Page 19 of Unexpected Adventures

“It just is. Look, let’s go to our room and we’ll talk.” She links her hand with mine and leads me through a series of twist and turns and up some stairs to what Sherri called the silver room.

It’s a generous-sized room with two double beds draped in silver comforters. Sherri must have turned on the lights because two sconces are illuminated above each bed. The walls are white with pewter striping and crown molding. There’s a dresser along one wall and two burgundy sitting chairs in a corner. The room also has its own bathroom, which I needed to make use of right away.

“I’ll be right out,” I say.

“Go ahead. I’m going to change. Sherri has an assortment of night gowns and lounge clothes in the dresser.”

“Whatdoesn’tshe have? That woman is amazing. Her place is amazing!”

“Isn’t it? I love it!”

I make my way back out to Denise after washing up. She’s in a cute top and shorts set, sitting in one of the chairs in the corner. I go to the dresser to see what I can change into and decide on a cream silk night gown. Not being shy around my baby sister at all, I quickly dispose of my own garments and slip on the gown.

“I take it you’ve stayed here before?” By the way I see her blush, which my sister never does, I surmise that she wasn’t alone when she stayed here. “Denise! You and Jim?”

She shakes her head yes, emphatically, while smiling brightly.

“How long have you two, been, you know, together?”

“About six months,” she confesses.

Surprise doesn’t even begin to cover what I’m feeling. I plop myself down into the chair next to hers. “You never said a word. Why?”

“We wanted to keep it between the two of us at first. I didn’t want people to think I’d slept my way into my position. You know, that old cliché: young, cute blonde, probably isn’t too bright, had to sleep her way to the top.”

“That’s just ridiculous! You’re smarter than most people I know. You’re dedicated, tenacious, and determined.”

“Thanks, Abby. That really means a lot.”

“So, you two didn’t seem to try to hide it tonight. What’s changed?”

“I proved my worth, that’s what. I told Jim and Sherri what my goals were, and that I didn’t want any special treatment.” She laughs before continuing. “Jim said that was good, because he wasn’t going to give me any. I spear-headed a few projects that really made some heads turn. There were two others who were up for this position as Jim’s assistant, and he made it clear that he’d take the best qualified person. That person was me.”

“And what about office policy on personal relationships?”

“That’s the beauty. It’s allowed, as long as work performance isn’t jeopardized.”

“Simple as that?”

“Simple as that.”

“Well, good for you. I’m doubly proud of you. And so happy for you, if Jim makes you happy.”

“Oh, Abby, he does!”

“What’s his age, by the way?”

Her laugh is infectious. “How did I know that that’d be coming around?”

“Well, you have to admit, there’s a bit of an age gap, right?”

“A bit,” she says coyly. “He’s thirty-eight.”

I’m stunned silent, but my mind is screaming,“fourteen years?”

“It’s okay, I know what you’re thinking. Fourteen years is quite a difference. But love doesn’t see in terms of age. It’s just a number.”

“You really love him? And he loves you?”

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