by S S Bazinet
Michael stroked the puppy’s head. “On the plus side, since he’s a little older, she said he was almost housebroken.”
Elise put the puppy down on the rug and watched it waddle forward a few steps. Then it ran back to Elise and began to scratch her shoe.
Carey smiled. “I think he wants to be picked up again.”
Elise exhaled heavily as she gave in to the pup’s demands. “How am I going to write if I have to hold it all the time?” Then she gave Carey a worried look. “I just hope it’s not hard to find it a suitable home when I’m done with this silly experiment. I don’t want my money back. I’ll just want to find some good people who’ll take proper care of the little thing.”
Michael walked towards the door. “I’m sure it’ll work out.”
Elise felt her breath catch. “Michael, where are you going? You’re not leaving me alone with this animal, are you?”
Michael laughed. “I think you two will do just fine.”
Carey turned to leave too, but he paused long enough to give Elise a few words of advice. “Remember to let him out every couple of hours. That’s what the breeder told me.”
Elise’s shoulders slumped. After ridding herself of Jack and the other men she’d dated, she hadn’t thought about caring for anyone besides herself. Now, a small, helpless puppy was depending on her. She hurried after Michael and Carey as they were letting themselves out the door. “I can count on you guys if I need you, can’t I?” she called after them.
Ten
PEGGY PUT HER phone on the table with wide, staring eyes. She was in such a state of surprise that she hardly noticed Tim when he walked into the kitchen. She was still processing some extraordinary information.
Tim came over and looked at her with concern. “Is everything alright?”
Peggy nodded and finally found her voice. “That was Arel on the phone. He called to tell me—” She paused and took a deep breath.
“Is he okay?”
Peggy nodded again. “He sounded so happy.”
“About what?”
“Arel’s getting married.”
“You’re kidding! Who’s he marrying?”
“That woman he met a couple of weeks ago in Paris. Arel said she was wonderful, a woman with high ideals. I guess they liked each other right off.”
Tim’s face lit up with a broad grin. “So, Arel is tying the knot. Somehow I never thought it would happen.”
Peggy pulled out a kitchen chair and sat down. “I hope he’s not jumping into marriage too quickly. How can he be sure that this woman, Claire, is the right person for him?”
“Please, Peg, don’t start. You’ve been hoping that Arel would find someone.”
“Of course I want that. And thank goodness he found someone he thinks is perfect. When he was dating Elise, I cringed every time I saw them together.”
“Have they set a date?”
“I didn’t get any details. Arel said they were still in the planning stage.”
Tim raised his brows and sighed. “She is very attractive.”
Peggy scowled. “Oh please, Tim.”
Tim laughed. “I’m just saying that Arel knows a good thing, that’s all.”
“Just because Claire is gorgeous, I’m going to reserve judgment. After I meet her, I’ll decide if she’s right for Arel.”
“Peggy, it’s none of our business.”
Peggy stared at her phone with pursed lips. “You’re right. And no matter what, the woman has to be better than Elise.”
* * * * *
Annabel was a little apprehensive when Claire and Arel arrived. She didn’t have much experience with entertaining guests. Happily, the evening started off nicely. Once everyone was seated in the newly finished, lower level, there was a general feeling of ease and coziness. Claire and Arel sat close, holding hands as they kept staring at each other. They seemed almost oblivious to their surroundings.
Earlier that afternoon, the couple had returned to London. After they checked into a hotel, they had stopped by for just a brief visit. When Annabel first saw Arel’s face, she smiled. The man was clearly smitten with his fiancé. Claire’s face was serene when she looked at Arel. Together, they projected a vision of dreamy commitment as if they were already joined together on some ethereal plane of happiness.
When they returned in the evening, they were still blissful. Annabel was happy for them, but she wondered if William felt the same way. He sat in his recliner, gazing out with eyes that were direct, focused and noncommittal. But whenever he glanced at Annabel, she felt uncomfortable.
Ever since their discussion, Annabel had been thinking about what William had said to her. She knew he had a point about how she’d been arranging her life. She pursued activities that were safe, but contained no passion. She’d contented herself with making little clay figurines. When she sat in her studio, she liked the idea of everything being secure and stable. She liked thinking of William always remaining close, working on projects around the home.
But William clearly stated that he needed more. It wasn’t an unreasonable request. If Annabel still had her wings, she would have agreed with him. When the Creator started fashioning worlds, the souls who inhabited those worlds were supposed to let their imaginations soar and expand. They were supposed to challenge boundaries and go beyond the known.
An angel could appreciate the idea of risks and possible danger, especially if a soul wanted to be free of restrictions. But Annabel didn’t have an angelic perspective anymore. She was filled with the stuff of normal humans. That stuff often took the form of fear. She’d seen what could happen when William wanted to soar. He’d almost ended up dead.
Arel seemed to share Annabel’s approach. He looked content to sit next to Claire and do nothing but admire her. For Annabel, it was the scenario that she’d fantasized about. If only William felt like Arel, their life would be heavenly.
She was just relaxing back into the idea of the idyllic romance when Claire began to talk about her life. Annabel sat up with anticipation, eager to learn more about the wistful states of love between a man and a woman. She wanted to feel validated by another woman’s desire for a peaceful, harmonious co-habitation.
Annabel’s dreams were crushed almost immediately. As soon as Claire engaged in laying out her views of the world, her eyes morphed. The softness was replaced by a fierce determination. Arel’s pretty fiancé didn’t dream about settling down and having a normal life. Quite the opposite.
* * * * *
William sat quietly, trying to remain objective. He had no desire to challenge Arel’s choice of a partner. He and Arel were finally getting along, and he liked it that way. He’d even decided that his earlier feelings of a doomed relationship might be ill-founded. After all, Arel was extremely sensitive. He rooted out danger like a pig going after truffles. So if Arel looked totally at ease with the woman he’d asked to marry him, maybe William needed to do the same.
When William questioned Claire, his intention was to learn more about her, to access some practical facts. He deliberately kept his voice as neutral-sounding as possible. “Claire, tell us about yourself.”
Claire sat up, looking delighted by the question. “I like solving mysteries. I guess that’s one reason I decided on archaeology. How can we understand the cultures of today if we don’t know about the people who came before us?”
Arel squeezed Claire’s hand. “Claire’s not only curious about the past, she’s very involved in helping with the plight of the people of today. In her spare time, she volunteers to go to places like Africa to help the less fortunate.” His eyes glowed with admiration. “She inspires me to be a better person.”
Claire smiled broadly. “Thank you, Arel. I’m pleased that you understand where I’m coming from.”
Arel nodded adoringly. “I’m looking forward to knowing everything about you.”
Claire gave him a dismissive smile. “I’m sure we’ll definitely explore more as time goes on. However, I wanted to comment
on Annabel and William’s home.” Her dark eyes did a quick sweep of her surroundings. “I feel like I’m in a model house.”
Arel laughed. “That’s exactly what I said!” He looked at Annabel, then William. “Can you two believe how much Claire and I think alike?”
Annabel shrugged, as if she hadn’t heard Arel’s comment. “William did most of the remodeling. I’m content to sit back and enjoy his handiwork. When he started, it had tile flooring and wallboard. That’s about it.”
“This room makes me think about redoing my lower level,” Arel said. “I like the lighter look William has achieved.”
“Your place is gorgeous, Arel,” Annabel protested. “Claire, wait until you see his home. Everything is perfect.”
Claire looked at Arel with a frown. “I hope it’s not too perfect. I’m not the neatest person when it comes to housekeeping.”
William raised his brows. “Don’t worry. Arel will whip you into shape.”
Arel frowned. “I’ll do no such thing. Whatever Claire does is fine with me.”
Claire laughed. “My last roommate said I was the worst housekeeper that she’d ever seen. However, I do have a split personality. When I’m working on a dig, I’m extremely neat.”
Arel sat up proudly. “Claire’s been asked on a very important project. Tell them about your new adventure, my love.”
“I’d already committed to going to Africa before I met Arel. Our wedding plans will have to be put on hold for a little while.”
Arel’s face lost some of its glow. “We’re going to be apart for about six weeks, but after that, Claire is joining me in Chicago. We’ll plan the wedding together, no expense spared.”
Claire nudged him. “You are the biggest romantic on the planet, but I’d prefer something small and informal.”
Arel smiled back. “Whatever you want is what I want.”
William could see that Arel meant every word. The man who had argued with William from day one was the opposite around Claire. Totally compromising, he looked like an ill-treated, hungry animal that had been adopted and was thankful for every scrap of kindness that came its way. William had no problem with gratitude, but he did question Arel’s self-image. On the other hand, Claire looked completely content with herself. Her eyes were clear and focused on what she wanted.
* * * * *
After the visit with Annabel and William, Arel was still floating on clouds as he and Claire taxied back to their hotel. His euphoric state was becoming the norm. During his weeks in Paris with Claire, he wanted to shake himself to make sure the woman he loved was real.
When he opened the door to their room and turned on the light, he did have a moment of hesitation. Claire had insisted that room service be dismissed. She didn’t believe that sheets should be changed every day or that other people should work on her behalf. Resources needed to be respected, not squandered on petty human desires. It had taken quite a bit of effort on Arel’s part to get her to stay at an upscale hotel. She only conceded when he told her it was a very special occasion. They were celebrating their engagement.
The room was classy, but he did have to be careful as he walked to the bedroom closet. Claire’s habits were different than his. Her clothes were casually thrown to the floor as she undressed. An assortment of garments littered the floor like leaves in fall, littering the lawn. When they were in Paris, staying at Claire’s apartment, he’d been tempted to pick up after Claire. He stopped himself in time to remember how unimportant it was to maintain his sense of tidiness. He had been given a precious gift, a woman who made his heart sing. Everything else was trivial in comparison.
His reasoning was reinforced when he and Claire went to bed that night. They were in each other’s arms immediately, enjoying the warmth and hunger of each other’s bodies. They made love in a timeless place of joy. It was a place that made Arel’s personal habits and idiosyncrasies seem ridiculous.
Eleven
WHILE ANNABEL AND Claire went shopping together, William had a chance to talk to Arel in private. They sat in the upstairs living room. Arel had taken a seat on the sofa, looking slightly dazed. William shifted in his chair, determined to remain as impartial as possible. He made sure that his opening statement was purposefully dispassionate. “I hope Annabel and Claire enjoy their outing.”
Arel sighed. “Yes, our two gorgeous women are together. I love that.”
William nodded. “It gives us a chance to catch up.”
Arel leaned forward and straightened the magazines on the coffee table. “With everything that’s happened, I haven’t had a chance to talk to anyone. I did give everybody back home a quick call to tell them the news about getting married. I think they were all surprised.”
William forced a smile. “Yes, but as long as you’re happy, that’s what counts.”
Arel’s gaze shifted to William for only an instant before he looked away. He stared down at the arm of the couch. With narrowed brows, he studied the upholstery. It seemed to draw him in. After a moment, he touched it with flighty fingers. They danced over the fabric, as if his mind was still searching and unsure. But after a moment, he began to rub the slightly uneven weave in earnest. When he finally spoke up, his voice was cautious, but direct. “So what do you think? Have I found the perfect person?”
William hesitated, distracted by Arel’s preoccupation with his sofa. Arel had a habit of interacting with his surroundings. Sometimes that interaction resulted in unintentional harm to whatever he was focused on. “Arel, please, would you stop messing with the furniture. Remember the last time?”
“What?” Arel looked up and smiled sheepishly. “Oh, you’re right. Sorry about the time I pulled on that nub of thread.” He inspected the sofa arm with a discerning eye. “Don’t worry, at least the glue seems to be holding. But you’re right. I need to concentrate.” He stood up and reseated himself in the middle of the couch.
William sighed. “I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to sidetrack you. You were asking about Claire.”
“Yes, she’s a saint in a perfect woman’s body.”
“She’s very beautiful.”
“She’s the person I’ve always wanted in my life, someone I can love.” He paused and clasped his hands together in a tight grip. “And more importantly, she’s someone who can love me.”
“You make it sound like loving you is a chore.”
Arel scowled back. “Isn’t it? Caring about me has been a nightmare for you.”
“That’s because you made it almost impossible to care. Remember when we met? You went around acting like you were worthless. When I tried to point out how gifted you were, you never listened.”
Arel returned a weak smile. “But that’s all changed, hasn’t it?”
“Yes, I suppose it has. Still, bringing someone into your life is a big step. Do you think you have enough of yourself to take that step?”
“Look, I made a terrible mistake with the first woman I loved. Justina was a gift, and I turned my back on it. But I’ve learned from that mistake.”
“What did you learn?”
Arel’s face went suddenly pale. “Justina and I were both very young. I wanted to break off the relationship because I didn’t feel I could live up to her expectations. Like you just explained, I was very depressed. I didn’t think I had anything of value to give in a relationship. When I tried to express myself, Justina took everything I said the wrong way. She felt totally rejected and went into a fit of anger and outrage. Before I could stop her, she killed herself.”
“Arel, you tried your best. And the bottom line is that you can’t save anyone. Look at what happened when I tried to save you? You hated me for it. All you could think about was getting revenge.”
Arel sat up in his seat and gave William a contrite smile. “For the record, no matter how I reacted, I’m thankful for what you did. And I’m very sorry for the way I behaved.”
“But the point is that I didn’t save you. I might have passed on a virus that extended your life
span, but in the end, you had to save yourself.”
“Fine, but we’re getting off the subject. I’ve found someone to be with, and I refuse to do anything that might ruin what I have.”
William saw that their conversation was doing the opposite of what he’d intended. Instead of considering his relationship from an unbiased point of view, Arel was digging in his heels. “Arel, believe me when I say that I just want the best for you.”
Arel’s shoulders relaxed a little. “Thank you.”
William tried to find a more detached subject. “By the way, I’m still curious about that woman Elise that you dated back in Chicago.”
Arel crossed his arms. “I can’t believe I wasted my time. Elise was horrible. And in the end, she broke off the relationship.”
“Why did you go out with her? You never explained that part.”
“She was really rather pathetic, so angry and hostile all the time. I guess I wanted to show her some kindness.”
“As far as a lasting relationship, it sounds like you already felt she was unsuitable—”
“Absolutely unsuitable, but we do have Michael’s blood. I guess I wanted to go beyond normal duty and—”
“And what? Be a sacrificial lamb on some dragon lady’s altar of bitterness.”
Arel smiled. “Of course not. Like I said, I’ve been trying to be more like Michael.”
“I don’t think that’s the way angels work. Take Annabel. When she had her wings, she never gave an inch. She challenged me constantly.”
Arel fidgeted again, drumming his fingers on the sofa cushion. “I hate challenges.”
“So, did you finally tell this Elise person how you felt?”
“No, what good would that do?”
“Maybe the woman would have had a chance to defend herself.”
“Defend herself against me?”
“Of course. You set yourself up as judge and jury. She didn’t have any place to go.”
“Will, are you getting upset with me?”