Maggie wondered if there ever would be another man in her life. She really couldn’t see it. No matter what Leonard had done to her, she kept remembering the Leonard she fell in love with, not the cheating liar he became.
This had been a really crappy day and she hadn’t even eaten since breakfast. Maybe she should take herself out to a nice restaurant, and spoil herself with a lovely meal. Of course she knew she wouldn’t do that. It might be the done thing these days for some women but Maggie was still a little old fashioned at heart. She didn’t mind going to a coffee house on her own, or even a spot of light lunch but she certainly wouldn’t go out to a restaurant for dinner on her own.
Maybe I’ll never go out to a restaurant again. The thought troubled her. Of course I will. She smiled to herself. I’ll call Gillian, once she’s calmed down that is, and we can go out together.
Right now though, she was starving. She wasn’t even sure what she had in the fridge. Why she had bought such a large fancy fridge she had no idea. Just another of Gillian’s whims, she had fallen prey to. Gillian had insisted Maggie needed a drink and ice dispenser, had she used it? No, never. You will also need a special rack in the fridge for your wine. What wine? When did Maggie drink wine? It was the same with the television. Maggie didn’t even consider this as a necessary purchase but Gillian insisted. Something to keep Maggie company, Gillian said. What was wrong with a good book?
Maggie looked inside the cavernous fridge, there were some eggs, a piece of cheese with a few bits of mold around the edges, some milk a couple of tomatoes and half an onion. Perfect, if she fancied an omelet, which of course she didn’t. Maggie hadn’t been to a restaurant since the divorce. Funny how she’d stopped doing something they had done at least three times a week. She supposed he took his ‘girlfriend’ out to restaurant instead. Maggie was sure she had seen a little Italian place just down the street from her apartment. She remembered seeing it the day she came to look over the apartment with the agent. In fact, it was one of things the agent mentioned to her as a reason to buy the apartment. Funny, but she’d never thought about it again till now. Without a further thought, Maggie grabbed her purse and headed out the door. It was only a short walk to the restaurant but as she neared the door, she was now thinking maybe she should have called first to see if they had a table. Maggie knew she was just making excuses to herself not to go in on her own but she had to do it one day. She couldn’t spend the rest of her life not going to restaurants just because she didn’t have a partner. She stopped at the door and peeked in through the window. It looked nice enough and there were empty tables. Suddenly the door sprung open and a rather portly gentleman with a large handlebar mustache and wide grin stood there.
“My a dear a la’ydy,” he spoke in a rather affected Italian accent. “Please a, come a into my a little a restaurantae.”
Maggie was quite sure that wasn’t a real accent.
“Oh, erm, thank you,” she stammered as she slowly entered passing him in the doorway. “That’s erm, very kind of you.”
“Here a you are a my a beautiful la’ydy, the best a seat in the a house.” He pulled back a chair for her at a small table under a dimmed wall light. The table was already set for one, it had a red and white gingham tablecloth as did all the tables and these matched the little curtains at the window.
Maggie thanked the man and as she sat down he handed her a menu before walking away. She studied the menu and had to admit it all looked very appetizing; certainly more appetizing than the omelet she would have had, had she stayed in.
Chapter 11
“I see you like Italian too,” The deep voice startled Maggie who was so engrossed in the menu. She looked up to see none other than Mr. Geoffrey Lawson. Her mouth seemed to take on a life of its own as she looked up at him and smiled. Why did I do that? She thought to herself still not able to remove the stupid smile.
“I’d ask if you came here often but it seems such a cliche´” Geoffrey smiled back.
“Well,” Maggie answered regaining her composure. “I haven’t been here before so the answer would be no.” She went back to looking at the menu.
“Would you mind if I join you?” asked Geoffrey. “I’m assuming you’re just about to order.”
“And why would I want you to join me?” Maggie asked without really taking her eyes off the menu. She rather hoped he would just walk away.
“Well, seeing as we are both here on our own, I just thought a bit of company would be nice.” Geoffrey said pleasantly.
Maggie put the menu down and stared directly at him.
“And what makes you assume I am here on my own? Maybe I am waiting for someone.”
“Well, if you are, I assume they are bringing their own cutlery,” he gazed down at the table set for one.
Smart ass, Maggie thought.
“In any case, I prefer to eat on my own if you don’t mind,” Maggie informed him curtly.
“Roberto,” Geoffrey called across to the portly waiter. “Would you bring another set of cutlery, please? I’m going to join my friend here.”
Maggie placed the menu down on the table and looked at Geoffrey with an exasperated expression.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Joining you for dinner,” Geoffrey said as he sat down opposite her.
“But I just said I prefer to eat on my own.”
“Don’t be such a grouch,” Geoffrey said as he pulled out the chair.
The waiter acknowledged the request and Geoffrey thanked him. Maggie stared at him over the open menu as he made himself comfortable.
Geoffrey looked across at her as the waiter set the table in front of him and then handed him a second menu.
“What?” asked Geoffrey, trying to sound all innocent.
Maggie shook her head and clicked her teeth as she looked back down at the menu.
“The lobster is really good here,” Geoffrey suggested.
“Really?” Maggie answered not even taking her eyes off the menu.
“They have a nice choice of wines also,” Geoffrey tried again. Maggie just made a non-committal sound and didn’t even bother to look up.
“And the elephant roulade is to die for,” Geoffrey pushed on.
That got Maggie’s attention. “Elephant?” she asked trying to stifle a smile.
“So you were listening,” Geoffrey put his menu down. “How about a truce?”
“If it means you will stop talking nonsense and we can both eat our meal in peace, then I’m all for it,” agreed Maggie.
“Great,” Geoffrey picked up his menu again and began to study it. “May I recommend something from the menu?”
“No,” said Maggie a little too forcibly. “I mean, I’m happy choosing myself, but thank you for the offer.”
They continued to study the menu and when the waiter came over to take their order, both turned at the same time saying in unison
“Fettuccini Alfredo,” They both looked at each other and burst out laughing. Geoffrey turned to the waiter.
“I think that will be two Fettuccini Alfredo, please Roberto.”
“And would sir like to order some wine to accompany your meals?” Roberto asked before completing the order.
Geoffrey looked across at Maggie. “What would you like?” he asked.
“Oh, I’m not much of a wine drinker, I’ll let you choose something,” Maggie answered with a smile.
“In that case, please bring us a bottle of your finest chardonnay. It never fails to please.” Geoffrey instructed the waiter who nodded, took their menus and left the table in one fluid movement.
“You have a lovely smile, you know,” Geoffrey complimented Maggie.
“Thank you,” she answered rather demurely, something Geoffrey had not realized she was capable of. “I’m sorry, I haven’t had much to smile about recently but that is no excuse for bad manners.”
“Well, I do know you have been through a divorce recently and not of your own choosing but that is all and
I have no intention of prying further,” Geoffrey fiddled self-consciously with his napkin as he spoke. “I will add as a last note, however, that I do understand. My wife walked out after 25 years without any warning whatsoever. Apparently she needed to find herself. She seems to be doing just fine with a man young enough to be her son. I sometimes wonder if that was the attraction as we never had any children.”
Maggie wasn’t sure why she did it but she touched Geoffrey’s hand as she spoke.
“I’m sorry, on all counts, I mean. Especially not having children. I don’t know what I would do without Gillian, even though she does treat me like the child sometimes.”
“To be honest, it’s only now that I am on my own, I regret not having a family. I’m an only child and my parents have passed so even one son or daughter would have been a blessing for my old age.” Geoffrey lowered his eyes and looked truly sad. Maggie patted his hand, playfully.
“Listen to us,” she said as she placed her napkin carefully on her knee and moved her cutlery around. “Getting maudlin on our first date. That’s no good is it?”
Geoffrey looked up and the smile was there again. Maggie thought he had a lovely smile, it made his face light up and his eyes twinkle.
“I didn’t realize this was date. Does that mean I’m footing the bill?” he asked mischievously.
“That depends on how good a company you are,” Maggie laughed.
As they sat there, smiling at one another, the waiter appeared with their food and wine. Maggie didn’t realize just how hungry she was till she started eating. Hardly a word passed between them whilst they savored the lovely food, only speaking to comment on how well cooked it was.
As the evening wore on, Maggie realized she was having a really good time. Far better than if she were on her own and certainly much better than she expected.
Like-wise Geoffrey was thinking what a wonderful surprise this was turning out to be. He knew there was something special about Maggie but didn’t dare hope he would have the chance to see that side of her.
They talked for hours after the meal. It was only when they looked around to see all the other tables empty and the waiters looking at them hopefully, that they realized how late it was.
“Shall we?” Geoffrey motioned toward the door.
“I think we’d better,” agreed Maggie. “Before we get thrown out. I didn’t realize it was so late.”
“Did you come in a cab?” asked Geoffrey. “Do you want me to get the waiter to call one?”
“Oh no,” Maggie said putting her jacket around her shoulders. “I only live around the corner. How about you?”
“Not quite just around the corner but a walk will do me good.” Geoffrey opened the door for Maggie. As he did, he waved to the waiters and called “Good night.”
They both stepped onto the pavement. The rain had stopped and had left a chill in the air which pleased Maggie because she didn’t like the warm temperatures they’d been having in the last week or so. It was so uncharacteristic of the winter season.
“I’ll walk you to your door,” Geoffrey offered.
“That’s very kind of you, Geoffrey,”
They both set off down the road towards Maggie’s apartment block. They didn’t speak but then neither of them felt the need. There was a certain ease between them, as though they had been friends for a very long time. Maggie stopped as they reached the main entrance to the large building.
“Well, this is it,” she said sounding a little disappointed. Or was that just Geoffrey’s hoping she was?
“Very nice,” said Geoffrey.
They both stood looking at one another, the silence now becoming a little awkward. Maggie was the first to speak.
“Erm, you erm. I mean, if you have a long walk, why don’t you come up and have a nightcap. Just to set you on your way sort of thing.”
What on earth am I doing? She thought. I sound like a teenager.
“If you’re sure.” Geoffrey said. Now it was his turn to feel self-conscious. He sounded like a horny high school kid on his first date.
“What are we like?” laughed Maggie. “You would think we had never dated before.”
“Well, it has been a long time for both of us.” Geoffrey stopped as Maggie threw him a look. “I mean for me, that is, you have probably had lots of dates since you.... I mean not lots, but....”
Maggie put her finger up to his lips, smiling at him. Then she took his hand and led him up to her apartment.
Chapter 12
The next day was a beautiful. Gillian loved days like these: cold but sunny, lovely for putting on your thick winter woollies and going for a walk. If she had the energy that is. She’d been at the orphanage since 5:00 a.m. preparing for Geoffrey who’d promised to help her take the Christmas ornaments out of the attic cupboards so that she and the children could give them a good clean before the Christmas tree was delivered on the weekend. The children were so excited. Gillian had to force the older ones off to school with the promise that she wouldn’t start on them till after dinner that evening. Kevin also said he would stop by on his way to the office but it was already 9:00 a.m. and neither of them had shown up. As Gillian went through the papers on her desk, she heard the front door open. She knew it was Geoffrey as soon as she heard the deep bass voice.
What’s with him, she thought, he sounds like he’s in a good mood.
The office door opened and Geoffrey put his hand around the door. He was holding one of those delicious coffee that Gillian loved, from the little shop on the corner. “Sorry I’m late. Is it safe to come in?”
“Come on in you silly lump.” She called. “Especially if that coffee is for me.”
Geoffrey entered the office and put the coffee on the desk.
“Of course, who else would it be for?”
He sat down opposite Gillian as she greedily took the lid off the steaming coffee. She sat back in her chair and savored the beautiful concoction.
“Ah, lovely,” she crooned almost to herself. “You sound in a rather chirpy mood this morning. Something good happened, maybe?”
“No, nothing in particular. Life is good and all that.” Geoffrey tried to sound nonchalant.
Gillian put the coffee down and leaned over the desk towards him.
“Come on you fibber, tell me all about it.” Gillian wasn’t letting this one go.
Geoffrey couldn’t help himself; he felt his cheeks getting hotter as he blushed.
“Oh my goodness,” said Gillian as she sat upright. “You wily, old fox you. It’s a she, isn’t it?”
Geoffrey shuffled in his chair.
“It might be. Though I don’t see what business it is of yours, Miss nosey Parker.”
Gillian suddenly looked less happy.
“Oh but... Why didn’t you tell me you were dating someone? I mean I wouldn’t have thrown my mother at you if I had....” She stopped, suddenly realizing what she had said.
“You threw your mother at me?” Geoffrey said with eyebrows raised. “What do you mean? Why would you do that?”
“Well, Lorna and me, we -” Geoffrey cut her short
“Lorna and I,” he corrected her, always a stickler for the correct language.
Gillian gave him a side-ways look.
“Lorna and I,” she emphasized the I. “Well, we thought that as the both of you were, shall we say at a loose end, it would be nice to sort of bring you together. And you did say she had something about her.”
“I’m assuming your mother knew nothing of this. As I am sure she would have told you rather graphically where you could stick that plan of action.”
“No, of course not. Not that it matters now as you seem to have gone off and found yourself a new bed partner.” Gillian said rather sullenly.
“Do you mind,” Geoffrey straightened in his chair. “Who said anything about bed partner?”
“Oh come on Geoffrey. That glint in your eye didn’t come from a morning jog. So don’t bother denying it. Besides, I tried calli
ng you at home this morning just before 6:00 a.m. to ask you to get me a coffee on your way here and there was no answer. I assumed you were already on your way but then your mobile went to voice mail.”
Before Geoffrey could answer, the front door opened again and they could hear Raymond chattering excitedly.
“Aunt Maggie, Aunt Maggie. Did you come to see me?” He asked as he flung his arms around Maggie’s waist.
“No,” she answered honestly but then saw the disappointed look on his face. “I mean, yes, of course I did, but I also wondered if Geoffrey was here, erm Mr. Lawson, I mean.”
Raymond let go, eyeing her suspiciously. “He’s in the office with Aunt Gillian.”
“Well, let me go have a word with him and then I’ll come and see you.” Raymond turned to leave when Maggie called after him.
“Hang on, young man. Why aren’t you at school?”
Raymond saw Maggie’s face looking rather stern and he knew she couldn’t be fooled.
“I, wasn’t feel too well this morning and Aunt Lorna said I should stay home.” He said, trying to give the best puppy dog eyes he could muster.
“Well, you look fine to me. Do you have some reading books from school?
Raymond nodded. Not sure where this was going.
“In that case, once I’ve spoken with Mr. Lawson, I will come through to the kitchen and we can have a reading lesson. There’s no point wasting the whole day and you do seem to be getting better by the minute.”
Raymond ran back giving Maggie another hug, then he was off to the kitchen. Maggie thought he was just the most precious child she had known in a long while.
Chapter 13
She strode towards the office, and opened the door confidently to see Geoffrey sitting at the desk opposite Gillian.
Romance: “Broken Heart” A Young Adult and Adult Romance Novella Page 3