Chapter 2

The Beauty & the Ring

“Dinner was delicious.” I walk into the living room after washing and drying the dishes and putting away the leftovers.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” My mother, her cap of silver-streaked black hair shining in the light from the coffee table lamp, glances up at me before setting aside her crossword puzzle book.

“How could I not?” I stand behind the couch and lean over far enough to wrap my arms around her shoulders. “You made my favorites—mashed potatoes, meatloaf, peas, and cornbread.” I straighten and pat my stomach.

“It’s been a while since we sat together and shared a meal,” she says wistfully.

“I know.” A wave of guilt washes over me. “That’s my fault, but now that I’m back home to stay, we can eat together all the time. I missed you.” I press a hand to my back before stretching out some of the lingering tightness from being squashed in an economy seat for hours.

“Are you saying you’re back because of your mother and not Raymond?” She chuckles.

“Let’s just say, I came back because I missed you. I don’t ever want to be away for that long again.”

“Good to know. But don’t be unnecessarily hard on yourself. We did have our daily chats. I understood that you needed time to explore your dreams, even if they took you away from your life here.” She pauses long enough to adjust the placement of the decorative bowl on the coffee table. “While we ate, I filled you in on everything that’s been happening on my job. Now it’s your turn. How did it go at the creamery?”

She focuses the amber eyes I’ve inherited on me. Not for the first time, I wonder how she managed to maintain a calm and soothing demeanor throughout my childhood, despite the financial challenges of being a single parent and raising a daughter alone. Her job teaching ceramics and pottery at the arts and crafts store couldn’t have paid much, although she did sell some of her pieces in the store. Still, I never felt any lack.

She pats the cushion on the floral sofa, signaling me to come and sit beside her. “Did you have an opportunity to speak with Raymond?”

I sit next to her, knowing that I have no right to feel any kind of way about Raymond’s social life. “I spoke to him, all right.” Picking up one of the pillows, I fiddle with the tassels.

“That’s a good start.” Smiling, she caresses the back of my hand. “At least you shared what’s in your heart.”

“I couldn’t really talk to him. He made it quite clear that he had nothing to say to me.” I shudder as I recall his coldness and eagerness to have me leave the store. Come to think of it, I didn’t have time to even buy my ice cream sundae. “He assumed that I didn’t have anything to say to him.”

“What do you mean?” She searches my eyes for answers.

“You should have seen the way he looked at me,” I mumble while blocking out the image of his scowl. “I might as well have been a stranger. It’s as if he never cared for me.” The words that have been playing over in my mind are finally out. “I don’t know if there is anything left to salvage.” I hunch my shoulders and face that possibility.

“You must have heard about Leah Ann.” She twists her bottom lip and pats my shoulder. “I didn’t want to tell you over the phone. I figured that once you got here, you’d find out soon enough.”

“So, it’s true?” I squirm on the sofa, trying to grasp whatever hope I can. “Considering that I heard it from a woman I don’t know well, it could be pure fabrication.”

“Well…” She hesitates before continuing, “I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that she’s dating Raymond and wearing a ring on her left hand.” She shrugs. “It could be true. The only way you’ll be certain is to ask Raymond yourself.”

Before I can respond, there’s a knock on the front door.

“I’ll be right back. Let me get the door.”

Two minutes later, Cindy, my best friend since high school, bursts into the room with her usual amount of boundless energy and exuberance. “I’m glad you’re back.” Her long, brown braids cascade down her back, giving her the youthful appearance of an eighteen-year-old ingénue instead of a twenty-five-year-old librarian who facilitates numerous programs, including a children’s reading hour and a monthly women’s book club.

“I’ll be in my room if you need anything.” My mother pokes her head inside the doorway. “Seeing you two together reminds me of when you were teens.” With those parting words, she disappears from view.

“It will be just like old times.” Cindy’s enormous eyes are filled with unbridled optimism, which only the recently-engaged and just-married possess.

“Yes.” I halfheartedly squeak, but what I’m thinking is that it’s nothing like it used to be. If it were, Raymond would be happy to see me and wouldn’t have glared at me as if I were his mortal enemy. “I’m happy for you and Sam.”

“Thanks.” She enthusiastically bounces up and down, her braids flopping on her shoulders. “Your timing is perfect. Now you won’t miss any of the festivities.”

“The festivities? Oh, you mean the wedding shower.” My brain has been in such a fog that I temporarily forgot that the reason I took an overnight flight was so I’d be here for the party. From this moment on, I’m banishing all thoughts of Raymond from my mind. I may not have a man, but I don’t want to jeopardize my relationship with my best friend because I’m so caught up in my own heartache. “Do you need me to bring anything?”

“Nope, we have everything under control. Remember, it’s at eight in the recreation center over at Jackson Park.” She radiates pure joy as she tosses a braid over her shoulder. “Wait until you see the decorations.”

“Things have certainly changed. They used to have bridal showers in someone’s home.” Cindy’s parents are both attorneys and they live in a spacious house across town. Their living room could comfortably accommodate a large bridal shower. “How many girls did you invite?” It’s a relief to redirect my focus to Cindy’s happiness and not my own despair.

“I thought I told you. It’s going to be co-ed,” she says with a slight smile. “Sam didn’t want to be left out of the festivities. He doesn’t see why we ladies should have all the fun and get all the presents. I couldn’t think of a good enough reason, so I figured he should be included. And a lot of people are having co-ed showers these days.”

“I’m sure it will be great.” It’s not easy to convey enthusiasm as I imagine everyone paired up with their significant others, while I stand in a corner by myself. Hopefully, I won’t be the only one showing up solo.

“I better get moving.” She gives me a hug. “Welcome back, bestie. Later, after all the wedding hoopla is over, we’ll have plenty of time to catch up.”

“Uh, aren’t you forgetting something?” Folding my arms across my waist, I struggle not to chuckle.

“Hmmm. I hope not.” With a pensive expression, she absently tugs on a braid. “I promise you after the wedding, we’ll have a girls’ night out, and you can tell me about what finally convinced you to return home.”

“Are you forgetting your honeymoon?” I burst into giggles. “I’m sure that girls’ night will have to wait until after you spend some time with your new husband on that exotic island getaway that you’ve so meticulously planned.”

“You’re right, of course.” She clasps my hand while laughing along with me. “See how much I need you to remind me of important things? Maybe we can squeeze in a heart-to-heart before the wedding.”

“We’ll see,” I say, knowing that I would never dim Cindy’s enthusiasm with the dismal details of my own nonexistent love life.

Once Cindy’s left, I indulge in a much-needed forty-five-minute nap and a quick shower. I sort through my unpacked suitcase, trying to determine what is appropriate attire for a co-ed wedding shower. I finally decide on a red jersey wrap dress that always makes me feel good. I slip on a pair of red stilettos that were my last splurge before quitting my job. Finding employment will be the first item on my to-do list next week. Sunnyville doesn’t have an advertising or marketing firm, so I’ll have to explore some alternative employment options. With my black clutch bag in one hand and a gift in the other, I’m ready to head out.

My mother spots me walking by her bedroom door and sets down her book. “You look pretty. Feel free to take the car. I’m in for the evening.”

“That’s okay.” I give her a quick kiss on the cheek and hold up my cell phone. “I used my rideshare app, and the driver is already here. In New York, I never needed a car so I want to refresh my skills before driving again.”

“Good idea.” She waves her hand. “Have fun tonight.”

As the driver maneuvers his way through the quiet streets, I lean back and relish the sights, knowing that coming back here was the right decision. As far as Raymond is concerned, there may be no returning to what we once had, but this night is about Cindy and Sam, and their love. Smiling, I enjoy the purple jacaranda trees, the shimmering lights in the town square, and the distinctive scent of the ocean waves. A nine-foot sculpture of a woman twirling in midair highlights the Arts Center, which includes a stucco playhouse that was built in the 1950s, and a movie theatre that harkens back to the golden era of film.

It’s not difficult to find the room where the shower is held. All I have to do is follow the white-and-silver decorations adorning the halls and the sound of music reverberating along the walls. Within minutes of me stepping inside the festive room, Cindy runs over and links our arms. Her braids are pulled back in an ornate style, and she’s changed into a sparkling pink jumpsuit that accentuates her petite figure.

“It’s about time you got here.” She gives me a big hug.

“It’s exactly—” I glance down at my watch. “—Two minutes after eight.”

“I know, but you’re my best friend in the world and I always feel better when you’re around.” She holds her arms out. “Well, what do you think of the way we transformed the place?”

“I like it.” Giant bride and groom decals and posters have been taped to all four walls. “Very…. wedding-ish.” Biting my lower lip, I try to keep a straight face. “I know that’s not a real word, but you know what I mean.”

“Yes, I do.” We burst into laughter before she whispers in my ear, “I know it’s over the top, but my mom is obsessed with decorating, and the posters were her idea.” She holds her palms up in a gesture of surrender. “I can’t disagree with her on everything about the wedding so I let her take the lead for the shower. However, I promise there will not be any giant pictures of Sam or me at the church or reception.”

“Don’t get me wrong—they are great pictures, but they must be what? Six feet high?”

“The wedding décor will be significantly more subdued.” Using her index finger, she crosses her heart. “Promise.”

“Sounds like a wise decision.” Just as I give her a thumbs-up, she taps my shoulder.

“Leah Ann is headed directly for us.” She puckers her lips and looks at me sympathetically. “She’s actually quite nice, and, well, I hope this won’t be awkward.”

“I’m sure it won’t be,” I lie even as I silently vow not to stare at the infamous engagement ring that the whole town seems to be gushing over.

“Hello, Leah Ann,” Cindy greets her guest, eyes anxiously darting in my direction. “You remember Rebecca.”

“Definitely.” Leah Ann’s voice hasn’t changed since high school. It’s still as soft and sweet as ever.

How can I compete with that alluring tone that’s like a siren call for most men? Then again, come to think of it, I’m not competing. My ex is hers. Not her fault. My bad. I left, so there we go.

“It’s good to see you again, Rebecca.”

“You too,” I say with all the sincerity I can muster, while I involuntarily zero in on her jumbo-sized rose quartz crystal. Forcing my stunned gaze away from her delicate fingers, I pretend not to be crestfallen at the physical evidence of her betrothal to the man I love. “I didn’t know you had moved back to town.” Focusing on her distinctive hazel eyes doesn’t make me feel any better. If there were any way I could slink out the exit door without Cindy noticing, I’d be out of here, but, of course, I can’t ditch my best friend at her bridal shower.

“I always loved Sunnyville,” she says while tossing her auburn curls over her shoulder. “After completing my education degree, I was lucky enough to land a job at the elementary school.”

“So lucky.” I nod. “And in so many ways.”

“I will leave you two to get re-acquainted.” Cindy appears distracted. She’s peering at Sam, who’s frantically waving to her from the opposite end of the spacious room. “Sam needs me.”

Cindy departs to check on her fiancé, and Leah Anne continues to regale me with stories about the delights of teaching kindergarteners. It all makes sense now—why she isn’t uncomfortable around me—she’d left before Raymond and I had started dating. However, childish it may be, I can’t help wondering if he likes her more than he ever cared for me. Heck, even I like her. She’s gorgeous, smart, and loves kids.

She smiles, and I wonder what toothpaste she uses to get her teeth that white. She’s signaling someone to join us. Moments later, Raymond, looking as awkward and uncomfortable as I feel, saunters over to where we are standing near the punch bowl. He always did look good in blue, and tonight is no exception.

“Rebecca, you probably know Raymond.” She reaches for his hand, and I inwardly wince. “After all, you two graduated from Sunnyville High. Let’s see…” She bats her incredibly long eyelashes. “I was only at Sunnyville for about three months before we had to move. Did you know each other?”

Raymond has yet to acknowledge my presence, and I can’t stop staring at him. He grunts and clears his throat before finally glancing in my direction. “Yeah, we knew each other.”

“Right, what he said.” Did I really just say that? I’ve lost the power to articulate a coherent sentence as I notice that the room seems eerily silent. I’m probably imagining that people are not-so-discreetly listening in.

“Rebecca and I were close way back in middle school, right?” She runs a perfectly manicured hand through those silky tresses.

“Yep.” I ball my hands into fists, quickly covering the unpolished, slightly nibbled-on nails. The sight of a beautiful woman clinging to Raymond’s arm has stifled my ability to speak and, oddly enough, stimulated my appetite. “Food,” I say, pointing to a cluster of tables directly across from us.

Walking away, I hear Leah Ann telling Raymond how much she likes me. He grunts loudly in response.

I don’t exhale until I’m standing in front of a long table filled with tea sandwiches, pizza, chips, nuts, and a selection of salads. I definitely underestimated the difficulty of resuming my life here. Even though I ate dinner a few hours ago, I’m ravenous as I reach for a small plate and pile on a little bit of everything.

“Hello, Rebecca.”

Mouth shamelessly overflowing with potato chips, I glance into the inquiring eyes of a tall, good-looking man with wavy black hair. Maybe Marion was right, and I really did have eyes only for Raymond back in the day. Small towns don’t have a lot of unfamiliar faces. Most of the people here are high school classmates, but I can’t imagine forgetting his chiseled features.

I gulp down my food before picking up a napkin to cover my ridiculously overflowing plate. “Did we know each other at Sunnyville High? I don’t have the best memory.”

“Yes, we did.” He laughs and shakes his head. “No problem. We had several classes together. I was about six inches shorter and twenty pounds heavier. I hardly look the same.”

“I’ll say,” I blurt out before I can stop myself. “What I meant is, you obviously experienced quite a growth spurt.”

“I’m Miguel.” He smiles and holds out his hand. “Unlike most of the people here, I wasn’t born and raised in Sunnyville.”

“Maybe that’s why it took me a minute to remember you.” I glance at my plate, making certain the napkin hasn’t toppled off the mountain of food.

“I moved here from Santa Lorena when I was twelve.” He grabs a handful of nuts while scanning the room.

“I’ve heard that it’s beautiful. I’ve always planned to take a day trip but never got around to it.”

“You should. It’s not that far.” He stops jiggling the peanuts long enough to eat a few of them. “My parents are still there. It’s a beautiful place—lots of orange groves.”

“That’s right.” I snap my fingers. “Those large bags of oranges in the grocery store say Hartland Groves, Santa Lorena California. I knew I had seen the name before.”

“My father is the foreman at Hartland Orchards, and my mother manages a bed and breakfast inn. A lot of people visit to get away from the city.”

“It sounds lovely.” Not focusing on Leah Ann and Raymond huddled together across the room is a challenge. My sanity may be based on my ability to take long weekends away from Sunnyville, and Santa Lorena may be the perfect escape. Twenty miles is a short distance to travel to avoid running into the happy couple while I’m out shopping for groceries or making a trip to the post office.

“Enough about my family.” Miguel nods toward the center of the room. “They’re starting to dance.”

“I guess that’s bound to happen when a wedding shower is co-ed.” If it weren’t for Miguel, I’d feel like a fifth wheel. He’s really a nice guy and easy to talk to. “Kind of feels like a prom, doesn’t it?”

“I agree.” We observe the guests, contorting their bodies in dance moves from the past. “There’s no way you are going to be able to eat all of that.” He points to my plate.

My face grows warm. I’m embarrassed to have my stress-eating noticed. “Nerves.” I shrug. “It was either that or bite my nails.”

“Got it,” he says without judgment. “For me, it’s the hiccups.”

“What?” My eyes open wide. “You do not.”

“I do.” He takes my hand in his. “I feel a hiccup coming on right now. Let’s go out there before I get started.” He chuckles as we make our way to the dance floor.

I laugh too, although I’m apprehensive as I wait to see if he’s going to start hiccupping.

He stops walking, then puts his hand on his chest, the expression on his face making me worry.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m just messing with you,” he says as we join the others and begin to dance.

“You had me there for a minute.” I playfully punch his arm and begin to enjoy the music. Neither of us has any fancy dance steps, but we fit in with everyone else.

Just as I’m starting to relax and have fun, I notice that we are dancing next to Raymond and Leah Ann, which is what probably causes me to stumble over my feet.

“Careful there.” With one hand, Miguel grasps my elbow, while the other supports my back, helping me regain my balance while I wish I could disappear.

When the music stops, we are standing next to Raymond and Leah Ann. Raymond scowls, while Leah Ann’s large eyes beam like headlights as they focus on Miguel.

“Hello again.” My voice comes out much higher than I intend. “I don’t know if either of you remember Miguel.”

“You new around here?” Raymond eyes Miguel.

“I’d recognize you anywhere,” Leah Ann says. “You were in my eighth-grade algebra class with Mrs. Edgeworth.” She faces Raymond and me. “I’m not proud to confess that I never understood any of the equations no matter how hard I tried. Miguel noticed that I was struggling and helped me. I doubt I’d have gone into teaching without his tutoring me after school. He showed me that with the right guidance, every student could do well, even in challenging subjects.” She faces him now and holds out a hand. “I’m indebted to you. What have you been up to?”

“Glad to be of service.” Miguel nods. “As a kid, I fantasized about serving my country, so after high school I enlisted in the Army. I returned a few days ago. You’re the first person who remembers me. Except for Sam, of course—we’ve kept in touch over the years.”

“In my defense, you admit that you do look different,” I say, impressed at how quickly Leah Ann recognized this updated version of Miguel.

“I don’t remember you at all,” Raymond says.

“I never had a class with you.” His eyes are level with Raymond’s. “I was just a pudgy new kid from Santa Lorena.” He looks off for a moment before continuing. “Besides, unlike you, I wasn’t on the football team or anything like that, so you wouldn’t have had a reason to remember me.”

“So what are you doing here now?” Raymond lifts his chin as if to hover over Miguel, but it won’t work. They are the same height.

“That’s easy—Sunnyville has the most beautiful women in California.” He gives Leah Ann and me an appreciative glance before addressing Raymond. “I’ll be returning to Santa Lorena, but, first, I have unfinished business here that needs my attention.”

“Welcome back, Miguel,” Leah Ann says while opening her hands to encompass all of us. “This is like a reunion. Rebecca has returned from New York, you from the military, and me from Sonoma College. This is great, isn’t it, Raymond?”

“It’s all right.” He shrugs and puts his hands into his pockets.

“All that dancing has me famished.” Leah Ann places a hand on her stomach. “I’m headed to the food table. Anyone care to join me?”

“I’m good,” Raymond says.

“Me, too,” I add. “I already ate a little something.” I glance at Miguel, but he doesn’t challenge the veracity of my statement. We both know that I helped myself to more than a small amount of everything at the table.

“I’m hungry.” Miguel joins Leah Ann as she heads to the refreshment table.

As soon as they’re gone, Raymond fiddles with his tie and mumbles under his breath before facing me. “I need to talk to you.”

“Oh, are you speaking to me?” I scan the area to see if someone else has walked up, knowing that he can’t possibly be saying he needs to speak with me, not after the way he kicked me out of the creamery.

“I am.” A pained expression crosses his face. “Believe me, I’m not happy about it, but I need you.”

My eyes light up, and pure joy fills my heart. “You do?” Finally, the man realizes that we belong together. And, to think, I’d been on the verge of abandoning the possibility of a reunion.

“Yes, I need you and hope you’ll say yes to my proposition.”