Page 22 of More Than A Boss

6

Finally, it was here—the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Tomorrow was the big day. The law firm was closing at noon and not reopening until the following Monday to give its staff extra time off for the holiday. Allie was putting away the last of her files when Zane walked by her desk, on his way back from a meeting with his partners at the other end of their ninth-floor offices.

He stopped by to wish her a happy Thanksgiving. “Thank you, Zane. What are your big plans for turkey day?” she asked curiously.

“I have no plans. Couch, football, beer, I’m just a lonely bachelor. Don’t you feel sorry for me?” he grinned. She loved the laugh lines around his eyes and the way the deep blue seemed to sparkle when he smiled.

Allie still marveled at the recent transformation in Zane. The man she had once considered aloof had decided to let her in. Although still moody at times, he no longer held himself at arm’s length, at least with her. The glitch after the lake weekend had been filed away. There was a real friendship blossoming and a mutual respect that she delighted in. They had returned to a comfortable rhythm in their work together. He had been in a noticeably better mood recently, igniting speculation around the office about the two of them, but Allie just ignored it. Let them think what they wanted. She didn’t really care.

Allie knew that Zane had no family living close by. She thought she remembered that his mom lived in California and that his dad lived somewhere out West as well. She knew they had divorced when Zane was in college. It made her feel sad to think of him home alone on the holiday, especially one that was about gatherings and sharing food with loved ones. “Hey, I have an idea,” Allie said. “Why don’t you come to my house for dinner? There will be fifteen of us, well now the count is sixteen, because I just invited Darcy, so what’s one more?

“Morgan? As in Darcy Morgan?” His interest was piqued.

Allie felt a pang of jealousy, wondering if Zane could be interested in the P.I. She couldn’t blame him. A stunning redhead with a million-watt personality would be attractive to just about anyone. “Yes, that Darcy. See, you won’t have to feel like the only one there from the singles club,” she said, gently ribbing him.

“I would love to have you. You don’t have to answer now. You can think about it and just drop in if you feel like it. Just bring yourself. Everyone is arriving around three o’clock, but we won’t actually eat dinner until five.” She smiled. “I really hope you make it. You will love my family and friends. They are all great company and easy to get along with. Kind of like me,” she winked saucily.

“I won’t make any promises, but I’ll see what I can do,” he replied.

“OK, I’m out of here. I’ve got a mile-long list of things I’d like to accomplish before one o’clock tomorrow. If I don’t see you, have a nice holiday. Don’t watch too much football and try to get in some relaxation, Zane. You work too hard,” she admonished.

“Thanks, Mom,” he teased. “Don’t burn the gobbler!”

“I’ll do my best. Bye, Zane.”

“Bye, Allie.”

—

Allie had set her alarm for 8:00 AM and blindly reached out to her bedside table, fumbling around as if reading braille to press the snooze button. She had been up past midnight the previous evening, cleaning and working on any food prep she could do in advance. The stuffing’s were prepared, just waiting in the fridge to be added to the turkey cavity. She knew some cooks advised against stuffing the bird, but she came from a long line of turkey stuffers—her grandma, mom, and now her—and no one had ever become ill from eating their dressing. It just tasted better. It stayed moist and picked up so much more flavor.

After three snooze periods, she reluctantly crawled out of bed. Putting on her slippers and bathrobe, she ambled downstairs, followed by Kit Kat, to start their day. First, she fed Kit, then put on a pot of coffee. While waiting for the coffee to drip, she pulled on a jacket and went outside to fill her bird feeder. Or more accurately, she thought, her squirrel feeder. Throwing a handful of unsalted roasted peanuts, the waiting squirrels hungrily snatched two at a time to make sure they got their share.

She heard the jay squawking and hoped he would get his before the squirrels pilfered them all. He usually did. He often picked up several peanut shells, weighing them carefully before deciding which one had the best loot. Then he would fly to a nearby branch to crack it open.

She returned to the kitchen and plopped down on a stool at the counter island, going over her to-do list as she enjoyed her morning cup of java with her usual companion sitting at her feet staring up at her. “Kit, I am sure there will be plenty of turkey coming your way if you hang by the table tonight. If not, you’ll have a very special breakfast treat tomorrow.”

She remembered that she wanted to bring in some wood from outside for the fire. Most of the things on her list she had done the night before. The potatoes were already peeled, sitting in the fridge, carrots peeled and cleaned, brussels sprouts the same. She was pleased with the Thanksgiving center piece she had picked up from the florist earlier in the week. She had long tapered candles that she would light during their feast. Continuing down her list, checking things off as she went: tablecloth, Grandma’s antique china hauled out of storage and washed, wine chilled, house clean. She felt satisfied that she had everything covered. What was left could only be done closer to mealtime, like cooking the vegetables, mashing the potatoes, making the gravy, and whipping up the cream for the pies.

She glanced at her watch and realized she had better jump in the shower! It was already 9:30. She wanted the bird stuffed and in the oven by 11:00 in order to serve it by 5:00. She had bought a fresh 20-pound free-range turkey from a local farm. Her mouth was already watering.

As she showered, her thoughts drifted to Zane. She wondered if he would show up today. If he did, it would be the first time they had been together outside of the office since the lake house. She felt a little thrill of anticipation at the thought. As she lathered her breasts, she remembered how it felt to have his hands softly caressing them. “Nope, Allie, not going there,” she said, as she rinsed herself. Stepping out of the shower, she grabbed a big fluffy white towel and dried off. She decided to throw on some old clothes while she worked on the turkey, later she would dress with more care for the party.

After getting the bird in the oven, Allie quickly ran upstairs to get dressed before her guests arrived. She chose a short gray pencil skirt that fit like a glove. The blouse she decided on was a pale peach silk with a V neckline that plunged daringly low, revealing the slight swell of her breasts and subtle glimpses of her peach bra. She wore the same dangly silver earrings and added a long silver chain with a medallion of a horse that nestled in the V between her breasts. She pulled on her favorite tall gray suede boots that came slightly above the knee. Dabbing a drop of perfume behind each ear, she looked at herself one last time in the full-length mirror. She had opted to pull her hair into a loose French braid to keep it out of the way while she was preparing the food. Tendrils were already escaping the confines of the clasp. Satisfied with her appearance, she went back downstairs to wait for her guests.

Casey and her clan were the first to arrive. Casey’s husband, Charlie, lugged in the large baked ham, and her brother, Sam, trailed behind with the green bean casserole and a tin of cookies resting on top. Casey’s daughter Clare, a gift from her first marriage, brought up the rear. There were hugs and laughter as Allie ushered them in. At Allie’s suggestion, Casey had brought along their shepherd mix, Dugan. He pushed his way past them all, a bundle of excitement. Kit Kat was dog savvy and held her ground, eying Dugan disdainfully. He obviously had experience with felines, because he observed her warily and avoided getting too close.

“Good boy, Dugan,” Allie crooned. “You’re the best puppy ever!” continuing her praise. Dugan barked his agreement, tail wagging vigorously. “You and Kit are going to get loads of treats today!”

Darcy arrived at the same time as Allie’s brother, Mark, and his family, with the Johnston gang, Laura and Jake, their two kids who were home from college for the holiday and their dates, bringing up the rear. Darcy brought a bottle of red wine and Laura had baked four pies, two pecan and two pumpkin. Mark and the girls carried in a salad big enough to feed the crowd and some snack food. Last to arrive was her mom with her date, Pete. Sarah was sporting a new, flattering hairstyle. She was glowing. The air was festive and joyous.

Allie stood in the kitchen, watching her beloveds, and her heart felt so full. She was filled with emotion and gratitude. How lucky am I, she thought? Watching her mom getting another shot at love, blushing and flirting with Pete. Clare and the twins wrestling on the floor with Dugan while Kit Kat supervised. The Johnston’s’ kids with their dates, huddled together on the sectional sofa. Sam and Darcy looking cozy while getting a fire started in the fireplace. Casey and Charlie sharing stories with Laura and Jake. Allie was so thankful.

There was a knock at the door, and suddenly there he was. Her breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t realized that she had been waiting. Sam had opened the door and Zane stepped through the threshold as Allie went to greet him. His eyes had quickly scanned the room until they lighted upon her, and she saw them darken with an inscrutable emotion. He looked a little unsure of himself as he handed a bouquet of fresh flowers to Allie. In his other hand, he held a bottle of wine. Staring at Allie, he gave a low whistle.

“Wow, Allie, you look incredible! You take my breath away. I don’t know if my heart can take it,” he said, putting his free hand over his chest.

Blushing at his compliment, Allie playfully batted her eyes, laughing as she waved her hand over her attire from head to knee like a vender displaying her wares, “This old thing?”

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