The Guestbook (9 page)

The unpaved road threw up a muddy film that clung like glue to the ruby red paint of Brad’s Porsche. “So much for having the car detailed,” Brad muttered. “This damn dirt road sure isn’t doing it any good.” He down shifted into second gear as he rounded the last sharp curve and followed the wooden sign that read “Inn.” As if some invisible person hovered above the car, he yelled to the sky, “She
would
have to decide to come to the end of the world.”

From the vantage point atop the bluff, he could see the country inn. His face registered loathing. “Looks just a little too much like home. Leave it to Lily to find some place to dredge up my fondest memories.” His laugh had a sardonic ring
. “
I spend every waking moment trying to escape my past and she moves into the perfect replica
.”

He parked the car and moved slowly up the wooden steps of the veranda. He could almost see his father rocking ever so slowly in the corner and smell his stinking, alcohol breath.  His body jerked involuntarily at the memory. He surveyed the house and property with the keen eye of a businessman. Looks pretty run down. I don’t know if the house is worth much, but the property surely must be. I’ll check with a realtor in town before I leave, he thought.

Brad held the two dozen long-stemmed roses behind his back and knocked on the screen door, waited a second, then impatiently rang the bell. He hated to admit that he missed her, and he sure as hell didn’t want to deal with splitting community property in a divorce proceeding. For a moment, the prospect of failure curdled in his gut.

“Just a minute, I’ll be right there,” Lily called out. Anxiety moved like a current through his body. His shiny, black shoe rapped on the porch. What was taking so long
?
He slowed his breath, and a well-polished smile slid into place.

✦✦✦✦

She was under no pressure to do anything today, and it felt surprisingly good. No long lists of errands, no clients to charm and entertain, no gardeners or housekeepers to supervise, just baking in her new kitchen. Lily felt her shoulders relax.

She switched off the blender and listened. Was that the doorbell? Sure enough, there it is, she thought as she quickly rinsed the oil off her hands. She disliked being interrupted in the middle of creating a new culinary masterpiece. With the back of her hand, she brushed a wisp of stray hair from her face and hurried for the door. The image behind the screen door caused her to gasp. “Brad, what are you doing here?”

He stood on the porch holding a huge bouquet of blood-red roses, sporting a wide grin. Time stopped. Her hand went abruptly to her stomach.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in, sweetheart?” His words were candy-coated, and all she could think of were M&M’s.  Slick and shiny on the outside, but dark on the inside. “After all, I came all this way to see your new place.” Warning bells went off in her head. Her lawyer had told her to have no communication with him, but Brad didn’t like to hear no, and she was alone in the house. She could handle this.

“We can talk on the porch,” she said never taking her eyes off him.

His face dropped. “Lily, I came all the way out here. If you will take a few minutes to listen to what I have to say, I’ll leave quietly after that.”

She showed him into the parlor but did not offer him a seat. She reluctantly accepted the bouquet and placed them on the table for now. “What brings you here to Madrona?”

“I just followed my heart and this is where it led me.” He stood there, a pleading look on his face.

Lily remained standing and stared at the ridiculous imitation of a benevolent smile smeared across his face. He reached out and took her hand. There was an awkward silence as she released his hand and retreated backward.

His eyes registered pain, and for a moment and she felt pity.  It yanked at her heart, beckoning her to console him, but she would not go there.

“Don’t you have anything to say to me, Lily?”

Moments of silence passed and when she did not answer, a red flush of anger washed across his face and then disappeared. She could guess the reason; it probably wasn’t going as he’d planned, and as she knew, he always had a plan.

“If you have nothing else to say, I have to get back to my baking.”

She watched him regain his composure and survey the room. “You’ve made this place real cozy now, Lily, just right for a summer house.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Thanks, Brad, is that why you’re here? To scout the property?”

With a deep breath, she pushed back her shoulders and stood to her full height of 5’7”. Brad smiled indulgently, as he would to a child.

A hot flash of discomfort crept up her neck and face. To hide her dismay, she grabbed the flowers off the table. “I think I’ll put these in some water. I’ll just go get a vase.”

Brad sprang to the kitchen doorway and placed his body in front of her, pulling her into an awkward embrace. She smelled his expensive aftershave, the one he had started wearing just before she found the text messages. The smell nauseated her. He’d never worn the fragrance she’d given him. She squirmed out of his arms and set the flowers in the sink.

He moved closer. “You’re looking good, Lily, real good.” He tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. “I’ve really missed you. I realize now what a mistake I made letting you leave. Can you ever forgive me?”

Lily glared at him. She couldn’t believe her ears. Brad apologizing? This was a first. The other woman must have left. Or else his divorce attorney told him he would have to share half of everything with her.

“Have you nothing to say, Lily? I’m asking you to come back with me.”

He looked so sincere. She scanned the kitchen, a room that had become such a comfort to her. She inched backwards, moving toward the door. Brad’s eyes never left her.

“There is no sense both of us wasting money on lawyers. We can keep this place. It can be our vacation house. Or we can sell it and buy ourselves a real dream house at the ocean like you always wanted.”

All Lily heard was “we” and “ours.” This place was
hers
, and she realized in that instant that she had no intention of leaving it.  She looked at the man she had been married to and all she felt was disgust. It must have shown in her eyes, because Brad’s face contorted and he lunged toward her.

“Don’t come any closer, Brad,” she cried, moving around him, out of the kitchen and into the front hall.

“Ah, come on now, Lily,” he said cajolingly. But the grimace on his face conveyed his patience was at an end.

“I mean it, Brad, just stay back.” Lily inched toward the front door. Goosebumps crept up her skin, her heart pounded in her ears.

Brad sprang forward and grabbed her arm.

“You inherited this godforsaken place while we were still married. And in case you have forgotten, the divorce is not final. Legally, whether you like it or not, darling, you’re still my wife and this house is still half mine.”

To Lily’s utter humiliation and horror, she began to cry.

Brad’s grip loosened, and mistaking her tears for victory, he pulled her in for a hug. “It will be okay, Lily. Come home, let me take care of you.”

Brad withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. She snatched it and wiped her eyes then willed herself to remember the hundred plus text messages she’d seen on Brad’s phone. She steadied her nerves, and her resolve returned.

“My lawyer says this place is not community property.”

He reached out his hand to her. “Why don’t you just come home, let things go back to normal? We can put this all away and forget about it.”

“It may be hard for you to believe, Brad, but I really don’t care about that house. You can have it and everything you picked out in it.” She took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. “Now, I want you out of this house.”

“You know, if you don’t cooperate, I can make things very difficult for you.” He touched her cheek. “I’d rather not, Lily. We did have our good times.”

She looked him square in the eyes. “Brad, that threat works both ways.”

A quick look of surprise crossed his face. Then his eyes narrowed and he laughed.

Lily’s gaze darted to the window, where she could see Gretel, John’s large black dog, trotting up the porch for a visit. She almost laughed out loud and faked a cough to cover it. The one thing Brad was afraid of was dogs, and the hundred-pound Gretel would terrify him. With a quick turn, she pushed open the screen door and dropped down on one knee. “Why, hello, girl, come here and give me a kiss.” Gretel leaped inside and licked Lily’s face. Her arms went around the dog’s neck.

Brad backed up toward the door. “Very cute, Lily. Now get that dog out of here.”

“I think not, Brad. She’s welcome here and you’re not. In fact, all I have to do is let her know that and she’ll be all over you.” Lily had no idea if this was true, but she liked how it sounded. As if to affirm the truth of it, Gretel looked over at Brad, bared her rather large canines, and made a low, menacing growl.

“You’ve made your point, Lily, but so have I. If you aren’t packed up and home within one week, I
will
see you in court. The law is on my side, so you better kiss this place goodbye.” Brad yanked his car keys out of his pocket. “Hold on to that stupid dog so I can get back to civilization.”

Lily kept her hand firmly on the dog’s collar. The front door slammed as Brad stormed out. She watched him pound down the path to his car. The engine gunned and the Porsche sped out of the driveway, spewing a cloud of dirt behind it.  Lily dropped to both knees and hugged Gretel fiercely. Finally free to let the tears come, they spilled down her face.  The dog nuzzled in close and moaned softly. Lily wept into the soft black
fur while Gretel stood firm for both of them.

“Quite a chorus going on in here. Hope I’m not intruding,” Ian said, sticking his head in the screen door.

Lily couldn’t help but laugh at the picture she and Gretel must make. She wiped her eyes, and taking the hand Ian offered her, she rose from her knees. His hand felt so warm and steadying, she almost wished he wouldn’t let go.

“I heard some race car driver tearing up the dirt out there. Are you ok?”

The gentleness of his voice, and the pure sense of relief, brought fresh tears to Lily’s eyes.

“Hey now,” he said squeezing her hand. “I didn’t mean to make you cry again.”

It was all just too much. Lily gave in, buried her head in Ian’s shoulder and sobbed. “It’s ok, it’s all ok,” he whispered. And for just a moment, everything was.

“You must think all I do is cry,” she sniveled. “I do think after today I will be all cried out.”

“Listen, I know all about tears. You feel free to let them out anytime.”

He knew how to make her smile. Acutely aware of his tender arms around her, she pulled back a little and tried to regain her composure. “Well, the least I can do to thank you for your kindness is to invite you to dinner. I was working on some new recipes before my soon-to-be-ex-husband arrived.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want to intrude if you’re having company.”

“Believe me, that was not company. And he is
not
coming back.”

“I have an idea. Do you like Northern Italian food?” he asked. “My treat.”

“How could I resist such an offer? Are you cooking?”

Ian laughed. “You better hope not. The Deano’s Bistro in Forest Glen has some pretty tasty food. How about I pick you up at seven o’clock, get you out and away from your troubles for a while?”

“Formal or casual?” she asked with a grin.

“I think the establishment requires black tie, but if you don’t have one with you, I have an extra you can borrow.”

They laughed together. Like everywhere else in town, jeans were probably the attire of choice. Ian walked toward the door. “I’ll just let myself out now. See you at seven.”

“Thank you so much again, Ian.” She leaned down and scratched Gretel behind her ears. “And you too, girl. Fresh-baked dog biscuits are in order.”

Lily watched him cross over the field separating their properties, Gretel running to catch up with him. The sun broke through the clouds, casting gold and pink hues across the sky. The country air and sweet smell of saltwater mixed with the permeating scent of damp soil and forest. His closeness lingered on her skin. His penetrating blue eyes seemed to look right through her; she hoped he liked what they saw.  “Ah, Lily,” she sighed, “you better get your mind back in the kitchen and leave enough time to get cleaned up by seven.”

Lily punched in Jude’s number on her cell phone.

“Island Thyme Café, Jude speaking.”

“Hi, it’s Lily, do you have a sec?”

“Sure thing, Lil, what’s up?”

“Brad paid me a visit and I told him to get out.”

“Good for you, way to go Lil.”

Lily sat down in the velvet rocker, reconsidering her impulsively extended invitation from Ian. “And…”

Jude laughed, “What did you do now, Lil?”

Lily exhaled sharply. “Ian invited me to dinner.”

“And you accepted, I hope.”

“Yes, Jude, I did. Now stop laughing, I’m serious.”

“So why are you calling me? Certainly not for seduction ideas.”

“Ok, Jude, I’m sorry I called. I just thought you…”

“Would talk you out of it, Lily?”

The clock said 6:15. Was it too late to cancel? “Yes, I mean, no. I don’t know.”

“Just be happy, smile, and wear a killer outfit, ok?”

What would she wear? Phone in hand, she headed for her closet and started laying sweaters out on the bed. “I get it, have fun, stop worrying.”

“Right!”

“Red or pink?”

“Underwear?”

“Of course not, Jude, sweaters!”

“Depends on your mood, and your hopes for the evening.”

Lily chose the pink sweater. “Pink then. I have no plans for the evening, just dinner.”

“Doesn’t sound like much fun, I’m afraid,” Jude said.

“I’m jumping in the shower now. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

✦✦✦✦

Lily glanced at the clock. Five minutes to seven. Yikes!

She thought of Jude’s suggestions. Her most flattering jeans were set off by a rose pink chenille sweater. Her now almost-shoulder-length blonde hair was freshly washed, and the pink lip gloss added color to a Washington white complexion. She was ready…well sort of. Her pulse raced and she felt a bit light-headed. She was probably coming down with something and should cancel, she thought.

She reminded herself aloud, “It’s only a nice neighbor taking me out for a casual dinner, now calm down.” So what if he was a tall, very handsome man with a wide dimpled smile…and those eyes… Enough!

The sound of the doorbell did nothing to calm her demeanor. Lily opened the door to see a rather “spiffed up” Ian with hair neatly combed back, a rugged but dapper Eddie
Bauer jacket, and nice-fitting jeans.

“Come on in, Ian.”

He handed her a purple, beautifully designed, blown-glass vase. “For you.”

“How beautiful. You really didn’t need to bring anything.”

Ian shook off his jacket. “Just something I made in one of the classes I teach at the college. I kind of like that one, and you’ll need all the vases you can get when your garden out front hits full bloom.”

She placed the vase on the coffee table and then hung up his jacket. “Would you like a glass of wine or something?”

“Sure, why not.”

His closeness unnerved her in a completely different way than Brad’s had only a few hours ago. But her impulse was the same…to run, at least into the kitchen. “Go ahead and make yourself comfortable in the parlor. I’ll be right back.”

She returned holding two glasses.

“What time is the reservation?” she asked, handing him a glass of prosecco.

Ian sipped the sparkling wine. “We have a few minutes. It’s at 7:30. Hope you’re hungry.”

“Getting there. You?”

“Always.”

His smile threw her off balance. Lily took a moment to get her bearings. What the heck’s happening to me? The first good-looking man I meet and I’m turning into a puddle? Forget it! No more drowning in shallow water, no matter how blue his eyes are.

✦✦✦✦

The pungent smell of spicy tomato sauce wafted out the door as they entered the candle-lit restaurant. Tables covered in blue-checkered cloths, a vase with a single red rose, and a white candle, were all filled with patrons and baskets of crusty bread.

“Right this way, Ian” the waiter invited. “Shall I bring a bottle of your favorite Pinot Noir?” he asked. It was obvious Ian had been here many times before.

Lily nodded her ascent. “Works for me.”

The waiter handed them the menus. “The soup today is minestrone garnished with mascarpone.”

“Say no more,” Ian said. He looked at Lily. “Shall we start with two?”

“And a bruschetta to share, please.”

“Good choice,” Ian said as they continued to review the menu.

The Willamette Valley Pinot was opened and their glasses filled. She raised her glass to his. “A toast, to new friends.” They clinked glasses. The subtle flavors of strawberry and peach tantalized her taste buds.

The crisp, fragrant bread arrived on a hand-painted plate. Lily took a nibble and let the flavors melt in her mouth. Ian seemed to be watching her every bite.

She raised an eyebrow in mock dismay, then broke a smile. “Here have a taste.” She held the cheesy slice to his mouth. A spark of electricity shot up her arm as his lips wrapped over the bite. As he slowly savored the flavor, he uttered a low moan of pleasure.

She ate quietly, wondering what to talk about.

“So far away. Want to share your thoughts?” he said.

Lily blushed. “Sorry.”

He touched her hands with his fingertips. “Forgiven.”

“
Actually, I was thinking how well things are starting to work out. I’ve learned to light a fire, and I’ll be baking for Island Thyme Café.”

“Great idea,” he said between bites. “The town has sure missed Maggie’s treats…for humans
and
for dogs.”

“My grandmother…I wish I could have known her better.”

“She spoke of you often, and I know wherever she is, she’s happy you’re here now.”

“Thanks, Ian. That means a lot to me.”

The waiter returned to the table and took their order.

Lily wondered what she was doing here with this man she barely knew. Did he bring a new woman here every week? It was just a friendly dinner, she reminded herself.

Neither one of them spoke for a while. Lily squirmed in her chair trying to think of what to say next.

“I’m a bit awkward at this, I’m afraid,” Ian said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date.”

So he considered this a date. Why would such an attractive man not have been on a date in a long time? Not for her to ask. “You sure have a cute little boy,” she said. “Does he live with you fulltime?”

In Los Angeles, this was the perfectly normal thing to say, but the minute it came out of her mouth, she wasn’t sure it was here.

Ian laid his fork down. She watched emotions cross his face. “Jason’s mother died three years ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Of all things to talk about, could she have picked a worse subject?

“You would have found out soon enough anyway,” he said. “It was a car accident…a drunk driver.” He pushed the food around on his plate. “It if wasn’t for my grandfather, I don’t know how we would have made it through.”

She thought about the sadness that shadowed Ian and Jason. This was it. Her heart went out to him. “If you ever just want to talk, I’m here.”

“Thanks. That means a lot,” he said.

The only noise at their table now was the scraping of forks on the plates. Trays of delicious-looking food passed by as waiters scurried to serve their customers. Lily savored the herby flavored pasta. It was a really good meal, she decided.

“So, how long do you plan to stay on the island?” Ian asked. “Must be a lot different than Southern California.”

“It was never my choice to live there,” she said. “My mom brought me to California when I was a young girl. I never really felt at home there.” She noticed she had not answered the question about how long she planned to stay. Truthfully, she had no idea. But when she looked into his eyes, the thought of leaving was not on her mind.

“I’ve had a few shows in Los Angeles. It’s not my kind of town either,” Ian said. “But New York, that’s another place altogether. When I show my work in the galleries there, I try to spend an extra week or two.”

“I’d love to see New York sometime,” she said, taking the last bite of her dinner.

Ian finished up the last of the pasta on his plate and washed it down with wine. With a very serious expression, he leaned over to her. “So, tell me what I’ve been waiting all
night to find out…”

Lily eyes widened, her breath came quickly. Thoughts whirled in her brain, some quite pleasant, as she waited for him to finish his sentence. He seemed to be purposely drawing this out, and she hoped he could not see her squirming.

One elbow on the table, fist resting under his chin, he met her eyes with a probing look. “What would you like for dessert?”

She released her breath, laughing. “No rest time after such a big dinner?”

“Absolutely not,” he replied in earnest.

“In that case,” Lily said, “I did notice Tiramisu on the menu.”

Ian called the waiter over and ordered two with espressos. “Great, it’s their specialty.”

Lily stole a glance at Ian’s profile. He was handsome, and his full lips looked kissable. He turned back and caught her gaze. Say something, Lily, something neutral. “What medium do you generally work in as an artist?”

Warm tones of candle flame danced across his face. “I paint, mostly in oils, and occasionally I work with glass. When I’m not playing hooky over here on the island, teaching pays the bills.”

“Where else do you show your work?” Lily said sounding a little too Los Angeles for her taste.

He inched his chair closer to her, and the room seemed suddenly much too warm. “As a matter of fact,” he continued, “the gallery in town here carries my work almost exclusively.”

Lily sipped her coffee. “I’ll have to go by and have a look.”

Ian finished the last bite of whipped cream and laid his fork down, leaning back with a contented sigh.

“If you’re interested, we’re installing the new show I told you about this week, and the opening reception is next Friday.  Why don’t you venture out and have a look?”

“Sounds perfect, I’ll put it on my busy social calendar,” she said.

“On second thought,” he said, “is it too short notice to commission some of your dessert items for the opening?”

Lily shook her head. “I don’t think so. I can come up with a short menu for you to choose from tomorrow.” Her first catering commission on the island, and she had no idea what to charge him. She would ask Jude tomorrow.

“Nothing gooey or with icing please,” he said with a smile. “And here’s my card with email and cell number in case you need to reach me.”

“Right, of course.” She could see it now, icing all over his artwork!

“You choose whatever you think is appropriate for about fifty guests and would be complementary with the local Madrona Vineyard’s wine selection. I leave the menu in your very competent hands.”

She was well aware he was now holding those “competent” hands. His fingers caressed the back of her hands. She could barely breathe and pulled her hands back into her lap.  Was this his price for offering her a job?

“It’s getting late,” she said.

“Of course, I don’t want to wear you out. Would you like anything else before we go?”

“Not another bite. It was a wonderful meal. Thank you.”

After Ian took care of the check, they walked outside. The wind had picked up, and
Lily wrapped her arms around herself and ran for the car.

“You’re cold,” Ian said, turning up the heat in the car.

One minute he seemed kind, the next she just wasn’t sure what to think. Trusting another man was not high on her priority list.

The night-light lit up the porch as he walked her to her door then turned to leave. Regret that he was leaving was met equally with doubts about seeing him again. “Oh, I almost forgot. Hold on a sec, I have a bag of fresh baked dog biscuits for Gretel.”

She went inside then returned to the porch and handed Ian the package.

Doggy bag in hand, Ian hopped down the stairs. He took a few steps and stopped to look up. “The stars are amazing tonight. Come on out and have a quick look, Lily.”

She walked over and tilted her head up to view the starlit heavens. “So beautiful,” she sighed. “There are so many of them.”

Ian placed his coat around her shoulders, leaving his arm to linger there as well. “Yes,” he whispered, “so beautiful.” But as Lily turned to acknowledge his words, his eyes were on her, not the heavens.

His lips brushed hers with a gentle whisper of a kiss. “Thank you again for the wonderful evening,” he said.

Ian turned and walked to his car. It took her a few seconds to realize she was still wearing his jacket.