“Good point.” The thought of Sarah knowing the women he had been with, real or imagined, made Seth anxious. “How long is she staying in LA?”
Johnny threw him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. She’ll be long gone before we get back. Sarah would never infringe on your life. Why do you think she chose this week to visit Kathy?”
“Because I wasn’t in town?” he asked, his anger deepening.
“Exactly.”
“I hate to think Sarah’s uncomfortable with me…”
“It’s not only you. Molly and Derrick scare the shit out of her. Molly’s always on her case. You wouldn’t believe the fights Molly and I have had over Sarah.”
“Yet you remain friends with her.”
“I do. Sarah was my friend long before I met Molly. I missed her when she left.”
“I did too.” I still do.
“I wish you and Sarah could’ve been friends.”
“Me too, but Sarah didn’t want to. You know I wrote her a letter when I found out she was pregnant? I told her what happened at the stables, and I asked her forgiveness.” His eyes welled up. “I hoped we could forgive each other and move on. If we couldn’t be together as a couple, I would like to have been friends.”
“I guess she said no.”
“She didn’t say yes or no. She returned the letter, unopened. I never tried to contact her again, and she hasn’t tried to get in touch with me.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sure Sarah had a good reason for returning the letter. She probably didn’t want to burden you with her problems, or maybe she was afraid of what was in the letter. I don’t think she’d hurt you on purpose.”
“Johnny, she got pregnant by another guy. That certainly hurt.”
“We don’t know that for sure, and I hate to remind you, but you cheated on her. You made a mistake. Maybe Sarah did too.”
“You’re right. We fucked things up.” He looked at the ocean. “It was so good for a while.”
Spring went into summer. Johnny passed his CPA exam and moved to LA to be with Molly. Kyle proposed to Katie. Seth tried to convince them to move to LA too, but for selfish reasons. He wanted the people he trusted most around him. People he’d grown up with, who had known him before he became famous.
As for the one person he longed for the most, Seth found solace in knowing Sarah was out there somewhere in the world, leaving a chance he might see her again.
CLOSE CALL
SARAH
The everyday sound of the doorbell ringing sent a jolt of worry and fear coursing through Sarah’s body and left her to wonder how long, if ever, it would be before she felt safe living in LA. Newton sensed her anxiety and stood guard by the door, growling.
She peered through the peephole and sighed. “It’s just Johnny, Newton.” She opened the door. “What are you doing here? You do have a home of your own, and a nice one at that.”
Johnny and Molly had bought a house in an upscale part of town, thanks to Seth hiring him as his accountant as well as helping Johnny procure other celebrity clients.
Sarah, on the other hand, lived in an end-of-group townhouse Jeff had bought as a rental property, and insisted she stay in instead of living in the college dorms. At first she had hesitated but acquiesced when her new friend Abby described what went on at the dorms.
Anyway, Newton couldn’t live with her on campus. Still, she didn’t like taking charity. Yes, she paid rent, but it didn’t compare to what Jeff could have charged someone else. She tried to make up for it by doing most of the upkeep on the place herself—mowing the lawn, gardening, small repairs—anything to compensate for the income he missed.
Johnny looked at her and smiled. “I know I have a home. I missed you.”
“You know why I haven’t been around.”
“I know. Molly’s been a real pain in the ass over your moving here.”
“You don’t have to tell me. She emails me every day to track what I’m doing. She even wants to approve the jobs I take.”
Sarah had been applying for jobs around town, careful to avoid any establishments Seth might frequent. So far, Sarah had three jobs: Macy’s Department Store, Bon Appétit Catering, and delivering pizza for Pizza Pizza.
Molly’s obsession had puzzled Sarah at first, but she had come to believe her sister, while still angry Sarah had left home, was driven by another motivation.
Molly had taken Sarah’s place in a way. Once the nagging younger sister, Molly had inserted herself into Sarah’s old life, making Sarah the outsider. And Molly didn’t want to share her newfound position or have Sarah reclaim her crown and reign supreme once again.
“The funny thing is, I don’t think Seth would care about any of this. He’s clearly moved on.”
Johnny nodded. “You’re right.”
“Just the same, I don’t want to make any trouble, real or imagined. I like it here, and I don’t want to jeopardize my situation.”
He yawned. “Do you mind if I crash here tonight?”
“Won’t Molly be worried?”
“No. She’s at a bachelorette party for one of her fashion friends and won’t be home until late tomorrow afternoon. In fact, we’re meeting at Seth’s for a barbecue, so you should feel free to go out tomorrow. Seth will be home all day.”
“You make it sound like I’m a vampire who can only go out at night. I guess I am somewhat of a monster.” She chuckled.
“Not to me.”
“Thanks. There are fresh sheets on the bed and towels in the closet. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
With Johnny gone, Sarah tackled more unpacking until her eyes drooped with exhaustion and her bed beckoned. She awoke to the sound of Newton whining and scratching at her bedside.
“Okay, okay.” She stumbled to the back door and let Newton out into the yard.
“Hello, Sarah.” It was her neighbor, Sam.
“Hi, Sam. How’s it going?”
“Can’t complain. Are we still on for dinner tomorrow?”
“Yes, and I’ll bring dessert.”
“Sounds good. See you around six.” Sam waved and rolled his wheelchair into the house.
Sarah never asked why her neighbor needed the wheelchair, and Sam never volunteered a reason. All she knew was that he was sixty-five years old, lived alone, and had a grandson in the Marines, stationed overseas.
Newton loved Sam and went to his house when Sarah went to work. It made for a great arrangement. Sarah didn’t feel guilty about being gone so much, and Sam had company.
Johnny met her at the kitchen door. “Do you have any coffee?”
“I do.” She poured him a cup, and they sat at the kitchen table.
“What are you doing today?”
“Working. What time do you have to be at Seth’s?”
“Not until this evening. You know, it’s his birthday.”
“No,” she lied and then teased, “Wish him a happy birthday for me.”
“I will. Lily’s in town and invited us over to celebrate.”
“Is it a surprise party? Maybe I’ll drop by. That would be a surprise all right.”
“Yeah. I’ll order a pizza and you can deliver it. I’d love to see the expressions on their faces.”
“I can imagine.” She shuddered. “Well, I have to get ready for work. Make yourself at home and lock up when you leave.”
“Will do, and thanks for letting me crash here last night.”
Work was busy—Macy’s held a red tag sale—but she didn’t mind. Her life was taking shape; she had a sense of direction, of purpose, and it felt good. She only hoped nothing would happen to alter those plans.
Newton sat at the door when she arrived home, a pair of boxers in his mouth.
“Johnny!” She chuckled and dialed her phone.
SETH
Although Seth’s birthday celebration didn’t start until five o’clock, Johnny showed up early, talking on the phone, as usual. Since he’d m
oved to LA, Johnny had concentrated on getting new clients, which meant being available 24/7. He hung up, apparently having appeased whoever had called on a Saturday afternoon, and turned to Seth.
“Happy birthday. What are you drinking?”
“Nothing. There’s plenty of beer in the fridge. Help yourself.”
“Can I get you one?”
“I’m good.”
Johnny left for the kitchen, and his cell phone went off again. “Damn, can you get that?”
Seth picked up his phone. “Hello.”
“Hey you, you left your underwear here, and Newton ate them.”
Sarah!
“I’d love to hear you explain that one to Molly. What are you wearing anyway?”
“Where are you?” Seth tried to imitate Johnny’s voice.
“What do you mean ‘where am I?’ You know exactly where I am. Where are you?”
He didn’t know what to say. Where should Johnny be?
“I’m home waiting for Molly.”
“No, you’re supposed to meet Molly at…”
“We had a change of plans,” he blurted.
“Johnny?”
Johnny had come into the room.
“He’s right here.” Seth tossed Johnny the phone and whispered, “It’s Sarah.”
Johnny went out to the patio to finish the call. He returned, moments later, flushed with anger.
Seth shrugged. “You told me to answer the phone. I had no idea who was on the other end.”
“But once you did, you should have hung up.”
“So, Sarah’s here?” His voice didn’t reflect the calm demeanor he intended.
“Yep.”
“Were you with her last night?”
“Yes, but it’s not what you think.”
“She said something about your underwear. What the fuck am I supposed to think?”
“I’m not cheating on Molly. Sarah and I are just friends, I swear. I must have left my underwear around the house, and her dog got a hold of it. That’s all. She joked with me.”
“Sarah brought her dog?”
“Newton means a lot to her. Listen, you can’t tell Molly or anyone else you talked to Sarah.”
“Why?” Seth already knew the answer but wanted to hear Johnny’s explanation.
“You know how Molly can be.”
“I’ve heard.” Seth took pity on him. “I won’t say a word. Believe it or not, I don’t want to cause problems for Sarah.”
“Thanks.” Johnny took a swig of beer and looked relieved. “By the way, Sarah wished you a happy birthday.”
KATHY AND JEFF SAY I DO…IN CANCUN
SARAH
Sarah’s close call with Seth wasn’t the tragedy Sarah had worried it would be, thank God. Johnny had assured her Seth had no idea she had moved to LA, and Seth had promised not to say anything to the others. This appeared to be true. Sarah hadn’t heard one word from them, and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays came and went uneventfully.
Well, as far as Seth was concerned.
Jeff proposed to Kathy, and they planned to get married in Cancun on Valentine’s weekend.
Sarah rang in the New Year the day after, having served at a party Bon Appétit catered. Johnny joined her, along with her college advisor turned friend, Abby Wilson, for a “night on the town,” which meant eating pizza and shooting pool at a bar near the college.
Abby was young and bright, with an outgoing personality and an easygoing spirit. Her family lived out of town and, since Sarah’s time with her family had limits, she and Abby spent plenty of time together, including dinner and a movie every Tuesday evening.
She had become a true confidante, although Sarah didn’t share her past with Seth. She wanted a fresh start with no one judging; she had enough people in her life who did that.
Kathy and Jeff’s wedding was a welcome respite from her hectic schedule during the holidays, even if she had to take her books along to complete makeup work.
Everyone arrived the Wednesday before the wedding and toured the resort, compliments of Jeff’s younger brother, Michael, who had vacationed there several times.
On Thursday, Sarah and Pat took scuba diving lessons, and Michael gave Sarah a surfing lesson on Friday. By the end of the afternoon, she could stand for a couple of seconds before falling.
The rehearsal dinner took place at Kathy and Jeff’s villa overlooking the beach on Friday evening. Sheer curtains billowed from the gentle breeze, and waves broke on the beach below. A full moon acted as a spotlight to behold the beauty of this tropical oasis.
Dad and Mom shared their hopes and dreams for the engaged couple, Aunt CeCe read a poem, and Molly offered a sentimental toast that left everyone tearful.
Sarah chose to share her thoughts and well wishes privately. She stole a moment with Jeff and Kathy to give them tokens of her love for them: a pair of cufflinks made by a local artisan for Jeff, and a silver comb engraved with tiny seashells that matched Kathy’s wedding dress.
“It’s just something small, but I thought it would look perfect with your dress.”
“I love it.” Kathy dabbed at her teary eyes, careful not to smudge her makeup.
“I wish I had words of wisdom, but you two are the ones who usually give me advice. Thank you for the support you’ve given me.”
Jeff hugged her. “We’re so happy you’re with us…both here and at home.”
“You’re the perfect couple. I hope I find someone as special.”
Kathy squeezed her hand. “You may already have. Michael’s been asking about you.”
“Michael’s wonderful and has made this trip fun and exciting, but I’m not sure I can keep up with him.” Sarah rubbed her thighs, still achy from surfing.
Kathy winked. “Wouldn’t it be fun trying?”
“Now let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
Jeff cocked his head. “Just think, you’d be sisters and sisters-in-law.”
“Let’s get you two married, then we’ll concentrate on me.”
The weather for the wedding was a little windy but otherwise perfect. Kathy looked stunning in a flowing gown, and the silver comb complemented her exquisite veil. Jeff, handsome in a navy blue suit, beamed at his bride during the entire ceremony.
The reception consisted of a dinner on the veranda. Kathy and Jeff decided to forego some wedding traditions. She didn’t throw the bouquet, much to Molly’s disappointment, and Jeff didn’t throw a garter. They did have a three-tiered wedding cake and dance to “their” song. The band played a variety of music, and Sarah spent the entire evening on the dance floor.
Michael danced with her most of the time. While Sarah tried not to lead him on, they did share an intimate kiss during a walk on the beach. No butterflies, no sparks, but it felt nice to have someone’s arms around her again.
On their last day, Johnny, Molly, Pat, Michael, and Sarah went horseback riding on the beach. It felt exhilarating to gallop on horseback along the water’s edge. Sarah showed off her riding skills. Michael looked impressed. For the first time, she showed him a thing or two.
They exchanged a kiss goodbye at the airport and promised to keep in touch. Leaving her parents and Aunt CeCe proved more difficult than expected. They promised to visit each other soon. Mom and Dad knew they would have to come to Sarah. She had no desire to go home again.
February turned into March, and Sarah fell into a comfortable, if not happy, routine. A week after her twenty-fourth birthday, she headed to the park to meet Pat and DJ for a playdate, which had become a regular part of her week, when time and weather permitted.
Perpetually late, she grabbed the keys and ran to the car. She made it to the park in record time, catching all the green lights. This must be my lucky day.
SETH
The Christmas season came and went, and the new year was already in its second month. Kathy and Jeff returned from their honeymoon, and Seth invited them over for a post-wedding celebration.
Kathy and Jeff looked
great, with tans on their well-rested bodies and blissful smiles on their faces. They passed pictures around, but Seth avoided them for fear of seeing Sarah. Unfortunately, he couldn’t avoid hearing the details.
Apparently, Sarah and Jeff’s brother had hit it off, much to Kathy’s delight.
Traitor.
The evening was a success and, like many of his parties, everyone spent the night. Seth fell asleep in a lounger on the patio with DJ in his arms. Derrick and Pat had gone to one of the bedrooms to be alone. Other couples found privacy and celebrated as couples do. The atmosphere reeked of sex.
That’s okay, your day will come.
DISCOVERY
SETH
Some things never change.
Each month still brought a flood of memories, and March proved no different. Seth saw someone riding a vintage bike like Sarah’s on his way to meet DJ at the park and wondered whatever happened to it. And what about the ring he’d given her? Did Sarah picture him wearing the belt she’d given him at Christmas? Did she ever sit by a lake somewhere and try to conjure up a memory of the many times they had almost…
So many questions. How he would love to have Sarah answer them.
With his drinking under control and his playboy ways behind him, one battle still raged on. Sarah’s spell over him remained, but with a difference. He owned it and didn’t want to forget it. She had shown him what real love felt like, and he yearned to feel that way again. That didn’t seem too much to ask.
Who knows, maybe today will be the day. He pulled into the parking lot of a park near Pat and Derrick’s house.
If I can’t find a woman here, there’s no hope for me.
He searched the bobbing heads of running and skipping children until his eyes landed on a woman spinning DJ around like an airplane. It wasn’t Pat.
Pat must have brought the babysitter along with her. He walked toward the pair, but stopped dead when he got a good look at DJ’s “airplane.”
Sarah.
His knees almost gave out, but he rebounded and inched toward her like a lion to his prey. A hunger grew inside him, long suppressed but back with an intensity that drove him forward.
Then & Now Page 17
