On the other side of the door, Mary Elizabeth stood looking around blankly. What happened? She remembered being angry and arguing with Hugh, something she rarely did with anyone. Then he'd kissed her. Actually, it was more than a kiss. It was a claiming, like something out of a romance novel.
Before her mind could wrap around the fact that this was taciturn Hugh kissing her, he'd literally shoved her out of the door and slammed it in her face. He'd said something at the time. She caught an apology but not much else. His words ran together, not making any sense. She leaned against the door with her lips tingling and her body throbbing. Why had he stopped? Things were just getting interesting.
Climbing the stairs on legs that shook, she told herself to be grateful that he'd come to his senses when he had. Hugh was a complication she didn't need in her life right now. It didn't matter how intense the attraction was between them, or how much she enjoyed arguing with him. The man was her landlord. Nothing good could come of it. Yes, it was a good thing he'd stopped when he did. Now if she could only convince her body.
The rest of the week passed quickly. Mary Elizabeth avoided Hugh, only going into the diner in the mornings when she knew he wouldn't be there. She smiled as she remembered her conversation with Anne that next morning.
"I gave those brownies to the customers and they were a big hit. You should make more and sell them in the diner. It'd be a nice little side income for you. The guys are already asking for them. Good thing I didn't tell them who made them or they'd be knocking on your door, day and night, begging you to make extra."
"I like baking, but it's just a hobby of mine; something I do to relax. I'm not interested in turning it into a business venture."
"You should really think about it. If the rest of the stuff you make is good as those brownies must have been, you could make a killing."
Mary Elizabeth just laughed it off and there was nothing Anne could say to convince her otherwise.
On Tuesday, Mary Elizabeth shopped for an outfit for Friday's party. Since she was shopping, she purchased a lot of new outfits in colors and styles that flattered her full-figure. She thought about what Kiesha said and realized that this was the perfect time to create her new look. She also had her hair cut and styled. It now fell in a silky waterfall to her shoulders in a style that suited her heart-shaped face. The perfect outfit in hand, she was ready for Friday.
On Wednesday, she walked to the store to see how things were progressing and met Shannon. They immediately clicked. She had no doubt that they were going to be great friends.
Finally, Friday arrived and it was time to prepare for the party. She dressed carefully, paying particular attention to her makeup. Finished, she took one final look in the mirror. Completely satisfied with her appearance, she picked up her things and headed for the door. Kiesha hadn't asked her to bring anything but her mother taught her to bring a gift for the host, especially if this was your first visiting their home.
Her hand was on the doorknob when the phone rang. She groaned. Not Kiesha again. She'd swear that woman was more nervous about tonight than she was. “Yes, ma'am?"
"Miss me, darling? I've missed you."
Damn, I mean darn! I have got to get caller I.D. “How are you, Charles?” She forced herself to be polite.
"You didn't answer my question. Do you miss me? Aren't you lonely, ready to come back home?"
"Charles, I spoke to you yesterday, and the day before that. In fact, you call every day, and I tell you the same thing. This is my home now. We've discussed this before and I'll tell you the same thing I told mother when she asked. I like it here.” She tried not to sigh with impatience.
"She doesn't understand this foolishness any more than I do. Your mother and I spoke today and I explained to her about us. She understands and has given her approval."
"You did what? What is wrong with you? Why did you do that? You know how mother is. Please, get this through your head. There is no us, and hasn't been for a long, long time. You were married, remember? You got married and I moved on. We're friends, Charles. That's it. That's all it will ever be. Now, you go back and tell her the truth!"
"Darling, I'm so sorry I upset you by telling your mother about us before you were ready for her to know. You're right. I should have waited, but your parents need to know that your sister tricked me. That conniving bitch, she hid her true personality from all of us."
"That ‘conniving bitch’ was my twin, and for seven years you were happily married to her."
"She made a fool of me. You would never have done that. You loved me."
"That's right, Charles. Loved, as in past tense. Look, I know you're hurting and your ego is bruised. I'm sorry, but this is the way it is. You made your choice a long time ago and I'm content with it. You're my brother-in-law. We're family, and that's all we'll ever be. Now, I have to go. You caught me on my way out the door. Goodbye, Charles.” She placed the receiver back in its cradle and stood there for a moment, just staring at it, her mind elsewhere. It immediately started ringing again, but she ignored it. She knew grief did strange things to people, but Charles had some serious issues he needed to deal with. Not your problem, she told herself and walked out the door.
Kiesha lived up the mountain in an area known as Raven's Peak. She drove slowly and followed the directions carefully. The road was dark and heavily forested. A half an hour later, she was in front of Kiesha's house, looking for a place to park her truck. The front yard was huge and packed with the vehicles. She climbed out of the truck, tugged her skirt back into place, reached inside and grabbed her things before approaching the house.
When the door opened, she exclaimed, “Wow, what a great house. Looks like it belongs in one of those designer home magazines labeled as the perfect mountain retreat.” She handed Kiesha the homemade chocolate cake she'd brought as a gift.
"I know,” she laughed, “Isn't it great. Alex had it built. It's a toss-up as to which I love more, the house or the man?"
"Hey! I heard that. There's no doubt about it woman. It's me you love, then the house.” He spoke confidently as he extended his hand to Mary Elizabeth in welcome. “There's something I've been dying to know. Does everyone call you Mary Elizabeth? No one's ever given you a nickname or tried to shorten your name, maybe to just one of them?"
"And ruin a fine southern tradition?” She sounded properly horrified. Seeing the uncomfortable look on his face, she burst out laughing. Kiesha joined in. “Sorry Alex. I couldn't resist. Actually, people have tried, but nothing seemed to stick. My mother was a stickler for propriety. She corrected anyone that tried to shorten my name, until people quit trying. I'm used to it now."
"Come on, let's put this cake in the kitchen and then I'll introduce you to our guests. By the way, you look great. Love your hair,” Kiesha told her.
Mary Elizabeth looked around as Kiesha led the way to the kitchen. The living room was dominated by a massive fireplace on one side and a staircase leading to an upper level on the other. The ceiling in the living room was vaulted, directing one's attention to the skylights in the roof. Someone wrapped Christmas lights around the stair rail, giving the room a festive glow. The house was packed. There were people everywhere, on the stairs and the landing above, as well as scattered throughout the living room.