by S S Bazinet
“Yes, but maybe you can hook up with that romance-writer neighbor of yours. The two of you would be perfect for each other.”
“Elise and me? Why would you say something like that?”
Claire narrowed her eyes. “I saw how you looked at each other. You’re like a couple of love-starved puppies who still haven’t been weaned. Unfortunately, if you do get together, you’ll end up sucking each other dry.”
“That’s so unfair, Claire.”
Claire headed for the door, pulling her suitcase behind her. “Why is that unfair?”
Arel followed her. “Because you act like you always know everything. But I wasn’t just hiding in the bathroom. I was sick. Why would you hold that against me?”
Claire headed for the stairs. “Keep making excuses, Arel. It’s what you do best.”
Thirty-Four
AFTER CLAIRE LEFT, Arel knew he couldn’t think clearly. He went to bed instead of trying to process what had just happened. Once under the covers, exhaustion took over, and he let himself slip into a dreamless sleep. He didn’t wake up until the next morning. Instead of lying in bed, he got up immediately and showered. It was a relief to have a body that almost felt normal again. When he looked in the mirror, he was also surprised to see that his color had returned and the dark circles under his eyes were barely visible.
Every time he thought about Claire, he felt numb. Perhaps he had to put the subject on hold for the moment. After he dressed, he went upstairs and found both Michael and Carey in the living room. Michael was in his chair by the window reading, and Carey was sitting on the sofa, paging through a biking magazine.
When Arel joined them, his first thought was to apologize. “I’m very sorry about last night, Carey. I should have stopped Claire when she said the things she said. Anyway, she’s gone so you won’t have to put up with her sharp tongue anymore.”
Carey put his magazine on the end table. “I’m sorry, too. I know that things didn’t work out for the two of you. But I’m okay. Besides, Annabel didn’t have a problem defending me.”
Arel sat down in a recliner. “She hasn’t lost her fire, has she? William should have been there. But what happened after we left? Did we ruin the party?”
Michael closed his book. “Not at all, except for Elise. She seemed very concerned about you.”
Arel looked away. “Elise, the love-starved puppy. I have to apologize to her too.”
Michael’s brows arched with surprise. “Did you say love-starved puppy?”
“Yes, that’s what Claire called both of us. She thinks we’re both needy, immature dreamers who deserve each other.”
“Is that what you think?” Carey asked.
Arel shrugged. “I don’t know, but I was impressed with Elise. When Claire attacked Elise’s profession, Elise kept her temper in check. That was impressive. Claire doesn’t think people can change, but Elise must be the exception.”
“But she hasn’t changed,” Carey insisted. “She’s come back to herself. That’s all.”
“Too bad she didn’t come back to herself sooner. We could have had a much more enjoyable time together.”
“Perhaps,” Michael said.
“What’s that mean?” Arel asked a little too loudly, suddenly irritated by the angel’s short response.
Michael’s eyes softened. “I was just speculating—”
“Speculating what, Michael? No, don’t answer. I know how your mind works and what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that even if Elise were okay, I would have been the problem.”
Michael opened his book again. “I’m sorry, but you know I don’t think that.”
Arel stopped and thought about the conversation they were having and moaned. “I can’t believe it. I’m listening to myself, and I sound like Claire.”
“What do you mean?” Carey asked.
“She found fault with everything I said. Now, I’m doing the same thing with Michael.” Arel stared at the fabric on the arm of his chair. There was a new stain on it. Claire had spilled her coffee, but she’d made no attempt to blot it up.
Carey seemed to notice Arel’s concern. “I want to apologize too, Arel. I’ve developed some messy habits, but from now on, I promise to be more thoughtful.”
Arel opened his eyes and frowned. “Really? After all this time, you’re going to try to be neat?” As soon as he asked the question, he stopped himself. “Oh no—”
Michael glanced up. “Are you alright. You’ve gone a bit pale.”
Arel waved him off. “Pale? That’s the least of my worries.”
Carey’s youthful face was attentive too. “What is it?”
Arel rubbed the soiled coffee stain. Claire had just left him and instead of thinking about the reason she’d left, he’d been wondering if he’d be able to get the coffee stain out. “I’m doing another ‘Claire’ thing. She was the type of person who only sees the glass half empty. She only saw my shortcomings. And when she looked at the world, she only saw all the things that were wrong.”
“How is that like you?” Carey asked.
“Don’t you understand? I’m living with two angels, and I’m worried about crumbs on the floor.”
Michael and Carey both laughed, but Arel found their merriment to be another irritant. “How can you be smiling when I’ve just told you how negative I can be?”
Carey leaned down and began picking up tiny pieces of oatmeal cookie off the carpet. “Dear friend, we’re laughing because you’re funny.”
Michael stood up and came over to where Arel was sitting. “What Carey is saying is that you worry too much. When it comes to what’s really important, your heart is always in the right place.”
Arel lowered his gaze and exhaled heavily. “That’s good to know.”
“But?”
Arel’s eyes flared when he looked up. “But when I mentioned Elise, you looked doubtful about my part in a relationship.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Arel stood up too, giving Michael a scathing look of annoyance. “Well, thank you. After all this time and all the ways I’ve tried to do better, I find out I’m still a loser.”
Michael crossed his arms and assumed his more fatherly approach. “I was simply thinking that the best relationships are between two people who appreciate themselves and the other person. And even though you give others credit, you still have a hard time doing the same with yourself.”
Arel hesitated, trying to make sure he understood what Michael was saying. “So my problem is that I don’t have a problem?”
Carey started towards the kitchen with his hand full of crumbs. Halfway there he paused and glanced back at Arel. “It’s really quite simple. Claire was very hard on you, and you accepted the way she treated you. That’s not going to work if you want to be happy in a relationship.”
“I tried to explain myself last night, but she wouldn’t listen.”
“Remember that it’s not the words that you tell people,” Michael said, “it’s how you feel that comes across.”
* * * * *
Elise sat at the breakfast table watching Annabel pour herself a second cup of coffee. Both of them had stayed up late, cleaning up after the party. “Annabel, maybe you should have slept in a little longer.”
Annabel put her mug on the table and sat down. “You stayed up later than I did. Didn’t I see your light on at three o’clock?”
Elise shrugged sheepishly. “I have to tell you something.”
Annabel eyed her suspiciously. “What have you been up to?”
Elise reached into the pocket of her robe and held out a ring to Annabel. “Claire gave this to me last night. I was outside with Freddie before I went to bed, and a cab pulled up in Arel’s driveway. The next thing I know, Claire is coming out of the house. When she saw me, she started waving, ordering me to come over. Well, what could I do? She was sounding off like a drill sergeant. I didn’t want her waking up the neighborhood so I did as I was told.”
Annabel’s eyes wi
dened. “Are you saying that Claire left Arel?”
“Yes, I think she did because she handed me this ring. She said something like, ‘Arel is all yours now.’ Then she turned and got into the cab. Anyway, she seemed so stiff and businesslike. Though I did notice her voice being a bit shaky. So I guess she’s not completely made of stone.”
“Don’t you think you should return the ring?”
“Of course. I would have given it to Arel last night, but something told me that it wasn’t a good time to be banging on his door.”
Annabel examined the ring. “It’s beautiful. I love the little vines on either side of the diamond.”
“I know. I must have stared at it for an hour. That’s why my light was on.”
Annabel handed the ring back to Elise. “I think Arel wanted to get her a bigger diamond, but Claire wouldn’t have it.”
Elise put the ring on the table. “Whatever the size of the stone, Arel has exquisite taste.”
“Elise, I don’t want to get too personal, but I was wondering—”
“What is it?”
“Have you ever been engaged?”
Elise felt her chest cave a little. “No, I came close a couple of times, but I had the good sense to say ‘no’ on both occasions.”
“I’d rather say ‘no’ to someone than get married and regret it.”
“Definitely,” Elise said as she stood up and put her cup in the sink. “Well, I better get dressed. Then I’ll take the ring back to Arel.”
“Do you want me to come with you?”
Elise paused on her way out of the kitchen. “No, but I think I better leave Freddie here. I don’t want him messing up something of Arel’s again.”
As she continued on her way to her bedroom, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” she called out to Annabel. She was expecting a package delivery when she opened the door. But instead of a delivery person, Arel stood waiting on the porch. He looked perfectly groomed and more handsome than ever. As soon as she saw him, she instantly forgot everything but her own appearance. She was in her old terry robe. As for her hair, she was sure it was a fright since she’d neglected to brush it when she got up.
Arel waited, looking embarrassed too.
Their mutual silence was broken when Annabel joined them, carrying Freddie. She seemed to be the only one who could speak. “Good morning, Arel. Won’t you come in?”
Elise finally managed a few words as she turned and made a dash down the hall. “Excuse me while I get dressed.”
After closing her bedroom door, she went straight to the mirror and let out a small cry of distress. “Oh goodness, it’s worse than I thought! I’m a disaster.”
Her blond hair was growing out, but it was at an awkward stage. Her natural waves were all headed in different directions. A curling iron would help, but she didn’t have time for a curling iron. Instead, she tried to brush her unruly locks into submission. She followed up with a heavy dose of hair spray.
Throwing off her robe, she hurried to her closet. If she dressed in some attractive clothes maybe Arel wouldn’t notice her hair. She started searching through her jeans only to remember that the ones that fit were in the clothes hamper. She’d have to wear an old pair that was too snug. Since she couldn’t do anything to rectify the situation, she carried on bravely. It was a struggle, but she managed to get the jeans over her hips, promising herself not to indulge in any more late night ice cream. The zipper was a special challenge. By the time she succeeded getting it all the way up, her self-image was on a steady decline.
Fortunately, she had a thought that might save the day. She owned a bright pink, button down shirt that was extra-long. It would help to hide her extra pounds. Pleased with its cheery color, she smiled as she put it on. She hadn’t counted on the fact that she’d washed it recently, and that the shirt’s cotton fabric had shrunk a size. She could get the garment buttoned, but that was about all she could say that was positive.
She let out another gasp of alarm when she went back to the mirror. As she stood there observing the shape she was in, she knew she had to make a decision. She could worry about her appalling appearance, or she could remind herself of the facts.
“Face it, Elise, Arel has just broken up with a gorgeous woman whom he adored. The last thing he’s going to do is pay attention to how you look.”
As a final touch, she put on some makeup and then ventured out of her bedroom. She promised herself that she wouldn’t worry about anything but Arel’s needs and giving him back his ring.
* * * * *
As soon as Arel sat down in Elise’s living room and looked at Annabel, he thought about Claire’s unkind words to Carey. Annabel had been extremely upset with the situation. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t more supportive last night. I wasn’t in a very good space.”
Annabel looked away apprehensively. “I don’t like the way I handled it either.”
“Don’t say that. You did what you felt was necessary. But if possible, I hope you can forgive me for just standing there.”
Annabel finally glanced at him and smiled. “Of course I forgive you. And I think that Freddie wants you to know that he forgives you too.”
Arel smiled back while trying to avoid the puppy’s advances and his doggie kisses. After a few minutes, it was obvious that it was a losing battle. When Arel stopped resisting, Freddie quickly made himself comfortable in Arel’s lap.
Annabel looked pleased. “Sometimes, when I’m missing William, Freddie seems to understand. He comes over and cuddles up next to me. It always makes me feel better.”
Arel started to stroke Freddie’s fur and realized how soft it was. “I’ve been wanting to ask you about William? I’ve sent him a couple of texts, but he doesn’t do much more than acknowledge them.”
Annabel shrugged. “He’s like you. He keeps his thoughts to himself most of the time.”
“Perhaps it’s our upbringing. Neither of us found our parents anxious to hear from us.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Elise said as she walked into the living room.
Arel and Freddie both reacted at the same time. The puppy leapt to the floor and ran over to Elise. Arel jerked to his feet, but he remained stationary and observant. Elise’s appearance had changed drastically. She’d gone from robe and slippers to a bright, engaging version of herself. The new look emphasized all of her womanly attributes.
Arel tried not to stare, but he couldn’t help thinking how different Elise was compared to Claire. His former fiancé made all her clothes look a bit oversized. Elise was the opposite. Her jeans were filled to capacity, and her tight-fitting blouse had rosebud buttons that labored under a strain to do their duty. And while Claire often wore her hair back in a ponytail or bun, Elise’s hair had a wild, untamed look, as if she was ready for an adventure in the outback.
He stammered out a few words. “Elise, I’m sorry for dropping in without calling—”
“Oh, don’t think twice about it. And please, sit down,” Elise said in a hurried tone.
Arel noticed her forced smile, and that her flushed cheeks almost matched her blouse. As she walked over to a chair to sit down, she held Freddie close, as if she wanted to use him as a shield. Unfortunately, as soon as she was seated, the puppy deserted her and ran back to Arel. Elise automatically grabbed a pillow, clutching it instead of the puppy.
Arel tugged at his collar, wondering again why Elise kept her house so warm. But he didn’t want to appear rude. When Freddie jumped in his lap again, he began petting the puppy. “I think he likes me.”
Elise nodded shyly. “I’m so glad that you came over. I was going to visit you later.”
“Oh, did you need something?”
Elise exchanged a quick glance at Annabel. “I’m sorry, but I was outside last night when Claire left in a cab.”
Arel hesitated. “I see. Then you probably figured out that we’re no longer together.”
Elise sprang to her feet. She was a blur of motion as she ran to the kitche
n and back. A moment later she was holding something out to him. It was Claire’s engagement ring.
He took the ring, then glanced up with questioning eyes.
Elise stepped back. “Claire insisted on giving it to me. I guess she forgot to return it before she left.”
Arel remained silent, reliving the memory of Claire marching out of the house the night before. But there was no emotion behind the memory or their breakup.
“I’m so sorry about what happened,” Elise continued. “I hope the party wasn’t a contributing factor.”
Annabel cleared her throat. “I’m sorry that I yelled at Claire. I should have been nicer to her.”
Arel fingered the filigree decoration on the ring. When he’d bought it for Claire, he’d been so happy. “It’s okay, Annabel, I’m the one at fault.” He looked up at Elise. “And I’m sorry about the things that Claire said to you, Elise.”
Elise sat down again. “Please, Arel, you weren’t responsible for what happened. Claire is the one who caused all the unpleasantness.” She paused. “Just like I was responsible for being so horrible when we were together.”
Arel slipped the ring into his pocket. “That may be, but the bottom line is that I’m not ready for a relationship.”
Elise picked up the pillow again and hugged it close. “That’s understandable, but I wish you didn’t feel that way. You’d make a wonderful catch in one of my stories.”
Arel couldn’t believe how much Elise had changed. When she looked at him, her blue eyes were soft, and her voice was caring. Claire didn’t seem to possess those qualities. She remained the tough, no-nonsense professional. Her eyes were sharp and focused, always looking for problems. It was nice to have a conversation with someone who had a nicer approach.
But even though Elise was being kind, Arel still felt uncomfortable. The house was overly hot. He took out his handkerchief and patted down his brow. “Is there a reason for keeping the temperature in here so warm?”
Elise hesitated. “I keep it at seventy degrees, but I could turn it down if you want.”
“Seventy degrees?” Arel returned a puzzled look. His house was kept at the same temperature. “No, that’s not necessary, but you might want to have your thermostat checked.”