that there was no spontaneity in their life, he’d said that spontaneity was nothing more than recklessness wearing a different hat.
Was that what she’d believed, or had she simply been swept up in his plans?
When narrow ribbons of light began to thread the horizon, Margaret gave up trying to sleep and sat up in bed. It was barely 7 am; too early to meet Tom. She’d done most of her packing last night, and now here she was with three hours to kill and nothing to do.
She snapped on the television and called room service, saying she’d like coffee and a toasted muffin. Another first. Albert had been staunchly against using room service. Ridiculously expensive, he’d called it, three times the price of eating in the coffee shop. On the few occasions when she’d accompanied him on a business trip, she’d had to dress and go down to the restaurant to get her morning coffee.
The thought of Albert aghast at what he’d most certainly term “frivolous spending” came to mind, and the tiniest smile curled her lips.
As she waited for her breakfast, she continued to think of Albert. It reminded her of how different her life in Georgia was compared to Coal Creek, and she decided to call Josie. Knowing her friend was an early riser, Margaret wanted to catch her before she got started on her day. She turned down the sound on the television, picked up the telephone again, and placed a long-distance call. Within minutes, she and Josie were chattering as if they sat side by side.
“I’m so happy you’re making progress,” Josie said. “Any idea how long the next part of the trip will take?”
Margaret shook her head even though Josie couldn’t see her. “None, but I’m hoping to find everyone—or at least news of everyone—by the time we come home.”
There was a lengthy silence, and Margaret wondered if Josie thought it was improper of her to travel with another man so soon after Albert’s passing.
“Tom’s such a gentleman,” she said, not sure how to bring up the topic.
“I’ve no doubt about that,” Josie said with a chuckle. “I only asked because Mr. Schoenfeld called the house while I was there checking on things.”
The corners of Margaret’s mouth turned down. “Oh? And what did he say?”
“He didn’t say anything particular to me, but I know what he wanted.”
Albert’s shares in the firm, Margaret thought. She huffed in annoyance. “If he calls again, you tell him I’ll give him an answer when I’m good and ready.”
“And you want me to say it exactly like that?”
The thought of sweet Josie telling off anyone made Margaret laugh. “No, I suppose not. Just let him know I understand his concerns and will get back to him when I can.”
They talked for a few more minutes; then a knock sounded at the door of Margaret’s room and she said a quick goodbye.
The coffee arrived steaming hot in a small silver pot; the muffin covered with a cloth napkin was still warm. On the tray there was a small pitcher of thick, rich cream and tiny bowls of butter and jam. Plumping the pillows and placing them behind her, Margaret lifted the tray onto her lap and sat watching the news as she enjoyed her first-ever breakfast in bed.
She was waiting in the lobby when Tom stepped off of the elevator.
“Well, now, isn’t this a nice surprise,” he said and smiled. “After last night, I thought I’d be the one waiting for you.”
She returned the smile. “Actually, I was up early. I had coffee and a muffin in my room.”
“That’s nice.” Tom slung his duffle bag over his shoulder and grabbed the oversize suitcase sitting beside her. “Let’s check out and look for a place to eat, okay?”
“Sounds perfect,” she said as she felt the excitement swell in her chest. This time she recognized it for what it was: her newfound independence.
After a drive around town, they settled at the Pancake Palace and both ordered the Sunday Special. The stack of pancakes came with sliced strawberries, sausage patties, three different syrups, and a biscuit.
Margaret looked at the heavily-laden plate and thought, I’ll never be able to eat all that, but she did. When they were finished, they lingered over a second cup of coffee.
It was after 1 pm when they turned into the gravel drive and started up the hollow. Passing by Caldonia’s house, they continued on and pulled into the pathway that ran alongside the place she’d long ago called home.