Page 11 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Oh, I know that,” said Simon, waving away her distress. “You’ve been honest with me from the day we met, when you let me know very politely that, yes, I was sitting in your chair.”

“Oh, no! Was I that awful?” Morgan said.

Simon chuckled. “Like I said, you were polite about it, and I’m very happy in this chair. And remember, you even bought me coffee.”

“I would hate for our friendship to cause any trouble. The truth is, I’ve never had a healthy relationship with my parents, and it’s nice to be able to do things with you.”

“For me, too,” said Simon. “I hope to introduce you to my oldest grandson, whose mother my son was dating in college, way before he met Constance. Though they never married, they shared a son whom they both loved, as I did. His name is Austin, which is my middle name. He’s working at the family oil business. He is a fine young man and someone I deeply respect. A hard worker who isn’t the least bit selfish.”

“What about Austin’s mother?” Morgan asked.

“She works for the family business in Texas. After she had the baby, all Merilee wanted was a job. I happily gave it to her. That girl is sharp as a tack. She eventually married one of the other execs at the company, which allowed me not to worry about the business. It’s a well-oiled machine with those two in charge.”

“Merilee sounds delightful,” Morgan gushed, privately deciding to look her up online.

Simon sighed. “My son, William, was a disappointment to his mother and me, but he did the right thing with Merilee and Austin and has provided well for Constance and his second son, Jake. The difference is that Constance is very selfish and considers herself part of high society, which I’ve always found disturbing.” He drew in a breath and let it out with another sigh. “William was not alone in the car when it crashed.”

Morgan took the last sip of her coffee and set down her cup. “I’m sorry. Truthfully, I’ve been a disappointment to my parents. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t. That’s why when I left home to go to college, I never went back. Then I married someone wrong for me, for them. They told me they were done with me.”

“And now?” Simon asked, giving her a steady look.

“After my husband died, I left Florida and came here to live and work in Ellenton when a friend offered me a rental apartment above her garage. It was the best move ever.” Morgan gave him a shy smile. “You’re so easy to talk with. Thank you.”

“At my age, I don’t like going in circles,” said Simon. “Plain talk among friends can be healthy. Sometimes, it even gives you a fresh perspective on things.”

Morgan nodded her appreciation. “I like that idea. I often keep things to myself.”

“Thanks for being open with me,” said Simon. “That’s the thing I hate most about living alone. There’s no one to talk to.”

“You can save up everything to discuss on Saturdays,” said Morgan.

“Ah, to be young. Trouble is, I won’t remember most of it,” Simon said.

Morgan showed Simon how to make notes on his phone.

Simon laughed. “Leave it to technology to make that possible. Thanks for showing it to me.”

“We’d better get to reading,” said Morgan, picking up her book.

Simon opened his book, and soon, a comfortable silence fell between them.

###

When it was time to go to Simon’s house, Morgan left him to get her car and then picked him up in front of the bookstore.

She drove to his house, and they walked inside together.

While Simon called the front desk, Morgan waited in the front hall, gazing around with interest. She noticed several items of African sculptures. Distinctive wooden and metal pieces, a bright-colored woven piece on the wall. And beautiful photographs.

The interior displayed quiet elegance, featuring a large blue-and-green Oriental rug in the living room, along with a leather couch and welcoming, overstuffed chairs with subtle designs that complemented the rug.

“There,” said Simon. “All checked in. Now, let’s relax and have a glass of wine. Feel free to look around. The house is small but very suitable for me. Best of all, it provides me the opportunity to meet others my age, to receive medical care if needed, and to have maid and catering services.”

“I’ve noticed some African art pieces. Have you traveled to Africa?” she asked.

“Oh, yes. My wife, Eleanor, loved going on safari and traveling there.” He went into the kitchen, and Morgan followed him.

Although small, the kitchen was well laid out and had all the latest appliances.