Solid Stone: Choices

by E. G. Patrick

  At pit-stop number two, Adam takes over driving and I direct. We clear customs quickly and I feel sentimental when we cross the border, it means I’m closer to home.

  §

  We pull up in front of the loft, and I must admit it feels strange being here. I never expected to be back. As he said, we have history now, and this place is a big part of that history.

  “It’s been a while,” I say, thinking out loud.

  “Almost seven months,” he says quietly.

  “Do you mind if I go in alone for a few minutes?”

  “Of course not.” He hands me the keys.

  Stepping out of the truck, I take a better look at the building. It was my home, our home. As soon as I walk inside my eyes take in the large windows. They always impressed me and still do. Slowly, I walk up the stairs looking up at the metal beams overhead. I feel silly that I’m feeling sentimental, stupidly emotional. We’d had more good times here then bad. He’d told me he loved me here. A tear rolls down my cheek. As I’m about to wipe it away I hear his voice behind me. “Are you okay?” And then I well up. He puts his hands on my shoulders. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

  “Everything,” I say sniffling, like I have a cold. I feel really silly now.

  “Remember when you found this place, how excited you were?” I nod yes. “Remember that feeling now,” he says softly.

  I could kiss him for saying that, and console myself when I think back to that day. “Sorry, I was having a moment. Finding this place made me happy. I loved it as soon as I walked in.”

  “Seeing you so happy made me happier.” His voice trails off until he says, “Are you hungry?”

  “Why, are you cooking?” I manage a small smile.

  He smiles back. “I can if you’d like.”

  “I’d like that a lot.”

  “Okay, let’s get the boxes up here and then I’ll make us something. I had Joyce grocery shop so there should be a lot to choose from. What do you want?”

  “Chicken stir-fry with lots of mushrooms.”

  He smiles. “Of course, it’s your favorite, now come on.” I follow him back to the truck to unload it. While Adam cooks I unpack a few boxes. I’ve decided to move into one of the spare bedrooms, it just feels right. The smell of his cooking fills the place and I love it.

  §

  Adam calls me down to dinner. He’s even set the table and pours wine into two glasses. “I brought you a case of wine. All the ones you like.”

  He deserves two kisses now. “Thanks, you’ve gone to so much trouble already, and I wish you hadn’t.”

  “It’s no trouble. I wanted your homecoming to be comfortable, welcoming.” He’s breaking my heart and doesn’t realize it.

  He serves me a large helping of chicken stir-fry with plenty of mushrooms, just how I like it.

  “This is delicious. I miss your cooking.” He’s looking at me. “Is there food on my face?”

  “No, I’m just glad you’re enjoying my cooking to be honest.”

  “You know I do, you’re a man of so many talents.” He laughs; I knew he would. The wine is delicious, smooth and full bodied. All my favorite things in one room; imagine that.

  “You’ll be happy here, I can tell,” he says.

  “The large windows still wowed me when I walked in.”

  “Good.”

  “Remember the time you creamed me at pool?” I laugh to myself.

  His face darkens. “It was strip pool, if I recall.”

  The flashback of being bent over the table is intense, and like a race horse, runs a sensation through me. “Yeah, and I thought I stood a chance, and that changed pretty quickly.”

  “Want to play a game now? A regular game I mean.”

  “Will you have a handicap?”

  He grins and raises an eyebrow. “How about I have to sink two balls to each one you sink?”

  “Okay, that sounds fair, I guess.” Pretending to think about it, I finally grin.

  Upstairs, he struts around the pool table, handing me a cue after he’s chalked the tip. He bends over and breaks, looking hot at the same time. Remembering what he taught me, I sink the first ball and do my happy dance. We play two games and he wins both. I did better in the second game and he praises me. There’s nothing at stake this time, other than I wish I could slow down time, but I can’t, it’s getting late and I yawn.

  He says, “That wasn’t so bad, was it? You’re getting really good at this. I’d better stop sharing my tips with you.” He laughs.

  “I sunk a few, I’m good with that!” He’s standing on the other side of the table, and as I begin to walk toward him I stop myself. What are you playing at Violet? He should go home now, we’re just friends. I pick up the cues and put them back on the rack, signaling it’s time for him to leave. He understands.

  “It’s getting late, I should go.”

  “I know.”

  At the front door we stand close. “Don’t forget to put on the alarm.”

  “I won’t, is the code the same?”

  “Everything’s the same, I didn’t change anything. It’s exactly how you left it.” A frog forms in my throat and a stab in my belly.

  “Thanks for helping me move back and for dinner. You’re an awesome friend.” There, I’ve said it.

  “Anytime, sleep well. See you soon, I hope.” I smile before I close the door behind him. As the door clicks shut my smile is gone.

  Chapter 11

  “Adam”

  Sitting in my car, I rest my hands on the steering wheel, thinking. I’d parked here before flying down to Chicago this morning. It felt strange leaving the loft with her still in it. We had a great time just being together. There was no emotional drama sending us spiraling.

  I wonder if she knows she still has power over me, the power to hurt me. If she told me to get lost I’d be devastated. Being with her is like a happy memory I can’t seem to forget. I just need to hold onto it, like something that should be forever. There’s a comfort, but also something wildly unique and special between us. It’s etched in my brain and I can’t control it!

  I squeeze my hands tightly around the steering wheel, trying my best to stop thinking of her. Watching her leaning over the pool table was hard, I had to concentrate like hell not to go there. A couple of times I wanted to; stop it, Stone. I start the Jag’s engine. It roars louder than the uncertainty in my gut.

  Chapter 12

  “Violet”

  I sip my coffee, listening to Ann on the phone. “So, what time should I come over? I can’t wait to see you and hear all about your drive home with Adam. Did he stay over?”

  “No, of course not, he went home, and you can come over anytime.”

  “Boring! Okay, I’ll be over around one then.”

  “Even though you’ve said that, I’m still looking forward to seeing you, it feels like forever.”

  “Ditto, see you soon. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  I hate to admit it, but there were moments last night when I wanted to entice Adam to bed, especially when he was bent over the pool table. His jeans fit him so well, and watching those arms draped across the pool table holding the cue didn’t help either. Friends shouldn’t mess around, stop it Violet! Or do they?

  My desire for him won’t be contained, and is brutally obvious. I recollect my birthday weekend and moan in my head. What he did to me as Gia, and Violet, made my body light up like a thousand-watt light bulb. He turned me on way beyond belief!

  Finishing my coffee, I put my cup in the dishwasher, appreciative that I have one again. I rip the tape off another box and begin to unpack it.

  §

  The buzzer goes. “Hi.”

  “It’s me.” I let Ann in. She’s holding a pastry bag in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. Trying to embrace her is tricky, but we
manage. “You look great, Vee.”

  “So do you, but you always do, and it’s so good to see you!” I almost squeal.

  “Stop the sappy, please,” she laughs. “Seriously, I couldn’t get over here fast enough. Open this.” She hands me the wine and then plops herself down on the leather sofa. “This is one hell of a pad, Vee, I’m still impressed by it.”

  The open concept makes it easy to continue our conversation. “I know, and when I came downstairs this morning I couldn’t believe I was back here. I used to always look out those big windows, and I did that this morning.”

  “Mmm, yep, I can see why. I was worried about how you’d feel being back here. So how do you feel?” She holds my gaze as I hand her a glass of wine.

  She knows me too well. “When we got here last night I asked Adam to give me a few minutes alone in here. Honestly, I thought I had all my emotions in check, but I didn’t. I welled up, and he caught me on the verge of a real tear jerker moment. Anyway, he said something so simple and I pulled myself together.”

  “What did he say?” She’s very interested in my answer.

  “To remember how I felt when I first found this place. It worked. I couldn’t sleep the night I found it because I couldn’t wait for him to see it too.”

  “That sounds nice, so there was no sloppy kiss after that?”

  “No, and we’re not a cheesy romance novel, you know.” We both burst out laughing.

  “Yeah, yeah, so what happened after that?” she asks.

  “He made me dinner while I unpacked some boxes, and then we played pool and he went home. She holds the rim of the wine glass against her lips, appearing deep in thought. “You didn’t have the slightest inkling to be with him? You know?” She rolls her hand in the air like I should know.

  “Yes, of course I did. If I were completely honest, I would’ve liked him to stay, but we’ve agreed to just be friends now.”

  “When he came to visit you on your birthday, what happened then? You didn’t tell me much about that?” I swear she has a sixth sense!

  “You were so sick, and I was more concerned about you than telling you about my weekend with Adam.”

  “Tell me everything. I’m healthy as a horse now.”

  “First, promise me you didn’t convince him to fly down to visit me, did you?”

  “No, I didn’t. I said I was sick and had to cancel my flight and felt terrible about missing your birthday. That’s all I said…and oh, nice to see you or something like that. Then he went his way and I went mine. I swearrrrr!”

  “Okay, okay, I believe you. Being around him made me feel like a cat in heat, it was embarrassing at times. We went shopping and he was fun and didn’t try to boss me around. We had lunch and agreed to be friends. Then at dinner, I caved and gave into my craving. I basically suggested we sleep together, and ended up staying overnight. I wasn’t planning to do that. He chased me actually—that was book worthy.” Ann’s just staring, watching my lips move, taking in every word I say.

  Her eyes widen. “He chased you?”

  “Yeah, he caught up with me in the hotel lobby before I was about to leave. He made me a birthday cake and then well, like I said, I ended up spending the night. We ate breakfast the next morning like pals and then I left. I told you about dinner at Jane’s place, and that’s it.”

  “You’re both adults, why don’t you be friends and you know? A lot of people do it, especially with busy careers, it’s not uncommon. You’ll get a piece of him, a piece of his ass that is.” She laughs rolling back on the sofa.

  I can’t help but grin. If only she knew how open-minded we are, she’d faint. “No way, I’m worried I’ll get sucked back in, and it’s not what he wants, he was very clear about friendship only. He still struggles about me leaving the way I did. I don’t blame him.”

  “Vee, go after what you want. Life’s too short. You survived Chicago, actually thrived there, don’t lose momentum now. I can see the changes in you. You’ve grown and you’ve got this if you want it. I’m here for support if you need it.” She takes my hand and I squeeze it.

  “Are you going to help me unpack boxes, or just drink?” My hands rest on my hips now and I smile.

  She rolls her eyes. “I give up! Fill my glass and then we’ll get rid of the boxes. I brought two cheese croissants; give me one of those too.”

  Thanks to Ann’s help, the loft’s free of boxes and feels more like home. Ann gives me a big hug before she leaves. Maybe she’s onto something, being friends with benefits sounds so cliché, but it might be a happy medium for Adam and me right now. She’s left me thinking—shit, more thinking, that’s all I need.

  Chapter 13

  “Violet”

  Molly, the receptionist, gives me a warm welcome as she steps out from behind her desk to hug me. “It’s great seeing you Violet. Welcome back!”

  “I’m glad to be back. How are you?” She tells me about a recent trip to Florida and that her son is getting ready for exams.

  At my desk, I unpack a few things and set up my laptop. It feels strange not having Paul here and seeing his office dark and empty. I get up to walk around, and after visiting a few colleagues I check email and get to work. It’s five before I know it.

  I’m walking home and find myself near Adam’s office building. I look up at the impressive logo of Laurier & Stone and smile, still feeling proud. Someone taps me on the shoulder and when I turn, I catch my breath as I look up at Adam in a navy suit, white shirt, and tie. He looks absolutely stunning. No, better—male perfection. I catch myself staring a bit too long. “Hi.” I finally mutter.

  “You of all people should know to pay attention when you’re walking,” he laughs. I wonder if he knew I was looking at his logo. “What are you doing down here?”

  I come up with a good excuse. “I’ve been trying to take longer routes home, you know I like walking for exercise.”

  “Ah, that’s good.” He stares at me a bit longer this time. “Well, I guess I should let you finish your walk then.” We’re staring at each other, just standing in the middle of the busy street, people are walking around us.

  He looks so good. I ask, “If you’re free, let me buy you a drink?”

  He smiles. “Okay, if you’d like.”

  “Where should we go, you know this area better than I do?”

  “How about Reddings? They have a nice lounge there.”

  “Sure, lead the way.” Following him allows me a good look from the rear. That damn tingle shoots its way upward, forcing me to stand still. He turns at the exact same time.

  “Am I walking too fast?”

  “No, sorry, I was checking I hadn’t forgotten my phone at work. Let’s go.”

  §

  We’re seated in a red leather-covered booth across from a large, well-stocked bar. A waitress approaches after we put the drink menu down. “What are you having?” she asks.

  I stop myself from saying a cosmo, remembering the last one I’d had. “I’ll have a vodka and cranberry please.” Adam orders a scotch on the rocks in a short glass.

  “So, are you all settled in? No cobwebs or tumble weeds?” He laughs.

  “Nope, the place was spotless, and yes, I am. Ann came over on Sunday and helped me finish unpacking. So, I’m all settled in now. You’re not traveling this week?”

  “Joyce did a good job then. No, not until Wednesday, back on Saturday morning.”

  “So how’s work since we last spoke?” I know it’s his favorite subject. The waitress places our drinks in front of us on red logoed napkins.

  “Really good, I’m just in the middle of a small merger at the moment.”

  “I thought you only worked on the big ones? What’s got you attracted to this one?”

  “It’s a personal favor so I’m keeping it close. It’ll be finished soon.” He smiles, taking a sip of his drink
.

  “You have me curious. What is it?”

  “I’m expanding the firm. You know I can’t tell you more than that, and not because I don’t want to.”

  “Yes, I remember. Don’t worry.”

  “When an opportunity presents itself, we have to act.”

  “You just said that out loud you know.”

  He nods then asks, “So how was your first day back at work?”

  “I spent most of the morning catching up with colleagues. It feels like ages. It’s crazy.”

  “It’s good to be back then?”

  “It is. It’s like starting a new job though. I must’ve stared at my desk and screen more than a few dozen times. It took me a while to get into it.” I laugh, resting my head in my hands and taking a closer look at him.

  “Oh, was it good, getting into it?” He smirks.

  “Yes, it was.” My cheeks feel warm. “How are your parents doing, and Olivia?”

  He cocks a half grin. “They’re all good, although Olivia seems distracted. I’m sure something will surface soon enough, and we’ll know why.”

  “You know her best. Nothing to worry about, I hope?”

  “No, I don’t think so. She’s always been quiet and very private.”

  “You have the private thing in common.”

  “I suppose we do. Another drink?”

  “Sure. So what else have you been up to these last few months?”

  “Work mostly, a bit of golf. I spent a week in Barbados.”

  A jealously pang. “Alone?”

  “Of course alone,” he says like I should I know.

  “Oh, right. Did you golf a lot?”

  “Nah, I mostly sailed and did some horseback riding. I wanted to be alone. It was solitude I needed at the time.”

  “You know, I’m still sad about what happened between us.” I don’t know when he became so easy to speak to, but I feel so comfortable saying that to him now.

  “Me too, at least we can still,” he pauses looking into my eyes, “hang out and be friends. I had a really good time with you on Saturday. I didn’t want to leave.”