“You mean She and Herself, don’t you?” By the grimace on Ralph’s face, she could tell that her tone had too much edge for his taste. They both let it go and rejoined Dieter who was still sitting at his place, topping off his glass.
“Easy there,” said Ralph, “you have a long drive back tonight.”
“Maybe we should all get as drunk as we did on prom night,” said Dieter. “See where it goes.” He glared at Lynn.
Ralph noticed and gave her a puzzled look. She returned his look. “We might as well finish the argument we’ve started,” he said, “and move on to something more pleasant.”
If only you knew, she thought. “Okay, go ahead.”
“I had a chance to view three of the major sites today on my way here, two on land and the one off Sandbanks.”
“What did you conclude?” she asked.
“The proposed onshore farms are located exactly where such farms are typically found. Like Wolfe Island across from Kingston. Essentially farmland. Or Maple Ridge in Upstate New York. Farmland, rolling hills, wooded areas.”
“Those developments were highly controversial,” she countered. “Many residents were upset with the prospect of turbines near their homes and they’re no happier now that the farms are operational.”
“Both developments got a clean bill of health from regulatory authorities,” said Dieter.
“Despite the protests, those projects eventually got built,” said Ralph.
“It ends up being a losing battle to fight them,” said Dieter. “You merely forestall the inevitable.”
Looking straight at Ralph, Lynn asked, “What about the offshore sites? You’re still a sailor, aren’t you?”
“I am indeed, and I’m concerned that part of the site off Sandbanks will be seen directly from the beach.”
“Wait a minute,” said Dieter. “That’s my company’s project. It’s Crown Land—we worked closely with the Federal Government to get that approval.”
“I know,” said Ralph, “but erecting turbines in plain view of the beach could be devastating to the tourist business.”
“Obviously we disagree,” said Dieter, “and the government did too when it gave us the nod to proceed.”
Lynn noticed the sudden flush in Dieter’s face. “Hey boys, it sounds as if this is heading toward a bad place. We’re grown-ups now, aren’t we?”
“Some of us,” said Ralph, “are capable of appreciating the merits of both sides and see good reason to strike a balance.”
“What the fuck!” said Dieter.
“Tone it down guys. Jules is down the hall. No floor hockey finals in my home, thank you.”
They all laughed. “Got any spare broomsticks?” Dieter asked. “I’d like to show Ralph how to take a proper shot.”
“At the net or at me?” said Ralph.
“Let’s finish up business before dessert,” she said. “Since you’ve asked, I’ll tell you where I stand.”
Both Dieter and Ralph, sitting on the same side of the table, moved to the edges of their chairs.
“Here’s my little sermon. Listen up—obviously this is what you came for. If the wind companies can demonstrate an openness to other viewpoints, some flexibility on how to protect the wildlife preserve, and a willingness to revisit the location of offshore farms, that may be enough for us to reach an accommodation. We’re not unreasonable. But until we see signs that your industry is willing to consider those possibilities, we’re going to insist that the entire county be declared off limits, land and lake. We’re going to file suit to that effect.”
“That’s a totally uncompromising position,” said Dieter.
“Hardly. I’ve told you what we’ll consider constructive movement on your part.”
“Thank you for that,” said Dieter. It didn’t sound as if he meant it. He managed another weak smile. Both Ralph and Lynn could feel him seething. “And thank you for a lovely dinner. I’m going to pass on dessert— You’re right, it’s a long drive back. You two can enjoy my bottle of wine.”
“That’s it? You’re leaving?”
“I suspect you and Ralph need to sort something out— Anyway, please consider the summer opportunity for Jules. It would be a great experience for him. And I forgot to say it as I walked in— Lynn— You look absolutely spectacular. You’ve taken good care of yourself.”
After Dieter left, Ralph started to rinse the wine glasses, china, and silverware. At the sink, his back to Lynn, he asked, “What did Dieter mean that we’ve got something to sort out? And what was that about our prom night?”
“I think Dieter was talking about having to carry you on his back up to your front door and hand you over to your parents. You were too drunk to remember it the next day.”
“Is that all?”
No, that wasn’t the half of it, but the rest would have to wait—she wasn’t going to talk about the post-prom party, not in her own home, not with Jules down the hall. “Yeah, that’s all— ”
“Well, Dieter’s right, you know—you look stunning.”
“Thank you. Not so bad yourself, eh?”
“I can stay a while and help you clean up. Maybe another glass of wine? Let’s see if Dieter’s right about his bottle.”
“Thanks, I can handle washing up. You also have a long drive back. Look—it’s started to rain.”
“I’m in no hurry,” said Ralph. “Let’s sit down and talk.”
“Some other time— I’d love to, but I’m tired and I need to speak with Jules about Dieter’s offer.”
At the door, Ralph gave her a firm hug, then kissed her lightly on the lips. Holding her by her shoulders, he looked into her eyes. “Sorry this ended up being only about business. We didn’t even get to your mille feuilles. I’d like to take a rain check.” He looked outside and chuckled at his choice of words.
“Sure, why not?”
“I’ll give you a call.”
She stood at the door, watched him back out of the driveway, and waved goodbye. Didn’t go inside until his taillights passed from view. Didn’t wipe the kiss off her lips. Wished that Jules had been staying with a friend that night.
Standing on the dock and looking out at the bay, she realizes that something good had come from the evening: the compliments about how she looked had made her feel good about herself. Good, but not altogether good. She wasn’t thrilled that Dieter had been the first to comment. It made Ralph’s compliment seem forced instead of freely offered, perhaps a response only to make sure he hadn’t been completely one-upped by Dieter. The more she thinks about it, the more troubled she becomes. Dieter is going to continue to pose a problem. He doesn’t seem to understand that she will never forgive him. And Ralph—would he still be interested if she hadn’t kept herself trim? What if she’d put on another thirty pounds over the years? Had let her hair grow long, making her look more like an old witch than an older version of her graduation photo? Would he fall for her today if they hadn’t been sweethearts in high school and college? Even more troubling than those questions is why she keeps rejecting his overtures. How long can that continue before he’ll walk away? For good this time. She wonders if he is thinking the same thing.