Lisa Watson - Love Contract

“Since she and I had it out and called a truce.” He did a spin move around Justin and threw up a bank shot. “There’s been no more interfering. She hasn’t tried to fix me up since Cynthia.”

Justin caught the ball under the net and they switched places. “The Cyber Stalker, right? Come on, man, do you honestly think your mom is going to give up trying to get you married?” Justin dodged past him. “She’s just lulling you into thinking she’s changed. She’ll wait till you least expect it and then, bam!” He slam-dunked the ball for effect. “Blind date.”

Adrian took the ball. Justin checked him and Adrian shot past him and hit a fadeaway. He let out a loud whoop and pointed to the basket. Justin rolled his eyes.

“Dating can wait.” Adrian walked over to the bench to get his water. “I’ve got to convince Milán to join the firm.”

“I thought you’d let that go?”

“You know I don’t take no for an answer...at least not for long.”

“Good to know. I’ll be sure and tell Dent-in-her-grill Donna. She’d be thrilled to hear you’ve changed your mind.”

Adrian let out a loud chuckle. “About wanting her? Hell will turn into a lovely condo community first.”

“There are thousands of interior designers in Chicago,” Justin reasoned. “What makes her so special?”

“Beats me,” Adrian countered. Just then his mind conjured up an image of her locked in his embrace. He wiped his face with his towel. “Just an instinct that tells me she’s the one I want.”

Justin regarded his friend closely. “For the company or something personal?”

“Strictly work,” Adrian specified.

“You sure?”

Adrian bent down to retrieve the ball. “Dude, I have enough stuff going on right now without entanglements of the feminine persuasion.”

“By the time the Love Broker gets done with you, you won’t know what hit you.”

Frowning, Adrian rubbed the sweat off his face and neck with the front of his jersey. “I’m telling you, Mom said there were no ulterior motives and I believe her. Besides, I’ve got the perfect plan to get what I want.”

Justin stared at him. “What plan?”

“Dad was complaining about all the cleaning Mom has him doing. You know, how it’s interfering with his TV shows. He let it slip that Milán’s coming over for dinner this Saturday.”

“Why?”

“Because Mom’s taken a liking to her, plus she’s new in town. It’s the perfect way to get some face time in and convince her to work for me.”

“You think she will? You already blew the first hookup.”

“It wasn’t a hook up,” Adrian shot back.

“Oh, right,” Justin laughed. “More like a setup.”

Adrian glared. “It’ll look like a chance meeting. We’ll clear the air and I’ll convince her that Anderson Realty is the logical choice.”

Deciding to call it quits, they retrieved their stuff and headed to the locker room.

“I hope things work out according to plan.”

Adrian fell into step beside his friend. “Of course it will. I came up with it.”

Justin’s expression was skeptical. “Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of.”

* * *

Three days later, Milán was driving down a tree-lined street checking house numbers as she went by. She smiled when she saw one house had an array of garden gnomes displayed across the grass. For some reason just seeing the miniature ceramic people as decorative art always made her giggle.

When she spotted the house, Milán eased her car into a vacant space at the curb. Her practiced eye roamed appreciatively over the inviting home. She parked, grabbed her purse and climbed out of the car.

She took a bag from the backseat and walked confidently toward the front door. Balancing the items in her hand, Milán rang the doorbell.

Seconds later, the door opened and a tall man smiled at her. “Hello, you must be Milán.”

“Hello, Mr. Anderson.” She held out a brightly colored bag.

He took the proffered gift and stood aside to let her enter. “Thanks and welcome.”

“Cliff,” she heard Norma Jean yell at the top of her lungs. “Will you get the darn door?” Milán stifled a laugh.

“You should hear her sing,” he joked. “Here, let me take that for you.”

Milán eased out of her cardigan. Her gaze traveled around the foyer as she stood there. She noted the polished wood floor, creamy yellow walls and the profusion of plants. From what she could see, the historic bungalow-styled house was spacious and bright. “You have a lovely home.”

“Thank you. Now let’s go find my beautiful siren.”

Milán followed behind him to the kitchen. She watched him poke his head through the door. “What happened to ‘honey’?” he said, sweetly.

His wife didn’t bother to look up from her task. “That’s when you answer the door the first time I ask you. Now will you get it before our guest decides to go next door for dinner?”

“No need, I caught her before she went over there,” he teased.

His wife turned around. When she spotted Milán, she wrinkled her nose at her husband. “You’re incorrigible.” Norma Jean walked quickly to the doorway and hugged the younger woman tightly. “How are you, Milán?”

“I’ve been better, but I’m hanging in there.”

“Job search going slow?”

“Yes, but I’m hopeful something will turn up soon. Thanks for inviting me to dinner, Norma Jean. It was just what I needed. I’ve been so intent on sending out résumés lately that I’m starting to feel like a bona fide hermit.”

“We’re happy you could make it, and don’t worry. I just know you’ll be getting a callback soon. You just have to stay positive.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Come in and make yourself comfortable. Dinner’s almost ready.”

Heathcliffe handed his wife Milán’s present. Norma Jean peeked into the bag and squealed with delight.

“Banana pudding,” she exclaimed. “Thanks so much for bringing it.”

“My pleasure. It’s one of my favorites, too.”

She watched Norma Jean place the dessert in the refrigerator.

“Dinner smells delicious.”

“Honey, let’s hope it tastes that way,” Norma Jean chuckled.

After putting the finishing touches on her signature mashed potatoes, and sautéed whole green beans, Norma Jean opened the oven door to check on her beef roast. “Just a few more minutes,” she informed the lucky roast.

“Can I help you with anything?”

“No, thanks. You just relax. So, how are you liking Chicago? Are you settled in?”

“It’s fantastic. I’m renting a loft on West Aldine. I love the exposed brick walls and timber ceilings. Still getting used to the weather, though.”

“Lofts are pretty popular,” Heathcliffe interjected. “I prefer a place with walls that actually go up to the ceiling.”

Norma Jean stirred her gravy and then tasted it. “I agree with Cliff, but being a designer, I’m sure you’ve already put your personal touches on it.”

“Just about.” Milán laughed. “Jeanie, are you sure there’s nothing I can do?”

“Not at all, honey. You make yourself comfortable.”

“May I use your restroom?”

“Sure.” Norma Jean turned to her husband. “Cliff, would you mind?”

“Not at all.” He ushered Milán down the hall to the powder room.

On the way back, the family room window caught her attention. Walking over, Milán peeked into the backyard. Flowers in an array of vibrant colors were everywhere. Suddenly, Adrian popped into her head. Milán’s expression mirrored her confusion. I just don’t get it, she told herself. How can two wonderful people like Norma Jean and her husband have such an obnoxious son?