What If

by Ann Ritchie Domela

  Chapter 6

  The Gazebo at the Apple Farm

  A day of shopping had nearly worn the two young women out. They had been so engrossed with purchasing some more things needed to complete the guest room that they had even forgotten lunch. Heather had not mentioned her Ian even once, although Linda Sue felt she was just holding back. They had even purchased some new outfits for the thinning woman. She had lost so much weight that the clothing she had brought from Scotland hung on her small body. The new rich blue velvet blouse and skirt was stunning on her petite form. It was too dressy, she knew, but Linda Sue had insisted that she needed to show off.

  Several of the restaurant patrons had turned as she passed by. One even commented on the striking outfit. Linda Sue too had purchased a few things. When they were in the room, she had changed to a fresh new outfit. It consisted of a pale pink blouse with a bright pink floral skirt.

  They were again sitting in the gazebo room at the Apple Farm Inn just about to order dinner. The same very friendly waitress, Kim, came up to their table. “Are you ready to order or would you like me to return?”

  “Yes, we’ll order now.” Linda Sue smiled back. “I’ll have Cashew Crusted Salmon and scalloped potatoes and of course, those special beans. Heather, you just have to try them. They’re made with apple, pecans and of course beans. I don’t know the spices they may have used.”

  “Salad with your usual?”

  “Nice of you to remember,” Linda Sue answered.

  “And you, Mam?”

  “I’ll have the home made meatloaf, mashed potatoes and a salad with some honey mustard salad dressing on the side. I know it is a bit old fashioned, but I just love meatloaf. I’ve heard great things about the one here. She really didn’t want that much food, but Heather knew if she didn’t order something substantial, her employer would be annoyed. She was right of course. Anyone that had known her back in Scotland would be highly shocked to see how thin she had become since the loss of her fiancée.

  The girls continued their conversation about the shopping trip, the sheets, bed linens and décor that they had purchased.

  “I know I should have let you order your own mattress, but I do have this great bedroom set stored and I’m not sure if you know about the Temperapedic mattress in Rosehearty. It is a small, small town. I’ll tell you what. If you don’t like it after one week, I will put it on my bed which is the same size and you can order what you want.”

  “I didn’t say I didn’t like it. I just am not sure. It’s so soft, comfortable. It’s just something new to me.”

  “What about the decorations and the linens?”

  “I like it all. If I didn’t, I would have told you.”

  “Would you?” Linda Sue questioned. Before she received and answer, she said, “Oh, wait a minute. I see Kim bringing our dinner.” The personable waitress set down the large shoulder tray on the working jack and started to serve.

  “There, your salads with the meal as you requested. And, for you, the meatloaf I know you will enjoy and our special cashew encrusted salmon for you. I put your usual extra slice of cheddar on the potatoes. I know you will enjoy the apple cider beans, as you do all the time. She placed the plates down on the large table.

  “Now?” Heather asked, beginning to open the envelope. “I can’t wait.”

  Her employer nodded.

  Busy tasting the beans, again Linda Sue nodded.

  Heather opened the envelope and pulled out the substantial check. “Is this for my work?”

  Linda Sue didn’t look up, just nodded.

  It was for so much more than the young artist had anticipated. She shouted almost too loudly with delight. “Thank you so much.”

  A few of the other patrons turned to look at her. Suddenly, there was the man who resembled Ian sitting in a booth just opposite them across the room. This time, Heather was at a loss for words. She only stuttered as she pointed. “Linda, Linda, it’s, it’s him.” She could barely speak.

  “You never give up.” Linda Sue was visibly annoyed. Here she was enjoying her meal after a great day of shopping and good news from her gallery. She hadn’t even told Heather that Karen had just sold two more of the paintings and that another check would be forthcoming. It was supposed to be a celebration and here she was at it again. “Just stop.”

  “But, but, it is him.” She even pointed his way.

  “I told you. It cannot be. I thought we agreed that it’s impossible.”

  She was interrupted by the voice of the tall man. “Ladies, forgive me for interrupting, but can I have just a word with you?”

  Linda Sue looked up into the bluest eyes of a tall handsome man with the mahogany brown hair and beard. What a shame to cover up what might be a very handsome face with so much facial hair. She tried to visualize what kind of face he could have. How terrible it would have been for him if the hair were only to cover some scars. He was kind of young to have so much of a beard. If Heather wanted to think this gorgeous hunk of man was hers at one time, who could blame her? Oh my, she thought. “Yes, of course,” she answered, as her companion would probably never shut her open mouth. “Please, have a seat,” she scooted over to allow him to join them at the table.

  “I won’t take but a minute of your time,” oh that voice. Linda Sue was enthralled. Take all you want, she thought silently. If he had nothing else, that voice would have been enough.

  “First of all, Kim told me that you are kind of desperate for a man,” he smiled with such a winning smile.

  “I what” Linda Sue was startled for a moment. She almost choked. “Oh yes, I need someone to help me do some carpentry and perhaps put up a little hardware in the bathroom. It’s not all that much, but I am in need.”

  “Then I am your man. I am not the greatest, but I do know how to wield a hammer and I even obey orders fairly well.”

  Heather continued to stare, mouth partly open. The handsome man attempted to ignore her glare.

  “Well, how much do you charge and can you work immediately?”

  “I think we can make a fair trade and I can start tomorrow, if that is alright.”

  “A trade? I will have you know I’m not that kind….”

  “And neither am I.” He smiled in such a way that Linda felt guilty at even suggesting that. “It’s just that I am trying to get some opinions, other than my own, on the quality of this restaurant. If you, well both of you can help me with your opinions, I will work in exchange for asking you for your help.”

  “What makes you think we have opinions worth your effort?”

  “Well, I heard your open mouthed companion here, let out a shout; I thought perhaps she had eaten something spectacular. But now, I’m not sure she can even speak.”

  Heather closed her mouth trying to regain her composure. “I’m so sorry to have disturbed you. I was delighted with my recent sales check that she gave me.” Was her voice calm? Or was she making a fool of herself.

  “Oh,” he sounded disappointed. “Nothing else?”

  Heather rose quickly and with a short “Excuse me,” she headed for the ladies room.

  “Is she alright?”

  “She will be. It’s just that you look so much like someone she knew.”

  “Someone she cared for?”

  “Yes, very much.”

  “Oh. Is the resemblance that strong?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “I, I’m sorry.”

  “I don’t want to sound too forward, but would you care to join us. Can your waitress bring your meal over here?” Linda Sue asked. “We can discuss the work. I sure like the wages.”

  “Of course. I’d really like that. You can tell me more about my dopple ganger.”

  “Your what?”

  “My look alike ghost.” He smiled. “I’ll be right back. I’ll give my waitress a hand. There is a lot of food.”

  Linda Sue beckoned to Kim, the waitress. She came over quickly.

  “Did you tell that man about me need
ing a man to work for me?”

  “Yes, as you requested. Is there something wrong?”

  “No not at all. He seems perfect. Have you known him very long?”

  “Yes. Kind of. He stayed at the hotel a few weeks ago for about a week. Seems he was getting some work done on his place. He ate almost every day in here. He seems quite friendly, but I never saw him with any woman in here. I just think he seems like a nice guy.”

  “Thank you, Kim. I think you’re right.”

  “He’s on his way back. My word. How many dishes has he got?” She asked of Kim.”

  The man placed several dishes on the table. “I’ll explain.”

  The other waitress came over with a few more dishes. Linda Sue opened her eyes in astonishment.

  He laughed and began the explanation. “First, let me really introduce myself. My name is Duncan Noble and I am a restaurant reviewer and, as I told you, I can swing a hammer and even measure wood. If I ate everything I need to order, I would be huge or have to exercise day and night. In fact, I do think I might have to start an exercise regime soon.” He patted his stomach, but it was hard to see what kind of body he had under that loose casual blue print shirt. “But I do order several items and enjoy hopefully the tastes of many things on the menu. And..I often ask other patrons their opinions, as I asked you.”

  “Do you make deals with every person from whom you want an opinion?”

  “No, it’s just that Kim made it sound like you could really use a little help, and that’s what I can offer.”

  “I think it will work out.”

  “Your friend, will she be alright?”

  “She just needs a few moments. Before she comes back, let me tell you quickly what is wrong. Perhaps you can help me in another way, if you don’t mind. I mean I don’t usually ask strangers to help me, but I think you are the only one who can.”

  “I’m not a stranger now. I’m your new employee and my name is Duncan. I do believe people should help each other out whenever they can. Did I do something wrong?”

  “Yes and no. It’s not your fault, but you apparently look like the man she was going to marry. In brief, they had an argument and he went to sea on a fishing trip shortly thereafter. They did sort of make up before he left, but she blames herself that he died. There were even many weeks of her being too close to a severe nervous breakdown, but she left the town where they lived to get back on track. When she saw you at a restaurant in Morro Bay the other day, she followed you and you just disappeared. Then she was convinced you were a ghost.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Duncan spoke. “I did go to Rose’s Restaurant in Morro Bay recently, but if she followed me, she just didn’t see me go into the manager’s office. I was just bringing him a copy of my article on his place.

  I guess I did stay for some time. I don’t know what to say.”

  “This is what I am asking of you. No, almost begging you. Please try to understand, she has gone through so much lately. When she returns, just keep on as if are only discussing the work and the food. I’ll give you my address and you can come tomorrow if possible. If she sees more of you, she will come to realize that you cannot be her fiancée. Perhaps if she finds out that she is wrong, she might stop seeing you or any other look alike man as her deceased fiancée.”

  Duncan nodded hesitatingly, as if he were going to add something, but didn’t.

  “She’s coming, so I will make this quick. Just follow my lead, okay?

  And you can start tomorrow morning?” Linda continued the conversation quickly knowing Heather might hear some of it.

  “Yes Mam.”

  “Well, for me,” Linda Sue began, “this salmon is superb. And there are few vegetables I like, but I could eat these beans morning, noon and night, except for the obvious reason.” She smiled.

  Heather sat down and began picking at the meatloaf. Neither of the two could help but notice her red-rimmed eyes. The flush on her face showed that she probably had been sobbing quite heavily. Though Duncan felt as if he were to blame for her sorrow, there was little he could do except what Linda Sue had requested.

  “Is there any reason you don’t seem to be relishing that meatloaf?” Duncan asked while taking notes, as if the young woman sitting across from him had never shed a tear. “I’ve tried it and it is great.”

  “Oh, her,” Linda Sue interrupted, trying to make Heather feel more comfortable, if possible. “She is a light eater and I am afraid I insisted on her ordering a large meal. Not very nice of me, is it?”

  “Well,” Duncan chose his words wisely. “I make it a rule to never tell or suggest to anyone what or how much or how little to eat. If it weren’t for good or choosy diners, I wouldn’t have a job. Now, would I?”

  “Guess not.” Linda Sue answered.

  Heather didn’t seem to be entering the conversation. “The meat loaf is fine.” Heather managed to get out a few words. She was still staring at Duncan. How could he not be her Ian? She pulled out a photo out of her purse and just gaped at the man sitting next to her. She knew they were discussing something, but it didn’t matter at that moment. This had to be her Ian.

  “Can I see?” Linda Sue took the photo gently from Heather’s hand.

  She held it up near Duncan’s face and handed it to the man.

  He also looked at it. It was so worn from handling that the features were almost indiscernible. “Do you have another photo of the person I am supposed to look like?”

  “No, I’m afraid not. Ian did not like his picture taken. That is all I have.” She took it back and returned it to her purse.

  Linda Sue touched Heather’s hand. “I can’t make it out that well. It is a tall man with dark brown hair and a beard.”

  “I can assure you, it is not me.” Duncan spoke softly and firmly.

  Heather looked at the man talking so softly. Why didn’t he recognize her? What was wrong? Should she say something? Heather had heard that you had to be so careful when dealing with amnesia. What could she do to speak to him more without disturbing his mind? Maybe if she spent some more time with him, talked to him, reminded him of places and things, surely he would recall all their time together. How long would it take? She would have to talk to some doctor. Linda Sue could help her do that. But, she couldn’t let him just get away. At least this encounter would prove to Linda Sue that he was not a figment of her imagination or a ghost.

  “And your address is?” Duncan was still writing in his little notebook.

  “I’m Linda Sue Key and I own and manage my art gallery in Pismo. This is Heather MacIntosh and she is an artist I have hired to paint some seascape masterpieces for my shop.”

  “You’re not from this country, are you?” Duncan turned his attention toward Heather.

  No, I’m not from this country.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. My home is in Scotland, Rosehearty, to be exact. It’s on the north coast of………”

  “I know where that is. My parents were from near there. Aberdeen.” Duncan interrupted.

  “Were you born there?”

  “Yes, but they left when I was a wee lad.”

  Heather gave Linda Sue an “I was right” look. “Just a wee lad? When?”

  “I think I was around three. I’d have to ask my mom for the exact age.”

  “Oh.”

  As if he didn’t notice her interest in the age he arrived in this country, Duncan continued. “How do you like our ocean scenery around here?”

  “It’s nice. I mean there are so many unique places that I can paint.”

  “Linda Sue, I hate to say it, but I do have to get my notes to the newspaper. I will be able to come tomorrow morning. Is that alright with you?”

  “Yes, but I have to pick Heather up at the hotel. So that will have to be after that.”

  “Now I can do that for you and bring her to your home. This hotel?”

  “Yes, she lives here until the guest room can get done. That is alright with you, isn’t it?”

  “Yes
.” Still Heather could barely speak. “I, I, I’m staying right here at the hotel in the Mill House. I’ll meet you in the lobby around eight, if that is convenient for you.”

  “Great. About eight in the lobby it is. Okay?”

  Heather just nodded.

  He continued. “I’ve got to hurry. I’ll take care of these,” Duncan picked up the checks without waiting for either of them to protest.

  The young women left the gazebo and headed toward Heather’s room.

  “Before you protest, let me speak. If he gives you a ride tomorrow, you can get to know him a little better. That way you can put your mind at rest. If he is Ian, this will give you a chance to see if he has amnesia or what. If he is Duncan, you should get to know that in record time. This is your chance to find out for sure. Give it a chance. Now you go to bed, get some sleep and we will talk more tomorrow.” Linda Sue said. “In the meantime, please try to put this man out of your mind for now.”