by Lisa Heaton
The change in his expression moved her. She understood the difficulty of loss and the fact that life is somehow supposed to go on in spite of it. The problem is that no one can tell you how to do that. “I’m sorry. That must have been hard, losing your dad at such a young age.”
“It was tough, but I guess we survived.” He thought about his mother after his father’s death. Two weeks after his father drowned he saw her drunk for the first time, and by no means was it the last. Every year she got a little worse, until finally he went to live with his aunt at the age of fifteen. That was when he started school at Lincoln, the year his life changed for the better – the year he found God.
He glanced often at Robin but tried not to stare. She was wearing shorts and a light sweatshirt, and her long hair was pulled pack into a loose ponytail, which disappointed him. He really liked the way her hair flew this way and that with the winds that blew in off the water. Many times, he felt the urge to reach out and move a strand of hair from her face, but good sense told him it would be a mistake on his part. Somehow, he knew better than to touch her. “So I have been wondering, are you and Emma related?”
“Not really, but as close as you can get, I suppose. Emma and my mom grew up together in Raleigh. That’s near where I grew up.”
“How did you two end up here?”
“Emma moved here right before I was born.” Robin slid the band from her hair and let it tumble over her shoulders. “Her great aunt owned the inn for over fifty years, and when she died, she left the place to Emma.”
“What made you decide to move here? I mean, I guess it’s pretty understandable. This place is amazing.”
“I was in kind of a bad place in my life. I really only came here to get away for a while,” she sighed, remembering how lost she felt, “but then I just never went back. My parents moved out West, so there was nothing really to draw me back to North Carolina. This is just kind of where I landed, with Emma.”
“She seems wonderful.” He was sincere. She reminded him of Sophia Loren or Ann-Margret, one of those legendary stars. Her presence in the room charged the air. Everything about her was bigger than life. She dressed far above what the day as an innkeeper would require, and lent a glamorous, 1940s atmosphere to the place.
“I think the world of her. She’s had a rough way to go. Back in the eighties, she was a nurse in the Army and was engaged to another soldier. But right before they were supposed to be married, he was killed.”
“So, she never married?”
“No, never. She barely even dated. She just kind of shut down.” Understanding how such a thing could happen, she easily related to Emma’s story. Feeling a bit uncomfortable at how personal the conversation had become, she reached for her coffee cup. “Well, I better get up there. I’m sure she is cooking breakfast. I should see if she needs any help. See ya later, Chris.”
There was something soothing about the way she said his name; it sounded so soft on her lips. He caught the most distinctive hint of her Southern accent then. As she turned to go, he said, “Robin.”
Turning back to him, she asked, “Yeah?”
“Thanks for talking to me this morning. I’m sorry if I invaded your quiet time.”
“No invasion. I enjoyed it.”
She walked into the kitchen to find Emma sitting at the island. “Good morning.”
Emma smiled. “Good morning. I see you were talking to Chris.”
“Yes, I was talking to Chris.” She could tell Emma wanted to see her pair up with him. “We’re getting married this afternoon. I hope that’s not too short of a notice for you.”
Emma giggled. “You know, he really seems like a nice man. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know him.”
“I am getting to know him. I’m just not planning on any kind of relationship, that’s all.”
“What do you know so far?”
“He’s an art teacher, so of course he likes to paint. He spent his summers here at the lake when he was a kid. I’ve learned all kinds of things about him.”
“Good, it sounds like you know enough to marry him.” With Robin out of the main house, Emma was up several times during the night. Each time she drifted off, she awoke with a start fearing Robin would go out and swim. If she did, Emma would have no way of knowing if she were safe. Twice even, she went out to the porch and sat. It was a long night. “How did you sleep?”
Nodding, she admitted, “It was good. No bad dreams.”
“I’m glad to hear it. You know, Hummingbird, I’ve wanted to talk to you about Mike.”
Looking at her watch, and as a way out of the conversation, Robin told her, “Hey, I need to get with Tommy about a few things. Can we talk about it later?”
“Sure, later.” She watched her escape through the swinging door. Emma knew she was trying to avoid even thinking about him, let alone discussing his release. What if he showed up at the inn? It wouldn’t take long for him to figure out where she was. More than likely, he already knew. Walking back to the stove, she flipped the bacon and started cracking eggs. As she cracked each one, she wished each shell were Mike’s head. Nothing would make her happier.
Robin waited as Tommy made his way down the last few steps in the lobby. She could see he was still half asleep. “Good morning.”
“Morning.”
“Late night?”
“Yeah, pretty late. Have you seen Becky yet?” He had tapped on her door, but she never answered.
“No. I imagine she’s still asleep.” She had always been the most difficult for Robin to get up and around. It was the same the summer before.
“Maybe, but she’s not asleep here.”
“Really?” She thought she detected a look of disgust on his face.
“We were in town last night, and she hooked up with that Brad guy.” Looking away, he added, “She left with him.”
“Tommy…” She trailed off. What could she say? Since early on, he knew Becky was interested in someone else. Still, he mooned over her, obviously hoping for more than what would ever be between them.
“Hi.” Head bowed in embarrassment, Becky passed by them. Holding her sandals in her hand, she made her way up the first flight of stairs.
As they both stood and watched her climb the stairs, Robin whispered, “Becky’s home.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
“Look, Tommy,” she kept her voice low. “She is an adult. I know you have a thing for her, but you may as well face it, she’s going to do whatever she wants with this guy. No matter how foolish we may think it is.”
Standing at the top of the first landing, Becky listened to their conversation. With tears welling up in her eyes, she knew she was foolish. While with Brad the night before, she was still the same eager little girl she was the summer before. Obviously, he picked up on that. Too late, after she left with him, she realized he was the same arrogant jerk he was the year before. He went on and on about himself; mostly what he had, what he would do, and his father’s company. Not once did he ever ask her a question about school, or what she planned, or was studying to be. Why had she not noticed before leaving with him? While on the way to his house, though, it was as if her eyes were opened to the truth. Suddenly realizing he was expecting something she was not prepared for, she asked him to take her back. He refused. After a terrible fight, he dropped her in the middle of nowhere, and by the time she got back to town, Tommy was gone. So she stayed out all night, waiting for a fisherman to bring her back across the lake.
Walking slowly down the stairs, furious that they were discussing her behind her back, she protested, “I’m not as stupid as you both think.”
Regretting talking about her with Tommy, Robin offered, “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business, and I shouldn’t have been discussing it.”
Tommy could hardly bring himself to look at her. “I’m not sorry. You deserve whatever you get from that guy.” His hands were trembling with anger. But when he finally allowed himself to look at her, he could see how his words hu
rt her. Looking at her pleadingly, he whispered, “I’m sorry, Beck. But don’t you see what a jerk he is? He’s a user and…”
“I know. That’s why I didn’t go home with him. Tommy…” Suddenly uncomfortable talking in front of Robin, she asked, “Can we go somewhere to talk?”
Lifting her hand, Robin turned to walk away. “I’m going. You two talk here.”
He just stood there, staring at her. “You really didn’t go home with him?”
“No.”
He walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders. “I’ve been up all night, thinking about you. It drove me crazy, imagining you with him. You deserve so much more than just a one night stand. Don’t you want more for yourself than someone who will use you and throw you away?”
“I want you.” That did not come out as she meant it. Smiling shyly, she touched his cheek. “I didn’t mean it that way.”
Hopeful, Tommy asked, “How did you mean it?”
“I admit it. I came here this summer hoping I would see him.” The look on his face made her regret her honesty. So quickly she added, “When I went with him last night, I saw him for who he really is, what he always will be. Then I thought about you. How you make me laugh and how much you aggravate me.” She smiled. Tommy was everything she could want in a guy; he was smart and funny, and she was happy when she was with him. For the life of her, she could hardly understand how she missed it before. All night, she wondered what Tommy must be thinking of her and if it was too late for them. Several times during the night she was tempted called him but was too ashamed for having left with Brad in the first place.
Smiling, he asked, “I aggravate you, huh?”
“Yeah, a lot.”
He gently tucked her hair behind her ear. She was looking up at him with those watery blue eyes, and he had no doubt, he was falling for her. Leaning down, he softly kissed her cheek. Moving his lips near her ear, he whispered. “You aggravate me, too.”
Relieved, she slid her arms around his waist. “I’m so glad.”
Robin and Emma were peeking into the lobby as they kissed. Giggling, they both hurried back through the dining room. Emma was still laughing as they walked into the kitchen. Holding out her hand, she bragged, “Told you.”
“I don’t have it with me. I’ll give it to you later.” She shook her head. Emma had predicted Tommy and Becky would get together and suggested a twenty-dollar bet. “I’m glad you were right.”
“Me too. Now if my streak continues, you’ll end up with Chris.”
“I’d be willing to raise the bet on that one.” She had no intention of getting involved with him. Though she liked him even more than she anticipated, she was safe in taking the bet.
“Okay, shall we say fifty?” Emma smiled at the smug expression on Robin’s face.
Without hesitation, Robin agreed, “Fifty it is.” She was sure to win this one. They often made crazy bets like this, and for the most part, the winner would use the money for a night out together to eat or see a movie. Fifty dollars would make for a fine meal. As she backed through the kitchen door into the dining room, she literally ran into Chris.
“Oh, sorry.” He reached for her.
Understandably, she was caught off guard, especially when he put his hands on her shoulders to steady her and keep from knocking her to the ground. They felt strong as he gripped her. “No, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
Releasing her, he asked, “Is that bacon I smell?”
Hiding a grin, she assured him, “Yes, Emma will be out with it in a minute.” Having noticed he had a propensity for bacon, Emma had been making more than usual since his arrival.
“Good.” Heading to the tall serving buffet, he grabbed a plate and began loading it up. “I saw Tommy and Becky walking to the dock. Looks like things have changed with those two.”
“Nobody ever listens to me.” Emma walked through the swinging door carrying a full plate of bacon.
Robin shrugged.
Pointing at Robin, she boasted, “She owes me twenty so far.”
“So far?”
“Oh, ignore her.” She handed Emma a biscuit. “Here, put this in your mouth.”
Glancing at him, Emma winked. “She’ll owe me fifty more before she knows it.” Winking again, at Robin this time, she went back into the kitchen.
“What was that about?” He had a sense it might involve him.
“Nothing important. You know old people.” She intentionally made the comment louder than necessary, certain Emma was listening in.
Sitting at a table together, he noticed how the sunlight poured through the window, glistening through her hair. She had left her hair down, and it flowed softly down her back. “So, is there anything to do around here at night? I know I haven’t been here long, but I’m already getting a little stir crazy sitting around the cabin at night.”
“I don’t go out enough to know, but I’m sure there are a few places you might enjoy. I know Tommy and Becky go to a place over in Wolfeboro.”
“I wasn’t really thinking about a bar, if that is what you mean. I meant more of a restaurant or something.”
“Oh, well there are a lot of great restaurants. What do you want? Seafood? Steak?”
“I was kind of hoping you would go with me. I mean, nothing serious or anything. Just grab a bite to eat.” He could see her mind was whirling and realized he was holding his breath as he waited for her response.
At a loss for words, she realized she had not been asked out in many years, and she was not exactly sure what to say. “Well, I uh…well, I guess that would be all right. I mean, you said nothing serious.”
Smiling at the cuteness of her response, he stuck a piece of bacon in his mouth. “Great. How about tonight?”
“Tonight?” All of the sudden, she grasped what she had just agreed to. What had she done? Without question, she had made a serious mistake.
He found her expression amusing, as it reminded him of a deer caught in the headlights. Looking at him with those big doe eyes, she had no idea how adorable she was at that moment. “Yes, tonight. You know, that time period between today and bedtime.”
“I guess I could go tonight.” Hearing her own words, stammering though they were, they just agreed to something she was not prepared for. Hurriedly, she added, “I better let you know. I have several things…”
“Great, tonight it is. I’ll pick you up at seven.” Without finishing his meal, he stood and left the dining room before she could change her mind.
Sitting alone at the table, she could hardly believe what had just happened. She had agreed to a date, and that was the last thing she wanted. Acknowledging she could have simply said no, she racked her brain trying to figure out why she had not. Closing her eyes, she put her hands over her face.
“Huh, wonder what I’ll do with the extra fifty?” Emma plopped down in the chair across from her.
“I guess you were spying on us?”
“Of course. Did you expect any less?” Thrilled beyond anything she had known in eons, Emma was elated by Robin’s decision to go. Had Robin not pressured her often about dating? “Oh, go,” she would say. “It will be good for you.” Now that the shoe was on the other foot, her sweet girl was in over her head, and Emma was tickled pink about it.
“What am I going to do?”
“What do you mean?” Already sensing her regret, Emma would do whatever it took to keep the date on track.
“I can’t do this.”
“Why not? He seems like a great guy.” And he did. She had not had the opportunity to talk to him as much as Robin, but the times she had, he seemed like a charming man. Forget about his looks even, though who could forget about that? He was an all-around nice guy, perfect for Robin.
“I know, but I am in no position to date anyone.” She thought about his smile; he had such an appealing smile. “He said it was nothing serious. Maybe he just wants some company.”
“You mean, maybe it’s not a date?” Ch
uckling at her, she waited to hear Robin’s response.
“Yeah, maybe it’s not.”
“Okay, and I’ll be seeing Santa Claus in a little while. I’ll ask his opinion.” She reached out and patted Robin’s hand. “Sweetie, just go and have fun. You deserve a wonderful night out with a nice guy. Just do it.”
Groaning, Robin asked, “What will I wear?”
“I have plenty of dresses. Let’s go upstairs.”
Feeling like a teenager, Robin followed Emma into her room. Peeking in, she found Emma had a closet full of beautiful dresses. Though she seldom went out, when she did, she always looked gorgeous. Sitting on the bed, feet dangling and swinging as Emma pulled one dress after another out of the closet, Robin turned up her nose at the first few. Finally there was one she liked. “Aw, I love that one,” she cooed softly.
After removing it from the plastic cover, Robin held the dress up to her. It was long, almost reaching to her ankles. The color could only be described as a buttery yellow, and the fabric was soft, smooth cotton. It had a vintage air about it that the others lacked. Slipping it over her head, she was unsure of the color on her. “I don’t know if yellow is a good color for me.”
Examining her, Emma shook her head in disbelief. “Honey, with your looks, any color is your color.” Emotional, having never suspected she would see this dress put to use, she sighed heavily, exclaiming, “You look gorgeous.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear this before. Where did you get it?” Looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror, she decided it did look pretty good.
As if she had traveled back in time, Emma spoke quietly, “Oh, I’ve had that dress a hundred years, at least. And no, you’ve never seen me wear it.” Guardedly, she fought back tears as she thought of the last time she wore the dress. She had planned to be married in it, to Robin’s father. How poetic it seemed that Robin was standing there before her, with that particular dress on.
“Do you really like it?” Having spent the past five years in jeans and shorts, she felt awkward wearing a dress. Even to church she wore slacks.
