by Harmon, AJ
“Thank you,” she blushed red. I must look okay.
Matt took the last step between them and reached for her hand and lifted it to his lips. His lips were warm and soft and he closed his eyes as he kissed her. Janie’s knees almost buckled at his touch. He lowered her hand away from his mouth but didn’t let go. “I think we have a dinner to go to” and he guided her from the room.
*****
The car pulled up to the front of the hotel where the fundraiser was being held, a that Janie did not recognize. A man in a bellman’s uniform opened the door. She swung her legs around and her feet touched red carpet. Oh my, thought Janie. Before she could stand up, Matt had raced around and was offering his hand to help her out. She stood, straightening her dress and was startled by a camera flash. Janie’s eyes swept in the direction of the light and found herself looking at a throng of cameras, with many of their operators yelling at Matt.
“Mr. Lathem, this way.” “Mr. Lathem, a picture please?” “Matt, who’s your date?”
Janie was immediately tense as she realized all these people were taking pictures of them. Matt leaned in and whispered, “A couple of photos and they’ll be happy.”
Janie felt comforted that he did not let go of her hand but rather intertwined their fingers as he turned them to face the cameramen. For about 4 seconds, Janie was blinded by the offending flashes and then Matt guided her into the open hotel door.
“Wow!” Janie couldn’t believe that had just happened.
Matt grinned at her. “They must not have anything better to do than hang around hotels waiting for beautiful women to step out of cars.” He winked at her and her heart fluttered a little. “Let’s go in.” He still had a firm hold of her hand as he led her through the lobby.
*****
‘Magical’ was the word Janie thought of when walking into the hotel’s grand ballroom. Giant chandeliers hung from the ceiling emitting a dim glow. The massive room held dozens of round tables, each with a mauve tablecloth and a white floral arrangement for the centerpiece. She could hear the faint classical music playing over the steady hum of voices.
As they moved through the throng of people, each immaculately dressed in their finery, Janie couldn’t help but notice the attention Matt was getting. The men all had something to say to him and the women? Well the women just gaped at him, openly acknowledging their instant desire.
He’s handsome, rich and single, Janie thought, a combination women clambered for. But Matt never let go of her hand and didn’t look twice at all the women batting their lashes at him.
He continued to lead them in the direction of the stage. It held a giant white screen and podium. There were enormous floral arrangements on both sides and a giant organizational banner that was strung from the curtains, pronouncing the charity name and their mission statement. OH! smiled Jamie. It’s a humane society fundraiser!
At a table at the front, just off center, Matt stopped and looked at the place cards. Janie read Matt’s name and to the left was hers; Ms. Janie Anderson. The card was a bone color and had a watermark of a German Shepherd behind the print. Matt’s card had a picture of a Siamese cat. Janie knew she was smiling like an idiot, but she was overjoyed with the evening so far. She loved animals and all of their cats and dogs through the years had been rescued. Janie had always thought it was ridiculous to buy an animal when there were so many sitting in cramped cages waiting for a loving family to adopt them.
There was a couple already seated on the other side of the table and the man stood and walked to Matt and extended his hand. Matt let go of Janie’s and shook it and she felt a wave of disappointment at the loss of contact, but as Matt finished the hand shake he turned and grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close.
“Janie, I would like you to meet my good friend Ryan Little and his wife, Courtney.”
Ryan shook Janie’s hand and smiled and Janie turned to Courtney, still seated at the table, and said hello. Courtney smiled and greeted her warmly and Janie’s attention was brought back to Ryan as he spoke.
“Well I would never have believed it if I hadn’t seen you myself.” Ryan slapped Matt on the back and laughed. “You NEVER show up at these. What’s up? Getting a big award?”
Matt grinned and shook his head.
Janie glanced over at Courtney, who was still smiling, but a movement off to the side caught her eye. She turned to see an elderly couple step close to the table and the woman, who appeared to be in her late sixties maybe, looked shocked. She was dressed in a long black gown and wore a beautiful emerald broach that matched her eyes.
“Matthew! What are you doing here?” The woman exclaimed.
“Hi Mom. Dad.” Matt stepped away from Janie and moved around her to give his mom a peck on the cheek and then his dad a manly hug. “I would like you to meet Janie Anderson. She has graciously agreed to be my date this evening.”
Janie was in shock from the revelation that this was Matt’s parents. She managed a weak smile and shook their offered hands.
“Janie, these are my parents, Maureen and Peter Lathem.”
“Hello. It’s lovely to meet you,” squeaked Janie.
“Well good evening dear. What a pleasure to meet you too. I haven’t heard a thing about you!” Maureen smiled and looked at Matt with a quizzing gaze.
“Leave the boy alone, Maureen. He doesn’t have to clear his social calendar with you!” Peter chuckled. “You are a vision Ms. Anderson. Lovely to meet you too.” And Peter lifted Janie’s hand and gave it a quick peck.
Like father, like son, Janie mused.
The tap of the microphone interrupted the awkward moment and they turned to the table and took their seats. Maureen disregarded the place cards and sat next to Janie, patting her hand as Janie laid her new silver clutch to the left of her forks.
“I don’t know how you convinced him to come tonight, but well done!” Maureen squeezed her hand and then let go, winking at her and smiling. “Very well done!” she said.
*****
The dinner came course by course, each scrumptious and divine. Presentations and speakers went on through the evening and Janie was captivated by the stories of animal rescue and their efforts of adoption. A few celebrities told of their experiences with the agency and had pictures of their beloved pets. It was all very swanky.
The conversation at their table was light and friendly and Janie found herself at ease and participating, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying herself. She really liked Matt’s parents, especially his father Peter. He had a dry sense of humor and always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye. It was obvious he and Maureen adored each other, and they really did end each other’s sentences. They were very cute to watch.
There was a small dance floor in the middle of the ballroom and as the last presentation came to an end, the DJ announced that the fun was just about to begin. A drum beat echoed through the room and a fast-paced song had the younger crowd up quickly and dancing away. People started to mill about the room, and several made their way to talk to Matt. It seemed everyone was surprised to see him and it appeared he was getting a tad irritated by the remarks.
“You NEVER came to these when we were married!”
Janie whipped her head around to see a tall leggy brunette, dressed in a skintight red halter dress with a slit that went all the way up her right leg, almost to her hip. Her makeup was perfect and her hair was whisked into an elegant bun.
Matt seemed to bristle at the comment and turned to see Janie watching them.
“Janie, this is Beth. Beth? Janie.”
Janie managed to sort of smile and mumbled something that was supposed to sound like ‘hello’. Beth smiled brightly and reached over Matt, her breasts inches from his face and offered her hand. “Well how lovely to meet you. Janie, is it?”
Janie nodded and felt her face flush. This is an ex-wife? She thought. She’s stunning!
“Interesting choice Matt.” Beth turned back to her date and walked away.
&nb
sp; “Bitch!” Matt muttered under his breath.
“I see Beth is in good form this evening?” Peter smirked. “Never knew what you saw in that one Matthew.”
The music turned softer; Snow Patrol. Janie loved this band.
Matt turned and offered his hand. “I love this song. Come dance with me.”
Janie smiled and graciously accepted his offer. He led her to the dance floor and pulled her close to him, his right arm snaked around her back and his left hand held her right hand to his chest. He took a deep breath and began to move slowly with the music. Janie could feel his breath escape at the top of her ear and it sent tingles all the way down her spine. Her nose was level with the collar of his crisp white shirt and she was intoxicated as she breathed in his unique smell. She closed her eyes and leaned her head gently to his cheek. Their bodies moved together in perfect sync and Janie wished that time would just come to a complete stop. This was one of those moments that she hoped to remember for the rest of her life. She felt a little like Cinderella at the ball with this mysterious, but beautiful prince and if it was a dream she didn’t want to wake!
Matt murmured the words of the song into her hair, “You give the strength to me, a strength I never had, I was a mess you see…”
The song came to an end and they stopped moving but Matt didn’t move, just continued to hold her tightly against him. Bodies were moving about them, but he was oblivious to it. Then Ryan appeared and tapped him on the shoulder and the spell was broken. Janie looked up and he released his hold.
“Sorry to interrupt but Ben’s on the phone and there seems to be a hang-up with the Chicago purchase. Could you talk to him?” Ryan’s expression was grim and Matt let out a long breath and turned to Janie.
“I’ll just be a bit. Will you be okay?”
“Of course,” Janie smiled a little too brightly. “Go!” and she shooed him off with her hand. Matt frowned and turned with Ryan and headed off the dance floor.
Janie pushed her way through the group dancing to Lady Gaga and walked back to their table. She sat down and met Maureen’s eyes.
“Where did my boy go?”
“Something about a Chicago purchase and a man named Ben.” Janie frowned.
“Hmph! It’s always work with that boy!” Maureen matched Janie’s frown. “Oh Janie? Your purse was making noises while you were dancing.”
Janie reached for her clutch and pulled out her phone. “Just a text message.” Janie opened up the message and her face turned into a smile.
“Good news?” Maureen queried.
“My son!” gleamed Janie. “He’s hoping I am having a good time in New York.”
“You don’t live here?”
“Oh no! I live in Portland, Oregon. I am here on vacation,” Janie explained.
“How do you know my son then?”
“We met on the plane.” Janie blushed at the memory; his hand on her wet t-shirt.
“Oh. So you have a son back in Oregon?”
“I have two sons – twin boys. They are just about to turn 21.” Janie beamed, her pride obvious.
“My goodness! You can’t be old enough to have children that old! I don’t believe it!” Maureen scoffed.
Janie opened up the picture viewer on her phone and started flicking back through showing Maureen photos of her boys.
“Handsome boys they are too,” smiled Maureen. “And this? Who’s this?” Maureen was looking at the last family photo they had taken before Robert got sick.
“That’s Robert, their dad.” Janie didn’t know what else to add.
Maureen looked from the picture up to Janie, her brows raised, the question hanging in the air.
Janie looked back at the photo and began. “Robert died over a year ago.”
“Oh, dear, I am so sorry,” Maureen took Janie’s hand in hers. “That must have been devastating.”
“Yes.” Janie could offer not much more than a whisper.
“Well, you must be very proud of those boys,” said Maureen, patting Janie’s hand and changing the subject.
“Maureen, the Oswalds are over there and want to say hi.” Peter reached for Maureen’s hand and helped her to stand. As she moved away, Maureen looked up to see Matt not 6 feet behind Janie, mouth open wide.
*****
Matt finished his call quickly with Ben, the Chicago purchase still on track. He wanted to get back to Janie, get her back on the dance floor and back in his arms, her hair tickling his cheek and her breasts pressed hard against his chest. He made his way back around the dance floor and headed for their table. Stopping a few feet away, he saw his mom in deep conversation with Janie. This can’t be good, Matt chuckled. They were looking at her phone and he stepped closer. Pictures?
“Handsome boys they are too,” his mom said. “And this? Who’s this?”
“That’s Robert, their dad,” Janie replied.
His mom looked up at Janie and Matt wondered what they were talking about.
“Robert died over a year ago.” Matt could now see the picture. It was Janie, a man, and two teenage boys, he guessed around 18.
“Oh, dear, I am so sorry.” His mom took Janie’s hand in hers. “That must have been devastating.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
His dad took his mom and was leading her away to another table, but she caught his eye and her face said it all. Janie just sat there looking at the picture. Matt’s brain pieced together the conversation he had just heard, and his mother’s pained expression. What? She’s got kids? A husband? He died? FUCK!!
Matt pulled at his shirt sleeves and straightened his cuff links, and then turned and headed for the bar.
*****
Ryan had come back to the table and had taken his wife to the dance floor. Several songs had played and there was still no sign of Matt. Peter and Maureen had said their goodbyes and Janie sat at the table alone. She was starting to feel…off…like there was something wrong. She couldn’t put a finger on it.
The serving staff came by and cleared the last of the dessert plates and Janie fiddled with the fabric of her dress. The color red caught the corner of her eye and Beth slid into the seat Maureen had occupied.
“So Janie, this seems like an opportune time to get to know one another.”
Janie looked at Beth’s face. There didn’t seem to be any malice in her expression, just curiosity.
“In case you didn’t make the connection earlier, I’m ex-wife number two. Ex-wife number one moved to Boston when she married husband number 3.” Beth was very matter-of-fact. “So how long have you been seeing Matt?”
“Um, well, we aren’t seeing each other,” stuttered Janie.
“Huh!” spurted Beth. “Matty does NOT do fundraisers, so something’s going on here.”
Janie didn’t have any response to that so she just looked down at her hands.
“Can I give you some advice if you want to keep him?” Beth said.
Janie was horrified, her head whipped up and she began to speak but Beth just kept talking. “He hates kids. Don’t know why, so I hope you don’t want any. Kids are a deal breaker! No exceptions!”
Janie’s mouth was open, willing herself to speak, to stop Beth from saying anything else, but the words wouldn’t come. He hates kids? That can’t be true. Janie couldn’t picture the Matt she knew hating anything!
“Well, it’s just advice honey. Take it or leave it.”
“I don’t know what advice you’re giving, but neither of us are interested.” Matt’s deep voice interrupted Janie’s confusion.
“Considering I wasn’t talking to you, it doesn’t concern you.” Beth stood up and ran her finger across Matt’s chin and turned and swaggered away.
“Is everything okay? Ryan didn’t know where you had gone?” Janie was trying to erase Beth’s words from her mind, looking at Matt.
“Fine. I just had a couple of things to wrap up.” Matt was visibly tense, his eyes hard and his mouth straight.
“We could dance again
?” Janie blinked up at Matt.
“We could,” Matt responded, not looking at her.
Janie was baffled at his change of mood. Maybe the ex? Maybe it was the phone call? Had she done something to piss him off? She had tried so hard to not embarrass him and thought she was doing okay.
After a long pause, Matt reached for her hand and pulled her in front of him. She searched his eyes for clues and his expression relaxed just a bit and he turned and led her to the dance floor.
It was less crowded now, as people had started to leave, the evening slowly coming to a close. Matt turned her to him and once again wrapped his right arm around her and took her right hand in his. He didn’t pull it to his chest and he didn’t pull her quite as tight and Janie felt gravely disappointed. They moved slowly as the song played. The smooth sound of Duran Duran wafted through the ballroom and Janie closed her eyes, willing Matt to pull her close, so she could feel his legs against hers, her hand on his solid chest, her cheek on his neck.
As the words were sung, she could feel him physically relax. ‘Who do you need, who do you love
When you come undone?’ Matt drew in a breath and then exhaled slowly, pulling her into his body, his cheek nestling in her hair and her hand pressed firmly against him.
“You are intoxicating,” he whispered, and Janie smiled, thankful that the tense mood had lifted. They moved to the song and Matt’s fingers massaged her back, kneading, feeling, caressing. And then the song ended and Matt stepped back and took her hand and held it to her lips as he gently kissed her.
“I think our evening is coming to a close. It’s getting late and I should get you back.” Matt let Janie retrieve her clutch from the table and they headed out to the car waiting for them at the curb.
*****
They rode back to the Ritz in silence. Matt seemed distracted, Janie lost in her own thoughts. It had been a wonderful evening, another ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ moment. She didn’t want the evening to end and the thought of what would happen back in her room had teased her mind. Would he want to stay? Does he expect to stay? Janie had tried to play out in her mind how she would react if he tried to sleep with her. Her body desperately wanted him to make love to her, but was the rest of her willing? Ready? Janie chewed on the inside of her cheek as she came to a bold decision.
