Love You Moore Read online

  Abby’s parents agreed with Jimmy‘s idea to meet before committing on a place to stay. Abby had no doubt that they all would get along. Holly had gone home to get herself prepared for the week ahead and to ensure all her assignments were completed. Once Abby had written and printed the final draft of her report for U.S. History, she started fixing up the guest room. Her father would say that in business you needed to “assume the sale, act as though the deal is already done,” this is what she was doing with Jimmy’s stay. She was assuming the sale.

  “Huh…Dad’s right” she said to out loud to herself while putting new sheets on the full size bed in the guest room, located across the hall from hers, “That philosophy can work in everyday life.” She even spent some time cleaning and organizing her room. Not that anyone would agree to have him stay in there with her, but she wanted to fix it up anyways. It wasn’t messy, she always took pride in keeping her room clean. The powder blue carpet was vacuumed at least every other day. She dusted the oak dresser, computer desk and end tables once a week. The queen size white wrought iron headboard with green ivy and pink roses that intertwined with each other, made from the same wrought iron, was also dusted once a week. The comforter and matching sheets were washed every Sunday. Abby loved climbing in to a newly made bed with freshly washed sheets. She didn’t have a lot of things on her walls. Abby adored her wallpaper. Little pink roses and hydrangeas, matching the powder blue in her carpet, spread across her walls. It made Abby feel like she was inside a flower garden. Even on her worst day she always felt better when she was in her room. When she was 11, her mother told her that she could upgrade her room from the current motif of brown teddy bears and white bunnies. She let Abby pick out what she wanted on her own, reminding her, that this will be what she has to live with while she is growing up and she may want to choose something that won’t go out of style. Abby and Holly combed through wallpaper sample books for weeks. With Holly’s assistance, she had chosen the powder blue carpet, deciding that it gave them several color options when it came to the wallpaper and bedding. Finally, after about a month of searching and having several patterns to choose from, they both agreed on the pink roses and blue hydrangeas. They found the bedding and curtains in the JC Penney catalog. It had the same colored roses and a hint of the blue all throughout. When they were finished, Abby’s room was her own sanctuary. It wasn’t over powering. Bright and cheery, Abby loved it as much now as she did then.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 7

  The week dragged. Abby couldn’t remember ever having such a long week. She could barely sleep that Friday night. Even though they had spoken to each other every day and sent at least 50 texts back and forth she still was anxious to see him again. When she arrived at the tiny airport, Jimmy hadn’t landed yet. She looked at her watch, 10:25, he said he should be landing around 10:30. Abby stood in the small waiting area. Several planes had taken off and landed but there were still no signs of Jimmy’s plane. He had told her he was chartering a jet from Eugene Airport, after their concert at Oregon University. More than one tragedy was going through her mind when the clock stuck 11:15 and there were still no sign of him. The woman working the small counter and confirming the incoming and outgoing flights, assured her several times that no reports have come in, regarding any flights that have had any serious issues and it appears the flight is just running a bit behind schedule. This did not make Abby feel any better. What if for some reason no one knows the plane went down, maybe they got caught in a storm and no one knows where they are. Maybe he changed his mind, when he called her last night he seemed fine and excited to come but once he got on his way, what if he decided it was just too much too soon. Abby was about to start hyperventilating when the woman behind the counter called to her.

  “Miss, excuse me Miss, I believe this is the flight you have been waiting for.” and pointed out the window.

  Abby had been too busy working herself into a panic to notice the jet landing and Jimmy stepping out. She wasn’t sure it was protocol or not but she burst through the door that led to the runway and ran towards Jimmy. Jimmy barely had time to put down his bag when she flew into his arms. She hugged his so tightly she thought her arms would break. Loosening her grip just enough to have her face meet his she looked at him and he was smiling that beautiful smile that video chat didn’t do justice. She brought her hands from around his neck and cupped his face and she kissed him. More aggressively than he had expected but certainly didn’t mind. He kissed her back just as passionately. They both didn’t notice that the temperature was about 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the heat raging in their bodies made it feel like it was a warm summer’s day.

  “See” he said to her, “I told you I could stand the cold. Although I would withstand anything to get a reception like this.” He teased her.

  “Where have you been? I was scared to death, I had you crashing into a mountainside or something.” She said to him sternly, immediately regretting her tone.

  “I’m sorry, we had this strong head wind that was just a pain to fly through, there were some issues with the instrument panel and we weren’t getting communication with the tower until we were about to land, I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to call and let you know what was going on.” He hugged her again. “I missed you.” He said softly in her ear.

  She didn’t want to let go, although the wind was now making them both shiver she didn’t want to move from this spot, not yet.

  “Abby?” he said, teeth chattering, “Can we at least go inside, I concede, it’s really cold out here” she wiped a tear away from her eye before he could see and they walked inside.

  After making the return flight arrangements and picking up the keys for the rental car, they walked over to Abby’s Jeep.

  “Do you want to ride with me and we can come back and get your rental later or do you want to just follow me to the house?” It had snowed a few inches the night before and she wasn’t sure how he would do on snow covered roads. He hesitated for a minute, wondering the same thing himself.

  “Get in the Jeep.” Abby told him noticing his apprehension, laughing “Yeah you wouldn’t last five minutes, I’d have to call a tow truck for sure. Thank goodness for AAA.” She heckled him as they both got into the Jeep.

  “You’re a funny, funny girl Abby Moore….a laugh a minute you are.” He jested. He reached out and kissed the back of her gloved hand. “I really did miss you.” He said again, this time no humor in the air.

  “I missed you too.” She leaned over to kiss him again. This time it was gentle, not as forceful as out on the runway.

  “I like this kind of reception too.” He said coyly

  Abby started the Jeep and they drove off to meet her parents.

  They took the scenic route back to Thomaston from Owls Head, following Route 1 so Jimmy could see that part of Rockland. They drove past the Dragon Cement Plant, past Montpellier, the museum of General Henry Knox. Abby pointed out how the library, a large white building, used to be the Grammar School. The town had built a new Grammar School in 1982 and turned this one into a library and it was also a branch of the University of Maine at Augusta for awhile. They continued down Main Street until they reached Abby’s house. Abby explained that the town prospered in the early 1800s as a port and ship building center. Around 1840, two of seven recorded millionaires in the United States were Thomaston sea captains. She was guessing that’s why the homes in the area are so big. “Keeping up with the Jones’” she stated. “Oh and we are also famous for being a filming location for the 1996 movie, Thinner.” She added.

  “You are just a plethora of knowledge.” He kidded her.

  “Nah” she said, “I just had to write a report once on the History of Thomaston, those are the only points I can remember.” She laughed again.

  He had missed her laugh. And even if she didn’t want to admit it, he knew she was smart. “Beauty and Brains” he said to her, “How did I get so lucky?”

  “Let's see how this weekend goes
then you can tell me how lucky you feel.” She played.

  They pulled into the driveway and got out of the Jeep. They walked up the steps onto the wraparound porch and opened the heavy front door.

  “We’re back.” Abby yelled and took in a deep breath, grabbed Jimmy’s hand and waited for her parents to come into the room.

  Abby’s parent came down from upstairs into the living room. Abby realized she was still holding her breath when she went to introduce the three of them to each other. Abby exhaled,

  “Mom, Dad, this is Jimmy.” Abby said smiling but feeling anxious

  Jimmy reached out his free hand to Abby’s father.

  “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Moore.” Giving her dad a firm handshake, “and you Mrs. Moore.” Shaking her moms hand but not as firm at the one he gave Abby’s dad.

  “Please, call us Laura and Tom.” Abby’s mom insisted. “It is our pleasure Jimmy, we have heard many nice things about you, welcome to Maine.”

  “Thank you Ma’am.” Jimmy replied utilizing the Southern Manners his Momma would be proud of. He could see where Abby got her classic looks. Laura had the same chestnut brown hair and eyes that Abby did. She was average height and slender build. Tom stood about five inches taller than his wife did. He had short, salt and pepper hair and athletic build. It was clear that Tom participated in some sort of exercise program.

  “How was your flight from Oregon?” Tom inquired, “I imagine at little more comfortable in a private jet than commercial airlines.” He quibbled

  “That it is Sir,” Jimmy answered. “The food is much better.” Laughing, they all walked into the den.

  “Oh this is starting well,” Abby thought to herself, hoping that the good tidings lasted all weekend.

  The afternoon went well. Jimmy and Abby’s parents continued becoming familiar with each other. Jimmy told them about growing up in the South and his family values. Told them about his rise to fame in LA and his current plans to sing the songs he writes to whoever wants to hear them. Jimmy was invited to stay with the Moore’s’ at their home.

  “There is no point in staying at a hotel when you’ll be spending all your time here.” Tom had offered.

  Abby was elated.

  “We however, do have some house rules.” Tom stipulated, “Jimmy if you will follow me to my office I would like to go over them with you.”

  “Of course, ladies, if you’ll excuse me?” Jimmy followed Tom into his office, Abby staring after them speechless. Watching as her dad opened the office door, invited Jimmy inside and closed it behind them.

  Abby looked at her mother with panic expression.

  “Relax Dear, it’s the same rules he would set down for any boy wanting to spend the weekend with our daughter in our home.” Her mother insisted.

  “I have never had a boy spend the weekend before, what house rules do we have for this situation?” Abby asked in wonder.

  Abby’s mom patted her on the shoulder and went in the kitchen to make some coffee. Abby sank down into the couch and waited silently for the office door to reopen.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 8

  Tom pointed to a leather chair that sat in front of a large oak desk.

  “Have a seat Jimmy.” He insisted.

  “If you don’t mind Sir, may I have a few words before you begin?” Jimmy appealed and sat down.

  “Absolutely” Tom obliged. He took his seat behind the desk.

  “Well,” Jimmy started and cleared his throat. “I want to begin by assuring you that I have only the highest respect for your daughter. I would never do anything to hurt her or her family. I do know there is a little over a five year age difference and I know she is only seventeen. I would never place her in a situation where she felt…..violated.” He stammered. I do want to spend time with Abby and my only goal is to make her happy. I would like your permission to officially date your daughter Tom, Mr. Moore, Sir.” Jimmy petitioned.

  Tom leaned on the desk and folded his hands. They both sat in silence for a few minutes while Tom pondered Jimmy’s request.

  “Jimmy,” he began, looking Jimmy square in the eyes. “Abby is my only child, my baby girl. She is the reason her mother and I live and breathe. She has never done anything to bring us pain or make us concerned over her decision making abilities. Over these last few weeks we have noticed a change in her. She’s happy, she smiles more. I think I have heard her laugh more in these last five weeks than I have in months and to me, that is one of the best sounds in the world. If you are the reason for her change in behavior, then of course you have my permission to date her.” Tom stood up from behind the desk and reached for Jimmy’s hand. Jimmy jumped up and shook his hand. “Now go out there so Abby can start breathing again.” He said with a smile

  “Thank you Sir, I will not hurt her, you have my word on that.” Jimmy left the office.

  Abby got up off the couch and gave him a skeptical look.

  “Everything ok?” she asked nervously.

  “Everything’s perfect.” He replied and gave her a big hug.

  Tom followed shortly from the office just as Laura was coming back in from the kitchen.

  “Anyone care for some coffee? I have a pot ready and I made some sandwiches for lunch.”

  Everyone followed her into the kitchen. As they were sitting down ready to eat, Jimmy spoke up.

  “Abby, with your parent’s permission of course, I would like to bring you out to LA for a visit.” He expressed.

  Abby got a burning sensation as her soda came out her nose and she started choking. Her mother quickly handed her a napkin and patted her on the back.

  “What?” Abby cried. “You want to take me to LA? When?”

  “Well I was thinking you could come back with me on Monday and I could have you back home before Thanksgiving on Thursday.” He concluded.

  Abby shot a beseeching look at her parents.

  “Can I go? She begged. “I have all my homework done. There isn’t much going on since it is a short week for Thanksgiving break. I’d only really be missing two days and I can make up any class work when I get back. Please?” she implored her parents.

  “Well, I don’t know, Tom what do you think of Abby going alone to LA with Jimmy.” Laura asked in a concerned inflection.

  Jimmy interjected, “I was also thinking that maybe Holly could accompany Abby. So that way, you may feel more comfortable if she had a chaperone.

  “Well,” Tom started, turning to his wife, “We could talk to Holly’s parents. Let them know we have met Jimmy and have complete faith that he would ensure the safety of our daughters.”

  “If you think it’s ok, then I suppose it would be ok for her to go.” Laura agreed but was still concerned that her daughter was flying across the country for the first time without them.

  They all looked in Abby’s direction after they heard the crash of the chair toppling over backwards and hitting the floor. Abby had flown out of her chair so fast it had flipped it over.

  “Thank you Mom, thank you Dad.” She kissed them both on the cheeks. “I have to call Holly!” she shrieked. She was half way out of the kitchen before she stopped herself and ran back over to Jimmy. She bent down and kissed him gently on the cheek, “Thank you.” She said and gave him a hug. From the living room they could all hear her squeals as she was reiterating what had just transpired. Tom took the phone from Abby when she offered it so he could speak with Holly’s father. Abby’s father had left the room to speak with Clifford privately. Most likely assuring him he trusts Jimmy and recapping the conversation he and Jimmy had had in his office.

  “Linda and Clifford are fine with Holly going.” Tom declared and past the phone back to Abby.

  They could all hear the loud squeals from Holly through the phone receiver. Abby confirmed that Holly would be over later to go over the details of the trip. Abby was laughing as she told Jimmy and her parents that Holly was going to start packing right now.

  The rest of the weekend was a blur. Jimm
y had made sure Abby’s parents had all of his contact information, physical address and his next of kin. She had taken Jimmy around the area to show him some of the sights. He had called to cancel his rental car on that Saturday. He and Abby had returned the key when they were on their way to the Owls Head Lighthouse. She had also taken him to the Samoset so he could cancel the room reservation. While they were in that area they walked the breakwater. They drove into Camden and fed the ducks after they had gotten lunch at Cappy’s Chowder House. Jimmy was now a huge fan of New England clam chowder. He had also picked himself up a Maine sweatshirt at the Camden Embroidery Shop after he had realized a windbreaker was just not going to cut it while they browsed in the shops while walking Main Street. Abby teased that maybe they ought to take a ride to Freeport’s LL Bean, so he could pick up some Bean boots and thermal underwear. Once they had seen all Knox County had to offer. They returned back to Abby’s house so she could pack for their trip to LA.

  “You won’t be needing any thermal underwear in LA I can assure you.” He proclaimed. “A rain coat would be more like it, it is the rainy season. But” he continued “bringing a bathing suit wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

  Abby had packed enough clothes to stay for an entire week, not just two and a half days. She wasn’t sure all that they would be doing so she wanted to be prepared for anything. In her suitcase there was, two dresses, five pairs of shoes, three pairs of jeans, six tops, a bathing suit and the proper amount of socks and underwear. She was contemplating what to pack for bedtime.

  “Should I just bring my cotton pajamas or something a little more risqué?” she had asked Holly when they were on the phone comparing outfits.

  Jimmy was downstairs talking with Abby’s parents. Holly’s folks had come over to meet Jimmy and get some reassurances before the girls left. Abby excused herself to go upstairs to start packing. Not missing the opportunity to hide something, like a slinky nightie, in her suitcase while no one was looking.