“Would anyone like dessert?” Anya asked. “I’m full, but I don’t think I can resist the chocolate torte.”
“I thought about trying the toffee pudding but didn’t want to appear gluttonous. But what’s a vacation for if not to indulge a little?” Cece smiled. “I’m going for it.”
Anya looked at him. “What about you, James?”
“I’ll see what’s special on the dessert cart,” he answered, though in truth he wouldn’t mind skipping out, or at least having his packaged to eat in his room later.
His food had impeccable taste, and his company for the meal was even better. Anya and Cece made the evening enjoyable with their lively banter and easy conversation. They’d bonded quickly as three Americans traveling solo overseas, and while they all had different reasons for being there, they got along well.
But James was exhausted.
He’d tried. He’d set his mind to changing and had given it his all tonight. Sociable, humorous, trying new dishes. He’d started the evening without a single plan except to enjoy himself, and there wasn’t a singular facet of the night about which he could complain.
Yet it was all too much at once.
Despite his best efforts, he felt like an imposter. Had he drifted so far, he’d lost his ability to live in the moment and enjoy an innocent evening out? While he’d been married to Crystal, he never would have had dinner with another female, or even a group of all females where he was the only male. Even for business meetings, he’d request them to occur in an office setting with open doors, and the conversation remained strictly on business.
He’d loved Crystal with all his heart, and he would never have cheated on her, but they’d both discussed putting safeguards in place to protect their marriage. A few of their friends had teased them and called them old-fashioned, but James never minded. He’d enjoyed a strong marriage with his wife, even more meaningful when he reflected on their too short of time together.
“Did we lose you James?” Cece’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Sorry, I got lost in thought of what to order.” He smiled to cover his little white lie. No sense in bringing down the mood of their dinner, especially when he wasn’t about to confide in two virtual strangers.
Anya looked beyond him. “The cart is coming. It’s at the table behind you.”
Since he’d locked himself into having dessert, he chose two when a waiter approached. “I’ll have the black-tie mousse and the lemon custard cake.”
Both of his companions looked at him after the waiter left, and James shrugged. “They both sounded good. I couldn’t decide.”
Anya sighed. “Why do men have the luxury of eating whatever they want? I’ll have to find the gym and workout for two hours to compensate for my chocolate torte. It’s not fair.”
“I’m going to burn off my food with hikes and exploration. Even if I don’t, I refuse to feel guilty for enjoying a few extra calories while here.” She drank a sip of water. “Life’s too short.”
“Don’t I know,” James whispered, dismayed he’d vocalized his thoughts. He forced a wide smile. “Which is why I ordered two. Be nice, and I might share.”
“So much temptation.” Anna laughed. “You’re right. I’m going to enjoy my meals for the next two weeks without an ounce of regret.”
A member of the waitstaff came by and replaced their tea kettle with a fresh one. James chose a cinnamon herbal tea and filled his mug with hot water. He worked his way through the remainder of the meal but couldn’t stop the sigh of relief a half hour later when he closed his room door behind him.
He turned off his phone and prepared himself to enjoy the silence while he processed the day. While primarily ornamental, the fireplace did have working lights which flickered to replicate the view of a fire burning. He turned them on then sat down in the red velvet upholstered chair.
For a man who prided himself on controlling his emotions, he’d let them run the gamut today. The roller coaster left him unsettled, and he needed to ground himself. A hand carved chess set sat on the table between his chair and the other.
Back in college, he’d played on the chess team for two years until his studies required too much of his time. He’d spent many nights playing against himself. It had taught him strategy andhelped him anticipate moves. It also had the added benefit of clearing his mind so he could focus on what was needed.
Taking a play from a decade ago, he set up the board. Carefully he played, a move on one side, then a move for the other. One pawn captured, then another. A pawn from the other side and a bishop captured next.
The game was serving its purpose—clearing his head and calming his soul.
A knock on the door jarred him and broke his concentration.
He strode to the door and looked through the peephole to see Cece. Confused by her presence, he opened the door. “Is everything okay?”
She nodded and held out a plastic card. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I went to book an excursion and realized our credit cards must have gotten mixed up at dinner.”
Taking the card, he glanced at it and saw his name. “Good catch. Come in, and I’ll get your card back to you.”
“Thanks.” She stepped inside but remained by the door. “This room is spectacular.”
