It was a great day for the pool. If you were inside you would hear the distant laughter from old stories being told mixed in with random splashes. The hot summer afternoon brought these friends together. I was happy to accept Chris's invite to come up. I haven't seen him since he got married. 5 years. They picked me up from the airport last night after demanding I finally take time from work and remember that I have a best friend. I needed the break. Liz knew all about me about me and boasted all she knew on the ride home from the airport. I don't think I laughed that hard in a long time.
So day one hanging at the pool was climbing down the right side of the clock and we decided to come in and figure out dinner. Chatter echoed and trailed its way through the house to the guest room where I was staying. I hopped on the bed with my towel still wrapped around me. Liz sat on the ottoman and Chris walked in but remained standing. The banter continued until something Liz said sent Chris in some odd direction about something he was frustrated about. The he said he's gonna grab a nap, and walked away. In a bit of a daze I turned to Liz and saw Liz halfway through lowering her head in a sigh.
Me: What was that all about, you ok?
Liz: long pause...Chris is great...
Me: …but?
Chris: he doesn't take things head on and stand up for himself. I been trying to figure him out. When he brought up inviting you here i thought it would be a chance to see what you would have to say and maybe see what I can learn from your guys interacting.
Me: Chuckles ..awe man, Chris is Chris, he's been that way since I knew him in 8th grade. Somebody's gotta light a fire under that man's ass.
Liz: laughs...
Me: K so what do you want to know?
Liz looks up at the open door then scoots over the ottoman to the side of the bed where my head was. She leans in but still kept her face towards the door. She starts to speak so I had to raise myself up to get closer. My nose pointed at her right ear peaking out from under her red shoulder length curly hair. Then it hit me, when I inhaled. I felt like I inhaled a part of her soul cuz something connected deep down inside me. For a moment I was swept up in how her hair smelled and how skin on her neck looked. Soon her whispers we like faded echoes as my mind took pull so hard I had to to close my eyes.
Liz: …and that's crazy right!?
Me: ..yea that is crazy ( I missed everything she said)
I had to snap out of it. This is my best friend's wife. I came here to see my boy and make up for lost time, not fall for his wife. I been stuck behind a computer too long.
We decided to go out to eat that evening for dinner. Chris was showing me the town and took the scenic route. He did well for himself. Great career, moved to a nice town, nice house, a wife who loves him. I was happy for him. I was similar in my career path but I'm too much of a workaholic to slow down. But no matter how fast he drove the wind from outside couldn't' push out the scent of her hair in my nose. I started to feel guilty for thinking about his wife that way. When we parked I decided I'm gonna enjoy this dinner and enjoy this visit and celebrate my best friend's success.
I went in feeling renewed. We got seated in a nice Spanish restaurant. Music going, light and décor to taste. While I'm looking up, I hear a fork drop on a plate, I dart my mead to see Chris standing up saying he's going to the bathroom and I look across to catch Liz again lowering her head with a sad face being covered by her red curly hair. She raised her head after a moment with a deliberate shake and you see the curls quickly bounce.
Liz: So, this is nice right. I love coming here.
She's totally acting like nothing happened.
Me: Are you guys ok?
Liz, stares at me in silence, then you see a deliberate breath on her chest. Then she says...
(To be continued)
