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| Harm was had just finished dressing when the phone rang. "Rabb." "Commander, it's Lieutenant Roberts." "Oh, hey, Bud. What's going on?" "I should be asking you that question, Sir." There was a knock on the door, and Harm opened it. "What do you mean, Bud?" He asked, waving Mac in. "Well, you were talking with Lydia and you burst out at her. She won't talk about it. Did you upset her, Sir?" "I didn't upset Lydia!" Mac took the phone away from Harm. "Mac!" "Lieutenant Roberts, what is this about?" She had an idea, but she wanted to make sure before she blurted anything out. Bud stammered, not expecting Mac to be at Harm's. "Just this afternoon, Ma'am." She could almost see him standing at attention. "Commander Rabb was the one who was upset about something she said. However, it's over and done with so there's no point in dragging it out, is that understood?" "Aye, Ma'am," Bud replied. "Have a good night." Mac smiled. "You too, Bud." She handed Harm the phone. "Thanks. I didn't want to have to tell him." "The only way Bud is going to find out is if Lydia says something to his face. And if she does, I'm going to kick her ass." Mac took deep breath. "Okay, what's for dinner?" "Stomach talking, Marine?" Mac looked at him seriously. "Yes, now feed me." Harm snapped at attention. "Right this way," he said, taking her by the hand. "Tonight we're having lasagna. Half is veggie and half has the dead cow meat you enjoy so much with ricotta cheese." "Sounds good. At least it's not meatless meatloaf." "Hey! I go to all this trouble to make you dinner and you have make fun of my cooking?" Harm grabbed some pot holders and carried the lasagna over to the garbage can." "What are you doing?" Harm glanced over at her and they both started laughing. "Bring the grub back over here. I'm starving!" ************ "Mom, this is ridiculous! Please stop!" Harriet said. "If you can't love Bud for who he is, then we don't have anything to talk about anymore." Lydia stared at her daughter in shock. "See, Harriet! This is precisely what I'm talking about! You wouldn't have such manners if you were married to that strong and handsome Commander Rabb." "And just how would you know?" Harriet replied. "Harriet, I'm only looking out for you and little AJ. He needs a stable father figure in his life." Harriet's face turned a deep shade of red, but before she could say anything, Bud entered with AJ. He looked from his wife to his mother-in-law. "Harriet, are you all right?" he asked. "I'm fine," she replied, after taking a deep breath. "Mother was just leaving." Lydia nodded stiffly, kissed her grandson, and left the room without so much as a goodbye. Bud watched her in confusion. "What just happened?" "Bud, I don't want to talk about it right now," she said tiredly. He nodded, lift AJ up so he could sit with Harriet. "Hi, Mommy!" "Hi, sweetheart." Bud watched the exchange. Something was bothering Harriet and he was going to find out. "I'll be right back," he told them. "Lydia, wait!" The older woman turned around. "I suppose Harriet told you what I've been saying." "No, she hasn't. What's going on between the two of you? Usually you both cry when the other one leaves to return home." Lydia crossed her arms. She had a feeling she could get this man out of her daughter's life forever. "You're a sweet boy--" "Boy?!" She held up her hand. "Let me finish. Your sweet, but you're just not for my Harriet. If anyone is, it's Commander Rabb. He has everything you don't. Looks, charm, and he can only move up in the world." "Excuse me?" "I'm sorry, Bud," Lydia said, patting his shoulder, "but if Harriet stays married to you, she will never be able to visit and will be removed from my will." Bud was speechless and instead of responding to her, he watched her retreating form. Maybe she was right... |
