Page 48 of Saltwater Memories
“Butyougot to know!”
“Only because Matthew was worried he’d picked the wrong ring.”
Just then, the front door opened and Matthew walked in. He was immediately confronted by Margie and Morgan who asked a hundred questions about the ring, the proposal, and when the wedding would be.
“We haven’t had time to plan any of that yet, but we’ll figure it out. I don’t want anything big.”
“I don’t mean to be pushy,” Margie said, “but I happen to know a very nice barn right here on San Juan Island.”
Jade smiled. “I was hoping you would say that. But I don’t want to take time away from your real customers.”
“Nonsense!” Margie threw her hands up in the air. “You can have the barn every weekend for all I care!”
After the excitement died down and everyone left, the exchange between Amanda and Hank floated back into Margie’s thoughts. As they were getting ready for bed, Margie brought it up again.
“Why did you attack Amanda about Rupert? It’s hard to get her to talk to begin with.”
Hank sighed. “I can’t help it. He’s a jerk. I can’t believe she’s even speaking to him again.”
“Well…they’re just getting lunch.”
“No way. He’s up to something. She was like a zombie after he broke up with her the first time. It seemed like she was finally getting back to normal, and then he shows up again. Typical.”
Margie frowned. It was true that Amanda had been morose about the breakup – but it also seemed like her mood had improved in the recent weeks. “She didn’t seem very happy at dinner tonight. I was worried that Jade and Morgan were leaving her out or something.”
“No.” Hank shook his head. “I doubt that’s it. Rupert always makes her unhappy. He always did, and now he’s come all the way to Washington to continue his mission of making her miserable.”
“Well…she’s a smart girl. She’ll figure it out.”
“I don’t know what to say to her,” Hank continued. “It seems like she ignores all of my advice. She shuts down.”
Margie laughed. “Of course she does, you’re her father. She’s not going to be eager to take your advice on love and relationships.”
“I have some experience, you know. In relationships. I’d like to think that I’m a pretty good husband.”
Margie stopped what she was doing to look at him. He was in a tizzy; his face was even getting red. She went over and gave him a hug, patting him gently on his back. “Of course you are. You’re a wonderful husband.”
“I thought that if I was a good male role model, that she’d be fine. That it would all work out.”
Margie laughed. “If only it were that easy. Maybe she’s still in love with him. It’s hard to see anything clearly when you’re in love.”
“I wish she could see that she deserves better,” he said, shaking his head.
“Me too. Maybe she will. Maybe we can help her.”
“Good luck with that.” He shut off the light next to his bed and rolled over. “I’ve been trying for years.”
Margie smiled to herself. Her techniques were a bit more subtle than Hank’s. Plus, she had allies in Jade and Morgan – they might be able to help Amanda most of all.
“Don’t worry sweetie – I’m on it.”
