Love Another Day

by Regina A Hanel

  Exercising caution, a group of ten elk made their way out of the forest. They stood sniffing the air, nostrils flaring, before settling in and grazing on sprigs of fresh, lush grass. One of the young, spotted elk decided he didn't want to eat, he wanted to play. He stood up on his hind legs, challenging the other young elk to spar with him.

  Halie raised her camera with imperceptible stealth and snapped a round of photographs. The young elk had presented her with a great photo opportunity.

  Without Sam noticing the time slip by, the shadows cast by the evening sky grew longer, until evening transitioned to night. When the elk's shadows against the outline of the forest were barely visible, Sam folded the blanket and walked back to the Expedition with Halie. She immediately cranked the engine and blasted the heat, flicked on the headlights, and backed out of the parking spot.

  Halie placed her hand on Sam's thigh. "Thanks for that, Sam. That was one of the most peaceful and beautiful evenings I can remember having in a long time. I wish I could bottle it and save it for another day."

  The sensation of Halie's hand on her leg made Sam's body spring to life. "I know what you mean, and you're welcome, but I should be the one thanking you. I don't remember feeling this relaxed in a long time."

  The corners of Halie's mouth curled upward. "Neither have I."

  The short ride back to the lodge remained comfortably quiet. Sam was very much aware that Halie's hand remained on her leg, and she couldn't deny she liked feeling it there. A part of her wanted to cover Halie's hand with her own, but the other part didn't want to start something she thought she couldn't finish.

  When they reached the lodge, Halie gave Sam's leg a final, gentle squeeze. "Would you like to come in for a while and warm up?"

  Sam swallowed hard, torn between her body screaming yes and her mind telling her no. "I'd love to, but I can't tonight. I have some things I have to do early tomorrow morning. Plus, Jake's been home alone all day. I should spend some time with him too."

  "Right. Sorry. I completely forgot about Jake. I understand. Have a good night then, and thanks for this evening." Halie removed her hand from Sam's thigh and hurried from the vehicle.

  Sam watched her go, wishing she had taken her up on her invitation. Halie glanced over her shoulder. The disappointment etched on her face told Sam she'd made the wrong decision. She hadn't intended on hurting Halie or holding back on her own feelings, but clearly she did both. How could she resolve this? What if they didn't date, but got together as friends? Friends would work. Before Halie was able to take four more steps, Sam opened the passenger side window and yelled out, "Hey, if you're not busy tomorrow night, would you like to come over for dinner? You must be craving some good old-fashioned home cooking by now. Although I can't promise how good it'll be."

  "I'd love to, but I don't think that'd be a good idea."

  "Why not?"

  "What about Jake?"

  "What about him? He loves company. In fact, since he hasn't gotten out much, I'm sure he'd love it even more now."

  Several seconds passed before Halie spoke. "Okay, I'll be there. How can I pass on home cooking? Is there anything I can bring?"

  "Just yourself. Let me give you my address." Sam grabbed a pen and tore off a piece of paper, jotting down her address and phone number.

  Halie reached into the passenger side window and took the note. As she did, her fingers brushed against Sam's. Their eyes met and lingered until Halie turned and walked away.

  Chapter Nine

  SAM STEPPED FROM the shower, nervous energy mounting. After cracking open the window, she toweled dry, sprayed on her favorite men's cologne, and blow-dried her hair. She had thirty minutes, give or take, before Halie was due to arrive. When she finished in the bathroom, she moved into the bedroom. She dressed, slipping into dark blue jeans, a crisp, white polo shirt, and her favorite snakeskin boots before edging past Jake and into the kitchen.

  Earlier that afternoon, she'd washed organic baby spinach leaves and prepared two large salads topped with cucumbers, pears, mandarin orange slices, almond slices, and crumbled blue cheese. She'd also prepared raspberry vinaigrette dressing for the salad using fresh raspberries, a dozen stuffed mushrooms, and a plate of skewered vegetables.

  Sam opened the refrigerator to double check that she'd made enough food, then glanced around the cabin to make sure the place was neat and in order. "Come on, Jake. You better go outside one more time before Halie gets here. I don't want you getting too excited. We both know how much you love visitors."

  Jake ran over to the sliding glass door, tail wagging.

  HALIE STOOD OUTSIDE Big Bison Lodge waiting for a taxicab, her stomach muscles bunched into a knot and her expression sullen. The temperature had dropped considerably, and she was glad she'd taken her jacket with her. As much as she wanted to go to dinner, she equally wished dinner would only be with Sam. She was uncomfortable about meeting Jake. Her upset stomach was proof of that. She thought about calling Sam and canceling, but before she could, the taxi pulled up.

  The ride was quiet for the most part, and Halie was thankful. She found neither point nor pleasure in talking with people she didn't know. In her opinion, strangers always wanted to know more about her than she was comfortable telling them. Better off not saying anything than revealing too much. She tried picturing what Jake might look like. She was certain he'd be tall and handsome, but couldn't envision Sam being with a man. She wondered how he treated her when no one else was watching, and if they were in love or if Sam was trying to fit herself into a 'normal' lifestyle. She figured it had to be the latter; her gaydar couldn't be that far off. She cracked her knuckles. "Are we almost there?"

  "Yes, ma'am. Not much farther," the taxi driver said. He veered right off Teton Park Road, heading toward the mountains.

  THE SQUEAKING BRAKES from the taxi sent Jake hobbling toward the front door, tail wagging at warp speed.

  "You stay," Sam said as she peered through the screen door. When Halie came into view, the pounding of Sam's heart quickened. Keep it in check Sam, she told herself. We're just having a friendly dinner, nothing more. Then she cracked the screen door open a couple inches so Jake wouldn't run out. "Hi. We heard the taxi pull up. I see you made it okay. Come on in."

  "Hi. Yeah, no problem," Halie said tentatively, her eyes connecting with Sam's. As Sam opened the door wider, Halie stepped inside. "Oh, how cute, I didn't know you had a dog," she blurted out, but as soon as she said the words, her expression froze.

  "What?"

  Halie stood silent.

  "Are you okay?"

  "I'm fine. This is Jake, isn't it?"

  "Of course. Who'd you think it was?"

  Halie leaned over to pet an anxiously awaiting and well-behaved Jake. He plopped himself on the floor and rolled over for a belly rub. "I thought Jake was, you know, a person."

  Sam's puzzled gaze remained.

  "Well, I thought he was your, you know, boyfriend."

  Then it all clicked into place for Sam--the reason for Halie's mood shifts--why she was reluctant to go out the night before and to have dinner with her tonight. She was flattered. "Oh, I see," Sam said, purposely dragging out the last word. "Although I'm not sure how you could've thought that."

  "I know, me neither, but I'm glad I was wrong."

  "Me too."

  "What kind of dog is he anyway? He's adorable." Halie stroked the side of Jake's face.

  "He's a Rhodesian Ridgeback."

  "I like the strip of hair on his back that's facing the opposite direction of the rest of his hair. It makes him seem as if he's mad at first, but then you realize he's not."

  "No. Jake's a big pushover. Most of the time anyway, though there have been people he hasn't liked. He never rolls over for a belly rub though for anyone, except me."

  "I guess he knows I'm a good person that won't hurt him." Halie handed Sam a bottle of wine. "This is for you."

  Sam wondered if the words Halie spoke were more for her benefit than abou
t Jake. She turned the wine bottle around. "Ruffino Chianti. I love this wine. I haven't had this in a long time. Thanks."

  "You're welcome. I didn't know what we were having for dinner, so I took a stab in the dark," Halie said.

  "No, this is great. It's perfect actually." Sam breathed in Halie's intoxicating perfume. "Let me take your jacket and give you a quick tour. The place isn't much, but it's home." Sam's fingers brushed against the sleeve of Halie's light green V-neck sweater. The material was soft as silk and contoured Halie's body magnificently. A charge of electricity raced through Sam; her face flushed in an instant. This was going to be much harder than she thought. She forced her eyes from Halie and led her into the living room across a spotless, polished wood floor, Jake close behind.

  "I didn't realize you lived in the park."

  "I have to. I'm what they call a 'required occupant.' I don't have the option of living anywhere else, at least not for now."

  "I never thought of that. Do they provide your housing for free?"

  "No. I rent. I'd love to buy my own home one day though."

  Halie glanced around the living room. There was a stone fireplace above which hung a sensual painting of a Native American Indian Squaw. A colorful southwestern style rug lay on the floor in the middle of the room. Set on the rug stood a rectangular rustic wooden table and a brown leather sofa. From the living room they moved into the kitchen. The kitchen had floors made of polished oak, newer wooden cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. The window above the sink provided a spectacular view of Grand Teton.

  "Would you like a glass of wine or a beer?" Sam asked.

  "I'll have wine, thanks," Halie said.

  Sam placed the bottle of Chianti on the counter. "This is one of my favorite rooms."

  "Why's that?"

  "I guess because I love the outdoors and I love to cook, and in this room I've got both those things," she said as she grabbed a knife and bottle opener out of the drawer. Sam ran the knife along the rim of the bottle, screwed in the corkscrew, and popped the cork. She pulled two wineglasses out of the cabinet and filled them. She handed Halie a glass and raised her own. "Cheers to good food and good company."

  "Cheers to good food, good company, and new beginnings," Halie replied, staring into Sam's eyes.

  Halie's gaze melted Sam from the inside as they touched glasses. Sam took a sip of wine, feeling its warmth travel to her center. She watched closely as Halie's mouth touched the glass, and the wine caressed her lips. "Let me put these stuffed mushrooms in the oven, then I'll show you the rest of the place," she said, clearing her throat.

  "Oh, stuffed mushrooms! Love those. Yeah, go ahead. I don't wanna be the one standing in the way of progress when it comes to food."

  "No, I imagine you wouldn't," Sam said, having seen firsthand during lunches how much Halie enjoyed eating.

  Sam showed Halie the rest of the cabin, ending the tour back in the kitchen.

  "Did the park service remodel this place for you? Everything looks so new."

  "Nope. I did that myself."

  "Well, you did an amazing job."

  Sam's cheeks flushed cherry-red, the compliment making her uneasy. "Thanks for saying so. Jake helped too. I don't know about you, but I'm getting kind of hungry."

  "Me too. I'm starved."

  "I'll get the grill started. You should probably stay in here where it's warm."

  "No, that's okay. I'd rather be outside with you. I'll go get our jackets."

  Sam placed the salads on the table and transferred the plate of skewered vegetables from the refrigerator to the counter. She had the oven door open and was checking on the mushrooms when Halie returned.

  They put on their jackets and walked outside.

  After taking a sip of wine, Halie said, "It's beautiful out here, Sam."

  "Thanks. You almost can't beat the view." Sam placed the vegetables on the searing hot grill. "There is one place I've found that I like even better though. It's one of Jake and my favorite spots, a ranch home in Kelly."

  Halie waited for Sam to continue.

  "It's on the eastern edge of the park. There's a secluded area with a small pond and a grove of willow trees. It's so peaceful and relaxing there."

  "Sounds nice. You go there a lot?"

  "Not as much as I'd like. I usually go on horseback when we do go. You ride?"

  "No, I'm scared of horses."

  "Scared? I find that hard to believe," Sam said.

  "It's true, and I don't even know why. Maybe because they're so massive and have those big teeth."

  Sam laughed. "Maybe I'll get you to go one of these days and show you they're really not that bad. Stubborn, yes, and skittish sometimes, but if you ride one that was trained right you'll be fine."

  "Maybe, but I'd probably need a good stiff drink before I'd give it a try." Halie took another sip of wine.

  "That can be arranged."

  A short silence followed, then Halie asked, "So, honestly, overall, how do you think your first couple of weeks with me went? Were they as bad as you first thought?"

  Sam smiled at Halie's question. "You sure you want me to answer that?"

  "Well, not if the verdict's bad. Then I'd rather you changed the subject."

  Sam emptied her glass and placed it on the grill's countertop. She picked up the barbecue tongs and flipped the vegetables over. Then she rubbed her hands together, forcing back a grin. "Man, it's chilly out isn't it?" she said, and before Halie could answer, added, "So how do you like Boston?"

  "Knock it off. I know you're kidding with me."

  "You sure?"

  "Yeah."

  "You're right. I thought the first week was a little bumpy, for me at least, but since then, the time I've spent with you has been way better than I thought it would be."

  "So you're saying that you're actually glad you got this assignment."

  "I'm not sure I'd go that far, but I'd say I'm glad I met you."

  "How glad?" Halie stepped closer to Sam. She took Sam's hand and placed it on the palm of her own.

  "Very," Sam managed, knowing she was in trouble. Her mind told her to stop and step away, not to get involved. The risk was too great. But deep down, she knew she was already involved, and anything she tried to convince herself otherwise was a farce. She swallowed hard.

  The softness of Halie's lips on her own sent heat waves radiating through Sam's body. She stopped thinking. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Halie and held her at the small of her back, pulled her close, and returned her kiss. Sam smelled something burning and backed away. "Shoot!" She lifted the lid from the grill. A puff of gray smoke billowed into the air. "I think I burnt the veggies."

  "That's what you get for fraternizing with the guests," Halie said. "Don't worry about it though, I like stuff crispy. Gives it more flavor."

  "That's good, because crispy is definitely what we're having." Sam knew Halie was just being nice and appreciated it. "Halie, listen. I like you a lot, probably more than I should, but I don't think this is a good idea."

  Halie looked puzzled. "Meaning?"

  "Us kissing, dating. I still don't think it's a good idea. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let--"

  "So this was a date?"

  "Well no, not really. It wasn't supposed to be."

  "So why are you worried then? You didn't enjoy the kiss?"

  "No, I did, too much. That's the problem. I have a rule about not dating park visitors, and you're a visitor," Sam managed.

  "I understand. Believe me I do. I have similar reservations myself. We're working together, so of course we should try and keep our relationship on a professional level. I told myself that too. But when I see you, I don't know, I feel like I can't help myself. I've never felt that strong of an attraction to someone before. And then part of me thinks, what's the harm in enjoying each other's company while we have it? Soon I'll have to go back to Boston, and who knows if I'll see you again. But I'm sensing you're not seeing this the same way. I won't say I'm
sorry I kissed you because I'm not, but let's agree to forget about it and just be friends then. More importantly though, let's eat before those veggies get cold."

  "Deal." Sam was relieved that Halie agreed to her request, but was at the same time saddened. She shrugged off the feeling and yelled to Jake. "Come on, boy, let's go eat."

  After dinner they settled onto the sofa in the living room. Jake lay near Halie's feet. "That was such a good meal, Sam, thanks. I loved that light dressing on the vegetables, and the sweet and sour mix of flavors on the salad was wonderful."

  Sam was glad Halie enjoyed the dinner. "You're welcome."

  "Jake loved it too. I can't believe he eats vegetables."

  "Oh yeah, he loves them. I mix 'em in with his other food to keep his diet balanced, but he'd eat them plain too."

  Jake had his eyes closed and was sleeping, rolled in a ball next to the sofa.

  "He seems like a satisfied customer," Halie said.

  "I don't think he's got too many complaints," Sam said. "I made us some coffee. It should be ready soon."

  "Great. So, I'm curious, out of all the career choices there are, what made you decide to become a park ranger?"

  "That's easy, I love the outdoors. When I was little, my parents used to take my brothers and me hiking on the weekends at one of the state parks near our home. Those were some of the best times. Plus, as I got older, I wanted to help people and protect the natural beauty of the planet. Becoming a park ranger provided the perfect fit. It was either that or enlist in the military."

  Halie stared adoringly into Sam's eyes. "I'm happy you didn't choose the military."

  Sam knew full well that although Halie said she was fine with them being friends, her gestures and undertones suggested she desired more. Sam struggled with her longing as well, but couldn't give in. "I'll go get the dessert and coffee," she said as she stood and made a swift exit. When she reappeared, she re-directed the conversation. "So, what about your job? You like it? Does it make you happy?"

  "Most of the time it does. I'd say I'm pretty happy, I guess. When I graduated college I worked as a journalist for The Boston Herald for a spell. I did an internship there the summer before my senior year. When I graduated, they offered me a full time job. The deadlines were crazy, and sometimes what it took to get a story was nuts, but I liked it. The fast pace was exciting."