Romancing In The Rain

Romancing In

The Rain

By

J Burk

Copyright 2012 J Burk

Smashwords Edition

This eBook is for your enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person please purchase an additional copy for each person. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This also pertains to uploading to free download sites, which is considered piracy and does not recognize the labor of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. With the exception of a few real characters taken from life, the names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead is coincidental.

All rights are reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author.

I love to hear from readers! Contact me at JnJBurk@gmail.com

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This was the first book I wrote. Many years ago I was bored, I decided to emailed my sister in law, Sally. After sending several emails back and forth she suggested that she write the first couple of paragraph for a story, send it to me, and then I would do the same. After about four paragraphs each, she said, Ok, go with it. Write a book. And I did. I never thought this book was good enough for publication, but I was wrong. This is a good book! I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.

Thank you Melinda for editing another one of my books. And once again I’d like to thank Bob Ramsey for all the work he puts into my books formatting, correcting and getting them ready for publication. I’d be lost without your help!

Thank you Sally for getting me started on my writing career.

This book is dictated to the children and teachers that were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School In Newton CT. December 14, 2012. I'm sure God greeted them with open arms when they passed through his pearly gates.

Also look for a sneak peek of Jessie’s Dreams and Not Again, following Romancing In The Rain..

Cover art by J Burk

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Sneak Peeks

First Chapter of Jessie's Dreams

First Chapter of Not Again

Chapter 1

Miranda scanned the paper one more time looking for a job. There was absolutely nothing she was qualified for within a fifty mile radius. She sighed once again as she fought back the tears that were sure to come if she let her emotions take over. It was long past time she got out on her own. She had lived with her sister and her husband long enough. Neither Sissy nor Boone had complained in any way, but she knew they needed their privacy. They had only been married a year when Miranda’s unemployment ran out, leaving her with no money to live on. So they had both insisted that she move in with them until she found a job and got back on her feet. That was seven long months ago.

Anything good in the paper today?

No, there’s just nothing. I’m going to start looking for a job out of state.

But where would you go?

Wherever I can find a job.

But Randy, we’re family.

Just because I move doesn’t mean we’ll no longer be family.

But you’re my only family.

That’s just not so honey. You have Boone now and you two should be making a family of your own. You need to be alone.

Of course Boone is my family too. Sissy tried to smile. I just don’t want you to move away. What would I do without you?

Well, you could take care of your husband and hopefully get started on making me an aunt.

We both agreed that we wouldn’t try for a baby for a couple of years.

"And that’s because you both want to be financially stable. Right?

This is not about money Randy.

You don’t need another mouth to feed if you’re trying to save for a baby. Miranda smiled as she said, Again, you need to be alone. You need to grow together before you have a baby and that means you don’t need me here under your feet all time."

Miranda, we have never once complained about you being here. Matter of fact, Boone loves you as much as he does his own sisters. She smiled with pride as she said, He told me that.

And I love him every bit as much. That’s why I’m going to find a job and get on with my life. I love you both enough to know it’s time to move on.

I know you’re not ready for marriage yet, but why don’t you consider at least dating Stan? He has a great job, a beautiful home, and money in the bank. He could give you everything you wanted Miranda.

Everything but love! Besides, I don’t like him. There’s something about him I just don’t trust.

I know he’s a little different, but I’ve known him for years. He’s never done anything to make me distrust him.

Let’s just say he makes my skin crawl. Miranda went to walk away as she said, He reminds me of a control freak.

Oh Randy… Why don’t you just give him a chance?

No Sissy!

Sissy started to wring her hands. Don’t get mad but he’s coming over tonight. We talked about you today and he said he’d like to get to know you a little better.

That’s just great! Well tell him I have a sick headache and I don’t feel like company.

I can’t tell him that!

Then tell him whatever you want... Just make sure you tell him that I won’t be available for any chit chat tonight.

Where will you be?

On the internet registering with job sights. Miranda spun around as she said, But as far as Stan will know, I’m either in bed with a sick headache or I’m not home. Just let me know what you decide to tell him.

Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes. Don’t you want to eat first?

I think I’ll just get a bottle of water and make a peanut butter sandwich that I can take back to my room with me. That way I won’t have to come out as long as he’s here.

He’s on his way here or I’d call him to cancel.

Miranda hurried to make her sandwich. Remember Sissy, I have a sick headache and I don’t want to be disturbed!

I’m not deaf Miranda. I heard you.

As Miranda walked past her Boone walked through the door. Hey Boone, no time to talk, I’m heading to my room to hibernate for the evening. Matter of fact I have a sick headache and don’t want to be disturbed.

Boone smiled as she walked away. Well you look good for a woman that has a sick headache.

Miranda and Boone got along well. It was almost as though they could read each other’s mind. Miranda grinned as she saluted him with her bottle of water and kept walking to her room where she could be alone. Boone kissed his wife hello then washed up for dinner. What’s up with Miranda and the sick headache?

Stan’s coming over tonight and she doesn’t want to available when he gets here.

I can’t say as I blame her. There’s something about that guy that I don’t like. I can’t put my finger on it, but I know I’m going to like him even less when I find out what it is.

Sissy sighed as she placed the food on the table. I’ve known him for a couple of years, he seems like an alright kind of guy to me.

Honey, just because he’s your best friend’s brother, doesn’t mean you have to like him. You hardly know the guy.

"I know that he has a good job, a nice house and money in the bank. And Beth told me that he’s ready to settle down and I also know that he’s interested in Miranda.

How do you know that?

Beth hinted around that Stan is lonely and wanted to know if I could fix them up."

Well evidently Miranda’s not interested in him. If you were smart you’d stay out of this.

But maybe if we encouraged her, she could become interested in him.

Why the hell would we do that?

Because she can’t find a job around here she’s going to start to look out of state. Sissy fought back the tears as she said, And I don’t want her to move away!"

Did you tell her she has a home here as long as she wants?

Yes I did, but she thinks she’s a burden and she says we need to be alone.

I’ll talk to her this weekend.

Sissy smiled at her husband as she said, Thank you honey.

No thanks are needed. I like your sister. But, I have to admit honey; I’d rather see her living out of state than married to that guy.

Sissy didn’t say another word about Stan. She knew that Boone didn’t like him and if he thought for one minute that Miranda was going to end up with Stan he’d encourage her to find a job out of state. He’d probably even drive her to her destination.

Miranda ate her sandwich and sipped at her water as she logged on to the internet in search of a job. Before long her ex-husband’s sister in-law popped on line and sent her an instant message.

Hi Miranda.

Hey Audrey, how’s everything down your way?

Just great, and up north with y’all?

Sissy and Boone are great, I’m still job hunting.

Nothing yet?

No. Matter of fact I’m starting to look out of state.

Lot’s of jobs down here hon. Come on down and live with us for a while.

I couldn’t impose, but to tell ya the truth, I wouldn’t mind moving south. Can you send me the help wanted section from your paper?

You wouldn’t be imposing.

I just need to be on my own Audrey.

I understand hon.

Then you’ll send me the help wanted ads?

I can do better than that. I’ll send you a link in your e-mail for a site with all the jobs available in the state.

That would be great. Can you do it tonight?

Boy you are serious. Did you and Sissy argue?

No, I would just like to get out on my own.

Come on Miranda, there’s more to it than that.

Sissy’s trying to fix me up with her best friend’s brother. I’m not ready for any kind of relationship. And before you read too much into this, I’m not still in love with the asshole. I just don’t want to get involved with anyone yet.

I didn’t think you were hon. I was just worried that you were heading out of state for all the wrong reasons.

Thanks for your concern Audrey. But I’m fine. I think that the kids need to be alone and I need to move on. Kind of start over and starting over here is not my way of moving on.

Understood. By the way. You’ve got mail.

Thanks so much Audrey. I’ll talk to you later. I want to check out that site you sent me.

You’re welcome hon. Let me know if you’re headed down my way.

Will do. Thanks again for all your help.

Welcome.

Miranda set for the next half hour reading the want ads for Ridgeland South Carolina and the surrounding area. She was either under qualified, overqualified or the job just didn’t appeal to her. Then an ad jumped out at her. Wanted: Live-in person to run my home. Many duties included. Pay’s great. Call for more information.

Miranda dialed the number immediately. After the fourth ring an answering machine kicked on. This is Blake Daily. I’m not available to take your call, but if you leave your name, number and a brief message, I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Hi. This is Miranda Miller. I’m calling about your ad in the paper for the live-in housekeeper. Miranda gave her cell phone number and hung up. She continued looking at the help wanted ads for the next hour but nothing appealed more to her than the one that she had already called about.

Miranda looked at the little clock on the bottom of her computer and sighed. It was only seven forty-five. She couldn’t go out to the living room to watch TV because she knew that Stan would still be here, and the last thing she wanted to do was run into him. Just as she was about to log online to play a game her cell phone rang.

Hello.

Miranda Miller?

This is she.

This is Blake Daily. You called about the ad?

Yes I did.

I’m not familiar with your area code, where are you located?

Hockingport Ohio.

You’d be right handy the West Virginia line.

Yes.

That’s quite a distance from South Carolina.

Yes it is.

So you’re willing to relocate?

Yes I am.

Are you married, do you have any family?

I’m divorced, and my only family is my sister and her husband, but I do have family that lives in your area.

How long have you been divorced?

Close to a year.

That’s not very long.

We were separated for two years before the divorce was final.

Then there’s no chance of reconciliation?

Absolutely not!

The reason I ask, is I don’t need some jealous husband beating on my door in the middle of the night because I hired his wife that ran out on him.

You don’t have to worry about that Mr. Daily. My ex-husband has remarried.

I guess that’s a good thing.

As far as I’m concerned it is.

There was dead silence on the phone for a few seconds. Let me tell you a few things about the job. First of all, you’ll be in charge of the household duties. I have a cook that has been with our family since I was born. She’s getting older and goes to visit her sister from time to time. When she’s not here, you’ll have to do the cooking. Two of the cooks granddaughters come in to help with some of the cleaning at least twice a week. I guess I should have asked you if you can cook?"

Yes. I was the head cook for an assisted living facility.

Then I assume you can plan menus and clean.

You assume right.

Can I fax you an application?

Yes. Miranda gave him the fax number and agreed to fill out the application and fax it back to him as soon as possible."

Before we go any further Mrs. Miller, I feel I should tell you that I won’t tolerate laziness. I’ll pay you well to do a job and I want that job done right! I don’t want to come off as a mean person to work for, but there are times when I get stressed out from meetings, work and or family, and I can be a mite grouchy.

We all have bad days Mr. Daily. If you don’t get in my face unnecessarily then I won’t get back in yours. The minute the words were out of her mouth, she wished she hadn’t said it.

Blake chuckled as he let what she said register. Well Mrs. Miller, I do believe if I hire you, that you’ll work out here just fine. He smiled as he rubbed his forehead with his fingers and thumb. I’ve been through four housekeepers in the past few months because they can’t take any criticism nor could they stand up for what they believe. Again there was silence at the other end of the line. I’ll fax you the application now. Please fill it out and send it back to me as soon as you can.

Thank you Mr. Daily.

Thank you for your time Mrs. Miller.

Miranda hung the phone up and rubbed her temples as she said out loud. I must be crazy to even consider working for a man that admits to being grouchy with his employees. She let out a big sigh and shook her head no. I’ll bet he can be a real pain in the ass. Oh well, I need a job and if Mr. Daily is interested enough to hire me, I’m desperate enough to take it.

Just as Miranda went to read her email, she heard the fax machine in the den and thought, Wow that was fast. She slipped out of her room to retrieve what she knew would be the application Blake Daily was faxing her. Once both pages had come through she walked quietly back to her room. Just as she was ready to close the door she heard Stan talking to Sissy about her.

I’d like to ask Miranda out to dinner and maybe a movie this weekend.

She’s been suffering with a lot of bad headaches this past week Stan, I’m not sure she’ll feel up to going anywhere.

Nonsense! A night out on the town with me is just what the doctor would order.

Well you can ask her, but she may not accept. As Sissy was talking to him she thought she might as well tell him that Miranda was looking for a job out of state. Maybe then he would get discouraged and give up on asking her out. That would make both Miranda and Boone happy.

Miranda’s been job hunting a lot lately.

That’s wonderful. I think it takes both the husband and wife to work if you want to get ahead and have money in the bank.

Sissy prayed that Boone didn’t hear what Stan had just said. The last thing she needed right now was for Boone to fly off the handle at Stan’s remark about a husband and wife both working. He’d think that Stan was referring to Miranda being his wife. She’s looking for work out of state.

What?

She can’t find anything in the area, so she’s decided to move to wherever she finds a job.

Stan set quietly for a few seconds. I’ll just have to see what I can do to change her mind. After all, long distance relationships seldom work. And to be honest with you, I don’t think I could handle that.

Just then Boone walked out to the kitchen to get a cold drink. He glared at Stan as he said, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about a long distance relationship with Miranda. She’s not that type.

Stan was either too dumb to get Boone’s meaning or he just ignored what he’d said. Like I said, I’ll just have to work on keeping her right here with us where she belongs.

Before Boone could say another word, Sissy jumped up from the table and kissed him. Honey, I forgot to tell you that one of your customers called and would like you to call them back. I left his name and number on the desk in the den.

Boone smiled down at his wife. He knew she was trying to prevent a fight. He also knew that she was trying to discourage Stan by telling him that Miranda was planning on moving out of state. I think I’ll go make that call.

Sissy gave a sigh of relief as he walked back to the den and then turn to face Stan. I don’t like to discourage you, but I think Miranda’s mind is made up to move.

And my mind is made up as well. For the past year I’ve thought about marriage and it’s Miranda that I intend to make my wife. He smiled with confidence as he said, I think with some time she’ll come to see things my way and agree to marriage.

Just how do you intend to convince her of that if she moves?

Stan smiled as he tried to look charming and debonair. By winning her over of course. He sipped his coffee then said, Once she see’s my home and what I have to offer her it won’t be hard to convince her to become my wife.

Sissy could only stare at him. She never realized just how egotistical he was. Miranda and Boone were right. He was different in every sense of the word. Stan, I don’t think Miranda cares about material things. She’s the type of woman that would rather be deeply in love and dirt poor then have anything she wants in a loveless marriage.

Who says it would be a loveless marriage? I’m sure after some serious courting, so to speak,Miranda would fall head over heels in love with me.

But what if she doesn’t? Better yet what if you find that you can’t and don’t love her?

Stan laughed as he said, Where do you come up with such ludicrous ideas? After all, I’ll admit that she’s not a knockout, but she’s not ugly either.

Sissy was starting to get mad. What do you mean she’s not a knockout? I think Miranda is beautiful, inside and out!

Of course you do dear. You’re her sister so its hard for you to be objective.

If you love someone you can see just how beautiful they are.

But I don’t love Miranda…Yet! And to be honest, I may never love her. But I still think she would make me a good partner in life. She can work to help build my dreams.

Stan, you’re starting to piss me off.

Stan chuckled as he said, I’m sorry dear. I merely meant that together we could build a relationship and a home that would hopefully turn into a fairy tale love story that someone would someday write about.

Sissy tried to smile and be as polite as possible. She didn’t want to ruin her friendship with Beth over her dim-witted brother who thought he was put on this earth to be God’s gift to Miranda. All I’m saying is, don’t get your hopes up too high. Miranda has her heart set on moving out of state and starting a new life.

Stan had a smug look on his face as he said, Well I’ll just have to convince her that starting a new life with me would be the only move she’ll need.

Sissy was at the breaking point with his arrogant attitude. If it wasn’t for Beth being her best friend since high school she would have turned Boone loose on him. She didn’t want to hear anymore of his self-righteous crap, and changed the subject as quickly as possible. She brought up Beth’s two little girls and before long Stan was off on another journey of how fantastic he was at being an uncle. He was what Boone would call, a legend in his own mind.

At nine-fifteen Sissy told Stan she was getting a terrible headache hoping he’d get the hint and leave. But as usual, Stan didn’t like to be dismissed. He totally ignored her and talked for another half hour on how wonderful he was and how much his nieces adored him.

At nine fifty-five Boone walked out to the kitchen. It’s time for bed honey.

Stan got the message right away. If nothing else, he was smart enough not to throw his weight around with Boone. Matter of fact he never argued with any man. He considered most men bullies, never giving thought to the fact that he was a bully where women were concerned.

He stood as he said it was time for him to go, never looking at Boone.

Sissy walked him to the door. It was nice seeing you again Stan.

And you as well Sissy. Tell Miranda I am sorry that I missed her. I’ll give her a call this weekend about going out to see a movie and possibly dinner. He waved his hand as he said, I don’t think we need to waste money on dinner. We can get to know each other just as easily right here as we could sitting in some expensive restaurant.

Sissy couldn’t believe that this man was the brother of one of the sweetest women she had ever known. His sister was as giving and considerate of others as he was cheap and inconsiderate. He thought only of himself. I’ll be sure to tell her exactly what you said Stan.

Stan wasn’t sure if she was being rude or not. He forced a smile as he said, I’ll be in touch.

Sissy told him goodnight then closed the door and locked it. She leaned against the door as she thought over the evening’s events. She didn’t want Miranda to move away, but she knew that Stan wouldn’t make her a good husband. Matter of fact, he wasn’t husband material for any woman. As she walked back to the bedroom she wondered if Stan had many friends. Sissy was the type of person that hated to be mean to anyone and that included spreading gossip. She made up her mind not to tell Miranda or Boone much of what Stan had said tonight . . . unless he wormed his way into Miranda’s life. Then she’d tell her everything he had said and just what kind of man he was. She sighed as she turned off lights and walked back to her bedroom. She was so lucky to have such a wonderful man love her. She prayed that someday Miranda would find the same kind of man to love her.

Just as Miranda finished filling out the application she heard the front door open and close. Good, he’s gone. Picking up the application she decided to read over it one more time to make sure there weren’t any mistakes. The last thing she wanted was for Mr. Daily to find a mistake in her spelling and think she was some illiterate hillbilly. Once she was certain that the information, including the spelling, was correct she went back to the den to fax the application back to Blake Daily. As the machine was dialing out she wondered what the man on the other side of the line looked like. She smiled as she pictured Blake as a short balding man, with bushy eyebrows and a huge rounded belly. Miranda chuckled as she imagined him waddling around his mansion with white gloves on and a cigar hanging out of his mouth as he checked for dust while he complained that he wanted his money’s worth from any and all employees.

Just as she was walking out of the room a fax started to come through. Miranda turned around to retrieve it and smiled as she read, Thank you for your promptness. You’ll be hearing from me within a couple of days. He signed it, Blake.

She took the paper back to her room and stared at it as she sat on the edge of her bed wondering if she would get the job. If she did get it, would she be happy in another state. She laid the paper on her nightstand as she stood. If I’m lucky enough to get this job I have to make up my mind that I’m not only going to like it there, I’m going to be the happiest I’ve been in a very long time. As Miranda readied for bed she thought of how lucky she was to at least have Audrey close enough to go visit on her days off. They had become good friends over the years. When Miranda’s husband Ken started running around on her and pushing her around, Audrey stood behind her when she decided to divorce him. Miranda smiled as she remembered Audrey telling Ken’s whole family if his brother ever cheated on her, he would be fishing without a worm. Audrey wasn’t one to take crap from any man. She told Ken to his face that he was lower than scum for smacking Miranda and if he did it again she was coming after him with a Louisville slugger, and she intended to use it on him.

As Miranda crawled into bed she tried to clear her mind of all the events of the evening, but she knew she’d have another sleepless night wondering if she’d get the job.

Blake was surprised that Miranda replied with a completed application so fast. He sent her a thank you note then sat down at his desk to look over her application. She didn’t have much in the line of job references that he could check out, but she had given six personal references he could choose from to call. Once he had checked a few of them out he’d call her for a phone interview. Blake found that he could tell more about a person just by talking about simple things than he could from what they would write on an application. In the past, too many had written on their application what they thought he wanted to hear. Not what the truth was. Blake looked at her age and raised his eyebrows. Thirty-five…She was at the age where she’s wasn’t old enough to want to live the rest of her life alone, but not young enough to be a party animal that was man hunting. Maybe she had been hurt enough from her previous marriage that she wasn’t ready to look for another love in her life. That would be her choice, but he intended to tell her that he was looking for someone that was interested in long term employment.

Blake was tired of having to interview someone every couple of weeks. Of the last five women he had hired, two of them had tried to crawl into his bed, one would rather watch TV then do her work, and one couldn’t cook. He made a face as he remembered how awful the food tasted when his long time cook Della wasn’t here to prepare his meals. Blake made a face as he said, That woman couldn’t heat a can of soup if her life depended on it.

This made Blake think of how lonely his life was and how his Mama was always complaining that he should find a nice girl and settle down. But where did a man find a nice girl that wasn’t after his money. Dating had never been a problem for him. He had dated most of the beautiful women in the surrounding area, and they were all the same. Tall, beautiful, self centered and more than willing to jump into bed with him. It seemed as though they were all after his money in one way or another. Some were smart, very smart! He had almost been tricked into marriage twice, but he always managed to stay one step ahead of them, which caused him to make enemies of most of these beautiful women.

As Blake stood he said out loud. Hell I’m too old to get married and raise kids. He smiled as he thought of his brother and his family. I’ll just leave having a family and grandchildren to Josh. Blake’s smile broadened as he thought of his two adorable nieces and wonderful sister in-law. "I’ll say one thing for Josh. He knows how to pick a wonderful wife and they sure do make beautiful babies together. Blake laid the application back down on his desk just as his mother appeared in the doorway.

I think I’m going up to bed early tonight dear. I’m tired from all that shopping with Grace and the girls today.

I’ll walk you up Mama. I have to leave early in the morning to catch a flight to New York. I have meeting in the afternoon then I’ll catch a flight back home in the evening. I should be home around midnight tomorrow.

You work too hard Blake. You need to find a nice girl and settle down and have a family.

I know Mama.

I’m serious.

Blake too her arm as he lead her to the steps. I like my life just the way it is Mama. No one to pout when I have to leave on a business trip and yell at me to get my butt home when business keeps me away too long. He sighed as he said, Besides, I’m too old to be starting a family now.

As Ellie walked up the steps beside him she felt sad that Blake would feel this way. He had never had the pleasure of truly loving a woman enough to want to hear her tell him that she missed him and wanted him to come home. If he had, he wouldn’t work as hard as he did. She stopped and looked up at him as she said, You are not too old to start a family.

Blake could tell she was getting upset. You’re right Mama. I’ll keep looking. But in his heart he knew he wouldn’t go out of his way to look for a wife. He no longer wanted to be married, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t like a woman to warm his bed.

I hope you’re just not agreeing with me to shut me up Blake.

As Blake stopped at her bedroom door he smiled down at her. Now Mama, would I do that?

Ellie never missed a beat. Yes! You absolutely would and you know it.

Blake bent down and kissed her on the cheek. Goodnight Mama. I’ll see you the day after tomorrow.

Goodnight dear. Have a safe trip.

Thanks Mama.

Blake closed her door and walked down the hall to his own bedroom. He needed a good night’s rest so he could be well prepared for the meeting he would have tomorrow. It was never easy taking over a company, but it was his job and he did it well. He sighed as he made a mental note to put Miranda’s application in his briefcase so he could go over it on the flight home. Too many things were running through his mind. He had to try to clear his head of all mental notes so he could fall asleep and be well rested for tomorrow.

The next day went fast for Blake. After the meeting Blake agreed to have dinner with a buddy of his that had moved to New York five years ago. They discussed business, the difference in country and city live and the one topic that Blake tried to avoid. Marriage! It was getting to the point where his friends were as bad as his Mama always thinking he should settle down. He grew tired of the conversation quick and made sure to avoid the topic of women for the next hour.

At nine o’clock Blake took Miranda’s application out of his briefcase and went over it. So far she looked like she’d be a good candidate for the job. But that also depended on whether she was looking for something long term and if his Mama approved of her. Blake slipped the application back into his briefcase. He’d call her references in the morning and then in the afternoon he’d call for a phone interview with her. If all went well, she would be working for him by the beginning of next week.

A short time later the plane landed and Blake was headed for the parking lot where he’d left his truck that morning. An hour later he was home. What a day. I’m beat. Blake couldn’t wait to shower and crawl into bed for a good night’s rest. His mind turned back to Miranda. He had to get this woman out of his head. Morning would come soon enough. Then he could turn all his thoughts to finding out more about her.

At ten fifteen Blake had started making his phone calls. He talked to five out of the six references that Miranda had given him. Both her old employers gave her excellent references. She was always on time, did her job well and seldom missed any work. All this was a big plus in Blake’s book. Three of the personal references had nothing but good to say about her. After Blake finished the conversation with the last person on her application he dialed her number. I guess it’s time for that phone interview.

Miranda’s phone rang three times before she found it in her purse. "Hello.

Miranda Miller?

Miranda smiled as she said, That would be me.

He almost cracked a smile when he heard her talking as he thought, I’ll be damn, she has a sense of humor. He cleared his throat and said, This is Blake Daily. I’d like to talk to you about your application and kind of get to know you if you have the time.

Could you hang on a second please? There was nothing Blake hated more than to be put on hold. He’d be damned if one of his employee’s would put him on hold and he’d tell her that if he hired her. About a minute later Miranda was back on the line. I’m sorry. I hate to talk on a cell phone while driving so I figured I better pull over.

Blake felt bad for getting upset that she put him on hold. After all it was dangerous to talk and drive at the same time. He dismissed her putting him on hold and told her about talking to her former employers and her personal references. They all gave you a great reference.

I’m glad; I guess that means I did a good job for them.

I guess it does. Blake took a deep breath and then asked, Are you looking at this job as long term or just something to get you out of the state until you find something more suitable?

Wow, you don’t pull any punches, do ya?

I can assure you Mrs. Miller, I like to be up front with my employees and I’d like them to be the same with me.

Miranda rolled her eyes and then said, If you hire me and we can get along, of course I’d like this job to be long term.

If we can get along? Do you think that there will be a problem with us getting along?

Mr. Daily, I think you have already made up your mind not to like me. You need someone to do a job for you, but you act like you don’t want to be my friend.

Mrs. Miller, I don’t usually make a habit of becoming friends with my employees.

But in the note you faxed along with the application, you said that you would expect me to be at your side for dinner parties? How do you propose we do that when we aren’t even friends? After all, wouldn’t we be expected to talk to each other? To act like we’re friends?

Touché Mrs. Miller.

Please call me Miranda.

Alright. Touché’ Miranda. I guess we’ll have to work on the friendship thing.

Does that mean you’re hiring me?

How soon can you be here?

I can’t leave any earlier than tomorrow morning. I need to pack, get things in order and have my car looked at to make sure it’s in proper running order.

Alright, this is Friday. Do you think you could be here by Monday morning? I’ll take the morning off so I can show you around, and get you familiarize with everything and everyone.

Sure, I’ll get a hotel room Sunday and show up at your place Monday morning.

Blake knew his Mama would have his head if she found out that Miranda stayed in a hotel while waiting to start work on Monday morning. Nonsense Miranda, just come straight here. There is no sense in you staying in a hotel when your room is included in your wages."

Are you sure Mr. Daily?

It was Blake that rolled his eyes this time. Of course I’m sure and call me Blake. We don’t stand on formalities a lot around here.

Alright, if you give me your address I’ll enter it into my GPS. I should be there Sunday evening.

Call me when you’re about an hour from here. I’m sure my Mama will want to be here to greet you as well. If it’s very late I’ll insist that she meets you the next morning.

After Blake gave her his address they hung up and Miranda headed straight for a garage to have her car checked out and then went home. Sissy was out grocery shopping so Miranda took advantage of her time and started packing clothes she wanted to take with her now. Once she got her first check she’d send Sissy the money to ship the rest of her things down. After she had her three suitcases packed, Miranda went about looking for boxes to pack the rest of her clothes. She packed a small box with pictures of Sissy and Boone and of herself with them to take along.

At four fifteen she started putting her suitcases and a couple of small boxes with personal items she wanted to take along into her trunk. She had an overnight bag and her makeup bag that she would carry in the backseat. Miranda had made out a list of things she didn’t want to forget and was going over it when Sissy walked in from shopping.

I’ll help you carry the groceries in.

Thanks, there are a couple more bags in the trunk. If you get them, I’ll start dinner.

Miranda carried in the groceries and went about putting them away while Sissy made burgers and fries for dinner. She had decided to tell Sissy she was leaving at dinner when Boone would be there. After all the groceries were put away Miranda went about making a pitcher of ice tea. What would you like me to heat up for a vegetable?

Sissy was just taking the fries out of the oven when Boone walked in from work. Green beans sounds good to me.

Miranda set the table while she heated the beans. Dinner was ready by the time Boone came out from washing up. Burgers and fries are my favorite.

Sissy smiled at him as she said, You say that no matter what I cook.

That’s because I’m always hungry and you’re such a good cook.

Half way through the meal Sissy noticed Miranda was quiet. Is something wrong Randy? You’re awfully quiet tonight.

Miranda smiled at the use of the nickname Sissy had called her since they were little girls. No as a matter of fact, everything is going to be alright for a change. Boone and Sissy both stared at her as she said, I got a job.

Boone smiled as he congratulated her. Well good for you Miranda. I know you’ve been looking for a while now. He picked up his ice tea to take a drink and asked. Where at?

Miranda didn’t look at Sissy as she said, South Carolina.

Boone looked over at Sissy’s shocked reaction. That’s so far away Randy.

It’s not that far. And besides, it pays good money and includes my room and board. The only thing I’m going to have to pay for is my own insurance. And with the money I’ll save living there I should be able to get pretty good insurance.

Sissy set her burger down on her plate. She didn’t seem to be hungry anymore. When are you leaving?

Tomorrow morning.

What?

"I have to Sissy. I start work on Monday. I thought I’d get a hotel sometime tomorrow evening. Get rested up and

finish the trip. I told Mr. Daily I’d be there Sunday evening."

Who is this Mr. Daily?

"He’ll be my boss. I answered an add for a housekeeping position. He faxed me the application, then we had a phone interview and