Page 13 of Fall Twice

Lena angles her body to me and her face floods with extreme interest. “Oh yeah? How is Gwenda?”

“Still your number-one fan and asking why we never dated in college. Don’t worry, she subtly hinted that next time she’s in town she expects lunch with you.” I shake my head in good humor because my mom loved Lena. And as much as I always gave the just-friends speech, my mother didn’t quite believe it. She also hated my ex, so I’m well aware she will latch onto the news that Lena has re-entered my life.

“Tell her I say hi, and for sure, lunch to talk about you can go on the agenda.” Lena folds her hands one over the other on her lap.

I turn on my speakers that I had installed in this old beast, and the moment the song comes on she glances at me, impressed.

“Pavement, ‘Gold Soundz.’ Good choice, Professor.”

Every time she says professor something inside of me and below twitches. It’s far too playful, but not quite flirty.

“My taste in music only gets better with age,” I proudly declare.

“I’m sure.” She glances at her phone real quick then puts it back in her purse. “Anything I need to know about your colleagues?”

“Nothing shocking. Just be yourself.”

She throws me a smirk. “I can do that. Not sure how late this is going to go, but I fly back tomorrow.”

“Shouldn’t be too late.”

We drive along peacefully as I turn onto streets with mansions and well-kept lawns. “I’m just going to warn you, they really are into fall.”

“And? It is the greatest season.” Arriving at our destination, her eyes re-direct, and she laughs at the scene before us. A scarecrow, pumpkins, gourds, and a witch’s broom. “Okay, they have a few decorations,” she says, playing down my earlier statement.

I turn the engine off and lazily undo my seatbelt. “Wait until you hear the menu,” I warn her with a mischievous look.

I grab the bottle of expensive red wine from the back seat that I brought and come to help her out of the car, although she’s already halfway out by the time I reach her. We walk slowly up the long path to the front door, and I watch the sway of Lena’s hips on every step, as she’s a few paces in front of me, the fabric of her dress clinging to her curves. I notice the way she walks with poise and elegance, and I remind myself that she’s doing me a favor.

One of the catering staff lets us in, and after disposing of our coats, we walk to the living room that has people standing and sitting around in various conversation groups.

Immediately Dean Windrawl and his wife come to greet us.

“Reid, so good that you are here.” The dean smiles and shakes my hand then turns his attention to Lena, as he is already entranced. “And who is this beautiful woman on your arm?”

His wife is quick to simmer him down by putting a hand on his arm. “Now, Harold, give the young couple a little breathing space.Butindeed…” She straightens her posture and throws a smile in my direction while fixing her pearl earring. “You’ve finally come… with company.”

Placing a hand on Lena’s back, I lead the introductions. “This is Lena Gold. We go way back, studied together out in Boston, and she is moving to Hollows.”

“That’s wonderful,” the dean replies.

Lena smiles politely. “Thank you for having me.”

His wife seems to shake off any ideas she had in her head about how to set me up, instead refocusing on her hosting duties. Her hands find her heart. “You two must get a drink, then go to the buffet in the dining room, there are some real treats.” She squinches her nose and her shoulders wiggle in delight.

We promise to catch up, then Lena and I head to the adjoining dining room that is decked out with big candles and tables filled with food. There are little cards next to each tray explaining the dishes.

Lena looks around like a kid in a candy store. “Wow, this is some spread.” She pulls my arm to grab my attention. “Are you sure it’s okay that I’m here?”

“Yeah. This is more a staff catch-up that the dean throws once a semester.”

She is quick to smile in relief and immediately begins to study every little label. “My goodness. Butternut squash with smoked cheese, warm brie with walnuts and cranberry sauce, pumpkin hummus…” She walks along, completely engrossed in the scene, then she stops us in our tracks by slamming a hand against my chest. “That’s it. I’ll become a professor. They have caramel apple crumble. You have the best life,” she jokes with me before grabbing a plate for me and then her.

“Oh, thanks. I’m not that hungry.”

She gives me a stern-eyed look. “You need to eat, and if you don’t then I may just have to contact your mother ahead of schedule. I’m sure I can convince her to get on the first flight out.”

I laugh at her banter. “Okay, pass me some cheese, but only because I don’t want to hear about my mother anymore tonight.” Lena smiles, satisfied. “Want me to get you a drink while you stock up our plates?”

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