Breathless (13 page)

 

14

 

Why was she so nervous about meeting Matthew's family? Whenever he spoke of his sister, the tone told her of their closeness. Lydia hoped the evening went smoothly. She was worried they might have enough influence to convince him to not see her again if things didn't go well.

She chose to wear a pair of jeans and a yellow pullover cashmere sweater with her leather jacket to keep the cool October night air out. Her hair sat in a ponytail. After all, a helmet would mess up any style she tried. Silver balls for earrings, a silver chain surrounded her wrist, and a cross necklace as accessories. She glanced in the mirror and pushed back loose strands of hair.

She glanced at the ringing telephone. Caller ID said it was Sheryl. They chitchatted while Lydia brushed some blush across her cheeks.

“Meeting the family, that's a big deal, isn't it?” Sheryl said over the telephone.

Lydia heart beat in her chest at the thought of meeting Matthew's sister. She only hoped everything went well.

“I'm not sure how big a deal it is.” Lydia's response may have implied nonchalance, but her nerves said anything but.

There had been no movement from her stalker in the last couple of days, including phone calls. If the bullet at the rest area had been closer to her, she would have deemed it a warning, but for now, she had to conclude it had been a stray bullet as the police claimed. She hoped the maniac had given up his cruel pranks.

“So how are you getting there?” Sheryl said. “Not on that bike I hope.”

“It's not that far. Besides, it's a fabulous day and there should be only a slight breeze in the evening.” Lydia applied makeup as she spoke. Glancing at the clock on her nightstand, she realized Matthew would be there any moment.

“Have you gotten a call from Warren? I haven't heard from him since he left.” A hint of worry carried in Sheryl's voice.

Even though it'd been about a week, Lydia already missed her friend. “He's probably busy with his new job and making friends.”

“I hope he calls. I want to make sure everything's going well.”

“He probably forgot to charge his cell with all the excitement.” Lydia glanced one final time in the mirror. “You sound like a mother whose kid went off to college.”

“I'm worried about him out there all alone.”

“I wish he had let us go with him, so we could have found him a place to live,” Lydia said. “I hate the thought of him sleeping in some stranger's spare room. I'm glad Matthew gave him his friend's number. At least he won't be all alone.”

“Now who's sounding like a college kid's mom?” Sheryl laughed. “Be careful out there on that bike.”

“You worry too much. Besides it's fun. Things have been too serious lately.”

“But exactly how safe is a motorbike?”

“This from the girl who started snowboarding to capture the attention of a boy.” Lydia chuckled. “There's little doubt in my mind, you'll end up with a bike of your own and be out there cruising with us on the weekends.”

“Do me a favor Lydia, make sure Matthew keeps it slow. I'd hate to see you hurt.”

“I will.” Lydia couldn't discern whether Sheryl referred to the bike ride or her emotional state. As she contemplated the answer, a loud roar sounded in front of her house.

 

****

 

The temperatures had been sitting in the upper seventy's for days, making the ride wonderful. The breeze kept the sun's heat from being overbearing. Lydia felt free and invigorated as they pulled up to the green and white house. The front curtain swung into place when she climbed from the bike.

“Are you sure you're ready for this? They can be a bit much.” Matthew attached the helmets to the bike. “We can always hop on and ride off into the sunset.”

“I believe that would be rude. With all the gossip we've had to endure since you've gotten to town, this should be a walk in the park.” Matthew appeared more nervous than she did. “Besides they already know we're here,” Lydia whispered, pointing toward the window, the drapes still swaying.

“Let's go. But remember when all's said and done, I did warn you.” He led her to the front door of the house.

Brenda's inviting welcome caused any nervousness Lydia had to disappear. Her husband Richard stooped over a grill on the side patio. George Winters's large smile told of his happiness to meet her again. Sonny, Brenda's fourteen year old, gave her hand a strong shake, while Sarah, the preteen, stood against the far wall and only nodded when introduced.

“I'm so glad you were able to make it,” Mr. Winters said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Me, too. How are you?”

“Excellent, now that I have a pretty girl beside me.” He winked.

Brenda led them into a tan-colored den where a beige sofa held faded burgundy pillows on each arm. A matching recliner sat beside a wicker, high-back chair with a flowered cushion. Several pictures of the kids, all at different stages of their life, hung around the area in matching white frames.

“I'm sorry; it's a bit crowded in here.” Brenda grimaced. “We've contemplated buying new furniture but haven't decided exactly how to redecorate it.”

“I like how you have it.” Lydia caressed the softness of the pillow beside her. “It feels warm and inviting, a home with kids.”

“Matthew tells me you don't have any children.” Brenda's shoulders eased.

“No. At least, not yet.”

They sat around discussing the kids, her job, Matthew's job, the usual getting-to-know-you chat to fill the time. Finally a lull fell over the conversation.

“Here, let me show you the landscape.” Mr. Winters stood, requesting her arm to guide her. “It'll give us chance to talk about my son's wild side, so you'll have time to make your break before it's too late.”

“You don't need to fill her in on any of that,” Matthew hollered as Mr. Winters led Lydia to the wooden deck out back.

Azalea bushes lining the white fence surrounding the property no longer held their blooms. Leaves from magnolia trees cascaded over from the neighboring yard. They drooped like kids hanging over the sides trying to enter. In the spring with big white blooms draped within the azaleas, Lydia imagined the yard held a magnificent view.

“So, what's this about Matthew's wild side? I'd better get as much information before I fall in any deeper than I already am.” Lydia bumped Mr. Winters lightly with her shoulder.

“Oh, he's always been a pretty good boy. A bit of a rebel at times.” He stared off as he spoke. “Purchasing that bike. It worries Brenda, him driving it all over. Not that he's not an apt driver. She just worries.”

“And you?”

“And me.” A faraway look slid over Mr. Winters. “He fell away from God for a while. Never got into real bad trouble. A few women he shouldn't have been with, but that's about it. I'm glad he's back.”

“I am, too,” Lydia said. The smell of barbeque from the front drifted over her. She prayed her stomach didn't growl.

Mr. Winters told her bits and piece about Matthew's childhood and his becoming a minister. Pride carried in his voice with each word.

“He hasn't scared you too bad, has he?” Brenda walked through the back door. “Dad, it's a bit chilly out. Maybe you'd better come in.”

Mr. Winters tilted his head toward Lydia. “That's her way of telling me she wants to talk to you alone. Just remember, her bark's worse than her bite.”

“Dad!” Brenda then said, “My bite's pretty bad. I hope he didn't bore you.” Brenda stood in the same place her father had been seconds earlier. “He can sometimes go on at great length with his stories.”

“I enjoyed it. He was giving me some history on Matthew.” Lydia angled slightly toward Brenda. “He's a nice man.”

“My dad or Matthew?” Brenda gave a small grin.

“Both.” Lydia responded with a chuckle.

“You're the first woman Matthew's brought home for the family to meet.” Wisps of Brenda's blonde hair blew with the gentle wind.

“So he told me. He said you all were quite excited.”

“A bit. I'd like for him to settle down. Somewhere close, preferably?”

“Don't worry. I'm a Georgia girl, born and raised. I'm not planning on leaving.” How presumptive, making it sound as if they'd be spending their lives together. If his sister told Matthew about their conversation, would it be enough to scare him off.

Brenda nudged Lydia with her hand as they looked out over the yard. Gradually a smile came over both women, giving Lydia ease. She had nothing to worry about.

The clicking of cowboy boots sounded in the kitchen, leading to the patio. The smell of spice infiltrated Lydia's mind and emotions.

“Let me guess, she's giving away all my childhood secrets?” Matthew placed his hand on Lydia's back.

“I wouldn't think to do that. At least not on the first meeting.” Brenda grinned at her brother. “That's always saved for after you're married. Then she'd be stuck and couldn't run off.”

“That bad, huh?” Lydia missed this type of teasing. She recalled how she and Charlie used to go after each other when they were young before he got into drugs. If Charlie had lived and gotten straight, would they have become close again? A lump rose in her throat.

“I'm not saying another word.” Brenda put her hands up in a surrender motion. “Excuse me while I look into what kind of a mess my husband's making in my kitchen.”

“What can I do to help?” Lydia offered. “I'm pretty capable in a kitchen.”

“You're a guest. You two stay out here, and enjoy the peace and quiet for a moment.” She gave Matthew a wink before leaving.

“So, pretty and you can cook, too. I like that in a woman” Matthew smiled. “How are you holding up?”

His breath tickled her ear as she rested against his shoulder. “You're family's wonderful. Your niece doesn't seem to care for me though. She continually glares.”

“According to Richard, she's afraid you're going to break my heart, and I'll move and she'll never see me again.”

“That's so sweet.” With Matthew's arms around her, Lydia shivered. How could she have such intense feelings for someone she hardly knew?

 

****

 

The scent coming from Lydia's hair made Matthew's knees knock. The sun drifted slowly below the magnolias as they stood together. Matthew couldn't decide which he believed more beautiful, the yellow and orange display in the sky or the woman standing next to him with her head against his shoulder.

When she looked up at him, he bent his head and their lips met. His lips stroked hers, first lightly then closer and deeper, sending him soaring.

“Dinner's ready!” Sonny yelled from inside the kitchen. His brown hair blew in the breeze when he stepped out onto the deck. “That is, if you can tear yourselves from each other long enough to eat.”

“I guess we'd better go in,” Lydia said, a blush running over her nose.

The soft, velvety tone caused Matthew's throat to constrict. He could barely speak as he led her inside.

All during dinner he kept looking in her direction. She had his insides all churned up. When she returned his glance, he turned to liquid all over.

“Uncle Matthew, are you in there?” Sonny snapped his fingers in front of Matthew's nose.

“I'm sorry. My mind wandered.” Matthew wiped his mouth with his napkin as he shifted in his chair, doing his best to regain his composure.

“It doesn't take much to figure out where it wandered to, or
who
it wandered to,” Sonny said with a large grin.

Warmth rushed into Matthew when he caught sight of Lydia over the rim of his glass. Her cheeks had gone a shade of pink. She captured his heart all over again.

“I asked if Riley would be coming over soon. He promised to work with me on my curve ball.”

“I'll find out and let you know.” At no other time did Matthew have such trouble focusing his attention then during this evening.

“Sarah, it's time to clear the dishes,” Brenda said. “I believe it's your turn.”

Sarah groaned.

“Do what your mother tells you,” Richard replied.

“How about I help?” Lydia stood. “After all you have more dishes than normal so it wouldn't be fair to make you do it alone.”

“Let me guess,” Sarah murmured with a roll of her blue eyes. “You remember having to do it as a kid.”

“Sarah!” Brenda shot her daughter a stern look.

“Not me. The maid did it.” Lydia continued as if she hadn't detected the sarcasm in Sarah's tone. It told Matthew she would make a wonderful mother, especially once her children became teenagers.

“You have a maid?” Sarah stopped, her mouth opened as she stared at Lydia. She brushed blonde strands from her face while holding an armload of dishes.

“My parents did,” Lydia said. The others were also opened mouth. “My dad did very well in the stock market in the '80s. Also they owned Liberty Lodge on the hill.”

“Me and my friends go there snowboarding every winter.” Sonny's volume went up an octave. His green eyes were widened with amazement. “So you know how to ski?”

“That's a prerequisite of being born into the family.” Lydia carried a handful of plates into the kitchen followed by Sarah who had yet to close her mouth. Sonny followed.

“I swear sometimes it's like pulling teeth getting her to do any measly amount of work anymore.” Brenda sighed.

“I remember a teenage girl once who kept her clothes piled in a laundry basket instead of hanging them in the closet,” Matthew teased his sister. “Once she wore the clothes, they would end up in a pile in the corner. I swear Mt. Everest looked small in comparison.”

“It wasn't that bad.” Brenda smacked at him with her napkin. “If I recall you weren't exactly a neatnik yourself.”