Just Around the Corner

Phyllis commanded herself to concentrate on the paper she was grading—one of about twenty term papers she had to get through before the following afternoon—the last day of school before the winter break.

Her job was the important thing.

Not Matt Sheffield, biological father of her kids and temporary handyman.

No matter what a great guy he was, what a terrific human being, what a spectacular kisser, no matter how much it had meant having him there while she decorated her tree, he wasn’t important to her.

He couldn’t be.

The phone on her desk in the corner of her living room rang, and Phyllis stared at it, thinking about picking it up. It could be Matt saying he wasn’t coming.

And that would be a good thing.

“Hello?”

“Hey, stranger, you okay?”

“Becca?”

“Yeah, I’m getting worried about you. I’ve only seen you once since the shower, and that was a month ago.”

“I know. I’m sorry, Bec,” Phyllis said, sinking back in her chair with a grin. A good dose of Becca was just what she needed. “It’s been a busy semester, but that’s no excuse. I’ve missed you.”

“We miss you, too. Bethany’s growing so fast you aren’t going to recognize her. She’s got all four bottom teeth and two top ones.”

Ouch. Phyllis cringed for her honorary niece. “She’s had a tough month.”

“Yeah, but we all survived. So, how was Thanksgiving at the Montfords’?” Becca asked.

“Great. I didn’t stay that long.” She’d been too sick, had spent most of the day between her bathroom and her bed. “Cassie’s sure happy, though. It was great to see her in the center of such an adoring family.”

“It’s about time.”

Polishing the base of the phone with her forefinger, Phyllis said, “For Sam and Mariah, too, I’d say.”

They spent a few more minutes talking about their mutual friends. And then…

“So, how are you really?” Becca asked.

“Fine.”

“You’re sure?”

“Positive. Just really busy.”

“Will and I were wondering if you’d like to come here for Christmas dinner. We’re having his family over around one and we just won’t be complete if you don’t join us.”

Everyone in this town was so sweet to her. She might live alone, but she wasn’t without family. On the contrary, she had several families from which to choose.

“Actually,” she said slowly, “I’m having a couple of people over here for Christmas.”

“You are?” Becca sounded surprised, but not unhappy. “Who? Tory and Ben? I thought they were going to the Montfords’.”

“They are.” Phyllis nodded her head, although no one was there to see. “They invited me along, too.”

“So who’s coming to your place?”

“Matt Sheffield, for one. You know him?”