In Another Time

by Cate Buchanan

  “Dang, girl. You’re a mess! What’s up?”

  “Well, I know this is going to sound crazy, but I had a dream, well, actually I’ve had several dreams,” Sadie replied.

  “Dreams? You’re driving yourself crazy over some dreams?” Cindy asked incredulously.

  “I know, I know. It’s not just them though. Yesterday, I took my midterm in Dr. Evans’ class, you know?”

  “Well, yeah. That’s why I agreed to help out at the book store.”

  “Yes, and thanks again. Well, leaving class, I ran into Sam,” Sadie continued.

  “Oh, how cool!” Cindy smiled as she veered onto the highway.

  “No! I mean I literally ran into Sam. But that’s not even the strange part. He’s Dr. Evans’ grandfather!” she screeched.

  “Oh! Wait. That’s not good?” Cindy asked obviously confused about why that would bother her friend.

  “No, it’s not good! Cindy, in my dreams it’s come to me why Sam seems so familiar. It’s his eyes. His eyes and my dad’s eyes are the same,” Sadie explained.

  “Sadie, a lot of people have the same color of eyes. What’s the big deal?” Cindy scolded.

  “No, I mean they have the same eyes. As in, I think Sam might be my dad’s biological father. I think Sam is my grandfather,” Sadie enunciated each word lingering over the last one.

  “What? I mean, are you sure? But if he’s Dr. Evans’ grandfather and he’s your grandfather, then….” Cindy fumbled over the words as she tried to piece together what Sadie was implying. She gawked at Sadie as they pulled into the Dairy Boy parking lot and parked.

  “Yes! I know!” Sadie said.

  “Wait. The only reason that would bother you is if you’re interested in Dr. Evans. So—” Cindy raised her eyebrows as Sadie squirmed in her seat. “That’s why you always seem to work his name into every conversation,” she said nodding her head in understanding.

  “No. That’s not it,” Sadie insisted as her cheeks flushed. “Sam hasn’t been honest with me! He said he’s an old friend of Lala’s. If he’s my grandfather, they were more than old friends,” she pointed out making air quotes with her fingers.

  “Well, did you expect him to divulge personal information like that to someone he’d just met? ‘Hello, I’m Sam. By the way, I’m your long, lost Grandfather.’ What would you have thought of him then? Would you have enjoyed spending time with him? Or would you have been offended and even more suspicious than you are now? I don’t know what it is that bothers you more. The fact that he’s possibly your grandfather or that he’s Dr. Evans’ grandfather too which makes him off limits, romantically,” Cindy said adding the last word for effect.

  “Oh, good grief. He’s off limits anyway. He’s my professor, for cripes’ sake,” Sadie insisted waving her arm wildly.

  “True, he is. But not for long. You’re not going to be a student forever, you know,” Cindy added and smiled sweetly.

  “Well, that’s beside the point,” Sadie harrumphed.

  “Okay, then enlighten me. What is the point? You’ve made yourself sick over what? What is it that’s got you so riled up, Sadie?” Cindy pushed.

  “I don’t know.” Sadie shrugged and let out a long breathe. “I’m just so… I’m just so confused. I guess what’s really bugging me is if he is my grandfather, that means I’ve been lied to my whole life. Lala wouldn’t have done that, would she?”

  Reaching out to take Sadie’s hand across the console Cindy said, “Sadie, I’m sorry. I don’t know. But let’s consider a couple of things. Maybe Sam doesn’t even know for sure. And if he does, maybe he just hasn’t gotten around to telling you yet. You’ve known him for what, five whole days? I think you should give him a chance. How much do you actually know about him? You said he knew Lala in high school. That was a long time ago. Where has he been? Why didn’t they keep in touch? Would Lala have even wanted to see him again? Maybe they had a terrible falling out. I think those are the questions you should ask if you want to know more about him. And if he is your grandfather, maybe he needs an opening. A way to work it into the conversation. You know, it is a pretty delicate subject.”

  “Maybe you’re right, Cin. Thanks. I knew you’d talk me down. I’ll try to be a little more subtle than I was planning to be. I was actually just going to ask him point blank if he’s my grandfather. Man, now that I hear it, that would be embarrassing for both of us. I’d look and sound like an idiot,” Sadie said cringing.

  Cindy giggled. “No, you’re not an idiot. Maybe just a beautiful, young college student who drinks too much coffee and has an overactive imagination.” That made both girls giggle.

  Sadie felt so much better. She really had been letting her imagination run away with her. So what if Sam was her grandfather? There were worse things. Even if Lala hadn’t told her about Sam, she would have had her reasons, wouldn’t she? The sad part of it all was that Lala wasn’t there to see Sam again. If she’d even wanted to, that is. Did something terrible happen between them?

  Then, dreamily, Sadie thought if nothing bad had happened it might have been the most romantic reunion of all time.

  Chapter 25

  Saturday Evening

  For some reason as the time had grown nearer for them to meet at Comfort & Joy, Sam had become increasingly anxious. Something about the way Sadie had acted yesterday kept pestering at him. It was more than just being surprised to see him there in David’s classroom. She seemed genuinely taken aback when he’d said that David was his grandson. Unless she had feelings for David, it shouldn’t matter to her. Why would she care if he and David were related anyway? Then she’d acted so strangely, almost guarded, after she found out. He wondered if she’d actually figured it out. And if she had, he knew there’d be questions for him tonight that entailed complicated answers. He wasn’t sure if he was ready for that, or if she was ready to hear what he had to say.

  He’d planned on telling her but only when the right time presented itself. And just how did one work something so delicate into a friendly conversation without sounding oafish or brash? It really wasn’t one of those, “Hey, by the way…” kind of revelations. It was more of a “Brace yourself because what I’m about to tell you is…” type of conversation. Well, he guessed all he could do was see what their evening together brought, and if it came up, then, he’d just have to fumble his way through it as tactfully as he could.

  *****

  Sadie had butterflies in her stomach as her day at the bookstore wound down. The last customers she’d waited on had to have known something was bothering her after she’d led Mrs. Norman to the historical fiction section when she’d asked for a book about the sinking of the Titanic, and then, when she’d rung up Mr. Johnson’s purchase of $11.98 as $119.80, she’d apologized, of course, then excused herself and quickly found Jo asking if she’d take over after making up some nonsense about having a headache.

  Once in the stockroom, Sadie sat at the ladybug table and dropped her head into her hands. Moaning, she actually did look as though she had a headache. She told herself over and over to calm down and breathe. Thinking about the conversation she and Cindy had had earlier, she’d intended to go easy on the questions tonight. And really, it wasn’t like her to be so emotional, and, yeah, she had to admit, even hysterical. She guessed it was because she missed Lala so much.

  Yeah, that’s it. Sam’s stories had just made her wish she could talk to Lala and feel her comforting arms around her, which always make her feel better about anything. Studying for her midterms, running the bookstore, meeting Sam, hearing his stories and recalling some of her own, finding out the Dr. Evans was Sam’s grandson, and there she was thinking he was her grandfather…she was just worn out. That had to be it.

  Jo tapped on the door and stuck her head around it. “Are you okay, Sadie? There’s only thirty more minutes until closing. I can finish the day by myself. Maybe you should go upstairs and lie down.”

  “Thanks, Jo. I’m sorry I was acting so crazy. I am tired. It�
��s been a long week. I think I’ll take you up on your offer. A nap sounds really good.” As she exited through the back door, Sadie looked back and waved at Jo.

  She walked in a daze upstairs to her apartment looking like one of those poor, doomed people the vampire hypnotized in the old horror movies. She rolled onto her bed, pulling the folded blanket at the bottom of it up around her shoulders in one fluid movement and in two seconds she was out.

  Thirty minutes later her eyes fluttered open. Taking a nap had worked wonders. She felt serene, content and even composed. Lifting her arm to check the time on her watch, she smiled lazily when she realized she still had twenty minutes before she was to meet Sam. Just enough time to freshen up a bit and amble down the street to Comfort & Joy.

  Chapter 26

  Scanning Comfort & Joy as she entered, she saw that it was crazy busy. The place was teeming with people. Sam was already seated at a table in the back close to the pastry counter and waved when he saw her. Carefully maneuvering her way through the crowd to greet him, she ran into Josie who was balancing two steaming cups of coffee in one hand and two plates in the other. Josie smiled and leaned in to peck her on the cheek.

  “It’s insane in here this evening! People are coming out of the woodwork! I guess this beautiful chilly weather has people hungering for comfort,” she quipped laughing at her pun.

  “Very funny, Josie. Let me know if I can help,” Sadie responded. “Looks like we’re sitting pretty close to the back.” She pointed at the table where Sam was sitting. “I’d be happy to take a few orders or even run a few out to tables.”

  “Thanks, cuz. I may take you up on your offer if things don’t slow down a bit. Seriously! It’s been nonstop since about four o’clock. I’m about worn out!” Josie giggled.

  As Sadie approached their table, Sam stood and pulled out her chair. She was glad that her seat allowed her a view of the back counter so she could step in and help if necessary.

  “Thank you, Sam. It’s good to see you. Have you had a good day?”

  He responded as he scanned the crowd, “You’re welcome. Actually, I’ve had a very nice day. Thank you for asking. How about you? Was the bookstore as busy as it is here today?”

  “Oh my, no. Although, there was a pretty steady stream of customers this afternoon. Nothing like this craziness though,” Sadie answered looking around.

  Looking at the menu, Sam asked, “So, what sounds good to you tonight? I’ve been thinking about trying a sandwich. Do you have any recommendations?”

  “Well, I’m partial to the Monte Cristo. But I’m sure it’s because of the powdered sugar and Aunt Joy’s homemade grape jelly. You know how I like the sweet stuff!” her amber eyes twinkled as she offered her suggestion.

  Sam looked over his menu at her and thought, “She looks so much like Lillian. It makes my heart ache.”

  Recognizing the look on Sam’s face that she’d come to know meant he was thinking about Lillian, Sadie jumped at her chance.

  “Sam, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you, and I’m not sure how to do it tactfully, so, I’m just going to ask. Are you my…? Did you and Lala…? Lala?” Sadie’s eyes grew wide as she looked over Sam’s head. The commotion she thought was just the noisy crowd escalating started to make sense as she focused on the backside of a woman who was hugging her Aunt Joy behind the counter. A woman who sounded and looked a lot like Lala.

  Sadie stood up, cocked her head to the left to see around the man blocking her full view of the two women. Then her startled expression quickly morphed into a look of pure elation and she began jumping up and down and clapping her hands. Stepping nimbly, dodging her way through the crowd, she took off toward the counter. As she moved, she screeched, “Lala! You’re home!” The rising pitch of the crowd grew quiet as their interest turned to the women.

  Lillian swung around and gasped, “Sadie, darling! I didn’t see you!” as Sadie flew into her open arms. Lillian embraced her, kissed her hair, closed her eyes, and rested her head against Sadie’s as she squeezed her tightly.

  *****

  At first, Sam had been bracing himself to answer the question he thought Sadie was going to ask. But after watching her metamorphosis, he gradually grasped the essence of what was happening and slowly rose from his seat haltingly turning to face the reunion that had caught everyone’s attention.

  He barely breathed her name, “Lillian.”

  At the sound of his voice, Lillian’s eyes flew open. Slowly releasing her hold of Sadie, her hand fluttered over her heart, and she mouthed, “Sam?” Then, she gasped, “Oh my goodness. Sam. Is that really you?”

  Several silent seconds passed as the two of them stared helplessly at each other in disbelief and the crowd looked back and forth between the two of them. Then Lillian’s eyes fluttered, her knees gave out and the crowd gasped as a whole.

  As she crumpled, Sadie caught her, and Joy reached in to help support her. In a few fluid steps Sam reached them and lifted Lillian up into his arms catching a faint wisp of Shalimar, Lillian’s signature scent. Sadie motioned for him to follow her down the back hall to the breakroom. Carefully placing Lillian on the sofa, he knelt beside her and taking her hand in both of his, he whispered, “Lillian, my dear, sweet Lillian.” Then, with tears brimming in his eyes, he looked up at Sadie and rasped, “You said she was gone. I thought you meant gone. Where has she been?”

  Sadie found her voice and croaked through brimming tears, “I’m sorry. I thought you knew she was just away on vacation. She’s been traveling abroad with some of her friends. I’m so sorry, Sam. I didn’t mean to mislead you. I mean, I didn’t mean to make you think….”

  Breaking in, Joy looked from Sadie to Sam and said, “So, this is the Sam that Josie asked me about, huh? I’d seen you with him earlier this week, but I was so busy in the back I couldn’t get out to talk with you.”

  Reluctantly, Sam placed Lillian’s hand on her motionless body and rose to properly introduce himself to Joy.

  Looking into his eyes, Joy gasped and quietly said, “I see what you mean, Sadie. It is the eyes.” Joy held his proffered hand and stared into his face for a few awkward seconds.

  When Sam started to speak, there was a rustling noise and they all turned their attention back to Lillian on the sofa. Stirring back to consciousness, Lillian’s eyes fluttered open. Then, they closed heavily.

  *****

  Weakly placing the back of her right hand over her forehead, Lillian moaned feebly, “Where am I? What happened? I feel so funny.” Her hand dropped from her forehead to her lips. She took a deep breath and frowned. “Do I smell Aqua Velva?”

  Kneeling by her side and taking her free hand, Joy said, “Mother, you’re okay. You fainted. We’re in the breakroom of Comfort & Joy. Just relax for a moment.”

  Lillian opened her eyes, reached for Joy’s hand and whimpered, “Oh, darling, I’m sorry. But were you surprised at least? I flew home early so I wouldn’t miss my baby’s fortieth birthday. I guess the excitement of seeing all of you was more than I could take. May I have a glass of water, please? I feel a little shaky.” When she tried to sit up, she faltered.

  “Whoa, Mom. Take it easy. Here, let me help you,” Joy scolded as she propped pillows up behind her back.

  Sadie scurried out of the breakroom and came back shortly with a cool glass of water. Handing it to her grandmother, she said, “Here, Lala. Take sips. Are you okay? How do you feel?”

  Joy excused herself when an employee with a flustered look on his face came to the door and motioned for her.

  Lillian took a few sips then grinned up at Sadie. “I’m fine, dear. In all the commotion, I thought I saw someone I knew a long time ago.” Embarrassed by all the drama she’d caused, she waved off the notion and said, “Just a silly old woman’s imagination. I’m fine. I guess I can’t handle my own surprises.” She laughed mirthlessly. “So tell me, what do you have planned for tomorrow? I do hope it’s worthy of this milestone birthday! You know I don’t have tim
e to put together a party in such a short amount of time.” She looked from Sadie to Josie, who’d finally found a few seconds to step in to check on her.

  Josie spoke up and said, “We’ve got things under control, Lala, so don’t you fret about any of it, okay?”

  “Well, I feel fine now. Tell me what you have planned,” Lillian insisted.

  “Let’s talk about this later after you’ve settled in at home and had a chance to rest,” Sadie suggested.

  “Okay, okay. You win. I’m sure you do have everything under control. I just want to make sure it’s a very special day for Joy. This past year has been so difficult for her. I didn’t want to leave her, and I wouldn’t have, if this trip hadn’t already been scheduled and paid for before Bash’s death,” Lillian insisted.

  “She knows that, Lala. We’re all so happy that you came back early to be with her. You gave us all quite a scare, though. Come to the house tomorrow at noon and I promise you, everything will be special. Mom will love it. You’ll see,” she said as she patted Lillian’s hand.

  Josie’s infectious optimism seemed to win her over, and Lillian finally started taking steady, calming breaths. Before passing out, she had gone white as a ghost. Finally, the color was coming back in her cheeks.

  Joy returned and sat beside her. Lillian finished drinking the glass of water, handed it to her, and announced that she was ready to go home. Sadie looked around and noticed then that Sam had left the room. “Give me one minute, Lala, and I’ll take you home. I just need to check on one little thing first,” she said over her shoulder as she closed the door behind her.

  *****

  Feeling like an intruder during the family’s exchange, Sam had quietly left the room and stood just outside the door. When Josie came out as Joy returned, Sam stepped in behind her.