Chapter 24

The following Saturday morning, Mike stretched out on his sofa and autodialed the house in Beacon Hill. Lisa picked up. 

“My lawyer’s nagging me to find out who’s representing you.”

“Well, hello to you, too. Just tell him I don’t want anything. You’ve already been more than generous through the years. He can just write something up, something simple.”

He massaged his temple. “That’s a lot of baloney. One guy can’t represent both of us, or it’s a conflict of interest.”

“Massachusetts is an ‘equitable distribution’ state. That doesn’t mean equal, it means what the court deems as fair. So, since I’m not fighting for anything, whatever the court decides is fine.”

He needed an aspirin. His body ached from his earlier workout, and now his head chimed in. Why couldn’t she just be an ordinary greedy woman his lawyer could handle?

“It’s mid-season, Lis. I don’t have time for a lot of back-and-forth.”

“Okay, okay. Here’s an idea I could live with.”

“Shoot.”

“Just grow the college funds for the kids. They’re smart, Mike. And Emily might require… Of course, I’d make sure they take on-campus jobs, but it would be wonderful if—”

“Already done.” A no-brainer. And he was happy to provide the funds, but she sounded embarrassed discussing it. “Speaking of college…are you ready to go back? You could do it now.”

“I’m thinking about it, but I’ve still got three kids in the house.”

“They’re almost self-sufficient, so that excuse doesn’t wash with me. You’ve always needed to plan every detail before you act.”

“So what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing. It’s just an observation.

“Well, here’s another observation. A funny thing happened on my way to law school.”

“Go on.”

“I discovered that working with high school classes can be rewarding, especially after I introduced debating into the curriculum. So, now I have a personal career conflict.”

“Oh?”

“The administration is very happy with our showings in the statewide tournaments. They’re pushing me to go for a master’s degree.”

He wasn’t surprised. Once Lisa put her mind to a task, it got done. “If I say something, Lisa, will you promise not to jump down my throat?”

A pause. “Sorry. Can’t do that.”

“Then I’ll take my chances.” He inhaled, then said, “Why couldn’t we have calm, meaningful conversations like this and the one last week when we were together?”

“Because when we were together, we couldn’t breathe.”

He heard the soft click on her end and stared at the phone until the dial tone squawked. He didn’t know what the hell she was talking about. And he didn’t know why the hell he cared.

#

At seven o’clock that evening, Lisa examined herself in the mirror and saw a witch. Not a very original idea, she admitted, but she looked the part with her long hair and pointed hat. She’d chosen a clingy black dress with a side slit and high heels to add a little sex appeal. Long red beads added interest. She reached for her cape and broom. She would do.

She had her bases covered. The twins had two scary movies to watch later on. Emily would probably retreat to her own room by then.    

She would have been surprised at the boys’ willingness to stay home if Brian hadn’t played in a school football game the night before. Under the lights, it was still cold in late October in New England, and the forty-eight-minute game, which always took two hours to play, had gone into overtime.  Andy had written the sports column for his school paper late last night. Brian ached this morning. Both boys had slept until noon before ambling to the kitchen for breakfast. Very unusual for the twins to move in slow motion.

Now, Lisa headed downstairs, broom in hand, and found the kids in the family room watching television. “You’re all set?  There’s sandwich meat in the fridge if you get hungry.”

The bell rang. Andy ran for the door.

“You look beautiful,” said Emily, walking slowly around her sister. “I think too beautiful to be a witch.”

“I agree with you, Em.”

Lisa whirled. Mike stood there. “You scared me. What are you doing here?”

“He’s got a bye week, Lisa. No game tomorrow.”

“I’m watching scary movies with my boys.” He glanced at Em. “And girl, too, if she wants.”

“I’ll scream a lot.”

“Perfect,” said Mike. “That’s exactly what we need pre-Halloween.”

Sounded like fun to Lisa. “Well, have a great time, everyone. I’m off.” She gathered her purse, checked for her cell and Katie’s address.

“My car’s right outside,” said Mike. “I’ll drive you over and save you the trouble.”

“Thanks, but I’ve got good directions,” Lisa said, waving a paper at him. “Besides, I’ll need a ride home afterwards.” 

“No problem. With two movies, I’ll be up late.”

He seemed sincere enough, harmless enough, just a friend doing a favor for a friend. But…why? What was he thinking? They were finally establishing their own lives like reasonable adults and having excellent conversations about important matters. They’d made great progress, but now he was stepping over the line. Definitely mixing them up.

“It’s just weird, having you drive me.” 

“It’s practical—and safer. Look outside. It’s pitch-dark and you’ve never been to her house before. You don’t have a GPS, you don’t know where the place is, and you’re driving alone—wearing a sexy costume. That’s what’s really weird.”

Her laughter bubbled as she pictured herself behind the wheel. “Points to you. Getting directions from a cop while wearing a witch’s hat and holding a broom…it’s just funny. Okay, pal. You win. Let’s go. I’ll buy a GPS.” She started for the door.

Mike jingled his keys and turned to the kids. “Behave yourselves until I get back.”

“Have a good time,” said Emily.

“Have a great time,” added Brian.

“Yeah. Don’t rush. Have fun.” Andy’s words. 

“I specialize in fun,” said Mike, following Lisa into the night.

#

It did feel weird, sitting next to Mike on the front seat while he drove. Such a familiar setting, going back to their teenage days when his car ran on a wing and a prayer.

Mike tapped the wheel of the SUV. “Not quite the old chariot, huh?”

“Mind reader.”

“You’re easy.”

Because he knew her too well. “We’re going to Cambridge,” she said, studying the directions.

“That’s simple enough. Punch the address into the GPS or give me the specifics later on. In the meantime, tell me about your friend, the hostess tonight.” 

“Katie? She’s a terrific math teacher, and the kids love her, even the ones who find numbers difficult. Totally inspirational. She really encouraged me in the beginning.”

“So, you actually made a friend?”

“I guess I did. A good friend.”

“Like a Sandy and Gail type?”

She had to think about it. “I think it’s developing that way. And tonight I’ll meet her husband for the first time. He’s at MIT. They have no kids yet.”

“Katie’s the only name you’ve ever mentioned since we moved to Boston. You need more friends.”

“And when did I have time?” she snapped. “The summer theater group was great, but the season goes fast.”

“Hey. I’m not criticizing. Everyone needs friends, and you sounded happy talking about Katie.”

“I guess you should know. You’ve got millions of them.”

Silence filled the car for a moment. “Do I really?” Mike finally replied. “Have you checked the Riders’ roster this year? Some of my players were picked up by other teams and moved away. Nate’s injured again. My job’s to hold the guys together and make sure they play as a team. I’m the kingpin. But at the end of the season, I go home. And they go home. Boston is a second residence for most of them. That’s the way it works.”

Once again, he was throwing her a wild pitch. What did he want from her? “But some of the guys do live here, so if you’re looking for sympathy, forget it. Lonely is something you don’t believe in.”

“You’re wrong, and we need to talk about that. You and I need to be friends again. It’s important.” 

She shook out the paper with the written directions and turned on the reading light. “Are we on Mass Ave? Look for Drummond Place and take a right.” 

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I agree with you. I’m glad we’re not enemies,”  

“That’s a start. But we’re not friends, either. You don’t trust me, not even as much as you trust Katie, so we can’t be friends. At least, not yet.”

“There’s the house. The one with the shining pumpkins on the porch and on the pathway to the front door. Look at the ghosts in the trees.”  Tonight was for partying and meeting new people. Not for serious conversations. “You can just drop me off…”

He pulled into a convenient spot and opened his door. “I’ll walk you in. I’d like to meet Katie and her husband.”

“You’re not crashing this party! Go home. I’ll call.” She exited the car and slammed the door.

“Lisa! I’m not in costume. I can’t crash.” 

“That’s worse. You’ll be recognized, and who needs that? Remember the nightclub? Someone tipped off the paparazzi. Katie doesn’t need that here.”

One look at the stricken expression on his face and she wanted to call back the words.

“Point taken,” he said, backing up and leaning against the hood. “Go on in. I’ll just watch from here to make sure you don’t trip in those killer shoes.”

“I’m sorry to be so harsh,” she said. “I’m just trying to find my way.”

“And I’m a pariah.”

“Don’t be so dramatic.” She scanned the modest neighborhood and gestured to Mike. “This reminds me of Hawthorne Street. The house on Beacon Hill is beautiful. Really. But I would’ve felt more comfortable in a neighborhood like this from the beginning.”

“You haven’t changed a bit,” he said, “regardless of everything that’s happened.”

“I don’t agree at all. But it doesn’t matter. It’s really you who’ve changed, Mike.”  

He made an impatient gesture. “Are you sure, Lisa? Are you very sure? Look harder.”

She marched toward the front door, leaving him at the car. Of course he’d changed. His life wasn’t ordinary. In fact, was exceptional. As for her, he might have a point. She was still a working-class girl scrambling to make a happy life for herself and her family, just like always. 

A husband was family. 

She halted on the porch, her breath catching, her mind racing. She’d always made excuses, always had her reasons, but in the end, she’d put her husband’s needs and happiness last on her list. 

Her shoulders slumped; she leaned against the porch column as she faced the truth. There was plenty of blame to go around.

She didn’t feel like partying anymore, but she couldn’t disappoint Katie. Marching back to the sidewalk, she waved Mike over.

“It’s your lucky night, kiddo. I had a change of heart. Come meet my friends.”

“What about paparazzi?”

“Wear a mask.”

#

“It really was a great evening,” said Mike, his arm around Lisa as they walked to the car at midnight. “Katie and Jonathan were very gracious about an uninvited guest.”

“Especially when Jon realized he knew your brother,” said Lisa. “I thought MIT was huge.”

Mike shrugged. “They’ve both been there for ten years. Bound to happen.”

“Walk slower, please…these shoes kill…never again…”

In one quick movement, he scooped her up.

“Mike!” she squealed. “What are…?” 

In two big steps, they were at the SUV. He used the remote to open the door and carefully placed her inside. He trembled from want. Lisa in his arms again, for the second time that night. They’d had one dance, one slow dance at the party, and she’d felt so good against him, she’d fit so right. Her familiar fragrance almost blew him away, but he’d said nothing earlier, and he’d say nothing now. The risk was too great. 

He entered the driver’s side. “Seat belt on?”

“Uhh…”

He watched her buckle up.

“Of course,” she replied. “Heck, I just forgot.”

“Probably for the first time in your life.” So, he’d had some effect on her. He started the engine and pulled away from the curb. Neither of them spoke for a while.

“You know what?” asked Lisa. “I’m surrounded by children all day long. I really enjoyed getting out, being with adults. My own peers.” 

“I understand completely,” Mike said. “And I’d put pin-the-tail-on-the-cat right up there on the adult activity list. And how about the costumes? Yours was conservative!”

Her light laugh gave him courage.  “You were the most beautiful woman there.”

“Well, thank you, Mike. But compliments aren’t nec—”

“Shh. They are when they’re sincere. Maybe I should have given you more.”

Her hand covered his. “Please don’t go there. You and Jen always accuse me of looking backwards too much. And you’ve both been right. I’ve learned that it’s too hard emotionally and doesn’t change anything. You and I are moving forward now.”

She didn’t see the difference, so he’d have to point it out. “Only the accident was out of our control, Lis. Our marriage was not.”

They’d both screwed up. He knew that. There was plenty of blame to go around.

After turning the last corner, he doubled parked in front of the house and scanned the street. No one else was out this late…or early. 

He heard Lisa unlatch her belt, felt her prepare to leave. 

“One more thing before you go…”  

“Yes?” 

She’d given him her full attention. From the streetlamp’s light streaming through the window, her skin looked luminescent, her mouth generous and inviting. He took a deep breath.

“Are you free next Saturday night?”

An eternity passed. Her brow furrowed. “Don’t you have a game?”

Game. Buffalo. He was an idiot. “You won’t believe this, Lis, but I forgot.”

“You…you…forgot?” Her mouth fell open and laughter emerged, slowly at first but gathering speed until its delightful sound filled the car. He had to join in. Lisa’s rare laugh was as catchy as a hit tune. Soon they were breathless.

“Oh, that felt so good.” She unlocked her door.

“Hang on.” He exited first, walked around the vehicle, and opened her door. “Let’s do this right,” he said.

“I can manage,” she said. “And as for next week, I’ll be watching the game.”

“Good.” He wrapped his arm around her back and led her to the house. He’d take one step at a time. But…

“Lis?”

“Yes?”  

“You’re more beautiful today than when we met.” He leaned over and kissed her gently, thoughtfully, and relished her response. Thankfully, his wife was not passive. 

“Now, I’ll say good night.”