When You Least Expect It: Finding the Right One Isn't as Hard as You Think. - Softcover

Bachman, Angela

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1463487657 ISBN 13: 9781463487652

Publisher: AuthorHouse, 2012

Synopsis

Meet Marlo Hart, a quarky fly by the seat of her pants woman who takes that 'leap of faith' and ventures off on a self-discovery mission to Seward Alaska. Between coming to terms with the loss of her parents and realizing her fate, she comes across Dunca

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

When You Least Expect It

By Angela Bachman

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 Angela Bachman
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4634-8765-2

Chapter One

Four Years Later....

Just twenty-nine, the younger of two, Marlo is sassy and ravishing with her long flowing, espresso brown hair covering her shoulders in free-flowing curls. She has seductive blue eyes, high reddish-pink cheek bones, pouty, full scarlet red lips, and a body that would stop an Amtrak in pursuit of taking ambitious travelers to their next destination. Her mother always told her how stunning she was and never to fret about the right man coming along—one day he would enter her life when she least expected it.

It was a brilliant August day around five in the evening. Marlo was relaxing and staring out over the ripples on the lake, sitting in her sister's Adirondack chair. She was wiggling her toes and watching how the polish glimmered in the sunlight. Marlo knew the littlest thing for her can be a total and utter distraction.

She stared out over the lake and began lazily pondering where the days had disappeared to, she thought, there has to be something better out there for me. I just have to find it. Trying to figure out who she is, now that her parents are gone and the idea of a fresh start, she thought, I haven't been the same since my parents' accident. I need to get a hold of reality and move forward. I need to come to terms with my parents' death. I need to make a life for myself and begin my journey to a happy and healthy future.

Marlo was slowly healing, but was irrevocably close to her parents, especially her mother. She drifted into a daze and started to remember how she and her Mom would go shopping in downtown Minneapolis, just the two of them, and select Gusto's for lunch. They would laugh to the point of not breathing and people would look at them like they just left the funny farm. Not being able to share those moments again really pulled at Marlo's heart strings. She missed her parents to the point of heartache and despondency, even though it has been four years; the loss weighs heavy on her heart.

In addition to losing her parents, she's had enough mediocre relationships that came and went from her life, like newspaper headlines for The Chicago Tribune.

Why is it, every time I find someone who I think 'might be the one,' he turns out to be a total thoughtless jackass? As soon as they find out my parents have passed away, they look like a cold fish from the freezer and have a loss for words. It's like I have the plague or something.

Marlo took her sweet precious time dragging her self-pity butt out of her favorite chair, the one place she felt she could think, and walked up to her sister's house like she had lead feet. Clare opened her ornate patio door and watched Marlo trudge her way up the hill in jeans rolled up unevenly, a canary yellow tank top, and bare feet.

Clare hollered sarcastically, "Are you done with the self-pity facade or do I get to relish another two days of watching you act like Lucille Ball in a belly-rolling sitcom on a Friday night?"

Not looking at her sister, Marlo rolled her eyes knowing if Clare caught a glimpse, she would constitute another T.V. Land comment that would win an Oscar.

"Only my sister would say I remind her of Lucille Ball," said Marlo.

"Well, someone has to keep my little sister in line," Clare motioned to Marlo, "Come in and help me with dinner before Jack and the kids get home. We can discuss what you were thinking about so intensely down by the water."

Clare was always the solid one, who for sure, knew what she was doing. She never had to wrestle with the ins and outs of relationships because Jack was her high school sweetheart. He was there for her to confide in when she needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to after their parents' demise; she had that support. Marlo, on the other hand, was completely overwhelmed and fragile when her parents passed.

Clare and Marlo have always had their differences, but the one thing they can always manage to agree on is having someone in their lives to love and be loved. She has had success; Jack is the perfect husband. Marlo has yet to find Mr. Right. Honestly, she could care less at this point. No men, no relationships, no mess to clean up.

Clare's husband Jack, an executive who works with Clark, Harris and Brillstein, an advertising company which aids in making American television commercials, walked in the house with the twins following behind him, toting backpacks and lunch boxes. Dilly and Bentley ran out the door to the lake after giving their Mama kisses and hugs.

Dilly and Bentley, seven year old twins, are complete opposites in every way. Dilly, a cartoon watching, pb and j munching little girl, always wanting Dad's attention and Bentley, a feisty 'have it my way or the highway,' little boy, were always causing havoc for Clare.

When the excitement from Jack and the kids being home subsided, Clare and Marlo finally had some peace and quiet to discuss the inevitable.

"So, tell me why you were deep in thought down by the lake earlier," said Clare.

Marlo looked at Clare with disappointment, watching her cut up tomatoes for a salad.

"I need a new life, Clare. I'm through with feeling like I'm not going anywhere and just existing—not living. My thoughts often drift to not having someone in my life to share what you and Jack have. The children always running around, going to sleep at night, knowing the person next to you is the other half of your heart, the everyday conversation you have with the one you love, are all things I don't have. I always start something, but never finish, like knitting that blanket for Dilly ... never finished. Or, starting college after high school.... never finished. Why am I such a scatterbrain? Also, when it comes to men ... I date and deflate. Seriously, Brad was three years older and biking to work everyday because he couldn't afford a car on his skimpy salary working at the local smoothie shop. See ... dated and deflated. It's like that with all the men I date."

Marlo plunked herself down on the barstool by the kitchen island while Clare prepared her famous Italian dressing. Clare thought about what Marlo said, but before she answered, she had to compose herself to avoid a giggle from escaping.

"Okay, I see your point. It's all about doing something and sticking to it, no matter if you think you're going to succeed or fail. You can't just stop doing something when you don't know the outcome; give life a chance."

Marlo thought about it and agreed, but something else was on her mind. She lifted her eyes to Clare and said, "Clare, there's something else that is bothering me."

"What is it?" asked Clare.

Marlo inhaled a deep breath, "Now, no matter how this comes out, you are all I have to support me, so please listen carefully." Completely unaware of what Marlo was going to say, Clare prepared herself for the worst.

"Alright, I'm listening."

"After Mom and Dad died, I felt like the world came crashing down around me and I haven't been the same since the accident. I've tried to compartmentalize my feelings of their death, but it's much more than that. I never felt like I was given enough time to grieve their passing ... so, I was thinking ... I want to go to Alaska, but ..."

Cutting Marlo off before she finished, Clare shouted in surprise, "Alaska? Are you crazy? I was thinking a trip to the local resort for a spa treatment or a weekend of reading books and doing a 1,000 piece puzzle. Not get eaten by a fifteen foot Alaskan Grizzly Bear!"

With rolling eyes because she knew Clare couldn't listen without interrupting, Marlo said, "To be as close to Mom and Dad as I possibly can. Since Alaska is the last place they were—that's where I want to be. Something is pulling me to them—to Alaska. I have to do this, Clare!"

Stunned and in shock, Clare sat motionless listening to Marlo and when Marlo finished, nothing came from Clare's lips. Finally, when the words sunk in, Clare stood up and walked to Marlo. Clare reached for her, taking Marlo's hands in hers and softly said, "Marlo, if this is something you feel this strongly about, then you should take the chance. Jack, the kids and I will be here for you when you return and we can keep in touch, via phone and texts. I know you and I are all we have and I want you to know that I support you, and, I know Mom and Dad would have supported you, too."

"Thank you Clare. I am relieved you understand that I have to do this."

Marlo could use a breath of fresh air and decided to go outside. She walked along the flower garden in Clare's front yard, extending her arm and brushing her fingertips along each petal.

Even with Clare's support, I'm not sure about uprooting my life and possibly moving to Alaska ... in exile. And, adventuring off into the wilderness is a little nerve-racking. I must say though, it does sound like a good plan. This would give me time to start on a new path to my new life. It would give me the chance to be close to what my parents experienced; the air they smelled, the roads they traveled, and the places they visited. Also, there wouldn't be any overbearing men dictating my daily events or commenting on my expensive new caramel colored leather Prada boots I recently purchased. Even though this is going to be scary, it will be worth it. I have to do this. I have to grab hold of the one thing that remains in my life, the missing piece ... yet to unfold.

Later that day, Clare spoke to Marlo about spending the night at her place because she wanted to keep a close eye on her, thinking she was 'losing her mind.' But the more Marlo thought about this trip to Alaska, the better she felt. She felt brave, confident, and ready to take on whatever obstacles she had to overcome. She could feel the weight of feeling 'she wasn't going anywhere,' coming to an end. Marlo knew she had one last chance to make her own story, to feel she had purpose. No one was going to keep her from doing just that.

Quite early the next morning, Marlo woke up to two screaming twins, trying to evade the inevitable—brushing their teeth with every excuse under the sun. Marlo could only think thank goodness I don't have to deal with the tooth paste ordeal, but I sure am going to miss my niece and nephew. I'll see them soon, though. Marlo then was jerked back to reality; today was the day. She popped out of bed, jumped in the shower and sang, get ready cause here I come. I'm on my way. Alaska, here I come. After her refreshing and cool shower, she pulled on a green T-shirt and white jogging pants she cut into shorts three years ago. They were her favorite. She threw her dampened hair up in a messy bun and grabbed her Samsonite suitcase.

Trampling down the stairs, suitcase in tow, Marlo said, "Clare, I'm heading out. It's now or never."

Marlo saw Clare in the kitchen drinking coffee.

She looked at Clare smiling and said, "Thank you for understanding my reasoning to venture out on my own to see what's out there. Without your support, I don't think I would have been able to do this, so ... thank you. Plus, I think having solitude will do me some good, I hope."

Lowering her cup onto the counter, Clare said, "Going to Alaska and risking your life, I have to say, frightens me. I wish I would have suggested Bunko with some girlfriends," said Clare jokingly, wishing she didn't give Marlo her blessing.

Marlo smiled, "Clare, you'll see, this will be perfect for me and you'll have a place to visit."

"Only the in-laws are supposed to say that."

With a loving smile, Marlo gave her one and only sister a genuine squeeze and headed out the door. Clare watched Marlo back out of the driveway thinking, Please don't get eaten.

With the exquisite view of the Kenai Mountains, Duncan moored his pathetic excuse for a fishing vessel to the boat slip inside Resurrection Bay, following a lengthy day of pulling in salmon for the local market in Seward. The bay was usually calm and the voyage peaceful, but the feeling of being spent was pronounced throughout his body. He was exhausted from his head to his untied boat shoes.

He packed up his much needed necessities he used for his trip in his backpack and reached for his good luck charm, whispering, "Thank you for my safe voyage and return."

Stepping off the boat onto the dock, Duncan felt the heat of the sun burning the back of his neck.

He heard a faint shout in the distance, "Hey Duncan, successful day?"

He saw Sandra walking towards him.

"Hi Sandra, it was a profitable day. However, I'm overly tired and in desperate need of a fully loaded burger with crispy curly fries and a large ice water. I'm slowly progressing in route to the pub to meet up with Brady. Why don't you and Clay meet us there?"

With daylight at its peak, she replied, "Sure, I have to make one more stop and then I'll head home and pick up Clay. We'll meet you there."

Duncan waved in agreement and with his sea-beaten body and snail-like motion, he followed behind Sandra, who was prompt in her exit, unlike Duncan, who was taking on the form of Play-Doh. When Duncan reached the truck he tossed his Kelty backpack into his 1972 Ford F-100 with a grunt, slowly climbed in the front seat, started the engine, and headed home.

Chapter Two

On Marlo's way to her apartment, which was all too expensive and not even in a great part of town, she started thinking. I need to do this before I change my mind. I have to fly by the seat of my pants or I'll chicken out. Get in and get out, like a re-con mission. So ... she called her best friend, Mandi. Mandi has been her best friend since grade school. Before calling, Marlo thought, Mandi knows who I am as a person and she knows I'm adventurous. In college, Mandi and I would hang our underwear to dry on the porch railing of the house we rented because we couldn't afford the dryer change. She'll think this new plan of mine, will be the ultimate plan.

"Alaska! Marlo, what the hell has come over you? Alaska? What are you doing? You're nuts! And besides, you're being completely irrational and I suspect some crazy in there, too. I can't think this is what you've come up with from being with Clare. Clare has more sense than to just make you think Alaska is the answer!"

Mandi always flipped her lid and didn't even hear the part where Marlo mentioned wanting to be close to her parents.

Marlo sat on the phone waiting with patience before responding because Mandi was a total fruit loop.

"That wasn't the response I was looking for from my best friend—Mandi. I was hoping for a ... 'woo-hoo, you go!' Or, 'that's exactly what you need,' a Marlo De-tox. Not—'I'm being irrational and crazy.'"

After Mandi thought about what Marlo said, she changed her tune, "Well, okay. You are my best friend and best friends are always there for one another, so ... no matter the decision you make, even if it's a 'Marlo De-tox' in Alaska, I'm fully on board with your decision. I know I'm going to regret this, but if this is what ignites you, then bombs away. Hey, maybe you'll meet a rugged, handsome wilderness man. You can always benefit from one of them," said Mandi with a sly tone in her voice.

"That's the last thing I want to find in Alaska, Mandi. I'm strictly going there to start a new life and possibly be close to the one thing I miss the most, and a man is not it. I will call you as soon as I arrive in Seward. Don't worry about me. I will keep in touch. I promise."

Marlo finally arrived at her apartment in record time. She had to take care of some last minute details before buying an airline ticket to Seward, Alaska, just south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. It's the perfect place to have a view of the mountains and the ocean all in one spot. And, it was her parents' number one place in the world to vacation. She ran upstairs, packed a small army truck of personal items and essentials, made a few phone calls, and loaded up her car. Just when Marlo was all set to go, she sat in her car, knowing she may or may not come back to Minnesota. She looked out the side window of her car and began thinking back to the day of the accident.

They passed away one year after Clare had Dilly and Bentley. It was an unexpected car accident outside Seward, Alaska. Our dad was driving and our mom was reading in the passenger seat. She always loved to read on trips. They were heading to the airport in Anchorage for their flight home. The car in the on-coming lane swerved into our parent's lane and they hit each other head on. Our parents were airlifted to the closest hospital, which was Anchorage. By the time Clare and I had reached the hospital, both our Mom and Dad had already passed away. We didn't make it in time to say our good byes. Clare and I took a long time grieving their death. Their death still fills my thoughts on a daily basis. How does one ever stop thinking about the death of their parents? How does one go on without having the chance to have said good-bye? I am going to find out and Alaska is the answer.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from When You Least Expect Itby Angela Bachman Copyright © 2012 by Angela Bachman. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Edition details

• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1463487657
• ISBN 13: 9781463487652
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 212