Meant to Be

by Jessica James

  After staring at the wall in silence a few more moments, Rad’s voice broke through her thoughts again. “Now that we’ve had a history lesson, let’s go this way.” His fingers took her arm with gentle authority and guided her past more exhibits, then through a door where they watched a projected image of Robert Ripley, the founder of the museum, greet them from behind a desk.

  Lauren leaned closer, enthralled by the realistic display, her eyes roaming over every detail of the room. When she glanced over her shoulder, she found Rad gazing at her with a look of faint amusement.

  “Having fun?”

  He didn’t give her a chance to answer, but took her hand again and led her toward a huge swirling kaleidoscope-like tunnel that made them both dizzy as they walked through. Laughing and amused, Lauren continued her exploration, stopping at different displays that caused her to groan, close her eyes, and shriek with amazement.

  Rad, always a few steps ahead, would come back, grab her hand, and say, “Hurry up. Come see this.” And then he would stand there and watch her reaction as she gazed upon the vampire killing kit or the bone flute skin mask covered with real human skin, and she would find it impossible not to return his captivating smile.

  Lauren was particularly fascinated by the photograph of a man who had been shot by a firing squad and survived. He had nine documented bullet wounds, including one through his jaw. “Guess it wasn’t his time to go,” Rad said, staring at the photo.

  “Guess not.” Lauren had a smile on her face as she turned to the next exhibit, but it disappeared when she entered what was called the “torture room.”

  “What’s wrong?” Rad must have noticed the change in mood as he came up beside her and read about the iron gibbet—a devise used to hang prisoners on the outside of castle walls until they succumbed to the elements.

  “They would be left for months to be picked clean by birds to serve as a deterrent for other lawbreakers.” He read the last sentence out loud and then glanced at her. “That would suck.”

  Lauren nodded as she continued to stare at the metal contraption. “I’m not afraid of dying, but I’d rather not do it slowly.”

  Her reaction seemed to amuse him. “I don’t think you have to worry about dying slowly in a gibbet. Just sayin’.”

  Lauren forced a smile. “Yeah, guess you’re right.”

  By the time they got to the optical illusion part of the museum, the torture room was long forgotten. They giggled like children as they tried to “touch the jewel” that could not be touched and laughed hysterically as they tried to read a sign, saying the words that were written rather than the color they were written in.

  When they walked out of the museum into the bright sunlight, they were still laughing and in high spirits. Lauren turned toward the Boardwalk, assuming they were going to hike back the way they came, but Rad grasped her hand and grinned. “No, this way.”

  Confused, but in a light-hearted mood, she followed as he led her into another storefront.

  “You didn’t think you were going to get away that easily, did you?” Rad smiled and winked as she realized they were about to enter the LaseRace room—another Ocean City attraction Lauren had never experienced.

  “You paid for this too?”

  “Yep.”

  “And it’s something you thought I wanted to do?” She shot him a look of exasperation mixed with curiosity.

  Rad chuckled. “Let’s just say you seem like the competitive type, and I knew you’d be game.”

  Lauren smiled. Well, he had that part right. And from what she had read about it this morning, it might be fun.

  She stood beside Rad, listening intently as the operator explained what would happen when they entered the room individually. The objective was to race across the floor as quickly as possible, push a button on the opposite side, and then race back—all while trying to avoid the web of laser beams that crisscrossed the room.

  “You go first.” Rad pushed Lauren toward the door. “So I know what I have to do to beat you.”

  When the door closed behind Lauren, she had a moment of low-grade panic. The room was dark and full of haze. She didn’t like enclosed places. But as soon as she stepped across a line on the floor, the lasers appeared, and she forgot her fears. She bolted over one beam, under another, over and under, until finally she saw the red button on the opposite wall. She lunged for it, gave it a push, and then scooted across the floor on her stomach, under the beams, until she got to the other side and slammed the last buzzer.

  When the door opened, Rad was there looking at the results screen with a serious expression on his face. “Hmmm. That’s better than most people do.”

  “You look scared.”

  “You didn’t let me finish.” He gave her a lighthearted grin. “That’s better than most people. Too bad, it’s not good enough to beat me.”

  Lauren smiled. “Go for it, buddy.” She watched the screen and bubbled over with excitement when she saw the final results. Their times were only seconds apart. He was faster, but she had one fewer beam disruption.

  The operator shrugged and shot Rad a sympathetic gaze. “Looks like a tie.”

  Lauren looped her arm in Rad’s as they walked away. “That’s no fair. I think she thought you were good looking and scored it a tie so she didn’t hurt your feelings.”

  “Really? If anyone won, it was me,” he responded. “I had the better time.”

  “But what’s a good time if you hit the beams? Anyone can run across the room in record time.” Lauren was so intent on the conversation she didn’t notice where he was leading her. All of a sudden they were in a strange, dimly lit room with loud music and flashing lights on the floor that made her dizzy. When Rad walked away, she froze, afraid to move forward and afraid to move back. She knew where she was now because she had seen it in the tourist guide—The House of Mirrors. Just seeing the pictures and description in the booklet this morning had made her heart race. “Wait. Stop. Don’t leave me!”

  Rad glanced over his shoulder at the tone of her voice, as if to see if she were serious, but before he could react, Lauren lunged forward and grasped the solid strength of his arm. “I’m serious. Get me out of here.”

  He apparently thought she was joking. “Yes, that’s the idea, but it’s not going to be easy.” He walked and hit a mirror then turned another direction and did the same thing.

  Lauren closed her eyes tightly and hung onto him as if her life depended on it.

  “If you open your eyes, you’d be able to help,” he said, looking down at her. “And I could use it, obviously.

  She just shook her head. “I’m really claustrophobic. Please. Get me out of here.”

  “It’s okay. We’ll get out. Just stick with me, kiddo.”

  Even though it was obvious Rad had no idea how to get out, he took charge with quiet composure, patting the hand that still clenched his arm with a confident and convincing touch that assured Lauren he was in control. She opened her eyes only once, but instantly shut them again, preferring the darkness and Rad’s voice to the confusing lights and mirrors.

  “Here we go,” he’d say in a calm, soothing tone after finding his way through a doorway. “I think we’re almost there.”

  After what seemed like hours, but was only about ten minutes, they arrived at a sign that said, “You have found the maze exit. If you want a challenge, go back and find the entrance.”

  “I’m up for a challenge, how about you?”

  Lauren barely even heard Rad. She was already out on the Boardwalk, her face to the sun, heaving the sweet, salty air into her lungs.

  “I’ll take that as a no,” he said as he came up behind her. “I’ll take this as a no too.” He rubbed the arm where she had been clinging to him with an iron-like grip. “I think I’m going to have a bruise.”

  “Good,” she said. “Maybe it will serve as a reminder for future reference.”

  He studied her for a moment as if reflecting on her use of the word future. “I thin
k I’ll remember.” He quickly changed the subject. “I’ve worked up an appetite. How about you?”

  “Not exactly the top thing on my mind right now, but okay.”

  She started to move away, but he touched her arm and stopped her. “You really scared in there?” His voice was low and serious… and gentle.

  Lauren frowned. “Let’s just say, if I had the choice between being stuck in a confined space and instant death, pretty sure I’d take the latter.”

  “So no gibbets or prison cells for you.” Rad smiled, obviously trying to make a joke, but Lauren’s thoughts turned serious.

  “Yeah, if I had any choice in the matter.”

  “Well, sorry about that.” Rad put an arm over her shoulder and pulled her against him in a brotherly way. “Like the old saying goes, what doesn’t kill you—”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know—makes you stronger,” she finished for him.

  “Yup. That’s what they say.” He let her go and strode ahead, apparently with food on his mind. “My buddies told me Thrasher’s Fries are the best.”

  Lauren chuckled. “Oh, good. We’re going for the health food menu.”

  Rad flashed a smile that sent her pulse racing again. Every fiber in her being warned Lauren to keep up her guard, but the charm and magnetism he radiated was becoming impossible to resist.

  Once they got to the counter, Rad ordered a bucket of fries and two drinks. “Well, it’s like this. Where I’m going there aren’t any fries, so I’m binging today.”

  “Good idea.” Lauren smiled and popped one in her mouth. “I like the way you think.”

  Chapter 4

  Rad took the bucket of fries and Lauren the two drinks, and they searched for a place to sit on the crowded thoroughfare.

  “This seems like a good one for people watching.” Rad nodded toward a bench facing the Boardwalk and leaned down to read the memorial plaque on the back before sitting down.

  The look that crossed his face made Lauren pause to read the inscription too. Like the mighty waves surging from the sea. Darling, so it goes, some things are meant to be.

  When Lauren’s gaze met his, Rad smiled, but offered no comment. She sat down and handed him his soda.

  “So you’ve been here before?” He leaned back and surveyed the Boardwalk while popping a French fry into his mouth.

  “Many times.” Lauren took a deep breath as she regarded the familiar landmarks surrounding her. “My grandmother owned a little house a few blocks back, so we came here every summer.”

  “You’re an East Coast girl, then.”

  Lauren tried to decide how much she wanted to tell him. He was, after all, still a stranger. “Virginia,” is all she said.

  “What a coincidence. That’s where I live now.” Rad didn’t elaborate about where exactly, and she didn’t ask. They continued with trivial conversation and laid back banter until the last fry was eaten. Then Rad patted his stomach. “I think we better walk this off. You up to it?”

  Lauren smiled. “Sure. Why not?”

  When she stood to throw away the trash, she realized Rad had not moved. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “I’m surprised you agreed. I thought I’d have to argue with you first.”

  “I’m a fast learner.” Lauren half-smiled and half-frowned as he stood. “Arguing with you gets me nowhere. You always win.” She paused a moment and stared at him with her head cocked to the side. “Just so you know, that doesn’t happen very often. I like to win too.”

  “Yeah, I noticed that in the laser room.” Rad turned, but took only a few steps before he stopped and rubbed his hands together. “Speaking of winning, do you see what I see?”

  Lauren followed his gaze and laughed. “I see what you see. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

  “If you’re thinking I’m thinking that I’m going to whoop your butt, then yeah.”

  “Bring it on.” Lauren strode toward the bright lights of Marty’s Arcade without pausing to see if he followed. But when she stepped inside to the clanging bells, buzzers, and flashing lights, memories came flooding back and almost overwhelmed her.

  “You come here as a kid?”

  She nodded, wondering once again how he was able to read her mind. “This place has been here forever.”

  Rad put his hand across her shoulder and gave it a quick brotherly squeeze of understanding, but then like a child in a candy store, started walking around looking at the different games.

  “Where do you want to start?”

  “I dunno.” Lauren contemplated the wide array of choices, ranging from claw prize booths and pinball, to video games and skee ball lanes. “You see Pac-Man anywhere?”

  Rad jerked his attention back to her, his eyes wide open in disbelief. “You haven’t been to an arcade lately, have you?”

  “Not exactly.” Her gaze fell upon a game called OuterSpace Galactic. “Looks like they’ve updated things a little.”

  “Okay, honey, it appears you need a little schooling.” Rad strolled over to a change machine and inserted bills.

  “How about this one?” Lauren stood in front of one of the elaborate screens, reading the game rules.

  Rad glanced over his shoulder at her and smiled. “Seriously? Warland Defense?”

  “Sure, why not?” She read the last part of the panel out loud for him. “The goal of the game is simply to survive as long as possible in a land of violent oppressors.” She nudged him with her elbow when he moved up beside her. “Sounds like fun, right?”

  Rad shook his head. “You got some anger management issues I don’t know about?”

  “No. I just like shooting things up, I guess.”

  “Guess we have something in common then.” Rad said the words lightly enough, but this time he didn’t smile.

  Lauren never pulled out her phone to see what time it was, but after playing Warland a few times they had moved onto another game and then another. She knew they must have been in the arcade for more than an hour, probably closer to two. Rad beat her—albeit barely—most of the time, so he didn’t seem inclined to leave.

  “I need to feel some sunlight and stretch my legs.” Lauren finally pulled him away before he had time to put money in a new machine. “Let’s go down to the inlet since we’re so close.”

  Reluctant to leave, Rad followed, but kept glancing over his shoulder as they walked past the games he hadn’t played yet. “Maybe we can come back later.”

  “Yeah, maybe.” Lauren shook her head.

  “Oh come on. I at least need a rematch on Target Town.”

  Lauren laughed. She had beat him two out of three times on that one, a first-person perspective gun game where you duck behind objects while reloading or changing weapons. Rad had beat her in the first match, but once she’d figured out when to use a pistol and when to switch to a machine gun or grenade launcher, he didn’t stand a chance. “I whooped you fair and square.”

  “I’ll never live it down if anyone finds out.”

  “Then you better not cross me, I guess.” Lauren looked back over her shoulder at him and grinned. “Especially after I meet your friends.”

  “That’s called blackmail.”

  “No. That’s called an ace in the hole.”

  When they emerged onto the Boardwalk, they found it more crowded and harder to navigate than earlier, but Lauren could not have been happier. Walking in the brilliant sunlight with the sound of the waves hitting the shore and gulls calling to one another made her feel like she had somehow traveled back in time. She was a kid again, with no responsibilities and no worries.

  When she glanced up at Rad, she found him studying her.

  “Thinking about the old days?”

  Caught off guard by both his words and the calm vibrancy of his voice, she pulled him to a stop. “How do you keep doing that?”

  “Doing what?”

  “Reading my mind.”

  He smiled. “I was just thinking about my younger years so thought you might be too
.” He started walking again. “I don’t think anyone can read your mind.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It’s a compliment, Lauren,” is all he said.

  The way he said her name sent a strange surge of emotion through Lauren’s veins that almost made her tremble. The anxiety she had felt earlier was gone, but in its wake was a sea of confusion.

  When they reached the benches overlooking the inlet, Lauren took a seat in the front row.

  Rad sat down and stretched his long legs out in front of him. “That feels good.”

  “The sun? The breeze? Or sitting down?” Lauren talked casually, but she was acutely aware of his arm touching hers.

  “All of the above.” Rad gazed down at her with a sparkle of contentment in his eyes. “And the company’s not too bad either.”

  Lauren smiled and looked away, afraid he would see her blushing and think she was a silly schoolgirl.

  “So, your grandmother who had the house here. She still alive?”

  His question brought Lauren back from her thoughts. “No. She died about five years ago.”

  “Oh, sorry about that.”

  “Unfortunately, the place where her house stood is now a parking lot for a hotel.”

  “That hurts. If it makes you feel better, they call it progress.”

  Lauren sighed heavily. “Yes, that’s what they call it.”

  She leaned back and kicked her feet out in front of her too, staring at the dazzling landscape. “Doesn’t it look like the sun has sprinkled the water with diamonds?”

  “Yeah, now that you mention it.”

  “You know it’s a biological fact that the percentage of salt in the sea is the same as in our bodies—in our blood, our sweat, and our tears.”

  “Interesting.”

  “I think I could die happy if I just had the sound of the ocean in my ears.” As soon as she said the words, Lauren regretted them. Why was she blubbering on so much?

  Rad didn’t seem to take her statement too seriously. “Well hopefully that won’t be anytime soon. You’re having fun aren’t you?”

  Lauren nodded. “So far. Except for the Mirror Maze.”