Rainie's Lake

Dylan wakes up with the sheets tangled around his legs. Both pillows are tossed about the bed and the comforter is on the floor.
Rainie is gone.
Grabbing the sheets away, he sits on the edge, running his fingers through his hair. When did she leave? I must have slept hard to not hear her get up. Putting on his jeans, he quickly heads to the kitchen to look out the window, frantically searching the shoreline. Relieved, he sees her by the dock. Opening the back door, he shivers as the cold air hits his chest; ignoring it, he calls out to her.
“Rainie, it’s freezing out here. Come on up.”
She turns around and walks toward the deck. “You’re going to freeze to death if you don’t put more clothes on.”
“I’ll put more on if you come in for coffee.” He opens the door wider. As Rainie brushes past him, he inhales the lavender scent from her hair, reminding him of last night. “Well, we can take off our clothes once I build a fire and repeat last night.”
“Last night?”
“Yes, and I forgot to thank you for such a pleasurable night.” Shutting the door, Dylan reaches for her coat. “I’ll get the fire started and make coffee right quick.”
Rainie stares into the flames as he hands her a cup and places his on the coffee table. “I’ll go put on a shirt. It’ll be a while before the room warms up.” Noticing the distant look in her eyes, he takes her hand. “Are you all right?”
Smiling, she squeezes his hand. “Yes, hurry back.”
Rainie open up to me, please. My heart aches when you are sad.
As he walks from the bedroom, buttoning his shirt, the scene before him slams into his heart.
Sitting on the floor in front of the fire, she holds her cup tightly in her hands while rocking slowly back and forth. The heat from the flames has kissed her face, causing a pinkish glow on her cheeks. Something is bothering her. Grabbing his cup off the table and settling beside her, he leans over and pushes his shoulder affectionately against hers.
Nuzzling his nose close to her ear, he whispers, “A penny for your thoughts.”
Smiling, she closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and shifts her body to face him. “Dylan, what I’m about to tell you may seem far fetched, but please listen and keep an open mind. Others who have stayed here did not believe me.”
“I’ve been waiting for you to tell me why you got upset while we were out in the boat. Wait. Just how many others?”
“No one like you. Meaning, I haven’t been with anyone else. For years, I’ve tried to get someone to listen.”
“I’m all ears, Rainie.” Leaning back on his elbows and stretching out his legs, he gives her his undivided attention.
She sighs, her eyes begging for understanding.