Under Construction Read Online Free PDF Page B

Washington.”
    Candace was surprised at Jameson’s honesty. “You would want to
stay in D.C.?”
    “I have a lot of clients in the area. I’ve been thinking of
opening a small office there,” Jameson said. “Before you say anything; I’ve
been considering it for over a year. I guess I just have added incentive now.”
    “And, a place to stay,” Candace teased.
    “There’s that,” Jameson admitted with a wink.
    “I know that it’s inevitable,” Candace admitted. “That we will
have to be apart at times.” She took a deep breath. “I’d like to limit that,”
she said quietly.
    Jameson smiled. She knew this was difficult for her lover.
Candace had resigned herself to being alone. In many ways, so had Jameson.
Their relationship was still new. Six months was hardly a lifetime, but Jameson
felt sure it was only the beginning of their life together. Candace’s decision to broach this subject assured her that they were
on the same page. Both had fears. Both had insecurities. Both were certain they
wanted to be together, and that trumped everything else.
    “We’ll figure it out,” Jameson said. “That is if you could stand me being around more
often.”
    “I think I could survive your presence,” Candace said.
“Besides, Pearl misses you.”
    Jameson smirked. “Oh, I see. Looking out for Pearl.”
    “Of course,” Candace winked. “And, you wanted that cat.”
    “Mm-hm. Worried about Jinx getting lonely?”
    “Don’t be ridiculous. I just want to make sure someone is
there to keep an eye on him. The last thing we need is fleas in the house.”
    Jameson couldn’t help but laugh. “That would be a travesty.”
    “And ticks.”
    “Mm.”
    “Jameson, it’s true!”
    “Yes, since he is indoor all the time he might get fleas from
the mice he catches,” Jameson said.
    “What mice?” Candace jumped slightly. “Mice? I haven’t seen a
mouse in that house in forever.”
    Jameson finally laughed. “More like six months,” Jameson
mumbled.
    “What?”
    “Nothing. You are right. Pearl can’t be expected to supervise
Jinx all the time.”
    “Glad we agree,” Candace said.
    “I know better than to argue with a politician.” Candace threw
her napkin at Jameson. “We’ll work it out,” Jameson said earnestly. Candace
just smiled.
    “What
are you grinning about?” Michelle asked Jameson.
    “Huh?
Oh, just thinking about your mom and Jinx.”
    “The
cat?” Michelle asked.
    “Yeah….Listen,
I think I might have a solution to your problem. Not the asshole problem, the
Albany problem,” Jameson clarified.
    “J.D.,
I’m not moving home.”
    “I
wasn’t going to suggest that you should,” Jameson responded.
    “I’m
not asking Mom…”
    “Shell!
God! You really are your mother’s daughter. Stubborn,” Jameson laughed.
Michelle pursed her lips. “Would you just listen?” Michelle groaned but acquiesced. “Thank you,” Jameson
sighed. “I have my condo in Albany…”
    “J.D. I
am not….”
    “Shell!
Shut up already!” Jameson ordered in exasperation.
    “Wow.
That was authoritative, J.D. I am impressed.”
    Jameson
laughed. “Can you just….please….let me finish?” Michelle waved her hand for Jameson
to continue. “The thing is, your mom and I, well….I get stuck in Albany a lot
and I don’t really want to have to impose on friends or stay in hotels.”
    “Ha!
You and mom are moving in together!”
    Jameson
sighed. “I probably should not be telling you this.”
    “Why
not?”
    “Look,
you could stay at my condo. Keep an eye on things for me. I’d have a place to
crash when I need to be there….”
    “I’m
not freeloading off my mom’s girlfriend,” Michelle protested.
    “You
wouldn’t be. You’d be helping me out. And, for the record…I would hope you
consider me as much your friend as your mom’s girlfriend.”
    “J.D.
it’s a generous offer. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
    Jameson
nodded. Michelle was sincere. “Shell…you wouldn’t