7. Jealous Heart
Claire woke to birds chirping. She smiled as she remembered hearing how birdsong was scientifically proven to brighten your mood. It certainly did hers. She rose from the bed and went to the kitchenette to start her coffee. Glancing at the clock, she waited to hear music come on next door. They’d agreed that they needed an easy way to communicate all was well. Uplifting music from the seventies met her ears. She smiled. It meant she could take her time in getting ready.
The last few days passed at a leisurely pace. Claire spent more time reading Pat’s work-in-process. She added her comments on some sections. She would be finished with it soon, and then they could start on the next portion.
Claire went through her stretching routine before jumping in the shower. Donning a flowing dress, she grabbed a cup of coffee. She slipped off her shoes and walked barefoot out into the garden area. Grounding was supposedly good for you. This place was perfect for doing it, unlike her condo.
“Morning!” Pat waved with his good hand from the veranda.
“Morning to you, too. Sleep better last night?”
He nodded. “Much better. I’ve got a massage scheduled for today. They said they could work on me with my arm situation. I think that’ll help too. You?”
Claire shoved her feet back into her shoes before walking across the grass. She strolled over to the stairs.
“I’m going out to get an appointment with the hairdresser.”
“Wonderful. I have one too. Maybe we can surprise one another this afternoon with our new looks.”
Claire sipped at her coffee. “I figure it’s time to try something new, so why not start with my hair? Any more thoughts about when we want to work on your novel?”
“Come on up, so we don’t need to keep raising our voices. Plus, I’d like to sit down.”
“Okay.” She mounted the steps and met him inside his living area. He motioned to the sofa before taking a seat in a nearby chair.
She shucked off her shoes and pulled her feet up under her dress, warming them.
“I’m not sure how it will work for me to dictate to you. I do have an idea, though, if you think it would work.”
“All right. What’s your suggestion?”
“What if I dictate into a recorder in the morning? You can listen to it and type it up. Then in the afternoon or evening, we can meet on the Mirador. That way, you can read it back to me. We could go over it together since by then I’ll probably have some things to add or edit.” He stopped. “I know it’s a lot, so if that doesn’t work—”
“No. That sounds like a great plan. My dental work isn’t for at least a week. If we need more time, I’ll delay it again. That way, we can make a good head start on it. I don’t want to leave you in the lurch. I’ve changed my return flight, so we’ve got a couple of extra weeks. Hopefully, that will work. And I certainly don’t mind paying for the rent while I’m here.”
“No, I won’t hear of it. As I said before, this is the first time I’ve rented it. It’s not like I need the extra income.”
“Well, let me know if you change your mind. Anyway, since I’m going to have more extensive dental procedures done, I’m not sure how I’ll be afterward. I doubt I’ll feel like doing anything for at least a day or two.”
He rubbed his arm, grimacing a bit. “Great. Let’s start tomorrow if that works.”
She scooted closer, her hand resting on his chair. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, just itching and tingling. Par for the course.”
“I want to say it again. I appreciate what you did. I’m grateful for your chivalry. I just wish you wouldn’t have put yourself in harm for me.”
“Nonsense. I should have if I’m any kind of gentleman. I’d do it again. Though maybe I could figure a better way to land.” His face lit up with his grin. “I also appreciate you thinking I’m chivalrous. It’s uncertain whether being a gentleman to a woman results in gratitude or scolding nowadays.”
“You don’t have to worry about that with me. I appreciate a man caring for me.”
Silence came over them. Claire wanted to say more. The struggle on Pat’s face revealed he might as well. But neither spoke.
He picked up his hat, setting it on his head. “Well, then. I better head off.”
“Are you walking?” Claire asked.
“Yes. I don’t want to take the car out right now with this arm. Plus, trying to park would be a nuisance. If you’re not here, where should I leave the tape recorder?”
“Just put it inside on the kitchen counter.”
He shook his head. “No. I wouldn’t feel right intruding on your space. I’ll put it on the chaise out front.”
“Fine.” She stood and held out her hand to help him stand.
“Thanks.” He looked at her hand in his. “I’m not sorry, you know.”
“Excuse me?”
“For the other night. I’m not sorry I kissed you. I—”
“I kissed you back. In fact—” She moved against him, kissing him lightly on the mouth. With a look into his eyes, she whispered, “We’re even.”
“Claire.” He reached up and stroked her cheek. “You are making this so difficult.”
“I hope not.”
He dropped his hand. “I never imagined this.”
“Me either. Why complicate things? Let’s take things one day at a time.”
He pursed his lips. “Yes. I agree. Now I best be off or …I’ll miss my time slot.” He moved carefully, clutching the handrail as he descended the stairs.
Claire followed him and watched as he went through the gate, closing it behind him. All her life she thought that her chance at love had passed her by. She’d had lots of relationships when she was younger, but nothing that went any further.
When she pursued her career, any thought of dating or marriage had taken a back seat. She’d traveled and enjoyed her life. But something had changed. She sensed an opening in her heart and soul she hadn’t experienced before. She’d thought that true love or finding your soul mate was something romance writers dreamed up to sell books for needy women. She wasn’t needy by any means. If ever there were a strong, independent woman, she was the embodiment of that woman. Now she realized romance was for lucky women. For women who opened their hearts and minds to let love in. She’d never needed a man to fulfill her or to support her. But now she wanted one.
She was a woman in love.
Claire stared at her reflection in the mirror. She turned her head right and then left. Her silver hair shone, and the cut accentuated her high cheekbones. Murmurs of approval from the other ladies in the salon met her ears as she smiled.
The woman in the next chair said, “My dear, you are stunning.”
“Thank you.” Claire couldn’t help but grin. She did look fabulous. It was as if the cut had relaxed her hair as waves cascaded onto her shoulders. What was strange was that the cut had made her feel as if she’d become looser, more open. She’d heard of the power of a haircut but had never believed it. Until now.
Her long hair now lay in heaps on the floor. As the stylist swept it away, the new Claire in the mirror felt light in spirit and looks. After she finished, she’d stop by the shop. A new dress to go with her new look. After paying the hair stylist, she walked to the local spa to treat herself to a manicure and pedicure.
With polished fingers and toes, she browsed in a local store for a while before purchasing a few dresses and a new straw hat. Bags in hand, she made her way outside.
Turning toward the lake, she spied Pat. She’d raised her hand, about to call to him, when a woman came up to him. They were speaking in hushed tones, but their body language was one of familiarity.
When the woman reached up and placed her arms around his neck, Claire gasped.
Then the woman kissed him.
Claire’s body shook with fury. Her hands clenched and unclenched on the bags.
Thoughts rushed to her mind as she thought back to him, warning her away from Bob and his womanizing. Looks like Bob wasn’t the only one.
Claire wanted to rush away but stood rooted to the spot. Her stomach roiled. A guttural roar from inside shocked her. She looked around to see if anyone had overheard her. Thankfully, there was no one to witness her angry display.
The woman turned away as Pat reached out and gripped her hand. The woman turned back and words were exchanged. If only Claire could hear them. As the woman left, Pat turned toward her. Claire fled back inside the shop, her breathing heavy. She made her way to the back as tears pricked her eyes.
What about what he’d said this morning? Had he been playing with her?
You are making this so difficult. That’s what he’d said.
Because he already had a lover?
Pain radiated in her chest. Claire rubbed her chest. She recalled his words, “Only one.”
She had been a fool. An old fool.
A woman’s voice caught her attention. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, yes. Thanks.” She hurried into a nearby dressing room and sat down. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
If she truly loved Pat like she thought, then she had to be up for a challenge. Her purpose here was solely for the dentist and some R and R. Plus, she’d already promised Pat she’d help him with his novel. She couldn’t just up and leave. She needed to figure out what she should do. She needed advice.
Of course. She’d shoot an email to her book club ladies. They’d help her make sense of it. For now, she wanted to eat something to settle her stomach. Sticking her head out of the shop, she saw that Pat had passed by or taken a different street. She walked down toward the Plaza and a little hole-in-the-wall spot she enjoyed. After setting her bags on the floor, she looked up to see Bob passing by outside.
“Bob!” She waved.
He looked inside. “Oh, hello Claire.” He walked over to her table. “Mind if I join you?”
“Not at all. This is fortuitous. I wanted to see what you needed for your ESL classes that I might help with. It looks like I’ll be staying a few more weeks.”
“Oh, I heard about Pat. Nasty business, that. He’s lucky. These old bones don’t mend as well as they do when you’re younger. Is there a reason you’re staying?”
“I feel so bad since he was trying to save me from what ended up happening to him. So I’m going to help him with his novel.”
“Ah, yes. I heard he’s a writer or working on something. Nice of you to do that.”
“I feel I owe him that. Anyway, I won’t be only doing that and I like to stay busy. So I can probably help you though, not sure what I can do exactly.”
“Why don’t you come to see our set-up? You can see what we’re doing and you can give us input on what we can do better. We hold classes at night so more people can come. Otherwise, it’s hard for those who are working during the day. We are thinking of doing an afternoon class but—”
“One thing at a time?”
“Yes, we need to get this one right first. I’m glad to hear you’ll be around to help.”
He reached over and placed his hand on top of hers.
She stared at it as the deep clearing of a voice caught her attention. She looked up to see Pat, his brows furrowed.
Claire pulled her hand away from Bob, but not before she saw Pat’s gaze focused on it. She forced a smile, her thoughts of him kissing that woman fresh in her mind. “Pat, how was your massage?”
Pat walked inside, standing by their table.
Bob stood and shook Pat’s hand. “Hey there, old man. How’s the arm?”
His words came out in a monotone. “Fine.”
Claire gestured to the table. “Would you like to join us? Bob is talking to me about helping with the language classes.”
“No. I’ll pass.”
Claire clutched at her napkin, twisting it hard. What right did he have to get angry after what she’d seen? So what that Bob had put his hand on hers? It wasn’t a crime, and she certainly didn’t owe him any explanation.
“Claire says she’s staying longer to help you with your book.”
He continued to respond to Bob with frosty answers. “Um, hm.”
The waitress came over and set a plate in front of Claire. Her appetite had flown at the sight of Pat in the doorway.
Claire said,“Muchas Gracias.”
The young woman nodded before leaving them.
Pat huffed, “Don’t let your meal get cold.”
Bob plopped in the chair across from her, signaling to the waitress. “That looks good. I think I’ll have the same. Pat, sure you don’t want to join us?”
“No. You know what they say about three’s a crowd—Have no desire to get in between you two.”
Before Claire could respond, he stalked away.
“Now where were we?” Bob replied.