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  “Good Lord. I thought Josh and Chloe had the bridge table covered. Let me get out there and do some damage control before the Lighthouse Tours’ luncheon turns into a geriatric convention,” she said, laughing at her own joke.

  Mackenzie left Mae and Clara behind, laughing among themselves and returned to the main dining area.

  “Oh goodness, this sure has been a delightful treat. I’m happy to hear about Mike’s full ownership and I’m glad he thought up a way to bring us all together. Years ago, when we were all getting started with the company in Annapolis, we used to have similar outings. It’s a great way to boost morale among the teams. Don’t you think?” Mae asked.

  “Yes, it is.”

  Mae observed Clara’s demeanor, which returned to a somewhat somber state. Perhaps lost in her own thoughts.

  “Everything okay with you, honey? You don’t seem like you 're in a festive mood.”

  “Oh sure, I’m fine. Everything is great,” she replied.

  As usual, Mae knew something was up but chose not to pry.

  “Mm hmm.”

  “I am. Really,” Clara said, waving dismissively.

  “Well, in that case, I don’t know about you, but Chef Harold’s brownie à la mode is to die for. I think I may indulge. The taste of that warm brownie topped with vanilla ice cream hits the spot every time.”

  “You go right ahead and enjoy, Ms. Mae. I’m just going to grab an extra glass of water from Josh and I’ll be right over.”

  Clara looked across the room, waiting for someone to return to the front counter, when her eyes locked with Mike’s. If looks could convey a message… his would be one of sadness… maybe even hurt… to which Clara didn’t know how to respond. She mouthed the words “congratulations” to him and gave him the space needed to spend time with the staff.

  “Jonathan, we have to help intervene with Clara and Mike,” Mae said, riding in the car on the way home from work.

  Jonathan held his hand up, emphasizing adamantly, “No, thank you. Whatever it is you're about to say, I want no part of it. It’s challenging enough keeping up with our own relationship, let alone getting involved in somebody else’s,” he said.

  “What’s that supposed to mean? Is that your way of trying to say you’re unhappy in our relationship?”

  “No, Mae. You know exactly what I mean. There are some things in life people have to figure out on their own. We’ve been around much longer than Mike and Clara and we’re still trying to figure out this thing called love. My honest opinion is you need to leave them alone and let them handle it,” he responded.

  “But, Jonathan, at least hear me out first. Mike was going to propose the night Clara’s sister showed up. Literally, the same night, he planned a nice dinner and everything. I haven’t said a word because he confided in me… but ever since then, I’ve yet to see things get back on track for them. Somebody has to step in and intervene. If not, I’m fearful there won’t be an engagement at all.”

  “Mae… listen to me carefully. It’s none of our business. Repeat after me… it’s not our business.”

  “Jonathan, please. If Clara would’ve taken on that attitude right before we got engaged, the outcome may have been very different.”

  Jonathan held on to the steering wheel, trying to focus his attention on the road and think of a clever way to change her mind. It just wasn’t in his nature as a guy to want to get involved.

  “Yes, I agree. However, that was us and their situation is different.”

  “How so?” she asked.

  “Well, for one, it sounds like she has a family situation. There’s an added layer that you know nothing about.”

  “I know enough.”

  Ultimately, he knew his wife was going to do as she pleased. He recognized they were both bull-headed in that way. Sometimes he had to just suck it up and deal with it, other times she had to.

  “Well, there you have it, Mae. Listen, I don’t want to argue with my wife tonight. Whatever you decide to do is on you. The only thing I have in mind for tonight is taking a nice long shower, watching the game, and spending some quality time with you. That’s all that matters to me.”

  “I’m not sure what you mean by quality time, but the only thing I see myself doing tonight is going to sleep. It’s been a long day,” she said.

  “That’s all I want. You lying next to me, sleeping and snoring to your heart’s content.” He chuckled.

  Mae completely denied that she ever snored, even though they both knew better.

  Chapter 17

  It was early Friday, before sunrise, and Clara was scrambling around her bedroom, throwing undergarments and articles of clothing into her overnight bag, when Agnes knocked on the door.

  “Come in,” she yelled.

  “Hey, I was downstairs making a cup of coffee when I heard you thumping around up here. Is everything all right?” she asked.

  “Yes, everything is fine. Just a last-minute change of plans. I was going to wake you up, or at least leave you a note, but the short version is Mike asked me to fly down to Florida to meet his parents this weekend. Initially, I wasn’t sure, but after thinking about it-”

  “Clara, that’s wonderful. What do you mean think about it? Are you nuts? What time does your flight leave?” she asked.

  “Well, that’s the other thing… if I floor it all the way from here to BWI airport, which is practically an hour and twenty minutes away, then I might have just about an hour to park the car and make it to the gate. I won’t be back until Monday, but I figured you’d be okay until then, right?”

  “Absolutely. Do not worry about me one bit. I have a job interview lined up at a restaurant today. I’m really feeling good about it, and the rest of the weekend I can spend searching for more jobs.”

  Clara stopped in front of the mirror, haphazardly dabbing coverup under her eyes, hoping it would be enough to revive her appearance.

  “Which restaurant?”

  “The seafood shack up route four just north of the island. It doesn’t take long to get there, and the owner seemed really nice,” she said.

  “It’s funny you should mention it. Mike and I were just talking about how talented you are in the kitchen. He thought you might do well with a food truck if you were interested in owning your own business.”

  “I’d love to run a food truck. I just wouldn’t know where to begin,” Agnes said, resting on her furniture.

  “I’m sure Mike would be happy to help from a business perspective. It might be beneficial to talk to a few food truck owners… you know, to get a solid idea about what’s involved behind the scenes.”

  “Yeah, that sounds great.”

  Clara slipped into her tennis shoes and checked to make sure she had nicer shoes to wear for the weekend.

  “Okay, how about we pick up on this conversation when I get back? I’m leaving a credit card right here in case you need some groceries., and if anything pops up, you know how to reach me,” she said.

  “Clara, don’t worry. I’m a big girl… everything will be just fine. Just focus on getting to the airport safely and let me know when you’ve landed.”

  “Of course. Oh, and one more thing. I left Ms. Mae’s number on the kitchen counter. She works with me at Lighthouse Tours. Can you call her around eight o’clock and give her the precise message that I spelled out in the note? I just want her to know that I’m with Mike and I won’t be back until Monday.”

  “Sure, no problem.”

  Clara grabbed her bag, said her goodbyes, and flew out of the house to catch her flight.

  “Excuse me. Excuse me, please. Coming through. I’m trying not to miss my flight. So sorry, if you wouldn’t mind, may I scoot ahead of you? My flight is boarding, and I really don’t want to miss it. Thank you.”

  Clara maneuvered her way through the crowded security lines. After ten minutes of sheer agony, she made her way to the front to be scanned by a security guard.

  “Make sure you remove all jewelry, keys, and sh
oes. Place everything in the tray to your left, please,” he said, pointing to the trays near the conveyer belt.

  “I did, sir. I think I’m good to go.”

  “Okay, step right up.”

  She stepped inside the body scanner, praying the process could be as quick as possible.

  Unfortunately, the alarm sounded as soon as she entered.

  “This can’t be happening,” she whispered nervously to herself.

  “Ma’am, try removing your belt. The metal could trigger the alarm,” he asked, patiently staring at her.

  “Oh yes, the buckle. I’m sorry,” she said.

  “It happens all the time. Step to the center of the scanner again please,” he said, directing her to come forward.

  This time she stepped in, holding her breath. After a quick scan from the machine and another scan with the security guard’s wand, she was clear to step out and wait for her belongings.

  Okay, you got this, she thought to herself, checking the clock to see that the plane had already been boarding for ten minutes. To make matters worse, her carry-on bag was being inspected on the big screen by another security guard.

  This is it. It’s over. I’m going to totally miss the flight, she thought, feeling her anxiety levels reach an all new high. On a regular day, it was difficult getting through the airport with minimal stress. But given that Mike was on this flight, pure panic was settling in.

  “Ma’am, sorry for the holdup. It was the cosmetic bag that slowed things down. The same thing happens to my wife every single time… and that’s after I try to warn her.” He grinned.

  Clara gave him a half-hearted smile, thanking him for her items before searching for her gate.

  “Gate A12 to Ft. Lauderdale, boarding.” She read on the big board, then took off, dodging through the crowd like she was playing a professional tennis match. Maybe more like a game of hockey.

  As she arrived at the gate, the agent was closing the door.

  “Wait. Hold the door. I’m on that flight,” Clara yelled.

  She handed her ticket to the agent while trying to catch her breath.

  “They held me up at the security gate. I’m on this flight… here’s my ticket.”

  The agent inspected the ticket and then looked into Clara’s eyes.

  “Ms. Covington, I’m sorry, but I’m not able to let you on board. Once the gate is closed, it’s closed. Airport policy… sorry.”

  “But, the plane is right there. I can see it right outside the window. What’s the big deal with opening the door again?” she asked.

  “Again, it’s the airport’s rules. I’m just doing my job.”

  “Can I speak to a manager? This is absurd,” Clara asked.

  A gentleman walked over, trying to console her.

  “Good luck with that. I missed my flight earlier and now I’m hanging around on standby. It’s absolutely ridiculous what you have to go through after paying so much money for these tickets,” he said.

  “Standby… that’s it… maybe I can try to catch the next flight or the one after that on standby?” Clara asked the agent.

  “Ma’am, we only have two more flights heading to Ft. Lauderdale today, and both of them are extremely overbooked. It’s not looking good, but if that’s how you want to spend your day, be my guest.” The agent then looked beyond Clara, waiting to take the next customer in line.

  She glanced at the plane one more time, watching it reverse and then taxi out to the main runway.

  Feeling numb from disappointment, she walked back to the parking garage, trying to fight back her tears from falling in public.

  “Good morning, Lighthouse Tours, may I help you?… I’m sorry, Clara won’t be in until Monday. Perhaps I can assist,” Mae said, looking surprised to see Clara walking through the front door.

  “Sure, I’ll leave a message on her desk. She’ll call you back as soon as possible. Perfect. Thank you.” Mae hung up, waiting for an explanation.

  “Ms. Mae, before you ask questions, it’s already been a very long morning… I mean, very long. Thank you for handling the front desk, but it won’t be necessary to continue. I’m here now.” She explained.

  “That’s all you have to say? It’s been a long morning? What is it with you and Mike? I’m done tip toeing around you two. I told Jonathan I would behave myself and stay out of your business, but something is up, and I won’t quit asking until I know what it is.”

  “Aww, Ms. Mae. I wish I had some earth-shattering news. He’s off in Florida with his parents, which is where I should’ve been this weekend if I wasn’t being so darn-”

  “Obstinate?” Mae interjected.

  Clara looked at her.

  “Just calling it like I see it. Now, if you would’ve communicated with me directly, instead of through your sister this morning, you would’ve known that Mike is not in Florida.”

  “He isn’t?” Clara asked.

  “No. The man caught a nasty flat tire when he was just miles away from the airport. Poor thing was so frustrated he sounded like he was about to blow a gasket right through the telephone line. Funny thing is, he mentioned nothing about you going with him. He was actually curious as to know why you hadn’t answered the phone, but I just told him you needed the day off.”

  “Is he all right?”

  “He’s fine, just frustrated because he missed his flight, that’s all. He said he’ll be working from home today.”

  A smile began emerging on Clara’s face.

  “This has to be a sign,” she said out loud to herself.

  “Come again?”

  “A sign. This has to be a sign… Ms. Mae, is there any chance you can pretend like you didn’t see me today? It looks like I need the day off after all,” she said.

  “It depends. Does this involve you securing a lifelong relationship with Mike? One that doesn’t give me agita every time you two have a disagreement?” She smiled.

  “I hope. That certainly is the end goal… some day.”

  “Well, in that case, go get your man. I’ll hold down the fort until you get back.”

  “Thank you.” She ran over and squeezed Mae, then grabbed her keys and headed out the door.

  Chapter 18

  Mike opened the door wearing jeans, a white tee shirt, standing barefoot, with an expression of defeat across his face. Clara stepped in and wrapped her arms around his waistline, resting her head on him.

  “I’m sorry, Mike.”

  He squeezed her lovingly, breathing in the smell of her hair.

  “What are you apologizing for?”

  “I’m sorry about your tire. I’m sorry you missed your flight… I’m even sorry I didn’t say yes the first time you asked me to go with you.”

  He gently lifted her head, cupping her cheeks between his hands.

  “I’m the one who sprung this whole thing on you at the last minute. I should’ve known it was too much and been more sensitive to everything that was going on.”

  “You’re not upset with me?” she asked.

  “No. I couldn’t be upset with you if I tried. I just got off the phone with my folks and they were completely understanding. I guess I was just so excited to bring you along that my mind couldn’t see past anything else. I knew the whole idea was doomed from the moment I ran over a large piece of metal. It was all she wrote from that point.”

  “Aww, babe. I’m just glad to know your safe. The news is filled with stories about people who get injured when they pull over to change a tire.”

  “Thankfully, I had enough room to get out of harm’s way. Do you know the entire time I was out there, the only person who kept coming to mind repeatedly was you? I’ve missed you, Clara. We’ve literally spent the last day being distant, barely talking to one another… and for what? Was there anything so catastrophic going on that would cause us to act this way? No. Absolutely not. I never want this much time away from you again. When we’re distant, it takes the wind out of me. Please, promise me we won’t do this again.”
r />   “I promise. Mike, this morning when I woke up, I thought I was going to lose you. I panicked, thinking this was it. I thought once you boarded that plane without me, you would return with a changed heart, disappointed in me, and forever scarred. Suddenly, it made all the things I was worried about seem like nothing in comparison. Then, to make things worse, when I showed up at the airport and the gate was already closed, my heart sank into my stomach. It was the worst feeling in the world.”

  “You went to the airport, looking for me?” he asked.

  “No, I went to the airport, ready to board the plane with you. I packed my bags and flew out of the house so fast it could make your head spin. I have my bags in the car and the luggage tickets to prove it.”

  “No way.” He chuckled.

  “Yes, believe me, it’s true. I’m in love with you, Mike, and I can’t believe that I was about to let my stupid insecurities get in the way of meeting the most important people in your life.”

  He led her to the loveseat in his living room.

  “What insecurities? When I look at you, I see nothing but a beautiful work of art physically, mentally, spiritually… you’re everything to me.”

  “Thank you, but I have a broken past. My marriage and parts of my past were unhealthy and did a lot of damage. I didn’t realize just how much until I was forced to face Keith and Agnes. The thought of having to share all that with your parents… I just didn’t know what they would think of me.”

  “My parents? They would adore you… they already think highly of you from the moment you met during our video chat,” Mike said.

  “Yes, but that was a brief introduction. What happens when your mom asks me why I moved to Maryland? Or when your dad says, how long were you married? The truth about my past has to rear its ugly head at some point. I can’t avoid it.”