by Larry Brown
Andy then opened the pouch in her purse and loaded the weapon. She then turned to the girls, “Young ladies it’s time for us to resume our day. First, ladies room, second lunch, third complete our shopping.” She then turned to Harmon, “We will let you know when we are ready to go back to Ocala.” She thanked the police and led the girls out of the room.
Chapter 46
Betty Matthews was ecstatic. They were two days into the implementation of Harry’s recommendations. Her employees’ attitudes had virtually changed overnight. Not that it had been bad, but now there were more smiles and enthusiasm than she had ever seen. They had only completed about a third of their list. She could hardly believe how insightful Harry had been. He not only had provided the detailed plan but he had shown her how to pay for all their changes.
It had become obvious to her he was a self-confident leader. He had joked about his age, but she saw no issues. His enthusiasm was that of a much younger man.
She decided to call him and invite him to dinner. “Harry, it’s Betty Matthews, do you have a minute to talk?”
“Betty, yes, for you, I will always have time. What can I do for you?”
“Harry, things are going so well here, I wanted to celebrate by inviting you to dinner. Plus, Harry, we have to discuss your fee.”
“Betty, please don’t worry about my fee, but, yes, I would love to have dinner and celebrate. When?”
“How is your schedule for tomorrow night?”
“It’s reserved for you. What time?”
“How about 6:30 at the Lighthouse? I have heard too much about your power in the kitchen, and I would not embarrass myself by trying to cook for you.”
“Betty, don’t be silly. I am easy to please. You would never have to be uncomfortable with me. Betty, if I make you feel uptight or uncomfortable, I apologize. I’m really a very down-to-earth guy.”
Betty was silent. She didn’t know what to say. Before she spoke, Harry started again, “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot, Betty. When you get to know me better, and Betty, I do hope we get to know each other better, you can relax and feel comfortable being with me. Betty, would you want me to pick you up?”
“Harry, that’s not necessary. I’ll just meet you there. And Harry, I’m not uncomfortable about being with you, and I too look forward to us knowing each other better.”
Harry showed up 15 minutes early and asked for a table for two. They asked if he had reservations? He told them to check under Blake or Matthews. They told him they had one for a Betty Matthews. He confirmed that was the one, but he would wait on her in the bar.
When Harry went into the bar, there was Clay Hardaway and a reasonably attractive woman having drinks. Harry walked straight to their table and spoke to Clay. He immediately introduced Harry to Vicki Noble. Clay invited Harry to join them, but he declined and said he was meeting Betty Matthews for dinner.
Clay said, “I heard you’d been helping Betty with her business, but I also heard you were through.”
“You heard correctly, we are just having a little celebration dinner.”
“Well, Betty is a lovely person to celebrate with.”
Harry excused himself and turned to go sit at the bar when Betty walked in. She looked great, dressed perfectly for the occasion. She was petite, with a perfectly proportioned body. All the men in the bar were giving her the once over. She gave Harry a big smile and then surprised him when she walked over, hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek.
She spoke first, “You want to stay here or go to our table?”
“Oh, the table’s fine with me,” Harry said as they left the bar. Harry looked back and saw Clay smiling at him and shaking his head approvingly.
When they were seated and had ordered drinks, Harry asked: “Did you see Clay in the bar?”
“I did, he’s with Vicki tonight. She is one of Hardaway’s Harem. That’s what they are called. Clay has four, I think, maybe five women who he beds on a regularly rotating basis.”
Harry asked, “Is this common knowledge and does everybody know about this and who they are?”
“Well, maybe not everybody, but I do know they all know each other on some level, and nobody seems to be bothered by the sharing. Their thought is, it satisfies a mutual need without having to make a commitment.”
“Betty, do you mind me asking how you know all this?”
“No, I don’t mind. I went to dinner with Clay a few times and we got along well, and then he offered me the opportunity to be one of his partners. I politely declined. Harry, I don’t mind dating more than one man at a time, but I will not have a serious relationship and see other people simultaneously.”
“Do you mind me asking, Betty? Have you had any serious relationships since you have been divorced?”
“Harry, no I don’t mind you asking. I’ve had one, and it was a serious mistake. I was lonely, and my judgment vanished for a while. Thank goodness I came to my senses.”
The waitress brought their drinks, and Harry offered a toast to her business success. After the toast, Betty asked, “Harry do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“Not at all, please ask.”
“Would you call your relationship with Andy serious?”
Harry didn’t hesitate, “Betty, I thought we were on the verge of being very serious. I was sure it was a mutual thing and then she showed up at my house one morning and said she was off to a new life in Florida. It sounded like a great opportunity for her, but it was just so sudden. I guess she knew what she wanted. I was not seeing or pursuing anyone else, and I did not think she was either. But at my age, it’s hard to be surprised.”
“Harry, do you miss her?”
“Yes, I have missed talking to her and doing things with her.”
“Harry would you agree that it is easier to be with someone than to be alone.”
“I think I would agree but not at the expense of being with the wrong person.”
“Boy, do I know that is true.”
She then changed the subject and started talking about the changes she had seen in her business. They finished their dinner, as the check came, Harry picked it up and pulled out his credit card.
“Oh, no Harry, this is my treat, and we haven’t even talked about your fee. This is my check.”
“Okay Betty, but let’s kill two birds with one stone. You pay the check, and that will cover my fee.”
“No, Harry, that’s not right.”
“Why Betty, I now consider you my friend. Friends don’t charge to help friends.”
“But Harry, we have just started to get to know each other.”
Harry leaned over to put his hand on hers and said, “Betty, I don’t want to pressure you, but from my perspective, I would like to get to know you better. I would like to spend more time with you.” He removed his hand and waited for her to respond.
She sat silently for a minute and looked Harry in the eye and said, “Harry, will you marry me?”
Harry was shocked, “What!”
Betty laughed, punched him in the arm, and said, “Just joking, Harry, just joking. Yes, you and I need to spend more time together and if I ever feel pressured, I will not hesitate to tell you. And Harry, you should do the same. Now I have to go home. I have another big day of change in the morning. What are you going to be doing now that you have solved my problems?”
“Unfortunately, I have to decorate for Christmas. I have a lot of family coming. Maggie always loved doing the decorating, and she was good at it. I hardly know where to start.”
“Oh good Lord, I love decorating even though I’m normally by myself, I decorate my little home. Harry, would you like for me to help you?”
“Really? Would you do that for me? I would truly appreciate your help and guidance in that department.”
“Absolutely, your home is so beautiful, I am excited already.”
“Betty, how about after work tomorrow. Bring some real casual, comfortable clothes, and I’ll cook a hamburger on t
he grill, and we can do this thing.”
“Harry, I can’t wait. This is going to be so fun!”
She gave Harry another kiss on the cheek and left.
Chapter 47
It was shortly after 4:00 pm the next afternoon, and it had started to rain hard. Harry’s dad had called this kind of rain a “frog choker.” He decided to call Betty, “Betty, it’s Harry.”
“Oh, Harry I was about to call you. I think I can get out of here in a few minutes, and, if it’s okay, I thought I would come out early.”
“Terrific, I called to tell you to honk your horn when you arrive, I will open a garage door, and you can park inside so you won’t drown getting to the house.”
“Harry, that is so thoughtful. Yes, I will do that, see you soon.”
“Betty, please be careful, it’s really coming down out here.”
“I will, I promise.”
A half-hour later Betty honked her horn and Harry raised the door and let her in. She came in carrying an overnight bag that contained her casual clothes. When she was inside, she put her bag down, walked over to Harry, hugged him, and said again, “Thank you, Harry, that was such a thoughtful thing to do.”
He led her back to his bedroom so she could change and took her drink order. She chose a beer. Harry left for the kitchen, and she changed out of her business attire into more appropriate clothing. When she arrived in the kitchen, she brought a huge smile to Harry’s face. She was wearing well-fitting blue jeans, a white oxford blouse with the top three buttons undone and tennis shoes. Harry had always had a thing about a woman in blue jeans and this woman only reinforced his feelings. She was a knockout.
“Are you going to be able to cook out with all this rain?”
“Not a problem, my grill is on the porch.”
“My goodness, Harry, are all these boxes and bags Christmas decorations?”
Harry had brought everything up from the downstairs storage but the big two-piece Christmas tree.
“Betty, we can be thankful, Maggie gave our kids about this much more when we moved here.”
“Wow, I would have had to stay a few days if this was doubled.”
Harry looked at her, smiled, and said, “Well, maybe we should have kept them.”
Betty didn’t respond, but she did smile.
“Betty, would you like to eat early or wait a while?”
“If it’s okay with you, I would like to wait. Right now I would like to go through these boxes and see what we have to work with.”
“No problem, but first let’s go downstairs and get the tree, it’s a two-person job.”
They spent the next hour and a half setting up the tree and removing the decorations from the storage boxes. They took a break and decided it was time to eat.
Harry took the burgers to the porch and Betty sliced tomatoes and onions; then put a pan of frozen sweet potato fries in the oven. When Harry came back inside, he said, “I’m afraid I have some bad news.”
“Oh no, did you burn our burgers?”
“No, the meat is fine but it is now sleeting, and I think the temp may be below freezing. I want to check the weather app on my phone.”
After a few taps, “Uh oh, this says it gets no better not only in the next hour or so but looks like this might last a couple of days.”
“Do you think I should leave while I can?”
“I think it’s already too late. I think you are trapped here.”
“Harry, you wouldn’t take advantage of me, would you?” she said batting her eyes and smiling.
“Be careful what you ask for, Ms. Matthews.”
That seemed to end that part of the conversation when Harry added, “Let’s eat, I’m starving.”
As they sat down to eat, they both had the same thought…what did that just mean?
After they finished their burgers and fries, Betty took over. She was in complete command. Two and half hours later the inside of the house was complete. The only thing not finished was the outside wreaths. Harry walked to the front door and turned the outside lights on and motioned for Betty to come and look outside. He guided her in front so she could get a good view. It was beautiful. It was a combination of sleet and snow falling hard. The driveway looked like a frozen pond. Harry put his hand on top of her shoulder. She glanced back and said, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I think you are going to be stuck with me tonight.”
Harry turned her toward him and said, “Good, how about a glass of wine.” He took her by the hand and led her to the sofa, then got the fire going. He got their wine and turned out all the lights except for the Christmas tree.
“Betty, the place looks great. You did a wonderful job.”
She turned to him, “We did it together Harry, now come sit beside me.”
“That I will do, but I was just your gopher.” It made her smile. Harry sat down beside her and made a toast, “To doing good things together.”
Betty said a silent prayer, “God, thank you for sending Andy to Florida.”
They finished their wine, and Harry asked if she wanted more, she declined. He then asked if she would like some music and again she said no. She said she would just like to enjoy the atmosphere and the quiet. Moments later they were both asleep.
Harry woke first. His watch said it was after 2:00 am. He eased off of the couch and went to his bedroom and got his big flannel robe which he never wore, a pair of his boxer shorts and a pullover long sleeve shirt. He turned down his bed, got an extra blanket and pillow, and went back to wake her.
She had been in a deep sleep; Harry led her back to his bedroom. He showed her the things he had laid out and told her to go back to sleep.
“Harry, where are you going? This is your bed; if anyone leaves, it should be me.”
“Betty, it’s late, don’t worry I’ll be fine.” And Harry left closing the bedroom door behind him. Walking through the house, extinguishing lights, he ended up back on his favorite spot. Harry loved his recliner, and he leaned back into its most horizontal position. With the pillow behind his head and covered with the blanket, he was asleep in a matter of minutes.
Harry thought he must be dreaming, he heard a bell ring. He opened one eye and saw that the morning light was starting to appear over the lake. Then he heard a bell ring again. It was his doorbell. He crawled out of his chair and saw Clay Hardaway standing at his front door wearing a fur cap and a heavy coat. Unlatching the door to let him in, he noticed the weather had changed little. It was still sleeting and snowing, and his lawn looked like a scene from Vermont and not South Carolina.
Clay came in apologizing, “I am sorry to wake you, but I knew you had a generator. Most of the county has no power. The roads are deplorable and as you can see, it hasn’t let up. The forecasters say even if it stops today, the temp is going to be too low to give us any relief on the roads. My team chained up our vehicles, and we have been trying to do what we can for emergency situations. It’s a mess. I thought I could count on you for some much-needed coffee ’cause there’s nothing open. And my friend, maybe even a little breakfast.” As he finished, he said, “But Harry, please put some pants on first.”
Harry got his pants and then thought about Betty, maybe, hopefully, she would sleep through Clay’s visit.
“Harry what did you do, go to sleep in your chair and not wake up?”
Harry held his hand up in the air trying to think of the best way to respond when Betty came walking into the kitchen wearing Harry’s flannel robe. “I thought I heard voices, but I didn’t see any vehicles in the driveway. Hello Clay and good morning Harry.” When she finished speaking, she smiled and stared at Harry for just a moment.
Clay couldn’t take his eyes off of Betty. “Betty Matthews, wow, you two sure know how to celebrate. What this starting the third day. Harry, you must have done one helluva consulting job.” Clay was laughing.
Before Betty could respond, Harry spoke, “No, no, Clay, it’s not what it looks like. Betty came out to help me with my Christmas
decorating, and the weather kept her from leaving. By the way, take a look at her work, she did a great job.”
Clay was still smiling and looking at Betty, “I’m sure Betty is good at everything she does. Did Harry bring you out here?”
Harry answered, “Her car is in the garage, Clay.” Harry was starting to get irritated and changed the subject to breakfast. Clay still staring at Betty told her why he was there, explaining at best it would probably be two more days before she could get out.
“Of course, I could take you out, and you could come back and get your car.”
Harry chimed in, “Clay, why would she want to go home to no power when she can stay here with all the comforts.”
Clay laughed, “You are so right, Harry. Let the celebration go on and on.” Then Clay added, “I got a crazy call from Andy last night. Listen to this, she and those two young girls went Christmas shopping in Tampa and with a bodyguard. The three of them were abducted by two men. They put them in a van and left the mall. I guess according to Andy they tasered the bodyguard, but they did not take Andy’s purse. Now, Betty, you may not know this but Andy always carries a .38 revolver with her. Anyway, Harry knows this, so she slips the gun out of her purse and makes them stop the van by threatening to shoot them. The girls escaped and later when they are with local police, the officer asks to see her weapon. She gives it to him, and he says, ‘I see you unloaded it.’ Now, Andy about faints because she unloaded it about a week ago and totally forgot. She was one lucky lady. Oh, by the way, Harry, she told me to tell you she misses you and wants to talk to you soon. And, I said to her I had just seen you at the Lighthouse.”
The conversation changed back to the winter storm as the three finished breakfast. Clay told Harry he was a life saver. He thanked him profusely, and his parting words were, “You two have fun and don’t get bored.”
Chapter 48
The two police officers left International Plaza headed back to their station and the junior officer said to the senior, “I think I know why you didn’t ask those women to come back to the station and look at mugshots.”
