Snowy Night

Snowy Night

D. A. Ratliff

I stood on the street corner, enjoying the falling snow and how it muffled the sounds of the city. I checked the time. It was eight pm, which gave me time to grab dinner before Uber arrived at nine to take me to LaGuardia. The red eye to Los Angeles took off at eleven-twenty, and I’d better be on it, or I’d be in trouble. My mother had commanded me to come home for the holidays. It had been five years since I had gone, so I guess it’s time.

Fanelli Cafe’s warm lights beckoned me inside. I hadn’t eaten since breakfast and needed chow. The door opened to the aroma of coffee and sizzling burgers on the grill, giving that homey, comforting atmosphere of familiarity.

Janice, the night manager, waved to me and pointed to a table next to the window. I tucked my backpack under the table and sat where I could see the intersection and streetlights illuminating the snow. Janice brought me coffee.

“The usual, Lucas? Chili and fries on a snowy night?”

“You know me well. And cheesecake. I’ll have withdrawal in LA without Elaine’s cheesecake.”

“Coming right up.”

My phone dinged—my mother. She texted, Are you on your way?

I replied. Yes, Mom. Having dinner at Fanelli’s. Uber here at nine.

Good. Let me know when you are on the plane. Your dad and Davis will pick you up.

I signed off with, I will. Going to eat now.

I tucked my phone into my jacket pocket and sipped my steaming coffee. That’s when I noticed her. At the next table along the window sat a very well-dressed woman, I suspected about ten years older than my mom. I’d been around New York City long enough to recognize money even when someone chose not to flaunt it. My mother was a costume designer in LA, and I grew up knowing quality fabrics when I saw them. This woman screamed money but understated.

She noticed me staring and smiled. “Nothing like a snowy night before Christmas Eve. The city will be electric tomorrow with snow on the ground.”

“It will, and I understand four inches are forecast for tomorrow on top of the three tonight.”

“It will be a winter wonderland. Spending the holiday with family?”

“For the first time in a long time. Flying to LA on the red eye. I haven’t been home in five years. My mother finally threatened me with no more Christmas cookies unless I came home.”

“Smart mother. I have resorted to such tactics. You are wise to do her bidding.”

My food arrived, and she sighed. “I’ll leave you to enjoy your dinner.” I know that sigh. She wanted to talk but also didn’t want to be a bother.

“Please, keep me company. Uber won’t be here until nine. I could do with a good chat.”

She smiled, and I added, “I’m Lucas Payne.”

“I’m Celeste Jamison. Nice to meet you, Lucas. Tell me about yourself.”

“Not much to tell. I grew up in LA with a brother, sister, and parents in the entertainment business. My dad is a prop master, and my mother a costume designer. My sister is an actress who gets decent work, and my brother, the practical one, is an accountant working for a studio. Me? I’m a stage director on Broadway.”

“How fun. What play?”

“Shirley Blaine.”

“Oh, I hear that’s funny, and the music is excellent. It’s about a woman who keeps trying to kill her lover but makes a mess of it?”

“That’s it. Hilarious script, terrific actors, and the music is fantastic.”

“I haven’t seen it yet. Will have to go.”

“How about you? Spending the holidays with your family.”

She hesitated and glanced at her watch before she answered. “Yes, with my children and their families. Divorced a year ago, so I am now a freeloader at my children’s celebrations.”

“I’m sure they love having you.”

“I hope.”

“Do you live in SoHo?”

“No, not now. I did when I was much younger. Fanelli’s used to be my hangout. “

“What brings you back tonight?” As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I knew I shouldn’t have asked. Her face paled, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.”

She shook her head. “It’s fine. It was foolish. When I lived in SoHo, I had a friend, more than a friend, and we lost touch. He went to law school at some Ivy League school and we drifted apart. I got married to a very nice man, and I heard he got married too. Then my nice man decided he would rather not be married to me but to an old love of his.” She stopped. “I don’t know why I am telling you this.”

“Because you need to tell someone, and strangers are always the best to talk to when things are tough. So, why are you here? Reliving old memories?”

“Yes, but not of my husband. Memories of the man I now know I have always loved. I heard Bruce was also divorced, and, on a whim, I asked him to meet me here tonight at eight. He said he would come, but I don’t think he is.”

“It’s snowing, and he’s not that late. He’ll be here.”

“Nice of you to say, but I think memories of lost loves might be best tucked away.”

My heart took a little jerk at her comment. Memories of an old love flashed in my mind. Someone I tried not to think about, but sometimes a song, a scent, or a laugh reminded me of her.

I spent the next twenty minutes trying to distract her with antidotes about the show, but Uber was arriving shortly. I paid the bill and handed her my business card before grabbing my bag.

“Text me your email, and I’ll send you some tickets to the show. Let me know how many you need.”

“That’s very kind, Lucas. I will. I hope we can stay in touch.” She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out her card. “My contact info.”

I took a deep breath. She was the president and CEO of Jamison Financial, one of the most prestigious investment firms in NYC. She laughed at my reaction. “My firm but stuck with the name.”

I stood and stooped over to get my backpack when I heard the door chime and a soft gasp from Celeste. I looked up to see a distinguished but apprehensive man enter. She stood, and his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. He walked over and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m sorry I’m late. I took the train from Greenwich, which was stopped on the tracks forever. Then my phone died.” He paused. “You are as beautiful as you were when this was our place.”

She turned to me. “Lucas, meet Bruce Meadows.”

I shook his hand, and she followed up. “Lucas and I are new friends, but he’s on the way to LA for Christmas.”

Right then, Uber arrived. As I left, she hugged me and whispered, “You gave me hope. Merry Christmas.”

As the Uber pulled away, I saw him reach for her hand. Fanelli’s was their place again. I felt a rush of adrenaline as I stared at my phone. I texted my mom.

Have you seen Terri lately?

Her response was quick. Wow, Terri. Yes, I see her all the time. She works with me now.

My breath caught. I didn’t know. I was just wondering if she was still around.

I could hear the joy in my mother’s voice through the text. She’s staying in LA for the holidays, and before you ask, she is not seeing anyone. I’m calling her right now and inviting her to join us for Christmas.

I dropped my head against the seat. Maybe Terri would like Fanelli’s too.