Read Until the End of Time Online
Authors: Melanie Schuster
Until the End of Time (10 page)
She waited for Yolanda to get used to her first news before dropping her bombshell. “Yes, well that’s not all—he kissed me, too. More like several times.
Real
kisses, too, I might add.” Yolanda all but applauded as she begged for details. Renee sighed and obliged her with everything that had transpired between her and Andrew since their first dinner.
Real
kisses, too, I might add.” Yolanda all but applauded as she begged for details. Renee sighed and obliged her with everything that had transpired between her and Andrew since their first dinner.
After their first dinner had gone so well and they had shared a brief but sweet kiss, Renee had nervously awaited their next rendezvous. She didn’t have long to wait as Andrew took her to Chene Park the next night for a jazz concert under the stars. He had taken her to a charming little cafe for an early supper before the concert, and suggested that they go to his house for dessert. Renee was feeling so mellow and relaxed after their nice evening that she agreed with no reservations. She had never been to Andrew’s abode and was more than a little curious.
Andrew’ hobby was fixing up old houses. Among those he owned was a recently renovated brick duplex. He was living in half and rented the other half to a fellow doctor. It was an imposing two story building in a gentrified area not too far from Indian Village. Renee was immediately impressed, both by the immaculate exterior and the nicely decorated interior of the house. It had highly polished wood floors and all the woodwork was in its natural state, which she adored. Renee hated painted wood and told Andrew so. He admitted having to strip it all when he bought the place, but agreed that it was worth the effort and expense.
The rooms were furnished simply and elegantly, with family photos and expensive artwork abounding. Nothing was out of place or extreme; everything was stylish, peaceful and unpretentious, much like the man she was coming to really know. The centerpiece of the living room was a baby grand piano, which surprised Renee. She’d forgotten that Andrew played the piano. When he returned to the living room with a tray bearing coffee and mocha cheesecake, she commented on the piano.
“
Oh, yeah. I took lessons for years. My mother was the first person to teach Benita and me and after that we took lessons. Benita also plays the flute, but she probably never told you that.” Renee’s brow had puckered, trying vainly to recall whether or not she knew. Renee was notoriously poor at details like that. Bennie would have known the answer to a question like that about her, Renee thought guiltily. Bennie never forgot anything about a person, no matter how small a detail.
Oh, yeah. I took lessons for years. My mother was the first person to teach Benita and me and after that we took lessons. Benita also plays the flute, but she probably never told you that.” Renee’s brow had puckered, trying vainly to recall whether or not she knew. Renee was notoriously poor at details like that. Bennie would have known the answer to a question like that about her, Renee thought guiltily. Bennie never forgot anything about a person, no matter how small a detail.
She and Andrew drank the rich, fragrant coffee and enjoyed the delicious cheesecake in relative silence. Then Andrew went to the piano. He sat down and played ‘Maiden Voyage’ for Renee, again surprising her. He wasn’t just a passable player; he was very, very skilled. She remarked on the fact and he shrugged off her praise.
“
I think we all get it from our mother. She was a very talented pianist and singer. She could have easily been a concert pianist if she hadn’t loved being a wife and mother,” he said. He started playing ‘Clair de Lune’ very softly, commenting that it was one of his mother’s favorite pieces. “After our mother died, Benita made sure that we all kept up with our lessons. She knew that it would’ve pleased our mother very much. She even got Donnie started when he was about three; first she taught him, then he started taking lessons.” He played without speaking for a few minutes.
I think we all get it from our mother. She was a very talented pianist and singer. She could have easily been a concert pianist if she hadn’t loved being a wife and mother,” he said. He started playing ‘Clair de Lune’ very softly, commenting that it was one of his mother’s favorite pieces. “After our mother died, Benita made sure that we all kept up with our lessons. She knew that it would’ve pleased our mother very much. She even got Donnie started when he was about three; first she taught him, then he started taking lessons.” He played without speaking for a few minutes.
“
You know, Renee, I wish you could have known my mother,” he said softly. “She was a wonderful person. She was sweet, smart, talented and very loving. Benita is a lot like her,” he finished.
You know, Renee, I wish you could have known my mother,” he said softly. “She was a wonderful person. She was sweet, smart, talented and very loving. Benita is a lot like her,” he finished.
Renee immediately felt small and uncomfortable when he said that. Yes, Bennie was world-class wonderful and there was no way she could compete with that. To be honest, Bennie was practically a saint and Renee was like a lesser demon in comparison. In a small voice she said, “I’m nothing like your sister, Andrew. I’m not the same kind of woman that she is at all.”
Andrew’s answer to that was to stop playing the piano and come back to sit next to Renee on the sofa. “So? Why in the world would I want a woman that’s just like Benita? That’s kinda nasty, when you think about it. I mean damn, that’s my sister! Yechhh!” he said, drawing away from Renee with a truly comical grimace on his face. “That’s just sick and wrong! They have jails for people like that!”
Renee punched at his arm, but she was laughing as she did it. “You know what I mean, you loon! I’m not going to dignify this further by discussion,” she said tartly.
Andrew’s expression had changed totally and he was no longer paying her words any attention. Without speaking he drew her into his arms and kissed her. At first it was soft and gentle, so she could pull away if she wanted to. When she didn’t, he settled back on the sofa and began a leisurely exploration of her mouth with his lips and tongue, leaving tiny bursts of fire wherever he touched her. Renee had been too stunned to move at first, but she began to return his sweet passion with one of her own. Andrew’s lips were firm and soft and sweet and the feel of his velvety moustache was simply amazing. When he finally pulled away, she was dizzy and dreamy eyed, which probably accounted for what happened next.
“
Renee,” Andrew said softly. “Sweet Renee. Now that we’ve proven we can be alone and not kill each other, I think we should start dating when I come back from Haiti. Real dating, not friendly, once-in-awhile stuff; I mean the real thing,” he said firmly and persuasively.
Renee,” Andrew said softly. “Sweet Renee. Now that we’ve proven we can be alone and not kill each other, I think we should start dating when I come back from Haiti. Real dating, not friendly, once-in-awhile stuff; I mean the real thing,” he said firmly and persuasively.
And Renee, her eyes glittering with golden sparks, had just nodded her head and agreed before sinking back into his arms for another one of those mind-boggling kisses. “Anything you say, Andrew,” she murmured before tasting his lips again.
This time Yolanda really did applaud, to Renee’s chagrin. “Isn’t that against the Hippocratic oath or something?” she asked grumpily. Yolanda was not put off by Renee’s demeanor in the least.
“
Renee, I’m applauding because this is a momentous event for you! Not too long ago you thought you’d never be able to have a normal physical relationship with a man and now you’re taking the first steps in that direction. This is some remarkable progress, my dear.” Yolanda was beaming, but Renee still wasn’t completely sure.
Renee, I’m applauding because this is a momentous event for you! Not too long ago you thought you’d never be able to have a normal physical relationship with a man and now you’re taking the first steps in that direction. This is some remarkable progress, my dear.” Yolanda was beaming, but Renee still wasn’t completely sure.
“
I don’t know about all this, Yolanda. First of all, it’s Andrew Cochran, my best friend’s twin brother. I’ve known him for what, like 14 or 15 years and we’ve fought almost weekly for all of those years,” she pointed out, but Yolanda had an answer for that, naturally.
I don’t know about all this, Yolanda. First of all, it’s Andrew Cochran, my best friend’s twin brother. I’ve known him for what, like 14 or 15 years and we’ve fought almost weekly for all of those years,” she pointed out, but Yolanda had an answer for that, naturally.
“
A large part of your animosity towards Andrew stemmed from the fact that you were always convinced that he’d seen you nude, which gave him a tremendous advantage in the relationship. You’ve always felt vulnerable to him and were therefore always defensive with him. The fact that you were able at long last to turn the situation around and get the upper hand has allowed the two of you to meet each other on a common ground as friends. And you can’t tell me that during all the years you’ve known him you’ve never seen him as anything other than an irritant, now can you?”
A large part of your animosity towards Andrew stemmed from the fact that you were always convinced that he’d seen you nude, which gave him a tremendous advantage in the relationship. You’ve always felt vulnerable to him and were therefore always defensive with him. The fact that you were able at long last to turn the situation around and get the upper hand has allowed the two of you to meet each other on a common ground as friends. And you can’t tell me that during all the years you’ve known him you’ve never seen him as anything other than an irritant, now can you?”
Renee had to admit that she could easily see the good side of Andrew. He was, of course, brilliant in his chosen profession; that went without saying. He was committed to volunteerism and he still made sure that he had time for his family. Despite being single, he was a family man at heart; there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. He was also a kind, well-balanced man; Renee had never heard him say a cross word to anyone and he had a wonderful, albeit twisted, sense of humor, especially when it came to her. Yes, she had to admit that there were many qualities to admire about Andrew. Especially since he was handsome, sexy and a delectable kisser. But all of that didn’t allay Renee’s concerns.
“
Okay, Yolanda, I have never found Andrew totally repulsive, not at all. But it’s not just the fact that he and I have this history that’s bothering me,” she admitted, turning troubled eyes to Yolanda. “I know that this is one of the things that we’ve been working towards in this therapy, but now that it’s at my doorstep, I don’t know whether I can actually open the door,” she said softly.
Okay, Yolanda, I have never found Andrew totally repulsive, not at all. But it’s not just the fact that he and I have this history that’s bothering me,” she admitted, turning troubled eyes to Yolanda. “I know that this is one of the things that we’ve been working towards in this therapy, but now that it’s at my doorstep, I don’t know whether I can actually open the door,” she said softly.
Yolanda nodded her head in sympathy and understanding. “Considering what happened to you, it’s quite normal for you to be this apprehensive. After an ordeal like yours, you have every reason and every right to be wary of having a physical relationship with a man. But one of the reasons you went into therapy was to reclaim your life, all of it. As you and I have discussed, part of having the full life you’re missing is to have normal relationships with men, including having a physical relationship with the right man when the time is right,” she said in her warm, encouraging voice.
“
You didn’t want your past to control your future anymore and you began the long process of working through your pain. You’re making tremendous progress, Renee. The fact that you are experiencing physical desire for a man is a very good, very positive sign. And you are experiencing attraction for Andrew, are you not?”
You didn’t want your past to control your future anymore and you began the long process of working through your pain. You’re making tremendous progress, Renee. The fact that you are experiencing physical desire for a man is a very good, very positive sign. And you are experiencing attraction for Andrew, are you not?”
Renee sighed. Attraction. Such a tepid, nondescript word for what she was feeling. But it would suffice. “Yes,” she said quietly. “I am very attracted to Andrew.”
Yolanda pressed a little more. “So now he’s now in Haiti where he’ll be for a few weeks. And how did you two leave things?”
This time Renee smiled. After spending Thursday and Friday nights together, she and Andrew had been together all day Saturday, running errands and picking up a few things he needed to take on his trip. Then they’d gone to his brother Alan’s house for a cookout, a family tradition whenever Andrew was about to take one of his overseas trips. The only person missing was Bennie, who was still in Atlanta, but she called to tell her twin goodbye.
No one had noticed that Renee and Andrew had come together and were leaving together, so they were able to avoid a lot of questions about their fledgling relationship. The next morning, Renee had driven him to the airport and had insisted on coming inside with him. He was joined by two other doctors from the same medical missionary group. Everything was fine until it was time to actually say goodbye to Andrew. For some reason Renee’s eyes had filled with hot tears, which she was too surprised to try and hide from Andrew.
Andrew hadn’t even tried to make a joke about it, either, which endeared him to Renee even more. He just kissed them away and reminded her that he would be back very soon. “I can’t promise that I’ll text or e-mail much because we’re really busy over there. And calling is difficult, even with a satellite hookup. But I’ll be thinking about you every day, and I’ll miss you,” he said sincerely.
Renee had felt something inside her begin to melt and when he lowered his head to hers for a good-bye kiss, she felt like she might float away. She stood there like a besotted teenager until the Jetway had closed and the plane had taken off. And like a truly lovestruck girl, she had actually shed a few tears until she realized what she was doing. She was the prize, dammit! What was she doing standing in Detroit Metro with tears running down her face over Andrew Cochran of all people? The man had obviously put a spell on her. She tried to shrug the whole incident off, but she couldn’t.
She thought about nothing else all the rest of the day, in fact all of the days that passed until she could get to her appointment with Yolanda. And now Yolanda was telling her that all this emotional turmoil was a good thing and that she was making progress. Of course it was, how could it not be? It was just that she felt so vulnerable, so
naked
for want of a better word. She felt like she was in one of those dreams where you were walking along in your underwear on a crowded city street or that you were at work without a stitch on or something equally humiliating. She finished her story with those very words and looked to Yolanda for comfort.
naked
for want of a better word. She felt like she was in one of those dreams where you were walking along in your underwear on a crowded city street or that you were at work without a stitch on or something equally humiliating. She finished her story with those very words and looked to Yolanda for comfort.
Yolanda didn’t let her down, either. Leaning forward she took one of Renee’s hands and clasped it firmly. “Renee, of course you feel vulnerable and exposed. This is no small thing for you. It’s taken a lot of hard work and courage for you to get as far as you have. You’re doing just fine. The feelings you have are perfectly normal, believe me. Just keep working at it the way you have and let things unfold. There’s a lot of strength in you, Renee. You’re going to have the happy ending that you want because you’re brave enough to fight for it.”
Renee did not completely share Yolanda’s optimism, but for now she was willing to take a chance. What could she possibly lose?
***
Despite Yolanda’s encouragement, Renee was a bundle of nerves. She couldn’t get rid of the anxious, giddy feeling that plagued her daily. She hadn’t felt like this in forever. This queasy sensation was a big part of the reason that she maintained the kind of relationships that she had. They were neat, orderly and controllable. None of the benign older men that were allowed in her circle did this to her. No matter how rich, how handsome or how attentive, not a one of them could stir her up in the way Andrew had. The feelings that he brought to the surface without even trying were heady, exciting and definitely sexy. Just remembering what Andrew looked like naked coupled with those hot kisses were enough to make the small of her back tingle and turn moist at the same time. Not to mention other places on her body.
It had gotten so bad that Renee had to consciously limit the amount of time she spent thinking about Andrew. Even so, she was prone to take little mental side trips every so often. Valerie had an uncanny way of knowing just when Renee had drifted away and would often tease her.
“
Okay, what’s his name? Who is the mystery man that has you all caught up, hmmm? Who is it?” Valerie would demand, only to get an enigmatic smile from Renee.
Okay, what’s his name? Who is the mystery man that has you all caught up, hmmm? Who is it?” Valerie would demand, only to get an enigmatic smile from Renee.
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