CHAPTER THREE
Morgan was more than ready for her Saturday afternoon escape. She entered the bookstore with eager steps, waved to Jim behind the counter, ordered her decaf mocha at the café, and took it along with a new book to her spot.
Simon Weaver looked up at her and smiled from the chair she’d used last week. “I remembered that you usually sat in that chair,” he said, pointing to the one he’d used previously.
Morgan chuckled. “As long as we each have one, it’s fine. How are you? Can I get you some coffee?”
“I’d love some coffee. Something sweet. I’d get it myself, but I never know how to order it the right way.”
Morgan said, “I understand. If you’re not used to the lingo, it can be inhibiting. I usually choose a tall decaf mocha. Some people like other flavors. What do you think you’d like?”
“That mocha sounds delightful. Small,” said Simon. “But let me pay.”
“Next time,” said Morgan, putting her things on the table and heading back to the café to get his coffee.
When she returned, Simon’s eyes twinkled. “Thanks. It’ll be on me next week. I wrote down what you told me.”
“Deal,” she said, handing him his coffee. “Enjoy.”
She sat down and took a sip of her coffee before asking him. “What are you reading today?”
He shrugged. “Something that was recommended to me. It’s about family relationships and trying to heal the broken parts of one.”
“Oh, that sounds difficult,” Morgan said, then stopped herself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to judge your choice.”
Simon waved away her concern. “No, no, that’s all right.
” He hesitated. “Though my family is small, it’s complicated.
My son, my only child, is deceased, and I’m left to interact with his wife, a very greedy individual.
It’s something I can’t avoid dealing with.
In fact, I might even need you to recommend a lawyer.
Someone that my daughter-in-law, living in New York City, doesn’t know. ”
“Our law firm just hired a lawyer who works with family issues. I’m now working directly with him. When the time comes, let me know, and I might be able to get him to at least talk to you.”
Simon gave her a look of approval. “Thanks. That’s helpful to know.”
Morgan sipped her coffee and opened the book about a mysterious murder with anticipation.
She loved many genres and enjoyed mixing them up.
But no matter how many twists and turns they had, the books she read couldn’t match the experiences she’d experienced in her own, ordinary life.
Even now, after living a couple of years in Ellenton, she felt as if there was much more to learn about the people and place.
When Simon’s cell phone rang, Morgan startled.
With a look of apology, Simon said, “I’d better take it. It’s Constance, my daughter-in-law.”
Morgan started to rise to give him privacy, but Simon waved her back into her seat. “It’s okay. In fact, I’d like it if you stayed in case there are any misunderstandings.”
Morgan settled in her seat and placed her book in her lap.
“Hello, Constance,” Simon said. “How are you?”
He listened, and the smile left his face.
“I’m sorry you’re feeling a bit stretched financially.
As you know, I’m taking care of Jake’s college expenses, so any requests for funds should come from him.
In fact, I promise you that I’ll speak to him later today, at the latest tomorrow.
Any news on the social scene in New York? ”
He listened politely, but Morgan could tell from his bored expression that he wasn’t really interested.
He perked up. “Yes, yes, I’m fine. Healthy as a horse.” He frowned. “Mentally as well.”
Simon ended the call and let out a long sigh. “If I dropped dead tomorrow, that woman would be celebrating. She doesn’t know, though, that she isn’t about to get my money. It’s going to worthy causes.”
Morgan sat quietly, wondering what she could or should say.
“I’m sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable,” said Simon. “I’m afraid of what my daughter-in-law could do to try and get me declared unfit. I’m forgetful at times, but so is everyone else my age. It doesn’t mean I’m incompetent. She’s already called the staff at Signature and asked about me.”
Morgan couldn’t hide her dismay. “Really? That’s awful.”
“I think so, too,” he said. “Again, my apologies for ruining this time for you. I’ll leave and give you time alone. An Uber driver can take me home.”
“That’s not necessary. I’ll be happy to drive you. I’ve got a movie date this evening with a friend and need to leave myself.”
“Okay. A ride would be great,” said Simon. “That way, you can see where I live.”
Morgan thought a moment and then said, “Give me your cell phone. I’ll give you my contact information in case you ever need help getting here on Saturdays.”
Simon’s face lit up. “That would be terrific. I have a car, but I find it difficult to park in town on the weekends.”
Morgan chuckled. “Saturdays are always busy. I’d be glad to pick you up on my way here. It’s not inconvenient.”
They gathered their things, put their empty coffee cups in the trash, and walked to Morgan’s car, which was squeezed into a space a block away.
As they walked, Morgan noticed that Simon was in good shape and able to walk briskly. His daughter-in-law needn’t be concerned about him.
They reached her car, got in, and Morgan drove them to the Signature Senior Living facility in an upscale section of town.
Driving through the gates onto the property, she noted the classy main building. Then, following Simon’s direction, she drove behind it to a cluster of individual houses.
“Here. My house is on the end,” said Simon, indicating a small, white Cape Cod with dark green shutters.
“It’s very attractive,” said Morgan.
“Would you like to come in?” asked Simon.
“Perhaps another day,” Morgan said. “I don’t want to put you out.”
“Okay, next Saturday,” said Simon. “In fact, I’ll order something for a light supper if you’re interested.”
Morgan heard the excitement in his voice. “That sounds very nice. Thank you.”
When she automatically went around the car to help Simon, he shook his head. “Thanks, anyway. But I don’t need help.”
Holding back a grin, she said, “I can see that you don’t. Have a good week. I’ll pick you up next Saturday. Please call to confirm the time.”
She waited in her car to see that he had made it to the front door and inside before she took off.
###
That evening, she walked over to Ashley’s house and rang the doorbell. Once a month or so, she and Ashley enjoyed a girls’ night out. Tonight, they’d chosen to have a light supper together, then go to the movies.
They were sitting in their favorite restaurant, Luciano’s, when Morgan told Ashley about her friendship with Simon Weaver. “Apparently, he has some money, and his daughter-in-law is anxious to inherit it.”
“Simon Weaver? The Simon Weaver?” asked Ashley.
“What do you mean? You know him?”
“I know of him. His family is akin to the Rockefeller family, with a fortune amassed in railroads, oil, manufacturing, and similar ventures. Unfortunately, Simon’s only brother was killed in the Vietnam War, and there are no other siblings, though some cousins stepped in when Simon’s son was killed.
I don’t have all the details. You need to look him up online for those. ”
“Oh, dear,” Morgan said. “I hope he doesn’t think I know all about that and I’m after any favors. I said I’d pick him up to come to the bookstore with me on Saturdays.”
“Sweetie, you’re about as genuine as it gets,” said Ashley. “You’ve never cared how rich someone was. Why would you think you’d start now?”
“I wouldn’t,” said Morgan. “But Constance, his daughter-in-law, might think something was amiss. From what I can gather, she’s like that.”
Ashley shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. He must be thrilled to have made you a friend.”
“We’ll see,” Morgan replied. “But I need to be honest with him.” She’d seen how disheartened he’d become talking to Constance.