Page 67 of Unexpected Adventures

“Uh, excuse me,” Shaun starts, “but I do believe I said you’ll experience the best high of your life.”

“Oh, yes, he did indeed. Like that’s much to go on.” I playfully roll my eyes.

“That says it all,” Drake supplies with a hearty laugh.

“Don’t worry, Abby,” Rachel says. “It’s going to be a great day.” She beckons with her head, telling Drake, “You ride with Shaun while Abby and I get to know one another better.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Drake says before giving Rachel a kiss and a swat on her rear.

Shaun gives me a quick kiss before he and Drake head for the Cruiser. Rachel steps to me, looping her arm around mine and escorting me to her Cadillac.

We settle in and make our way out of the parking lot, eventually heading toward the coast. Still a little awe-struck, I sit silently, waiting for her to initiate any conversation.

“I’m not going to grill you, if that’s what you think.” She chuckles.

“Oh, no, I wasn’t thinking that. I was thinking, what in the world is there for me to say to this beautiful, sophisticated woman because I must seem like a simpleton compared to you.”

Rachel lets loose the most uninhibited laugh, immediately relaxing me.

“Oh, Abby, I am going to like you. And thank you for the undeserved compliment.”

“No, really, you are a beautiful woman. And you and Drake look so perfect together.”

“The right man will do that for you.” She looks at me briefly before concentrating back on the road. “I wasn’t always so well put-together. And I certainly don’t think of myself as a sophisticated woman. Now, when I look at you, I think quiet sophistication.”

“Really?” I can’t imagine that’s the image I portray, sitting in my comfortable jean shorts and fitted top, along with my customary athletic shoes. Minimal make-up and carelessly brushed hair complete my look.

“Really. You’re a beautiful woman too, Abby. You don’t seem flighty or garish.”

Rachel can’t see my puzzled look as she concentrates on driving. “Is that the kind of women Shaun’s been associating with before me?”

“Oh no, not at all.” She shakes her head. “In fact, you’re the first woman Shaun’s been associating with for some time.”

“Really?” I ask again.

“Really,” Rachel replies with a laugh. “Don’t get me wrong, there have been plenty of ladies who’ve tried attracting Shaun’s attention. The flighty, garish, he’s-so-cute-I-could-just-gush-over-him type.”

I can’t help but giggle, and Rachel joins me. “But Shaun has been so focused on his work and certifications, he’s forgotten how to let loose and have fun. Until now, that is.” She flashes me a smile.

I smile in return, and am truly giddy inside to hear this.

“When he called last night and Drake filled me in on his plans for you today, I knew you were different.”

“That’s very flattering.”

“So, Abby, let’s tell each other our secrets.”

I giggle again, because, really, I am a little girl, and I feel so comfortable with Rachel I truly look forward to calling her a friend.

We tell each other about ourselves, our work, our families, and I learn that Drake is Rachel’s world. She was put up for adoption as a baby, and her adoptive parents—who were once her entire world and childless before her—were tragically killed several years ago in a freak boating accident. But she wouldn’t hear of me telling her how sorry I was.

After their passing, she fell into such a pit of depression she stopped caring about anything. And after a chance meeting with Drake, he pulled her out of that pit and showed her a life worth living. The vulnerability and despair she spoke of, followed by utter happiness and bliss was humbling.

“I think I’m going to cry. I feel so silly thinking it’s like a fairy tale story.” I sniffle as I notice Rachel swiping at her own eyes.

“Believe me, it is. I feel like the luckiest woman alive, and I count my blessings every day.” After a few more sniffles of her own, she continues. “Okay, that’s the only weak moment you’ll see from me.” She grins.

“Thank you for sharing, Rachel. It couldn’t have been easy, especially with a stranger.”

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