Unforgettable by Linda Barrett (story reading .TXT) 📖

I’d sent him a novel a month ago.”

“A novel? You mean a regular story—a book—and not a play?”

“Yeah.”

“He didn’t like it? That’s so hard to believe. You come up with such powerful ideas…powerful work.”

“Oh, he loved the storyline.”

“But…?”

“Said it should have been a play. Seventy percent of the book was dialogue. And the other thirty, he said, sounded like I was bossing everyone around. Sitting, standing, shoving.”

Jen started to laugh, then giggle. “Huh! Guess that big playwriting residency didn’t make much of an impression on you. The first time you’re on your own, you choose to write a novel! A novel that’s really a play. Too funny, Doug, weird and funny. I guess you are who you are.”

He sighed dramatically. “I think you’re right. But it was worth the effort just to hear you laugh. Love that laugh.”

Too personal. “So what are you going to do with that story now?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to take my friend’s advice and rewrite it. Writing is rewriting most of the time anyway.”

“With your other jobs, it sounds like you’ll be busy twenty-four seven. Maybe that’s best — for both of us.” She couldn’t deny the feelings he’d reawakened in her, but she wasn’t ready. Time and space suited her. “I’ll say goodnight now.” She disconnected.

Not a second later she heard a ding. A text from the failed novelist. “Sorry to spoil your plan, Jenny. On my To-Do list, you are Number One.”

#

“Didn’t Lisa tell you?” asked Mike over the phone.

“I guess not.”

“Luis is picking up the boys at the airport tomorrow and bringing them home. You’re off the hook for once.”

Mike’s driver was like part of the family, but not usually around too much in the off-season. “Then I’ll meet you at the house,” said Jen. “I want to see my brothers.”

“That’s up to you. But you’re screwing up a Friday night...uh…with your friends.”

“What?”

“Go out. Have fun.”

Since when…? “What’s this all about? I’m with my friends often enough. You’re talking to good old Jenny here. And you do not sound like good old Mike.”

“Big-brother Mike is talking now. You need to have more fun. And the Brennan-Delaney clan is not going to screw it up for you this time around.”

She sucked back both her tears and laughter. Her thoughts swirled. This time around? Could they know the real reason she stayed five years ago? She’d made a strong effort hide her pain and confusion. Even Lisa hadn’t asked too many questions—just accepted that Doug needed to be in New York. And maybe, with all that was happening between her and Mike at the time, she preferred Jen at home, too.

“But you’re all my family!” Jen protested. “Nothing’s more important. You’re doing Lisa’s dirty work, aren’t you? She’s behind this ridiculous conversation.”

“If it’s dirty work, then we’re both involved—Lisa and I.”

“I-I don’t understand, but I’m not going to make a fuss now. You guys still have a full house to handle, including an itty-bitty baby and a three-year-old.” She thought about the twins, and Emily’s concert on Saturday, plus Lisa and Mike’s careers. Lisa’s legal practice needed her hands-on involvement. It was a lot. “If it will make you both happier to think I’m…socializing, then fine. But this conversation is not over.”

“Agreed. And one more thing, Jen. Bring Doug to visit us whenever you want.”

Doug. Now she clearly understood the motivation behind this discussion. First up, though, she needed to change the mood. “You and Lisa can take off your hair shirts,” she said. “The past is all on me.”

##

On Friday evening, Jen made her way to the lobby of her office building to meet her friends and spotted Doug among them. She didn’t recall inviting him, but wasn’t too surprised. He’d felt welcomed the week before and “people-person” Doug probably assumed he was now part of the group.

A wide smile lit up his face when she approached, and she felt herself smile back, her doubts beginning to dissolve as she was drawn to his warmth. He hurried toward her and wasted no time planting a kiss on her mouth—as though he had the right.

“Slow down, cowboy. You’re way ahead of me.”

“I always was…always circled back to let you catch up.”

Was that true? “Tortoise and the hare?” she joked. She’d think about the implications later.

“Didn’t matter,” he replied, “since we were heading in the same direction.” He paused, his brown eyes darkening, turning solemn. “It seems I’ve circled back again.”

“Your choice,” she whispered, avoiding his gaze.

“Hey, Jennifer!” She glanced up to see Alexis and Liz waving.

“A lucky save,” said Doug, smiling at the newcomers. “Where’s the rest of the crew?”

“Evan’s coming.” said Alexis, “but Matt said he’d catch up at Maguire’s.” She turned toward Liz. “Do you know what’s holding him up on a Friday night?”

Liz glanced away. “Just working late, I guess.”

“Hmm…” Jen glanced at Alexis, who shrugged.

Another elevator deposited its passengers. “There’s Evan. Let’s go. I’m starving.” Doug’s stomach growled in time to his words. “It keeps doing that,” he joked.

“Because you’re always starving,” said Jen. She sighed dramatically. “Whether it’s poets, playwrights, writers.…starving seems to be the keyword.”

Doug rolled his eyes and opened the outside door. “Spare me, will ya’? In fact, I had a terrific day.” He grinned at them. “The auditions were great, and we’re all cast. Full reading starts Monday.”

“Hear, hear! I’m impressed,” said Evan. “Maybe I pegged you wrong. That’s quite an achievement in one week.”

“Sure was fast. You really are the hare,” commented Jen.

“Don’t you business types always say ‘time is money?’ ” asked Doug. “We’ve got the main stage booked for the second weekend of September and for eight weekends thereafter, plus Wednesdays. We’d better be ready.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” said Alexis. “I’ve never known a real playwright. Or any writer, in fact.”

They’d arrived at Maguire’s as Liz said, “Let’s make it a party. An opening-night party. All of us.”

“We’ll see,” said Jen. Four months from then seemed like an eternity. Who knew what her relationship with Doug would be? She glanced at him and received a wink. “You’ll be there,” he whispered, “and I hope you’ll be cheering.”

“I can’t make promises I may not keep.”

She heard his deep inhale and exhale. “Maybe you’re right. Let’s find out.” He leaned forward, his arms around her, and placed his mouth on hers. Gentle at first, then pressing harder, and she opened to him, her tongue meeting his. Her eyes closed, her breath disappeared as she absorbed his familiar touch, his familiar fragrance. Comforting, secure…exciting. A frisson of happiness raced through her as time disappeared.

Her friends cheered, and reality brought her up short.

“Oh, man…” she turned aside, her face on fire. Public displays of affection were definitely not her style.

“I’m not asking for promises,” said Doug, keeping her close. “Take your time.” But his grin belied his words. He leaned closer and whispered, “Nothing has changed since our undergrad days. You’re still the one. And so am I.”

“And that’s supposed to make me happy?” she whispered, glad to see Evan pointing at a table.

“C’mon, lovebirds,” the man said, leading the way. “The crowd’s lighter than last week. I guess people are grabbing weekends at the Cape already.”

Lovebirds? She’d have to straighten Evan out.

“I’d love a place on Cape Cod,” said Alexis. “The beach, the ocean… Work hard, play hard.”

Jen sat quietly, her mind flashing to the large beach house Mike had bought several years ago for the family to enjoy. Their summer neighbors had come to accept him as just another resident, regardless of the three Super Bowls he’d led the Riders to win. But as usual, she didn’t share details of her home life, even with these closest friends. Her family’s past experiences with paparazzi and their invasive techniques precluded that.

“Oh, here’s Matt,” exclaimed Liz, her body poised to stand—or fly. Jen eyed Alexis and nodded toward their friend. Alexis shook her head and seemed confused.

Matt approached, but his gaze was only for Liz. “It’s what we thought.” He turned to include the table. “I’ve got some news,” he began. “I’m being promoted.” He held up his hand to stop Jen as she began to congratulate him. “All those late-night courses seemed to have paid off. However, there’s a kink.” He looked from one to the other. “The new position requires me to relocate to a regional office.”

Alexis was the first. “Congratulations…I think. But we’ll miss you, Matt. Oh, I’m not ready for this. I wasn’t expecting my little working world to fall apart.”

“Did you think this—” Evan gestured around the table “—could last forever?”

“I-I guess I never thought about it,” said Alexis. “But why not? The Boston office is huge. It’s the corporate headquarters. I thought we’d all be together for years.”

“So did I,” admitted Jen, blinking quickly.

Doug remained silent, but Jen sensed him staring at her and her co-workers, taking it all in. Fodder for another play?

“So, exactly where are you going, Matt?” she asked softly. “Maybe just to Rhode Island?”

Matt cleared his throat. “Actually, I’ll be further away than that—in Kentucky. Working at the office in Covington.”

“That’s far!” Jen cried, her stomach twisting. “That’s a real goodbye.”

“Haven’t you heard of planes?” joked Evan.

“Not the same,” she protested. “Nothing ever stays the same.” She heard the cry in her own voice and pressed her lips together.

“Jenny—look at me,” said Doug, gently turning her head. “Think of it not as a goodbye but as a hello—for Matt. New challenges, building his career. That’s what you all want, isn’t it? And sometimes moving is what’s required.”

He wasn’t talking only about Matt. He was speaking about them. About their past when moving to New York City was out of the question—for her. It still was.

Liz’s quiet voice broke in. “He won’t be going alone.”

All eyes turned to her. “We’re going together. Hopefully, I’ll work something out with the company. If not, I’ll go job hunting.”

Matt stood behind Liz, his hands resting on her shoulders. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek before addressing the group.

“You would have figured this out soon, but Lizzy and I—we’ve been seeing each other away from the office for almost a year now….And, well…we’re taking the relationship to the next level.” He smiled. “More news to follow.”

“A toast to your new adventure,” said Doug, raising his water glass.

“Yes. Of-of course,” said Jen, pasting a smile on her face while in the back of her mind, Carol King asked if anybody stayed in one place anymore.

##

“We’re bringing the baby home today.”

Jen sat on the side of her bed the next morning, her sister’s words floating above her as she held her phone and tried to wake up. The message, when received, had her bolting from the pillow. “That’s wonderful. I can’t wait to see her again.”

“Neither can I. But I need a favor. Instead of meeting us, can you accompany Emily to Symphony Hall tonight?”

Emily’s concert. A very big deal. “Of course.”

“I…I feel awful not going with her, but Brianna needs me, too.”

“She certainly does! Don’t think twice about it. Emily can even stay overnight at my place.”

“Thanks, but she’ll probably want to come home. She’s funny that way. Can’t wait to get to school, but—and this worries me—she’s happiest when she’s alone and practicing her violin.”

Nothing new there. “Lis—she’s just being herself. And she’s so good with that fiddle. Practicing is a one-person job.”

“I know, I know. But I’m not sure. Heck, I’m not sure of anything. Maybe my hormones are out of whack