Enlightened Love

by Shara Lanel

  “Did it work?”

  “Not perhaps in the way I imagined, but it is an experience I will never forget.”

  Kerry had finished eating. “Rick, thank you for the breakfast. It was heavenly.” She impulsively leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. His swift intake of breath let her know that even that small gesture had affected him. He placed his hand on her cheek and stared into her eyes. A magnetic current existed between their lips, pulling them closer and closer together.

  “You’re welcome,” he said gruffly.

  She watched his lips move as he spoke the words and as usual just hearing his accent turned her on. She licked her lips in preparation for a kiss.

  The doorbell rang. They sprang apart.

  Kerry cleared her throat and wiped the dampness from her palms onto her napkin. “Company?”

  Rick stood, with amazing speed, Kerry noted, and raised his eyebrows. “Perhaps Evan. Or a Jehovah’s Witness.”

  “You’ve met a Jehovah’s Witness already?”

  “Yes. A very enlightening conversation. I believe I almost had him ready to convert to Buddhism.” He grinned, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes, and picked up the tray and left the room.

  Rick’s mind was on Kerry and her “Grand Tour” as he opened the door. Evan lounged against the doorjamb as he’d expected. However, unexpectedly, a woman stood next to him. She had a beautiful face, classic features, reminding Rick of Marlene Dietrich, the famous movie star of the ‘30s and ‘40s . Her chestnut hair waved smoothly to her shoulders. She wore a white cotton blouse, crisply ironed, with the top two buttons undone revealing a hint of creamy white flesh. Her beige skirt stopped just above her knees, but it was high enough to reveal long, long legs. This was his kind of woman, Rick thought, nothing like the goopy-haired bimbos at the bar. Her wardrobe signified taste and class. He looked up and saw her lightly rouged lips curve into a smile. Evan was grinning from ear to ear much like the Cheshire Cat.

  “Lydia, this is Rick Abernathy, my cousin. Rick, this is Lydia Delacroix, a friend of mine.”

  “How do you do?” they both said simultaneously, then laughed, all the while looking into each other’s eyes.

  Evan cleared his throat. “Do you plan to invite us in, Cuz? It is customary.”

  “Oh, yes, of course.” Rick backed into the foyer, holding the door for them. He watched as Lydia walked, a slight sway to her hips. “Please, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?”

  “That would be lovely,” Lydia said, perching herself on the edge of a straight-backed chair. Evan threw himself onto the couch and put his legs up, ever himself, even with someone like Lydia in the room. “What would you like?”

  “Beer for me,” Evan interjected.

  Rick rolled his eyes, which caused Lydia to laugh, a light tinkling sound. “Would you also like a beer?” he asked. “Or tea, perhaps?”

  “Some tea, thank you.”

  Rick walked to the kitchen and wondered about Evan’s agenda. He had no doubt there was one, and he suspected it had something to do with Kerry. As Rick poured the tea he thought about her. Would she remain upstairs? What would Evan think to find her still here? Rick shook his head. It really didn’t matter what Evan thought as long as he kept his diatribes to himself, because not only would it embarrass Kerry, it would also embarrass Lydia. Rick grabbed a long-neck beer from the fridge. Lydia reminded him of his mother, he realized, the same porcelain skin and smooth movements.

  Returning to the living room, Rick handed out the drinks. He sat on one of his aunt’s Chippendale chairs and looked expectantly at Evan.

  “Lydia was recently transferred from DC and doesn’t know many local people…”

  “Evan, you know I…”

  “…So I offered to introduce her to you, since you’re in the same boat,” Evan said, flipping through the magazine on the coffee table. The magazine was the Yoga Journal, so he quickly put it down with a snort.

  Lydia glanced at Evan then back to Rick. “Really I grew up just west of here near the University of Richmond, but my parents moved to Annapolis after graduation and I lost touch with my school friends.”

  “I see. What type of work do you do?” Lydia had wide green eyes accented with long smoky lashes and Rick found that he couldn’t stop looking at her.

  “I’m a lawyer. I’ve actually been working in a satellite office of a Richmond firm, which they decided to close. Luckily they asked me to transfer here. Otherwise I would be back to square one.”

  “Square one?”

  “Means starting over,” Evan said. He rose from the couch and walked to the kitchen, soon returning with another beer.

  “What sort of law do you practice?”

  “International corporate law. We deal with companies that do business with the U.S., acquainting them with our legal system as it relates to their business.” She sipped her tea.

  “That sounds fascinating.” And it was interesting when she spoke with that sultry voice, even though Rick knew less than nothing about U.S. law or corporations.

  Her attention went towards the staircase. Rick followed her gaze and saw Kerry descending. She was wearing one of Rick’s business shirts, tied at her midriff, overtop of her own ripped jeans. Her feet were bare. Rick recalled his own bare feet, and heard his mother’s voice in his head, “Rick, that is not proper attire for greeting guests.” It brought a smile to his lips. For so long he’d been trying to silence her voice, silence all voices, including his own.

  Kerry reached the bottom of the stairs and crossed her arms, shifting from foot to foot. Evan sat up, looking ready to pounce, as Rick gestured for Kerry to join them.

  “Kerry, this is Lydia Delacroix. Lydia, this is Kerry Reynolds.” He didn’t know what else to say. It seemed obvious that she’d spent the night. Should he try to explain or just let Lydia make of it what she would?

  “Nice to meet you.” Kerry extended her hand, then admired Lydia’s firm handshake. Looking towards the couch, she noticed that Evan had covered the full length of it with his legs. Probably hoping she’d leave. Kerry shrugged and plopped onto the floor, assuming Lotus position as she’d seen Rick do so many times. Her eyes immediately went to Rick who seemed transfixed by the beauty queen. She’d thought he’d offer some explanation for her presence. Perhaps he could think of nothing plausible. Kerry thought the truth plausible enough, but maybe he didn’t want to embarrass her. That brought to her mind the scrumptious breakfast in bed. How sweet. A breakfast like that would be perfectly accented with some strong coffee. As the silence drew out, Kerry asked, “Rick, do you have some coffee?”

  “Sorry, no.”

  Kerry rolled her eyes. Of course not. If she’d had any money, she’d have offered to buy some as well as the requisite coffee maker. She needed to get a job quickly.

  Apparently deciding that Kerry was not of much interest, Lydia turned back to Rick and resumed their conversation. “And what do you do, Rick?”

  “I’m thinking of registering for classes at VCU.”

  “I have colleagues who graduated from University of Richmond. I’ve not heard much about VCU lately. Is it a good school?”

  Rick shrugged. “I don’t know.” He looked to Evan who also shrugged. “They offer a varied course selection and the medical college is of some renown.”

  “So you wish to become a doctor?”

  This woman was a hound, Kerry thought. But would she have been much different in her old life? In her old life she’d have handed the unsuspecting male over to her parents to grill.

  Rick didn’t seem to mind the third degree. He considered her question. “No, I do not think the medical profession is for me. My cousin has suggested the law.” He gestured to the slug on the couch.

  “Ah, but then you are at the wrong school.”

  As Lydia opened her mouth to begin her discourse on appropriate law schools, Kerry interrupted. “I’m going to the kitchen for a drink. Anyone want anything?”

  “We’re fine, t
hanks,” Rick said barely glancing at her. Evan, however, bestirred himself. “I’ll help you.” Kerry was about to ask him with what, but decided silence was a virtue at this time. She’d wait until she reached the kitchen to defend herself, as she knew she would have to. Evan wasted no time.

  “I think it’s time you left. I’m sure Rick’s had fun but that wasn’t an invitation to stay indefinitely.”

  “Actually he did invite me to stay indefinitely, but not because of the ‘fun’ you refer to, just because he’s a nice guy.”

  “I know he’s a nice guy—too nice—and I’m not going to let you take advantage of him.”

  Kerry sighed and put her hands on her hips. “Why do you think I’m out to get something? I haven’t done a thing to you. I haven’t asked for my car back from you or Rick. If that was my aim, I would have come on to you, as you said at the bar.”

  “Lady, I don’t know what your game is, but I know you got one. I know you don’t have the money to get your car out of hock. I know Rick doesn’t seem to think you have a place to live. You were scruffy and smelly out on the street and carrying everything you own in a duffel bag. Don’t tell me you’re not after something.”

  That was the truth, she knew it. “Look, let’s come to an understanding. I am having some problems lately.” Evan snorted. “But I’m going to turn it around. I’m going to find a job and get my car back, but none of that concerns you. This is key, I am not going to rob Rick blind. I’m not going to abscond with family heirlooms or con him out of his savings. Honestly, I just need a chance to get on my feet again.”

  “Where is your family? Get them to help you out, not some total stranger.” He grabbed a beer from the fridge.

  “They can’t.” Kerry refused to explain further. “Look, if Rick asks me to leave, I will. I see that you’ve brought him a pretty diversion, so perhaps he’ll rescind his invitation.” She brushed her hair from her face.

  Evan slammed the bottle against the counter to loosen the cap, then he took a long swallow. “I don’t trust you,” he said finally.

  “That’s understandable, but you’ve got to know that Rick is an adult no matter how unschooled in American culture. He can do as he wants.”

  Evan looked out the door towards the living room. He smiled grimly. “And I’m betting pretty soon Lydia will be the top of his list.”

  “Maybe so.”

  Evan sauntered back to the living room. Kerry stood with both hands on the counter taking deep breaths. She couldn’t believe she’d stood up for herself, since she knew what Evan said was true, but she had nowhere to go. She just needed to get her bearings. Spying the phonebook on the counter, she grabbed it and flipped it open. She would look up the addresses of any shelters in the area, so that if she did need to leave she’d have somewhere to go, but the thought of those unknown places scared her more than living in a strange man’s apartment. Lost in thought, she stared at the threshold to the dining room instead of at the listings in the phone book.

  “Kerry?” Rick’s head peeked around the corner. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine, thanks.” She ran some water into a glass and sipped.

  “I thought perhaps Evan…”

  “He did, but it’s okay. He’s looking out for you.”

  Rick came into the room and leaned against the doorjamb. He held two empty glasses in his hands. Kerry could hear Lydia’s tinkling voice followed by Evan’s gruff reply coming from the other room. “I can take care of myself,” Rick said.

  “I know you can, but you have family now, and they tend to stick their nose where it’s not wanted.” She grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

  Rick returned her smile. “That is a nice feeling, isn’t it?”

  A cloud passed over Kerry’s mind. It was not always a good feeling. “Look, I was thinking I might go for a walk since you have company.” She paused. “Will you let me back in?”

  “Yes. Just leave the back door unlocked.” He opened the fridge and pulled out the glass pitcher of tea. He refilled the two glasses before returning to his guests.

  Kerry stepped outside. The alley held unpleasant reminders of the night before last, so she quickly traversed the cobblestones and gravel to reach the sidewalk. She had no clear thought of where to walk. She crossed Monument and observed the joggers and dog owners.

  The day was sunny. The humidity remained low during this early hour, but it was sure to peak when the temperature did. Kerry mulled over job hunting possibilities in her mind. Waitressing was probably her best bet, despite the disaster in Roanoke. Nightly tips offered instant cash. How long would it take to accrue the funds to get her back on her feet? Not counting the parking tickets and car repair bill, she would need money for food and rent and probably a security deposit, unless she stayed in a hotel. She had no idea how much rent was in this area. It was outrageous in San Diego, one thousand dollars or more for a one-room apartment. So, say she could find an apartment here for half that and the security deposit was a month’s rent, she’d need one thousand dollars to get a place. When starting from zero one thousand seemed like a million.

  Kerry reached the corner of Broad Street. She glanced in both directions to see what restaurants were nearby. Several fast-food places, The Crazy Greek and Aunt Sarah’s, which she knew served pancakes. That was probably a good bet. Her attire left something to be desired. It was probably best to change into something that said responsibility. Did she have anything in her wardrobe without rips and stains?

  The light changed and she crossed the street, heading towards a convenience store. She returned to her mental calculations. Let me break this down. If I make forty to fifty dollars a night with tips and work five nights at least, I would have two hundred and fifty in a week. I would also get a small paycheck. But she’d discovered that many places paid biweekly, so at the end of two weeks she’d have five hundred dollars in tips plus a small paycheck. Not bad. In a month, she would have what she needed to get an apartment. Once she started work, she could also offer Rick some rent and grocery money. But would he really let her stay that long? He was a good guy. If she talked it out with him, he would.

  Feeling lighter about her situation, Kerry spotted a pay phone near the ice freezer outside the convenience store. Before she’d even made a conscious decision, she lifted the receiver and dialed the operator.

  “I’d like to make a collect call.”

  “Number please?”

  She recited her sister’s number. When asked to give her name, she hesitated. If she contacted her sister, her family may conclude she was on the East Coast, or Jason may camp out on Susan’s doorstep assuming Kerry would soon seek shelter there.

  “Who may I say is calling?” the operator repeated.

  “Never mind.” Kerry quickly hung up, breathing rapidly, hearing her heartbeat in her ears. She glanced around to see if anyone noted her abrupt actions. Though the store had a steady stream of patrons wandering in and out, no one took notice of her standing by the phone. She tamped down her paranoia and walked across the parking lot. Even though it was before noon, the heat rolled off the asphalt in waves, a sure sign that the humidity was on its way up. Kerry crinkled her nose at the smell of the grimy sidewalk. She’d like to go somewhere upbeat, like an outdoor café, to soak in the sun and lift her mood. Though she knew the VCU area well, having spent days exploring it during the Bug’s convalescence, she’d never gone much beyond the borders of the campus. Of course calling VCU a campus might not be accurate. It was a conglomerate of buildings in an urban landscape. Kerry enjoyed the variety of architecture, the traffic, the teeming life that flitted from building to building.

  Her mind made up to explore a little, she walked back the way she had come. When she reached Monument she looked towards Rick’s house and saw Evan and Lydia exiting the building. Rick stepped out the door behind them and locked the front door. Was he leaving? Had he locked her out after all? The trio climbed into the red Land Rover by the curb.

  Kerry d
idn’t need to see more. Evan had succeeded in distracting Rick. It wasn’t like she had a romantic interest in him anyway. The zing that shot through her body at the memory of moonlight and a mat on the floor belied her thoughts. But that was lust, not even a real date. She had no claims on Rick other than his agreement to let her stay at his house. She hadn’t even spoken about her true predicament. They both knew the truth, so she didn’t need to humiliate herself, and she couldn’t explain all the reasons behind her situation.

  Strolling past the alley, Kerry beheld another street of brick houses with tiny yards and more traffic. Main Street had clapboard houses, some of which were very run down, many with “For Rent” signs in front. The next street, Cary, on the other hand sported hip stores, cafes and restaurants. Kerry decided to spend some time exploring. If Rick had locked her out, then she would be stuck waiting for his return anyway. Might as well spend some time in the pleasurable pursuit of shopping.

  Funny that shopping, no, make that buying, used to be a cure-all for her troubles. A bad grade on a college paper, she would buy; a fight with a boy, she would buy; each time coming home loaded down with bags and boxes. Jason had at first humored her, but after they were engaged he’d expressed disapproval. “What a damn waste of money. Don’t you have anything better to do?” he would say, which wasn’t fair since she’d wanted to volunteer at some charities as she’d done during school and he’d said no.

  Well, Jason was gone, or as gone as she could make him. She was free to discover the treasures in each of these stores, especially since she wished to get out of the heat and humidity, both of which were rising quickly as the morning wore on.

  The first store she stepped into was Mongrel and the cool air blowing from its ceiling vents was a relief. It seemed to have a wide array of novelty items, particularly decorative bars of soap. Each bar had something inside, either an actual object, such as a toy, or a design, which she guessed, was created with different colored soaps. A very foreign thought crossed Kerry’s mind. She could just take something, a small bar or bottle. Who would mind? The sweet-smelling scents filled the store. She could smell like that. Perhaps that would give her more allure when Rick returned home.