by Jeane Watier
“Wow.” Rachael reached over and gave Jenna a hug. “You did it! You just moved from fear to hope, and we haven’t even finished eating yet,” she laughed. “That was awesome.”
Suddenly, Jenna wanted to dance. She felt light and free. Moving up the emotional scale was like a drug. It was almost that easy, too. She felt more alive than she could ever remember. Tears began to flow again, but they were tears of release like the ones she’d experienced at the motel.
As they continued talking, Rachael told her stories about how easily money had come to her, and Jenna began to feel even more hopeful, like anything could happen now. There were still details to be worked out, but she felt good, and that was worth more than any amount of money could offer.
She’d done it again. She’d deliberately chosen thoughts that felt better, and she loved the power it offered. After feeling powerless for so many years, it was intoxicating; she couldn’t get enough of it.
Jenna thanked Rachael for the ride home and then walked up the steps to her front door, feeling confident. Inside, the house was quiet. She went upstairs and checked on the kids. Brenton was asleep, so she gave him a kiss. Chelsea was still awake, reading a book. Molly was curled up beside her on the bed. “Can she sleep with me?” Chelsea pleaded. “Daddy said I’d have to ask you.”
“Sure, sweetie,” Jenna smiled. “She looks comfy here with you.” She gave Chelsea a kiss and turned out her light.
Downstairs, Jenna noticed that Geoff had done a load of laundry and saw that the dishes had been washed. She could see the light on in his office, so she went and stood in the doorway. He looked up at her, but neither of them spoke.
Finally, Geoff said, “Look...I know things are bad right now, and it’s all my fault. But I’ve been going over this, and I think I’ve come up with a solution—at least for now.”
Jenna didn’t say anything, so he continued, “Those bonds we bought a few years ago—we got in at a high interest rate. I talked to our broker today, and he said that because the interest rate is low and there’s still five years till maturity, we could make more money selling them now than if we hold on to them. I was able to transfer money on my credit card to make the loan payment for this month.” Geoff hesitated for a moment and then added, “And I put my bike up for sale.”
Jenna was trying to absorb all that he’d told her, but she was shocked by his last statement. Geoff had been restoring an old Indian motorcycle since before she’d known him. He was so proud of it, and this had been the first summer he’d been able to ride it since it was finished. Jenna didn’t know what to say.
All of a sudden she remembered what Rachael had said—that if she could get to a better-feeling place, the solution would come. Her tears began to flow again. Geoff responded immediately, taking her in his arms. “I’m sorry, babe. I’m so sorry,” he stressed emphatically. “I love you. Jenna, please know how much I love you.”
Chapter 19
Rachael watched Brian behind the bar. It was busy, and Phil wasn’t scheduled to come in until six. Brian was efficient; he could mix drinks quickly while he talked and laughed with the customers. He glanced her way and smiled whenever he had a moment free.
“I don’t blame you,” Gail said.
“What? Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”
“I know, and I can’t blame you,” she teased.
“I’m sorry; I have all evening to spend with Brian. I’m here with you now.” Rachael turned her attention to her friend. “How are you doing?”
“I’m just fine,” Gail laughed. “But since your mind is on Brian, why don’t you tell me more about him? Let’s see, what haven’t you told me yet?” She thought for a moment. “How old is he?”
“He’s thirty-four.”
“What kind of car does he drive?”
“It’s a sports car.”
“What kind?”
“I didn’t notice. It was dark out.”
Gail rolled her eyes, pretending to be exasperated at Rachael’s failure to notice such an important detail. “Okay, never mind. How does he match up to the list? Has he ever been married? We know he likes dogs. Does he like to travel?”
Rachael was having fun with Gail’s line of questioning. “He’s never been married. I’m not sure how he feels about travel now; he did a lot after his brother died.”
“And he’s into learning like you are?”
“He’s very open. He wants to learn more about the Law of Attraction. He loves people and wants to be able to help them with this information.”
“Oh, you guys are perfect for each other.”
“Speaking of that, I’d love for you to see that movie. It’s everything I’ve been telling you, and it’s very well done.”
“Sure. Maybe it would be a good one for Jenna to see, too. We could have a girl’s night out. That is, if Brian isn’t going to be taking up all your free time,” Gail smiled.
“No, that’s perfect.” As much as Rachael was excited about being with Brian, she wouldn’t give up spending time with her friends. “I’ll find out when it’s showing.”
“Let me know.”
It was nearly six, and Phil appeared behind the bar. Rachael could see Brian giving the younger man instructions.
Gail finished her drink and began to put on her jacket. “That’s my cue,” she announced. “What do you two have planned for tonight?”
“A long, romantic dinner.” Rachael gazed at Brian as she answered. “We were a bit rushed the other night because of the movie.”
“Mmm. Sounds nice,” Gail winked. “I’ll talk to you soon.” She hugged Rachael and then turned to leave. She passed Brian on the way out, and Rachael could see them exchange comments and laugh over something Gail said.
Rachael got up as Brian approached. “Hi,” she said shyly, feeling that nervous excitement again.
Brian gave her a kiss and reached for her hand, smiling. “Ready to go?”
Their plan was to stop at her place and then at his so they could each change clothes before going out for dinner. At her place, she offered him a drink while she went to change. She had everything laid out and just needed to freshen up.
“I like your place,” Brian stated as she returned. “It has so much character and...” He’d been looking at her bookshelf and turned when she walked in. He stood for a moment, just staring at her.
She’d chosen to wear the dress she’d bought for the cruise, and had added makeup and high heels. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked toward him. He set down his glass. Then he took her hands, held her out at arm’s length, and continued staring without saying a word.
“Please say something,” Rachael laughed to cover the nervousness she was feeling. Getting that dressed up to go out to dinner was new for her; having a man stare at her like that, was also.
“God, you look good,” he finally managed to say.
“Thank you,” she blushed. Determined to get past the nervousness, she reached up and pretended to wipe his chin. “You’re drooling,” she teased as she took his hand. “Let’s go.”
Brian owned his own home as well. It was in a new neighborhood, and some houses were still being built on his street. His was a year old. “It doesn’t have the same charm that the older neighborhoods have, but it was a way to get into the housing market. I was able to do some of the work myself. There’s a reason they call it sweat equity.”
As he opened his front door, two golden retrievers bounded up to meet him. He knelt to give them some attention, then stood up and formally introduced Rachael to each dog. In turn, they lifted a paw for her to shake.
“How did you train them to do that?” she asked, kneeling down to pet them. “That’s adorable.” They were both sniffing and wagging, and Duke was pushing his way past Cassie to get more of the attention.
“Okay, you two, enough of that. You’re going to get my date all messy.” Brian opened the patio door just off the kitchen and they jumped at his command, rushing past him out into the back y
ard.
“They like you,” he informed Rachael when he returned. She couldn’t imagine such lovable, friendly dogs not liking anyone, but she just smiled. They were like family to him. It was so cute.
“There’s a bathroom just over there if you need to wash up. I hope they didn’t slobber on you. Can I get you a drink?” She declined the drink, and he disappeared down the hallway. “I won’t be long,” he called back. “Make yourself comfortable.”
She freshened up and then went into the living room. Everything looks new, she noted. It’s missing that lived-in feeling. He probably doesn’t spend much time here. She wondered what it would be like to hang out there, watch a movie, enjoy the dogs. She liked the thought of it, marveling again at all that had happened in just a week.
Brian came back into the room, and it was her turn to stare. He wore dark grey dress pants, with a navy shirt. His tie was silver, with various shades of blue, resembling paint that had been dropped onto a wet canvas. He looked good—exceptionally good. She’d been too shy to really look at him the other night, but now she couldn’t take her eyes off him. His fitted shirt showed off the muscles in his arms and chest. The fine fabric of his pants fell in perfect pleats from his toned waist.
He was grinning as he walked toward her. “Now who’s staring?” he teased.
Rachael knew she was blushing, but she met his eyes and smiled. “I like the way you look.” She noticed his cheeks had a hint of pink, too, but she didn’t say anything. She liked that about him.
He cupped her face with his hands and gazed into her eyes for a few seconds before he kissed her. It was a tender kiss, but it did more to unravel her composure than a deep, passionate one would have.
“We should probably get going,” Brian cleared his throat.
“Yes,” she agreed. “We should.”
~
Geoff was still stunned by what had happened. He’d been sure his marriage was ending, and he was so sick over it, he couldn’t even think straight. Because of it, he’d let the financial problem get even worse. He was aware that the loan payment was due, and he’d meant to get some money in the account to cover it, but he’d totally forgotten.
The day before, when Jenna left the message saying that she’d talked to the bank, he was ready to throw in the towel. He knew he’d screwed up and deserved whatever happened. In his mind, he was already living in a cheap apartment somewhere and seeing the kids every other weekend.
The things that Jim had said really made him think. Our thoughts are magnetic. We create what we think about. Geoff had started to envision life without Jenna and the kids, and it was unbearable. At that point he knew something had to change, and he was willing to do whatever it would take.
There’s more at work here than we know—a power bigger than us. Jim’s words had shaken him. He’d never given much thought to God, never been religious—though he’d always believed in some kind of greater intelligence. Geoff had prayed for the first time he could remember. He’d prayed that Jenna would forgive him. He didn’t care about the money; he was willing to give up his bike. All he wanted was Jenna.
Somehow, his prayers had been answered. When Jenna had started crying, Geoff thought his own heart would break. He held her for a long time before she could speak, and then she said the words that he would always remember, “We’re going to be all right; I know that now.” They talked about what he’d done, and Jenna forgave him. They made love for the first time in weeks, and it was incredible. Afterward, when she’d fallen asleep in his arms, he simply stared at her lovely face, asking himself what he’d done to deserve her.
Now, as he sat evaluating all that had transpired, Geoff knew that there was something to Jim’s philosophy; he wanted to learn more.
~
Brian took Rachael to a small out-of-the-way Lebanese restaurant. It was wonderfully cozy and intimate. They ordered the Sampler, and the server brought them a continuous stream of delicious food. Wanting to soak in the blissful experience, Rachael was taking pleasure in trying things she’d never tasted before.
“You really enjoy your food,” Brian noted.
“Sure,” she looked at him oddly. “Don’t you?”
“I do, but I love the way you smell it and savor the taste in your mouth, even the way you describe it afterward. You seem to go beyond normal eating—like you’re getting more out of the experience than the average person.”
“Ever since I moved up the emotional scale,” she explained, “it’s like I’m living in this expanded consciousness. Everything looks better, smells better, tastes better, and feels better. I’m more aware of my senses.”
“Was that something that happened naturally?”
“Partly, but I did use my senses to help me feel better on purpose. I found that if I could focus on something beautiful in nature or appreciate a really delicious meal, I could move quickly into a better feeling place. I guess it became a habit.”
“It’s so easy to take things for granted.”
“Here.” Rachael ripped off a piece of pita bread and dipped it in some hummus. She held it up to Brian and said, “Tell me what you smell.”
“Garlic, definitely.” He sniffed again. “I think I can smell lemon too.”
“Now taste.”
He ate the piece from her hand, chewing slowly and thoughtfully.
“What do you taste?” she asked.
“Again, garlic,” he noted. “I think I can taste some cilantro. There’s another taste, too. It’s kind of nutty.”
“Gail makes this all the time. There’s a paste she puts in it. I can’t remember the name, but I believe it’s made from sesame seeds.”
“Sesame. That’s it! That’s what I’m tasting.” Brian’s eyes lit up. “Amazing. I’ve never enjoyed hummus this much before.”
“Now try something else,” Rachael encouraged.
“I like it when you feed me,” Brian flirted.
She picked up what looked like a tiny cabbage roll and held it up to his nose. He pulled back and made a face. She laughed, “Is it that bad?”
“It has a strong, pungent smell, but I can notice lemon again, maybe garlic too.”
He took a small bite from the piece she held up to his mouth. She held the remainder up to her nose, smelled it and then put it in her mouth.
“Stuffed grape leaves,” he made a face again. “They’re not my favorite.”
“Brian! Why didn’t you say so?”
“Because I’m having so much fun eating from your fingers.” He smiled and took her hand in his, licking her fingers and then kissing them.
As they continued sampling and enjoying the foods before them, a belly dancer began moving around the room. They watched her in fascination.
“Gail and I took a belly dancing class last year,” Rachael remarked casually.
“Really?” He stopped as he was about to take a bite of food. “You can do that?” He pointed at the woman whose hips seemed to be moving independent of the rest of her body.
“Hardly,” she laughed. “It was a beginner class. It’s really good exercise.”
“I can see you dancing like that.” He closed his eyes, nodding his head at the image.
“Not in public.”
“No, I was thinking of a private performance.”
“That could be arranged.” She was enjoying the flirting. It was helping to relieve some of the sexual tension they were both feeling.
Dessert was another feast for the senses. This time, Brian picked up a piece of baklava and offered it to Rachael. She took a bite and breathed deeply as she savored the sweet, syrupy richness of it. “That was delicious, but I couldn’t eat another bite.” She held up her hand as he offered her more. She wiped her lips with her napkin and laid it on the table.
“I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a meal as much as this.” Brian leaned back contentedly.
Rachael watched him, enjoying the view. He was tall—too tall, really, for the booth they were sitting in; he had to turn h
is body sideways to stretch his long legs. His tie was loosened, and he’d run his hand through his hair more than once during the evening, giving him that sexy, tousled look again.
He watched her watching him. They were both content for the moment to enjoy the silent appreciation of each other.
“Rachael,” Brian finally broke the silence and leaned forward, taking both of her hands in his own. He looked her in the eye and then looked down as he said, a little awkwardly, “This doesn’t have to mean what it sounds like if you don’t want it to…” He looked up at her again. “But…would you like to come back to my place?”
Touched by his shyness, she reached across the table and stroked his face the way she’d wanted to on their first date. Then she smiled at him. “Yeah, I’d like that.”
Chapter 20
Geoff picked up his cell phone and entered Jim’s number.
“Hey,” Jim answered. “How are things going?”
“You won’t believe it.”
“Try me,” Jim laughed. “I’ve seen some pretty unbelievable shit lately.”
“Well...yesterday, I knew I had to do something or I’d lose Jenna,” Geoff began. “I was going crazy. But something you said really hit me. You said our thoughts are like magnets. I realized I’d been thinking about my marriage as though it was already over. So I just started thinking about how good it was at the beginning, how amazing Jenna and the kids have been, and how I wanted things to be. Then I started thinking about our finances, and it became clear what I had to do.”
“What’s that?”
Geoff told Jim about his plan to liquidate the bonds and sell the bike.
“Shit, man, you love that bike. You’ve worked on that thing forever.”
“I love Jenna more,” Geoff responded adamantly. “It just feels right. I gotta do this.”
“So what happened with Jenna?”
“She said it’s all okay.”
“Wow. So…selling your bike, is that what made Jenna forgive you?”