Chapter 60
A Surprise Gift
Mike wasn’t looking forward to talking with Celia. Her ideas of moving out soon were going to be dashed. It was not going to be easy to make the house they were remodeling wheelchair accessible.
There wasn’t a bathroom she could use on the ground level and building a ramp to the house was not going to be easy. It could be done at the back of the house but the house was built on a slope and it had a lot of steps.
He’d ease into it and not burst her bubble for a few days. He would let her know he was looking into what needed to be done but that there was no rush. He had decided that the easiest thing to do would be to sell it. Even though they would take a loss if they didn’t complete the upstairs, he thought it would be best. He doubted if Celia would let him buy her out but he could try.
She did not have a lot to put into the house but she’d sold a few pieces of jewelry and had enough to get her foot in the door. Most people would have laughed at her investment but he was doing it for her, not for what he would gain.
He parked the car and sat for a moment thinking about the kisses they’d shared. It had been more than he expected on the first date. He had imagined she would be cold and not allow him more than a peck but she had kissed him back as he’d pulled away.
They had talked and kissed and talked. Then for about thirty minutes, they sat holding hands just enjoying each other’s company. She had talked about her parents and he’d told her about his childhood. All in all, it had been the best date he’d had in ages.
It was just after three as he stepped out of the car and went inside. He had a small gift in his hand and he hoped Celia wouldn’t be angry. It wasn’t much. He had seen it in a window while stopped at a red light and thought of her. He had parked, went in and bought it.
He hadn’t wrapped it but left it in a small brown bag. It wasn’t a gift that most women would appreciate but it suited his sense of humor.
When he went in he could smell something wonderful cooking, and of course, Vicky was at the stove. He’d made enough noise coming in not to scare anyone and spoke as he stepped into the kitchen, “Something smells good.”
“Chili, and we’ll have some grilled cheese sandwiches, too. That is, if you were not planning on taking Celia out tonight.”
“I think we can wait on that. Where is everyone?”
“Roger’s been working on your website most of the day and he’s taking a break by the pool. Last I noticed, Celia was out there, too. Why don’t you join them? Supper will be ready in an hour.”
“Do you need any help? I’m pretty handy in the kitchen.”
“No, I’m fine. Go on and join Celia. I think Roger got wind that we’ll be moving and he’s trying to take advantage of the pool.”
“Yeah, about that, we may not be moving as fast as Celia wanted, so if we can, let’s avoid that topic without being too obvious.”
“Sure. Want to share why?”
“Just some issues with making the house accessible for her. It’s an older house and it won’t be easy to move things around. I’ll put her off for a few days and then tell her. I don’t want to slow down her momentum of coming out of this mental funk.”
“Thanks, and that’s sweet of you. All of this is so kind of you. I wanted to remind you that we are all grateful for the help you’ve given Celia.”
“You’re welcome. Celia’s had some bad breaks - no pun intended - and I just wanted to help.”
“Well, thanks. Now go on out there and rest some before supper. And don’t mind Roger if he starts pushing that phone of his in front of your face. He’s driven us nuts today showing us what he’s doing with that website of yours. I will say though, he’s good at that kind of thing.”
“I’ll check it out, and thanks for the heads up.” Mike didn’t give her time to say anything else as he went out the door and around to the pool. He walked over and sat down by Celia, laid the bag on the table and flashed her a smile. “Hey, pretty lady. How has your day been?”
“Good. I’ve been resting and studying cars.”
“That’s my little salesgirl. I bought you a small gift but don’t get too excited, I might have to take it back.”
“A gift? Why do I have the feeling I need to ask if there is a frog in there?”
“No frogs. Nothing that’s going to jump out. I promise.”
He couldn’t help but laugh at the look on her face as she reached over to take the bag in her hands. She moved it slowly as if it might explode, and when she did peek in, he saw her brows furrow and she shook her head.
“A multi-purpose flashlight?”
“Yeah, for our camping trip. It does a lot of things. It has several beam settings and came with an extra gift - a knife that has a spoon, a little pair of scissors - all kinds of handy things.”
“You’re determined that I go camping.”
“Yes. You’ll have fun. Just keep an open mind.”
Celia smiled and pulled the flashlight closer. “Would we have some alone time or would this be all about fishing and sitting around the fire with others?”
“Celia, are you hinting that you might like to get me alone? I’m going to tell your mother.”
“Don’t tell her. She already sees grandbabies everywhere she looks. She might just pack for both of us.”
“I know that story, or one close to it. Just this morning my mother called and ask what was I doing this week. She wants me to show her neighbor’s daughter some cars. I know what that means. It’s code for, ‘Do you have a date, and if not here’s one’.”
“Would she do that?”
“Oh, yes, she’s tried. Most of the time I just send them off with one of the salesmen. I am not interested in blind dates.”
“What about those in wheelchairs?” Celia asked, with a grin.
Mike turned around and leaned on the table. “They can be kind of bothersome, quarreling all the time - get me this or get me that - but then again, they can’t get away quickly if the conversation is boring.”
“Well, if memory serves me well, you’re pretty good at talking and your kisses aren’t too bad. Meet me out here around eleven for a bedtime snack and I’ll get rid of the guy in the pool.”
“Sounds like a plan and bring your new gift. We might want to try it out.”