47 Destinies (Book One)

Chapter Thirteen

Cora’s flight back to San Francisco was smooth.  She took a short nap and enjoyed the in-flight movie.  Upon arrival at the San Francisco airport, she retrieved her luggage and then walked outside of the baggage claim area as Julie had instructed.  Cora’s flight was on time, so Julie would likely be waiting outside.  She couldn’t wait to tell her all about her trip.  It would be nice to have some girl time to decompress. 

While Cora was looking for Julie’s car, a black Audi pulled up next to her.  Brent stepped out of the vehicle, took Cora’s bags and put them in his trunk.  He opened the passenger side door.

“Ready to go?” Brent asked, as Cora was frozen in place from the shock of Brent unexpectedly meeting her at the airport.

 “Julie is picking me up. I am waiting for her,” Cora said, dumbfounded.  

Saying this, her heart was instantly stirred as she almost forgot how handsome he was, especially in his casual clothes.  It was the first time she had seen him in shorts.  Oh my, they fit him perfectly.  His tight, muscular legs were driving her crazy.  She did not trust herself alone around this man as her “Got to Be Strong Mantra” left her completely.

“Cora, I told Julie that I would pick you up.  She isn’t coming for you,” Brent said with no emotion.

“Oh. Ok, I guess,” Cora said as she slowly got into the car.

The ride back into the city was quiet.  Neither Brent nor Cora spoke a word.  There was no music playing, so Cora looked out the window and attempted to gain control over her racing thoughts.  Perhaps Julie couldn’t make it so she asked Brent to pick her up.  He seemed a little bent out of shape, so maybe it was an inconvenient for him to come and get her.  She could have taken public transportation or asked Lynn to take off from work.  She should have just parked at the airport.

All of the sudden, they were driving over the Golden Gate Bridge and out of the city.  They should have been on the Bay Bridge since Cora lived in Berkeley.  Where were they going?  Cora was too intimidated to ask Brent any questions.  She already felt terrible that she put him out.  It was Saturday and she was taking time away from his kids.

Brent turned off Highway 101 onto Highway 1.  It was a crisp, clear, sunny day as they rode along the scenic highway toward the ocean.  Brent’s expression was stoic.  Cora was uncomfortable.  She still had no idea where he was taking her, but was beginning not to care.  The views of the large redwoods were nice.  After driving through the trees, the ocean appeared.  There must have been no wind outside as there were hardly any whitecaps.  The longer they drove, the less Cora wanted to speak.  She just surrendered to being near Brent and remaining in the fantasy.  She knew the pending talk would come at some point in the day and ultimately end this dream, yet she was in no hurry to get there.

Cora’s demeanor improved as they passed through the town of Bodega Bay.  She loved the quaint town with the small library, community center and taffy shop.  It was a small sea town with enormous character.  Fishing boats bobbed up and down by the docks while others meandered around the bay.  It was mid-afternoon and several sightseers were making the most of the gorgeous weather.  

Cora went to Bodega Bay several times a year.  When she was listless, she would often drive out to Bodega Bay to purchase crabs or have some clam chowder at a local restaurant.  A few times, she went to the book sale that was held in the community center.  She scored quite a few older books and magazines at the last sale.  She resisted sharing this little story with Brent, as he was completely lost in his own world.

After passing through town, Brent exited the highway on the ocean side.  He took a small road that ended at a large wooden beach house.  The house was straight out of a magazine.  It was two stories, with decks on both levels.  The outside décor was simple and wood adorned everything.  There were trees sculpted by the wind at the back of the house, which added privacy and shade to the already secluded location.  The front part of the property was wide-open, full of native grasslands.  Dotted throughout the native plants were patches of wildflowers and ice plant.  The grasses ended at a cliff where the ocean lay below with roaring waves.