Invitation to Love

by Lee, Groovy

  Karen shot her a puzzled look. “Why were you sur…”

  “Anyway, I’m so happy she’s here.”

  While Raven fussed with her jet-black hair-do, and talked non-stop of the joy of seeing her friend, Taryn wondered what her “good friend” would think if she found out about her shameless plots to get next to Michael. When the conversation switched to Karen’s new layered haircut, Taryn subtly glanced over the perfect tone of her light skin, and the way her eyes squinted attractively when she smiled at Raven’s ongoing praise of her. (She’s prettier in person) Those cherry-red stilettos and that tight, black dress not only scream success, but also her intentions for coming here. Her eyes fell to her leisure pants and top, and she wished she could disappear right then and there.

  “Won’t Michael be surprised to see you?” Raven’s words stabbed into Taryn’s ears.

  “Would either of you care for a drink?” she asked, suddenly needing an excuse for an abrupt get away.

  “I would love a drink of water,” Raven fanned her face dramatically. “It’s a hot day.”

  “If it’s not too much trouble,” Karen was more polite.

  Taryn stood and murmured and “excuse me”, then headed for the kitchen. The blatant mockery of Raven’s laughter behind her chilled her to a full stop in the hallway. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before continuing on. She could barely go through the task of taking the glasses from the cabinet. All she could think about was how her paradise has come to an abrupt end. If she had the energy to laugh she would, but her body’s aching from head to toe; Even her heart hurt to beat.

  She went over to the refrigerator and filled each glass with ice and water. She’d always imagined this moment: Karen comes back; she stands aside graciously and wishes her and Michael a blessed life; Thank him for all he’s done for her and the girls, and skips off to a new life back in Nashville. But, that was before love got in the way—before last night. She just can’t walk away as if he means nothing to her, now.

  She blinked the bitter tears back and slammed a glass down on the tray, causing a trickle of water to plop over the rim. It’ll do no good to cry now. Now’s the time to be strong and deal with this in the best way possible. (And how is that?) She never expected the woman to come back so soon; Or that her feelings for Michael would complicate things when she did. Just the mere thought of leaving him is draining the life from her. She pushed away from the counter and folded her arms tightly to her chest. There’s no doubt in her mind Raven’s the reason Karen’s here. No way was she going to let the news of his marriage to another woman go without whispering some sort of poison in her ear. She inhaled again to ease any hints of anger or hurt from her face, then picked up the tray and headed for the living room. She sat it on the table before them, feeling Karen’s eyes on her as she handed out the glasses.

  “Raven tells me you’re from Nashville,” she stated when Taryn resumed her seat.

  “Yes.” Though she wasn’t as condescending as Raven, she could still feel a sense of cool reserve from her.

  “Is that where you met Michael?”

  “No, I met him in Florida over a month ago when my daughters and I went to St. Petersburg.”

  “Remi and Rachel,” Raven cut in. “You remember, I mentioned her twins in the emails.”

  “Oh, yes,” Karen nodded. “Kind of a whirlwind courtship, wasn’t it?”

  Taryn didn’t feel she owed her an explanation. Her involvement with Michael is her business, ex-fiancée or not. She opened her mouth with the purpose of changing the subject when the lock in the door clicked. Her heart leaped to her throat as all heads turned to watch Michael open it and enter.

  “Michael,” Raven hopped to her feet.

  Karen rose, straightening at her dress, with a longing smile meant just for him. It took Taryn a little longer to get her weakened legs to stand. He halted dead in his tracks, the light on his face dimmed upon seeing the three women standing there. He seemed shocked as he stood staring at Karen for what seemed like ages to Taryn. (Is he happy to see her?) She couldn’t tell by that now stony expression. But, he has to be. She’s his lost love returned; The one he truly wants as his wife. Any minute now, he’ll rush to her and take her in his arms.

  She immediately replaced the glasses on the tray. “Excuse me, I’ll just take this to the kitchen.”

  She avoided looking at him as she departed the room; All she could think of was getting out of there. The tray banged onto the counter, glasses knocking over, as her body gave way to tears that had wanted to fall ever since she set eyes on Karen. She slumped into one of the chairs. The rustle of voices from the living room painted a painful picture in her mind. At one point, she heard Raven’s laughter, and she cried even harder.

  After a minute, she jumped up and went to splash some water on her face. No time for crying now; Save it for later. She’ll have to face him soon, and she has to do it with incurious calm; As if Karen’s reappearance means nothing to her whatsoever. Make it easy for him to walk away. She tossed the tissues in her hand in the waste basket, then ripped off a paper towel and wiped the cold water from her face.

  The click of the door closing made her nerves jolt. The sound of Michael’s footsteps were getter closer. She quickly snatched up a dishcloth and began rubbing at the stove. Suddenly, a stifling silence crackled throughout the room. She didn’t want to address him right now, but it was unavoidable—he’s watching her. She finally tossed the dishcloth in the sink and faced a somber Michael.

  “Are they gone?” she struggled to keep that smile on her face.

  “Yes.”

  She exhaled a deep breath and walked toward him. (Is the easygoing lift of her face convincing?) “It was very rude of me not to come back and join you. But, I thought you needed some time alone. And you know what?” her laughter edged on the brink of a sob. “I forgot to turn on the oven for dinner. I’m afraid it’s going to be late.”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  Silence fell again. She could see that he wanted to say something, but didn’t know exactly how to phrase it. He didn’t have to say a word, though. She knew what was coming, but didn’t want to hear it just now. Maybe, when she’s had a chance to get used to all that’s happened.

  “Taryn…”

  “Michael, please,” she held her hand up to stall the words that were going to destroy her. “Before you say anything, let me speak first.” Her eyes studied his despondent face—That beautiful, despondent face. Her mouth clamped to keep her emotions back. Say it quick, a voice whispered from deep within, say it quick before you lose all your spirit. “I more than expected Karen to return one day. I just want you to know that I won’t stand in your way. I know you love her, and that’s who you really want to be with; That’s fine, really. We both held up our end of the bargain. So, there’s nothing holding us together anymore—right?”

  A harshness flashed in his eyes; The muscles in his jaws tightened. His reluctance to respond was more than she could bear, but it was all she needed to confirm what she knew all along.

  Tears began to burn the rim of her eyelids. “I’m going to change for dinner,” she brushed passed him without a backwards glance.

  The silent gloom that appeared the moment he walked through that door and saw Karen, hovered over dinner. He’d pick up his glass of wine and sip from it now and then, other than that, he had no interest in his meal. Finally, he murmured something about going to his study, and pushed away from the table. That night, she lied in her own room, in her own bed, with nothing but her tears for company.

  She didn’t see him for the next two days. By the time she got downstairs in the mornings, he’d already made coffee and left, then he’d come home around three in the morning. The only sound she heard from him was his door closing.

  vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

  It was early Friday morning, and Remi and Rachel were due home in a couple of hours. Taryn glanced at her watch as she sat at the kitchen table wi
th her cup of coffee, eager for the hour to pass so she could leave for the airport. She was on her last sip when Michael walked in, all dressed up for the office. She sat up from the shock of seeing him, having expected him to be long gone by now. He glanced at her for a brief second as he tossed the morning paper on the table and went to pour himself a cup of coffee.

  She waited until he was in his seat before risking to speak. “I thought you were at work, otherwise, I would have fixed breakfast.”

  He barely looked at her as he poured milk in his cup. “Remi and Rachel come home today, don’t they?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then if you don’t mind, I’d like to go with you and pick them up. The car will be here shortly. The chauffeur will drop me off at the office then bring you and the girls home.”

  “Fine,” she said, feeling a little put off by his demeanor, but pleased he was still interested in the girls. “Do you want breakfast?”

  “No, thank you,” he blew softly before raising the paper between them.

  Taryn took her empty cup to the sink then headed for the living room away from his ill temper to wait.

  The ride to the airport and back couldn’t pass quick enough for her. She sat on Rachel’s bed and helped them unpack their suitcases, while they each told of their adventures.

  “Aunt Nora took us to the mall. Opry…Opry…”

  “Oprymills,” Taryn finished for her.

  “Yeah. And, we went to the movies…”

  “And, Remi and Bobby fussed just about every day,” Rachel came out of her closet after hanging up a dress.

  Remi was seated on the floor, picking through the pile of dirty clothes she had dumped and frowned up at her sister, “Did not.”

  “Did too,” Rachel hurled back with her hands to her hips.

  “So, you tattled on him and got him in trouble all the time, and Momma told you not to be a tattle-tale.”

  “Did not.”

  “Did too.”

  “Girls, girls,” Taryn clapped her hands at them. “No more fussing. I’m glad you had fun, though.”

  “Momma, did you and Michael have fun while we were gone?”

  “Yes, honey, we did,” her smile was more of a sad reaction to the question.

  “What did you do, Mummie?” Rachel hopped up onto the bed beside her.

  “Well, he took me to see some houses he designed. Then he took me to a nice park, and we had a picnic there. Let’s see—Oh, we barbecued on the patio; And, we went to a beautiful dance room called the Mandarin Hall.”

  “Wow,” Rachel’s eyes twinkled. “Did you wear a pretty gown, Mummie?”

  “No, I wore a pretty dress, though.”

  “Oooh. Wouldn’t you like to go to the Mandarin Hall, Remi?” Rachel sighed and held her hands to her chest.

  “Not if I have to wear a dumb old gown,” she scoffed. “Is that all you and Michael did Momma?”

  That night came to mind, bringing with it a cutting pain. “Yes—that’s all. Now, take those pile of clothes to the laundry room. Help her, Rachel. I’ll put these away.”

  When they left, a tear wandered down her cheek. She brushed it away, aware, yet resenting the time it would take to heal, and for the crying to stop.

  vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

  Another week was beginning. Taryn stood in the middle of the living room floor with the vacuum cleaner running, but not really paying attention to where it was going. She hasn’t been able to think since that day Karen returned. What’s going on with her and Michael? Have they made plans? The least he can do is enlighten her. But, they barely look at one another, much less talk. Oh, he’d laugh and talk with the girls at the breakfast table, but she might as well be in another country.

  But, there was this morning when she happened to look up and caught him looking at her from across the table. The usual harshness was replaced by a sad, yet considerate stare. He wanted to say something. She didn’t want to hear it, but couldn’t look away from the man she loves, and is about to lose. Finally, he tossed his napkin on the table, murmured a hasty good-bye to the girls, and left. That’s the last she’ll see of him until tomorrow.

  The piercing ring of the phone cut into the vacuum’s roar. She switched it off, and went to answer it.

  “Hi, Taryn, it’s Raven.”

  She was at once on guard. “Yes, Raven. What can I do for you?”

  “Is Michael there?”

  “No. It’s a work day, so, that should give you a clue.”

  “Now you see, that’s what I thought. But, he’s not there.” There was a short pause. “You know, come to think of it, I haven’t seen Karen all day, either. I wonder what that could mean?”

  Taryn heard the spite in her voice, but pressed herself to remain calm. Raven’s doing her very best to get at her by planting hurtful thoughts in her mind, and it would do no good to let her know she’s succeeding. She clicked the end button and placed the phone back on the base. Tried as she might, she couldn’t help brooding over the picture Raven painted. Michael’s not at his office, and Karen is nowhere to be found. Can that mean what was implied? Are they together at a cozy restaurant? Or maybe a hotel, making up for all that wasted time? The phone’s loud ring made her jump. She snatched it up, thinking it was an infuriated Raven.

  “Hello.”

  “Taryn,” said Michael. “I just called to say I’ll be late coming home tonight, so don’t wait dinner. There’s an important video conference I have to attend.”

  “Really, Michael, you didn’t have to call and tell me something I already know. You’re late practically every night. Is there anything else?”

  A long pause followed before he said, “Kiss the girls for me.”

  The line went dead. Taryn stared at the receiver before throwing it onto the sofa, and slumping back against the cushions. A conference, she sniffed back the tears. Why can’t he be honest and tell her where he’s really going for heaven sakes? To meet Karen, to be with Karen, to make love to…

  She shut her eyes tight, leaned forward and hung her head in her hands. Well, they can have one another. She has plans of her own to make. And, as much as she dreads having to bring Nora into this, it’s necessary if she’s going to ask for help. They’ll need a place to stay once they arrive in Nashville; Then there’s the matter of a job. It was part of their agreement that if they decided to end things, Michael would make sure she was well taken care of financially. But, she can’t take a monetary settlement. It would categorize all that happened between them back to a detached bargain.

  “Oh, God,” she exhaled when she remembered that the girls will have to be transferred out of school. They’ll be devastated once they learn they’ll moving back home. They love Michael and Chris so much. How in the world will she be able to tell them that it’s all over? She’ll do everything possible to help them get over the hurt. One day, they’ll understand. Just then, two pairs of sneakers came into the view as she was gazing through the beige carpet. She raised her head toward them standing over her, concern in their spry eyes.

  “Mummie?” Rachel took one of her hands away from her face. “Are you all right? You don’t look so good.”

  “I’m fine, pumpkin,” she kissed her hand.

  “Is Michael hurting you?” Remi put an arm around her shoulder.

  Taryn sat up. “Now, why would you ask that?”

  The girls glanced at one another. “Because, you don’t talk anymore. Are you mad at him?”

  She drew in a deep breath. (Is it so obvious?) “No,” she shook her head and did her best to put them at ease with a smile. “He’s not hurting me, and I’m not mad at him.”

  “I’m glad. Mummie, can we call Michael daddy?”

  Her eyes widened. “What?”

  “He asked me and Remi if we want to. He said he loves us, and wants to adopt us. He told us to think about it.”

  “When did he say all of this?”

  Rachel shrugged. “Before we went away to Aunt Nora’s.”


  “I see,” she murmured.

  Before Karen came back into his life. Does he still mean it? She willed her tears back as she looked at them. How can she tell them that he may have other plans now? That soon they’ll be going back to Nashville to live without him? No—let him tell them. Let him break the news why they’re no longer going to be a family, and why he can’t be their father.

  “Is it all right, Mummie? Can we call him daddy?”

  The yearning in both pairs of eyes had her gathering them in her arms and holding them close. “If it means that much to you—yes.”

  During dinner that night, the girls talked eagerly of their first day of school tomorrow. Afterwards, they cleared the dining table then she took them upstairs to take a bath. They watched at a little TV, went over the rules of conduct once more, then she sent them to their rooms to get their clothes ready. They practically bounced all the way upstairs. She turned the television off in the living room, and was on her way to check on them when the doorbell rang. Her spirits lifted somewhat at a friendly face for once.

  “David, come on in.”

  “Hi, Taryn.”

  “Michael’s not here,” she closed the behind him.

  “I know. I came to see you.”

  “How nice. Come on in,” she walked ahead of him into the living room, hoping that his visit would cheer her up some. “It’s been a while. How have you been?”

  “Okay, I guess. The question is, how are you?”

  Her brows crimped. “What do you mean?”

  “I heard about Karen. Raven told me.”

  She glanced away to hide the soreness that caused. “I’m sure the entire office has heard she’s back by now.”

  “I’m sorry, Taryn,” he stepped closer, his mouth set in a pitiable smile.

  “Why are you sorry?”

  “Because, of what you must be going through right now. Raven told me that Karen has he sights on getting Michael back. Did you know that?”

  “I—I guessed as much.”

  “Do you think he’ll go back to her? The way Raven’s going in, it looks as if he will.”