Man of Mystery (28 page)

Sitting there a little perplexed when Tiffany pipes in, “He never really had is mom do any housework. It’s a new thing for him to see your mom does.” She says between bites of her lunch totally on the same page as her mother.  Chuckling loudly shaking her head at both of them. “Yes, I kind of already figured that part out.”

  “Ok dear, then can you handle that kind of life, you like to be in control of certain thinks and you won’t be if you know what I mean.   It is a different lifestyle than what you have been brought up with?” her mother asks making sure that she realizes this will be different.

“But he has been here without anyone catering to him; maybe that is what he has been looking for?  Maybe for someone who isn’t a nanny, housekeeper or whatever?” asking them both, “Maybe he is looking for someone to fill that empty space that isn’t there since his mom wasn’t there to always raise him.  I know he talks to his mother very often and he loves his mother.  Just because she had the privilege not to do manual chores doesn’t mean he lost out on her affection.” Now she is on the defense for him getting annoyed since he has never been anything but polite and nice to both these women.

“Oh sweetie, he has been very kind and generous.  I am gracious for all he has done for me and you.  I just want you to realize he has different standards that might seem odd to you at times.  I do really like him and I only want the best for you.  Please understand I didn’t say this to upset you in any way.” As she gives Brandy that I love you look.

Glancing over at Tiffany and she is nodding her head in agreement with her mom.  They both just want her to be happy and they do like Nathan.  Thinking she was worried she meant something else.  Never really having a boyfriend before so her mom to analyze this relationship is not something she ever experienced before. 
She feels the same with Tiffany even though she has been busy with her relationship also.  They both love her just watching out for her so she concedes in a way to get a better understanding of what kind of women Nathan is expecting her to be.  A topic she will have to broach eventually as our relationship grows.

Obviously he loves her as he has told her which reminds her she hasn’t had a chance to tell him how she feels.  It’s kind of awkward even though he seems ok that nothing has been said back yet.  Thinking of an appropriate way to go about telling him she gets an idea.  We finish lunch and do a little shopping.  Stopping at hallmark finding the card she is looking for but the rest of what she wants will take some internet research to find and order.

Decide to do some internet shopping since mom is here to do some cooking planning on make a homemade apple pie.  She is going to try one of Brandy’s new recipes of clam marinara.  Inviting Tiffany to join us for dinner but she already has plans with Denny wanting Brandy to have some time with her mom and Nathan.  She called Nathan during the afternoon to make sure he will be home for dinner which he looks forward to a home cooked meal getting used to the fact since her mom has been cooking.  We also pick up a movie to relax and watch tonight.  It’s strange to be staying in but knowing she is still healing.  Her mom is planning on staying until Monday unless Brandy shows any signs of illness between now and then.  Knowing she misses dad and the vineyards but she doesn’t want to abandon her either.  Knowing she will be fine feeling really good she talks to her about going back to work as soon as the doctor’s ok’s it.

We get home in decent time while mom makes the pie she gets on the internet finding exactly what she is looking for. She loves Amazon, getting 2 day shipping so she is all set.  Her plan is in action extremely happy when Nathan comes home breathing in the aroma of how homey his apartment smells.  Apple pie always makes a home smell good as he comes into the kitchen where she is making dinner giving her a big hug and kiss.  “Wow, this is really awesome to come home to, my house finally feels like a home!” he expresses enthusiastically. 

“Well, this is like being home, mom is upstairs watching a little bit of TV while I made dinner.  I will have admit, she made the pie for dessert.  She makes the best apple pie!”  as she is finishing making their dinner.  He states he is going to wash up before dinner telling her again how nice it is to have her here when he gets home as he gives kiss on her forehead before heading upstairs.  Hearing him talking to her mom in the living room but she can’t hear what they are talking about finishing with the dinner set up.  Several minutes later Nathan and Grace come back downstairs to enjoy it.

Brandy tells
him that we have picked out a movie for tonight which he is delighted about.  After a long day he has had, just relaxing tonight will be wonderful.  We finish up dinner and he loved her cooking adding in that Grace has taught her well which makes her mom blush.  We decide to have dessert in the living room now knowing about the dumbwaiter we use it to assists us in transporting it to the next level.

Before we start our movie Grace discusses with us about her going into the doctors for a checkup which Nathan already expresses he would like to take Brandy if that is alright with her.  She is fine with that feeling she wants to get home soon.  Telling her that she can head home tomorrow if she is up for the 3 hour drive and obviously she is in good hands as grabbing his hand giving it a squeeze.  She smiles warmly at the both of us and agrees to head home tomorrow but do not hesitate at all to call if Brandy needs anything.

Mom gets herself packed up to leave the next morning after breakfast.  Still a little teary eyed it has been a nice visit at least for the second half of it.  She tells us to visit if we find the time to Nathan tells her that we will find the time.  He wants to see where Brandy grew up looking at her with so much warmth she just melts in his eyes. His sincerity comforts her truly believing he wants to know about her lifestyle in comparison to his.

Her life has taken a serious turn since meeting Nathan even without the accident.  She feels like he is going to be her future hoping he feels the same way.  He has stated his love for her but she hasn’t had a chance to tell him even though she has figured out a way to say it.  We go back inside wanting to follow up with the doctor soon so she can get back to work.  He is fine but wants to let her know that she shouldn’t push it.

Lightening up the subject he gets that fun loving look on his face that she absolutely adores saying so slyly, “What are you scheming in that beautiful head of yours.”  She has an idea it’s going to be a surprise.  “We need to stop at the store first and we are taking your new car!”  He loves surprising her which he is good that’s what she totally loves about him. Telling her to pack an overnight bag just in case he goes to make a few phone calls as she calls Tiffany to let her know she is going on another adventure with her man.  She giggles on the phone telling her not to overdo herself. Letting her know she will keep in contact and the outcome when we land! Giggling at feeling alive again feeling happy about being off the medication now but still being careful of what she does.

Packing a overnight bag into the new car sighing because she can’t drive it yet but Nathan assures her once she is allowed it her turn drive.  She likes it but it’s still not ‘lud’.  Asking him somewhat solemnly, “Do you know where they took my poor girl who really took a solid for me? I need to really say goodbye” with a tear in her eye, really need to see “lud” to come to terms of what happened.  He sighs but agrees to take her there after we stop to pick up a few things; he doesn’t like to see her sad but understands she needs closure on what has happened.

Stopping at the police “junkyard” as everyone calls it seeing smashed cars; they point us in the direction of “lud”.  It’s hasn’t become a box chunk of metal yet since the insurance is still running it’s full investigation into the accident but it’s what will become of her shortly. The passenger side is completely smashed in along with the front windshield which amazing didn’t collapse on Brandy.  She took the solid hit protected Brandy as best she could only the driver’s side window is cracked from where her head hit it but the driver’s side is like a capsule of protection against the damages she took for Brandy.  Rubbing her head and shoulder knowing that she is healing and “lud” never will.  Brandy sighs deeply running her hand across her thanking her for the years she has given and for saving her life.  A tear falls again as Nathan stands back and lets Brandy say her peace to the car that has given so many years of simple joys.

We leave when finally he breaks the silence. “Are you ok?” he asks peeking at her as he drives to wherever we are going. Smiling back at him being complacent “Yes, I’m ok, she was a great car, I’m thinking about how she saved me from being mush now, she was a solid car.” heavily sighing.

“Yes she was and you’re right.  Not that this car will ever replace her but she is solid too. She will take a hit for you not that I want it to happen ever again but the safety records show that it has side air bags and front air bags so it will minimize injuries.  It may not be ‘lud’ but from what I can see, ‘lud’ held memories for you.  Let this one create new ones for you?” he asks with wondering eyes if she can accept that.  “OK, I’ll give her a chance, I know it seems silly but I just couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to her.  She has been a great car even though they don’t have feelings it’s just kind of she has always been dependable. Weird to say it but it’s true.” stating with conviction.

“Well, sometimes you need to close old doors to open new ones that can be better for you?”  he asks trying to change the conversation understanding his meaning.

“You’re right Nathan; sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zones to find out what life is really about.  Maybe that’s what we both have done when we met each other don’t you think?” fishing him out to see were this is leading.

He smiles wide seeing him amused since he is driving when she notices that it has been over an hour.  Being too busy thinking about her ‘lud’ she didn’t recognize the fact that we are heading on the thruway towards…and then it dawns on the direction.  They are heading towards her home looking at him with recognition of the where they are heading.  With a surprised look on her face glancing over at him while still recognizing the direction.  Gasping “Are you taking me home?”
with a weird feeling in her gut not knowing what to expect in response.

Glancing at her as he drives, “Yes, I kind of am for the night, I took off an extra day so I called ahead and your mom said that would be great for us to come visit.  Are you ok with that?” he asks a little concerned that she figured it out.  “Really, you did that for me?” shocked that she is going home with a man who is going to make every girl in her home town drool over.  She is ecstatic thinking about seei
ng her dad, her sister and shows them she’s OK.  Even though Brandy has spoken to them both on the phone but seeing them, having them see that everything is fine will work out perfect.

Filling him in on her family about her sister Candy having married her high school sweet heart Tim and having 3 kids now, the oldest is Tim Jr. which they call TJ and his two little sisters are Tracey and Tina.  Obviously they are stuck on the letter ‘T’ and he chuckles with her.   Her dad Allen is a very hard working man too when it comes to his vineyard she is sure he is going to drag Nathan out for part of the day to show him his pride and joy. 
Secretly she knows he is going to get lessons on how grapes are ready and when to harvest them along with touring how wine is made. He’ll find out everything within hours of our arrival!
Smiling inwardly knowing he will get some serious inquisition from her father while this is all happening.  He has no idea what he is getting himself into.

We arrive shortly after lunch but mom already has lunch made for them and dad comes back to meet Nathan from the store.  After introducing him to Allen dad asks if he can give him a tour, grinning telling Nathan he better go, with a look that says you opened this can of worms you better learn to deal with it.  He heads out with dad while mom switches shifts with her sister so she can see her for a little while she is here to visit.  Candy comes gushing over to her hugging her so tight she thinks she bruised her ribs.  She never realized how much love she has had for her she has tears in her eyes.  “Don’t you ever scare me like that again!” She exclaims.
She looks at her sister like she was looking at her for the first time.  Remembering how she always looked out for her. She gave Brandy the space once she grew up but she always was there for her when she went through her rough times.  “I never will intend to scare you sis.” understanding her concern as we hug more soft again. Filling her in on what has been happening since she has been away.  She knows about some of her trips with Nathan and how things have been going so well for us.

“So, is he the one, I did see him briefly as he was walking out with dad and seriously Brandy, he made every head turn, not just mine!  He is so gorgeous!” she fans herself, “Lookers like him scare me because you know that every women wants him, not saying that Tim isn’t handsome but he doesn’t make other women do double takes if you know what I mean.”

“You know Candy, I do notice but for some strange reason I feel OK with that.  I know women look at him as something they would love to put on their mantle to adore but he isn’t like that.  He is really down to earth and doesn’t want that pedestal that people put him on.  He wants me to like him for who he is inside and I do love him.  He has already told me he loves me but I haven’t had a chance to tell him my feelings.”  Confiding in her

She looks at her in shock “He told you he loves you and you never replied!” not understanding the situation so she explains to her that she keeps getting interrupted every time.  Telling her my plan about what she is doing to fix that she giggles knowing that it is a sweet.  She has to go back to help out in the store and we will see each other tonight at dinner feeling relived having a chance to tell her so much in just an hour break.  She is a great sister along with the rest of her family.