Love Another Day

by Regina A Hanel

  "The guy from the antiques store in Pennsylvania. He found the invoice. He's going to mail it to me after I send him the rest of the money."

  "That's great!"

  Sam was surprised by Halie's unabridged excitement; it rekindled her own. "Yeah, but it gets better. He already told me who bought the traps and where the guy lives. The guy's name is David Reingold. He lives in Wilson. Part of me wants to drive over there now, but I haven't even eaten yet. I'll probably take a ride past in the morning."

  "If you do, will you call me at my apartment and let me know what you find out?"

  "I will."

  "Promise?"

  "I promise. By the way, I miss you."

  "I miss you too," Halie confessed.

  THE FOLLOWING MORNING Sam awoke forty-five minutes earlier than usual. She was so excited to uncover what was at 1215 Main Street that she wasn't obsessing about her impending session with Dr. Sally Kornwall, or pining over her otherwise continuous thoughts of Halie.

  Once entering Wilson and passing the Mercer Medical Building, Sam drove slowly along the main drag, checking all the building numbers. Her first thought was that the address would be a private residence, but she soon found that was not the case. The address belonged to David's Sporting Goods, Tackle, and Trade.

  HALIE PAID THE taxi driver. She picked up her luggage off the sidewalk and climbed the half-dozen steps to her apartment. Keys in hand, she was ready to surprise Sheila. As she reached for the brass doorknob to insert the key, the door to the apartment popped open on its own. Although the neighborhood was relatively safe, Halie's mind screamed 'caution.' She glanced behind her and across the street for signs of anything unusual. Not noticing anything or anyone out of place, she pushed the door open and peeked inside. Seeing no one, she stepped into the foyer from under the brick archway and set down her bags.

  The apartment had a foul odor. Halie walked out of the foyer and into the living room, where she received a shock. The living room was a mess. She barely recognized it. The room was strewn with the remnants of post-party debris. Halie grit her teeth, having by now ruled out a break-in. The longer she stood surveying the disarray that was once her living room, the more she felt like a tea kettle about to vent. She entered the kitchen and saw that the plants on the windowsill had withered and turned brown. The tea kettle went off. "Sheila! Sheila! What in god's name's been going on here?" Receiving no answer, she stormed into Sheila's room. A large, dirty pile of clothes lay on the bed. More dirty clothes were strewn everywhere, except in the hamper where they belonged, and no Sheila.

  Halie spun around in disgust and marched toward her bedroom. The door was shut. She reached for the doorknob as "oooh's" and "aaah's" and "oh, god's" hammered into her ear. Her blood pressure had reached its boiling point. She pushed the door open so hard that it slammed into the wall and dented it before swinging shut. She pushed the door open a second time. "What in the hell do you two think you're doing? No, wait! What in the hell do you two think you're doing in my bed?" Halie asked. "You do realize you're in my bed, don't you?"

  Sheila and her boyfriend jumped out of bed and grabbed whatever pieces of clothing lay within their reach in a lame attempt to cover up their nakedness. "Halie," Sheila began, trying to shield her boyfriend from Halie's angry glare. "What, what are you doing home? I know this looks bad, but if I knew you were coming, I would've cleaned this place up. You know I wouldn't have left such a mess. I wasn't expecting you for weeks, and--"

  "And nothing! It's obvious you weren't expecting me. How could you do this in my room? In my bed? This is my room!"

  "Well, I--"

  "Well, nothing! I don't want to hear it." Halie raised her hand to her forehead in disbelief of what she was seeing and hearing. "What I want right now is for both of you to get out of my room this minute, and fast. Then I strongly suggest you get dressed and clean up the mess in the living room. I'll clean this room myself. I'm visiting my parents later, but when I get back, this place better be spotless."

  Sheila agreed. Her boyfriend glanced over at her and then scooted out the door past Halie, holding his clothes bunched in front of his privates.

  "We'll talk more about this tomorrow," Halie added as Sheila edged past her without uttering another word. Halie stood shaking her head. Welcome home. Yeah, right. She spent the next two hours cleaning her room. When she finished she walked down the block and around the corner to the parking lot of an antiques shop where she leased a parking space from the owner. She settled into the firm leather seats of her not-quite-one-year-old BMW 325i and cranked the engine to life. After winding through a few side streets, she shot onto 93 South. The ride renewed her energy level and provided a sense of freedom.

  Her parents' home, the same one she'd grown up in, was a completely refurbished five bedroom colonial with three baths. The house had a two-and-one-half-car garage and a porch covered in polished redwood that stretched all along the front. Halie parked in front of the garage and moseyed along the red brick walkway lined with Lilies of the Valley. She scanned the front lawn, which was manicured to perfection and weed-free. I'm glad to see some things don't change. She rang the doorbell and was greeted by both parents who eagerly ushered her in the door. The smell of lemon-scented Pledge filled the foyer until her mom's sweet perfume overpowered it.

  Ceila Walker was a half-head taller than her daughter, slim, and impeccably dressed in a turquoise blouse, black slacks, and low heels. Her father, Charles Walker, wore casual tan Khakis, a knit sport shirt, and loafers. He stood six-foot-two, cleanly shaven, with eyes as dark brown as his daughter's, but smaller and rounder.

  Before Halie could utter a word, her mom grabbed her hand and kissed the side of her cheek, in a way that would not flatten her salon fresh hairdo or scuff her manicured nails. "Hi, honey. It's so good to see you. We've missed you."

  "Hey, sweetie," her dad interjected, reading glasses swinging in his hand.

  "Hi, you guys. I missed you too," Halie barely managed to say as she hugged her dad who was squeezing the air out of her.

  "Careful, Charles," her mother said. "You'll break her ribs, the poor dear."

  Halie's father loosened his grip.

  "That's okay, Mom. I'm tougher than I look."

  "No doubt, dear," her mom said, shaking her head. "So how was your flight?"

  "The flight was okay. We were delayed over Logan about twenty minutes, but otherwise it went well. I sat next to a reporter from Channel Seven. We had a lot to chat about. Made the time pass."

  "A reporter you say? Was this reporter male or female?"

  "Male, Mom. What difference does that make?"

  "No difference dear, just asking. How's Sheila been surviving without you? Was she surprised to see you?"

  "Her boyfriend seems to have moved in while I've been away. The place was a mess."

  "Really? Seems so unlike her."

  "In college she wasn't the neatest either, but since we got the apartment together, she's been fine. I think a lot has to do with Bill. I like him, but he's unreliable. He can't hold onto a decent job for more than a month or two, plus he acts like a high school kid with no responsibility."

  "I thank God every night that you have the sense not to get involved with someone like that."

  "Why don't you let our daughter relax and settle in first," Halie's father said as he placed his arm around his daughter's waist.

  "You're right. You two go in the living room and relax, and I'll get us something to drink."

  "Thanks, Mom. Could I have a glass of red wine, and do you have anything to snack on?" On their way into the living room, Halie asked, "Hey, Dad, why don't we sit outside on the patio instead of in the house?"

  Charles Walker set his reading glasses on the table next to his leather recliner. "Sure, sweetie, but I thought you weren't too keen on being outside, with the bugs and all."

  "I guess I've learned to appreciate the outdoors in the past few weeks."

  Out on the porch, he pulled a patio chair
out from under the table for his daughter and one for himself. As he sat in the chair, he placed his hand on top of hers. "Thanks so much for coming to visit this weekend, sweetie. I love you."

  "I love you too, Dad, but you don't have to thank me. I wouldn't have missed Father's Day for anything." Halie glanced out over the ocean. The weather was perfect, but she missed Sam.

  "So, how's work? The last time you called, you said the hotel was nice and the people you've met were friendly. Is that still the case?"

  "Oh, yeah, everyone's been great so far, and I've gotten some fabulous photos."

  "How's the article coming along?"

  "I have a good portion of it written already and have a pretty good idea how I'm going to handle the ending."

  "That's great. Maybe you'll be home earlier than you planned."

  "I don't think so," Halie said. "I'll have to see."

  Halie's mom stepped onto the patio carrying a tray of snacks, wineglasses, plates, and cloth napkins. She set the tray on the table and sat opposite Charles.

  "Thanks, Mom. That looks great."

  "Dig in then. Your father and I are so glad you were able to make it home this weekend."

  Halie blushed. "Thanks, it's nice to be back."

  "Did I tell you Joanie will be here tomorrow with her new boyfriend, Chad?" Celia asked.

  "I knew Joanie was coming, but you hadn't mentioned Chad."

  "Oh, yes. He's a lawyer for one of the big law firms in the city. I forget the name of the place, but that doesn't really matter anyway. Your brother and the kids are coming too. He says they won't stop talking about you. Says they keep pestering him about you bringing them a present back."

  "Yeah, I promised them one the last time I called." Halie took a sip of wine, spread some Brie on a cracker, and placed it in her mouth upside down. "I can't wait to see everyone."

  "I'm sure they can't wait to see you either," Halie's dad said before addressing his wife. "Halie told me her article on Grand Teton's coming along great."

  "That's wonderful," she said, but her tone was lethargic. "I just wish you didn't have to go off on these trips for so long. How are you ever going to meet someone if you're always away? Men don't like that you know."

  "Mom! Really. I'm gay remember? Why do you always have to talk as if I'm not?"

  "What? I'm just saying. I mean you're not with anyone. The whole gay thing could be a phase. Harriet's cousin--"

  "We've been through this before. It's not a phase. It's not a choice. I wish you'd understand that. And while we're on the subject, I may as well tell you I've met someone--someone special." She looked to her dad for reassurance. "Her name's Sam and I think I may have fallen in love with her."

  Halie's mom avoided her daughter's eyes. She grabbed a celery stick and bit down on it, chewing vigorously. "What kind of a woman's name is Sam, and what do you mean you may have fallen in love with her? Either you have or you haven't."

  "Celia, let her speak."

  "Thanks, Dad," Halie said, not believing she blurted out her feelings about Sam to her parents. "Her name's Samantha Tyler. She's a park ranger. She's been assigned to help me while I'm at Teton. She's kind, honest, and caring."

  "Great, a park ranger," her mom butted in. "There's lots of money in that. I see she certainly jumped at the opportunity to 'assist' you, didn't she?"

  "Mom, that's not fair. In all honesty, I was the one who pursued her. And as far as the money goes, I don't care." "Well, you should care. Everything costs money. Will you be happy living on a park ranger's salary?" "I think you're jumping ahead a little, Mom. Besides, I'm not planning on giving up my job. I'm still going to pursue my goals." "Maybe so, but you'd have a lot more out of life if you chose someone like your sister did."

  "Celia! I think that's enough now," Halie's father said. Then to his daughter he added, "We're both very proud of you, and although we may not be giving you that impression right now, your mother and I just want you to be happy. If that means it will be with Samantha, then so be it. She sounds like a very nice person, and if you think highly of her, then I'm sure there are plenty of reasons why you do."

  Tears welled up in Halie's eyes. "Thanks, Dad," she managed to say. She looked over at her mom, who'd raised an eyebrow at her father while tilting her head to the side.

  "After your assignment in Teton is over, if you still feel the same way about this woman, we'd like you to bring her by so we can meet her," her father added.

  "That means a lot to me." After her dad's comment, Halie expected to see a grim face of disapproval from her mom, but instead found she couldn't read her one way or the other.

  ON HER DRIVE home from her parents', Halie stopped at a garden center that was about to close and selected a half-dozen indoor plants to replace the ones Sheila had let die. She made her choices quickly, wanting to hurry back to the apartment and call Sam. She had missed her all day, even more than she thought she would. As soon as she'd carried all the plants into the kitchen, she dialed Sam's number. The phone rang three times before she heard that familiar voice she was longing for on the other end.

  "Hello?"

  "Sam. Hi, it's Halie."

  "Hey, I'm glad you called. I tried you earlier, but no one answered. Is everything okay?"

  "Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I just got home from seeing my folks."

  "How was it?"

  "Okay. They missed me. Mom was a little overbearing as usual--still holding on to the hope that my gayness is a phase."

  "Must be difficult. How's your roommate?"

  "That's a tough question. Let me backtrack for you so you get the benefit of the whole picture. First of all, I didn't sleep well last night, probably because I knew I had to get up so early, then my flight was delayed, and then, when I finally got to the apartment, the place was a mess. Sheila and her boyfriend left junk lying all over. Even her bedroom resembled a war zone, which is why I'm guessing they found the need to 'do it' in my bed."

  "What? You've got to be kidding," Sam said.

  "I wish I were. I was horrified. It's an image I'm having a hard time erasing. Needless to say, I spent most of the afternoon doing laundry and cleaning." The thought of the ordeal made Halie's blood pressure rise again. "Enough about my troubles. How was your day?"

  "Okay, I guess. I stopped by the address the antiques dealer gave me. It's a sporting goods store. I'm not sure what to do now."

  "Don't worry, we'll figure something out. Did you eat yet?"

  "No. I'm guessing you did though."

  "Yeah, Mom made my favorite, pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy and asparagus."

  "Asparagus? Yikes! That's almost as bad as Brussels sprouts. Please don't tell me you like those too," Sam said.

  "No, I'm with you on that one. Never could get past the taste. Hey, how's Jake?"

  "Jake's good. He misses you though. He didn't eat his dinner last night."

  "Ohhh, that's so cute. I miss him too. Give him a big hug for me."

  "I will. He keeps nudging me, like I should do something about your not being here."

  "Well, maybe you should."

  "Like what? All I can say is I miss you and I wish you were here in my arms."

  "That's plenty. I miss you too." Halie paused. She pictured Sam's face and warm, inviting eyes. The corners of her mouth curled upward. "A lot."

  "I'm tempted to ask you 'how much,' but I'd rather you show me when you get back."

  "I'll do both," Halie replied.

  "No doubt."

  Chapter Nineteen

  WITH HALIE AWAY and her curiosity smoldering, Sam drove to the sporting goods store in Wilson after work on Monday. She parked in the front lot and watched the activity outside for a while, then got out and walked over to the coffee shop. Earlier in the morning she'd stopped by dispatch to request a warrant check from NCIC on David Reingold, as well as had them run a driver's license and vehicle registration check. Contrary to the list of violations she had expected seeing, nothing irregular surfaced.
/>   The coffee shop was surprisingly busy for early evening. While waiting to pay, her thoughts drifted to Halie and to what she might be doing and whether she had already packed for her flight back to Jackson Hole. Sam hoped so. She longed to hold her in her arms, to feel her warmth and softness.

  "Large decaf hazelnut!" the male cashier yelled out a second time.

  Sam's eyes shifted to the young man staring at her with an annoyed expression. A shade embarrassed, she pushed her way to the counter and paid. If I miss Halie this badly already, what am I going to do when she leaves for good? Better not think too far ahead, she concluded.

  Outside, the air was cooling. Sam strode briskly to the sporting goods store with cautious anticipation. Before entering, she breathed deep and exhaled long and slow. Old-fashioned bells jingled above the entranceway as she pushed the door open and stepped inside. She stood glancing around the store, sipping her coffee, uncertain what to do next.

  "Hi. Something I can help you with?" a man called out as he exited the back room.

  Sam recognized him from his driver's license photo; it was David Reingold. "No, not yet. Just looking," she said, giving herself time to think. Should she engage him in conversation or not? She made her decision quickly. "I've never been in here before. You the owner?"

  "Sure am," he replied in a proud tone, in sharp contrast to his otherwise melancholy appearance. David Reingold possessed no unique features. He stood behind the counter at just over six-foot, average build, with narrow brown eyes and short brown hair.

  Sam wasn't sure who she was expecting to find, perhaps someone more contemptible looking, but David Reingold didn't fit the vision in her mind. "This place is impressive. You've packed a lot of nice stuff into a fairly small space."

  "I do what I can," he said.

  Uncomfortable with the sudden curt tone in his voice, Sam moved toward the center aisle and slowly traipsed down it. That didn't go well, she thought. Hidden from Reingold's direct view, she continued her search undaunted. To this point, she hadn't uncovered anything unusual, only the normal run-of-the-mill items one would expect to find in a sporting goods store. Merchandise even hung from the ceiling. Sam studied the items suspended above her. Many appeared quite old, but also in mint condition. Continuing down the aisle and up the next, she stopped before the entrance to the storage room. Two animal traps resembling the one Jake had stepped in hung high on the wall. Sensing someone close, she spun around.