So Alexandra. Jean began. “Would you stay for supper? I’ve already got a cooked meal that Ben and I couldn’t possibly finish.” Jean said expectantly. Alexandra smiled and shook her head.
I would like to but I too have something in the oven that must be looked after. Perhaps another time? she said.
That would be okay. Ben? Okay with you she come by later? jean asked looking over to Ben sitting in the overstuffed chair. Ben was taking a swallow of beer then choked when she directed the question at him. His eyes opened wide as he tried to get his breath, coughing. Both of the women looked concerned and leaned forward toward him at the same time. Jean noticed Alexandra and sat back to watch the two of them.
Are you alright Ben? Alexandra asked as she rose from the sofa and moved to him, concern in her voice. Ben nodded as he caught his breath and held up a hand to let her know he didn’t need any help. She ignored it and stood next to him and patted his back. He looked up and saw Alexandra’s expression. He smiled and coughed once more. Jean watched as her stomach started churning and rolling after noting Alexandra’s use of his nickname.
Yes. I’m alright. He said nodding. Jean saw the way he looked at Alexandra and what his body language suggested. To her surprise, Alexandra did not relax until Ben stood.
Um. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll need to change my shirt. I’m not used to wearing my favorite ale. He said looking at Alexandra smiling. Jean noted that and felt her stomach drop again. Ben looked to her and touched her shoulder giving it a little squeeze on his way to the bedroom. She relaxed a little but the lead ball in her stomach didn’t feel any lighter.
So Jean… Alexandra started as she returned to the sofa. Jean turned her attention and put on a smile. “What do you do for a living. Ben said something about accounting and design?”
Jean nodded and figured Alexandra had to have been there a while before returning to the cottage. “Yes. I own the local CPA office and do a little architectural design more as a hobby than a profession.” She said.
You do architectural design for entertainment? Alexandra said raising her eyebrows a little. Jean nodded then blushed.
I’ve always liked to make buildings look more than just a big box with windows and doors. She said.
You have built one or two, yes? Alexandra inquired. Her expression was more serious now. Even expectant.
Jean blushed a little harder. “Well.” She began. “One of my drawings came to the attention of a builder and he wanted to use it for a retirement home for people needing assisted living.” She said feeling her ears heat up.
Do not be embarrassed Jean! That is a wonderful accomplishment!” Alexandra said in a rush. You must let me see it!”
Taken aback, Jean started nodding. “Okay. If you feel that strongly.”
Oh please. I forget myself. I am very interested in your designing talent. Perhaps we may collaborate on a project in the future, yes? Alexandra said, eyes lit up. Jean was just about to answer when Ben entered the room.
Why are you interested in any of my work? Jean asked ignoring Ben standing behind her.
Because Alexandra builds hotels. Ben said. ‘A little too proudly.’ Jean thought. She turned in surprise and looked up at him. He smiled and bent over, giving her a light kiss on her cheek.
Jean turned back to Alexandra. “You do?!” It was Alexandra’s turn to blush a bright shade of red. She nodded.
Benjamin is correct. I also build mid to upper scale apartments, condominiums and townhomes. Multi-family units are my specialty. She said.
On top of that, she’s working on the hotel near the auto plant with full suites for the corporate bunch that come to town. Ben said. Jean was amazed. Nobody came here to build anything. Not since the cotton mills closed. Jean had a new found respect for this woman. She was a professional and an accomplished woman with higher education. Knowing this gave her a sense of confidence and a type of camaraderie she’d wanted with other successful women but never had.
Ben still stood behind Jean drinking a freshly opened beer while the women talked. Alexandra would glance at him as he watched her, fascinated. He felt a hand on his as Jean took it to get his attention. He looked down.
Hmmm? he said.
I said would it be too much trouble to take Alexandra home. You know, her foot and all. Jean repeated.
Oh! No. Not at all. He said. He put his drink down on the breakfast counter then came over to Alexandra. She stood and he simply went to her and scooped her up in his arms like a princess. She wrapped her arms around his neck instinctively.
She can at least walk to the ATV you know. Jean chided. Ben only smiled and started for the door. Jean got up quickly and opened the screen door for them and watched him carry Alexandra to the ATV. She thought a moment and saw a pair of green flip flops by the door and figured them to be Alexandra’s. She picked them up and brought them over.
Here’s your flip flops Alexandra. Jean said handing them to her once Ben set her into the seat and fastened the harness. Alexandra smiled and gave a thank you before slipping them on her small feet. Jean was amazed at how clear her complexion was given she was a redhead. She was a beautiful woman. Thinking that, she stepped back right into Ben. His arms closed around her when she turned and kissed her cheek. She kissed him back and hugged him tight. She let go after a moment and stepped back. His eyes told her she couldn’t hide her distress but they also told her not to worry.
I’ll have supper waiting when you get back. She said and stepped back up onto the porch. Ben smiled and moved to enter the driver’s side. Once harnessed in, he turned the ATV power on and with a wave, headed down the old driveway. Jean waved back as Alexandra threw her a wave as well. She stood on the porch until they were out of view. Sighing, she went in the cottage to get supper ready. She never did open the package she’d been waiting for.
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