Marissa would be forever grateful that the intercom rang just then. Angela’s voice sounded apologetic as she announced a call for Harrison from the police department. Marissa pulled her hand away and motioned for Harrison to take the call. She needed to call a couple of clients anyway and was grateful for the excuse to leave Harrison’s gloomy company. She knew his mother had just died but his attitude was disturbing.

She made her escape and then spent a little while in her office contacting clients. A short while later, she slipped out of the office without seeing Harrison again. She felt guilty, but she also felt like she could breathe again. He was so morose he almost seemed to suck all the air out of the room.

Marissa went home and indulged in some personal time. She needed to relax and that didn't include painting, or hammering, or tiling. Instead she poured herself a glass of wine, took a long, hot bubble bath, and made a simple supper for herself and Larry. After a long cuddle with the Bassett and a chick flick, Marissa called it an early night and went to bed.

That was the last rest she got for the next week. She was caught up in the business, especially since Harrison didn't have a broker's license. She did, so he immediately began to rely on her for professional advice. All of the staff was in a whirl about the funeral services, and handling the media was a full-time job in itself.

By the time of the funeral on Friday Marissa was exhausted. She’d spent the week giving press releases and talking with disturbed clients. She felt like a limp spaghetti noodle, left out to dry in the hot sun. She felt like she was running out of gas at the dinner at the country club in memoriam for Lydia. She drooped in the corner and dragged in a couple of breaths. Her nerves were stretched about as far as they would go. She took a tired sip of the wine in her hand.

There were so many people here. Lydia had been a pillar of the community, on many boards and committees, involved in numerous associations. There had been a crush of people at the viewing last night and the funeral had been huge. She had been busy all week acting as Harrison’s liaison and hostess. She just wanted this day to be over so she could go home.

That wasn’t going to happen just yet, she realized, as she saw Harrison heading her way. He looked a little better, his skin less pasty looking, the circles under his eyes less prominent. He still looked nervous, often running his hand over his protruding belly and pulling at his tie, but at least he seemed calmer, less emotional.

“M…Marissa,” he stuttered. “I wanted to thank you for all you’ve done. You’ve been a real rock.”

“Thanks, Harrison, but really, I wanted to help. Maybe life will get a little calmer now, more back to business.”

“Well, w…we’ll hope,” he said with a tired smile. “Anyway, I know you’re tired. I wanted to tell you, you don’t have to stay until the very end. Some of these people won’t leave until after midnight. I know you need to go get some rest.”

“To be honest, I am starting to run down. If you really don’t mind, I’ll say goodnight. And, Harrison, remember if you need anything, anything at all, I’m there.”

"Okay, Marissa. Thanks again." He reached out and pulled her in for a hug. His hands felt pasty against her bare arms. For some reason, a shiver ran through her body.

She paused, her door open. What was that? She glanced around, wondering if anybody was watching her and then reached out and plunked a mist-kissed rose from the windshield. It was just one lone long-stemmed red rose with no card or other information. She even looked around on the ground to see if a message had been blown down by the brisk spring breeze. No luck.

Well, that was odd, she thought as she tossed the rose on the seat beside her. It was also kind of creepy. Who would do that? There had been so many people there tonight; it could have been any of them.

That didn’t happen, though. Larry woke up early and wanted to go out. She stumbled down the stairs and opened the back door to let him out. She was immediately assaulted by the sound of rock music and power tools. Great. Looks like she was done sleeping. Oh, well, she’d already planned on working on her house all day.

She was pleased with how much progress she’d made on the house. The kitchen was almost finished and the living room was done. The downstairs powder room had new plumbing, paint, and flooring. In fact, the entire downstairs was nearing completion.

She needed to work upstairs that day and begin to rip up the old carpeting. It was a dirty job but one she felt capable of accomplishing. Before she could get a good start on the job, though, her phone was ringing. Harrison. A hint of frustration ran through her. She hoped he wasn’t becoming too dependent on her.

“Hi, Harrison.” She answered as she gathered up small items to remove from the small third bedroom. “What’s up?”

“H…Hi, Marissa, how are you this morning?”

“I’m fine. The question is , how are you?”

“Oh, I’m okay, I guess. Lonely. The house is so quiet without Mother here.”

“Yeah, I’m sure it is.” She didn’t really know what to say to that.

“S…so, Marissa, I wondered if you m…might want to go to brunch with me? As a thank you, you know.”

“Thanks, Harrison, but that’s really not necessary. And, I’m already in the middle of a project here at the house.” She glanced around at the room she hadn’t even cleared yet and closed her eyes as she asked for forgiveness for the small fib. “I really need to stick to it.”

“Oh…I…see.” He didn’t even try to disguise the disappointment in his voice. “W…well, what about this evening then. “Then what about d D …dinner tonight?”

She just didn't have it in her. She needed at least a day away from Harrison's melancholy. She felt sorry for him. She really did. But she also needed some alone time. Otherwise she wouldn't be fit to help him. But she hated to leave without giving a little.

“Look, Harrison, today isn’t really a good day. What do you say we plan on meeting for coffee tomorrow morning at Jane’s Place? At say, 11?”

“That’s great, Marissa. I can’t wait to see you again.”

Marissa was rather surprised by his enthusiastic response but didn’t let it show. She was just glad she had made him happy. “Okay, I’ll see you then.”

Well, she hadn’t gotten the whole weekend to herself like she’d wanted, but coffee with Harrison shouldn’t take too long.