BUTTERFLIES FLY AWAY (17 page)

“Carrie darling, you are preaching to the converted
here.  I just want you to smile again.  I miss my god-daughters
beautiful smile.”

Those words stopped Carrie in her tracks.

“Okay Belle, I will try, let’s see if I can get
those facial muscles moving again!”

“That’s my girl.  Now tell me, what are you
planning on wearing tonight?  Please tell me you have something suitable”

“Mmm well,” she let the words hang in the air,
“Jeans and my converse, he did say casual!”

“What!” Belle exclaimed.

“Only joking, I have something suitable, I went
shopping today!”

Carrie talked through her choice of outfit complete
with her black louboutins that she never left home without.

“Fabulous darling, I love those sexy shoes of
yours.  Now remember you aren’t five anymore so dress appropriately.”

When Carrie was five, Belle stayed with them for a
few days and during the visit Carrie played dress up with Belle’s clothes and
cosmetics.  She discovered her Aunts variety of shoes, shoulder padded
dresses it was the 1980’s after all and bright red lipstick.  Whilst her
family were watching TV or something Carrie sneaked into the guest room,
rummaged through her Aunts belongings and then paraded downstairs.  
She managed to mess her hair, apply bright blue eye shadow and the red lipstick
with a skill that would have made a clown envious.  A few beaded
necklaces, bangles and the piece de résistance her aunts 4 inch black patent
high heels.  How she managed to descend the stairs without toppling over
was a miracle.  She even had a handbag draped over her arm.

“Look at me,” she announced twirling around, “I’m
Auntie Belle”

The family never let her forget it.  The story
embellished over the years but she could laugh at it now.

“Oh my dear God!” her mother had exclaimed. 
“Get out of those shoes before you break your neck!”

The incident cemented her love of her Auntie Belle
but also developed her love of shoes and handbags she joked.

They finished their call with Carrie promising to
update her Aunt on how dinner went along whilst trying to find some time in
their schedule to meet before Carrie returned home.

Carrie had finished drinking her coffee and decided
to retreat back to her room taking her magazines with her to read later. 
She had four hours until she was meeting Nico.  Plenty of time to check
her return flights and get ready for the evening.  Her outfit was hanging
up ready for later.  Notepad at the ready she jotted down some options for
flights.  She would still need to get a connecting flight but knew what to
expect this time.  She extended the rental of the car even though she had
hardly used it but she would need it for her next lighthouse trip.  It was
only Wednesday and she had only been in the Cape five days but it felt like she
had been there for years.  She had asked Terri to keep her room on until
the Friday but the best flights were leaving a week tomorrow Thursday
afternoon.  She would still need to get a connecting flight from Portland
to Newark then wait a few hours.  But she would be home Friday at 07.30am
for Claire’s birthday.  After reviewing her accumulating purchases she
added another case of luggage to be checked in.   Time to let Terri
know she wouldn’t need the room for Friday and would be leaving the following
Thursday.

No time like the present.  Terri was at
reception and Carrie talked through her plans. 

“Well let’s make the most of your days in the Cape,
there’s much more for you to see if you want before you go home.”

“I plan on doing that Terri”

Terri had kindly printed off Carries flight info and
boarding pass as she checked in on line.

“What are your plans for this evening Carrie?”

“I’m going out for dinner.  A friend is meeting
me later.”

“That’s great I was going to suggest somewhere for
you but it looks like you’ve got that sorted.  How about a coffee tomorrow
and you can let me know what the next lighthouse is?”

“Thanks again Terri, I will see you later.”

Time to let back home know she had made her
arrangements for her return. 

A text to her Mum first.

“Hi Mum, all okay here, guess you will have spoken with
Claire, I’m staying on for a few more days but I’ve booked my flight
home.  Be back next Friday at 07.30am.  Just in time for Claire’s
birthday.  Let me know if we are going out for a birthday dinner or if you
have anything planned.  Love you x”

Another quick text to Claire

“Hi Sis, flight booked back at 07.30am on Fri for
your birthday.  Texted Mum to update her x”

Her sister replied in a millisecond.

“Great, don’t worry I’ve updated the parents and Mum
was okay about it.  Are u all set for your date??????x”

“Thanks but it is NOT a date.  It’s just
dinner! X”

“Whatever!”

Beep a reply from her Mum.

“That’s good Carrie, I hope you are being careful.
Claire said this trip is doing you the world of good.  Call me tomorrow, I
would like to hear your voice!  We thought it best to go out for
dinner.  Table has been booked for Friday night so you should have
recovered from your jet lag! Love you x”

Carrie decided to email her Dad as she wanted to
forward her flight details to him.

“Hi Daddy,

Greetings from Sunny Cape Elizabeth

You have probably heard from Mum or
Claire or both by now but I have booked my return flights and I’ve attached the
confirmations.  I know you will want to check them through just in case there
is something amiss. 

How are the plans for the move
going?  Sorry I won’t be there to help.  I know Claire is super
organised and will have you all on a schedule!! Tea breaks included.

Speak soon

Love

Carrie x”

Yikes, it was 6pm, where had the last two hours
gone?

Well booking her flights, catching up with her
family and Terri had done that.

Time for her shower.  Picking up her ipod she
selected a playlist for some catchy music; no opera this evening.  Settled
on Amy Winehouse and Valerie belted out.

Lathering on the new shower gel that she had
acquired the cubicle was soon enveloped in the scent of the vetiver and
rose.  Now that she had purchased extra luggage she could maybe get some
more or check if they shipped to the UK.  Success she managed to shave her
legs without one nick of the blade.  She was undecided what to do with her
hair and opted to wear it poker straight.  First things first, time to
apply the rich body lotion and oils to her skin giving them plenty of time to
dry in. 

Now time to tackle her make up.  Once she would
have been in a panic over making sure that her outfit was perfect, that she had
done her nails or even had a fake tan.

This was a new Carrie.

No fake tan for her skin but the glow of walking in
the sun for the last few days and the shine of the moisturising oil.  The
mac make up was a familiar friend, products she had used many many times and
her confidence didn’t waver as she applied it.  Her brows could do with
shaping but thankfully they weren’t overgrown werewolf like or even approaching
a mono brow.  Drying her hair straight it fell around the shape of her
oval face.  The fringe that she had worn for years now completely
outgrown.  She left her hair loose and gave it a quick straighten with the
hot irons.  Almost done.  A cloud of the new Tom Ford perfume she had
purchased just last week at the airport and she still had a half hour to
spare.  She didn’t want to put her clothes on just yet so settled for
applying a very quick coating of buff coloured nail varnish.  For once her
nails were in good condition and didn’t need much more attention.

The ipad was flashing that she had messages to
read.  Her Dad had replied.

“Hi Carrie,

Greetings from, surprise surprise, rainy
Scotland.

Your Mum has updated me on all your
latest news, as has Claire. 

I’m glad you are taking some time for
yourself but it will be good to have you home.  I’ve missed my wee girl.

The plans for the move are going ahead
for Friday.  We moved a lot today so there isn’t much left to do.  Oh
and yes, Claire does have a schedule but then again when doesn’t she?

It’s the first I’ve seen what you’ve
done with Rob’s old study and I think it will be a great bedroom for
Harry.  Your Mum was a bit surprised when she first saw it but she’s
already helped set up some things in the room.  It’s all coming along but
remember it’s still not too late to change your mind.

Keep safe

Love

Dad x”

Typical of her Dad to offer her an exit if
needed.  But she wanted to go ahead with the move.

A quick reply.

“Hi Dad

Sounds like it’s all coming along
without me.  Hope my staying here a bit longer doesn’t throw a spanner in
the works.

Don’t worry; I’ve not changed my
mind. 

Maybe me staying a bit longer will give
Claire and Ryan time to settle in the house without watching my every
reaction.  I want them to feel comfortable and not worry about upsetting
me.

Love

Carrie x”

Carrie signed out of her account and turned off the
ipad.  She placed the ipad next to ‘Rob’ on the drawers.  Was she
doing the right thing? 

Amy was still soulfully singing and Carrie attempted
to sing along a little as she removed the tags from her top and jacket. 
Trying to avoid any fashion faux pas.  She added a credit card and some
dollars to the inside pocket in her little clutch bag.  It was always safe
to leave with some money you never knew what would happen, even if you were
dining with a billionaire!

A plain black thong and bra for her underwear, no
indecent scraps of silk or satin this time for her.  The satin vest top
she had bought along with the red belt a perfect match for her trousers. 
Before a final spritz of the perfume she added a pendant necklace a sparkly
swarovski sphere perfect against the black background.  Sparkly drop
earrings that glimmered when she tucked her hair behind her ear.  She
slipped on the black louboutins and the new blazer rolling up the sleeves to
her elbow.  Okay time for some lipstick and she would be ready to
go.  Drawing the new mac lip crayon that she had bought today against her
lips she shaded in a deep pink.  A blot to remove any excess and she was
ready.  The lip crayon added to her little clutch bag along with her
mobile and it was time.  7.55pm. 

Why was she nervous?  She shouldn’t be
nervous?  It’s not like it was a date but Carries stomach was flipping as
she walked down the stairs.  Glad that she had packed the louboutins that
she had worn many times in the past that they gave her a confidence
boost.  Where the stairs led to the reception area and front door Carrie
began to gingerly walk down the stairs careful not to miss her footing and
slip.  Now that would be embarrassing.  She looked up and there he
was.  Waiting for her.

She sounded like something from the 1950’s but the
first thought that went through her mind was.

“Oh my!” he was gorgeous.

He stood near the door at the entrance dressed in a
charcoal grey suit with a crisp white shirt.  She knew he had racked up
thousands of miles that day travelling from LA but he looked refreshed with not
an inch of jet lag.  It was the first time that she had seen him clean
shaven and her hand itched to touch his face.  Was it as smooth as it
looked?  He smiled as she reached the last step.

“Hello”

He walked towards her and kissed her cheek. 
Wowzers his cheek was smooth against her,

“Hello you”

She walked towards the reception and handed in her
room key.

“Good Evening Charlie”

“Evening Carrie, you have a good night.”

“I will Charlie, see you later”

Nico held the door open for her.

“You look amazing,” he said as she stood in the open
doorway.

“Thank you, you look well too”

Outside a black Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 was parked,
they walked towards it.

“I thought we could eat down at the waterfront in
Portland’s Old Port district.  I’ve made reservations for great restaurant
there.  It will take us about 20 minutes to get there, I hope that’s
okay.”

Before they reached the bottom step of the Inn the
driver was out of the car and had opened the passenger door for Carrie. 
He was stocky built, short shaved hair and aged mid-forties.

“Great but you have to save your one question until
dinner.”

“That’s a deal.  I’d like to introduce you to
my friend Jay who is going to be our driver this evening.  Jay this is
Carrie.”

“Hi Jay, nice to meet you.”

“Hello Carrie,” he said once they were seated in the
car. 

Nico sat in the white leather seat next to her in
the back.  Yikes, again!

“Jay is my right hand man and he is also a firm
favourite of Beaus!”

“Oh well kindred spirits then.  I think Beau is
adorable, so friendly.”

“I took him for his walk this morning Carrie, Did
you go to the beach today?” Jay asked. 

“Yes, I did but I didn’t see him”

“I swear I think he was looking for you.  He
was on patrol this morning back and forth.  Didn’t want as much play time
as usual.”

“Ahh that’s so sweet, I will be sure to look for him
tomorrow morning.”

She felt like she was rambling.

“The usual time?” Nico asked.

“Yes, if you like.”

She could smell his aftershave, sharp and citrusy
and wanted to lean in towards him but she restrained herself.

“How was LA?”

“Very informative, Belle had lots to say and I have
been warned to treat you right!”

“Oh no, how embarrassing.  What did she say to
you?”

“Hmm that’s a question Carrie” he teased.

“Tell me put me out of my misery”

“Well, I guess I could tell you one thing,”

“Okay, stop teasing me,”

“Alright then, she told me that you have eleven
brothers who would beat me to a pulp if I messed with you”

Carries laughter filled the car.

“I don’t have any brothers!” she confessed. “She’s
incorrigible but I love her dearly”

“Today she told the project manager that the 1980’s
called and wanted their designs back!”

She laughed.  “That’s so like Belle, I’m not
surprised, where the designs that bad?”

“I’ve worked with the same team on a few other
projects and never had any issues but they were certainly taken aback with
that.  So I have asked for a review as Belles feedback was constructive
apart from that the 1980’s calling!”

They drove through the warehouse district, passed
cafes and restaurants.  It was obviously a popular area to eat at. 

“Jay will drop us here,
it’s just a short walk to the restaurant.”

Again glad that she was wearing trusted shoes,
Carrie walked with confidence along the cobbled path passed the red brick
buildings.  Nico took her hand. 

“To help you keep your balance” he explained and she
gave him a smile.

A few minutes later they stopped in front of a large
three storey converted warehouse.  Double doors those were open with
discreet signage for the restaurant, perfect miniature trees framing the
doors.  Nico moved his hand from hers to the small of her back and guided
her through the doorway.

“Hi Nico, good to have you back with us,” The maître
de greeted him and they shook hands.

“Good Evening and welcome, let’s get you both
seated.”

The restaurant was open plan; the seating arranged
around the open kitchen area and split over two levels.  There was a buzz in
the air from the chatter and calls from the kitchen, the grills smoking and
sending out wonderful aromas.

They were lead to a booth away from the main hustle
and bustle but still within reach of the other diners.

As Carrie was seated the waiter flicked open her
napkin and placed it over her lap.  He exchanged more words with Nico and
left them their menus.

“Would you like some wine or something else?”

“White please but I will leave the choice to you.”

Within minutes a cool glass of crisp white wine was poured
in front of her, she took a sip and nodded her agreement.

“It’s lovely, good choice”

They clinked glasses.

“Let’s toast to good company, great food and
answering questions!”

Carrie laughed in agreement and said “Now back to
the business in hand, what to eat!  I don’t know where to start,
everything looks so tempting.  What do you recommend?”

“I am biased Carrie, I like everything on the
menu.  The owners are very good friends of mine. The oysters are a
speciality here.”

Carrie perused the menu a little longer but made her
selection when the waiter returned.  She couldn’t come all the way to
Maine and not have seafood.  She decided on fresh oysters served with the
mignonette sauce.  Following with the pan fried scallops. 

The tray arrived with the half a dozen oysters lying
on a bed of ice.  Lemon wedges tucked into the ice beside the dish of
mignonette.  The sharpness of the sauce of cracked pepper, shallot and
lemon perfect to accompany the fresh oysters.  Through the years Carrie had
eaten oysters several times and they were an acquired taste.  She had
developed her own style of eating them.  Using the little fork she moved
the muscle around in the shell, just to make sure it was loose.  The first
one she always had ‘pure’ without any seasoning to experience all the
flavours.  Then she would add a squeeze of the lemon or a sprinkle of the
mignonette.  When the tray arrived she did this process moving the little
fork around on the first and subsequent oysters.

“Nothing worse than trying to eat an oyster that
doesn’t want to go anywhere!” she told Nico.

She savoured the taste of the sea and chewed softly.

“Delicious,” turning over the shell of the eaten
oyster back into the iced tray.  Another sip of the wine to savour with
the flavours of the sea.

“I don’t think I have ever seen someone eat oysters
with such enthusiasm!”

“I’m full of surprises”

“I bet you are Carrie”

When the scallops arrived Carrie again tucked in
with vigour.  Nico had ordered steak.  They spoke of the surrounding
area, Carries trip to the lighthouse, all nice and safe subjects.

“The Cape is beautiful to live in but I am very
fortunate to travel the world with my job.  I get to meet a variety of
people and work with great talents.  People like Belle.”

“My Auntie Belle is one of a kind.  I wanted to
be her when I was little.  She was always so glamorous and fun.” She
confessed.

“She has some great ideas for the Esperanza and I’m
glad she’s on board.  It doesn’t always happen like that.  I met her
on the Forest project and she fought tooth and nail for them.”

“I remember, I was visiting her at the time and she
had a few late nights but it’s the life that she loves.  She wouldn’t have
it any other way.”

“You were in Devon then?”

“Yes, I took a little holiday staying with Belle but
your takeover of Forest kind of interrupted that.”

“How strange we were there at the same time but
never met.  I wonder what would have happened.  I would like to ask
you my question?  You did promise after all.”

“Mmm Okay, I guess, what would you like to know?”

“It’s corny I guess, but why are you traveling
alone?”

“Oh okay,” she took a sip of the wine.  The
dinner plates had been cleared away.

“I couldn’t eat another thing Nico that was a lovely
meal.”  Carrie declined a desert “But I would love a coffee.”

Coffees were ordered and brought to the table.

“In answer to your question, I guess I have to give
you a little of the condensed version.”  She twirled round the diamond
rings on her wedding finger.

“This is difficult for me but I’m a widow.  My
husband died in a car accident about sixteen months ago.  If we had met
last year I was still a mess and I don’t think we would be having
dinner.”  Another sip of the espresso. “We watched a TV program about the
lighthouses of this area and I found a book he bought shortly before he
died.  I felt I had to come here and visit some of them on his behalf.”

“I’m sorry for your loss Carrie.  And I’m sorry
if this is painful for you.”

“No I’m okay, it does get easier to talk about it,
and I’ve felt reinvigorated being here at the Cape where no one knows me for my
past, they know me for who I am now.  So now you know too.  I guess
that’s why I agreed to dinner tonight.  It was nice to be asked.  I
didn’t have to avoid any pitiful looks.  I’m sorry if I’ve put a dampener
on this evening.”

“You haven’t Carrie; I’m glad that you could confide
in me.  I don’t pity you; I think you are very brave.”

“So let’s even things a little then, tell me
something else about Nico”

“I live at home with my parents.  My brother
and sister too!”

“You forget I am a gossip junkie and I know that
already.  Only joking.  So you’ve never lived alone?”

“Never, we’ve always lived in the Cape.  I
travel so much that I use here as a base.  There isn’t much point setting
up a separate home.  Well not until I meet the right person,”

“I’ve been living alone since Rob died.  But
when I go back home it won’t be like that for long.  My sister – who is
six months pregnant – brother in law and two year old nephew, will be staying
with me in the short term.  I’m going home to a full house.  But I
don’t mind, we get on very well and my sister has been my rock.”

“Wow, you will have your hands full there, it can
get quite busy back home for me too.  At the moment it’s just Mom, Dad, my
brother Paolo and sister Chiara and Beau of course.  We all ramble around
in the house when our schedules permit.  My Dad retired a few years ago,
likes to play golf when he can.  Mom has her charity work.  Paolo is
at college in his third year of law.  Chiara, well what can I say about my
little sister?  I think she has aspirations to be the next
Kardashian.  She has some hair brained scheme of wanting to do a reality
show.  As if anyone would watch that!”

“As if!  I think you would be surprised who
would watch it” she laughed and finished off the remainder of her espresso.

“Would you?”

Carrie laughed, “I’m a self-confessed gossip junkie,
of course I would”

The ringing of his mobile phone interrupted their
conversation.

“Go ahead and answer, I will go to the rest room”

Carrie was glad of the interruption and chance to
recover her wits.  Through a maze of tables she found the restrooms and
took a few minutes to compose herself.  She didn’t recognise the girl in
the mirror.  Looking alive and flushed from the wine and conversation. 
It was a little of the old Carrie.  She re-applied her lip stick, a light
spritz of her perfume and she was ready to return to the table. 

“Woa,” she cried out as her foot slipped, looking
down to see what had caused her to stop and there on the floor in the restroom,
a shiny penny.