“Yup.” I said with a smack of my lips. “I’ll even bet you on it.”
“Challenge my morals will you? Allison scoffed. “Fine you’re on. So what’s the bet?”
“Loser installs a shower massage in my apartment for while you are in California.” I offered simply.
“What?” Allison objected. “Why are you so certain that I will lose?”
“Just do.” I shrugged.
“Fine when I win you can …” Her voice trailed off.
“Thinking about already.” I laughed playfully. “Aren’t you sport?”
“No.” Allison lied. “I just can’t come up with anything right now. But I’ll let you know when I do.”
“Uh huh.” I laughed again.
“Hey.” She protested again.
“Allison.” I was enjoying this little game. “One of the reasons I think that I’ll win is because of that dream you had the other night.”
“It was just a dream.” Allison defended herself.
“No it wasn’t.”
“Of course it was.” Allison chuckled. “Not to burst your bubble or anything but you are certainly not the first woman I’ve had an erotic dream about.”
“It wasn’t a dream.” I stated simply as if I was telling her the time of day.
The car swerved briefly out of control after a few frightful moments Allison regained control of the vehicle. “What are you saying?” She demanded.
“It really happened.”
“No it didn’t.” She spit out.
“Yes it did.” I confirmed. “I woke up from a similar dream to find you on top of me and we were fondling each other.” I watched in amusement as her jaw hung open. “I know I should have stopped it sooner but it was gentle and it felt so …”
“right.” She concluded in embarrassment. “How far did things go?” She stammered.
“Let’s just say not as far as they could have.” I answered with a blush recalling the feel of her body moving against my own. “I ended up taking a very long and very cold shower.”
“No more sharing a bed.” She answered firmly. “I meant what I said about waiting Stephanie. I don’t want to ruin our friendship. Now let’s just change the subject.”
“Fine by me.” I agreed. “Nice weather we’re having.” She growled irritably at my observation. “Gotcha!” I thought triumphantly. I would abide by Allison’s wishes even though I silently prayed that she would not. I meant what I said I spent a lifetime looking for her and if I had to wait until April to be with her I would. “April! The gods certainly must be bored.”
As we entered the Chestnut Hill section of Newton I could not help but gasp at the sight of the grand houses that lined Commonwealth Avenue. “Do your parents know I’m coming?” I asked shyly as I watch one mansion after another pass by. “I called and told them I was bringing a friend.” Allison answered simply as she pulled into a long driveway. A large brick wall surrounded the exterior property. The house was enormous and yet beautiful. The best way to describe it was grand. “Oh my God!” I gasped in horror seeing the large white columns that adorned the front. “This is where you grew up?”
“Yes.” She responded plainly. “Why?”
“It’s … just so …” I fumbled. “Allison I grew up in a two bedroom apartment that is smaller than the apartment you live in now.” I explained helplessly.
“Oh.” She answered in an embarrassed tone. “Would it make you feel any better to know that up until just a few years ago the bank owned most of it?”
“No.” I answered with a laugh.
“It’s a hand me down.” She fumbled. “The roof leaks and the heating is shot. If it wasn’t for the fireplaces you would freeze at night.”
“Well in that case how could you bring me to such a dump.” I teased trying to ease the sudden tension between us. “Come on it’s cold out here. Will Nicole be here?”
“Sure she lives here.” Allison explained as she retrieved our bags.
“Good maybe she can teach me some new words in French.” I added trying to ease my nervousness about meeting her parents.
“Trust me Nicole is not the person you should learn any new words from.” Allison chuckled. “Not if you ever want to be able to have a conversation in public that is.”
“Oh yeah.” I snorted. “And you have such a pure mouth, Harvard.”
“What?” She protested as we made our way up the walkway.
“Are you forgetting what you said to me on your birthday.” I pointed out.
“Huh?” Allison thought for a brief moment. “Oh, that. I thought you might be hungry.” Allison shrugged as we stepped up onto the expansive front porch.
As I looked at the massive oak door adorned with brass I felt down right shabby. I checked my wool coat and faded blue jeans. I should have changed before leaving Haven I noted. Perhaps I should just enter through the back like the rest of the help. Allison slung our bags onto her broad shoulders and placed one hand on the small of my back and swung the door open with the other. She ushered me quickly. “Come on it’s cold out here.” She flashed me a reassuring smile as she whisked me in the house.
As we entered the marble laden foyer we were greeted by frail looking woman. “Matilda.” Allison greeted her with a hug that seemed to engulf the tiny woman. “Why on earth are you working today?” Allison questioned her as she stepped back. “She has a maid? This is going down hill mighty quick!”
“Allison.” Matilda patted her arm gently. “Are you getting taller?” Matilda smiled brightly at Allison. “No.” Allison laughed. “Perhaps you are getting smaller.” Allison teased. “So why are you working on the day before Thanksgiving? I would have thought you would be cooking up a storm for all of those adorable Grandchildren of yours.”
“I will be just as soon as I finish up here.” Matilda asserted. “This is a busy time of year for my company.” Matilda pointed out.
“Why not have your staff do this?” Allison pushed with genuine concern. “What is the point of owning your own business if you still do all of the work?”
“Kids they all want to go home and be with their families.” Matilda sighed. “What can I say? Family is important.”
“You work too hard.” Allison chastised her.
“You sound like my husband.” Matilda shook a disapproving finger at her. “And don’t take that tone with me Miss. you aren’t so big that I can’t still take you over my knee.” Matilda warned her for brief moment I thought I saw a hint of fear in Allison’s eyes. “Besides no one but me cleans this house for the holidays. Especially with you bringing home a new lady. Now how could I trust someone else with that?”
“She’s not …” Allison started to protest.
“Now where are your manners?” Matilda scolded her. “Doux bebe’ introduce me to your new friend.”
“Dr. Stephanie Grant this is Matilda Thornsby.” Allison offered obediently.
When Matilda took my hand in both of hers I was shocked. She appeared to be so fragile but her grip was like iron, she almost crushed my fingers. “A pleasure to meet you Mrs. Thornsby.” I said respectfully remembering my Connecticut upbringing.
“Such a sweet angel.” Matilda said softly to Allison as she released my hand and patted me gently on the cheek. I looked into those dark brown eyes and found nothing but a sense of loving acceptance. “Tell me Dr. Grant.” Matilda proceeded in a professional manner. “Do you have a house that is just too big for you to clean on your own?” There was something in her manner that made want to tell her ‘yes’ simply to please her.
“She has an apartment.” Allison said quickly to save me.
“We do apartments.” Matilda pointed out.
“It is all the way up in Haven.” I explained.
“I see.” She said casting a knowing glance at Allison. “I will give you my card then. I know what a slob this one is.” As if by magic her business card appeared and was placed in my hand.