Starting Over... Chapter 3

She watched as the recognition washed over him. It had been probably 20 years since they had last seen each other. Slippery hadn’t hit yet, but it was about to and she had been friends with all the guys and one of their biggest supporters. She had also been his girl. He had loved her and he had hurt her. “I think I need to sit” he told her as he pulled out a chair. The music had changed and Leana shook her head slightly at the irony of the song,

I would like to visit you for a while
Get away and out of this city
Maybe I shouldn't have called but someone had to be the first to break
We can go sit on your back porch
Relax
Talk about anything
It don't matter
I'll be courageous if you can pretend that you've forgiven me

Because I don't know you anymore
I don't recognize this place
The picture frames have changed and so has your name
We don't talk much anymore
We keep running from the pain
But what I wouldn't give to see your face again

Leana finally broke the silence between them. “So Richie, how have you been?” He looked over at her, not sure what to say. So many years had passed, but he hadn’t forgotten. Pushed her to the back of his mind, but hadn’t forgotten. He found his voice “I’ve been alright, how about you?” “Oh, there have been some ups and downs, but all in all I can’t complain.” He nodded and took a sip of his wine. “You still look good. Your hair’s different though.” “No, it’s the same; I just overcame my addiction to aqua net.” She smiled remembering her big 80’s hair. “Relax Richie, I’m not going to hurt you.” He looked over at her again, “you have every right to though.” “I know, but I am more mature now than I was then. I have had a lot of time to get over you.” She got up and went to the railing, needing to put some space between them. The candle light flickered over her as she passed. “Did you? Get over me?” He was curious. “I moved on.” She turned back to him, “just like you did.” He couldn’t argue that. She was getting uncomfortable with where the conversation was going. “Look, I am not ready to go there yet. How about we talk about something else?”

Richie stood and walked over to her, “for now, but we are going to need to talk sometime you know.” “I know, just not now.” He agreed. Leana took a deep breath to steady herself. “So, did you eat yet, are you hungry?” She moved past him and went into the house. Her potatoes were more than done and the steaks were ready for the grill. She picked up the plate and went back outside. “Still like your steak rare?” He laughed as he refilled their glasses, “the bloodier the better.” She put them on and went back in and got dishes and silverware out. She brought everything outside and the steaks were ready to come off. Riche sat back and sighed when he finished eating. “You are still a hell of a cook darlin’.” Leana smiled, “thanks. Did you ever learn to at least boil water?” He laughed, “yea, I can make ice cubes too.” They laughed together. Leana stood and gathered their plates and took them inside. She grabbed the other bottle of wine and stepped back out and refilled their glasses. “So” she started, “I was sorry to hear about your divorce.” A pained look came across his face. “Yea, it sucks.” Leana nodded, “I know, I’ve been there myself.” “Oh?” “Yeah.” She didn’t explain. “How’s Ava handling it?” Richie looked at her, a little wary of sharing details, but she was seemed genuinely concerned. “As well as she can I suppose. I see her as much as I can, or rather as much as Heather will let me.” He sounded frustrated. “Problems in that area I take it.” “Yea, but we’re working on it.”

They chatted a bit longer and Richie finally asked “what brought you to LA?” Leana had wondered how long it would take him. She explained about her ex, her own divorce, her very understanding boss and the transfer he had offered. “I figured that a fresh start on the opposite side of the country from the ass was just what I needed. So, here I am.” She glanced up and down the beach, “I didn’t realize I had moved into your neighborhood though.” She knew he lived in LA, but hadn’t known exactly where. “Yea, I live just a few houses down. Not too far.” They sat in silence for a bit, neither sure of what the other was thinking. Richie watched her, studied her was probably more accurate. Her features hadn’t changed too much, a little leaner in the face and body; the years had been kind to her. He smiled to himself. Leana was getting uncomfortable with him staring at her. “What?” Richie’s cheeks reddened. “I was just thinking that I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you right off. You haven’t changed, hardly at all. I think the glasses threw me though.” She smiled. “You always were a charmer Rich. Flattery won’t get you far with me these days though.”



Music is the soundtrack of our lives.