10. Reading, Writing, Romance
The days had flown by as they’d worked on it. Finally, they worked on the last chapter.
She typed The End. She clapped her hands.
Excited words poured forth. “We did it! Now all we have is to go back over this last chapter to call it done. But I couldn’t wait! It’s probably the only time I can type The End!”
The night air blew in cooler, causing Claire to shiver. It was the end of the book. No more pages to write. While excited to have finished it, it also left her with an empty feeling.
Her dental treatment was scheduled for the next day. That left a few days to recover. Then what? Her flight had already been booked to return to the States.
Claire saved the document one more time, a habit she’d picked up years before. Then she sent it through her email to Pat’s email with the comments and changes highlighted. She sat back and closed the computer for the evening. She stretched her arms overhead.
Claire spoke to Pat. “This has been a lot of work, but fun. I’ve gotten to be part of writing this book, even in a small way.”
“It’s not small. You’ve helped a lot. I think it’s going to be well-received.”
“Don’t know why it wouldn’t be. It’s really good. Well, I think that’s enough for tonight. My appointment is tomorrow.”
“I’ll drive you. What time should we go?”
“I can’t ask you to do that. I don’t know how long it will take.”
“I can sit in the car and read. It’s not like I’ll be doing anything different here. It’ll be another couple of weeks before the doc says I can probably ditch the sling. Getting old and breaking bones isn’t a great combination.”
“Truth be told, you’ve been healing pretty quickly. You’ve done very well thus far.” Claire moved over to join him on the sofa, putting her feet up next to his on the ottoman.
“Yes, but you’re having to stay longer was worth it.” He leaned over and kissed her hair.
She cuddled up next to him, enjoying his warmth. “The appointment’s in the afternoon. I figured I could eat a late breakfast in case I have a hard time eating later.”
“You let me know when. I’ll be there. Should we head down?”
“In a minute. I enjoy our time together.”
“Me too.”
They sat in companionable silence, holding hands. Pat raised his hand to her face, turning her chin toward him. “How do I love thee, let me count the ways…”
Claire’s heart fluttered as he read the words of the poet to her. When the words, better after death, her heart opened. Yes, she had loved and had kept loving her first love, even after his death. Now she would do the same with her last love.
They embraced, hearts and souls binding as one.
Morning brought the sunlight peeking through her windows. She glanced at the clock. She’d set up an online meeting with the book club. Because she’d been in charge of the book for the month, she’d finished some days ago. She didn’t want anything to interfere with her focus on the writing work with Pat. It was so unlike her to neglect doing something like that. She hoped others had enjoyed The Alchemist.
Getting up from bed, she went through her morning yoga routine. Pat was making brunch later for them.
In the bathroom, she took care of her morning routine, brushing her hair as it fell against her shoulders in waves. It was strange that after she’d gotten her hair cut, it felt thicker than ever. Coupled with a new shampoo and conditioner, her locks were shiny and healthy.
She ground the beans she purchased yesterday from the vendor on the street. The rich aroma of coffee filled the air. Scooping some into the pot, she turned it on.
Her computer was already set up on the small table. Before starting the meeting, she grabbed a pillow for her back and pulled up the link. After pouring coffee into a large mug, she added a dollop of cream.
Grabbing her mug, she made her way to the chair, where she pulled one leg up under the other. Clicking the link, she waited as the others started arriving.
Voices of hellos echoed over one another.
Betsy’s voice, the loudest of the group, stood out from the others. “Claire, you cut your hair!”
“Yes.” She patted it.
“It’s beautiful. Great cut.” Francis replied.
Laura added her thoughts. “Yes, it looks terrific on you.”
“You need to hurry back. We’re missing you here and being able to meet in person.” Sylvie chimed in.
Claire set her cup down. “About that—”
Betsy groaned. “Hey, you already added a few more weeks. How’s your landlord doing?”
“It’s doing well. Actually, I’m helping out the, um, landlord.”
Shirley, who’d been silent up to that point, spoke. “What are you doing?”
“Well, it sounds strange. But I’m helping him write his book.”
Betsy adjusted in her seat so her face appeared closer. “Oh wow. That sounds like it’s right up your alley. I bet you’re having a great time doing that.”
“Truth be told, it’s more because I feel an obligation.” Claire recounted what had happened and Pat’s accident.
“That’s so chivalrous,” Sylvie said.
“Yes, it was. Is. That’s why I felt so guilty. He would’ve put off his work, so I decided to stay and help.”
“Any other reasons, Claire? You’re positively glowing.” Francis asked.
Instead of replying, she took a long sip from her cup. No one spoke. Waiting.
“Um, well. We enjoy each other’s company.”
Smiles came on the ladies’ faces.
“Are you dating?” Sylvie asked.
“I wouldn’t call it dating. I live in his casita. He’s the landlord and I’m his renter.”
Betsy interjected. “But that’s not all.”
“I guess you could call us co-workers. We’ve been working on the book together.”
Sylvie crossed her arms. “There’s more to it than you’re saying. I can see it on your face.”
Claire blushed, despite trying to remain calm.
“Ah, Ha!” Betsy pointed. “Sylvie’s right. It’s definitely more.”
“I’d rather not say, but yes, there is some…attraction between us.”
“That’s wonderful, Claire. And none of our business.” Laura added.
As ever, Laura had calmly come to the rescue. Among them all, she was the one who understood. She’d faced their questions about her meeting a man in London.
Claire replied, “If, or when, there’s more to tell you, I’ll do it. Now, as for the book. What are your thoughts about The Alchemist? It was the only one I could find that included dreams and hearts.”
“Yes, Angela gave some strange parameters with the book choices. Yet, here we are again, and no Angela. She started this book club and then didn’t join us.”
“I think, well, I mean, she’s—” Francis stuttered.
“Fickle?” Betsy finished her sentence.
Sylvie replied. “Close enough. Why start a book club if you never intend to go?”
Claire answered, “It doesn’t matter. It brought us together.”
After they’d discussed the book, they moved on to the proper business. Hearing what was going on in each of their lives.
Claire adjusted in her chair, “I’ve already told you what I’ve been doing. Now bring me up to date on what’s going on with you.”
The ladies took turns sharing about things happening in their lives or various upcoming events. Claire also shared that she’d be helping Bob with his language classes.
“That sounds wonderful. It’s like you’re meant to be there, Claire.” Betsy said.
Claire shrugged. “I’ll be getting my teeth done today, so that will be done. After that, it won’t be long before I’m heading home.”
“Sounds like you’re not wanting to leave,” Shirley replied.
“I’ve enjoyed being here for sure. I have a lot to think about.” Claire tucked her hair behind her ear.
They chatted some more before, one by one, they signed off. Claire stared at the screen. She couldn’t help wondering about the future. She certainly couldn’t live in the casita forever. She also had her condo back home. Shouldn’t life get simpler as you get older?
She rose and dumped the now cold coffee in the sink.
Music from the seventies floated over the air toward her, embracing her in memories of the past. Why was it that the choices in her past had seemed easier and yet the present so hard?
She shook her head. Not the time to get all philosophical.
For now, it was time to help with the brunch. Maybe while she slept in the dentist’s chair, her mind could work on answers.
While never on Claire’s favorite things-to-do list, the dental procedures went well. She was thankful Pat insisted on being available as the sedation left her feeling hungover. The bright sunshine had her blinking as she walked outside.
Pat sprung from the car. Taking her arm, he walked her to the passenger side, opening the door before lowering her into the seat. Closing the door, he came around the other side, clicking his seatbelt.
He started up the car. “Home? Do you need anything before we head there?”
“I think I’m good, though I might like that smoothie later you talked about before.”
“Sure. They close fairly early, so let’s stop by now and you can drink it later.”
She placed her head against the headrest, closing her eyes. “Sounds good.”
After driving to Machima, Claire waited in the vehicle while he went inside. She heard the door open, and he handed her the green drink and a colorful red one. “I got both of these. They’re my favorites. You pick whichever you like better or we can split them and have some of each.”
“I like that idea. Here, give me that other one.”
He handed it to her. She closed her eyes as they drove home. The grating of the gate as he opened it woke her. They drove into the parking spot. Holding both drinks, she had to wait for Pat to open the door.
“Let me help. You helped me, now allow me to do the same.” He took both drinks and set them on a nearby counter that served as an outdoor storage area.
Claire waited, leaning against the side of the car. Pat came back over to her.
“Let me get you to bed—”
“You’re fresh.”
His face turned red. “I didn’t mean—”
“I’m teasing Pat. Sorry, I’m a little loopy.” She smiled at him.
“That’s okay. I like you when you’re loopy. Or anyway, for that matter.” He took her elbow, and she allowed him to steer her toward the casita. Inside, he said, “Let me settle you and then I’ll get the drinks.”
She nodded. “I agree. I need to sleep and allow the rest of this stuff to clear my system. Can you help me over to the bed?”
“Sure. Don’t forget the drinks will be in the fridge. That way, if you wake up and want something, they’ll be here for you.”
Claire moved her head from the pillow, “Pat?”
He waited at the open door. “Thank you.”
“Of course. Now you get some sleep.”
It was the last thing Claire remembered.