Rosemarie's Revenge

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Elsa asked McKenna. “You don’t know her very well, and you didn’t exactly start off on the right foot all those years ago.” “I know we didn’t,” McKenna said, appreciating her friend’s concern. “But I think it will be interesting.” “Well, just remember that you’re always welcome back here if it doesn’t work out.” McKenna smiled and hugged her friend gratefully. “You and Dan are the best.” A minute later, Elsa asked about Raul. “He wants to talk some more,” McKenna said. “We’re actually planning to meet tonight at a nice little Chinese restaurant not far from here. I’m looking forward to it.” Elsa studied her. “Uh… something going on?” “Oh, no, not at all. He has, however, turned into an amazingly handsome guy. He was always adorable, but now he’s like… wow.” Elsa giggled. “Think he still has that crush on you?” “Well, he described me as going from hot to smoking hot, but I doubt it after all these years, Elsa.” She met Raul at the restaurant a few hours later. The weather was warm, and she wore a simple pink tank top with a black skirt and black sandals with a slight heel. Her hair was pulled back in a long French braid. She spotted Raul, who gave a slight wave in her direction. She headed over, and he rose to greet her like the gentleman he had always been before she slid into the booth across from him. “You look gorgeous,” said Raul. McKenna smiled but wondered if he really meant it or was just being kind. She took in his casual appearance: a red polo shirt with tan slacks. “You’re looking great, as always,” she told him, and she meant it. They ordered drinks, and McKenna chose a pork-fried rice and vegetable combo while Raul settled on ribs with spaghetti noodles. “So, what have you been up to?” Raul asked. McKenna filled him in on her plans to move in with Rosemarie. “Are you sure you want to do that?” “That’s exactly what Elsa asked me.” “Well, you two barely know each other and don’t exactly have a great history.” “You’ve got a point there. I guess I’m just curious. I can always move back out if I’m not happy. Like I told Rosemarie, I’m not jumping in all at once. I’ll slowly get my feet wet and gradually work my way in.” “That’s probably your best bet.” They didn’t talk for a few minutes as their food was served and they savored their selections. “This is delicious,” McKenna said with delight after a few bites. “Yeah, this place always knows how to do Chinese cuisine.” McKenna studied Raul, again amazed at how handsome he had become. “I still can’t believe you’re single.” “I could say the same of you.” McKenna laughed. “So, what’s your living situation these days? I’m guessing you have a house?” “Close. A condo.” “Oh, yeah?” Raul nodded. “That way I don’t have to be responsible for yard work, pool upkeep, things like that.” “Good way to cut the work down but still own your own place.” “Yeah, especially with how busy my job keeps me.” “No time for love?” Raul took a bite and shrugged. “More like no one worth making time for yet.” “I’m sorry to hear that.” “You’re welcome to see the place after dinner,” Raul invited. “I never mind having company.” McKenna smiled. “I’d like that.” They finished their meal, declined dessert, and McKenna followed Raul in her own car to his condo. A few minutes later, Raul unlocked the door to his comfortable but pricey condo with immaculate grounds and gated security. He motioned McKenna ahead, and she stepped into a spacious living room. Brown leather couches and chairs were flanked by glass and brass tables. Abstract paintings with hues of dark blues and reds hung on the walls, complementing the dark blue carpet. A fireplace stood at the opposite end, with photos of friends and family adorning the mantle. Recessed lighting cast a soft but even glow. “Wow, Raul. This is really nice.” “Why, thank you, ma’am.” “Really, really nice.” “It’s been home for a while now.” “I should have skipped the drama and taken you up on your offer twenty-one years ago,” McKenna half-joked. Raul didn’t laugh. “You hear much from the neighbors?” “Nope. Brick firewalls separate the units.” McKenna looked at the stairs near the front door. “How many bedrooms?” “Two.” “This is wonderful,” McKenna said. “You’re welcome here anytime. Tea? Decaf?” “Some decaf would be nice. Want help?” “No, thanks. Just make yourself comfortable.” McKenna sank into the couch, which hugged her body perfectly. Raul returned with the coffee and sat next to her. They sipped from their cups and then placed them on the coffee table. “So,” said Raul, “thank you for joining me for dinner and then coming here.” McKenna smiled. “And thank you for inviting me.” A moment of awkward silence passed. McKenna spoke again. “Raul…” “Yes, ma’am?” “I’m sorry.” Raul raised his eyebrows. “For?” “For any mistakes I may have made. I thought I was doing the right thing by turning you down because of the age difference. I believed there would be better options for you closer to your age. I felt I owed you those opportunities.” “I appreciate that, babe. I understand that’s how you felt then. The only opportunities you really left me were with second best.” McKenna gazed at him, jaw slightly open. “I don’t mean to guilt you. I know you did what you thought was right. I’m just being candid.” McKenna smiled slightly. “I appreciate it, hun, but I still feel guilty. I probably would either way. Guilty if I tied you down, guilty if I left you with what you call second best.”