CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE #2
“Indeed, I do,” said Austin, studying her, his lips curving. “It’s special when friendship is formed between two unlikely people. Tell me a little bit about you.”
Morgan told him about her unhappy situation in Florida and how she’d moved to Ellenton due to her close friendship with Ashley Biddle. “I’ve found a new home here with friends.”
“Including a friendship with the young lawyer. He helped me respond to the demands Constance was trying to make with my mental health,” said Simon.
“Ah, yes. Anyone who knows you well understands you have no mental health issues. The audacity of that woman is astonishing,” said Austin.
Chatting a little more, Morgan got up to leave. “As much as Blue might be annoyed, we have to leave. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Austin. Simon, I’ll see you when you get back.”
She went to Simon and hugged him. “Travel well, my friend. I’ll miss you. Let me know when you’re flying in, and I’ll pick you up.”
“Will do,” Simon said, moisture in his eyes.
“I’ll walk you out,” said Austin.
Morgan led Austin to her car, put Blue inside it, and turned to him. “I need to say something. Constance has accused me of befriending Simon because of his money. I had no idea who he was when we met, and I would never continue our friendship with the idea of wanting anything from him.”
Austin nodded. “I know this. Simon has made it clear to me. No worries.”
“Constance is a problem for Simon, and it’s unnecessary. I was not impressed when I met her.”
“My father made a few mistakes in his life. Marrying Constance was one of them, though Jake is a great kid,” said Austin. “I’m happy I had the opportunity to meet you. Simon was most eager for me to do so. Happy Holidays. We’ll let you know when Simon is scheduled to return to New York.”
“Thank you. Enjoy your family time.” Morgan got behind the wheel of her car and gave Austin a wave before pulling away from the curb. From the backseat, Blue barked, making Austin smile.
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Brad said, “Okay, if you want to go shopping for tree ornaments, let’s make an evening of it. We’ll shop and then go to Luciano’s Italian Restaurant for dinner. I’m hungry for lasagna. Does that sound like a plan?”
“Yes, I think I’ll break with my tradition and order something different. Maybe the Italian Wedding Soup.”
He laughed. “We’ll see. I’m not betting on it.”
She grinned. “Well, I do like their veal piccata.”
They put the dogs in the kitchen and headed out.
As they drove into downtown, Morgan admired the decorations posted in store windows, wreaths hanging on light posts, and poinsettias in pots by doorways.
“I’m glad we decided to do our shopping with local businesses,” said Morgan. “It’s such a cute town center, and they all need our support.”
“I’m letting you take the lead on this,” said Brad. “You choose what you think would look right on a Christmas tree inside my house.”
“Thanks, but I need to make sure it’s what you want,” said Morgan. “I love Christmas decorations of all kinds.”
Brad parked his car, and they strolled down Main Street looking into shop windows.
“There,” said Brad. “Looks like they have what we might need.”
Morgan opened the door to her favorite gift shop, Whimsy.
Brad followed her inside.
They stood for a moment, staring at the vast array of Christmas items.
Morgan was excited to see such choices. “It makes it easy when compatible ornaments are grouped together. Let’s walk through the store, and you tell me which group or groups you like, and we’ll go from there.
” The thought of being able to choose whatever they liked was exciting to her.
The very best decorations she had were purchased during after-holiday sales.
They both stopped at the Heritage glass ornament sets, with glass balls in bright colors, some with hand-painted designs.
“These are beautiful,” gushed Morgan.
“I like them, too,” Brad said. “Let’s get as many boxes as we need for an average tree.”
“We could fill in with some other glass ornaments to give the tree a little sparkle,” Morgan said.
“Done,” said Brad. “Now, let’s get a glass of wine and then go to dinner.”
“Guess you’re not much of a shopper,” said Morgan, amused. “The tree will be beautiful.”
“Tomorrow, I’ll pick up the lights for the tree, and then we can go pick out a tree.”
“That sounds great. It will be the first live Christmas tree I’ve had in years.” Morgan beamed at him as a salesclerk approached them.
“I haven’t really wanted one for a few years,” said Brad, squeezing her hand.
It took them little time to complete the purchase. They carried the boxes to Brad’s car.
“C’mon. I’ll treat you to a glass of wine at Smithson’s Bar,” said Brad.
They walked a block or two to the bar that Joel Smithson’s brother, Gabe, owned and ran. Joel worked at the law firm and was as different from his brother as any two could be. However, they were both professional men who knew how to run a business and keep customers satisfied.
Gabe greeted them and ushered them to a table in the corner of the pine-paneled main room. “Your waitress will be here soon. Would you like her to bring you a bowl of nuts?”
“Yes, please,” said Brad, smiling as a waitress appeared.
They each ordered a glass of pinot noir.
Their glasses arrived moments later, along with a bowl of mixed nuts.
“This is a pleasant way to end our shopping trip,” said Morgan, leaning back against her chair. “Thank you. You’ve put me in the holiday spirit.”
As he studied her, his features softened. “I haven’t been able to face holidays like this for what seems like a long time. But now, I’m ready to try. Thank you for agreeing to go to Arizona with me.”
“I’m delighted you asked me, but I must admit, I’m a little nervous about it.”
“Don’t be. It will be only my parents and us this time,” said Brad. “You’re not going to see your parents at all over the holidays?”
Morgan shook her head. “No, I will call them and wish them a happy holiday, but visits are difficult, and honestly, they always make plans, so no one feels obliged to try to get together. Sad, but true. Ashley has met my parents and understands, which is why it is so special to be able to spend holidays with her, Mark, and the children.”
“As they say, you can’t always pick your family, but you can choose your friends. She’s an excellent one.”
“Absolutely,” said Morgan, making a mental note to find the perfect Christmas gift for Ashley.