A/N: Nope, not mine! Sorry so short!
Chapter 10
Getting Back To Normal
Over the next few days, Cecilia spent her time watching over her oldest son. This was the first time since his return from the war that he had allowed her to dote over him. Cecilia loved it, but she noted a difference in him. She pursed her lips, turning towards her youngest son. "A.J., he's changed. He's not acting like the old Rick."
A.J. Nodded, looking up from the newspaper. "He seems preoccupied."
"Yes, but it seems to go deeper than that. Maybe he needs a night on the town?"
The younger Simon raised a brow. "Now who's not acting right?"
Cecelia was unmoved by his tease. "Maybe it would do him good."
He snorted. She looked at him. "Andrew, I am serious."
Holding up his hands in defense, A.J. laughed. "Okay Mom, I'll see what I can do."
Emily set down the roll of tape. Placing her hands on her hips, she nodded. "There, good to go."
Maggie looked around the small studio. "I don't think I have ever seen it this clean!" She shifted a box, looking at the address label. "San Francisco. This one says Los Angeles. You aren't spreading yourself too thin, are you?"
Emily shook her head. "These galleries are owned by the same people. An opening one week, the other will happen the next week. Besides, you have been telling me I needed to get out."
"Yeah but."
"Yeah, but nothing. This is what I want to do. It may sell some paintings." Emily crossed her arms in front of her.
Maggie knew that stance all too well, and decided not to fight it. "Fine. Do you need me to take you to the openings?"
"No. I've decided to drive myself."
Frowning, Maggie looked at her friend. "Do you think that's a good idea?"
Emily sat at her chair, in front of her easel. "I need to do this." She stared at the blank paper that was taped down on the board. She took a deep breath.
Walking over to her, Maggie put her arm around her friend's shoulders giving her a gentle hug. "Then, may I ride with you?"
"Only if you promise not to be a back seat driver."
Maggie's squeeze tightened. "I wouldn't think of it."
A.J. opened his front door. "Ladies, do come in!" He opened the door wider so that Liz and her friend could enter the house. Liz kissed A.J. as she entered, giving Rick, who was sitting on the couch watching TV, an eye roll.
Giving Abbey a charming smile, A.J. looked over to where Rick was watching TV. "Rick, this is Abbey."
Turning his head slightly, he gave her a nod. A.J. groaned. All right! Rick shut off the TV and stood up. "Abbey, it is good to see you." He walked over and extended his hand to the young, dark haired woman. "Have you and Liz been friends long?"
Abbey smiled. "About five years."
"Five years, that is a long time. Would you care for a drink?" He glanced over at A.J. who had been carefully listening. A. J.'s eyes narrowed as he looked at his brother. What is he up to?
The woman nodded. "That would be nice."
Rick poured a round of red wine for everyone. Carefully delivering them, he took his seat next to Abbey, smiling.
The rest of the evening, A.J. could not help but notice that his brother appeared to be more on 'auto pilot'.
Closing the door after the ladies, A.J. leaned against the door exhaling. He pursed his lips as he stared at Rick who had taken a seat on the couch. "What was that all about?"
"What?" Rick looked at his brother in disbelief. "I played nice. Wasn't that what you wanted?"
A.J. stuttered. "Well, yes, but…"
"I played especially nice with Liz, didn't I?"
"Yes, she was appreciative." A.J. cocked his head.
Rick grinned. "And you'll probably be appropriately thanked later this week."
A.J. blushed, clearing his throat.
Rick then shook his head. "Then what is the problem?"
To be continued.