Mad About You

okay.
    "Chad," she said after he'd told her about his evening, "I've lost something and I hope you'll be able to help me find it."
    His eyes narrowed slightly, then he shrugged, a little too casually, she thought. "What is it?"
    "It's my locket with your baby picture in it."
    "I haven't seen it," he said too quickly, reaching for the television remote.
    She stopped him with her hand, covering his fingers with hers. "It's very special to me and I hope if you find it, you'll bring it to me. I might have lost it outside when we were washing the car."
    "Okay," he said in an annoyed voice. "What's the big deal anyway? It's just a necklace with a dumb old picture in it."
    "It means everything to me," she whispered.
    "Kind of like my game?" he asked, convincing her he'd taken it.
    "Please give it back to me,” she said.
    "I don't have your stupid necklace." He pulled his hand from underneath hers. "Leave me alone."
    Later when she stepped into his shadowed bedroom to soak in his sleeping form, her eyes swam with tears. Would she ever make peace with Chad and Bailey at the same time?
    One step forward, then two steps back. And now she was going to spend the entire weekend with both of them.

Chapter Twelve

    THE SHENOWAY FARMHOUSE was quiet as they unlocked the front door. "Would you mind getting the picnic together while I feed the cattle?" Bailey asked. "It shouldn't take more than forty-five minutes."
    "Not at all," Virginia said, only a little apprehensive about rattling around in the house by herself.
    "Can I help?" Chad asked Bailey.
    "Absolutely," Bailey said. "I expect you to pitch in when you're here."
    "Sure!" Chad agreed.
    "I'll take the luggage upstairs," Bailey said. "You help Ginny take the groceries to the kitchen."
    Chad didn't argue, but she could tell his heart wasn't in it when he thunked the bags down on the counter.
    "Thanks," she said.
    "Whatever."
    He turned and walked out, then she heard Bailey come back downstairs. "We'll be back soon—be sure to put on your bathing suit," he called from the living room, the screen door slapping closed.
    "Whatever," she mumbled, hands on hips, eyeing the mounds of groceries. Her son had made it perfectly clear all morning that as far as he was concerned, she didn't exist. She'd woken to ear-splitting music coming from his room, which he reduced to just plain loud when she pounded on his door. He'd refused to come out of his room or answer her until he heard the doorbell signaling Bailey's arrival, then he'd ridden over with Bailey leaving her to follow behind in her car, solo.
    And her locket hadn't shown up, but she still held out hope it would turn up soon.
    At least Bailey was cheerful and friendly this morning, which meant he hadn’t lost as much sleep as she had over their good-bye kiss. Sighing, she began to pull out food and assemble sandwiches.
    Once she'd packed the basket with as much food and drink as possible and straightened the kitchen, she felt restless, and decided to unpack the clothes she'd brought. She peeked into the guest rooms alternately to see where Bailey had placed their bags. Chad's duffel sat just inside the first room. She frowned when she saw Bailey's gym bag in the room next to Chad's room. She chewed the inside of her cheek as realization began to dawn. Sure enough, she found her bag sitting in the room she and Bailey had once shared. A large vase of cut flowers sat on the dresser, and an envelope propped against it read Ginny.
    With one eye on the card, she changed into her bathing suit, then pulled on black knit shorts and a pink T-shirt. She picked up the envelope, her heart pounding in anticipation, and sat on the edge of the bed. With trembling fingers she loosened the flap and withdrew a card covered with muted watercolor designs. The inside had no preprinted message, only a few lines in Bailey's handwriting.

    Thanks for such an enjoyable evening. I look forward to the day when I don't have to leave you after kissing you good night. Bailey

    Her smile extended all the way to her toes. Her skin tingled and she felt as giddy as a teenager. Hugging herself, she lay back onto the soft bed, suddenly wishing Bailey was stretched out beside her. She looked around the room and sighed. It might not be so bad sleeping in here after all.
    The screen door slammed downstairs, and Virginia shot up. She smoothed the covers and tucked the card back into the envelope, then walked to the staircase landing.
    Bailey stood alone at the bottom.