Juliet, hope you're fine. I went to Iowa to talk with Kate's mother. Call me any time you need me.
Jack.
Hi Rachel.I met him in the park, as I planned, but it wasn't as I expected it to be. I can't be in the park every day because he might figure out that something isn't quite right.I have to think of something ...
Juliet.
I remember what you mean by "I have to think", so don't you dare shut out the outside world.I know you are scared, but you must continue. Call me, if you want to talk about it, but not before 4 pm. There is a play at Julian's school and I'm the one who is responsible for all arrangements. I can't imagine how I agreed to this.Remember my words, never agree to help in school performances.
Rachel.
Didn't even think about it.On the contrary, after our meeting in the park, I am feeling quite like a drug addict.I miss him so much…
BUT the good news is that I've found a reason for our next meeting.
Juliet.
P.S. I'm sure the play will be fine.
Happy for you. Can't wait to hear the details.
The performance took place and I'm free now. You can't how happy I am now, though there are still some people I want to strangle.
Rachel.
Attachments. Download in one archive.
Thank you for the photos.Julian is so cute in his costume.I hope you got the play on video so I'll be able to see it all.
Juliet.
P.S. Wish me luck.
Good luck.
Rachel.
-James! - She calls him.
-Mrs Shephard? - He turns around and looks at her with surprise.
-Just Juliet, I'm so tired of Dr. Shepard.-
-Can understand you.-he nods.- Looks like our accidental meetings are becoming common, Juliet.- he deliberately emphasizes the last word.
-Well, actually, it's not accidental.-
He looks at her dumbfounded.
-Remember the last time we met, you told me to read Huxley's book? I've read it. Very interesting story, which made me think about my life. The problem is I have no one to discuss it with. My colleagues aren't fiction readers. So I decided to set up our meeting.- she lowers her head with mocking guilt.
-Well. I am happy to help you with this problem mis... Juliet – He corrects himself under her reproachful look.-Anyway, police should help with problems, right?- He grins.
Hey!A week has passed, and you haven't told me anything.Are you okay there? Rachel.
I'm alive and healthy. There's nothing to worry about. Sorry that I didn't write you, but I've had quite a hectic week at work and I have to read "Foucault's Pendulum" by tomorrow.
Juliet.
What's the hurry with this book? DidI miss something?
Rachel.
Nothing special. We created a kind of book club for two of us.Now we meet periodically and discuss books. With my work, I haven't even started the story.
Juliet.
So that's it ... Now everything is clear. You eventually managed to interest the guy.
Though I never thought it would have something to do with books.Detective Ford is full of surprises.
Rachel.
They look at each other. She never felt so good with anyone, as she feels with him. Nobody could understand her the way he could. His life wasn't easy but he managed to save the ability to laugh and to accept people as they were and she loved him for it. She loved every line on his face, every wrinkle. She knew them all. The one in the middle of his forehead which appears when he frowns. These small ones in the corners of his eyes which appear when he squints. The one from his smile. She remembered how they all smoothed out when he slept and she always regretted that she couldn't erase them from his face during the day.
-Mrs Shephard! - His voice takes her out of her thoughts. James stands in front of her with a strange look on his face.
At first, Juliet doesn't understand what happened, but then she sees her own hand. Absentmindedly she took his hand and began stroking it, and thank God that she didn't do anything else. There is so much more to their interaction in her thoughts.
-Sorry, I got carried away- she immediately pulls back her hand.
For a while they sit in tense silence.
-Listen, it was a pleasure to discuss books with you. I didn't expect that our tastes and preferences would be so similar. But I think we should stop this.-
-But ... -
He stops her. -I'm not a boy, Juliet, and I'm not going to hide from your husband. Maybe you should look for someone else. -
Damn! She screwed up everything with one single act. And what should she do now?
-Wait a minute, James. I'm ... I'm sorry, I probably should have been honest with you. Just ... I felt so good and comfortable with you, that I was afraid to destroy what we had.- She says the first thing that comes to her mind, just to keep him around. -Me… my husband and I… we decided to divorce. This is a mutual decision, that will be better for both of us ... But the house is no longer what it used to be. It's so empty ... Then I met you and that book ... I haven't been so comfortable with anybody for so long... - she pauses, not knowing what else to add.
She nervously pulls away, watching him and waiting for his response.
-Sorry for the harshness. I didn't know that. -
She could feel his awkwardness. She remembers how much he hates to see women's tears, because he simply doesn't understand how to reassure them.
-Maybe we could forget what happened and start over.-
She looks at him, not believing her luck.
-It's not every day you find such a pleasant companion. - He smiles and she can't figure out whether he is joking or serious.
Today, I thought I screwed up everything, but maybe I'm really lucky, because my mistake turned into significant progress and I hope soon I'll have something to tell you.
Juliet.
A/N: Thank you for reviews. They meant so much for me.