Interlude [Book 2] Read online

  Unfolding it, I read it.

  Dear Julian,

  It’s been eight years since I last saw you. Eight years since I held you in my arms as we both wept for your mother. Eight years since my best friend left without a word. I’ve written to you for years but to no avail. All my calls have been refused. All my emails unanswered. And although your father suggested that I be patient, I think eight years is all I can subject myself to.

  Andrew asked me to marry him a few days ago. Sadly, you were the first person I wanted to tell.

  Time is precious, and I worry I’ve spent it on someone who no longer cares. Someone who obviously forgot the person who loves him.

  This is the last letter I’ll write to you since my heart breaks every time I send one.

  Maybe one day we’ll see each other again, and you can tell me why you broke my heart.

  With love,

  Lina

  I shut my eyes, remembering the pain I felt the first time I read her letter. It was also the first time I drank myself into a stupor. During a brawl, one guy pinned my arms behind my back while the other slashed my face with a broken bottle. The scar on my cheek; an indelible imprint of who means more to me than anyone. My Lina.

  I fold the letter and place it inside my desk.

  My eyes wander down to my dog. Snoring deeply by my left foot, Mugpie slept here through the night. Even in his sleep, he looks despondent. I’m not surprised when his loud snoring wakes him. I know Lina’s departure has something to do with Mugpie gazing up at me with his big, sad eyes. I reach down and pet his wrinkly head. “I know, Buddy, I miss her, too. She’ll be home soon.”

  I’m somewhat comforted by the knowledge that she hasn’t left her bungalow. I pray my message will prompt her to leave that life. Hopefully my mum’s ring is a wake-up call.

  A framed photo greets me. It’s of Lina and Mugpie sitting on a bench across the street from her loft. My woman. My dog. I imagine what she might be doing right now. Is she asleep? Is she awake and thinking of me? I’m trying to wrap my head around the fact that she went back to him. Returned to a man who didn’t fight for her.

  I’ll bide my time. I’ll wait. I’ve waited fourteen years to have her back in my life. What are a few more hours or days when forever is waiting for us?

  She’ll realize we belong; that we’ve always belonged.

  I stare at the photo again. Her hair is in a messy bun, her stunning face void of any makeup, and she’s staring straight at me with a beaming, toothy grin. Mugpie is on the bench next to her, licking icing off the side of her jaw and as usual, sporting an erection.

  Don’t wait. You’re her fighter.

  Fuck this.

  I came back to win her love, and I’m doing it again.

  Reaching down, I pet Mugpie, this time waking him up from another deep slumber. Lazily gazing up, he snorts. I rub the top of his wrinkly head before telling him, “Buddy, we’re flying out. We’re getting your mum.”

  Epilogue

  ANDREW

  Five years later

  The unfamiliar nondescript building stares at me. My palms are sweaty. My eyes itch because of nervousness. I take a deep breath and prepare myself for the next few hours. The elevator ride takes only a minute−a minute that seems too short. I need more time to prepare myself.

  Exhale, Andrew. You’re fine.

  The Caine Tribeca duplex is bustling with energy. All of Lina’s friends and family members are here for Thanksgiving. It’s my first time in their home. Once the elevator door opens, a motorcycle greets me. What in the world?

  It’s been five years, three months, and five days since Lina and I parted as friends. And although I’ve moved on, my heart still counts the days. It’s hard not to forget the time I let the only woman I’ve ever loved go. One thousand and ten days since she went back to Julian. Many would think we’re crazy for remaining friends but when you’ve loved someone as long as I’ve loved Lina, you’ll take friendship even though it hurts to know she’s made a life with someone else.

  I hold the bottle of Pinot Noir and sweet treats with my right hand, and the bag of books with the other, as I wait in the foyer for someone to realize I’m here.

  This is awkward.

  “Uncle Andy.” I hear. I turn my body and smile when I see one of the twins a few feet away from me. Yes, the woman I still love had twins four years ago. Running toward me with open arms is Marcella. The little toddler who captured my heart the moment she was born is the spitting image of her dad. Her disheveled slightly curly black hair is in pigtails. Light blue-gray eyes surrounded by long thick eyelashes widen. Her cheeks are rosy as if she had just been playing outside. She is adorable.

  This precocious child is quick and doesn’t give me enough time to place the wine and cupcakes on the table. I bend down and wrap her in my arms. She smells of peaches. She gazes at me with adoration, and her next words move me. “I miss you, Uncle Andy.”

  “Here I am. I’m all yours, little Cella. I had to go to Magnolia’s and get you and your brother some cupcakes.”

  Her sapphire eyes widen some more, and when her mouth opens, I see that one of her teeth is missing.

  In the corner of my eyes, her older brother by three minutes, Roman, is walking along with their ancient bulldog, Mugpie. Lina’s son looks just like her. He has light brown hair and his eyes are like emerald stones. For years, he is what I had imagined my child with her would look like. Where Marcella is a bit wild, Roman is shy. He stops a few feet away from me, and I beckon him to come over. “Hey, Roman. I have something for you as well.”

  But before Roman can get the bag of goodies from me, Mugpie has him beat by a few seconds. I tumble to the floor, and both kids are now laughing hysterically. I look up, and I’m not surprised that the cupcakes have survived. They are, after all, Lina’s kids.

  “Okay, you two. Miss Pendleton is in the kitchen and needs help. Don’t get too messy.” Julian notices the cupcakes. “You’ll have to wait to eat those. Make sure you hide them from your mum.”

  Helping me up from the floor is the man who stole the woman I was supposed to marry. The man I should hate but only admire because he’s made Lina happy. He’s given her everything I always wanted to give her but could never have. He gave her children.

  “Andrew, I’m glad you decided to join us. Lina is finishing up a call with Cosima. I should warn you. Even though Miss Pendleton prepared some of your favorite dishes, Lina decided to take it upon herself to cook some vegan side dishes for you.” He purses his lips.

  And we both laugh. Lina might be superwoman: great mother, great wife, and an accomplished film composer. But she can’t cook to save her life.

  I look around the foyer and notice a famous painting. Without a thought, I ask, “Is that a?”

  Julian grins. “Yes, that’s Munch’s The Scream.”

  It’s obvious I’m floored and unable to offer any words. I move closer to one of the most famous paintings ever created.

  This must be a replicate, I think to myself.

  I don’t know or care too much about art, but I’m certain that the artwork before me can’t be real. And as I think to myself, Julian interrupts my thoughts. “It’s the fourth version, and the only one done in pastel. This was a gift for Lina on her thirtieth birthday.”

  The floor-to-ceiling windows surround the main room. Works of art cover the white walls. Some of the twins’ framed artwork are hung as well. When I’ve visited Lina and Julian, it’s always been in their Cliffside house in San Francisco or at a restaurant. I don’t know why coming to this particular place took years, but I’m proud of myself for finally making it. Julian and I head to the living area where several hellos greet me. On the sofa are Julian’s father and his current wife and former private nurse, Christabel. His cousin, Alistair, is directly across from them, nursing a glass of whiskey. As usual, Alistair is brooding. The first time I met Christabel was a few days after the twins were born. I made a promise to Lina I would always be there fo
r her. However, I didn’t have the heart to attend her wedding.

  “There are several folks eager to see you.” Julian leads me to the wraparound terrace. Seated around a large patio table are Patti and Louie Goldberg. She looks up and flashes a genuine smile. Patti has never been a fan of mine, but motherhood seems to have softened her. In her arms is her two-year-old daughter, Jennifer, also known as Baby JLo. Lina wasn’t kidding when she mentioned Patti’s fascination with Jennifer Lopez. The toddler is sporting a pink athletic outfit and has completely passed out. Something is buzzing in the little girl’s right hand. In a soft voice, Patti confesses, “She found my toys, and now she can’t sleep without the bullet.”

  I’m confused by her admission but don’t mention it.

  Across from the Goldbergs are Roger and his fiancé, Alex. The two men got engaged a few months ago and plan to marry right after New Year’s. Alex’s startup went public a few days after his engagement, and I am now staring at a man worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Roger rises from his seat and offers me a warm, tight embrace.

  “How was your flight?” Lina’s best friend inquires.

  “Delayed by two hours but I’m here, and that’s all that matters.”

  After all these years, one of my regrets is not taking the time to get to know all these wonderful people. Alex walks over to me and shakes my hand before giving me a hug as well. “We’re all thrilled that you’re celebrating Thanksgiving with us.”

  Although the New York City weather is cooler than usual, we sit outside on the terrace, enjoying ourselves warmed by the heating lamps. If someone had told me that I would be here as my former fiancée’s guest five years ago, I would have laughed.

  Speaking of laughter, I hear that distinctive giggle approaching.

  After all these years, Lina James, or rather Lina Caine, still manages to take my breath away. Her light brown hair is up in a messy bun. Her green eyes are filled with joy. Wearing a thick gray form-fitting dress and black boots, her body is fuller than when she and I used to be a couple. She is more beautiful than ever. She makes her way toward me, offering me a carefree, toothy smile. Motherhood certainly agrees with her.

  I wrap my arms around her, and I’m grateful to be here.

  A part of me is filled with joy because I’m in her company and we’ve managed to be close friends.

  And another part of me is filled with sadness because she’s the only woman I’ve ever loved.

  And she is no longer mine.

  She disentangles herself from me before assessing my appearance. “Andrew, you look good. Is that the shirt I got you for your birthday?”

  I nod. For years, I’ve only worn brown attire. Today, I’m wearing a navy dress shirt that she gifted me.

  “I have great taste. That shirt looks great on you. And”−she smiles again− “I’m so glad you’re here. The twins can’t wait to go ice-skating with you tomorrow. Marcella is going to sing for you later. She’s been practicing ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’ for the past few days.”

  Her husband walks over to us. I can’t help but be a little envious when he gently places his hand on her hip. “Darling,” he whispers. “You look lovely.” With his thumb, he wipes something from the corner of her lip before chuckling. “You couldn’t wait for the cupcakes?” She smirks and then gazes up at him. It’s hard to admit this; Lina is staring at him in a way she’s never looked at me before.

  She’s deeply in love.

  The dining room is filled with rambunctious laughter. An interesting music playlist is in the background courtesy of the woman who spent hours in the kitchen. Miss Pendleton has outdone herself, and we’re all enjoying this wonderful meal. Even Lina’s side vegan dishes are edible. No one has gotten sick … yet. Conversation is flowing. Before I delve into my second serving of my vegan lasagna, I hear Julian call out, “Cecelia,” and I raise my head.

  Sparkling blue eyes stare at me. Her smile is gorgeous and carefree, reminding me of my father’s celebrity crush, Christie Brinkley. Without a thought, she takes the seat next to mine.

  “Howdy. You’re Andrew, right?” Her Southern accent takes me by surprise.

  “Yes,” I answer shyly.

  “Nice to finally meet ya. I’m Cecelia, Julian’s former assistant.” She leans forward and takes a sip of my water as if we’ve known each other for years. Her scent reminds me of a warm summer day, fruity and sweet. “I hope you don’t mind. I’m thirsty. I’m gonna drink something stronger in a few minutes.”

  “Please, please help yourself.” I offer her my glass of wine as well. “So why are you no longer his assistant?”

  “I’m going back to school.” Her cheeks are now flushed. She’s adorable.

  I take her in. Her eyelashes are long. Her full lips are a natural shade of pink. Her long blonde hair is messy. Not a trace of makeup hinders her beauty. She’s simply dressed in a long sleeve white t-shirt and black pants.

  It’s been a long time since I’ve wanted to converse with a woman. The last time I was interested in getting to know someone was twenty-one years ago. And that woman is only a few feet away from me, laughing at something her husband just said.

  Cecelia mentions again that she’s going back to school. I assess her appearance and can’t make out her age. “College?” I ask.

  “No, I finished a while back. I’d like to get my Masters in Sociology.”

  “I’m a sociology professor,” I exclaim proudly for the first time in my life.

  “I know!” she says with enthusiasm. “I’m UCLA bound in a few months.”

  There’s no way to contain my excitement. My eyes bulge. I swallow hard, and my grin is so wide like I’ve just won a new Subaru. The woman next to me is attractive and obviously smart. And she’s going to be attending my school. My next words surprise me. “I would love to show you around campus once you get settled in. Maybe we can meet for coffee.”

  Cecelia’s smile is infectious. “Oh my gosh, I would love that. Okay, I’m not even going to pretend. I’m actually a big fan of yours.” Reaching into her large backpack, she pulls out a worn copy of my book, “Man and Being in Love.” It’s the book that has been on the bestseller list for over four years. It’s the book that will allow me to retire now. And it’s also the book that cost me the love of my life. Pausing for a few seconds, she finally admits, “I’ve wanted to meet you for years.”

  Taken aback, I’m usually uncomfortable when I meet someone who admires my work. I’ve had both men and women stalk me. I’ve had women offer me sexual favors. None that I have accepted, even though it’s been over five years since I’ve had sex. And it was with the woman I’m slowly getting over.

  Cecelia and I have only been in each other’s company for less than fifteen minutes, but I feel at ease with her. I would like to get to know this lively woman. Maybe go on a date. I’m about to ask her a question when Julian clears his throat.

  “I would like to thank each one of you for joining us. As an Englishman, I have to admit, I’ve never been one to celebrate Thanksgiving. But as I sit here with all of you, I have so much to be thankful for. I think the only one we’re missing is Nana who is nursing a cold.” Julian gazes down at Lina with affection. “Cheers.”

  When we all raise our glass of wine, I notice something peculiar. Lina is drinking a glass of water. My ex-fiancée loves to drink wine with all her meals with the exception of breakfast. Julian is still standing, and this time, the twins are on each side. They’re both holding his hands and smiling from ear to ear. Mugpie slowly joins them, a squeaking toy dangling from his mouth. Julian winks at Roman and Marcella before nodding. In unison, the twins giggle as they reveal, “Mummy has two babies in her tummy!”

  All the guests have their mouths hanging open, everyone but me. I knew why she looked more beautiful than ever. She has it all. She has everything she’s ever wanted, and I’m happy for her. I stare at the girl I gave my heart to when I was sixteen years old, and now I’m admiring the woman I still love, rubbing
her small bump.

  I close my eyes, resigned. Because even though I lost her, Lina James was mine for sixteen years.

  I love you, Lina. I’ll always love you.

  And I’ll always be grateful for our interlude.

  © 2018 Auden Dar

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for joining me on this journey.

  Follow your heart.

  It may break along the way, but true love is worth it.

  With love and gratitude,

  Auden

  If you enjoyed reading Interlude, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Thank you. Here is the link: Interlude

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to …

  My Beta Readers: Emma Aldridge, Corey Arbor, Annmarie Barajas, Regina Clouse, Diane Fogle, and Natasha Hensley.

  Editors: Jenny Sims of Editing For You, Julie Deaton of Deaton Author Services, and Shannon Wills of Creative Book Nerds - Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  Cover Designer: Sofie Hartley of Hart & Bailey - You did it again! You gave me another gorgeous cover!

  Teaser Designer: Judi Perkins of Concierge Literary Designs – Those stunning teasers!!!!

  Early bloggers who decided to take a chance on The Interlude Duet: Charmaine S. Lorelli @Rad1Reader, Jeri Ryan@ Jeri’sBookAttic, Elsa@BookishAurora, @Italbooklover, [email protected],

  All the bloggers who support indie authors- thank you for making the indie book community a special one! A special thank you to Brit@ReviewsbyBee, Heather@DiaryOfABookFiend, Jane@Bingeonreader, Hayfaah@BookBitchesandAlphas, Laura and Shabby@ BookBistroBlog.