Landie had prepared food for the weekend. There would be more time for her and Cary to talk.

When Cary arrived, a pot of coffee was waiting, along with a small platter of Landie’s Famous Lemon Bars. The stage was set for a conversation along whatever lines Cary might need.

Cary got right to the point, not surprising Landie on speed or subject. “I think I’m in love with Mike Webster.” Cary said matter-of-factually.

“What makes you think that?” Landie was smiling. She already knows the answer.

“I’m miserable when he goes away.” she said, “and I think he is, too.”

“That’s a start.” Soft words from her friend. “Have you given thought to spending some uninterrupted time together? Do you think Mike would be open to that idea?” Landie had a way of getting right to the heart of the matter.

“From the phone conversations we’ve had” Landie said, “I don’t think you’ve spent more than a very few hours together – really together, I mean.” She gave it a few moments, then asked. “Am I right?”

Cary had to agree that her elderly friend was indeed right.

“Maybe the two of you could get away for a few days – maybe even a week. No phones, no assignments, nothing to concentrate on but each other.”

The thought of having some alone time sounded dreamy. But how? She wasn’t even sure she could reach Webster, and to entice him into some days away from everything and everyone?

“I don’t know if it’s possible,” she told Landie. “I don’t even know how to reach him directly. I would have to make some calls and have Mike call me.”

“So, it’s too much trouble to even try,” Landie said with a smile. “I guess I misunderstood how important this is to you.” Cary smiled too. “You’re right, of course. Mike and I need some time alone.” She thought about it. Landie sitting quietly allowing Cary to work it our for herself.

“I’m going to do it, “she said to Landie. “Maybe his boss will get a message to Mike. I have Jack Robbins cell number. He seems to like me.” As an afterthought Cary added, “and he certainly likes Mike.”

Emphasizing the point in her own way and to her satisfaction, Cary reached for one of Landie’s Lemon Bars, dropped it on a saucer and licked the powdered sugar from her fingers, saying, “There!”

Watch for the continuation of this conversation coming.