Page 35 of Our Unexpected Beginning
“Melody’s coming.” Julia sighed.
“Did you tell her?”
“C’mon, she knows it’s bound to happen and I wouldn’t bother her otherwise.” Julia walked over to the coffee pot and poured herself a too-large, too-sugary cup. She handed her aunt her standard black coffee and sighed. “So, am I the only one with the urge to clean? Or I don’t know, flee the country?”
“Hush. It will be okay. It’s been a while since you’ve seen her and maybe…”
“Maybe I sweep and you mop?”
Aunt Elaine took a slow sip of her coffee and hovered the mug to her lips with a sigh. “I guess I better take something out for dinner.”
Julia’s stomach twisted at the thought and she placed her hand on her aunt’s shoulder. “I’ll do dinner. You have to find the dining room table.”
“Hush, we didn’t make that much of a mess, right?” Her words stalled as she craned her neck to get a better look into the adjoining room. “If she was coming tomorrow we might be ready. Well, let’s get cracking. You might want to make another pot.”
*
Aunt Elaine’s house wasn’t dirty by any means, but the less there was out of place the better off they were in the long run. Julia lived by the same rule her aunt did–a house is supposed to be loved and lived in. It doesn’t always have to be dressed in its best pearls for company every moment.
The doorbell rang late afternoon and Julia hurriedly wiped her hands to answer it. “Silly Melly! It’s unlocked! Did you forget you don’t kno–” Julia’s heart stopped when she pulled the door open to find Graham standing there. “You’re not Mel.”
Graham stood in the doorway in his signature dark jeans and loose-fitting t-shirt. It hugged his shoulders and arms in all the right places. She got caught up in the moment seeing him after too many late night phone calls and text messages.
“Hey, kitten.” He gave her a lopsided grin and she almost got caught up in him as he reached out to touch her. He handed her a small bundle of bright orange and yellow mixed flowers.
Julia took the flowers with one hand and pressed the other to his chest, halting his kiss as she studied him, unsure if he was a figment of her imagination or nightmare.
“Wait, wait.” Why the fuck is he here? He’s not supposed to be here. At her Aunt’s. Not at the locationher mother would be in less than an hour. “What, hey, why?”
“Gee, nice to see you too.”
“No, it’s not that. I didn’t call you.” She winced and took his hand in reassurance. He didn’t deserve to be in the lion’s den. It leads to questions she doesn’t want to answer.
“Sarah has the flu, on top of chickenpox.”
“Oh no. Is she okay? I’ll call Melly and tell her I’m coming home.”
“No.” He gently plucked the phone from her hands. “Wes has it handled and he sent me.”
“But.”
He kissed her forehead. “Mel’s Daddy has that handled and I will do the same here. It’s okay, I was briefed on the drive over.” It was annoying how calm he was. “We can play this how you want. Friend, co-worker, friend of friends. But I’m here for the day and your use.” The tone in his voice made the double meaning clear. But the wiggle of his brow was for her ease and amusement.
“Oh-kay.” Julia sighed and ushered Graham in, pushing the door closed behind them and making her way into the kitchen. “Aunt Elaine! We have a surprise guest.”
There was a rustle of papers in the next room and her aunt emerged with a smile. “Hello there! I know my eyes are getting bad, but I didn’t think Melody would change this much since I’ve seen her!”
“You’re funny, she’s funny!” Julia laughed, moving about the kitchen to put the beautiful flowers Graham brought her into a vase with water. “Mel’s sick so she sent a friend of ours…”
“Friend, or…”
Julia nervously adjusted her J necklace. “The or is being discovered. This is Graham.”
“Fair enough. I’m Elaine, it’s nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine. I’m sorry for the surprise visit. I promise not to be in the way and if I can help with anything, let me know.” He charmed the older woman without trying. She grinned and dragged Graham into the next room putting him to work clearing the table.
“Aunt Elaine, please refrain from taking him on a photo tour. I can’t handle that embarrassment.”
