18

 

"I have a little errand to do.  You girls go on without me for a bit.  Okay?"  Annabeth, wearing a new outfit acquired that morning, grasped her portfolio in her hand.  "Just tell me where to meet you for lunch."

She had to stay calm.  She could do this.  If he hated the stuff, hated her, so what.  He was just some stranger, and she couldn't let him matter that much.  She knew the work was good; that was what mattered most.  Annabeth repeated these thoughts over and over to herself as she walked through the streets of New Orleans toward the gallery.  Sally and Laurel were shopping together in Saks.  Maybe with Laurel's discount they could get by without her spending every cent she'd saved so carefully for months and months.  And maybe….

"Excuse me," said Annabeth to the smiling salesgirl, "I'm looking for Mr. Paris Landry."

It was but a moment before she was face to face with the man who had so intimidated her over the telephone not so very long ago.  "Yes?" he said politely.

Annabeth handed him her portfolio.  "I'd like to show you my work if you have a minute.  I'm in town only a few days."  She held her gaze steady, meeting the critical look he gave her.

He was an attractive man, effeminate looking, with chiseled features and thick hair which was elegantly cut.  His tailored suit looked as though it had been made to measure, so perfectly did it hang on his frame.  He squinted toward her for a moment, but when she didn't back down, Landry reached for Annabeth's portfolio, unzipped it and started turning the pages, at first rather speedily, but as he saw the contents he slowed down until it seemed that he was taking overlong to scrutinize each photograph.  "Nice," he murmured now and then, "Charming," with greater enthusiasm, then when he got to the pages in the middle with the magazine spread, he shook his head, "I saw this layout.  It's lovely.  Wonderful, really."  He turned then toward the photos of the table and armoire in Annabeth's attic and stopped for a long while.  "These!" he exclaimed, "I have to have these.  Are they still available?"

Annabeth fought the urge to exclaim really, then said calmly, "They're personal pieces.  I hadn't really thought of selling them.  They're in Gull's Perch."

Landry's eyes lit up.  "I know at least two people who'd be interested in these right away.  And other pieces of furniture as well.  Like this…."  He flipped back to Laurel's apartment and pointed to a table and the window seat.  "Talk to me," he said, "Um, I don't even know your name.  I'm sorry."

"Annabeth Welner."

Landry reached out and shook her hand.  "Wonderful to meet you.  You will sell the table and armoire, won't you?"

Annabeth nodded slowly.  She could always make more.

"How much did you think of asking?  This is a wonderful gallery.  We buy outright, don't take things on consignment.  Much better for our artists."

Annabeth thought for a while.  What were they worth?  Those things cost probably fifty bucks twenty years ago.  She was about to say two hundred each when she thought clearly.  Two hundred was nothing.  And she didn't even really want to sell them.  Taking a deep breath, Annabeth said, "Twenty-five hundred each," and as Landry's eyes lit up, she added, "Plus transportation." 

He nodded at her with respect and offered his hand.  "Probably easier if I arrange shipping."

"Yes, much."

"You know, I like these too."  He pointed to a collection of boxes with sliding lids--cigar boxes she'd reclaimed from the tobacco shop and painted.  "I'd take a dozen.  Say thirty each?"

"Okay, sure, but I can't get them to you right away.  Probably not until the end of February or the middle of March."

"No problem.  But I can have the two big pieces this week?"

Annabeth nodded then carefully spoke, "I'd need a deposit, though.  I'm seeing people at another gallery this weekend."

"I'm glad you came to us first."  Landry offered his hand one more time.  "In a year I could sell probably ten big pieces--tables, armoires, cabinets.  When do you think you might have more like that?"

"I'm not sure.  I'd have to find the piece first."

"Call me anytime.  You can always fax in a photo and we can decide on the spot."

Annabeth smiled.  "That's just great.  Thanks so much."

"Let me get you a check and a letter of agreement."

Annabeth sailed along, a check for over two thousand dollars in her purse.  Easy!  It had been easy!  She bowled him over!  Smiling to herself and chuckling from time to time, she walked toward the restaurant, stopping first at a fancy lingerie store. Atlanta.  She blushed for a moment, thinking of Doug and their upcoming trip.  Selecting a few items that seemed incredibly expensive, Annabeth walked into a luxurious dressing room and stripped.  First she tried a long blue nightgown, with the tiniest straps and a flair at the bottom.  It was perfect.  The matching robe was sheer floral, trimmed in the blue silk.  She selected another nightgown, a short poet's shirt type with a billowy lace ruffle along the plunging neckline.  In place of the no nonsense spandex bras she'd worn for years, Annabeth chose several lace designer bras with matching panties.  So beautiful.  So wicked!  She paid for her purchases, then swiftly moved toward the restaurant, her parcels in her hand.

"I sold that old armoire and dining table in the attic for five thousand dollars." she exclaimed to the girls as she took her seat at the table between them.

"Wow!" they said in unison.

They ordered simple lunches and sat talking in a relaxed way.

"I think I found the dress I want.  It's," and here Sally lowered her voice to reveal the price the way people do when they mention deadly illnesses.

"If only we still had gowns and I could get a discount," added Laurel.

"We'll get it right after we eat."  The waitress arrived then and set the food in front of them.  Annabeth, who had ordered lobster bisque and a salad, was given something she couldn't recognize.  "What's this?" she asked.

"Back bean soup," answered the server.

It looked delicious and Annabeth was about to shrug and try it, but she paused for a moment and realized she'd been shrugging off other people's mistakes all her life.  "I ordered lobster bisque."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," said the waitress, who removed the soup and returned immediately with the right order.

The time passed quickly, and Annabeth enjoyed the shopping spree with her daughters.  Each time the thought of money would intrude, Annabeth reminded herself that although she seemed to be spending a lot, she'd really made a profit on the trip because of the sale of the furniture. 

True to his word, Landry's truckers picked up the table and the armoire the day after Annabeth returned home, and they gave her a check for the balance of the sale.  She didn't have time to be sad or nostalgic at the loss of her treasures because the following day she and Doug were leaving for Atlanta.

"I thought you'd probably had enough of day-long car trips for a while, so I got plane tickets, if that's all right with you?" Doug asked.  "That way you can visit the gallery today, so you don't have to dread it."

"You're so thoughtful.  But you should let me pay you for the plane ticket.  After all, that's expensive.  And the trip is for me."

"Don't even think about it."

"Atlanta is huge!" she exclaimed as Doug took her on a tour in their rental car.  They drove through the inner city first, then headed out toward the fashionable Buckhead section where Doug had booked a suite at a pleasant hotel.

When they entered the room and looked around, Doug asked quizzically, "Should I have gotten two rooms instead of a suite?  That's a sofa bed in there." His voice lowered shyly, causing Annabeth to look at him with affection.

She walked closer to him, laughed briefly, then slapped his backside, causing him to laugh too.

"Woman!  Control yourself!  We have business to do."

She hugged him then and said, "Oh Doug, thank you for everything."

He hugged her back tightly, then led her out to the car.  He dropped her in front of the gallery, then motioned toward one of the many outdoor cafes in Buckhead.  "I'll be waiting at the bar."  Annabeth nodded, then her head high, she walked into the gallery, and received the same positive reception as in New Orleans. 

After leaving the gallery, she resolved to buy some big old bookcases and dressers and paint them.  She could have sold those big pieces again if they weren't already sold, and for just as much money. And now she had more orders for some small things. Annabeth couldn't wait to tell Doug.  She glanced into the restaurant first, but of course, he'd said he'd be at the bar.

"Oh!" she exclaimed under her breath, pressing her hand to her throat.  Doug sat at the bar, talking animatedly to a woman whose hand lay on his arm.  They were leaning in toward each other, smiling and sharing an obviously tender moment.  Annabeth's stomach clenched as she stood there watching Doug.  A million thoughts of R.J. rose up in her mind and her head began to throb.  This was supposed to be different.  She wouldn't go through that again, not ever.  She turned to walk away, her mind a jumble, tears forming in her eyes.

Annabeth paced rapidly, covering several blocks as she tried to gather her thoughts.  She remembered R.J. and the teddy, R.J. and Linna, R.J. and countless others of whom she'd been blissfully unaware.  She thought of George.  But wait, this was Doug.  He was her best friend.  Going to be her lover.  Her….  She shook her head, breathing in the cold January air and pulling her too-thin coat tightly around her.  It wasn't just sex any more was it?  She was in love with him, really in love.  Maybe for the first time in her life. He wasn't R.J..  He deserved a chance to explain, so Annabeth walked back to the restaurant and into the bar.  Doug still sat with the woman, but when she walked in this time he spotted her, stood up, reached down and kissed his companion, then walked toward Annabeth. 

Once they were seated at a table, Doug squeezed her hand.  "That was Sandra.  I never told you about her."

Biting her lip and looking into his eyes, Annabeth shook her head.  "No, you didn't."

He looked her straight in the eyes and said, "I had an affair with her.  When I was married to Robin."

The knots in Annabeth's stomach tightened as she listened to Doug talk.

"We worked together.  I knew her for more than a year before anything happened."  Doug saw the concern in Annabeth's eyes, and he continued, as honestly as he could.  "Robin never found out."

Annabeth shook her head.  "I don't think…."

"Not that that makes it all right.  I was never anyone special all my life.  Nothing with women compared to my dad and brother.  A pretty smart guy, nothing special, just ordinary.  Had this wife who ignored me most of the time and I figured I deserved it.  I was a dull guy.  Boring really, not much to look at, nothing special."

"You're nothing like that at all."

"That's what Sandra said.  We talked for hours.  She thought I was interesting.  And helpful and sensitive.  Considerate."

"You are all those things."

"Robin never thought so.  Never acted like that.  So anyway, one thing led to another.  We didn't mean for it to happen."  Taking a gulp of air, he continued, "And it was wonderful.  I got tenderness and praise.  Not just great sex but, um…recognition.  In her eyes I was a great guy.  So I began to see that I wasn't so bad.  Stopped comparing myself to Dad and Grady.  Became me."

Annabeth listened intently as Doug continued.  "I didn't want to leave Robin, though, or the kids.  They were still in high school.  Sandra helped me actually.  Said go to Robin, talk to her, try to work it out.  So I did.  Told her how I felt, what I needed, what I wanted.  And we tried.  Sandra left the firm, met a guy, married him."

"And you left Robin later?"

Doug laughed.  "She left me.  Met a doctor.  I couldn't compete with that.  Actually it was kind of a relief.  We never did make it work.  Then Dad called and I went back home."

Annabeth took a breath, then reached out her hand to Doug, covering his with her own.  "I understand, Doug, I really do.  I just think maybe we shouldn't sleep together on this trip.  I need some time to think about this.  It's not that I'm judging you or thinking badly of you.  I'd just like to wait a bit.  Is that all right?"

"I guess you are cured," he said glumly, then "Sure it's all right.  I understand.  I'm not going anywhere.  I have all the time in the world to wait for you.  I know you're worth waiting for."

She sighed then and squeezed his hand, wishing she could relent and go back to that nice hotel room with him, but knowing that she had to be sure of him and herself before beginning anything new.

In every odd moment after returning from Atlanta, Annabeth thought about Doug, trying to make sense of the infidelity.  His wife sounded awful, not loving at all, but maybe R.J. described her that way.  What if they were together and something went wrong.  Would he do it again?  Would she be hurt?  Realizing that this was the first time she'd ever stopped to consider the consequences of her actions before doing something, Annabeth was impressed with herself.  It was also the first time she'd ever thought about her own needs or safety.  It felt right at last. 

Where before she was in the habit of talking to Doug every day, or every other day, nearly a week had passed with no contact.  She knew that he was giving her the space she needed and Annabeth was grateful.  When she wasn't trying to make sense of her relationship with Doug and the future they might have together, Annabeth worked with Sally on the details of the wedding.  One afternoon, Sally appeared at the door with Maggie, who carried a suit bag.

"I thought we should coordinate our clothes, and since my gown and Laurel's dress and your suit are here, I dragged Maggie over."

Annabeth looked at her old friend who was the picture of discomfort, and she smiled, trying to set Maggie at ease.  "Come on in.  Let's go upstairs and look at all the clothes why don't we.  Want something hot to drink?"

Annabeth and Maggie followed Sally who bounded up the stairs to her old room, where the wedding apparel hung, safely stored in garment bags in the now mostly-empty closet.

"Here it is," enthused Sally, holding up her gown for Maggie to admire.

"Oh," said Maggie, "Beautiful, just beautiful.  Oh try it on."

Sally slipped out of her jeans and sweater and into the gown, turning to Annabeth to do up the back.

"Beautiful," enthused Maggie and Annabeth simultaneously.

"And this is Laurel's dress.  She refused to wear a long gown, just this simple cocktail dress.  We think it's fine though, don't you?"  Laurel had chosen a seafoam blue dress of soft chiffon with a draped neckline and a swirling skirt.

Maggie nodded.  "Mine is blue too."  She opened her garment bag and removed a cobalt blue suit with a white lace blouse.

"Mom's suit is blue too," mentioned Sally.  We'll all match.  Except me."

"What?" said Maggie.

Sally removed the suit which Annabeth had bought.  It was a midnight blue velvet double-breasted suit with a slim skirt and satin collar and cuffs.  "Elegant, don't you think?"

Annabeth watched as Maggie's face fell.  "It's too much like mine.  We'll look like twins.  And mine was on sale.  I can't take it back."

Annabeth thought for a moment about her black velvet New Year's dress which would do just as well for the wedding.  Then she spoke up, "Mine came from New Orleans and I can't take it back either.  We'll just have to make do.  They're not the same at all."

"We shouldn't be in the same color," insisted Maggie.

Annabeth shrugged.

"I think it will all be fine," insisted Sally.

Maggie gathered up her dress, stormed down the stairs and out the door.

"Um, Mom," said Sally.

"Yes?"

"I drove her here.  I better go after her.  Don't worry.  I'll talk to her."

Annabeth laughed.  "Go on then, before she freezes and turns blue."  Pleased with herself yet again, she followed Sally down the stairs and walked back into the kitchen.  This not taking crap from people was getting to be a habit--a good habit.  She was tough!  She sat for a while at the table, doing very little, thinking now and then and occasionally laughing about Maggie and the look of outrage on her face when she didn't get her way.  Would Maggie have been her friend all these years if she hadn't always given in?  Briefly Annabeth hoped Maggie wasn't too mad at her, then, realizing it was a ridiculous thought in light of all that had happened,  she dissolved into peals of laughter, alone at her kitchen table.

When the phone rang, Annabeth half expected it to be Sally begging her to give in and save peace at the wedding, but instead it was Becky.

"I've found him!" she began with her usual intensity and enthusiasm.

"Found who?"

"Your future husband.  Well, Shep found him.  I told you he'd know someone perfect for you and I was right.  Dinner tomorrow night.  Actually he thinks it's a business dinner.  Shep didn't want to scare him off with talk of a date."

"Oh, Becky, I don't know.  There is someone already, but I'm trying to…"

Becky interrupted with insistence.  "Look you don't have to marry him tomorrow.  Just come to dinner.  I won't take no."

"Okay.  Just don't expect too much.  There's someone already I told you.  And Becky?"

"Yes?"

"I sent in some sketches to those calendar people."

"Good for you!  Tell me all about it tomorrow."

At least she wasn't nervous at all about meeting someone new.  Annabeth walked to Becky's door the next evening.  She'd dressed casually in a shirtwaist dress that was one of her new outfits and was carrying a home made cake.

"Wow!" said Becky as she opened the door, "You look wonderful.  And so does that."  Becky reached out and hugged Annabeth, then led her into the living room where Shep sat in his usual chair.  He rose and greeted Annabeth warmly, then showed her to a seat on the couch while Becky perched on the arm.

"Now I want you to have an open mind," insisted Becky.  "This is one great guy, right Shep?"  Her husband nodded.  "We haven't known him all that long, but only because he hasn't been in town that long.  He's perfect for you, I'm sure." 

Once again Shep nodded.  "Matchmaker, matchmaker," he taunted his wife, who flapped her hand at him in mock exasperation.

"He's solid and reliable, right hon?"  Shep nodded at each question put to him by his wife.  "Decent, honest, a good man.  Right?"

"Baseball fan," added Shep who couldn't understand why the two women looked puzzled at this bit of information rather than pleased.

"Just don't get upset with me that I'm not really interested.  There's someone else, I told you, and I'm pretty sure that…"  Before she could complete the thought, the bell rang and Becky went to answer the door.  She returned in an instant, Doug Hawkins behind her.

Shep stood and reached his hand toward Doug, who in surprise said, "Annabeth!  I wondered why your car was here."

"Doug," she said, smiling, and walked into his arms for a hug.

"You two know each other," said Shep and Becky at once.

"It was a nice evening, wasn't it," said Doug as he and Annabeth entered her house after the dinner was over.

"Yes, wonderful.  I'm so glad I met Becky.  And Shep is a great guy."

"Yes they're a nice couple, and determined to fix you up," said Doug, scrutinizing Annabeth carefully.

She blushed.  "I only went because Becky insisted.  I told her there was someone else, that I was deciding…"

Doug waited silently, wondering if she would go on.  He saw the hesitation in her eyes, the fear, the insecurity, and he said, "Oh, I see.  You still need time."

"Deciding," she said, "That I love you." 

He wrapped his arms around her then and said, "Oh!  I love you too.  And I always will."

Hugging Doug as tightly as she could for a moment, Annabeth moved from his arms briefly, chained the front door shut and reached her hand to him.

In an instant they were upstairs in her bedroom, standing at the foot of the bed, embracing tenderly, kissing slowly, holding each other with the promise of a love that would last a lifetime.  His lips on hers were so soft, so gentle, yet so taunting, and Annabeth felt her head start to swirl.  Pressing her hands against Doug's shoulders, she pushed him down to the bed, where he sat looking at her with love in his eyes.  She stood closely, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, pressing his head to her chest, holding him to her heart, where he would stay forever.

"Oh," she sighed sweetly, "Oh."

His eyes flooded with tenderness, Doug pulled her even more tightly to him, moving his face gently against her breast and kissing her through the fabric of her bodice.

Annabeth, grown bold in love, stepped back half a pace, and slowly unbuttoned the dress, revealing the sheer lace bra she wore beneath it, then she shrugged her shoulders and the dress fell at her feet.  She gazed first into Doug's eyes and then blushed briefly, looking down and away from him in sudden shyness.  He reached to pull her close, wanting to kiss her again, and she knew that he would want to kiss her every moment of the rest of his life, but first she knelt down in front of him, and wrapped her arms around him. 

Her hands slid up his back, and she leaned in, kissing his neck, losing herself again and again in the taste of his skin. Her hands, alive with the sensation of a man, his strength, his skin, searched along his back, riding up and down the angles and curves, tugged at his shirt and slid beneath it.  She sighed when she was calm enough, gasped otherwise, having waited so long, yearned so long.  Sliding her hands outside the shirt toward his chest, Annabeth slowly unbuttoned it, one button at a time, kissing the skin that was revealed as the shirt opened.

Doug, his breath grown raspy, reached down and pulled her up to him, kissing her, this time with greater urgency, his lips grazing across her own in soft kisses, hard kisses, tiny nibbles, and sweet sucking motions.  He reached down then, and kissed her neck, as she had done to him, causing her to moan with pleasure.  His hands, knowing and sure, yet slow and sensual, explored her soft skin.  With a smile and a confident twist of strong fingers, Doug broke the band on her pantyhose and tore them off her body.

"Oh, my!" she exclaimed, her heart pounding. 

He stood then, and pressed Annabeth's back tightly to his front, his hands gently roaming over the front of her body.

"Oh, my!" she said again, this time almost unable to speak.  She pressed herself against his body, feeling him hard and strong against her.  Wanting nothing between them, she twisted swiftly in his arms, reaching for his belt and the waistband of his slacks, which she undid as he watched, his hands stroking her hair.  Feeling impatient, Annabeth tugged at the slacks, but they wouldn't move.  "Oh!" she said in frustration, until his hand guided hers to the zipper which she lowered smoothly and watched as slacks and boxers dropped to the floor. 

Doug stepped smoothly out of them, and stood quietly for a moment, letting her look at him.  Then he reached for her once more and removed the lace bra and panties.  Together they fell onto the bed, kissing for a long time, losing themselves in each other, already knowing that they could flow out of themselves and into each other, that even in a kiss they could merge as one.  Uncounted moments passed, yet still they kissed, urgent in their passion, but unhurried to complete it.  Doug lifted his lips from Annabeth's for a bit and lay back against the pillow, looking at her, letting his fingers graze over all the sensitive places on her body, watching as her head twisted on her neck, her desire almost unbearable.

She sighed, and moaned, and sighed, and moaned, wondering would she survive, would she still be able to draw breath should he continue touching her like that.  If he doesn't stop I'll die.  I could die…I would die…it would be worth it….

Doug smiled, watching Annabeth, and then slid closer and began doing with his mouth all the things he'd done with his fingers.  "So beautiful, so soft, you woman, oh you woman."  He pressed her so tightly to him, and hearing her moan in pleasure, he pressed her more tightly yet.

"Now, now," she whispered, unable to speak properly, "Now."  She wanted him desperately, had wanted him so long already, had waited so long.

"Not yet," he said, and flipped her to her stomach.  First he lay still on top of her, feeling her pressing up toward him, feeling the need and yearning she didn't trouble to hide.  Then he slid down slowly, kissing her back in a thousand places, dragging his tongue along her backbone, teasing her with his lips.

"Oh!" she said, her vocabulary reduced to one syllable, "Oh!"  Just as she had so many times with him before, Annabeth struggled to gain control of her passions, and when she had done so, she twisted away and onto her side, pressing Doug flat against the bed.  "I want to kiss you too," she said, taking a hasty, irregular breath between each word.

First she slid her cheek along his chest, then turning her face slightly, she began kissing him, exploring all the places that interested her, listening as his breathing became ragged, feeling his heart pounding against his chest.  Every night and every morning.  She would want him.  Every day and every year. Her hands, both of them, working together like soft swans on an unruffled lake, explored, and she was filled with the yearning to keep touching, stroking, squeezing, until the memory of all those secret male places that had so long been denied her had once again been etched deeply in her consciousness.

She knew he could stand no more, yet wanting to continue forever, Doug struggled to control himself, and when the moment was right he was once more on top, his mouth on Annabeth's, their bodies intertwined and merging in a holy fire of passion and transcendence.  They moved together seamlessly, dancers perfectly matched, changing position now and then, slowing their motions and speeding them up again, then changing again until their every desire was satisfied. 

Her eyes tightly closed, Annabeth felt herself rolling on a wave, lost control and gave herself over to it, the intensity so great she feared for a moment it would never stop, that she would never again be the mistress of her own body.  She clung to Doug then, clung tightly, sensing that he was all there was left on earth, only Doug and herself there together in her bed, there joined forever, lost in the rising and falling waves together.  Feeling Annabeth begin to quicken beneath him, feeling her quiver around him, Doug let go his restraint and moved to please himself, pleasing her as well, and together they ground along, heated, intense, yet tender, and soon the release they sought arrived, each clutching the other tightly, rocking softly, wanting not to let down, afraid to push too hard, both fragile and spent.

They lay for a long time, bodies molded together, each panting and trying to breathe.  Eventually Doug rolled onto his back then pulled Annabeth to him, cradling her head on his shoulder.  His arm held her firmly and she felt safe and warm.  Her hand reached up and lay tenderly against his cheek for a moment until he enfolded it in his, kissing her fingers briefly, then holding her hand tightly to his chest.

At the same moment they said, "I love you."  Then they smiled into each other's eyes.

"You're so beautiful," he said simply, with devotion.  "Everything I've ever wanted.  And more."

"What you do to me.  I thought I was going to die.  Oh Doug.  I almost fainted."

He kissed her forehead.

A tear formed in her eye, then rolled down Annabeth's cheek.  "This is the first time you know."  He waited for her to complete the thought.  "The first time I've ever really been in love."  She relaxed then against his shoulder and stroked his chest.

Doug laughed for a moment then said, "I thought you were going to say it was the first time you had great sex."

She nodded, "Yes, and the first time I ever really made love." 

19

 

Annabeth sat across from Herb Midwood in his office.  "You were right," he said.  "Look at this."  Herb handed Annabeth a manila folder, which she opened.  Inside were copies of loan papers, tax documents, and many photographs of R.J.'s vending machines, some containing shots of R.J. himself.

"You followed him?"

Midwood laughed.  "I am a detective!  Now, according to this, your mother-in-law claimed to be a partner in your husband's vending machine business."

"Yes, she loaned him the money for his first machines and I guess he still gives her a certain percentage now."

"So I got copies of her taxes with the loan form she filed when she borrowed money a few years back--house needed repair or something.  Apparently she filed taxes claiming the business makes a great deal more than it does according to your husband's financial statement.  And these pictures tend to back up her version, not his."

"So we've been filing fraudulent income taxes for years?  I could get in trouble?"

"It's not impossible, but since you had no knowledge of the number of vending machines he owns, it's unlikely.  You're an injured party."

Annabeth looked at the documents before her.  Her voice grew quiet, "R.J. earns this much?"

"Probably more now."

"You did a wonderful job.  Thank you so much."  Annabeth gathered up the folder and offered Midwood her hand.

On the day of the final hearing, Annabeth dressed and applied makeup carefully, then scrutinized her image in the mirror.  Instead of the skirts she usually wore, today she was dressed in a chic black pantsuit.  She looked very businesslike, very no-nonsense.  Her hair, gathered back from her face with a tortoise clasp, was simple and sophisticated.  She looked like someone who was in charge of her own life.  The makeup was subtle, very different from the Glamour Poses colors, but still it brought out the vividness of her eyes, the angles of her cheekbones, the fullness of her lips.  Gazing at her reflection, Annabeth saw not a soft matron, but a woman in the prime of her life and she nodded, pleased with what she saw.

In a few moments, she stood in front of the courthouse, ready to confront her husband, the folder in her hand.  She could do this.  And it was about time.  When Quentin Asprey arrived, she greeted the attorney with a pleasant smile.

"Ms. Welner, good to see you.  All ready for today?"

Annabeth nodded, "Oh yes.  But you go on in without me.  I'll be along in a bit."

She spotted R.J., who arrived without his lawyer and didn't even notice her as he climbed the courthouse stairs until she spoke his name.

"Annabeth?  You look different."  His eyes opened wide as he observed her.  He was puzzled and clearly at a loss for words, and she was sure he was a little dazzled too when he stammered, "Pretty, you look very pretty."

She smiled.  "Thanks.  I want to talk."

"Look, is this about the wedding?  I done the best I could."

Annabeth paused for a moment to open the folder and offer her husband the contents.  "I have some important documents here and I want you to look at them."

R.J. reached for the papers, a scowl on his face.  When he saw what they contained, his jaw dropped.  "Pictures?  You had me followed?"

Annabeth nodded, then spoke calmly.  "This is what I want.  I want my house.  You're going to walk into that court and sign off on the house.   Then you're going to go to your daughter and tell her you'd be happy to pay for her wedding.  And you're going to give her the money, just so she knows her dad cares.  As for the maintenance, I don't want a cent from you.  Understand?"

R.J. reached out to take Annabeth by the arm, but before he could touch her, she took a pace back.  "Now, honey, be reasonable," he said.

"Reasonable?"  Annabeth looked R.J. in the eye.  "Reasonable?  Reasonable would be me asking for maintenance for years.  Reasonable would be me taking a piece of your business.  I never even thought of that.  Maybe I should be more reasonable.  Let's see--I'm entitled to half your business, well, no you're partners with your mother aren't you--so I guess I'm entitled to half of your half.  Just how much would that be?"

R.J. blanched as he looked at Annabeth.  She met his gaze and didn't waver. 

Glancing at her watch, Annabeth said, "There's a one-minute time limit on this offer.  Otherwise I walk into that courtroom and hand these papers to the judge."

"You wouldn't do that to me."

"Look at me, R.J.  Can you see me?"  Annabeth paused a moment then shook her head and turned to walk into the courtroom, R.J. scurrying along behind her.

"Wait, don't."

Taking her place beside Asprey, Annabeth waited and soon enough the judge called her case.

"This is the final hearing in the matter of Welner vs. Welner."

As Annabeth leaned toward Asprey to tell him what information she possessed, R.J. stood, "Your honor, I've decided to give my wife the house.  And she's agreed to no maintenance."

"All other assets divided as previously noted?" asked the judge.

"Your honor, I ask a moment to confer with my client," interrupted Kyle Sennet.

"No need," said R.J. miserably, "Done been decided."

"Mrs. Welner, you've agreed to this--the house but no maintenance?" asked Judge Henson.

"Yes, thank you."

"All right then, so ordered.  Mrs. Welner receives the house, no maintenance, and she resumes her maiden name.  All other assets divided as agreed.  Divorce granted.  Good luck to you both."

Quentin Asprey turned to Annabeth.  "How did that happen?"

"Change of heart."

Annabeth drove home calmly, walked through the door of her house and looked around.  It had been a lot more than just a house for a long time.  All her memories were there, but now she could turn around and move away and  be just fine.  She was a lot stronger and could be happy anywhere.  Still, she was glad the house was still hers.  Annabeth walked slowly through the downstairs rooms, which were empty as usual.  The cat, feeling affectionate, wound around her feet until she scooped him up and carried him.  No echoes arose from any corner; they'd all been played out in her mind and Annabeth was at peace with her memories and her past.  "What's left now is the future," she said to the cat, who regarded her with wide eyes, "And your dinner, of course."

The following day, Sally called her.  "Only two weeks!  I'm going crazy."

"No, you're doing fine.  I think we're right on track.  The flowers are ordered, caterer ready, clothes ready.  Oops another call, just a sec."  Annabeth clicked the hook and said "Hello?"

"Hi, it's Ginger.  Can you come over today and pin up some hems for me?"

Without even a moment's thought, Annabeth replied, "No, sorry I can't.  The cleaner's downtown has a tailor.  Why not take them in there?  I'm awfully busy lately with work and the wedding so I don't think I can do any more hems."

"What!"

"I have Sally on the other line.  Talk to you another time, all right?"

"Okay, bye."

"Sorry, hon it was Ginger wanting hems."

"Dad came by this morning.  I couldn't believe it.  Gave me a bunch of money for the wedding.  Guess his deal came through."

"I'm glad.  Gosh, another call.  Think it's Ginger again?"  Once again Annabeth lowered and raised the switchhook of the phone, "Hello?"

"Annabeth Welner, please."

"Speaking."

"This is Esta Pollock at BK Publishing in New York."

"Hello!" 

"We've reviewed your sketches and we love them.  We want to use them in a calendar."

"That's wonderful!"  Annabeth listened carefully as Ms. Pollock explained the terms of the offer, and although it wasn't a huge amount of money, it was fair, and a good beginning.

"I'll send you all the information in the mail.  If they sell well, we could make a better deal next year."

"Yes, that's great.  Thank you so much!"  Annabeth clicked off once again and was back with Sally.  "Guess what!  I just sold a calendar!  I'm going to have a calendar with my sketches in it."

"Mom!  That's fantastic!"

"Yes!  I'm just thrilled.  Now what can I do to help you with the wedding?"

The morning of the wedding, Doug awakened and moved over close to Annabeth as he had every morning since the first night they spent together.  He wrapped his arms tightly around her and kissed her neck.  "Happy Valentine's Day," he said.

Annabeth wriggled tightly against Doug, her back to his front, her hand on his arm as he held her close.  "The wedding!"

"Plenty of time!"  Doug reached under his pillow and retrieved a small velvet box, then handed it to Annabeth, who opened it carefully.

"Oh Doug!  Diamond earrings to match my necklace.  Oh thank you, they're beautiful."  She turned in the bed to face him, then wrapped her arms tightly around him.  "You're wonderful."  After a long hug, she reached inside her nightstand table and handed him a small box.

"A heart shaped key ring, with your keys on it." He smiled and kissed her softly.  "Thank you." 

"You already have the key to my heart, so of course you should have the keys to my house."

"I was thinking we'd need to talk about where we're going to live.  I know you love this place, but my house is a lot bigger and there's room for a real studio for you.  And Sally and Jackson could live here."

Annabeth nodded.  "That's a good idea.  Let's plan on it--assuming the kids want to live here."

Annabeth clutched Doug's hand tightly as they drove to the Women's Club.  "You don't have to come in just yet you know.  It's early.  Nobody will be here for a while."

"Oh I'll hang around in case you need me.  Probably something that needs doing."

She smiled.  "Thanks."

Sally was frenzied by the time Annabeth arrived.  "I've forgotten something, I know I have.  The zipper is stuck, isn't it, not all the way up.  My shoes are stained.  Is Jackson here?"

Annabeth laughed, then touched Sally's shoulder to calm her.  "You haven't forgotten anything, the zipper is up and your shoes are clean.  And I saw Jackson downstairs.  Doug is babysitting him right now."

"Oh my gosh.  Daddy won't show up.  Or be drunk.  Then what?  Pops can walk me in.  If I don't trip on the stairs and break my nose."

Annabeth laughed again, spent some more time calming Sally, then went out to check on the caterers.  Everything was being readied in the kitchen and the food would be offered buffet-style on long tables, then guests would be seated informally at any of several large round tables set up around a dance floor in one of the main rooms.  The actual ceremony would be held in the other main room, and white folding chairs had already been set up.  Flowers were arranged perfectly and there was even a fire in the fireplace, lending a nice homey touch.  A small orchestra, which Doug had thoughtfully provided, was setting up for the reception.  And the judge, an old school friend of Hugh's, was already there.  In short, all was perfect.

The guests arrived and soon enough Annabeth was seated in the front of the room, next to Doug.  Although there was no organ, the orchestra did an excellent job.  Laurel walked down the aisle first, then Sally on her father's arm.  Oh, my baby, oh all grown up.  Oh, this life, so short, a baby in your arms and then a bride.  My heart will burst or it will break.  My girls, every moment so wonderful watching them grow and now they're gone but they will never really be gone, always be with me, near me, close by, living their own lives.  How beautiful they are and still so young.  So old and so young. Sally.  My little girl, always playing house, and now a wife.  My baby, soft and sweet for so long but like a moment.  Oh my Sally.

Annabeth dabbed at her eyes, then smiled at Doug who was watching her.  She read the tenderness and love on his face, and squeezed his hand tightly.

"You were as beautiful as a bride could be," she told Sally later as they mingled among the guests.

Sally hugged her mother.  "Oh Mom.  Thanks for everything."

"Thank you.  You and Laurel are my heart and my life."

"Ah, Mom!"  Sally hugged Annabeth, squeezing her tightly.

Hugh walked over then, hugged his new daughter-in-law, and said, "How about a dance with the mother of the bride?"

Annabeth stepped into Hugh's arms and they danced briefly until Maggie, in a pink satin dress, walked over.

"I knew it!" she exclaimed.

Hearing the tone of her voice, Annabeth and Hugh stopped dancing and the three walked toward a more quiet corner of the room.  "Knew what?" they both asked.

"That you would want Hugh back."

"What?" said Annabeth incredulously.

"Want me back?" asked Hugh, "Did I miss something?"

"Hugh was supposed to be your boyfriend and I stole him.  And now that you don't have a husband you want him back."

"Are you crazy?" asked Annabeth, then looking toward Hugh, "Not that you're not…I mean….  Is this what you've been so mad about all this time?"

Hugh looked back and forth between his wife and Annabeth, but said nothing.

Maggie nodded.

Annabeth shook her head.  "Do you know me at all?  We were friends for years, decades, and you don't know me at all.  You think I'd try to steal my best friend's husband?  You take what you want, Maggie, not me."

Maggie blushed, hearing these words.

"And what--you think I'm some object that can be stolen, not a person who chooses?"  Hugh looked at his wife, trying to feign anger, but he actually looked quite flattered at her jealousy and fear of losing him.

"Oh, God I'm sorry.  I don't know what I was thinking.  Will you forgive me?"

Annabeth nodded.  "Yes of course.  Next time why don't you say something instead of seething for half a year."  Amazing.  All this agony over some crazy idea.  Now they could be friends again, but…no it would never be the same…they could be friendly though…yes they could be that.

Maggie laughed and was about to say something when R.J. walked over.

"Dance, Annabeth?"

Not wanting to accept, but knowing she could not refuse Annabeth moved into R.J.'s arms.  Amazingly, she didn't feel anything any more.  No longing.  Not even nostalgia.

"You look beautiful.  As beautiful as Sally."

"Thank you."  R.J. pulled her closer, and Annabeth noticed the sour smell on his breath.  Had he always smelled like this?  She couldn't remember.

"It's over with Linna.  I been such a fool.  I went back there after the divorce, looked around, wondered what am I doin' there.  She's this kid.  You were right.  Mid-life crisis.  I was gonna dump her when she ups and dumps me.  Old boyfriend, little Cody's father, you know."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm gonna make it all up to you.  Gonna make it better than ever.  This can be a good thing, really, needed a kind of a shakeup, something to wake us both up, guess this is it."

Annabeth, stunned by what she was hearing, listened as R.J. talked.  Occasionally she would begin to speak but he never stopped long enough to allow her a comment.

"We had something, right from when we were kids.  Travel, you wanna travel, well I always wanted to travel, you know I did.  Travelin' was always my idea.  And there's money now, plenty of money, well you know all about that."  R.J. chuckled hoarsely, as though her were very clever indeed to jest about something so serious.  "I'm gonna come back tonight, right after the wedding, start makin' it up to you…."

"Stop it R.J., just stop.  We're divorced.  It's over.  You can't make anything up to me.  Why don't you just try to make a few things up to your daughters."

"You can't mean that.  You love me.  Always have."

"I loved you.  I don't any more."  Amazing.  She had loved him, but now it seemed like a lifetime ago.

"You can't just quit lovin' me."  He looked into her eyes imploringly, "We had a lotta good times."

 Annabeth returned his gaze briefly, then slipped out of his grasp and walked away, through the crowd of friends and family.  The room was filled with music and laughter, conversation and merriment, the sounds of life being lived and celebrated, the joy of continuity, of family, of new beginnings and young people taking up the threads of life and weaving into the grand fabric their own arabesque.

Annabeth looked all around at the people in her life, people she'd loved so long and so well, and she sighed for all that had passed and for all the future yet to live.  Look at my girls, both so wonderful, such successes.  Being a mother…seeing them…so proud…so wonderful…mothering…success.  And me…less than a year….  Amazing.  Imagine if R.J. hadn't left.  Seemed like a crisis, a cataclysm…really the best thing could have happened to me.  All I did…so few months…my work…work of my own…being independent…something of my own…strong…that I could be so strong…success.   Finding Doug…my own true love…success.  The best time of my life, even with all the pain….  Now…now is the best…very best…better than a dream…more than I ever imagined…more than I could ever have wished for…the best.

She spotted him then, standing straight, and watching her, his eyes a reflection of all the emotions that had been so transparent on her face.  Doug smiled at her, and she saw in his eyes understanding, and recognition. Whatever she might think or feel, he would be there, open, ready to share it all with her.  Hurry, faster, hurry her heart sang, and in an instant she was by his side.  Doug reached for Annabeth's hand and together they walked onto the dance floor.