by Alex Marcoux
In the kitchen, Sidney checked her phone messages. There was a message from Scott, one from Justin and two from Natalie. Natalie had left an unfamiliar phone number.
Sidney called Natalie first.
“Hi, it’s me.”
“Sidney, what’s going on?”
She quickly filled her in on the events of the afternoon and evening.
“So, Anastasia is with you now?” She was surprised.
“Yeah.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help.”
“Where are you?”
“Karen and I are at Fire Island for the long weekend.”
“I’m sorry, I completely forgot. I thought you were in town; it would have been easier bringing her by your place.”
“Actually, it’s probably best this way. Steph knows where I live; she knows you live in New Jersey and that’s about it.”
“You’re probably right. Go back to your weekend and have fun.”
“Call me if you need help.”
“Good night.”
Sidney made a quick tour of the living area and removed some personal items, particularly photos. I can’t believe I’m doing this. This is my home. God, I feel invaded. As she placed her personal possessions in a hall closet, she had to remind herself, This is a good thing I’m doing. Right?
Then she turned to the refrigerator; she was hungry and realized she had not eaten since noon. She was pulling leftovers out when Anastasia joined her in the kitchen, dressed in the hospital scrubs.
“Hungry?” Sidney asked.
“Yeah, actually I am.”
Sidney prepared a couple of plates then zapped them in the microwave.
“You should have taken me home.”
“Yeah…then it would be on my head if Stephanie beat on you tonight.” That must have sounded really sensitive. “If you want me to take you home tomorrow, I will. Maybe you need some time to think about things.”
“You mean I should think about Steph.”
“I didn’t say anything about Stephanie.”
“But you thought it. Everybody thinks it. They think it’s so easy and wonder why I don’t just leave her. Unless you’ve walked in my shoes, I don’t want any of your advice.” Anastasia was rambling on about things. “Where would I be today if she hadn’t given all of herself to help me out? I owe her, and she does love me, you know.”
“Look … I didn’t mean to upset you. I don’t know what you’re going through,” Sidney lied.
Anastasia appeared preoccupied. Sidney looked at the kitchen clock. It was 11:15 P.M. She cleaned up the dishes and wished Anastasia good night. “Tomorrow is going to be a great day. I’ll see you then.”
Chapter 17
The following day came too quickly for both of them. Setting her alarm every two hours, Sidney looked in on Anastasia, assuring herself there were no complications from the head injury.
It was ten o’clock when Anastasia finally got up. There was a note in the kitchen, “Coffee and Danish on the back deck, make yourself at home, Sidney.”
From the kitchen, Anastasia walked into a sunroom that opened to a deck. She paused momentarily, admiring the view of the water. The evening before, she had not realized the house was on the water. She walked through the sunroom and opened the deck screen door. The deck overlooked the river. She found a thermos of coffee, pitcher of water and assorted pastries on a patio table and made herself at home.
As Anastasia sat and admired the view, her thoughts returned to Stephanie. J know I’ve procrastinated long enough. I need to make some decisions. But how could I break up with her after all she’s done for me? Besides, she’d probably kill me.
Rustling from some nearby trees interrupted her thoughts. Somebody was pruning near the pool. Anastasia did not recognize Sidney at first. She had never seen her dressed so casually before; she wore shorts and a tank top. Sweat stained the back of her tank top, near her shoulder blades. It must be hot in the sun. As Anastasia stared at Sidney, she admitted to herself, She is attractive. She must work out; she has nice muscle definition in her legs and arms.
Anastasia continued to watch Sidney putter around her yard, weeding and pruning the bushes and trees. There’s something else that’s different about her, she thought. It took Anastasia a few minutes to figure it out. She’s almost smiling. Then she could hear the light music playing from the boom box in the pool house.
She’s humming, too. When a new song started on the radio, Sidney started singing along. Anastasia strained to hear her voice, then she smiled. Don’t give up your daytime job. Moments later she admitted, I’ve never seen Sidney look so content before this.
Sidney had always projected an all-business attitude and regularly lived up to her reputation of being a bitch. I’ve never seen her so happy, and she’s doing manual labor. What’s wrong with that woman?
Anastasia was aware that she was staring at Sidney and started feeling embarrassed about invading her privacy. “Good morning,” she called to Sidney, announcing her presence.
Sidney turned toward the house and climbed the deck stairs to join Anastasia. “How’d you sleep?” she asked as she sat and poured herself a glass of water. She wiped the beads of perspiration from her face and chest with a towel.
“How would you sleep if someone woke you up every other hour?”
“Probably about the same as the person that woke you.”
“You’re right. Thank you,” Anastasia replied.
The swelling on Anastasia’s eye had gone down, but she was sporting a black eye. “You look better,” Sidney said.
“I feel better.”
“Anastasia…about last night, I’m sorry if I upset you; it wasn’t my intention.” She poured herself another glass of water, then changed the subject. “I laid out some clothes for you in the living room. They should fit. I have some chores I’d like to get done today, but I need another three hours or so to finish them. Unless you have an objection, I’ll take you home later.”
“That’s fine.”
“Enjoy the pool and the beach. Help yourself to any food; sandwich makings are in the fridge. Okay?”
“Thanks, Sidney.”
*
Anastasia found the clothing on the living room couch. As she pulled on the shorts, she thought, I wonder whose clothes these are. The shorts seem to be a couple sizes larger than what Sid would wear. Maybe she’s lost weight. After getting dressed, Anastasia visited Sidney’s library and selected a medical thriller. Then she ventured down to the beach and set up a chaise lounge and umbrella. She opened the book and enjoyed the day.
Sidney was still working on the property when she heard Anastasia come up from behind her. “Do you actually enjoy this work?”
“Yeah, I do.”
Anastasia touched Sidney’s shoulder. “You’re getting burned.”
Sidney could feel her shoulders starting to sting. “Do you know what time it is?”
“A little after three.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess time got away from me.” Sidney left the weeding and went into the pool house, opened the refrigerator and pulled out a diet beverage. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Sure, one of those would be great.”
“Shouldn’t you be drinking Quench Soda?” Sidney teasingly asked.
“I won’t tell, if you don’t.”
Sidney took the two beverages to a cafe table that was set up in some shade, near the pool. As she sat, she realized how tired she was. God, I’m hot…and tired. I shouldn’t have sat. She glanced at the front of her soiled clothing. I need a shower.
“Your property is beautiful. It’s obvious you spend a lot of time working on it.”
“Yeah, I do. I enjoy it,” Sidney said, then asked, “Bored?”
“No, not at all. I’ve been relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet.”
“Would you excuse me for a minute? I need to cool off.”
“Sure.”
Sidney returned to the pool house. W
ithin a few minutes she came out dressed in a one-piece black bathing suit. She walked to the diving board and stood for a moment while Anastasia admired her stance. Then she dived into the cool water. Moments later, Sidney returned to the table wearing a large man’s shirt over her bathing suit. She ran her fingers through her short hair, brushing it away from her face.
“Sorry. I must have gotten overheated.”
“Feeling okay?” Anastasia asked.
“Much better, thanks. Do you like to sail?”
“I haven’t sailed since I was a kid.”
Sidney reached over and rotated Anastasia’s wrist, so she could see the time. Then she looked out on the river. “Do you have time for a sail?” Sidney smiled.
“I’m stranded,” Anastasia smiled back. “I’m at your mercy.”
“Great. Follow me.” She got up and walked down to the beach area. “Would you help me get the dinghy into the water?”
The two dragged the small boat off the beach and into the water. Sidney rowed the dinghy about fifty feet out to her sailboat, which was tied up to a buoy.
Sidney helped Anastasia onto the sailboat first, then tied the dinghy to the buoy. She skillfully climbed into the boat. The boat swayed as Sidney climbed on top of the cabin and removed the protective cover from the rolled-up main sail. She returned to the pit and started the boat’s engine. As the engine idled, she released the boat from the buoy. The boat started to drift, but Sidney returned to the pit and motored away from the shore.
She was steering the boat with the tiller when she asked Anastasia, “Do you think you can keep the nose in the wind, while I put the sail up?”
“You want me to what?”
“I need you to steer the boat straight into the wind, so I can put up the main sail.”
Anastasia took the tiller and said, “Did I tell you the last time I sailed I was on a 14-foot Sunfish?”
“This is the same thing, just a little bigger.”
Anastasia took control of the helm, while Sidney climbed back on top of the cab. At the mast she stood tall above Anastasia, reached for the sheets and started pulling. Anastasia was distracted by Sidney’s stance as her body effectively raised the main sail. Although the boat continued to sway, Sidney had a feel for the breaking water. Soon the main sail was up and Sidney returned to the pit and turned the engine off. Taking the tiller, Sidney turned the boat, allowing the wind to fill the sail. The sailboat gently leaned and starting moving forward.
“Would you like to put the front sail up?” Sidney asked.
Anastasia looked at the front of the boat. “You want me to go to the front of the boat, and put a sail up?”
“No, you can do it from here.” She handed Anastasia a rope. “This is the jib sheet, when you pull it the front sail will come out. You just keep on pulling it until the sail is full. Okay?”
“Okay.” She pulled on the rope and the jib started to come out.
As the sail billowed, the boat heeled further and Anastasia was caught off guard. Not anticipating the incline, she clumsily lost her footing and was about to fall on her face when Sidney grabbed hold of her waist. Anastasia steadied herself and continued to pull the sheet, then Sidney showed her where to tie it off.
Anastasia smiled after she accomplished her task. “How’s that, captain?”
Sidney studied the wind, then asked Anastasia, “Would you like to sail the boat?”
Anastasia was hesitant, so Sidney reviewed sailing fundamentals with her. After she seemed more comfortable, Sidney introduced heeling. She positioned the sails for optimum wind, causing the boat to lean considerably. The speed of the boat also increased. Sidney saw fear in Anastasia’s swollen eyes as the boat heeled.
“Here, sit next to me,” Sidney gestured.
Anastasia moved closer, then Sidney took Anastasia’s hand and placed it on the tiller, next to her own. “By steering the boat, you control the amount of wind on the sail. If you’re uncomfortable with the incline, you just remove the wind from the sail.” Sidney moved the tiller slightly, and the lean and speed decreased. “You see? Try it.”
Anastasia moved the tiller back toward the original position and the lean and speed increased. She continued to test her ability to control the heel, then within a few minutes she laughed and settled into a comfortable lean.
Sidney studied the surrounding river and boats. “I need to go in the cabin for a few minutes, are you okay?” Sidney asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Minutes later, Sidney surfaced from the cabin, carrying cheese and crackers along with a couple beverages. She also had changed into sweats and handed Anastasia a sweatshirt.
“Getting hungry?” Sidney asked.
Anastasia looked at the snacks. “I am now.”
The excursion was enjoyable for both. Sidney was pleasantly surprised that boat traffic was reasonable for a holiday weekend. It was close to seven o’clock when the two returned to the house.
As Anastasia walked away from the beach, she thought, I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun. “Thank you, Sid. I really enjoyed that,” she said as she looked back at the sailboat.
Sidney could hear the phone ringing as they passed the pool and approached the house. She flew up the stairs and answered the portable phone that sat on the patio table. “Hello…. Hi, how are you?” Sidney sat speaking with the caller. She laughed, then smiled.
Anastasia was curious about the caller. Sidney seemed captivated by the conversation. Casually, Anastasia passed Sidney and entered the house, leaving Sidney alone on the deck with her caller. As Anastasia inspected some photographs in the living room, she heard Sidney’s voice getting louder.
“I love you too, sweetheart. Have fun tomorrow and I’ll see you Monday night….Yeah, we’ll do something special….Miss you too, bye.” As Sidney rested the phone in its cradle, she noticed Anastasia looking at photos over her fireplace mantel. “Hungry?” she asked.
“Yeah, I am.” Anastasia said.
“You’ve got a choice. I can take you home or I can feed us. Since I’m hungry also, I vote for dinner. What do you think?”
“Dinner sounds good.”
“There’s a good Italian restaurant not too far from here. It’s casual, want to try it?”
“Do you think I could borrow a shirt?”
Sidney set Anastasia up with an assortment of blouses and a couple pairs of pants to choose from. Within an hour the two of them were showered and ready to go. Sidney was checking the weather channel when Anastasia came out of the guestroom dressed in one of Sidney’s blouses. Sidney glanced at Anastasia in her blouse. That blouse doesn’t look like that on me.
The two exited through the garage. Anastasia was getting into the Mercedes when Sidney said, “No, I don’t drive that on weekends.”
She followed Sidney out of the garage, toward another vehicle. This woman is just full of surprises, Anastasia thought when she saw the doorless and topless Jeep Wrangler.
Anastasia had not seen this side of the house before. The house sat away from the road and was landscaped so that it was not seen from the street. As the Jeep pulled out of the driveway, Anastasia said, “I’ve been meaning to ask you…where are we?”
“The Jersey shore, we’re in Brielle.”
“Where’s that?”
“We’re about 20 minutes south of Asbury Park.” The wind blew through the open vehicle as they drove along. Anastasia held her hair away from her face. “There’s a hat in the well if you’d like to use it.”
“Thanks.” Anastasia put the baseball cap on. Aware that the vehicle offered little protection from the elements she asked, “What do you do when it rains?”
Sidney looked at Anastasia, then laughed. “You get wet.”
The two were wind blown by the time they got to the restaurant, but quickly pulled themselves together. Sidney was surprised that Anastasia kept the hat on. The restaurant was crowded, and the hostess told them there was an hour wait. Sidney put her name on the l
ist, then asked, “Is Steve around tonight?”
“Yeah, he’s in the back. Who should I tell him is here?”
“Sidney.”
“Want a drink?” Sidney turned to Anastasia.
The two squeezed up to the bar and Sidney ordered for them. The rim of Anastasia’s hat seemed lower to Sidney. Then she realized that people at the bar had recognized her. Some were pointing at her and whispering. She must be trying to hide her black eye.
“Hi Sidney,” a large man greeted her. “Where’s Justin?”
“He’s away for the weekend,” she answered. Then she turned to introduce Anastasia. “Steve, this is Anastasia.”
The man immediately recognized her and smiled. “Hi…it’s an honor to meet you.” Then he turned toward Sidney, “I have a table now, but if you can wait five minutes, I’ll have a more private one.” Steve appeared nervous around Anastasia.
The two opted to wait for the better table, and once settled there, Anastasia felt comfortable enough to remove the hat. The waitresses and bus staff all greeted Anastasia and asked Sidney where Justin was.
“Is Justin your significant other?” Anastasia asked.
That wouldn’t be my first choice of words, Sidney thought. “I guess you could call him that,” she answered.
The food, service and relaxation were just what Anastasia needed. She was enjoying her wine and salad when she got serious. “Sidney, I need to thank you.”
“No, you don’t.”
“No, I really mean it. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had such an enjoyable day. I think I really needed the rest.” She ran her fingers through her hair, felt the stitches in her forehead, and was reminded of how the weekend began.
“Why did you come over to the apartment yesterday, anyway?”
Sidney’s eyes softened, then she smiled.
“What?” Anastasia asked.
Raising a glass of cabernet, Sidney proposed a toast, “To Brett Pillar’s next leading lady.”
“I got it? I got the role?” Anastasia’s face lit up.
“Congratulations.”
Anastasia was excited. “I want the best bottle of champagne you have,” she told the waiter.