Love Lonely

by William C. Cole

  David convinced his wife that the wait in line for the coffee was well worth it as the hotel café had perfected a fine roast.

  “Three house brew please,” he ordered.

  “You’re thirsty?”

  “Sorry didn’t you want one.”

  “Sure who’s the third for?”

  “Renée. I told her I would grab her one. We planned to finalize the transportation documents for our two additions this morning.”

  He was banking on the clerk’s success in warning Renée of his wife’s arrival using as many delay tactics without overdoing it. As they re-entered the lobby he caught a glance of the man behind the counter who gave him an unsuspecting nod of reassurance.

  Automatically heading for the stairwell, he was surprised when Sandy tugged him towards the elevator.

  “What are you doing,” he asked.

  “Let’s take the elevator. I want you in your room as quickly as possible. Today’s the day I start making up for lost time. Your meeting can wait. I can’t.”

  “Come on let’s take the stairs.”

  At that the bell dinged and the elevator door opened. He was pulled in. The door closed. Less than a minute until they reach their floor. If praying or touching wood or crossing his fingers weren’t so noticeable he would be on his knees tapping the wooden hand railing with his knuckles.

  Renée left the room then closed the door, turned towards her own suite directly across the hall. She gathered the breakfast in bed plates and placed them in front of the next door guest’s room. She felt confident her tracks were covered. Turning to her door she went to open it only to realize her keycard had been left on David’s coffee table.

  “Shit, shit, shit,” her swear word of choice rapidly blurted out of her mouth.

  Stranded in the hallway expecting her lover and his wife to appear any second from the stairwell was to say the least an awkward state of affairs. What to do? Quickly weighing her options she decided to dash for the elevator, go down to the desk and request an extra key. If Sandy noticed the key in her husband’s room it could easily be explained that it was left when they were going over business last evening.

  She stopped after taking a few steps by the appearance of the chamber maid pushing a cart towards her from the opposite end of the hall, turned to meet her. As they met in front of David’s room, she heard the guest elevator bell chime and familiar voices before they physically appeared. It was Sandy and David. They had taken the elevator. Not what she was expecting. What to do?

  As they came into view, she acted like she hadn’t noticed them and spoke to the maid.

  “I don’t believe my boss is in but let me check.”

  She knocked on the door obviously to no avail. After a short tap she turned to the maid.

  “He’s not here, so please go in. My boss is a bit of a clean freak so can you make sure everything is wiped extremely well. Please change the bedding.”

  “I will,” she answered.

  “Thank you.”

  Simultaneously the maid pushed her cart through the door as she turned and began to make a fuss over the surprise arrival of Sandy.

  As they met she offered, “What a surprise.”

  “Good to see you again Renée. Has this guy been behaving,” she asked giving her husband a light punch in the shoulder.

  “He’s no fun. He’s all business,” was all Renée could think of.

  “David I hope you don’t mind me allowing the maid to tidy your room. I was checking to see if you were in and she asked permission to clean.”

  “Not at all, coffee?” offering her the cup.

  “Would you guys like to sit in my room for a few minutes while yours is being attended to?”

  David looked at his wife, shrugged his shoulders then said, “Sure.”

  Renée stood between the open door of her boss’s room waiting for an opportunity to dash in to pluck her key off the table then David provided it.

  “This is good. We can go over the transport documents while we wait. Then Sandy and I will be free of business for the rest of the day. Let me get them they’re on the coffee table.”

  “I’ll grab them.”

  She disappeared before anyone could object. In and out like a lightning bolt, she came out papers in hand with her key nestled into her jean’s back pocket. Disaster averted. Despite the fact that her heart rate was racing and she could feel small beads of sweat lining her forehead, they had come out of this relatively unscathed.

  “Renée, are you feeling okay? You seem a little pale,” Sandy inquired.

  “Oui I’m fine. I might be coming down with a touch of a flu or cold. I’ve been a little queasy this morning. But no, I’m good.”

  She swiped her card, the light flashed and they entered. The room was untouched. The bed not slept in. Towels still neatly placed on the racks. It dawned on Renée that she hadn’t taken this into consideration.

  “Renée you do keep a clean room,” Sandy commented.

  The suite looked uninhibited. All three of them took notice. Two knew why. The other had her suspicions. Then as quickly as the answer came to Renée she shared her explanation.

  “I wish I could take credit for that but the truth is the housekeeper made mine up before yours,” she looked at David. “You should have seen it before. I’m a bit messy.”

  Sandy accepted her explanation. All seemed cordial between the three of them from that point on. Their tracks had been covered up. A chat between Renée and David would take place in the near future to discuss the situation.

  An hour passed before they had finished the business at hand. Renée would courier the documents necessary to fly the horse’s home. She would then return to Kentucky alone. Looking at the bright side she had two first class seats to stretch out on. Sandy and David planned to frolic in the sunny south for a day or two. A rekindling of their marriage was Sandy’s new mission. She was losing him.

  Chapter 17

  Renée made it home safe and sound. The horses were flown in without incident to join their new extended family. Sandy and her renewed center of attention extended their stay for two days, eventually finding their way back to the ranch. They split the time equally between the bedroom and the beach, occasionally taking a break to refuel with the resort’s superb menu.

  Life seemed to be returning to normal for the three of them. Renée immersed herself in her duties at the stable, lending too much of her time falling in love with the two new acquisitions. David resumed his daily responsibilities.

  Little had been said between Renée and David with regards to their stay in Florida. David praised her quick thinking, telling her Sandy had given him no reason to believe she had suspected anything. Renée’s response was suggesting they put the affair on hold for the time being. Maybe it would be best to end it right there and then. Lay low were her words. She urged David not to embrace the notion that his wife did not know of their liaison or at least have her suspicions. A woman’s intuition was one of mystical powers. He agreed to the interlude, in part to protect Renée and in part because of the guilt brewing inside him.

  The proper thing to do he thought was to come clean with his wife. Explaining that with their ever-increasing separation, he allowed himself to seek companionship. But that wasn’t an option. He was not prepared to throw Renée to the wolves. The McGinnis’s would destroy her. For now it was best the affaire de coeur remained secreted.

  Jacob invited his daughter and her husband to join him for dinner. The fast paced world this family lived in did not allow for these gatherings often. Sandy jumped at the chance to dine with her favorite two men. Her only stipulation was no business was to be discussed during the supper.

  When the two arrived, they were surprised to see Brooklyn seated at the table. Both had never thought of her in this capacity. She was the woman who protected her boss with an iron fist. No one got to him without being vetted by her. Neither could recall seeing her smile. Yet here she was, laughing at something Jacob said. It
seemed so unusual, so out of place, although a refreshing sight.

  “Oh good you’re here. Please sit,” he got up to assist in the seating of his daughter. “I hope you don’t mind, but I invited Brooklyn to join us.”

  “This is wonderful daddy,” putting her stamp of approval on the evening then Sandy turned to Brooklyn. “Don’t take this the wrong way Brooklyn, but I thought my father expected you to work twenty-four-seven. I didn’t realize he allowed you time to eat.”

  They all had a little chuckle knowing exactly what was meant.

  “He’s softening as time goes on,” she smiled at Jacob.

  “It’s quite the opposite of what you may think,” he pointed out as he looked at Brooklyn. “She’s the slave driver around here. The amount of tasks she concocts for me to achieve in a day’s time is inhuman. But you don’t want to hear any more of that. Your request, no business is to be discussed.”

  Brooklyn looked stunning. Her hair was a beautiful silky black, riding halfway down her back. The glasses had disappeared. Dressed casual, yet stylish, her transformation was nothing less than astonishing. She was a striking lady. Her look was in contrast of what everyone had grown accustomed to. It reminded David of one of those movies when the nerdy girl who everyone passed over walks into her prom refashioned, stealing the awe of all her classmates.

  The conversation was lighthearted. They steered away from business. Horses were considered part of the family so talking about the two adorable ponies they recently purchased was acceptable. Brooklyn opened up about her upbringing and schooling, information new to the other three at the table. David told a couple hockey stories. Sandy shared some of her touching experiences with unfortunate children from around the world that she encountered during a campaign.

  It was a pleasant evening. The conversation was a reminder to the four of them how special family is. Occasions such as this provided some awesome memories. It was nice.

  Jacob searched for the right moment to discuss his upcoming trip. When dessert was served, there was a pause in the exchange, no better time than the present Jacob thought.

  For the short time his wife was allowed to spend with their daughter, a deep bond had been established. He was uncertain as to how Sandy would react after learning of his attraction to Brooklyn.

  “Sandy, David, there’s something I—” he paused, looked at Brooklyn then altered his words, “We would like to discuss with you.”

  The hushed dining room extended a platform for what he was to say. Searching for the proper words he was slow to continue.

  “As you know I have reserved the use of our aircraft for the next month or so.”

  Sandy cut him off, “Daddy, no business talk.”

  “Yes my dear I’m aware, we agreed. However, this trip will not involve any business. We will consider this a well deserved vacation. Everyone is continually hinting that I should pull myself away from my work. So Brooklyn and I have decided to take a few weeks off to visit the sites of Europe. We have been enjoying each other’s company recently and felt the time was never better than the present for an excursion such as this.”

  His daughter said nothing. Neither did David. He gave them time to let it sink in before he continued.

  “I understand this may seem all of a sudden but we are adults and should be allowed to follow our temptations wherever they may lead us. I’m not getting any younger.” He looked directly at his daughter, “Sandy, I believe your mother would approve. I have spent a great deal of time speaking to her lately. The time has come to begin the remainder of my life. My love for your mother will never waver. Brooklyn is supportive of this. The fact remains, your mother has passed and I remain. I would appreciate your blessing.”

  “Daddy, Brooklyn, I couldn’t be more pleased,” expressing her earnest acceptance.

  “Thank you. Hearing that means a great deal to us.”

  “Jacob,” David spoke as he looked at his wife, “we are happy for you. Please go, enjoy, we will keep a handle on this place.”

  “Thank you. Sandy I want you to stay home with this guy,” pointing his finger at David. “It’s time the two of you got to spend some quality time together. As I said, I’m not getting any younger. Spoiling a grandchild is high on my bucket list.”

  “Woo, slow down there father. I tell you what. We will give it some thought,” she winked at her husband.

  “Good. By the way, we plan on discreetly crossing paths with Serge. I miss him as I’m sure you do. Can I reassure him that his choice to have Renée lead us forward was the correct decision?”

  David took the floor, speaking passionately, “She’s the best. He knew it. There is something magical about her Jacob. Serge taught her well. Tell him she will make him proud.”

  “I will pass along your endorsement.”

  They sat around the table for a while longer until Jacob and Brooklyn excused themselves. He escorted her back to her quarters.

  Sandy and David walked down the hall making their way to the grand staircase.

  “Well I didn’t see that coming,” David pointed out.

  She shrugged her shoulders not prepared to respond. As they came to the open doors of her father’s office she stopped and gently led David through it.

  “Let’s have a nightcap.”

  She snagged two beer bottles from the bar fridge, set them on the coffee table located in front of the couch, which faced the picture window overlooking the pastures. David sat, grabbed one and took a swig. Sandy joined him after she turned the lights out. The darkness of the room magnified the beauty of the evening sky as seen through the window.

  With the horses safely in their stalls for the night, there was little movement in the fields. With the grasslands illuminated by the cluster of activity in the sky, they sat in silence gazing at one of Mother Nature’s wonders. Such a captivating view magnified one’s romantic awareness.

  “My mother used to sit here with me. She’d turn off the lights and we would stare into this sky for what seemed like forever,” she revealed with a tenderness to her voice that he had not often experienced. Silently he listened.

  “She told me that was heaven. My mother would always tell me the truth, no matter how much it might hurt. Truth is much less painful than the stinging of a lie found out. I never doubted the veracity of her words. So when she took ill as hard as it must have been for her, she sat me right here and told me her death was inevitable.”

  Sandy took a sip of her beer and cuddled nearer to her husband before continuing.

  “Hanna McGinnis,” she pointed to a particular star, “told me when the day of her passing arrived from that point on if I needed to speak with her, she would be living in heaven on that star. I named it Hanna’s Capella. It was her favorite star, the sixth brightest in the sky. After she passed, I snuck in here every single night once daddy went to bed. Isn’t it ironic that the person you’re grieving over, the person who left a hole in your heart, is the exact same person who cured the emptiness by allowing you to believe she was hanging on to every word you spoke. When the star would flicker, I’d take it as a sign that she heard me. There wasn’t one single conversation with that star that didn’t make me feel better. After, I would go back to bed and sleep like a baby.”

  “I wish I had met her.”

  “She would have fallen in love with you. I know it. After all, I’ve been told, I am the spitting image of her.”

  “You stole my heart the moment I met you. If your mother was anything like you, I’m sure I would have fallen head over heels.”

  Sandy curled up even closer to her husband wrapping her arms threw his, then laying her head on his shoulder. It was a déjà vu moment for David. The difference was his wife was holding him not Renée.

  “David, am I losing you?” the question came out of the blue.

  He wasn’t expecting the sudden change of topic. Knowing his wife possessed near super powers in reading people’s reactions, he strived to remain as placid as possible.

&nb
sp; Pulling back, he looked at her, “Why would you ask me that.”

  “I haven’t been your typical wife. My work has stolen so much of our time together. I worry. I don’t want to lose you.”

  “Sandy I’m not going anywhere.”

  She pulled him tighter, “I’m going to reduce my undertakings. Stay home more. Enjoy you and this ranch.”

  He smiled with the slightest chuckle slipping out.

  “What?”

  “Sandy, you slowing down is equivalent to a normal person blazing through life at warp speed.”

  “I can do it. Give me a chance. Don’t get lost.”

  “Come, let’s go to bed,” he stood, took her hand as she rose.

  Walking to their room the feeling of guilt swirled in his head. Not brought on by the actual physical affair with Renée, he had justified that by the ongoing absence of his wife. It was more associated to his growing fondness of her. It was wrong to feel this way about two women. The problem was he did.

  Once nesting into bed, they made love. Unlike her natural poised demeanor, Sandy was emotional. David noticed her eyes were glossed over. He thought there might even be a tear or two.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “I’ve never felt better, come here.”

  David turned towards her, resting his head on one arm searching for the proper words to ask a question that might well determine the path his life would soon follow.

  Chapter 18

  Fyad completed his investigation into the fire. The findings did not shock him, although he was positive it would not sit well with Sandy. The information was best passed on person to person. The damage was done. There was little chance of a re-occurrence. The people responsible for the destruction weren’t going anywhere. He was attending business meetings in the USA in the near future, at which time he would arrange a get-together with Sandy. There was no need to contact her until that date drew nearer.