Chapter 5
Sunday morning
Jack
I am beginning to have serious doubts about Willow after the things that Tommy said to me and now this thing about something being “wrong” with Willow as per her best friend Rachel. So serious that she wants to talk to me face to face.
My mouth tastes like something died inside as I make my way to the bathroom. When I think about Willow, for the first time ever, I wonder if she has been cheating on me. I rush to the toilet and heave my guts out till there is nothing left inside.
I amuse myself with the thought that at least I threw up before I rinsed out my mouth with mouthwash.
After shaving, I take a long hot shower and let the hot water cascade down my body till the water turns cold.
I dry off slowly. I dress in a pair of faded jeans and a skin tight Henley shirt with running shoes. Comfortable and casual.
On my drive down near Pike Place Market, I find myself wondering what Rachel is going to tell me. Is she going to say that Willow is cheating on me? What else would be this serious? Is Willow secretly Gay? Is that why sex is hit and miss with her?
Rachel is standing outside of Junior Burgers when I arrive. She is breathtaking. She is wearing a pair of skin tight low-rider jeans that lets you see those sexy dimples just above the tops of her ass cheeks that you can also see.
The cropped halter top she has on is also tight and I can see her marble sized nipples straining against the fabric of her top. Her shoulder length chestnut brown hair is done up in ringlets. Her soft tan skin looks soft as silk.
Rachel hugs me tight when I arrive. She holds me much longer than a normal friendly hug would last. “I was standing here thinking that in all the years I have lived here, I have never taken the ferry to Bainbridge island. Could we do that Jack?” Rachel asked.
“Why not?” I answered, “Good, we can talk on the way over and then have lunch before we come back. Rachel suggested. “Sounds like a plan,” I say. I’m amazed to find that the depression has lifted in the company of this gorgeous woman.
I have to admit that this is not the first time I have noticed how gorgeous Willow’s best friend is. I have often admired her from afar. I have also often thought that if I were not with Willow that I would have been pleading with Rachel for a date long ago date.
As the ferry pulls away from the wharf headed west to Bainbridge island, I muse to myself that this feels like a first date. I actually feel a little giddy inside.
Once underway, Rachel took me by the hand and lead me up to the upper deck where there were few people. We found a bench and sat down together.
“You look beautiful today,” I blurted out. I felt good when she smiled at that. “Before I say anything today, I want you to know that I think you are a great guy Jack and I have always admired you,” Rachel told me.
“I have always wondered what would have happened if I met you before Willow did,” Rachel confided. “I have often wondered the same thing,” I reciprocated. “So what have you got to talk to me about?”
Willow has been dating other men Jack. I don’t know if she’s cheated,” Rachel blurted out. “What-what do you mean she’s been dating other men? How long?” I gasped.
“I don’t know. Dinner dates, dancing dates, baseball games,” WHAT! I begged her dozens of times to go to the M’s games and she always turned me down. “That seems to be the thing between her and Tommy,” Rachel told me calmly. “WHAT? TOMMY? WHAT THE FUCK?” I yelled.
“How long? How long has she been cheating on me?” I hollered. “She has always dated other guys all the way back to high school,” Rachel answered. “But I don’t know if she has had sex with them. If I thought that, I would have told you this a lot sooner.” Rachel told me.
“How long has she been seeing Tommy? I asked forlornly. “About a year. But look, I don’t think it is anything serious,” Rachel answered. “Not anything serious? They have been sneaking around behind my back for a year and that’s nothing serious?” I ranted.
“It could be nothing Jack. But I hate the idea that there are secrets between two people who are about to get married. “I don’t have any secrets! I have been 100% faithful for every minute of 5 years and I have been an open book for her,” I said tersely.
“That’s why I wanted to talk to you. I want you to know that things may not be as they seem. Maybe you should pull back and suggest putting a hold on the marriage,” Rachel suggested. “You are a great guy Jack! I just don’t want you to get hurt,” Rachel told me.
Rachel and I had lunch at the Marina Grill and both had a seafood platter.
We shared a bottle of wine and walked around a bit till it was time to take the ferry back to Seattle.
“I want you to know Jack that I am here for you. If things don’t work out with Willow, I would love to spend time with you,” Rachel told me.
We sat on a bench in silence on the way back.
Rachel had her head on my shoulder. Rachel laced her fingers with mine about half way back.
We held hands like that till it was time to leave the ferry.
It was the most intimate thing I have experienced in quite some time.
I can’t remember the last time that Willow held my hand.