In Another Time

by Cate Buchanan

  “I’m fine, thank you, but you go right ahead. Are you okay?” she asked sincerely.

  “Yes, I’m fine, thank you. It’s been a rough day,” Sam uttered.

  “Yes, it has. Your predicament has been constantly on my mind today. My face hurts from the smile I had pasted on it all afternoon at the party,” she said rolling her eyes.

  Pouring himself two fingers of bourbon from the bottle that Joshua had left in his room last night he said, “Sadie, I’m truly sorry that you’ve been dragged into this dilemma. I feel awful that I’ve caused you to stress over this. I hope you know I’d never do anything to hurt your grandmother,” he vowed.

  “I know that, Sam. But Lala believes you were killed in the war. How do we announce to her that someone she thought was dead for the last forty-five years is actually alive? This is a tough one. I’m so scared she’ll have another fainting spell or maybe even worse. I’m not sure how much her heart can take.” Sadie sighed.

  “Oh? Has she had heart problems in the past?” Sam inquired.

  “No, not really. A few years ago, when Papa Jim passed away, her doctor thought she had a serious heart condition. It turned out to be what they call an innocent murmur which isn’t life-threatening. Her doctor figured the stress of dealing with his death had caused her to exhibit the symptoms. Since then though, she’s been fine. She stays active and she eats well. It just worries me, you know? She’s not a spring chicken as they say,” she replied.

  “Trust me, I know. I’m not as spry as I used to be either. So, what do you think we should do?”

  “I’ve been thinking about it all day, and honestly, I think I should be the one to tell her that you’re alive. I have a plan. Tomorrow evening, I’ll take dinner to her house and have it all ready when she gets home from the bookstore. I think it will be less stressful if it’s just the two of us and if I tell her in her own home where she’s the most comfortable. During dinner, I’ll casually bring up what she told me about your relationship from the past, then I’ll tell her everything. I’ll tell her that I ran into you last Monday and we’ve been getting to know each other. Maybe it’ll make her feel better knowing that she really did see you last night. I know she was so embarrassed about fainting. She’s always been so strong and independent. If I can break it to her that you’re alive, then maybe when you do see each other, it can be a joyful reunion instead of a shocking revelation. What do you think?”

  “I think you know what’s best for her. I hope her heart can handle it because I don’t think my heart can stand living without her any longer,” Sam uttered frankly and took a sip of his drink.

  “We’ll know by this time tomorrow. Fingers crossed,” Sadie said smiling hopefully. She stood and headed for the door. Sam was right behind her. Turning to face him, she reached up to pat his shoulder and said, “Sam, I really do hope things work out for both of you. I know you’re eager to be reacquainted.” Then, she added, “I still have some questions, but they can wait. I have a good feeling that this is all going to work out. Goodnight, Sam.”

  Placing his hand over hers, he swallowed hard then said, “Goodnight, Sadie. And…thank you. I want you to know, no matter how things turn out, I’m eternally grateful to you. You’ve been so kind and gracious.”

  Chapter 35

  Monday—Sadie

  Since her two-day fall break had begun, Sadie knew she was going to have to keep herself busy for the next few days or she’d burst from the anxiety of Sam and Lala’s situation and waiting for her test scores. Looking around her apartment, she decided it could stand a good deep cleaning. The inside of her car was also begging for a long overdue vacuum and wipe down. Before getting started though, she wanted to pop in downstairs and see how Lala was faring on her first day back at the bookstore. She knew Lala would think it was odd if she didn’t check in for a quick visit.

  “Knock, knock,” she said tapping on the stockroom door.

  “Hi darling!” Lillian gasped. “I wondered if you’d make it by to visit today. It’s been really busy this morning. This is the first chance I’ve had to take a break. Can you sit and chat for a few minutes?”

  “Sure. I’m getting ready to do some ‘spring cleaning’ during my fall break.” Sadie laughed. “I’m glad I caught you on a break. I was thinking I’d put a roast on and bring you dinner this evening.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, that’s so thoughtful of you. I’ve got a few errands to run this evening after work, but I should be home around six-thirty, seven at the latest.”

  “Perfect! We can watch a couple of our favorite Monday night sitcoms after we eat,” Sadie gushed as she stood. “Well, I better get to it then. I love you and I’ll see you tonight,” she said bending to hug Lala.

  “It’s a date! I love you too, dear. Don’t work too hard. This is your break, you know,” Lillian said sternly, but the playful smile that reached her eyes gave her away.

  “I’m so glad you’re home, Lala. I know I keep saying it, but I missed you so much,” Sadie said peeking back at her around the door. Then she blew her a kiss, left through the back door and bounced up the steps to her apartment.

  *****

  Listening to her favorite pop radio station, Sadie dove headfirst into cleaning out her closet. She hadn’t had the chance yet to move her cold weather clothes to the front and center of the rack. Sandals and flip flops were shifted to the back and sneakers, boots and clogs replaced them. Next, she tackled her dresser. Winter sweaters packed in storage bins under her bed traded places with the spaghetti straps and t-shirts in the drawers. On a roll now, she went into the kitchen and opened cupboards and straightened jars, cans, boxes and dishes.

  It was two-thirty and she’d rearranged, vacuumed, dusted, scrubbed, wiped and washed everything in sight. Standing with her hands on her hips admiring her freshly cleaned apartment, the delicious smells wafting from the roast and potatoes in her oven reminded her that she hadn’t eaten lunch. Deciding that a snack would hold her over until dinner, she opened the fridge and grabbed a can of Coke, a hunk of cheddar cheese and the bunch of grapes. In the cabinet she seized the box of Ritz crackers then sat at the table to enjoy her light lunch.

  While she ate, she pondered how she was going to work Sam into the conversation tonight. Yesterday, Lala had openly talked about him. Maybe she could just casually ask her if she’d want to see him again if he were still alive. It sounded plausible to her and she decided a direct route was the best way to broach the subject.

  Chapter 36

  Monday—Sam

  Sam had sat at the desk in his room all morning drinking coffee and laboring over more paperwork. A stiff back, tight neck muscles and a gnawing rumble coming from his stomach spurred his decision to put it aside and take a drive. Deciding that some fresh air and a sandwich had relaxed him yesterday, he headed for the deli out on the highway. Since he’d been trying to keep a low profile around town until he got the green light from Sadie, he thought it best to frequent businesses on the outskirts of town. Driving past a movie theater on his way to the deli, he decided that after lunch he might as well take in a matinee. He desperately needed the distraction.

  The constant barrage of scenarios that had been playing over and over in his mind had him reeling. The past two days had been some of the most difficult of his life. Longing to be reunited with the love of his life, who was literally just down the street, had taken every ounce of his willpower to stay away and wait for the right moment. His heart was barely able to stand the endless loop of feelings that went from hopeful to blissful and back to miserable. He couldn’t remember himself feeling this nervous or so completely lacking in self-confidence at any other time in his life. The problem was, his future happiness was on the line and it was completely out of his hands. Used to being in control, it left him with a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. What if it didn’t turn out to be the future he’d been dreaming of for months? What if he had to endure endless heartache for the rest of his life?

  Chapter 37 />
  Monday Evening—Lillian

  At five-thirty, Lillian began the ritual of closing up the bookstore for the day.

  Thankfully, the afternoon hadn’t been as hectic as the morning which had allowed her time to balance the cash register, gather the bank deposit and even unclutter a few shelves in the storeroom. Jo had agreed to oversee the front of the store while Lillian prepared things in the back. At the blast of the six o’clock whistle, Lillian and Jo said goodbye outside the front door as Lillian locked it behind them. Then she walked around back and took the steps up to Sadie’s apartment.

  Hearing the tap at the door and Lillian’s gentle call, “Sadie, it’s Lala. Are you home?”, Sadie responded, “I’m coming.” She placed the book she was reading on the couch beside her and rose to open the door.

  “Lala, are you okay?” she asked with a concerned look as she opened the door and saw Lillian’s wan features.

  “Oh, honey, I’m fine but I’m exhausted, and I still have to run those errands. Do you think we can have dinner tomorrow evening instead? Oh dear, it smells glorious in here. You’ve worked so hard and I’m ruining everything.”

  “Don’t be silly, Lala. It’s just a roast I popped into the oven. I hear it’s even better the next day,” Sadie said with a wink and smiling genuinely. “You go on. It’s fine, really. You look tired and you’ve been going nonstop since you got home. I’m sure you need the rest.”

  “Thank you for understanding, dear. I’ll see you tomorrow then?”

  “You bet! We can watch Matlock and catch up some more,” she said happily.

  Lillian pulled her into a quick embrace and kissed her temple. Releasing her and walking toward the door, she said, “I love you, Sadie dear.”

  “I love you more, Lala,” Sadie countered, then watched her grandmother descend the stairs and walk around the building before closing her door.

  *****

  Sliding into her car, Lillian removed the bank deposit from her purse and placed it on the seat beside her and headed to the bank drive-thru to drop it in the night deposit box. Next, she parked in front of the hardware store and dashed in to pick up the order she’d called in that morning. Exhausted but determined to finish her day on a strong note, she had one last errand to run before she went home.

  Chapter 38

  Monday Evening—Sam

  Sam had actually enjoyed the movie, Sweet Hearts Dance starring Don Johnson and Susan Sarandon. He identified with the characters as they too were trying to reconnect with each other and recapture the magic of the love they’d felt for each other in the earlier years of their relationship. Stepping out of the theater, he stood looking up at the sky for a moment letting the fresh, clean, autumn breeze ruffle his hair and the sun warm his face. He loved days like this, when the air was cool and the sun pleasantly warmed his skin. Slipping into his rental, he didn’t want to return to his lonely room, so he headed toward the lake. The reflection of the setting sun on the lake and the sound of the leaves rustling in the trees would keep his spirits lifted while he passed the time waiting to hear from Sadie. Besides, he knew he’d go crazy sitting in his room waiting for her to call.

  Although the evening had turned chilly by the time he reached the lake, he drove around behind the lake house and parked. Exiting the rental, he folded his collar up against his neck to block the brisk wind and walked to the end of the dock that jutted out thirty feet over the lake.

  Lost in his thoughts of the past, he didn’t know how long he’d stood there watching the sun setting over the lake. He decided it must have been a while because the sky had grown darker and the wind had become crisp. He shivered and thought he detected a familiar scent. Shalimar. Was he losing it? The last rays of the sun lingered on the horizon, and the haloed moon had risen and was casting an ethereal luster over the land. Standing with his back to the shore, his hands stuffed in his coat pockets and his hair blowing in the frosty autumn breeze, he wasn’t sure he’d even heard the woman’s voice at first. He cocked his head to the side, stood stock-still and listened intently. He heard nothing, except the waves splashing against the dock’s supports. Reluctantly, he turned back toward the shore and saw her standing just a few feet away.

  “Here’s looking at you, kid,” she repeated softly.

  Not trusting his eyes, he blinked then croaked, “Lillian…? Is…? How…?”

  “Shhhh, it’s okay. I’m not going to faint this time,” she said smiling tenderly as she took a hesitant step toward him.

  Sam stood stiffly rooted in place and stared at her, afraid that she might disappear before his eyes. Holding his breath and never taking his eyes off hers, he slowly inched one hand out of his pocket and extended it, palm up, toward her. She took another wobbly step toward him and placed her hand in his. His fingers closed over hers and he let out the breath. Then cautiously, he took the step that closed the distance between them and gently folded her into the arms that had been aching to hold her again. Rubbing his cheeks over her fragrant hair, he whispered, “You’re real. Oh my God, Lillian, it really is you.”

  She pulled back and cupped his face between her hands. Looking deep into his eyes, she said softly, “Yes, my love. I’m real and so are you. I don’t know what miracle has brought you back to me, but I knew it was you in the café last Saturday night. There was no mistaking your face. I’d know your face even if I didn’t see you for another forty-five years. Your eyes, your nose, your cheeks, your lips,” she said touching each one as she mentioned it. “Sam, my love, I’d know you anywhere.”

  When she touched his lips, he kissed her fingers and tried to speak, “Lillian, I — I,” he said huskily, so overcome with genuine wonder.

  “Shhh. Come back to the lake house with me. It’s almost dark and it’s getting colder. Look, we’re both shivering. I’ve started fires in the fireplaces. While getting more firewood on the patio, I saw you standing there at the end of the dock and I knew. I just knew it was really you,” she said breathily.

  “Wait. You’re the one who bought the lake house?” Sam asked searching her eyes.

  “Of course, darling. How could I let someone else buy our memories? A part of us is in this place,” she said looking back toward the patio where the warm glow of the fire beckoned to them to come inside out of the crisp autumn breeze.

  “Lillian. My darling, Lillian. I never thought I’d see you again,” Sam said as he greedily studied her lovely face in the frosty moonlight. Still afraid to trust that this was really happening, he lightly touched each of her features as he spoke.

  Taking his hand in both of hers, she kissed it and gently tugged him toward the house. Never taking his eyes off her, he walked beside her on unsteady legs.

  Once they were inside, Lillian closed the doors and walked to the fireplace to stoke the fire. Sam stood watching her adoringly until he snapped out of his trance and reached for the poker. For a few seconds they both gripped it. Looking up at Sam with a slight frown creasing her forehead, Lillian suddenly remembered their first meeting so many years ago and let go of the iron. Then they began to laugh hysterically.

  Tears spilled from their eyes, and they continued to laugh until they held their abdomens and gasped for air. Then with moist eyes and glistening cheeks, they froze and gazed longingly at each other. Still holding the poker in one hand, Sam broke eye contact, turned, and placed it back in the set on the hearth. He stood a few moments gazing into the fire before twisting around and moved to stand directly in front of Lillian. Tenderly with the pads of his thumbs, he dabbed at the tears on her cheeks. She reached up and cupped his hands in both of hers resting her cheek against one, which she brought her hand under to clasp his. Looking up at him under her lashes, she gave him a knowing smile and led him to the expansive master bedroom where another fireplace encased a crackling blaze. Sam encircled her waist with his free arm and pulled her into a wistful embrace. Without speaking, they knew there would be time later to explain why he hadn’t come home to her for forty-five years.
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br />   Collapsing into each other, their lips pressed together. Slowly tilting their heads, the kiss intensified. Their arms tugged at the buttons of the other’s coat. Parting reluctantly but never taking their eyes off each other, they clumsily and impatiently shrugged off their coats. Then as if an unseen force was directing them, they glided back into each other’s arms and sank down on the bed as one. Lying flush, their mouths greedily sought each other as their hands explored. Lillian leaned back and looked into Sam’s hazy, amorous eyes.

  “Sam.” Sensually swollen lips breathlessly exhaled his name; amber eyes darkened with desire. Tenderly, he rolled her onto her back and gently positioned himself above her holding himself up on forearms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged him to her. He kissed her so passionately, she felt a stirring in her soul. Tracing kisses down her neck, he paused and nibbled her neck as he slowly unbuttoned her blouse. He found her mouth again and lingered over it until she moaned and her smoldering eyes begged for more. He eased off her, and she sat up to slip off her blouse revealing ivory shoulders. Then as she eased out of her remaining attire, he followed her lead. They felt no modesty, no shyness. They belonged to each other. And when they finally came together as one, their bodies fit as comfortably and perfectly as they had that first time, decades before.

  Desire sated, their spent bodies glistened in the dancing firelight. Wrapped comfortably in each other’s arms, their steady heartbeats, the crackling fire, and the occasional whispered words of love insulated them from the outside world.