by Eve Vaughn
Matthias, I’m bringing this up now because I miss my friend. It’s obvious something is going on with you and I’m guessing it has something to do with Esther.”
Matthias clenched his fists. It was something he’d refused to talk about when Esther had left with her husband. It had devastated him because, at the time, he’d believed she’d been playing with his heart the entire time. Perhaps he hadn’t dealt with his hurt and anger in a healthy way, but hearing Chris vocalize how it had affected the people surrounding him made Matthias feel like crap. He rested his head on his fists. “I’ve been a real jackass.”
“I won’t argue with you on that.”
“She broke me, man. I didn’t know how to handle it. Looking back maybe I wasn’t quite ready to be in a relationship. Honestly, I was still smarting from the way my marriage ended and mourning my mother’s death. I don’t think I ever properly got over those two events before I entered into a relationship with Esther.” He raised his head and raked his fingers through his hair. “Don’t get me wrong, I know I was in love with her. I’d never felt that way about anyone, not even Shin-hye. But when it was over between Esther and me, I think something imploded inside of me. All those events shut me down emotionally.”
“Damn, maybe I should have been a little more sensitive to your plight,” Chris offered.
Matthias shook his head. “No, man. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I need to do better, particularly to the people who are helping to make this business a success. I’ll apologize to Tiffany when I see her again. She’s actually taken my bad mood like a good sport. I suppose even she has her breaking point.”
“She’ll be fine. She was just blowing off some steam and really, she didn’t want to say anything to me at all. I pretty much forced it out of her. She doesn’t want you to think that she’ll run to me for every little problem the two of you have just because we’re dating. She really likes her job here.”
“And she does a good job. I doubt I’d get through the day without her.”
Chris smiled. “Me too.”
“Do you think she’s the one?”
“It’s nearly been a year. My family likes her and her dad seems to have come around since I’m dating his only daughter,” he chuckled. “So yeah, I think she’s the one.”
“Well I’m happy for you two, just give me a heads-up before you propose, just in case I lose my assistant, I want to have enough time to replace her.”
“You don’t have to worry on that front. She’s very determined to keep working, at least until she starts a family according to her. I don’t think she wants to be an assistant forever, though.”
“Well, she has a good head on her shoulders so I don’t see why we can’t eventually come up with a development plan for her career so that she can be an associate with her own accounts.”
“Sounds great. Uh…” Chris took a deep breath as he furrowed her brows. “Look, I’m glad you were able to get that off your chest about what you’ve been going through but I get the feeling that there’s something you’re leaving out.”
Matthias had hoped that they’d moved off that topic but apparently, his friend wasn’t ready to move on. “Well, I suppose I’ve been acting like a shithead lately because apparently, Esther is back in town and she’s no longer married.”
“Oh? So she finally got a divorce?”
“I’m not sure about that but uh, her husband died. When I spoke with Fiona, she didn’t go into any detail so I’m not sure it happened. All I know is he’s gone and she’s free.”
“And how do you feel about that?”
“Obviously I’ve never gotten over her. But I keep asking myself if I ever really knew her at all since she hid so much from me. Now, I may not get the chance to deal with these unresolved issues because Fiona told me it was best that I stay out of Esther’s way because she’s changed. I don’t know if I can ever truly move on unless I get that closure our relationship deserved.”
“Do you want to hear what I think?”
Matthias sighed in resignation. “I have a feeling you’re going to tell me whether I want to hear it or not.”
Chris smirked. “You got that right. “Look, the couple of times I met Esther, she seemed like a very sweet woman. When I saw you two together it was clear there was a love connection. You only had eyes for her and she for you. I’ve never seen you act the way with any other woman the way you did with her so, it’s easy to understand why you were so broken when she left. You were so happy with her and whenever I would look at you with Esther, I’d think to myself that if any two people were made for each other it was you guys. I’m new at this love thing myself but it’s an imperfect emotion. It’s not always that easy flowery shit you see in the movies. If it’s real, it's worth fighting for. So maybe the circumstances weren’t right back then and they are now. But you won’t find out for sure if you don’t find her, and if she doesn’t want to talk to you, then make her.”
Matthias couldn’t really argue with anything Chris had said. It was true that he still harbored feelings for Esther, which is why he’d been a mess these past few years. Regardless of what happened between them, he had to see her and then they would go from there whether it was together or on their own separate paths. “When did you get so wise?”
“I watch a lot of talk shows.”
Matthias couldn’t help but grin, his first genuine smile in a long time. Now more than ever he was determined to see Esther, and he refused to be turned away.
~~~~~~~
Esther walked with a spring in her step. Everything was falling into place. She had in her hand a copy of the signed lease to her new apartment she’d be moving into at the end of the month. She didn’t expect to find a place so soon, but she was happy that she’d have her own space. She and Fiona got on so well, but she didn’t want to be a continued burden to her friend. It didn’t help that she still experienced the occasional night terror. Last night had been a particularly bad one. She had a dream about the night with Mike. Fiona had run into her room with a baseball bat because she had been certain Esther was being attacked. It had taken Esther an hour for her friend, who’d hovered over her with concern to go back to bed. There was also the fact that Esther had come to value her solitude. Growing up and then jumping into a relationship with Mike, she’d never learned to be by herself and she liked coming home and from a hard day’s work, yanking her bra off and tossing it on the floor. When she lived alone, she could drink out of the carton without worrying about spreading her germs and she could walk around naked if she wanted to.
Esther glanced at her cell phone to check the time. She had a meeting with a business consultant later that day but that wasn’t for another few hours. That gave her plenty of time to pick up lunch somewhere. She eventually settled on a popular sandwich shop downtown. That way she could pick up something to go and eat her food in the park and feed the ducks any leftovers.
Esther hummed to herself as she scrolled through her phone. She’d just placed her order and was waiting to be called.
“Esther?”
She stiffened. The voice sounded familiar but she couldn’t place it. With dread, she turned to see who had spoken to her. It was Chris, standing with a tall brunette.
She pasted a smile on her face so as not to appear rude. “Hi, Chris.”
He turned to his companion. “Why don’t you put our orders in Tiff, I’ll be with you shortly.”
“Sure, baby.” The brunette nodded in Esther’s direction before heading to the counter.
Chris turned back to Esther with a friendly smile. “So how have you been?”
Though they’d only met twice to her recollection, she’d always liked him. She liked the easy banter he and Matthias had shared and Chris would tell her stories about their time in college. He seemed like a nice guy, but running into him at this random eatery was the last thing she expected.
“I can’t complain, and yourself?”
“I’m doing great. Business is flourish
ing so that’s always a plus. So are you in the area for a visit or how long do you plan on sticking around this time?”
She couldn’t tell if that question was a jab or not because the smile remained on his face. “Uh, I’ve officially moved back to the area.”
“That’s good to hear. Will you be working at the tea shop?”
“No, actually, I’m an independent MUA and I do a lot of freelance work.”
“That sounds interesting, but pardon my ignorance, what’s an MUA?”
Esther chuckled, forgetting that not everyone knew the lingo. “Make-up artist.”
“Oh, of course. And what does that entail? I apologize if I’m being intrusive. I’m genuinely interested.”
“No worries. I don’t mind talking about it. I do a lot of private events like weddings, proms or bachelorette parties. I’ve worked on some commercials, worked a few fashion shows, and even done a small indie film. Right now I’m working on developing my own makeup line, but something like that takes some time and then I’d have to find investors.”
Chris raised a brow. “Wow, you’ve been a very busy woman. Hey, why don’t you take my card? If you’re looking for investors into your product than as you already know, that’s what Matthias and I do. We’d be happy to hear about your venture.”
And this is exactly why she didn’t want to talk to Chris in the first place. She had been certain that the dreaded name would be brought up. She politely took the card. “Thank you.” She would never use it but he didn’t have to know.
Just then her name was called. Esther breathed an inward sigh of relief. “Well, looks like my food is ready. It was nice seeing you again.”
He nodded his head. “Likewise. I’ll tell Matthias that I saw you.”
She shook her head. “Oh, you don’t have to.”
“But I’m sure he’d be pleased to hear that we spoke and that you’re doing well.”
“Somehow I doubt that. I have to go. It was nice catching up with you.”
“Likewise.” Just then the brunette returned and she held out her hand.
“I’m Tiffany, and you are?”
It seemed like some force didn’t want her to leave this shop. She gave Tiffany’s hand a quick shake. “Nice to meet you.”
“I love the wing-tipped eyes. I can never do that when I apply my makeup, at least not without looking a complete mess.”
“Well, Esther here is actually a professional MUA.”
Tiffany’s eyes lit up. “Oh, really? Do you work for anyone or are you independent?”
“I work for myself.”
“Oh, I’d love it if you could give me some tips. Can I get your phone number?”
Esther figured there was no way she was going to get out of this without looking like a complete asshole but Chris thankfully came to her rescue.
“Hon, Esther is a very busy woman. I’m sure she doesn’t have the time to give out free tips when people pay her to do exactly that.”
“Oh, I don’t mind. I give out free advice all the time. Advice is one thing, the application is another.”
“See?” Tiffany gave Chris a knowing smirk. “How do you two know each other by the way?”
‘”Through Matthias,” Chris filled in for her.
Esther looked longingly at the counter wondering if she should just risk being rude and walking away to get her food. She reached into her purse and pulled out her business card. Esther then handed it to Tiffany. “Here’s my card if you want to contact me for a free consultation. I really have to go. The lady at the counter is giving me dirty looks so I really need to go pick up my food. It was nice seeing you again, Chris. And nice meeting you, Tiffany.”
“Likewise,” Tiffany smiled. “I’ll definitely be in touch.”
That was exactly what Esther dreaded. “Looking forward to it,” she replied, not meaning a word of it.
“I’ll be seeing you, Esther,” Chris said as Esther turned to walk away. Those words almost sounded like a threat, which could only mean one thing. He intended to tell Matthias of their encounter.
Esther hurried and collected her food. She couldn’t get out of the sandwich shop fast enough. She wasn’t sure if Matthias wanted to see her or not. But either option terrified her.
Chapter Eleven
Matthias looked at the business card he’d stolen from Tiffany. There was a picture of makeup brushes, lips in the corner, and in the middle with gold-gilded letters was Esther’s name. He brushed his fingers against it. So she was finally making her dreams come true. What had been a brief conversation they’d once had during a walk in the park had become a reality.
Taking walks had always been one of Matthias’s favorite pastimes because it was a good way to get the creative juices flowing or just to clear his head. But the walks were even better when Esther was with him. He’d stopped by the shop earlier to take her for lunch. Afterwards, he had suggested that they take a walk around the local park to work off some of the meal they’d eaten.
As they walked hand in hand, he gave hers a little squeeze. She was so soft to his hardness, fire to his ice. She was his compliment, and even though they’d only been together for a relatively short time, he found himself falling in love with her a little more each day.
Esther was the one who broke the comfortable silence. “Sometimes, I think you’re too good to be true, Matthias,” she said with a sigh.
“Oh, why do you think that?”
“Because you’re the sweetest person I’ve ever met. You’re good-looking, level-headed, have all your teeth.”
He chuckled. “Having all my teeth is a big deal, huh?” he teased.
“Well, nothing against toothless people but I don’t want to imagine you without your teeth.”
“Is that so? What if we grow old together and eventually I have to wear dentures. Does that mean you’d abandon me?”
She tapped him gently on the shoulder. “That’s different. Do you really see a future for us?”
“Absolutely. I know it’s early in this relationship but I feel things for you that I haven’t with any other woman. After my disastrous marriage, I didn’t think I’d be inclined to take a second trip down the aisle, but I can see me walking toward you.”
Esther dipped her head, her expression indiscernible. “I can imagine that, too.”
“Where do you see yourself ten years from now?”
“Besides still being with you, hopefully? I’m not sure. I mean, I adore Fiona and I love working at the shop but it’s not some place I want to be for the rest of my life. I want to do something that I’m really good at. I was thinking of some form of cosmetology. I’m pretty good with makeup and there are several routes I could go in that industry. It’s just a thought, though. I’m not really sure how I’d get started.”
“I do know a little something about starting a business so I’d be happy to give you advice every step of the way.”
“You don’t have to, Matthias.”
“I want to. I’d like to see all your dreams come true.”
“It’s just talk for now. I don’t know if I’m good enough.”
“I wish I was a good judge of your skills, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re pretty good.”
“And how do you figure that?”
“You’re a natural beauty and you don’t need a lot of artificial enhancements to make yourself look better. But when you are wearing makeup it gives you sort of a glow. You don’t smear it all over your face.”
Esther laughed, making that wonderful sound he loved so much. “No one smears makeup on their face unless they’re trying to make some kind of statement.”
“But that’s the thing. I don’t know a lot about a woman’s beauty regimen but I do notice when they’re wearing too much gunk on their face because they look like clowns.”
Esther turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Well, it’s good to know that you don’t think I look like a clown.’
“No. I think you look
beautiful.” Matthias dipped his head until their lips met.
These memories had had a firm grip on his brain in the last couple of weeks, and Matthias felt like he’d explode if he didn’t get some kind of outlet. He had to see Esther or go crazy. Knowing that Chris and Tiffany had run into her had only made his need to see her more urgent.
He eyed the number on the phone and unable to wait another second, he picked up the phone and dialed it. He expected to get a voicemail but just hearing her voice was enough at the moment, to his surprise, when he heard a breathy, “Hello?” he froze.
“Hello?” she spoke again.
Matthias was tongue-tied, having not heard her voice in so long.
“Well, I’m going to hang up, obviously this is a wrong number.”
“Esther.”
He was met with silence on the other end of the line. “Are you still there?”
“Matthias?”
“Yes, how are you?”
“I’m well, thank you, just a little surprised that you’d be contacting my business cell. How did you get this number? Never mind, don’t answer, you got it from Chris, right?”
“Actually, I took it off of Tiffany’s desk.”
“I’m guessing you didn’t call for a free makeup consultation unless you’ve made some life changes in the last few years.”
“No.”
“Then why are you calling?”
“Because I had to talk to you. I’ve been by the shop and few times and you’re never there.”
“That’s because I don’t work there anymore. I’m sure Chris has already filled you in on what I do for a living.”
“Yes. You’re doing what you had hoped for. I hear you’re doing things pretty big too. I’m proud of you.”