Kate unpinned her hair and placed all her belongings into the locker. She pressed the bell on the wall to alert the attendant that she was ready. Kate followed her down the hall to the facial room.
“Hello, Ms. Walker. My name is Renee and I’ll be your facial consultant. How are you today?” The woman asked.
“I’m well, thank you. You?”
“Very good. What are we doing to your face, today?”
“Well, I think I’d like some exfoliating, some moisturizing, maybe some eyebrow waxing and whatever else you think I need. It’s been awhile since I’ve had one of these, so I’m sure my face needs a lot of help,” Kate laughed.
“Alright, Ms. Walker. Let me clean off your makeup and then we’ll take it from there.”
“Sounds good,” Kate agreed. She leaned back in the chair, tilted her face toward the ceiling and let her mind drift. She must have dozed off because the next thing she knew, Renee was gently shaking her shoulder. “Oh! I’m so sorry,” Kate apologized.
“It’s not a problem. It happens a lot. We’re finished here so if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you down to our massage therapist.”
“Fantastic. Thank you so much, Renee.” Kate lightly touched her face and couldn’t help but sigh at how soft it felt. Kate glanced at her hand and then peeked at her toes. When was the last time she’d gotten a manicure or a pedicure. “Excuse me, Renee?”
“Yes, Ms. Walker?”
“I’m wondering, would it be possible to add in a mani and pedi as well?”
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem. I’ll go ask the front desk and let you know,” Renee assured her.
“Thank you so much. I’m sorry again for falling asleep on you, I’m probably your most boring client today!”
“No, not at all. It’s even hard for me to stay awake with that music playing,” Renee smiled. “It’s so soothing, makes me want to fall asleep too! Enjoy your massage and I’ll let you know about the mani and pedi.” Renee turned and walked toward the front of the spa.
“Hello, Ms. Walker. I’m Bree and I’ll be your massage therapist. Go ahead and remove your robe and slide under the sheets, face up. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”
Kate nodded and waited for Bree to leave. She did as she was asked and was happy to feel the sheets and massage bed were warm. It was so relaxing to be encased in the warmth.
Bree knocked and then poked her head in. “All ready?”
“Yes!”
“Okay. Let’s get started. We have two scents today, Jasmine Pear and Honeysuckle Rose. Which would you prefer?”
“The honeysuckle rose, please.”
“That’s my favorite. What type of massage would you like?”
“A full body massage, but no deep tissue. Those always make me sore for days after.”
“All right, let’s get started.” Bree turned on the same soothing music that Renee had had in her room.
Kate relaxed all her muscles and let her mind wander. Edward popped into her head and Kate allowed herself to relive last night’s dinner. She was looking forward to this evening and had to admit to herself that she was pampering herself a bit so she’d look nice for him.
Her mind wandered to Mary and she wondered what Mary was doing. She was probably having lunch and then they’d be going outside to play. Kate reminded herself to skype Mary as soon as she got back from dinner. Not that she really needed the reminder.
Dozing again, she barely woke long enough to turn over for Bree. Her muscles were feeling nice and loose. She fell back into her semi-awake state and dreamt of Brad. He was standing at the end of a long hallway and he seemed to be beckoning her to him. But as she got closer, she could see that he was actually waving to her. She waved back and walked faster, but the faster she walked the further away he got from her. Realizing she wouldn’t be able to catch up to him, she stopped and glanced up on the wall. He’d left her a note saying “Be Happy. You’ll always have my heart. Until we meet again, Brad.”
She waited for the sad to come and was surprised when it didn’t. Instead she felt free, almost like she’d been waiting for his permission to be happy, to be free. And now that she had it, she wasn’t quite sure what to do with it or how it made her feel.
“We’re all set Ms. Walker. I hope you enjoyed your massage. Renee poked her head in a little bit ago and said that they’d be happy to do a mani and pedi for you whenever you’re ready.”
A bit disoriented, Kate smiled and thanked Bree. When Bree left the room, Kate allowed herself a moment to reflect on the dream she’d had. Had it been real? Kate shook her head. Did it even matter? Brad was gone, never coming back. She knew in her heart that Brad would want her to be happy, and that she deserved to be happy.
Was this her second chance at love? Possibly. Would she allow herself to be open and accepting? Yes. Right then, Kate made up her mind. Even if Edward was not part of her end path, he was a step toward it. And that path would dissolve under her feet if she kept herself closed off to new people and new experiences.
Smiling, Kate got to her feet and put on her robe. At peace with life and herself, for the first time in a long time, she walked out to the front of the spa for her mani and pedi.
Chapter Thirteen
“Kate, you look lovely!” Edward greeted her as he kissed Kate’s cheek.
“Thank you, Edward” Kate said pleased that he noticed. “You are quite dashing, yourself!” Kate said and then sighed, quickly becoming embarrassed for saying something not only old-fashioned, but also so clichéd. “Ugh, did I really just say that?”
“You did, and I’m flattered!” Laughing, Edward held the door for Kate and ushered her into the restaurant. “I took the liberty of arriving a few minutes early and getting our table situated. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Kate said as she sat down. They had a table by the window and Kate glanced outside. People were rushing here and there and Kate realized that she was usually the one out there rushing around. Grateful for this respite, she turned her attention to Edward, determined to enjoy every second she had with him.
“What were you thinking just now?” Edward asked as he brushed her hand with his fingers.
“Oh just that I felt grateful to be in here with you and out of the rat race for awhile.”
“Truly?”
Smiling, Kate nodded. “Truly. I feel very fortunate to have run into you again last night. Fate and I are becoming friends again. You’re fascinating and I’m excited to get to know you better.”
Fingers tightening on Kate’s hand, Edward smiled. “Thank you.”
Kate squeezed Edward’s hand and looked up at the approaching waiter.
“Good evening. Would you be interested in trying our house Pinot Noir?”
Edward looked at Kate and raised his eyebrows in question. Kate shrugged. She really didn’t care, she was just happy to be here.
“You know, I don’t think so. Tonight is a champagne night, wouldn’t you agree, Kate?”
Nodding her head, Kate agreed. “Absolutely!”
“Right away, sir.”
“Give him another five years, and he’ll be a snooty maître’d somewhere,” Kate giggled.
Edward laughed and Kate enjoyed hearing the sound. Edward had a great laugh, deep and full of life. Exactly how she imagined he was.
“Fantastic, Kate, very intuitive. How was your day?”
“It was great. We got quite a bit done for the launch of our new clothing line and then I splurged and pampered myself this afternoon.”
“Really? How so?”
“Facial, massage, manicure and pedicure. The usual female stuff. It’s been so long, I’d almost forgotten how lovely it feels.”
“All women should be pampered routinely,” Edward said.
“I can’t believe you really feel that way,” Kate said incredulously.
“I have a mother and two sisters, I’ve been brainwashed,” Edward said wryly. “But beyond their brainwashing, I really do
feel that way. Women should be cherished and pampered.”
“You must be the only man on the planet who feels that way. Most are annoyed by the cost associated with routine pampering,” Kate laughed.
The waiter returned with their champagne. Kate giggled to herself as she watched the waiter pop the cork and pour their drinks. He was definitely on the road to snootyville.
Edward raised his glass. “To Fate!”
“To Fate,” Kate repeated.
As they touched glasses, Kate was blinded by a flash of light outside their window. Startled, she dropped her glass on the table. Thankfully it didn’t break, but the champagne spilled everywhere.
Blinking furiously to clear her vision, Kate apologized. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said as she whipped her napkin off her lap and tried to sop up the mess on the table.
“No worries, relax.” Edward raised his hand and motioned the waiter over. The waiter came equipped with a new tablecloth, dishes, silverware and in no time their table was clean, dry and good as new.
Glancing outside, Kate saw a tall, dark man standing in front of the photographer. The man looked as if he was in the business of body-building. He was dressed in black cargo pants, a black t-shirt that stretched over his bulging muscles. Kate watched as the man escorted the photographer away from the window.
“What was that light?” Kate asked.
“A tourist, I think. Probably taking pictures of the restaurant. Our bad luck for sitting here. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Just a bit embarrassed,” Kate said sheepishly.
“Nothing to be embarrassed about, it wasn’t your fault.” Edward refilled Kate’s glass. “Shall we try again?”
“Please!” This time, their toast was successful.
“Have you been here before?” Edward asked.
“No, I’ve wanted to, but I never took the time,” Kate answered. “Have you?”
“Oh, many times. It’s another favorite of mine. I think you’ll really enjoy the food here.”
The waiter returned for their orders. Edward glanced at Kate, as if asking her permission to order for her. She agreed and Edward placed their orders.
“You’re not making me eat liver or something equally disgusting, are you?” Kate asked after the waiter had walked away.
“Heavens no. Who can stand the stuff?” Edward laughed.
Kate took a sip of her champagne. “This is very delicious.” She set her glass down and leaned back in her chair. “So, how was your day?”
“It was good. Not nearly as productive as yours, though,” Edward laughed.
“Not much in the way of a facial man, are you?”
“No, that I’m not. I visited with some friends and hung around the house. I cherish the days when I don’t have to be somewhere or doing something.”
“Those are some of my favorite times as well. My daughter and I love to lounge around the house and just be with each other.”
“You’ve a daughter? What’s her name?”
“Her name is Mary. My miracle baby. She’s five, beautiful and full of life,” Kate said. “My sister and her husband are watching her while I’m here this week. They’ll be heading out on a two-week anniversary trip to Hawaii when I get back.”
“Hawaii, a beautiful, exotic place. Hawaii is the only place I’ve ever been to where just knowing I’m going there induces instant relaxation. Do you have a photo of your daughter?”
“Only a million of them!” Kate laughed as she turned on her phone and brought up the pictures of Mary.
The first picture that popped up was the one of her, Brad and Mary at the hospital. She tried to swipe past it quickly, but Edward stopped her. “Who is that?” Edward asked.
“My husband, Brad,” Kate said sadly. “He died five years ago.”
Edward squeezed her hand. “I’m so sorry, Kate.”
Shaking off her sadness, Kate offered a small smile. “Thank you. He was a good man and it makes me sad to know that Mary won’t ever know him.” Kate swiped past the picture and showed off the rest that she’d saved on her phone.
“Brilliant photos. She’s a beautiful child and from all I’ve seen, a happy one.”
“Indeed, she’s the light of my life!” Kate took a sip of her champagne. “Do you have any children?”
“No. I’ve haven’t met the right woman, yet. But I hope one day I’ll be lucky enough,” Edward said wistfully.
Smiling, Kate squeezed his hand. “I’m astounded some woman hasn’t snatched you up already,” she laughed.
“That’s what my mother says. I tell her that I’m picky and that my heart will know when I’ve met the right one. My aunt tells me I’m a hopeless romantic,” Edward laughed.
They paused in their conversation while their food was delivered. The aroma of the food was enticing and Kate couldn’t wait to taste the cuisine. The waiter refilled their glasses, and then left them to their dinners.
Kate smiled and asked, “What am I eating, Edward?”
“Tonight, the lady is feasting on dressed Devon crab with Amalfi lemon and melba toast. Next is aged Scottish rib-eye with roasted chicory and caramelized red onion.”
“Sounds delicious, thank you!”
“My pleasure, Kate.”
They ate in silence for a while. As she was enjoying every bite, Kate tried to remember the last time she had felt so content and happy. Her uncharacteristic moment that night when she’d asked Edward to stay with her at her table was looking more and more like a really great decision. He was nice, complimentary and full of fascinating stories. He seemed genuinely pleased to be in her company. Her circle of friends was impossibly small, and she hoped that he would enter that small circle and remain there. Kate wouldn’t wish for love, she felt that was reaching too far. But friendship…one could never have too much of that.
“Edward, this food is just delectable,” Kate said as she finished her last bite and sat back in her chair.
“I’m glad you liked it,” Edward said. “How about some flour-less chocolate cake with raspberries and mascarpone cream for dessert?”
“There’s no way,” Kate said laughing. “You’ll have to roll me out of here if I eat that. How embarrassing would that be?”
“Not embarrassing in the least. Food is meant to be enjoyed. Besides, we could always take a stroll through the park after, to work off some of this food,” Edward suggested.
Kate sat up and looked at Edward. His manner was so refreshing. She looked into his eyes and could see nothing but openness, honesty, and amusement. He really seemed to like her and she was enjoying his company immensely.
“What are you thinking, Kate?”
She hesitated, but was unsure why she did. She would like his friendship, but was afraid he’d read more into it than she meant him to. He seemed like such a good man, and Kate would hate for him to get the wrong impression. She was not in the business of hurting people. She’d been hurt too much in her life for her to gain any pleasure from someone’s pain.
“I’m thinking that I really enjoy your company,” Kate finally said.
Edward smiled. “More than that thought just flashed across your face. Please, share your thoughts with me.”
The waiter appeared and saved Kate from answering right away. Edward glanced at Kate as the waiter cleared their plates. Raising his eyebrow, he silently asked her about dessert. She nodded her head, and Edward ordered, remembering her preference for tea with dessert. Kate sighed, and wondered at the thrill that coursed through her that he’d remembered.
Dropping her hands to her lap, she fiddled with her napkin. Not ready to meet his eyes, Kate looked out the window. “You’re right, that wasn’t all I was thinking. I guess I didn’t think you’d be so perceptive, as we’ve only been friends a short time,” Kate smiled weakly and continued. “My circle of friends is small, and I was thinking that I would really like for you to be a part of it. But at the same time, I’m not sure that I’m ready for more than that and I would hate t
o lead you to think I was or that I wanted more,” Kate paused and took a breath, shaking her head. “And that was incredibly arrogant of me to assume that you are interested in more. I live in a different country and am only here four times a year.” Embarrassed, Kate hung her head, feeling the heat creep up her face.
“Kate, look at me,” Edward implored.
As she lifted her eyes, they met Edward’s. His were such beautiful eyes and in them she saw friendship, understanding and something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Whatever it was, it made her feel special and important.
“You’re not arrogant, Kate, and I don’t think you’re out of line in the least to lay out your boundaries. I can tell that you’ve been through hell and back, and I hope that when you’re ready, you’ll confide in me. I would be honored to be your friend, to be included in your circle. I find you to be special, amusing, interesting, and don’t be mad – but I find you incredibly sexy,” Edward smiled. “This, right here,” Edward gestured to the two of them and their finished dinner. “This is enough for me, right now. My circle is quite small as well.”
Releasing a breath, Kate blinked her eyes. She placed her hand in his and squeezed. He was such a breath of fresh air and she was going to breathe in as much of him as she could before she headed back to the U.S. “Thank you, Edward.”
They walked through Hyde Park and Kate couldn’t believe it. If she were a superstitious person, she thought she’d be able to feel the ghosts of all the members of the ton who’d come before her. What it must have been like to have lived during that time.
She and Edward talked as they strolled. She told him about Mary and her life in the States. She told him about her work and her sister. He told more of his travels and some fun stories of when he was a boy.
Edward walked her back to her hotel. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our evening.”
“Me too. Thank you very much, Edward.”
“Are you available tomorrow night?”
“I could be,” Kate said jokingly.
“Let me take you out again. Would you like to catch a show?”
Smiling, Kate nodded her head. “Very much.”
To Love Twice Page 9