by Bria Marche
“Hello, gorgeous!” he said, as he took her in his arms. “I’ve missed you, Vic, and I’ll admit, I was pretty excited to get here.” Max kissed her softly at first, but the passion increased as she responded.
I wonder how long I can hold my breath. Vic thought about it as she melted in his arms. Max didn’t react negatively, so she assumed her breath was okay. “You want to go out back and mingle? My brother Mario got here yesterday, and he’s anxious to meet you,” Vic said. She desperately wanted to have a drink of something, anything. Alcohol has to smell better than vomit breath, she thought.
“Sure, lead the way,” Max said, as he squeezed her butt.
Vic giggled as she led Max by the hand to the patio. They joined the group, and she introduced Max to her neighbors, a few cousins that he hadn’t met at the wedding, and Mario. Vic also introduced Max to Aaron. Before she had the chance to say he was Mia’s boyfriend, Aaron stood up and shook Max’s hand. As Aaron was about to introduce Max to Mia, Max grinned, stepped to the side of Aaron and embraced Mia. The awkward silence seemed to last forever before Aaron spoke up. “Oh, you’ve already met?”
“Yeah, we’re old friends. Long time, no see. How are you, Mia?” Max teased.
Mia stammered with her face flushing bright red. “I’m fine, thanks. Can I get anyone a refill?” she asked, trying to escape the situation.
Aaron gave them each an odd look. “No thanks, honey, I think we all have full drinks. So how are you two acquainted?” he persisted, with a gulp of beer.
“I introduced them to each other several months ago. That was around the time Mia hurt her ankle,” Vic quickly interjected. The relief in Mia’s eyes was evident as that lie became the new truth. Aaron accepted the explanation and began talking to Max about living in Tarrytown all his life. He was happy to see Vic with a nice guy.
Confused, and ready to correct Vic, Max started to speak up when Mario joined the conversation. Mario pulled Max aside and explained how he wanted to discuss business opportunities with him next week. The two seemed to hit it off, which was a huge relief to Vic.
As the hostess, she needed to mingle. How the hell am I going to watch Max if I’m trying to keep everyone else entertained? Incorporating Sasha and Tina’s help will work, she thought. Tina introduced Sasha to more people as they both helped to keep the food, conversation and beverages flowing.
The tapping sound of the fork against a crystal wine glass got everyone’s attention. One by one they joined in until the ringing sound filled the backyard.
Vic stood, laughed, and silenced the crowd. She blew an air kiss to her best friend and began. She explained that although she didn’t really need a reason to host a long overdue party, this one did hold a special place in her heart. As Mario helped Vic unroll an enormous banner, she asked Aaron and Mia to stand. The banner read, “Congratulations, Mia and Aaron. It’s about damn time.” The crowd laughed and clapped as Vic explained that two of her dearest friends finally got it right. Aaron and Mia were a couple. Karen and Sasha appeared from the kitchen carrying a large sheet cake to set on the picnic table. The images in the frosting were the high school senior pictures of Aaron and Mia. A champagne toast to the newly outed couple was made by Mario who grew up close friends with Aaron.
Vic’s eyes scanned the crowd for Max. He stood at the far backyard, leaning against an oak tree, staring at Mia. Vic’s heart sank just watching him. It was obvious Max was blindsided about the party being in Aaron and Mia’s honor. Max, please, please get over her, Vic prayed. The joyful sounds of laughter faded into the background. The only thing Vic heard were her own temples pounding. In that moment, she was sure love would never be hers. I’m not as beautiful as Mia with her flawless figure and golden hair. Vic couldn’t stop staring at Max. He walked up to Mia as Vic watched, unable to look away. Mia turned to see who tapped her shoulder. It was Max, and he whispered something in her ear. She smiled and nodded in agreement. Max left with Mia following shortly afterward. They reconnected in the front yard where it was quiet enough to talk.
“Mia, I’m really happy for you and Aaron,” Max said, when they reached the driveway. “Follow me, I brought something for you.” Max led Mia over to the saddlebags of his Harley and pulled out a beautifully wrapped box. “The timing is weird, I’ll admit.”
“Why?” she asked, as he handed the gift to her.
“I had no idea this party was for you and Aaron. This gift is just a small token to show how much I appreciate you. Mia… you’re the only friend I’ve ever told my story to. You didn’t judge me either. Then, saying what you did that day in the park really hit me. You told the truth, that you loved Aaron, and we didn’t have a future together. You didn’t lead me on, or sugar coat anything. It was painful to hear, I won’t lie, but now I can move forward without wondering if we had a chance. You let me know where I stood, and I respect that. You let me down gracefully, and didn’t bruise my ego too much,” he said, with a laugh. “Anyway, I’m in a good place, and I have you to thank. Vic is a wonderful woman. I’m hoping for a future with her. Okay… I guess I’m babbling too much. So go ahead, open it. I wanted this moment to be private, just between you and me.”
“Max, you’re seriously going to make me cry,” Mia said, sniffling. “Give me your damn bandanna, will you?” Mia blew her nose in it, and they both laughed.
“Alright already, are you going to open the damn box, or what?” Max asked.
“Yes… okay, I’m opening it.” Mia gingerly pulled off the bow and unwrapped a white rectangular box. Inside, she found two porcelain figurines. One was a delicately winged, blonde nymph. She held the world in the palm of her hands. It was stunning. The other, was also a beautiful blonde woman with a camera around her neck, on crutches, with the word GRACE written at the base. Mia burst out laughing at the sight of it. “Are you trying to tell me something, smart ass? And, where in the world did you find these?”
Max laughed. “They’re custom made, but I am trying to make a point. In all sincerity, the first statue is what I really think of you. You’re exquisite and delicate. You have everything going for you. The world is your oyster, run with it. You deserve the best life has to offer, Mia. The second statue is just a reminder to keep your ego in check. Don’t forget how I rescued that clumsy photographer rolling down the hill with dirt and twigs in her mouth and hair. She was also swearing like a sailor while she tumbled, hitting every log and rock. I thought GRACE was an appropriate name after all.”
Mia laughed as she brushed away the tears of happiness. “I love you, Max, even though you’re absolutely crazy. Don’t forget, we’re friends forever.” Mia hugged him and kissed his cheek.
“I love you too, Mia. You’ve given me hope for the future.”
Vic saw the last few seconds between Max and Mia. She witnessed the hugs and kisses. She heard the expressions of love as she stood hidden from sight, behind the side gate. Tears pooled in her eyes, then dropped to wet her tank top. She turned and walked back to the party on the patio. The party that was meant for Mia and Aaron.
Chapter Seventeen
Darkness filled the evening sky as the festivities were winding down. The music volume was set lower, and the drinking and merriment mellowed. The outdoor hanging lights illuminated the backyard, creating enormous shadowy figures from the giant oaks. Friends lingered because nobody wanted to call it a night. The group relaxed around the fire pit, each with a beverage in hand. Couples sat side by side, fingers intertwined, yet Vic found a reason to sit next to Tina instead of Max.
Sasha described the house she planned to buy in Aaron’s neighborhood. The crowd oohed and aahed at the image she painted of it. They had to drive by and see the Victorian on Sunrise Avenue, Sasha said. It was to die for. She’d find out by Monday what the owners thought of her offer, according to Josh Redmond. Everyone laughed at the mention of his name. The ribbing and Redmond jokes lasted for fifteen minutes.
“He isn’t that bad anymore. He just needed to be put in his place a
little, and I took care of it,” Sasha said, proudly. “After knocking his ego down a few notches, he began working in a very professional manner,” she added, in Josh’s defense.
“Uh oh… he got to her with his slimy charm,” the neighbor said, with a chuckle.
“No he didn’t. I don’t have any feelings toward Josh Redmond. This is a professional relationship and nothing more,” Sasha said, determined to make everyone believe her.
“Yeah, you watch. Soon enough he’s going to ask you out, especially if the house deal goes through. You’ll owe it to him, in his mind. That’s the way Josh rolls, honey. He does it to every woman he meets,” Morey said.
“Eww… you’re grossing me out right now, Morey. I don’t want to talk about Josh. All I’m saying is the house could be mine very soon. It’s about the house, nothing else.”
“Yeah right, we’ll see.”
Mario elbowed Vic. He lifted his eyebrows and tipped his head toward Max as if to ask what was up between them. Vic shrugged her shoulders inconspicuously and brushed it off. She’d talk to her brother about it later.
Max tried to get Vic’s attention, but she avoided eye contact with him. What the hell is going on? Why is she ignoring me?
Max was confused by Vic’s lack of interest over the last few hours. He didn’t want to say anything in front of the guests, so when she excused herself to make a pot of coffee, Max followed her inside. Vic busied herself in the kitchen, her back turned toward him. Max sat at the table and waited. Vic sensed his stare, but continued filling the carafe with water. She poured the water in the pot, her hands shaking from nerves. The coffee filter was loaded with grounds, and she hit the on button. Now she had to find something else to do, or face Max and talk. She reached in the upper cabinet and pulled out all the coffee cups she had.
“Vic? What’s wrong? Are you mad at me for something? Can we talk?”
“The guests are waiting outside, Max. We can’t sit in the kitchen and ignore them. There’s nothing wrong, I’m fine.”
“I’m not fine. You’re pulling away from me tonight for some reason. Whatever this is needs to be discussed, and the sooner the better. If there’s some misunderstanding between us, I want to fix it.” Max rose from the table and walked over to her. He placed his hands gently on her shoulders. Her eyes were laser fixed on the coffeemaker. She wouldn’t turn around. Vic waited desperately for the hot brew to reach the twelve cup level on the carafe. She could escape then, back to the safety of her friends in the yard, with coffee in hand. Max continued talking as he set a large tray on the counter top and placed the coffee cups, spoons, sugar and creamer on it. “Please talk to me. I don’t want to end the night this way, not knowing what’s wrong.”
“I’ve already said nothing’s wrong.” The second drawer on the right contained the dishtowels and hot pads. Vic opened the drawer and pulled out a hot pad. The coffee pot beeped, signaling it was full. Vic lifted the carafe by the handle and stabilized it from beneath with the hot pad. “Are you coming?” she asked, as she walked toward the patio doors without looking back.
Max followed her only because he had the tray with the cups and condiments in his hands. He decided on one cup of coffee for the road, then he’d leave. It didn’t seem like he would get any answers from Vic tonight, and waiting for everyone to go home wasn’t an option. Max had no idea when that would be. The ride home wasn’t long, just a half hour, but he had his motorcycle, and the roads were dark. He drank the coffee, had a piece of cake with the remaining stragglers and said good night.
***
The two lane state highway was void of traffic. Other than Max’s solitary headlight guiding him to Peekskill, pitch darkness filled the winding road. The deep rumble of his Harley was the only sound on that lonely stretch of highway. He was thankful for that cup of coffee, realizing it was two a.m. now, and the quantity of beer he drank earlier made him tired. Thoughts of Vic distracted him as he drove. I want a relationship and a family. I’m thirty-seven years old for God’s sake. I think I’m a decent guy, but she’s pushing me away for some reason. His mind overflowed with doubt. Maybe I should forget about her and go back to enjoying what I’ve been doing for thirteen years. The kids love me and I have a great time with them on the hiking trails. I was content until I met Mia and Vic. I hadn’t even thought about a relationship until then.
It was too late when he saw what stood ahead of him. He hit the brakes. The deer froze in the middle of the road. There wasn’t enough time to swerve as he skidded into it, hitting it dead center. Max flew over the handlebars and landed in a brush filled ditch. His Harley lay on its side in a ravine a hundred feet ahead of him. Max, buried among the weeds lay motionless, and time moved too slowly. A low pitched groan indicated he was regaining consciousness. He opened his eyes to total darkness. Max reached in his pocket to retrieve his cell phone, then realized he put it in the saddlebag of his motorcycle before driving away. Shit! I need my phone, but it’s so dark I’ll never find it. Max knew he wasn’t okay. His legs and head were throbbing. He reached up and felt a wet, sticky substance matting his hair. It was blood, and Max knew he had a significant head injury. There has to be a way to get to my bike before I pass out. Sharp, agonizing pains shooting through his legs made it impossible to stand. The throbbing in his head and buzzing in his ears intensified until he lost consciousness again.
They cautiously drove the dark road after a night out with friends. Billy and Erica Mathis had ten miles to go before they reached home and the comfort of their king sized bed. They were tired. Billy drove with his brights on since this stretch of road between towns was remote and dark with tree cover.
“What the hell is that?” he asked, as he tapped the brakes. He slowed down to see a deer lying dead in the middle of the road.
“That could really be dangerous, Billy. Anyone could hit it.”
“Well, evidently somebody did,” he replied. Billy stopped the car in the road with the headlights shining directly at the deer. “Look, Erica, there’s a skid mark and debris here too. We have to take a closer look. I need to get the car off the road first.” He backed the car up until he reached the gravel shoulder. Billy jumped out and left the headlights on, aiming directly at the deer. “Grab the flashlight out of the glove box, babe. Let’s check this out.” He realized as they got closer that the skid mark came from a single row of tires.
“This had to be a motorcycle accident. Hitting a deer on a bike can’t have a good outcome. We better look around.”
They called out, but only heard the sound of a lone owl hooting in the night. It was eerily quiet along that dark road. Billy scanned the shoulder and noticed ruts caused by something going off into the woods. He aimed the flashlight in that direction and saw the shine of chrome bouncing off his light. “Over here, Erica. I think I found the motorcycle. Call 911, this can’t be good.” Billy and Erica ran through the brush toward the motorcycle as she was being connected to the nearest police station, just south, in Croton-on-Hudson.
“Hello, my name is Erica Mathis and my husband and I just came upon an accident on State Highway 9,” she told the dispatch operator.
“How many people are involved, and what is your location ma’am?” the dispatcher asked.
“We’re halfway between Sleepy Hollow and Peekskill. I have no idea how many people are involved. A motorcycle hit a deer, but we haven’t found the driver yet. Please, you have to send an ambulance. We already found the motorcycle, but nobody was near it.”
“Okay ma’am, stay put and don’t touch anything. Keep calling out and listen for a response. We have to dispatch an ambulance from Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Peekskill. Somebody will be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Billy, should we drag the deer off the road so nobody hits it again?” Erica asked.
“The dispatcher said not to touch anything, hon. We’ll just shine the flashlight if we see headlights approaching. That’s all we can do for now. We have to keep calling out too.”
Two squad cars arrived within ten minutes. Billy flagged them down with the headlights of the car while Erica kept searching near the Harley. The officers pulled off to the side of the road, set up flares and got as much information as possible from the couple. They had hand held spotlights, and the search began. Within minutes, the sound of sirens got closer. Between all involved, there were seven people searching for Max near the motorcycle as he lay unconscious one hundred feet away in the ditch. With no luck in the vicinity of the bike, they widened the search area. Ten minutes later, one of the officers heard a muffled sound coming from behind them.
“Everyone, stop what you’re doing and listen,” he said, anxiously.
They stopped moving and listened, ears perked. They were afraid to take a breath or snap a twig. Again, a groan sounded behind them.
“Back here,” the officer said, aiming the spotlight toward the ditch behind them.
They carefully walked the shoulder pointing their lights in the ditch until they saw him.
