Haven rubbed her hands together as if plotting an evil plan. She had one more surprise up her sleeve that should be arriving soon. At least, she hoped. Since her surprise hadn’t confirmed, Haven didn’t know for sure if everything would pan out. However, she would know soon enough. In the meantime, they had a party to enjoy. With a broad smile plastered across her face, she held up the cutting knife. “Who wants cake?”
*****
An hour later, they’d eaten a light lunch, had several pieces of the red-velvet cake, and opened gifts. Now, it was just the two of them.
Haven was a little bummed that her big surprise hadn’t materialized, but Ms. McKenna was none the wiser and still seemed to be floating on a cloud. That was all that mattered.
She reached out and grabbed hold of her boss’ hand. “I hope you enjoyed our little shindig.”
Ms. McKenna laced her fingers with Haven’s and squeezed. “I had a grand time. Thank you for pulling all of this together.”
“It was my pleasure. I only wished we could have done more.”
“It means a lot to me that you did this. Not to mention, you’re off the clock but still hanging around this old lady when you should be at home with Dylan. Oh, wait . . . tonight’s a school night.”
Ms. McKenna may not have had many personal friends or family to celebrate with, but Haven was happy that she and the staff were able to put a smile on her face. They were kindred spirits in that way. Haven’s family consisted of her mom, who was thousands of miles away in Chicago, Dylan, and his friends. At the mention of his name, the light in her eyes dimmed. She sighed. “He’s working late tonight, and I have class, so it kind of works out.”
Haven didn’t miss the slight frown on Ms. McKenna’s pale face. “He seems to be working late a lot recently. Is everything all right between the two of you? I mean, since that ugly episode several months ago.”
Thinking back on that time, Haven closed her eyes in an attempt to quell the pain that threatened to rise up and out of her chest. She took an extra moment to gather herself before responding. Ms. McKenna had been the only person she had confided in. It was strange. She could lay her soul bare to her and always walked away feeling better for it. This was a special occasion. Haven didn’t want to ruin it with her drama. “Today is about you, not me. It’s been so beautiful that there’s no need to mess it up with my problems.”
“You know, you’ve become like a daughter to me. Meeting you at that dreadful hospital was such a blessing. Listening to you and being able to give advice when asked makes me feel useful.” She picked up a shaky hand to caress her cheek.
Haven placed her hand over hers. “I feel the same way. Had we not gone to the chapel at the exact same moment, we may have never crossed paths.”
“There are no accidents. We were supposed to meet, and we would have.”
“True.” Haven nodded.
“Now . . . back to your fella. You can’t throw me off the scent that easily. Are you two getting things back on track or what?”
Haven blew out an exaggerated breath. “Sometimes, I think so, and then there are other times, it feels as if we’ve never been further apart.”
“Mmm . . . I’m sure he still needs time to heal.” A mischievous glint appeared in her eye. “And, if he doesn’t get his act together, I’ve got a grandson who you’d be perfect for.”
Haven rolled her eyes. “Oh gaaaawd. I can’t even imagine starting a new relationship, at least not now. Between trying to finish my degree, at my age, and everything else, I can’t fathom that. Not to mention, your grandson is some kind of big shot isn’t he?”
“In his mind.” Bertha laughed. “He’s the spitting image of his father, Bruce—God rest his soul—a workaholic. Bruce was married to his work, and so was my husband, Charles, but mama knew how to get his attention.” She winked.
Haven laughed.
“What?” She looked wide-eyed and innocent, but she was far from it. “Prim and proper is good for the boardroom but never the bedroom. Remember that. Do the unexpected. You might have to get a little freaky.”
What kind of freaky did a seventy-six-year-old woman know about? Haven couldn’t believe she was having this discussion with this frail, white-haired lady who was the epitome of proper. But, she was right. Haven needed to do something drastic to spice up her love life.
She placed her hand on her heart. “Things have been so tense between us that sex has been the last thing on my mind. I do it, but I can’t say I enjoy it.” How ironic was it that Ms. McKenna had to remind her of the need to kick things up a notch or two. “Maybe I could up the freak factor.” Haven had been so preoccupied with school and worrying about what Dylan was up to when they weren’t together that sometimes she didn’t know what day of the week it was. “Lately, if I’m honest, it’s been hard getting his attention, and I haven’t really wanted to.”
Ms. McKenna’s face sobered. The writing was on the wall for that relationship, but Bertha wasn’t going to be the one to tell her. Haven would have to figure it
