Addy retired to her “suite” to get ready for bed. At first, it felt so unnatural to be using another woman’s bathroom. She could not help peeking in some of the vanity drawers; in one, she found packages of rubbers and some petroleum jelly. Hmm … the O’Malleys practiced birth control. Then, her heart sank as she imagined what it must be like to make sweet love with your husband instead of tolerating barbaric violation. From all the women’s magazines Addy had read, she understood that some couples enjoyed lovemaking well into the later years of their marriage. In fact, the magazines had begun to provide “tips” on how to remain attractive for your husband and please him in the bedroom. For a split second, Addy thought, maybe Lionel cheats because I am no longer appealing. She immediately scolded herself, not only for thinking of Lionel while on her vacation, but also for conjuring up such stupid thoughts. He had treated her in the same way ever since their honeymoon when she was still young and maybe pretty. After her bath, Addy was too tired to read or even think much. She pulled back the covers of the huge bed, hugged her pillow, and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The weather remained perfect for the first three days of their vacation, and they spent each carefree day at the beach, even bringing a picnic lunch with them one day. As she watched the children dig in the sand, collect shells, and make sandcastles, she recalled her own happy days at the seashore. Had she and the children died and gone to Heaven? Every day was peaceful and filled with joy. She dared not count their remaining days of freedom.
That evening as the children played Sorry! and Addy read her well-worn copy of a collection of the works of Jane Austen, strains of Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 5,” one of Addy’s favorite pieces of music, drifted through the sun porch windows.
She looked up from her book, curious to see from where the music was coming. Addy caught a glimpse of the man in the cottage next door. He was sitting alone on his porch, reading a newspaper. She had never noticed him before and quickly brushed aside the image of his beautiful profile with the thought that his wife must be inside.
Something about the aura of this man stayed with Addy as she bathed and prepared for bed that night. He was, from what Addy could see, breathlessly handsome … the kind of man that could marry any woman he chose, and he had probably done just that. Addy imagined a striking, slender blonde waiting for him inside the cottage. How are some women so lucky?
After this first glimpse of the man, Addy kept looking over at his house or on the beach to see if she could spy him once more. She never noticed him on the beach, but one evening, she saw him sitting alone on his porch as he had done that first night. On Thursday of their first week, it started to rain. The kids grumbled, but Addy suspected they were actually relieved to get a break from the hot sun. New Englanders, fully aware of the long, cold winter ahead, dare not squander a sunny day at the beach. Yet, sunburned bodies secretly crave clouds and rain. Because they did not have to rush out to the beach that morning, Addy fussed with eggs and bacon for breakfast. They had barely finished eating when someone knocked on their door. The children looked wide-eyed at one another, trying to imagine who it could be. After all, they knew no one in Maine.
Chapter V
New Friends
Somewhat hesitantly, Addy called out, “Who is it?”
A man’s low voice answered, “It’s Greg from next door. May I talk to you for a minute?”
Although his voice was deeply masculine and assured, there was a sense of urgency about it.
Without thinking about how messy she must look, Addy rushed quickly to the door. When she opened it, there he was … the beautiful creature she had seen sitting on his porch at night, yellow rain jacket draped over his wide shoulders. He’s a triangle, Addy thought spontaneously. She didn’t know why, but tall men with broad shoulders and narrow waists secretly thrilled her. Maybe it was because as a child she had a set of brightly colored wooden men you could balance and stack. They seemed to be wearing business suits so Addy called them her “Gentlemen.”
The rain dripped from the hood of the raincoat of this Narcissus, who most probably had not spent his life gazing at his own stunning reflection. In fact, he appeared to be oblivious to his good looks.
Blushing with embarrassment, Addy said, “Please come in.”
Thrusting his large hand toward her, the man said, “Hi, I’m Greg Finn from the house next door.” His handshake was firm and confident. Addy was touching a dream.
“Hello. I’m Addison Roberge, and these are my children, Peter, James, and Mary.”
The kids nodded, looking the stranger over with pleasant curiosity.
“I’m sorry to trouble you, but I need to ask a favor. I have an interview this afternoon, and my sister was supposed to come up to watch my daughter. She just called to say her kids woke up sick so she doesn’t dare bring them up here. She’s afraid Allison, my daughter, might catch what they have. Allison can’t be around sick children.”
Addy was speechless? Where was his wife? What was wrong with his daughter? How could this perfect specimen of a man have any troubles in his life?
Addy said quickly, “Would she be comfortable staying with us? The kids would love the company.”
At first the man looked hesitant and then said, “That’s a great idea. I shouldn’t be gone that long. Well, unless they decide to hire me on the spot.” He broke into a broad Irish smile, his straight white teeth glistening.
Greg asked if he could bring Allison over around one o’clock. His interview was in Portland. Addy forgot how frumpy she looked and said cheerfully, “We’ll be waiting.” The kids looked at one another excitedly. What new adventures awaited them on this rainy day? The tension vanished from their neighbor’s face. “I can’t thank you enough.” He said as he turned and sprinted back to his cottage.
Addy showered and changed into the only decent summer outfit she had, white slacks and a navy blue top. Ugh. Why was she so fat? Shut up, stupid, she chided herself. You could never attract this man, even if you were young and single. He was simply out of her league.
At precisely one o’clock, Greg arrived at their door. He was extraordinarily handsome in his raincoat, but in a pinstriped oxford shirt and khaki pants, he was indescribable. A tiny redheaded girl, who looked to be about six years old, stood nervously next to her father. Addy was so relieved to see the child showed no obvious signs of illness. Aside from being rather thin and a bit pale, Allison looked perfectly normal. Mary came straight to the door to greet Allison.
“Come on in. Want to play Mr. Potato Head?”
Allison immediately forgot she was with strangers and replied excitedly, “I love Mr. Potato Head.”
Greg said, “She has had her lunch.” Addy asked what foods, if any, Allison could not have.
“None,” Greg smiled, “… if you can get her to eat anything.”
As he turned to leave, he reiterated, “You don’t know how much this means to Allison and me.”
Addy blushed and managed to fumble her way through, “I hope you get the job.”
“Thanks. Wish me luck!”
Allison proved to be a delightful child. As Addy watched her playing with the kids, she wondered about Greg’s wife. Would Addy ever find out why he was alone with his daughter? The afternoon wiled away slowly. Mary even