by Amy DeMeritt
“Oh, Isabell, my beloved, will anyone be able to make me smile like that again? Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have you back in my arms.”
With a sigh, Elli slowly closes the album and puts it and the baby album back on her bookshelf. She puts some pajamas on, then walks out to the kitchen to busy herself with making a dinner she is not hungry for. But she needs something productive to do and doesn’t trust her unsteady hands to work in the shop below.
“I need a cat or a dog. I need something living in this space besides myself.”
Elli releases another deep sigh of longing as the feeling of being alone begins to push her shoulders down. She considers running another bath to numb her senses, but she knows that will not eliminate the fact that she is very much alone right now.
Although she is not here to hear her, Elli declares, “Fine. You win this one, Mum.”
Elli quickly puts the ingredients back in the fridge, washes her hands, and practically runs to her bedroom to get dressed.
“Dinner for one at Freida’s Bistro, here I come. How’s that for a step forward, Mum?”
Chapter Five
“I’ll be right with you.”
Elli calls out towards the sound of the bell jingling. She finishes cutting the strip of leather for a boot she’s repairing, then after deciding she’s happy with it, she dusts her hands off on her apron and walks to the front counter. Her back stiffens and her chest tightens with a storm of contradicting emotions.
When she had to call Lana to let her know her shoes were ready, she received the voicemail, both to her relief and disappointment. She half expected her not to come to claim her shoes at all. But here she is. Here she is looking as fabulous as the first day she walked in, dressed in a sleek business suit with a pressed collar button-up shirt on underneath. Her eyes betray a hint of fear, despite the small polite smile she’s wearing.
Elli steadies her nerves as she remembers her mother’s words of advice to give Lana another chance. She musters up as much courageous hope as she can and gives Lana a warm smile that she hopes comes off as forgiving and patient, as her mother had also encouraged her to be with Lana.
She grabs Lana’s bag of shoes and pulls them from the bag as she brings a lighted magnifying glass to swivel above the heel.
“Good afternoon, Lana. How was your week?”
Lana sort of chokes on her words, and quietly says, “Hello. Stressful.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I have good news for you though – your shoes survived the operation. I was able to construct a perfectly matched heel and the black lacquer gives an equal shine in all types of lighting.”
She holds the shoes up for Lana to inspect. Lana accepts both shoes and looks at them side by side, close to her face to see if the shape of the heel matches and if the height and color are the same.
“This looks like a perfect match. Are you sure you didn’t just reattach the broken heel?”
Elli’s mood elevated at the compliment for just a moment, only to plummet, making her feel like she was slapped across the face. She walks into the work studio and retrieves the broken heel and holds it up as proof of her work.
“Impressive.”
The word is strained and doesn’t sound at all like a compliment to Elli, so she doesn’t respond and her mood remains deflated.
“So, how much do I owe you for this and the flats you gave me before?”
Acid rushes through Elli’s veins and snuffs out the tiny ember of hope she had that Lana would still be interested. The deal was the service would be free if she had coffee with her. Suddenly feeling very self-conscious, like she needs to put a bag over her head and hide in a closet, she gives Lana a curt nod as she turns to write up a receipt for her. Lana quickly produces a credit card, and with a few swift clicks on the register and credit card machine, Elli finalizes their encounter. Lana signs the receipt with a shaky hand while Elli places her stilettos back in the zipper topped bag for her.
“You’re all set. Have a great day.”
Without waiting for a response, Elli turns and walks back into the work studio to continue working on the boot she’s repairing, leaving Lana feeling sick and like she just had ice water poured over her.
“Elli?”
She doesn’t receive a response to her all too quiet inquiry. She waits a few moments, then with a heavy heart, she grabs the bag and walks to the door to leave. As she grabs the handle, the closed sign flipped and facing her causes her anger with herself to flare like a hot flash. Why didn’t she call? Why didn’t she stay on Monday? Why couldn’t she get herself to cross the street on Wednesday? Why couldn’t she say anything at all today? Elli was being so nice and patient with her – why couldn’t she get herself to say what she really wanted to say?
She drops her hand, unable to just walk away from this. She turns around and a mixture of panic and relief startles her.
“Is the door stuck?”
There’s a hint of a smile in the right corner of Elli’s closed lips. Her posture is neutral from her position of leaning against the back counter rubbing sandpaper over a small block of wood.
“You mind turning that sign before you leave? I’m closing up.”
As if prodded with a hot branding iron, Lana quickly turns the closed sign and turns the deadbolt into a locked position. As she looks back at Elli, she can tell she has another chance. There is forgiveness shining in Elli’s beautiful ocean blue eyes and her smile has curled higher. She watches Elli inspect the block of wood, then nods to the side, beckoning Lana to follow her as she turns on her heels.
“So… coffee?”
Lana follows Elli into the heart of her shop where all of the magic happens and Lana feels like she has just walked through time. There are tools, both old and new, scattered about on various tables with several projects in progress. There are skeins of fabric stacked on carts. There are professional dress forms with fancy gowns and suits on them in various stages of completion. And the smell of leather, wood, and lacquer is strong in a strangely pleasant way.
Elli puts the block of wood down next to the boots she’s repairing, then takes her apron off. Lana watches her wash her hands in a small ceramic sink, then follows again when Elli waves her forward. They climb a twisting wooden staircase to a second story apartment, and after Elli unlocks the door, she holds it open for Lana to walk in ahead of her.
“How do you like your coffee, black, cream and sugar, cappuccinos?”
“All of the above, but I typically opt for a cappuccino when I go out since I can’t make them at home.”
“No? I will teach you. It’s very simple. Come.”
Elli leads her to a small walk through kitchen that connects the foyer to the left and to the dining room, which continues the circle to the living room, foyer, and a hall leading to the bedroom and bathroom. She pulls a jar of espresso from the cabinet, adds enough grounds to an electric percolator for two cups, then fills it with water.
“Elli?”
“Aye?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t call.”
Elli gives her a sideways glance as she goes to her refrigerator to grab a bottle of milk. She grabs a small steel pot and goes to the stovetop to measure the milk. With her back to Lana, she asks, “Why didn’t you?”
“I felt stupid and scared. I didn’t want to leave when you first asked me to stay for coffee. I only left because I was on a warning with my employer.” She pauses as she leans against the counter opposite Elli and looks down at the clean linoleum floor. “Lately, I’ve been having a horrible time getting up and getting to work on time. When I got to work, my boss was furious. She told me one more screw up and I am done. Before the day was over, I convinced myself that a sweet, charming business owner like you couldn’t possibly want to have anything to do with me – an irresponsible woman prone to mood swings and bitchiness. I thought I was doing you a favor. But the truth is, I was just afraid you’d reject me for the reasons I already knew you should. I’m sorry. I don’t want t
o waste your time, so if you’re not interested, I completely understand.”
“First impressions can be deceiving. Even second impressions can be unreliable.” Elli turns to face her with a compassionate smile before she continues. “At least three encounters are needed to make a decision about a person. We’re technically on day three, but I’ll forget the second one. If we survive this one, maybe we’ll know the next time we meet if it’s worth our time. Good?”
Lana’s heart warms with the charming accent, the sweet forgiving words, and the hope Elli has generously bestowed upon her, despite the wrong she has done to her.
“That would be nice. Thank you. But I’m confused. When was the second encounter?”
“I saw you across the street on Wednesday debating with yourself if you were going to pay me a visit. You didn’t.”
“You saw me?” Lana’s cheeks redden and her shoulders slump. “I feel so awful. Elli, I’m so sorry. Can you please forgive me?”
“Aye. Now, come here, Sunshine, so I can show you how to make a cappuccino. Do you like sweetness in your cappuccino?”
“Yes, just a little bit.”
Elli grabs a bottle of honey, adds some to the pot of milk, and slowly brings it to temperature on the stove while she uses a whisk to froth the milk. After the percolator finishes, she fills the mugs halfway, then slowly pours the foamed milk through a strainer, creating a beautiful rippling effect with gradient shades of caramel and cream. She offers a mug to Lana, then they walk out to sit on her couch together.
“Wow, this actually tastes like a real cappuccino. Thank you.”
Elli releases a small laugh at Lana’s genuine compliment and takes a sip of her own cappuccino.
“So, what do you do?”
“I’m the senior financial analyst for a tech company. I basically create and analyze reporting on the financial condition of the company on a weekly and monthly basis. I have to then create additional reporting to explain my findings and give summaries of how we’re doing and give projections for how we need to do in the next month and quarter. Then, of course, any odds and ends they give me in between.”
“Sounds very stressful.”
“It is very high stress with unrealistic expectations and demands on a daily basis.”
“Do you enjoy it?”
“I used to. I used to love what I do. I love playing with formulas, manipulating data to create engaging visual presentations, and the math can be pretty complicated, so it has always given me a sense of pride to be able to do it.”
“But not so much anymore?”
Lana exhales hard as she looks at her coffee. She takes a few sips, then shakes her head. “No, it’s not as rewarding as it used to be. I guess that’s why I have a hard time getting to work on time now. I just don’t want to be there anymore. That’s another reason I didn’t call. Trying to start something new with someone when I might be out of a job soon doesn’t really spell winner. I wouldn’t want you to think that I’m trying to snatch up a sugar momma or something.”
Elli releases a small laugh and tenderly rubs Lana’s upper back for a moment. “Let’s make a deal. You don’t add me as a factor in your decision to quit your job and I won’t hold it against you if you do or you don’t.”
“That’s not really a deal. That’s just you asking me not to make you a factor in my decision. You’re not really doing anything on your side.”
“Exactly. So, it’s a deal, aye?”
Lana laughs as she looks into Elli’s kind eyes and studies her face. She looks to be a little older than her thirty-six years, but she’s beautiful. Her eyes have thin smile and laugh lines that give her a sense of comfort that she can’t explain. Her skin looks soft and Lana’s fingers are tingling with the desire to caress her cheek.
“Did I lose you, Sunshine?”
Lana blushes bright red, realizing she is just staring at Elli and she hasn’t responded to her question.
“Sorry, yes, we have a deal.”
“Good.”
“So, how did you get into the shoe repair and tailoring business?”
“It’s a family trade. I’m the seventh generation. After I graduated high school, I was shipped off to Wembley in London, England to work in my grandparents’ shop and learn the trade. I was there for fifteen years before returning stateside to run the family shop here. I’ve been back for nearly eight years now.”
Lana quickly does the math in her head and smiles, as she asks, “So, you’re forty-one?”
“Aye, you’re quick with math.” Elli gives her an amused smirk, which makes Lana blush and release a small laugh.
“Sorry, I guess it was rude of me to…”
“No worries, Sunshine. So, am I an old hat trying to pair with a bright new scarf?”
Lana’s face spreads into a wide smile, then she lightly toys at her bottom lip with her teeth as she tries to contain her excitement. She really loves how Elli talks and how easy she is to talk to.
“No, you’re not old. I’m thirty-six.”
“Aye, I’m a wee bit old, but not much.”
“Do your parents still live here? Do they help with the business?”
“Aye, on occasion, when I receive a rush of work at once. They’re getting a bit up there in age so their hands just can’t do the work they used to. What we do is hard on the hands.”
Elli places her mug in her lap and absentmindedly examines her hands. They’re a bit thicker with more muscle than is typical for a woman, so they are strong. Her nails are trimmed down without any edges. Despite the laborious work, the sandpaper, the chemicals she uses for shoe repair, and the number of times she has to wash her hands every day, her hands are surprisingly moist and soft with just the skin of the tips of her fingers a bit thicker than average, but not in an unpleasantly rough way. Lana surprises her as she reaches over and takes one of her hands to hold in both of hers. Elli gives her a small smile that Lana doesn’t see because she is studying Elli’s hand.
“Your hand feels strong.” Lana entwines her fingers with Elli’s and smiles at how nicely their hands fit together. “Like a glove.” Elli releases a small laugh and gently squeezes Lana’s hand, making her finally look up to meet her eyes. Before she can speak, however, Lana asks, “Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night?”
“Aye, dinner sounds lovely. Where are we going?”
“Can I pick you up and surprise you?”
“Sounds like a proper first date.” Lana’s stomach flips with excitement. “Do I at least get to know how fancy I should dress?”
“Casual, so jeans are fine if that’s what you’re comfortable in.”
“Perfect. Does this dinner invitation mean you need to head off?”
“Have I made a good second impression on you?”
“Aye, you fared well today, Sunshine.”
Lana smiles as she bites her bottom lip for a moment. “Then I think I should leave on a good note. I’m watching over a friend’s cats while she’s on vacation and I need to get over to her apartment to feed them and clean the litter boxes.”
Elli holds back a laugh at the irony that Lana would be cat sitting on the same week Lana drove Elli to seriously consider becoming an old spinster with only cats to keep her company till she dies.
“Then I thank you for having coffee with me and I will look forward to tomorrow evening.”
“Thank you for giving me another chance. Is six o’clock okay?”
“Perfect.”
Elli brings their empty mugs to the kitchen, then escorts Lana downstairs to the shop. She unlocks the door and pulls it open. Lana gives her a shy smile with that same hint of terror and insecurity returning to her eyes that she had earlier.
“Tomorrow night at six, right?”
“I’ll be waiting with bells on my toes.”
Lana releases a small laugh and Elli flashes her the brilliant smile that Lana has been thinking about all week, making her feel warm and excited again.
“That could make the n
ight more interesting. Should I come to this door?”
Elli shakes her head and jerks a thumb towards the back of the shop. “The door in the alley would be better.”
“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks for fixing my shoe and for making me an amazing cappuccino.”
Lana surprises Elli as she tentatively leans in and gives Elli a quick hug – a hug that sends heat and electricity coursing through both of them. They smile at each other with blushing cheeks, and after exchanging pleasantries again, Lana walks out and Elli locks up the shop.
As soon as Lana is in her car, she calls Asia and puts the phone on speaker so she can safely pull off of the curb and leap into traffic.
“Did you go?”
“I just left.”
“Already? God damn it, Lana, I swear…”
“Okay, before you fly off the handle and start lecturing me again, I stayed for coffee.”
“You couldn’t have been there more than fifteen minutes, if that. What happened?”
Lana explains the encounter in the shop, and before she can tell her about having coffee, Asia cuts her off, saying, “Hold up – you seriously asked her how much you owe when the deal was coffee? Damn, Lana, that’s cold. It would have been better if you had just walked out of there without paying or mentioning coffee at all. You probably made her feel like absolute shit.”
“Yeah, I know, okay? You don’t have to remind me of how much of an asshole I am. I already know it too well.”
“As long as you’re aware… What happened after she walked away?”
Lana explains the way she hesitated at the door, mentally berating herself for her many failures in trying to reciprocate her genuine interest in Elli, then how Elli appeared and smoothly propelled them from the shop exit to her apartment above.
“This woman sounds like such a sweetheart and has the patience of a saint. Please tell me you did not insult her again?”