Secret Indiscretions

by Trice Hickman

The mention of Samuel Owens’s name sent a tingle through Geneva, and she wanted to learn more about him, but she knew she had to be discreet about her interest. “Do you think Dr. Owens’s changes will help?”

  “Oh yes. Since coming to Sandhill he’s made tremendous inroads, and now this school is the pride of our district. He’s a good administrator and he genuinely cares about making a difference in the lives of families through education. He’s the real deal.”

  “He sounds like a good person.”

  Stella winked. “Between you and me, if he was single I’d jump on his wagon and ride into the sunset.”

  Geneva raised her brow.

  “Hey, you asked.” Stella chuckled. “He’s a handsome man, don’t you think?”

  Geneva didn’t know what to say, so she simply smiled and nodded. “I met him briefly during the open house last week and he seems to be all those things you said.”

  “Like I said, he’s the real deal.”

  Geneva’s mind quickly went back to last week. She distinctly remembered looking at Samuel’s left hand when she’d met him at the open house, but she didn’t recall seeing a ring on his finger. “Did you say he’s married?” she asked.

  “From what I understand, he is. But it’s a weird situation.”

  Geneva’s brow went up again. “How so?”

  “Well, for starters, his wife never attends any school events, and no one ever sees the two of them out together.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Mrs. Johnston is the only person I know who’s actually met his wife, and that was by chance when she had to deliver some papers to Dr. Owens’s house last year when he came down with the flu and was out for a whole week.”

  “That’s, um, interesting.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  After a few minutes of quick and harmless gossip, Geneva hugged Stella goodbye and told her she’d see her over the weekend for her appointment at the salon. She walked inside the front office, turned in her visitor’s badge, and thanked Mrs. Johnston for her kindness before making her way toward the front entrance to leave the building. She was a little disappointed that she didn’t get a chance to see Samuel beyond the quick glimpse of him that she’d spied from the parking lot this morning, but she was grateful for the information that Stella had shared, and for the rewarding moments spent with the children.

  Just as she was about to walk out the door she heard someone call her name. And it wasn’t just any someone, it was the someone she’d been hoping she’d get a chance to talk to since last week.

  Geneva turned around slowly and smiled when she saw Samuel Owens walking toward her. She’d been thinking about and hoping for this moment, but now that it had arrived she felt nervous, especially when she thought about how she’d flirted with him. Ironically, like the book she’d just read, Geneva felt small butterflies dance in the pit of her stomach. “Hello, Dr. Owens,” she managed to pull from her tongue. “It’s good to see you, again.”

  He smiled. “Likewise. How did everything go with Ms. Redmond’s class?”

  She was impressed that he knew which class she’d been assigned to, but it also made her wonder how a man as busy as he was, running a fairly large school, could possibly know the assignments of the volunteers at Sandhill. Then a small voice told her that maybe he didn’t keep up with every volunteer. Maybe he was only keeping up with her. “It went well and I really enjoyed it,” she said.

  He nodded. “I’m glad you did, and I’m sure the children, as well as Ms. Redmond, equally enjoyed you.”

  “I hope so,” she responded, feeling bashful. “None of the children fell asleep and they actually asked questions.”

  “First graders are an interesting mix. They’re not newbies like the kindergarteners but they’re still raw and somewhat delicate.”

  “Yes, and they’re not afraid to ask questions or speak up.”

  He chuckled. “Not in the least. They’re bold and unafraid of anything. That’s what makes them so special.”

  Geneva wondered if he and his wife had children, and beyond that, she was curious to know the real state of his marriage. Was he happy but private, or was he like her, existing in a troubled situation while going about everyday life? But she once again remembered the flirting and warm smiles they’d shared the week before, and she thought she had a general idea of his present state. “Children are amazing,” she offered.

  “Yes, they are, and they soak up everything around them.” He looked deeply into her eyes. “I’m sure you left an impression on them.”

  Geneva smiled nervously, feeling warm from the way his eyes seemed to read hers. She discreetly glanced down at his left hand, and just as she remembered, his ring finger was bare. They stood in silence and surprisingly, the longer they were next to each other, the more comfortable Geneva became.

  “Ms. Mayfield, I have a few tasks to complete this morning, but while I have a free moment, may I walk you to your car?”

  There was something about Samuel that made Geneva feel a kind of excitement she hadn’t experienced in a long time. She liked the way he paid attention to her and asked questions that showed he was genuinely interested in what she had to say.

  Just a short time ago she’d longed for this type of feeling from Johnny. But today, in this very moment, her husband was the farthest thing from her mind. As she walked beside Samuel, admiring the strong carriage of his gait, the gentleness of his spirit, and the calm presence and confidence he exuded, something inside her told her that her path was getting ready to change in ways she couldn’t have dreamed of just a week ago. When they reached her car she was both disappointed and relieved.

  “Thank you for walking me to my car,” Geneva said with a smile.

  “It’s my pleasure, and it’s the least I can do in return for your generous gift of time and service to Sandhill.”

  “Volunteering with children is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time, but as I said last week, my schedule has been so hectic that it’s been hard to take on extra activities. But I’m glad I finally took the plunge because I knew it was time for me to find a way to do things that give my life more meaning.”

  Samuel smiled. “That’s inspiring and such a wonderful way to look at things. You’re seizing your moment.”

  “I guess I am.”

  Samuel smiled again and looked down at the round solitaire on her left hand. “I remember you said you don’t have a child at this school . . .”

  “I don’t have children . . . period.”

  Geneva was surprised when Samuel’s facial expression didn’t change. Usually when people found out that she wasn’t a mother, their reaction was often one of surprise. She knew that as a woman in her mid-thirties who’d been married for several years it was an unusual situation to be in, and one that she’d never thought would be her reality.

  “That makes your volunteerism even more meaningful,” Samuel said. “And again, I thank you for your time, Mrs. Mayfield.”

  She noticed that he’d now called her Mrs. instead of Ms., after looking down at her ring finger. She felt a battle going on inside of her head, but one thing she knew for sure was that she needed to correct him as she’d done with Stella. “Please call me Geneva.”

  “That’s a beautiful name,” he said and then paused. “It suits you.”

  She blushed. “Thank you. And how about you? Do you have children?”

  “No, I don’t.” Samuel’s smile quickly faded. His eyes fell to the ground, and it was clear that he was uncomfortable. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. His relaxed shoulders had stiffened and his overall body language had changed. But then, within a matter of seconds his mood seemed to shift, returning to its relaxed state. Geneva wondered what was going on in his head.

  Samuel crossed his arms and leaned against Geneva’s driver’s side door. “Actually, my wife and I are estranged. We’ve had problems in our marriage for a long time, practically from the beginning, and now things have come to
a head.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Geneva said, surprised by his candor.

  “It’s okay. It took me a long time to realize that no matter how hard you try, some things just can’t be fixed.”

  Geneva blinked rapidly, not knowing what to say. She studied Samuel’s face, and his assured expression let her know that his mind was made up. She knew that because it was the same expression she’d had on her own face when she looked in the mirror this morning, and that knowledge put her even more at ease with the feelings stirring inside her. And because he’d taken the first step to open up about his private life, she wanted to know more. “So you don’t think there’s a chance of working things out?”

  Samuel shook his head. “As you know, marriage is work, and it takes two people who’re willing to put forth the effort to make it successful. At one point, very early on, I was willing, but not anymore. Too much has happened and my feelings have changed.”

  Geneva nodded because she completely understood.

  “I can’t believe I just told you that,” he said. “We’ve only met once before, and I barely even know you. But I feel very comfortable talking with you, and despite how clichéd this might sound, I feel like we’ve known each other much longer. It’s such a relief to be able to share this with someone.”

  Geneva nodded again and this time she smiled, letting him know she felt the same way, too. Then, without another thought, she began to unload her own burdens. “It doesn’t sound clichéd, and I know how you feel about your marriage because I’m in the same situation.”

  Geneva and Samuel stood in the parking lot, under the late summer morning sun and shared snippets of their personal stories.

  Samuel gave her a look of knowing when Geneva told him that her husband had basically checked out of their marriage by neglecting her feelings and taking her for granted. “He stays out late, six nights a week, and on the rare occasions when he’s home, he barely holds a conversation without it turning into an argument,” she said, releasing the burden of loneliness she’d been carrying. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Like yours, my marriage has been troubled from the beginning. I’ve tried my best to make it work, but as you said, it takes two people who want to put forth the effort, and that’s not and won’t be happening in my case.”

  “I don’t mean to sound harsh,” Samuel said as he wiped a small stream of sweat from his brow, “but your husband is a fool. You’re a beautiful woman, not just physically, but also in character, which is most important. The thoughtfulness you’ve demonstrated just by volunteering says a lot about who you are, and it’s a shame that he doesn’t appreciate you.”

  “Thank you,” Geneva said.

  They continued to share their most private experiences, and with every small detail they revealed, and each minute that passed, it became clear to Geneva that something special was happening between them.

  Samuel looked up at the bright sky and smiled. “This is the best conversation I’ve had in a very long time.”

  “Me too. This time last week my mind was in a very different place. I was unhappy and frustrated, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to move forward. But today I feel completely different. I’m refreshed and focused,” she said, speaking with the conviction of a woman on a mission. “I know I deserve better, and I’m gonna make sure I get it.”

  Samuel tilted his head, unfolded his arms, and looked into Geneva’s eyes without blinking. “I believe we’ll both get what we want, and when we do, we should celebrate . . . together.”

  Her ears could barely believe what she was hearing, but his tone and body language, which were both decidedly serious and sensual, let her know that it was real. Geneva’s heart raced fast. She was beginning to see that not only was Samuel a man of great intellect, he had an understated sexy side that was direct and honest, and it made her even more attracted to him.

  “I’m curious,” he said, breaking her from her thoughts. “What do you think made you finally decide that enough is enough?”

  Geneva brought her right hand to her chin and pondered the question as if trying to answer a riddle. He’d just asked her about something that she’d been avoiding the answer to for a very long time, and it was in that moment that for the first time she admitted the hard truth of what she’d always known deep in her heart. “I got tired of my husband sleeping in other women’s beds.” She shook her head and let out a deep breath. “I’ve turned a blind eye and deaf ears to the truth for years, but now I can’t do it anymore. Last week he stayed out all night and didn’t even come home. That was the proverbial straw.”

  “Some grown men are really just boys in disguise, and it sounds like your husband is one of them.”

  “My girlfriend, Donetta, would give you a high five if she heard you say that.”

  “It’s true.”

  “How about you? What made you come to your decision?”

  He began to speak without hesitation. “The night before the open house I was sitting in my den, eating dinner alone, as I’d done countless times, and I knew right then that my marriage was over, and that there was something better for me. The next day I felt the same way and later that evening my feelings were confirmed.”

  “What happened?”

  Samuel paused for a moment and then smiled. “I looked across the room and saw you.”

  The blazing sun and stifling humidity couldn’t match the heat that Geneva felt from Samuel’s words. She was taken aback and didn’t know what to say.

  “I’m doing it again,” Samuel said, “telling you things that I wouldn’t normally dare mention, but what I just said is completely true. And I have to confess that after the open house I read over your application”—he winked—“because I wanted to know more about you.”

  “Really?” She was flattered, and she found his open admission irresistible.

  “Yes. I was confused about your marital status. You were wearing a ring like you are now, but you left the space for name of spouse blank, and you wrote your friend’s name down as your emergency contact.”

  Geneva looked down at the embellished jewels on her sandals, trying to focus on anything other than the desire and excitement she felt building inside her. Samuel had just told her that she was the reason he felt hopeful, and alive, and free. He hadn’t said those exact words, but she knew that was how he felt, and again, she knew because she felt the same way.

  “I hope I haven’t offended you,” Samuel said quietly. “You’re a volunteer, and I apologize if I’m putting you in an uncomfortable position. I just felt compelled to express this to you.”

  “No,” she said softly. “I’m not offended at all, so please don’t mistake my silence for discomfort. Actually, I feel quite the opposite.”

  “Now it’s my turn to say, ‘really?’” Samuel said with relief.

  The fact that he was still smiling made Geneva feel comfortable, and more at ease. Even though she was riding high on the excitement of her and Samuel’s connection, she was cognizant enough to know that the parking lot in front of the school wasn’t the best place to have the type of soul-revealing conversation that her brief chat with Samuel had turned in to.

  “Thanks again for walking me to my car,” Geneva said. “I’m glad we were able to talk, and on that note, we should probably end our conversation, because from what I’ve been told, there are probably teachers looking out their classroom windows right now, wondering why you’ve been outside talking to a volunteer this long.”

  “Excellent point, and you’re right.”

  After he closed her door, Geneva rolled down her driver’s side window and fastened her seatbelt. “I enjoyed our conversation, Samuel.”

  “So did I.” He reached into his jacket and pulled out a business card. “Please keep in touch.”

  Geneva took the card and placed it in the outer compartment of her handbag. “Thank you, Samuel. I definitely will.”

  As she drove off and headed down the street away from the school, G
eneva had a smile on her face that she could hardly contain. But little did she know that before the sun went down tonight, her smile would be turned upside down along with life as she’d known it.

  Chapter 14

  SAMUEL

  Samuel walked back into his office with purpose in his step and a happy look on his face that he hadn’t felt since becoming principal at Sandhill. It was amazing to him how one person could make such a huge difference in another person’s life. He knew it was a stretch to say that Geneva Mayfield was the sole reason why a wake-up call had sounded loudly in his head and heart, giving him the impetus to make a long-overdue change in his life, but the plain truth was that she was a big part of why he was sure that it was time to end his marriage.

  As Samuel sat at his cherry wood desk, trying to concentrate on the small mountain of paperwork that had already accumulated in the far left corner, his mind fought to stay focused on his tasks at hand instead of on Geneva. He was disappointed when he confirmed that she was indeed married, but it didn’t deter him, especially given what she’d told him about her situation at home. Her marriage seemed just as bad as his, and he knew by the look in her eyes that she was determined to make a drastic change. She hadn’t gone as far to say that she was going to leave her husband, but she didn’t have to. The subtle words she’d spoken let Samuel know what she intended to do, and unless he was very wrong, he also knew that she was interested in him.

  He replayed their conversation in his mind and smiled to himself as he remembered the joy he’d seen in Geneva’s eyes as she described her experience reading with the children this morning. The fact that she didn’t have children of her own was puzzling to him because she was clearly the caring, nurturing type, thus the reason she was volunteering at Sandhill. Everything about her excited him. He’d taken notice of how sexy she looked in her vibrant, yellow-colored sundress that hugged her in all the right places, and how her short, shiny black hair was perfectly coiffed, giving her a stylishly edgy look. When she smiled, it felt brighter than the sun that had beamed overhead, and it made him want her right there in the parking lot.