A week later Lucy was feeling much more like herself. Her voice wasn’t back yet, nor her energy, but she could get up, walk around and do things for herself again.
She bobbed her head to some music as she mixed a bowl of cookie dough. She was going to take them to Piper as a thank you for taking care of her. Summer school had started this week and Lucy was sad she was going to miss being with her students.
Lillith gets to spend time helping them instead. Ugh! Lucy let her thoughts dwell on the subject. Lillith Gresham was an overeager, manipulative woman who was dying to work at Middleton Prep. She taught elementary school, but there hadn’t been any openings in a few years and the woman refused to back down. She kept her name on the sub list, hoping to turn it into a full time job, but it hadn’t panned out yet, for which most of the staff were grateful. In the meantime, her daddy supported her, buying her fancy clothes and a condo that was way out of most teacher’s budgets. The woman was spoiled and didn’t like when things were denied her.
Last year, Lillith had decided she wanted Lucy’s job in particular and had actually met with Principal Grimm a few times to spread false rumors about Lucy’s teaching style, trying to get her in trouble. Luckily Lucy’s boss was a very fair, understanding man and they had worked out the accusations, but Lillith still hung around, like a shark waiting to strike. Even worse, some people think we look like sisters! Lucy threw up her hands in disgust at the thought. Both women were blonde and thin and people often assumed they were related. Not in this lifetime. Lucy mixed the cookies a little more vigorously than she needed to as she worked out her frustrations. I can’t even figure out why she’s a teacher. If she’s after money, this isn’t the place to find it.
*****
AN HOUR LATER LUCY was completely exhausted. Who knew standing in a kitchen, making cookies was so taxing? As she started to walk down the hall to her bedroom she paused. I’m tired of being cooped up in this house. I wonder if I could make it to the park and rest in the sunshine for awhile, maybe even feed the geese.
The idea of enjoying the warmth outside gave her a small burst of energy and she soon found herself down the street.
Whew! It’s a good thing the park isn’t very far from my apartment. Lucy was out of breath and grateful for a bench when she arrived. Sitting down, she let her head lay back and closed her eyes under her sunglasses, letting the sun’s rays beat on her face and infuse her with all its energy.
Lucy jerked up when the bench shifted and she realized she must have fallen asleep for a few minutes. Looking over at the person who had interrupted her peace, she froze. Sitting there, only a few feet away was the most handsome man Lucy had ever seen. Tall, lean, dark ... everything that made Lucy drool. He even had a well trimmed goatee and Lucy found her fingers twitching at the thought of touching it. Where the heck did this guy come from?
When he started to turn in her direction, Lucy quickly faced forward. Good grief, ya creeper! She scolded herself. Way to make a great first impression, let’s just gawk at the handsome guy. He’s probably married or something anyway. There is no way a guy as good looking as that is single.
Lucy felt an irrational flare of jealousy ping her chest at the thought of him belonging to anyone else. She squelched it as quickly as she could. Jealous over what? I don’t even know the guy!
After a moment, she realized the guy was still facing her and she found herself drawn to look back at him. Melted chocolate eyes met her gaze and she had to hold in the gasp that wanted to escape.
His lips started to twitch and Lucy had the distinct impression he was laughing at her. She stiffened, just about to go on the defensive, when he spoke,
“Hello.” His lips curved into a smile that nearly took her breath away. The richness of his voice swept away her anger and it took Lucy a few moments to respond.
“Hello,” she tried to say, but the hoarse rasp of her voice muddled the word. She mentally face palmed herself. Nice Lucy ... nice.
The strangers brows had furrowed and he tilted his head, concern radiating from him. “Are you okay?”
Taking a deep breath, Lucy tried again. She nodded her head ‘yes’ and then patted her throat.
He narrowed his eyes and studied her for a moment. “You can’t speak?”
Lucy shook her head. “Sick,” she tried to say, as way of explanation.
“You’re sick?” He jerked back, as if she were contagious.
Lucy smiled and shook her head ‘no’. “Was sick,” she whispered. I sound like a dying frog. Sooo attractive.
“You were sick, but you’re not now?” He asked.
Lucy nodded.
His smile was back. “Well, I’m sorry you were sick. But I’ll admit that having a woman speechless in my presence is new for me.” His brown eyes twinkled with amusement as he made the quip.
Lucy smiled and tried to laugh, but her voice didn’t make much noise. Instead, her laugh sounded like a wheezy, old man.
His eyebrows furrowed again. “Wow, whatever you had must have really done a number on you.”
Lucy raised an eyebrow, pursed her lips and nodded in agreement.
The man turned away from her and looked around the park, before coming back to her again. “I suppose I should probably introduce myself, I’m Mateo.” He stuck his hand across the distance of the bench.
Lucy nodded and shook his hand. “Lucy,” she rasped.
“Lucy?”
She nodded.
“Wonderful to meet you Lucy.” His smile was back and the warmth of it overpowered the afternoon sun.
Lucy smiled and nodded again. I must look like an idiot, all this nodding. But I guess it’s better than the dead frog in my throat. Sigh.
The gentleman stood and squinted against the sun. “I’m afraid my lunch break is almost over and I had an errand I had to run. Maybe I’ll see you again sometime?”
Trying not to appear too eager, Lucy kept the grin on her face and gave a slow nod. Being too excited might scare him away, if her dying animal voice hadn’t already.
“Have a good day.” His smooth voice vibrated through her as he turned and walked through the park.