Audrey showed at one pm on Wednesday as people were packing up. She dropped Jason with Mac and left.
“I’ll take him today. It’s time for me to leave anyway,” Mac informed Callie.
He moved toward her, and then stopped, looking around, aware he was still in the office. Then he took the stroller and left.
Callie made it into the bathroom just in time before the tears flowed. She felt sad, lonely, discarded, ignored and sorry for herself, which made her mad. When she pulled herself together and returned to her desk, everyone was gone. She packed up and went back to her room. On the way home, she saw the dirty white van parked nearby.
Thanksgiving Day was one of the quietest days in Willow Falls. All the stores were closed and the streets empty. Everyone was preparing for the feast or traveling to get to one. The house on Beauregard Street stood empty except for Callie. Even Mavis, who owned the house, went to visit relatives. Callie heard the echo of her footsteps on the wood floor in the quiet of the empty house.
Instead of reading in her room, she put on her sweat suit and curled up on the sofa with a book and a small blanket. The sky was overcast, rain beat softly on the windows, the last leaves, still waiting to be raked up and made into compost, swirled in the wind and stuck to the window. Callie felt sad but at peace. It’s only one day, she thought. Then it’s over and I can get back to my life.
She tried to read, but was too distracted. She thought back to a Thanksgiving long ago. It was raining then, too, the day her mother taught her the secret family recipe for pumpkin pie. She remembered how her father raved about the pie at dinner. The memory of those days with her parents had to last her forever. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes but she blinked them back.
Her mind wandered to Mac. She wondered where he was and with whom. She couldn’t control her feelings for Mac, it was like she was on a roller coaster ride, being taken through a pre-determined path and having no ability to stop or change course. Then she thought about the softness of his kiss, the gentleness of his touch and the comfort of his embrace and she knew she wanted to go the distance, take the full ride with him, wherever it ended up.
Life was more complicated now than when she fell in love with Kyle. There were no ex-wives, no children, and no dead lovers then, nothing to get in the way of forming a tight bond. They clung to each other because their world was a harsh place. They provided a haven for each other, like a warm, dry cave in the middle of a hurricane. Callie and Kyle forever, she believed.
What about Mac? He’s so different from Kyle in some ways but the same in others. Could she trust him? He seemed to be honest, straight forward and totally infatuated with her. But would it last? Being alone on a holiday often provided too much time to think, to overanalyze and pick apart her life, second-guessing her instincts and feelings about everything. This time, this one time in two years she determined not to pull back, afraid to be hurt, but to go with what was in her heart and not worry about the consequences.
A black SUV pulled up in front of the house. A tall, rangy man got out and ran to the front door. Callie thought it was Mac. But it couldn’t be.
He must be miles away by now.
She answered the door. It was Mac, with his jacket collar pulled up against the wind and rain. He came in out of the cold.
“Get dressed.” He ordered.
“Why?”
“Eliza thought I invited you and I thought she did. After all, it’s her house. Every year, Eliza throws Thanksgiving dinner for students who stay here. We have some students who live too far away and some…well, Kensington State is their home. We have it at her house, which is bigger than mine. This is your invitation. So let’s go.”
Callie burst into tears and fell into his arms.
“What’s this?” he asked, closing his arms around her and holding her tight. They were silent together for a few minutes until Callie could catch her breath.
“I thought…I thought…”
“You thought I forgot you? Oh God. Never. No. Stupidity, being too busy…Never.”
They stayed in the embrace for a few more minutes, his hand stroking her hair absently, Callie resting her cheek on his chest, drawing comfort from the strength of his arms around her and the warmth of his body, and then he pulled her chin up gently and kissed her. She wiped her eyes and smiled at him.
“Oh! I can’t go looking like this! It won’t take me long to change.”
She disappeared into her room. In her closet, Callie found a pair of navy blue pants, a turquoise sweater, earrings, a scarf, wool socks and ankle boots. She wiped her face and dashed on a little make-up.
“Dress warm because Eliza keeps her house cold.” Mac called to her.
Soon they were in the car on the way to Eliza’s house.
“I didn’t know you and Eliza were such close friends,” Callie ventured.
“We’ve both been at Kensington for a long time. Her late husband, Bill, was my best friend. He had my job. When he passed, Eliza recommended me.”
“How did she know you?”
“We did some volunteer work in town together, organized the students and she used to be in the science department, too. Biology, I believe...”
“So you’re only friends?”
“Where does that come from? More like family, actually. Eliza and Bill invited me to their house for holidays.”
“Is he the William Baines from the memorial bench?”
“Eliza donated it in his honor. He died two years ago.”
“She must miss him terribly,” Callie said, feeling empathy with Eliza.
“She does.”
“How secretive do we have to be in the office, Mac?”
“What do you mean?”
“Jill said somebody saw us at the fire and I was wondering…”
“Don’t worry. What we do outside the office isn’t anyone else’s business. We don’t have to explain anything.”
“That’s what I said to her. While I don’t think we should be making out in the file room, I don’t want to lie, either. I’m not much good at lies.”
“Don’t worry about it. We’re doing fine,” he said, patting her hand.
When they arrived at Eliza’s house, Mac pulled her into a quick embrace before they got out of the car. They didn’t have much time before Eliza came out to greet them.
“So this nincompoop who forgot to invite you finally made good. Well, it’s about time!” She hugged Callie. “Come inside, its cold out here. We still have some chores left. Jason is looking for you, Mac. So let’s go.”
Callie was greeted by students she never met before. Everyone was friendly. They introduced themselves and then put her to work. Callie was happy to be involved, needed and busy. Jason gave her a big hug.
The students kidded and laughed together. Wine flowed along with challenging conversation. Large platters of turkey and stuffing were passed around. Bowls of green vegetables and yellow vegetables were lined up on the sideboard. Many “ums’ and “ahs’ were uttered, then all was quiet for a while when everyone ate.
Huge quantities of food were consumed, so they paused before dessert. Conversation resumed. Angela, asked about Brianna.
“How is Brianna? Is she coming back to school?”
“We can’t talk about Brianna, Angela,” Eliza said.
“Do any of you know where drugs are sold on campus?” Eliza asked as she passed the water pitcher.
“Anybody can find drugs anywhere, if they want to,” Alex added.
“Is that true?” asked Mac.
“Don’t live in a fantasy world, Dr. Caldwell. Drugs are everywhere” said Marcus, pouring water into his glass.
“It’s not like there are dealers on every corner of campus pushing drugs on you. But you can find them here, if you look for them,” Alex said between bites of the remnants of turkey left on his plate.
“You have to go out of your way to get drugs on campus,” Angela said.
“There are no drug dealers lurking
in the cafeteria,” Ben added.
“We’re not accosted on the street or anything. Most kids don’t talk to anyone selling drugs,” Janine piped up.
“Or they don’t know who the drug kids are,” said Alex.
“And you do, Alex?” asked Mac.
“Not really,” Alex said.
Everyone got quiet and Eliza shifted the conversation.
“How about some after dinner music,” she suggested.
Janine, David and Blaine got up and unpacked their instruments. Janine and Blaine brought guitars and David, his banjo. Everyone got a comfortable seat in the living room and Ben sat down at the piano.
Callie sat on the loveseat, with the seat next to hers left vacant for Mac, who claimed it quickly. She didn’t know if the students understood about Mac and her. Word got around, like in any small town or college campus. Mac was popular among the students because he was fair, so they didn’t gossip about him. Those expressing an opinion about his private life gave thumbs up to his association with Callie.
When Mac got divorced, his friends on campus, and even the students, expressed their sympathy. Life in Willow Falls could be lonely for a man over thirty who spends most of his time on a college campus where the co-eds are off-limits and too young to be interesting anyway.
When the music was over, it was time to clean up and everyone pitched in.
Callie dried the dishes Mac washed.
“I’ll have to leave a little early because of Jason. Why don’t you come home with us and have coffee?”
“I’d love some coffee. Perhaps it will settle the food a little. I haven’t eaten so much in years!” Callie responded, understanding the obvious, this was their opportunity to be alone together.
Chapter Seven
He hoped she’d come back with him. All evening he wanted to take her hand, touch or kiss her. Resisting those urges frustrated him. On the sofa, he put his arm around her, hoping no one would notice. She sat back, resting her head on his shoulder. Everyone noticed, but no one said a word.
Mac was anxious to get back to his house. He wanted so much to be with Callie, he wanted to put his son to bed, and then make love to her. He didn’t know how far it would go, but he felt she was ready to be more intimate with him. And he was more than ready for a physical relationship with her. They waited long enough.
Jason was already asleep on the floor in the back bedroom when Mac and Callie got up to go. Mac scooped up Jason in his arms and followed Callie to the door. His heart was pounding in anticipation of being alone with her. Afraid to admit to himself he was falling in love with her for so long, he could no longer deny it. He hoped she felt the same about him.
Eliza gave her a warm hug and thanked her for her help. Callie thanked her for the invitation and the good time. Mac put Jason in the baby seat gently, trying not to wake him. Jason let out one cry and went immediately back to sleep.
It was a short drive to Mac’s house. He put Jason to bed while Callie prepared coffee. Mac surprised her by returning quickly, while the coffee brewed. He came up behind her. His arms wound around her waist pulling her close to him while he nuzzled her neck, she leaned back into his embrace. Mac turned her around to face him and pulled her into his arms.
“The hell with the coffee. This is more what I had in mind,” he murmured.
Callie turned her face up for his kiss. This time, they didn’t have to stop. His kiss was deep and probing, his tongue coaxing her to surrender to him. Callie relaxed in his arms. He felt her respond, her tongue meeting his. Soon his hand found her breast. She sighed. He was pleased to feel no resistance from her as his lips left feathery kisses on her neck while his hand continued to caress her.
Mac stepped back and took her hand. He pressed his thumb into her inner wrist where he could feel her pulse racing. He looked into her eyes, and saw his passion was fully returned. She reached up and touched his face.
“I’ve waited a long time for tonight,” he told her, his eyes glittering.
He kissed her palm and led her into the bedroom and closed the door. Jason slept peacefully next door while Mac and Callie undressed each other.
Mac pulled her sweater over her head and stopped to look at her. His craving for her was growing quickly, as he reached around to unhook her bra. Callie, shy at first, covered her exposed breasts with her arms. Mac gently moved her arms away so he could feast his eyes on her loveliness.
“Please don’t hide from me, Callie. Let me look at you. You are so beautiful.”
She moved toward him, unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. He ripped his tee shirt over his head. Callie’s eyes grew wide as she stared at his handsome physique. His chest was well muscled. She stepped closer and ran her hands through the soft black hair on his chest, while she raised her chin for his powerful kiss. He pulled her even closer, close enough for her to feel his arousal, her breasts pressed into his chest. They quickly finished undressing, too hot to wait for leisurely discovery of each other.
Soon they were naked on the bed and he was doing more than simply looking at her full breasts. Mac, more experienced than Kyle, took his time arousing Callie. Still, every kiss, every caress made her squirm. His thumbs gently massaged her peaks while his lips brushed the tops of her breasts. Then he slid his hand down between her legs and she almost passed out from desire, moaning for him, her fingers pressed into his biceps, pulling him closer, while his fingers probed her damp core.
Mac looked into her eyes, smoky with longing for him and felt his heartbeat quicken and his breathing get shallow. He claimed her mouth and moved down, his lips barely skimming her neck and shoulders, continuing down to capture her breast, she arched into him, little gasps escaping from her throat as he brought her to a fever pitch. Every touch ignited fire in his body too.
“Please…please…” she whispered, too breathless to speak.
Mac responded immediately, knowing what she wanted without words. Quickly he covered himself and was inside her, taking her and giving himself.
“Oh my God!” She exclaimed, closing her eyes.
Mac stopped.
“Did I hurt you?” he inquired, worried.
“No, no. Don’t stop,” she breathed, opening her eyes.
He moved slowly at first, building to a crescendo. Before long, Callie cried out with pleasure, lost in sweet release, her fingers clutching his shoulders, her hips moving rhythmically with his. Mac tried to hold out to give her a second chance, he wanted to please her, to satisfy her totally, completely, again and again, but he was overcome by his intense desire for her building over time. He responded deeply and passionately, ecstasy exploding in his head and loins.
They froze in position, trying to catch their breath, submerged in the sweetness of longing satisfied. Both knew at once they had fallen in love, hopelessly, totally and forever, though neither one could admit it.
Finally, Mac rolled over and took her in his arms. He pulled the sheet up to her waist, sensitive to her shyness. She tilted her head to look up at him. Taking her face in his hands, he gave her a sweet, slow, loving kiss. She smiled and cuddled next to him, putting her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest. They fell asleep tangled in each other’s arms.
In the middle of the night, Callie awoke with a start and sat up. Disoriented in a strange bed, she gasped, looking around in the dark. Mac lifted his head.
“You okay?”
She nodded not smiling. Mac reached over and took her shoulder, easing her down next to him. He pulled her closer, kissed her hair and folded his arm around her. Callie snuggled into his body and relaxed enough to fall back to sleep.
Mac awoke early, before Jason. He rolled over and smiled to find Callie sleeping quietly next to him, her body exposed to his eyes. He gazed at her, touching her breasts gently and his desire returned with a vengeance. He kissed her awake and made love to her again, while the day was just beginning and their love was still so new.
Chapter Eight
Callie
kissed Mac gently on the lips and left him sleeping when she got up to greet Jason at six. She fed him and made coffee. When Jason was dressed and ready for the day, Mac came in, yawning, winding his arms around her waist.
“Why don’t you pick up some clothes, spend the weekend here?” he asked, kissing her neck.
“Some projects are due and final exams are only two weeks away,” she said.
“I’ll take Jason and give you plenty of time to work. You can study in the bedroom.”
“I’ve already had lessons from you in the bedroom,” she said, touching his face.
“And you receive an A plus,” he said, kissing her.
Callie walked home feeling on top of the world. She knew she loved Mac and she couldn’t stop smiling. She even smiled at the dirty white van in the empty parking lot. Before packing, she took off the gold heart from Kyle and put it in her memory chest. It didn’t feel right to wear his special gift while making love to another man.
Should she take the nightgown she bought years ago for the hoped-for honeymoon? She hesitated, then decided to be so sentimental was dumb. She tossed the nightgown in with her jeans. Time for new beginnings.
* * * *
After Callie went home, Mac took his son into the bathroom to keep an eye on him. While Jason played with a toy on the bathroom floor, Mac sang in the shower, something he had not done in years. He couldn’t believe how good he felt. It wasn’t only the sex, although making love to Callie was spectacular. Being with Callie, knowing he loved her, and hoping he would win her love made him sing. He looked forward to his second night of losing his heart to his beloved and making endless love to her in his big bed.
He thought about the small family they were becoming. Although he never loved Audrey, he thought with Jason they could become a family and love would come. What a fool he had been! Jason’s arrival magnified Audrey’s immaturity and selfishness. Their divorce, while a relief in some ways, was a bitter disappointment to Mac. His search for a family got derailed. Now it seemed to be back on track with his discovery of love with Callie.
A Love Story Page 6
