Change In Plans, chapter 4

Lee stretched his long legs as the closing credits rolled on the spy movie that the

boys had been so eager to watch. It had taken all the restraint that he could muster

to not tell the boys exactly what he thought of spy movies in general and this movie

in particular. From what he could tell Francine was equally irritated by the movie

but she seemed amused by watching the boys enjoying the movie.

"Wasn't that a great movie", Phillip enthused.

"All things considered; I really liked it", Jamie replied.

"What do you mean by 'all things considered' ", Lee asked in hope that Jamie had

seen the movie for what it was.

"Since Mom doesn't let us see these movies in theaters we miss all the good stuff

that gets edited out when it's shown on TV."

"It's not just that. Some of it was really hard to believe. A real spy who's so good at

what he does wouldn't let his car get damaged so often", Phillip added. Lee and

Francine exchanged an amused look but said nothing.

"That's not true. Some people have very bad luck with their cars. Think about how

many times bad stuff has happened to Mom's car in the last few years; and she's

just an ordinary mom", Jamie argued.

"Jamie, there is nothing ordinary about your mom but you make a good point.

Let's move this conversation into the kitchen. We've kept Francine waiting long

enough for some of your mom's brownies", Lee said.

"I thought I wasn't hungry after we had dinner but I certainly won't pass up the

chance to try your mom's brownies. Everyone at work looks forward to the days

when she brings in things that she has baked", Francine said as she got up to follow

Lee into the kitchen.

"Would you like ice cream too", Jamie offered as he trailed behind them.

"No, thanks", Francine replied as she sat down at the kitchen table.

"I'll pass on the ice cream also", Lee added.

"Are you sure, Lee. You're going to need plenty of energy tomorrow", Phillip said as he gave Lee a nudge in the ribs.

"What have you guys got planned for tomorrow", Francine inquired with genuine

interest. Their conversation continued as they all enjoyed Amanda's brownies. It

was almost midnight when Lee realized how late it had become.

"I'm sorry to have to end this evening but you boys need to get some sleep so that

you'll be able to get up early tomorrow morning", Lee said in what he hoped was a

fatherly tone of voice.

"I'd like to thank all of you for including me this evening. I've had a very good time

and I'm glad I've gotten to know you boys", Francine said as she smiled at Phillip

and Jamie.

"We're glad you accepted our invitation. You'll have to come back again when

Mom is home", Jamie replied with a shy smile.

"Yeah, that's a good idea. You're more interesting than most of the people Mom

invites to dinner", Phillip added.

"Guys say goodnight to Francine and then please cleanup the dessert dishes. I'm

going to walk Francine to her car", Lee said as he retrieved Francine's groceries

from the refrigerator.

Francine followed Lee out the front door knowing that he was about to try to pick

up their earlier conversation about the new man in her life. She was very glad that

he cared enough to be so concerned but she didn't feel ready to talk to him yet. How

could she talk to Lee about all her unresolved feelings; she didn't understand them

yet herself.

"Thanks for tonight. I meant what I said to the boys. I'm very glad that I came. I'm

not ready to talk-"

"I know. I've been there. I'll be here for you whenever you're ready. Amanda would

like to be there for you also if you'll let her", Lee said as he handed Francine her

grocery bag.

"You are a good man, Lee Stetson", Francine replied as she hugged him.

"Well, we both have reputations for being tough and not needing anyone but we

don't have to pretend with each other", Lee said as he returned Francine's hug.

Francine turned and got into her car before she let her guard down anymore than

she was ready to.

Author's note-

To find out who Francine's new man is and what secrets he's keeping from her please look for a new story from me that will tell that tale. Thank you for reading and reviewing this story.