“Josh, forget it. I’ve made my decision and it’s final. I’m marrying Richard.” Chloe snapped her cell phone shut. She wiped the tears, then plucked a tissue and dabbed at her nose. She’d done it. She had put the past to rest.
Still upset, she went into the kitchen and saw Suzanne swiping drops of oil from her forehead as she fried the chicken. “Chloe, can you take over here. It’s hot.”
“Sure, Mom.”
Moments later, Jill pulled out the ribs from the oven while Chloe put the jambalaya rice inside. “It smells good, Aunt Jill.”
Jill put the rack on the counter. Suzanne had also finished frying the chicken and turned off the stove. “I don’t know about you, but cooking is giving me a headache.”
Jill laughed. “Suzanne, you’ve done a great job. I can’t wait to taste that chicken.”
Suzanne swiped more droplets of oil from her forehead. “I need to take a shower.”
“Why don’t you go ahead and take a shower upstairs, while I help Aunt Jill bake the apple pie.”
Suzanne nodded and walked to the living room to take her bag upstairs to the master bedroom. While Suzanne showered, Chloe measured the sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch and whipping cream. Jill sliced the apples and set aside the pie crust. Chloe was desperate to think of something other than Josh. Ignacio offered the perfect diversion.
“Guess what, Aunt Jill?” Chloe whispered once her mother was safely out of the room. “I found Ignacio.”
Jill set the knife down to look at Chloe. “How did you find him?”
“On this social network online called Facebook. It took me a long time to find him but, to make a long story short, he lives in San Francisco.”
Jill gasped. “Oh my goodness… Did you tell your mother?”
“Nope, but I have a surprise for her,” Chloe said, telling Jill about the plan to meet him at the Conservatory Lounge of the Ritz hotel. “Mom thinks we’re having lunch with Richard’s parents tomorrow.”
“Chloe, you’re playing cupid here.” Jill giggled. “I would love to see the look on her face when she sees him tomorrow.”
“Oh no.” Chloe paused. “What if she mentions it to Richard’s parents tonight about seeing them tomorrow? What am I going to do?”
“Hmmm… Perhaps you can tell your mom that you’ve planned to surprise Richard’s parents tomorrow,” Jill said, removing the Jambalaya rice from the oven and putting in the pie.
“I hope Mom buys it.”
“She will, don’t worry.”
Moments later, Suzanne came out of the shower wearing her robe. Chloe and Jill put the dishes in the dishwasher and removed the pie. “I feel so fresh and clean after the shower.”
Jill smiled. “Now it’s our turn to take a shower.”
Chloe blew out the candles and wiped the countertops then tied back her hair. “Yeah, I need to get ready before they arrive. Oh and by the way, please don’t mention anything about Saturday – it’s a surprise.”
“A surprise?” Suzanne raised her eyebrow. “We’re already cooking for them today. I don’t understand why we have to take them out tomorrow.”
“Mom! They don’t come very often – it’s natural to want to entertain them when they’re in town,” Chloe said, putting her hands inside her pocket.
“All right. Go take a shower, I’ll set the table,” Suzanne said, wearing her bathrobe while she removed the fine chinaware from the cabinet.
Chloe went upstairs to shower. After showering she blow dried her hair and put on her makeup. She checked her cell phone again, anticipating a call from Josh, but there were no messages. She sat down at her vanity table looking at herself in the mirror. How could Josh lie to her? She bit back the anger and hurt. It was time to put him behind her and dress in her navy blue linen dress. Richard and his parents were coming in fifteen minutes and she needed to get ready. She heard Suzanne running upstairs.
“Chloe, are you ready?” Suzanne knocked. “Can I come in?”
Chloe opened the door and covered her mouth. She looked down at her own dress, then up at her mother’s, a navy blue with white buttons just like hers. The only difference was Chloe’s dress was sleeveless. “Mom, why are you wearing the same type of dress as I am, not to mention the same color?”
Suzanne looked at her dress then at Chloe’s and laughed. “What am I supposed to do, Chloe? I didn’t know what you planned to wear, and it’s too late to go home and change.” Suzanne entered the room. “It’s clear you got your good taste from your mother.”
Chloe went back to her walk-in closet and looked at her other dresses when the doorbell rang. She sighed. “No time to change. How do I look?”
Suzanne smiled. “You look just like I did when I was your age.”
Chloe pursed her lips. Why does it always have to be about her?
She put on a dash of perfume and applied lip gloss then followed Suzanne downstairs to the dining room where Greta was barking and running in circles. Chloe reached down and patted her back. At that moment Jill came out of the downstairs bathroom dressed in a turquoise and white dress. Chloe examined the table. Perfect.
She took a deep breath before opening the door, Suzanne standing behind her. Richard entered followed by his parents. Chloe introduced them to Suzanne and Jill. Then they all followed her to the living room to sit on the couch.
“Would you like some red wine?” Chloe asked.
Dorothy couldn’t stop looking at Suzanne, then at the paintings and decorations Chloe had in her house. “Maybe later.”
“I’ll have a beer if you have one,” Richard’s father said.
Jill went to get the plates and the zucchini appetizers they bought at the grocery earlier, while Chloe came back with the drinks.
“Chloe, you look so much like your mother,” Dorothy said, smiling. She was wearing a knee-length skirt with a gray blouse and the same tea rose perfume she’d worn the last time Chloe had seen her.
Suzanne smiled, taking a seat between Chloe and Dorothy. “That’s what they all say.”
Richard’s dad asked if he could turn on the TV to watch the baseball game and appeared relaxed as he ate the zucchini and drank his beer. The group chitchatted for a while then Chloe rose and headed into the dining room.
“Shall we?” Chloe called them to sit at the dining room table. After bringing in the fried chicken, oven baked barbecue ribs, and jambalaya rice, she sat in between Suzanne and Richard across from Richard’s parents while Jill sat beside Richard Senior.
“Wow, this is a feast,” Dorothy said, putting her napkin on her lap. Richard Senior tied his napkin around his neck like a bib. “Did you order this from a restaurant?”
Suzanne kicked Chloe underneath the table which made Chloe jerk.
Chloe sighed. “Mom, Aunt Jill and I spent the whole afternoon cooking.”
“That’s right, Dorothy.” Suzanne grinned. “It took us half a day to make this meal.”
Chloe cleared her throat as Dorothy sliced a generous piece of the chicken and two scoops of rice. She prepared some for Richard Senior who immediately started eating.
“How about some ribs?” Jill asked.
Dorothy waved her hand. “I don’t like to mix my food. Maybe, a little later, thank you.”
Suzanne didn’t take her eyes off Dorothy as she took her first bite of the chicken. Chloe, on the other hand, couldn’t touch her food. Jill, Richard and Richard Senior were on their second round of the barbecue when Dorothy opened her mouth again. “This chicken doesn’t have much taste. Did you cut down on the salt?”
Suzanne was about to say something when Chloe nudged her. “Salt isn’t really good for you, Mrs. Foster.”
“She’s right, Mom,” Richard said. “I think the food is delicious. It reminds me so much of Southern cooking back home. The three of you did a great job. Mom, you should try the ribs.”
Dorothy was examining the shrimps and sausages on the rice, and Chloe even caught her smelling them. She sighed. All that hard work gone to was
te.
Richard Senior continued to eat more rice and asked for another beer. Chloe went to the kitchen and came back with the beer then refilled the wine. She saw Dorothy take three bites of the ribs and then push the food to the side. Chloe looked at her mother who seemed ready to pounce on Dorothy. Chloe could read her mind and knew that her mother was upset and would say, ‘We didn’t spend the whole afternoon cooking for someone who isn’t satisfied,’ given the chance. And why did Richard’s dad allow Dorothy to act this way?
Jill stood up to clear the plates while Suzanne took Dorothy’s plate. Although she looked at Jill as she spoke, the message was clearly for Dorothy. “Jill, perhaps you can take all the leftovers to the homeless shelter tomorrow. At least they will be delighted to eat this sumptuous meal. Speaking of that, I have something for you and Richard, too.”
Chloe cleared her throat and stared at her mom.
Suzanne dug into her purse for an envelope.
“What is it?” Chloe asked looking at her mother then at Richard.
“It’s my honeymoon present to you both.” Suzanne smiled.
Chloe opened the envelope, her frown turning to a wide smile. “Two tickets to Tahiti! Oh Mom, that’s so sweet of you.” She kissed her mother when she saw what was in the envelope.
“Thank you so much, Mrs. Rogers,” Richard said, embracing Suzanne tightly.
“You’re welcome. I knew you both would enjoy it.”
“Tahiti? Did you hear that Dorothy?” Richard Senior asked. ”Maybe we could go on a second honeymoon too.”
Dorothy scowled at him.
Chloe excused herself to go to the kitchen to get the apple pie and plates. When she came back her mother looked at her, all the former sweetness gone. “Oh, Chloe, no need to bring out the pie. I can take it to the shelter as well.”
Before Chloe could say anything Richard Senior said, “I’ll have some pie.”
Dorothy pulled her napkin to wipe her mouth but didn’t say a word. Richard had just received a call and excused himself while Chloe cut his father a slice.
“This was a feast, Chloe, so much better than my wife’s cooking.” He pinched Dorothy’s cheek.
She glared at him and then stared at Suzanne and Chloe who were smiling.
“That’s very nice of you, Mr. Foster,” Suzanne said, eyeing Dorothy. “And your wife must have taught you to finish your food and appreciate what you have.”
I knew it, just like I predicted. Mom and Dorothy would be at each other’s throats. “Would you like another slice?” Chloe asked Richard Senior.
“What I’d really like is to finish watching the game while I eat that second slice.”
“Sure.”
A loud knock sent Chloe scampering to the door. She peered out the peephole. A tall, slim woman with short blonde hair was standing outside. Who could this be?
Richard, who had just hung up his cell phone, turned to Chloe “Who’s outside?”
Chloe shrugged then opened the door. “Yes, may I help you?”
“I’m looking for Chloe Rogers.”
“I’m Chloe.”
“Chloe, we need to talk. I’m Trish.”
“Trish!” Chloe froze. What is she doing here? “Um, uh, now is not a good time for me. I have guests.”
Trish looked at Richard, who smiled at her. “Perfect. You must be Chloe’s fiancé.”
“Do you two know each other?” Richard asked.
Chloe ignored Richard. What did Trish want from her?
Trish walked inside towards the dining room where Suzanne, Dorothy and Jill were all seated. Thankfully, Senior was busy watching the game and didn’t bother to look up.
“Can we talk in private?” Chloe said, following her.
“Why should it be in private?” Trish raised her voice.
“What’s going on?” Richard asked, looking at Chloe with a frown.
Chloe took a deep breath but before she could speak, Trish said, “Why don’t you ask your fiancé about her relationship with Josh?”
Dorothy gasped while Suzanne glared at her.
“Josh, the surfer?” Richard asked.
“I can explain,” Chloe said, raising her hands.
“Really, Chloe,” Trish said. “I wonder if your fiancé knows that Josh was your first love, your only love.” She turned to Richard and the others with a satisfied smile. “You see, Chloe, nobody breaks up with me. Josh and I were fine until he saw you again. You have caused all the problems.”
“Jesus Christ,” Dorothy said, covering her mouth.
Chloe looked away while Richard continued to stare at her. “Is this true, Chloe?”
Guilty as charged. “It’s not what you think.”
“Really now? Josh told me yesterday at the beach that he and Chloe belong together.” She turned to Chloe and spat the next words at her. “He said he loves you and has always loved you,” Trish said, examining Chloe from head to toe.
Chloe gasped. Josh did tell her the truth. Why didn’t she believe him?
Richard continued to stare at Chloe, waiting for an answer.
Dorothy stood up. “I knew she wasn’t right for you, son. She’s too… modern.”
“Oh, will you please be quiet.” Suzanne raised her voice. “How dare you insult my daughter in our home! She has done nothing wrong and all you’ve done is criticize our food after we cooked all day for you.”
Dorothy sat down and didn’t say another word.
“How could you be so naïve, Richard?” Trish said, looking directly at Richard. “Chloe loves Josh. I can see the look in her eyes when I mention his name. She melts.”
“Will you please stop, Trish? How much more damage can you cause?” Chloe cried.
“Do you love him?” Richard asked, staring directly at Chloe.
Chloe bit her lip. She knew she couldn’t deny it anymore. Her relationship with Richard would be over and it was time to come clean. She loved Josh and missed him so much. She had been hurt and confused when she thought he had lied to her. Now she knew it was different with him. He was special.
“Well, I’m waiting for an answer,” Richard said, pain etched in his face.
Chloe fought down the rising panic. A few days ago, she and Josh had shared something deeper – a connection she never could have shared with Richard. He had offered her unconditional love. He always accepted her for what she was. She felt she was a better person with him. She imagined herself with Josh by her side having a big family – four kids – watching their soccer games, sharing family dinners and tucking kids in bed, Josh as a devoted husband and father. She could envision spending a whole lifetime together with him.
With Richard, she was convinced that there would be times when she ate dinner alone while watching TV, Greta by her side. She couldn’t picture him watching baseball games with the kids or cuddling on the sofa eating popcorn while watching a video. There would always be tension with Richard’s mom. Although Richard was smart, successful, she would be using her head if she married him. She would betray her heart if she didn’t marry Josh.
Richard was still waiting for her answer as Suzanne, Jill, Trish and Dorothy stared intently at Chloe.
Her face felt flushed with warmth as she looked at them one by one. She was about to answer Richard when she heard a loud screeching of tires and a car door slam. She had left her front door open and heard footsteps racing up the walkway. The door opened wide and in came Josh. Everybody looked at him as he marched towards Chloe. “Chloe, I know this is a bad time, but you have to hear me out.”
Trish stepped in front of Chloe and pushed Josh.
“Trish, what are you doing here?” he said, his eyes wide. “I dropped you off at the airport.”
Richard jammed between Josh and Trish and faced Chloe. “Do you love him, Chloe?”
Chloe had tears in her eyes as she looked at Josh then at Richard and nodded. Richard’s eyes lowered. Then he turned and stormed out of the door. For several seconds, no one spoke or moved. Josh stood stil
l while Trish gave Chloe a poker face. Chloe turned and fled. As she ran upstairs the last thing she heard was Richard Senior requesting more pie.
In her room, she changed into her pajamas, lay down on her bed and sobbed for a long time. What had she done? She had hurt both Richard and Josh. Maybe she was better off alone. She lay there in misery a while longer when Suzanne finally came upstairs and knocked on her door.
“Come in.” Suzanne entered and sat down on Chloe’s bed, stroking her hair. “I’m sorry, Mom. Did the guests all leave?”
Suzanne held her tight. “Yes. But you have nothing to be sorry about, sweetie. I admire you for your courage and honesty. You told Richard the truth about your feelings.”
Chloe was lying on her stomach blowing her nose. “But I hurt him, Mom.”
Suzanne sighed. “When you love two people and need to choose one, someone is likely to get hurt.”
Chloe turned around to face her mom. “Is that what happened to you?”
Suzanne nodded. “Jill told you everything, didn’t she?”
Yes,” Chloe said, holding Suzanne’s hand.
“Seeing you today brought back memories of when I was about to be married, only you had the courage to tell Richard the truth while I didn’t tell your father.” Chloe considered what her mother said. “Chloe, I’m so sorry about what I told you about choosing security over love. Look where that got me? And I never meant what I said about disowning you. I was just hurt, but more than that I was angry at myself.” She looked away, tears hanging off her eyelashes. “I should have been there for your father at the end but I felt so … guilty.” She paused, unable to go on.
“It’s okay, Mom.”
Suzanne held up her hands. “No, let me finish. Don’t be afraid to choose the one you love. Forget about being a coward like me. If you love Josh, never let him go.”
Chloe sobbed some more. “I think I’m better off alone.”
“Give him time. If it’s meant to be, he’ll come back for you, Chloe.” Suzanne embraced her tight.
Chloe sat up and nodded. “I need to get a glass of water.”
Suzanne followed her to the kitchen where Jill was playing with Greta. She smiled at Chloe then poured her a glass of cold water and handed it to her.