Autumn Getaway (Seasons of Love) (3 page)

“I’m sure it will,” Lydia said. “Tell me: dressy, casual? What am I wearing?”

“Whatever you feel good in.”

“That doesn’t help me.”

“Okay, fine. Nice, but not too nice. Not jeans. Dressy casual. How’s that?”

“Much more helpful, thank you.” Lydia couldn’t believe how good the massage felt. All of her muscles were sighing in ecstasy. She wished she could enjoy it without talking, but she knew this would be her only chance to chat alone with the bride. “When are Donna and Kathryn getting here, do you know?”

“Not ‘til tomorrow. Hopefully by noon. God, I can’t wait to see them.”

“Me too. But Mel, I need you to tell me something,” Lydia said. “Just between us, and I won’t rat you out, okay?”

“Uh oh,” Melanie said, her eyes narrowing.

“Donna and Kathryn are coming by themselves, leaving their husbands at home. Why?”

“Why? Because it was cheaper for them to meet up here and share a room, leave their husbands home to watch the kids, all of that.” Melanie shrugged. “They might even have more fun without them. In fact, I bet they will.”

“Huh. Okay.” Lydia closed her eyes and tried to relax a little more.

“Why, what were you thinking?” Melanie pressed. “Come on, now.”

Lydia opened her eyes again, looked pointedly at her friend, and asked, “It wasn’t also because of me, was it?”

“What do you mean?”

“You know… so I wouldn’t feel like a third wheel,” Lydia said. “Or, as the case would have been, a fifth wheel.”

“Oh. Well… alright, I won’t lie. Yeah, it was thrown out there, it was briefly spoken about,” Melanie conceded. “But they’re coming solo mostly for the reasons I listed. I think the not wanting you to feel alone part was just what sealed the deal for them when it was time to ultimately decide what to do.”

“I had a feeling,” Lydia murmured. “I don’t know why, I just did.”

“Because we all know each other so well, that’s why,” Melanie said. “And you would’ve done the same exact thing if the roles were reversed, and you know it. So don’t be pissed or anything, okay?”

“I’m not pissed. Not at all. I just wanted to know.”

“Okay, good.” Melanie changed the subject. “How’s Andy doing? Those last pictures you sent me were outrageously cute.”

Lydia smiled at the mention of her son. “He is definitely cute, that’s true. He’s such a little love. He started preschool, five days a week. He seems to like it a lot, my sister says he comes home happy. Jane picks him up and holds onto him for a few hours in the afternoon, until I can come and get him. She’s been a tremendous help. Actually, that's a gross understatement. I don’t know how I’d be doing any of this without her, honestly.”

“Always loved Jane.” Melanie grinned. “She’s a good egg. I'm glad she can help you. How’s Andy’s speech doing? Any improvement?”

“It’s coming along. Therapy three times a week now. He’ll get there. Thanks for asking.” Lydia cleared her throat. “So, we didn’t finish before: what’s the agenda for tomorrow?” She brought the topic back to the wedding festivities, hoping it would keep Melanie from starting the next round of questions she wasn’t in the mood to answer.

“Oh, right,” Melanie said with a bright smile. “Tomorrow morning, afternoon, you all can do whatever you like. This place is fantastic, Lyddie. It has everything: this spa, a gym, a heated indoor pool, steam room and sauna, tennis courts, a golf course—you can even rent a bike if you want to go check out the biking and walking trails around the estate.”

“I’ll definitely go for a walk or two while I’m here,” Lydia said. “Other than that, I’d love to just find a quiet place to read, honestly.”

Melanie chuckled. “You haven’t changed much in eighteen years. I knew you were going to say something like that.”

“At least I’m consistent,” Lydia quipped.

“They have beautiful gardens here. I’m sure if it’s warm enough in the sun, you could read outside,” Melanie suggested. “If you’d rather read inside, they have a huge den, with beautiful old-fashioned bookshelves and a fireplace and couches; they call it the parlor room. You can go read there if you don’t want to stay locked up in your room. Which you better not.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Lydia replied. She closed her eyes again and let the massage therapist work his magic on her calves. “I’m here to celebrate this weekend, Bridey Girl. I have a lot to celebrate, actually. I need to tell you something.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. Well…” Lydia opened her eyes and turned her head to look at Melanie. “I just signed the papers on Tuesday. It’s official. I’m a free woman.”

“What?” Melanie gasped, nearly bolting to sit up. “You’re officially divorced?”

Lydia nodded with a wry smile that she felt didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I am. We are.”

“Wow, Lyddie. My God. Finally!” Melanie enthused. “And what perfect timing—you can
truly
celebrate now, at a weekend long party with your friends who love you. You're going to eat and drink and dance and have fun and it's going to be great!”

“Yup, it will be.”

Melanie sighed. “Lydia…” she said in a soft, caring tone. “I don’t mean to sound insensitive, and if I did, I apologize. I just really want you to have a nice weekend. You need it. You
deserve
it, after the last couple of years, especially this past year. I really hope you have a good time this weekend. That's all I want for you.”

Lydia realized that Melanie was looking at her with great affection, and slight worry. “I appreciate it, Mel. I do. But please don’t think about me now. This weekend is about
you
, not me. I really don’t want to talk about my life. It’s kind of a downer. Hello, you’re getting
married
! You found someone great that you’re willing to share your life with, even after everything you went through before. How wonderful is that?”

Melanie gave a short, dry laugh. “I know. You’re right. I swore I’d never get married again, after Nick…” She shuddered involuntarily. “Hey, we both know what a disaster
that
was. But Ryan is just… he’s amazing. I found a truly good man. It took me way too long to admit it, and to do something about it, but thank God I eventually did. I’m very lucky.”

“Ryan is lucky to have
you
,” Lydia said emphatically, “and I hope he knows it.”

Melanie smiled. “Thanks, Lyddie.”

“What time is the ceremony again? Five o’clock?”

“Yup. Outside ceremony, weather permitting. Cocktail hour outside, reception inside the ballroom. After-party at the pub upstairs on the fourth floor, which I insist you come to, okay?”

“I can’t wait,” Lydia said, and realized she meant it. She was genuinely looking forward to a fun weekend. “It’s all going to be fantastic, Mel.”

Melanie smiled. “Yes. Yes it is, goddammit.” She laughed in delight.

* * *

Lydia and Melanie went their separate ways after their massages. Faced with the rest of the afternoon all to herself, Lydia felt intoxicated with freedom. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such a huge block of time to do whatever she wanted. She felt like the day before her was wide open, ripe with pleasant possibilities.

Enjoying the tranquility that a good, professional massage brought, she opted for diving into the fat novel that she’d brought on the trip. She went back to her room to retrieve it, and changed into jeans and an emerald sweater. She slipped into her suede boots, which had a low heel that would make a stroll comfortable if she changed her mind and wanted to go for a walk. She grabbed her chocolate corduroy jacket, the book, and her pocketbook and left to find the main dining room.

The dining room, like the rest of the hotel, was ornate and elegantly decorated. Expensive ivory linens covered the tables and beautiful flowers were arranged in crystal vases on every surface. Large windows along the wall let the midday sunlight pour in, warming and brightening an already attractive space. Lydia went to a small table towards the back to sit by the windows, and was almost immediately attended to by a waiter.

As she sat and waited for her lunch, she stared out the windows at the breathtaking natural scenery of the vast property. Beyond the perimeter of the immense emerald lawn, the trees that lined the grounds were ablaze with autumn colors under the perfect blue sky. Lydia just gazed at the beauty of the landscape, finally letting her mind settle as peacefully as her body had. She tried to recall the last time she’d felt so serene, and honestly couldn’t.

“Madam.” The waiter was back. He placed an artfully arranged salad before her: baby lettuces sprinkled with gorgonzola, cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a small metal cup on the side that held Cabernet Vinaigrette dressing.

“This looks lovely, thank you.” Lydia smiled.

He was already refilling her water glass. “Your lunch will be out shortly. Enjoy.”

She ate while gazing out the window, taking her time. She wondered how her son was faring with his father. A pang hit her chest, and she realized she missed Andy. She pictured his round, cherubic face: Andy’s wide, blue eyes; his tousled bronze hair; his adorably sweet smile. She checked her watch. She’d only left him a few hours earlier; if she called so soon to check on him, Matt would be annoyed.

She sighed. She had to give Matt a chance. He wouldn’t
hurt
Andy, by any means, and she knew he was capable enough to take care of their son’s basic needs. Yet she also knew how frustrated he was by Andy’s silence, and that he found trying to figure out what the little boy wanted was sometimes too frustrating. He ran out of patience quickly, most likely out of some subconscious feelings of guilt. But this weekend, Matt didn’t have her around to throw Andy back to when he got frustrated. He’d have to learn how to handle his son for an extended period of time, deal with figuring out what Andy’s gestures and occasional grunts meant, and it was well past time for that anyway. Lots of things had to change.

“Lydia?”

Her head turned, her reverie broken. Standing before her was Ryan Selby, Melanie’s groom. She’d only met him a handful of times, and hadn’t seen him in maybe a year; she was a bit surprised that he’d recognized her. “Ryan! Hi.” She smiled.

“I thought it was you.” He smiled back and leaned down to lightly kiss her cheek in greeting. “How was your drive up here? You found the place easily, I hope?”

“Yes, I had good directions, it was a breeze. And the scenery on the way up here was spectacular, so that was a nice bonus.”

“I know, everything’s at peak this week, it’s fantastic.” Ryan nodded. He eyed her salad. “Are you having lunch by yourself?”

“I am,” she said simply.

“Okay. How was your massage with Melanie?” he asked. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners as a small grin crossed his face. “Wow, that didn’t sound right.”

Lydia laughed. “The massage was fabulous, thanks. I’m so glad she thought of it. We got a chance to catch up, and I’m very relaxed now.”

“Great, I’m glad. Do you know where she went, by any chance?”

Lydia gave a slight wince. “Sorry, but I’m not sure. She was either going to find you, or to see her parents, but I’m not sure what she decided on.”

“That’s okay, I’ll track her down.” Ryan leaned down to kiss her cheek once more as he said, “It was good to see you. Enjoy your lunch. We’ll see you tonight at the dinner, right?”

“I’ll be there with bells on,” Lydia smiled. “Good to see you too. Enjoy the day, enjoy seeing everyone. Have a great time.”

“Thank you, I will. See you later.” He flashed one more friendly smile before turning to leave.

Lydia watched Ryan as he walked out. He was a nice guy, and a fairly handsome one; almost six feet tall, trim, with neatly cut light brown hair that was only beginning to recede, and pale blue eyes a few shades lighter than Melanie’s. From everything Melanie had told her about him: he was a patient man with a good sense of humor, someone constant and loyal, someone who had already been very good to Melanie over the three years they’d been together. He was certainly radiating happiness and contentment today, just as Melanie was. Lydia smiled softly to herself with genuine happiness for her friend. It would be a great wedding, but much more importantly, it would likely be a good marriage.

Hopefully
, Lydia thought as an addendum. No one could ever possibly know how things would turn out in the long run, could they? She certainly hadn’t seen her life going the way it had when she and Matt got married. She’d thought they’d be together for the rest of their lives, like every other young, optimistic couple did.

Her mind unwittingly went back, flashing on her and Matt’s wedding day. It had been a picturesque Sunday in May; a large, fun wedding, filled with family, friends, music, drinks, dancing, good food, all the things that made a wedding memorable and wonderful. She had been so happy. She sighed now, wishing she could warn that younger version of herself that there was not always a happy ending, and to be prepared.

But here was Melanie, grabbing a second chance at happiness in marriage, taking another shot despite the debacle that had been her stormy first marriage.

Lydia sipped her water, deep in thought. Maybe, one day, far off in the future, there would be someone out there that would make her consider trying again. Someone who she could actually depend on, open herself up to, share her life with, to love and be loved by in return...

Naaah
, she thought, cutting herself off. Nope. Not likely. Especially at the age of about-to-be-37, with a very cute but speech impaired three-year-old boy in tow.
That’s some package.

Her eyes scanned the glorious trees outside. The walking trail led to thicker woods beyond them. She daydreamed about going for a long walk and getting lost in there, being alone in the middle of the quiet forest… lying down in a bed of fallen leaves, of all different shades, just staring peacefully up into the skies.

She smiled to herself. Being alone didn’t scare her. In fact, she wanted it. After living so miserably with Matt for so long, she’d actually been enjoying her freedom when she wasn’t stressed out or exhausted. She relished the idea of being alone, even if it was for a long time to come, and held on to her daydream of abandoning the world to lay down on the ground, look up at the sky, and just breathe.