Miles and Ana drove back to the condo, passing the drive time with little conversation. So many things had been thrust at Ana about Miles, but nothing had diluted her enthusiasm for him. Ana was feeling tired, it had been a long and active day.
She was relieved when Miles pulled the car off the interchange near her condo. Remembering that he came in by an alternate way on Friday, she directed him to the main entrance of the complex. As they drove in, Ana couldn't help looking around for either of Greg's cars - she couldn't shake the feeling that he was going to be watching her. She didn't see any sign of Greg's cars - neither his Mercedes convertible roadster nor his four door sedan. Miles pulled the car toward the garage; he reached upward and found the door opener on the sun visor. The garage door lifted and they pulled in. Ana was relieved as the door closed behind them. She felt privacy - even if Greg was out there, he couldn't see anything now that they were inside.
Miles stepped out and was already opening the house door. Of course, Miles had a key now. He opened the door, and then he went back to the car. Retrieving his bag, Ana's things and his hanging clothes, he carried all inside. He looked around hesitantly. "Where should I?" he began.
"How about the closet in my bedroom? I have plenty of space to hang things. Other stuff, socks, underwear, let me clear out a drawer or two."
"You don't have to do that. I can bring over a box, or something."
"No, it's no problem. You don't need to live out of a cardboard box, Miles. I have a lot more storage space than I need. There is even another bedroom, but it's full of workout equipment. "
Miles nodded and went down the hall. Ana went to the telephone to check her answering machine. She looked at it. Seven messages. She sighed and hit 'play'.
First Message, the computer voice said.
"Ana, it's Greg. Its Saturday afternoon. I was hoping that you would meet me..."
Ana hit the sequence to erase.
Next Message.
"Ana, hi. It's Greg. It's about... six on Saturday. Where are you? I drove by and knocked. I've been calling your cell, too. Ana, I'm getting worried....."
She erased it too.
Next message.
"Ana" Greg's voice again. "it's after eleven on Saturday. I just stopped by...."
Erase.
Next Message.
"Ana." Thankfully, a female voice. "Its Vern. Sunday morning, and I need to tell you we had a wonderful time! And, that Miles is so oh cute! I do hope this works out for you, honey. Oh, and, by the way, Greg called here this morning. I wasn't exactly straight - told him we went to the winery together last night, but I hadn't talked to you since then. I tried to suggest that you just weren't answering the phone. I don't think he bought it, though. Let me know how you are. Chris says hi. And, wait a minute...." A pause. "Chris says you and Miles should come over for a cookout, sometime. He says he'll be much better, thanks to the tips. I'll give you the scoop on Mary, as soon as I find out. See ya, kid."
Erase.
Next Message
"Ana, it's your mother. I just wondered if you were on your way yet. Call me when you hear this."
Erase.
Next Message
"Its Vern again. Mary is coming over later with Manny. What a pair! They are going to some photography exhibition this afternoon, and then we're all going to go out. If you're around, give me a call. Especially if you're around with your cutie! Anyway, I'll keep you posted."
Erase.
Next Message
"Ana. It's Greg."
"It's Sunday, we just talked on your cell phone. You said that you want me to leave you alone, and I will. I know you're not at home, that's why I'm calling this number. I don't expect a response or reply." A pause.
"Ana, I hope you're by yourself as you listen to this." Ana looked up to see Miles walking down the hall toward her. He heard Greg's words, too, but stood still. Ana met his gaze, she couldn't read it. Greg's voice went on.
"Ana, I listened to what you said the earlier tonight. And, I actually agree. We need space away from each other. A very big space. After all, what I did - while we were married - I understand how hard that is to work through. My guilt was so strong. I felt the only way to redeem myself was to remarry you, to show you and your mother that I can be faithful. Maybe someday in the far off future we might consider counseling. But more probably, we'll never have a chance at each other again. I have passed through the guilt stage. We tried, it didn't work, and trying to put the pieces together again is almost impossible. I am certainly not going to chase after you or continue to beat my head against the wall. I've shed enough blood. Anyway, I will give you your space. I won't bother you anymore. Myself, don't be concerned about me, there are many fantastic people out there, women who offer the whole package. But, Ana," his voice was strained, "I know that, like anyone on the rebound from an unfaithful spouse, you're vulnerable. Please be careful. I don't know how to say this without sounding bitter, so I'll just say it."
"You're light years better than that investment embezzler Michael D. Long. I've known him for many years, I knew him when he tried to blame his business failures on his wife Mary. He's skimming at the winery, he's a penniless pauper and a thief, and he'll screw any gal under twenty-five - do you really want to be a part of his group? And the Formbys, they will do anything, including having him arrested, to get him out."
"Ana," Greg sounded upset, "I don't want to use your tape up, but please, if you must sow some wild oats, find someone with substance, with depth of character. I don't want to see you hurt."
"Remember this Ana. I have really cared about you for so many years. Give my advice some credence, I know you well. Goodbye."
Ana thought, he used her mother's phrase about wild oats. And, he didn't say 'love' at all. And who's Michael D. Long? Is that Miles' real name? Covering her hand, Ana pressed 'save', and looked up toward Miles. He was standing in the same place.
