Anthony’s epiphany.

Some months went by while Anthony pondered the problems of his marriage. He still couldn’t understand why Monica was so unhappy, so he continued to work late and although he tried to help more with the children, Monica still felt the loneliness she had felt all along. Being pregnant didn’t help either regarding her emotions. She would find herself lashing out at Anthony for the slightest reasons and although it released her frustrations, she knew it wouldn’t help their situation. The arguments only created a larger wedge between them.

One afternoon while Anthony was having lunch downtown he thought he recognized someone at the counter. He moved in for a closer look and realized he knew this woman. A peculiar feeling gripped his stomach as he continued to stare at her. Feeling his gaze the woman turned around to face her admirer and was stunned to see that it was her old high school boyfriend Anthony Davis.

Anthony stood motionless for a moment and finally snapped out of his daze. He had not seen her since his wedding day and it wasn’t a very fond memory. He quickly recalled how angry she was with him and only showed up to the wedding to display her resentment towards him for not keeping his word that they would marry once he finished college. He sighed and shook his head at the thought of having to speak to her.

Rachel Baker instantly felt embarrassed at the behavior she had shown on the day of his nuptials. She remembered how incredibly livid she was when she received the invitation and was expected to witness Anthony, whom she thought she would marry someday, exchange vows with another woman. Soon thereafter she realized that she had no reason to be as hateful as she was. Anthony had ended their relationship during his first year so they both could experience dating other people. Rachel thought he needed time to sow his oats and figured he would be back. It was during this time that he met Monica.

Apologetically she smiled at him and offered her hand.“Anthony. How are you?” She said meekly as they shook hands.

“Rachel. I am great how have you been?” He asked not knowing what else to say.

“Very well.  It has been a long time since we saw each other.” She said regretfully, not wanting to bring up that day.

“So how many years has it been? Almost four? Wow, time flies doesn’t?” Anthony replied as he continued to stand next to her, thankful that she was being as pleasant as she was.

Rachel looked down and knew she had to apologize since she could sense a feeling of discomfort hanging between them.

“Anthony, I want to apologize for my behavior at your wedding. It was totally immature and uncalled for. I have grown up a lot since then and cannot imagine what I was thinking.”

“Don’t be silly, no apology necessary. It was a long time ago and even back then I could somewhat understand why you were angry.” He answered hoping they wouldn’t have to dredge up bad memories. “So how is your life now? What do you do? Married?”

“I am married, I have two children and I am an assistant chef. How about you? Any kids?” She asked, thankful that he was so forgiving.

“A chef? Amazing! So am I! I am the executive chef at Le Petit Chateaux in Riverblossom.” Anthony replied, astonished that they had followed the same career course. “What restaurant do you work for?”

“What a coincidence! I am at a small bistro a few blocks from here.” She said enthusiastically. 

After about an hour of talking and catching up, they both found themselves discussing their troubled marriages. Rachel spoke about how she quickly married the first man she dated after the heartbreak of Anthony’s wedding, admitting that it was a rebound relationship that quickly turned into an impulsive elopement. Anthony explained about Monica’s disappointment in his busy lifestyle and lack of time for the family. He quickly realized that he was telling this ex-girlfriend all of his innermost thoughts and the guilt he felt for his unsatisfied feelings. He began to feel slightly uncomfortable.

“Do you still love her?” Rachel asked trying to hold back feelings of hope that he might say no.

After a few seconds of thought he found a sincere answer. Here he was sitting with a woman he had a romantic history with, who obviously still had feelings for him, and still he felt complete loyalty to Monica. He had listened to Rachel explain how there was nothing left to her marriage, and that they were only connected through the children. Anthony knew Monica loved him deeply despite his shortcomings. He also still felt that fleeting moment of delight when he came home from work and saw her after a long day. Even through all of their disappointments and failed expectations he knew deep in his heart that he would always love her. Their marriage was problematic but it wasn’t over.

“Yes.” He said firmly. “Yes I do and I always will. I just need to find a way to give her what she needs and to keep my life balanced.”

He noticed some disappointment in her face but it quickly subsided and she began to offer advice.

“So what is the biggest problem? Work?” She asked trying hard to be a friend now to someone she used to love.

“I suppose that is the big issue. I work long hours and weekends, and when I am not working I need to be hobnobbing with the culinary elite.” He answered sarcastically. “I think I am at the point where if something came along that was less demanding but offered the same pay I would take it. I have always been chasing the dream of owning my own five star restaurant. I don’t need that. I am not even thirty yet and I have come this far. I have plenty of time.”

“So you need to find a smaller but reputable restaurant to run…and I think I know of the perfect place!” She replied enthusiastically. “There is a wonderful restaurant next door to my bistro that is looking for an executive chef and manager. The man who owns it is getting older and started it years ago from scratch. It’s a trendy European restaurant which began as a tea shop years ago and developed into an elegant and very successful restaurant. The name of the place is “Ye Olde Tea Shoppe,” and the owners’ name is Ernest Wintersmith.”

“I have heard of it. I’ve read great reviews in the newspaper and it does seem like it would be less demanding. It’s known for its young clientele. College students looking to experience the fine tastes of Europe. I read that somewhere.” He said with a smile.

“I am going to give you his number. His wife Kendra is a good friend of mine and I will tell them about you tomorrow when I see him. Ernest is a great guy with incredible business sense. He actually resigned from running the restaurant years ago to pursue a science career, but he has kept himself very involved with the management decisions. You might be exactly what he is looking for.” Rachel explained quickly with a great sense of satisfaction. She was helping two people at the same time.

“Thank you Rachel. I really appreciate you listening to me and offering to help me with my marriage. If there is anything I can do for you just ask.  I am glad we ran into each other. I wasn’t so sure at first,” he said with a chuckle,” but now I am really happy that I saw you again.”

“I am too, and don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Just invite me over for dinner one evening so I can meet your family. I’d love to see your children.” She answered sadly.

“I definitely will.” He said with a satisfied grin as he hugged her goodbye.