Love Letters (9 page)

“
What?” Chloe held her hand.

“
Uh-huh.”

“
I thought your dad paid for the house,” Chloe said as she unwrapped her sandwich.

“
I thought so too, until that son of a…”

Chloe set her sandwich aside. “When did you find this out?”

“
Yesterday, the bank called demanding that my mom pay six months mortgage. My mom said she knew nothing about it, but they didn’t believe her. They showed us the documents and it’s true – my dad lied to us. He told us the house was paid in full, but it wasn’t. He had been paying it on time until six months ago. My mom confronted him yesterday, and he said he can’t continue paying two houses. He said he already has a new family, and his obligation is to them, not to her,” Nicole said, wiping her tears.

Chloe drew closer to rub her back. Although Nicole was living with Matt, she was still very close to her mom and she would miss her childhood home. “I can’t believe he would do that. I’m sorry to hear that. What did your mom say?”

“
She said it was bad enough that he left us for another woman, but lying about the house has really damaged his integrity.” She sniffed. “Mom kept my room the same way when I left. I have so many memories there,” Nicole said, putting her sandwich aside.

Chloe thought about her own house and felt a huge welling of sympathy. “Oh no, this isn’t happening. Maybe Richard could help you.”

Nicole shook her head. “The bank is giving Mom thirty days and, unless she can come up with the money, she’s doomed.”

“
Let’s not give up so easily. We can fight this, Nic,” Chloe said, taking a sip of her soda.

“
This isn’t a fairytale like your romance novels,” Nicole snapped.

Chloe frowned. “I’m only trying to help.”

“
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean what I said. I’m just feeling down right now and everything seems hopeless.”

“
It’s all right,” Chloe said, giving her friend’s hand a squeeze. “I understand. I’m going to talk to Richard and see what he can do. Even if he can’t help, we’ll find a way to fix your situation.”

“
Thanks, Chloe,” Nicole said, looking outside the window. “Hey, look who’s here?”

Chloe turned around and froze when she saw Josh enter the salon behind Matt. He was dressed in jeans and a gray jacket with a cap.

Matt walked to the back and kissed Nicole. “Hi babe. I came as soon as I heard. Your mother called, told me the whole story.”

“
Hey you,” Josh said, smiling at Chloe.

Chloe tucked her hair around her ear and looked down. “Hey.”

“
Are you okay, babe? You know I’m here for you no matter what,” Matt said, embracing Nicole. “I hope we didn’t disturb you guys.”

Nicole wiped the tears from her eyes. “That’s so sweet of you to check on me. Chloe’s been reassuring me that we’ll find a way to fix this problem. She’s even going to talk to Richard.”

“
That’s what friends are for,” Chloe smiled, glancing at Josh.

“
So, are you guys coming over tonight?” Josh asked, staring directly at Chloe.

“
What’s happening tonight?” Chloe asked, looking at Nicole.

“
I forgot to tell you, Josh has invited us tonight for drinks at his place.” Nicole gave an innocent shrug, but Chloe had a feeling she was up to something. She had never liked Richard, and would no doubt love to see them go their separate ways.

“
Oh.”

Richard was supposed to be coming over, but as usual he would be busy making phone calls. Maybe Nicole was right. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt for him to worry a little. She would tell him she had a dinner date with Nicole. No sooner had she mentally agreed to it than she felt a flush of heat. She’d never been the deceptive type, and it shocked her to think that she would do so now.

Josh eyed Chloe’s engagement ring. “So are you coming?”

Her heart was beating fast. “Um, sure, what time?”

“
Around eight. I’ll make margaritas.” Josh gave her his most winning smile.

“
Yeah, and I’ll bring the buffalo wings,” Matt added.

“
I can bring some nachos,” Chloe said, crossing her legs.

“
Thanks, guys, I feel better already.” Nicole took a bite of her sandwich.

Matt kissed Nicole goodbye. “Okay, we’ll see you later.”

“
Later,” Josh said, waving goodbye.

Chloe was shaking all over. After talking to him last night and seeing him again today, she knew she still felt connected to Josh. It was like he had never left. The only difference being that she would be marrying Richard soon. She rolled her head from side to side to ease the tension that had built in her neck. She had way too much on her mind. She stood up and threw her soda in the recycling bin and her sandwich in the garbage can. “Hey, Nic, I have to go back to work. Do you want me to pick you up tonight?”

“
That would be nice,” Nicole smiled. “Thank you for always being there for me.”

Chloe winked at her friend. Deep inside she wanted to tell Nicole how excited she was to see Josh tonight but instead she said, “That’s what friends are for.”

Chapter Five

Chloe went to her walk-in closet and pulled out some pants and tops. She didn’t want to be overdressed, yet she didn’t want to look underdressed for Josh’s party either. After trying several outfits, she decided to wear tight black pants and a printed top with black high heels. She was well endowed, and could afford to show a little cleavage. She rubbed her glittered Victoria Secret lotion all over her body, adding more on her chest and neck. Then she flat ironed her hair.

She felt guilty that she was going out of her way to look good for Josh, but after the way Richard had treated her the previous evening it would do him good to worry a little. She smiled, thinking of her conversation with Josh. He was so different from Richard. He seemed to really care about her thoughts, her dreams. She had caught him looking at her engagement ring earlier and wondered if it bothered him. After all the sweet things he’d said to her over the phone, she needed to know that she wasn’t making a mistake by marrying Richard.

I’m getting married soon.

Her thoughts once again turned to Richard. He would be hitting the sack early and though she told him she’d be with Nicole, she felt a queasy feeling in her stomach. She had never lied to Richard before, and she didn’t like the idea of starting now. Still, she brushed aside her anxiety.
It’s only a party.

After fixing her hair she put on face powder and blush for her cheeks. Although she wasn’t fond of makeup, she loved wearing mascara because it gave her eyes character. She had long lashes, and enhancing them showed her eyes off to good advantage. That done, she put on a dash of perfume and some lipstick, then grabbed her purse and took one last look at the mirror, before snatching her keys. On her way out, she kissed Greta goodbye.

It was a cool, crisp evening. While driving to Nicole’s house, she watched the stars out her window, and thought of Josh. Like the moon hidden beneath the clouds, there were so many unknowns. Could she really change her entire life for Richard? Or did she want more? Did she want a second chance with Josh—to see where it might lead?

By the time she arrived at Nicole’s house, turned off the engine, and headed up the walkway, she was more confused than ever. Sighing in frustration, she rang the doorbell several times before Nicole opened the door wearing a robe, her hair wet.

“
You’re not ready yet?” Chloe asked, entering the house.

“
Sorry, I took a nap when I came home,” Nicole said. “Maybe you can buy the nachos first.”

“
Okay, that’s a good idea.”

Nicole looked her up and down, and then whistled in appreciation. “You’re smoking, girl.”

Chloe laughed. “Thanks. Now be ready when I get back.”

Back in her Jetta, she went to Safeway to buy the nachos and salsa. When she returned, Nicole was coming out of the door wearing a short black dress with high heels and matching Prada bag.

“
Are you ready to party?” Nicole asked, as she ducked into the car.

“
I’m driving, remember,” Chloe said, shifting the gear to reverse.

“
C’mon, one drink’s not going to hurt you.”

Chloe grinned at Nicole’s response. They arrived at Josh’s house ten minutes later. Half Moon Bay was a small town so it was easy to get from place to place. They overheard loud voices and music coming from inside the house. It was an old ranch style house that needed a paint job. It was evident that the previous owners had abandoned what used to be a colorful landscape in the charming courtyard, if the shaggy lawn was any indicator.

“
I thought we were the only ones invited,” Chloe said as she parked her car and they got out.

“
That’s what I thought,” Nicole said. “Maybe Phil invited some friends.”

“
Hmmm.”

As they strolled up the walk, Matt opened the door and came outside to greet them. “Come in, ladies.”

They followed Matt inside Josh’s three bedroom house. As they entered, Chloe saw three men playing Xbox at the couch, while two ladies were playing pool in the family room with Josh and Phil. From the outside the house had looked old, but inside it was clear that it had been remodeled. It had high ceilings, and white crown moldings that offset the taupe wall coloring and dark hardwood floors.

“
Hello, ladies, so glad you came,” Josh said walking towards them. “Remember my brother Phil?”

“
It’s been a long time,” Phil said, shaking their hands. “It’s good to see old friends.”

Phil looked amazingly similar to Josh, but his skin was much darker, perhaps from surfing, and his hair was darker too.

“
You both look so lovely,” Josh said, his eyes glued to Chloe. “Let me introduce you to the others.”

Nicole and Chloe followed him to the dining room where two decidedly beautiful women sat on one side of the table.

“
Chloe, remember me?”

Chloe squinted.

“
It’s Heather, from fourth grade summer camp.”

“
You two know each other?” Josh asked.

Chloe scratched her head. “Heather… Heather?”

“
That’s me,” Heather said, giving her a wide smile.

Oh my gosh, she looks like a Barbie doll.
Chloe remembered her as lanky with thick glasses and braces.
They used to call her
“The Ugly Duckling.” She was definitely a swan now
.
“It’s nice to see you.”

“
Yeah, small world, and this is my friend Amber.” Amber had shoulder length light brown hair while Heather had long brown hair with blonde streaks. They were both wearing a mini skirt and a halter top with high heels.

“
They look like Barbie twins,” Nicole whispered from behind. Fortunately, the music was quite loud so the two women couldn’t overhear Nicole. “Looks like they’re searching for their Ken.” Chloe nudged Nicole.

“
I’m serious. They both look like they’ve had a makeover,” Nicole added.

“
You think so?” Chloe whispered over her shoulder. “Now I feel bad for teasing Heather.”

“
Let me take those nachos, I’ll put them in a bowl,” Josh said. “Do you want me to mix you both a drink?”

“
You betcha,” Nicole said, walking over and taking a seat on a bar stool by the dining room.

“
All right then. I’ll be back in a minute.” He winked.

Nicole leaned over and whispered, “He hasn’t stopped looking at you, girl.”

“
You’re imagining things, Nicole,” Chloe said, brushing aside the idea with a sweep of her hand.

“
Don’t tell me you didn’t notice.” Nicole glanced around. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell Richard.”

“
I love Richard,” Chloe said defensively.

“
Sure, sure.” Some of the people started dancing, so Nicole stood up to dance to the music played by a famous artist. After all the bad news I’ve heard, I’m going to try to think positive.”

Nicole’s eyes glistened, and Chloe gave her a big hug. She was worried about her friend. The economy was wavering and there were a lot of foreclosures in California. People were losing their jobs, and uncertainty filled the air. Chloe felt bad that it had to happen to her best friend’s mom. Chloe was thankful that her father had provided for her and her mother.

Josh came back with two margaritas and Nicole took a big gulp, and then licked her lips. “Oh, Josh, this tastes perfect.”

“
Thanks, I used to work as a bartender when I was in Oregon. It helped me pay the bills while I was in college.”

“
That explains it,” Chloe said, smiling.

Nicole left them and joined Matt in the living room. Chloe could tell by her friend’s expression that she was prepared to get wasted.

When Nicole was gone, Josh turned to Chloe and grinned. “How are things going with you?”

“
The usual, busy managing the shop.”

Josh suddenly appeared shy. He could hardly look Chloe in the eye. “Speaking of your shop, I did promise I would check it out. How about tomorrow?”