by Terri DuLong
Mavis Anne grinned. “Ah, yes. Chadwick. He’s a special guy. I’ve known him for quite a few years and he’s never failed to impress me. So I can assume that the two of you hit it off quite well?”
“Hmm, you could say that. He left me some flowers this morning on the porch with the newspaper and he said he’d call me today.”
Mavis Anne put her knitting down and leaned forward to pat my hand. “I’m happy for you, Isabelle. I had no doubt that you’d make a good couple. I excel in the romance department. Unfortunately, I lost my Jackson way too soon, but the time we had together has always stayed with me.”
I recalled Chloe telling me about the love of Mavis Anne’s life. But she was right. She’d lost him much too soon to the war in Vietnam. But it seemed that over the years her love for Jackson had only deepened.
“The entire evening just felt so right,” I told her. “I surprised myself by sharing things with him that I never discuss. And he’s so understanding. Yeah, he’s a pretty special guy.”
“Sounds to me that your fall in that parking lot was meant to be.”
“You really believe that sort of stuff?”
A look of surprise crossed Mavis Anne’s face. “Oh, yes, of course. Nothing happens by chance. We might think it does, but no. I’ve always felt the universe knows precisely what it’s doing. Especially when it comes to the heart and love.”
“Hmm, maybe you’re right. So what are your plans for today? Can I prepare your lunch?”
“Oh, thank you, but no. Louise is coming to get me. We made plans to drive down to Cocoa Beach and do some browsing in the shops and then we’re going to have lunch at that great French restaurant, Café Margaux. Would you like to join us?”
“Thanks but no. I have some chores to get done around the house and Haley will be back from the beach by two.”
I kept Mavis Anne company for another hour and then went home.
I had just walked in when my cell phone rang and I saw Chadwick’s name on the caller ID.
“Hello,” he said. “And how are you this morning?”
“I’m great. Thank you so much for the flowers.”
His laughter came across the line. “Oh, good. You found them.”
“I did. With the newspaper. Did you steal those from a neighbor’s yard?”
I heard him laugh again. “No. I picked them from my own garden. Unfortunately, Maddie’s florist shop was closed today.”
“Well, you did a great job. I have them in a vase and I love them.”
“That was my intention. So what are your plans for today?”
“Actually . . . I’ve decided to have that talk with Haley later this afternoon. About Roger.”
“Good for you. I think it’s the right thing to do. I hope it goes well.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
“The beginning of the week is busy for me, but I was wondering if you might be free on Thursday evening.”
I walked to the cabinet to check the calendar. “Yeah. I have to take Mavis Anne for a hair appointment in the afternoon, but I’m free that evening.”
“Great. How about if I pick you up about six? I’d like to bring you to my house for dinner.”
“That would be nice. So, yes.”
“Okay. Well, if I don’t talk to you before, I’ll see you Thursday at six.”
I hung up and recalled what Mavis Anne had said about love at first sight. I wasn’t sure about love, but I did know I had been strongly attracted to Chadwick Price from the moment I’d met him the year before. And that attraction seemed to be getting stronger.
* * *
Haley returned home shortly after two and headed to the fridge to make herself a salad.
“So, what’s up?” she asked as I finished loading the dishwasher. “You wanted to talk to me about something?”
“Yeah,” I said, dreading the impending conversation. “Fix your salad and we’ll talk.” I poured myself a glass of iced tea and watched my daughter place lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and onions into a salad bowl. She added some tuna fish and dressing and joined me at the counter with an expectant look on her face.
I took a sip of iced tea. “Well, I wanted to talk to you about visiting your father in April.”
“Oh, okay. You said I could go, right?”
“Yes, of course you can, and we’ll get your flight tickets soon. But . . . ah . . . well, there’s something I wanted to tell you about why your father left me.”
Haley nodded. “I know. You said he had somebody else in his life. I hope you know I’d never take sides, Mom. I love you both but I’m sorry he did that to you.”
I let out a deep sigh. “Well, Haley, sometimes things just aren’t meant to be. Sometimes things happen in life that are good and wonderful, but . . . they’re just not supposed to last a lifetime. Things change. People change. And sometimes things were always a certain way but people just weren’t honest with themselves or others.”
I saw the blank expression on my daughter’s face and realized I was beginning to ramble.
I cleared my throat. “What I’m trying to say is . . . this person that your father left me for . . . well, it wasn’t another woman.”
Haley’s head shot up as she stared at me. “Oh,” was all she said.
“No. It was a man.” Her expression told me she was trying to digest this information.
After a few moments, she said, “Are you saying that Dad is gay?”
I nodded as a pain shot through my heart. This was probably one of the hardest things I’d ever had to do. “Yes. He is.” I waited to see which way she’d take the conversation.
She put down her fork and stopped eating. “Was he always gay?”
“Yes, he was. Although he never told me until a couple of years ago. I’m not sure he could admit it to himself until then.”
Haley blew out a loud puff of air. “Wow.” She shook her head. “Wow,” she said again. “Is the man Gordon?”
Now it was my turn to be surprised. “Yes, it is. But how did you know that?”
“Well, I never knew for sure. But a few years ago I’d stopped by the television studio to see Dad after school. I went to his office but didn’t knock before going in. Dad and Gordon were hugging. I didn’t think too much of that because a lot of men hug in a friendly way. But this was different. First of all, they both looked embarrassed and then they got all awkward. Dad tried to explain they’d just been notified they’d both won some kind of award for broadcasting. But something just didn’t feel right. I never said anything because I thought it was my imagination.”
“I’ll be damned,” I said.
“But I guess it wasn’t my imagination.”
I shook my head. “No, it wasn’t. It is Gordon and they’ve been together for about three years now.”
“So that’s who Dad wants to marry? Gordon?”
I nodded. “Yes. How do you feel about all of this?”
Haley jumped up to give me a hug. “Oh, Mom. This isn’t about me. How do you feel about all of it? Why didn’t you tell me any of this before? It had to have been so hard on you.”
I felt moisture stinging my eyes. This was one of those moments when the maturity of my daughter blew me away.
I wiped at my eyes. “I’m okay, Haley. Really. Well . . . I am now. It took a while to soak it all in but . . . yes, I’m okay with it now.”
She pulled me into another embrace. “Well,” she said in a matter of fact tone, “if you’re okay with it, then I’m okay with it.”
“Really? Do you still want to go visit your father?”
“Of course I do. He’ll always be my dad. And I only met Gordon that one time, but he seemed really nice. They’re living together, aren’t they?”
“Yeah. Do you think that’ll be a problem with visiting?”
“No. Dad’s moving, you know.”
“Really? No, I didn’t know. We’ve really only texted since I left Atlanta. Where is he moving?”
“To a beautiful house just o
utside of Atlanta. He sent me photos on the computer. Three bedrooms and a pool. He said he’ll have my room decorated any way I want. They’ll have a guest room, too, but nobody will use my room. That’s just for me.”
I knew this made Haley happy and made her feel special, which was great. “That’s wonderful. So they’ll certainly have the room for you to visit anytime you want. Will they be in the house when you go in April?”
“Yes. They’re moving next month.”
“That’s wonderful,” I said again. And it was. It was apparent that Roger was making the proper provisions to keep his daughter in his life. Even though things had changed with me, he was doing the right thing for Haley.
“Do you have any questions?” I asked.
“Yeah. Can I go to their wedding?”
I was surprised about her request. “You’d really like to go?”
“Sure. Why not? A girl at school went to her mom’s lesbian wedding a couple weeks ago. It was held at some fancy place in Orlando.”
Yup. This new generation was definitely more openminded and accepting than previous ones. And I could see that this was a very good thing.
“Of course you can go,” I told her. “I’ll take you shopping for a nice outfit to wear.”
Haley finished her salad and we continued to discuss Roger, Gordon, and their situation. By the time my daughter left the kitchen to go do some homework, I knew she was a well-adjusted, compassionate, and loving young lady. And I was mighty proud of her.
I brewed a pot of coffee and decided the time had come to speak to Roger on the phone. He had a right to know about the conversation that had transpired with Haley.
“Roger, this is Isabelle,” I said when he answered.
“Isabelle, how nice to hear your voice.” I could tell he meant it by his tone.
“How have you been?” I asked.
“Fine. And you? How have you been?” I could detect a sincere concern.
I let out a sigh. “I wasn’t good for quite a while. I won’t lie. But now . . . I’m fine. I really am. I feel like I’ve turned a corner.”
“You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear this. Isabelle . . . I never wanted to hurt you. Not ever. I’m not sure you can ever forgive me for what happened, but . . . I’ve always hoped at least you would have a chance to go on and be happy.”
It suddenly struck me that I was happy. “I am. I love living here and Haley’s happy too. It was the right thing to do, moving away from Atlanta. Listen, the main reason I’m calling is about Haley. I know she’s planning to come visit you in April and, well . . . I thought the time had come to be honest with her about you and why our marriage really broke up.”
There was a moment of silence before he said, “Are you saying you told Haley that I’m gay?”
“I did. And I told her your upcoming marriage isn’t to a woman, but you’ll be marrying Gordon.”
“Oh, Isabelle, I never wanted you to have to be the one to tell her. I was planning to do that when she came here in April. I’m so sorry.”
“No, it was okay. I thought it might actually be better if the news came from me.”
“How did she take it?”
“Surprisingly, she took it way better than I would have expected. We really have a daughter to be proud of. That’s one thing that you and I got perfectly right.”
I heard a whoosh of air come across the line. “Haley has always been extra special. So I shouldn’t be surprised. But are you sure she’s okay with all of this?”
“Very sure, Roger. She can’t wait to visit you and she wants to attend the wedding.”
“That’s way more than I could have hoped for. Isabelle, thank you. Thank you for telling her in a way that she understood. This could have all gone very differently.”
“Hey, you’re her father. And you always will be. I’ll be getting her flight tickets as soon as you both decide on dates.”
“Absolutely not. I’m paying for her flight and I’ll get it booked after I speak to Haley. By the way, are you okay financially? Can I send you more money?”
I felt a smile cross my face. “No, but thank you. I’m doing just fine. Oh, and Roger . . . I’ve met somebody. It’s a brand new relationship and I’m not sure where it will go, but right now . . . I’m very happy.”
“And I couldn’t be happier for you. You deserve all the love and good things there are in life.”
“Okay, well, you take care and keep in touch. I’ll sign the divorce documents when they arrive this week.”
“Thanks again, Isabelle. You’re the best. You really are. We’ll talk soon.”
I hung up as I felt a warm spot touch my heart. Roger and I would always have the connection of our daughter. And I had no doubt that, in his own way, Roger loved me. It just had never been in the way I had wanted to be loved as a woman.
Chapter 18
Marta had come Wednesday morning to clean while I was out doing my deliveries. I could have paid her to prepare something for dinner, but I chose to make a batch of lasagna to have with Brenda and Tina. Salad and garlic bread would top it off.
I thought the dining room would be too formal and decided we’d eat at the breakfast nook table. I’d just finished completing the place settings when Haley walked into the kitchen.
She placed a kiss on my cheek. “It looks so nice, Mom. Thanks for having them over for dinner.”
“I like Tina and I’m looking forward to meeting her mom. Do me a favor and fill that vase on the counter with water and then arrange the flowers.”
“Oh, pretty. Did you get these at Maddie’s?”
“Yeah. I thought they’d brighten up the table.”
I began preparing the salad while Haley tended to the flowers.
I was lost in my thoughts concerning Chadwick and looking forward to dinner at his house the following night. I certainly had not planned to dive into another relationship but I was beginning to see that relationships were another thing that we have no control with. I had always been a planner and organizer and decided that maybe it was time for me to let go and see where life took me.
“Mom, did you hear me?” I heard Haley ask.
“What’s that?” I said.
“Do you want me to put the garlic bread into the oven?”
“Not yet. I thought I’d offer Brenda a glass of wine and we’d sit on the patio for a little while before dinner. The lasagna comes out of the oven at six thirty and we can stick the garlic bread in then.”
“Okay,” she said, just as the front bell rang. “Oh, there they are. I’ll get it.”
I placed the salad in the fridge to stay crisp and followed Haley to the front of the house.
“Hey,” she said, opening the door wide. “Come on in.”
“Hi, Brenda,” I said, extending my hand. “I’m Isabelle. I’m so glad you could come.”
A smile covered her face. “Thank you so much for inviting us. What a beautiful house you have,” she said, stepping into the living room.
She was medium height, slim build, and had thick, dark hair like her daughter’s. But unlike Tina, Brenda had a stunning, exotic quality about her. Dark eyes and olive skin added to her looks.
“Oh, it’s not really our house,” I explained. “We’re just renting it, but yes, it’s a very nice home. Come on, let’s go sit on the patio till dinner is ready. Would you like a glass of wine?”
“Yes, that would be nice,” she said, following me to the kitchen.
“We’re going up to my room,” Haley said. “Call us when dinner is ready.”
“Oh, my goodness,” Brenda exclaimed. “This kitchen is nicer than some restaurants.”
I smiled as I uncorked a bottle of red wine. “Yeah, it is pretty wonderful.”
“Do you do a lot of cooking? I think I’d be in here all day and night cooking,” she said.
I passed her a wineglass and shook my head. “Not nearly as much as I probably should. Do you enjoy cooking?”
“Oh, yes, very much. My
mother owned a restaurant in Mexico before we came to America. Then my father died and we went to Texas. My mother opened a small restaurant there and I used to help out as a kid.”
We walked out to the patio and sat down. “Oh, that’s great. Does your mother still have the restaurant?”
Her expression looked sad. “No, I’m afraid not. My mother passed away three years ago and I wasn’t able to keep it going on my own.”
“That’s too bad. I love Mexican food. I know you’re an RN, but have you thought about opening a restaurant here?”
“I’d love to, but financially I couldn’t do that right now.”
I nodded. “Well, maybe in time.” I saw the doubtful look she gave me. “Haley told me you moved here last year for your job.”
Brenda paused a moment before saying, “That was one of the reasons, yes. But I had just gotten divorced . . . and . . . I just thought it best if we left the area and started over.”
“Right. I did the same thing when we left Atlanta. Actually, my divorce documents just arrived today.”
“Are you still in touch with Haley’s father?”
“I wasn’t very much at first, but I think we’ve arrived at a good place for all three of us. Haley has plans to fly to Atlanta in April to spend some time with her dad. Tina said she’s not in touch with her dad at all?”
“No. She’s not,” was all she said.
That seemed to be a subject she’d rather not discuss.
“So you like it around here?” I asked.
Brenda took a sip of wine and nodded. “Yes, very much. I really like my job and my coworkers have been kind and friendly. When we arrived here last year, we didn’t have much with us and people were so giving.”
I had a feeling there was a lot more to Brenda’s story than she wanted to discuss on our first time meeting each other.
“I’ve also found this to be a wonderful community.”
“Do you have family here? Is that why you chose Ormond Beach?” she asked.
“Actually, no. Chloe wasn’t really family but close enough.” I went on to explain about my father and Chloe and how Haley and I came to be here.
“Chloe sounds like a wonderful person. You were fortunate she took you under her wing and introduced you to Mavis Anne.”
