Page 22 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

Lori was browsing in the sweater section when she heard two women talking in the dress section. “I want just the right dress to wear at the club. Guy might be there.”

“He’s very hot,” said the other woman. “It’s exciting to have him back in town.”

Lori peered around the rack of sweaters and saw her high school classmate, Cynthia Walters. A tall, statuesque blonde, Cynthia had dated Guy briefly before Lori and Guy began going out. Cynthia had always blamed Lori for Guy breaking up with her, but no matter how often Lori told her that wasn’t the case, Cynthia wouldn’t believe her. Needless to say, they were not friends.

Lori stayed where she was until Cynthia and her friend, a woman she didn’t know, left the dresses and went to check out. She didn’t want anyone to ruin her day.

Later, after finding a turquoise V-neck sweater and black designer jeans that could be dressed up or down, Lori headed home. Weekends were usually spent on household chores and preparing for the upcoming work week. She made a quick stop at her favorite grocery store and made just enough purchases to get through the next week. After getting her hair done and getting her new outfit, she’d have to watch her spending for a couple of weeks until her next paycheck.

Lori was leaving the grocery store when she noticed Guy pulling into the parking lot in a low-slung, silver sports car. He didn’t notice her as he sped into a parking space close to the front. She was tempted to slow down and wait for him to get out of the car, but an automobile behind her beeped its horn for her to make her exit.

Back at home, she stripped her bed, put the sheets in the washing machine, and began to vacuum the downstairs rooms when Aurelia arrived.

“Got time for a cup of coffee?” she asked. “The girls are at ballet class, and I have a few minutes to catch up with you. Wow! What did you do to your hair? It looks fabulous. Did Franco style it?”

“Yes. He suggested adding a few highlights and lowlights for interest. I like it,” said Lori as she fixed two cups of coffee and handed a mug to Aurelia.

“Thanks,” said Aurelia, taking a sip of the hot liquid and sighing with satisfaction. “Flo told me you’re going out with Guy Phillips tonight. I’m proud of you for making all these changes. It’s healthy for you to step out of your comfort zone. ”

“I know,” said Lori. “We’ll see how things go. I’m trying. That’s all I’m going to ask of myself. Each step forward is a move in the right direction. But it doesn’t mean that I’m forgetting Nick.”

“Of course not,” Aurelia said, giving her a look of concern. “Nick will always be part of your life. And should be. You two were fantastic together.”

“You couldn’t say that better. Even Mom would be proud of you,” said Lori, and they laughed.

“Sorry, I can’t seem to get out of big sister mode,” said Aurelia. “I might need you to get into ‘Auntie mode’ if I can’t get the girls to stop bickering at one another.”

“You know I love my nieces. I’ll try to work something out with them next week.” Lori shook her head. “I can’t believe how fast they’re growing up.”

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Later, after Aurelia left, Lori made a note to schedule a girls’ afternoon with Sarah and Lizbeth next weekend. Feeling unsettled, she decided to calm her nerves about her date by getting out one of her favorite romance novels.

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Later still, Lori gave herself a last look in the mirror, brushed off her new jeans, tweaked her sweater to show off her turquoise jewelry, and headed into her living room. She remembered how Guy used to be on time when they were dating. She checked her watch. He’d told her he’d pick her up at six o’clock.

Lori looked out of the living room window and saw a silver sports car coming down the street toward her house. Smiling, she guessed he hadn’t changed in that regard.

Standing away from the window, she watched Guy emerge from the car and head up the front walk, wearing khakis, a collared shirt, and a navy sweater. It brought memories of dating him flooding back. Happy memories.

He still looked like a football player with his broad shoulders, muscled body, and easy gait. His hair was a little lighter, no doubt from living in such a sunny area. A winter in Ellenton might change that.

She went to the front door and opened it, greeting him with a smile.

His gaze traveled from her face to the rest of her body and back to her face. “You look beautiful, Lori.”

“Thanks. Come in while I get my jacket.”

He walked inside and looked around. “Nice.”

“The house needed fixing up when my husband and I bought it. Some of the downstairs has been worked on, but the upstairs still needs help,” said Lori. “We chose the house for the neighborhood. It’s a convenient location.”

He helped her with her jacket. “I’m in a condo while I wait to close on my house in The Highlands.”

“I remember your family used to live there. It’s in the best part of town,” said Lori.

“A little weird for me to return there, but, oddly enough, it felt like home,” he said.