It’s like the Full Moon

By Toi Thomas

Rebecca has just turned thirty. She’s happy living a perfectly comfortable and predictable life. She’s even ready to marry her long-time boyfriend whenever he finally gets around to asking her. But all that changes when her best friend whisks her away to Italy for a much-needed vacation.

In the midst of site seeing and finally letting loose, Rebecca manages to catch the eye of a young English tourist but doesn’t let it go to her head. By the time she’s back in the States and back in the arms of her long-time beau, Rebecca has already forgotten about Peter, Paten, Paul...whatever his name was, that is until he shows up at her brother’s cabin in the woods.

A life of normalcy, routine, and stability gets turned upside down as Rebecca decides whether or not she’s truly ready to get married. And if so, who is the one she’s really meant to be with?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Toi Thomas
• Release date: May 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005514303

Toi Thomas

A self-proclaimed techie and foodie, Toi Thomas was born in Texas, U. S. A. but considers Virginia, U. S. A. to be home. She enjoys reading, cooking, painting, geek culture, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with her family. Currently working as a behavioral clinician, Toi and her husband, Eric, share their home with a tortoise named Betty and a Redbone Coonhound named Margie.Toi writes clean, adult multi-genre fiction ranging from science fiction to romance (as Glorie Townson), nonfiction, as well as writes and illustrates children’s picture books. Toi Thomas is also the founder of Lit Carnivale and the creator of Carnie the Bookworm.

Book preview

It was a perfectly elegant evening in the early summer. The New England countryside was romantically lit by the flickering starlight from the clear sky. All of her closest friends and family had gathered together, about twenty or so perfectly posh people, to celebrate her thirtieth birthday with cheerful glee and calamity. Since the rain had washed out the party at the lakeside gazebo, the caterer had delivered double the hors d'oeuvres and no entrées, and TiTi Lucy’s dog had devoured the cake, everyone simply congregated into the main dining hall of the extravagant summer cottage. The cottage had been rented by Rebecca’s, once again, absent father as a treat for her birthday.

Rebecca stood straight and tall, as tall as she possibly could being only five feet and five inches. She wore a simplistically long and plainly elegant black dress as usual, with her straight dark-brown hair pulled back perfectly into a single silky ponytail. In the front, her hair had a short part just off to the right side of her olive-toned face. Rebecca thought her looks were definitely an oddly pleasant combination of both her mother and father’s better traits, and she somehow gained confidence from that notion.

Rebecca stood calmly with her legs crossed at the ankles as one of her black patent leather, Mary Jane flats pressed up against the other. Her hazel eyes were closed tight as she puckered her subtly glossed lips together and began to blow out the single silver crown-shaped candle, which had been cleverly placed in the middle of a very substantial and decadent slice of imported tiramisu. It was her favorite dessert and ironically enough, had been brought to the party as a gift from her TiTi Lucy. It would have to do for a birthday cake replacement, only no one else would have a chance to sample it.

She made her wish and began to open her gifts while everyone else gathered around to nibble down the abundant hors d'oeuvres, drink the wine, laugh, and appreciate Rebecca’s sweet disposition and reactions as she remained composed through it all. After all the gifts had been opened and ogled, she finally began to take a seat at the head of the table when her always loud and loveable younger brother, Teddy, entered the room.

Teddy carried with him one more large box, cleverly wrapped in colored newspaper comics. Immediately Rebecca began to tear up and step back. She tried to cover the blushing redness of her face and to keep her composure. Rebecca knew it had to be a special gift from her father, but she didn’t want to make an emotional scene over it.

Rebecca thought back to a time when she was a little girl and her father would read the Sunday paper to her while emphasizing the comics page for her enjoyment. After the divorce, on the weekends that she didn’t spend with him, her father would call and read them to her over the phone. As the years went on, her father became more and more unreliable and forgetful, and always seemed to be too busy. However, with her father, whenever Rebecca would get good and mad at him, he’d do something wonderful to win back her heart.

Rebecca’s mother approached her slowly to read aloud a hand-written letter that accompanied the box. All of her family and friends gathered around in anticipation as her best friend, Lisa, recorded the whole presentation. Lisa was almost an exact opposite of Rebecca in style and demeanor. She stood in the corner wearing her usual form-fitting, bright red mini-dress that perfectly accentuated her mocha-colored skin and ample curves. Though she was used to being the center of attention, she knew how to stay in the background while giving her best friend some time to shine. Lisa zoomed in as Ms. Rapture began to read the letter.

To my darling Princess Becca,

I know you’re too old to be sitting around waiting for your old man to let you down yet again, so I hope I haven’t done that this time. I admit that going skiing the weekend before your big day was foolish, but I honestly didn’t know I’d break my leg. I’m perfectly fine, but cannot travel right now. I’ve spoken with your mother and have arranged for this special gift. I hope you’ll love it as much as I love you.

Love always,

Your adoring, and sometimes forgetful, father.

Rebecca approached the box with tears rolling down her no longer perfectly fixed face. She began to carefully unwrap it as the surrounding crowd began to chant, Rip it, rip it, rip it! Rebecca began to rip and tear the paper, opening one box after another, with wrapping paper and decorative tissue flying in all directions as everyone continued to chant and clap along.

Finally, she’d reached a small velvet box as everyone took in a long quiet gasp. She opened the box slowly to reveal the delicate sparkle of a custom designed diamond and jade tennis bracelet. Rebecca admired it as it lay cradled in her hand, and then held it out for everyone else to see, and to make sure it had been captured on camera for future reminiscing.

Teddy rushed up to her. Here, let me help you with that, sis, he said grinning proudly. Looking at her brother was as close as Rebecca would get to her father for the moment since Teddy looked just like him, but with brown eyes instead of green. She hugged Teddy tightly, and he winked at her. Everyone was so shocked and proud at how their father and friend had come through for this special occasion.

Finally, Rebecca was given a moment to sit and rest as she nibbled away at her decadent dessert. Lisa came to sit next to her and gawk at her newest accessory.

Wow, I wish my dad was as crappy as yours if it meant getting bling like this.

Happily exhausted, Rebecca replied, It is beautiful, isn’t it?

Yeah, sweetie. It’s really special. Lisa crossed her legs and turned to look around the room. So this will definitely be a birthday you won’t soon forget, will you?

No, I suppose not.

Say, Becca, when does Teddy finally graduate? It seems like he’s been in school since we were in college.

He has, miss oblivious. Teddy’s only three years younger than us. He’s just finishing up his Master’s Degree in Business Economics and he’s already passed the Bar Exam. He’s going to be a great financial legal counsel. He walks next month.

Correction! Teddy’s only two years younger than me. Remember, I’m not as old as you. I skipped a grade.

You are so full of yourself. Just wait, your thirtieth is coming sooner than you think.

Right when Lisa was about to come back with a cleverly snide remark, she and Rebecca’s conversation was abruptly interrupted by the coolly advancing arm of Virgil, Rebecca’s kind of boyfriend for the last seven years.

Excuse me, ladies, but I’d love a private moment with the birthday girl if that’s possible. The friends each looked up suddenly as though they were little girls caught doing something they shouldn’t have been. Rebecca stared at Virgil, who was wearing his usual grey suit with black tie and shoes, and seemed terribly uncomfortable.

Well, I guess I’ll leave this rare specimen of a fine man to your wise handling, Lisa responded sarcastically before hurrying away.

Virgil leaned in close to Rebecca and quietly replied, You know, Becca, I don’t understand why your friend chooses to joke so much, and why doesn’t she like me.

Lisa likes you just fine, Virgil. It’s just that to Lisa, you’re such an easy target. Trust me, if she didn’t like you she’d tell you to your face, with no mistaking. Rebecca giggled and then sighed slightly. Besides, I think she was picking on you because of your suit … You know this is supposed to be semi-casual, Virgil; even TiTi Lucy’s wearing a khaki skirt.

Virgil sighed and held his head down briefly before changing the subject. Let’s not discuss my attire anymore. I’d like to talk to you in private. Can we take a walk outside? The rain has stopped.

Sure thing. Rebecca stood up from the table and walked with Virgil into the hallway. On the way out, she grabbed a light jacket and her umbrella for just in case. The two of them silently walked side by side to the end of the long, cobblestone driveway that led up to the cottage.

Shyly Virgil reached out to hold Rebecca’s hand, missing the first time, but then catching her embrace as he swung his arm back and forth while inching closer and closer to her. At the end of the driveway, they stood under a blue tinted, downward facing street lamp that didn’t interfere with the glow from the starry sky above. Away from the crowd of birthday party goers, Virgil’s confidence was rising.

Staring at the night sky, still afraid to make eye contact, Virgil asked, Becca, do you still think about Charley the way you used to?

Rebecca, placing her hand slightly over her mouth, barely touching her bottom lip with the tip of her index finger, opened her mouth and was wide-eyed. I gotta say, I didn’t see that coming?

I don’t mean to upset you or to pry. If you’d rather not talk about him, I’m okay with that.

No, it’s all right. It’s been eight years. I can talk about him now. Besides, after all this time and all that we’ve been through, if I can’t talk about him with you then who? Rebecca paused a moment and began to fidget and twist from side to side a little. Virgil waited quietly and patiently for her to respond. Finally, she spoke up. I don’t think about Charley as much as I used to, but I can’t just forget him. I mean, you never truly forget your first love.

Standing up straight, Virgil took a deep breath before asking, So you are still in love with him after all this time?

Rebecca reached a hand up to his shoulder. Is that what this is all about, Virgil? Don’t be silly. I know I can’t spend the rest of my life lingering on the memory of a love I once had. I’ll never stop loving Charley, but after all this time, I know that I’m over him.

Virgil took a step toward Rebecca and stared into her eyes. Does it bother you to know that I’m deeply in love with you?

Of course not! I’m fortunate to have your love.

Closing the gap between him and Rebecca, Virgil put his hands on her arms, and continued to gaze into her eyes as his pulse quickened. He stuttered, trying to find his wording, and then finally he belted out, Do you feel fortunate enough to marry me?

Rebecca’s face turned pale from the shock and she shrieked, What did you say?

Virgil fell to one knee and pulled from his inside pocket a perfectly pressed handkerchief with a bundle wrapped in it. He quickly unwrapped the bundle to reveal a small velvet box of his own. He held it up to Rebecca’s face as he opened it and anxiously asked, Will you, Rebecca Rose Tinsdale, marry me, Virgil Millhouse?

Rebecca’s only response was, Oh! right before she dropped her umbrella and fell toward the wet ground. Virgil quickly cupped the jewelry box in one hand, grabbed the umbrella with a loose finger, and then caught Rebecca in mid-air. He picked her up and carried her back to the cottage. He was so embarrassed and worried all at once. He feared his embarrassment would be immeasurable if everyone saw Rebecca in an unconscious state and knew for sure that she’d be quite upset. Virgil carried her to the back door and laid her across a bench on the back deck before he tried to sneak in through the rear entrance.

Chapter 2

Lisa and Teddy had just left the kitchen after rummaging through the unopened greeting cards from the people who weren’t able to attend the party. They wanted to see what other goodies Rebecca had gotten for her birthday. Virgil called out to them in a whisper. Pss, hey, hey, Frick and Frack, get over here and help me.

Hey, what’s going on, man? Teddy spotted his sister passed out on the bench. He became hysterical, which meant sarcasm was sure to follow. What the heck happened, Virg? Did you finally kill her with one of your boring stories?

Lisa was pulling up the rear huffing and puffing with an expression that screamed, ‘There better be a good explanation for this.’

No, goofball, replied Virgil. Rebecca fainted and I didn’t want her to be embarrassed or upset, so I brought her back here.

Okay, you two, Lisa called out, taking charge of the situation. Virgil, go get a cool, wet cloth and some water. Teddy, you stay here and help me. Then Lisa scooped up Rebecca’s head and placed it in her lap. Go on now, shoo, Lisa snapped at Virgil, who was still standing there.

Quickly, he dashed off as Teddy chimed in, Okay, so what do you need me to help you with?

Oh nothing, I only said that to get rid of Virg. Rebecca used to faint all the time in college. She’s fine. See, watch. Teddy took a seat and watched as Lisa sat Rebecca up and blew softly into her ear. Wake up, honey. Come on; wake up. Lisa shook Rebecca a little and she began to come around.

Wow, said Teddy, I had no idea about this. What do you think happened?

Whatever it was, we’re in for a treat. Let’s ask her … Hey, Becca, what happened? Did Virgil ask you to marry him or something? Lisa and Teddy both snickered.

Rebecca inquired, with her sight swirling a bit, How did you know? Did he tell you?

Teddy and Lisa’s mouths dropped open. Lisa replied, I was joking, Becca.

Suddenly, Virgil arrived with the cool, wet cloth and a bottle of water. He frantically handed them to Rebecca. Here, this should help.

Thanks, Virgil. That’s really great. Rebecca cleared her throat as she looked up at him. Her eyes quickly shifted to Teddy and Lisa. Hey, guys, do you mind giving us a few minutes?

Lisa was still stunned, so Teddy pulled her away saying, Sure thing. We’ll catch up with you guys later.

Virgil, Rebecca began sweetly, but before she could finish, Virgil placed his finger over her lips and softly shushed her.

I shouldn’t have sprung that on you tonight, especially after all the excitement you’ve already had. Can you do just one thing for me?

Gazing into his eyes, Rebecca nodded her head in reply. She reached out, clasped her hands around his, and awaited his singular request.

Rebecca, will you take this box with the ring in it and hold onto it? Maybe take some time and think about what it means. You can give me an answer to my other question on another day at another time?

Rebecca held out her hand and clutched the box when Virgil planted it delicately in her palm. A tear began to form in the corner of her right eye as Virgil kissed her forehead, stood up, and walked back into the cottage. As she watched him disappear behind the door, a single tear fell down Rebecca’s cheek—she was tired and confused.

Moments later, Lisa and Teddy returned and sat on both sides of her as she slumped down on the bench outside. A chill ran through her body causing Rebecca to hug her jacket tightly to her chest. She looked back and forth between her brother and her best friend for some words of encouragement or guidance.

So … said Lisa, as she nudged Rebecca’s side.

Yeah, ditto, said Teddy.

Rebecca looked to her companions and sobbed. Oh you guys, what am I going to do?

Teddy quickly spoke up. I’m a great brother; I know. I can make you laugh, cheer you up, and even take care of you when you’re sick, but advice is not my thing. Do you really want me here right now?

Sucking back her sobs, Rebecca giggled a little. You are a great brother, Teddy. You are free to go; we’ll talk later.

Teddy swiftly rose from his seat, kissed Rebecca on the cheek, and patted Lisa’s head before darting off inside the cottage.

Now alone with her best friend, Lisa decided to be bold. Do you really love him?

I honestly don’t know. I mean, I must. I haven’t been with anyone else since Charley.

Yeah I get that, Becca, but that doesn’t mean you love him. Doesn’t it bother you just a little bit that he’s Charley’s cousin?

Clearly agitated, Rebecca responded, It’s not like that Lisa. After Charley died, Virgil was a great friend to me. We just got used to spending so much time together that we became … like … this couple.

Lisa for once was at a loss for words; her mouth agape in silence. After a few agonizing