Ravenswynd Legends

  Chapter 5

  Beautiful Stranger

  That Thursday was the longest day of my life. Every single class seemed to last three hours, and even lunch with Lindy went painfully slow. I barely tasted what I ate, though I did force myself to drink plenty of water. I rushed back home and, before anyone else arrived, I claimed the bathroom for myself. Just as I turned the blow dryer off, I heard the radio playing. I stuck my head out of the door and saw Kathy and her boyfriend, or rather, her soon-to-be fiancé, Will. They sat close together on the sofa looking through a magazine, their heads almost touching. I closed the door at once with a silent turn of the knob, in hopes they wouldn’t notice me. I applied my makeup using the most precision ever, making sure the black pencil lined my eyes straight and even, each eyelash sculpted into a perfect curve - long and thick, and finally, my lips carefully painted with the red lipstick, usually reserved for special nights out. Next, to dress the rest of me: a bright shiny silver chain around my neck that matched my hoop earrings, and my favorite silver bracelet. I pulled on my white cashmere sweater with a scoop neck line and a pair of brand new jeans. I gave myself a once over in the mirror, loving how the sweater accentuated my hair; the effect of black on white - so dramatic.

  By the time I left the bathroom, Kathy and Will had moved over to her bed. They lounged on top of the covers, fully dressed, whispering quietly. I tried to tiptoe out before they heard me, but the creaking floors gave me away. Kathy turned at the noise, leapt up and bounced toward me extending her left hand. Her excited giggle came out more like a squeal and she said, “Look, Lizzy! I’m engaged!”

  I took her hand and examined the ring. After all the boasting and bragging, it made me happy to see that her man had finally come through with a ring.

  “Wow! It’s beautiful. Congratulations, guys! Have you picked a date yet?” I asked turning toward Will when I heard the bed squeak. He planted his feet flat on the floor as he sat up on the side of the bed, rubbing his eyes.

  “We’re going to wait till Will graduates and he lands a job. So, one year from next June - isn’t that cool? I am so excited! I can’t wait to go home and show my parents. Will decided to give me the ring before my birthday, and we’re driving over to see my folks this weekend. It’ll be the first time he meets them.” Kathy’s excitement waned as she added in a much lower tone: “I hope they love him as much as I do.” When she glanced over at him, her eyes twinkled and she gave him a warm smile.

  Will looked at the two of us huddled together by the closet door, raised an eyebrow, and said with a twinge of dread, “Yep, me too.”

  He was a man of few words. In order to spend the rest of his life with Kathy, he’d have to stay that way. Kathy, now moved by his concern, rushed back to the bed and sat beside him, lost in her own world, allowing me to finally make a break for it. Although I didn’t want any more long, drawn out conversation, I lingered for a moment in the open doorway, just watching the lovebirds. She took his hand in hers and whispered words of encouragement. He smiled. Then they kissed. It was a sweet scene, but I had far more pressing things to consider. I closed the door behind me, quiet as a whisper, escaping without another thought of roommates and fiancés. I had only one thing on my mind as I left the building.

  I practically skipped over to the pub, barely noticing the chill in the air. It was earlier than when we had arrived the previous night. The sky held huge gray clouds that glowed orange where the setting sun sat low in the sky. My heart raced, though not out of fear or anxiety. This time it was out of hopefulness. I would simply die if he wasn’t there. I opened the door and was immediately blasted by loud music and the smell of fried foods - pizza and onions - all at once. I stepped inside to laughter, clinking of glasses and silverware, and instant warmth. As the door shut behind me, I glanced around, unbuttoned my coat, and fluffed out my hair, untangling it from the wind. A few couples were already out on the dance floor, oblivious to me. A man with curly brown hair sat at the bar, his head cranked in my direction, doing his best to get eye contact, but I refused and looked away. I took my time, weaving through the tables toward the booth where he had sat the night before: it was empty.

  I removed my coat and sat down exactly where he had been sitting when I first spotted him. My thoughts lingered on that moment, centering on his long, black hair. Not too unlike my own, I mused, smiling. I had no idea if he would even be here again, but I had to find out who he was, why I felt so drawn to him - this stunning stranger. This was so new and foreign to me, to be venturing out to a bar all alone, deliberately looking for someone – and with such determination. But I was driven like never before: as though the winds of change had taken me by force and compelled me like a violent storm. It was his eyes. They had never really let me go; I was still haunted by those eyes - so dark, so penetratingly beautiful. Even though we had not exchanged one word between us, I had to come back.

  As I waited for the server to take my order, I checked my face in my pocket mirror: eye makeup good, lipstick straight, nothing in my teeth. I smoothed out my hair again and slid to the back of the booth for a better view of the whole room and the main entryway. A minute or two later the door opened, letting in the sounds of the street just as a motorcycle roared by. A young couple walked in hand-in-hand. I let out the breath I had been holding. Not him.

  When the waiter came I ordered a salad and a glass of iced tea. I wasn’t the least bit hungry. I was far too nervous and excited to think of food. The door swung open again, and two loud, obnoxious guys came in: one with short, dark hair; the other blonde. Their whooping and hollering was enough to set my teeth on edge. As if that wasn’t bad enough, when they spotted me, one elbowed the other as they sauntered toward the bar and made annoying wolf noises. What jerks! Thankfully, my server came and blocked their view of me. I picked at my salad for about ten minutes. I didn’t want to have green things in my teeth when I smiled, so I basically pushed things around with my fork, ate a few croutons, and sipped my tea.

  A dismal heaviness crept over me when the streetlights came on - still no sign of him. I began to wish I had just stayed home and finished my school work. The two loud men looked my way and the blonde one stood up as though he planned to come toward my table. I snatched up my purse and headed in the opposite direction to the ladies’ room, my hair swishing behind me. I spent more time than necessary in there in the hopes that Blondie would take the hint and leave me alone. Finally, I sneaked back to my table, but kept my eyes on the floor. I didn’t want to give those guys the wrong impression by any stray eye contact. Edging my way back, I inhaled a remarkable fragrance that I hadn’t noticed earlier - a cross between something sweet and musky with a hint of spicy smoke. Someone must have just blown out a candle or two.

  I sat back down, adjusting myself as I slid in, and risked a quick glance toward the bar for my potential stalkers: they were on the other side of the dance floor, shooting pool. Success! I picked up my fork and attempted to stab a tomato - which promptly flew up into the air, bounced once on the table and then took flight out onto the floor! I felt my face burn as red as my flying tomato. Flaming hell - how embarrassing! I was glad the lights were dim, and nothing but faint candle flame flickered through the room casting irregular shadows at each table. I glanced around furtively to see if anyone had noticed my acrobatic food display - and there - right at the booth next to mine, facing straight toward me, looking deep into my eyes, sat the man with the long black hair and unfathomable eyes. My heart pounded hard and wild within my chest, taking my breath away. My memory eluded me, my mind now completely blank. I blinked, trying to catch my breath and gather my thoughts together, feeling dazed and quite stupid. What the hell had I planned to do once I found him?

  The corners of his mouth turned up a little. Smile! I had planned to smile! And so I did. He returned the smile more fully, and our eyes locked. I wanted to look around so I could get a full view of him
, but it hardly mattered any more. He was here! And I could behold those wonderful, dark eyes again, though it felt more like he was beholding me; they bore into me so deeply. I wondered how long we would keep this up: smiling and staring. I blinked again, picked up my glass, and took a sip of tea. For one second, I glanced away as I reached for my napkin. When I looked back he had moved and now stood right beside my table. Not wanting to miss a thing, I took my time studying him, directing my view upwards - slow and easy. He wore black pants and a black shirt, and when he removed his dark, blood-red scarf, I noticed a silver chain with some sort of medallion. There was a tattoo on the side of his neck, but from where I sat, I couldn’t tell what it was. His ebony hair fell down past his shoulders, straight and silky. He had a strong, square chin with a smoky 5 o’clock shadow coming down along his jaw-line and surrounding his smooth, hard-candy lips; his nose was straight and narrow like a Greek sculpture, and his eyes - my God, his eyes! They were so dark now that they were purple. Once again he peered far into me, holding me firmly in place, captivating me by his determination, fascinating me with his stunning, good looks. The way he gazed at me with purpose and intent told me there wasn’t a thing I could hide from him - ever.

  I cleared my throat, trying to find my voice. “Please, sit down.”

  Did I just say that out loud? I must have: he nodded and eased himself in across from me. I was able to see his eyes straight on now. It was nearly impossible to speak, to breathe, or to look away. I supposed we could spend the whole evening staring; I could live with that. Raising an eyebrow, I pushed my hair back behind my shoulder, wondering if he would ever speak.

  “Your hair is lovely,” he said, as if he had read my mind. His voice was velvety-deep, strong and sincere.

  “Your hair is...” I groped for the correct word. What should I say? Lovely in a handsome way? It was the length that made it so arresting, so beautiful.

  “Long,” he said, finishing my sentence for me.

  “Right, but that’s not what I meant. What I mean is, I don’t think you should ever cut it... it becomes you. It belongs where it is, not on some barber’s floor.” My mouth had gotten ahead of my brain. I wasn’t trying to be funny and hoped I wasn’t blabbering like an idiot.

  “No worries,” he said with a brief smile.

  It was then that I noticed his British accent and asked, “Are you from England?”

  “Yes. I am here on holiday.” His voice was as alluring as his eyes and his hair.

  How insane is this? My mind reeled. I’m already in love with him and I know nothing about him. Why did I feel so giddy - like a frivolous young schoolgirl? I shook my head slightly trying to clear my foggy brain. This is so unlike me, so unnatural.

  “It is completely natural,” he said quietly.

  I wasn’t positive, but I thought I had kept that last opinion to myself. Or... was he talking about his hair?

  “What?” I asked, feeling a bit perplexed.

  “I am sorry, I have been rude.” He stood and extended his hand across the table and said, “Allow me to make a proper introduction. My name is Emrys Blake Bertrand.”

  Well, that’s different. I took his hand and, initially, thought a static shock had just jumped across us, but when he continued with a solid grasp, the sensation became a live electrical current which traveled through my entire body. He bent his head down as if to hide his smile, but I had already noticed. I didn’t want to let go of his hand. The energy flowing from him was startling, yet exciting.

  “Elizabeth Amarande Rose.” I didn’t usually give my middle name, but somehow, it seemed not only appropriate, but also necessary.

  “Magnificent.” He let my hand go and sat again. His already steamy eyes glowed deeper in the soft light. He continued to maintain eye contact, but he reached over to the table beside ours and picked up his glass. It looked like red wine, and after he took a small sip, he licked his beautiful lips and said, “Your name matches your beauty.”

  I knew he watched my every move: he saw my eyes move to his mouth, to his hair, and back up to his eyes again. How was he able to concentrate so fully on my eyes alone? I even tried to flip my hair a few times, to run my fingers through from scalp to the ends, but still, his eyes remained fixed on mine.

  How does one make small talk with someone like him? I wished he’d speak first.

  On cue again, he asked in soft tones, “Tell me about yourself, Elizabeth. What brings you out on a cold, dark night such as this?”

  How do I tell him that I came here to meet him without sounding like a compete fool?

  “I think you know what brings me here,” I said, surprising myself with a new boldness.

  My heart raced. I had never ever been this daring with a man. I had never wanted a man this badly before, and if truth be told, I hadn’t ever had a man before in my life.

  I detected a twinkle in his eyes as a slight grin appeared. He can read my mind! Now what do I say?

  “I do know,” he said. “It is the same reason I returned as well.” His eyes revealed the truth.

  Someone dropped a glass near the bar, and it shattered clamorously before I could say anything. I looked up and saw the two loud men getting their jackets and gawking at me past Emrys’ shoulder. Then they started making mocking gestures in reference to his long hair. The one guy grabbed his friend by the head and pretended to stroke his hair as though it went below his shoulders.

  Emrys stood, but never looked back. Unhurried and with care, he removed his black trench coat. He smoothed it out and laid it across the back of the seat with slow, deliberate care. He pushed up his sleeves revealing rather large, muscular arms and a few more tattoos, and as he did, I spotted a silver thumb ring that had bright red designs engraved inside a chain of squares that went all around the ring. He adjusted his silver medallion and sat back down keeping his eyes on me the whole time.

  “Ignore the insolent adolescents, Elizabeth. These men are so far beneath you - they cannot even fathom your grace and your undefiled beauty. It is their jealousy that motivates them, for I sit where they never will. In addition, they envy and are fascinated with my ability to maintain a rational and reasonable attitude in the presence of their incorrigible and riotous actions. Just then, when I stood to remove my overcoat, they assumed I would join them in their display of unpolished and unsociable behavior. I would never dream of such unprincipled reactions. I could not fathom leaving you here alone while I attend to them and altogether bash their frail little heads together - tempting as that thought may be.”

  That had been the longest string of sentences he had said so far, and I had to remind myself to close my gaping mouth. He had never even turned around once!

  I didn’t look, but I was sure the calm, but perfectly choreographed, little dance that Emrys had just performed had worked. I heard the door swing open and close, and the whole pub had quieted down. I didn’t believe that anyone else heard what Emrys had said – but quite possibly just his presence came off as overwhelming and demanding, as though he were royalty.

  I saw his eyes flicker down to my mouth when I licked my lips, but just as quickly, they were back locked again with my own.

  “I think they left,” was all I could say.

  “Of course they did.” Emrys smiled. “And I am pleased that they have gone. Shall we return now to our previous conversation?”

  “Yes, please.” I drew in a deep breath, getting another whiff of that sensuous smoky aroma. Can he hear how fast my heart is hammering inside my chest?

  “I had hoped you would return this evening, Elizabeth. I wanted to be able to speak to you without your friends about.”

  “Those people were my sister’s friends. I mean, I was with my sister and two of her friends.”

  “I presumed as much. You and your sister are very close?” He had such a velvet voice when he spoke, as soft and as deep as his tangible gaze.

&n
bsp; “Yes, we’re twins. I’m sure you saw that.”

  “I did not give it much thought. It was you that I wanted... to meet.” He seemed a little apprehensive as he clasped his hands together, and cleared his throat. “I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you.”

  “My sister and I are identical twins,” I said, ignoring his premature compliment. “I mean, we’re exactly alike, mirror images of each other. You didn’t notice her?” Is he blind? Maybe that was why he seemed to look so far into my eyes, and how he could sense things around him so well. No, that couldn’t be right - he definitely looked at me, not through me, not past me. I decided to test it with a little smile.

  He smiled back.

  “I only have eyes for you, Elizabeth. I did not notice anyone else in the room and I have not been drawn to anyone...let me rephrase that. When I saw you last evening...”

  Even though my thoughts had been consumed by this man for the last twenty-four hours I wondered...where was the small talk; the casual verbal dancing familiar to all new couples? I started to think he’d been moving our relationship along a bit fast, when he stopped mid-sentence and sat straighter in his chair. All of a sudden a strange feeling crept over me, not fearful, not apprehensive or anxious. Nothing I could put my finger on, just strange.

  “I must take my time. Please, accept my sincere apology. I have been too forward,” he added in an earnest and soft tone. “I do not wish to frighten you away.”

  “I’m okay. Please, go on - don’t stop.” Did the expression on my face change to make him modify his wording? I hadn’t said what I was thinking, had I?

  “Very well then. When I saw you last evening, I truly wanted to meet you, but you were with another.”

  I stifled a giggle. “No, that was not a date; he was just a friend of a friend,” I explained.

  “I see. Is there anyone you see regularly?” he asked point blank.

  Once again I held back my laugh. If I didn’t know better, I’d think that Emrys wasn’t at all into the dating scene. But that could not be possible, not with his great looks and apparent good manners. Who wouldn’t want to go out with this guy? I certainly hoped he’d get around to asking me!

  “No, I’m not,” I answered, and then added, “I’ve been too busy this semester to even think about dating. I may be a twin, but I am definitely a single Rose.”

  His eyes flew open wide, and he cleared his throat. He nodded and took a sip of his drink. I sensed something different - a distinct reaction to my last statement. I took a moment to analyze his odd behavior, and then it dawned on me.

  “Are you married?” I leaned back into my chair and folded my arms, expecting the worst. He was too good to be true. And no wonder, all the good ones are already taken.

  “Of course not!” he snapped, shaking his head.

  “I’m sorry,” I said, thinking I had offended his integrity. But there couldn’t be anything wrong with asking.

  “No, you were correct to ask. It caught me off guard. I...I never expected this question. I forget that most people are not as...old-fashioned as I am. I would never approach a woman if I were married.” He absentmindedly touched his medallion as he spoke. “Though I have never been married, I consider it a sacred union. To be perfectly honest, I have not thought about romance or courtship for a long time. However, I do find myself feeling new emotions this evening. I feel as though I have known you my entire life and I do not want this evening to end. You are quite stunning, Elizabeth Rose – an absolute beauty.

  His words, though sweet and generous, made me a bit uncomfortable. He sure had all the right moves, but could he be real? Courtship? Who talks like that?

  I gave him a quick thank-you, but turned to look out the window near our table while reviewing everything he’d said.

  “What do you see out there - beyond the glass?” he asked in a soft voice, following my gaze out the window.

  I took a deep breath, and let the air out more like a sigh. “I see someone walking their dog just beyond the parking lot under that row of trees. I see leaves twirling in the wind. I can see a few stars in the sky, and I see the lights of an airplane overhead.” I paused for a moment as I gazed up into the darkness. “I know it’s silly, but every time I see a plane flying above me I imagine all the people inside, and can’t help but wonder where they’re all going.”

  He smiled.

  “Why, what do you see?” I asked, resting my chin on my hand and looking into his eyes.

  He turned his head toward me and never looked away. “I see the face of an angel. Her eyes are blue oceans of gentle purity. I see within her mind a sharp intellect - laced with sweet innocent naiveté. She is a kind-hearted soul with a noble and generous spirit. I see a delicate garden of loveliness and desire.”

  My cheeks burned.

  His penetrating eyes softened as he continued: “A blushing rose, a rare and beautiful flower, a prize of infinite value.”

  He paused for a moment. I attempted to gather my thoughts, to weigh his words. I licked my lips as a new nervousness set in. How do I respond to such words of praise, to the never-ending gaze?

  “I cannot stop staring, Elizabeth. Do you wish to know exactly what I see?” he asked in a serious manner.

  A tiny whisper escaped my lips. “Sure.”

  “The pathway to my future.”

  My heart believed that he was genuine and meant every word that he had uttered, but my mind was at war with my emotions. Did love at first sight actually exist? Had I started to allow my feelings to rule my better judgment? He made me feel so special, so beautiful and desirable. But everything seemed to be happening so fast that my head began to spin. My pulse raced again, my heart playing inside my chest like a drum roll.

  “I am not quite sure how to respond, Emrys. No one has ever spoken to me this way. Your words are sweet, but I just don’t know what to say.”

  He sat back into the chair, deep in thought, like he was listening. Oddly enough, I saw the music in his eyes before it reached my ears. I recognized the tune at once. You’re Beautiful by James Blunt, was on the radio every day lately, and it was just about at the end.

  Now what? I thought. Where do we go from here? The way he was talking, I had to assume he was about to ask me out, and I hoped he would, but not Friday, any day but Friday. He sat forward in his seat when the song ended.

  “I would be honored to take you out on a proper date. What might you be doing tomorrow evening?” His voice seemed to change mid-sentence, not quite a chuckle, but I noted a definite shift, my first inkling that he wasn’t being one hundred percent upfront with me.

  “I have to go out with a friend tomorrow. I promised her.”

  I wanted to tell him about it: how silly it was that Fiona believed all this nonsense, and that I had even let myself slip into her fantasy-world for a while. But I couldn’t. I had to keep my word no matter what. I couldn’t say a word to him and I had to go to the party. At the very least, I could make an entrance with her, and then beg for a ride back home.

  “I understand.” He nodded his head. “Perhaps another day then?”

  “We could go out on Saturday. Or even on Sunday. Whichever…whenever you’re free.” I turned into a blathering idiot again. When would I learn to just shut up and smile?

  He reached across the table and took my right hand in his. Electrical currents ran up and down my spine. The hair on the back of my neck rose up, and as I became light-headed, there was a vibration in my chest. What the flaming hell was going on? Never before had I reacted to anyone like this. My legs ached; my breath came in short gasps. I had to forcefully keep myself from rushing into his arms and consuming his entire being. I needed to have this man. It was a demanding, unstoppable, essential requirement – a requirement much like air or water. I didn’t think I could live another day without him. I wanted to be with him in every possible way. I wanted him until the end of
time.

  His eyes bore into mine as if he had been imagining the exact same things I was, and I shivered at the thought of it. If I didn’t stay focused and breathe regularly, I’d be on the floor again. Only this time it would not be due to fear of the unknown, or holding my breath, or dehydration - but from hyperventilating.

  “This is real, Elizabeth. You feel it,” Emrys said, giving my hand a squeeze. “The connection is strong.”

  “We barely know each other,” I said, stating the obvious.

  “We know enough. We have the rest of our lives to learn more.” Rich, velvet words. His eyes held me fast. His touch was warm and gentle. Would it be just like this when – that is – if we kissed?

  He smiled. Not again! He had done it again. He had to be reading my mind!

  “I would love to kiss you,” he said with a gentle intensity. The volts of electrical energy surged through my whole body from head to toe.

  I was at a loss for words for the first time in my life. I wanted to believe him with every fiber of my being, to believe in love at first sight, for him to be the one. He seemed so honest, and it felt so right. I looked at his lips and imagined his kiss. That vivid image was enough to ignite a fire that I wasn’t sure I’d be able to control. I was slipping away, no longer my own person, more a part of something much larger than myself. Was this love?

  Or was I a gullible idiot?

  “Wait a minute.” I swallowed hard. “Didn’t you say you were on holiday? When do you have to leave and go back home to England?” All of a sudden I was freaked out and anxious about the future. Already worried he’d leave me if we let this go any further.

  “I will never leave you. You shall come with me,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

  He’d done it again - he kept answering my thoughts. I flinched ever so slightly in response, almost pulling away, but he continued his electrified hand holding with a firm grip. This was madness. What about my sister? I could just hear her scolding me in her motherly way: telling me I had lost my mind – there’s no such thing as love at first sight. What about my schooling, my future and my friends? My mind reeled. Then it hit me like a bucket of ice-cold reality. He must be a player looking for a good time with a moronic American. He had all the right words, eyes that could melt me alive, great looks and hair - the whole package. I would be taken for a long ride, and the end of the story would be me - sitting in my room in a puddle of tears while Melinda stroked my hair and told me it would all be okay.

  Shaking my head, I pulled my hand back. The electrical current stopped, my mind cleared, and I tried to look anywhere but into his eyes. I poked at my now-wilted salad, folded and unfolded my napkin, wiped off my lipstick, and drank the last of my tea. Out of the corner of my eye I could see he was frowning, but I couldn’t look at him.

  “I should be getting home now. I have an early class tomorrow morning.” I tried to sound normal.

  “What is it, Elizabeth?” he asked with a puzzled look.

  I noted a tone of sadness in his voice.

  “Nothing, Emrys. I’ll meet you back here Saturday evening - if you want.” I didn’t look up, but I began to gather up my coat and purse and slide out of the booth.

  He took my coat and held it while I eased into it. His hands touched my shoulders sending small currents through the thick material, and he turned me around to face him. I was afraid to look up. If I did his eyes would lock me in again. Instead, I reached for his silver medallion. I didn’t examine it closely, but it seemed like some sort of black bird. I toyed with it and tried to avoid Emrys’ eyes.

  “Cool necklace.” I didn’t like the coolness in my voice, but I could not lose myself.

  He touched my chin and lifted my face. Electrical energy flowed through his finger; my lips quivered, and my eyes started burning.

  He brushed the tears on my cheek and said, “Elizabeth, please. I do not understand.” He sounded tortured.

  I picked up my purse and buttoned my coat. I glanced into his eyes for one second, and touched his arm. Standing on my tiptoes, I brushed his cheek with a light kiss and said, “I’ll meet you here Saturday... at seven.”

  I didn’t glance back as I ran to the door. Sobbing full-blown tears by the time the wind hit my face, I ran all the way home. The cold air stung my lungs, but I couldn’t stop running. If I did, I’d turn and run back into his arms, and then regret it the rest of my life. I knew it would be a gigantic miracle if he showed up on Saturday. There had to be dozens of other love-struck women who’d be willing to diddle around with him. And there was plenty of time to find one between now and then, including Friday night at the pub. Everyone will be there. Except for us poor dumb suckers going to the party.

  I slammed the dorm room door behind me and was relieved to discover that Kathy and Will were gone, and only my dear sister was home. She sat under a blanket watching a movie and looked up as I locked the door. She knew instantly by the expression on my face that something had gone wrong and, before I had my coat hung up, she stood next to me asking what had happened.

  “Didn’t you find your man with the hair and eyes?” She touched my shoulder and brushed the hair out of my face.

  “He did show up.” My voice quivered. “We’re supposed to meet again on Saturday.”

  “Then what’s the problem, sis?” She touched my cheek with a soft hand.

  “I think this guy is too good to be true, and if he meets me back there Saturday night, it’ll be a big surprise. I’m pretty sure if I had let him, he would have taken me back to his place, which is most likely a motel since he’s on vacation, and he would have had his way with me.” I wiped my eyes; sure the black makeup had melted down all over my face.

  “Lizzy, that’s what any normal American male would do. What’s so unusual about that? Did he try anything or what?”

  “No, but he went on and on about ‘forever’ and ‘never leaving’ me...as if we had been dating for years. Oh, and he’s not American. Emrys is from England.” I went to sit on the sofa, grabbed the remote and started to flip through the channels.

  “Hey, I was watching that!” Lindy followed me and wrenched the remote out of my hand and, without missing a beat, said, “So then he’s a normal British male.” She turned her movie back on, hit mute, and plunked herself next to me on the sofa. “If he hasn’t forced himself on you, or even mentioned it, I don’t see the problem.”

  “You should have heard him. He said everything any woman would want to hear. Except usually these things aren’t said until you actually have an ongoing relationship - not on your first night together, which by the way, was not even a planned date.”

  “Oh, I see. Now you don’t believe in love at first sight.” The sarcasm poured like liquid. “I thought you did, since you were the one who had to go meet him, as if you knew he was the one.” She grinned at me mischievously and started playing with my hair.

  “I know, I know. It makes absolutely no sense. He looks at me like he’s been in love with me for years. He finishes sentences for me. When he touches me I feel electrical shocks running through me - his eyes alone speak volumes! I think he can even read my mind.” I glanced at her. “Don’t look at me like that - it’s uncanny how he knows things.”

  “Ah huh.”

  “Melinda, I swear... if he had kissed me... I would have done it right there in the pub. That’s how he affects me!”

  “Whatever you say, sis. I’ll be surprised if you do it on your wedding night!” She had tried to sound playful, but I caught her undertone of sarcasm.

  I shook my head. This happened to be the one subject that I didn’t feel comfortable discussing with her. I didn’t agree with her choices and she knew it.

  “Hey, speaking of kissing - I kissed Mark the other night after we got you up here and into bed.” She raised an eyebrow and smiled.

  “Really? Did anything else happen?” I asked,
hoping I didn’t sound too judgmental. It was so hard to keep quiet.

  “No, Elizabeth!” The answer was emphatic and she tossed back her head.

  “So, there’s hope for you yet!” I chuckled. I always wondered if, deep down, she wished she had stayed a virgin too.

  Melinda asked me to tell her more about my beautiful stranger, and I went over every single detail. She listened intently as I droned on for over an hour. She never did go back to her movie. Talking with my sister brought a familiar calmness. No matter our moods, we could always make each other laugh and feel better about our situations and ourselves. I wasn’t sure how to feel about Emrys. A lot depended on whether or not he showed up on Saturday. I could still see his eyes whenever I closed mine, but something wasn’t quite right about him. Maybe it was just me, but he was too perfect. Too good to be true. That never happens in real life.