Rachel glows in the afternoon sun, relaxed and laughing. She’s also fun, making me realize how long it’s been since I’ve hung out with a woman whose company I actually enjoy.
I’ve spent most of my life emotionally closed off and remote, but she makes me wish I could surrender the barriers I’ve built around myself, even if only for a while.
Near evening, we dock at a tiny island with a flight of carved stone steps leading up to a spacious bungalow.
Rachel loves the house. I watch, amused as she runs from room to room, looking at the views. I own the house, though I can’t remember ever enjoying it as much as I am right now, through her eyes.
She makes everything better.
Slow down, Landon.
“I’m famished,” she declares in the kitchen when I open the fridge to confirm that the groceries I requested were delivered. When I offer to make dinner, she can’t hide her surprise. She insists on watching me throughout, like I’m a magician doing tricks. I don’t mind. I’m a good cook—growing up with access to hotel kitchens has some advantages.
After dinner, she lies with her head on my lap while I screen Sunset Boulevard in the den. Once she gets past her reservations about the movie being in black and white, she enjoys it almost as much as I do.
“That was tragic,” she complains when the movie ends.
“But,” I insist, “a classic.”
She makes a face then turns to me, her eyes softening. “I had a great day today.”
I stroke her hair. “Me too.”
Rising to her feet, she holds out a hand. “Come on. Let’s go to bed. I’ve been thinking about jumping your bones since you made me dinner.”
I follow her, chuckling. “You don’t think you could have told me that two hours ago?”
“And skip the movie?” She gives me a teasing smile. “No way.”
“Fuck the movie.” I grab her waist and carry her into the master bedroom, where we make love until we both fall asleep.
On the drive back to the city the next day, Rachel is animated on the phone with Laurie. I’m luxuriating in the sound of her voice, unable to stop smiling. It’s a strange feeling.
It’s happiness.
Even the knowledge that the feeling is temporary does nothing to dampen it. She’s like an angel of light, making the days and nights more bearable.
In her arms last
night, even though the dreams were there, I slept all night and woke up feeling like a new man.
She ends the call and faces me, her eyes shining, and for a moment, all I want to do is look at her.
How did this happen?
“Your cousin?” I ask, referring to the phone call.
She nods. “Yup.”
“She must miss you.”
Rachel grins. “Nah, she just misses having someone to torture with her teasing.” I raise an eyebrow and she chuckles. “I’m joking. I miss her too.”
“Maybe I can cheer you up,” I offer. “How would you like to go to a party tonight?”
“A party?”
“Well, not really a party per se. It’s the opening night gala for the San Francisco Ballet.”