Destroyed Dreams (4 page)

As Melissa rose out of the water, she glanced up to see Robert had retrieved his backpack and cooler and was almost out of sight. She was stunned at how quickly he had left. Yes, she had wanted him to leave her alone and had been irritated at his presence; but now that he had granted her request, she felt somewhat lonely.

The slight breeze hitting her wet skin caused her to shiver and she promptly sank back down in the water. She watched his departing back for a few moments, trying to make sense of her feelings. On one hand, it was “good riddance” to the source of her discontent this day.  On the other hand, she tried to find something in their last conversation that would have caused him to leave so abruptly.

Not finding any answers, and shivering uncontrollably, she exited the water and retrieved the plush towel. Wrapping it around herself, she settled in the deck chair, pulling her legs up onto the seat and wrapping the towel and her arms around them.

Resting her chin on her knees, she watched the scenery in front of her, not really seeing anything. She was lost in reflection. She replayed the conversation she’d had with Robert regarding marriage and it uselessness. When had she become so jaded and critical?

She thought back to her college days. She had believed in the concept of marriage then. She had actively dated trying to discover the one man who would help her fulfill all of her dreams.  She had been full of ideals and dreams of the future.

She remembered having taking her first environmental law class and the burning desire she had felt to make the world a better place. She had even joined several campus groups dedicated to protecting the environment and had looked forward to making her mark on the world after college.

When reality had hit, it had hit hard. Making the world a better place was a noble cause, but one that didn’t pay well. Many of the environmental groups were non-profits and only hired pro-bono lawyers. For a recently graduated law student, with a mountain of student loans, and a mother in debt up to her eyeballs, pro-bono was not even up for consideration.

She had still believed in marriage even then, with her career dreams on the rocks. When the job offer had come from the family law firm she currently worked at, she had felt forced to take it. She had been so idealistic for the first week. She had been sure that divorces were always the last resort and not the status quo for some.

Having grown up with only a mother in residence, her father having never been in the picture that she could remember, she had never witnessed the dynamic present in a two-parent household.  She had believed the picture presented to her by the social media of a happy father and mother, working together to raise their children and make the world a better place.

What a load of crap that image was! By the end of her first week on the job, she had seen four separate marriages break up over the most ridiculous things. One had broken up simply because the man had decided he wanted to gift his wife with an extra large set of breasts, she had declined, and he had filed for divorce.

Another marriage was on the rocks because they had gotten married in Las Vegas after meeting up at a convention. She lived in L.A. and he lived in Boston. Neither one was willing to move – one would think those type of issues should be worked out beforehand. Instead, they both filed for divorce after 2 weeks of marital bliss. He sought monetary damages and she sought damages for emotional stress. 

Melissa had still held some hope out for happily ever after, until her second week on the job when she was asked to co-counsel a divorce for a prominent businessman in the area. Melissa had met with the man in order to discover his legal grounds for divorcing his wife of only 8 months.

Unfortunately, his only reason was that he had found someone else he would rather spend his time with and his current wife was a bore. He wanted her gone and replaced with someone else.

Melissa had been baffled at how best to proceed.
The man proceeded to produce witnesses who testified that his wife had been involved in an adulterous affair, which just happened to nullify the prenuptial agreement she had signed.  Melissa hadn’t believed the witnesses testimony for a minute, but settling the case had netted her law firm a quick $80K and she had become the darling of the newbies.

More high profile clients had been filed her way, and she had kept up a grueling pace. The fact that she had been forced to muffle her own conscience was secondary to winning the case.  Almost three years later, she had convinced herself that she was actually doing the world a favor by helping people get out of their marriages.

Her personal feelings on the subject of marriage had long since been filed away and hidden. Sitting by the lake, however, she found that closet in her mind starting to crack open. Did she really feel that the institution of marriage should be outlawed? She started going through her list of acquaintances. Did she know any truly happily married people?

As she ran down the list, she realized that she did indeed know many happily married people. Several of her closest college friends were happily married and working side-by-side with their spouses in their chosen careers. They were happy women with children, a house, and always surrounded by family.

In comparison, Melissa had her mother, and casual friends she hung out with on occasion. Her social life consisted of late nights at the office or even later nights at home, pouring over legal texts and preparing for the next case.

Melissa sat there by the lake and grew more depressed as she thought about the path her life had taken. It’s no wonder she had lost it in the courtroom. Shaking her head, she readjusted herself in the seat and reached for the bottle of water and apple she had brought with her.

Her book lay, forgotten, on the grass next to the chair. She continued to think about her life choices as she ate the apple. If she been willing to sacrifice a little longer, been poor a little longer, could you she have made difference in the environmental law community?

Questions like these were usually to be avoided at all costs.  Melissa had spent the last several years, purposely avoiding asking herself the tough questions. She had enough on her plate with her caseload, paying the bills, watching out for her mother – self-reflection could only add more stress to her already pegged-out life.

After finishing her apple, she drank some of the water and decided to go for another swim. The exercise would help clear her mind and get her back on track. Wading into the lake, Melissa set a grueling pace and headed for the buoy.

Once at the buoy, Melissa held on with arm and let the water move her at will. She looked out over the lake and saw an older couple in a canoe putting in a little farther down the bank.  Watching the care with which the man helped his wife get settled in, she wondered at their story.

They were older, probably retirement age, and as they pushed off from the shore, she smiled at him as he grabbed the oar and began to paddle them out into deeper water. Melissa could hear snippets of their conversation as it floated over the waves to her. They appeared so happy and still in love.

After watching them paddle out of view, she noticed that her hands had begun to take on the wrinkled appearance of having been in the water too long. She quickly swam back to the shore and got out of the water. After drinking the rest of the water, her stomach let her know that it required more nourishment than the meager apple she had given it.

Donning her shorts and tank top, she folded up her chair, retrieved her towel,
book, and water bottle, and headed for the cabin. The walk back to the cabin was slightly uphill and by the time she reached the back porch, she was feeling the burn in her calves and was slightly out-of-breath.  Note to self – start taking the stairs at work. She needed to get back in shape if walking a measly quarter of a mile wore her out.

As she climbed the stairs to the deck, she stopped to listen for the sound of Robert’s power tools. It was very quiet and Melissa sat her belongings down and walked around the deck, disappointed when she didn’t find him.

Entering the cabin, she noted that it was only 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Figuring he must have run into town to get more supplies, she made a quick sandwich and ate it at the small bar. When Robert still had not returned, she headed for the shower to rinse the lake water off.

Emerging from the bedroom almost an hour later, she again noticed the quiet. Turning in a circle to encompass the wall of windows, she saw no signs that Robert had returned after lunch.  What kind of handyman quit working at 3 in the afternoon? A lazy one!

Deciding to take advantage of the peace and quiet, Melissa called her best friend back in the city. Her friend’s parents were subletting her apartment for the next three weeks and were due to arrive later this evening.

“Tammy? Hey it’s Melissa.”

“Hey girl, how’s the cabin and roughing it?  Are you relaxing at all up there in the boondocks? Do they have running water and stuff or do you have to use one of the outhouse things?”

Melissa chuckled at Tammy’s description of the cabin. “It’s all very civilized I assure you. Running water, a microwave, and internet – it’s like being at home, except for the missing smog, lack of noise, and no shopping malls nearby.”

Tammy laughed. “I’m just teasing you. I hope it’s really relaxing for you and you find some peace.” Tammy had been Melissa’s best friend since her sophomore year of college, and had voiced her concern over Melissa’s stressful lifestyle more than once.

“I’m going to be fine. I even started that book you bought me last Christmas, the murder mystery one.”

“You mean the one where the…”

“Don’t you do it!  Don’t you ruin the ending for me.  I’m actually enjoying the storyline for once,” Melissa interrupted Tammy.

Tammy started laughing again. “I wouldn’t ruin it for you; it’s a really good read. Oh, hey, I’ve gotta go. My mom and dad fly in this evening and I need to go pick them up at the airport. Thanks again for letting them stay in your apartment. Not only is it more affordable for them, but with my dad’s diabetes it’s never good when he has to eat out a lot.”

“Don’t’ mention it. They’re helping me out and vice a versa. Tell them to make themselves at home and feel free to use whatever they can find in the fridge, and cupboards.” Melissa quickly took stock of her pantry and realized she really wasn’t offering them that much. She worked so many long hours that her meals usually consisted of take-out or leftovers from take-out.

“On second thought, you might want to glance in my fridge when you get there and trash whatever take-out containers might still be left. You might want to take them by the market as well, or the fridge will be almost empty.”

“Don’t worry so much. I know you, remember?  I already went by
there, cleaned out the fridge, and put actual food, the kind that you have to cook on the stove, in the fridge. I might even leave some of for when you get back. Who knows, you might have a wild hair and decided to learn how to turn the stove on one of these days.”

“I wouldn’t hold your breath on that one. And I can cook; it’s just that I don’t have the time. You know how busy my schedule is.”

“Yes, and you should practice some of those cooking skills while your up at the cabin with nothing else to do. Hey, I’ve gotta go. Call me next week, okay?”

“Sure. Tell you mom and dad ‘Hi’ for me.”

“I will. Bye.”

Melissa listened as Tammy hung up the phone. Looking around, she realized that she had an entire evening ahead of her. Maybe she would run into town and check out the local social life. It couldn’t be anymore boring than staying here all alone.

Robert sat at the bar in TJ’s Bar and Grill and ordered another round. After leaving the lake, he had decided to call it quits for the day.  Melissa Taylor had gotten under his skin. The high strung, uppity gal had the body of a siren, but she was definitely was he would consider high maintenance.

He had been surprised at how strongly she had been against marriage. Didn’t all women want to tie a man down and get a rope around his neck? Little Miss Taylor had definite feelings about marriage and they mirrored his so closely, he had been alarmed.

Robert had no use for marriage and the trappings that went with it. After being cuckolded by his former girlfriend, he had sworn off all relationships that lasted beyond a night or two. He liked being on his own and calling all the shots.

Taking another drink of his beer, he noticed the cute little redhead sidling up behind him. He met her eyes in the mirror behind the bar and waited to see if she was bold enough to make the first move. Robert liked playing the cat and mouse game; wonder which one he would get to be tonight, from the looks of her, he would definitely be playing cat.

“Hey there,
wanna buy a girl a drink?” Susie was a regular at the bar and Robert had seen her around a time or two. She was cute with just enough body going on to keep his interest.

Turning around on the bar stool to face her, he looked her up and down and then nodded at the bartender to take her order. After that was taken care of, he gestured to the empty stool beside him, which she promptly climbed up on.

“So what’s your name?” Susie liked to flirt. She had seen Robert in the bar a time or two, but was usually already with someone. He was early tonight and fair game as far as she was concerned.  Looking him up and down, she definitely liked what she saw and looked forward to an enjoyable evening.

“Name’s Robert, what’s yours sweetheart?”

“Sweetheart, that works for me.” Susie gave him a saucy grin. “No really, the name’s Susan, but everybody calls me Susie.”

“Well, Susie it’s nice to meet you.  I take it you’re here alone tonight?”

“I always start the night alone, but rarely does it stay that way. How ‘bout you? Am I poaching on anyone else’s territory?” Susie asked.

“And what if you are?” Robert asked.

“Well, I guess that depends upon two things?”

“Which are?”

“Can I take her in a fight and is she as good looking as I am?” Susie batted her eyelashes and shimmied her shoulders at him.

Robert threw back his head and laughed. The girl had guts; he’d give her that. “How about we play a few rounds of pool?”

“I’m game. I’ll even rack’em.” Susie slipped off the bar stool and sauntered over to the pool table. Her hips sashayed back and forth a little extra and she looked back over her shoulder at him as she bent at the waist to retrieve the pool balls.

Robert watched her put on a show for him and then shook his head. Grabbing his beer, he decided that the day had just gotten a whole lot better. There was nothing like a little harmless flirting, maybe more, to help him forget the fox sitting up the hill in the cabin.

Robert took this first turn, sinking both the four and the two balls. His second turn came up short and he stepped back to allow Susie her turn. As he grabbed his beer, he heard the front door open and glanced towards it in reaction.

Melissa stepped into the bar and immediately stopped so her eyes could adjust to the dim lighting.  Taking a deep breath, she seated herself at the bar and ordered a screwdriver. She wasn’t a heavy drinker and had never developed a taste for beer. Fruit juice and vodka were her poison of choice, and maybe a nice glass of white wine. Other than that, she was lightweight and knew it.

As she took the first sip of her drink, she turned on the barstool to survey the remainder of the bar. The stage was still empty as it was early, and canned music played over the speakers. It wasn’t too loud which Melissa appreciated. Glancing to her left, she was about to take another sip of her drink when she caught sight of Robert standing near the pool table, staring straight at her.

As she watched, the redhead finished her turn and spoke to him, indicating it was his turn to shoot. He never even looked at her, just kept staring at Melissa. After several seconds, he retrieved his pool cue and Melissa watched as he proceeded to scratch, sending the cue ball straight into a pocket.

The little redhead giggled and wiggled her backside at him as she positioned herself, lying halfway across the table, to take her next turn.  Robert wasn’t even watching. He had resumed his stance next to the wall and was watching Melissa.

Melissa raised one eyebrow at him and nodded her head towards the pool table. The redhead had figured out that his attention was no longer on her and appeared to be a little bit upset.

She
did her best to hide her smile as the redhead got right in Robert’s face. Her initial attempt to flirt her way back into his focus was a complete failure. After several minutes of trying to gain his attention again, she called him a few choice words and flounced off. Passing directly in front of Melissa’s seat, she tossed her head and informed Melissa that she was welcome to him.

Melissa couldn’t contain her grin anymore. Looking back at Robert, she found him, beer in hand, headed directly towards her with an answering grin on his face.  “You know how to make friends everywhere, don’t you?” Melissa teased him.

“She’ll get over it. So what are doing slumming in here?” Robert gave her the once over and definitely liked how she cleaned up.

“Slumming?  As least I waited until after work hours before hitting the bar,” Melissa told him pointedly.

“Touché. Although, I don’t punch a clock. Your uncle’s paying me for the job, not by the hour.” Robert really didn’t want to fight with her tonight, but he also didn’t want her implying he was a lazy worker.

Holding her hands up, Melissa said, “Sorry, let’s call a truce for the evening. I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t doing your job, whatever it is.”

“Curious as to what I’m doing at the cabin?” Robert questioned her.

“Maybe a little bit. My uncle said you’re doing some remodeling inside and fixing some things outside.”

“How about I buy you another drink and I’ll show you my plans?” Robert offered.

“Is that kind of like offering to show me your etchings?” Melissa queried.

“Ha ha. No really, I have the drawings I did for your uncle on my IPad. You’re welcome to look at them if you want.”

“I’d like that. How about we find a table though? These bar stools are not the most comfortable place to sit,” Melissa said as she slid off the stool and rubbed at her hip.

“What are you drinking?” Robert asked. Picking up her drink he sniffed and then grinned, it figures, a sissy drink. “Screwdriver?”

“Yes,” Melissa totally missed the smirk Robert threw her way. She was busy looking around to locate an empty table.  Finding one near the back of the bar, she gestured in that direction and told Robert, “I’m gonna go grab us that table.”

“Sure. I’ll be right there.” After refreshing her drink and grabbing another beer for himself, Robert joined Melissa at the table and watched as she took a very tiny sip of her drink and then followed it up with a larger drink of water.

“Lightweight, huh?” Robert grinned at her knowingly.

“Yeah, I never could stand the taste of beer, and it doesn’t take much of the harder stuff to get me really sleepy.” Melissa blushed as she explained this to Robert.

Robert just nodded. “So, you want to see my plans for your uncle’s cabin?”

“Sure.”

Robert grabbed his IPad from his backpack and turned it on. While he waited for the correct program to come up, he watched Melissa as she moved her gaze around the bar. What he wouldn’t give to run his hands through her hair. It looked so soft and inviting, kind of like her lips. Loading the plans for the cabin, he handed her the IPad and then showed her how to scroll around and see the 3-D renderings of the proposed changes.

Robert watched her eyes as they lit up in pleasure. Looking up to find him watching her, Melissa said the first thing that came to her mind, “These are absolutely stunning. If you can envision something like this, why on earth are your working as a handyman instead of designing buildings?”

The drawings were professional and fabulous. He had found a way to utilize the wall of windows and yet afford the residents inside the privacy that was currently missing. The man was a genius.

“Robert, I mean it. These are really good.” Melissa looked up, waiting on him to offer an explanation.

“Well, I did study to become an architect, but life has a way of throwing curveballs at you, and you either hit a home run off them, or you make an out.”

“I guess I don’t understand. Explain it to me.”

“I had this girlfriend in college. She had these grand ideas of us taking a year off after graduation and traveling around, seeing the sites, doing our own thing, - free spirits sort of.
I had been offered an internship with a great company and I know it would have turned into a great job; but she convinced me that taking a year off wouldn’t hurt my career choices and the jobs would be there the next year.”

“And they weren’t?” Melissa asked.

“I don’t know. I never went looking for them.”

Melissa stared at him trying to find the missing piece to the puzzle. What he had just told her didn’t make any sense. “Why wouldn’t you go looking for them?”

“I no longer cared about finding them, I guess.” Robert was staring at his hands as they lay on the tabletop.

“What happened to your girlfriend?” Melissa was missing something and she aimed to find out what.

“Well now, that would be why I didn’t care about finding the jobs. See, she decided that having me at her disposal just wasn’t enough. She liked to collect things, and men were at the top of her list. While she was with me, she was also with every other man she could hook up with. When I finally found out what was going on, I confronted her on it. The next day, she cleaned out our bank accounts, sold everything of value we had and disappeared.

“I was pretty upset for a long time. My family and friends had tried to warn me and I hadn’t listened.  When I finally pulled my head out of the bottle of Jack, I realized that I no longer had the drive to play in the big corporate world. And, here I am. Surprisingly, I actually do enjoy what I do.”

“Wow. I don’t know what to say.” Melissa watched Robert for several minutes before she continued. “She was an idiot, you know that right?”

“My old girlfriend?” Robert asked.

“Yeah, she didn’t know what she was giving up. You have real talent and I’m sure if you wanted to, you could get a job with a big architect firm anytime you wanted.”

Robert glanced at Melissa, not sure if she was just saying that to be nice or if she truly believed it. “Yeah, well, I like my life just the way it is right now.”

Melissa realized that her opinions didn’t really matter to him and tried not to be hurt by that fact. She didn’t even know this man, and this morning had been ready to have him arrested. It had definitely been a long day. Yawning, her body echoed her thoughts.

Deciding that she should head home, she told Robert, “Thanks for the drink but I’m gonna head home now.”
 

“It’s kind of early isn’t
it? It’s only 6 o’clock.” What kind of city girl went home to bed at 6 o’clock?

“Well, I haven’t been sleeping well and someone woke me up really early this morning so of course I need some extra sleep,” Melissa told him. 

Robert smirked at her reference to their first encounter. She had definitely been a sight. He wondered if she always slept in the nude, or if it was only a one-time occurrence. He would most likely never find out. “I’ll be up tomorrow. Have a good night.”