A CHORUSof peepers and crickets accompanied me as I walked across the lawn at dusk and headed west along the shore path. It was such a gorgeous night, with clear skies and a cooling breeze. I wore black pants and a halter topped with a black cardigan, and I carried sandals. I wanted to look nice for Brendan and I thought that I looked passable. I am no beauty queen, but I dress up okay.
There was a small guesthouse in a clearing by the lake with an attached bluestone patio. I saw steaks marinating and a bottle of red and Brendan stirring coals in the barbecue, raising sparks into the sky.
He kissed me, and hewasa good kisser. His kisses lingered on the lips. “Special occasion,” he said, handing me a glass of wine. “My birthday.”
“Ohhh, Brendan. Jeez Louise. Why didn’t you tell me?” I know that I turned the brightest shade of red, and I felt just terrible.
“I didn’t want any fuss,” he said, and shrugged. “It’s not a big birthday. Doesn’t have any zeros in it.”
I did the math. He was forty-one.Only forty-one. I clinked my glass against his and said, “Happy, happy birthday!” I held back all the coulda-woulda stuff.
“I love it that you’re here,” he said. “Itisa happy birthday.”
The fireflies traced cursive neon letters in the night air as I tossed the salad and Brendan put the steaks on the grill. There was a CD player in the guesthouse, and soon Eva Cassidy was remembering the night as only she can. Brendan asked me to dance. I took his hand and immediately felt the blood rush to my head. He wrapped me in his arms and shuffled with me barefoot on the grass. Simple as this was, I loved it. Eva was followed by Sting on Brendan’s personalized CD.
He was a good dancer, very coordinated, even barefoot in the grass. He could lead, or follow, and he was so light on his feet that I felt as if I were blending into him. The two of us floated over the lawn, cheek to cheek. It was so nice—glorious, actually. The two of us fit together.
“The steaks are burning,” I whispered as Toni Braxton started in on “Unbreak My Heart.”
“Doesn’t matter,” said Brendan.
“You’re an incredible Prince Charming, you know. Handsome, witty, sensitive for a football fan.”
He smiled at me. “What a nice birthday thought.”
“After we eat,” I said, “I have a really nice present for you. I’ve been thinking about it all afternoon.”
“So you must have known it was my birthday.”
“I’m improvising,” I said, and smiled.
So we ate first and drank some delicious wine from somewhere in Washington State.Twobottles. We danced to Jill Scott and Sade and then… well, itwashis birthday after all.
The guesthouse was filled with chintz-covered furniture and had a great bed looking out over the lake. That’s where Brendan and I made love until “we couldn’t keep our eyes open any longer.” He was an incredible Prince Charming, in every way I could imagine. Even on his birthday.
I remember something else sweet. Just before we finally fell asleep, I sang, “Happy birthday, sweet Brendan. Happy birthday to you.” I sang it with all my heart, and he joined in with all of his.
Forty-six
I AWOKEin the guesthouse with a mild headache from the wine I’d had, followed by a start of fear when I realized that I was alone. From the height of the sun, I estimated that a portion of the morning was gone as well. I gathered up my clothes and, to my relief, found a note lying on top of my sandals.
Dear Jen,
I was right, you are the best. I have a little business in Chicago. Nothing too important. See you tonight? I hope so. I can’t wait to have you back in my arms. I miss you already. Hope you feel the same about moi.
XOXO,
Brendan
I clutched the note to my chest as I hurried across three back lawns in last night’s black clothes. Euphoria and Sox greeted me at the top of Sam’s porch stairs, weaving between my legs and complaining that their breakfast was late.
As I made my apologies, a red truck pulled into the parking area. Sam’s gardener spilled out of the cab. I could see that Henry was in a state. Now what?
He called out, “Jennifer, everybody has been trying to find you.”
At the same moment, I could hear the telephone ringing inside.Not Sam,I thought.
“One minute, Henry!” I called to him. “Telephone.”
