11. Fortunate Re
Claire woke to darkness cloaking the room. She must have slept hard. Most of the numbness had gone away, leaving her mouth tender. If this was the worst of it, then she’d be okay with that. Her stomach rumbled.
Claire threw back the cover. She sat on the edge of the bed for a moment. She didn’t recall getting up and putting the cover on. Pat must have checked on her during the day and placed it on her. She shuffled to the fridge. Inside, she spied both of the smoothies Pat had placed there earlier. She poured some of the green drink into a glass. The cool of the drink woke up her taste buds. Sour apple, tangy lime, and spinach blended into a refreshing drink. After sipping it, she rinsed her glass and added some from the other container. This one was sweeter. Both drinks were delicious.
Instead of deciding on one, she took another drinking glass from the cabinet. She poured half of each into each glass. This way she could go back and forth drinking them. Claire sat at the table, allowing the cobwebs of sleep to dissipate. As she sipped, energy returned to her body. She should let Pat know she was awake. He had left both drinks for her to pick from. The least she could do would be to share the rest with him. She went over to retrieve her phone and saw a note next to it.
‘Out to dinner with the guys. Call if you need anything and I’ll come back. Drink as much of each or both drinks as you want.’
There was a PostScript.
‘Also, I checked on you to make sure all was well. I hope that was okay. You could respond to me but told me to let you sleep. I was worried you might get chilly so draped the light blanket over you.’
Claire thought back. She didn’t recall speaking with him, but wouldn’t be unlike her. She hated being woken up from a good sleep. Since it was already dark, she decided to hang out in bed. After removing her wrinkled clothes, she donned her usual leggings and top.
She sipped at the green drink, sighing in contentment. She’d been worried she’d wake up in pain from the dental procedures, but so far, so good. After grabbing her computer, she brought it into bed with her. Adjusting the pillows behind her back, she browsed through an online streaming company before finding a show to watch. The show was playing the credits when she heard a noise outside. She stopped the movie.
“Claire, are you awake?”
She set the computer down. Grabbing the blanket off the bed, she wrapped it around herself before padding to the door. She opened it to find Pat standing outside with the moonlight casting a glow over him. Her heart jumped. He looked so handsome.
“Hi. Do you want to come in?” She waved toward the interior.
“No. I just wanted to check in on you. I saw your light, so figured you were still up. Did you find the drinks?”
“Yes, you’re right. They were just what I needed. How was your dinner?”
“Okay. You know how guys are.”
She shrugged. “Truth be told, I don’t.”
“Probably better you don’t. All gas, no car.” He winked. “How’s the mouth?”
“Better. No pain. Which is the most important thing. Plus, most of the numbness is gone. I think by tomorrow I’ll be back to normal.”
He rubbed his arm. “Glad I can take this off to get at these itches. I had one of those old casts when I was young and drove me crazy in the summer. Night then.”
“Night.” She made to close the door.
“Oh, which smoothie was your favorite?”
“I liked them both. Sorry, I didn’t save you any.”
“All good. I can get more later. Well, sweet dreams.”
“You too.”
“Um, what are you doing tomorrow? Should we start up with the recordings again?”
“I thought we’d finished the book.”
“Oh right. Well—”
This was getting silly now, with neither wanting to leave or stop talking.
He finally said, “Um, I was thinking of walking down to the Malecon tomorrow morning. I don’t know if you’re busy but we could go together and grab a coffee and some molletes. If you, I mean, if you want to join me.”
“Not sure if I’ll be able to eat much, but sure, I’d like that. What time?”
“Eight?”
“Okay.”
“Okay.” He smiled.
She laughed. “Okay! Now go!”
He backed up before taking a quick bow. She closed the door. How had she ever thought this feeling would ever find her again?
Closing down her computer, she settled in for the night and slept soundly.
The next morning, Claire and Pat walked down to the Malecon. The usual routine went on around them as men cut the grass with weed eaters. In various spots, women carried on their morning exercise workouts. As they made their way farther down the sidewalk, Pat took Claire’s hand.
He smiled, and she smiled back. Maybe they’d gotten past their earlier issues. After finding a table at the restaurant, they enjoyed their breakfast. Claire was thankful she could still chew on her left side as the molletes were good. As they ate, they chatted about the book and some of the upcoming events being held in town.
Claire said, “I think I’ll head over to the library. Do you want to go?”
“I’m good, but I’ll walk over with you.”
“No. I may stop by the bakery on the way back. I feel I deserve a treat after all that work yesterday. I’ll see you later.” Claire moved away.
“Looking forward to it.” He waved at a group of people across the way. He walked toward the group.
Claire walked over to the Society. Making her way through the garden area to the library, she waved at people she’d met there. Inside the building, she scanned the shelves for any new books. She pulled one down. It looked interesting. Cracking it open, she flipped to the title page to see that it had been signed by the author.
In a bold script, the name Rick Benor was signed in black ink. She closed it and tucked it under her arm. She browsed more of the shelves, taking her time to read a few first pages. She added a couple of books before going to the counter to check out.
The lady was the same volunteer she’d chatted with the other day. The woman raised her hand in a ‘stop’ gesture. She turned away before sneezing loudly.
“Oh, sorry. Hold on.” She grabbed some tissues before sneezing again.
“Bless you,” Claire said. “What’s the saying? Three times a letter, four times something better?”
“Not sure about something better.” She wiped her nose again. After dumping the tissue in the trash, she squirted some sanitizer in her hands. When she was done, she gazed at her hands.
She spoke to Claire. “Sorry about that. Something’s going around. Would you mind if I nip out and wash my hands before I handle your books? I’ve got the squirt stuff, but I’d rather do that first.”
“I’m in no hurry. Go ahead. I’ll wait.”
“Great. I’ll be back in a jiff.” She grabbed some tissues, holding them up to her nose as she scurried out of the building.
Claire tapped her fingers on the counter. Her gaze fell on the book that was signed by the author. Did authors send them to the library or had someone donated them? She’d have to ask the volunteer when she returned.
After some time, the woman returned. “I apologize. Thanks for waiting—”
“Claire.”
“Hi, Claire. I’m Alice. I can’t remember if I introduced myself the other day.”
“I don’t recall. But nice to meet you, Alice. I hope you’ll feel better soon.”
“Me too. I’m not feeling so hot. I think something is going around. Now, where were we?” She pumped a few squirts of sanitizer into her hands. “Better to be extra careful.”
“I appreciate it. I’d rather not get sick. I only have a short time left before heading home.”
“Oh, no. I thought you were moving here. I was hoping we’d have time to grab some coffee or lunch.”
“That sounds nice. Maybe we can do that before I go.”
“We’re also starting up a book club.”
“With Gwen?”
Alice’s face showed surprise. “Yes, how did you know?”
“Gwen mentioned it to me the other day.”
“Oh, that explains it. Well, you have to come. It should be lots of fun.”
She picked up the books Claire had set on the counter.
“Alice, I noticed this one is signed. Did they come in and sign it?”
Alice cracked open the book and looked at the signature. “Hmm. Not to my knowledge. I guess they could have when one of the other volunteers was here. Usually, though, we just get donations.”
“Ah, okay. I just wondered. I like his books and it would be great to meet him.”
“Don’t recognize the name. But who knows? We have so many people moving—oh no—”
She rushed away from the desk and sneezed again. “Oh, brother. I think I may shut up early if I can’t find someone to take over.”
Claire picked up the books, not wanting to catch anything Alice had. She waved as Alice went into another sneezing attack. “Feel better.” She called as she exited the library.
Alice responded with a wave before another bout of sneezing.
Great, thought Claire. Better up the Vitamin C just to be safe. She adjusted the books in her arms before heading back toward the casita.
Making her way inside, she glanced over at Pat’s house. She heard music playing.. Might be good to find out what time he wanted to meet that evening to go over the book notes. She opened the door before setting the books down on the nearby table. Closing the door, she made her way over to see Pat.
Of course, she could easily text or call him, but she wanted to see him. She mounted the steps, stopping as she heard a woman’s laughter.
Who was with Pat?
She hesitated on continuing or turning around. The decision was made for her as she looked to see Pat. He waved with his hand. “I thought I heard steps on the stairs. Come on up. I’m just chatting with a friend.”
“If I’m not intruding.”
“Of course not. Come on.”
Claire mounted the steps and followed Pat into the living room. A woman with soft brown eyes, a crooked grin, and curly brown hair rose from her chair.
For a moment, they stared at one another, both squinting but saying nothing.
Then the woman squealed. “Claire, is that you?”
“Janie! Oh my gosh. How long has it been?”
“Forever!” She rushed over and the women hugged, their eyes pricking with tears of joy.
“I can’t believe it! Of all places to see you. The last time I saw you was in college before you switched your major.”
Claire nodded. “Sounds right. When I switched there, I ended up changing colleges too. No excuse for not staying in touch. Though it was harder than compared to today.”
“All good. I remember we always said we’d get together and weeks turned to months, then years—”
Claire grasped the woman’s hand. “Then decades. Wow, I can’t believe this. You’ve just made my day!”
Pat interrupted them. “Well, this is fun. How about we all sit down? Something to drink, Claire?”
“Iced tea if you have some, thanks.” She sat across from Janie.
The pair jabbered on about some of their past as Pat returned with Claire’s drink. He sat it on the nearby table, taking a back seat as the pair continued catching up.
“Did you ever marry?” Janie asked.
Claire shook her head. “No. Of course, when I was younger, there were relationships, but I was too focused on my career. Then one night I went to sleep and the next day I woke up as an old woman.”
“Don’t I know it! Time has flown by. So what brings you here?”
“I came down for some dental work. But stayed on because of Pat’s arm.”
“Oh, no. That was you?” Janie burst out laughing. “I should have had a clue then.”
“I’m not as clumsy as I used to be. But how do you know about it?”
“It was the talk all over town for a few days. Seems you made a big splash on your arrival.”
Claire reached out and took the iced tea, sipping it. “Well, I didn’t mean to. I certainly didn’t mean for Pat to get hurt.” She set the glass down on the table.
“Ah, that’s Patrick though. So chivalrous. Aren’t you, Pat?” She patted his thigh.
Claire fought back against a rush of jealousy. She pressed her lips together while crossing her arms. That was pretty familiar of Janie. Had they been an item at one time? No matter. It had to have been in the past. “So, are you visiting or living here?”
“Oh, I live here. Over in the racquet club area. I just got back from visiting family and attending a wedding in the States. I returned a few days ago. That’s when I got caught up on all the expat gossip. Trust me, nothing remains a secret here for long!”
Janie’s boisterous laughter compelled Claire to smile, recalling the young woman who had been such a dear friend in her youth.
“Janie, I’m just so happy to see you.”
“Ditto. We need to get together. Let’s make time to spend the day together. Have you been to the thermal springs yet?”
Claire shook her head. “No. But sounds like a pleasant treat.”
“Great! Let’s plan on doing that next week. Do you have your phone with you?”
“No. I left it in the casita. If you give me your number, I’ll call you and we can set up that time.”
“Perfect. Pat, do you have any paper and a pen I can use?”
He stood up and walked to a table. “This is an envelope from my mail, you can use the back.”
“This will work.” Janie took the envelope and wrote her name, phone number, and a smiley face. She handed the envelope to Claire before rising to leave. Her face brightened as she clapped her hands. “I’m so happy to see you again after all this time.” She hugged Claire again before kissing Pat on the cheek.
Waving, she hummed a tune as she made her way down the steps.
“Well, that’s something.” Pat gazed at her.
“Yes, you never know what life has in store for you.”
Pat nodded. “I’m not feeling so hot. Can I beg off tonight?”
“Sure. I got a few books from the library so I can start on them.”
“Good night then.” He kissed her on the cheek.
After arriving back at the casita, she marveled at the turn of events. She hadn’t seen Janie in forever.
However, she remembered one thing. Before they’d become good friends, they’d both pursued one young man. Both had been competitive in their youth. Were they still the same?
Even more, did they have the same man in their sights?
She dropped the envelope on top of the books. Patrick Norby. Now that she thought about it, she didn’t think she’d known his last name. Or had she forgotten it?
Changing out of her clothing, she took a shower before compiling a plate of cheeses, meats, bread, and some veggies and olives. Pouring a glass of chardonnay, she placed the items next to the bed.
Normally she avoided eating in bed, but it was the comfiest option. She pulled the covers down and piled up pillows where she’d be resting. She took a large shawl and placed it on the bed so she could pull it off in case of any crumbs.
Before she knew it, she found herself enthralled in the suspense novel, finding herself hot on the pursuit alongside the main character in a race against time. Blinking her eyes, she looked up to see it was after midnight. She stretched and rose to go to the bathroom.
Coming back, she lifted the opened book, and it fell on the floor.
Shoot.
Picking the book up, it fell open to the front page and the signature of Rick Benor.
Something tickled at the edge of her mind.
But as she yawned, she decided she’d think about it tomorrow. Flipping through the pages, she found where she’d stopped and stuck the envelope inside to hold her place.
Turning off the light, she settled back against the pillows. Realizing she hadn’t taken the shawl off the bed, she got up and wadded it up. She placed it on the chair before getting back into bed.
What was she trying to remember? It was frustrating. Maybe it would come to her while she slept.
A word popped into her mind.
Synchronicity.
Without her decision to come to Ajijic, she would’ve never met Pat. If Pat hadn’t tried to stop her from getting hurt, she probably would have gone back to the States by now. And she would have missed connecting with Janie.
Another word popped into her mind.
Competition.