Facial Recognition

by Jennifer Peel

  In no time, I heard footsteps and saw Miss June peeking out of one of the small windows framing the door. Her face lit up when she saw it was me.

  Miss June swung open the door, showing off her floral nightgown and the fact that she wasn’t wearing a bra. Wow, did her babies hang. But, boy, did they still fill out the bustline. “Hey, darlin’, did you come to make sure we weren’t fornicating?”

  I laughed instead of gagging like I wanted to do. “Uh, no,” I stuttered.

  She smiled and reached for my hand. “I figured my son had sent you over to check on us. I got quite the lecture from him yesterday about living under the same roof as his daddy.”

  I took her hand. “He does seem to give his opinions freely.”

  She shut the door behind me and beamed. “I bet he has some for you about the handsome doctor.”

  “That he does.”

  She waved her hand in the air. “The boy is awfully opinionated for someone who wouldn’t know what a good relationship was if it bit him in the butt. Not that I don’t blame myself for that, but he’s a little too high and mighty for a man who’s dating a woman who wants to be introduced as his intimate. What does that even mean?” Miss June was so fired up she didn’t even take a breath to let me answer. “And get this, he’s supposed to say it as inti-mate.”

  Mate? I could hardly breathe. “They’re mates, as in mating?”

  Miss June grabbed her heart. “Oh, darlin’, don’t ever say that. If Brooks procreates with that woman, I’m going to rent my clothes and cover myself in sackcloth and ashes.”

  She made me snicker. “From the sounds of it, I think she’s not interested in bearing babies, so you’re probably safe.” I rubbed my heart, begging for that to be true. I knew I shouldn’t care, but if he had a baby with Morgan, that was it. Game over.

  “Child, let us pray.” She clapped her hands together and looked up to the popcorn ceiling.

  You know, praying wasn’t such a bad idea. I threw up a silent one for the cause. Maybe it was sacrilegious to pray for such things, but after my time with Brooks and Julian, I had a feeling Brooks would have a miserable life if he got permanently entangled with that family. On the other hand, I had a feeling Brooks would be a great daddy. I loved watching him with his nephews.

  As soon as Miss June said, “Amen,” she focused right back on me. “How about some iced tea and a talk?”

  “How did you know I needed to talk?”

  “Oh, darlin’, I remember that look on your face.”

  My eyes filled with tears. “A talk and some tea would be perfect.”

  She took my hand and led me to the kitchen that was still decorated with wallpaper that had lemons on it. “Let’s talk in here so we don’t wake up Tom. He’s still mighty tired.”

  “He did good this afternoon walking to the mailbox and back.” It wasn’t much, but it was a start. I had followed him while he’d used his walker. He had fussed at me the entire way, embarrassed he couldn’t stand or walk on his own and that he got so winded going there and back.

  “He did, but, boy, did he cuss about it after you left. At least he didn’t lose the dirty part of his vocabulary.” She laughed. “Take a seat, honey.” She pointed at the table in the breakfast nook. The old tablecloth matched the wallpaper. There were lemons everywhere in the large, once top-of-the-line kitchen.

  I sat down, and so many good memories hit me. There was no telling how many times I had eaten dinner here growing up. Or how many school projects I had done on this very table while Miss June told us stories of the boys she used to date in high school. On this very table I had made Brooks’s campaign posters while he had done his homework. I remembered him looking up several times and smiling at me. I loved his smile. I still did.

  Miss June set a large glass of iced tea in front of me. She sat across from me and flashed me a Cheshire grin. “You need to talk about boys?”

  I held on to the glass for dear life. “Yep. Boys.”

  “Are you falling for Julian?” She seemed hesitant to ask. More like hoping my answer would be no.

  I ran my finger around the rim of the glass. “Not really. Don’t get me wrong, I like him, and we have a good time together. But . . .”

  “You have feelings for Brooks.”

  “I shouldn’t.”

  She slapped the table. “Why ever not?”

  “He’s dating Morgan.” Or should I say mating Morgan? I internally cringed. “And he told me he would never wish himself upon me. Then Julian practically said the same thing to me tonight. The crazy part is, when I’m with either one of them, it’s the first time in a long time that I’ve found myself feeling connected and longing for a man’s company. Even if Brooks and I fight most of the time, we’re together.”

  Miss June’s eyes lit up like the fireworks going on outside. “This is excellent news.”

  “It is? Because I’ve been thinking it isn’t.”

  “Darlin’, don’t you see how badly Brooks is fighting against his true nature? When he was young, all that boy ever wanted to do was grow up to be like his daddy, right down to going into corporate law and living on the same street as him. Then he became a teenager and Morgan filled his head with stupid ideas. He rebelled a bit, like all kids do. His rebellion was rejecting our ideals. Toward the end, he was coming back around, but unfortunately, the divorce happened at the worst possible time and caused him to cling to his contrary ideals. And you, sweet girl, represented everything he then told himself he’d never wanted in the first place. Everything he wants so badly now but is too stubborn to admit it.”

  “I don’t know, I think he likes driving a tiny car, eating salad, and incessantly listening to TED Talks and podcasts. They’re enriching his mind,” I mocked.

  Miss June rolled her eyes so much I got a little dizzy. “One day he’s going to wake up and realize how ridiculous he’s being.” She paused. “I hope that he’ll recognize what he could have with you before it’s too late.”

  I twirled my ponytail. “He doesn’t want me. I’m not sure anyone does,” my voice hitched.

  She stood and walked over, taking the chair next to me. She wrapped me in her arms, and I sobbed like a baby into her bosom.

  “I’m going to die an old maid, probably in my dad’s house, surrounded by Rick Springfield posters, with General Hospital on replay because I won’t remember which episodes I’ve watched.”

  Miss June rubbed my back. “Shhh. It’s going to be okay, darlin’.”

  “I don’t know if it will be. I’m beginning to think there’s something wrong with me. Why do I keep scaring men away?”

  “It’s not you, it’s them. Brooks and Julian. I think those men are more alike than they want to admit. They both know being with a woman like you will require change. And change is scary for men who like to pretend they have it all figured out, when in reality they haven’t got a clue. Brooks hates to admit he’s wrong. He always has. He comes by it honestly,” she admitted.

  “What do I do?” I whispered.

  “I don’t know if I have the right answer. All I know is don’t you change yourself. If these men can’t recognize what a gem you are, they don’t deserve you. You let them come to you.”

  Huh. Maybe she was right. I’d felt like all I had done lately was look for Mr. Right. Maybe it was time to let him come find me. Even if it meant not getting my perfect reunion night. Even if it meant not listening to the voice anymore.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Wake up, buttercup, you have a visitor.” Lorelai knelt next to the round ottoman in the “executive” bathroom—where I was closing my eyes and contemplating my life—and poked my arm.

  I turned my head and groaned, “I don’t want to see anybody.” My plan was to hide in the bathroom forever, or at least until it was time for my next appointment.

  “You might want to rethink that. This visitor is fire engine red hot.”

  I bolted up. “Brooks is here?”

  Her face dropped. “No, darli
n’.”

  “Oh.” I ran a hand through my hair, feeling more disappointed than I should. I had been having delusions of grandeur about Brooks finally realizing it was me he should be chasing. Even though I hadn’t seen him or talked to him since last week when I dragged him to a movie at the park. “Who, then?”

  She sat next to me on the ottoman. “I’m afraid to tell you now, for fear you will be disappointed.”

  “I’m pathetic. But I’m done chasing the ghost of Brooks. Who’s here?”

  She forced my head onto her shoulder. “You’re not pathetic. That first love is magical and tough to get over. Especially when they walk back into your life.”

  “Are you speaking from experience?”

  Lorelai paused, then sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Is it that guy you tried to set me up with? Dane?”

  She softly laughed. “You are perceptive.”

  “Why would you try and set me up with someone you have feelings for?”

  “Darlin’, it’s more complicated than a woman’s brain. Let’s just say, it would be best for both Dane and me to forget each other.”

  She had me so curious. “Did William know you had feelings for his friend?”

  She rubbed my arm. “Gracie,” she whispered, “there are hurts that run so deep it’s best to keep them buried. Regardless, Dane deserves happiness, and I know you would be up for the job.”

  I let the inquiry into her past drop for now. “I’m not sure I’m up to making anyone happy.”

  “I beg to differ, and I think Julian would too, judging by the size of the bouquet he just brought you.”

  My head popped up. “Julian’s here?”

  “Uh-huh.” She grinned. “Maybe I was wrong when I told you to be careful about him. Perhaps you should throw some caution to the wind. He’s even more handsome in person.”

  “That he is. But he himself warned me to keep him at a distance. Not to mention all of Brooks’s warnings about him.”

  She pointed at my heart. “What is this telling you?”

  “I don’t know. When I’m with Julian, I always enjoy myself. He makes me smile, and I even get a little fluttery around him. And he’s been a total gentleman, which I like.”

  “But he’s not Brooks,” Lorelai suggested.

  “It’s more than that. I just can’t put my finger on it.”

  “Well, it’s probably his evil sister.”

  “Probably,” I snarled.

  “Honey, if I were you, I would go out there and see what the man has to say for himself. At least snag the flowers. They are the prettiest white roses I have ever seen. And you know they symbolize new beginnings. Maybe you both need one.”

  “Well, I do like flowers.”

  She stood and took my hand to pull me up. “All right, darlin’, you get out there and see what the man has to say. By the way, he looks mighty fine in his jeans. Me-ow.”

  I straightened out my scrubs and laughed. “Do I look okay?”

  “Honey, you are prettier than every rose in Texas. Now get going.”

  I gave Lorelai a quick hug before I scooted out the door and toward the check-in desk. I took lots of deep breaths in and out. I hadn’t seen Julian since our date on Sunday. That was four days ago. I’d figured he was blowing me off. Honestly, I was kind of okay with it. I was a little tired of men, as of late. However, I was going to claim my flowers. And maybe check out his butt one more time. It was a lovely sight.

  Demi, one of our part-time attendants, was manning the check-in desk when I arrived. The young woman was gazing dreamily at the doctor as he browsed our line of skin care products. Julian was carefully holding a square handblown vase filled with a large bouquet of roses that was bursting with greenery. It was as stunning as he was in his tight jeans and button-down, his Ray-Bans resting on top of his head.

  When Demi noticed me approaching, she blushed and quickly turned to look at the computer on the desk just as Julian saw me. He smiled while looking me over in my scrubs.

  We met in the middle of the lobby.

  “Hey there,” he crooned.

  “Hi. What are you doing here?”

  He held out the gorgeous flowers. “I was in the neighborhood and thought you might like these.”

  I took the flowers, which were quite heavy, and breathed in their heavenly scent. “These are lovely. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He seemed nervous, shoving his hands in his pockets.

  “So you were . . . just in the neighborhood?”

  A crooked smile appeared on his face. “I finished up my appointments for the day and I’m not on call, so I thought I should see what you were doing.”

  “You could have called.”

  He stepped closer, allowing me to breathe in his musky scent. Mixed in with the fragrant roses, it was kind of intoxicating. “I could have, but I wanted to see you.”

  “You did?”

  He brushed my hair back, off my shoulders. “I found I’ve been missing you.”

  My stomach did a little swoop, but I played it cool. “Oh. That’s nice.”

  He gave me a wide grin. “Do you know what else would be nice?”

  “What?”

  “I was hoping you would join me for a night of painting, chocolate, and wine. There’s a great studio downtown that does date nights, and I made reservations for tonight, if you’re amenable and available.”

  I tilted my head side to side, pretending to debate. The man had me at he’d been missing me. “What kind of chocolate?” I teased.

  “Any kind you want, Gracie,” he whispered.

  The swooping in my stomach got bigger. I swallowed hard, trying to remember to be cautious. Though maybe Lorelai was right, I shouldn’t overthink it, just see where it went. After all, he had come to find me. “I would love to, but I have one more client today and I didn’t bring anything to change into.”

  “I happen to be partial to scrubs. And you’re beautiful, regardless of what you’re wearing.” He was good. Maybe too good to be true. Yet, this didn’t have to be anything serious. I mean, he admitted to being terrible at long-term relationships. So perhaps we could just be two people who enjoyed each other’s company for the time being.

  “Okay. I should be done by five.”

  “Then I will be here at five.” He leaned in and brushed my cheek with his lips before whispering in my ear, “Just so you know, I intend to taste the wine on your lips tonight.”

  A little shiver went through me. “I prefer white wine.”

  “Good to know.” He kissed my cheek one more time. “See you soon.” He strutted off.

  I watched him go, finding myself very much looking forward to our lips meeting.

  Demi interrupted my thoughts. “You’re so lucky.”

  Maybe for once I would be.

  ~*~

  I held in my laugh while staring at Julian’s copper moon painting. It looked more like a block of deformed swiss cheese.

  “It’s awful, I know,” he lamented.

  “I wouldn’t say that. I think it’s an abstract take on it.”

  “You’re just trying to be nice.”

  “Maybe.” I grinned.

  He forcefully dropped his paintbrush in the provided cup of water, making a splash, looking sincerely disgusted with himself for not being good at something. The guy had graduated from UCLA with honors, and he was a well-respected doctor. It was weird that a painting would rattle him. I was beginning to think the Bronsons had totally screwed up their kids. I almost felt the tiniest bit bad for Morgan. Almost.

  I took his hand and pulled him close to me. “Hey, I’m having a really great time tonight.”

  He peeked over my shoulder at my painting resting on the easel, which I had to say looked pretty amazing and closely resembled the copper moon our instructor had painted while teaching us.

  “At least your painting turned out well.”

  Using my finger, I gently turned his face back to mine. “That’s not why I’m
having fun. It may have something to do with the company, but possibly more to do with the dark chocolate.” I smiled.

  He returned my smile with one of his own.

  “That’s better.”

  “Not quite.” He drew me closer, his lips hovering merely an inch away from mine. “I did tell you I planned to have a taste of you tonight.”

  Holy crow. My heart was pounding double time. “You did give me fair warning,” I whispered, inviting him to close the distance.

  He tucked some hair behind my ear. “You are more than I bargained for, but I’m glad,” he said before his lips barely brushed mine. His kiss didn’t feel like fireworks, yet a burst of tiny tingles erupted down my spine.

  “What did you expect from me?” I asked before his lips found mine again.

  “Not this,” was all he said before his lips pressed against my own. It was as if he were soaking me in and feeling me out. His lips stayed steady, never trying to part my mouth. And despite the tingles I was feeling, I was happy Julian kept it classy since we weren’t alone.

  His lips slid off mine, and he lightly kissed my cheek. “I do like you, Gracie.”

  “I like you too.” And I did. He was always attentive when we were together, and he could make me laugh and even fascinate me with his knowledge about the weird things our bodies were capable of. Plus, he totally got all my General Hospital references.

  My phone started buzzing loudly in my bag. At first I ignored it, as I was on a date and didn’t want to be pulled away from Julian, but the phone began ringing again.

  “Why don’t you see who it is,” Julian graciously offered. “I’ll clean up while you do.” He was my kind of man.

  “Thank you.” I grabbed my bag from where it sat near the easel and reached in for my phone. I found it was Miss June calling. Worry bubbled in my stomach before I could answer it. “Hello.”

  “Hi, darlin’, I’m sorry to bother you.”

  “It’s no bother. Is everything okay?”

  “Tom’s fine,” she was quick to say. “He’s a bit restless tonight. I think he’s getting frustrated.”

  “Is Brooks with him?” It was his night to help.

  “No, darlin’, that’s why I’m calling. He never showed up.”