Clean Romance 4 You

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” Rhianna Rider slumped lower in the passenger side of her best friend’s new Volkswagen Jetta.

“Will you stop worrying? It’s going to be fine.” Nicole Hendricks was a beautiful, accomplished grade school counselor. He ebony hair flowed gracefully down her back with just the right amount of curl, framing her face beautifully. Her almond eyes and high cheek bones made her appear to be a lady of high breeding. While she came from a wealthy family, she was anything but idle and demure. In fact, her ambitious nature was probably the only reason Rhianna could be convinced to be even semi-social tonight. Nicole smiled and looked at Rhianna with a sly grin. “Who knows? Perhaps if you take that sour look off your face for a few hours, you might even have a little fun.”

Rhianna glared at her friend but knew the truth in her statement. Months had past since she had been anywhere without her girls and the thought of leaving them with a sitter caused her insides to turn even more violently. The fact remained that Rhianna simply did not have much of a social life any more and it had taken a great amount of effort for Nicole to drag her out tonight. In fact, Nicole called the babysitter and picked Rhianna up, though she nearly had to drag her to the car.

Rhianna’s insides twisted and turned as Nicole navigated the car along the icy roads. The early November evening was clear and crisp and although the car was warm, Rhianna hugged herself in an effort to calm her nerves. A crystal clear melody of laughter broke through the soft country music playing on the car’s stereo as Nicole burst into near hysterics.

“What is so funny?”

“You!” Nicole squealed. “You act as though you were going to meet the devil himself!”

“Well that’s kind of how I feel.” As Nicole continued her laughing Rhianna became even more nervous. “May I please drive?” Rhianna asked pointedly.

“No,” her friend said, as though she knew Rhianna would turn them around and head home again.

“Then will you? Heaven knows, with your driving I may never see my girls again.” She blinked hard to keep the tears at bay as her eyes began to water.

“Will you relax? You just need to pull yourself together.” Nicole stopped her laughing and looked over at her friend in time to see her wipe a tear from her eye. “Anna, you’re going to know almost everyone there. There’s no reason to feel so nervous.”

“Yes, but I will be the only one without a date.”

“Nonsense. I don’t have a date.”

“Yes, but you’re not married.”

Nicole sighed. “Rhianna, you need to get beyond this and get on with your life. Scott would not want you sitting at home alone growing old with those beautiful daughters of yours. He would want you to go out and have a good time. You’re still young and beautiful. I don’t think he would want you to live out the rest of your life alone.”

“You would suggest that I remarry?”

“No. I merely suggested that you create a social life for yourself. Go out and have a good time. Make new friends. Become reacquainted with old friends. Be happy. You seldom even smile anymore.” Nicole glided into a parking place and looked to her friend as she put the car in park. “There is more to you than this miserable shell you show everyone all the time. Now I want you to go in there and have a good time tonight. Forget about your girls; they are in good hands.” Nicole put a hand on Rhianna’s shoulder. “And I want you to dance with at least five different guys tonight.”

“Five?”

“Yes, five.”

“I couldn’t possibly…”

“Yes you can. And if you do, I promise you will have a good time.” Rhianna looked doubtfully at her friend. “Don’t you want to have a good time?”

“Yes, but…”

“Goats butt… Now, straighten yourself up and let’s go in. It’s freezing out here,” Nicole said as she shivered and pulled her scarf a little tighter around her neck.

Rhianna had known this night would be difficult but she was determined to make the most of it; for herself and also to prove to Nicole that she did still know how to have a good time. She pulled down the visor and lifted up the mirror. The darkness of the evening caused the lights next to the mirror to blind her at first. Finally her eyes adjusted and after visually assessing her appearance, she decided no major damage had been done by her tears. Closing the visor, she opened the door into the bitter cold November air.

When they got inside, they checked in their coats with a nice rotund woman and proceeded down a hall to the room of the party. Upon entering, Rhianna paused and looked around. The dim lights illuminated a large room decorated in fall colors but nothing too elaborate. Smells of apple cider and spiced cakes filled the air and music played loudly from speakers around the room. The room already burst with people and their arrival was not noticed by many.

There were three doors in the large room, one being a fire exit. She’d seen the bathroom on the way in, which may prove a great escape at some point. A few chairs lined the room but she doubted Nicole would permit her to sit. Staring, she didn’t see anyone she knew and only when Nicole’s hand pressed on her back did she begin moving again.

Seconds later, however, they were seized upon by Mrs. Violet Hammel. Though Violet had been a year or two older than Rhianna and Nicole in school, the three of them had spent many fond hours together in years past.

“I am so glad to see the two of you here!”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Nicole said happily.

“And you look so good, Rhianna.”

“Thank you, Violet. Where’s your husband?”

“Stan?” Violet looked around briefly. “Who knows? My guess is he’s in the other room watching the game on the TV.”

“Who’s playing?” Nicole asked.

“I’m not real sure. I don’t get into it much. The only game I watch is the Super Bowl and I only watch that for the commercials.”

“I like college ball better,” Nicole supplied.

“Stan watches whatever is on and suits his mood. I personally would much rather read a good book.”

“Oh, I just finished reading Pride and Prejudice again.”

Rhianna smiled at Nicole. “You read that every year.”

“I know. And I love it!”

“Oh, there’s Julia Wright. I need to go say hello. Excuse me.” Vivian bustled off to go meet another guest.

“See, this isn’t too bad now is it?” Nicole asked quietly.

“No, but we just got here. Perhaps we should leave now and then we can chalk the evening up as a success.”

“Don’t start,” Nicole warned. Though she was nearly six inches shorter than Rhianna, she was not easily intimidated. “Now, I want to go over and see Adam Whitman. You can come with me but you have to at least pretend to be happy or I won’t have anything to do with you. I’m here to have fun.”

Rhianna rolled her eyes but put on a smile and followed Nicole over to where Adam stood visiting with a couple other people she did not recognize.

“Nicole, are you still working the art show next weekend?” one of the women asked.

“Not this year. I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to breathe. I hear they are expecting quite a turnout this year.”

“Really? I’ve never cared much for it.”

“They’re bringing in a few guys from out of state this year, I think. So it might be really good. I’ll probably drop by for a little while.”

Rhianna stood back as Nicole involved herself in deep conversation with the group. She knew Jared Haws and guessed that the other man must be Adam Whitman but she had no idea who the two women were. From her observations, they were too stuffy for her taste.

“How are your books coming?” Jared asked Rhianna during a slight lull. Jared had been in school with her too and had always been a tall and stalky boy. He seemed even bigger now.

“Fine, thank you. Have you read them?”

“No. My kids have though. I think their favorite is, Starry Knight.”

“That is a fun story.”

Jared laughed. “They think it’s pretty neat that I know you, which makes me look good too.”

Rhianna hated comments like that, though she tried to smile. For once it would be nice if someone liked her work because they thought it was a good story and well done.

The evening continued that way for a couple hours. Nicole conversed with friends and Rhianna simply stood back and zoned out with a plastered grin on her face unless someone addressed her personally.

Finally, when she felt she could no longer handle the idleness of the evening, she fled to the restroom. Taking her time, she freshened up in the mirror, making sure her lip stick was still in place. After touching up her make-up, she turned to the side and examined her hair to make sure it remained in place, though it was difficult to tell. She had pinned her curly, sandy blond hair onto the top of her head where it cascaded to her shoulders in soft curls. It had taken nearly no time at all, though it looked as though she could have spent hours on it. Smiling to herself, she turned to face the mirror again. Her outfit was simple, but flattering. She wore black pin-striped slacks and a red, glittery, form-fitting blouse. She had bought this outfit for her book signing last February when Love, Me had been published.

The door to the bathroom opened, and another woman entered. Smiling at her, Rhianna glanced once more in the mirror and then took her leave. Slowly she made her way back to the party, though it was difficult for her to find the motivation to return. She had not been having a good time and while she knew it was her own fault, she was out of practice at this sort of thing and did not know how to change that. Entering the room, she spotted Nicole instantly, who motioned to her. Rhianna smiled and nodded in acknowledgement and then slowly made her way to get a glass of cider at the other side of the room.

As she stood waiting for her glass, she heard someone say her name and she turned. Her mouth dropped open as she saw who now stood beside her. “Jerrick Mason?”

“Yeah. How are you doing?” A grin spread over his entire face and his eyes made a quick assessment of her. “You’re looking good.”

“Thanks,” she said, allowing her eyes to do a quick appraisal of him as well. “You’re not looking too bad yourself. What are you doing now days?”

“Well tonight, Dan and I are the D.J.’s. But during the days, I’m a computer nerd.”

“A computer nerd? So you repair other people’s problems or you write programs to put other people out of business?” she said with a laugh.

“A little bit of both.” He smiled down at her. “However, I prefer to do the latter.”

For the first time that evening, Rhianna felt truly happy. It felt good to see Jerrick. They had grown up together since elementary school. She had floated in and out of crushes on him throughout junior high and high school. Amazingly enough, they had remained good friends over the years and bumped into each other a couple times since they had graduated. Granted, it was usually years in between times she had seen him but she always enjoyed their visits.

She looked at him now. At slightly over six feet tall, he had changed very little since high school. She imagined the color of his dark hair had changed very little and knew that in the sunlight it held natural auburn highlights. His smile was broad and his teeth were mostly straight. He looked like he was still in pretty good shape too and she smiled as she saw that his habit of wearing sandals in the winter had not changed.

“Are you still playing hockey?”

“Nope. You remember that shoulder injury I got in high school? Well, I didn’t take care of it as well as I should have. You know, I had other things on my mind.”

“Like school work?” she teased.

“Yeah right.” He put a peppermint candy into his mouth. “Anyway, just before graduation, when the final cut list came out…well, guess who was at the bottom. Yours truly.”

“Oh, Jerrick. I’m so sorry.” Reaching a hand out, she lightly touched his arm. She retracted it quickly, however, as she felt the warmth that traveled through her hand at the simple touch. It was a bold move on her part and she felt embarrassed by the familiar gesture but he didn’t seem to even notice.

“It certainly wasn’t your fault.”

“No, but it must have been utterly devastating for you.”

“It was for a while. But what was I going to do? I blew out my shoulder and ignored it. It was my own fault for being so wrapped up in other things.”

She smiled at him and took a drink of the cider. It was difficult to say whether the warm and soothing feelings she felt were from the cider or standing and talking with Jerrick. He had grown into a happy adult. She could see it on his face. Sure, he probably had his share of rough times, but it was evident that he was content with life.

“So your girlfriend doesn’t have any problem with you D.J.ing on the weekends and leaving her alone? Or is she here with you?” Rhianna asked as she quickly surveyed the crowd for a beautiful woman.

He laughed and she looked back at him in surprise. “Are you kidding me? I’ve had my share of bad luck and heartache. I’m taking it slow. Besides, I have plenty of time to look.”

“Whatever happened to Lesley what’s-her-name?”

“Oh, she’s married with a little boy who’s about a year and a half.”

“Good for her.”

“Yeah, good for her.”

“What’s the matter? You don’t approve?”

“It’s not that. You remember in high school when she dumped me and started going with Jed Stevens?” Rhianna nodded and he continued. “Well, they’re married now and about a month or two ago, she came into town, called me up, and invited me out to lunch.”

“She was by herself?”

“No, she had her son.”

“She asked you on a date with only her baby as a chaperone?”

“Oh wait. It gets even better. I was uncomfortable the entire time and then she asked if I wanted to go back to the hotel with her.”

“She didn’t!”

“Oh, she did. And I said, ‘Honey, that band on your finger represents something I refuse to come between. I will not be the cause of anyone’s unhappiness.’”

“Good for you.”

“Well, it’s just wrong. I won’t come between anyone’s marriage.”

“I don’t care what anyone says about you, Jerrick. You’re a good guy and don’t let anyone tell you different.”

He chuckled. “Don’t say that too loudly, kitten. I don’t want the whole world to know.”

She smiled at him. It had been a long time since anyone had called her ‘kitten.’ She had gotten the nickname from a Halloween costume gone badly. She started out as a witch but the wind had been so ferocious that by the time she had gotten to the party, she looked more like a frightened kitten than a witch. For some reason, after that Jerrick had taken to calling her ‘kitten’ and she still blushed every time he used that nickname.

“Speaking of wedding bands,” he started, “where’s yours?”

The smile faded from her face and she looked down at the cup she was holding. Even though it had been nearly a year ago, the pain often floated just below the surface. Blinking back the moisture threatening to accumulate in her eyes, she forced her breathing to calm. Then she faced Jerrick with all the courage she could muster. “He died after an accident almost a year ago.”

“Oh, kitten. I’m so sorry.” He looked at her with a sadness she did not understand. “I know he was your life. How are you and the girls holding up?”

“Time has a way of healing the heart, although some days I wonder if the wound is healing or simply scabbed over.” She wiped a small tear from her eye before she continued. “Lark misses him, though I’m not sure she entirely understands why he doesn’t come home every night. And Lavender’s too young to remember.”

She breathed deeply as she tried to stifle the emotions that longed for release. Suddenly, she felt the powerfully warm and comforting embrace of Jerrick’s big burly arms encircling her petite figure. His compassion caused the tears to gush out of her eyes and onto her cheeks. It had been so long since she had cried over the loss of her husband and at this moment she finally felt that someone might care about her loss and not force her to face this trial on her own. Perhaps someone cared for her and not merely her accomplishments.

After several minutes, she was able to pull herself together and only then did Jerrick release his protective hold of her. “Are you okay?”

“I will be. Some days are just harder than others,” she smiled weakly.

“Well, why don’t you set that cup down and let me take you out for a spin around the dance floor. Get your mind on something else for a while.”

“I don’t know. I haven’t danced in so long.”

“Oh, come on. You and I use to make such a fine dancing pair when we were in school. What do you say? For old times sake?”

Rhianna debated the issue. While she wanted to, she somehow felt disloyal and guilty for entertaining the idea. Starting to decline the offer, she caught a glimpse of Nicole and remembered her dare to dance with five different men. Typically, she was not one to shy away from a dare, so she set her glass down on the table with only half of its contents remaining and linked her arm in Jerrick’s. “Lead on,” she instructed and a giant smile lit up his face.

Her retirement from dancing seemed only a small stumbling block. When she danced with Jerrick, the years seemed to melt away and she was back in junior high dancing with the best looking guy at the Freshman Formal. He was still an extraordinary dancer and led her very well. She smiled as his dancing reminded her of her great-uncle. Jerrick was not the kind of man who simply held onto a woman and walked circles around her. He had class and style. His feet were quick yet she followed him easily. Dancing in his arms, she felt light and very dainty. Throwing her head back as he dipped her on the final chord of the song, she laughed as the crowd that had gathered began to applaud.

Jerrick pulled her back into a standing position and she felt her face flush with the exhilaration of the dance as he smiled down at her. “Did you have fun?”

“Oh yes!” she giggled. “I haven’t danced like that in forever.”

“Well, perhaps you will let me have the pleasure again later. For now, I need to get back and give Dan a break. He’s probably near to dying right now because he was here setting up this afternoon.”

“Oh,” she said, sadness creeping into her voice and her smile fading.

“But hey, why don’t you come keep me company? I can still visit with you while I work.”

“You’re sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure. Now, go let your friend know you’re doing all right and then come on up.”

“My friend?”

“Yes, the one who’s eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw you dancing with me,” he said with a chuckle.

Rhianna laughed. Nicole probably was nearly dying at the sight of her with Jerrick. While Nicole had always liked Jerrick, Rhianna was sure her friend was surprised that she would actually take her up on the dare.