Ronda
Page 16
Her words reminded him of words spoken a little over a year ago.
“I’ll never leave you, if I died tomorrow, I wouldn’t leave you. I think I’ll stick around and haunt you.” he remembered. “And you’ll know it’s me because you’ll hear me.”
She noticed how quiet Dale had become with a far away look in his eyes, leaving her with the feeling that he hadn’t heard a word she said.
“Hello, earth to Dale.”
Shaken from his thoughts, he answered.
‘“I’m sorry, yes well, if my father were still alive I’m sure he would be happy to know you haven’t let him down.”
She smiled.
“Well,” she said, looking at her watch as Dale placed his fork down onto the plate. “I suppose we should finish up with these statements now so we can start heading out?”
“Listen,” Dale said, “there’s not much left to do at this point. Why don’t we call it a day and start where we left off tomorrow.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind staying a little longer. Honest”
“No, tomorrow’s good, really.”
“Well, okay then. Besides, it’ll give me extra time to run a couple of errands, then kick back with my cat and maybe fall asleep to a good movie”
“Do you need a lift?”
“Sure if it is’t any trouble. I’d appreciate it.
“No trouble at all. Lets just clean up here and get our things together, and we can be on our way .”
Moments later they were making small talk as they drove to her apartment.
“So have you been living in New York long?” Dale asked
“Oh, about four years now. I’ve always wanted to live in the city, so after college I headed straight for New York.”
“Must be tough being away from family.” he said, coming to a full stop at a red light.
“Actually my parents passed away while I was still in college, due to a car accident. A drunk driver.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Dale said. Do you have other family in the city?”
‘No, in the city no. It’s just me and my cat. Pathetic isn’t it?”
Dale couldn’t help but wonder at the similarities between her and Ronda. Not only in their personal lives, but the way they spoke, the things they said. As if they were intertwined somehow. Or, of one and the same mind. His foot pressed slightly down on the gas when the light changed from red to green. Again, he remembered her words,
“Supposedly upon the death of the body, the soul can enter into the body of another, providing that individual soul currently inhabiting that body agreed and was ready to move on to do the same, or return to it’s source. And those that are close to the deceased, the loved ones of the deceased, recognize them in the other, by the way they speak, words they use, certain gestures belonging to the one passed. It would be like starting over again, wouldn’t it? Where you left off?” Danielle couldn’t help but notice the far away look in Dales eyes, as though deep in thought.
It had been over a year that he hadn’t considered opening up to anyone. He’d had a couple of brief casual flings, but no one was able to reach that part of him that made him feel free to relax and let down his guard. Not like her. Like Ronda. Till now.
He turned into the underground parking lot of the apartment building and parked near the elevator. Getting out, he walked around to open the door and as Danielle stepped out, the fragrance that was now etched in his memory suddenly enveloped him like a fresh breeze.
“Well thank’s for the ride. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, ready to put my nose to the grindstone.” she joked, suddenly sensing a certain quiet sadness now. “Give yourself a break, and get some rest.” She said quietly, then she smiled and turned to walk away.
“Danielle?”
“Yes.” she replied, turning back.
“If you’ll let me, I’d like to make it up to you. Repay you for working late everyday this week, and not complaining even once.”
“Repay me? For doing what’s expected of me? It’s all part of the job.”
“Consider it a work bonus then. Let me take you to dinner tomorrow night. I know this great seafood restaurant.”
“A work bonus?” She tilted her head slightly and looked at him curiously. “Is this your way of asking me out?”
Dale smiled now, and looking into her eyes, he said, “Maybe we both deserve a break.”
She smiled.
They had dinner the following night, and after took a horse and carriage ride through central park leaving anything to do with work behind as they talked and laughed, enjoying each others company. And since that night, eventually over time, Dale confided in her about Ronda, and the data chip.
And now, a year had come and gone since that evening, and in early April Jake stood happily, and proudly as best man at their wedding, with the whole of the “Raai labs” family” there to help celebrate new beginnings.
About the Author
Dyanna Lynn Hart, was born and raised in Northern California. Today, she resides in Orange County, California, with her partner of twenty years, and their teenage daughter. She loves the outdoors, cooking, and interior design. And enjoys putting her thoughts and ideas into writing, making fantasy come to life. Her loves, are her pets.
Also by Dyanna Lynn Hart