In Search of Lucy (8 page)

Didn’t he say, ‘Nice, but not too formal’?
Lucy thought as they walked through the door of Moretti’s, an Italian restaurant. Even though her attire made her feel a little uncomfortable, Kyle’s hand resting on the small of her back gave her an unexpected boost of confidence.

The hostess led them to a roomy, high-back booth in the back of the restaurant, which suited both of them just fine. Kyle wanted to feel alone with her, and she wanted to be away from the crowd. Kyle asked the server to start them off with a bottled Evian, which he courteously poured for the both of them, and then set down a bread basket. Along with the basket came a plate with an oil mixture for dipping the bread into.

“How do you feel about wine?” Kyle asked, gesturing to the extensive wine list.

“Sounds good,” she responded as she took in the full atmosphere of the beautiful Italian décor. “Whatever you pick is fine with me.”

After getting one last nodding approval from Lucy, he ordered a pinot noir. She enjoyed and appreciated his confidence, and she could tell that he liked the fact that she was easygoing. Unlike most of the high-maintenance women he’d probably dated before. Lucy sensed Kyle’s eagerness to get to know her and wondered if she would be able to open up and let him see who she really was.

Lucy felt surprisingly good that night and made a mental note to enjoy the rest of the evening and not simply
get through it
as she tended to do when going out. Then, as she glanced around the room, something caught her eye. She noticed an elderly couple sitting at a table in the middle of the dining room. They had just sat down and were positioned right next to each other, close enough so their chairs touched. Lucy wondered if it was so they could actually hear each other or if it was because they wanted to be close. By the way they looked at each other when they spoke, she believed it was the latter. After a prolonged silence, she realized Kyle was watching her watch them. He was smiling and waiting for her to look over at him.

“You’re very real, you know that?” he said with a genuine smile.

“As opposed to what, one of those plastic blow-up dolls?” Lucy said with a smirk.

“No, I didn’t mean…hey, I’m definitely not that guy. I just meant that you’re…very different from most of the women I’ve dated.”

“Oh, so you’ve dated a lot of women, huh?”

“I wouldn’t say a lot.” Kyle shifted in his seat. “Wow.”

“What?”

“You’re not going to make this easy, are you?” He gave a tiny chuckle and shook his head.

“I didn’t realize I wasn’t.” Lucy held her ground and kept eye contact with him.

Up to the challenge, he met her gaze and said, “You’re very beautiful, Lucy.” He reached out and placed his hand gently over hers as it rested on the table. “Ah, I got ya. So what have you got to say to that one?”

“I’ll just say…thank you.” Lucy slid her hand from beneath his and put it in her lap. “There’s something else I need to say too, Kyle.” She took a drink of wine and fiddled with her purse in her lap. “You seem like a really great guy, and I’m glad you asked me out…”

“Please tell me you aren’t on the road to the ‘let’s just be friends’ speech,” he interrupted.

“No…I mean I do want to be friends, but I’m not sure how much more I can be right now. The thing is…I may be leaving town for a while.”

“How come?” He took another drink of his wine, finishing off the glass to catch up with Lucy.

“Well, there’s a very good chance that I’ll be donating one of my kidneys to my half sister who lives in Texas.”

“Are you kidding?” He laughed, his sparkling blue eyes fixated on her. She continued to amaze and fascinate him. Before she could answer, he took the wine bottle and poured them each another glass. “Well, are you pulling my leg here or what?”

“I’m totally serious. I’ve been going through all these tests, and so far it looks like I’m a match.”

“Whoa, that’s pretty amazing.”

“Yeah…but it’s also very complicated. They have to make sure you’re physically and mentally sound, you know, to make such an important decision. You can’t believe all the questions they ask. I mean it’s my kidney, and I should be able to do what I want with it, right?”

“Uh, yeah. I guess I never really thought about it. So when do you know for sure?”

“Probably in a few days.”

“Well, it’s an incredible thing you’re doing for your sister, but to be honest I’m not happy about the timing. I was really looking forward to getting to know you better.”

“Then why don’t we just make the best of tonight and worry about the rest later?” She lifted her glass to him and took a drink.

The remainder of the dinner was spent with each of them telling their life stories as quickly and painlessly as possible. Lucy tried to leave out most of the more depressing details, but she couldn’t believe how much she told him. The more she spoke, the more impressed Kyle was with her. He made comments about her strength and compassion and loyalty—all characteristics he admired. But for Lucy, she didn’t feel like those were accurate descriptions of her. On the other hand, she felt like a different person when she was around him.

Kyle was open about his previous engagement, but he focused more on his career and family. They laughed about their connection of having to take care of their younger siblings: her with Katie, and Kyle with Alex. Before they knew it, two hours had passed. They felt guilty about keeping the server, so Kyle left a twenty-five percent tip, and they left the restaurant.

“Thank you for extending the night with me,” Kyle said as he opened Lucy’s door. “I know we didn’t really plan this, and neither of us is dressed for it, but I thought it was the perfect night for a walk on the beach.”

They had both taken their shoes and socks off at the car. Kyle found a place to park where they wouldn’t have to walk too far before getting to the sand. “Do you think you’ll be cold?” He shut her door after she stepped out. “I have a sweatshirt in the back if you want it.”

Lucy chose fashion over comfort. “I’m fine,” she answered. All she could think about was how good it felt to just be around someone and enjoy their company. As soon as they reached the sand, Lucy took a deep breath and took in the smell of the ocean along with all the beautiful memories that it brought. After a few steps, their hands brushed closely by each other’s and Kyle grabbed Lucy’s hand. It made her feel young and giddy, but at the same time she felt sad. This was something she hadn’t done, or felt, in a very long time. She laughed to herself about how such a small thing could evoke such a range of feelings in her.

Kyle noticed her giggle and laughed along with her, obviously not knowing why. “What?”

“Nothing,” she whispered.

Lucy figured it probably wasn’t easy for Kyle to get used to her unexpected silences, but he was patient and told her he didn’t mind. He was happy to watch her walk along, the low breeze bouncing and puffing her long curly mane. As much as they talked at the restaurant, there was quiet now, almost as if they seemed to be reading each other’s minds. For the most part, Lucy looked straight ahead or out to the choppy ocean. A few times she looked up at him and smiled. They both seemed to be thinking the same thing—that they didn’t want the night to end. But at the same time neither wanted to get too close. The uncertainty of what the next few weeks, or even months, held loomed over them like quiet rain clouds. Then suddenly, Kyle stopped and grabbed Lucy’s other hand.

“You
are
coming back, aren’t you?” His voice was quiet, and he searched her eyes for the answer.

“I hope so.”

“I wish we knew each other back in high school.”

Lucy laughed and shook her head. “No you don’t.”

“I guess we’re both different people now.” Still holding both her hands, Kyle pulled her in closer. “I just hope I get the chance to know you better.”

Lucy looked down at the sand. “Me too.”

Kyle released one of her hands and gently lifted her chin until he saw the moonlight magnifying her shimmering brown eyes. Lucy was completely focused on him, and that moment, for once her mind was free from what had happened in her life—her regrets, her disappointments. It seemed like an eternity before he leaned down to her and their lips finally met. With waves crashing toward them, they both knew this moment could only last in their memories. For Kyle and Lucy, only time would tell if they had a chance for anything more.

“Scrambled okay for you, Lucy dear?” Mrs. Allen said from behind the kitchen counter in her apartment.

“I thought you said you were making waffles,” Lucy replied from the couch in the living room.

“Oh, I am.” Mrs. Allen turned to the counter behind her and pressed a timer button on a black waffle maker. “But I wanted to make eggs too. Since I couldn’t get you over here for a nice dinner, I want this to be a special treat.” She went to the stove, picked up a bowl of beaten eggs, and poured them into the warm pan.

“Please don’t go to any trouble for me, Mrs. Allen.” Fidgeting around on the dark green tweed couch, Lucy tried to find a spot that didn’t itch her or have cat hair on it.

“Besides, Anne invited that nice young man Benny. I sent them out to get some tea right before I ran into you in the laundry room.” She continued to work busily and cheerfully around the kitchen as if she were a line cook in a diner. “So you see, this is turning out to be quite a little party now that you’re here.”

“That’s nice, Mrs. Allen. Thanks for inviting me.” Lucy could see that having people around and feeling useful was what made Mrs. Allen happy. She knew better than anyone how incredibly lonely it could be without family in your life. Lucy scooted to the end of the couch to grab a closer look of a framed photo on a wooden end table. It was in one of those ancient-looking wood frames that looked like spray-painted gold. She recognized a younger Mrs. Allen standing next to a handsome man with salt-and-pepper hair. They were surrounded by half a dozen other people of varying ages all wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis.

“That was our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary,” Mrs. Allen said, noticing Lucy studying the photograph. “It’s one of the happiest memories I have from when my Stu was alive. There’s nothing better than having all those that you love around you.” Balancing glasses on a stack of plates, Mrs. Allen made her way to the table and set the stack down.

“Your family looks very nice.” Lucy jumped up and walked over to the table. “Here, I’ll take care of this.” She had begun doling out glasses and dishes around the table at each seat when she heard her phone text alert. She reached into her back pocket and pulled out her cell. It was a text from Kyle. Just the thought of him brought a rush of overwhelming feelings that confused Lucy. She pressed the “view” button to read the short message:
Can’t stop thinking about you.
She didn’t even have time to consider what to say back before she heard the door open. Startled, she pressed the message away and jammed the phone back into her pocket.

Benny bounded through the door with his usual big smile and loud greeting. “Honey, I’m home!” He was holding one grocery bag, and Anne was behind him with another. They both walked over to the kitchen counter and set the bags down.

“What else did you get?” Mrs. Allen asked.

“We got some fresh strawberries to go on the waffles,” Anne said, pulling them out of the bag.

“And we got some lightbulbs,” Benny said, proudly holding up the package. “I noticed one of your kitchen lights was out.”

“Thank you, Benny, you’re such a gentleman.” Mrs. Allen scraped the pan full of eggs out and into a big bowl.

Benny showed a mischievous smile to Lucy, grabbed a strawberry out of the basket, and popped it in his mouth.

“Okay all, let’s start getting this stuff over to the table, and then you kids can have a seat.”

All three worked together to get everything from the kitchen over to the table. There was a stack of waffles with a warmer over them, a bowl of eggs, the strawberry baskets, a big pitcher of juice, and the bottle of iced tea from the store. Once they were all seated, they simultaneously looked over at Mrs. Allen and waited.

“Well don’t wait for me,” she said, grabbing her coffee mug. “Dig in. I’m just getting my kick start for the day.” She poured herself some coffee and spooned in a little sugar.

“Ladies first,” Benny said, looking over at Mrs. Allen for approval.

“Suck-up,” Lucy said under her breath while snagging a waffle and putting it on her plate.

Anne went for the waffles too and topped them with a few strawberries before adding the syrup. Benny went for the eggs first and poured himself some juice. Mrs. Allen brought her coffee to the table and sat down with the others. “So how’s your sister, Lucy? Anne tells me she’s ill with diabetes.”

“She’s doing fine, thanks. In fact, she is going to be doing much better pretty soon.” Lucy peeked up from her plate to see if anyone caught on to her hint.

“Why, did they find a kidney donor for her?” Benny asked and then shoveled a pile of eggs in his mouth.”

“Yes, they did.”

“That’s great news, Lucy!” Anne cheered.

“It’s me.” Lucy continued eating as if the news had been nothing to pause for.

“What?” all three seemed to say in stereo.

“So
you’re
the match, Lucy?” Anne set her fork down and sat back in her chair.

“So far, I’m the only option, and I’ve decided to do it. They can’t say a hundred percent until I get there, but looking at the tests I’ve done here, they’re saying everything should be a go.”

Benny finally swallowed and chimed in. “Wow, that’s crazy.” Then he went back to eating as if someone were waiting to clear the plates.

“But doesn’t your sister live in Kentucky or something?” asked Anne.

“Texas. Fort Worth.”

“So you just have your kidney taken out, and they fly it over there in one of those coolers?”

“No. I’m going to drive there and have the operation in the same hospital as my sister.”

“All that way, by yourself? That doesn’t seem safe. Why don’t you fly?” Anne asked.

“I don’t fly.”

“I’m with you on that one, Lucy.” Mrs. Allen held her coffee in one hand and stirred as she spoke. “I don’t fly either. Just can’t handle it anymore. Not since before Stu. But I agree with Anne. You, driving alone…” She shook her head. “That doesn’t sound like the best idea.”

“Why don’t I drive you,” Benny said suddenly as if a light-bulb had gone off in his head.

All three women looked at him as if waiting for further explanation.

“What? I was just offering.” He turned to Lucy to speak to her directly. “I mean, my car is much more dependable than your heap, Lucy. I really wouldn’t mind. Plus you know I have a flexible schedule.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I don’t know if that would work,” she said, thinking it out in her head. “I’ll need to be gone for a while…maybe a couple of weeks.”

“It’s no problem. And you know what, I got cousins in Dallas,” Benny said, jabbing his idea out with his fork. “It’s only about an hour away. I could take you to your sister’s and then go back and stay with them for a while. They’d be so stoked to see me.”

“Would I have to listen to your jokes the whole way?”

“Very funny, Lucita.”

“Let me think about it?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Mrs. Allen said as she finished her last bite of eggs. “Now finish up, you slowpokes, ’cause I got Bunco this afternoon.”

Not hearing a word of what her aunt said, Anne stared aimlessly over her shoulder. “I want to go,” she mumbled, still in a trance.

“You never wanted to go to Bunco before, sweetie,” Mrs. Allen replied.

“No!” Anne shook her head into alertness. “I want to go with Benny and Lucy.” She turned to the two of them. “Oh, it would be so fun.”

“Here we go,” said Lucy.

“Fine with me,” Benny declared.

“Oh please, Lucy,” Anne pleaded. “I haven’t really been anywhere, and I don’t start nursing school until the fall.” Anne got up from her chair and walked over between Benny and Lucy. “And since I already planned to give notice at work for school, it couldn’t be better timing.” Anne held her breath, put her hands up in prayer, and then stared at Lucy.

“I swear, if you two yell, ‘Road trip!’ and then high-five each other, you can forget the whole thing.”

“Thank you so much, Lucy!” Anne gave her a hug around the neck. “Do you think your sister will mind if I tag along? Maybe I can help out, you know, since you’ll both be having surgery.”

“I’m not saying yes for sure,” Lucy warned. “I’ll talk to my sister and Rick, but I don’t see why they would mind since I
am
saving her life.”

Anne was done listening by that time and was already pacing the living room with wheels spinning in her head. “This is going to be so awesome,” she said to nobody in particular. She seemed to be forgetting that the purpose of this trip was of a serious nature. To her it was an opportunity to do something that most people her age had already done.

From age fifteen to twenty, Anne Preston had worked for her father, Henry, in the family business located in Buena Park. It was a casual clothing store that sold mostly T-shirts and shorts, hats, and accessories. Anne loved being there and working with her dad, who had hoped she would one day run the business. Her good-natured ways made her agreeable to her father’s plan, but the older she got, the more her heart was somewhere else.

Anne wanted to help people. Her true dream was to become a nurse, but she never had the heart to tell her father. Then, with the economic downturn, the store was struggling financially. Eventually, Henry had to sell the business. He and Anne’s mother moved to Detroit so Henry could work for his brother at a used car lot. That left Anne and Henry’s older sister, Mary, behind. Being the only two in the family still left in California, Anne and Mary Allen had grown close and formed a very strong relationship.

Lucy leaned back in her chair trying to get Anne’s attention. “Anne, hello? Uh, maybe you shouldn’t make such a big deal about this. Being on the road can be kind of boring.”

Still on her own track, Anne shimmied back toward the table. “Oh…my…gosh! What if we stopped in Vegas on the way?”

“What?” Lucy exclaimed.

“Uh, that’s slightly off our course,” Benny remarked thoughtfully. “It’s more direct if we head straight towards Arizona.”

“Thank God.” Lucy was surprised at Benny’s knowledge and sense of direction, and she was starting to feel a little better about the whole thing. Maybe it would be a good idea to have a man along, even though she hated feeling so dependent. Anne, on the other hand, was a different story. Lucy didn’t know how she felt about Anne going along, but it seemed to be too late now. One thing was for sure, though, it was bound to be interesting.