Chapter Twenty-Five

Oakley entered the small soup and sandwich shop shortly before one. Nervous, she scanned the room, relieved when she didn’t see anyone who resembled Sarah. Now that the time had arrived, her cowardice showed. More than once she’d wanted to back out. Only the thoughts of what she’d asked Tanner to endure firmed her resolve to keep the appointment and go through with the reunion. She couldn’t live in a glass house and throw stones at his. And she could do no less than what she had asked of him.

Finding a quiet booth near the back, she watched the door. A waitress came over with menus, leaving two when Oakley mentioned she was meeting a friend, before hurrying off to assist other customers.

A sandy-haired brunette came through the door, carrying a car seat, and looking over the room.

Oakley’s heart sped with recognition. She waved at the other woman, sharing a smile when their eyes connected.

“Sarah. You look wonderful.” Oakley studied her, noticing the neat slacks and blouse, along with leather flats. Her face carried a smile that extended up to her eyes. If the appearance stunned her, the fact that she brought a small baby with her shocked Oakley.

Sarah smiled warmly. “As do you.” She placed the car seat at the back of the table where they could see the tiny little one. “This is Megan.”

“Wow.” Oakley peered down at the sleeping baby, dressed in a pink outfit complete with headband. “She’s beautiful. How old?”

“Four weeks. I’m still on maternity leave.” Scooting into the booth, Sarah took a seat across from Oakley. “To be honest, I was thrilled to get out of the house and meet you, even if it was an hour drive to get here since I live in Lincoln.”

Oakley turned her attention from Megan to Sarah. “Me, too.” She leaned in. “I have to admit, I’m nervous.”

Sarah nodded. “I expect both of us are. But it’s a relief to see you again. Really.”

Oakley heard the sincerity in her friend’s tone. “It’s been so long. What do you do now?”

“I work as a counselor for a small elementary school. Richard, my husband, is a manager at a computer software development company.”

Sarah was married and had a baby. The facts took a moment to sink in. “I’m so happy for you. I never imagined…”

Sarah reached out to take one of Oakley’s hands, holding it between her own. “Oakley, it’s okay. I can talk about it now.”

Oakley met her eyes then bobbed her head.

“At one time, I didn’t think I would ever get to a point where I could even consider dating again, let alone marrying. But my parents connected me with a psychologist who specialized in cases like mine. She really helped me come to terms with what happened and learn to move past it. I returned to college, armed with determination and the want to help others just like she helped me.”

“Are you still in therapy?”

She shook her head. “I talk to my therapist now and again, but don’t need regular appointments. She turned my life around. I wanted to do that for others. So, I became a counselor.”

Her reasoning made sense to Oakley. When a person makes such a great impression, it’s natural to want to pay that forward to others.

“What about you? I know you went on to graduate school. I followed you that far, at least.”

Oakley blinked. “But we lost touch within a year.”

Sarah smiled sadly. “I found it hard to continue communicating at that point in my life. It kept bringing back old memories—good along with the bad. But I wanted to know how you were, what you did. I could do that by watching the university website from afar.”

“Oh.”

Sarah released her hand, but leaned forward. “Did you get counseling?”

“Yes. For a while. I…” She opened her mouth like a guppy with no sounds emerging. This was the moment she dreaded. Taking a deep breath she tried again. “I felt guilty.”

Sympathy crossed Sarah’s face. “I did too.”

Oakley jerked in surprise. “You had nothing to feel guilty for. It was his fault, not yours.”

“It sounds rational, but the mind isn’t always rational.”

Oakley understood that completely. “I thought you hated me for setting up the date.” Her gaze lowered to the table, unable to watch her friend’s reaction to her comment.

Sarah sighed. “Oakley, listen to your own words. It was his fault, not yours. I never blamed you. I blamed myself and him, of course. But never you.”

Peeking up, Oakley found truth written on Sarah’s face.

“No, Oakley. You see… You were my hero that night.”

Oakley’s eyes widened. “Some hero.”

Sarah shushed her. “I was…lost and afraid that night. I just wanted to take a shower, scrub away his touch, and forget the incident ever happened. You didn’t let me do that. Instead, you made the phone calls, tossed me in your car, and insisted I tell the emergency room staff what happened. I didn’t want any of that at the time. But soon I realized that without you forcing me to make that first step, I wouldn’t have sought therapy and certainly wouldn’t be here today with a wonderful husband, adorable baby, and a career I enjoy.”

Oakley stared at her.

“You saved me, Oakley.”

Tears threatened, spilling over with Sarah’s words. For the first time in years, Oakley felt relief and acceptance begin to suture closed the old wound. Her friend’s words helped heal more than she could have ever expected.

“You saved yourself. I just drove the car,” Oakley pointed out, smiling through the streams running down her cheeks.

Sarah teared up and sniffled. “I’m so glad you emailed me. I’ve been wanting to connect with you for years but always chickened out before writing the email. When I saw your email this morning, I couldn’t let this opportunity pass by. Not when I had so much to share.”

The waitress walked over, quietly interrupting. “I’m sorry. I just thought you might need something to drink.”

They looked up to her and patted wet cheeks with napkins. “Water, please.”

“Ditto for me,” Sarah echoed.

“So, tell me everything. Especially about Richard.”

“He’s wonderful. Caring. Patient. We met by accident at his computer store.” She glanced at the baby and smiled. “For the longest time, I couldn’t tell him what happened, that I carried deep scars. He never pushed, pressured, or grew frustrated. Instead, he supported me in every way, shape, and form.”

“He sounds like a dream.”

Sarah chuckled. “That’s what I thought. Too good to be true. But the longer we were together, the more I saw of his inner goodness.” She swallowed. “It was hard, telling him about what happened.”

Oakley’s heart wrenched. “How did he take it?”

“He wrapped me in his arms and held me as I cried. No censure, no questions, just let me talk and sob. Afterward, he said he loved me and promised he could wait forever to have sex, especially when he understood my reluctance and avoidance of intimacy.”

Oakley absorbed her words, letting the soothing balm sink in. Sarah had more courage than she gave herself credit for, impressing Oakley immensely. She saw the love and devotion in Sarah’s face as she spoke of her caring husband, the man who had helped her through all the stumbling blocks to a happy relationship. She deserved all the happiness she could get.

“It sounds like everything worked out just fine.”

Sarah nodded. “More than fine. I graduated, found a new job close to his work. We continued to date. Then one evening he popped the question. I didn’t even hesitate.”

“Good for you!” Oakley smiled at Sarah, thrilled her friend had found a modern day Prince Charming to grace her life. “I’m so happy for you.”

The waitress brought their drinks, took their food orders then hurried off once more.

“Now your turn.” Sarah inclined her head toward Oakley’s hand. “I didn’t notice a wedding ring.”

Oakley’s thoughts turned to Tanner. As much as she wanted to pour her heart out, she didn’t dare ruin the joyous mood of reuniting after so long. She managed a sad smile. “I found a great man.”

“And?”

“We’re working on it.” I only hope we have another chance to do so.

“Nothing worth having is easy.” Sarah’s words, nearly identical to Dr Miller’s, struck home with Oakley.

“Oh, I know. Don’t worry. I’m not about to give up on him.”

“Good. Now tell me more.”

Their soup and sandwiches arrived as they chatted away, catching up with the happenings in one another’s lives. They laughed, they cried, and Oakley rediscovered the bond of friendship previously lost.

As she walked out of the restaurant later, Oakley sported Sarah’s phone number and a promise to get together again soon. A promise she intended to keep.

She’d never realized how much she missed Sarah until today. It was as if the clock had turned back and they were freshmen once more, staying up late talking about any subject that came to mind, laughing and happy. Her guilt hadn’t been absolved completely, but she no longer felt the deep burning anguish in the pit of her stomach from her actions years ago. Now, she carried less weight on her shoulders and a lighter step with the understanding that Sarah didn’t blame her—instead thanked her for her devotion and caring that had started the ball rolling for the healing process. Words she only heard in her dreams before now had become reality.

As she settled into her car, her thoughts returned to Tanner. If only he could hear similar words from those comrades he believed he’d let down. Perhaps, just like her, they could help him on the road to forgiveness.

On that thought, she picked up the phone and dialed.

He might not appreciate her actions, but she intended to do what she could for the man she loved, even if it cost her everything.