Missing Melissa

by Pamela M. Kelley

  "It's beautiful," Jack agreed. "And so are you." He took her hand and pulled her towards him, and then his lips came down on hers and Melissa sighed. She'd dreamed of this more than once and the reality of it was better than she'd imagined. Kissing Jack felt so right and so wonderful, and confusing at the same time. She gave in to the sensation of the kiss and the moment, and didn't want to stop. They kissed and kissed until they were out of breath and finally it came to an end.

  "Well, that was pretty amazing," Jack said. He smiled and went to kiss her again, but Melissa stood up instead. "It was, but it's late. We should go to sleep."

  "Okay."

  "Goodnight, Jack. Thanks for a wonderful night."

  Jack stayed downstairs as Melissa made her way upstairs, undressed and fell into bed, feeling a mixture of joy and sadness. It had been a perfect night but a confusing one, too.

  "So, will you be moving out today?" Melissa asked Jack the next morning over coffee. He set his cup down and looked at her in confusion.

  "I wasn't planning to. But I could, if you want me to. Do you want me to?" he asked quietly.

  Melissa felt like screaming, "No, I don't want to you to go!" But instead, she said, "I think that probably would be best. Your place is ready now and Cooper is back in Boston."

  "Okay. But what about last night?"

  Melissa smiled. "Last night was fun."

  "It was more than fun. It was really special. I love spending time with you, Melissa."

  "I don't want to hold you back, Jack. You could be with anyone. I saw all those women last night, flirting with you."

  Jack smiled sadly. "Just because I flirt with someone doesn't mean I want to be with them. I'd rather be here, with you."

  Melissa's heart skipped a beat. She wanted to believe him but she knew his history and she didn't want to tie him down either. More importantly, she didn't want to be devastated when he tired of her and was on to the next girl who flirted with him. It was easier and less painful, maybe, to just end whatever this was now before it turned into something real. Something she wouldn't be able to recover from if it ended.

  "I think we could both use the time apart. I need to really be alone before I can be with someone else. Now that Cooper is back in Boston, I can finally move on."

  Jack's expression reflected how she was feeling. He looked crushed.

  "If that's what you're sure you want. We can move out today. I just have a suitcase to pack and then we'll be on our way. If you're sure." He met her eyes and she could almost feel him willing her to change her mind. But Melissa was tired of people trying to change her mind, even Jack.

  "I'm sure. I'm going to go jump in the shower."

  "All right. We'll pack up and I should be ready to say goodbye when you're out of the shower."

  A half hour later, Melissa hugged Jack goodbye and Roger, too, as they left. She watched them drive off and once they were on the main road, she went back inside and made herself a cup of tea, feeling numb and empty. She brought the tea to the sofa, and she snuggled into a corner of it and drew a soft blanket over her. Misty joined her and pressed herself against Melissa's neck, purring loudly. Melissa reached up to pet her.

  "Thank goodness you're here. Jack's idea to get you when we did was a good one."

  Melissa closed her eyes then and let the tears come, hard and fast, as she wondered if she'd just made the worst mistake of her life.

  An hour later, she called her sister. Melanie picked up on the first ring.

  "What's wrong?"

  "How did you know?" Melissa asked.

  "I was just about to call you. Had the strangest feeling that you were upset or sad. Are you?"

  Melissa was quiet for a minute and then sniffled loudly.

  "Oh, honey, what's wrong? Tell me everything."

  She did, and Melanie assured her that she'd done the right thing by listening to her gut. She'd done what she needed to do in that moment.

  "Listen, if it's meant to be, it will work out. It happened fast, maybe too fast, and that is scary. Especially after what you went through with Cooper. A break is a good idea and you're in luck—I'm approved to take vacation as soon as this Friday. I can be on a plane Friday afternoon and stay for a week, if that works for you?"

  "That would be so perfect. I can't wait to see you. We'll go to Seattle and I'll show you the ranch, maybe even give Anna a few days off and put you to work in the store."

  "I'll text you the flight information. Hang in there till Friday."

  Chapter 12

  Jack met Bernie for breakfast that Wednesday morning as usual. Bernie took one look at him when he sat down next to her and immediately asked him what was wrong.

  “Is it that obvious?” he asked glumly. Kelsi handed him a hot mug of coffee and told them what Bob’s daily special was, a kitchen sink omelet.

  “It’s whatever he feels like throwing in. Little of this, little of that. Of course it’s delicious.”

  Once they put their order in and Kelsi disappeared into the kitchen, Bernie turned to him and spoke softly. Jaclyn and Simon were sitting down at the other end of the counter and she knew Jack wouldn’t want them to overhear. His sister knew him well and he appreciated that.

  “Melissa broke things off. I moved back home on Sunday.”

  “Oh! I didn’t expect that. I’d hoped that it might actually work for the two of you now that Cooper is out of the picture.”

  “I did, too. We kissed for the first time Saturday night,” he confessed. “And I mean a real kiss, not a peck like the day we married.”

  “Oh, no chemistry then? That’s too bad.”

  Jack laughed. “Hardly. I thought our chemistry was off the charts and I think Melissa liked it, too. She wasn’t in any hurry for it to stop.”

  Bernie looked confused. “So, what then?”

  “I think it just freaked her out. Too much too soon, with Cooper finally out of the picture. I don’t know. She said something about my history and me being able to go date other people now. I think she maybe thought she was holding me back or something.”

  “Well, did you tell her how you feel?”

  “I tried. I don’t think she was ready to hear it, to be honest. She said she wanted to take a break and just be alone.”

  “Well, maybe that’s what she needs then, some time to miss you,” Bernie said wisely.

  “Do you think she might?”

  Bernie looked at him as if was stupid. “Are you serious? Do you miss her?”

  Jack sighed. “So much. More than I thought I would. I have this beautiful house now, but it feels so empty. Just me and Roger.”

  Bernie smiled at him as Kelsi set down their food. “Maybe the time apart will be good for you, too. You can give her time to miss you also. If it’s meant to be it will work out.”

  “That doesn’t sound very reassuring.”

  “Keep busy, Jack. Live your life. Come to trivia with us tomorrow. Don’t just stay home and mope. Maybe you’ll see her there.”

  Jack brightened. “That’s true. She usually goes, right?”

  “She does.”

  Bernie and Lily stopped by the bookstore that Thursday to see if Melissa wanted to walk to trivia with them.

  “I think I’m going to skip it tonight,” Melissa said.

  “Oh, really? Why?” Lily asked. Bernie looked disappointed.

  “My sister is coming in tomorrow for a visit and I want to get her room ready for her, do some grocery shopping. Plus, I’m exhausted. I’m looking forward to an early night.

  “Oh, okay then. Will your sister be here next week? Bring her to trivia with us. That would be fun.”

  Melissa smiled. “She might like that. She’s heard me talk about it often enough. Good luck tonight.”

  She watched them go and felt a pang of disappointment that she wasn’t going to join them. The real reason she wasn’t going was that she worried that Jack might be there and she just wasn’t ready to see him yet. It was too soon and too raw still. She was m
issing him something fierce since he left. The house felt so empty without him and Roger there. Thank goodness for Misty. The little cat seemed to sense that she was sad and stuck close by when she was home. She even allowed her to pick her up now, though she didn’t want to be hugged for long. After a minute or two, she wiggled to get down. Melissa was grateful for her company, though. It just wasn’t the same.

  But her sister would be here soon enough. She was picking her up at the airport and then they were going to spend the weekend in Riston. They’d fly to Seattle Sunday night for two days. She didn’t want to leave Misty for too long or the shop. Anna and Katherine said they’d take good care of it while she was out and she was only missing two full days.

  She had a wonderful visit with Melanie. She loved Riston and it was fun to play tourist in her own town and then to do it again in Seattle. They weren’t able to get into the Herb Farm on such short notice, but they found plenty of excellent places to eat, and Melanie loved the bed and breakfast and the Dungeness crab quiche.

  Misty was thrilled to see them when they returned and Melanie nicknamed her Velcro kitty because she was unusually clingy with Melissa after being gone for a few days.

  “She missed you!” Melanie said as they relaxed in the living room and sipped a glass of the cabernet from Columbia Crest that Melissa had liked so much. She bought a case of it to bring home.

  “Do you want to go to trivia with everyone tomorrow night? Bernie suggested that I bring you so you can meet them all.”

  “Sure, that sounds fun. Will Jack be there? I’d love to meet him, too.”

  “I don’t know. He might be.”

  “You sound like you miss him.”

  Melissa sighed. “I do.”

  “I bet he’s missing you, too. Have you heard from him?”

  “No, not a word.” Melissa was a little surprised and admittedly disappointed.

  “Well, you did tell him to get out,” Melanie said reasonably. “He’s just doing as you asked, giving you some space.”

  “I suppose. I didn’t expect to miss him this much.”

  “You should probably talk to him, and see if he’s missing you, too.”

  “What if he’s not?” The thought terrified Melissa. What if he was off dating up a storm and not thinking of her at all?

  “Well, if he’s not, better to know now, right?”

  “Right.”

  Chapter 13

  There was a bigger group than usual for trivia. They had to push another table against theirs to accommodate everyone. All the usual suspects were there—Bernie and David, Clark, Lily and Cody, Jaclyn and Simon, Wade, Jack and someone that Melissa didn’t recognize. Melissa sat next to Jack and Melanie took the other seat, next to Wade. Melissa introduced everyone to Melanie and when she got to the person sitting next to Jack, he introduced him as Bryan, the builder who renovated his kitchen.

  “You did a wonderful job,” Melissa said. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

  Bryan looked pleased to hear it. “Thank you. That was a fun project. Jack has good taste.”

  After they put their pizza and drink orders in, Melanie joined the conversation and it was like she’d been part of the group for ages. Melissa had always admired her ability to quickly fit in. Her sister didn’t have a shy bone in her body. Melissa had always envied that quality a little. Their week together was going by much too fast. She was flying back the next afternoon. As much as she loved living in Riston and felt like it was home now, she still really missed her sister. Though they spoke on the phone every few days, she missed hanging out with her in person. She hoped that she might get out more often and she would go back to Boston soon, too.

  “What do you do in Boston, Melanie?” Wade asked.

  “I manage a health club and do some personal training. I teach a spin class once a week, too.”

  “Really?” Wade looked interested. “I’m thinking of expanding our fitness club here, and opening it up to the public. I need to find the right person to help me run it, though.”

  Melanie smiled. “That’s a great idea. The club I manage is actually part of a hotel property and that’s what they did, too. They saw it as a way to maximize an amenity that their guests weren’t taking full advantage of.”

  Wade’s eyes lit up. “Yes, that’s it exactly! We have some great equipment and a gorgeous spa that my wife, Maddie, runs and while people use the pool, kids mostly, very few people work out. I thought if I added more equipment and some classes, the some of the locals might want to come.”

  “If you market it right, they definitely will.”

  Melissa smiled as Melanie and Wade talked shop until their pizzas came. Melissa noticed that Jack was eating his usual spicy Hawaiian.

  “You sure you don’t want to try a piece?” he offered when he saw her glance at his pizza.

  She grinned. “No, thanks. I’m all set.” She picked up a slice of her plain cheese and took a bite. Delicious, as usual.

  “How are you really?” Jack asked softly and then added, “Roger misses you.”

  “He does? I miss him, too.”

  “His owner misses you a little, too.”

  “It’s quiet with both of you gone. But I’ve been busy this week with my sister here.”

  “It’s great to meet her. You definitely look like sisters. When is she going back?”

  “I’m driving her to the airport tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Do you have any plans tomorrow night?” Jack asked.

  “No, none.” Melissa had been dreading going home after she dropped Melanie off. She knew the house was going to feel so empty again.

  “Would you like to come over for dinner? I’m dying to show off my fancy new stove. I’ll make you my signature dish.”

  Melissa was intrigued, and just excited to see Jack. “What’s that?”

  “It’s a pasta dish. Chicken, artichokes, lemon, lots of butter and cheese.”

  “What time?” she asked.

  “How about seven?”

  “Okay, I’ll see you then. What can I bring?”

  Jack thought for a moment. “Nothing. Just bring yourself.”

  “How about a bottle of wine.”

  “You don’t have to, but if you do, it won’t go to waste.”

  “What are you smiling about?” Melanie asked her quietly when Jack was talking to Bryan.

  “Nothing. I’ll tell you on the way home.”

  “Your friends are nice. I can see why you like it here so much.”

  “They really are, aren’t they?” Melissa agreed.

  Trivia started as they were finishing their pizza and it was a close game once again. They almost won, but blew the last question again. Fortunately, this time they had reserved a few points so they came in second place.

  On the way home after trivia, they weren’t in the car a full minute before Melanie said, “So, spill. What did you look so happy about? I saw you chatting with Jack. It looked like it was going well.”

  “He said he and Roger miss me. I’m going to his house for dinner tomorrow night.”

  “Good. I didn’t get to talk to him long, but he seems nice and funny, too. I could tell by the way you looked at each other that there’s something there.”

  “We’ll see.” Melissa didn’t want to get her hopes up too much.

  “I had an interesting conversation with Wade, too. He gave me his card and said if I was ever serious about moving to Riston to call him about possibly managing the expansion of his fitness club.”

  “Really? That would be awesome! Would you ever consider it? I would love to have you close by again.”

  “I miss having you around the corner, too. It’s tempting. I’m going to think about it when I get back and then maybe give him a call to find out more about what he has in mind.”

  “You know we often say everything happens for a reason. This seems tailor made for you. It could be a sign.”

  “I know. I was thinking the same thing. It’s a big move, though. I’v
e been at the health club in Boston for almost seven years.”

  “Sleep on it. If it’s the right thing, you’ll know.”

  Chapter 14

  Melissa dropped Melanie off the next afternoon at the airport and was already missing her as she drove back to Riston. It had felt so normal to have her sister around. She hoped that Melanie would seriously consider making the move out west.

  Traffic was heavy due to Friday afternoon rush hour and it took Melissa longer than expected to make the trip home. She barely had time to stop at the house and feed Misty before grabbing a bottle of the Cabernet she’d bought in Seattle and driving to Jack’s house for dinner.

  Roger came running when Jack opened the door to greet her. He pulled her in for a hug, and Melissa laughed and gave Roger a hug too as he was so excited to see her.

  “See, I told you he missed you.”

  “I missed him, too,” Melissa said as she handed him the bottle of wine. He looked at the label and smiled.

  “This is the one we tasted in Seattle, your favorite.”

  “I bought a case of it when I took my sister there.”

  Jack set it down on the island and looked around for his wine opener. He handed it to her. “Do you want to do the honors?”

  Melissa opened the wine while Jack got out two glasses. She poured the wine while he set out a dish of crackers and cheese. She sniffed the air—something was cooking in the oven.

  “Something smells amazing. What is it?”

  “The pasta dish and garlic bread. It’s keeping warm in the oven. We both have to have some, so when I kiss you, you won’t notice.”

  Melissa laughed. “Who says you’re going to kiss me!”

  He laughed, too, but set his wine glass down and pulled her to him. “I was going to wait until after dinner, but I can’t wait. I’ve missed you too much.” He leaned in and touched his lips lightly to hers, kissing her briefly but tenderly before pulling back.