Chapter 15

I arrived at the Bow-Ridge residence ten minutes early. Mother let me drive her car, because she didn’t think taking one of the paths through the woods was a good idea. We had to keep up appearances and she wanted me to make a great impression. A maid answered the door when I knocked. She directed me to a pallor and asked if I wanted some lemonade. I declined.

After she left to announce that I was there, I strolled around the pallor, looking at the various works of art. The Bow-Ridge house was the most elegant house in town. It sang of old money and the style of class that comes with it. From behind me, Mr. Bow-Ridge spoke. “It thrills me that another lover of art is in my home.”

He walked slowly into the room. I hurried over to offer my arm, which he took. “My dear child, you look very lovely tonight. Thank you for humoring an old man.”

He looked the part of a wealthy old man, but his eyes remained youthful. I smiled, “Thank you, sir. But I don’t see an old man here.”

“Better watch her, Grandfather. Her charm is potent.” Javelin spoke from the doorway. He was dressed casually in khaki pants and a pale yellow shirt. He boldly looked me up and down. If he liked my pale blue peasant blouse and dark blue peasant skirt, he didn’t show it. I had loosely braided my hair, so that it hung over my left shoulder. I had tied a pale blue ribbon about the end of it. A few wisps of hair framed my face.

He sat quietly as Mr. Bow-Ridge and I discussed art. At first I felt shy around both men, but it didn’t take long before I was relaxed, because I was passionate with my feelings regarding fine art and Mr. Bow-Ridge shared the same passion. After a while, Javelin broke through our discussion of Van Gough. “The soup is going to get cold if we don’t eat soon.”

Mr. Bow-Ridge said, “Yes, he’s right dear Vivian. We shall have to finish this topic later. Maybe you can come visit again. It is nice to have a vibrant female in the house.”

I smiled, “That would be nice. I enjoy talking with you.”

Javelin said, “The night’s not over, Vivian. There’s plenty of talking to do over dinner. Come on. I’m starving.”

We ate with joviality and gusto for fine foods. I laughed at the stories Mr. Bow-Ridge told of fishing with Javelin in the lake. And shared a few antidotes of my father’s attempts at catching fish. Soon it was time for dessert and I realized how fast time was flying. Javelin sat across from me and I didn’t mind that he watched me so closely. Being around him like this was refreshing and made me aware of his softer side--the one he displayed when talking or caring for his grandfather.

The hour grew late and I made excuses to leave. Mr. Bow-Ridge said, “Please stay a while longer. I’m tired but Little James isn’t. He doesn’t have many friends around the area. I assume it’s because he doesn’t live here and is considered an outsider by the youth of his age.”
Javelin jumped in, “He’s right, Vivian. I wouldn’t mind if you stayed just a little while longer.”
My mouth went dry. It was what I wanted. Both men stared at me, waiting for an answer. I said, “Just for a little longer. Mother will worry if I’m not home soon.”

Mr. Bow-Ridge took my hand and said, “Good night, Vivian. It’s been a pleasure having you in the house. Please come visit me again. You’re always welcome in this home.”

I impulsively hugged him. “Thank you for inviting me. I’ll come again soon. Good night.”

His valet helped him to his room. As soon as he was out of sight, Javelin grabbed my hand and we ran through the house. “Where are we going?” I asked.

“You’ll see,” he said.

We ended up outside by the pool. There were lanterns and a stereo sitting on the bar at the end of the pool. Javelin and I sat on bar stools and I watched him put on a record. The screeching of guitars invaded the night. He said, “All I have is rock and roll. I bet you’re a ‘funk’ girl, aren’t you?”

I laughed, “No but Mavis is. I like soft music, like Neil Diamond or John Denver.”

We sat in silence for a while. Javelin spoke after a bit. “Once again, you’ve made my Grandfather happy. Will you promise me something?”

“What?” I said absent-mindedly. His aftershave was intoxicating. All I could do was breathe deeply.

“Visit him after I leave this summer. He likes you. And I think having you come by some, will break up the dullness of the house.”

“I’ll come visit. You aren’t leaving any time soon, are you?” I asked, fear taking hold of me.
“When school starts up in August, I’ll be heading back to South Miami. Will you miss me, Blueberry Girl?” He moved off his stool to stand close to me.

“The summer’s just starting. Ask me again when it’s over.” I wanted to make the moment light, to break up the sudden tension between us.

“I’m going to kiss you again.” He announced it with a calmness and in a matter-of-fact voice.
He put his hands on my face, kissing me lightly at first. He paused, giving me a moment to protest, but I didn’t. I couldn’t deny myself this pleasure. I had to know if I would feel the same desire I had during that first kiss. And later, I would deal with the consequences. We kissed for a long time. As moments passed, our passion became greater. His hands roamed over my breasts, causing my nipples to harden and ache. I hand my hands on the buttons of his skirt, opening them so I could feel his fine chest hair. As suddenly as he started, he abruptly ended the kissing.
“You make me lose my head, Vivian,” he said in a shaking voice.

I sat on the stool, trying to gain my composure. “You make me lose mine too.”

Javelin pulled me off the stool and into an embrace. He held me close for a long time. Whispering in my ear, he said, “I’ve never felt like this before. The first time I saw you in that blueberry thicket, I knew you were special. My gut tightened up. I wanted you right then. Did you feel it?”

“Yes,” I said. “But there’s...”

“Don’t say his name. You can’t deny you want me, Blueberry Girl. Your kisses shout it to me. I wish you would give me a chance. To see where this leads.” His voice was honey in my ear, but I was torn--wanting him and knowing that I couldn’t break Trent’s trust in me.

“I don’t know. I can’t think straight,” I said. He kissed me again, long and passionately. His hunger for me, pressing against me. It was the first time I had felt an erection so determined to express itself.

“You can’t deny your effect on me,” he said, pulling away from me. “If I give you time to think, you’ll run away. I know you.” I stepped away from him.

I’ve got to get home,” was all I could think to say. I gathered my handbag and hurried towards the back fence and to safety, away from the desire from him that screamed to be released.
“I’m a patient guy, Blueberry Girl. I’ve got all summer. And I know before it’s over. We’ll be together like we’re meant to be.”