CHAPTER THIRTEEN
LORI
Lori and Guy left the movie theater, discussing the movie’s final twist. Because Lori read thrillers and mystery books, she’d guessed the ending. Guy was surprised by it. However, discussing the various possibilities was enjoyable and sparked laughter between them.
“Can I buy you an after-dinner drink?” Guy asked her.
She hesitated and then said, “Why don’t you come to my house instead? I’ve got some cold beers in the refrigerator. But it can’t be a late evening. One beer. My sister’s baby shower is tomorrow, and I promised my mother to help set it up.”
“Okay, deal,” said Guy.
They walked to Guy’s car, got in, and drove to her house.
On the way, Lori told herself not to second-guess her decision. She’d had other men inside her house, but no one had stayed the night, nor would they until she was ready. In a way, having Guy come to her house would be a test of how things might progress in the future.
Her thoughts turned to Griff. She’d loved the idea of having a male friend but had to admit that under different circumstances, she’d have liked more than that with him.
When they reached her house, Lori led the way to the front door, unlocked it, and indicated for Guy to enter.
Closing the door behind them, Lori drew a deep breath and told herself to relax.
Guy turned to her with an easy smile, and the uneasiness she’d felt disappeared. It was a new year filled with determination for emotional growth.
She led the way into the kitchen.
“Heineken all right?” she asked.
“Perfect,” Guy said. “I had the chance to enjoy the Heineken Experience while traveling in Amsterdam. It was very interesting, and it’s a tasty beer.”
“Have you done a lot of traveling?” Lori asked, handing him a bottle of beer.
“Yes. I took a year off to travel between getting my bachelor’s degree and starting law school. I've visited every continent except Antarctica. I traveled with a friend for part of it and picked up other friends along the way. It was a terrific experience.”
“It sounds fantastic. I’d like to travel but haven’t had the chance to do so,” said Lori. “Tell me about Paris. Was it as wonderful as they say?”
“Anywhere in France, it’s about the food. All of it is delectable. Paris is a large city, but like New York, it’s full of neighborhoods and diverse places to stay and eat, aside from the usual tourist spots. That’s what I was looking for, places off the usual tourist routes.”
Facing him, Lori leaned against the kitchen bar and sighed. “How did you manage to pay for it without working as you traveled? That’s always been a concern for me.”
“My grandmother left me some money, and I decided to use some of it to travel. I knew I’d probably never have the chance to do something like that again.”
“And now? Do you spend vacations traveling?”
He shook his head. “I only do it for business or to visit my mother in California.”
“That’s too bad,” Lori said. “I’m glad you were able to see the world when you could.”
“Yeah, me too,” said Guy, looking away and then back to her. “The divorce cost me a lot. But someday I hope to be able to go on more trips.”
“I’m sorry,” said Lori. She went around the counter and sat on a kitchen bar stool facing him. “Tell me about living in California.”
“My family moved to a suburb of Los Angeles, and I admit, at first, I found the weather a pleasant change from Ellenton. It was exciting to meet many kids who had famous parents. But after a while, it all seemed fake to me. My father was an entertainment lawyer, and he was very successful because he loved his work. So, the move was a wise one for my parents. I also loved learning to surf and sail. My father had a small yacht, and that was fun too.”
“The one thing Ellenton doesn’t have is an ocean,” said Lori. “But we do have Loon Lake. I’m sure you remember that. It was a favorite place for high school kids to hang out.”
Guy laughed. “Of course, I remember that. You and I went there together just before I moved.” His gaze rested on her. “I’ve never forgotten it.”
“That was a long time ago,” said Lori, remembering that Guy had wanted to do a lot more than kissing and how conflicted she’d felt.
“Tell me about your husband,” said Guy. “I noticed a photo of him. He looked like a nice man.”
“Nick was a special person whom everyone loved and respected. He taught science at the local high school. We had a very loving relationship, and were both devastated when he found out he had cancer.”
Guy studied her. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
Lori indicated the interior of the house with a wave of her hand. “We’d just started fixing up the house when we learned about it. I try to do a little something with the house now that I’ve paid off the medical bills. ”
“It looks very homey,” said Guy. “I like what you’ve done this far.”
“Thanks,” said Lori, realizing he’d probably never lived in a small, ordinary house like this. She could tell he was a little surprised by it.
They finished their beers.
Guy checked his watch and stood. “I guess I’d better be going. It was great spending time with you.”
“Yes, me, too,” she said, following him to the front door.
There, Guy stopped, leaned over, and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks again for an enjoyable evening.”
“You’re very welcome,” said Lori, confused by his somewhat formal behavior, but she was determined not to show it.
He left, and she watched from the living room window as he got into his car and started the engine. With a quick beep of the car’s horn, he pulled out of the driveway.
She turned away and let out a sigh. This dating thing was difficult. Especially when it was with an old crush. A crush who was still very much out of her league. She wasn’t part of the country club crowd and never would be.
Her thoughts turned to Griffin Sawyer. It was obvious he had money, but he’d never made her feel as if she didn’t measure up to his standards.
Of course, they both knew their friendship wouldn’t last more than a week.
Even then, it turned out to be for only two days, so they didn’t know each other very well.
Lori turned out the downstairs lights and climbed the stairs to the master suite on the second floor. Though she and Nick hadn’t had enough money to do more than paint the walls a warm, sunny yellow, this room held priceless memories of a beautiful love.
She lay in bed thinking of the year ahead. Now that she’d decided to make some changes, she couldn’t let the disappointment of this evening change her mind.
As she nestled her head against her soft pillow, Lori reviewed the date.
It hadn’t been a complete failure. She and Guy had had a pleasant time.
It was just the awkward ending that bothered her.
Yet, at the same time, she was grateful to Guy for understanding her nervousness.
He complied with her request and had one drink.
She’d have to learn to relax and let things take a more natural course.