Page 38 of Never Been Matched
“Is this the right one? You’re not saving it for something special?”
He snorts. “No. Maybe my parents were. I’m not a big drinker. Trust me, tonight is as special as it gets around here.” He opens a drawer on the island and pulls out an opener.
I hand him the bottle, and he opens and pours us two glasses.
“Here.” He hands me the letter along with a glass of wine.
Our fingers brush, and my stomach does a flip-flop.
Stupid sweater vest.
“The fireplace is on in the living room if you want to read it in there while we’re waiting on the pizza. I’ll join you once the oven’s done preheating.”
A fireplace and wine on a cold, snowy day? Uh, yes please.
I make my way into the living room, tucking myself into an oversized chair in the corner.
A heavy wooden coffee table sits in front of the couch, its surface marked with faint scratches and water rings.
There’s a matching side table beside me with a framed photo.
I pick it up. Spencer is wearing a black graduation gown and red stole. He’s standing in between an older couple, one arm slung around the woman’s shoulders. Her smile is bright and proud. The man beside him looks more reserved, but his smile reaches his eyes.
He has the same brown eyes as Spencer. They look kind.
His parents.
I vaguely remember them from when I would visit. Not much, just that they were nice and friends with Beverly, but everyone was.
I set the photo back down carefully.
The rest of the room is similar to the office area, a mix of heavy wood and muted tones, deep browns, worn leather, thick fabrics that are more functional than decorative.
After taking a sip of wine, I turn my focus to the letter still in my hand.
Fingers tingling with excitement, I slide the pages out of the envelope, and a key drops into my lap. I examine it. Gold-toned, with an ornate bow and a long, narrow shaft.
A skeleton key.
I know this key. It’s the key to the reel room. Unexpected emotion washes over me. I blink back the heat in my eyes to read.
* * *
Vivien,
* * *
Well, my girl, you did it. I’m not surprised at all. You always had a way of setting your mind to something and seeing it through no matter what. Even when it was something your mother forced you into and you hated every second, you buckled down and got it done. You’ve always been stronger than you realize. Hopefully you didn’t hate that task though. Graham is not hard to look at, don’t you think? And creative, intelligent, successful. You need someone who matches your level of accomplishments. Men are such fragile creatures.
Now it’s time for your second task, and this one will be a little tougher (the hardest things in life are always the most rewarding though, don’t you think?) because this time it is twofold.
First, you must fill every seat at the theater during the next Saturday show. I don’t know what day of the week you’re receiving this notice, so to give you adequate time, we’ll make it the Saturday after the upcoming weekend.
* * *
That’s good news since today is Tuesday. That gives me ten full days.
* * *
