When You Least Expect It by Sandra Leiper Read Free Book Online Page B

who’s going to be the first one to say it.  I know the feelings are there.  Let me say it, Mandy.  As far fetched as this is, as outrageous as this all seems, the one thing I’ve come to realize, have come to accept as the truth is…I love you. You don’t have to say anything.  Just know in your heart it’s real.”
          Amanda didn’t know how to feel.  For the moment, she was stunned into silence.  She wanted to say something, anything, that might make some sense.  “ Ray …” 
                  But Ray wasn’t there.  Ironically enough, he had been booted off.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
                 
    Amanda and the kids were having a great time.  California was beautiful, the weather was great and they were all having a terrific time.   She and her cousin, Leeza, were having a blast.   They did everything as a group and she had to admit, it was wonderful.  One night they decided to go to the beach at dusk and build a bonfire.  Leeza’s husband Jerry was keeper of the fire, and the kids were the s’mores makers.  The sunset was beautiful.  It was postcard perfect.  The ocean sounds soothed her mind. She stared out onto the horizon and marveled at its beauty.  This had been exactly what she needed.  No stress or pressures. 
                  Leeza brought her back to reality.  “We had plans for dinner tomorrow with one of Jerry’s coworkers.  It’s just him, so I thought it would be perfect if you join us! Then he wouldn’t feel so much like a third wheel…what do you think?”
                  “I think…no”, said Amanda, without hesitation.
    “I knew you would say that, but I already told him, so you have to be there!  Dinner out will be fun, no strings attached, and besides…he’s cute and you might just enjoy yourself!”
                  Amanda rolled her eyes.  Why are you playing matchmaker? I’m not ready to date.”
                  “It’s not a date”, she protested.  “I’m asking you for a favor. Don’t be a spoilsport!”
                  “I guess I have no choice, so I?”  Amanda was seething inside.  “You’re paying”. 
    Leeza jumped up and down, clapping with glee.  “This is going to be so much fun!”  She looked at her husband who shoved a s’more in his mouth to keep from having to say anything about it.
 
                                                            ~~~
         The next night was eventful.  First, she hid in the computer room and sent an email to Ray.  She kept it simple and showed none of the emotion they’d shared before she left.
           Hey Ray, California is great.  The kids and I are having so much fun.  Bonfires, marshmallows, cousins, it’s everything we were hoping for.   She pushed away the image of her and Ray on a moonlit stroll on the beach, hand in hand.  That was what she had yearned for as she had sat on the beach yesterday.  Only there was one problem, she didn’t know what he looked like!  It was hard to have a fantasy moment with no face.  She continued, I think it’s time we exchanged pictures, what do you think?  I have the voice to go with the words, how about the face?  I know I said I looked like Betty Boop, but I could have meant Broomhilda!  Don’t you want to find out?  There’s always picture taking during vacations, just make sure you’re in some, and I’ll do the same.  Can’t wait!
    Miss you…Mandy
                  She’d have the kids take a picture of her during their stay and send it to him.  She looked pretty good for forty.  Most people thought she was about twenty-nine and were always surprised to learn her real age.  Long dark brown hair with plenty of caramel highlights, big brown eyes, and she still looked good in her swimsuit.  She had turned a head or two