A Nantucket Affair (Nantucket Beach Plum Cove #4)(38)

“How do you think he’s doing? Is this what it was like the first time he went in?”

“No. Night and day different, really. He was way worse that first time. He was in a really bad place and hadn’t really accepted that he even had a problem with drinking. He resisted treatment then, but now he seems to have embraced it. I thought he seemed great and I think it will be different this time. I mean, you never do know, but he seems strong this time. And he has more reasons to stick to it.”

“That’s reassuring. I hope you’re right.”





Chapter 22





When Curt came into the kitchen Monday morning, he did a double-take when he saw Sue, sitting at the island, sipping coffee and instead of wearing her usual sweats, she was fully dressed in her favorite gray pants and pink cashmere sweater.

“You look nice today. Do you have an appointment somewhere?”

He poured himself a cup and joined her.

“Thanks. No appointment. I actually thought I might come into the office today for a change.”

Curt set his cup down in surprise. “Really? On a Monday? Any particular reason?”

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about recently. I like working from home, but it feels a little too separate, not as connected with you and the company as maybe I should be. I thought I might come in a few days a week and see how it goes.”

Curt smiled. “Well, I’m all for it. I gave up asking you to come in more, but that would be great. Your office hasn’t been touched, as you know. So, you can jump right in. We can ride in together if you like. I’m taking Betty on her first official outing.”

Sue almost spit out her coffee. “You named your car Betty?”

“Yep. Seemed to fit her. So, what do you say? I’m ready to go when you are.”

“I’ll walk out with you, but I’m going to take my own car. I’m thinking I might work the morning in the office and at home in the afternoon.”

Sue finished her coffee, then followed Curt outside and admired Betty as he got in and put her top down. She had to admit, the Mercedes convertible was a beautiful car and it was a lovely day to be driving it. The sun was shining, the air was warm and there was no wind.

She followed him in her white Volkswagen Jetta and smiled when she saw where he parked—the closest spot to the door, so everyone would see the car as they walked in.

They were the first ones in the office. Curt always liked to get in early and both of them felt that as owners, it set a good example for the rest. Sue settled into her office, made a fresh cup of coffee and was just going through some emails when Brandi walked through the door followed a moment later by everyone else. At first no one noticed that Sue was in her office, until Mary, the secretary/receptionist, walked by and did a double-take. She back stepped and stuck her head in the office.

“Well, this is a nice surprise! I’ve missed seeing you here.”

“Thanks, Mary. I thought I might spend a few mornings a week in the office. I miss it.”

“Well, that’s good news for all of us. If you need anything, let me know.”

Brandi stopped by a moment later. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t even notice you were in today. Curt didn’t mention that we’d be seeing you.”

“He just found out this morning. I decided over the weekend that I want to spend more time here. I can help better when I’m more available.”

“Are you going to be here every day now?” Brandi looked surprised.

“I’m not exactly sure yet. I’m going to take it day by day.”

“Well, welcome back then! I have a call in a few minutes, so, I have to run. Have a good day.” Sue watched her walk back to her desk. She had to admit, the dress she was wearing was gorgeous. It was a pretty peach, and it fit her slim curves perfectly and fell just above her knee. Her strappy high heels showed off her toned calves. Brandi looked like she worked out often, was careful what she ate and it paid off. Everything looked good on her.

Sue had thought her own outfit looked nice, but the gray pants had an elastic waist which made them more comfortable than stylish and her pink sweater was pretty but long and loose, to cover her tummy, which was not anywhere near as flat as Brandi’s. She tried not to let it bother her though. Twenty years ago when she was Brandi’s age, her stomach was flat, too.

The morning flew and Sue felt almost like she’d never left. Since she was in the office, almost everyone had stopped by either to say hello or to ask a quick question and it was a good feeling to be able to help. Sue knew just about all the client accounts and knew the insurance industry inside and out. Curt even popped in mid-morning to ask about a client that they’d had forever.

“Tricia Thompson wants to know if we’ll give her a referral bonus for sending her two sisters to us. I know we talked about putting a referral program into place, but we haven’t gotten there yet. What are your thoughts?”

Sue considered it for about two seconds. “She’s referring us both of her sisters? Absolutely. Let’s do two hundred dollars off her homeowner’s policy, that’s a hundred for each sister. Sound good?”

“I like it! Thanks.”

At a few minutes to noon, Mary stopped by to ask what kind of pizza she liked.

“You’re ordering pizza?” Sue hadn’t even thought about lunch yet, but at the mention of pizza her stomach rumbled.