The Jump

31 Ashes From Old Flames - 2

After Lucinda made it home, she and Merrill went about having dinner. He did most of the talking while she just nodded or mumbled responses. Typically she had more to contribute than a silent nod, which was why Merrill couldn't shake the feeling that something heavy was on her mind. However, he figured that she would tell him what was wrong once she felt ready to, so he decided not to push it.

Later as they put away the leftovers and washed the dishes together, the doorbell rang. When Lucinda opened it, it was to both of their suprise to find Aundrey there. The woman's red hair shone brightly under the porch light, giving her an elegant glow with the emerald green shawl draped around her shoulders. As Lucinda stepped aside, allowing her to come inside, she explained how she was just stopping by to say goodbye. She was leaving the next day and wanted to see them one last time.

After visiting for a while, Lucinda excused herself with a wink to Audrey as she explained how she needed to put a load of laundry in the wash. Catching the hint in her voice, Merrill cleared his throat, suddenly nervous to be alone with the woman and the obvious set up. Yet, Audrey settled into the couch even more as she propped her legs underneath her.

"I've really enjoyed my time getting to know you this weekend, and I was thinking... maybe on your way home when you stop in Berryville, you can stay for a while. I can fix you dinner and you could even spend the night in my guest bedroom if you'd like to break up the trip?"

Merrill took a deep swallow and could feel sweat beading up on his forehead. "I would love to have dinner, but I'd like to get back on the road after. I've been away from my farm long enough."

"What's one more night?" Audrey asked.

He took a nervous hand and placed it behind his neck which felt damp. "I know, and it's a nice offer, but once I get going I don't like to stop for too long."

"I understand," Audrey sighed. "It was worth a try."

"Well, I'll tell you what. Now that I've gotten to know you better, I now have a place where I can make regular stops on my way to and from here. So maybe on one of my next visits I'll stop in Berryville a bit longer and you can show me around town?"

"Deal." Audrey held out her hand and Merrill shook it.

Their gazes lingered on each other for a moment, with their hands still in each others grips. Merrill could feel the thump thump of his heart as he took in her rusty red hair and big brown eyes. For the first time since his wife passed away, he was actually paying attention to the attractiveness of another women. Realizing it, he slipped his hand out of Audrey's and glanced away.

"Well, I should get going, it's getting late and the road back to my sister's house is a bit of a drive and I still have to pack my things..." Audrey explained.

"It was great visiting with you."

"Likewise." Audrey winked. "If you change your mind about Berryville, then you know where to find me."

"I do." Merrill nodded.

As Audrey began to get up, she pulled the strap of her purse over her shoulder and then paused to get a good look at him. They both stared at each other again for several silent seconds, until Audrey leaned into Merrill and pulled his face into hers. Her kiss was gentle, soft and quick. Before Merrill could even wrap his head around what was happening, she pulled away and stood up from the couch.

"I'm leaving now, Lucinda," she called out.

"Ok," she said as she appeared back into the living room to hug Audrey goodbye.

"You take care of my nephew, ok love-bug?"

"I will." Lucinda nodded.

There was silence once again as the door closed behind her, but it didn't feel empty with Audrey gone, it just felt different. Perhaps because in the back of Merrill's mind, he knew it wasn't, goodbye, but rather a, see you later. He yawned and excused himself for bed but Lucinda stayed awake. She felt tired from what had happened earlier, and her mind was still a whirlwind after buying a pregnancy test. For the first time in months, she wished she had the tiny pebbles from the bridge she used to walk across. She wanted so badly to be able to hold them in her hands, trace their smooth surface and marvel in the beauty of their various subtle colors.