When You Least Expect It

by Sandra Leiper

  The cousins laughed and said their goodbyes, both lost in their own thoughts.

  ~~~

  Amanda and Elisa had just finished dinner at Nene’s and were off to a movie. Elisa hadn’t brought up Ray, or Alex, not wanting to ruin a good time. Once in the car, she decided to broach the subject. “So Mom, have you and Alex made up?”

  “We’re fine.”

  “He was pretty upset.”

  Amanda looked at her daughter. “I know. We’ve come to terms with it. He doesn’t like it, but it’s going to happen. I finally convinced him that meeting him is a good thing, and he says if he doesn’t like him, he’s going to tell him so.”

  “Oooh…that doesn’t sound good.” Elisa knew her brother would do just that.

  “Whatever. I’m glad Ray is coming, and I hope that you and your brother give him a chance. I think he’s great, and I hope you might want to keep that under consideration before you maul him. He’s a good man, and he’s very nervous about what you two think of him.”

  “He is? Well, I told Alex I thought he seemed nice, but he thinks Ray’s an Internet weirdo.”

  Her mom laughed. “I don’t think so. He may not be Tom Cruise, but I think he’s sweet.”

  “Do you love him, Mom?”

  Amanda gripped the steering wheel, unsure of how to answer. She knew how bizarre it would sound to her daughter if she said yes. She decided it was a trick question. “What do you mean?”

  “Don’t play games, Mom. You’ve been talking to Ray for a year, every night; for hours. Your whole life seems to revolve around him, yet you barely know him, and he lives thousands of miles away. Why?”

  Amanda forged ahead hoping her daughter would understand. “Because he’s my soul mate; he feels right, Elisa. I can’t explain it. He’s different from Peter and your dad. I just know. You know how you always hear about people ‘just knowing’. That’s how I feel about Ray.”

  Elisa watched as her mom smiled to herself thinking about this. Crazier things have happened. “So you do love him, then?”

  Amanda sighed, and patted Elisa on her knee. “You just never give up do you? I love him.”

  Elisa’s thoughts went to Alex. “Will you be moving to Maine?”

  “No. We haven’t even talked about anything like that yet. We just know we want to know more about each other, about each other’s lives. No talk about anybody moving anywhere, so don’t worry about that. You’ll be the first to know when and if that happens.”

  “Does this really make you happy? It seems like it would be so hard.”

  Amanda mulled this over for a minute before answering. “It’s the happiest I’ve been in a long time, Elisa, but then again, it’s the saddest I’ve been too.”

  Chapter 40

  Amanda ran around her house like a lunatic, giving it one final look-through before Ray arrived. She couldn’t believe that he was going to be in her house today. It seemed surreal. She was meeting him at his hotel, so she flew out the door so she wouldn’t be late.

  ~~~

  “Mandy, you look great!” He bear hugged her and told her how good it was to see her.

  “I’m so glad you’re here, Ray! Welcome to El Paso.”

  They got in the car and just looked at each other. He pulled her to him and kissed her. The passion in that kiss showed her he had missed her as much as she’d missed him.

  She smiled into his lips as they continued to kiss, feeling like finally, she was whole.

  “Let’s go to my place, and then take it from there.” Ray agreed and went in Amanda’s car since she knew her way around. The desert was breathtaking and he was amazed as to how flat the land was. It was so different from the East Coast, it was no wonder Amanda had felt so overwhelmed at her visit, especially in New York.

  “Here we are, Ray, home sweet home.”

  Ray took in the small house they’d arrived at. It was an attractive little southwest style ranch home, very different from what he’d imagined. He said nothing as he got out of the car, noting how nervous Amanda looked. He put his arm around her, “I can’t wait to see how you live.”

  Once inside, the coziness of her home made Ray smile. There were pictures of her kids everywhere, at all ages. She had a few plants, and some southwestern decorations. There was nothing Victorian, or Colonial about her home, again, something very different from Maine. It was quaint and homey, and Ray loved it.

  “It’s adorable Mandy, just like you.” He bent over and kissed her. The front door opened and startled them both. Ray looked up to see a mini version of Amanda standing at the door.

  “Is this the axe-murderer?”

  “Elisa!” Amanda reddened at their near miss.” This is Ray. Ray, this is my infamous daughter.”

  Elisa walked up to shake Ray’s hand. She liked his look, it was…harmless. “I’m happy to finally meet you. How is El Paso treating you?”

  “I barely landed, but so far, so good.”

  “Mom has been so excited, I’m glad you were able to come.” She looked at her mom, “I approve.” Amanda and Ray both laughed at her cockiness.

  ~~~

  Ray had checked in to his hotel room and Amanda had been sitting on the bed while he was unpacking. She was taking him to Nene’s, Hilary and Josh would be meeting them there. Hilary being Hilary, didn’t want to wait for the steakhouse dinner to meet Ray, she wanted her own showing.

  They arrived at Nene’s and Amanda ordered two margaritas, chips, and salsa. “Now Ray, this isn’t the pseudo-Mexican food like they have in Maine, this is real Mexican food.”

  Ray laughed. “Well let’s see if I’ll be able to tell the difference.” They opted to wait until Hilary arrived to order their food. Ray held Amanda’s hand as he sipped his margarita and took in his surroundings. He loved the colorful decorations, and the Mexican authenticity that the restaurant displayed. It was so different from Maine, a different environment, a different culture, a very different way of life.

  Amanda nudged him. “Here they come. Are you ready?”

  He took a big swig of his drink. “Bring ‘em on!”

  Amanda giggled as Hilary came up to the table. “Finally! We’re starving here.”

  Hilary gave Ray the once over, also liking what she saw. “Ray?”

  “Of course it’s Ray, who else would it be?” Amanda rolled her eyes. “Ray, this is my sister, Hilary, and her husband Josh.”

  Ray stood and took her hand. “Hello Hilary.” He shook Josh’s hand too.

  “So, you’re the infamous Ray. I can't believe you’re sitting here in front of me. You have stirred up quite a bit of trouble over here you know.”

  Ray reddened. “I didn’t mean too. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen, it just did. I can’t explain it.”

  “I can’t pretend its not weird Ray because it is. But, my sister is acting just as crazy, so what can I say? I just don’t want her to get hurt.” She eyed him suspiciously. “Are you toying with her?”

  “No, I’m not. I’m trying to get to know her. I’m not planning on hurting her, and I doubt she’s planning on hurting me. We just have to take it one day at a time. You have to admit, there are a lot of obstacles in our way, and it’s tough.”

  “I’m sure it is.” Hilary looked at him for a long moment. “Part one of the interrogation is over. Let move on to lighter subjects.”

  The four chitchatted amicably, the serious part of the conversation over. They drank, and ate and got to know a little about each other. Finally, Ray had to call it a night. “I’m afraid jet lag is winning the battle here. I’m sorry to cut the evening short; this has been great.”

  “Well, we’ll see each other a few more times this visit. I’m not done interrogating you.” Hilary put her hand on his arm. “You seem like a nice man, though.”

  Ray thanked her and they stood up. He reached out and gave her a quick hug. “I’ll see you at the big dinner. I hear they’re serving me on a plate, with an apple in my mouth.

  Hilary let out a cackl
e. “That is the family buzz! We’ll see you then, Ray. Have fun.”

  The two couples separated and went to their cars. Amanda had been exceptionally quiet, letting Hilary have the floor. “That wasn’t so bad was it?”

  “No it wasn’t. The tequila helped, but I think Hilary’s biggest problem is that she’s worried about you. She relaxed a bit at the end, don’t you think?”

  “I do. I think she liked you.”

  “Really, what makes you say that?”

  “She let me leave with you.” Amanda looked at Ray. The look on his face was priceless. She laughed. “I better get you back to your hotel before you fall asleep and I have to carry you up. You look pretty tired.”

  “Yeah, it’s past midnight at home. That’s definitely past my bedtime.”

  They arrived at the hotel and Amanda asked him if she wanted her to come up. She looked at him expectantly.

  “I’m exhausted, but yes, come up. I want you to myself for a little while.”

  Amanda looked forward to some time alone with Ray. As they settled into the hotel room, she offered to go get some ice and soda.

  “I’m going to change if that’s okay?”

  “Sure, I’ll be right back.” Amanda was off. It took her awhile to find a soda machine, but she was back in about ten minutes with two cans and a bucket of ice. She walked in to find Ray lying on the bed, sound asleep.

  “No way.” She put her stuff down and went over to him. “Ray?”

  No response. She fought the urge to shake him awake. Disappointed, she wrote him a note. I came back and you were sound asleep. I didn’t want to wake you. Call me when you wake up in the morning. Love, me

  ~~~

  Ray woke up the next morning a little disoriented. He looked around the room and remembered where he was. He sat straight up, looking for Amanda. He saw the note stuck on the mirror and went to read it, feeling like an ass, then, even more so after reading it. He had fallen asleep! He went straight to the phone to call her, and then realized it was six in the morning.

  He decided he would surprise her with breakfast to make up for last night. He went to shower and get ready, planning to arrive at her house bright and early.

  On the drive over, he stopped to pick up bagels and coffee, and a pretty bouquet of flowers. This was going to be great! This was like something he had always wished he could do for her, but never could. He felt like a teenager.

  He rang the doorbell a few times and was worried when no one came to the door. Her car was in the driveway, she must just be asleep. He knocked on the door, hoping she would hear. The door finally opened. He was surprised to see a rumpled man standing there, looking more than a little annoyed.

  “Yeah?”

  Ray was speechless. “Um, is Amanda here?”

  “Who are you?

  It was Ray’s turn to be annoyed, but he stopped to take a good look at this man answering Amanda’s door. He noticed that he looked very young.

  “I’m Ray. You must be Alex?”

  It was Alex’s turn to be speechless. He looked Ray over wondering when he’d arrived. “You’re the Internet guy.”

  “Guilty. I bring food; you think I can come in?”

  “Can I have that coffee?”

  Ray handed it to him. “Sure.” He knew that Alex was sizing him up, and didn’t know how to react to it.

  “Come in then. Mom is still sleeping. I’ll wake her if you want.”

  Amanda had been watching from the doorway. “I’m up, Alex. Hey, Ray, this is a surprise.”

  “I wanted to apologize for falling asleep on you last night…”

  Alex glared at him, hands on hip.

  “I mean, I didn’t even wait for you to come back with the Cokes.” Ray was getting visibly nervous.

  “Don’t worry about it. We can catch up at breakfast now. You brought bagels! Do you want to join us Alex?”

  Alex looked from him mom to Ray. “Nope.” He walked back to his room muttering, “I just don’t see it.”

  Amanda put her arm through Ray's arm and led him to the kitchen. “He’ll come around. Are those flowers for me?”

  Ray looked down at his arms still laden with food and flowers. “This is all for you.” He handed her the coffee and flowers.

  They sat down, went over their day, and decided to go to the Franklin Mountain State Park and have a picnic. They didn’t want to get overtired, as tomorrow Amanda’s family should start arriving. “Let’s spend the whole day, just us. I’ll go shower and we’ll start our day.”

  Ray looked at the pictures around the room, and patiently waited for Amanda to be ready. Alex came out dressed for work.

  “Where’s my mom?

  “Dressing. Working today?”

  “Yeah. What are you two up too?"

  After giving him their itinerary, Alex seemed unimpressed with their plans. “I need a ride to work. Do you think you have time in your plans to do that?” He went to hurry Amanda. He knocked and heard his mother tell him to come in.

  “Oh hi Alex, off to work?’

  “Yeah, can you give me a ride in the next few minutes? I’m running late.”

  “Sure, and can you do me a favor? Can you be a little bit nicer to Ray please? He’s trying Alex; I would like you to try too.”

  “Why, he’s here to see you, not me.”

  “Alex, please? He’s here to meet you too. At least get to know him a little before you start hating him.”

  Alex reluctantly agreed. “Fine. Can we go?”

  After what seemed an interminably long ride to Alex’s job, he got out without saying a word to Ray. Ray watched him walk into the restaurant then turned to Amanda. “He hates me, huh?”

  “Just give him time Ray. I think it’s overwhelming for him. He’s graduating, and the whole family is coming. Maybe it embarrasses him, I don’t know.” Amanda silently hoped that Alex really would come around. He seemed so angry.

  ~~~

  The day at the park had been fun. They went up the tram to Ranger Peak and picnicked in the shade. It didn’t take long before Ray had become overheated, not being used to the intense sun of the desert.

  They cut the day short and drove around El Paso for a while, Amanda showing him her old high school, then stopping by her parent’s old house. Ray loved it, but finally confessed that the sun had fried him and he needed to lie down. They went back to the hotel.

  “I’m sorry to ruin the day you planned, Amanda”

  “Don’t worry about it. We’ll hydrate you and let you rest before going out for dinner. I guess I didn’t realize the sun would get to you this way. You just aren’t used to it.”

  “I guess not. I didn’t realize it either.”

  “This time though, you can go for the ice!”

  They both laughed as they walked into his room.

  After many glasses of water, Ray began to feel better. They sat on the bed and shared their thoughts and feelings, holding hands and laughing like teenagers. They lay back in the bed, both propped up on their elbows, talking about meeting Amanda’s family.

  “I’m so nervous about it, Mandy. If Alex is any indication how things are going to go, it’s not going to go well.” His eyes were on the curve of Amanda’s neck. Distracted, he had an uncontrollable urge to kiss it.

  “It’s going to be fine, Ray.” She stroked his arm, feeling his bicep.

  “What if everybody hates me?” He whispered into her ear, as he gave into his urge to kiss her neck.

  She closed her eyes and rubbed his chest. “They won’t,” she whispered, “I promise.”

  Ray moved closer to her on the bed and stroked her back. “I only want it to be good for you.” He nuzzled his face in her hair.

  “My family will love you; because I do.” She found his lips with hers and they kissed. First lightly, hesitantly, and then with the passion that had built up during their time apart. She wanted to feel him, to feel his skin against hers. She took off his shirt and held him tightly, stroking his chest, his bac
k and listened to him quietly groan in her ear.

  Ray continued to stroke her back, her waist, finding pleasure in the small of her back under her shirt. It was so soft, like nothing he had ever felt before. He wanted to kiss it, to kiss all of her. He gave in to his urges, as did Amanda, and soon they were engulfed in passion. It was as if they were together for the first time. Ray wanted every inch of her, like a starving man, he wanted to devour her.

  They lay spent, incredulous at the fervor of their lovemaking. Amanda never knew it could be like this. She lay in the crook of his arm, and smiled as he kissed the top of her head.

  “Happy?”

  “Very. This is much better than eating.” She laughed.

  “Speaking of which…I’m ravenous. How does a big fat burger sound?”

  “It sounds great. There’s a great place called the Hamburger Inn that makes spectacular burgers. You sure that’s what you want?”

  “Definitely, let’s go.”

  ~~~

  They stopped at Amanda’s house after dinner. Amanda had a few things to do before her family arrived the next day. There was a strange car in the driveway.

  “Uh-oh, I wonder who this could be?” Amanda got out of the car apprehensively. Just as she got to the door, it hit her in a very loud way.

  “Surprise! I left early, Mandy, and instead of calling, wanted to see that very shocked look I see on your face.” Blossom looked past her. “Oh my god, it’s the mystery man. Come in here and let me look!” She practically shoved Amanda aside to get at Ray. “Well, you’re a cutie, that’s for sure. You smell like ketchup though.” She looked at Amanda. “Seems okay so far; who else has met him?”

  Amanda glared at her cousin. “Hello to you, too. What the hell are you doing here so early and who let you in?”

  “Well that’s a nice how do you do? What’s wrong?”

  Amanda sighed and gave Blossom a hug. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just surprised to see you. Where are Julio and the boys?”