Love Never Dies

by Loren Lockner

  “Seven,” interjected Julia, “and to tell you the truth, this grade is as low as I could go. I truly admire those who can handle kindergartners and pre-schoolers, but I’m afraid I just don’t have the stamina. And how was your day?”

  “Hectic as well,” admitted Seth. “I’ve been handed a fast-food and mini-market complex near the university and we’re running into some problems with the city planning commission. The project should start in about two weeks if we’re to have any hopes of finishing on schedule and unfortunately to get permits from the city means a delay. It seems I spent most of that day trying to ward off belligerent contractors as well as city officials, neither of whom have the least compassion or understanding for the other.”

  “I thought you’re just the architect?” asked Julia.

  “I am, but I’m what you call a follow-through architect. That is, I follow through the project until the final stone is laid, the electricity, plumbing, and sewers are in, and the final ‘i’ is dotted. In other words, the building has to be standing upright and functioning properly for me to dust my hands off the project.”

  Julia smiled. It didn’t surprise her Seth wouldn’t let go of a task until it was completed to his satisfaction.

  “Seth, I was wondering,” asked Julia hesitantly as she munched on a just-delivered spring roll. “Your voice has a different quality to it, a different accent from what I’d expect from a New Englander. You didn’t live your entire life on the east coast did you?”

  “No,” said Seth vaguely, wanting to drop it there, but realizing she still waited for an answer. “I was actually born and raised in upstate New York, but my father worked in Canada for many years before transferring to the UK for nearly four years. Since all this happened in my formative years, I think my accent got rather internationalized; not quite American, Canadian, or British, just an odd blend of the three. I know I have a tendency to say certain words a little differently, like I say schedule instead of schedule, but I’m trying to reform,” he said contritely.

  “Please don’t,” remarked Julia. “It’s a refreshing change from the flat tones of California. So what did your father do for a living?”

  He allowed the approaching waitress to set down heavy marble platters of sushi before them before continuing. “My dad was actually into bridge construction and generally worked in North America except for the four years he spent in London. My mother, believe it or not, was a civil engineer and fortunate enough to work in the same firm as him.”

  “And did that create problems?” asked Julia.

  “Not in the least. My parents were very compatible and their personal and professional camaraderie was a pleasure to behold.” He took a bite of the succulent sushi. “This is delicious. You see my parents were what we call in my family, soul mates.”

  “Soul mates? I’ve heard of that phrase before; it’s when you believe there is only one person for you in the entire universe and your meeting is predestined.”

  “Well kinda, but actually it had a very different connotation in my family. Maybe someday I’ll tell you about it, but not tonight.”

  “So you were an only child?” queried Julia as she sampled her teriyaki and rice.

  “No,” said Seth shortly, but didn’t expound upon his brief answer and Julia glanced up to catch a strange expression darken his eyes. Not knowing him well enough to delve deeper into the reason for his stony countenance, she changed the subject.

  “So what is your favorite thing to do when you’re not designing houses and buildings and all?”

  “Well, I do have a hobby. It’s just not one I’m certain your brother would appreciate.”

  “And what could that be, since he is constantly strumming on his guitar and singing off-key at the top of his lungs? What could you do that is possibly worse than that?”

  “You brother actually has a decent voice, you troublemaker. It’s just that I like to design, build, and stock saltwater aquariums.”

  “You mean the big ones? Like the aquarium down in San Diego?”

  “No, smaller ones for homes and offices.”

  Julia chewed her California roll carefully. “I would suspect that this would be the place to do it since we are so close to the ocean; it would be awfully easy to get the salt water.”

  “That’s true; the local stores stock jugs of salt water and import all sorts of exotic fish, including my favorite, the yellow tang. If your brother was game I’d design a t-shaped tank of maybe five to six hundred gallons right between the dining room and living room and plunk some coral and fish in it. It would create an exotic accent to an already lovely place. I’m just not so sure he would be willing to allow me to experiment with his beloved condominium.”

  “It would never hurt to ask.”

  “That’s true, but then again I don’t know how long I’ll be staying here so I might not want to start something I couldn’t finish.” A note of melancholy muted the normally rich timbre of his voice, and once again Julia noticed something akin to sadness flit across his handsome face.

  Seeking to lighten the mood she declared jauntily, “Well, I have a hobby that’s not very expensive and a whole lot of fun. And after this big dinner I wouldn’t mind indulging myself. Are you game?”

  “Just what am I agreeing to?” asked Seth suspiciously, wiping his mouth with a linen napkin.

  “Ice skating! There’s a skating rink right at the mall. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t gotten enough exercise today. Would you like to wander over there and give it a try?”

  A peculiar expression passed over his face before he nodded solemnly. “Only if you promise not to laugh at me when I land smack on my bum.”

  “Now you sound British,” chortled Julia delightedly as she took his reluctant hand.

  Twenty minutes later they laced up their rented ice-skates, Seth appearing quite dubious.

  “I’m not exactly sure I’m appropriately dressed for this little adventure,” he complained. He had removed his jacket to reveal a snow-white shirt and had un-looped his brilliant red tie, but still looked overdressed in his sharply creased blue dress slacks.

  “Don’t worry about it,” she said dismissively, and grabbing him by the hand dragged him out onto the ice where a couple dozen young people, ranging anywhere from middle school to college age, skated in a counterclockwise loop around the large ring.

  “If you feel a little bit shaky, you can either hold onto the railing here or onto me. Have you ever skated before?”

  “Once or twice,” he commented quietly, watching an energetic young man wink at his laughing brunette counterpart as he zoomed by skating backward. “I suppose you can skate backward as well,” he accused and Julia grinned, holding out her hands to him.

  He took them gently and allowed her to lead him across the ice. He didn’t exactly stagger or fall as he let her slowly maneuver him over the slick ice, thoroughly enjoying the faint breeze lifting her blonde hair, her cheeks taking on a rosy shine. She was absolutely stunning in the clingy sweater dress and he was thankful for the chill air of the ice rink. He allowed her to lead him about like that for three full laps before finally sighing.

  “Alright, alright,” he said. “That’s enough!” and suddenly spun forward to grab her around the waist, and lead her in a smooth swirling circle. Seth had not only skated before but was an excellent skater!

  “Why you,” she hissed under her breath, but he only chuckled and whirled her around once more.

  “If I tossed you would you land on your feet?”

  “Why don’t you try it?” she challenged, and he gave her a tentative toss of only a foot or so. Julia landed perfectly upon her white skates and zoomed out in front of him. Seth did a nifty spin, and then gliding beside her looped his arm around her waist to skate companionably with her over the next hour.

  As Seth later perched on the wooden bench and undid the laces to his hired black skates he admitted, “I haven’t skated like that since I was a teenager.”

  �
�And how old are you now?”

  “Thirty-three. One forgets all those wonderful magical things we did while young and carefree. Thanks for bringing back a very pleasant childhood memory Julia Morris; it’s been a lovely evening and one I won’t forget for a long while.” He remained peacefully quiet on the way home, driving carefully through the drizzle.

  “So what are you doing tomorrow?” Julia asked, not caring if she sounded forward.

  “I don’t know, maybe lounge around,” he answered, “and catch up on some reading.”

  “Why don’t you come to my parent’s house for Thanksgiving?”

  “No, I don’t feel that I could do that. It would be an imposition on you and your family.”

  “Not at all. My dad’s already hit it off with you, being a retired architect and all. Besides, no one should have to spend Thanksgiving alone.”

  “I don’t believe you should just invite me at the last minute. It isn’t fair to your parents. Why don’t we compromise and I’ll see you on Friday. You go ahead and enjoy the day with your folks.”

  “Please, I insist.”

  Seth shook his head vehemently as he parked his Jeep in front of her complex. “I appreciate your offer Julia, I really do, but I’m not ready to share time with your family. I hesitated even asking you out tonight though I had a truly wonderful time.”

  “But why?” asked Julia bewildered, hurt distorting her delicate features.

  “I hadn’t planned on getting involved with anyone right now, but find myself irresistibly attracted to you even though I know I should stay away. So, I sent you those roses and asked you out anyway, knowing I shouldn’t. I can’t come to your parent’s house for Thanksgiving tomorrow; please understand that. I’ll give you a call on Friday, if that’s okay?”

  Seth’s defenses remained insurmountable and Julia accepted his compromise. “It is. I’ll look forward to hearing from you. Will you at least walk me to my door?”

  “Of course.” Seth hoisted an umbrella over his head and opened the 4x4’s door, the pair hurrying to the front door of her two bedroom apartment as fat raindrops splattered off the black nylon.

  “Then I’ll wait for your call on Friday,” Julia said. “I have to admit you weren’t the only one who had a lovely evening. I haven’t had better in a long time.” Impulsively she grabbed his lean cheeks between her palms, and lifting herself up on tiptoe kissed him hard upon the mouth, quickly turning the doorknob before he could retort.

  Shock mingled with acute desire made him stare stupidly at the closed door. Seth finally folded his umbrella, and oblivious of the rain stepped out into the pounding drizzle, not able to decide if things could get any better or worse.

  Thanksgiving was always one of Julia’s favorite holidays. With no gift exchange it remained a family time, one she usually spent happily with her parents, brother, and outgoing grandmother. Her Gran talked a mile a minute in the kitchen as her mother, father, and brother helped clear up the dishes. Julia removed the table cloth and prepared it to be washed; it, as always having fallen victim to that one telltale stain of gravy.

  But instead of feeling content this sunny cool Thursday, she felt oddly sad. What was Seth doing now? Did he sit alone in that beautiful three bedroom condo working on blueprints for somebody else’s deadline? Or perhaps he picked at an overheated TV dinner as he watched a football game on the tube. Or maybe he just reread yesterday’s newspaper or scanned the Internet in his boredom.

  Julia moped for over an hour and then couldn’t stand it anymore. Her brother, about to leave for Angie’s house, said goodbye to Grandma Rose who cautioned him about eating too much during his second feast. This was his yearly ritual now. He’d spend the first part of the day with his own kin before heading over to the Carters to share evening supper with Angie’s family. After Paul departed, Julia and her mother sorted out different tubs of Tupperware stuffed to the brim with leftovers. Julia stared at the tasty contents for a moment before finally making up her mind.

  “Mom, do you if I take a plate of leftovers to a friend? I’m afraid he didn’t have anyone to spend Thanksgiving with and I would like him to have a traditional dinner.”

  Her mom smiled knowingly and winked at her own mother who stood at the sink refilling ice cube trays. “And just who might that be?”

  Julia ignored her mother’s too-knowledgeable face. “Paul’s roommate, Seth. I’m just worried he didn’t have a proper Thanksgiving dinner and it seems a shame to freeze all this food when I could take him over a hot meal.”

  “I think you should,” said her father, drying the gravy ladle. “He seems like such a nice young man. Fix him up a big plate and don’t forget to give him lots of cranberries.” Cranberries were her father’s favorite.

  After the kitchen was tidy her mother and grandmother relaxed in the living room watching Singing in the Rain. Her father stretched out upon the couch, his newspaper open, and soon dozed off. The time was ripe to leave so Julia gave her mother a light kiss on the cheek and her grandmother an affectionate hug before loading up the Taurus and heading toward her brother’s pricey condo.

  Julia hesitated on her brother’s landing before the beautiful oak door, balancing the overladen plate to pause before the brass knocker. Before allowing herself to retreat Julia lifted the heavy fixture three times. There was no answer. A wave of such acute disappointment washed over her and on impulse she turned the knob. The door opened silently into the still, dark condominium. If Seth had ventured out he hadn’t gone far, and Julia quickly decided she would write him a brief note and leave the Thanksgiving dinner. Whether he chose to eat it or not was his own decision.

  The house echoed hollowly and unable to stop herself Julia walked down the wide hall toward Seth’s door. Underneath the wood paneling a light burned and she pushed open the door. Seth was seated at his desk, his computer screen glowing as he worked on some current architectural program. Black headphones enfolded his dark head and even from where Julia stood the pulsing vibrations reached her. He couldn’t have heard a knock upon the door to save his life.

  Julia cocked her head and listened, smiling as she recognized the rock ‘n’ roll sounds of John Cougar Mellencamp. Seth seemed lost in a trance as he stared at a lighted screen, his fingers making no effort to change or alter the design before him. Dressed in a warm gray pullover and faded blue jeans; his feet rested upon the desk top. She recognized the song called Hurt So Good, and gliding over, placed her slender hands upon his shoulders. He instantly bolted upright, tearing his headphones off before turning startled gray eyes toward her.

  “Good God woman, couldn’t you knock!”

  “I tried,” she retorted, “but you had John Cougar so loud your entire house could have been totally emptied by thieves and you would never have known it.”

  “What are you doing here?” he said quietly, pulling away from her gentle hands, his voice now completely under control. “Shouldn’t you be with your family carving up a turkey?”

  “Been there, done that,” replied Julia. “I brought you a plate of food which is now setting upon the kitchen counter. I wasn’t certain what you had for lunch and thought you should at least have a turkey dinner to celebrate since you wouldn’t honor us with your presence today.”

  “That’s very kind of you,” he said stiffly, and rose awkwardly. Was it her imagination or did he back away from her? He managed to place a full five feet between them before he could retreat no further, his back pressed against the lovely French doors.

  “So Paul is here as well?” he asked, glancing toward the bedroom door.

  “No, he’s at Angie’s. That’s always the tradition now. He does the early feast with us and then heads to the other side of town for turkey soup and cornbread with her family. He gets along really well with the Carters, who simply adore him.”

  “Paul’s a fortunate man all around. Well, thank you for the plate which I’ll sample later. I have some work to do, so if you’ll just let yourself out.” He gestured vag
uely to the glowing screen of his laptop and that was when it happened.

  Later, Julia couldn’t quite describe what passed between them at precisely that moment. As she witnessed his curt dismissal, the rational part of her mind demanded she leave while the irrational part gazed at this tall quiet man who’d backed as far away from her as possible, and cried out to him with every fiber of her being. As Julia gazed into Seth’s lean face, she recognized the strong defensive wall he’d erected, as well as the desperate longing lurking behind those shuttered eyes.

  It struck her like a bolt of lightning that Seth was afraid; afraid of her, of commitment, but mostly of himself. Something held him back and if she didn’t take the first step he never would. So Julia moved forward until close enough to touch him; his face not more than five inches from hers. She peered upward to connect with those silvery eyes and placed her arms around his taut neck before kissing him long and sweet and hard. Seth resisted at first, as if he, by pure willpower, could push her away both emotionally and physically. But Julia never allowed herself to close her eyes during that first real kiss, instead pleading for him to give himself completely to her.

  Seth jerked violently and pulled away, placing another three feet between them as he moved to the back of the bedroom.

  “Why do you run away?” she asked, noting his incriminating pulse throbbing strongly.

  “I do not run away,” he denied.

  “I say you that do because you are a coward.” She eyed him fiercely, daring to provoke him.

  His dark gray eyes smoldered. “I am not a coward,” he hissed, “but am aware, unlike you, that what you desire from me has far-reaching consequences.”

  “Such as…?”

  “I do not easily let go of those I care about.”

  “I never once believed you were of a casual nature. It’s one of the things that attracted me to you in the first place.”

  Seth swallowed roughly and Julia once again scrutinized his handsome features. His ebony hair hung haphazardly about his face and she noticed a discreet hole in his left earlobe, bereft of an adorning earring.