Chapter 12
CHAPTER 12
Jack was already there when she pulled in. She rushed into the house, and found him happily sitting at the kitchen counter having a coffee with her mom. They looked so cozy, leaning on the butcher block, drinking coffee from locally made mugs, of course.
“I’m all packed! It will only take me a second to run up and get my suitcase,” she says, rushing by him. He grabs her hand. “Hey, this mini-break starts right now. Stop, take a deep breath,”. Lizzie obliges. “Okay, we’re done rushing for two days, yeah?”
She smiles and nods. “Yes!” She closes her eyes, takes another deep breath and does a quick mountain pose from yoga class. “Alright, I will now slowly, very slowly, go upstairs and get my bag.” She gives him a kiss. “Oh, hi Mom,” she says, laughing as she heads upstairs.
“I know, I know, I’m invisible,” Gabby laughs.
“You could never be invisible, Mom,” Lizzie calls from the stairs.
She’s back in a flash with her luggage. “Okay! I am ready to go and start this vacation so we can come back and get back to work as soon as possible!” She teases.
Jack looks at Gabby, “What are we going to do with her?” he says, shaking his head. “I thought I was a workaholic until I worked alongside this one,” he says, pointing to Lizzie.
“Scoot! You two go and have a wonderful time!”
Lizzie gives her mom a hug, “We’re out of here!” she says.
Jack carries Lizzie’s suitcase out to his car and puts it in the back. They both get in, and Lizzie leans in to kiss Jack. “I am so excited!” They each fasten their seatbelts.
“Me too!” Says Jack. He backs out of the driveway, and they head off.
Lizzie looks out the window as they drive through a very quiet downtown Cranberry Harbor, and head to Route 6 and the Outer Cape, the towns at the tip of the Cape. She feels her body start to relax. She closes her eyes for a second, then turns to look at Jack.
“So how are you?” she asks Jack. “I haven’t even asked you! You sleep okay last night?”
“I fell asleep great,” he says, merging onto the highway from the rotary. “But then I woke up around 4 and started thinking, you know, all the ‘holy moly, what have I started?’, kinds of thoughts. You know, the kinds that haunt you at 4 in the morning.”
“Ugh, I hate those thoughts. There’s nothing lonelier than the middle of the night. I’m sorry that happened. I was shocked that I slept great, though when I did wake up I was mostly just excited about getting out of Cranberry Harbor for a couple of days.”
Provincetown was only about 40 minutes from Cranberry Harbor, and before Lizzie knew it they were at the town line welcoming them to Provincetown. It was all water and dunes on the right, and little cottages that dotted the other side of the highway on their left. Before she knew it they were turning off the highway and driving down Commercial Street.
“This is my absolute favorite time of year to come to Provincetown,” Lizzie says, looking at the light dusting of snow on the sidewalks and the empty streets. All the beautiful older homes, cozily next to each other, lining either side of the street, it was a world away, and not far, all at the same time.
“Me too, it’s been way too long since I’ve gotten down here,” Jack says, slowing down in front of Provincetown Marketplace, a little market that also has great to-go food, and several cozy little tables. “Hey, it looks like they’re open,” he looks at the clock, “We can’t check in for another hour, you up for a little bit of lunch?
“Yeah! That would be great! I totally forgot to eat today, I’m so hungry!”
Jack pulls into a parking spot and they get out, and head to the door. Before they go in Jack turns Lizzie toward him. “Hey, I’m so glad we’re doing this, and I am so glad I have you to...well, to do anything with.” He kisses her.
“Aw, that’s so sweet,” she kisses him back. “I’m happy to be with you too,” she says.
They walk in and the place is pretty quiet, looks like a few regulars, there aren’t many tourists this time of year, and there are several empty tables.
Lizzie puts her coat over the back of a chair at one to claim it, not that there will be a rush, and joins Jack who’s walked over to the take-out counter at the back of the shop.
“Hmmm, everything looks so good,” he says. “Are you in the mood for anything special?”
“I have to say, I remember from the past that their mac and cheese is pretty exceptional, on a chilly day that and some tea sound pretty good,” Lizzie says.
“I may join you in that,” he says.
“Can I help you?” says the man behind the counter.
“Yes, could we please have two servings of the mac and cheese, warmed up to eat here, and one tea and one…” he’s looking at the menu. “Um, a café au lait?”
“Coming right up,” the man says, “I’ll buzz you when it’s ready,” he says, handing them a saucer-shaped beeper.
“Great, thanks so much,” Lizzie says as they walk over to their table.
They pick up some napkins and two forks from the island by the tables, and sit down. “Just don’t tell my mom we didn’t have any vegetables with our lunch, I will never hear the end of it,” Lizzie jokes.
“My lips are sealed,” Jack says. “I don’t know about you, but I hardly know what to do with myself without a huge to-do list. Are you feeling a little weird too? Like you forgot something really important at home?”
Lizzie lets out a big sigh. “Yes! I thought it was just me!” I kept looking over at you as we were driving here, and you looked like a normal person on a day off and I kept thinking, ‘what’s wrong with me? Look at him, he’s so chill!’”
Jack laughs. “So not chill!” He sits back and sighs too. “We are the worst at relaxing!” he laughs.
“Well, we haven’t exactly given the whole relaxing thing a fair shake yet I don’t think,” Lizzie says. “We’ve been out of Cranberry Harbor for all of about an hour,” they both laugh at this realization. “I’ve read a lot about this whole topic, and most people say it takes them a few days to unwind. I think we’re putting a lot of pressure on ourselves to automatically relax, which seems pretty counter-intuitive.”
Jack laughs. “Very good point, it’s like trying to meditate and getting mad at yourself for not doing it right instead of just feeling good that you’re trying.” The buzzer buzzes on the table, and Jack gets up. “I’ll go get everything.”
Lizzie finds herself reaching for her phone to check it, but instead takes a deep breath and looks out the window at the lovely view of Commercial Street. There’s always dogs being walked, no matter the weather, Lizzie smiles as she sees a few, each dressed for the cold weather in cute sweaters, leading their humans down the street. This detoxing from work is not for the faint of heart, but it feels good.
Jack is back in a flash and takes their food and drinks off the tray and sits down. They clink forks. “Here’s to a relaxing 48 hours,” he says.
“Yes! To relaxing!” And with that she toasts him with a forkful of the warm and creamy mac and cheese. “Okay, this does not disappoint, this is the best mac and cheese ever. I wonder how they make it so creamy?”
“They stir in some cream cheese,” says the woman reading the paper at the neighboring table who smiles at them.
“That would do it,” says Jack, digging into his own dish. “Yup, this is amazing for sure,” he says, taking another bite. “We will have to try to replicate this sometime. When your mom isn’t home to look at us scornfully for using cream cheese, and telling how it’s going to clog our arteries, of course,” he smiles at Lizzie. “I love your mom, but hey, we all need some fat and sugar sometimes.”
They are both done in no time at all. “Speaking of fat and sugar, I was thinking about getting one of their giant crinkled chocolate chip cookies,” Lizzie says, standing up. “Want to split one? I think it’s much healthier for you if you split it with someone,the calories disappear because you’re being so kind,” she jokes.
“It would be irresponsible of me to not share it with you, you know, for our health and mental well-being and all,” Jack says.
Lizzie gets up and goes to the counter to buy the cookie.
“I think I saw your picture on the news this morning,” the woman next to them says. “You’re that guy building that new neighborhood in Cranberry Harbor, right?”
Jack is surprised at being recognized. “Uh, yes, I’m Jack Cahoon,’ he reaches out his hand.
“It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Delia MacFayden.”
Jack pauses for a moment. “Wait, you’re not the Delia MacFayden the film director are you?”
She looks down, a little embarrassed and nods. She looks up again, “Yes, I am, though I have not made a film in several years. I retired here, to Provincetown.”
Lizzie comes back with the cookie, and smiles at the woman. “Hi,” she says, “I’m Lizzie Martin,” she says.
“Lizzie, this is Delia MacFayden,” Jack says, still in shock.
“What?!” Lizzie exclaims, and is then embarrassed. “I’m sorry, it’s just, well, we both love your work so, so much. You live in Provincetown now?”
Delia nods. “Yes I do, and I don’t miss the pressure of working for studios, living in L.A. or worrying about box office numbers in the least!”
“I cannot imagine the pressure, and you wrote almost all your movies too,” says Jack, “so there was always that too.”
Lizzie is hesitant, but can’t resist asking. “I will understand completely if you say no, but I’m the co-editor and owner of the Cranberry Harbor Gazette, and I’d love to interview you sometime, but please, no pressure!” She nervously shakes her head. “I know it’s not exactly the New York or Los Angeles Times, but we’re pretty proud of what we do. Anyway, I shouldn’t have even asked, don’t worry about it.”
Lizzie is feeling very flustered, and is embarrassed that she bothered this poor woman who is just sitting, enjoying her newspaper, tea and blueberry muffin.
Delia nods, taking a sip of her tea. “Perhaps, though I don’t have much to talk about. This,” she says, gesturing to the contents of her table, “is about as exciting as it gets for me these days,” she laughs.
“Are you kidding? You are one of the most fascinating women I have ever known of!” Lizzie gushes. “You have no idea how your movies, your writing, your entire career has inspired me. And I think I speak for lots and lots of women-”
“Not just women,” Jack says. “Your movie, When We Met, slayed me. Just thinking about it chokes me up. Your movies are smart, funny, emotional and so beautifully shot. I bet I’ve seen it ten times. At least.”
Lizzie smiles and takes Jack’s hand. “We don’t always agree about movies to watch, he’s more action, I’m more drama, but we can always agree on one of your movies.” Lizzie pauses. “Sorry, we’re gushing, we don’t mean to put you on the spot. Enjoy your tea and muffin.”
“I can’t thank you both enough,” Delia says. “You completely made my day. It’s very easy, even after a somewhat illustrious career-”
“Two Oscars, and several Golden Globes is hardly ‘somewhat illustrious,’”Jack interjects. “Sorry to interrupt, you were saying…”
Delia laughs. “Okay, point taken. Thank you both. It’s easy to almost forget what one has done, especially out here, in February,” she smiles and looks out the window as it’s starting to snow a bit. “Well, I am going to head home before the snow gets any worse.” She stands up and gathers her things. “I may have lived here for a few years, but I am still very unsure of myself driving in the snow.”
Lizzie looks out and sees that it’s not sticking to the ground yet. “Good idea, I don’t think it’s supposed to get bad, but better to be safe. And I hope we didn’t ruin your quiet time here with all our chatter. We’re just such big fans.”
Delia shakes her head. “Oh, not at all, it was a complete delight. I’d love to stay in touch with you about your project,” she says. “I’m fascinated.”
Jack pulls a card out of his wallet. “All my information is on there, please, reach out anytime, we’d love to give you a tour.”
She tucks the card in her purse. “I would love that. I will be in touch.” And then she’s gone.
“Whoa, can you believe that?” Jack says.
“Not really,” Lizzie says, shaking her head.
“Do you feel, and I know this is going to sound weird, and not really like me, but that we were sort of supposed to run into her?”
“That doesn’t sound weird at all. You know, I read something recently that her son is becoming quite well known as a documentary filmmaker…Ian MacFayden is his name, I’m pretty sure.”
They look at each other.
“Maybe that’s why she wanted the card?” Lizzie says, her mind going a million miles an hour.
“Okay,” he stands up. “This is supposed to be our big getaway, let’s stick a pin in this and revisit it when we go home.”
“Hmm, I’m predicting that will not be possible, but, yeah, let’s aim for that.” She stands up, puts on her coat and picks up her purse. “I’m betting our room should be ready by now,” she says, walking toward the door, “let’s say we go check in.”
She holds the door open for Jack as they step out into a snow squall.
“I sure hope Delia doesn’t live too far from here,” Jack says as they walk to his car.
Lizzie pretends to look at her non-existent watch and makes a buzzer sound, “Well, that, my dear, lasted all of not even thirty seconds.”
“Yup, not talking about meeting Delia MacFayden is going to be hard,” Jack says getting in the car.
“Well, let’s keep it to only one mention an hour, how about that?” Lizzie offers.
“I’d say doable.” He starts the car and they begin the short drive to the Cape’s End Inn. “Can you imagine if we could get him to want to shoot this? Terra Marique could become a template for communities like it all across the country!”
“Okay, that's twice in five minutes, I’m going to need a ruling from the Swiss judge on this,” Lizzie teases.
“Argh, I am the worst. I promise that’s it, for at least an hour.” he replies. To which Lizzie nods and smiles.
They’re silent for the rest of the short ride, the snow is coming down harder now and they’re both focused on that.
“This wasn’t in the forecast,” Jack says. “I checked right before we left.”
“Maybe it’s just some ocean effect snow and will clear out soon?” Lizzie says. A part of her really doesn’t mind. There are worse places to be snowed in than one of the most beautiful inns in Provincetown, heck, in New England. “No matter what, it will be perfect.”
They head up the steep hill to the inn, fish-tailing a little bit, but arrive safely.
“Ahhhh. We are finally here. No more work, No more thinking about work-” Jack says, leaning back, then Lizzie interrupts his sliding into nirvana.
“But I was thinking about what you said,” Lizzie says.
“Nope, we’re on vacation. We will think about that tomorrow, Miss Scarlett,” Jack says and kisses her.
She nods, smiles, and kisses him right back. It’s going to be a great night, snowstorm or no snow storm. Anything else can wait.