Central Park Rendezvous

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

  He returned to the back room and disposed of the box. Tara still sat at her desk and resumed her vigilant stare at him.

  “What now?”

  “You said cool it, so I’m not saying a thing.”

  “Yeah, well, with that stare you don’t have to.”

  “Does that mean I can say something then?”

  “No!” At her hurt expression, Alan’s anger bottomed out to regret. He’d let his emotions take over again. He crouched down in front of Tara and held her hands. “I’m sorry, Sis. Forgive me?”

  She nodded then hugged him. Her small form hiccupped slightly with her tears. “It’s okay. I really liked her, too.”

  How’d he let this happen? In the past, he’d always protected their family—what was left of it—and didn’t easily let outsiders in. Patrick had been the only one to get close to both of them. He should have been more cautious. Tara didn’t need more emotional strain added to what she already faced with his leaving for Vietnam. He only had a few weeks left.

  “That day at the station… Patrick said something to you that seemed to upset you. Do you mind me asking what it was?”

  She shrugged. “Yes, but I’ll tell you anyway. He said that I shouldn’t bother praying for him. That you need those prayers more.”

  His friend’s words struck him to the core. He kissed the top of Tara’s head. “Let’s split early and see a movie. Sound good?”

  She braved a smile and nodded. “How about a romance?”

  Alan glared halfheartedly at her. “You’re kidding, right?”

  Chapter 7

  Gail left the station and walked the few blocks to the offices where Pendergast Investments resided. She checked her watch. Thirty minutes early. The cleverly decorated windows called to her… she could afford a few minutes for window-shopping.

  She stood in front of a bridal store with one finger on her cheek. No matter how hard she tried to concentrate on the beaded wedding dress with matching shoes in the display, she still kept thinking about what to say to Troy. Would he be willing to support her decision to delay finishing school if Marcia needed more help with the kids? They’d talked of their future together only briefly, and any time she’d mentioned children, Troy had been indefinite.

  Still… what if she did take time off—

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  The woman’s question pulled Gail from the oblivion of her thoughts. “Hmm, yes, it is.”

  “Would you like to come in and try it on? You’d look divine in it.” Her red lips matched the thick frames of her cat-eye glasses.

  Gail smiled. “Sorry, not today. Maybe soon though.” She left the dress behind and dragged her worries with her. Why did everything seem so unsettled and… and… hazy? She had her life all planned out. Then Alan walked into the picture, and Marcia was pregnant and miserable. She’d never imagined any of this happening.

  She should be excited about wedding things, but staring at that dress had done nothing for her. Maybe once Troy gave her a ring, it would seem more… real… more certain.

  Troy would know how to make sense of it all. One of the things she loved about him was his logical approach to life and the future. She didn’t want to wait another thirty minutes agonizing over it all. He’d sounded happy that she was coming to see him anyway. This would give them more time together.

  She reached the office building and went through the door. People milled about the first floor, moving in and out of the elevators. She stood with a group waiting to board the next free elevator. A bell dinged, doors whooshed open, and several people poured out. Gail filed in, pressing her purse against her abdomen to make more room.

  Finally at the third stop, she reached the floor dominated by Pendergast Investments. Gail squeezed her way out and approached the secretary’s desk, but no one was there. She headed toward the back. Doors to individual offices lined the wide and carpeted walkway. Her boots sank into the plush carpeting.

  When she reached the T in the walkway, she turned right, remembering the last time Troy had brought her up to see his father and take her around the office. He’d shown her then the office where he would be working for the summer.

  She reached the door and paused. Adjusting her short jacket, she lifted her hand to knock. No, she’d surprise him more if she just opened the door. She turned the knob and pushed the door wide open.

  “Surprise!” The word fell flat in the air charged with the sight of Troy lip-locked with the petite blond sitting on his lap with her shirt unbuttoned.

  Troy jumped to his feet, toppling the woman to the floor. Gail gasped at the sight of the woman’s bra then spun around and rushed back down the hall.

  “Gail, wait!”

  His footsteps thumped behind her, but she didn’t stop. She wanted to leave the building before anyone else discovered the source of her humiliation.

  “Gail, please.” He managed to grab her arm and pull her to a stop.

  She braved a look into the eyes of the man she thought she would soon marry. The man she thought she could trust with her future. His loosened tie and tousled hair made her stomach lurch.

  “Gail, say something.”

  A sarcastic laugh bubbled in her throat. “Me? I’m not the one who’s cheating on her fiancé.” A ping of guilt hit her square in the heart. Could she really and truly profess innocence? Hadn’t she continued to see Alan even when she knew she was falling for him?

  He swiped his hair back into some semblance of neatness. “I’m sorry. I… I didn’t plan for that to happen. It just did.”

  And so had her attraction to Alan…

  Her life just went from hazy to near darkness, with no flashlight in sight. She’d have to figure this one out on her own.

  “Then consider this just happening to you, too, Troy Pendergast. We’re through. Enjoy your new life.” She strode down to the main hall, turned left, and didn’t stop until she reached the elevator, which somehow opened just as she got there. Divine intervention, perhaps?

  She dearly hoped so. She needed a good dousing of the divine at the moment. Once she reached the bottom floor, she kept her steps quick until she blasted out the main doors to the building and hit the sidewalk. No one seemed to notice her as she leaned against the building and let the full impact of what had just happened settle on her.

  Tears stung her eyes as she rifled through her purse for a tissue. She found one at the same time her fingers grazed the salt dish Alan had given her yesterday. For her niece. She’d forgotten all about it.

  She dabbed her eyes then lifted the small dish and set it on her palm. Sunlight glinted off the cut glass, giving it a diamondesque appearance.

  Troy had never even given her a ring.

  Yet Alan had given her his heart.

  Gail gently placed the dish back in her bag and wadded the tissue in her hand. Was she really all that heartbroken about Troy? If she was to be honest, what really stung was being dumped for another woman. Her pride was more damaged than her heart.

  Time for a new plan, and she had an idea of where to start. She followed Alan’s lead and prayed for a blessing:

  Please, God, let it be Alan James.

  Just as Alan flipped the sign on the shop door to CLOSED, a figure appeared in front of the door. Alan leaned to the right to get a clear view without the lettering on the glass door to hinder him. He hadn’t expected a visit from Henry Wolfe.

  Alan yanked the door open, giving the bell a violent jiggle. “Mr. Wolfe, come in.”

  “Thank you, Alan.”

  “What can I do for you?”

  Henry’s smile looked more sad and melancholy these days. This time was no different. “Actually, I want to do something for you, Alan.” He reached into his suit pocket. When he opened his hand, the gold coin sat centered in his palm. “I know you’re leaving in just a couple weeks. I’d like you to take this with you.”

  “But what about Patrick? He’ll be home eventually. He might want it then.”

  “No, h
e sent me a letter. He wants you to have it. Guess he thinks you need the luck more than he does.” His attempt to laugh fell short of the heaviness in his eyes. “Do you believe in luck, Alan?”

  Alan took a deep breath. “No, sir. I believe in a God who desires to bless the children who love Him.”

  Henry nodded. “I thought you might say that, but I’d like you to have the coin nonetheless.” He took Alan’s hand and placed the coin in it. “You’ve become like a son to me. You’ve even helped me to understand my own son better in some ways.” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his nose.

  Alan closed his hand over the coin. “Thank you, Mr. Wolfe.”

  “Henry, please. I think we’re way past formalities here, son.”

  A knot formed in his throat. Alan had come to see Henry as a father figure over the last several months. Earning the man’s respect meant the world to him. He felt compelled to hug Henry as he remembered hugging his own father before he died.

  Before he could change his mind, Alan did exactly that. And in that moment, he sensed Henry needed it as much as he did.

  After they parted, Henry nodded and sniffed. “Tell Tara that if she needs anything at all—and I mean anything—she’s to call me right away.”

  “Yes, sir, I will.”

  “And I’ll make sure to stop in from time to time, just to make sure she’s doing okay. I know you’re going to worry about her, Alan, but you’ve done a good job raising her and showing her the business. I know she’ll be just fine.”

  “Thank you, Henry. I appreciate you looking out for her. She’s still pretty young.”

  “But wiser than most young ladies her age, I daresay.”

  Alan didn’t miss the implication in Henry’s words. Marcia had wreaked havoc in more lives than her own. He could testify to that.

  Footsteps came from the stairs, growing louder. “Alan, do you know where—” Tara stopped at the counter. “Mr. Wolfe. How nice to see you. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.”

  “No, no. I was just reassuring your brother I’d stop by every once in a while to see how you’re doing. Gives me an excuse to come downtown.” He smiled at her then looked back at Alan. “I better go. Still have a few errands to run before heading home. I’ll see you in a few days, Alan. I’d like to have you out at the house before you ship out. You and Tara both.”

  His sister took a step forward. “We’d love to.”

  Alan didn’t miss the excitement in her eyes. She’d only been to the Wolfe home a few times. “I guess I’ll second that.”

  Henry patted his shoulder then headed out the door.

  Tara kept her eyes on the closed door. “He seems so sad.”

  “I know. The Wolfe men tend to live with their ghosts.”

  “What an odd saying.”

  “I know. I heard Henry say it himself.” Alan stared at the door. Would he find himself living with his own ghosts when he returned? He didn’t want to live a life of regret, but regret had surely found him this summer. And it looked a lot like one Gail Gibson.

  “I’m making dinner. Do you want chicken or leftover meat loaf?”

  Why did he regret not stopping her from leaving, even though he knew letting her go was the right thing to do?

  “Alan?”

  “What? No, thanks. I think I’ll take a walk. I’ll make a sandwich when I get back.”

  “No, you won’t. You’re going to get one of those awful hot dogs, aren’t you?”

  “Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t.”

  “You will. I know you.”

  He kissed Tara on the forehead. “You think so?”

  “Yes. And I think you ought to call her before you leave.”

  He sighed. “Not that again. I said I didn’t want to talk about it.”

  “I know, but you should.”

  “Why? It won’t make a difference.”

  “What won’t? Talking about it or calling her?”

  “Both. End of subject. I’ll be back later.” He headed to the door and didn’t look back. He didn’t want to see Tara’s disappointed expression again. The girl just didn’t understand that Gail Gibson wasn’t going to be a part of their future.

  Of his future. The sooner they both accepted that, the better off they’d be.

  Chapter 8

  Gail thrust the money at the cabdriver and ran the last few steps to Alan’s shop. The CLOSED sign put a ding in her hopes, but she couldn’t stop now. She knocked on the glass but didn’t see any movement in the shop or from the direction of the back room.

  Again, she tried knocking. No response. She glanced to the side panel where the mail slot was. She could leave a note then try calling when she got home. But that deflated her hopes to nothing.

  A small panel beneath the mail slot caught her attention. Barely noticeable. She lifted the right edge and swung the small door to the side. A doorbell. She pressed the button twice, doing everything she could not to bounce up and down in front of the door.

  Hours may have passed, let alone minutes, and just forget seconds. Finally, Gail recognized Tara’s form come through the door to their apartment above and rush to the front. When her eyes met Gail’s, a broad smile broke her concerned expression.

  Tara opened the door. “Gail, what a surprise.”

  She didn’t know whether to hug the girl or cry. “Is Alan here?”

  “No, he went for a walk. Is something wrong?”

  “No, I’m hoping everything’s right.”

  Tara threw her arms around her in a quick hug. “He’s in the park. Go get him.”

  Gail returned her hug. “Thank you.” She rushed away, not even looking back.

  People dodged her as she did her best to navigate through the pedestrians like an obstacle course. She had a hunch where Alan would be and even prayed he’d be there. She found herself praying more and more these days.

  The arc of the Bow Bridge came into view. Gail slowed to a fast walk. Bodies moved back and forth but none looked like Alan. She kept walking and searching with each step. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest that she heard each thump in her head.

  And then he was there, standing in the middle of the bridge, looking over the water. Sunlight glinted off his hair and backlit his profile. A man of strength and integrity.

  Fear stopped her. Would he even want her in his life? That day in his shop… she’d made her choice clear. Would he give her a second chance?

  The greater fear of not knowing propelled her forward. She had to know, but more importantly, Alan needed to know that she loved him.

  Just a few feet away. Alan must have heard her steps. He glanced over his shoulder then turned to face her. His face remained placid, though she didn’t miss the twitch on the left side of his mouth—where his smile always started.

  She stopped within arm’s reach. “Mr. James, I had some time to think.”

  Alan leaned against the stone railing. “And what did you decide, Miss Gibson?”

  “That I’ve been very foolish.”

  He frowned. “How so?”

  “I thought I could plan everything out in my life, and it would turn out perfectly.”

  “And now?”

  “My life’s a mess.”

  “I take it that wasn’t your plan.” He pushed away from the bridge and moved a step toward her.

  Questions filled his gaze, ones she hoped she had the right answer to. Tears pricked her eyes. “Not at all but I’m glad.”

  “May I ask why?”

  Her turn to brave a step closer. “Because I almost walked away from a very special blessing in my life.” She dared to rest her hand on his cheek. She pleaded in her heart for Alan and God to give her another chance, to help her not be so afraid.

  His hand reached out to cup her neck as he leaned toward her. All thoughts fled once his lips touched hers. She leaned against him, not trusting her legs to hold her. A deep sense that she was right where she was meant to be flooded her entire being.

  She did
n’t know how long the embrace lasted, but she didn’t want it to end. Grudgingly, she let go of her perfect kiss but refused to open her eyes. What if she did and discovered she’d dreamed it all?

  “Miss Gibson?”

  She fluttered her eyes open. “Yes, Mr. James?”

  His gaze tender and loving, he continued to hold her. “Did I just hear you use the word blessing?”

  She smiled and gave him a quick kiss. “Yes, I believe you did.”

  The Bow Bridge didn’t look any different in reality, but to Alan the stone held a darker, grayer appearance to match the overcast sky. Even the water below appeared dull without the sun’s reflection. Duty had a way of holding the mind but not always the heart. His body and soul would be in Vietnam, but his heart would be safely tucked away here with Gail.

  Just a few weeks before, he stood on the bridge wishing his life could be his own. And for those weeks, it had. They’d spent every minute they could together. Today would be their last for a while.

  He saw her before she saw him. Alan smoothed the front of his uniform jacket and then touched his hat and smooth-shaven chin. Even from a distance he could see the heaviness in her steps, the sadness in her face. Would he be asking too much of her? He had no doubts of their future together, but he still saw the occasional doubt in Gail’s eyes.

  Time would either be his enemy or his friend.

  She quickened her steps when she saw him.

  He greeted her with a kiss he hoped relayed just a part of what threatened to explode in his chest. He could survive anything knowing she was waiting for him.

  When he pulled away, tears glistened in her hazel eyes. “This is harder than I thought it would be.”

  Alan kissed the tip of her nose. “That’s why I wanted to do this here instead of the bus station.”

  She nodded and dropped her chin.

  “I have something for you.”

  Gail lifted her head and braved a tearful smile.

  “I want you to hold on to this for me.” He held her hand in his and pressed the gold coin into her palm.