The start of the school year had never been so welcomed. Sam was excited to begin her college career, even though she wouldn't be moving into the dorm for a while longer. Jonathan was content as usual. Tony was glad to busy himself in his studies again while Angela was happy to be gearing up for the holiday campaigns. Everyone was glad that summer was waning out in peace as opposed to the tense beginning.
Of everyone, Angela was the happiest and the saddest to see August end and September begin. The hurt Tony caused had faded by now, only surfacing now and then. She was happy to see the focus shift. Yet, throughout most of the summer, she'd had steady companionship. Now she spent most of her time alone. Paperwork couldn't fill every evening.
When she saw that the country club was having a charity event, she couldn't resist. Besides, if she didn't go out soon, she feared another intervention from Tony.
It wasn't shaping up to be the most fun night of her life. Her high school days had given her training for the wallflower kind of evening it was. She sat at the table, watching as her friends and their spouses came and went from the dancefloor. At least as an adult, she was able to spot the one man who had been watching her from across the room since she'd arrived. What's more is that she had the courage to approach him.
"I didn't want to be too forward," he said when she met him at the bar. "I was sure you'd come here with someone. I feel like I've seen you before."
Angela shrugged. "You might have. I come to a lot of these functions. I'm flying solo this evening."
"So am I." He held out his hand. "I'm Andy."
Shaking it, she replied, "I'm Angela."
"Would you care to dance?"
She hesitated a moment, dropping her hand when the shake had lingered too long. She wasn't sure why she'd gone over to him other than to save face. She still wasn't sure she should get into anything she couldn't see through. But when she opened her mouth to decline, she found herself agreeing instead.
It wasn't like dancing with Tony. No one could hold a candle to him on the dancefloor. Yet, she felt an instant connection with this other man. It scared and excited her. There was something easy in their small talk, even as this stranger was holding her close and swaying to a slow song. He was a doctor, charming, gentle, and liked to sail in his free time. When he asked her out to sea the following weekend, she couldn't help but accept.
"If you're around before then, maybe we could go out for dinner? I mean, how else do I know if I can be trapped with you on the water for an afternoon?" Andy winked, pressing his hand firmer against her back.
Angela laughed. "I think I'll benefit from that as well. You're on."
"How about Tuesday? I can meet you in the city after work."
A smile fixed on her lips, she said, "It's a date."
. . .
From Tuesday on, she saw Andy every day.
He felt like an old friend in a way. Any familiarity was likely from seeing him around the club. That didn't diminish the newness to the relationship. New yet comfortable. A stark contrast to how things had been with Peter. Of course, she had given Andy the usual briefing on the living situation with her male housekeeper, but his relationship with Kathleen helped matters. He wasn't aware of all that Peter was. Some of the pressure was off.
Tony wasn't at all pleased to hear of the new relationship, despite his efforts not long ago to get her out of the house. His double standard annoyed her more than surprised her. What made it strange was that until he'd met Andy, he hadn't shown any inkling of resentment.
"He seems nice," he'd said with a scoff.
"He is," Angela replied, not taking the bait.
"Don't you think you're rushing things seein' him so much? I thought you said you wanted to be single for a while?"
"I also said that I wasn't purposely avoiding dates."
She knew his attitude was his lingering jealousy. She ended the conversation before it had the chance to turn into a hopeless argument – one even he would have to admit he couldn't win.
Overall, she felt an enthusiasm about her relationship with Andy that she hadn't felt with Peter. Even a day of seasickness hadn't dimmed her lifted spirits. She still needed to take things slow, something Andy seemed to accept without wanting a reason why. She feared if he were to figure out Tony was holding her back, it would be over in an instant. Not all men were going to be as patient as Peter.
Maybe it was having time to let the emotions around Tony settle, or maybe it was Andy's treating her like a person rather than a wounded puppy, but she felt something significant growing in the short amount of time they'd spent together. Talking with him was easier. Kissing him was easier. Looking a few months ahead and making plans was easier. Her initial apprehension was long gone. Though it pained her to admit it, there was a part of her that hoped it wouldn't be long before she felt able to give this relationship her all. It felt so good to be with someone again. No baggage. No remorse.
If only she could let go of the wish that she was feeling all of this with Tony.
