“A what?” he asked politely.
Lydia cleared her throat, lifted her eyes to his, and said in a stronger voice, “Jane calls it my ‘freedom ring’. She didn’t want my hand to be naked after I took off my old rings, and wanted to celebrate my impending freedom because she hates my now ex-husband. So she got me this.” She let out a humorless chuckle as she added, “I actually just signed the divorce papers earlier this week. Melanie wants to celebrate, but I told her no way. This weekend is her celebration, not mine.”
Sam assessed her with an even look. He could tell she hadn’t been sure if she wanted to reveal all of that to him or not. He nodded and said, “I see.”
They were both silent for a moment.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.
Her brows furrowed hard as she looked back up at him. “For what?” she asked.
“Well, that you just got divorced. And for prying. I didn’t mean to.”
She looked directly into his eyes and said in a firm voice, “You weren’t prying, so that’s fine. And don’t be sorry I’m divorced, because I’m certainly not.”
He met her gaze and said simply, “Okay then.”
She took another swallow of her water. “Can we change the subject?” she said.
“Sure,” he said, forcing lightness into his tone. “So. You decided to make a three-day weekend out of your friend’s wedding?”
“I did. I needed a break. A little getaway. You did too, apparently.”
He smirked. “Yes, I did. Work’s been really crazy the last few months… and my whole family will be here for the wedding, so it’s going to be a chance to be with them and just relax. So yes, I made it a long weekend.”
“What do you do?” she asked.
“I’m a graphic designer,” he replied. “I work for a media company.”
She nodded slowly, apparently turning it over in her mind. Then she asked, “How do you become a graphic designer? I mean, when you were a kid, what did you start with, liking art?”
He smiled, appreciating her questions. “Yes, exactly. I loved to draw. Then I loved video games, and then computers. So it just progressed along from there as I got older, combining the two when I got to college—art and computers. Timing was on my side, the boom had started in the industry… long story short, I went into web design.”
“Interesting. But… do you still draw?” she asked. “Like, just for yourself, for the sake of drawing?”
His smile deepened and his voice grew softer. “You know, nobody’s asked me that in a really long time,” he said slowly. “I haven’t drawn, just sat down with pencil and paper, in many months. I was actually thinking, just before, that I’m overdue for a good sketching session.”
“Then I’m surprised you’re not sketching something here,” she said, gesturing with a wide spread of her arm to the thick foliage and picturesque scenery around them. “I mean, wouldn’t this be an artist’s paradise?”
“It is indeed,” he nodded, his grin turning a bit sheepish. “And you’re right, I should’ve done that. Missed opportunity. Maybe later, or tomorrow. But thanks for suggesting it.”
She simply gave another demure smile and took another sip of her water.
“And what do you do?” he asked.
“I’m a reading teacher,” she told him. “Elementary school.”
“Really. That’s great,” he said emphatically.
She blinked in surprise at his ardent response. “You think so?”
“Yeah, you’re helping kids. Teaching’s important. Reading’s important. I think it’s great.”
“Well, thanks.”
“How long have you been teaching?” he asked.
“Um, well, I taught for almost ten years, then took a break when I had my son,” she said. “I actually just went back last month.”
Sam nodded, sipping from his own bottle. “How old is your son?”
“Andy’s three,” Lydia said. “Three and a half, actually.”
“A little guy,” Sam noted. “Is he cute?”
Lydia laughed. “Well, I certainly think so.”
Sam smiled back. “You seem like a straightforward person, so I’ll take that as a safe yes.”
She cocked her head to one side and scrutinized him openly.
“What now?” he asked, his dark eyes twinkling at her once more.
She shook her head. “Nothing.” She leaned over and picked up her book. “I’m going back to reading, if you don’t mind.”
“No, I’m sorry, I’ve been chatting away. By all means, go ahead.” He pulled his sunglasses from his pocket and put them back on. Picking up his own book, he opened it and found his page before she found hers. They both settled into their reading and into a comfortable silence.
Sam couldn’t concentrate on the words on the pages in his lap. He was mulling over the conversation, all the information he’d managed to extract from Lydia. Just got divorced. Small child. Freedom ring. Most guys would keep away from that with a ten foot pole. Most times, he might have been one of those guys. But Lydia… he was inexplicably drawn to her, felt a pull. It was more than that she was pretty, and sensual in a way she was likely completely unaware of. That’s the easy part, he thought to himself. She was bright, and had heart, he could sense it. She was… genuine. She wasn’t trying to be anything, wasn’t working it. And she wasn’t flirting with him, but just talking to him, being friendly, which only made him want to know even more about her. The lack of pretense was refreshing.
He enjoyed her company, enjoyed talking with her. He thought she might be enjoying him too. But if she was so newly divorced that the ink on the papers wasn’t even dry yet… who knew where her head was? He had initially picked up on the somber expression she wore, and now had some answers. That could be the tricky part.
But he realized that his interest was truly sparked. There was just… something there for him. He couldn’t explain it, but he felt it.
He took a long sip from his water bottle, glanced over at her, and decided he didn’t have to label it; he just had to see where things went organically over the course of the weekend, and take it from there.
* * *
Lydia checked her appearance in the mirror. She had decided on her black V-neck cashmere sweater, flowy black pants, and black leather boots. It was simple, dressy enough but not overly so, and she was comfortable in it. Done deal.
She applied a coat of sheer gloss over her lips, fixed her hair once more, and sighed. This is as good as it’s going to get, she decided. Then it occurred to her that without Donna and Kathryn there, she didn’t know anyone who would be at the dinner other than Melanie, Ryan, and Mel’s parents—so what did she care what anyone thought anyway? Unless Sam would be there, which was possible… Still doesn’t matter. I look fine. With that final determination, she grabbed her small black bag and left her hotel room.
She made her way downstairs slowly, not in a rush to make small talk all night with strangers. What should she discuss first? Her brand new divorce? Her speech impaired toddler? The fact that she felt numb most of the time, like she was blindly going through the motions of her day-to-day life? Yeah, that would make a fabulous conversation starter. Hell of an icebreaker.
She had already surprised herself with the details of her life she’d revealed to Sam in the garden earlier that day. What a time to get a case of diarrhea of the mouth, when she met a charming and good-looking guy, one who even seemed to have a brain in his head… whatever. She was who she was. Her life was what it was. She didn’t have the energy to cover up, or to pretend. Lately, it took all her energy just to get through a day intact. Except for when she had to deal with Matt, which always got her adrenaline up. Her overall energy and tolerance for mind games, drama, or any of that crap had gone out the window… sailed permanently into her past, along with so many other things.
She reminded herself for the umpteenth time: this weekend was for celebration. Melanie was, secretly, something of an inspiration to her t
hese days. Mel had found someone truly decent, after being with someone far from decent. She’d given love a second chance. She’d given trust a second chance. It was a time to rejoice, to celebrate optimism, happiness, marriage, and the future. So, for this weekend, Lydia was determined to put on her best face, for her friend’s sake, and raise a glass or two with a smile.
Lydia went to the main dining room, thinking the dinner would be there, but was directed to a smaller room next door. It was dimly lit and decorated with strings of tiny sparkling lights, fat white candles, and floating tea lights in glass bowls. From the small bar in the corner of the room, Frank Sinatra crooned from an iPod set up on the wooden counter. There were two long tables set up for dinner, with about twenty place settings at each one. Ivory linens, vases with white roses, and more candles covered the tables. There were roughly twenty-five people already in the room, milling about, laughing, and talking. Lydia made her way to the bar, but a pair of warm hands grasped her arm to turn her around.
“There you are!” Melanie beamed and hugged her tightly.
Lydia couldn’t help but laugh at the bride’s exuberance. She pulled back to look at her friend. Melanie was radiant in a simple, strapless dress of sky blue, almost the same shade of her eyes. Her blonde hair fell in soft waves to her shoulders, not pin-straight as it usually was. A slight blush made her cheeks glow.
“Melanie,” Lydia said, her hands on her friend’s bare shoulders, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so happy, or so beautiful. I don’t know how you’re going to top this tomorrow. I’m so, so happy for you.”
“Oh! Don’t you dare make me cry right now!” Melanie said, clearly touched by Lydia’s heartfelt words. They hugged again. “Thank you,” Melanie whispered in Lydia’s ear. Lydia kissed the side of Melanie’s hair.
“Hey, hey!!” Ryan’s loud voice boomed joyously over the crowd. Melanie and Lydia parted to turn and see what the commotion was about. They watched Ryan practically sprint to the doorway and grab another man in a ferocious bear hug.
Melanie smiled. “Alec’s finally here.”
“The best friend?” Lydia asked.
“Since they were in their mama’s wombs,” Melanie said. “They even went to college together. The only reason they’re separate now is because after NYU, Alec went back home, to go to law school in Chicago. Ryan stayed to work in Manhattan. And thank God he did, or I never would have met him.”
Lydia watched the happy reunion unfold; she watched Ryan and Alec laugh and appraise each other, watched Ryan’s and Alec’s parents embrace each other, watched Ryan go to a short, petite blonde woman and her three small children and hug them also—she assumed they were Alec’s wife and kids.
“Paige and Alec have been married for thirteen years,” Melanie said, as if she’d read Lydia’s mind. “Paige is nice enough, most of the time. At least, she’s always been nice to me, so I can’t complain. Alec's a real character, bit of a smartass, but the life of the party. He likes to keep people on their toes, but he's really a good guy once you get past the wisecracks. And their kids are truly adorable. Hope is ten, Cindy is seven, and Zack is four.”
Lydia just nodded.
“Is it okay if I go and say my hellos?” Melanie asked.
“What are you, crazy? This is your party, you’re the hostess, go mingle. I’m a big girl, I’ll be fine.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll sit with me, I know you don’t know anyone here.” Melanie smiled, gave Lydia’s arm a quick squeeze, and went to join her fiancée.
Lydia watched them all for another minute, then headed to the bar and ordered a glass of Merlot. She waited for it patiently, and once she had it, moved to the windows towards the back of the room. She couldn’t help but smile as she stood under the strings of sparkling white lights. It definitely was a nice touch; it made the room feel more intimate and somehow magical. She peered out the window, but couldn’t make out anything in the darkness. It was completely black outside; she could see her reflection in the window as clearly as if she were looking at a mirror. She could even see that the clasp of her necklace had moved to the front of her neck, and reached up with her free hand to shift it to behind her hair where it belonged.
“Fancy meeting you here,” said a deep male voice from behind her.
Lydia looked up to the window in front of her, using it as a mirror, and easily made out the tall figure that reflected back at her. She smiled, surprised at the rush of delight she felt at seeing him. Pleased that he'd sought her out, she turned to him with a smile.
Sam wore a button down shirt of deep royal blue, black slacks, and a multi-hued tie. He looked handsome, simply classic, not at all flashy. And he still hadn't shaved; the scruff was incredibly sexy to her. She liked what she saw, and had to seriously squelch an urge to reach up and rub his stubbled chin.
All she said was, “Hi.”
“Hello.” He was smiling back, and she could feel him discreetly appraising her. “Wow. You look beautiful. Really.”
She could feel herself blush and hoped he couldn’t see it in the dim lighting, embarrassed by her reaction. “Thank you. You clean up pretty nicely yourself.”
Sam chuckled. “Yeah, it’s amazing what a shower and a tie can do.”
“It’s not just that,” she said. “That color is really nice on you.”
“Well, thank you.” His smile deepened. “I should’ve assumed you’d be here tonight. College roomies, and all.”
“Yeah, Mel and I are close. And I am from ‘out of town’. So that qualifies me to be here.” Lydia cocked her head to one side. “Guess you’re from ‘out of town’ too?”
Sam nodded. “I’d say so. I live in Chicago.”
“Ah. Yup, that counts.”
“Where do you live?”
“New York. Long Island.”
“Aha. Well, glad we both made the list, then.” He eyed her wine glass. “You already have a drink. I think I’ll get one too. Be right back, don't go away.”
She watched him make his way to the bar and chat amicably with the bartender. With a short glass of golden liquid in hand, Sam turned around and looked to Lydia, obviously intending to head back in her direction. Just then, Alec approached him and said something with a teasing grin. Sam immediately put his glass down and hugged him tightly. The two men clapped each other on the back, smiling.
“Good to see you,” she could hear Sam say to Alec, but she couldn’t make out what Alec said in response. The room was filling with people, the volume level was rising, and it was getting harder to make out separate conversations. She saw Sam glance at her meaningfully over Alec’s shoulder. She just smiled, gave a small wave, and left him to his friend, making her way towards what she’d seen earlier was a back door. An escape hatch. She pushed it open with her free hand and made her way outside.
It was chilly outside, bordering on being cold. Lydia inhaled the crisp air and could smell wood burning from somewhere close by, an incredible autumnal scent that she loved. She wrapped her arms around herself for warmth, careful not to spill the wine on herself. Exhaling a cloud of white steam, she tipped her chin up to look at the stars, and her breath caught in her throat. Without the lights of a big city nearby to interfere and take away from the darkness, she could make out a ton of sparkling stars overhead, brilliant and magnificent in their grandiosity. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been able to see so many stars so clearly…
Yes, actually, she could. It was the trip to Vermont she and Matt had taken over four years earlier, the trip to the cabin in the woods where she’d most likely gotten pregnant with Andy, since they’d made love every day and every night for the four days they spent there. She could remember how there, as now, the heavens had made her gasp from their astounding beauty as the stars sparkled, like millions of diamonds in an endless sea of black velvet.
She took a hard swallow of wine from her glass, almost a gulp. She hadn’t thought of that trip in a long time, and didn’t want to think of it now. She
hadn’t thought of Matt as her husband, as someone she used to like and love, in long enough that it truly felt alien to do so now. And to remember having sex with him? She actually shuddered, and knew it wasn’t from the cold air around her. Matt had been pretty good in bed, but the thought of him touching her now only filled her with revulsion. The bitterness she tasted wasn't from her wine.
A frustrated grunt escaped her. She didn’t want to be those things, bitter and resentful. She had every right to be angry, and it was understandable that she was hurting; but she didn’t want to turn into that kind of woman… a brittle shell of her former self, even if she already felt that way at times. She would fight the good fight and not give Matt that power. She resolved, once again, that she would do it for her little boy, especially on the days she didn’t feel like doing it for herself. Andy deserved better than having a witch for a mommy. He’d already gotten a raw enough deal; she wasn’t going to add to it by becoming a stereotypical divorcee shrew. Positive thoughts, she chanted silently to herself, resolutely pushing Matt out of her mind as she stared up at the stars. Positive thoughts…
“Sam was right, you are out here.” Melanie’s voice floated through the darkness, a few feet behind her.
Lydia turned. “Yup, I am.”
“It’s freezing out here, get inside!” Melanie commanded from the door.
Lydia crossed the ten paces to her friend. “Your wish is my command, Bridey Girl.”
Melanie ushered Lydia inside, closed the door behind them, and grasped Lydia’s free hand. “Ooh, your hand’s cold! We’re gonna start dinner, come sit with me.” She quickly scrutinized her friend’s face. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” Lydia assured her, giving Melanie’s hand a squeeze. “Just wanted some air. Come, starlet, I don’t want to keep you from your adoring public.”
Melanie chuckled and pulled Lydia along with her. In the short time she’d been outdoors, Lydia could see that all the guests had seated themselves at the two long tables, filling almost every chair. There were two empty seats in the center of the second table, flanked on either side by Ryan and Melanie’s mother. Melanie greeted her fiancée with a quick kiss as she sat down next to him. She leaned in her mother’s direction and said, “I found her.”
Autumn Getaway (Seasons of Love) Page 4
