After speaking with my daughter on the phone at work, I knew I had to help her retrieve some of her belongings from her ex-boyfriend's home. She was too upset and angry at him for his infidelity. Normally I try not to interfere, but she needed her things back so I thought I'd just stop by his place and save her the trouble. I wasn't sure Steve would be home as I was arriving announced to him or my daughter.
Steve always seemed like the perfect fit for her. He was very doting and a gentleman with her, at least in front of us, her parents. And to top that off, he was devastatingly handsome. A tall man at 6'4, well built with the perfect abs and always working out to maintain it, dark hair and the deepest blue hue I've ever seen in someone's eyes. Of course, Steve towered over my petite 5'4 frame. He was always kind with me, if not a little flirtatious at times. I didn't read anything into that as that was just his personality. Looking back, I should have seen the signs.
I arrived to find his truck in the driveway and lights on in the home. I was both relieved and nervous. I wasn't sure how he'd respond to me nor could I assure that I wouldn't blow up at him for his betrayal. Feeling a bit of trepidation, I almost turned around to leave and let my husband handle this. However, I was so full of adrenaline and thought that maybe he'd open up to me and explain himself.
I opened my car door, instantly I was met by a sudden surprise wind gust that blew my calf length, floral georgette dress up as I stepped out. Teetering on my heels, I managed to hold on to my purse while trying to push my dress back down and into place while at the same time close the door. Quickly I turned and walked up the sidewalk to his front door with the loud click clack of my shoes giving away my presence. The door opened as I stepped onto the porch.
"Mrs Malone! I wasn't expecting to see you here!" Steve exclaimed, standing there in the doorway with nothing on but a pair of well fitting jeans. Those incredible abs on full display as I scanned upwards through my wind blown hair to look at those blue eyes.
"Hi Steve. I'm sorry I didn't call beforehand, but I was on my way home from work and I thought I'd just pick up some of Elizabeth's stuff. I hope you don't mind?"
"No, please come in." I stepped into the foyer. "Can I offer you something to drink? Water, a glass of wine? I'm sure you've had a long day at the flower shop."
I paused for a second. Sad that he wasn't Beth's boyfriend but, in a strange way, enticed by the welcoming warmth of his persona and the offer of wine. "You know what? I will take a glass of wine, please! Yes, it has been a long day."
"Sure thing, Melissa. Just let me throw on a shirt first." I caught myself thinking 'you don't need to put a shirt on for me, Steve' and snapped out of that quickly. I watched him walk into another room with that nice butt of his. 'Stop' I said to myself, what the hell was wrong with me? Focus Melissa! And did he just call me by my first name?
He returned wearing a wife beater and holding my glass of Merlot with one for himself. "Please, have a seat," Steve motioned over to the couch. The perfect gentleman.
I sat down and sipped my wine. He sat next to me at a respectable distance. Small talk ensued and then he blurted out an apology. "I'm sorry for the way things turned out between Beth and I. I never meant to hurt her." The anger I felt for my daughter was melting away.
"Steve, I understand. Relationships are complicated. No need to apologize, and least, not with with me. I think she'd appreciate one, however." I searched his eyes for a signal. Another sip of my wine.
"I have apologized to her, but, she won't accept. I don't blame her for being mad at me. I am at fault. I am the one who had an affair. She was completely innocent in all of this." Steve, sounding contrite. "But I do have a confession to make." I sat there captivated.
"Yes, Steve, what is it?"