Page 14 of Trusting His Heart
“Bec, you know that’s not what happened.”
They were interrupted by the calling to dinner.
Geoffrey watched every movement, the way she held her fork, the way she held her neck as she laughed at the feeble jokes of the other dinner guests.
Only he knew the curls were tamed into glossy waves. Only he looked for the faded tan line from her wedding ring.
“So, how long have you two known each other?” Rigby asked them as the main meals were being served.
“I spent the most wonderful night of my life with this man, only he walked away without a glance.” Bec laughed at the shocked look on all the faces. “Geoffrey, you could have at least asked for my number!”
Geoffrey decided to play along with the charade.
“Bec, you were still wearing your wedding ring, I didn’t think I stood a chance.”
“Really? Well, I’m not wearing it anymore.”
“Do you want to give me your number now?”
“Just like that – I don’t think so,” she laughed, catching the attention of the whole table.
“If I had the opportunity, I did want to ask you something,” Geoffrey didn’t care if the room was silent while everyone tried not to listen.
“Keep talking,” she put down her knife and fork, awaiting his reply.
“Would you come to the opening of The Dream Masters at the gallery with me next weekend. I understand it is a mixture of our First Nation’s indigenous paintings and artefacts.”
“Something for everyone, I’m sure. Are you asking me on a date, Professor?”
“In front of this audience, I’m hoping you don’t embarrass me and decline. After all, I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Geoffrey, I’m afraid I would ruin your reputation, by at least a dozen years and a world of experience. Are you sure you don’t want to take someone slightly younger, perhaps someone who is still playing with her own crayons?”
Geoffrey laughed at the shocked looks on his friends.
“Bec, I think we better put our hosts and their other guests out of their misery. Susan, Rigby, it is true. This lovely lady and I do know each other. When we first met, she was the gracious vision you see before you tonight and I, you will be surprised to learn, performed the role of rude and ignorant jerk. We then spent a wonderful night together, talking and sharing far too many truths about ourselves, not expecting to ever see each other again.”
Bec laughed again at the looks of horror across the guests.
“What he failed to tell you, Susan, is we met travelling back to Sydney. I gave him a lift to the airport, he escorted me through customs and then we sat next to each other for the twenty-odd hour flight and shared the odd conversation.”
“Rebecca, call me Bec, Garran. Will you please agree to go on a date with me.”
Geoffrey willed her to say something, to give him a second chance with her and with life.
“You haven’t answered my question. What would a date with me do to your reputation with the younger ladies?”
“How about you go out with me, enjoy the art and let me worry about my reputation.” Geoffrey looked around the table for support, surely amongst his old friends someone would help him over the line.
“Rigby, Derek, convince this beautiful woman not to let me go to the gallery on my own. If you don’t, then I’m afraid one of you will have to join me.”
“Geoff, old mate, if I was going to go to a gallery, I’d be taking my beautiful bride.” Derek joked, “I’m sure Rebecca can make up her own mind, perhaps she needs to get to know you better before agreeing to spend another night with you!”
After dessert, guests mingled amongst the tables. Geoffrey watched Bec move among his friends, easily making conversation with the women and charming the men. She carefully kept the room between them, throwing him the occasional glance. He waited ten years to feel live again, he could out wait her tonight.
“My dearest friend,” Susan joined him. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so besotted.”
“Did you know about her husband?” Geoffrey asked, wanting Susan to understand how much they shared in common.