Love at Second Sight

Victoria rolled over to her left side for what felt like the millionth time in the last 4 hours since she'd forced herself to try to sleep. The digital clock beside the bed glared back at her - 7:02 a.m. She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept in. All the years of traveling and catching early morning flights had trained her body to wake up often before the sun came up. Even the times she'd been at home, she'd often jumped up at 5:30 am hoping to catch a few minutes alone before the kids woke up.

The kids.

She reluctantly turned on her phone and saw no less than 10 texts from her daughter Brooklyn.

"WHERE ARE YOU?"

"MOMMA, YOU NEED TO CALL US BACK. A AND I ARE WORRIED!"

Even more from her son, Amari.

"MOM, IF YOU DON'T CALL US BACK, I'M CALLING DAD.

Victoria rolled on to her back and sighed loudly. The last thing she needed was to hear from David.

She picked up her phone and sent a group text to both kids.

"I'M FINE. I NEED SOME TIME AWAY. I'LL CALL SOON. I LOVE YOU BOTH. DO NOT INVOLVE YOUR FATHER. "

She resisted the temptation to check her email and her instagram page . She knew her assistant, Noelle, would keep posting inspirational quotes and fan pictures to keep things active. Noelle was the only person who knew where she was. Over the last 4 years, Noelle had become like a 2nd daughter to Victoria. And even though she'd become close to Brook, and their husbands were friends- Vic knew Noelle's allegiance was to her. 2 years ago Noelle's mother had passed unexpectedly. Victoria had felt so broken hearted for her and immediately canceled all of her engagements to be by her side. She'd been so welcomed by her family and promised Noelle's father that she'd look after her. Noelle was an only child and she and her parents were a tight knit trio. Having lost her father in her 20's, Victoria related to Noelle's grief.

Vic sat up in the bed and stretched. She felt a little uncomfortable being in Noelle's hometown. When the news broke that her ex husband's new wife had given birth to twin baby girls, Victoria couldn't understand at first why she'd been so upset. She and David had divorced over 10 years ago after years of him cheating, lying and pretending. She didn't want him back. But, seeing him starting over and rebuilding with his previous mistress - made her heart ache in a way she hadn't expected. They'd lost twin boys at 34 weeks pregnant. David had come home one night late from a "board meeting" and when Vic had questioned him - they'd fought. That night she'd started to bleed, and by the next afternoon she'd given birth to two still born baby boys - Harris and Vincent - named after her father and father in law. Their marriage never recovered.

When she saw David holding those baby girls she gasped out loud. She realized that she'd been holding her breath since they'd divorced. She'd been living in honor of what had been even though she was no longer in covenant relationship with him. She'd been stuck and he'd moved on.

She'd made a decision in that moment - hurried, but clear. She needed a break. She needed to be alone. She needed time by herself to relax, to cry, to shop, to read, and to rest. She loved her job. She loved being a motivational speaker and helping people launch full force into their dreams. But, it was time to focus on her. She'd called her therapist and set up a session. She'd called her sisters and asked them to keep an eye on their mother for a few weeks. And she'd called Noelle and asked for her to find an air bnb in a place where no one would recognize her.

Here she was in Bradley, PA where she was certain Noelle's parents must have been the talk of the town as an interracial couple. Victoria had only seen two other black people when she'd checked in - a lyft driver who'd picked her up at the train station. And she remembered an organist at the church where Noelle's mother's service had been held - an older black woman with silver hair tightly wrapped into a bun and the sweetest smile. Noelle had called her "Granny Peterson". She wasn't a blood relative, but had been a friend of Noelle's grandmother since childhood.

The landline phone rang - abruptly bringing Victoria back into the present. Should she answer it? No one knew she was here besides Noelle. Victoria hadn't seen a text from her. Must be something urgent.

"Um.. hello.." she answered hesitantly.

"Ms. Adams?" a male voice spoke a bit uncertainly. Vic couldn't place the voice, but there was something familiar about it.

"Who am I speaking with?" she responded.

The gentleman cleared his throat. "Uh - it's Emery Franklin - uh Noelle's father. I hope you don't mind, my daughter asked me to check in on you. "

Victoria was relieved and answered, "Oh my, it's so nice to hear from you. Unexpected, but - thank you. "

"Ms. Adams, you've been so kind to my Lili and she just loves working for you. " he says seemingly getting more comfortable.

"Are you kidding me? Noelle is such a blessing in my life. I truly don't know what I'd do without her. But, don't you tell her that until after I threaten her for telling you I was here. "

They both chuckle.

"Ms Adams " he says.

"Please, call me Victoria. "

He pauses.

"Victoria, I know you're here to get a little rest. Uh, I'd like to invite you over to my home . It's such a peaceful place. Trees all around , salt water pool, a garden and plenty of places to walk or sit. You don't even have to see me at all. I just want to offer it to you. " He pauses then says, "I know you've been going through a lot. "

Victoria feels a lump in her throat and finds it difficult to hold back her tears. She can discern Emery's sincerity and empathy. And while she desperately wants to be alone she is surprised by the words that fall out of her mouth rather quickly.

"I'd like that very much. "

---

"Here we are ma'am," the lyft driver says as he pulls up to a white modern farmhouse. Victoria is in awe of the property she sees before her. She hands the young man a tip and as she gets out he says, "I'm sure Mr. Franklin will make sure you get home. But, feel free to call me if you need a ride. "

Victoria waves gently.

As the young man pulls off slowly she begins to walk towards the porch - wide with rockers at each end and geraniums lining the stairs.

The front door opens and there stands Emery Franklin. His stature is that of a former athlete - football if she remembers correctly , his olive skin glistening in the sunlight. He's wearing a white button up shirt, loosely worn and opened around the neck. His khaki shorts are knee length bringing focus to his muscular thighs. As Victoria looks at his face - his goatee a mix of grey and black , his hair swept back with large, thick curls and his eyes just a little dimmer than she remembered - she can't help the words that come to her lips. "Mmm....wow." she says, realizing she's staring and so is he. "Uh, WOW this house is stunning!" she says as she nervously begins to walk towards him. She is suddenly aware of her plain appearance. Her favorite navy baseball cap, a gray v neck tee, distressed boyfriend jeans and flip fops. Shoot! Her toes weren't polished and she was barefaced. At least she'd worn hoop earrings and some light perfume.

"Thank you. Welcome!" Emery says reaching out his hand. As he shakes her hand gently he covers it with the other hand. Victoria is certain she's going to lose her balance. Why is she acting like this? This wasn't her first time meeting him. But, something was different.

She stands there without words and Emery seems to be just as speechless.

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As much as Victoria thought she wanted to be alone, she has enjoyed every moment of the day with Emery. They sat in the garden for an hour just talking and catching up. Their conversation came with such ease. After his wife passed Emery purchased this land and spent the last 2 years building and developing the property. He hadn't exaggerated. It was such a peaceful place. The sun was high and warm, but the gentle breeze passed through often - rustling the trees and softening the air. Victoria had expected she'd stay for an hour or so, but as the afternoon turned into early evening, Emery asked her to stay for dinner. "Let me cook for you," he said, gently laying his hand on hers as they sat by the pool together.

As she sat in the wicker chairs on the patio listening to the jazz that drifted out from the record player and smelling the seasonings as Emery cooked, Victoria drifted off into a peaceful nap. She awoke to the gentle sound of Emery's voice, "Ready to eat?"

Emery cooked a delicious pasta dish served with fresh french bread. Vic couldn't remember the last time she'd enjoyed a meal or the company of another person so much. They laughed and talked like old friends. As full as she was, she couldn't resist a slice of the chocolate cake Emery set down before her with fresh raspberries on the side.

"You have absolutely spoiled me today," she said laughing and throwing her head back. Emery smiled and quietly responded, "I've enjoyed every moment. Today was a beautiful surprise. "

As they looked at one another the evening light began to dim. Victoria could see the lights around the pool just outside the patio light up as if to announce the end of the day.

She looked away - scared of how she was beginning to feel. Emery grabbed her hand and led her to the patio. He gently removed her baseball cap and put his hand around her waist. He began to sway to the music and Victoria met his step.

She couldn't believe what she was feeling. "I'm too old for this," she thought." As if reading her mind Emery whispered in her ear, "I feel like I met you all over again today for the first time. " He pulled back and looked her directly in her eyes.

He said softly, "Victoria.....do you believe in love at first sight?"

Vic swallowed hard and closed her eyes for just a moment - taking it all in.

She opened her eyes and looked at Emery with intention.

She touched his face gently and said, "Now I do. "