Restoration

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

This book is dedicated to Ethlyn Barrett, my grandmother in Jamaica. She has been my role model ever since I was a little girl. She inspired me to write this book because she loved to read, and she told me to follow my dreams.

Chapter 1

Elsey flinched as the hot tea touched her lips. She gently placed the cup on the saucer at the edge of the coffee table to cool. She always enjoyed drinking from those delicately fragile cups, a set of fine china her mother had given her a few years ago.

She curled up on the soft, brown, leather love seat in the den, covering her legs with the beautiful dark-blue cashmere throw that she had recently purchased. The silk pajamas that she was wearing did not keep her warm, but it was too early in the season to turn on the heat in the house.

She lazily looked through the large, shiny, glass bay windows, her mind drifting from her thoughts. First she gazed at the cloudless, blue sky, and then she diverted her attention to the squirrel sitting on the rail of her deck, cleverly eating a nut while skillfully balancing on its two back legs. It turned its head around as if it knew she was watching and then quickly scampered away. Elsey’s gaze fixed on the trees that skirted deep into her backyard. The once green leaves had turned into spectacular shades of magnificent orange, stunning cadmium, and boisterous vermeil. The combination was breathtaking. Fall was once her favorite season. She sighed deeply, opening up her lungs and inhaling as much air as she could, then slowly deflating them to relax her body. Sadly, she thought of how the wind would later arrive, denuding the tree by stripping the leaves from its branches. The trees would be left naked and desolate to face a possibly long, bitter, and brutal winter in hopes of an upcoming spring of a wonderful budding of new life. Once there is life, there is hope. Comparing the seasons to her own life, she thought about the times that left her heart feeling barren and the times she felt rejuvenated.

Her heart pounded and her palms sweated just thinking of the memories. She picked up the cup and slowly sipped her tea. She tried to repress the memories of that cold and unforgettable night, the night that changed her life. It was as if it had happened yesterday.

* * *

She remembered waiting patiently for the sliding glass doors of her office building to open. Elsey always thought they needed to get those doors fixed, which would sometimes have a delayed opening. Outside the warm building, the wind was stinging and cold, sending chills up her spine. The October temperature was at its record low with strong winds that blew September right off the calendar. She tightly closed her beige trench coat closer to her body and dropped her head as she fought against the wind while walking down Washington Street. Hoboken was known for its nightlife and spectacular view of Manhattan. She passed by the bustling, brightly lit restaurants that she inadvertently walked by every night after work. That night, however, Elsey thought of stopping in a local bar to have a quick drink. She wanted to treat herself for the recent promotion she had received, an accomplishment that she deserved. She often thought that the idea of happy hour was pointless and simply an excuse for alcoholics to drink, but that night she decided to join the happy hour crowd. The wind picked up and almost blew her off the sidewalk. It announced itself with a chill that made the bar that she quickly entered feel warm and cozy inside.

Elsey recalled the explosively loud heavy metal music blasting as she opened the door of the local bar called Nine. How creative, Elsey thought. For once, she enjoyed seeing the plethora of happy faces that surrounded her. Usually she spent most of her time at work, listening to her coworkers whisper about the latest office gossip. Tonight, though, Elsey felt liberated and delighted as she sipped her sophisticated cosmopolitan, a drink she rarely ordered.

As she sat at the bar by herself, she looked around at the different groups of people, wishing that her friend Renee was there to celebrate the special occasion with her. She was just envisioning how good her nameplate was going to look on her big oak desk—Elsey Manchester, CPA—and the arrangement of her brand-new office, when he tapped her gently on the shoulder.

Is anyone sitting here? he asked, removing his jacket.

No, replied Elsey, looking at him from head to toe.

Can you believe the weather outside? he asked, easing himself onto the bar stool next to hers.

She did not reply. Instead, Elsey pulled her skirt down and shifted her weight away from him, hoping he would get the message.

Can you believe the weather? he repeated in a louder tone, practically screaming in her ear.

Elsey rolled her eyes, directed her attention toward him, and replied, No.

I can barely hear you! he yelled while moving his bar stool closer, his face inches away from hers.

I agree! shouted Elsey, pulling back. She had an anxiety about personal space. The last time she was at a concert, the guy behind her continued to push himself against her, and her sweater changed from a light pink to a dark pink from all the sweat. She was traumatized from the experience and she promised herself she would never get that close to a complete stranger again.

I can’t wait for the summer to come …

The bartender interrupted his sentence, pointing at him to take his order.

Vodka with orange juice.

Elsey noticed his handsome features: his strong jaw line, his beautiful lips, and his brilliant brown, curly hair. The light from the bar illuminated his features in the dim room. As he turned to Elsey, she quickly looked away.

Can I buy you a drink? he asked.

She shook her head. No, thank you. I’ve had my max. I’m about to leave actually, said Elsey quickly, trying to finish her strong cosmo.

Oh, c’mon. One more drink won’t hurt you.

The bartender waited, impatiently looking at the both of them and then at the long line of people awaiting service. Sternly, Elsey repeated to the man and the bartender, No.

She explained. For me, more than three drinks can cause serious side effects. So I think it’s best if I get going. Grabbing her trench coat and her purse, she elegantly lifted the glass, pouring the rest of the pink liquid in her mouth, burning her throat as she swallowed.

Aw, side effects could be fun.

Elsey caught the smirk on his face and was disgusted by his perverted mind. Or dangerous. I know my limit. As she was about to get off the stool, he gently touched her shoulder.

Don’t let me scare you away, he said. I am just trying to be nice. Good company is so hard to find these days. His big grin exposed his white perfectly even teeth that made him look even more handsome.

Elsey looked back over her shoulder, examining his friendly face and dark, short, curly hair that perfectly nested on his six-foot frame which advertised abundant exercise and a well-balanced diet. If she had to guess, she would say that he was in his late twenties or early thirties. God, he looks perfect. The Lord must have taken extra time making you, thought Elsey. His soft brown eyes shadowed by his long, silky eyelashes melted her heart. Elsey repositioned herself on the barstool with a smirk on her face.

He smiled, asking, So, do you live around here?

Yes, do you?

I live a few towns over.

Elsey nodded. That could be anywhere: North Bergen, Jersey City, Secaucus, West New York, or even Edge Water. She smiled to herself for she could not remember the last time she had a conversation with a man who was not her father or a fellow coworker. In fact, the last time she was on a date was when Renee set her up with her husband’s pompous best friend who checked out girls that were hotter than Elsey and rated them right in front of her. That was a disaster. She actually enjoyed spending time with this stranger. He seemed warm and friendly, qualities that always pulled her in, but the one place she promised herself she would not look for a guy was the bars. It just seemed too wrong to be the perfect place to find Mr. Right.

The offer still stands. He raised his glass and then gulped down his drink to order another.

I’m sorry. I should really go. She pulled up the bottom of her sleeve to look at her watch. It’s after seven, and I have work in the morning, Elsey replied, again gathering her belongings, hoping he would stop her.

Without fail, he replied, I have work too! Early! Six a.m. on the dot, and you don’t see me complaining. Don’t tell me that your bedtime is eight? He gave Elsey an unconvinced look. I am old enough and strong enough to handle the truth. If you want me to leave you alone, just say it.

If you had given me that option a little earlier, believe me: I would have taken you up on it.

So then, tell me the truth. Why must you leave now? Look, he said as he turned and looked her straight in the eyes. Elsey felt chills down her spine, making her feel a bit uneasy. Chances are, you may never see me again. So … what do you have to lose? You might as well sit, relax, and enjoy my good company. That smile of his tore right through Elsey’s soul. She melted at the sight of it.

I just want to get a good night’s rest. Is that so wrong? Honestly, I follow a strict schedule. I am always in bed by ten. I watch the news, and I am asleep by eleven.

The man noticed the frustration in her voice and immediately felt apologetic. Please don’t get mad at me. I think you’re just so … beautiful. He leaned forward on the bar, making wet circles from the bottom of his glass onto the paper napkin. He had a habit of fidgeting when he felt embarrassed or nervous. I just want to spend more time with you. Sorry, I am lousy at this, and I hate using pick-up lines. He bashfully turned and looked at Elsey who, to his surprise, was chuckling. Offended, his eyebrows furrowed.

Well, I’m glad to see you’re amused. He rolled his eyes and turned back toward his napkin that was now crumpled into a wet ball. He slouched, looking at her from the corner of his eye. Usually when people laugh at me, they at least have the decency to do it behind my back.

Elsey pouted, still silently giggling. Although he was insulted, he admired her laugh and the way her eyes lit up when she found something funny. I’m sorry. I’m … Another bold laugh emerged from her mouth. She cleared her throat. I’m sorry. I can’t help it, said Elsey, covering her mouth in an attempt to stop. It wasn’t working. He snickered.

I sounded pathetic, didn’t I? he asked shaking his head to answer his own question.

She simply nodded, feeling a little sorry for him. Elsey wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled.

I have an idea, he said. Why don’t we grab a bite to eat? I need something in my stomach to absorb the alcohol.

You just don’t give up, do you?

"I firmly believe in if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Let me start over. Hi, I’m James. Can I buy you, beautiful lady, dinner tonight? he asked while extending his hand to her. She was hesitant to accept. James looked at his watch. I’ll even have you out of here in an hour. How ’bout that?"

An hour? questioned Elsey.

An hour, he confirmed.

Hmm … well then, I’m Elsey, and I’ll only accept your invitation if I can pay for my own meal. How ’bout that?

Fair enough. James politely helped her off the stool and gestured for her to lead the way to the dining area.

James noticed the indecisive face Elsey made as she was looking at the menu. I highly recommend the lamb chops. They’re great here: thick, juicy, and perfectly done with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and sweet applesauce. That is … if you like lamb chops.

Elsey raised her eyebrows, impressed by his suggestion. Lamb chops are one of my favorites. You make it sound so good. I think I’ll order that, said Elsey, closing her menu with satisfaction.

James jokingly rubbed his hands together, ready to devour his meal as the server brought their dishes out. He ordered steak with a baked potato surrounded by string beans and a side of salad. Elsey’s mouth watered at the glazed lamb chops that were placed in front of her.

Where can you find a better view of the city than this? he said, pointing toward Manhattan with his fork. The beautiful city that never sleeps.

Elsey gazed at the city lights and remembered the warm breeze that lifted her hair during her first stroll through the city. Renee walked with her, arm in arm, as they people watched—one of their favorite pastimes. They would sit outside, eating dinner and gossiping, while observing strange people who walked by, pointing out their eccentric features or clothing. Elsey chuckled inside at the memory.

Taking a stroll around the city on a clear and beautiful summer’s night is one of my favorite things to do, said Elsey.

I agree, especially if you have a beautiful lady by your side to share it with. James looked up from his food to see Elsey’s reaction, but she didn’t bite into his bait.

Elsey cleared her throat, directing her eyes to her plate. So, do you come here a lot? asked Elsey, trying to switch the subject.

James nodded, swallowing the big chunk of steak in his mouth.