t resist it when I saw it. I was so glad your parents liked it.”
When the last of the tape was off, we slowly unrolled the rug. “Wow,” Chad said.
“Do you like it?”
“Well, yeah. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The rug was eleven feet long and eight feet wide. It was called shag but it wasn’t like any shag I’d ever seen. It was made of thousands and thousands of beige “petals” of wool felt. They were long and soft. The rug was thick and luxurious and unusual. Perfect.
“Wait ‘til you see how it feels,” I said.
The next thing I knew, Chad was sprawled across the rug. “Yeah, I could sleep here. You tired?”
“No.”
“You sure? We could take a quick nap.”
I stood over him shaking my head. “Are you really going to make me step over you to get the room set up?”
“No. Help me up,” he said putting out his hand. I reached down to pull him up. The next thing I knew, I was down on the rug. “See, you are tired.” I laughed and started to get up. “At least enjoy it for a second. You should know how plush the rug is if you’re the designer.”
It did feel soft. I stayed there for a few moments, my hands playing with the petals. “It’s nice. Now let’s get to work.”
We each took an end of the couch and moved it to the right spot and then moved the chairs. “Next time I stay overnight, I’ll just tell mom to make up the living room rug instead of the bed,” Chad said and I laughed.
And then the smile left his face, replaced with a look of concern.
“Can I help you?” he asked.
I turned to look toward what Chad had seen and there stood Matt. Tall, handsome, imposing Matt. I was used to his brooding, arrogant carriage but right now, he looked angry.
“The door was open,” Matt said as if that explained why he was here.
“Matt? I didn’t know you were coming.” I said.
“I can tell.”
“I’m just helping Lizzie with the heavy furniture,” Chad said. “I’m Chad, by the way.” He stepped forward and held out his hand. Matt waited a long, awkward second before he shook Chad’s hand.
“You said I should come by and see what you’ve done,” Matt said. His voice dripped with indictment. I knew things looked bad, but the first thing that popped into my mind was how glad I was he hadn’t walked in while we were both stretched out on the rug.
“I didn’t even know you were back from Seattle,” I said.
“I drove home this morning. I thought I’d surprise you.” Matt spoke to me but his eyes were fastened on Chad’s face. I braved a glance at Chad. He was looking at me with a concerned expression. I was sure my cheeks were flaming. I didn’t know what to say to fix this. Matt’s anger, Chad’s concern, my embarrassment. Or was it guilt? Or was it anger? I wasn’t sure what I was feeling.
“Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a minute?” I asked Matt. He didn’t answer me but he followed me into the kitchen.
I realized my mistake as soon as I walked through the door. There on the counter were the remains of our meal—empty Chinese containers. Two paper plates and two glasses, one empty, one half filled with water. Matt stared at the counter, his jaw clenched. “Did you want to tell me something?” he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
“I think you have the wrong idea about what’s going on here,” I said.
“Please, enlighten me.”
“I couldn’t set up some of the furniture by myself. Chad offered to help me. That’s all.” My voice faded as I finished.
“And?” Matt said looking at the remains of our meal.
“And Chad was hungry and I hadn’t eaten lunch, so he got us something to eat.”
“Well, that was very thoughtful of him. The more I hear about Chad the more I realize what a gentleman he is.”
“Matt…”
“I suppose I should be thanking him for taking such good care of you while I was gone. How else did he take care of you?”
My repentant feelings were suddenly overtaken with anger. I hadn’t quizzed him about working for more than a week with Meg. In Seattle.
“Excuse me. Lizzie?” Chad leaned his head through the door.
“Yes?” I said.
“I think I’ll just take off. Unless you need any more help.”
“I can help her if she needs help,” Matt said, watching me.
I just wanted to get Chad out of this uncomfortable situation. “That’s fine, Chad,” I said. “Thank you.”
“No problem. It was nice to meet you, Matt.”
“Likewise,” Matt said, barely glancing at Chad.
I listened as the front door closed. Suddenly I realized the leftover Chinese food was in the refrigerator. That’s what he got for coming to help me? Glares and hostility and no leftovers.
“That wasn’t fair, Matt. I needed the help. Nothing else happened except that we ate some food and he helped me.”
“He’s an old boyfriend, Elizabeth. Or should I say Lizzie?”
“We only went out a few times, Matt,” I said. Immediately I felt guilty. It was true we’d only dated a few times but it was also true that except for Matt, Chad was the closest thing I’d ever had to a real boyfriend. He was the only other guy who’d ever kissed me or made my heart pound.
Matt must have sensed my ire because his tone softened. “I don’t want to argue with you, Elizabeth. I wanted to surprise you. I wanted you to be excited
to see me.”
“Matt, I am. It was just awkward timing. And it wasn’t fair to Chad. He was just trying to be nice.”
Matt clenched and unclenched his jaw. “Then let’s forget about that and you can give me a tour. And I’ll help you with whatever needs finished up in there.”
“Okay,” I said.
“But first, I’ve been looking forward to a kiss.” Matt smiled and took me in his arms. “I’ve missed you,” he said and kissed me on the lips. Not once, but three times. Then he pecked my forehead. “Lead the way.”
I tried to show enthusiasm and excitement as I showed him what I’d done, but I felt self-conscious and even a little phony. Matt oohed and ahed at all the right things and complimented me on my choices of furniture. After the tour, he helped me move the last pieces of furniture into place and then we brought in the lamps and artwork. Our conversation was pleasant as we worked but I didn’t feel comfortable. I didn’t know how to reassure Matt without feeling dishonest.
I put a pewter vase and a family picture on the mantle, careful not to look at a fifteen-year-old Chad, smiling at me from a sandy beach somewhere.
“It’s finished,” I said, looking around at my hard work.
“You did a beautiful job. They’re going to be thrilled.”
“Yeah. I think they’re going to like it.”
I went to the kitchen and cleaned off the counter. Matt didn’t follow me. “Are you going to take pictures?” Matt asked when I returned.
“Yes, but I’ll need to come back when the lighting’s better.”
“Of course,” Matt said. “Would you like me to bring you tomorrow?”
“That’d be great. Thanks.”
Matt kissed me goodbye at my car. It felt like he was a homesteader staking his claim. My emotions were at war. I was glad he felt possessive. I wanted him to kiss me. I wanted him to want me. I just hoped he’d feel that way all the time, not just when he felt threatened by my friendship with Chad.
“Keep tomorrow night open?” he said.
“Sure.”
“And you pick the restaurant. Anywhere you want.”
“Ooh, I’ll have to do some research,” I said. Matt laughed and held me close.
“Man, I missed you,” Matt said.
“I’m glad you’re home.”
Matt rested his forehead against mine. “I love you, Elizabeth.”
Tears stung my eyes. I pulled him close and kissed him. I didn’t want to talk.
I was brushing my teeth before bed when my phone vibrated.
CHAD: EVERYTHING OKAY?
LIZZIE: YES. THANKS. YOU LEFT YOUR FOOD.
CHAD: I KNOW. I’LL GET IT TOMORROW.
LIZZIE: HOPE THAT WASN’T TOO AWKWARD FOR YOU.
CHAD: I’M FINE. I CAN HANDLE ANYTHING.
LIZZIE: BRAGGING?
CHAD: OF COURSE. I WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU. DO YOU NEED ANY MORE HELP?
LIZZIE: NO. MATT HELPED ME FINISH UP. THANKS FOR ASKING.
Several minutes elapsed and I decided our conversation was finished. Then the phone vibrated again.
CHAD: YOU DID A FANTASTIC JOB.
LIZZIE: THANKS. I HOPE YOUR PARENTS LIKE IT.
CHAD: THEY’RE NOT GOING TO LIKE IT.
CHAD: THEY’RE GOING TO LOVE IT.
LIZZIE: WHEW! YOU HAD ME NERVOUS.
CHAD: YOU’VE GOT NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT.
LIZZIE: MATT’S BRINGING ME BY TOMORROW SO I CAN TAKE SOME PICTURES. I DIDN’T TAKE THEM TONIGHT CAUSE I WANTED BETTER LIGHTING.
CHAD: THANKS FOR THE WARNING. I’LL STAY AWAY TOMORROW DURING THE DAY.
It all felt a little clandestine and my heart was racing. It was hard to breathe. I wasn’t sure what to say.
LIZZIE: I DIDN’T MEAN THAT AS A WARNING.
CHAD: I KNOW. I’M JUST TEASING YOU.
LIZZIE: THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR HELP. SORRY AGAIN THAT YOU HAD TO ABANDON YOUR FOOD.
CHAD: IT WASN’T MY FOOD I FELT LIKE I WAS ABANDONING.
Oh crap.
CHAD: I JUST THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE BETTER FOR YOU IF I LEFT.
LIZZIE: I UNDERSTAND.
CHAD: LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING.
LIZZIE: THANKS. GOOD NIGHT.
CHAD: GOOD NIGHT.
Chapter Twenty-three
It was snowing when Matt picked me up for dinner. Snowflakes the size of nickels floated slowly to the earth. I’m sure Julie Andrews was singing about snowflakes like these in “My Favorite Things.” The giant flakes landed gently, clinging to their shape a few seconds before giving up and dissolving into a damp spot on the sidewalk.
Matt was smiling mischievously when he got in the car. He reached over and squeezed my hand before he pulled away from the curb.
“What are you so happy about?” I asked.
“A lot of things.”
“Would you care to share?”
“Well, first of all, I’m smiling because I have my favorite girl all to myself for the entire evening. And secondly, it looks like we’re going to be able to open Seattle on schedule.
“Congratulations,” I said.
“And I’m starving and we’re going to a delicious restaurant—great choice, by the way.”
“Is it? I’ve never eaten there, but after I read about their signature halibut dish, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”
“You can have the halibut, but I’m looking forward to the mushroom risotto. I’ve had that a couple of times and it might be the best vegetarian dish I’ve ever had. I’m glad you chose The Heathman.”
“Good. Then I am too.”
“And…” Matt smiled and looked at me sideways. “I have a surprise for you.”
“What kind of surprise?”
Matt laced his fingers through mine. “A good kind. And I think you’re going to like it.”
“Can you give me a hint?”
“I could. But I’m not going to. I’ll tell you at dinner.”
Matt was in great spirits. Any anger he’d felt about finding Chad and me working together the day before seemed to be gone. His face was relaxed and he smiled easily. His affection felt natural and unforced. I sighed happily and settled back into the heated, leather seat. The evening promised to be pleasant.
“Do you want to tell me what the surprise is?” I asked when we were seated at our table and dinner was ordered.
“All right. But first I have to tell you what happened today at the bookstore. Do you know who Bradley Oakmont is?”
I thought for a moment. “I don’t think so.”
“I didn’t either when he called, but after I talked to him, I looked him up. He’s the author of a series of children’s books called Super Nerds. He’s written about ten books where these nerdy kids with secret superpowers save the world. His books are best-sellers. He’s sold the rights to Disney so they can do a series based on his books.”
“Wow.”
“Anyway, his agent called me today and they’re lining up a spring book tour and they want to include a stop at The Pink Salamander.”
“That’s great. How does he know about The Pink Salamander?”
“He said he prefers to stop at independent bookstores instead of the big chains. He googled Portland bookstores and thought ours was the best option.”
“Matt, that’s fantastic.”
“This is where you and your surprise come in.” Matt’s enthusiasm was obvious. He shifted in his seat and leaned across the table toward me. “You’ve seen the Children’s Room at the bookstore, right?”
“Yes. It’s by the Women’s Fiction room upstairs.”
“Right. But it’s too small. Way too small. I want to move it. Right now we use the big sun porch in back for storage. It’s really a waste of a beautiful room.”
“I’ve never even seen it.”
Matt grinned. “You’re going to. I hope.” Matt looked hopefully into my eyes and I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s got windows on three sides but I want you to take a look at it and see if we can figure out a way to
get enough shelf space. And I want it to be really cheerful and fun and child-friendly. The room upstairs doesn’t have enough space for any seating or for a gathering larger than a few kids. It hardly has enough room for the books. The new room will be much better. Oh, and I want you to be the designer.”
Matt leaned back in his chair, a satisfied expression on his face.
“Really? All by myself?”
“Yes. Well, with me.”
“Of course. I’d love to.”
“I’ll pay you, just like I would a real designer.” He suddenly looked chagrined. “Sorry. You know what I mean.”
“And I don’t have to shadow another designer?” I was teasing him but he didn’t realize it.
“No. I saw last night that I made a big mistake not using your talents on the Seattle store. I’m humbly repentant.” His attempt at a humble face made me laugh. If there was anything Matt wasn’t good at presenting, it was a humble countenance. But he was trying and that stirred my heart.
Was this move more like Mr. Darcy inviting Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle fishing and to dinner? Or was this more like him saving Lydia from social ruin? Hmm. I’d have to think about that.
“Elizabeth?”
I think I’d missed some of what Matt had said. “Yes?”
“Will you forgive me and take on this job?”
“I’d love to.”
“I figured we could work Saturdays and evenings since you’ve used your vacation.” I looked closely but couldn’t see any trace of sarcasm or bitterness about my vacation. “It’ll be fun to work together.”
“My mind is already going crazy trying to come up with ideas,” I said.
Matt raised his glass. “There will be time for that. Right now, let’s just enjoy dinner. Here’s to working together to make the best Children’s Room Mr. Oakmont has ever seen.” I raised my glass and we shared a toast.
