She's like the wind 09

9

 

Even though it was mid of September, the weather was beautiful today as she was driving over Falling Waters, West Virginia. Looking for the address, that Ian sent her, she stopped her car on a large gravel driveway in front of a two-storey house. Glancing at the display she read 3082 Co Rte 11/5. It had to be here.

 

She got out of the car and made her way to the door. The house was standing on the slope, surrounded by grass all around, trees lining the grass. She stepped on the front porch, leading in a V shape to the left side of the house and behind it. She pushed the door bell, wondering how would the author look like.

 

„Hi, can I help you?“ a tall young man with long black hair opened the door, staring at her, surprise in his blue eyes.

 

„Hi, I'm Lena Gray, a deputy manager of The Golden Gate. I'm looking for Mr. Danny Shields,“ she responded politely.

 

„Are you really coming from The Golden Gate?“ he lifted his eyebrows. „I'm sorry. I am Danny Shields,“ he shook her hand. A squeeze of his hand was soft and firm. „Mr. Salvatore told me that his deputy would arrive today but... I didn't expect a beautiful young woman. Come in, please,“ a wide smile spread on his face, softening his features.

 

„Oh, thanks. And frankly, I didn't expect such a young author,“ she smiled back, following him down the narrow hall to the large living room.

 

„Thanks. I'm not so young anymore,“ he chuckled. „I'm thirty two. Have a seat, please,“ he pointed at the armchair. „Would you like a cup of coffee, or tea, or anything else?“

 

„Coffee, please,“ she glanced at him as she pulled her notebook and folder out of her bag.

 

„Just wait a minute, please, I'll be back soon,“ he retreated to the kitchen, next to the living room. In no time he was back, carrying a tray. He put one cup in front of her, taking the other in his hand. „Here's sugar and milk, help yourself.“

 

She put both in her cup, stirred it and took a sip. „Delicious coffee,“ she looked at him as he took a seat on the couch. Glancing at his cup she noticed it wasn't coffee what he had in his cup. „Are you drinking something else?“

 

„I don't like coffee,“ he shrugged. „I have a cup now and then when I need more adrenaline while I'm writing,“ he laughed shortly.

 

„Really?“ she put her cup on the table, taking the folder in her hands. „Speaking about writing, I'm here to offer you a deal with The Golden Gate to publish your book.“

 

„Does Mr. Salvatore like it?“ he lifted his eyebrow. „It's amazing.“

 

„Yes, he does. Actually... I work as an editor as well and I was the only one who has read your book. So if you want to sign the deal,“ she handed him a paper, „we're going to work together on your book till I say it's done and can be released. Have you ever publish a book?“

 

„No, I haven't. To be honest, no publishing company showed interest in my book, let alone publish it,“ he looked up, going over the deal. „So I'm pleasantly surprised by your offer,“ he signed the paper and gave it back to her. „You know as I said I've never published a book. I'm not quite sure what's next,“ he shrugged lightly.

 

„I get it,“ she gave him a small smile. „That's why I'm here, Mr. Shields...“

 

„It's Danny, please,“ he interrupted her.

 

„OK. I'm Lena,“ she nodded. „I'd like to ask you if you have your book in a different form than you delivered it to us.“

 

„Of course, I have it on my PC. I wasn't sure if you would show some interest in it and I've had the printed copy for two years. So I delivered that amount of papers,“ he laughed shortly.

 

„Good. Could you make a copy for me on a flash disc, please? I'm used to work with texts on my notebook. It's easier to work with,“ she handed him the flash disc.

 

„Sure. My study's over there,“ he opened the door on the right.

 

She heard him doing something in the next room and opened her notebook. He's not exactly handsome but he's really nice. It will be pleasant to work with him. He resembled an eagle with his nose and that he knows how to fly considering his writing.

 

Her smile's so beautiful. He smiled for himself as he came back, returning her the flash disc.

 

„Thanks,“ she made a copy on her notebook. „Done. Now I need to read it one more time and then we'll get together again to start editing, OK?“ she gave him her business card. „Here's my phone number and e-mail address. We should stay in touch if you don't mind.“

 

„I don't. You're my boss now,“ he winked.

 

„Well, that's all for today,“ she finished her coffee and got up after collecting her things, putting them in the bag.

 

He walked her to the door. „Thank you very much for your time and for everything. I'm grateful that you recommended my book to be published,“ he smiled.

 

„You're very welcome,“ she looked up at him. „I'll call you. If you need anything, feel free to let me know,“ she offered her hand and he shook it. He looks really delighted. He looks like a boy even though he's so tall.

 

He stood in the doorway watching her make her way to her car. He felt excited, happy and... enchanted by her. He hadn't closed the door till her car turned on the main road. His heart was pounding in his chest at the thought he would get another chance to see her.

 

*

 

„What are you doing, Eric?“ Joel asked, standing in front of Eric's bed. „Tell me.“

 

„What do you mean?“ Eric opened his eyes, hearing it was Joel who entered the room.

 

„Lena stopped by on her way home, asking me how are you,“ Joel shrugged, watching Eric's face. „Why didn't she want to see you? She didn't want to tell me. She said she didn't want to upset you and left,“ Joel furrowed his forehead.

 

„Leave her alone, Joel. It's alright. One day she won't return,“ Eric closed his eyes.

 

„Are you crazy?! You said you really loved her. You didn't see the pain and moisture in her eyes when she was leaving. But I did! What game are you playing here?“ Joel raised his voice, frowning.

 

„No games,“ Eric said in a low voice. „Sure I love her. That's why I don't want her to waste her time with someone like me. I'm a cripple and you know it.“

 

„No, I don't. You're sick now but you're going to be alright. I said to you a million times that all is up to you. It's a matter of time. You'll walk, write, ride your motorbike, whatever you want. It will only take a long time but I'm repeating myself,“ he paused, „you WILL be alright. So what's the problem?!“ Joel spread his arms and let them fall down to his hips again. „What did you tell her? Did you tell her that your intentions are to stay a cripple forever?“ Joel shook his head, looking really angry.

 

„No, I didn't,“ Eric squeezed his lips, averting his eyes.

 

„So what did you tell her then?“ Joel lifted his eyebrow.

 

Eric sighed. „I didn't know how to discourage her, so... I shouted at her to go away and not to come back,“ he admited unwillingly.

 

Joel gasped. „After everything she's done for you you told her... no, you were shouting at her... ,“ Joel shook his head, not able to speak. „Eric Corbett, you are a jackass as hell. I'm sorry for these words but...,“ Joel crossed the room to the door and turned around, the knob in his hand. „I can't believe you did it,“ he let the knob go and took a seat on the bedside. „She'd asked me about your behaviour many times before and I kept telling her that some pacients could become rude because of their disease but you broke her heart on purpose, my friend,“ he got up. „I don't like it at all but it's not my business,“ he looked over his shoulder in the doorway. „I'll check on you later.“ Frowning he left the room.

 

Eric sighed. He's never seen his friend so angry with him as he was today. Staring at the ceiling Eric was wondering if he shouldn't start believing Joel's words. They've been friends for several years why would Joel lie to him, especially about his health. It wasn't fun, lying in bed, helpless. His heart clenching, thinking of Lena. What if I was wrong? What if I've done the biggest mistake of my life discouraging her, forcing her go away? Doubts started gnawing at him.

 

*

 

„Hey, how are you? Come in,“ Lena smiled, opening the door. She hugged her friend Eva shortly and led her on the back porch. „I made hot chocolate for us,“ Lena winked.

 

„I'm bringing a chocolate ice-cream,“ Eva handed her a box.

 

„Wow! We can hold a chocolate party,“ Lena chuckled. „I'm going to put it in the fridge. Take a seat, please.“

 

She sat down next to her when she returned. „So how are you? What about Joel?“

 

„I'm fine, thanks. I have a feeling that you see Joel more than I do,“ Eva smiled, sipping from her cup.

 

„You're right. Lately I see him more than Eric,“ Lena nodded.

 

„I thought you saw Eric every day,“ Eva glanced at her, taken aback a bit.

 

„I saw him yesterday for the last time,“ Lena shrugged lightly. „Today I just asked Joel how was Eric.“

 

„Why? What happened?“ Eva furrowed her forehead, considering her friend.

 

„He's changed, Eva. You can't imagine. He's rude and angry. I know he has right to be unhappy and unkind but his behavior's too much for me,“ she shook her head. „I can't help him against his will. Yesterday he shouted at me to go away. Perhaps he doesn't mean it deep inside but on the other hand who am I to him to shout at me, lash out and snap at me? I can't allow anyone to treat me like this.“

 

„Has he changed that much? I know him as a very nice, smiling guy,“ Eva said, surprise in her voice. „Joel told me Eric was going to be alright. His spinal cord wasn't damaged. I think he has all reasons to be happy that it worked out like that.“

 

„Yes, he does. But he doesn't believe he's going to be alright. He thinks he's going to stay like this. I don't have the strength to keep convincing him that it's not true anymore,“ she brushed her hand over her forehead. „I'm tired. I tried to tolerate it and take it how it was. I can't do that. Not anymore.“

 

„I'm convinced he'll regret it,“ Eva sighed, shaking her head. „But if he doesn't want you by his side... There's nothing you can do. Even though it's hard. I know you love him.“

 

„Yes, I do,“ Lena said, feeling as if her heart turned into stone. „I have to try to live without him. I have my work,“ she broke off for a second. „Ian named me a deputy manager today,“ she changed the topic, a small smile on her lips.

 

„It's amazing news! Will it change what you do?“ Eva lifted her eyebrows, smiling.

 

„It will, a bit. It means more work for me,“ she laughed lightly. „Today I went to visit my new author, Danny Shields. He brought his book to Ian. He gave it to me to read it and tell him my opinion,“ she explained.

 

„What is he like? I mean the author,“ Eva asked, curious. „And what is his book about?“

 

„Danny is a kind young man. His book is a drama interlaced with romance. It's a suspenseful and exciting story. I was surprised that no one ever wanted to publish it. He told me he'd offered it to several publishing companies,“ Lena took a sip from her cup. „He lives in Falling Waters, West Virginia in a house. It was beautiful there. Just trees and grass all around the house. It's standing on the slope,“ she was staring straight ahead.

 

„You've always wanted to live in a solitary house with surrounded by nature, right? Do you like him?“ Eva watched her friend closely as she seemed to be lost in thoughts. „Can you hear me?“ Eva snapped her fingers.

 

„I have,“ Lena looked at her. „Who? Danny?“ she chuckled. „No. He's nice but... Eva, I've seen him just once. What do you think about me? He reminded me of my appointment in Eric's house even though Ian and Carl were there as well back then. Today I represented the company as a deputy manager. He signed the deal for me, for us,“ she corrected herself with a smile.

 

„You're proud of your work, right?“

 

„I am. My work keeps my head above water, so to speak,“ Lena grinned. „It keeps my mind busy,“ she poured more chocolate in her cup. „And what about you and Joel? Is everything alright?“

 

„Yes, it is. He's a really busy man but he spends the most of his free time with me. He's nice and attentive and loving,“ Eva blushed a bit, raising her eyes to Lena. „I thought you finally found the one. I'm sorry.“

 

„No need to be sorry,“ Lena shook her head. „This is life, Eva. I thought about Eric the same. Because of his injury we didn't get that far as you and Joel did,“ she shrugged. „We worked together, we saw each other now and then, then his book's tour came and when he returned, he had a crash. Even though I love him, our relationship didn't get a chance to grow, to develop in something bigger. I'm so sorry that it turned like that,“ she sighed. „There's nothing I can do though,“ she stood up. „I'll bring our ice-cream,“ she winked as she retreated inside.

 

„Here we are,“ Lena put two small bowls of ice-cream on the table. „Mmm, it's delicious,“ she smiled. „I know it can seem that I don't love him at all,“ she broke off, thoughtful. In a few seconds she continued. „Because I really do. But I need to get over it, you know? Yes, he broke my heart but my life doesn't end. I hate to feel like this but he'll get what he wants. I wanted to lift up his spirit, to help him get over the obstacle that life put in his way. But he rejected me,“ she ran her hand through her hair. „So our love story ends before it could ever start. Period.“

 

*

 

On Sunday Lena had a light lunch. Then she settled outside to finish reading 'Without You', Danny's book. She was working on it since Friday after Eva'd left and almost the whole Saturday. Just a few pages has left for today.

 

Lena took her phone as it beeped and read the message:

 

I'm just wondering if I could ask you for having dinner with me tonight before you start working on my book. Please don't think I'm too forward, just asking. Danny

 

She smiled for herself, not finding him too forward, but cute. She typed the answer:

 

It's really nice of you but I've already started working on it. Actually I'm finishing it right now. Anyway, when and where will we meet?

 

His answer followed immediately.

 

Well, I have plans to put something delicious on the grill on the back porch. At what time can I pick you up?

 

She laughed shortly. After all that happened the last month she felt that she needed a little bit of distraction. She shook her head to shake off her feeling of guilt as she recalled Eric who was confined to bed and she answered, glancing at the clock on the screene. It was three p.m. She added her address.

 

OK. I'll be ready in an hour when I'm through with your book. You can pick me up at half past four if it's OK.

 

She didn't need to wait for his answer for much longer.

 

Thanks. I'll be there.

 

*

 

Danny was sitting in his car in front of Lena's house waiting for her. He couldn't stop thinking about her and today he plucked up his courage to send her a text, asking her about dinner. He wanted to see her again. Even though he couldn't know if she had a boyfriend, he's been single for a long time and her presence was like a balm to his soul.

 

He jumped out of the car as he saw her coming to him. He opened the passenger's door for her, givinig her a smile.

 

„Hi Lena, how are you? You look awesome.“

 

„Hi Danny, I'm fine, thanks. And yourself? Thanks for your words but I put on just a pair of jeans and older sweater,“ she got in the car, smiling.

 

He played a quiet music as he jumped behind the wheel and drove throught Halfway in the direction to Falling Water.

 

„So you mentioned that you finished reading of my book. How much work awaits us?“ he glanced at her before he payed his attention to the road again.

 

„Yes, I did. I didn't correct many things but one of them will need to be worked over,“ she shifted her body so she could look at him. „You know... in my opinion Lilly was too quick to accept that Mark's been in prison. She didn't even know why he went to and she continued dating him,“ she ran her hand through her hair, seeing him frown. „What do you think about it?“

 

„Yeah..., you're right when I'm looking back at this scene. I know what you mean. I'll work it over for sure,“ he nodded without looking at her.

 

„Perhaps... you don't like it but that's how I work, Danny,“ she said in a low voice, not sure if he was angry.

 

„I completely understand,“ he said and turned the car on the driveway in front of his house.

 

„You're frowning so I don't know if you're angry. I know you don't have any experiences how it works before a book is released,“ she explained. „I don't want to push you but we have a deal.“

 

He rounded the car, opened the door for her and offered her his hand to help her get out. „I'm not angry at all, Lena,“ he responded as he led her to the house. „I always frown when I'm thinking about something. I remember the scene and as I said before I will work it over.“

 

„OK,“ she looked up at him, a half smile on her lips. „When I get to know you better I'll know what your frown means.“

 

„Exactly,“ he nodded, his heart fluttering in his chest at her words about getting to know him better. It was exactly what he wanted. „What would you like to drink?“

 

„I'm not sure but if you're going to grill... What are you going to drink?“ she tilted her head on one side.

 

„Well, I prefer beer. It fits to grilled meat. At least for me,“ he chuckled.

 

„Sounds good. I take beer, too,“ she shrugged lightly. „By the way here's the flash disc. Now it's your turn to work on your book. You can find my notes right in the text,“ she pulled out the flash disc out of her purse and handed it to him. Their fingers touched in the process and she blushed. „Can I help you in the kitchen?“ she asked as he was about to go inside.

 

„Sure, if it's what you wish. But...,“ he lifted his finger in the air, „... I should heat the grill first.“

 

She watched him moving around as he brought a bag of grilling coal and set the fire. Suddenly she heard a voice coming from inside.

 

„Danny, where are you? You said something about grilling meat. I'm already hungry.“ It was a woman's voice.

 

Lena lifted her eyebrow when the woman appeared outside. She was old but her long light hair was plaited in two braids and her step was full of life. Even her voice sounded younger than she was. Actually she looked fresh.

 

„It will take some more minutes, I just set the fire. I'm sorry. I needed to pick up Lena,“ Danny turned to her. „Mom, please, meet Lena. Lena, this is my mom,“ he introduced them.

 

„Oh, I had no idea, you had a visitor. Nice to meet you, Lena. I'm Mary,“ Danny's mom offered Lena her hand to shake.

 

„My pleasure, Mrs. Shields. I'm Lena, we work together on Danny's book, I'm an editor,“ Lena shook her hand.

 

„It's Mary, my dear,“ she smiled widely, reminding Lena of Danny's smile. Even her face was full of wrinkles, Lena could see in her eyes sparkling and energy surging from the squeeze of her hand.

 

They sat down on the back porch talking, while Danny was grilling meat. He retreated to the kitchen to slice vegetables then he put it on the grill as well.

 

After finishing her portion Mary left to give them some privacy. Lena spent a wonderful evening with Danny, eating, drinking beer and talking. About ten Danny took her home.

 

Lena took a shower to wash the smoke coming from the grill, from her skin and hair. She felt good and pleasantly tired. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.