| The next day Barbara called to invite Colby to the club again, but Colby begged off. She told her she had a fretful night, the baby had kept her awake and when she finally got up in the morning she had felt a bit queasy. Colby wasn't sure what was wrong, but decided to take it easy and rest. Barbara understood and was ready to come and stay with her, but Colby insisted she was feeling much better now and if she needed her she would call. Colby brewed a pot of tea and ate some plain toast which seemed to ease the quivering in her stomach. She stretched out on the sofa in the back room and spent a good part of the morning reading the Sunday paper. She thought back to all the times she and Rob had done just that, drinking coffee and sharing the paper back and forth, laughing at the comics and working the crossword puzzles. Some Sunday's they never got dressed and would wind up curled up in each other's arms as the fire crackled on the hearth. Colby closed her eyes as she remembered how Rob had made love to her right here in this room on many of those afternoons. She pulled down the albums on the shelf and leafed through the pages. So many memories. They had taken so many pictures. Rob had insisted because there weren't any to speak of when he was growing up. And he wanted to leave a legacy for his family. Colby felt tears form in her eyes as she recalled all the wonderful times they had shared. The last album she opened was of their wedding. She remembered how they both had breathed a sigh of relief as they got in the car after the ceremony and Rob took her in his arms and said he would now really kiss the bride. Colby smiled at the memory of his mouth devouring hers in a not so chaste kiss. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she turned the pages of the album. They had such visions of a long life together and that had been shattered. Colby sat staring at the pictures of all her hopes and dreams. They had a run but it didn't last and now she carried his child and all the torment that went with it. She laid back on the sofa and closed her eyes. Sobs racked her body as Colby tried to let go of the past because her heart was being pulled in another direction and she needed closure to move forward. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The sound of bells ringing woke Colby with a start. The room was in the cloak of shadows as the sun dropped low in the sky and Colby roused herself from the depths of her nap. The chimes rang again and she slowly got to her feet and padded down the hall to the front door smoothing her clothes as she went. Brian stepped nervously from one foot to the other. He had tried calling for over an hour but the line consistently rang busy and he grew concerned. When he pulled in the driveway and saw the car, he feared something had gone wrong. As he waited for Colby to answer the door he turned and glanced up and down the street. He noticed the car parked across the road and felt a queer feeling. He had seen that car before. It had been there last night when he picked up Colby as well as when they came home. He couldn't see inside. The windows were tinted and the sunlight created a glare. But something else tugged at his brain. Then he remembered. The day he got them lunch at the deli a similar car was across the street. Was it a coincidence or was someone following him or Colby? He slowly turned around and was about to pull out his phone when the door opened. "Brian?" He turned completely to see a disheveled Colby standing in front of him. She looked half asleep and by the expression on her face she was not expecting visitors. "Oh my, I," she ran her hand down her shirt and tried to smooth her hair which was askew from the band that had held it in a soft ponytail at the nape of her neck. "Are you all right? I called and kept getting a busy signal. I got worried and decided to come by." He looked beyond her into the house trying to make sure she was safe. "Yes." Here he stood fresh and crisp and Colby knew she must look a fright. "Please," she opened the door, "come in." Brian looked in the darkened front rooms and turned to see Colby pulling her hair back into a fresh ponytail. "I was in the back and I fell asleep. Come." She led him through the den and kitchen to a large glass enclosed room with a fireplace on the far wall. The room ran the entire width of the house. Papers were strewn all over the low table along with a half dozen large photo albums. The tea pot along with her cup and plate still sat from earlier in the day too. "You said you tried to call?" She questioned as she tidied up the papers. "Uh huh, for over an hour but the line was busy. I thought something happened to you." He picked up a couple of albums off the floor, noticing that one said 'Our Wedding' on the leather cover. He placed them on the table. "Busy? I haven't been on the phone since um around noon. I don't understand." As Colby placed the papers in the wicker basket, Brian leaned down and picked up the phone. "Maybe because it was off the hook?" He handed her the phone and Colby noticed the light on. She let out a nervous laugh and pushed the off button. "Hmm. I wonder how that happened." She gave him a sheepish grin. "Come, sit. Can I get you something? I think there is some beer in the fridge." "No. I'm fine," Brian said as he sat on the sofa, surveying the room. As beautiful as the front rooms were, this room looked like home. It had a lived in look. A place where two people had shared their day and spent their leisure time. The windows looked out to the hills in the distance and would provide a great display of fall color in the autumn months ahead. "This room, it's…" Brian shook his head and shrugged. "Comfy. That's what we used to say. This was our space, Rob's and mine. We spent most of our time back here all year round. The front was company quarters, this was ours. The house is so big and we knew that. Of course we thought there would be three or four little Rob's and Colby's running around, but" Colby ran her hand over her swollen abdomen, "that didn't happen. We did a lot of entertaining so we needed the space. We had plenty of dinner parties and formal company gatherings but we always wound up back here after everyone went home. We'd kick off our shoes and plop down on the sofa and share the quiet." Brian noticed how Colby's face took on a far away look, as if she were reliving those evenings all over again." Sorry, didn't mean to bore you with my memories. I guess I'm just in one of those moods today. Sure you don't want anything?" "It's okay and no I don't want anything." There was one thing, but Brian had to move slow. "Although you obviously haven't had any dinner and neither have I. What do you say we go get something." Brian stood up and came towards her. Colby backed away. "I don't think so, Brian. I didn't feel well earlier and I would prefer not to go out. Besides, I'm a mess. I never showered or anything. You really caught me at my worse." She nervously played with her hair. "Okay. I'll call out for something. Whatever you want, Chinese, Italian, fast food. What are you craving?" He grinned as she crinkled up her nose. "Oooh no!. None of those." Colby shook her head in disgust. Brian raised his eyebrows. "No?" "No, but I am a bit hungry. Maybe something light." She suggested. "Let me go freshen up and I'll fix us something." "Tell you what, you go freshen up, although I think you look fine," Colby blushed slightly at his comment, "and I'll fix us something. How about an omelet?" Brian came closer and this time Colby didn't move away. She nodded her head and he brushed his hand along her cheek. The contact of his hand on her face set her heart racing. "Good. I'll find my way around the kitchen and get everything ready." Brian leaned in and buzzed her cheek. Colby did more than just freshen up. She took a quick shower and washed her hair. Brian had done it again though. His presence had made her forget about her problems. Of course this time she had brought them on herself by looking through all those albums. But somehow it had helped. That part of her life was over now and she knew she needed to move forward. Did her future lie with the man downstairs? Colby wasn't sure but she couldn't deny she liked him and he had a way of making her insides get all fluttery. As soon as Colby went upstairs Brian pulled out his phone. He punched in the number and waited for the pick up. "It's Brian. Have you got anyone on detail for me while I'm home? No? Well I'm not sure," he responded to the question, "but there's a black car, Lexus I think. I don't know if it's following me or someone I know. It's just strange but I've seen it four times in as many days. Is there any way you can check for me? Thanks. Yes call me at this number. I appreciate it." He hung up and got to work finding all the necessary items for their dinner. Colby returned to the kitchen to find the breakfast bar set for two with a pot of tea brewing and a small pot of coffee in the coffee maker. They made the omelets together and sat at the counter. Their conversation centered on all sorts of topics and Colby felt herself relax more and more in Brian's presence. They laughed and joked. Each of them being drawn into the relationship further. At one point she felt his eyes on her again and when she looked up that same look from the night before was there. Colby felt tempted to give over to the urge within her, but she checked herself. She needed a little more time as much as she liked the feel of Brian's lips on hers. She slowly got up and took their plates to the sink. Brian followed her and turned her to face him. He leaned down and gently brushed his lips to hers. "Brian, please." Colby backed away. "I couldn't help it. I needed to kiss you." He searched her face for understanding. "I wanted to kiss you too but we said friends remember?" She turned back to the sink and rinsed the plates and put them in the dishwasher. Brian turned off the water and Colby turned and looked him in the eye. "I know what we said, but tell me you can deny the feelings between us." "But…" He interrupted her. "No buts, Colby. I know, you're in mourning and your having another man's child but I can't help the way I feel. I want to hold you and kiss you and comfort you and not as a friend." She looked at him uncertainty written on her face. "I feel more than friendship, I have for a while and I'll wait for as long as it takes, Colby, for you to tell me whether I should stay or leave." She took the towel and dried her hands, letting his words sink in. When she went to move away Brian took her by the shoulders and made her look at him. "Well?" "Brian, it's…we don't know each other. There are things that…" Colby stopped. She couldn't tell him, it was better this way. She needed to protect him. But her heart wouldn't let her turn away from the feelings surging through her. Brian lifted her chin. As she looked into his eyes all rational thought left her. He lowered his lips and she let out a soft sob as her resolve collapsed. Brian wrapped her in his arms as she savored the luxury of his embrace. As their lips parted, Brian whispered, "Let me love you Colby, you and the baby." Colby looked up and Brian saw tears in her eyes. "I don't know, Brian," she shook her head in confusion brushing her wet cheeks. "I want to give in to these feelings that rise up in me when I'm with you. Somehow I feel it's too soon. It's only six months since Rob died and all I keep thinking is how can I want this. I shouldn't. I can't forget everything we shared, Brian. We were married for almost 13 years. I can't just turn my back on it all." "I know that and I'm not asking you to." Colby had moved off out of Brian's reach. Being in close proximity to him didn't help her to think logically. "I'm being impulsive, I know it. But when I'm with you, my heart is leading, Colby, not my head. I can't turn off what I feel in here," he tapped his chest a couple of times. "I won't push you, but unless you say to leave, I'm going to be here, to help you in anyway I can." He moved slowly towards her. Colby's eyes glistened with a fresh flow of tears. "You know I spent all afternoon looking through those albums remembering our years together. It all seemed like yesterday, even our wedding. I know that part of my life is over. I know I need to move on and in my heart, Rob would not want me to build a shrine to his memory and bury myself in the past. It's just…" She looked up into Brian's face and saw such tenderness and understanding. "More time, you need more time." She nodded at his words. "I have to be sure that when I kiss you, it's you I want and I'm not just satisfying the ache of missing Rob. I'm sorry but…" He put his fingers on her lips. "I understand Colby. You'll know when it's right. And maybe it will be me or someone else. Who knows? But for the time being, I'm here." His thumb brushed a lone tear on her cheek. "I'm going to go. But have lunch with me Wednesday." Colby looked at him warily. "It's just lunch, totally above board, no hidden agenda. Besides you know how I feel and I won't hide it, but I'm not expecting you to come to some big decision in two days. Just listen to your heart." They walked to the front door and Brian opened it. When he saw the black car still sitting across the street, he closed it. "What's wrong?" Colby questioned him. "Nothing," he didn't want to upset her until he had more information, "other than there are enough tongues wagging already." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Get some rest and I'll see you Wednesday." She nodded and Brian left. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Barbara turned into the driveway just as the front door opened and then quickly closed again. She pulled her car next to Brian's and slowly got out. The door opened again and Brian walked towards her. "Barbara, nice to see you." Brian extended his hand in greeting. "Brian," she smirked. This is a good sign she thought. "Colby must be feeling better to entertain visitors. I was just coming to check on her." "Actually I just showed up. I tried calling but her phone was busy so I decided to see if she was all right. It was off the hook." "Is she okay?" Barbara glanced at the front door, but it was closed. "Yes, but she probably would welcome your company right now. She may want to talk to someone." "Oh." Barbara raised her eyebrows. "What happened?" "I said something she wasn't ready to hear and well…" His voice trailed off. "She pushed you away." Barbara shook her head. "That's Colby. She needs this Brian, she just doesn't realize it yet. Everyone can see it but her. Give her some space and I'll work on her too." "I understand, Barbara. I don't want to take Rob's place. I want to create something new with her, but only when she is ready." As he walked towards his car he looked across the street again. "You're in love with her, aren't you?" Barbara's question brought his face back to hers. And by the look Barbara saw, she had hit a nerve. "I could tell at the fireworks." "It's that obvious?" He felt a bit uneasy now that someone else could see so readily his feelings for Colby. "Yes. Your face lights up like a Christmas tree in her presence and you have my blessing as Colby's best friend. She needs you Brian, and she'll come around." "Thanks. I better get going." He opened the car door and got in. As he backed down the driveway he waved to Barbara. He noted the black car again and pulled away. Barbara rang the bell. Colby had gone to the back of the house again and when she heard the chime thought it might be Brian again. "What did you forget Bri…" she said as she opened door to see Barbara standing on the landing. "Nothing and he's gone." Barbara grinned and entered the house. Colby looked out to see only one car in the driveway and no sign of Brian. "I thought I would check on you but someone else beat me to it." She smiled at Colby as the two women went to the back of the house. Barbara noted the remnants of their meal and Colby's uneasiness. "You want to talk about it?" Barbara sat on the sofa and patted a place next to her for Colby to join her. "There's nothing to talk about." Colby blurted. "Yes there is. I saw Brian and the man is in love with you, Colby. That has to elicit some kind of feelings from you." She shot Barbara a look of surprise. "Did he say that?" The words came out raspy. "He didn't have to, Colby. It's written all over his face and I gave him my blessing." Barbara's look was devilish. "You what?" Colby got up and walked to the long windows and looked across the open expanse. "You had no right, Barbara. It's my life. Mine!" Colby was angry that her best friend was encouraging Brian in his pursuit. "Yes I know, Colby, but you need a little nudge." Barbara came and stood beside her. "Look, he's gotten under your skin and don't deny it. I've seen you when the two of you are together and Arlene told me about the incident at the shop. You like him, Colby and he loves you. So what's the problem? Oh I know, Rob and the Spencers. Well you take some time to think about what you want for the rest of your life. My money is on Brian and you know how I hate to lose." Barbara hugged her. "I'll call you and we'll have lunch okay?" Colby nodded. "Barbara?" Her friend turned back. "You really think that…" Colby let out a sigh. "Yes I do, Colby, but do you? That's the question and only you can answer it. I'll call you. Get some rest." Barbara left and Colby went and locked the door. She turned out the lights and went upstairs to the bedroom. Her head hurt and she pulled down the comforter and laid across the bed holding Rob's pillow. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ He noticed a light in the second story window. Looked like his work was done for today. He pulled away from the curb. He'd call Spencer when he got back to his hotel room. If it weren't for the money, he would have told him to forget it. Industrial espionage was more his speed. He didn't know the whole story, but this woman lived a very boring life. He had no idea what Spencer thought he would uncover or what the motive was to follow his sister-in-law. Well whatever it was, Spencer thought it warranted his expertise. The only saving grace about this job was the money, just the money! |