Love You Moore Page 17

  The next few days were nothing but chaos. Movers coming and going, deliverymen bringing packages sent from the wedding registry. Jimmy had to get back into the studio, he had spent most of the summer in Maine and needed to take care of things he had put on hold. Abby did not deny him of this, he had done all he could to make her happy and secure and there was no way she was going to make him feel guilty about going back to work. However, she was overwhelmed. Margret did all she could to help Abby move things and settle in but Abby didn’t want to lie all of this on Margaret’s shoulders either. Jimmy came home one night to find Abby sitting in the back yard staring out over the horizon. She had been crying.

  “Baby, is everything ok?” he asked with concern in his voice.

  “No, no it’s not, I haven’t been able to get in touch with Holly at all, I have called and called and she isn’t calling me back, I called my parents her parents and they all said she is fine just really busy, she was never too busy to call me.” She cried.

  “Honey,” he said soothingly. “I am sure she is fine, if it makes you feel better, I will have Steve get the jet ready and you can fly home for a visit and see for yourself. Would you like that?”

  Abby nodded, it would be nice to get away from this chaos and see her parents and Holly. Although she couldn’t put out of her mind that something was wrong.

  “Done, we’ll arrange for tomorrow, Oh there is something for you in the foyer, Margret wasn’t sure where you wanted it.”

  “I guess just put it with all the other boxes I haven’t opened yet.” Abby said as she walked though the kitchen down the hall and out into the foyer.

  “I don’t think it goes there.” Jimmy told her

  “Then where would it go?” Abby froze as she turned the corner into the open entryway.

  “HOLLY” Abby screamed.

  Both girls ran to each other and hugged. They both were screaming and jumping up and down crying and laughing at the same time.

  “What are you doing here, How did you know where we were, How long can you stay, How come you haven’t called me back, I have been worried sick.” Abby was rambling.

  Holly laughed. “Ok, I am here to help you settle in. Jimmy arranged for me to come and bring me here, nice place BTW. I can stay for as long as you need me and I didn’t call you back because I have known for a few weeks I was coming and I knew if I talked to you I couldn’t keep it as a secret so I avoided your calls. It was awful I wanted to talk to you everyday but I couldn’t.”

  “What about school?” Abby asked

  “Ugh, it was a nightmare, I wasn’t doing anything that I wanted to do and the best time I have ever had was staying with you at the Samoset and assisting you with what you needed. That’s what I want to do. Why be in school when I can come out here and actually do what I want. So when Jimmy approached me at the wedding and asked me how I was doing in school, I told him. He offered me a job and said he would bring me out when you go back from your honeymoon and swore me to secrecy.”

  “This is amazing, you are amazing.” She directed to Jimmy. She hugged him. “Thank you.” She said softly in his ear.

  “Well then, I am going to let the two of you catch up and I will go see what Margret is cooking for dinner.” Jimmy walked back to the kitchen

  “So tell me everything, how was the honeymoon and what is up with this house, good Lord.”

  “I know, crazy huh?” Abby replied

  Abby filled her in on all the details of the last few weeks. Abby asked Holly what was happening back home and Holly turned somber.

  “What? What’s going on?” Abby quizzed.

  “Mrs. Robinson, she isn’t letting it go. Your dad told me what happened at the reception. I think it set her off. She has been telling anyone willing to listen how you are responsible for her son’s death. I think she even when to the prison to visit your uncle. He knows you are now married and living in LA and he knows who you are married too.”

  Abby felt sick. Jimmy was aware of the accident, he had seen Abby’s scar from where she had broken her leg and they needed to operate to set the bone. It was faint but it was there. Jimmy knew the altered version of the story. Not the truth. The truth would bring her world crashing down around her.

  “Listen, let’s not worry about what could happen. Your dad and my dad are all over the situation back there. The poor woman lost her son and has never stopped grieving, everyone around knows that.” Holly tried to reassure her. “Really, it will be ok.” Holly took Abby’s hand in hers. “I promise.”

  Abby took a deep breath and let it out. “Ok so where do you want to stay, you can have the guest house of you want or you can have one of the bigger bedrooms upstairs. I prefer you upstairs but if you want your own space I totally understand”

  “Up stairs is fine for now, but maybe after awhile I can move out there if needed.” Holly decided.

  Abby hugged her best friend again. “I am so glad you are here Girly Girl.”

  “No place I’d rather be Chicky.” Abby led Holly to the upstairs to pick out her room.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 20

  Holly had chosen the bedroom farthest to the right and to the back. It also had it own private balcony that overlooked the backyard and the city. She has her own private bathroom with tub and shower. It had a large walk-in closet that Holly was excited to fill with new clothes. There was no furniture yet but that was on their to-do list for the next day. Jimmy had given them his black American Express credit card and told them to buy whatever Holly needed. Jimmy had called the credit companies to have Abby added on to all of his accounts. She wasn’t 100% thrilled with that, but didn’t complain since he wasn’t going to be with them when they went shopping and it was going to be easier to have her on the accounts.

  They spent the following morning at Reed Furniture in Calabasas. They had purchased Holly a Queen Size bed, two end tables, a long dresser with mirror and a tall dresser to match. They then went to House Boutique to buy her bedding and bath accessories. Arrangements had been made to have everything delivered right to the house and set up. She had called Margret to let her know there would be a large delivery and to direct them to Holly’s bedroom. Abby had also bought a few smaller pieces for the house, a painting and a vase. By noon time they were ready for some lunch. They walked to Marmalade Café and sat outside. Abby had the Three Cheese Ravioli and Holly had Thai Chicken Linguine. They were enjoying their lunch when a very distinguished looking handsome man approached the table.

  “Hello, I am sorry to disturb you while you are enjoying your lunch but I wanted to come over and say hello Mrs. Riley.”

  Abby was surprised he knew who she was. “I’m sorry, have we met.” Abby asked

  “My apologies, I am a friend of Jimmy’s and I was at your wedding in Maine and I must say you were a very beautiful bride.”

  “Oh well thank you and thank you for traveling all that way to come to the wedding. I know Jimmy really appreciates all the support he gets from his friends”

  “It was my pleasure.” He was now looking at Holly

  Abby noticed the look and introduced Holly.

  “You may also remember my friend Holly, she was my Maid of Honor.”

  “Yes, I do remember your lovely friend.” Holly offered her hand to shake but he bent down kissed the back of it instead. “It is hard to forget such a beautiful woman.”

  He straightened up. “I don’t want to take up any more of your time, I just wanted to come over and offer my congratulations. Please enjoy the rest of your day.” He walked away.

  “Who was that” Holly gushed.

  “I have no idea although, he does look vaguely familiar but I don’t think I remember him from the wedding, someplace else maybe.” Abby sat racking her brain trying to remember where she had seen him before. “I don’t know, hopefully it will come back to me.” Abby shrugged her shoulders.

  “I hope so, he was hot.” Holly didn’t get too excited about too many guys, she thought they we
re immature, but when one stood out, she went in whole heartedly.

  “I have an idea, lets finish up the shopping, maybe pop in to a few clothing boutiques, grab a movie and some pizza for dinner and have a lazy night in, what do you say?” Abby suggested

  “Sounds good to me.” Before they left, Holly asked the waiter if he knew who the man was that came over and spoke to them. The waiter apologized and stated he didn’t know.

  “Don’t worry, Girly Girl, I am sure we will see him again, if he was at the wedding then Jimmy must know who he is and we will ask him when he gets home.” Abby reassured her.

  The spent the next four hours shopping, some for home décor and some for clothing, Abby was a bit surprised at the cost of everything. She felt guilty paying $150.00 for some throw pillows but was guaranteed buy the sales associate they were made from the finest fabric and they would be in style for years. Abby caved, she didn’t do well with high pressure salesman. She remembered buying a pair of high heels from a very persuasive salesman when she went into the store looking for a pair of black flats. She figured the people working on commission could smell her coming a mile away, “easy target” was written all over her face.

  Earlier in the day Abby had called Margret and told her there was no need to cook dinner for her, Jimmy or Holly, she was bringing home pizza. Margret had offered to make homemade pizza if it were easier, Abby thanked her for the offer but declined and suggest Margret take some time off for herself, maybe see if Charles was interested in getting out of the house for awhile.

  “Ms. Abby, you are getting just as bad as Mr. Jimmy.” Margret chided

  “I just want you to be happy Margret, I know it can get lonely being away from everything you know. It never hurts having a special friend.” Abby added for good measure.

  Margret agreed to take the night off and Abby called Jimmy to confirm the plans, she had left him a message earlier but she wanted to make sure he wasn’t obligated for something else.

  “Hey Babe,” he said when he answered the phone, “what’s up?”

  “I was thinking of bringing home pizza and a movie for tonight and was hoping you were not busy and could join Holly and me for a lazy night in.” Abby crossed her fingers, she loved spending time with Jimmy and unfortunately sine they have been home from the Honeymoon the times have been few and far between.

  “I was just finishing up here and was on my way home, pizza and a movie sound wonderful. I’ll see you in about an hour. Love you Baby”

  “Love you too, see you soon, bye” Abby’s heart always fluttered when she knew she was going to see Jimmy, she thought it was foolish since they were married and she still got butterflies but she hoped she always would.

  Holly and Abby ordered the pizza and went in to the video rental store. They picked out the latest Tom Hanks movie and one that promised to be the scariest movie of the year. On the drive home Holly was very quiet.

  “You ok?” Abby asked concerned

  “Yeah, just tired.” Holly replied, Abby was unconvinced

  “There’s more to it than that, what’s up?”

  “I was just wondering if I would ever be as happy with someone as you are with Jimmy. Don’t get me wrong, I am so happy for you and your happiness is long overdue, but I guess I am just a bit jealous. Does that sound bitchy? I’m awful I know.”

  “No it’s not bitchy, I know you will meet someone Holly, my God look at you. You will find that special person that makes you have butterflies every time you see them. It will happen, I know it will.” Abby reached to take Holly hand in reassurance.

  Jimmy was already home when they arrived. Empty boxes were stacked up by the front door. He met them as they were coming and, kissed Abby and took the pizza from her.

  “Were do we want this, in the living room or the theater?” Jimmy asked.

  “I think the living room is better.” Abby directed

  Holly and Abby grabbed plates, drinks, popcorn and napkins and headed in to the living room. Jimmy had already put the new Tom Hanks movie in the DVD player. They settled on the couch, Abby in the middle and Jimmy and Holly on each side of her. They were about a quarter of the way through the movie when a familiar face flashed across the screen. All at once the blanket went flying, popcorn was spilled all over and Holly was choking on her soda.

  “Did you see that, rewind it, go back go back.” Holly screamed.

  Jimmy, who was in total shock and confusion, hit the rewind button on the remote.

  “FREEZE” Holly and Abby screamed at the same time.

  “Oh my God that’s him.” Holly exclaimed. “Jimmy who is that?”

  “I’m not sure, it looks like it could be Josh Cutter, but I’m not 100 percent sure.” He said as he was picking the popcorn out of his hair.

  Abby ran to get her laptop. She went to the IMDB website and typed in Josh Cutter. A picture popped up and it was the same man that came over to their table at the café. Abby turned her computer so the other two could see.

  “It is him Holly, Josh Cutter.” Abby confirmed

  “What about him.” Jimmy asked still utterly confused at all the commotion.

  Abby told him about their lunch and how Josh had come over to say hello and the obvious spark between him and Holly.

  “Do you know how to get in touch with Josh?” Abby inquired.

  “Not personally but we have the same agent.” Jimmy casually informed them.

  “Can you call him and get his info?” Holly asked eagerly.

  “Now?” Jimmy questioned.

  Abby snuggled up to Jimmy “Please, can you call him?”

  “Not fair Abby.” Jimmy laughed. “Ok ok you win.” He conceded after seeing both Abby and Holly looking back at him with puppy dog eyes.

  Jimmy took out this cell phone and called his agent. “Hi Doug, yeah it’s Jimmy Riley how are you? Good Good thanks, sorry to call so late but I have a favor to ask, can I get Josh Cutter’s contact information from you? Really? He did? That’s funny.” Jimmy wrote down the information Doug was giving him. “Great, thanks so much, yes I have been thinking about it, I still haven’t made up my mind yet.” He was now looking at Abby with a concerned look. “I’ll get back to you when I have made my decision. Ok then, thanks again, bye” Jimmy snapped his phone shut and put it in his pocket, he handed the paper to Abby.

  “Here you go, phone number and email address. Although you may not need it, Josh called Doug himself and asked for my number. Seems a pretty blonde has been on his mind.” Jimmy teased.

  “You’re the best.” Abby hugged him. “What was it you had to make a decision on?”

  “It’s nothing, we can talk about later.” He kissed her on the forehead. This didn’t comfort her.

  Abby became very excited for Holly.

  “I know he is going to call you and if he doesn’t we will call him.” Abby exclaimed

  “We’ll see.” Holly shrugged.

  Three weeks had passed since meeting Josh Cutter and no phone call. Abby was more disappointed than Holly. She wanted to see her friend as happy as she was. Holly gave off the impression she wasn’t upset but Abby could tell she was.

  “Look, it’s no big deal, the meeting was barely two minutes, so he called to get Jimmy’s number, whatever. Don’t be upset Abby, it wasn’t meant to be.” Holly was now reassuring Abby

  “I know Holls, I just want you to be happy.”

  “Why do I need a man to make me happy” Holly said matter-of-factly.

  “You don’t, I just …I don’t know…thought you were interested in Josh.”

  “He did spark my interest, but nothing came about it so we move on.” Holly said with a smile.

  “Ok I give, not another word about it.” Abby raised her right hand. “I swear. Alright Thanksgiving is in three days. Your parents, my parents and Jimmy’s parents will all be here. Thank God for Margret, no way would I want to attempt my first Thanksgiving dinner alone with everyone coming. She has taken over the majority of the meal which is fin
e but I would like to make the desserts.”

  Abby loved baking and she was pretty good at it. Nothing too fancy but she could tweak any recipe to make it her own unique creation.

  Abby and Holly spent the next few days baking all kinds of sweet treats, fudge, pumpkin roll, chocolate cream pie, pumpkin pie, three layer brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Margret made a traditional English Figgie Pudding. Abby made sure that she and Charles were also invited to dinner. Abby asked Karma to be polite but she had plans with her own family.

  “Thank goodness for small favors.” Holly remarked when she found out Karma would not be coming.

  “She’s a…” Holly stopped short as Abby interrupted her.

  “Alright, let it go Holls.”

  “Well she is.” Holly muttered under her breath. Abby gave her a friendly nudge with her elbow.

  “Abby and Holly’s parents were first to arrive. Jimmy had sent the jet to Owls Head to get them. Cliff wasn’t able to come. He had assignments he had to complete and needed the Thanksgiving break to concentrate on completing them. After the girls had shown everyone around and taken them to their respective rooms they all met again in the kitchen.

  “Abby your home is lovely” Mrs. Applebee complimented. “You have done a wonderful job decorating.”

  “Thank you, but I can’t take all the credit, Holly has been an amazing help, without her, I would still be unpacking.”

  “Holly always had a good eye for fashion, she’s a natural.” Holly’s mother hugged her proudly. “I have missed you Holly Bear.”

  “I noticed a few unfinished rooms, would one of them be a potential nursery.” Abby’s mother interjected.

  Soda shot out of Jimmy’s nose. Abby quickly grabbed him a paper towel.

  “You ok?” she asked him

  He nodded holding the towel to his nose.

  “Eventually Mom, we haven’t even been married two months yet, Geeze.”

  “I know, I know, I was just putting it out there that I would not object to becoming a grandmother.”

  Abby patted Jimmy on the back as he began coughing again.