by Lee, R. A.
“I would like to bid on a few things if that’s alright,” she said and Jake nodded. “I’ll tell you which ones and you can control the bidding.”
Agreeing, Jake had to acknowledge the woman next to him.
“Jake? Jake Parker?” she asked. Jake recognized his mother’s friend from church.
“Hello,” he said, not remembering her name.
“We saw you at church for Christmas,” she said. “Is this your lovely wife?”
Brooke squeezed his hand.
“Yes, this is Brooke,” he introduced her and Brooke leaned over him to shake the woman’s hand.
“I’m Mrs. Jameson,” she said, delighted to meet his wife.
The food arrived, but the conversation didn’t stop.
“None of us ever thought we’d see Jake settle down,” she explained.
Brooke let go of his hand and he hoped the woman would notice he was busy.
“Where’s your mother?” she asked.
Jake’s mother was more interested in them attending, so she agreed to watch MJ. Sensing his tension, Brooke asked to switch seats.
“It’s drafty over there,” she explained as she took Jake’s seat.
“Where’s his mother?” she asked again once Brooke was seated.
“She wanted to stay home with MJ,” Brooke explained.
When Mrs. Jameson looked puzzled, Brooke explained.
“He’s my son from my first marriage,” Brooke said. Jake waited for a million questions, but Mrs. Jameson didn’t ask for details.
“That’s nice, dear,” she said and ate quietly. Jake squeezed Brooke’s hand and let go. The couple on Jake’s side was now interested, but he didn’t acknowledge them.
“How did you two meet?” the wife asked and Brooke answered.
“In the city,” she said simply and didn’t offer details. The woman decided not to pry.
The plates were taken away and Brooke leaned in between courses.
“Look like I’m saying something interesting,” she whispered and Jake nodded. When the dessert came, she heartily ate the pudding. Brooke loved chocolate.
Jake pushed his toward her and she blushed. She took it anyway.
“You’re such a cute couple,” Mrs. Jameson said. Brooke smiled.
Jake sighed in relief when Jan started the auction. After a long boring HOA statement, Jan called up the auctioneer and the bidding began.
There were two items in which Brooke was interested. The first was a weekend at a cabin in the woods, Jake bid until he won. It was a good donation to the cause for new playground equipment.
The second item was trickier. Every man in the room wanted it. It was a father-son baseball day with a famous baseball player. It was the last item of the evening.
After nudging him that she wanted him to bid, Brooke lowered her head and waited for the outcome.
Jake bid until they reached a limit above what he thought he was willing to pay. For a moment, he hesitated. Brooke didn’t urge him or insist he win. That was up to him. Jake made a grand gesture.
“Sold!” the auctioneer yelled and everyone applauded. Brooke sighed, but didn’t look at Jake.
Jan thanked Jake for his contribution and there was more applause. Jake drank his water. He was embarrassed by the praise.
Jan encouraged everyone to dance and mingle.
The night was almost over and they had introduced themselves to the HOA members. There was only one thing left to do.
Standing, Jake held out his hand.
“Shall we dance,” he asked and was surprised that he had to clear his throat to get the request out. Brooke looked up. Taking his hand, she stood. Jake led her to the dance floor and members parted, whispering as they passed.
Twirling Brooke, she smiled as he pulled her close for a slow dance.
Resting her head on his shoulder, he felt her breath on his neck.
“You’re a good dancer,” she whispered.
“My mother sent me to gentlemen school,” he joked, but it was true. She wanted to make a civilized man out of her son. It helped now that he was in the business world. It didn’t hurt that he was also dating and having an international romance with a sophisticated, elegant woman.
Brooke felt different in his arms. He was used to the thin, tall Jenny who met him at eye-level in her heels. In heels, Brooke reached a bit above his shoulders and although she wasn’t overweight, Brooke wasn’t thin. It wasn’t that Jake didn’t think she was attractive, but it was that it didn’t matter. He loved Jenny.
Closing his eyes, Jake remembered what it was like to be close to Brooke. Her body warm and soft next to his, Jake knew that there was more to her than a comparison to his girlfriend.
To everyone else, she looked like a demure, boring housewife. But Jake knew that she left everything behind when they were alone in the dark.
Jake lived with the pre-conceived notion that a woman’s sexual prowess was equal to how she dressed and presented herself. With that in mind, he dated women who looked sexy. Women like Brooke didn’t look like they’d be very interesting in bed. They looked like they would make good mothers, but not interesting lovers.
Brooke was interesting. She brought a new approach to positions he thought he had already mastered. A woman had never taught Jake anything before and he was impressed.
The music stopped momentarily and Jake held on for another dance. When the music faded, Brooke pulled away.
“Let’s go home,” she announced and Jake agreed. Leading her out, members said “good-bye” and they just nodded and went to their car.
Brooke didn’t say anything on the way home. Greeted by his mother, Jake waited for the questions.
“How was it,” she beamed, putting down her book.
Sitting on the living room couch, they gave her the details.
“We ate, we bid on a couple auction items, we came home,” Jake said breaking down the evening and leaving out the dance.
“We bid on a weekend at a cabin,” Brooke interjected. “Do you want to come with MJ and me?”
Jake realized he wasn’t invited and a part of him was disappointed.
“I would love to,” she said. “But when you’re my age, it’s not that great. You’ll have a great time.”
Brooke nodded. Jake knew she at least wanted to offer.
“I’m glad you went,” his mother said, getting up to leave.
“I’ll walk you home,” Jake offered.
“I’m going to check on MJ and then go to bed,” Brooke announced. His mother wished her good-night and they left.
The pathway to his mother’s house was lit and he made sure she was safe inside before leaving.
When Jake got back, Brooke was in her robe getting a glass of water. It was hard to believe the woman roaming his home in flannel pajamas and big robe could possibly be capable of offering so much pleasure.
Sensing Jake watching her, she stopped.
“You didn’t have to bid that high,” she said.
“It seemed important to you,” he replied.
“It was,” she said.
Standing there, Jake realized he was staring and started to go to his room when Brooke said his name softly.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she whispered and he knew what she meant.
“Come up when you want and we won’t talk,” he offered and headed up the stairs to his room.
Anticipating her arrival, Jake undressed and took a shower. In the dark, naked under his blankets, he waited.
There was a knock and the door opened and closed. Brooke’s shadow approached and she sat next to him on the bed.
Holding her hand, he waited for her to proceed.
Jake learned another thing that night. Although he liked to lead on the dance floor, he didn’t mind when she led in the bedroom.
Chapter 12
Getting ready for their camping trip, Brooke double-checked her list with the items she had put in the kitchen waiting to be loaded in the SUV they had r
ented.
It was just supposed to be her and MJ, but MJ had talked Jake and his mother into going as well. Jake said he’d meet them there.
When everything was verified, Brooke loaded the SUV. They had a cabin, but Brooke wasn’t sure what kind of amenities it had.
Packing blankets and food and a first aid kit, she loaded MJ in the car and Jake’s mother was the navigator at her side. Brooke had bought MJ a fishing cap and vest, and he had worn it for days.
Brooke was glad Jake would be there. She had never fished in her life and he had some camp experience.
Brooke only hoped Jake kept his promise. Ever since the day with the baseball player, MJ never stopped talking about how great his new daddy was. If he was happy, Brooke was happy. Knowing that at any moment Jake could call their relationship off, Brooke slipped into a dark mood, but there were no guarantees in life. At least with Jake, she knew it could come to an end. She would just have to handle the transition well when it did.
Singing songs and eating chips, they arrived at the campsite in the mountains two hours later. At first Brooke only saw small cabins, RVs and tents and she fretted that she hadn’t packed enough. Reading the address and getting directions from a ranger, they drove up a long driveway and they were all surprised at the cabin.
Flowers lined the porch where two rocking chairs and a chair swing hung. It was a two-story house with a log cabin facade. It wasn’t the cabin in the woods she anticipated and she was relieved.
Brooke let MJ out of the car and he ran up the steps, happy on the porch swing.
“Mommy, come push me,” he begged and Brooke joined him.
“It’s not that kind of swing,” she corrected him.
“Should I do the honors?” her mother-in-law asked and Brooke handed her the key. Standing, Brooke followed her into the cabin.
“This is not what I expected,” Brooke said while looking at the interior that was designed after an expensive lodge.
“This must be the Hutchinson cabin,” his mother remarked. “They’re always bragging about their great cabin in the mountains.”
Brooke fought the urge to agree with the Hutchinsons. It was a point of pride for his mother and not a debating point.
Joining them, MJ ran up the stairs and looked in each room.
“I found my room!” he called down to them. “There are fish on every wall!”
Unpacking the food, Brooke opened the refrigerator and there was a note for them to enjoy themselves. From the Hutchinsons. The refrigerator was fully stocked. Brooke put the note in her pocket. She would send a thank-you note later.
While they were fixing dinner, MJ asked about Jake, and they consoled him and said he would probably arrive the next day. Still wearing his fishing vest, MJ begged for a story and his grandmother read him a story and Brooke read a story.
“Can I go fishing tomorrow?” he pleaded.
“When Jake gets here,” Brooke said and hoped Jake didn’t break his promise.
After breakfast the next day, Brooke took MJ for a walk and they picked up leaves and pinecones. When they got back for lunch, Jake’s sports car was in the driveway.
Running and calling his name, MJ joined Jake on the porch swing.
“Can we go fishing!” MJ pleaded and Jake nodded. Brooke noticed that he seemed distressed or sad about something.
“Go get your floaties,” Brooke said and MJ obeyed. Climbing the stairs, Brooke made eye contact with Jake.
His eyes were wide and green, and he was trying to figure something out in his head.
Joining him on the swing, Brooke asked if everything was alright.
Jake looked at her and studied her face.
Nodding, Jake stood.
“Did you bring the gear I left?” he asked.
“It’s in the back,” she said, nodding toward her rented SUV.
Jake sighed and went to the SUV to inspect the gear. Flying through the door and down the stairs, MJ started rambling about fishing. Brooke decided Jake needed some support.
“I’ll help you with the gear,” Brooke said and joined them. Jake looked relieved. Taking the tackle box and MJ’s hand, they headed down the path to the lake.
At the end of a wooden dock, they sat and Jake showed MJ how to bait his pole and other stuff Brooke would never have known how to do. Soon, they were quietly waiting for a tug on the line. Brooke could feel Jake thinking.
An hour almost passed and MJ was getting bored. Then, there was a tug at Jake’s line and he had MJ sit with him as they reeled in the fish together. As much as MJ wanted to fish, when he saw the fish wiggling and trying to get off the line, he wanted to let it go.
Jake looked at Brooke puzzled as he agreed and released the fish back into the water.
“I’m hungry,” MJ declared and Brooke contained her amusement.
Gathering all their gear, Brooke and Jake followed MJ as he ran up to the path and waited.
“I don’t think he understands the concept,” Brooke said when MJ was out of earshot.
“I thought we were going to be there all day,” he confessed. “I’m kind of glad.”
“I know it doesn’t seem like you did anything,” she confided, “but he will remember this forever. He still hasn’t stopped talking about the baseball day. He thinks you’re the coolest dad in the world.”
“I wish his father was here for this,” Jake said, looking at the ground.
“Me too,” Brooke confessed.
Walking in silence, they reached the house and had a snack.
Declaring it nap time, MJ protested but he was asleep in minutes. Brooke also fell asleep on her bed.
When she woke, she took another hike with MJ.
Jake’s mother was making dinner when she got back and they all ate quietly. Everyone was exhausted.
After dinner, Jake made a fire in the pit at the side of the house and they melted marshmallows on a stick and put it between chocolate bars. Brooke had forgotten the graham crackers.
Singing songs and looking at the stars, Brooke was happy that MJ was having fun and looking at nature in wonder. Why hadn’t I done this before? she thought as they did nothing but look at the bright stars that hung like white Christmas lights from the night sky.
Jake picked up a sleepy MJ and helped Brooke put him to bed. His grandmother read a story, and Brooke read a story.
“Good-night, dear,” his mother said before they passed by her door. Brooke hugged her and thanked her for coming.
Joining Jake on the couch, she closed her eyes while listening to the crackling logs in the fireplace.
“I have no idea what I’m going to do to entertain him tomorrow,” Brooke murmured.
“I have to head out tomorrow afternoon,” Jake said. “I can take him to see a ranger if you want.”
Brooke opened her eyes and turned to him.
“That would be incredible,” she whispered, surprised at his offer.
Jake closed his eyes again. Brooke reached out and squeezed his hand.
“What’s bugging you,” she said softly. Jake sighed.
“Let’s take a walk,” she said. Jake opened his eyes.
“Are you serious?” he said weakly.
“Or not,” she shrugged. “It’s up to you.”
Jake considered it for a moment, then stood and stretched.
“I’ll meet you outside,” he said and Brooke nodded.
Grabbing a blanket from the front closet, Brooke knew where she wanted to go. When Jake joined her, she led him to a clearing along the path and laid out the blanket. Reclining on the blanket, she clasped her hands under her head and stared at the stars. Jake joined her and they lay together just looking at the stars.
Brooke freed up a hand and carefully intertwined her fingers with Jake’s.
“Why did you look so angry in church that first Christmas,” he asked. It had been on his mind for a long time. “The whole time the preacher was giving the sermon, you just seemed angry.”
“I was?” she a
sked, trying to remember that day.
“I know what I was worried about,” he joked weakly.
“Being struck down by lightning,” she assumed.
At first he thought she wanted to forget about the question, but then she answered.
“I didn’t want to be inspired,” she shrugged.
Odd observation, Jake thought as a leaf dropped on his stomach.
“Whenever I go to church after being away for awhile, I always forget how inspiring sermons can be, but then I leave angry,” she said. “Things happen for a reason and sometimes it’s too hard to accept that if it’s true. I didn’t want to be inspired. I’m still angry.”
Jake could feel it from where he lay barely a few inches from her and he wished he hadn’t brought up the subject.
Still holding his hand, they simply looked up at the stars. There were no more questions. There was no request of either of them from the other.
Of all the things they could do out in the woods, Brooke thought it best to just lay there holding hands.
Sometimes saying nothing was the most powerful support in the world.
Chapter 13
Back in the city, Jake distracted himself with work. The weekend in the mountains was refreshing.
If he had not promised MJ that he would be there, he might not have gone.
Looking out the window at the tall buildings that sprung up like concrete trees, Jake smiled as he remembered MJ’s reaction to catching a fish.
The reality of fishing didn’t live up to his expectation. That or MJ thought fishing was catch and release.
Jake was also grateful for Brooke. She knew he was worried about something and that he needed a friend. She took him out and they just looked up at the stars, contemplating their place in the universe. Jake thought maybe she wanted more, but she just wanted to be with him while he figured out his issues.
Remembering the way she consoled him, Jake massaged his hand to conjure up the sensation of just holding hands.
Wanting nothing from him, Brooke amazed Jake.
He really needed a friend, and she knew how to be one.
Vibrating in his pocket, the cell phone commanded his attention. Jake pulled it out. It was the twelfth missed call from Jenny.
