The Perfect Spouse Read online

  He enjoyed greetings and comments from several people as he made his way down the slippery walk. As he passed the hardware store, he could hear, “Joy To The World.”

  He walked on to work with his chin dipped down in a scarf wrapped around his neck. It was a clear day but bitter cold. Keeping his eyes on the walk and being careful not to step on any obvious ice, he got out his keys to open the office door. To his surprise the door was unlocked. He pushed it open and stopped in amazement.

  Greg, Beth and Grace came out of the middle room to greet him. He sniffed the wonderful odors of pine and fresh greenery. There were ropes of garland around the front windows and more around the room. Greenery and holly were arranged artfully in various places. To his left, in the corner, was a beautifully decorated tree about eight feet tall. He felt dumb-founded. He had not thought of decorating for Christmas and hadn’t been aware that his staff wanted to do so.

  Multi-colored fairy lights twinkled in the garlands around the windows and around the room. A small tree, about twenty inches tall, had been placed in a window with decorations on it and tiny presents wrapped gaily and placed under the tree. Holly had been placed in several spots to make the window more attractive and festive. Cotton had been placed in the floor of the windows to represent snow. Jason began to grin about the cotton snow with so much of the real stuff on the ground outside. He finally laughed aloud. The three breathed a sigh of relief and looked happy as larks.

  Beautiful, full poinsettia plants were on all three desks. “When did you wonderful people do this? I’m ashamed that I haven’t even thought of decorating and here you’ve gone all out and done an outstanding job. Thank you so much. I love it.”

  The three cheered. Greg came over and slapped Jason on the shoulder. “We wanted to do it because you’re the best boss anyone could ever have.”

  “When did you get all this done?” Jason was still gawking and trying to breathe through his surprise and excitement.

  Grace walked over to adjust decorations of the big tree. “We did some Sunday afternoon and when we found out you didn’t expect us in on Monday, we came in and worked until we were satisfied with our efforts. You won’t be able to appreciate the lights on the hedge at the front until after dark.” Grace had planned well and the items were donated by them and some purchased.

  “I don’t know whether to be angry with you or forget it. I told you to stay home on Monday for a good reason. It was too dangerous to be out in the snow and ice.”

  “Jason,” Beth hurriedly said, “did you know the Chamber of Commerce is going to check business places and judge their decorating? There will be prizes and The Blade will take pictures of the winner and do a story on them.

  “As far as I’m concerned you three are the winners and the best.” Jason swept his arms out. He started walking through the long room and back to his office. He stopped in admiration when he discovered the decorating that had been done to this room. Pine boughs were place in various locations with pine cones and holly. He smiled and walked on back to his office. Opening his door he stopped in surprise and admiration. “You pixies have even worked wonders back here. It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

  On his desk was a big poinsettia. Around the six by four window were garlands and tiny twinkling lights. In the corner, near his private restroom, was a small tree sitting on a table with a skirt of red velvet under it. This tree, too, was decorated. He grinned as he hung up his coat and then laughed aloud when he saw pictures of the staff taped on the inside of his door. Every picture was taken when the weather was hot, when they were on vacation and mostly wearing shorts or swim suits.

  At his laughter, Beth and Greg stuck their heads in the door and ask him to share with them.

  “Are all of you hinting for a warm vacation, or are you anticipating the summer to come?”

  “Neither.” Beth chuckled. “We just thought it might make you feel better in the middle of this cold weather to look at some warm pictures.”

  “It beats a cold, impersonal door,” Jason laughed. “Thank you for doing all of this for me. I hope all three of you will have a wonderful Christmas.”

  “What will you be doing?” Greg asked.

  “I think I’ve been adopted by an elderly couple who live across the hall from me.” He didn’t explain that he was being nice to them and hoped they’d leave him alone most of the time.

  Grace left to answer the phone and came back looking as if she could shoot a lazar beam. “That was that Margaret Archer again. She refuses to leave a message. I still say she gives me the creeps.”

  “Forget it, Grace. If she needs our services badly enough, she’ll let us know.” Jason sat at his desk and took a folder from the files to work on.

  There were a few phone calls and mail, but no one came in person. The mail held requests from business people in nearby towns for Jason’s expertise. The day passed more quickly than they thought possible.

  “Jason, is it all right if I leave a half hour early?” Grace asked. “I need to shop for a cocktail dress for a party and buy a gift.”

  “Sure. Go ahead. I’ll close up.”

  “Bless you, Jason. Goodbye Beth and Greg. Have a good evening.”

  She left in a flurry of excitement thinking of her plans. Jason told Beth and Greg that they might as well leave, also. Beth had emptied the coffee urn and washed it ready for tomorrow. They left amid good wishes and Jason locked up.

  As Jason turned to walk to his apartment, he heard someone call, “Hey, Jason. Yoo hoo. Wait up.”

  He stopped and turned, puzzled to see a woman of late thirties or early forties, with hair flying in all directions, running from across the street toward him. Her calf-length coat was flying open, even in the bitter cold, showing a very short brown skirt and a tan, very revealing blouse. He stood mystified as she rushed up to him and placed a hand on his arm.

  “I’ve had such a time getting in touch with you. My name is Margaret Archer and I’ve wanted to meet you for a few weeks.”

  “You’re the lady who has been calling and wouldn’t tell my secretary the nature of your business or make an appointment. I don’t do business out on the street. I shall be glad to be of service if you’ll call tomorrow and make an appointment.”

  “Silly.” She laughed a deep, braying type of laugh that made Jason’s teeth ache as if someone had scrapped finger nails across a blackboard. “I don’t need an appointment. I saw your picture, in the book, at the dating agency and wanted to meet you in person.”

  He looked astonished at her. She stood about five eight and probably weighed about one hundred ten; too skinny for him. She did have pretty mahogany hair and snapping brown eyes. Her eyes had a strange glow in them as if she had mental problems. Her thin lips and far too much make-up did not make her attractive.

  “How did you get the name of my business and phone number?” he spoke angrily.

  She belted out another loud laugh. “I liked your picture, as I said, and recognized you one day on the street and followed you to your place of business. It was no problem to find your phone number after that.”

  “Do you realize this is considered stalking? The people at the dating agency assured me of confidentiality unless I choose to meet someone and tell them about myself.”

  “Don’t be a stuffed shirt. We could have a good time. Wouldn’t you like to have dinner together tonight and get acquainted?”

  “I already have a dinner engagement and I must hurry. Please don’t call my office again.” Jason turned and hurried away with her following and trying to talk. He soon walked fast and left her behind.

  “You’re not getting away that easy. I’ll see you around,” she called loudly after him causing people to look curiously at Jason and at her.

  He trudged on wondering what he had done to attract such a nutty woman; one older than he and certainly not his idea of one he would like.

  Jason felt badly that he had nothing to bring to the Dixons for the dinner to which they had invited him
. Although he didn’t drink, he would have ordinarily brought a bottle of wine, but he had never seen any alcohol in any shape, form or fashion in their apartment.

  He liked the older couple, but he was happy with his own company and his work. Betty had a scrumptious meal of pot roast, small potatoes, carrots, turnips, tiny onions and just enough spices to make it absolutely delicious. The beverages were a choice of coffee or tea. Home-made yeast rolls melted in the mouth. Jason relaxed and ate far too much, but it was all so good and Tony and Betty were excellent host and hostess.

  Jason did enjoy the dinner and the visit more than he thought he might. In fact, he didn’t think of Margaret Archer until he got home about nine forty. I don’t know the woman or anything about her and am not interested in learning. I don’t remember ever seeing her before. At this time, he had forgotten the idea of stalking. He just hoped he had seen the last of her.

  I’m really not interested in meeting a woman for anything permanent. I just thought it would be nice to make new friends by joining the dating agency. I keep remembering thoughts my dear, sweet grandparents left with me. Grandma used to say, “Insurmountable obstacles are opportunities in disguise.” She was right about so many things.

  He prepared for bed with a twinge in his heart thinking of his grandparents and his loving mother. He was grateful for the love and care of him they had given without expecting anything in return. He had dearly loved his mother and respected his father, but never had love for him.

  * * * * *

  Jason bounced out of bed feeling rested and invigorated. He looked forward to the day and thanked God for his blessings. His staff had become like family. He felt fond of all of them and knew he had made good choices by hiring them. Today he was only going to keep them long enough to give each one a Christmas bonus and clear some business. Tonight he was going to The Perfect Spouse for a special holiday party.

  Greg took the envelope Jason handed him with a thank you. Opening it, he sucked in a deep breath. “Jason, you have been more than generous. I need this immediately to pay some of mother’s medical bills. Thank you.

  Thank you,” he said, giving Jason a hug.

  Jason didn’t know whether to be embarrassed or not. He patted Greg’s back and assured him that he had earned every penny. In his own mind, he decided to keep quietly checking on Greg and his mother to see if they were in desperate need or what he could do to help.

  In spite of his father’s cruel nature, Jason’s mother and grandparents had taught him to be a kind, caring person. He had tried to live up to that even though he was a big, strong man and could have been like his father.

  Beth hugged him and stated that she would deposit this in her special account for her wedding. She was gushing with joy every day telling them of her wedding plans.

  They were all surprised when Franklin came breezing in with gifts for all of them. Greg and Beth looked at each other and winked when he left a special gift for Grace on her desk. “Please don’t open it until you’re home alone,” he explained. It made them wonder how close the friendship had developed between the two.

  Jason had an envelope for Franklin which contained a card and money. Beth and Greg had gotten together and bought him a beautiful sweater from New Zealand. Grace had already given him a package, but none of them, in the office, knew what she had given Franklin.

  Franklin gave Jason a desk clock, with a calendar, shaped like the steering wheel of a ship. Greg received an Egyptian amulet on a gold chain. Franklin told him it was supposed to be protection. None of them were superstitious, so, it was accepted as a lovely piece of male jewelry.

  Beth received a watch with blue stones for a band and a ring to match. The two of them were connected by a gold chain. Franklin had made the gift with Beth in mind.

  After Franklin left, Beth followed Jason back to his office. “Have you noticed how Grace and Franklin look at each other? I think, and I hope, there’s a little bit of romance there.”

  “I noticed today how tenderly Franklin looked at Grace. They’re both wonderful people and so kind. I think it would be wonderful if he is interested in Grace. She’s such a special lady. It’s great to have companionship in later years. So many times older people can’t go and do as they did when they were younger. To have someone in the same boat, so to speak, is ideal. More power to them.”

  Jason walked out to the front and smiled at his staff. “This is the twenty-third, so I’ll see everyone back here rested, well and happy on January fifth.”

  “We’re going to be closed that long?!” Beth exclaimed.

  “Enjoy it,” Jason grinned. “We’ll be working many grueling hours when we return. Tax time and quarterly reports for several businesses. Besides, I hear we’re supposed to have more snow and bad weather.”

  Beth was ecstatic when the editor of The Blade came in with an officer from the Chamber of Commerce. “Congratulations on your decorations. We’re impressed since you have not been open but a few weeks. You didn’t win first prize, but we would like to take pictures and do a write-up. You’re an asset to the community.”

  Jason was speechless. He thanked them and allowed pictures to be made inside and out. He and his staff sat down to answer questions and give an interview.

  “Well, children,” Jason chortled, “this is great. Free advertisement and you three deserve the credit.”

  They made sure all appliances were safe from fire and cleaned up food crumbs so that unwanted guests, creepy crawlies, wouldn’t come in over the holidays. They left wishing each other a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

  Chapter Nine

  At home Jason argued with himself whether he would go to the dating agency party or not. He finally decided to give it another try. Dressing in grey wool slacks and a burgundy sweater, with his usual boots, he got in his car and started out. He was pleased to be greeted by Jenny Carson and Gary Beaumont when he entered the building.

  Jason accepted a mug of hot, spiced cider with a small candy cane standing up in it. He shook his head at the offer of sweets. He turned so quickly that some drops of the hot cider jumped out of the mug on to his hand when he heard a screeching voice. “JASON! I knew we’d get together tonight.”

  Gary and Tony Petrillo flanked Jason as Margaret Archer ran up and hugged him. Before he could dodge her, she had kissed him full on the lips. “Couldn’t stay away from me, could you big man?”

  “Margaret,” Jenny admonished her. “Give the poor man a chance to at least get in. Maybe he’s meeting a special lady tonight.”

  “Oh, no. Tell them, sweetie. We’re going to be together tonight.”

  By then, Jason had gotten his mind and tongue untangled. “I’m sorry if you had any idea that we would be together. I don’t even know you and only talked to you a couple of minutes when you waylaid me on the street. Excuse me.”

  Jason moved as if he were going to leave, but Gary and Tony each took an arm and firmly marched him away from Margaret. They were joined by Nigel Scovell. Nigel spoke low to Jason. ‘Steer clear of that woman. She is so man crazy that she turns all of us off. She had a few dates when she first joined, but people have learned to be busy when she comes around.”

  Jason smiled at him and inclined his head. The last time I was here, and met Nigel, I knew I was going to like him. I must get into the bookstore and video shop he owns.

  “Thank you, but I really don’t know her. She’s been calling me at work, and when my secretary asks for a name and an appointment time, this woman refuses both. I will be very happy if she’ll just leave me alone.”

  “She won’t, but she’ll lose interest when someone new comes on the scene. A few of the men did date her once each and came back feeling as if they’d been in a war.” All of the men laughed as others gathered around.

  Jason turned when someone timidly touched his shoulder from behind. He turned courteously and came face to face with the woman who had asked to meet him. He recognized her from her picture and video.

  “Hi
, I’m Rose Schilling. I just wanted to introduce myself and welcome you to our group.”

  “Thank you, Rose. I’m Jason and I appreciate your kindness. I hope to meet a lot of nice people, but I’m not interested in a long-term relationship.”

  “Neither am I. It’s just nice to met new people,” Rose said shyly. She turned as two women joined the group. “Oh, Jason, this is Rebecca Glover and Annalea Porter. Ladies, meet Jason.”

  The group was having a friendly discussion when they were interrupted by Margaret Archer.

  “Move aside, girls. I saw him first and this man is mine,” she giggled, trying to act much younger than her early forties.

  “Ma’am, I’m my own man and I sure don’t belong to anyone.” Jason spoke politely while removing Margaret’s clutching hands from his arm. “I don’t know you, but I am trying to learn more about these lovely ladies.” He emphasized the word ladies. She grabbed his hand and held on.

  “You’ll know a lot about me after we’ve had our first date. I know a lot of good-time places to go and I promise you that you’ll not be sorry.”

  “Margaret, are you so dense that you can’t hear the man say he isn’t interested?” Nigel moved to stand between Jason and Margaret.

  “He’s just being cute so I’ll be more captivated,” she giggled.

  “Truly ma’am. I’m NOT interested.” Jason turned his back on her.

  “Poo. You’re just pretending to play hard to get so I’ll be more drawn to you. Come on, handsome. Let’s dance to this lively music.” Margaret grabbed his hand and tried to pull him to a place that had been cleared for dancing.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to leave.” Jason spoke firmly and tried to go to the room where the coat had been left.

  Joseph Harper had been observing the conversation and now stepped up to the group. “Hello, everyone. I hope you’re enjoying the evening. Jason. That is your name, isn’t it? I’m sorry, but I meet so many people it’s difficult to keep names in mind. May I talk to you privately? I didn’t get a chance to get better acquainted when we met the first time.”