Comet's Tale of Love

by Lynn Donovan

  His eyes fell to his plate. “Is there nothing I can say to convince you to stay?”

  “I can’t imagine what that would be, William. I can help you find a permanent physical therapist, if you want, but I’m not the one.”

  “Not even if I asked you to marry me?”

  She stared at him. Shock drained all the blood from her face. He rose out of the chair. She had no idea he had the exoskeleton on. Walking over to her side of the table, he expertly made the suit kneel before her. Pulling a velvet box out of his pocket, he flipped it open, revealing a huge solitaire diamond ring.

  She gasped and covered her mouth with her fingers.

  “Anya Stepanov, would you, please, make me the happiest man in the universe and say you’ll marry me?”

  Her eyes fluttered between the diamond ring and William’s face. “I-I—”

  He smiled.

  She frowned. “No.”

  He cocked his head back on his shoulders. “No?”

  “William,” she pleaded. “Rule number one in physical therapy is DO NOT get involved with a patient. I cannot marry you!”

  He snapped the box closed. “But— I— But I love you.”

  She smiled, but it didn’t look like a happy gesture. “I understand. It’s easy to think you have fallen in love with me, because together we have brought you a long way toward recovery. It’s only natural and, quite frankly, happens all the time.”

  “What do you mean? Other men— patients have asked you to marry them?”

  “Yes. It happens all the time.”

  “But, I bought a ring!”

  “Of course you did. You’re Billy C. Holliday. You can buy anything you want, whenever you want.”

  He stared at her in disbelief. “But I really, truly love you.”

  She shook her head. “You only think you do.” Tears formed in her eyes, but she bit the inside of her cheek to keep them at bay.

  “No. You’re wrong and I’ll prove it.” The exoskeleton lifted him to stand and he pushed his chair into the hall. She heard the elevator doors ding and knew he’d gone up to their quarters.

  Her eyes dropped to the cheeseburger. As good and juicy as it looked, she was no longer hungry. She looked around and people were gawking, stunned, at her. She tossed her napkin beside her plate and ran for the stairs. She really wanted to be alone now.

  Chapter Nine

  Anya woke the next morning to someone banging on her door. “Go away, William!” she yelled. Turning over to bury her face in the pillow, she shivered. The pillowcase was cold and wet from her tears. She’d cried all night. The truth was, she had broken that number one rule and had fallen in love with William Comet Holliday. But how could she trust her own emotions? The cardinal rule was there for a reason. It was very easy to become wrapped up in the patient’s emotions of recovery and accomplishments because at the time of rehabilitation, they are literally fighting for their life. Or at least the normality of the life they had once had. Putting her on this island with William, one solitary patient, just made that emotional link even stronger. There were no other patients to balance her emotions.

  And she fell for him, hard.

  She needed to go home. To get away and break this bond. Once she got back to her clinic and working with several different people, these ridiculous feelings would fade. She was certain of it. Then she’d know for sure this was just a patient/therapist bonding, nothing more.

  The banging continued. She leapt out of bed and marched to the door. Nearly ripping it off the hinges she yanked the door open wide. “Go away!” She gasped. “Oh. It’s you.”

  Roger Moore stood sheepishly back from the door in case she came out swinging. “Anya, I’m sorry to disturb you, but Gordon wishes to speak to you.”

  She wrapped her arms around her middle, wishing she’d grabbed a robe. Her t-shirt and flannel pants were sufficient covering, but she felt naked in front of this finely dressed gentleman. “I-uh, when does he want me? Wait, don’t tell me, Now. He wants me now.”

  “Of course, Anya. Gordon isn’t a patient man.”

  “Well, what does he want?”

  “I wouldn’t presume to know. But it might be to find out if you will be extending your stay.”

  “Extending my stay? You speak of it as if I were on vacation. This was employment, Roger. Nothing more.”

  “As you say, Miss. Shall I have a breakfast tray sent up?”

  “No, just coffee.” The Folgers incident flashed in her mind and saddened her heart. It had been a very thoughtful gesture on William’s part. She sighed. “Give me thirty minutes. I’ll be ready to go.”

  “Of course.” He turned and walked down the private stairs. Apparently, he had an access key, even though this was supposed to be exclusive to her and William. Now that she thought about it, the voice activated system had been named Roger. Had he lived here before Anya was brought here? Hmmm. She’d have to remember to ask him while they flew to the yacht.

  Thirty minutes later, she descended the stairs. She’d dressed in fleece-lined leggings and boots, a festive Christmas sweater and a shepherd’s coat. She wouldn’t be outside all that long, so she didn’t need the huge parka. The café waiter had left a large thermos of coffee at her door.

  “Good boy,” she had said to no one. They knew this one thing about her, for sure. She loved her coffee in the morning and today’s brew was particularly good. Looking around downstairs she found Roger, leaning as always, against the fitness check-in counter. The man looked good like always. Spit polished and prepared for anything.

  “I’m ready.” She glanced into the café at the table where she always met William. It was as empty as she felt.

  “Alright. I see you have your Folgers.”

  “Do I?” She glanced at the thermos. “Really?” No wonder it tasted so good.

  “The way I hear it, William made sure the residence never runs out of the particular brand, ever again.” Roger chuckled as he led the way to the helipad for the island and soon they were in the air. Anya contemplated what Roger had said. It was as if there were spies reporting back to Gordon about everything that happened on the Comet Island. Everything as minute as an argument over coffee…

  Suddenly she felt… creepy. Like someone was watching through her mirrors or air vents. Oh great! Now she was paranoid! She pinched the bridge of her nose and tried to breath normally.

  “Are you alright, Anya?” Roger’s voice was odd through the headphones, like always.

  “Yes, I’m alright. I’m just trying to wrap my mind around everything.” She opened her eyes and looked out across the dark waters. It was getting closer to perpetual darkness. “Roger, can I ask you something?”

  “Of course.”

  “Did you live in my apartment before I got here.”

  He chuckled. “No, but I set things up, knowing you were coming.”

  “Oh,” she stared at her lap. “William is doing really good. Do you think Gordon will let me go home before the ninety days are up? I’d sure like to be home for Christmas.”

  Roger stared forward in the pilot’s seat as if he had to keep his eyes on the road. “I cannot presume to know what Mr. Holliday wants. I’m sure you will find out when you speak to him.”

  “Right.” She folded her hands and considered what it was that she wanted. Go home, or stay? She knew what she should do. She also knew what she wanted to do. But would that be the right thing? She wished she could be given some time to call Emily, Mom…, the hotdog vendor. Those people’s opinions mattered to her a great deal.

  

  Soon, they landed on the yacht. Roger ran around and helped her out. Gordon stood at the stateroom doors, watching her scurry to where he was. “Hello Gordon.” She tried to sound cheery.

  “Miss Stepanov.” He sounded stern. Stepping back, he led the way like before to the circular seating area. Roger went straight to the bar and mixed something in martini glasses that looked festive. Green granules around the top and creamy white liquid
inside. A cranberry and holly on a long toothpick protruding at an angle. He brought the two drinks to Gordon and Anya. “Coconut delight.” Roger announced as he set the drinks in front of them on the little table. Anya reached over and took hers. It smelled sweet.

  Gordon sipped his and set it back down. The investor, Evelyn Reese, entered the stateroom and sat down in a chair. Roger set a drink in front of her, too. She smiled.

  “I’ll get right to it, Miss Stepanov.” Gordon began. “Your ninety day trial is nearly to a conclusion and I’d like to know how you and my son are getting along.”

  Anya furrowed her brow. “Getting along? Uh, well, William has done very well. After I assessed his condition, I developed a rehabilitation plan for him, and he has either met or exceeded my expectations. I’m happy with his progress. I believe he is, too.” She sipped her drink, wishing it was coffee instead.

  “I see.” Gordon glanced at the investor. She remained silent but continued to smile as though she were amused.

  Anya watched her closely. Why would an investor be so interested in this debriefing? “So, if you would like for me to recommend another physical therapist to continue to work with your son, I have several I can wholeheartedly suggest.”

  Gordon tilted his head. “So, you do not wish to remain on as William’s private physical therapist?”

  “I don’t feel it would be appropriate, Mr. Holliday.”

  “Really, why is that?” He crossed his legs casually.

  “Well,” Anya felt the heat rise in her face and knew she was blushing. “It’s something that happens often, when a physical therapist works closely with one particular patient…” She looked into Gordon’s eyes, so like William’s. “Your son has developed feelings for me, but I assure you—”

  Gordon clapped his hands. “Wonderful!” He leapt to his feet. Evelyn frowned, giving him a look that apparently told him to sit down, because he did. “I mean, well, there’s nothing wrong with that, is there? He is a single man who was voted most eligible bachelor by People Magazine. Why should he not fall for such a lovely and compatible woman such as yourself.”

  Anya’s eyes darted between Gordon and the investor. “What are you saying?”

  Gordon choked, cleared his throat, and took a big swig of his non-alcoholic cocktail. “I just mean to say, you’re a physical therapist, he needs PT for the rest of his life, why not marry one?”

  Anya leapt to her feet this time. “Who said anything about marriage?” She glared at him. “How could you know—”

  Just then the blades of a helicopter could be heard approaching the yacht. Everyone turned to see it landing on the other helipad. Anya recognized William in the passenger seat immediately. She collapsed in her half of the sofa as if the wind had been knocked out of her. “Roger, could I get a coffee?”

  He smiled. “Of course.”

  By the time he had it poured and set in front of her, William, by means of his exoskeleton, walked into the stateroom. He eyed his father and the investor, then turned to Anya. “Anya, I told you I had proof. And I’ve brought it to show you.” He handed her a small, framed picture. There was a friendship bracelet under the glass alongside the picture of a young girl. That girl was Anya.

  “Where’d you get this?”

  “You gave it to me.”

  “I-what? When? How?”

  William glanced at his father. “After mother died, I, well, we all took it hard. But I was acting out and frankly Dad didn’t know how to help me, so I was sent to a boot camp-boarding school… in New York.” He glanced at his dad and turned back to Anya.

  She stared at him, recognizing where he was going with this story.

  “Even in that environment, I acted up, I was angry at the world and nobody was going to appease my anger. When mother died, I felt like I was abandoned. Years later, even though I had eight brothers and my dad, I still needed my mom.” His voice cracked. He swallowed. “I was so awful that my holiday privileges were revoked, and I had to stay at the school through Christmas. There were a few other boys who had to stay, too. I don’t know if it was their behavior or they just didn’t have anywhere to go… but anyway, a family came Christmas Day and brought us a full turkey meal, with all the fixings and presents. They were simple, and probably made by hand, but it changed my life.”

  The exoskeleton walked him over to her. He took her hand. “It was you, Anya, you and your parents. And your three brothers. You handed me this friendship bracelet and a package wrapped in Christmas paper. It was this framed picture of you. I opened it and saw the letters glued to the frame, ‘Friends Forever.’”

  He cleared his throat again. “Somehow, having this picture and those words, I wasn’t so alone. I had a friend. The rest of the school year, I straightened up and at the end of the year, I could go home. But I never forgot. I thought I was in love with this girl. As I became a grown man, I knew it couldn’t be true love, I didn’t really know her. All I had was this photo and the memory. But when I walked onto this yacht three months ago and saw it was you, I was stunned. Maybe Mom reached down from heaven and brought you back to me. I don’t know.”

  He looked down. “What I’m trying to tell you is I love you, Anya. It’s not what you think where a patient falls in love with his therapist. I’ve loved you for a long time. And now that I’ve gotten to know you, I’m completely convinced we belong together, forever.”

  The exoskeleton moved, and William went down on one knee. “Anya Stepanov, please believe me when I say, I want to marry you. You saved me from myself when I was a lonely boy in a boarding school for delinquent boys, and you saved me again when I nearly destroyed myself after the car wreck. You are my destiny, and I think my mom would love to have you as a daughter-in-law. Will you please marry me?”

  Anya wiped her tears. Evelyn sniffed. Gordon turned away and said something about dust in his eyes. “I didn’t realize… I nearly forgot about that. Mom made us kids go. We didn’t want to. I just picked some random stuff out of my room and wrapped it. It was pure accident you got this framed picture of me. The other boys got a beanie baby and a spirograph drawing.” She giggled.

  William shook his head. “I really don’t think this was random. I’d like to believe Mom had something to do with which gift I received from you.”

  Anya swallowed, glancing up at Gordon, Roger, and Evelyn. “This… is amazing.”

  William reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the velvet box. He pulled it open. Her eyes dropped to the sparkling diamond. “Oh, William. It’s so beautiful!”

  Gordon stepped forward and touched her shoulder. “Say yes. I know you want to.”

  She looked up at him. Tears spilled over her lashes. She turned back to William, “Yes. Oh, William. I love you, too, I was just afraid I was confused with my feelings because you were my only patient for three months, and you’ve really, really worked hard. You’re doing so good. I’m so proud of you.”

  He stood and slid the ring onto her finger. She fell into his arms and crushed her lips against his. Gordon laughed. Anya jerked back from William, blushing. “I’m sorry. I got carried away.”

  Now, Gordon and Evelyn laughed. “That’s okay.”

  Gordon slapped his son on the back. “I don’t know if you realize this or not, but your brothers are heading to the altar, too. I say we just have one big wedding!”

  Anya gasped and turned to William. “I’ve gotta call my mom and dad. Do you think they can get a flight to Alaska on such short notice?

  “Don’t worry, Honey.” Gordon laughed even more. “We’ve got a whole fleet of jets and helicopters. You can invite whoever you want, there’s plenty of room.”

  Anya smiled, wide eyed. “This is going to take some getting used to.”

  William pulled her into him and hugged her tight. “It’s alright. Now that I finally found you, we can adjust to anything else that comes along. I promise.”

  “I can’t believe you kept that picture all this time.”

  “You we
re my savior angel. Now you’ll be my wife. It all worked out perfect.”

  “I suppose it did. I’m sure glad Mom talked me into going to that boarding school.”

  “Me too, baby, me too.”

  Chapter Ten

  Evelyn stood behind the bar, working the foil and then the wires off the bottle of champagne. It popped and hit the ceiling. “OH!” She laughed. “Well, Gordon. That’s five. Just four more to go.”

  Gordon grinned as he held out the two fluted glasses. “Yep. Your system is amazing, Evelyn. I had my doubts, but you’ve proven me wrong and I’m thrilled to admit this is working beautifully.”

  “I told you, Clarice and I have perfected this matchmaker system to a fine art and an excellent questionnaire. The computer does the rest. We typically achieve 90% compatibility or better. All your boys have the best chance possible to fall in love with the gals we matched for them. But I have to admit the coincidences that are happening along the way are fascinating. I feel guilty for taking credit.

  “Nonsense. It’s your system that brings these gals to my attention. Just because we manipulate the situations without their knowing to get them in the same place at the same time, it’s still your system that is making it happen. Believe me, you deserve every dollar you are earning… and thank you.” He sat with his champagne and crossed his leg.

  “Oh, no, thank you, Gordon. This matchmaker venture will set my company up financially for a long time, and I’m happy to say, it’s a pleasure doing business with you.” She clinked her glass to his.

  “So, what are we doing for Cupid? I think he’s your toughest client. He has the island of romance and professes romance is a farce. How are you going to persuade him to fall in love when he doesn’t even believe in the thing that makes women fall in love with guys?

  “Oh, we’ve sent someone who will change his mind, and his heart. Once a man feels that something special for a gal, he understands the mysteries of romance.”

  “Is that what this gal’s gonna do for my son?”