We sit there for a moment, and I can tell she's trying to figure why I'm here- why I would just pop in and chitchat with someone I don't even know. And I guess it is kind of odd; maybe really strange, but I've always had a soft spot for people.
"I talked to your husband a couple of days ago at my book signing," I finally announce, hoping she doesn't think I'm just some crazy person. "And then, I think you met my husband the other evening at the little thingy in the cafeteria." I let out a soft laugh, eyes still melting into her deep blue orbs... They're pretty, but not as breathtaking as Lindsey's. "I heard how wonderful you are, so I had to come introduce myself." I think that sums it up pretty well... I mean, that's basically it and if that doesn't sound viable enough, I guess I'm just some crazy person.
Jennifer gives me another sweet smile- one that's so radiant and pure. Her eyes even linger with such a humble warmth. "You must be married to Jerry?" She asks, fiddling with the the book in her lap, though her focus is never pulled from me.
"Yes," I assure, pushing someone of my loose curls behind my ear.
She sends out laugh, head hitting the leather chair lightly. "He's totally hilarious, dear." She's right- he is really funny, though hardly ever with us anymore. "He kept us all quite entertained." She adds, nodding as a smirk dances across her face.
I can't help but giggle, while I try hard to make it seem as though I'm not completely staring her down.
Like I said, she's beautiful, really. She's petite, she's got a nice laugh and ageless, perfect glow for a woman well into her fifties... I really can't believe she's married to Lindsey. I mean, I don't know him well and I guess I can't totally judge him, but it's obvious that these two are polar opposites... Kind of like my husband and I.
"He's something else." I finally reply, teeth sinking into my lower lip hard enough to puncture the skin.
She opens her mouth, but before she gets the chance to continue our conversation, the sound of a knock on the door fills the room.
We both turn lightly, watching as two men trail through the doorway, looking just as lost as I feel.
"Mom, I-" His sneakers make this awful squeaky noise as they meet the tile floor. "Oh," He pauses in the center of the room the moment his eyes meet mine. "We're sorry to interrupt." He has this curly dark hair and a grin that so obvious mirrors Lindsey's, yet he's only half his age.
Lindsey slides in from behind their son, holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a box of donuts in the other.
And my heart starts pounding when he looks up, making direct eye contact with me... I don't know why I get so nervous around him. Like I said, I don't even know him, yet I get these stupid goosebumps every time I'm within mere feet of this guy.
I think it might creep me out more than anything.
"Hi, cupcake." He gives me a soft wink, which immediately makes me roll my eyes.
"Stephanie, this is my son." Her voice pulls me back in just a split second after Lindseys words leave his mouth, obviously having thrown that comment to the far back of her mind. "Max, meet my new friend." She giggles softly, gazing over at her son, with eyes that make my heart sink almost instantly... She looks at him the way I used to look at mine- with love fiercer than even seemed humanly possible.
I can feel my hands grow sweaty as my knee starts to bounce up and down. "It's so nice to meet you, sweetie." Pushing myself out of the chair quickly, this awkward feeling floods my insides... I hate awkward situations and this seems like it could easily transition into one. "I think I'm going to leave you guys to hang out." I add, giving Jennifer another little smile.
"Thank you," She chuckles, eyes following me as I head for the door. "I so appreciated your visit." She seems so genuine, even if it was only fifteen minutes before I chickened out.
"Oh, I'll see you again soon, I'm sure." I mean, I've literally bumped into her husband in these halls- it's only a matter of time until we'll chat again.
Without making much eye contact, I slip back into the hallway, a deep sigh immediately escaping me... I need a drink- a strong one.
"Hey, Stevie!" He half shouts, a chuckle following his words as his feet scuff the floor.
I try not to roll my eyes, having hardly be able to fathom our last meeting and here we are yet again... talking. "Hi," I get ready to make up some excuse to get out of whatever type of conversation he wants to partake in... I'm too anxious right now.
"I just want to thank you for coming and hanging out with her for a couple of minutes. That really means a lot." He nods his head lightly, a small smile still plastered to his handsome face.
"I really enjoyed it." I assure, hoping he'll just leave it at that, but of course, like always- I can't get that lucky.
"I was wondering if you'd want to go to lunch sometime?" He has a lot of audacity.
Scoffing lightly, I'm stunned that he would ask me out after I just sat with his sick wife.... "Excuse me?" My eyes grow kind of wide as I watch him shrug his shoulders in return. "You're married, Lindsey." One hands meets my hip as I slouch to one side.
He chuckles softly, creasing a brow in return. "People are allowed to be friends... right?" He lingers as he starts to chew on the inside of his cheek. "Just lunch... Please?" His lips turn up, causing my heart to skip a beat.
Without even thinking about it, I give off a nod. "Sure..."
