Sara's Promise

by Deanna Lynn Sletten

  Annie entered the offices of Grafton & Hanover with ten minutes to spare. Behind the secretary's desk stood a young woman with long, strawberry blonde hair, her back to Annie. In her ears were earbuds attached to an iPod clipped to her belt. She hummed along with the music as she filed papers into drawers. This was definitely a different secretary from the middle-aged woman who'd greeted Annie just yesterday.

  The door to William's office was ajar, but Annie didn't see movement in there. Before Annie was able to get the woman's attention, she turned, as if suddenly aware now that she was not alone in the room. The woman was young and had a beautiful face of classic features and soft blue eyes, but she wore too much makeup, and her purple lipstick was atrocious. But what caught Annie's attention most were the girl's piercings—nose, eyebrow and several up each ear.

  The secretary popped the earbuds out. "You must be the photographer."

  Annie nodded. Loud music thumped through the earbuds.

  "You're early," the young woman said, turning off the iPod. The way she said it made Annie wonder if William had said she might be late. Annie was about to introduce herself but was interrupted by the young woman.

  "Dad's upstairs, talking to his accountant. He should be back in a few minutes."

  Annie's brows rose. Dad? She nodded again, both in acknowledgment and understanding. This was William's daughter. The girl continued to stare at her as Annie tried to think of what to say next. But again, before Annie could speak, the girl beat her to it.

  "You have green eyes," William's daughter said, continuing to study her. "Blue-green actually. My mother had eyes the same color."

  There it was again. Annie wondered about a family that was obsessed with eye color.

  "Yes, your father told me," Annie said, finally finding her voice. She extended her hand in greeting. "I'm Annie Paxton. Nice to meet you."

  The girl hesitated a moment before raising her own hand. Their hands clasped, and so did their gazes. For a brief second, Annie thought she saw confusion flutter through the girl's blue eyes.

  "I'm Sandra. Sandy," she said, taking her hand back, as she continued watching Annie. It was as if she couldn't look away.

  Annie ignored the girl's stare.

  "Do you work for your father often?" she asked, interested in this young woman who wore too much makeup, a mini-skirt, and a nose ring. She looked to be about twenty, and her choice of dress seemed to confirm that age. She was quite the opposite of what Annie would have expected William's daughter to be. She would have figured her to be preppy and conservative. In other words, not have a multitude of piercings.

  "I only work for him on Fridays to give Ellen an extra day off," Sandy said. "Sometimes I come in and help out when I'm on break. I can always use the extra spending money."

  "You go to school then?" Annie asked, having picked up on the word 'break'.

  Sandy nodded. "I'm an art major at Portland State University. I live on campus all week and come home on the weekends. I usually try to keep Fridays clear so I can work."

  Annie nodded, trying to pay attention but unable to keep her eyes off the small hoop earring on the side of Sandy's nose. She wondered why anyone would want an earring on their nose.

  Sandy cocked her head and peered at Annie mischievously. "Shocks you, doesn't it? The fact that straight-laced William Grafton's daughter has a nose ring?"

  Annie tried to look unconcerned as she stared Sandy straight in the eyes. "No, not really. Why? Is that why you have one? To shock people?" She hadn't meant for her tone to sound so superior—like someone's mother. It just came out that way.

  Sandy only stared back at her with a wrinkled brow. She looked confused, or upset by her question. Before she could come up with a reply, William entered the office.

  "So, this time I'm late," he said, chuckling a little as he looked at his watch. "Sorry. I was discussing some things with my accountant and time slipped away. Have you met my daughter?"

  Annie turned and smiled up at him, aware of Sandy still watching her. He looked fresh and handsome in a sand-colored suit.

  "Yes, we've met," she answered. "She was telling me about college."

  William nodded and smiled back at her. She was wearing a blue, silk tee today with cream-colored trousers. The color of her shirt reflected the blue in her eyes. Her hair was down again, simply tucked behind her small ears. He liked it that way, casual and free.

  Sandy noticed her dad staring at Annie longer than necessary. Was he interested in her? That would be a change. She rolled her eyes and returned to her filing, placing the earbuds back into her ears.

  Neither William nor Annie noticed Sandy's dismissal of them.

  "Well, we can be off," he said, walking into his office to grab his briefcase. "Today, we're heading west. There's a place just outside of Beaverton you need to see, then we're off to Seaside for the other homes."

  Annie looked surprised.

  "Oh, then I should drive my car, too. I live in Seaside." She tried to hide her disappointment. She'd actually been looking forward to riding with him.

  William pondered this a moment. "I didn't know that. I could have met you there. We live in Seaside, too."

  Annie nodded. She knew that from the notes the magazine had given her with the article about him, and the homes he designed. She'd also known it the moment she'd recognized him yesterday, but she didn't mention it.

  "Why don't you follow me to the first house," William suggested. "Then we can drop your car off at your place. No sense in us both driving around separately."

  Annie agreed, and they set off.

  The house just outside of Beaverton sat on a five acre lot and was just as remarkable as the previous day’s homes. It was a ranch-style home with vaulted ceilings, oak floors and moldings, and expansive decks. She took several shots outside, because the landscaping around the exterior was just as impressive as the house itself. Annie made a mental note to suggest this home for a garden layout to one of the magazines she worked with.

  "I can give you the name of the landscaping firm," William offered, when she mentioned this to him. He agreed it would make a nice photo layout.

  William followed her in his Explorer to her condo. She parked her car and slipped into his. Her equipment was already in the back.

  "Mind if we stop by my house a minute?" he asked. "I don't live too far from here. I'd like to change out of this suit."

  Annie didn't mind. The afternoon had warmed up considerably, and she knew he'd be more comfortable in casual clothes. Besides, after viewing so much of his work, she was eager to see inside his home.

  Within five minutes, they pulled into his driveway. It was secluded from the road by trees and bushes, but closer to the house, the foliage cleared, and the sun shone brightly on the blue-gray colored home. The brick driveway curved to a stop in front of the attached double-car garage, then the brick continued as a smaller curved path to the front door. Shrubs and flowers lined the path and filled up the area under the windows of the house. Crocuses and tulips had come up in bright patches of color that nestled nicely beside the manicured lawn.

  William led her through double, carved oak doors into the foyer, and Annie looked around in wonder. The foyer was two stories high with tall windows, allowing full sunlight. Ahead was a sunken living room, and beyond that, through the patio doors and across the deck, she could see the bright blue ocean.

  "This is beautiful," she said, walking ahead of him, down into the living room. She walked across the cream carpet to admire the ocean view.

  William followed her. "Come look at this." He slid open the glass door and they stepped out onto the deck. Her eyes followed the direction his finger was pointing. In the distance two people were kite surfing in the cove. Automatically, without a thought about it, Annie lifted the camera that hung around her neck and snapped pictures.

  "How did you ever find such a great piece of property?" Annie asked, amazed by the beach-front property. She came to this strip of beach often to walk
along the water's edge and relax, always bringing along her camera to snap pictures. She'd often wondered about the houses along this strip, and the people who lived in them. How were they so lucky to live here? Who were they, and what were their stories?

  Of all the homes she saw when she walked the beach, this was the house she'd picked out as her favorite. The huge windows and massive decks had stood out, yet it had seemed like a cozy place to her. A real home, she'd imagined, filled with loving people. A family home. She didn't dare mention this now though, as William, pleased by her interest, answered her question.

  "Actually, I was very lucky. I stumbled upon this land through a friend. He knew the elderly lady whose family had owned this property for years. They'd never developed it. She sold it to me for a good price. Sara fell in love with it the minute she saw it. She said it was fate." His eyes were bright as he spoke, his face almost boyish.

  Annie couldn't resist snapping a few shots of him as he leaned against the railing with the ocean behind him.

  He didn't resist her taking his picture, he only laughed. "Do you ever stop taking pictures?"

  It was her turn to laugh. "Not if I can help it. I love looking at the world through my viewfinder."

  She followed him back into the house. The afternoon sun shone into the living room, bathing it in perfect light.

  Instinctively, she lifted her camera to her eye, then stopped to ask permission this time. "Do you mind?"

  William shook his head. "No, I don't, as long as they aren't published. My house is for me and my family only."

  Annie nodded and began snapping pictures of the living room as she slowly turned in a circle. The camera caught a glimpse of the dining room and kitchen, the foyer, and the hallway. At a half-circle, she stopped snapping pictures. In the frame of her viewfinder was a flagstone fireplace with an oak mantel holding framed photos and a watercolor painting hanging above. It was the painting that caught her attention. Slowly, she lowered the camera from her face and walked toward the fireplace, her eyes transfixed on the canvas.

  "What a lovely painting," she exclaimed as she neared it. It was of a house off a beach, the colors blended so perfectly it looked real. And it seemed so oddly familiar to Annie, so familiar that a slight chill ran down her spine as she stared, mesmerized by it.

  William came up behind her and spoke softly. "My wife painted it. She loved this house so much that she wanted to capture it on canvas."

  Of course, Annie thought, as she continued to stare at the painting. That was why it was so familiar. It was a beach view of his house, the same exact view that she had also admired from a distance. The same view she'd captured more than once on camera.

  "It's absolutely beautiful," she told him softly.

  "Thank you," William nearly whispered. He, too, was staring at the painting, drawn into it as much as Annie was.

  Dropping her eyes, Annie studied the photos on the mantel. All were in black and white, giving them a professional look. There was one of a young teen boy standing proudly at a golf course with club in hand, the flag on the hole displaying the number eighteen. Another was of William, his daughter and his son clowning around on a blanket on the beach. The last was of a lovely looking woman, her arms draped casually around a boy and girl, with the ocean swelling behind them. She was tall and lean with long, light hair and a warm smile.

  "Is this your wife?" Annie asked, gazing from the photo to William.

  A sad, sweet smile appeared on his face. "Yes, that's Sara."

  "She's beautiful," Annie said, sincerely. She stared at the photo, feeling as drawn to it as she had been to the painting. There was something so hauntingly familiar about her.

  "Yes, she was beautiful. Thank you," William said softly. "That is one of the few photos I have of her. She loved taking pictures and was usually on the other side of the camera. I never realized how few we had of her until after she died."

  Silence filled the room. Annie understood. She had few pictures of herself as a child, but in her case, no one had cared enough to take any. They had all been too consumed with their own lives and problems.

  Annie broke the silence by changing the subject. "It must be a lot of work, taking care of this big house and the yard. Everything looks spotless."

  William chuckled. "I don't do it all alone. I have help. A woman comes in three times a week to clean, do laundry, and bring groceries from a list I leave her. Her name is Alma, and she was a lifesaver when my wife died. I literally didn't know how to do anything. I also have a lawn and garden service work on the yard once a week."

  "Ah, that's your secret," Annie said with a grin. "I kind of thought the house was too clean, considering two men live here alone."

  "Sandy usually stays on the weekends, too, but there's no way she's going to do our laundry."

  They both laughed.

  "I'd better go up and change," William said. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

  Annie nodded and watched him walk slowly up the stairs. She walked back over to the patio door and stared out at the beach. Spring in Oregon was beautiful, much warmer than the springs she'd grown up with in Minnesota. Although along the coast, the wind could be quite chilly. It was a Friday afternoon, and a few people were walking along the beach wearing sweaters and jeans to ward off the cool breeze. She thought it strange to be the one looking out for a change instead of looking in. She loved this view, loved how this house sat just high enough above the beach to catch the full view of the ocean. Sunsets must be beautiful here, as well as evenings under the full moon, she thought. How lucky Sara had been to live here with her husband and children.

  A sad, hollow feeling swelled inside Annie. Ever since leaving Minnesota and her past behind, she'd found happiness in her life and her work. She had total freedom to come and go as she chose with no ties or schedules to follow, except her own. But this, this was so much more. Children, husband, home. Love. Yes, love. This house was filled with it. Every detail from its design to each piece of furniture had been handled with love. Sara's love, Annie thought, as she wondered about the woman who had unwillingly left this all behind.

  She closed her eyes, trying to conjure up an image of Sara in this room, laughing perhaps, teasing, and holding her arms out to her children with such genuine love and affection. She could see her living here, feel her presence. But not all of it was happy and content. Annie felt some anxiety, some regret. Were those Sara's feelings, or her own?

  Annie opened her eyes to shake off her sudden negative feelings. As she focused from darkness to the light, a shadow appeared in front of her, making her gasp in surprise. Standing in front of her, staring at her oddly, was the spitting image of William.

  "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," the William look-alike said in a husky voice.

  Annie raised a hand to her pounding heart and took a deep breath. On closer inspection she could tell the person in front of her was younger than William, yet so much his mirror image.

  "I'm Sam," he offered, coming closer and extending his hand. "Who are you?"

  The realization of who he was hit her instantly, and she let out the breath she'd been holding. Sam was William's son. He was tall, like his father, but lankier, and he looked down at her with familiar warm, brown eyes. After a moment, she realized he'd been standing there for some time with his hand extended, and she suddenly felt foolish. Blushing, she extended her own hand to his. His grasp was firm and warm.

  "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were here. I thought I was alone," she said quickly as he simply stared at her and smiled. "I'm waiting for your father. He's upstairs."

  Their grasp released, and she realized that she'd rattled on without introducing herself.

  "I'm Annie Paxton," she said.

  A glimmer of recognition sparked in his eyes. "Oh, the photographer. My dad told me about you."

  He continued to stand there, staring at her. She was at a loss as to what to say next. He looked tan, windblown, and handsome in a red polo shirt and khaki pants,
as if he'd just blown in from a summer's day. She wondered what his dad had told him about her, wondered what he was thinking about her now, and wondered at him being the only family member not to mention the fact that she had blue-green eyes.

  "I just came home from school," he told her, breaking the silence. "I get out early on Fridays. I was just on my way to the golf course for practice and thought I'd grab a bite to eat on the way."

  He spoke easily, comfortably, as if they were already friends. His whole being reflected easiness. Annie thought he must be the most likable teenager she'd ever met.

  "So, you've met Sam, I see," William said, coming up behind her. He'd changed into a red pullover sweater and jeans, and wore a warm smile. He came up beside Sam and placed his hand on his shoulder. Standing together like that, Annie thought they looked like they could be brothers.

  "Going out to the golf course?" William asked his son.

  Sam nodded. "I'm going to meet the team there in a few minutes."

  William turned to Annie, his face beaming with pride. "Sam's the lead player on the high school golf team. He's already been recruited by the University of San Diego to play next year in college."

  "That's wonderful," Annie exclaimed, not surprised that this friendly, young man was so accomplished already. "You must be very good."

  Sam smiled sheepishly and slipped his hands into his pockets.

  "I do okay," he said modestly.

  "He has a room full of trophies, so he does better than 'okay'," William said, slapping him gently on the back. "And he's a great student, too. He's on the 'A' honor roll."

  Sam reddened a little and shook his head at his dad.

  "I'm leaving before you start polishing my halo," he said good-naturedly. He tipped his head at Annie. "Nice meeting you," he said shyly, and left the room.

  A moment later, they heard the kitchen door click shut.