Third Time's A Charmer

by St. John, Jodi

  I'd decided to take some time away from touring. Time to regroup and live a normal life for a while. Spend time with family and try to find something to fill the emptiness inside me. Why I decided to come here I'm not really sure. She draws me here and when I yearn to be near her this is where I have to be.

  In this room.

  Chapter 65

  Olivia

  I'm mesmerized by a piece. It reminds me of the one I hung in Harris' living room. The one that made me paint the sliver of the wall black that night we flirted and drank wine. I'm smiling thinking of it. I had to have it. I spoke with the gallery owner for a while. She's new. She's an older woman originally from New York. She bought it about the time I bought my studio. We talked design and about some of the artists she had here. She even mentioned some potential clients. I liked her. We exchanged business cards and promised to meet up again soon. I paid for the painting, but, it wouldn't fit in my car. No worries, she assured me. She offered to have it delivered to the studio later today.

  I'm excited to see the painting in my space. It’s going to be perfect. I have exposed brick on both side walls of the building upstairs and down in the studio. The front of the building is covered with windows, floor to ceiling, letting in amazing light. I left the floor plan open and put our bedrooms in the back of the building. I added floor to ceiling windows back there as well. Our bedroom windows face the ocean and we are one of the few 2 story buildings on our side of the street. We have a beautiful view. I kept the ceilings high. With the cross-breeze there was no need for air conditioning. Hettie's bedroom was identical in size to mine with each of us having our own bathrooms, separating the space. And of course, humongous closets! I loved it here. The studio downstairs was set up in vignettes showcasing the furnishings I had designed and doubling as entertaining space. It had its own kitchen and bath and a separate office / design workspace in the back that led out to our garage.

  My favorite space was the rooftop. It was an afterthought that Vlad and I cooked up after too much wine one night when Hettie was a year old. We decided that since our roof lines matched up we should make a terrace connecting both of them. A private garden space with a tremendous view.

  There was a dining space, a separate lounging area, a pool, hot tub and even a pergola with a sleeping area. All encased with a glass railing and lined with amazing plants and trees. The lighting at night was magical. It was our own oasis.

  I had time to spare before the boys would be back with Hettie and way before the painting was to arrive. We were entertaining tonight and I needed to go over the menu with Tony at the restaurant. I was excited. Andres was in town and Tyler's sister had arrived with a friend for the weekend. The boys had invited some other friends over as well. There would be 12 of us for dinner.

  Chapter 66

  Harris

  After roaming around the house for an hour I decided to get out and do something. I found myself driving to the area where Livy and I spent our days shopping for the house. I had spent most days doing this when I was back here. I would grab a coffee and walk through the galleries.

  I stopped in to see Elizabeth at my favorite place. She has become dear to me over the past few years. She was an import as well. She was from New York and always a treat to visit with.

  She was wrapping up one of my favorites. I'm glad someone finally bought it. It reminded me of the one in my living room that Livy hung the night I realized my feelings for her.

  We chatted on about me being back and on break. She hadn't seen me in a while so we had some catching up to do. I was helping her get the large piece ready for delivery when I noticed the name on the ticket. It was Olivia. My heart started racing. This was the closest I'd been to seeing her and I couldn't contain my excitement and my shock. I bombarded Liz with questions about her customer. She went on and on about their conversation and their connection and then her eyes went wide. "Oh, my God. She's your Olivia." She gasped.

  I slowly nodded, my thoughts racing. She was here. In this same space I was now occupying just moments ago. It's as if I could feel her presence and it was bringing me back to life. I had to find her. Elizabeth knew our story. She gave me the information I needed.

  Chapter 67

  Olivia

  I spent the next hour getting the table set and everything ready on the terrace. Much easier to do without a four-year-old running in and out of your legs. I still had time to go over and talk to Tony before everyone came back.

  I headed back downstairs, grabbed my phone and my bag and headed out the front door. It was a gorgeous day. Warm sunshine and just the right amount of breeze off the ocean. That's what I liked best about being set back a bit off the coast. I couldn't get used to the constant wind on the beach.

  I crossed the street and headed up the stairs to the restaurant. I flew into the kitchen to greet everyone. It was mid-afternoon and they were prepping for tonight. I grabbed a few slices of the prosciutto they were slicing and headed to the bar area to find Tony. The bar led out to the open air dining space that was directly across from us. It was a beautiful place, but then again, I guess I'm partial since I designed it.

  I dropped my bag and was pulled into a hug by what I considered to be my big brother, had I had a brother that is, and had he been gay. He was a tall, good looking Italian man from Michigan. He was married to one of the chefs and they came to San Diego to follow their dream of owning a restaurant together. They gave me complete artistic control when it came to the design of their restaurant. I loved how it turned out and luckily, they did too. It was a very modern twist on Italy. I wanted it to reflect the fashion of the country and not necessarily the Old World architecture. Everything had a modern feel, with amazing fabrics and details. I was inspired by a particular designer I spent the day with years ago.

  He held me close and asked about my day and my new client. I was beaming as I talked about being in LA again and in the neighborhood. He knew about Harris. My close circle knew the story. He had that concerned big brother look on his face. Like in his brain he was saying, "Uh oh, here we go again." So, the protective side of him took over. He shook his head, kissed my forehead and shooed me out from behind the bar. He gave me a bottle of water and led me to the outdoor space.

  We sat at a table and talked about my day a bit more and then about tonight. Of course, I had no worries. The food would be perfect. It always was. I just wanted to make sure they had enough staff to bring it over and to also make sure they knew to come over after they closed up.

  He assured me of both and was getting up to go back to the bar to wait on someone who had walked in. He kissed the top of my head and took off.

  I pulled out my phone to text the boys my whereabouts and to see where they were. As I hit send, I noticed a man out of the corner of my eye walking toward my table. I looked up and froze. My phone dropped from my hand.

  Chapter 68

  Harris

  I left the gallery and drove straight to the address Liz had given me. I was in downtown La Jolla now, about an hour south of LA. I was parked on the street outside a building. It was…her interior design studio. She…was here the whole time. I thought she had gone back to the lake place in Minnesota.

  I was overcome. I was in shock. I was proud. So proud of her for following her passion. So excited for her. Then I started to panic. I can't believe I'm this close to the one person I have needed and longed for and missed the last 5 years of my life. What would I say? Maybe I just needed to make this a trial run. I needed time to work up the nerve to actually see her.

  I was about to put the car in reverse when the studio door opened and out she stepped. I stopped breathing. It was really her. After all this time, I was watching the woman I was meant to be with move effortlessly across the street.

  I'm not sure what came over me but I had to get closer. I waited a bit before I followed her up the stairs into the restaurant. I saw a man hugging her and holding her close. He had a wedding ring on. Was he her husband? I watched as
they sat at a table outside. I analyzed her body language like a high level law enforcement officer. Was she involved with him? Married? None of this occurred to me as I drove here. I was only thinking about getting to her, and now reality had set in. I stepped up to the bar to get a closer look. The man stood up and walked my way. I froze. He stepped behind the bar and was about to say something but when he saw me, he stopped. He turned to look back at Livy, shook his head and walked away.

  I started to walk toward her. She was typing on her phone and didn't notice me right away. I got closer to her and my heart was beating out of my chest. My body yearned to keep moving toward her while my brain and heart were screaming to stop. She looked up just as I reached her. Her phone dropped to the table the same time her gorgeous mouth dropped open. We stared at each other for what seemed like forever. I opened my mouth and the only thing that came out was, "Hi."

  Chapter 69

  Olivia

  He was standing in front of me. My head was a mess. I couldn’t speak. We could only stare at each other. Our eyes searching each other’s for acceptance, acknowledgement, something. I couldn't say a word. I was stunned by him standing there. Over all the years I dreamt of this moment, yet I had never figured out what I'd say. My heart was thumping and I could feel the rush of excitement that was betraying my senses right now, flooded with emotions that bordered lust and sheer panic.

  "Hi," he said. That's all I needed to start breathing again.

  "Hi." I replied.

  Awkward silence.

  Saved by the bell. My phone started ringing. I grabbed it right away when I saw the pic of Vlad and Hettie show up. "Hello? OK. NO! Stay put, I'll be right there. I'll take care of it. Just stay there. No, I'm serious, just hold on. I mean it. 2 seconds. OK, bye."

  I got up from the table in a panic and threw my phone in my bag. I turned back to find him watching me with that look. You know the furrowed brow one. I was shaking. "I'm sorry, Harris, I have to go."

  "Can I call you?" He asked.

  I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes. "How did you find me?" I asked finally.

  "You forgot about my mad detective skills I see." He said grinning. "Can I call you, Olivia? Please say yes."

  "Ok, yes, you can call me." I said as I started to walk away.

  "How about your number then?" he asked as I brushed by him. The touch of his arm against mine sending my head swimming.

  "Well, you managed to find me sitting here on this beautiful day. I'm sure you can use those mad skills of yours to figure out how to find my number." I replied.

  He laughed quietly and grabbed my hand as I started to walk away.

  "It's a beautiful day indeed, Olivia." He smiled and squeezed my hand before letting it go. I started to walk away when he added, "I'll be talking to you soon."

  I could feel him watching me as I left. I couldn't stop smiling, even as tears rolled down my face. I crossed the street and reached for the studio door. I paused to look up to the rooftop from where I just left him. He was still standing there, watching me. He waved. I watched him for a beat before waving back. There is no doubt in my mind that I still loved him, am still madly in love with him given the signs my body is giving me right now. I pulled the door open and went inside.

  Upon entering my legs were immediately embraced by a super excited toddler ready to tell me all about her day, and the questioning glare of someone who knew me too well. I was instantly overwhelmed with the fact her father was just steps away from her right now and had no idea.

  I scooped Hettie into my arms and held her to me tightly as my self-control faded and the tears started to fall. I was unraveling as she squirmed in my arms. She was trying to tell me how the giraffes moved and the pandas rolled and about all the other wonderful things that happened in her world today. She was completely oblivious her daddy was on the other side of the door.

  I carried her up to her room, followed by a very curious and concerned best friend. I snuggled up with her and listened to her tell me all about her day. Her little arms flew as she talked. Her smile with those dimples lit up the room and those green eyes of hers were just like her father's. There was no doubt if he was to see her that he would know she was his. After only a few minutes, she started yawning and fell softly to sleep.

  I knew Vlad was waiting in the kitchen for me. I composed myself the best I could and snuck quietly out of Hettie's room, leaving the door open a touch just the way she liked it.

  I told him everything. How I met with the client, how the neighborhood was familiar and made me think of Harris. How I went to the gallery and found the painting. How I went to talk to Tony and was texting him right before I found Harris standing there. In front of me.

  Vlad could only respond by saying "Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God."

  We were interrupted by the doorbell ringing downstairs. Vlad jumped to go answer it for me with an Oh my God what if it's him look on his face.

  He came back up the stairs with the painting all wrapped up. There was an envelope attached to it. Vlad took it off and handed it to me as he proceeded to unwrap it.

  It was a note from the gallery owner Elizabeth.

  Please forgive me for not putting two and two together earlier today. You see my dear, I've heard all about you. And had I known you were 'the' Olivia, I would have told you how much he still loves you.

  I folded it and put it back in its envelope and put it in my bag. I stared at the painting now. It was a sign. Somehow an artist had painted my fate and my destiny. Had I not been in the neighborhood or stopped at that gallery or spotted this painting, he wouldn't have found me. And to actually think he still loved me was too overwhelming. I had to sit down.

  I started to feel light headed as I thought about him and what I'd kept from him. I must have turned pale as a ghost as I thought about it. Vlad was suddenly at my side trying to calm me down as I started to absolutely freak out.

  I truly never thought this day would come. I never thought I would ever see him again. Feel this again for him. Or be faced with having to tell him about our child. I had no idea how he would react.

  I didn't want to force him into anything once I found out I was pregnant. I knew he'd want to throw his career away and I couldn't let him. It was horribly selfish of me I know, but I finally had a little family of my own and I was certain he couldn't have both of us AND his career. So once again, I made the choice for someone, and I kept her all to myself. He would hate me for it.

  I told Vlad Harris asked if he could call me. Vlad sat next to me on the sofa as we stared at the painting. After a pause, he turned to face me.

  "Sweetie, I don't know who you think you've been fooling all these years, you still love the guy. Give it a chance. Telling him about Hettie will be the hardest part."

  "You're right. You always are and I hate you for it." I said as I laid my head in his lap.

  "I know. It's a burden I carry, and I believe your daughter has it as well." He replied chuckling. "Now come on, we have a painting to hang before our guests arrive."

  Chapter 70

  Harris

  I watched her walk away from me, but this time I wasn’t full of sadness. I was full of hope. I watched her walk to her studio door. She looked back for me. It was there. I swear I could still feel her love for me. I watched her disappear inside before I could even move. I went back to my car and drove the hour home. My brain racing with thoughts of her. Memories of our time together, my love for her, my desire for her again. Then my mind started to go there. To the place I tried not to go. Her touch. Her skin on mine. Her lips. Her eyes. Those sounds she made that still haunted my dreams. The feel of her as she clenched around me.

  I dialed Nic up the minute I got home. I had to tell someone and he was the one I had stayed closest to over the past few years. He even agreed to go back to the restaurant with me tonight. I knew it was a crazy idea, even a bit stalker-like, but I had to see her again, to affirm what happened today wasn’t a figment of my imagination.r />
  We arrived just before dusk and grabbed a table outside facing her building. There was a large group of people on the rooftop. You could see them a mingling around. There were a bunch of trees and plants along the perimeter making it difficult to see the entire space but every once in a while, I would notice her as she moved around talking to people.

  She was wearing a flowy dress the color of the sunset. It wrapped around her neck leaving her back exposed. She looked radiant.

  I pulled out my phone and sent her a text.

  I found your number. H

  She disappeared from my view now and I started to feel guilty for spying on her. And then she replied.

  Your mad detective skills are beginning to impress me.

  Nic was into the whole spying thing now. He swore he saw Andres. They had fallen out of touch but he had heard that he had gotten married and had a child.

  “Do you think he’s married Olivia?” He said in a shushed voice across the table.

  “I honestly don’t know. She had to rush off today. Like she was in a panic. Oh God, no. Do you think?” I said, regretting coming here tonight.

  Nic was shaking his head as he watched them. They were standing with each other now. Talking and smiling and laughing. Looking like a couple in love.

  I assumed when she said I could call her I wouldn’t be dealing with a husband, especially one who already didn't think much of me.

  I started to feel bad coming here and watching her like this. The kitchen crew had left and headed over to Livy’s party. Just a few tables left now including ours. My phone pinged.

  I’m sorry I had to rush out today. I didn’t mean to be rude.