Something In Between: Sequel to On The Edge of Tomorrow

Chapter 19

"No, not at all; it's wonderful to hear from you. I miss those cookies." I sighed and swallowed the drool in my mouth at the memory of Mary's shortbread. "What's new?"

"Oh, nothing. Betty, from my book club, had a hip replaced, so she stayed with me for most of the fall since I had a first-floor bedroom for her. It was nice to have someone to rattle around this place with."

"Oh dear, well, I'm sorry to hear about Betty's hip, but I'm glad you had company."

"Oh, and Anthony and Clara are having another, due in February. That'll be their third, so I've been knitting a blanket." Another grandchild for Mary made her words come flooded with enthusiasm.

"Oh well, that's exciting."

"Now that you've listened to me prattle about all my old lady things, tell me about you. How is your final year going?"

"Well, I've worked on my resume and cover letter. I plan to apply to places at the turn of the year." My mind flipped through the companies I had targeted.

"And how's your family?" She prodded.

Our conversation was like one of those cartoon bombs with a mile-long wick. We were getting closer and closer to the explosion with every passing word.

"They're good. My mom's in full Thanksgiving prep panic mode." I let out a laugh at how different my mom was from Mary. Talking to Mary was like talking to a dear friend; she didn't feel like a mother at all. She felt like one of the girls.

"And any other developments?" I could hear the teasing inflections in her words.

"I think I could ask you the same thing," I teased back.

"Oh, you hush. I'm not on the market. I have my hands full with all my boys and Tim." She added Tim with a cheeky inflection. He was one of her boys; he didn't need to be tacked on just because he wasn't her son.

"Well, there is someone. His name is Sam." I suddenly felt shy and was acutely aware that Mary was Billy's mother.

"Oh, Sam, such a wonderful name. I met a Sam when I was in school. He played baseball, and boy could fill out the uniform."

"Mary!" I teased.

"I always loved a man in uniform." Her voice was wistful. "Now, tell me more about this Sam."

"Well, he works in IT and has been such a help navigating the whole career search thing. He just went through it, so he's been letting me use his resume and some of his cover letters as samples. He even talked to his company's recruiter and got me some sample questions."

"Well, he sounds wonderful." I could feel the warmth of Mary's smile through the phone.

"We're doing the meet the parents thing at Thanksgiving," I tentatively added.

"Oh, well, this must be serious." If the mention of my seriousness with Sam caused any negative feelings, she certainly hid them well.

"So ..." I wanted to ask. It was burning in my brain, stealing all other thoughts.

"Billy's good. He's been traveling a lot this fall, but plans to take some time off around the holidays like he usually does. And he's planning another album this winter with Tim."

"No," I couldn't help but giggle at the gossipy tone Mary was using.

"Two peas, those two; it was only a matter of time." Mary's words were distant, as though her mind had already drifted to another topic. "Tim and Tess moved in together over fall as well. She's such a sweet girl, very good for Tim; she calms him a bit."