After Marcia picked Alan up, they went to her place to get supplies for the picnic. Her home was a modest ranch with a big backyard located near the downtown area. Its furnishings echoed those of her bar to some extent—antique furniture and items of nostalgia throughout the house. Alan realized how real and down to earth Marcia seemed to be, not unlike Julie had been. It was little wonder why he felt so comfortable in her presence.
Once everything was packed up in her car, Marcia drove them to an area outside of town where a gravel road wound along a good-sized creek. A half hour later, they pulled off onto a narrow dirt road leading to a meadow. They parked and went down a steep bank and laid out a blanket on a sand bar. Marcia pulled out the bottle of chilled white wine and smiled, then handed it to Alan.
“Mind opening this?’ she said.
“Got a corkscrew?”
“Right here,” she replied, pulling one out from the bag.
Alan removed the cork while Marcia got out a couple of plastic wine glasses.
“At least they have the right shape,” she said, holding the glasses while Alan poured.
“Nothing worse than drinking from an unshapely vessel.”
She laughed. “You got that right!”
“I propose a toast,” Alan said. “To the beautiful girl I just met who has somehow managed in a very short time to make me forget how lousy I was feeling an hour ago.”
“Why thank you, sir.” Marcia held out her glass. “And to the handsome man I just met who seems too good to be true.”
They tipped their glasses and drank. The wine tasted slightly acidic and very dry, the way Alan liked it. “Very tasty.”
“It’s my favorite.”
Alan took another sip and drank in their surroundings. The creek’s current was swift and made a gurgling sound as it ran over some rocks jutting out of the water. The trees lining the creek were just beginning to change color in places, hinting the approach of autumn. A cool breeze made the branches sway amidst the rustling sound of leaves.
It was beautiful.
His eyes went to Marcia, who had been staring at him. She had a little smile on her face and her eyes seemed full of life. She put her hand on his leg and lay her head on his shoulder. Alan set his wine glass down and took her in his arms. She looked up at him and they kissed. It was the first time he had kissed anyone since Julie had passed away. He felt his heart thumping hard in his chest as he realized that this kiss had been just what he had needed all of this time.
Several moments later, they helped each other out of their clothes and made love. For the first time in two years Alan had forgotten how much he missed Julie.
The Collector Page 62
