Embrace
Once they had their packages, they headed for the door, and Bix immediately took everything but the bear and slid it into the trunk, as Charlie and Meg returned to their seats in the back, the bear sitting on Meg’s knees.
“You’re quite fond of that fellow, aren’t you?” Charlie asked regarding the bear as Bix started the automobile.
“He’s adorable,” Meg replied with a shrug. “Look at his cute little nose.”
Charlie studied him for a moment. “He doesn’t look much like a Teddy to me, but then I was never good with names.”
“Teddy?” Meg asked, looking at him with wide eyes. “What do you mean?”
“All stuffed bears in America are named Teddy, don’t you know?”
“What’s that now?”
“Yes, they’re named after President Roosevelt.”
Meg could scarcely believe her ears. “You name stuffed bears after presidents here?”
“Yes. We’re an odd bunch of ducks, aren’t we?” he asked, that same playful expression in his eyes.
“Indeed,” Meg replied, giggling. “And what if Lizzie wishes to call him something else? Does the president’s personal detail come and take her away?”
“No, don’t be ridiculous,” Charlie replied waving her off. “It’s a local jurisdiction issue. The New York City police will arrest her, and throw her in baby jail.”
The way he made such a ridiculous statement with absolute sincerity had her laughing so hard she was afraid she might split the seams in her dress. “It’s nice to see you’re coming back to your old self, Charlie,” Meg finally managed to say once she’d caught her breath.
“Do you think so?” he asked, and any hint of joking was brushed aside.
She stopped laughing and held his gaze. “I do,” she assured him. “You’ll get there, Charlie. I know you will.”
“If I do, it’s because of you,” he replied, and even though Meg didn’t know how that could be true, she didn’t have long to think on it before his lips were on hers. She was thankful it was Bix driving the car and not Jonathan, because not a sound was made from the front seat as Charlie continued to kiss her until the motor coach pulled to a stop in front of its next destination. She was so lost in the embrace Meg wouldn’t have even noticed the auto wasn’t still moving if Charlie hadn’t whispered in her ear, “We’re here.”
It took her a moment to realize what he was saying, but when she did, she pulled away enough to look over her shoulder and see a large apartment building. Once again, she was surprised as the façade was not at all what she was expecting. This was a building that housed many of the workers from the factory, which was just a few blocks away. Meg expected it to be old and dingy, though she knew Charlie wouldn’t allow his workers to live in filth. Still, the outside was a pristine limestone, and even the windows were clean. Flowers grew on either side of the front steps, and an older woman sat on the stoop, dressed nicely with a shawl around her shoulders. She waved at the few people passing by on the sidewalk.
Bix had the door open, but it took Meg a moment to straighten her hair and hat after Charlie’s sweet kisses had mussed them a bit, and while she was righting her outfit, he got out on the other side and came around so that he was the one now waiting for her, his hand outstretched and a jovial grin on his handsome face.
“Am I a mess, thanks to you?” she whispered as she drew close to his ear.
“No, you look lovely, as always,” he assured her. “I’m only amused that there was a possibility that you might be a mess.”
She wasn’t certain she believed him, but she knew Kelly would let her know if she looked at all disheveled. It had been one of her jobs for many years to keep Meg looking her best.
Meg held the bear in her free hand and took Charlie’s arm, Bix behind them with the rest of the gifts. The woman on the front stoop spoke to them, and Charlie called her by name, which Meg found impressive. They took the lift to the eleventh floor, which was nearly the top of the building, and Meg steadied herself as the floor beneath her began to move. She may have been on such a contraption at one point in her life, but she couldn’t remember it, and she was glad to have Charlie’s arm to keep her grounded even if she was no longer on the ground.
Once the elevator came to a stop, and the operator opened the door, Meg was happy to be back on a non-moving surface. The hallway had lovely carpeting, and she was again in awe at how well the Ashton’s cared for their workers.
“It’s just over here,” Charlie said as he led her around the corner and knocked on the door of number 1107.
It took a moment for her to answer, but even before she opened the door, Meg recognized Kelly’s voice as she spoke to someone, perhaps Ruth. She was both nervous and excited to see her friend, not sure what memories might come to the surface once they were face to face again.
Kelly pulled the door open, and a warm smile spread across her familiar face. “Meg!” she shouted. “Charlie! How wonderful to see you!” The redhead opened her arms wide, and Meg stepped into her embrace, entering the apartment as she did so.
Releasing Meg, Kelly hugged Charlie as well and then led them into a small entryway that opened up into a living area. Meg couldn’t believe how spacious the apartment was. There was a small dining area and a kitchen, and it looked as if there were at least two bedrooms as well. The windows were wide with thin drapes that let the sunlight pour in, and Meg was instantly grateful that her friend was able to make such a nice place her home.
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