“To tell you the truth… I really don’t know.”
New York, New York
Anne wrestled with her bags as she shuffled through the airport with her cell phone propped on her shoulder. “Yes, I’m safely here and all my luggage made it. Y’all sent me with way too many clothes.”
“You’re upset Charlie and I lent you some clothes? We couldn’t let you go to New York with your old wardrobe, and you refused to let us take you shopping.”
“No, no. It’s not that I’m not grateful you both lent me so much stuff. Goodness knows my wardrobe was pretty sad. But I had to pay for extra luggage, and now I can barely handle everything. Ahhhhkkk!” Anne screamed as her phone fell from its perch, and she dropped her purse. She scrambled to pick up her phone.
“Emily? Are you still there? Sorry, I dropped the phone. Excuse me sir, let me just get this stuff out of the way.” Anne rolled and pushed her gear next to a pillar. “So Emily, thanks for taking care of Gandalf this weekend. Have you heard from Grandpa?”
“Yep, he called this morning when he was on the road. But Mom, why is Grandpa coming to take care of Gandalf? Doesn’t Ms. Minnie usually keep him? She loves that dog.”
“Yes, she does love Gandalf. You know, she really encouraged me to go to this interview, and she was so excited when I got the job. But right now she’s on her honeymoon.”
“Honeymoon? Ms. Minnie got married? Isn’t she like ninety years old? Who did she marry?”
“No.” Anne chuckled. “She’s only seventy-two, and she married Mr. Greenly. You remember—that sweet old man who works in the garden department at Walmart. I think I told you about him. He always saves me some of the best perennials when they go on sale.”
“So how did this happen, Mom? Did you have something to do with this? Have you been matchmaking again?”
“No, I didn’t do anything. Mr. Greenly just happened to come by to give me some advice about my roses when I invited Ms. Minnie over for tea.”
“Really?” Emily arched her brows. “Since when did you need advice on your roses? You’ve got the greenest thumb I know.”
“My Simplicity roses got black spot disease, so I asked him to drop by that morning.”
“So you admit you set them up to meet each other.”
“I might’ve subconsciously asked them to come at the same time, but I knew they were perfect for each other. They’re so sweet; they both love gardening. And they were both widows, and they were both lonely.”
“Mom, you’re incorrigible.” Emily groaned. “But why haven’t you found a match for me? You must be responsible for at least fifteen weddings already.”
“You’re so particular—I have to find just the right guy. You’ve refused to even consider the guys I’ve suggested so far.”
“Just kidding. I’m perfectly happy alone, and I’m not sure there’s anyone out there that’s worth the trouble. Why don’t you make a match for yourself instead?”
“I had a wonderful husband already and two great daughters. I’m really not interested in romance for myself.”
“Whatever, Mom. I’m just saying while you’re looking for everyone else, you ought to look for yourself as well. There’re a lot of men in New York.”
“Don’t tease me. Anyway, I’ve got to get going. I miss you already. Be sure to come visit as soon as you can. I’m lonely already. Maybe this was a mistake.”
“Mom, are you getting cold feet again? You know everything will be fine. This is the chance of a lifetime. You’ll be great. You’ll probably get promoted to president of the company.”
“Ha! I’m sure secretaries get promoted to president all the time.” She chuckled. “I’m just nervous, I guess. But I’ll call as soon as I get to the apartment. Bye, sweetie. Love you.”
When the taxi dropped her at the apartment building with all her gear, a sharply dressed doorman whisked the door open and quickly relieved her of most of her baggage, leading the way to a comfy reception area.
“I’m Antonio. Are you moving in? Miss…?”
“Hi I’m Anne. Nice to meet you, Antonio. Yes, I just flew in today, and I’m moving in. At least for a while.”
“That’s great. I’m on duty most of the time, and Randall is the other doorman. It’ll be great having you here. We’re always happy when a beautiful woman moves in.”
Anne waved off his flattery. “You’re so sweet. Do you always say things like that to women who are old enough to be your mother?”
Antonio laughed. “I only speak the truth. You couldn’t possibly be old enough to be my mother, but I’ve got a thing for older women anyway.”