That was then.
This is now.
I throw a punch, stopping it right in front of his nose.
“I’ll give you one chance.” I tell him. “Run!”
He does, as the Valkyries, flying through clouds, command them to rain down on me golden drops of light.
10
Samuel opened his door, immediately had a hard time breathing, the tanned, brown haired girl standing there beautiful in her white halter top and striped hot pants, her dark eyes absorbing him.
“Kate,” she said. “We met at the pool. I guess I didn’t make much of an impression!”
“You did…hi…it’s just that—” He stopped, but knew it was too late.
“I look different?” Kate smiled. “Makeup and blow-dried hair, that’s the secret.”
A week in Miami, Samuel had almost gotten used to the heat. Kate, not the Florida sun, now made him sweat. His long-sleeved shirt stuck to his skin. Even his hair felt wet.
“May I come in?” she asked.
“Yes—of course—” Stepping quickly to the side, Samuel knocked over a glass on the kitchen counter.
Tall, back straight, Kate walked to the couch, sat down and neatly crossed her legs. Samuel followed her and not knowing what to do, stood awkwardly behind the living room table.
“Foolish, isn’t it,” she said while slowly rotating a foot.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Samuel said, her eyes again catching him, squeezing his heart, as he looked away from her legs.
“Putting on a mask. Women hide their real faces. Unfortunately, that’s what it takes. When you saw me at the pool, did you think I was pretty?”
“Yes,” he lied.
“You are a gentleman! Are you sure you weren’t just admiring my body? Why don’t you sit down, Samuel. You look pale.”
He took one of the chairs, sat facing her, but at a distance, his sweaty palms on his knees.
“I wish I didn’t have to play the game,” Kate said. “It’s all about sex, isn’t it? I’m sorry. Does that word make you feel uncomfortable?”
Samuel kept shaking his head.
“I’m from Nebraska and grew up on a farm. Animals mate. It’s just what happens. No big deal. It’s a nice Saturday afternoon. You told me you like walking. Let’s go for one.”
“Great idea!” Samuel jumped up and was out the door before her.
Early this morning, Gary had taken the Pinto. Next to the empty parking space, the Night Crawler’s chrome and black motorcycle stood silent witness to its mysterious owner.
The manager stopped polishing his car.
“Looks like Mr. Lawyer’s got himself a girlfriend,” Lipman leered at Kate who had walked up beside Samuel.
“She’s…” Samuel started to explain; Kate interrupted him.
“I don’t know what you’ve got, Mr. Lipman, but I now what’s missing. Your balls.” The coldness in her words matched her eyes.
“That’s no way for a girl to speak!” The manager’s face turned the same shade of red as his pus-filled thumb.
“I’m sorry. Maybe I’m wrong. Did your beeper just go off?”
Lipman suddenly looked worried. “I didn’t hear nothing.”
“I sure hope Rosalyn’s OK.”
“You two better not cause me any trouble,” he said while hurrying away.
“Worthless,” Kate said as they walked toward Dixie Highway. “Lipman and his wife.”
“He’s taking care of her,” Samuel said. “She can’t help it if she’s sick.”
“Sick? The woman’s a blimp too fat to get out of bed! And he’s an imbecile who needs her to tell him what to do. Know what happens on the farm if an animal is born defective. We slaughter it.”
“We’re not talking about animals.”
“I’m majoring in biology, Samuel. That’s all we are. It’s a good thing those two can’t reproduce.”
“Mrs. Lipman is really sad about that. She has all these dolls.”
“I’ve seen them. What a joke!”
They crossed the highway and on campus walked down a path lined on both sides by tall palm trees. The deep blue of the university’s large pool contrasted with the surrounding white buildings. Girls in bikinis sunned themselves. Boys circled nearby. No one swam.
“Rich kids,” Kate said. “In Miami for the fun. Think any of them opens a book? They don’t have to. If they flunk out, the boys will step into their daddy’s business and the girls will find wealthy men to marry. Curious about me? I’m not looking for a husband.”
Was there something wrong with Kate, Samuel wondered. Why wouldn’t she want to fall in love and get married?
“My dad and mom had me late in life,” Kate told him. “They’re practical people. Didn’t think going to college in Florida was a good idea. They wanted me to stay close to home and become a teacher. They never understood why I took so many math and science classes in high school. But being practical has its advantages. When my parents learned I’d received a full scholarship to the university, my dad nodded, went out to feed the pigs; mom patted my hand, then continued drying the dishes. I chose Miami because it’s as far as I could get from the farm and still be in the United States. You have any brothers or sisters?”
“No,” Samuel answered.
“Me neither. Last year I lived on campus. I didn’t mind the dorm. It was actually fun. The girls thought I was older and for awhile came to me with their problems. I got to play big sister. I listened, told them what I thought about their boyfriends, complexion and legs. They looked shocked. Rich kids aren’t used to hearing the truth. Living at Gables Court is much better. I have an apartment paid for by the school and can choose who I talk to.” She gave Samuel’s hand a quick squeeze. “I like Gary. He’s worked hard to get here. He told me you’re from Boston.”
“Just outside the city,” Samuel said, still tingling from her touch.
“I’ve never been to New England. Is it nice?”
“Yes, especially in the fall. The trees are…colorful.”
“Like a painting,” she said.
“That’s it. I once saw silver leaves,” Samuel afraid of telling her anything more. He didn’t want Kate to think him different, the strange, gray man, living in Gables Court who, when watching the wind swirl clusters of leaves, knew this flow of bright golden light sparkling with crimson was only a shadow of deeper hues beyond his ability to see.
“Paintings and walks!” Kate laughed. “I’ve got a better idea. Let’s get drunk! Don’t look so scared. Maybe I’m only kidding. Think you can catch me?” She shoved him and sprinted toward Dixie Highway.
Breathing hard, Samuel ran after her…Stopped to look up at the rapidly gathering dark clouds. An instant later, massive rumbling blackness illuminated by flashes of blue and orange lightning enveloped the remaining whiteness of the sky. Thunder spoke to him, but with the roaring voice of superheated, oceanic atmosphere exploding beyond what he had heard in the thin cold air of New England.
He stood, listening to its call. But to where?
“Samuel!” Kate shouted.
A car on Dixie Highway pulled to the curb, the driver handing her a pizza.
Hard, fast, sudden and drenching, the rain slammed down.
“Come on!” Kate again yelled, looking at Samuel.
This time he heard her and ran over.
“Let’s go!” She grabbed his hand and slightly ahead of him, they darted into traffic. Cars veered and swerved, their headlights soft blurs, their horns blasting.
“Goddamn fools!”
a man yelled out his car window while speeding past.
“We made it!” Kate said when they reached the other side of the street. “And I still have the pizza! Special promotion! They opened a new pizza place and he’s driving around, handing out food!”
Bent over, hands on hips, Samuel looked up at her while continuing to take deep breaths.
“We don’t have to worry about dinner! Let’s go to your place and eat it.” Soaked, her makeup streaked, her eyes flashed shiny and wild.
Samuel ran with her through the rain.
When they reached Gables Court the sun blasted out, large and hot, in a suddenly clear blue sky.
“That’s the way it is in Miami,” Kate remarked. “Clouds, downpour, then it’s sunny again, all in one day. I like that. Variety. You never get bored.”
Dark and musty inside his apartment, Samuel turned on a light. Kate put the pizza box down and stood close to him, her eyes darkly intense through a veil of shadow.
“You look cold,” she said.
“No, I’m fine,” Samuel answered, shivered as she touched his arm.
“Does this help?” Kate placed his hand on her breast.
Thought ended, the burning nerve endings of his fingers discharging through his body an electrified lash of desire searing his flesh. He couldn’t talk or move.
Again taking his hand, she led him through the gap in the wall.
Kate undressed and got into bed. Hands shaking, Samuel slowly unbuttoned his white shirt. He took his black slacks off, but not his underwear, stood holding the pants in front of him.
“Be polite,” Kate said. “I’m waiting.”
After turning away from her, he stepped out of his underwear, folded it, placed his clothes neatly on the dresser. Hurrying to the bed, Samuel quickly pulled the covers over him.
“Come closer,” Kate said.
Samuel’s leg touched hers. Her eyes stared into his. He took a deep breath and lightly kissed Kate on the lips.
She rolled on top of him.
“I’m a virgin,” he said.
She laughed.
“This is no time for excuses.” Kate rocked, her eyes half-closed as if she were looking inside herself.
No one had ever discussed sex with him. In high school, Samuel had often daydreamed about Mary Wiggins but decided love making required not only love, but marriage. What he believed now existed inside a sudden burst of energy and heat.
Samuel felt guilty…and happy!
“I love you,” he said.
“You don’t have to say that,” Kate told him. “I hope you don’t mind if I spend the night.” Her back to him, she immediately went to sleep.
Samuel gently touched Kate’s long hair, saw in its strands different shades of amber.
Thunder rattled the window.
11
Dressed, Kate stood by the bed. Samuel rubbed his eyes.
“I didn’t want to leave without saying good-bye.”
“You’re going?” he asked, and sat up. “Where?”
“It’s Sunday. I’m a good Catholic girl. I have sins to confess!” She smirked while prayerfully arching her hands. “Well, that’s done. Truth is, Samuel, I have an 11:00 flight to Omaha.”
“Are you visiting your parents?”
“No, my boyfriend.”
“I…I don’t understand.”
“His name is Henry. We met two summers ago when I was home. He sells insurance.”
“But last night…we…”
“Screwed? And it was fun. But now it’s a different day.”
Blocked off by the broken air conditioner, pounded by the traffic noise on Dixie Highway, the room suddenly became more airless and loud, the airlessness and clamor caused by a constant loop of words banging inside his head: henry boyfriend fun fun screw.
“I thought you liked me…”
“I do,” Kate said. “And I’m glad you didn’t use the word love. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but when you said that last night, I thought it childish. Something some nerd buddy of yours told you to say when with a girl. It’s actually a turn-off. So is lying about being a virgin.”
“I didn’t lie.”
“You’re kidding? How old are you?”
“Twenty-four.”
“And you’ve never done it. Now, that’s amazing! If I’d known I’d have made it more special.”
“It was,” Samuel said softly.
“Are you more interested in boys?” Kate asked. “Just didn’t have the opportunity?”
“That’s not the reason.”
“Then why?”
“I wanted to stay a virgin until I got married.”
“And now I’ve ruined that for you! I hope you’ll forgive me.” She didn’t look apologetic, especially her eyes. “I thought you were Jewish.”
“I’ve been called that.”
“Sounds to me like you were brought up by nuns! Save it for marriage! Premarital intercourse is a mortal sin and if you don’t repent you’ll go to Hell! My parents never talked to me about sex. They didn’t have to. I told you, the farm is a great teacher. But the nuns in my school who had never been with a man and married Jesus, they were experts on the subject! I wore my little uniform, sat in class and answered: yes, Sister, then, beginning in high school, did what I wanted.”
“Did you have lots of boyfriends?”
“If that’s what you want to call them,” Kate answered. “I can’t believe I’ve moved all the way from Nebraska to Miami, escaped the nuns, only to find a guy who talks like them! It’s too funny! The taxi will be here soon. I’ve got to get my suitcase. See you when I get back.”
She kissed Samuel on the forehead.
Naked, he slowly traced Kate’s outline in the sheet.
. . . . .
That afternoon Samuel read a comic while sitting near the pool. He glanced over to see Gary drive up and park the Pinto.
“Here comes money!” Gary called out, looked toward the office, then grinning, slid across the hood of Lipman’s Bonneville. “How’s it going, Bud! Car’s back in one piece, put gas in, just like I promised. Thanks for yesterday and today. I should have asked if I could use your wheels again this morning but I left early and didn’t want to wake you. Are you mad?”
“Everything’s cool,” Samuel said. “Yesterday I walked around campus. Today I‘m soaking up rays.”
“Walking? That’s a drag.”
“It wasn’t. I had company.”
“Yeah?” Gary’s blue eyes lit up. “A girl?”
“Kate. She came over. Who’s the man now!”
“No shit!” He punched Samuel in the shoulder, pulled up a plastic chair and sat down. “She’s a babe! You walked—and?”
“Talked. Ate pizza.”
“That’s all?”
“We didn’t stay out late. She had to pack. Kate flew to Nebraska this morning.”
“Do you like her?”
“She’s nice,” Samuel answered.
“Nothing serious, right?”
“No…”
“That’s what I like to hear! Don’t get tied down! Be a player! The college is full of hot chicks! You and me, buddy! A lawyer and a millionaire! We’ll have our pick!”
“How did sales go?” Samuel asked.
“Great! Yesterday I got a list of customers who told me to check back with them in a few weeks. Today was a little slow, but I expected that. It’s Sunday. Let’s get something to eat, my treat.”
“Should we ask Benny and Wolfman to come?”
“Those two are creeps,” Gary said. “I can’t wait to move out and get away from them. You driving?”
“I’d like to,” Samuel said, “if you don’t mind me borrowing the car.”
“Funny! Maybe you do have a personality! Here,” and he threw Samuel the keys.
They drove south on Dixie Highway toward The Rat, a college hangout not far from campus.
“Why are you upset with your roommates?” Samuel asked.
“There’s this girl, Lil. Maybe you saw her? English major, the mousey type. Wears glasses, is always carrying books. She lives in the back building. Benny and Wolfman talk to her, tell her how pretty she is. It’s all bullshit. Lil’s got a screw loose. They go to her apartment just to fuck her.”
“You should do something,” Samuel said.
“I am. I told you, I’m splitting the first chance I get.”
“But what about the girl? “
“They aren’t forcing her. She’s probably a nympho. The problem is they are taking turns. That’s what’s disgusting.”
“But if she’s crazy, how can she agree?”
“She doesn’t say no,” Gary answered. “Turn left, there’s The Rat!”
Samuel did, while thinking about Lil in building three.
Flaming torches lined a stone path leading to a small, bamboo covered building, its thatched triangular roof supported by Tiki totems. Inside, fans suspended from the ceiling’s dark wooden beams stirred the air closest to the blades, the room below remaining thickly humid and smelling of sweat and beer.
Along the bar, on stools carved in the shape of pineapples, tanned coeds wearing hot pants and mini skirts scanned the room for boys while pretending to enjoy talking to each other. At tables, boys chugged pitchers of beer, belched and dared each other to ‘make a move’. One did, smiling at a girl before passing out and falling backwards.
On stage, in a far corner of the room, a girl with long blonde hair falling below her waist sang folksongs no one could hear above the noise.
Gables Court Page 4