Though she's not much of a chef, I enjoy Ryleigh's help in the kitchen. We
laugh and joke and for a minute I forget that she's dying. She catches me
staring at her with tears in my eyes and slaps at me with a damp dishrag.
"Suck it up Marine," she teases but her eyes aren't clear either.
For a change Harm is the first to arrive. He's tense and distant when he greets me. It isn't until he spots his wife that he relaxes a little. "Mac, do you mind if Ryleigh and I step outside for a minute?"
Pleased that they are going to finally communicate, I tell him that I don't mind at all. Rye's expression is quizzical as she allows him to lead her outside. I wink and mouth the words 'Good luck.' However, I'm not sure which one needs it more.
While they talk outside, I pull the half-meatless lasagna out of the oven and set it on a rack to cool. Deciding to leave the kitchen before I start eavesdropping, I grab a magazine and sit in the living room to not so patiently wait. The others won't be arriving for at least thirty minutes or so and my curiosity is killing me. My head jerks up when I hear the backdoor open. Harm's got his arm around Ryleigh's waist and there's an impish smile on her face that I don't quite trust. I know she's up to something but I can't quite figure out what it is.
"They're doing more exploratory surgery next Saturday. We're not going to tell anyone until after then," she announces. I nod in agreement, understanding the logic behind that decision. She then states that she and Harm will be hosting dinner the night before her surgery. I start to ask if that's a wise decision, but Harm shakes his head to cut me off. Apparently he's already had that argument. The three of us discuss her medication and possible treatment options until the first guest arrives.
Dinner is a relaxed, pleasurable affair. Even AJ comments on the relaxed atmosphere. I wonder how many of them had noticed the strain between Harm and Ryleigh. Harm is a great deal more solicitous towards his wife, but surprisingly she does not call him on it. She even goes so far as to allow him to dish her food. While he is out of the room refilling her glass, I lean over to whisper in her ear. "What's the deal with you and Harm? Two weeks ago you wouldn't let him touch you now you've got him running around like your servant."
She laughs conspiratorially and grins widely. "Hey, if he wants to cater to my every whim, who am I to say no? Besides, think of it as me breaking him in for you."
My jaw drops at her last remark. Before I can ask just what the hell she means, Harm re-enters the room and sets her glass on the table. Her smile broadens as she thanks her husband. I glare at her but fear it's not too effective for she only laughs again.
Once dinner is over, Harriet and Velma take their usual places in the kitchen while Ryleigh borrows a legal pad and begins asking AJ and Bud questions for her novel. I inquire as to whether or not she has any questions for me, but she just shoos me away. All my guests are occupied so I escape to the back porch for some fresh air. Or may some not so fresh air. I find Harm sitting on the back steps with a lit cigar in his mouth.
"Sorry Mac. I can put it out if you'd like," he apologizes upon hearing my cough. I shake my head and assure him that I'll be fine. It's not the first time I've inhaled second-hand smoke and it probably won't be the last. He scoots over and pats the spot next to him. Never one to pass up an invitation, I sit and pull my knees up to my chest.
For several moments we do nothing but enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. Fortunately my house is in a more rural area so I don't have to listen to the noise that comes with urban living. At first I hated the silence but now I find it comforting. I can't imagine ever moving back to the city.
"I don't know what to do," he divulges from out of the blue.
Well this is a first. Harm actually admitting that he's not in complete control of the situation. I thought I'd never live to see the day. Though it's tempting, I don't tell him what's running through my mind. He's opening up to me and I don't want to ruin the occasion. There's always plenty of time for sarcasm later.
Harm must have taken my silence as an encouragement to continue because after a minute he begins again. "I haven't been the greatest husband. Maybe Rye and I shouldn't have..." he breaks off and takes a puff on his cigar. "What I feel for her may not be love, but it's strong. I want to help her through this but I don't know how or if she'll even let me."
Poor thing. He looks so much like the little kid who just broke his toy. Ha. Ryleigh probably wouldn't appreciate that analogy much. Wait a minute. Did he just admit that he doesn't love his wife? This sounds familiar. He feels something for her and isn't sure that it's love but it's a strong feeling. Gee, where have I heard that before? Has he ever been sure of his emotions?
"Why is it that every time I get close to a woman they leave... or die?" He inquires, taking a long draw on his cigar before tossing it out into my yard. Normally I'd yell at him for that but I'll let it slide tonight.
I wonder if he's lumping me in the "left" category. "You never let anyone get close to you," I respond softly, watching his beautiful eyes closely for a reaction. Though he's a master at leaving his face void of any emotion, he doesn't have the same control over his eyes.
He shakes his head and reaches for my hand. "You're the only one who never left. What makes you so different, Sarah?"
I know the answer, but it's not one he wants to hear. Now is not the time for a declaration of undying love. My pride won't allow me to confess I decided that loving him from afar and accepting whatever crumbs he gives is better than losing him altogether. Hoping he won't press too hard, I simply squeeze his hand and tell him that I will always be here for him.
The moment is spoiled when the door opens and Bud rushes onto the porch. He quickly informs us that while speaking with him and AJ, Ryleigh complained of a headache and promptly passed out. Harm's eyes widen. I grab his arm before he can instruct Bud to call an ambulance. I whisper in his ear that it's just a side effect from the medication. His lips thin and I realize that she hadn't quite told him everything.
We go inside and find a huddle around my couch. Harm gently lifts his unconscious wife into his arms and carries her out to the car. I make an excuse about a heavy lecture schedule and lack of sleep. Though they are wary, the others seem to accept my story. This effectively breaks up the party. As I double check the locks and turn off the lights, my mind wanders back to my conversation with Harm and the scheming going on in Ryleigh's head. Somehow I have a feeling that the next few weeks are going to get very interesting.
For a change Harm is the first to arrive. He's tense and distant when he greets me. It isn't until he spots his wife that he relaxes a little. "Mac, do you mind if Ryleigh and I step outside for a minute?"
Pleased that they are going to finally communicate, I tell him that I don't mind at all. Rye's expression is quizzical as she allows him to lead her outside. I wink and mouth the words 'Good luck.' However, I'm not sure which one needs it more.
While they talk outside, I pull the half-meatless lasagna out of the oven and set it on a rack to cool. Deciding to leave the kitchen before I start eavesdropping, I grab a magazine and sit in the living room to not so patiently wait. The others won't be arriving for at least thirty minutes or so and my curiosity is killing me. My head jerks up when I hear the backdoor open. Harm's got his arm around Ryleigh's waist and there's an impish smile on her face that I don't quite trust. I know she's up to something but I can't quite figure out what it is.
"They're doing more exploratory surgery next Saturday. We're not going to tell anyone until after then," she announces. I nod in agreement, understanding the logic behind that decision. She then states that she and Harm will be hosting dinner the night before her surgery. I start to ask if that's a wise decision, but Harm shakes his head to cut me off. Apparently he's already had that argument. The three of us discuss her medication and possible treatment options until the first guest arrives.
Dinner is a relaxed, pleasurable affair. Even AJ comments on the relaxed atmosphere. I wonder how many of them had noticed the strain between Harm and Ryleigh. Harm is a great deal more solicitous towards his wife, but surprisingly she does not call him on it. She even goes so far as to allow him to dish her food. While he is out of the room refilling her glass, I lean over to whisper in her ear. "What's the deal with you and Harm? Two weeks ago you wouldn't let him touch you now you've got him running around like your servant."
She laughs conspiratorially and grins widely. "Hey, if he wants to cater to my every whim, who am I to say no? Besides, think of it as me breaking him in for you."
My jaw drops at her last remark. Before I can ask just what the hell she means, Harm re-enters the room and sets her glass on the table. Her smile broadens as she thanks her husband. I glare at her but fear it's not too effective for she only laughs again.
Once dinner is over, Harriet and Velma take their usual places in the kitchen while Ryleigh borrows a legal pad and begins asking AJ and Bud questions for her novel. I inquire as to whether or not she has any questions for me, but she just shoos me away. All my guests are occupied so I escape to the back porch for some fresh air. Or may some not so fresh air. I find Harm sitting on the back steps with a lit cigar in his mouth.
"Sorry Mac. I can put it out if you'd like," he apologizes upon hearing my cough. I shake my head and assure him that I'll be fine. It's not the first time I've inhaled second-hand smoke and it probably won't be the last. He scoots over and pats the spot next to him. Never one to pass up an invitation, I sit and pull my knees up to my chest.
For several moments we do nothing but enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. Fortunately my house is in a more rural area so I don't have to listen to the noise that comes with urban living. At first I hated the silence but now I find it comforting. I can't imagine ever moving back to the city.
"I don't know what to do," he divulges from out of the blue.
Well this is a first. Harm actually admitting that he's not in complete control of the situation. I thought I'd never live to see the day. Though it's tempting, I don't tell him what's running through my mind. He's opening up to me and I don't want to ruin the occasion. There's always plenty of time for sarcasm later.
Harm must have taken my silence as an encouragement to continue because after a minute he begins again. "I haven't been the greatest husband. Maybe Rye and I shouldn't have..." he breaks off and takes a puff on his cigar. "What I feel for her may not be love, but it's strong. I want to help her through this but I don't know how or if she'll even let me."
Poor thing. He looks so much like the little kid who just broke his toy. Ha. Ryleigh probably wouldn't appreciate that analogy much. Wait a minute. Did he just admit that he doesn't love his wife? This sounds familiar. He feels something for her and isn't sure that it's love but it's a strong feeling. Gee, where have I heard that before? Has he ever been sure of his emotions?
"Why is it that every time I get close to a woman they leave... or die?" He inquires, taking a long draw on his cigar before tossing it out into my yard. Normally I'd yell at him for that but I'll let it slide tonight.
I wonder if he's lumping me in the "left" category. "You never let anyone get close to you," I respond softly, watching his beautiful eyes closely for a reaction. Though he's a master at leaving his face void of any emotion, he doesn't have the same control over his eyes.
He shakes his head and reaches for my hand. "You're the only one who never left. What makes you so different, Sarah?"
I know the answer, but it's not one he wants to hear. Now is not the time for a declaration of undying love. My pride won't allow me to confess I decided that loving him from afar and accepting whatever crumbs he gives is better than losing him altogether. Hoping he won't press too hard, I simply squeeze his hand and tell him that I will always be here for him.
The moment is spoiled when the door opens and Bud rushes onto the porch. He quickly informs us that while speaking with him and AJ, Ryleigh complained of a headache and promptly passed out. Harm's eyes widen. I grab his arm before he can instruct Bud to call an ambulance. I whisper in his ear that it's just a side effect from the medication. His lips thin and I realize that she hadn't quite told him everything.
We go inside and find a huddle around my couch. Harm gently lifts his unconscious wife into his arms and carries her out to the car. I make an excuse about a heavy lecture schedule and lack of sleep. Though they are wary, the others seem to accept my story. This effectively breaks up the party. As I double check the locks and turn off the lights, my mind wanders back to my conversation with Harm and the scheming going on in Ryleigh's head. Somehow I have a feeling that the next few weeks are going to get very interesting.