Page 63 of More than a Memory
“Thanks. Here Mac, good boy.”
Darcy unsnapped the leash, and he began to explore the living room, sniffing every corner before returning to Darcy’s side to sit by her feet.
“Doggie,” Caleb said, sticking his chubby hand in Mac’s mouth.
“His name is Mac,” Darcy told him, while unpacking her cooler of goodies onto the coffee table.
“I didn’t know what to bring for the little ones, so I brought some crackers and fruit, yogurt and applesauce, and PB&J sandwiches for us…oh and some chips.”
“Sounds good, the best part is the company. Thank you for taking the time Darcy. I’m not trying to be nosey, but are you OK? You look exhausted. I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. Sometimes I open my mouth when I shouldn’t.”
“I’m alright. I just didn’t get much sleep last night,” Darcy said.
“Well, if you ever need a friend…I’m sure you don’t need me for that. I’m sure you probably have plenty, but I’m here for ya,” Rachel said. “Anyway, thank you so much for this feast!”
“Don’t even mention it. Listen, I want to run something by you. My sister is always looking for nail technicians, and she even pays for the training if they are willing to commit to staying with her salon for at least a year. Would you be interested in something like that?”
“Who me? Wow…I never thought about it, but yes, I think I would love that!” she said, excitement in her voice.
“Well, sometime soon, I will come by and get you, and we will go over to Annie’s Salon, The Diamond. She said to tell you that she will give you a free manicure and pedi so you can see what you think. She’ll give you a tour of her place, and the two of you can take it from there.”
“Can I bring my kids?”
“Sure, I’ll watch them or one of the stylists will if they aren’t busy. No problem.”
“I’m so excited, I can’t hardly breathe!” Rachel said.
“I think you would be a great fit there,” Darcy reassured.
After visiting for an hour or so, Darcy and Mac said their goodbyes and headed back to the office. Thinking over the time spent with Rachel, she only wished her own issues were so easily solved.
29
The only thing Sam knew to do was to bury himself in his work. He was burning the candle at both ends, taking on extra night shifts and helping Gabe with managing the farm, anything to keep himself from thinking and feeling. And yet, it still wasn’t enough to stave off the pain he felt when he finally stopped at the end of the day. He was sad, yes, but there was an almost unbearable level of anger and frustration as well. He felt like pounding his chest and roaring at the gods for offering him his perfect love and then, in a sadistic twist, ripping it away.
The only relief he got was when he was with his horses or working with the animals from his practice. Thank God he still had that. He knew if he didn’t slow down and get some rest, he was going to break. But he didn’t think he could bear to just yet. His sister and Gabe had been doing everything in their power to bolster his spirits. Casey was practically smothering him as she hovered like he was her wounded chick. Gabe, in his silent, manly way, was almost as bad. Whenever Sam was at the barn, Gabe was within throwing distance, trying not to be too obvious with his worry.
Sam was grateful, but it only served to remind him of what he was desperately trying to forget. He let his mind wander as he used a soft brush on Whiskey before saddling him for a short trail ride. He was trying to hurry before Gabe discovered what he was up to and insisted in riding along. Sam just needed to be out there on his own…just him, his horse, and his pain. He threw the saddle on and hoisted himself up, clicking his tongue and nudging Whiskey forward. Soon he was out on the open trail, absorbing the sights and smells of nature’s bounty.
He imagined that the wind and the trees were taking away some of his pain. He was at one with Whiskey. They innately understood one another, the bond between horse and rider a merging of spirits, something otherworldly and mysterious. Sam had only to think left and Whiskey would move in that direction. He slowly began to feel some of the tension uncoil as they wound their way through the woods. The sound of the crunching fallen leaves underfoot, the musty smell, the crisp cold air, the sense that the world was settling in for an extended hibernation were all soothing to Sam. He almost always found his equanimity in the natural world. and today was no exception. The sadness remained. but his anger had dissipated and for that he was thankful.
* * *
The days had turned into a week and then two, and now it had been over two weeks since she had broken things off with Sam. Darcy had lost weight and looked so frail that Annie had sent out an SOS to her sisters in California, and they had flown in two nights before to do an intervention. Emma and Charlotte were a breath of fresh air, and just having all of her sisters surrounding her had lifted Darcy’s spirits somewhat. They were only staying one more day, so that night they were going out to eat and maybe to hit a bar or two after dinner.
* * *
The four sisters decided to go casual and opted to eat at a local burger joint for dinner. They were busy chatting and catching up when Sam, his sister, and his niece walked in. Darcy saw him first and all the color drained from her face.
“What? What is it?” Annie asked immediately, seeing Darcy’s shocked expression.
Then Annie spotted Sam and his family and nodded to her sisters. They got it immediately. Sam didn’t see them at first, but as he passed their booth on his way to his table, he spotted them. He looked as if he had been body slammed. Casey noticed them at the same time and quickly tried to hustle Sam on past them. She glared at Darcy as their eyes met but did not acknowledge her in any other way.
Sam, on the other hand, stopped at their booth and stared intently at Darcy.
“Darcy,” he said, nodding, having eyes for no one else. It was as if they were the only two in the room.
“Hello, Sam,” she said, as pale as a ghost.