Silently Falling in Love: Again (Edited)

Chapter 40 - The Hamptons

Anjali – February 2008

I pulled into the driveway of Gregg and Callie's vacation home in the Hamptons. From the outside it was beautiful. What were they planning on doing that would need a major architectural overhaul? Oh well, what did I care. I walked up to the grey door with beautiful white trim and rang the doorbell. After waiting for a few minutes, I wondered if I had written down the wrong date. I couldn't hear any sounds from inside. I rang the doorbell again, hoping I hadn't messed up.

Inhaling deeply, I assumed I'd messed up the one thing that had made me happy in a long time. I dragged my feet on the gravel driveway back to my car with a heavy heart, dreading the drive back to the city. I could already hear Raj's commentary.

"Anjali! Hey, Anjali, where are you going?"

Turning around I saw Gregg running down the graveled driveway.

"Sorry, I thought you weren't home, and I mixed up our appointment."

"Why are you saying sorry? I'm sorry, I was rushing to get off a call to get to the door; you're on time. Come on in." Gregg held out his arm.

"Okay." I hesitated before accepting his arm. I felt nervous being alone with him.

"Is Callie home?" We entered the foyer with a beautiful minimalist chandelier hung directly over an antique round table decorated with a bouquet of white flowers.

"You know Callie, she had some appointment in the city she wasn't able to reschedule. She sends her regards. I hope you don't mind. If major changes need to be made, we can have a second meeting with her. I'll make sure she has it on her calendar."

"No problem, I'm sure we won't need her for our first meeting. Can you give me a tour of the house and tell me what you're looking to do?"

"Yes, but where are my manners? What do you want to drink? Coffee, tea, wine?"

"Water would be great."

"Are you sure, just water?"

"Yes, I'm sure." My fingers fidgeted behind my back. I hoped Gregg didn't notice my nervousness. It had been years since I had looked at a blueprint.

"All right, follow me, and I'll show you the kitchen and family room while I get a glass of water."

I nodded and followed Gregg from the foyer down a long hallway that led into a beautiful mainly white well-lit kitchen.

"This is gorgeous!" I took in the huge rectangular island centered exactly in the middle of the kitchen. It seemed inviting for a fun-filled family evening. There was a six burner Viking stove with a built-in grill; the top of the line kitchen gadgets; and a ton of counter space left over.

"Callie must love to cook this is a chef's dream come true."

"You almost made me drop the water," Gregg laughed. "Callie and cooking don't go in the same sentence. I don't think she even knows the names of these gadgets. She leaves all of this up to the cooks and caterers."

"What a shame. I have kitchen envy."

"I take it you cook a lot," Gregg stated.

"Yes, I do. I enjoy cooking for my kids."

"And what about Raj?" Gregg inquired.

"Yes, well for him too, but he enjoys fine dining restaurants over eating home-cooked meals."

"He's a fool. I'd love a few more home-cooked meals."

Gregg handed me my glass of water before we began the tour of the five-bedroom home that overlooked the water.