When You Least Expect It

by Sandra Leiper

  Amanda shyly looked up at him, and when she did, he bent over and lightly kissed her on the lips. Their lips lingered for more than a few seconds, and Amanda could almost hear the ‘clicking’ sound. His lips were so soft, as was his kiss. It was perfect.

  Ray couldn’t believe how sexy her lips were. He’d waited so long to be able to kiss her, and it was everything he’d imagined. He looked in her eyes and smiled. “I’m sorry; I couldn’t wait any longer to do that.”

  She smiled, again, shyly.

  They drove to the diner, Amanda taking in the beautiful scenery. Even though it was dark, she could tell that Portland was very different from El Paso.

  “So what are we going to do while I’m here, Ray? Do you have big plans?”

  “No, take in some sights, my mom and Diego want to meet you, and then the trip to New York as promised.”

  “Great, we’re still going there. I’m so excited about that.”

  “We’ll do that over the weekend if that’s okay. We’ll stay overnight, then see Manhattan, maybe even go up the Empire State Building.”

  Amanda laughed. Sounds like fun.” She smiled to herself, this was going to be an even bigger adventure than she’d imagined.

  They arrived at the diner, a cute little old fashioned kind that almost looked like a trailer with a building attached. The hostess came to seat them and they both ordered coffee.

  “Are you hungry, Mandy? I ate earlier, but you order whatever you want.”

  “I ate at O’Hare airport. Coffee is just fine.”

  They talked and caught up on things. Amanda found that if she looked down at her coffee while Ray spoke, it was like talking to him on the phone. The Ray she knew, the comfortable Ray. She had a hard time putting the face to the voice; this made it much easier for the moment. She looked up and noticed he was puncturing his little creamer container with a fork. “What are you doing?”

  He turned it over into his cup. “Why, I’m milking a cow. Moo-oo.”

  She laughed.

  “What’s even funnier, Mandy, is that I take my coffee black. I don’t know why I just put creamer in it.” Ray reddened.

  She laughed even harder. “A-ha! You are nervous!”

  He laughed with her, noting how cute she looked when she laughed and how wonderful she sounded. “I guess I am a little bit.”

  She had finally relaxed a little bit when Ray asked her if she was ready to leave. It was time to show her his apartment.

  ~~~

  Ray’s high-rise apartment building was impressive. He lived on the eighteenth floor and the view from up there was beautiful. Amanda stood in front of the window, willing herself to relax.

  He gave her the grand tour without even moving.

  “You’re apartment is so teeny. Are you comfortable here, Ray?”

  “It’s just me, so it’s fine. When the girls are here it’s somewhat tight, but it’s full and happy, so it’s fine then too. Can I get you something to drink?” They walked the six steps to the kitchen. He opened the fridge and blushed. “Um, I can only offer you water.”

  Amanda laughed. “Some host you are! No thanks, let’s just go sit and get to know each other.”

  They sat on the couch and did what they did best; talk. Ray held her hand and looked at her as if he’d never seen a woman before. He drank her in, as if memorizing every feature, just in case he never saw her again.

  Finally, Amanda yawned. “Wow, what time is it?”

  “It’s midnight. Are you getting tired?”

  “I think so. What will the sleeping arrangements be?” She tried to sound as nonchalant as possible.

  “Whatever you want them to be, Mandy. That is up to you totally.”

  She sighed. She just didn’t know. “Ray, if I sleep in your bed with you, can we just sleep?” She knew it was asking a lot, but she wasn’t ready for anything more at the moment.

  “If that’s what you want, sure.” He was happy she wanted to sleep with him. He’d imagined falling asleep with her in his arms for so long, and now it was finally going to happen. He’d be more than content with it. “Let me show you where you can hang your things, and I’ll give you some space to get ready for bed. Well, as much space as this luxury apartment allows.” They smiled at each other and he brushed her hair out of her face. “Have I mentioned how happy I am that you’re here?”

  Amanda laughed. “You have…about a hundred times. I’ll be back.” She went off to get ready for bed, relieved that at least for tonight, there was no pressure.

  She washed up and although hesitant about taking off her make-up, did so anyway. She put on her pajamas, a black short set with jumping sheep and crescent moons, and tentatively left the bathroom, after deciding she looked like a little girl at camp.

  Ray was waiting for her in the living room. He’d changed into sweat pants and a t-shirt. You’d never know that they were two people spending the night together for the first time.

  “You look cute, Mandy. Love those pajamas.”

  She laughed. “I think I borrowed them from my five year old niece.” Ray laughed with her.

  “Shall we turn in or do you want to watch some television?”

  “Let’s turn in. We can talk a little before we fall asleep.”

  They walked into the bedroom and Ray turned down the blankets. “Oh no, I forgot to put the mint on your pillow.” He laughed, trying to break the tension. This was going to be a lot harder than he thought.

  Amanda got in and looked up at Ray who was just standing there with his hands on his hips looking down at her. She had to admit, he looked adorable. “Getting in?”

  He looked at her longingly. “I was just savoring the fact that I have a beautiful woman in my bed.” Ray got in and turned towards her. “Well, what shall we talk about?”

  She went over and curled up in his arms. “I don’t know. Tell me what we’re going to do while I’m here.”

  Ray told her in vivid detail about his plans for Portland, and what they might do in New York City, and when he waited for a response, he heard what seemed to be a quiet snore. He smiled down at his houseguest. She was sleeping soundly, and he hoped it wasn’t just because of the jet lag, but because she felt comfortable in his arms. He drifted off to sleep holding her, happier than he’d ever been.

  ~~~

  Amanda woke up feeling wonderful. She had showered, and Ray had made coffee and they were sitting at the table munching on and English muffin.

  “I hope this is okay, we can get something else when we take off. Today, we’ll be hitting Casco Bay and then taking the ferry over to Peaks Island. If you feel up to it, maybe we can rent bikes and ride around the island. How does that sound to you?”

  “That sounds great.” She looked out the window. The sky was picture perfect blue, coupled with the green of well, almost everything, it took her breath away. She was so used to her desert colored surroundings; it never dawned on her how different things could be. She turned and smiled at Ray, “It’s a perfect day. I’m ready whenever you are.”

  “Did you bring a sweater?”

  She looked at him incredulously. “Why would I need a sweater?”

  Ray laughed and grabbed two sweatshirts. “We ain’t in Texas, little darling. Let’s go find out why.”

  ~~~

  Amanda loved everything about Portland. The crispness in the air, the colors of the trees, the cobble stoned streets, she loved it all. She’d been glad that Ray brought the sweatshirt, because out on the ferry, it was cold! She’d never been on a ferry before, and other than on TV; she had never even seen one. She felt overwhelmed by everything, especially Ray. He’d been so attentive, and trying so hard to make sure she had a good time. He seemed just as nice in person as she perceived him to be long distance.

  After the got off the ferry, having arrived on Peaks Island, they ate lunch at a quaint cafe, ordering Maine’s infamous lobster roll. Amanda had never even heard of it before, much less had one. They also ordered clam chowder, and it was defin
itely nothing like the chowder back home.

  “I have to say Ray, this is delicious. It’s like nothing I’ve ever had before. I knew it would be different out here, but it’s like a whole other world.”

  Ray laughed. “It seems that way anyway. Everything out here is old and has a lot of history behind it. It’s been like this for generations. There are lots of old Yankees out here.”

  “I had no idea, of course. I’ve never been east of Texas before. I feel so unworldly.”

  “Well, you just haven’t had time to travel much, being a single mom and all, but just think how much you’re going to take in this weekend! This will be so much fun, not just for you the first timer, but I’m going to have fun being the one who gets to show it to you.” He took Amanda’s hand. “Thanks for taking this big risk, Mandy. I know it must have been hard, but I’m so happy to get to meet you, even if it’s only this once.”

  She looked deep in his eyes and was almost shocked to see how sincere he seemed. She was at a loss for words, so she bent over and tenderly kissed his lips.

  It was Ray’s turn to be shocked. “That was nice, Mandy.” He touched her face, again drowning in her eyes. He came out of his trance and went back to tour guide mode. “Let’s go rent some bikes!”

  They walked to Brad’s Recycled Bike Shop and rented two bikes. The shopkeeper advised them to stay on the coast road, and it would bring them right back to the shop. It was about four miles long.

  Amanda’s eyes widened. “Four miles? I haven’t ridden a bike in a million years!” She looked at Ray wondering if he felt the same way. It didn’t look like he did.

  “It’ll be a blast Mandy; another adventure to add to your list for the weekend. You know what they say about riding a bike; well, they say it’s like riding a bike, you never forget.”

  She looked confused. “Isn’t it elephants that never forget?”

  Ray laughed. “Are you game or not?”

  Amanda sighed. “I’m game. Let’s get this show on the road.

  Once started, she found it to be easy and fun. Ray had been right; it was just as if she was a teenager again. They stayed on the road, and took in the beauty of Maine. It amazed her. The trees, the bay filled with sailboats, the lighthouses. It was so beautiful. They stopped for coffee at one point, just to rest their weary leg muscles.

  As they cuddled on the bench to stay warm, she looked up at Ray and thanked him for everything. “This has been quite a day. I never thought I would enjoy bike riding again, at forty! But I’ve loved it.”

  They rode their bikes back to the bike shop and got back on the ferry. The chill in the air was even colder than before, but Amanda insisted on standing by the railing, taking it all in. She loved the feel of the wind blowing in her hair, and the smell of the salt water as it sprayed up, sprinkling her face. She was in love with Maine.

  Once back at the apartment, they rested for a little while before getting ready to go out. Amanda decided this was a good time to bring up his divorce, as he still hadn’t mentioned it at all.

  “I’ve been wondering, how was court? I thought we would be celebrating your divorce being final, yet you haven’t mentioned it.”

  Ray leaned his head back on his couch and tried not to groan out loud. Why didn’t he bring it up before now? She’s going to think he was trying to hide it. “I was so upset about it, Mandy, I just didn’t want to talk about it, and had no idea how to tell you. Carrie postponed it again.”

  Amanda’s hand covered her mouth. “You’re still married?”

  “Unfortunately, through no fault of my own, yes.”

  Amanda was aghast. “But I’m meeting your mom tonight! Does she know?”

  “Of course she knows. I spoke to my lawyer and told him about you and he said it was fine as long as we were discreet, so that’s what I told my mom.”

  She was speechless. Discreet? She felt like this was a 1950’s movie with her playing the mistress. “So wearing a big scarlet A on my shirt would not be advised?”

  This time, Ray did groan out loud. “Mandy, I’ve been separated for almost a year. There was no way I would know she was going to postpone the date. You already had your tickets. I’m married legally, but that’s it, it’s not a big deal. My lawyer said to be discreet so that Carrie doesn’t find out and use it against me, not because it’s wrong.”

  Amanda was quickly moving from shocked to angry. “You should have told me. You should have let me decide what I wanted to do. For example, I don’t want to meet your mom like this. It feels wrong. What on earth is she going to think of me?”

  “Mandy, did you forget that you didn’t break up my marriage? You had nothing to do with it; the timing of our meeting was just coincidental. In fact, technically, we met yesterday. You’ve done nothing wrong and neither have I. It is what it is.” He grabbed her and hugged her. “Don’t regret coming here, because I certainly don’t. I’ve waited a long time to meet you. Maybe it was selfish, but I didn’t want to put it off any longer.”

  She pulled away from him. “Fine, but you should have told me before now. I’m embarrassed to meet your mother, yet I understand that it’s too late to back out. So if you excuse me, I’m going to go get ready.”

  Ray couldn’t believe this. Why were they arguing when they had such limited time together? He knew why. Because he hadn’t been honest with her, and if he hadn’t learned anything from the countless hours on the phone with her, he’d learned that she hated any form of dishonesty. He only hoped he hadn’t blown it with her.

  ~~~

  Amanda stood in the shower, trying to regroup. She was so angry with Ray, but once she calmed down a bit, she understood why he did it. It’s not as if he’d lied, but the sin of omission was just as bad in her book. If you don’t tell someone something because you know that someone won’t like it; it’s just like lying.

  She dried off and started blow-drying her hair. She would just have to try her best to get Mrs. Knight to like her, and hope she wouldn’t feel like she was the root of all evil. Some of the things Ray had said about her weren’t exactly positive, and if she felt negative about Amanda in any way, she had a feeling it was going to be a long night. She put on a very modest gray top and a pair of black slacks, and hoped she looked proper enough for his mother. She just hoped her hair turned out, all she needed was to have a bad hair day. The humidity in Maine wasn’t exactly helping her.

  She put on the finishing touches and stepped out of the bathroom. Ray was dressed in navy blue Dockers and a white dress shirt. She thought he looked very handsome.

  “Wow, Mandy, you look beautiful. My mom will be very impressed. How are you doing? You okay?”

  “Yes, Ray. I’m fine. I was just a little upset about the whole thing, but I guess there isn’t anything I can do about it at this point. I just hope your mother understands, too.”

  “She does. Let’s go get this over with.” He gave her a quick hug. “Thanks for not being mad anymore.”

  “Like I said, there isn’t anything I can do about it. Being mad isn’t going to help, but I hope you haven’t kept anything else from me.”

  Ray felt like a little boy getting a scolding. “No, I haven’t.” He opened the door for her, trying hard to squelch the anger he suddenly felt.

  ~~~

  Dinner with his mom had been pretty benign. She asked a million questions about her life that she got tired of answering. She drank a little bit too much wine trying to settle her nerves, and before she knew it, jet lag had taken over.

  The best part of the night was when they were trying to decide where to go eat, and every where Ray suggested, she would say she would run into too many people she might know, and they would ask about Amanda. Amanda sighed. All she needed was a Scarlet letter to wear while they traipsed her around, keeping her a dirty little secret. The evening couldn’t end soon enough in her book.

  ~~~

  On the way home, sensing Amanda’s irritation, Ray apologized for his mom. “How can I make it up to you? Da
ncing? Or do you want to go to a movie?”

  “I’m tired Ray; jet lag and all. What time are we leaving for New York?

  “As early as we can get up. It’s about a seven-hour train ride. So we’ll ride to Grand Central Station, then go directly to the hotel and check in.”

  “Seven hours! Wow.”

  “We’ll be there about twenty-four hours. We’ll take in as much as we can, but there’s so much to see. We probably should get to bed early so we can try to leave about six a.m.”

  Amanda groaned silently. She hated mornings, but that seemed ungodly.

  ~~~

  The train ride into New York was exciting. She’d never taken the train anywhere before. It wasn’t anything she’d imagined it to be. It was almost like taking the bus, only faster. They spent the hours talking, something they were very comfortable doing

  They touched a little on the sleeping arrangements. Last night had been another night of sheep pj’s and well, sleeping. Ray wanted to know if he should be reading more into that than just the fact that she was jet lagged.

  “No Ray, I’m sorry, I really was just tired.”

  “Do you find me…icky?”

  She laughed. “Icky? No, I think you’re adorable.”

  Ray groaned. “Now I feel like a puppy.”

  “Ray, let’s just let it happen naturally. Do we really have to rush it; after all we’ve only physically known each other two days!”

  “I know, I know. I’ve just thought about it for so long. You’ve stirred up a lot of hidden feelings in me, and yes, some of them are physical. When we kiss, those hidden feelings want to ignite!”

  She looked up at him, a shy smile on her lips. “Patience is definitely a virtue. Just give it time.”

  Ray agreed with Amanda that she should have all the time she needed. “This is good enough for me, Mandy, even if we never go there.”

  For some reason, she didn’t believe him, but didn’t say anything. She had her own plans, and Ray would find out about them in due time.