In the Name of Love

Chapter 3-1

Chapter 3

“Holy s**t,” Ryan whispered as he drove past the front of Merrick’s home, searching for the driveway he’d mentioned. It was a huge, two-story Tudor, although he suspected from the steep roof, there must be a third floor whose windows would face the back yard. He really wanted to stop where he was to do some sketches. He could envision turning them into part of a fantasy series with knights and ladies wandering the grounds.

He resisted, turned the corner onto the side street, saw the driveway, and parked. Going around to the curved, turreted front entrance with its large, dark door, which stood out starkly against the red brick façade, he rang the bell. While he waited, he nervously fingered the strap of the messenger bag he used for his supplies.

“Welcome,” Merrick said a moment later, after opening the door to let Ryan inside. He was dressed casually, in jeans and a soft, blue shirt. Very different from the last few times Ryan had seen him.

The entry hallway had hardwood flooring. There was a flight of stairs to one side with an ornate iron railing. On the other side was an archway opening onto the living room. He saw a fireplace on the exterior wall, with draperied windows on either side. Facing the fireplace was a white sofa with two matching armchairs and an oak coffee table on a large, oriental rug.

Farther down the hallway was another archway. Beyond it, Ryan saw the dining room with a dark oak trestle table large enough to seat eight people. At the end of the hallway was a third archway opening onto a huge kitchen with a dining nook off to one side, as well as a center island which could be used for casual meals. Is that all he does when company comes? Feed them? Ryan smiled at the idea, although he did think all the dining areas was a bit of overkill.

They went through the dining nook to a pair of double doors opening onto a small patio—with a table and four chairs.

“I’ll show you the parlor, library, and media room later,” Merrick said. “Would you like something to drink before we start? I have coffee, wine, and lemonade.” He paused, adding with a smile, “And of course hard liquor, but it’s a bit early for that.”

“Lemonade sounds good,” Ryan replied.

Merrick left the patio, returning moments later with a frosty pitcher and two tall glasses on a silver tray. He set it on the table, then poured them each a glass of what Ryan was certain, after tasting it, was fresh, not frozen lemonade.

If he’s trying to impress me, he’s doing a damned good job of it.

After settling in a chair, his fingers laced around his glass, Merrick smiled at Ryan. “How do you want to do this?”

“Just be you,” Ryan replied, taking a pad and pencils from his bag.

“You don’t want me to pose?”

“Not at all.” Ryan began to do a quick sketch. “You don’t have sit, frozen in one place, either,” he said a bit later when he realized Merrick hadn’t moved—or talked. “Relax. Umm, tell me something about yourself.”