Canyon Road

by Thomas, Thea

  Sage smiled. "No, Anthony, not at all! I want to make sure that the guest of honor comes to his own party."

  "What?"

  "I'm planning a birthday party for you. I've called a few people, they're all set to have a gala event at the Ritz-Carlton the day after your birthday, on the Friday."

  Anthony smiled boyishly. "Sage, you shouldn't!"

  "I should and I want to. I need something concrete to put my mind on. I've only been planning this party for a couple of days and it's been a lot of fun already. All I need from you is for you to say you'll be there."

  "I'll be there! This is amazing. No one has given me a birthday party since... well, in years."

  "Since Alison, isn't that true?"

  Anthony's expression sobered. "Yes, since Alison. And now you, Sage, you give me this honor."

  "You deserve it, Anthony. By the way, did you know that Michael recently saw Alison?"

  "Really? No, I didn't. I haven't seen him in weeks."

  "He happened to mention it when I invited him to your party."

  "How is she?"

  "He said she's doing very well. I guess she's an established artist, and is pretty successful."

  "Yes," Anthony said, "I know about her art, a little."

  "Do you ever think about her?" Sage asked.

  "Of course I do, sometimes... I mean, I remember, you know, our past, when we were young, when things were easier."

  "Hmmm."

  "Well, she was my first love. You know how bonding they say a first love is. I think it sets your tone of mind for life. Quite frankly, Sage I have to admit that's one of the things that attracts me to you. You remind me of Alison, your quiet yet strong character. Isn't it strange that you're more like Alison, whom you barely knew then like your Aunt Victoria, with whom you lived?"

  ""But Anthony," Sage pointed out, "if my character is as you say, and I hope it is, it stems from my parents. My father left this area, to be with my mother for the very reason that he was drawn to her wise and quiet nature."

  "That's true, that's true," Anthony became quiet, reflective. Sage could see that he was putting together all that she had just said. And in that moment she had the understanding that Anthony was drawn to her to try and fill the void of losing his first love. That he hadn't been seeing her for herself, but as an Alison clone. Perhaps not flattering, but an important insight all the same.

  "You know, Anthony, I've always been very fond of Alison."

  "Yes? I'm glad to hear you say that." He returned his full attention to her. "A birthday party – for me! I'm not going to ask any questions, I'm just going to let everything be a surprise."

  "That's a good birthday boy," Sage giggled. "I'll talk to you later. But right now I've got to get back to getting it organized."

  At home Sage scrounged through her desk until she found a letter Alison had written her years ago when she first moved to San Francisco. In it she'd given Sage her phone number – "In case you ever need to talk with me."

  That time had arrived. Sage dialed the number and, miraculously, Alison answered.

  "Alison, this is Sage Elgin."

  "Sage? Little Sage?" Alison's youthful voice sounded thrilled to hear Sage.

  "Well," Sage laughed, "all-grown-up Sage. Michael mentioned he'd seen you recently. He had such glowing things to say about you. I believe he mentioned the misfortune that befell my Aunt Vicky. And I... I've come to realize how important people are to one another. I'm so glad Michael talked to you, reminding me how much I miss you."

  "Oh, Sage!" There was a catch in Alison's voice, "you're going to make me cry!"

  "Don't cry! I have a much better idea. I'm giving a birthday party for Anthony the day after his birthday. I want you to come down, I want you the be my guest that week-end, and...."

  "Oh, I don't know, Sage, it sounds a little...."

  "It's not," Sage protested. "It's not a little sticky or whatever. I don't want to betray a confidence, but you should hear the way Anthony talks about you. The two of you should at least be friends. If anyone is fortunate enough to live long enough to bury the hatchet, to forgive and to be forgiven, I think, I mean, I believe that that is one of life's greatest gifts.

  "No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. But, at the same time, we all just want 'to love and to be loved' as the song says. So please come and be with us. It's not only about Anthony, it's about me, and about Michael, and about all your friends here who love you. Come down and be with us."

  "Sage, you're irresistible. What a sweet girl, excuse me! young woman. I have a picture of you in my mind's eye as a beautiful little girl."

  "So you'll come? I can count on you?"

  "I'll come. And Sage?" Alison paused. "Thank you."

  Chapter 17

  It was a rich, fresh Indian summer day the day of Anthony's party. One of those days so rare in southern California, a New England day, when the air had summer warmth with an overlay of autumn bite. Sage loved a day such as this more than any other. It reminded her of her favorite days in her childhood, when she and her mother and father would roam the woods.

  In the morning she picked up Alison at the airport then left her off at home to rest and get ready for the party. Alison tried to get Sage to let her go with her to the Ritz-Carlton and help, but Sage insisted that Alison consider herself on a no-work-allowed holiday.

  "Besides," Sage reminded her, "you're supposed to be a surprise for Anthony and everyone else, so you're not to show yourself until the party!"

  At the Ritz-Carlton, Sage was greatly relieved to see Millie already there, buzzing about, taking care of details. Sage okayed flower and table arrangements, made sure the sound check was going well with the musicians and helped the dowager princess set up her intermission recorded music. She paused for a few moments, drinking in the on-the-ocean view from the glass-walled party room. Then she went to the small kitchen behind the party room.

  There Tina and John were making hors d'oeuvres, a dinner, and desert that would be talked about for a very long time.

  Sage sampled the concoctions piling up in the small kitchen. "My goodness," she laughed, "there's only going to be forty guests. It looks like you're cooking for three hundred!"

  "We've got freezers for any extras," a harried and happy Tina said, dashing around Sage.

  "You love this, don't you?"

  Tina stopped and winked at Sage. "I really love this. I have a sense of purpose. I'm doing something that makes people happy."

  "You're making me very happy, that's for sure," Sage affirmed.

  "And John... isn't he wonderful?"

  The two women stood and admired John as he wielded the Mix Master with professional aplomb. Skinny as a rail, he looked improbable as one of the potentially greatest chefs in the country.

  "He's kind of skinny, but he is awfully cute!" Sage whispered to Tina.

  "He's just perfect. And he thinks I'm almost perfect." Tina patted her filling-out thighs.

  "I never thought I'd say this to anyone, but you honestly do look better with a few pounds added. Healthier. Color in your cheeks, sparkle in your eye. You're cuter with the curves. Of course some of your cuteness is how much you're in love."

  "Yes. Love." Tina tossed her head. "Okay, enough praise for the moment. I've got to get back to my slavery or the boss-lady is goin' ta fire me!"

  "That will not happen." Sage returned to the party room, satisfied that everything was in order. She needed to hurry home and make herself presentable.

  Alison was apparently napping when Sage got home, the house was quiet.

  She went to her room and laid out her new turquoise blue and corn-silk yellow print dress and yellow sandals. She showered and washed her long hair, braided a few thin braids and wove blue corn flowers in among the braids. As she slipped on the dress, there was a knock at the door.

  "Sage?"

  "Come in, Alison."

  Alison opened the door. "Oh, how lovely you look."

  "Wow, Alison, look at you!
"

  Alison stood in the doorway in a jade green, tea-length, fitted silk sheath. "You're stunning! You'll take Anthony's breath away."

  "You're very kind. But I need to tell you that I'm feeling extremely nervous and having serious second thoughts. I really think I should not go."

  "Nonsense," Sage lead Alison to the love sea and sat beside her. "Quite frankly, I'm nervous too. I'm giving a party for some of the world's most sophisticated party goers. What if I've done some unwitting but awful faux pas?"

  "Oh no, Sage. Everyone loves you. They just want to go at Anthony's party, they're not interested in trying to find fault."

  Sage nodded, greatly relieved. Alison was one-hundred percent right. She gave Alison a gentle, non-wrinkling, non mussing, but very sincere, hug. "Thank you. You've always said the right thing to make everyone feel comfortable. Well, then," Sage stood, "Nerves and all, do you suppose we can fool them into thinking we're cool as cucumbers?"

  "We always do!"

  They got into Sage's little car and raced down the canyon to the Ritz-Carlton, arriving half-an-hour before Anthony was to come.

  After getting Alison comfortably settled in a near-by powder room, Sage went to the party room. All the musicians were there and on her cue they played soft classical music as the guests began to arrive.

  She greeted everyone as they arrived, feeling sure and unsure at the same moment. She'd never hosted a party before, although she had helped Aunt Vicky extensively many times. But this time the guests were saying that she'd done a lovely job to the room, that she'd gotten an excellent band, and where did she find the caterers who made these wonderful canapes?

  She was so grateful to see Millie bustling about in the background, answering questions and being, as she had become, a effective right hand.

  Sage couldn't help watching for Michael, but he didn't come through the door. Disappointment mounted. She tried to set it aside, but she could not. She chided herself for not calling him to apologize, but she'd built up the fantasy about the happy surprise his Aunt Alison being at the party would be for him.

  She'd intended to make her heartfelt apology to him tonight – to tell him he'd been so very right. And to thank him for making things better for everyone with his bravery. But if he didn't come....

  Right at that moment the guest of honor arrived, smiling like little boy.

  Anthony embraced Sage, and whispered in her ear, "I'd like to say a few words to everyone."

  "Certainly!" She escorted him to the dais where the band played, then tapped on a wine glass to get everyone's attention.

  "Dear friends," Anthony began, clearly touched by the warmth surrounding him, "I am so honored tonight by all of you, my treasured friends and family. Sage, our hostess, deserves every accolade for this lovely event. Where Sage is, there too is charm and grace. Her equal would be hard to find!"

  Sage stepped back, trying to get out of the limelight. "Please, Anthony, tonight is about you. " She raised her glass.

  Everyone raised a glass. "Here, here," they chorused.

  At that moment, Sage saw Michael enter, looking stormy and quite as though he'd rather not be here. She watched Millie hurry up to him, clearly delighted with his arrival. His stormy visage turned to smiles as Millie gave him a hug.

  Anthony continued, "This is the best birthday in my life, and I've had quite a few, so I know what I'm taking about!"

  Everyone chuckled. Sage nodded at Millie, and Millie excused herself from Michael.

  As Anthony continued with a few more niceties, there was a ripple of whispers through the crowd. Then Sage heard Anthony gasp as Alison stepped out from the crowd across from him. The last red rays of the setting sun outlined Alison's trim and goddess-like figure with an almost supernatural glow, while the green silk of her sheath reflected a golden sheen.

  She was glorious.

  Sage felt more than she saw the look Michael shot toward her when he turned from his aunt to Sage.

  Anthony stepped down from the dais. "Alison!" He approached her and took her hands in his.

  "How are you Anthony?" she asked, cool as jade.

  Anthony kissed her hands gallantly. "I'm fine. I'm very fine. Especially fine at the sight of you."

  Anthony looked back at Sage. "You arranged this?"

  "I did. And now everyone, let's party!" Sage urged.

  The guests immediately responded to her command. Everyone partied and ate and danced and chatted. Tina and John brought out delicacy after delicacy. Millie took care of all the little details like a pro.

  Sage studied the overall effect. Everything was perfect. Everyone was happy.

  She stepped outside and wandered among the giant columns, trying to understand the hole in her heart. She ought to be overflowing with happiness. It was odd how a person could make so many people happy, and herself be filled with sadness.

  She leaned against one of the stark white pillars, studying the ocean, its white crests turning up in the moonlight, eternally coming into shore. Not happy, not sad – simply fulfilling its nature, washing to shore and being pulled back out to the ocean. Why couldn't she be like that? Just fulfill her calling, and not succumb to emotions that didn't help anything in any way.

  "You've created a remarkable event," someone said softly nearby. Sage turned. Michael stood beside her, watching the ocean, too.

  "Thank you, Michael. But it's the people who are here who have made a remarkable event. All I did was invite them." She turned to face his profile." I owe you a profound apology. I went through Aunt Vicky's personal things that I never had the courage to go through before. But my conversation with you made me determined to prove you wrong. Instead, I found a file full of verification. I was wrong and I'm sorry."

  Michael remained silent.

  "Can you not forgive me?"

  "What do you intend to do with the rest of your life?" he asked her.

  "Pardon me?"

  "The rest of your life... what do you see happening in it?"

  Confused, Sage answered,"my dream is... my dream is to go back to my people. Preserve their heritage, their art. And now that I have some money, I'd like to invest it in the reservation to be used to teach children the dances, the parables, the arts, and the beliefs of the Zuni."

  "What would you say if I told you I have a dream like yours?"

  "You have a dream like mine?"

  Michael turned to her, and looked as though he would drink her up. "Yes. I have a dream like yours. I tried to get away from you, to get away from the very thought of you. I went away, to be alone. To get the sliver of you out of my bleeding heart. But you haunted me. I went to a museum, and immediately I encountered a picture of your mother...."

  Sage gasped.

  "Yes, I gasped too. It was like looking at you like this, in moonlight. The dark beauty. I'm a fool. A complete and utter fool if I think I can get away from you. I cannot. I love you. That's all. I don't understand this feeling. It makes me miserable. It makes me giddy.

  "But the problem is, no matter what I do, I cannot escape it."

  It was as if Michael was reading her journal. "Me too," she said simply.

  Michael wrapped his arms around her, and she moved to him, the ocean wave drawn to the seashore. Their long and lingering kiss, this particular wave that had been coming up from the depths of the ocean for months – or perhaps, even, years – finally surfaced, sealing an eternal love.

  It could be no other way. Sage knew now that not matter how far away from one another they had tried to run, they would run into one another. Love is a circle, and it returns to love.

  She buried her face in his fresh-as-spring scent, felt the firm flesh of his chest, heard his heart beating rapidly.

  "I'd say, I say it's about time you told me," she said, looking up into his eyes.

  Michael kissed a corn flower in one of her braids. "I've been tortured over you."

  "And I've had many sleepless nights," Sage answered.

  They fell silent, content
to finally be in the one place they'd each yearned for since they first met.

  "What a waste of time our pride has caused." Michael held her even tighter, breathed her in, deeply. Then he dis-engaged himself enough to reach into his suit coat pocket. "I have something for you."

  "For me? It's Anthony's birthday."

  "I left my present for him on the table. How different – and wonderful! – tonight has turned out from what I expected. I sincerely thought you and Anthony were going to announce your engagement, I thought that was why you've not talked to me."

  "When in fact I haven't talked to you because I wanted to surprise you with Alison."

  "And you did! Wasn't she glorious when she stepped into the room? How did you make the sun do that? You are truly amazing, Sage. Not only kind and loving, but you know how to put things together so that everyone feels their best." He handed her the box with the Zuni necklace in it. "When I was sure you were going to marry Anthony, I bought you this as an engagement present."

  Sage opened the box then raised surprised eyes to Michael. "Zuni craftsmanship. You were serious about your life intentions – that they are like mine?"

  "Very serious Very much like yours."

  Tears came into Sage's eyes. "Oh, Michael," she whispered. She handed him the necklace so he could clasp it around her throat.

  They quietly lingered in one another's arms for a few more moments. Then Sage remembered the party, which had simply faded from her mind. "I suppose I must return to the party."

  "I suppose we both must," Michael agreed.

  When they re-entered the party room, the lights were dimmed. Almost everyone was dancing, a few people stood about, engaged in conversation. Anthony sat in a corner with Alison.

  "There you two are!" Anthony exclaimed as Michael and Sage approached him. He paused for a moment, taking in their held hands and the energy between them. "Yes, this is good, you two. Why didn't I – why didn't you two – see it before? It always seemed as if you were always kind of sparring."

  "We were," Michael replied.

  "But we – resolved our differences," Sage added.

  Michael chuckled and put his arm around her.