Seth had to be careful. Although tempted, he couldn’t state his intentions tonight; he had to catch a plane in the morning and head back to New York. Stick to the plan.
“Much better. It may not have been what I wanted to happen, but I’m happy, Sarah.”
“So am I. Now, it’s my turn. The Snowflake Ball.”
“I knew it.”
“It was such a special night, something I never thought you’d consider.”
“It certainly was out of character for me. You looked incredible.”
“This is my memory. I admit, I did feel pretty that night. Anyway, you put so much thought into the evening. You always did. Thank you for that. I’m digressing. I liked when we danced in the street. You twirled me around.”
“I liked that too. I could’ve stayed there all night.”
“It was too cold,” she countered. “You were wearing a suit; I had that dress.”
“Oh, that dress.” He made his voice as sexy as possible.
“Seth, it’s my turn. By the way, you looked handsome, all dressed up, and all mine. When you danced with Mrs. Holcomb.” She giggled. “I was proud of you. I think she was touched.”
“She’s a special lady.”
“That was the night we set this date. Remember?”
“Yes. We behaved ourselves that night too. That’s funny. We both chose a time when we showed restraint.” He shook his head in wonder.
“You’re right. I guess that says something. We made the right decision to wait.”
“No way! I will never believe that. Looking back on it, we should have made love, over and over again.”
“Let’s not go there—not tonight, not here, with us being so close.” She sounded sad.
“Not tonight.”
Another night, hopefully, they would make up for that mistake, over and over again.
CLOSURE
SARAH
The moment Sarah had opened the door to Seth, holding his overnight bag, she’d known this night would be different. She couldn’t have imagined how different; her mind—and heart—would never have allowed it.
But here they were, lying only inches from one another.
This is wrong. Friends don’t do this. But we’re not ordinary friends. We’re friends who were once in love.
Once? Sarah still loved him, but Seth didn’t love her.
As they lay together—each sharing their memories, then and now—Sarah got the feeling Seth sought the closure they had been denied seven years ago. Reminiscing put their relationship in its rightful place. The past.
He had moved on without her. Not exactly. Sarah would still have a place in his life. She hoped so anyway. It just wasn’t the place she wanted to occupy. As his lover, his companion, his soul mate, his everything.
She knew it was wrong—Seth had become involved with Adriane Malone while filming in New York and Sarah had seen the pictures to prove it—but Sarah selfishly allowed herself this one night with him.
A goodbye present to myself.
She relished the littlest things tonight: standing beside him in the bathroom, brushing their teeth as they prepared for bed. Such a mundane act, but Sarah would never do that again with him: get ready for bed together.
Thank God for that tiny bed. Seth had nowhere to go, really. As their conversation became more intimate, their feelings more revealing, their bodies responded, moving closer and closer until little separated them. She allowed herself to touch him, savoring every sensation and praying to remember it always, though she knew it would fade. It had before.
Sharing their memories proved insightful. Their favorite moments involved the hope for a new relationship, a friendship. For the first time, they believed it possible to start over. Their favorite memories from when they dated included restraint on their part: restraint in the past, in not having sex, and restraint today, by settling on friendship. Romance wasn’t in the cards for them, then and now. Sarah would just be with him tonight. She deserved it; she desired it; she needed it.
Their conversation exhausted her and, even though she wanted to do anything but sleep, she found herself yawning.
“I’ve kept you up,” he said.
“I don’t mind.”
“Do you have to work tomorrow?”
“Yes. You are staying?”
“If you’ll have me?”
She stifled a laugh. I’d love to have you. If she hadn’t been a virgin, she may have made a pass at him. She could only imagine how wonderful it would be to make love to him.
Only we wouldn’t be making love—just me.
“I want you to stay, Seth. Happy Un-anniversary.”
“Happy Un-anniversary to you too.” He must have felt her body go limp and then stiffen as she fought to stay awake. “Sarah, go to sleep. This is enough for tonight. We’ll talk again in the morning.”
Sarah mumbled something even she couldn’t understand and drifted off to sleep. She woke to find Seth and Newton watching her.
“What time do you have to catch your flight?” she asked.
Seth looked at the alarm clock. “In a couple of hours. What time do you have to be at work?”
“Ten o’clock.”
“That doesn’t leave us much time.”
Sarah sat on the edge of the bed, suddenly feeling awkward. The darkness the night before had provided a veil to hide behind, making it easier to be close to Seth. Last night, it was just them, in her bed, together. Today, the world invaded her bedroom. Birds chirped outside; she wanted them to stop. There were voices outside as well, people going to work, walking their dogs, going about their mornings. She wanted them to go away, but this was reality. A new day, a new life.
“Breakfast?” She stood. “I make a mean western omelet. You can take a shower while I cook.”
Seth shook his head. “I’d rather help you make breakfast?”
Another unique opportunity presented itself. Cooking together. Sarah went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Seth didn’t follow but lay in her bed and watched her, a content smile on his face.
He patted the mattress. “You know, I like this small bed.”
“I suppose it would be perfect for a married couple. Your spouse can’t escape you.” She laughed.
“It’s probably better than a marriage counselor. You definitely can’t sleep on the other side of the bed if you’re angry at one another. The other side of the bed is…well…the bed.”
“That would be a good marketing campaign, Seth.”
Sarah admired him in the mirror, and then groaned at her reflection. Her hair had exploded, as usual, and she looked tired.
That’s okay. You’ll have plenty of time to sleep. He won’t be back…ever.
“Well, lazybones. I’m going to make breakfast. You did offer to help.”
“I know, I know. I’m just comfortable here, and I’m sick of sleeping in that hotel room in New York. There’s no place like home, even if it is yours.”
With that, Seth rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom, scratching his head and stretching. Closing the door, he grinned and explained, “I have to go.”
Sarah laughed. So, he was human after all. She lumbered to the kitchen and gathered the ingredients for omelets.
Seth came to her side and blew a puff of air in her face. “No more morning breath.”
“Here, make yourself useful.” She handed him a green pepper, a cutting board, and a knife.
“Yes, ma’am. This takes me back to Home Ec. What would Corin think of us now?”
“She’d be asking you out now that we broke up.”
“You’re probably right. Do you want these onions cut up too?”
“Yes, please.”
“You know, Sarah. We make a good team.”
“This is just one night and morning, Seth. Anyway, you have a cook. This is probably fun for you. You don’t have to do it every day.”
“This is true. I don’t know what I’d do without Tessa.” He pointed to the onion and green
peppers. “Are you ready for these?”
“I am. Can you get the cheese and ham out of the fridge?”
“Sure can.” Seth rummaged through the fridge and came up with the last two ingredients.
As Sarah prepared the omelets, Seth set the table and checked his cell. Any and all excuses Sarah had made the night before washed away; Adriane Malone’s face took their place, and a heavy dose of guilt coursed through her veins.
“Everything okay?” she asked once he laid his cell phone on the table.
“Yep, just making sure my flight’s on time. It is.”
“Good. I hope you’re hungry. I made too much.”
“I think I can put a dent in them.” Seth held up a plate, and Sarah gave him a healthy portion.
“Would you like orange juice?”
“Yes, please.”
She poured orange juice for each of them and joined him at the table.
“Will you be home for Christmas?” she asked.
“Yes, will you?”
“As a matter of fact, I’m hoping to fly home…to Aunt CeCe’s,” Sarah lied. She hadn’t planned to go home, but the thought of getting away sounded good, especially if Seth brought Adriane home to make it “official.”
“That’d be nice.”
“It would be, but there are things to be worked out: airfare, my work schedule. I don’t get off school until the twenty-second. We’ll see.”
“CeCe would be excited.”
“Yes,” she agreed and then hesitated before asking the next question, unsure if she wanted to know the answer. “What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Don’t you usually go to Pat and Derrick’s?”
“Yes, but I might have other plans this year. It’s still up in the air. What about you?”
“I’ll probably be working.”
“I suppose that’s the problem with working for a caterer. Your busiest times are during the holidays.”
“I don’t mind. It gives me an excuse to spend less time with my family. The holidays are always stressful with them.”
“I hate to hear that, Sarah. It is getting better, I hope.”
“Actually, they’re much better since our Trading Places night.” She had a feeling it might get worse. Sharing the holidays with Seth and his new love would be another stressful burden to bear.
“I need to get a shower.” She looked at the clock. “I can’t be late.”
“You go ahead. I’ll do the dishes.”
“Goodness! First, you help cook and now you offered to do the dishes. I didn’t know you were so domestic.” She laughed and patted him on the back.
“I guess I could always fall back on my newfound talent if acting doesn’t work out.”
“I doubt you’ll have to worry about that.”
“How do you know? You haven’t even seen one of my movies.”
“I’m sorry, but I haven’t. Too weird. Maybe someday.” Another lie.
“I guess I can understand your point of view. I certainly wouldn’t want to see you—”
“Enough said.” Sarah headed for the bedroom, closing the door behind her, thankful to be away from him. She had reached her limit.
She flew out of the bedroom and to the front door, picking up her purse on the way. “I’m going.”
“Wait,” Seth called from the kitchen and ran to her. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
“That’s not necessary,” she said with a detached tone. “Seth, you made a painful day a wonderful memory last night, and I will never forget it.”
“Me either. Thanks for indulging me once again.” He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead.
“Have a safe trip back.”
Seth kissed her forehead again and released her. Sarah raced to the car and left, not looking back. She beeped the horn instead, waved in his general direction, and cried all the way to work.
How could she have been so stupid to let herself get in this position again? Even so, she had no regrets. Seth’s friendship was more than she could have ever hoped for all those years ago when she left him the first time. At least he would be away until Christmas. With prayers and luck, she’d be ready to greet him with open arms. Him and Adriane, that is.
Her sour mood remained throughout the day, prompting her stop at the DQ after work to pick up a double chocolate chip ice cream, which always helped. This time she ordered extra chocolate syrup and ate the entire pint! She headed home with a bit of a stomach ache. No wonder.
Seth had made the bed and left a note on the pillow.
Sarah,
My domesticity cannot be stopped…I made the bed! Ha! Ha! Thanks for last night. Each year gets easier. I wonder what next year will bring. I can’t wait to find out.
Seth
Next year? Sarah didn’t want to think of next year. She’d had enough trouble getting through this year and could certainly “wait to find out.”
ACTING LESSON
SETH
Seth zipped his pants.
What in the hell are you doing? He hadn’t been home one day and had already caused trouble. While he accepted some of the blame, Sarah shared in the culpability. He just couldn’t control himself around her.
Sarah had worked for Bon Appétit earlier that day and made it just in time for dinner. In fact, she’d still had on work clothes and had her hair pulled back when she’d arrived. Seth had taken care of that when he’d released the hair tie during their sex scene. Yes, their sex scene.
Seth had been watching a football game with the Sam and the rest of the guys when he decided to get a beer and overheard Sarah talking about him. She put on quite a show too. Her arms flew here and there as she stood before a captive audience. Apparently, they were discussing pictures of him and Adriane from the tabloids. Someone on the set had leaked pictures of their explicit love scenes.
“Poor Seth, he looks exhausted. This shoot must have been so taxing for him.” Sarah held up the magazine and roared with laughter. “Poor Seth. Ha! I just spent the day serving dinner to fifty people who didn’t even eat it. Too many calories! I’d trade places with him any day…in fact I have.” She pointed to the magazine. “And he complains these scenes are embarrassing to shoot. Does he look
embarrassed? I don’t think so.”
Seth darted to and fro to avoid Sarah’s flailing arms. He could only imagine how animated Sarah was in bed. Although her audience was directing their attention at Sarah, Seth became a part of the show. He grinned mischievously and mimicked her every move.
“Here we go again.” Abby groaned.
Sarah turned to face him. “What? I’m not embarrassed.” She placed her hands on her hips and scowled, goading him to fight, much like a bully in the playground.
As always, Seth took the bait. “So you think acting’s easy, huh?”
“You bet I do.”
“Prove it.”
“I would if I could,” she countered with a huff.
“Lucky for you, we can. Indulge me…to prove my point, of course.” Without waiting for Sarah’s response, Seth turned to their audience. “I’m going to need your help.”
He grabbed the pots and pans hanging on a rack above the kitchen island, handed them to his recruits, and motioned to Sarah to join him.
Johnny walked in at that moment.
Seth pointed at him. “You can be our director.”
“Sure.” Johnny shrugged his shoulders without question. “Just let me get another beer.”
Seth looked at the island and smiled mischievously. “Molly, would you please stand here. I need you to hold your pot…I mean camera up like this.” He held the pot high in the air and then handed it back to Molly. “Do you think you can handle that?”
“Yes, but I don’t see where this is going.”
“You will. Can someone turn the lights on?”
Next, Seth positioned Kathy on the other side of the island and kept repeating the pattern until the pots…cameras�
�� and his crew were in place. All except Sarah.
“Now, for the leading lady. Sarah?”
She scowled at him. “I’m coming.”
Seth lifted her onto the end of the kitchen island, spread her legs, and leaned her back in an awkward position.
“You need to stay just like that.” He took her face in his hands and turned it slightly. “Your face has to stay at a forty-five-degree angle so the camera can get the right shot. Now, let’s go over your lines.” He didn’t look at Sarah, afraid he might chicken out. “Are you listening? I don’t want to repeat myself.”
“Oh, I’m listening. Bring it on.”
He drummed his fingers over his lips. “My line will be, ‘Tell me what you want,’ and you’ll reply, ‘You, only you.’ Can you handle that?”
“Easy as pie.” She yawned.
“Then you’ll pull me toward you. You got that?”
“Got it.”
“I’ll kiss you on the neck, but first I’ll undo your blouse.”
Alarm filled her face, and Seth took pity on her. “Perhaps the first two buttons. You’ll moan and then say, ‘I love you.’ Let’s begin.” He looked to Johnny. “Director, are you ready?”
“Quiet on the set,” Johnny ordered and took a swig of beer.
The crew dutifully took their positions, and the scene began.
“Sex scene, take one.” Johnny clapped his hands together to imitate a scene marker.
“Wait, I forgot something.” Seth removed his shirt, unbuckled his belt, and unbuttoned his pants but left the zipper zipped. “Okay, I’m ready.” He didn’t dare look at Sarah.
“Sex scene, take one,” Johnny repeated.
Seth threw Sarah a sexy smile. “Tell me what you want.”
“Y-you, only you.”
“Cut!” Johnny yelled. “You aren’t loud enough, Sarah. From the top. Sex scene, take two.” Clap.
“Tell me what you want.”
“You, only you,” Sarah bellowed.
“Cut, more emotion, Sarah. Say it like you mean it. From the top. Sex scene, take three.” Clap.
“Tell me what you want.” Seth waited.
“You, only you.” Sarah reached out and pulled him toward her by his loosened pants.
This time Seth forgot his lines. He’d lost all concentration…in her eyes, her body, her scent.
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