Page 58 of Unexpected Adventures

Chapter Fourteen

We arrive at Sylvia’s, get her settled comfortably, and prepare to eat. And talk. Let’s not forget that part, because I know Sylvia’s just chomping at the bit to find out how Shaun and I came together.

Well, not that I’m going to tell her about how Icamewith Shaun, because that’s just too personal and something she doesn’t need to know.

I’ll just tell her how we met, and…

And what? Our relationship is just beginning, or so I thought. Then I had to act like a screwball this morning and practically push him away. But here he is, being thoughtful and attentive and… still interested.

We’ll see where this goes.

“Abby, would you please make some tea?”

Sylvia’s request brings me out of my own thoughts. “Sure.”

“Thank you, dear. Now, Shaun, come to the table. Let’s get to know one another.”

I manage to grin at him instead of grimacing before going to the kitchen to assemble sandwiches and make tea. I know how tenacious Sylvia can be. However, in the little time I’ve known Shaun, I know he’s perfectly capable of handling her. But what will he say about us?Where do we stand with one another?

Gah! I groan. I hate this turmoil.

“What’s wrong?” Sylvia asks me as I make my way to the table.

“Nothing,” I mumble, placing the tray of offerings on the table, taking a seat, and trying not to notice out of the corner of my eye the curious look Shaun is giving me. As I face Sylvia, she’s giving me pretty much the same look, questioning me over the rim of her cup as she sips her tea she quickly snatched up.

“Well then,” she starts, placing the delicate china on the table. “Tell me about the two of you. Abby seemed dead-set against finding a man and doing new things in life. And yet here you are.”

I nearly choke on the bite of food I put in my mouth, causing Shaun to rub my back as I finally swallow and reach for my drink.

“Well you can’t tell me he isn’t a new man in your life, right?”

I only manage to croak as I finish my drink, trying to clear my throat.

“To be fair to Abby, I did most of the pursuing,” Shaun said. “She dazzled me from the moment I saw her.”

He looks over at me and I’m sure he sees the surprise clearly on my face as my mouth drops open. His eyes never leave mine as he continues. “She’s obviously a beauty.”

My eyes soften as I close my gaping mouth.

“She’s genuine, honest, sweet.”

My heart melts.

“She’s someone I want to get to know a whole lot more.” He reaches for my hand and his fingers lock with mine. I give him a good squeeze.

“That’s just lovely. Tell me more about yourself, young man.” Sylvia finally begins to nibble on her lunch.

As Shaun releases my hand to also pick at his lunch, he proceeds to tell her about himself, his work, and Sherri. We then take turns telling her about our short visit with our sisters and our trip out to Link Observatory.

Sylvia’s brow wrinkles and shetsks. “And then this nasty business with my idiotic fall throws a wrench in your plans.”

“Hey, stop,” I say softly to her. “I couldn’t have stayed away. Yes,” I continue on before she has a chance to interrupt. “I’m sure you would’ve been fine without me, as you’re clearly displaying now. But I would’ve been an emotional wreck and no fun to be around anyway.”

She lovingly pats my hand. “Well, thank you for that, Abby. You really are a dear.” She turns to Shaun. “I’ve loved having her help, but in talking with Millie, I realize I’m going to need to do something different.”

“What do you mean?” I’m immediately concerned about what’s going through her mind.

“In truth, I’ve been thinking about my situation for some time. As I said, I’ve loved having your help, but it isn’t enough.”

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