Daydream Retriever (An Alpine Grove Romantic Comedy Book 10)

by Susan C. Daffron

  She walked down the hall with Harley and peered into Betty’s room, but her aunt appeared to be taking a nap. Not wanting to wake her up, Lisa sat down in a chair near the nurses’ station at the end of the hallway. Orderlies, nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, administrators, and other people milled around like bees flying through a hive, landing briefly and moving on to their next task.

  Maybe because she’d spent so much time in rehabilitation centers, she didn’t find the environment depressing like many people did. She watched an assistant push a wheelchair with an elderly woman in a pink robe down the hallway. It was Mrs. Gibson, who had worked at the long-gone roller rink that used to be south of town. Lisa waved as she went by, and the older woman and the assistant smiled in response.

  When Lisa was young, she’d earned good grades in school and had considered the idea of becoming a doctor, but her fear of blood had nixed the idea. Her accident and then years of being a parent had caused any lingering squeamishness to fall by the wayside long ago. Although Lisa couldn’t quite envision herself dealing with eight years of college and a residency, maybe she could work in the medical field some other way.

  A nurse named Deanna approached her and Lisa waved. “Do you have a second?”

  The woman smiled at the sight of the dog and sat down in the chair next to Lisa. “Only if you let me pet Harley.”

  Harley thumped his tail enthusiastically and put his head on Deanna’s thigh, soaking up the affection.

  Lisa said, “I think Harley is A-okay with petting. The other day, you mentioned that you’ve worked here forever. I was wondering how you started in health care.”

  “When I graduated from high school I needed a job, so I started working here as an orderly. I liked the people and there were a lot of openings for nursing assistants, so I took a training program and was an assistant for a while. I enjoyed the work and spending time with the care-center residents, but wanted to move up, so I went back to school and got a nursing degree.” She gave Harley a final pat and stood up. “That was probably more than you wanted to know, huh? I told you I’d been here forever.”

  “No, that’s helpful. I appreciate it.” Lisa leaned back in the chair and watched the activity around her. What would it be like to work in a place like this? Would it be too sad to be around people who were sick or even close to death? She wasn’t sure, but it was worth thinking about, and she’d read about nursing shortages for years. If she went to school, she could probably get a job fairly easily. A million years ago, she’d done well in biology class. Maybe she could read more about physical therapy too. She’d experienced it from the patient side. What was involved in becoming a physical therapist? Probably more school and definitely a lot of anatomy classes.

  She looked down the hallway again and was startled to spot Pete limping toward her without his crutches, leaning heavily on a cane. Although his gait was halting, lopsided, and slow, he had both feet on the ground. Jumping up, she clapped her hands and grinned at him as Harley woofed his congratulations.

  George, the physical therapist, was walking alongside Pete. Given the expression on Pete’s face, George was probably nagging him about something.

  Lisa walked up as Pete said somewhat irritably to George, “I got it, okay? Jeez, lighten up.”

  “Hey, man, I’m just sayin’ take it easy,” George replied as he handed Lisa the crutches. “He doesn’t get to return these yet. If he gets tired, make him use them.”

  Lisa nodded. Yeah, right. As if she could make Pete do anything. “Thanks. We’ll see you on Friday.”

  George said goodbye and reiterated that Pete shouldn’t start going on any major hikes just because he was cleared to use a cane.

  Lisa walked Harley alongside Pete out to the truck. She readjusted the leash in her hand and encouraged the dog to slow down. “I can’t believe you convinced George to let you ditch the crutches. You must be thrilled.”

  “He thinks I’m rushing things, but I’m now that much closer to being a self-sufficient adult again. Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.”

  “What?”

  “More Shakespeare. ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor.’”

  “Okay, well, I had an idea. It’s so beautiful outside today and you already had x-rays for the letter ‘x,’ but I need to do something for ‘e.’ Have you ever seen a bald eagle?”

  “Are you going to give me a quarter or something?”

  “No, I mean a real one. I don’t feel like facing the mess at the house, so I was thinking we could go see the eagles on the lake. They come to the same spot every year during the winter. I’ve never seen them before, which is pretty sad for someone who grew up in Alpine Grove.”

  He stopped to rest and turned to smile at her. “Let me guess. You were too busy skiing?”

  “Yeah, I know. I was focused on one thing back then. It’s getting ridiculous how well you know me. At this rate you could write a biography of me and my entire family.”

  “I’m not much of a writer.”

  “Thank heavens.”

  Lisa drove south out of Alpine Grove and turned off the highway onto a road that wound down toward the lake. They passed by snow-covered fields and densely forested areas until the road curved along a hillside perched high above the deep blue water. They passed a few houses, but most of them were summer homes. Even though they had gorgeous lake views, the steep driveways would be harrowing to navigate in the icy depths of winter, so the dwellings sat dark and quiet behind locked gates.

  Lisa pointed at the stunning lake view out the driver’s-side window. “The cove where the eagles supposedly hang out is up ahead down there.”

  “This is a beautiful area. Even better is that you chose it.”

  “I think the eagles chose it first.”

  “No, I mean you selected what you wanted to do for the letter ‘e’ without any input from me, your family, your friends, or anyone else.”

  Lisa glanced at him before slowing the truck to turn down the narrow road that led to the cove. “So what?”

  “Never mind. Thanks for bringing me out here.”

  At the bottom of the hill, the road flattened and led to a small parking area. Lisa parked the truck alongside the fence and let Harley out. Pete grabbed his cane and limped around next to Lisa, so they could lean on the front bumper of the old truck. Harley wanted to run around, but Pete suggested that the dog sit and behave himself so they could quietly watch the birds. Harley complied, settling in at their feet with his muzzle between his paws, looking dejected.

  Lisa pointed at the sky, where an eagle soared overhead. “Look! There’s one circling over the water.”

  Pete turned his head. “There are four sitting up on that tree, just hanging out. I can’t believe I’m seeing bald eagles in the wild. They’re huge.”

  “The eagles are a big deal around here. I learned about them in school. They come down from Canada in late fall or early winter because the weather is milder here. This is part of their annual migration route, and they stop here because they feed on the salmon in the lake.”

  “They probably like the lack of people too. I don’t think anyone is going to be building a house on that hillside with all those rocks.”

  Lisa smiled. “One of the great things about this lake is all the rocky outcroppings. There’s an overlook I love that’s amazing, but you can’t really get there in the wintertime.”

  “Well, I’m sure I couldn’t.”

  “It’s a bit of a hike, but I bet you could do it by next summer. You’re doing so well with your physical therapy.”

  “George says that the fact that you help me with the exercises every day makes a big difference.” Pete pointed at a large conifer with branches stretching out over the lake. “Check out that eagle perched over there near the water. He’s impressive. I wish I had binoculars.”

  “I think that one on that branch over there might be his mate. Did you know that bald eagles pair for life?”

  “Unlike humans, wh
o seem to have trouble with that concept.”

  Lisa turned to look at him. “Every time I think I might be mating for life or even for the time being, the mate has other ideas.”

  “The course of true love never did run smooth.”

  Lisa nudged his arm playfully. “Hey, even I know that’s Shakespeare.”

  “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” He pointed at the sky. “Look at that one! He’s got a fish!”

  Lisa sat in silence for a few moments, watching the eagles soar overhead. Pete was in an odd mood. He kept changing the subject, but she felt like there was something he wasn’t saying.

  She put her hand on his. “Did something happen at physical therapy? I thought everything went well, but you seem distracted.”

  “I got my cane, so I’ll finally be able to do things like carry a cup of coffee all by myself, maybe even without spilling it.”

  “I’d be happy to get you a cup of coffee. I’ve had lots of practice.”

  “I know and I appreciate it.” He pulled his hand out from under hers. “This whole arrangement has been great, but I think it’s time for me to move on.”

  “What?” Lisa stood up to face him. Was he already moving out? She wasn’t ready for that to happen yet. “Why now? Staying at the house has been great, hasn’t it? Well, except for the contractors. But I thought you were happy with…everything.”

  “Happy is relative.”

  “What exactly are you saying? You aren’t happy? What’s wrong?”

  “I think it’s time for me to go back home.”

  “But why now? You still can barely walk. And what about your physical therapy? Don’t you want to continue that?”

  “They have medical facilities in Phoenix. I’ve been to a bunch of them, remember?”

  “I know, but you’re doing so well.” Lisa threw up her hands in exasperation. “And, okay, I know you obviously don’t feel the same way I do, but are you really that desperate to get away from me?”

  Pete’s expression softened and he gathered her hands in his, pulling her back down to sit next to him. “I don’t want to get away from you, but I have things I need to deal with back home. I don’t think being with me is good for you. It’s time for you to figure out what you want, and I don’t think you’re going to do that if I keep hanging around here.”

  “You just pointed out that I wanted to come here and see eagles. See! That was something I wanted. You make it sound like I’m some kind of naive child who is incapable of handling the hardship of putting up with you. But I’ve loved the time we’ve spent together. I don’t understand why you want to leave already.”

  “Staying here isn’t a good idea. I told you that.”

  “But your reasons don’t make any sense and I don’t agree with them. I don’t care if you’ve seen awful things. It doesn’t make any difference to me.”

  “But it does to me. I don’t live in Alpine Grove, so I have to leave eventually. I think it’s better if I leave sooner rather than later.”

  Lisa pulled her hands away. “That’s because you know I’ll get more attached. I’m like a hideous barnacle you can’t shake.”

  “You’re a kind, caring person and you deserve to be with someone a lot less cynical and jaded than I am.”

  “I don’t agree with you, but obviously I’m not going to change your mind.” Lisa crossed her arms across her chest. “So when are you packing up your things and moving out?”

  “George wants to see me one last time on Friday, so I was thinking I could get a flight out from LA on Saturday.”

  “You told George you’re leaving Alpine Grove before you told me?”

  “It sort of came up in conversation.”

  “Why? What were you talking about?”

  “You.”

  After they got back to the house, Lisa let Harley out into the backyard and followed Pete into the office. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I need to clean up my decoupage disaster in the corner.”

  “Aren’t you going to finish the table? You’ve got half of it glued already.”

  “I’m done with the alphabet.” She pointed at the table. “This was silly anyway.”

  He limped over to look at it. “Why? You were having fun with it and you said you liked how the flowers worked out on that corner.”

  “Yeah, but who cares? It’s a crummy old table. I should sell it with the rest of the junk here.”

  “It’s up to you. I like how my walking stick has come out so far. Using a hiking stick instead of a cane makes me feel more like an intrepid hiker and less like a decrepit old dude.”

  Lisa put the pile of magazines she was holding on the table. “You’re not old.”

  “Just falling apart.”

  She stopped gathering pieces of paper and stood up to look at him. After their conversation earlier, neither of them were in a good frame of mind. “Maybe I’ll deal with this later. Do you have any ideas for dinner?”

  “It’s up to you. But with any luck, I can help you now without tipping over.”

  “Why does it have to be up to me?” Lisa put her hands on her hips. “This is your passive-aggressive way of silently nagging me about not making decisions, isn’t it?”

  “Ouch. No, it’s because you’ve been doing the shopping and it’s your kitchen, so you have a much better idea of the food that’s in it.”

  “Let me show you the refrigerator.” Lisa turned and stomped toward the kitchen. She didn’t look, but she could hear Pete following behind her.

  She opened the refrigerator door and waved her hand in front of it like a game-show hostess. “Behold! Your options for dinner await.”

  Pete set his cane aside, reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a loaf of bread. “The staff of life.”

  Lisa grabbed the bag, opened it and pulled out two slices of bread, which she threw at Pete.

  Startled, he managed to catch the bread before it landed on the floor. He held them up in his hands and raised his eyebrows in silent query.

  “Nice reflexes. You might not be falling apart as much as you think.”

  “Oh, really?” He turned and reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a plastic container of mustard and lobbed it at her. “Catch.”

  Lisa grabbed it and immediately threw it back far to the left of him. Pete reached out but missed, so the container bounced across the floor.

  “Oopsie, guess you’re right. You are falling apart.” She moved next to him, reached into the refrigerator, and pulled out a plastic storage container. “Hmm, I liked that bean dip I made yesterday. Maybe we can have some chips with the sandwich.”

  “Don’t.”

  Lisa opened the container, peered inside, and then glanced at him. “It still looks good, although I might need to stir it a little.”

  Pete walked to a cabinet, pulled down a bag of corn chips, and put them on the counter warily, not taking his eyes off her.

  Lisa ran her index finger along the edge of the container, swirled it through the middle of the dip a few times, then scooped up a glob and licked it off. “Yummy.”

  Pete limped toward her with his hand outstretched. “Maybe you could give that to me.”

  Lisa scooped up some more dip on her finger and whipped it forward, flinging a blob of brown gooey dip across his face. “Oops.”

  Some of the dip dripped down toward his lips and he stuck out his tongue to lick it off. “I know you’re angry at me, but are you really angling for a food fight here? Seriously?”

  “I changed my mind about the alphabet.” She smiled and scooped up some more dip and whipped it at him. “I’m thinking food fight works for the letter ‘f.’ Since my plans for letter ‘e’ didn’t work out well, I’m trying something a little different.”

  “’F’ is also for friends, and friends don’t let friends throw bean dip.”

  “Okay, I won’t throw it.” Lisa laughed as she dragged a glob of dip across his cheek with her palm. “Have you ever noticed how refried beans look kind of like dog
doo?”

  “No, I haven’t, but thanks for that visual.” Pete wiped the dip off his face and smeared it on Lisa’s forehead. “Have you ever wondered what a bunch of bored cops waiting around in a police station do in the middle of the night? If you guessed food fight, you’d be right.”

  “Have you ever seen what nine-month-old twins can do to each other armed with only a single jar of baby food?” She smeared bean dip on his lips. “I promise you will never think about pureed peas in the same way ever again.”

  Pete snatched the plastic container from her, scooped out a fistful of dip, sloshed it on her neck, and pulled her to him so he could lick it off. “Yummy.”

  “No fair! You’re cheating.” When he didn’t stop, Lisa moved her head to give him more access to her throat. “Well…okay…if you don’t want to fight fair, I’m going to have to do something drastic.”

  He straightened so he could look into her eyes. “Oh, really? And what’s that?”

  Taking the bean dip container from him, she carefully replaced the lid. She picked up the mustard, put the bread back in the bag, and placed everything back in the refrigerator where it belonged.

  She turned back to him holding a squeeze bottle of chocolate syrup. “I like chocolate a lot better than bean dip and you’ve never seen the upstairs of this house. I think I should show you all of the bedrooms before you leave here.”

  A slow smile crossed his face. “I think you’re right.”

  Much later, Lisa and Pete were sprawled out on the king-sized bed in the master bedroom. Lisa rolled over onto her side to face him. “I can’t believe you’re insisting on leaving in two days.”

  “I should probably pack and help you clean up the office.”