Sara Janne Wiche - A Time for Love

ISBN: 9781483556024

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE

Youre leaving now?

Yes, Laura said, smiling at her neighbour and best friend, Jodie.

But its late! Theres supposed to be a thunderstorm tonight, and youve had a terrible week. Sympathy shone from Jodies eyes. Why dont you get a good nights sleep and leave early in the morning?

Little did Laura know when she planned this seaside getaway that her life would be in such a shambles. Two months ago, shed had it all. Steve, her boyfriend, sent her flowers at work, and left love notes on her pillow. Her work as a freelance artist was gaining recognition, and shed been approached to show her work at a trendy new art gallery downtown, the Marta Gruber Gallery. Shed been working day and night to complete the samples. After she delivered the package to Marta, she felt like celebrating. She decided to invite Steve out for dinner.

Thats when everything went to hell. She didnt notice his reticence at dinner, her exuberance overriding the subtle signs of his discomfort. Later, at her apartment, Laura was ready for some romance. She stepped through the door and turned into Steves arms.

So, how about it, stud? she asked, wrapping her arms around his neck, pinning his body between hers and the door.

Wait a minute, he said, placing his hands on her hips and pushing her away. Theres something I need to tell you.

Now? she murmured, trying to nuzzle his neck. His hands remained firm, keeping a distance between them. Sighing, she let go of him and stepped back. Whats so important that it cant wait until after?

Im gay, Steve announced, eyes downcast. Ive been trying to find the courage to tell you.

What did you say? Laura couldnt believe shed heard him right. Her body felt hot and cold at the same time. She laughed, even as she started to shake. Are you kidding?

You heard me. Im gay. Ive been so torn up about this, he said, wrapping his arms around his waist.

Why didnt you tell me before? Too shocked to sort out her feelings, she braced a hand against the wall and stared at him. Steve continued to look down, as if fascinated by the tiles on her floor.

I wanted to tell you, but I just couldnt, he said.

Look at me, she snapped.

He looked up, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

Youre really serious, she said incredulously. Suddenly she was furious. Gay?? she shouted. What about the love notes, and the flowers, and the hints at a marriage proposal? What the hell was all that?

Laura stormed down the hallway to the bedroom and pulled out the stack of notes hed left on her pillow. Shed saved them all in the drawer of her bedside table. Steve followed her and stood in the doorway, silent tears running down his cheeks. She read the first one she found.

Cant wait until tonight. Wear something sexy, babe! she read through gritted teeth. You asshole. You fucking sick, twisted bastard! Get out! Get out of my apartment! Get out of my life! She threw the notes at him and they fell like confetti between them. He began to cry in earnest, great, gulping sobs.

Thats it! she said. She closed the space between them in two strides, and let fly with her fist in his face. He reeled back in shock, his nose spurting blood. He gazed reproachfully at her as he covered his nose with his hand, which only infuriated her more.

Get out! she screamed. Out! Out! Out!

Steve left, shuffling down the hall, still sniffling and holding his nose. Ill cub back for by stuff, he mumbled.

Laura rushed back to her bedroom and pushed up the window. With an armload of his clothing, CDs and books, she returned to the window and waited. When he appeared at street level, still holding his nose, she threw everything down on his head. Clothing fluttered down like colourful birds. She should have suspected something by his choice of colours, she thought. Books fell like bombs, raining down around him. CDs flew from their cases, rolling along the sidewalk. She felt a vicious satisfaction.

Have a great life, you prick! she shouted before slamming the window. She turned back to the bed and threw herself face down, crying until she had no more tears left.

Sometime during the night, she drifted into a restless sleep, fraught with dreams of colourful shirts chasing her through dark streets. When she woke, she stumbled into the bathroom and studied her reflection. Puffy, red-rimmed grey eyes looked back at her from beneath a rats nest of curly brown hair. Groaning, she turned away from the mirror and headed for the kitchen and a much-needed coffee. The phone rang.

Hello?

Hello, is this Laura? asked a cultured voice.

Yes, speaking.

Its Marta, from the gallery. Ive been looking at your work. Very impressive.

Thank you, said Laura. At least her work was going well.

Theres just one problem. I think its a bit too avante-garde for my gallery. Im looking for something a little more, well, established, if you know what I mean. There was an awkward silence on the line.

Dont be discouraged, darling! Marta said. Your work is fantastic. Its just not exactly what Im looking for. Im sending the samples back today. She paused. Have a nice day and best wishes for a successful future.

The phone clicked in Lauras ear. Trendy new gallery my ass, she thought as she hung up the phone. Stuffy old cow.

CHAPTER TWO

At least let me make you some tea and a snack, before you go, said Jodie. She bustled out to the kitchen to put on the kettle.

Laura closed her suitcase and sat down on the edge of the bed. Shed hoped to turn this holiday into a romantic trip for two, but that wasnt going to happen. I need to get away from everything, she thought dismally. Im too upset to work. I just cant settle down to it. Maybe a change of scenery and time to relax will give me some perspective.

After hugging her teary-eyed friend good-bye, Laura grabbed her suitcase and a bag of groceries, and headed for the door. Lightning flashed in the sky to the west as she reached the parking lot, but she didnt care if it stormed. The weather would match her mood. Throwing her suitcase into the trunk, she climbed into her car and set off.

Laura drove straight into the storm. The rain on her roof was a steady roar and even though she had the wipers on high speed, she could hardly see the road. When a particularly loud clap of thunder followed a blinding flash of lightning, causing her to scream and swerve towards the ditch, she decided to pull over and wait it out. Exhausted, she dozed. When she woke, she was chilled to the bone. The rain had stopped and it was eerily quiet and dark on the road. Shivering, she started the engine, pulled out onto the highway, and continued on her way.

Laura arrived at 3:30 a.m., exhausted, but happier than shed felt in days. She didnt need to go to the registration office because shed pre-arranged her cottage over the phone. The booking agent told her the key was in a bright orange pot by the front door. She drove down a rutted, dirt lane, past a row of cottages with dormers over each front door, and a flower box at each window. She rolled down her car window to drink it all in. How peaceful! she thought as she inched along, searching for her cottage. The night was silent except for the crickets chirping.

Her cottage looked much like the others, with the dormer, the flower box spilling over with petunias, the quaint welcome mat. She parked in the tiny parking spot beside the cottage and got out, stretching and yawning. She hoped the bed was comfortable. She could use a good, long sleep. As she arched her back to ease the stiffness, she noticed the sky. The vastness of it made her feel humble. There were no streetlights, no traffic, and no noise to detract from the midnight-blue cup of sky, scattered with stars.