The next few days went by quickly and before she knew it, Elizabeth was dismissing her Thursday afternoon community theater class. She was really pleased with how excited the kids were about putting on a show in December. Elizabeth would soon need to figure out what exactly that looked but for now she was enjoying getting to know her young students. She packed up her tote bag and locked up the classroom and then headed out towards the parking lot.
As she walked outside, Elizabeth noticed Allie standing outside alone and she was having an agitated conversation with someone on the phone.
"But Uncle Nathan, there's nobody else here!"
Elizabeth walked over quietly and put her hand on Allie's shoulder. The young girl looked up at her and gave her a relieved look.
"What's wrong Allie? Where is your uncle?" Elizabeth asked very quietly so that the person on the phone couldn't hear.
"Hold on Uncle Nathan. Miss Elizabeth just came outside."
Allie put her hand over the microphone on the cell phone. "Uncle Nathan is stuck in an interrogation with an uncooperative suspect and he can't leave right now. He wants me to wait for him in one of the student lounge areas inside but, I'm a little scared. It seems so deserted right now since the weather is still so nice outside."
Elizabeth could see the fear in Allie's eyes and gave her a sympathetic look. Her hand also never left Allie's shoulder. "May I please speak to your uncle?" Allie handed Elizabeth the phone as Elizabeth shifted and put her arm around Allie to calm her a bit.
"Hi Nathan. What's going on?"
Elizabeth could hear the stress in his voice as he started to speak.
"Elizabeth, this is a bit embarrassing. Our Chief asked us to interrogate a suspect about 2 hours ago and his lawyer is here as well. That's why I asked Lillian to drop off Allie for me today. Unfortunately, he's not cooperating and because the lawyer is here, it's hard to simply end the questioning. I had to step out of the room quickly just to make this call-they are waiting for me to continue the questioning. The arraignment is tomorrow so we have to get this information before going to court. He's started giving us bits and pieces so I don't think this will take much longer but I can't leave right now. I asked Allie if she could just wait for me in one of the student lounge areas inside. I shouldn't be longer than a half hour or 45 minutes tops."
"No need to be embarrassed. Some things are just out of our control. Is there someone else who can come pick her up?"
"Unfortunately no. My neighbor Florence usually helps me out but she is away on vacation this week and Lillian went to the city to see a show with her sister Grace. She dropped off Spencer with her parents after she dropped off Allie. Gabe is picking him up when we are finished here. I feel comfortable with Allie waiting for me in the lounge area since your buildings are secure and have security guards. Perhaps you can give one of the guards a heads up for me?"
"Nathan, I know this may seem a bit unorthodox but I feel like we are friends now. How about if Allie comes home with me and you pick her up from there instead? I was going to order a pizza anyhow tonight so the more the merrier."
"Elizabeth, are you sure? I don't want to inconvenience you."
"It's no inconvenience. It will be fun. We can even bake cookies if there is time. Jack is still a bit too young to do that so I'd enjoy the company."
"Ok how about this? Why don't I pick up the pizza once I'm done here? I should be over there between 6:30-7. Is that too late?"
"Nathan, that's perfect thank you. Just text Allie if you're running later than that and I'll go ahead and just order the pizza and we will save some for you."
"That sounds perfect to me as well. Cheese pizza or do you want more toppings?"
"That's fine. Jack and I aren't picky!"
"Neither are we! Glad we are on the same page. Thank you so much Elizabeth. You are a lifesaver!"
"It's my pleasure really. I'd enjoy Allie's company. I'll let you get back to your suspect and will see you later. Be safe."
Before Nathan could reply, Elizabeth clicked off the call and then stared at the phone for a minute. "Be safe" is what she used to say to Jack all the time before he left for work. What was happening? She quickly remembered that Allie was still next to her and handed her back the phone.
"Ok Allie, as you heard you'll be coming home with me for a bit. Is that ok sweetheart?"
"Yes Miss Elizabeth. I'd like that very much. Thank you."
Allie reached over and hugged Elizabeth and then quickly pulled back.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hug you like that. I think my emotions got the better of me. Uncle Nathan rarely misses the schedule so I guess it just scared me a bit that he wasn't here after class."
Now it was Elizabeth's turn to reach over and hug Allie.
"Allie, after the barbeque the other night, I'd consider us all to be friends now and friends hug one another when they feel sad. So feel free to hug me anytime."
"Thank you Miss Elizabeth!"
"Now then, let's head over to the car and head home to Little Jack. He will be excited to see you and your uncle again! It's usually just the 2 of us at night, especially now that Miss Rosie is back at rehearsals. She's just so exhausted when she gets home and she also is on vocal rest."
About 10 minutes later, Elizabeth pulled into her own driveway with Allie. It wasn't quite 6pm yet so she paid Laura for the week and after introducing her to Allie, Laura went home. As expected, Little Jack was excited to see Elizabeth come home with a guest.
"Mama! A'wee!" he said as Elizabeth scooped him up in her arms.
"Wow he remembered my name!" marveled Allie.
"You're right Allie! He did. Little Jack really likes you. Now then, I'd like to change and freshen up before getting the kitchen ready for dinner. I was going to make a small salad to go with our pizza. What would you like to do? You can hang out with me or play with Jack."
"Can I play with Jack in the kitchen? This way I can be around both of you."
"Perfect solution Allie! He actually has a play area in the corner of the kitchen so that works out well." Elizabeth pointed to it. "I'm going to run upstairs and change and I'll be right back. Are you ok alone with him for a few minutes or should I take him with me?"
"We'll be just fine Miss Elizabeth! I spend a lot of time with Spencer. Uncle Nathan and Mr. Gabe are best friends."
"Ok Allie. I'll be right back. Jack, you listen to what Allie says. And Allie just holler if you need me."
Elizabeth quickly headed up the stairs to her bedroom. She changed out of her wrap dress and heels and slipped in a pair of cropped jeans and a short sleeve black wrap blouse. She washed up and refreshed her makeup before heading back downstairs. She smiled at how well the children were getting along.
"Allie, I always keep cookie dough on hand. Shall we bake some chocolate chip cookies?"
"Yes, please!"
"Ok then here are 2 cookie sheets. And here is the dough and a cookie scoop. Just scoop out the dough and place each scoop about 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet. I've already greased it for you as well so they won't stick. I'll preheat the oven now."
While Allie worked on the cookies, Jack continued to play in his play corner and Elizabeth set about making a small garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and a homemade dressing. Elizabeth and Allie kept up a steady flow of conversation while they worked. 15 minutes later the cookies were in the oven and the salad was chilling in the refrigerator. Elizabeth had also set the kitchen table for dinner. Allie and Jack were happily playing with his toy train set when the doorbell rang.
Elizabeth went to answer it and her breath caught as she opened the door and saw Nathan standing there with a large pizza box in one hand and a bouquet of roses in the other."
"Hi Nathan! Come in out of that heat."
Nathan smiled and spoke as he walked in. "Hi Elizabeth. I can't thank you enough for taking Allie home with you. These are for you."
He handed her the roses. "Nathan, you shouldn't have! These are beautiful. Thank you!"
"Oh it's not nearly enough. I hope you like roses."
"I love roses! Thank you again. Here, follow me and let's get that pizza out of your hands."
They walked through Elizabeth's cozy but large living room and headed into the kitchen. Elizabeth motioned to Nathan to place the pizza box on the kitchen island and he complied. He then walked over to the children and squatted down to say hello while Elizabeth put the roses into a crystal vase.
"Hi Al. I'm so sorry for being late. Have you been having fun? Hi big guy! What a fun looking train set! Maybe you can show me how it works after dinner."
Both kids beamed at him. After ruffling the kids' hair, Nathan stood up and walked back over to Elizabeth.
"Where is your bathroom?" Elizabeth pointed him down the hall and he nodded and mouthed a thank you to her. She smiled back and watched him walk down the hall.
"Actually, I'm going to put these flowers in my office before we eat. I have the perfect spot for them so they catch the sunlight. I'll be right back."
Elizabeth walked down the hall to her office and placed the flowers on top of the low bookshelf in front of the window. She stood there and admired the flowers for a minute. It had been a long time since she had been given flowers. She smiled as she thought of Nathan and realized the room wasn't entirely silent. The bathroom was adjacent to her office and she could hear the muffled yet unmistakable sound of Nathan emptying his bladder. Her breath caught again. It had also been a long time since Elizabeth had heard that sound in her home. It reminded her of homey, intimate nights and the comfort she and Jack had felt together. Now she realized that she felt the same comfort with Nathan.
Elizabeth walked back to the kitchen and removed the cookies from the oven, placing them on a cooling rack. She then started to serve the pizza. She was using a pizza cutter to cut Jack's slice into smaller bites when Nathan walked back in.
"Can I help?" he asked as he removed his sportcoat and placed it behind a chair.
"Sure, here are plates for you, me, and Allie if you'd like to take them to the table. Can I offer you a glass of wine or a beer? You look like you could use one." Elizabeth said with a smile.
"I'd love a drink but unfortunately, I'm carrying so I can't."
Elizabeth knowingly nodded, silently berating herself for forgetting that detail.
"Ok kids the pizza is hot! Come and get it!" Elizabeth said.
Allie walked over to the table with Jack. Elizabeth put Jack in his booster seat at the table. Nathan brought the plates to the table and Elizabeth finished up with Jack's plate and placed it in front of her son. She then sat in the chair next to him. The foursome enjoyed another easy meal together. The conversation was light-hearted and natural. Unbeknownst to each other, Elizabeth and Nathan were both thinking about how at ease they felt sharing dinner with their kids. After dinner, Nathan helped Elizabeth clean up while Allie and Jack went into the living room to watch Mickey and the Roadster Racers.
Elizabeth could feel the nonstop butterflies in her stomach as she and Nathan moved around one another to clean up. She wondered if the feeling was mutual.
"Elizabeth, I noticed your framed Playbills and some of your show photos on the wall in the hall. It looks like you had quite the performance career. Will you tell me about it?"
Elizabeth blushed before answering him. Nathan noticed. "I'm sorry if I brought up an unpleasant subject. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
"It's ok Nathan. I just haven't talked about it much since Jack died. Here, come with me."
Before she realized what she was doing, she held out her hand and he took it. She led him back down the hall leading to her office. Elizabeth proceeded to walk Nathan through the photos from her various theater productions, culminating in her collection of framed Playbills and programs.
"And these are all shows I've performed in. Inside my office, I actually have the framed window cards as well for each show I was in."
She led him into the office and showed him the 4 framed window cards, 1 for each show she had starred in.
"Wow, I'm in the presence of a bonafide celebrity." Nathan said with a proud smile.
Elizabeth chuckled. "Not quite. But I will attest to the fact that I'm not entirely unrecognized within the Broadway community. Rosie still tries to bring me to parties and occasional events. I actually find it helpful for my History of Broadway class that I teach as I am always updating the curriculum."
"That's great. I wouldn't mind taking a class like that myself and I hear it's taught by quite the teacher." he said with his crooked smile.
Elizabeth just stared at him for a moment. They got lost in one another's eyes while breathing in sync. Finally, Elizabeth spoke.
"Allie and I baked some chocolate chip cookies before dinner. Would you like some coffee with them?"
"That would be great if it's not too much trouble. That interrogation really drained me and I only had water while we were in there."
Elizabeth motioned for Nathan to follow her as she headed back to the kitchen. She quickly poked her head into the living and saw both kids comfortably seated on the couch watching tv. She turned around and looked at Nathan.
"I might need to have Allie over every night. Jack has been so perfectly behaved." Elizabeth said with a wink.
"Be careful what you wish for 'Lizbeth. She definitely has her moments." Nathan said with a laugh. "But she does have an ease around you and Jack. And for that I'm grateful."
Nathan took a seat at one of the stools at the outer kitchen counter and watched as Elizabeth made the coffee and then plated the cookies. He could not take his eyes off of her as she moved around seamlessly. Even in her bare feet and casual attire, she looked beautiful. Nathan had butterflies in his stomach as well and he knew he wanted to spend more time getting to know Elizabeth. He hoped the feeling was mutual. They'd known each other just under 2 weeks now but for some reason, it felt like much longer than that.
"Nathan. Nathan!"
"Oh sorry. Yes?"
Elizabeth laughed. "You were a million miles away. Do you want to get the kids? Dessert is pretty much ready. I'll serve while you do that."
Nathan went to the living room and Elizabeth immediately heard laughter from the kids and from Nathan. She peeked her head in to see that Nathan had Jack on his lap and was making funny faces at him. Allie was seated right next to him and was laughing along with Jack. Now it was Elizabeth's turn to stare. It was a sight she could easily get used to.
"Ok everyone dessert is served!
Elizabeth had poured 2 cups of black coffee for herself and Nathan. It turns out they both drank it that way. Allie and Jack were drinking milk with their cookies.
"These are delicious Elizabeth! I think these might be the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had!"
"I helped make them!"
"I know Al. Miss Elizabeth told me. That's why they are so delicious." Nathan winked at Elizabeth and she smiled back.
"Yummy cookie!" said Little Jack, causing the entire table to smile.
"Thank you all. I try to make cookie dough once or twice a month and then I bake the cookies when I have the time. The process seems to work well for me."
After dessert, Nathan once again helped clean up while the kids went back to watching their show. Then Elizabeth prepared a small tin of cookies for him and Allie to take home.
"Honestly, Elizabeth you've done so much already. There's no need to give us cookies too."
"It's my pleasure. I've got more dough ready to be baked. And it's no fun baking if I can't share the cookies with others."
"If you put it that way, thank you. They will be enjoyed immensely. Thanks again for everything tonight. You really saved my life by bringing Allie here. That suspect was so difficult and it put my mind at ease knowing she was with you. I hope you know I tried to get here as quickly as I could. I literally rushed out of our interrogation room and went straight to my car."
"Nathan, it really was my pleasure. Allie is a wonderful girl and Jack and I enjoyed her company. And yours." Elizabeth took a deep breath. "And if you're ever in a bind like that in the future, I'd be happy to help again."
"Thank you again. I'd really like to repay you for your kindness tonight. Allie and I had a wonderful time." Nathan took a deep breath and they got lost in each other's eyes. Elizabeth could see Nathan's throat working. "Lizbeth, I'd like to take you out to dinner if you're up for it. Maybe without the kids."
Elizabeth stared at Nathan, processing what she'd just heard. Nathan had just asked her out on a date.
Seeing her hesitation, Nathan quickly spoke. "How about if you think about it and let me know when you're ready? Take all the time you need."
Elizabeth nodded. A few minutes later, she and Jack waved as Nathan and Allie drove off. She didn't even fully shut the front door before realizing that she already missed both of them.