"Yeah. It was his mother’s best friend’s daughter. They’d been married for ages – high school sweethearts, the whole deal. But… they were on the verge of leaving each other when I came around. I met him at the tail end of things. I always leave that part out when I explain how we met. It makes it seem like I’m a home wrecker, which I’m not. They just weren’t meant to be together. We didn’t do… anything… until we knew they were on the same page about everything. They got officially divorced two weeks before we got engaged. Like I said, it happens. We can’t control fate, you know?"
"What happened to Henry’s ex-wife?"
"She remarried and had two kids in four years. I’d say everything worked out for the best in the end."
"Wow. That’s crazy. I can’t picture it."
"Life is crazy. It doesn’t care about any of that. When you meet the one, you know."
"Yeah, I guess you’re right. But I stand by my convictions. I don’t like Alec in that way." It was true. He was just… slightly interesting to me. I wanted to know more about him. I was curious. I was drawn to him in a weird way.
"OK, I believe you, I guess. I’m just saying, don’t rule anything out. That’s all." She stood to leave. "Just something to think about. Shall we go down to dinner together?"
We walked down arm in arm and I tried not to notice or care that Alec was nowhere to be seen that night at dinner.
***
July 2014
I spent the next three weeks helping Helen and George with the new computer. We got it set up at the check-in desk, and I had someone come out and install Internet. It took longer than we expected because it was such an old house, but pretty soon things were up and running. I set up a Twitter and Facebook account for Parc-Le-Bouveret, and we added the links to their outdated website. I promised I would update the website while I was here. I also said goodbye to the Braines, who I was sad to see go, as well as Lucy and Ted. I was happy to see them go.
I barely had time to eat. Bringing Parc-Le-Bouveret up to speed was a full-time job. I loved every second of it because it was a cause I could get behind. I felt good knowing that I was helping Helen and George bring in more business. There was so much to do. I called the contacts I knew at various travel websites and had Parc-Le-Bouveret blurbed on various blogs. I even invited a few Welsh bloggers to come stay here for free, in return for free press. Helen and George thought that was a great idea, even though neither of them knew what a blogger was. I called some local television and newspaper stations to put the word out, as well as a few other stations in major British cities to attract locals looking for a weekend getaway. I even called a few contacts I had at various television stations and newspapers in major cities around the world.
New guests came and went, and I helped check them in using the new system I’d set up on the computer. We now had a way to enter the credit card number into the computer, so there was no use for the credit card manual imprinter. I helped them learn how to use everything, and the first time they successfully booted up the sturdy PC by themselves was extremely exciting for all of us. I barely saw any of the other employees. Helen paid me every Friday in cash. It was more than I expected to get, but she insisted she pay me for full-time. She also said that they’d gotten a lot of business so far, so they wanted to give me a performance bonus. I had no idea what to do with the cash, because I needed both a work visa and a sponsorship from Parc-Le-Bouveret in order to open a bank account here. For the time being, I kept the cash in a jar that Katie had lent me. It would do for now.
Sometimes I took a break from the job after work and logged in to my email, which I tried to check at least a few times a week. I always had tons of emails from various friends and family members. I guessed the word had spread about my departing the U.S. for Wales, and since I hadn’t given anyone a return date or a contact number, everyone was emailing me to figure out if I was OK and when I’d be home and to CALL THEM A.S.A.P.
The latter came from my mother. In hindsight, I should’ve called her when I first arrived. I responded to her email quickly, letting her know that I was OK but that I needed some time to process everything that had happened with Harry. I realized she probably didn’t even know we were separated, so I added a postscript saying he decided to leave me. I gave her the main telephone number for the Parc in case of an emergency, and told her that even though I wasn’t checking my email regularly, that I was fine. During these email check-ins, I also officially resigned from my job.
Working with Helen and George made me realize that I liked working for a small business. I loved every aspect of what I did, which was refreshing. I helped Katie post weekly recipes in a simple blog I’d started for her, to get her some press, thereby bringing in clients to the Parc. I took some pictures of Alec and the horses, and updated the website with new images. I even made sure to feature Henry on the front page, as I was sure people, specifically women, would pay attention to that. Mary helped me draw a map of the area for future guests, and I made sure to put a star next to the pub, to also bring them more business.
I emailed Amara with as many updates as I could think of whenever I found the time. I also asked her to please tell Anna thank you for driving my car back to my house, and for being the courageous fire underneath me that I’d so desperately needed last month. I also gave her my contact info. She and Sam had had an amazing honeymoon in Portugal. They were looking into buying a small beach house there to use as a vacation home.
Every time I checked my email, I looked for an email from Harry. It never came. I was a little stung, because I’d briefly asked him to email me about anything urgent or, more specifically, if he wanted to talk. Clearly, he didn’t. I knew he was done with our relationship, and so was I, but he’d given up so easily. It bothered me. I wouldn’t be able to shake that, even if he did ever want to reconcile. I wondered how long he’d been unhappy. I wondered how long I’d been unhappy. It was July 14th — officially one month since he’d left me. I’d looked into staying in Wales for a little while longer, and had found out that I could stay up to six months legally. I told myself that I’d reevaluate at three months, and maybe travel a bit more before going back to L.A.
Mary walked in at the end of the day. We hung out for a while, and she mentioned she was having a party that night at the pub. They did it every month, or, at least they tried to, so that the Parc guests could have a real "night out" in Wales.
"You should definitely come. Helen and George rent out a small bus to take all of the guests, or you could hitch a ride with Alec."
"Let me guess – he rides his horse."
"Ha! I wish. No, he drives his truck."
"OK, I’ll be there." I was excited. I had something to wear my red dress for, even if it was a small pub party in middle-of-nowhere Wales.
"Great!" She gave me a big hug, lingering for a few seconds, before pulling away and waving goodbye.
Our relationship had grown tenfold in the month that I’d been in Wales. We saw each other a few times a week. Usually, she would just show up at my room with drinks, which was exactly my style. We would lay on my bed and gossip, mostly about the other Parc staff, but also about American politics, celebrities, and Henry’s parents, who Mary loved, but who also drove her a little bit crazy. I never brought up Alec, and whenever she did I would change the subject. I was afraid of what I might admit.
I’d seen Alec here and there, at dinner, or in the stables from my window when I woke up in the morning, but we hadn’t spoken since that day in Swansea. I’d gotten into the habit of drinking my coffee in my room while I watched him outside (I’d also started drinking coffee again. Quitting coffee was a noble gesture, but something I definitely could not stick to). Once, I saw Alec and a female guest riding on the same horse, and I later learned that she had also been on a horse that had spooked, and she was too scared to ride by herself the rest of the way. I felt a pang of jealousy when Katie told me this. I wasn't special. He let anyone ride with him: even beautiful, brunette wo
men who were here alone. I tried so hard not to ask about her, but I wanted to know her deal. She sat next to Alec at dinner every night that she was there. I tried to ignore it, but it bothered me in the same way as when the female waitress had flirted with Alec in Swansea – I thought it was tacky and unprofessional. I may have been a little jealous.
After Mary left, I checked my email for the first time that day. It was 4:30 p.m., a late work day by Welsh standards. I had an email from Harry. I perked up and opened it, reading it quickly. It was short and succinct:
Hey Charlotte,
Just checking in. I spoke with a divorce lawyer here. Seems pretty straightforward. Let me know when you’re back in town and we can meet with him to divide our assets.
Thanks,
Harry
So, that was it. We were getting a divorce. Which is what I wanted, but I hadn’t thought seriously about it since I’d been in Wales. I didn’t know what I had expected – of course he would want to move on, and quickly. I logged out without replying. I didn’t know what to say just yet. I didn’t want to think about it right now. I just wanted to have fun and go to the party with my friends.
I checked the time – almost 5:00. Mary’s party started at 7:00. I had two hours to get ready. Not nearly enough time, in my opinion. I’d decided to take the shuttle to the party with the other guests, and had reserved my spot with Helen. She had told me it was departing at 6:50.
One good thing about being an employee at Parc-Le-Bouveret was that I had access to the refrigerator and kitchen, to use whenever I pleased. I ducked in, waving at Katie, who was preparing dinner to go, and grabbed some coffee. I also made a sandwich. I knew the Parc was offering dinner at the pub tonight, which is where Katie was heading, but I was starving as I’d skipped lunch that day to expand their Twitter reach.
I ate my sandwich on my way to my room. I was mid-bite when a glob of mustard fell onto my new, light yellow mohair sweater from Mary. It was my favorite article of clothing that she’d brought over. I’d already worn it six times in three weeks, usually pairing it with the flared jeans and the wedges. I was too busy trying to wipe the mustard off to notice Alec, and I almost fell over when I ran into him full speed.
"Ow! Oh, sowwy," I mumbled, food in my mouth, slightly embarrassed that he was seeing me with mustard on my shirt and a mouth full of sandwich.
"It’s OK. Hey, are you going to Mary’s party?"
"Yeah, I was planning on it," I said, after I swallowed the mass of bread in my mouth. I wiped the crumbs off of my face.
"Me too. So, I’ll see you there then." He started to walk away.
"Yeah, I guess so." I tried to sound casual, slowly backing away towards my room.
"Bye," he said, with his hands in his pockets. Was he… being shy? He was acting shy. He was acting… weird.
"Oh, Alec?"
He turned to face me.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for telling Mary that I needed clothes a few weeks ago. I really appreciate it."
"Oh. It was no big deal. I was already heading over there to see Henry anyways. I just casually mentioned it to Mary."
"Well, thank you."
We stood there, about ten feet away from each other in the hallway, just looking at one another. I felt my heart speed up. I looked like an idiot standing there with food all over myself. I was carrying my massive sandwich in one hand and my coffee in the other. Alec looked so good. I hadn’t noticed before, but as I stood there looking at him, I noticed he was dressed up. He was wearing a white button up shirt, black slacks, and socks but no shoes. I smiled, and so did he. And then, suddenly, he went into a room three doors down from me. He'd been three doors down from me this entire time.
I was still processing this as I went into my room, shut the door, and ate the rest of my sandwich, drinking my coffee quickly. Alec had been thirty feet away for a month. Why did that information interest me so much? What would I have done if I’d known that sooner? Nothing, I’m sure, but still… my face flushed as I thought of him sleeping so near me every night for the last month.
I had a lot to do before I left for the party. I started a bath. I had time for a relaxing bath before having to get ready. I took off all of my clothes and looked at my body in the mirror. Not much had changed in the month I’d been here, but I was definitely softer than before. I resolved to start running. I had Mary’s running hand me downs. I didn’t have any excuses. I would possibly even start running with her some mornings. I missed the feeling of my legs carrying me wherever I wanted to go. Some people hated running, but I didn’t view it as exercise. For me, it was therapeutic. It made me feel whole and balanced.
I clipped my hair up as I’d already washed and blow-dried it earlier in the day, and stepped in to the almost too scalding water. I sat down and relaxed, letting the silence envelop me. I thought about Alec, and the fact that he would be at the party. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him. It was confusing for me, because on the one hand, I thought he was kind of a jerk. I started to seethe when I thought of him laughing with that brunette guest last week. But then he would go and do something like he had a few weeks ago, telling Mary to bring me clothes. I thought that had been very nice of him. Also, Mary had said he cared about me. What did that mean? Before I drove myself crazy, I vowed to stop overanalyzing. He cared about me as a friend. Obviously that was the answer. But… he’d also called me beautiful that day in the truck. And he said I was sexy. No. I had to stop. Tonight was about having fun, NOT about Alec.
I got out of the tub and got ready slowly, just the way I liked. I hated rushing. I kept my hair pinned up as I slathered lotion all over my arms and legs. It was a warm night, which was good because I planned on wearing my new dress. I put on my sexiest black lace underwear and matching see-through bra, and slipped into the dress. It was a thick, red material with velvet, maroon paisley spotted all over it, and it had a fitted bodice and flared out at my waist. I zipped it up on the side. It fell to mid-thigh. The dress fit perfectly for not having tried it on at Bloomingdale’s, and also considering I had put on a few pounds since being here. I put the light black cardigan on, which was nice against the material of the dress. Then I slipped into the black stilettos from Amara’s wedding.
I left my hair down, but pinned back a section on one side, twisting it around to the back of my ear. I sprayed some hair spray to give it some wave. Next, I put on a light coat of foundation, some powder, blush, a bit of eyeliner, and mascara. I topped the look off with earrings and red lipstick that somehow matched my dress perfectly. I checked myself out in the mirror. I looked almost as good as I had at Amara’s wedding. The red in the dress accentuated my pale skin, and my lipstick brought out my eyes. I swished some mouthwash, keeping tabs on the time. 6:47. Perfect. I grabbed my lipstick, tucked it into the pocket of my cardigan, and my keys. I double-checked everything. I was ready. I stepped out into the hallway.
All of the lights were off. I blinked, disoriented. I checked my room clock. 6:48. The shuttle hadn’t left yet… had it? I locked my door quickly and went to the check-in desk. No one was there. As I headed out the front door, I realized with a sickening feeling that they’d left without me. There was no one around. I checked the common room. No one was there. The dining room was empty as well. Suddenly, I heard shuffling in the kitchen. The fact that everyone was gone, and the kitchen was dark, put me off for a minute. Who was in there? It could easily turn in to some kind of horror movie. I walked towards the swinging doors and slowly opened them. Alec stood in front of the refrigerator, gazing in. It was dark, but I was pretty sure it was him.
"Where is everybody?"
My voice startled him. He jumped about a foot in the air and his coffee went flying all over his shirt.
"Jesus, Charlotte. I was just about to come get you."
"What?"
"Helen had the shuttle run down a little earlier. She asked me to take you to the party."
Huh. Suddenly, it was all starting to make sense. I had a feel
ing that George and Helen getting the shuttle to leave a little early was not out of convenience, but because then I’d have to drive with Alec.
"I see. I guess you’ll need a new shirt, huh?" I said, gesturing to his now stained white button-up.
"Yeah, I suppose so. Let’s go to my room really quick. And then we’ll head out. Sound good?"
"Sure."
He walked past me; not looking at me, and quickly opened the kitchen doors, holding them open for me as I walked through. The lights were still off, and as we walked down the hall side by side, I realized… we were alone. My mind started thinking all kinds of dirty thoughts I didn’t know I possessed about Alec. Well, that wasn’t true. It was hard not to think those things about him. He looked particularly handsome tonight. He’d brushed his hair back, and he had a thin shadow of scruff; he’d shaved recently but it had grown out just the perfect amount. He was still wearing a white button-up and black trousers. He had on black dress shoes. He looked… really good. The suit accentuated his muscular build, and it was slim-fitting, giving him a very modern, cool vibe. I couldn’t help but check out his luscious butt, cocking my head ever so slightly to get a better look. But still, we were friends. Friends didn’t think about each other’s butts. I also probably shouldn’t have been thinking of grabbing Alec, pushing him against the wall, and making love to him, but I was thinking about it. Oops. We stopped in front of his room, three doors down from mine.
"I didn’t know you lived here," I said, gesturing to the guest rooms. What I meant to say was, I didn’t know you were so close to me all this time.
"It’s convenient for the horses." He unbuttoned his shirt as he unlocked his door.
We stepped inside, and he turned on a dim light next to the bed. It was a man cave if there ever was one. It was bigger than my room, and it had a mini-kitchen off to one side. The bed was made, which was nice, and I noticed he was actually quite tidy, taking in the various aspects of the room. A small liquor bar with bottles of different kinds of whiskey stood on one side, and a bookshelf on the other. It was filled with books. In fact, there were a ton of books lying around. Some were stacked on his dresser, and a couple more were propped up on a small desk. On his dresser, I saw his wallet, and a picture of an older woman. I got a little closer without drawing attention to myself. It must’ve been his mom. They had the same dark eyes. Maroon curtains hung over the windows, and a leather chair stood next to the bed. It smelled like soap in here. He had three pairs of boots lined up by the door.
The Foretelling (Charlotte Bloom #1) Page 15
