CHAPTER SIXTEEN
LORI
That evening, Lori stood by Flo’s hospital bed and watched her sister unwrap the blanket around the baby so they could see that she had all ten toes and ten fingers.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Flo said. “She looks like Blake, and she has his red hair.”
Lori held back any momentary feelings of jealousy. She was truly happy for her sister. “Have you decided on a name for her?”
“After seeing her, I love the name Eloise,” said Flo. “Don’t you think that suits her?”
“It’s perfect. Eloise was the character in one of our favorite books who always had a knack for finding adventure. She’s already proved she’s adventuresome too, wanting to join the baby shower.”
Flo chuckled. “It makes for a cute story.”
“Has Hudson seen her?” asked Lori.
“Not yet. Blake is going to bring him tomorrow. He wanted to be sure both Eloise and I were rested before Hudson arrived. He’s a ball of energy, and I’m pretty sure he’ll want to 'hold' the baby, as we’d talked about.”
“Sounds like a wise decision. I’m glad I got to see her. She’s precious. I promise to be a loving auntie to her.”
“Her auntie and godmother,” Flo said.
“Really? Thanks. That’s very sweet of you and Blake,” said Lori, leaning down and kissing her sister on the cheek.
Later that day, Lori sat in the living room sipping a cup of tea and thinking about the children she and Nick had wanted.
They’d even started a list of names for them.
Seeing Flo with Eloise, the green-eyed monster of jealousy took a chunk out of Lori’s goodwill.
She realized then that part of her vow to start dating was so she could someday have a family of her own.
###
A few days later, Guy called to ask her out to dinner. “The Country Club is having a dinner dance for Valentine’s Day, and I wondered if you’d be my date.”
Lori’s heart sank. She wasn’t part of the country club crowd, and she usually didn’t like to dance. Then, an image of dancing with Griff entered her mind, and she remembered how much she’d actually enjoyed it.
“That sounds like fun,” Lori said, reminding herself that accepting the unexpected was all part of the process of moving past her grief and accepting her loss.
“I had a great time the other night, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again,” said Guy almost formally. “I know dating is something you’re adjusting to.”
Relieved he understood, Lori said, “How’s your house coming? Are you going to be able to move into it sometime soon?”
“Renovation is something that always takes longer than one would think,” he said. “But I’m comfortable in my condo and won’t push too hard and mess things up.”
“You’re getting more settled?” she asked.
“Yes. It’s been an enjoyable move for me,” he said. “How’s your sister? Did she have her baby yet?”
“It happened a few days ago. She’s a beautiful little girl, they’ve named Eloise. I’m her godmother,” said Lori with a note of pride.
“Congratulations,” said Guy. “I’ve got to go, but I wanted to be sure you’d come to the dinner dance with me.”
###
When she went into work the next morning, Cara met her in the cloakroom. “Guess who’s telling everyone that she and Guy are dating?”
She recalled Cynthia Walters’ threatening looks at the restaurant where she and Guy had dined and sighed. She didn’t want any trouble.
“Cynthia is broadcasting it to everyone,” Cara continued. “But I don’t believe it. I remember what it was like when we were in high school. She had a big crush on him, but he wasn’t interested. I can’t believe he is now.”
“I’m not sure they’re dating at all,” said Lori. “I just promised to go to a Valentine's Day dinner dance with him. At the country club. I said yes because this is the year I’m going to make changes in my life.”
“Oh, hon, I know you don’t like that crowd,” said Cara.
Lori’s back stiffened with determination. “That’s true, but I’m older and more settled now. There’s no reason I should be put off by the girls who used to be very mean to us. Right?”
“You got that right,” said Cara.
“I’m not going to worry about any of those times,” said Lori. “Besides, it’s just a simple date.”
“What are you going to wear?” asked Cara.
“I’m not sure. But I think a trip to ReNew is in order,” Lori said.
Cara gave her a thumbs-up sign. “I’ll go with you.”
###
After work, Lori entered the thrift boutique, hoping to find the right thing to wear to go out with Guy.
Having been aware of his family’s expectations in the past, she wanted to look her best to accompany him.
The pleasure on his face when he saw her dressed for their movie date sent her back to high school when she first realized her appearance was important to him.
Maybe because his mother was such a snob, and Lori’s background didn’t quite measure up.
Cara raced over to the cocktail dress section of the store and began leafing through the hanging dresses.
Lori followed behind and began searching at the far end of the rack. She and Cara reached the middle of the rack at the same time and whispered, “Yes!” together.
Cara pulled out the sleeveless, dark-red sheath and held it up for Lori to see.
It looked demure until Lori noticed the skirt was slit on one side, exposing a bit of her leg.
“Why are you hesitating?” asked Cara. “This is fantastic. It’ll be beautiful for you. Try it on.”
“Okay. But you have to be honest with me. If it seems too much like I’m trying too hard, I need to know.”
Lori removed her sweatshirt and jeans inside the dressing room and slipped on the dress. Even without it being zipped up all the way, she knew it was a perfect fit.
When she stepped outside the dressing room, Cara studied her and clapped her hands. “It looks like it was made for you. Let me finish zipping it up, and you can see for yourself in the three-way mirror.”
Lori walked to the mirror and twirled around. The slit in the side of the dress exposed her leg in a subtle sexy way. She turned to Cara. “I love it.”
“Me, too,” said Cara. “If only buying a dress would be that easy for me. But with your figure, you can make anything look perfect. While you settle the bill, I’m going to look around.”
After browsing for more casual things, Lori and Cara left the store.
“Thanks for helping me find this dress,” said Lori. “I owe you a favor.”
“No, it was fun doing this. See you tomorrow,” Cara said, getting into her car and driving off.
On the way home, Lori told herself she wasn’t being disloyal to Nick by being excited to go out with Guy.
But she couldn’t stop thinking about how different Valentine’s Day had always been with Nick.
Usually, it was a simple evening at home with special food Nick had catered in, glasses of wine, and lots of loving.
Sometimes, friends were invited, but the best times were when it was just the two of them.
###
Now that she knew what she was going to wear for her date, Lori couldn’t wait for Saturday to arrive. There was something about the dress that gave her confidence.
She couldn’t remember feeling this way about anyone else but Nick. This new excitement was a little troubling. Still, she’d make a real effort to enjoy herself and get to know Guy a little better, guilt-free.
After working at Bright Beginnings for just a half-day, Lori intended to use the afternoon to finish a project for a client and to get ready. First, she’d stop off at Flo’s house and spend some time with her goddaughter.
When she arrived at Flo’s, her husband, Blake, as principal, was overseeing an event at the high school. Hudson was sitting on the kitchen floor banging on a pot with a wooden spoon and Flo was seated in a kitchen chair nursing Eloise.
She looked up at Lori and said, “Thank God. The baby is ready to be burped, and I haven’t even had time for a shower today. Will you take Eloise? She’s had enough milk. And she needs a diaper change.”
Lori studied the fatigue marring Flo’s pretty features and said, “Sure.” None of this was new work for her.
“You’re a doll,” said Flo. “Hudson is ready for a nap soon. But for now, he’s fine. He’s putting on a concert for you.”
Lori laughed. “No worries. Enjoy your shower. I have time before I need to get ready to go out tonight.”
“When I come back all clean and ready for the rest of the day, I want to hear all about it. I heard you got a new dress. A red one.”
“Yes, it’s perfect. Go! Go!” Lori said, taking the baby into her arms.
“Auntie Lori, listen,” said Hudson.
“I can hear you,” Lori said. “Can you play it very softly, like sending a secret message?”
Hudson’s eyes widened. His wild pounding changed to light taps, and Lori said, “That’s just right. Now, let’s get Eloise’s diaper changed. You can help me choose a new outfit for her.”
Hudson followed her to the baby’s room where she opened a dresser drawer for him to look through. She didn’t care what outfit he chose. It was keeping him busy.
She placed Eloise on the changing table and quickly took care of the wet diaper.
“This one!” said Hudson, holding up a blue sleeper.
“Excellent choice. That will look beautiful on her,” said Lori. “Now let’s go into your room for some quiet time. I’ll bring Eloise.”
“Will you read me a story?” asked Hudson.
“Maybe we’ll make one up this time. You can start,” said Lori. They’d done this before. It had turned into something silly but fun. She loved getting a sense of what thoughts were in his head.
Lori made sure Hudson was lying on his bed with his favorite blanket and toy, and then she sat on the edge of the bed holding Eloise, who was nodding off to sleep
Turning to him, she said, “How do you want to begin the story?”
He giggled. “I’m a bear! Grrr!”
Lori immediately reacted. “Oh, no, Mr. Bear. Don’t frighten me. Why don’t I give you some honey. That’s your favorite thing. Right?”
“Yes. Honey.” Hudson pretended to eat something. “Okay, I feel better now. Want to play?”
“Yes,” said Lori. “You close your eyes, and I’ll count from one to twenty-five!”
“Twenty-five?” asked Hudson.
“Yes. By then, you should have some sweet dreams.”
The baby began to fuss.
Counting softly, Lori rocked the baby in her arms.
Hudson’s eyes remained closed, and by the time she got to twenty, he was snoring softly.
Careful not to wake him, Lori carried Eloise to her room and placed her in her crib.
As she stepped out of the room, Flo met her in the hallway.
“How do you do it?” Flo asked her. “It’s as if you have something magical about you when you’re with my kids.”
Lori chuckled. “You learn all kinds of tricks when you’re with them. Besides, your kids are very chill compared to some.”
“Thanks for helping me,” said Flo. “It’s such a relief to be clean and a little organized. I’d forgotten all the time I’d have to spend feeding a newborn.”
“Eloise is a darling. Enjoy this time while you can. When both the kids are walking, watching them can get complicated.”
Flo laughed. “I can already see why the jump from one child to two is such a big leap.”
Lori flung her arm across Flo’s shoulders. “I’m not the least bit worried that you won’t be able to handle it. Now, how about a cup of coffee before I have to leave to get ready for tonight’s big date.”
“Sure, but I want to hear all about the dress you bought,” Flo said.