The Girl in Hemingway's Studio Page 5

  “Arthur, I would love it. The House of Tricks is one of my very favorite restaurants. You’ve really gotten to perceive my tastes after working on my house for these past few months.”

  “Great, I’ll pick you up at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow night. I’ll call for reservations.”

  The House of Tricks Restaurant opened in 1987. It was a charming, remodeled 1920’s bungalow, similar to Arthur’s business office. It was set in a garden area with an awning of mature trees shading the outdoor patios preserving the atmosphere of the charming neighborhood that had once existed on Tempe’s east Seventh Street. The fine wine, impressive cuisine, and terrific service made this the best award-winning restaurant in downtown Tempe.

  As Arthur drove up to Judith’s current house, he wondered why she wanted a new home. This house was perfect. The design of the home was stylish and modern, the yard was well landscaped, and the neighborhood was elegant. When he had asked her why she wanted to build a new home, she replied, “Too many memories in my current house, besides I want my horses close. I’ve already arranged for them to be housed in a stable close to my new home.”

  Judith answered the door, looking fashionable, yet comfortable. She was elegant in white linen pants, a white linen camisole, and a very soft, flowing blue topper. Judith’s strappy sandals and artisan blue and white jewelry completed her perfect outfit. Arthur was glad he had recently purchased a new Mercedes; Judith approved. He wasn’t sure why that was important to him.

  It was a wonderful spring evening, the kind of weather Phoenix residents enjoy before they have to face the long, hot summer days and nights. The House of Tricks was aglow with tiny lights and the smell of freshly planted petunias, daisies, and geraniums. They decided to sit outdoors on the wooden deck. After they sat down, they each ordered a glass of wine and shared an order of Foie Gras and Anise-Cinnamon Sopapilla with Vanilla Mano. Judith suggested walking into the dining room to see the owners’ collection of fine art. While admiring a painting by Peter Drake, Robin Trick, the proprietress, spotted Judith and greeted her with a hug and an air-kiss.

  Judith introduced Arthur as her “magnificent architect.”

  Judith and Arthur conversed about their growing city, local politics, art, and his daughters. She ordered the Glazed Campbell River Salmon; he chose the Free Range Pork Chop with Red Potatoes. It was a truly lovely evening. They ended the meal with a shared Flourless Turtle Brownie with Salted Caramel Sauce and coffee.

  Arthur drove Judith home and kissed her on the cheek at her door. A feeling of happiness swept over him as he whistled all the way home. When Arthur walked in the door, Alexis was watching the local news. She glanced up and smiled, “Hi, Dad. How was your business dinner?”

  “Actually, it was really nice. I had a good time.” He sat down on the ottoman and stared at the television set. Arthur had a bewildered look on his face, as Alexis walked over and sat next to me. She put her arms around her father’s neck.

  “Dad, you know Mom never would have wanted you to be so unhappy. It’s okay to socialize and see people and have fun.”

  She kissed her father, and he gave her a firm hug.

  I knew she was right. Nora would be furious that I’m still so miserable and lonely.

  The housing construction began on schedule. Almost every morning, Arthur would stop at the building-site on his way to work. He was very impressed with this new construction company and how fast and neatly they worked. Some evenings, Judith would call Arthur to ask his opinion on various changes she wanted to make. Arthur would always stop by to answer her questions, but he would smile at some of her suggestions.

  One afternoon, Judith was frantic. She couldn’t decide what kind of sink she wanted for her kitchen.

  “Arthur, I just don’t know if I want a traditional double sink or the farm sink that is suddenly coming into fashion. The granite guy is coming tomorrow, so I have to decide now. Can you please help me?” Judith smiled and blinked her eyelashes with exaggerated movements that made Arthur laugh.

  “Judith, if you are thinking ahead, the farm style sink is just gaining in popularity and I think that would be the way to go. But I’m not a cook, so I’m not sure it is the better choice.”

  He wondered, When was the last time Judith cooked a meal or washed a dish?

  As if reading his mind, she said. “You know what, I’m going to call my housekeeper and get her take on which sink is better.”

  “That’s very smart of you.” Arthur was glad he was off the hook if his suggestion proved to be wrong. Judith’s housekeeper also suggested the farm sink.

  Both Charlotte and Alexis noticed that their dad’s demeanor was happier, actually cheerful. They both knew he was going out to dinner with one of his clients, but they thought it was just business. Shortly before the Edman house was finished, Arthur brought Judith home to meet the girls.

  Alexis observed that the woman was very attractive and wearing a stunning outfit, but there was something disturbing about her that Alexis couldn’t quite put her finger on. Charlotte shook hands with the lady and rushed out of the house. She had another date with Christopher and she was running late.

  The next morning after their dad had left for work, Alexis asked Charlotte what she had thought about Judith Edman.

  “I’m not sure,” answered Charlotte. “I do think Dad might be heading for a serious relationship. Have you noticed how happy he’s been lately? He’s always whistling.”

  “Yes, I have noticed, that’s why I’m concerned,” she injected. “I don’t want Dad to have his heart broken. I have seen this woman out and about and I heard she’s been married and divorced numerous times. I think she’s on ASU’s Gammage Advisory Board and several other Tempe social boards. She just seems so different from Mom.”

  “Well,” remarked Charlotte as she emptied her coffee in the sink and put her cup in the dishwasher. “I’m not going to worry about it until Dad actually knows how he feels about her. Don’t worry, he’ll let us know if this becomes a serious relationship.”

  It didn’t take long before both girls realized that their father and Ms. Edman were getting very serious indeed. They started going out to dinner, plays, parties, and a couple of nights each week, their father didn’t come home after his date.

  Charlotte announced her engagement to Christopher Barnett on Thanksgiving afternoon. Judith was spending Thanksgiving with the Strong family. Dinner guests included the girls’ grandmother Martha Baxter, and Alexis’s friend Kyle Warner.

  Everyone was thrilled with the news, and Charlotte glowed with excitement. She proudly showed everyone her engagement ring, a platinum band with a marquise cut diamond. It had to be at least one and a half carats, and it was dazzling as it caught the light from the dining room chandelier. Even Judith was happy for Charlotte and approved the size and cut of her ring. Over the last few months, Charlotte and Alexis noticed that Judith was completely into appearances, possessions, and proper etiquette. She offered to help Arthur and Charlotte plan the wedding. Since she never had any children, she was thrilled when Arthur accepted her offer. Charlotte just smiled, as she had specific wedding ideas and didn’t appreciate the extra help.

  Judith got her way, and Charlotte’s wedding was held in the backyard of Judith’s new mansion. Judith even helped Charlotte pick out her wedding dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses, and even Christopher’s tux. Judith organized the catered dinner, the band, and arranged the seating charts and flowers. Soon Charlotte gave up and let her do what she wanted to do.

  “Next time,” an irritable Charlotte said to Alexis. “I’m not telling anyone I’m getting married and I will plan that wedding all by myself.”

  “Oh great,” Alexis chuckled. “You are already planning wedding number three before I have had my first one.”

  Everyone who attended the Charlotte and Christopher wedding agreed it was flawless. All their friends talked about the beautiful, perfect wedding. Everyone acknowledged Judith really did know how to plan a party. By the time
Charlotte married and moved on with her life, Alexis perceived that her father was getting very serious with Judith. She began to realize he, too, would probably be married before her.

  CHAPTER NINE

  The Wedding

  In August 2005, Arthur invited Charlotte and Christopher over for a barbeque. His daughters and Christopher were sitting at the breakfast bar in the kitchen, when Arthur told them of his plans to marry Judith. He went on for several minutes explaining that this didn’t mean he didn’t love the girls’ mother and he would always be there for both Charlotte and Alexis. About half an hour later, Judith walked in the door. Charlotte, Christopher, and Alexis congratulated her and welcomed her into their family—half-heartily they would admit.

  October 14, 2005, was Arthur and Judith’s wedding day. That morning Alexis prepared a hardy breakfast for her father, blueberry waffles, crisp bacon, grapefruit, and strong coffee. They were sitting side by side at the breakfast bar drinking their second cup of coffee, when Alexis reached over and put her arms around her dad’s shoulders.

  “What are you thinking?” she asked. “It’s your wedding day, you must be excited.”

  Arthur laughed. “It’s so strange, when your mother and I got married, we were so young, and I never gave our wedding day much thought. I knew how much I loved Nora and I trusted our future would be wonderful. Now that I’m older, I’m afraid I’m overthinking my decision and worrying too much. I love Judith and I look forward to a good, happy life with her.”

  Alexis smiled and hugged her dad. He smiled back and said, “I’m going to tell you something that you must promise never, never to repeat.” Alexis nodded. “I will never love any woman as much as I loved your mother.” Alexis bit her lip so as not to cry and hugged her father again.

  It was early afternoon when Arthur and Alexis were dressed and ready to go. The wedding was going to be a simple ceremony on the private patio at The House of Tricks, where Judith and Arthur had their first date. The owners closed the restaurant for this special occasion. Friends and relatives of Judith and Arthur would attend the wedding ceremony and dinner; there would be around fifty guests. Arthur walked out of his bedroom looking dashing in his new navy-blue Armani suit, a gift from his bride. He smiled as Alexis walked out of her bedroom looking very stylish in her light-blue Rickie Freeman dress. The dress had a jewel neckline, cap sleeves, and a skirt that flared when she moved. She wore the pearl necklace and earrings her dad gave her on Christmas morning. Judith had seen the dress at Nordstrom’s in Scottsdale and told Alexis about it and asked her to go take a look. Alexis tried it on, loved it, and bought it; Judith surprised her with a gift of matching light-blue Christian Louboutin pumps with an ankle strap and slim stiletto heel. Alexis almost fainted when she saw the $845 tiny barcoded price tag discretely located on the bottom of the shoebox.

  Alexis’s dear friend, Kyle Warner, rang the doorbell. He was going to be Alexis’s “plus one” and drive her and her father to the wedding site. Alexis greeted him and welcomed him in. Arthur was grateful to have the company of these two delightful young people. He simply couldn’t understand why he was so nervous.

  Alexis, Arthur, and Kyle were walking from the parking lot to the restaurant when Christopher and Charlotte drove in. They waited until the newlyweds parked their car. Christopher, an extremely good-looking man with classic features, short blond hair, and piercing blue eyes, smiled as he put a protective arm around his bride. Arthur noted that Christopher’s tall and lithesome frame made him look dashing in his gray suit. Charlotte was beautifully dressed in a short, black sheath with cutout sleeves, which she had accented with a chunky silver necklace, matching earrings, and a silver bracelet. Black Stuart Weizmann stiletto sandals with a delicate ankle strap completed her outfit. Judith had also surprised Charlotte with an extravagant gift of matching shoes. Arthur walked quickly to greet his daughter and son-in-law, and they all walked into the private room set aside for the groom and his family.

  The wedding ceremony took place on the wooden deck built between the restaurant’s two separate dining rooms. A circle of pots filled with elegant flowers created a barrier where the bride and groom would exchange vows. Once the guests were seated, Judith walked out of the private room by herself unto the patio. She wore an elegant Armani dress the color of eggplant with silver sequined beadwork covering the bodice of the airy dress. The low V-neck modestly suggested the possibility of cleavage, and the dress dropped to just above her ankles. She wore a diamond V-shaped necklace and a diamond tennis bracelet. The three-inch single strand diamond earrings were a gift from her groom. Her sleek silver stiletto 3” heels were imported from Italy to complete the perfect ensemble. Arthur thought she was a beautiful bride.

  After the brief ceremony, the greeting of guests, and the wedding pictures, everyone sat down to a scrumptious meal. Attendees could choose from a menu of grilled salmon, brick-roasted Cornish game hen, or beef tenderloin. A combo band entertained the guests while they dined and provided the music for the bride and groom’s first dance and continued to play until the last person left. It was an enchanting, lovely wedding.

  Shortly after dinner, Arthur and Judith left for the airport in a slick, black limousine that Arthur had ordered. Arthur and Judith arrived in Hawaii the next morning for a two-week honeymoon in a luxurious hotel on Maui. When they returned, Arthur moved into the beautiful mansion he had designed for Judith.

  Alexis was left all alone in the family home. At first she didn’t mind. She grew up in that home, and so many things reminded her of her mother. In May 2006, Alexis received an offer to teach Freshmen English in the fall at ASU. She accepted. Once she started receiving a regular paycheck, she grew restless and wanted to start looking for a place of her own. She trusted her father’s judgment and would have him check out houses before she would look at them. Alexis was on a tight budget, but thanks to her grandparents Strong, she had money for a down payment. Her father found a house in the ASU neighborhood through one of his clients. Arthur and Alexis checked out the well-worn house, and both saw its potential. The neighborhood was nice, the street was lined with full-grown trees, and the yards were mostly maintained. Alexis put in an offer, and it was accepted. Arthur helped Alexis with the repairs that needed to be done so that the house would be safe and clean. They had the roof replaced, painted inside and out, carpeted the inside of the house, tore out the dying lawn, and replaced it with desert landscaping in the front and sod in the backyard, and they had a contractor add a nice size patio deck with an attached patio cover. By the end of summer, the house was nice enough for Alexis to move into it. The house was cute, clean, and safe. The best part was it was close to ASU and her dad’s office.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The Prize

  May 2016

  Alexis had finished “finals” and posted her students’ grades. On graduation day, she proudly watched several of her students accept their hard-won degrees. While waiting during the long ceremony, she tried to assess which one of her students would achieve successful careers.

  Things had calmed down at home. Marcus went to work every day and seemed to find his job challenging. He had even cut back to spending only one evening a week with “the boys” at the local sports bars. Marcus and Alexis started preparing their backyard for summer. Alexis had high hopes that maybe she wouldn’t have to teach summer school after all. Marcus’s paycheck helped simplify balancing their monthly household budget.

  On a sunny morning, as Alexis returned from the grocery store, she spotted the mailman down the street, she pulled into her garage and walked over to her mailbox A huge envelope from Florida Keys Flash Fiction Contest addressed to Dr. Alexandra Strong Caldwell, caught her eye. She ran into the garage, opening the back door to the kitchen to get a knife to open the soft package, leaving the groceries in her car’s trunk baking in the hot Arizona sun. The first words caught her eye—Congratulations Dr. Caldwell; You are the winner….

  Alexis started to pick up her phone to call Ma
rcus and Kyle when she remembered the ice cream and milk sweltering in the heat. After carting the bags into her cool kitchen, she placed the calls. She was disappointed with Marcus’s reaction, since he couldn’t go with her; he was surprised to hear she was planning on going alone.

  “Marcus, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I will be finishing my novel using Hemingway’s desk and typewriter.”

  “Really, Alexis,” scoffed Marcus. “You are going to use an old typewriter instead of your computer?”

  “Well, no. I’d thought I would use his typewriter for inspiration and add the words to my manuscript on my laptop. Marcus, I know you joke about my book, but it’s really coming together and I think it is really good. Even Kyle, who has read parts of it, agrees. I just need something to tie it all together and a smashing ending.”

  “Actually, some of the girls at the office were talking about an author named Cynthia, something, supposedly she got a million dollar advance for her first book. Ever heard of her?”

  “Yes, Cynthia Sweeney. Her book, The Nest, was on the New York Times Best Seller List for several weeks. Very encouraging.”

  “Okay, go ahead and go to Florida, make us a million dollars. I’ve got to go; my weekly staff meeting is in half an hour. See you tonight.”

  Alexis put away her groceries while she dialed Kyle. Got his voice mail. She just left a quick message, “Call me.”

  Disappointed she didn’t get the reaction she wanted from Marcus, she decides she wants to tell someone who would be thrilled for her. She wanted to talk to her friend, Julie. Yes, Julie and Cathy, her junior high “grunge” buddies, were still her best friends. Julie was now a financial officer for a huge accounting firm and Cathy, an elementary principal in Scottsdale. They are both married and mothers. Alexis decided she didn’t want to tell them her news on the phone, so she texted Julie, asking if they could meet as she had exciting news.