Another Yesterday

by Angela Christina Archer

  “Well, all right, if that’s what you want.” I turned back around, leaning against the wall behind the desk. Luke and the man were still talking as they finished up running his credit card. I turned my attention back toward the phone receiver. “I guess I’ll head into the city now and try to be back as soon as I can.”

  “I’ll be here. I might even try to talk Nancy into making some pies. Maybe I can even help her.”

  I snorted a breath at the upbeat excitement in his tone. “Like she could say no to you.”

  As I hung up the phone, Luke closed the book and handed the man back his card. “We are all set.”

  “How did you know what to do?” I asked, setting the phone back down on the desk.

  “You weren’t the only one around here all the time growing up, remember?” He handed me one of the keys. “I put him in the second room from the end of the hallway.”

  “Just the one I was thinking of putting him in myself.”

  After snagging the key, I moved around the desk, spying only a single, faded camouflage bag. It looked like it’d seen many days and nights with a hole ripped in the side of the canvas. Before I could reach for it, though, he grabbed it. “I wouldn’t dream of a woman carrying my things.”

  “But it’s my job.”

  “Not today.” He smiled and hoisted it up over his shoulders.

  “Army man, huh?” Luke said, pointing toward the bag as he leaned against the desk.

  “Yep. Served in Vietnam, but it wasn’t for long. Two years and I was out. With a honorable discharge.”

  “I’m retired Navy.”

  “Well, thank you for your service.”

  “Yeah, you too.”

  Charlie glanced between Luke and me then pointed at me. “I think this lovely lady is wanting to show me to my room. But hopefully I will see you around. Maybe we can share stories.”

  “Yeah, that’d be great. I’m here most of the day, actually. I’m the one doing the renovations on the place.” He focused his gaze on me. “Speaking of which, you about ready to go to the city for your shopping trip?”

  “Of course. We’re going to have to hurry, though. My dad wants to do a big cookout tonight to celebrate the end of summer and there’s no talking him out of it. We are going to have to be back before dinner. If you want to get my purse from the office, I’ll meet you out at the truck.”

  “Sounds good.”

  While Luke made his way to my office, I led Charlie up the stairs and to one of the ready rooms.

  “The room has fresh, clean linens, but it could use some new ones. Which is where I’m headed now, to go get them, I mean. So, I’ll change everything out when I return from the city. Should be by dinner time.”

  “Nice young man you have working for you. Is he a friend of yours?”

  “I guess you could say he is.”

  “A good friend?” Although I couldn’t see Charlie, I could hear the smile in his voice as he said the word ‘good’.

  “Um, he’s a friend.”

  “So, he’s an ex?”

  I spun around, clicking my tongue. “How did you know?”

  “The way he looked at you. I must say though, I didn’t think ex at first. I thought maybe current boyfriend or husband.”

  I spun back and continued down the hallway. “I’m not married . . . at least anymore.”

  The rest of the time it took to get to the room, Charlie remained silent, following behind me and only nodding when I opened the door to the room and welcomed him inside.

  “As you heard, there will be a big dinner this evening, and you’re more than welcome to come downstairs and join us. If you don’t want to eat someplace in town, that is. My dad makes the best hamburgers and by the sounds of it, he’s planning quite the bash.”

  “So, he’s coming here?”

  “He’s already here. He lives right across the hall from your room. He said he planned to take a shower and then head downstairs. You’re more than welcome to join him. Some friends of his, Nancy and Evan will be here shortly, too, if you need anything you can ask them. And, if you want to get out and see the sights, there is lots to do in town this time of year, too.”

  “I’ll probably just take a nap and then a walk on the beach. I’ve been traveling for a while and I’m quite tired.”

  “Well, whatever you decide. Maybe I’ll see you later for dinner. If you want to join us, I mean. No pressure. There are several fabulous restaurants in town and just because we also serve our guests doesn’t mean they have to eat here.” A nervous chuckle fluttered through my chest.

  I really need to work on my welcome speech.

  As I turned to leave, he stepped a single step toward me. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Earlier, in the hallway. I didn’t mean to offend you or make you feel as though I was prying.”

  “Oh, no, you didn’t. I, well, my life has had some twists and turns lately and I guess I haven’t really gotten used to talking about them.”

  “Good or bad?”

  “I’m still trying to figure that out, actually.” I cocked my head to the side and smooshed my lips together and over to one side as though lost in a questioning thought. “I once thought they were bad, but sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if they were actually good. If that makes any sense.”

  “I think it does. Kind of like blessings in disguise type of thing.”

  “Exactly.”

  “I understand. Really, I do.” He hoisted his bag up onto the bed then sat down beside it. There was a softness to him as though he could relax anyone around him. And, while the years hadn’t been kind to him in the scars I now noticed with the natural light coming in from the windows on his hands, neck, and face, I could tell he’d once been quite handsome.

  “You know, you’re kind of easy to talk to,” I said.

  “I’m happy you think so.”

  “You remind me of my dad. He’s the same way.”

  “He sounds like a good man, then.”

  “Yeah, he’s the best. Anyway, I should go before it gets too late. Bangor is an hour drive and I’m sure shopping isn’t going to be as quick and easy as I hope.”

  “Have fun.”

  I combed through the Home Goods store, going back and forth on different patterns and styles while checking off the list of each name I’d given each room. An hour in and I’d only picked four of the eight bedding sets needed, stuffing one of the two carts Luke dragged around behind him full while the other remained empty.

  “Do you think this one would look good in the one room on the overlooking the garden?” I asked, holding up a rather flowery comforter set as I ignored how it almost made me gag.

  “It’s got a lot of flowers.” Luke jerked his head back and blinked.

  “Yeah, it does, and believe me I’m not a fan, but I know some people like this kind of décor. I mean, why else would they have it in the store?”

  “I don’t think it would go with the paint color you picked out.”

  “No, you’re right, it doesn’t. And I love that paint, so,” I tossed the comforter back on the shelf, “on to the next.”

  “What about that one?” He pointed to a grey one with white piping.

  “I don’t know. You know, a part of me would rather go old-fashioned than modern. Like instead of the sleek inside lines of new everything, instead play off the furniture each room already has. I mean, it’s all still in excellent shape. I don’t have to replace any of the tables or beds or dressers. What if we went soft and plush? Plus added some antique pieces?”

  “We?”

  I cast him a sideways glance. “I meant me.”

  “I’m just joking with you. I think you’ve got a good idea though. I’ve always liked the place for what it was. It’s cozy.”

  “A good selling point too—a cozy, warm, and comforting seaside inn along the outskirts of a tiny town. It just fits the place.”

  He cocked his head to the side fo
r a moment and then clicked his tongue. “Then I think you want that one right over there.”

  I followed his finger toward a beautiful olive set with vines of ivy embroidered throughout. They weren’t darker or lighter, but the same color and when they caught in the light from the ceiling, they glimmered.

  “Oh, that’s perfect.” I made my way over to the set, grabbing the package. “You know, I hate to have the same one in multiple rooms, but I think this would be good in the room next to the big one, with the deep brown paint.”

  “It would, but so would that one.” Again, I followed his finger. While it was the same set, it was in a dark maroon color.

  “I love that one too.”

  After finding two more, we finally made our way over to the bathroom section of the store. Luke had to go get another cart, and soon the third one was stacked with bath towels—both decorative and for the guests to use—wash clothes, rugs, nearly one hundred sets of sheets and pillowcases, and finally dozens and dozens of different table cloths and napkins.

  “I think this is a good start,” I said, watching the checkout girl scan each item. “Don’t you?” A bubble of panic rose in my chest. “Do you think I got enough sheets and pillowcases?”

  “Ten sets per room.”

  “But is that enough?”

  “We can always come back for more if we need.”

  “We?” I cocked my head to the side as I reached out and poked him in the side of the ribs. He laughed.

  “I meant you.”

  After handing over my debit card, Luke and I walked out of the store.

  “You are so lucky I brought you in the truck,” he said.

  “I know. I’m kind of worried about all this blowing out, though.”

  “I have a tarp we can tie down. It will keep everything nice and secure.”

  “Good. I didn’t even think to ask when we left. I guess I didn’t think about how much I’d actually be buying.”

  “At least it’s a good start, and don’t worry, I’ve got your back. I think it’s the military man in me,” he tapped the side of his temple with his finger, “always thinking about the details.”

  We pulled the carts up alongside the truck and he lowered the tailgate, hopping up inside. “Just start handing me things, I’ll pack them.”

  One by one, I tossed the bags and he caught them, wedging everything like it was a game to see how much stuff he could organize in the bed of the truck. Placing the last one, he jumped down and retrieved the tarp from the cab.

  “How can I help?” I asked, wiping the sweat from my forehead.

  “Get in. I’ll get this tied.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yep. I’d rather do this myself anyway. No offense.” He winked.

  I held up my hands. “None taken when it comes to tying down a tarp.”

  “There. That’s it.”

  “What’s it?”

  “Something that has changed about you.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” I shoved my hands on my hips but kept my tone light and playful.

  “You were always the ‘I can do it myself’ girl. Even if you couldn’t do it.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like the time we got a flat tire down on the beach and you and Bridget thought you two could change it without our help.”

  “And we did, didn’t we?”

  “After nearly three hours!” He laughed.

  “Well, we were also drunk.”

  “I’ve thought about that night a couple of times over the years. It was so funny watching the two of you struggle with every single step. Of course, then later . . . well, it was just a great night.” His eyes glazed over as though he was—like me—reliving old memories. After a few too many beers had led to nearly a half of a bottle of tequila, Bridget and I felt rather confident in car care skills and when we discovered the flat tire, we were certain we could change it without the guys’ help. It was also the night Luke and I shared our first night together. Laughing all the way home about our success with the tire, and proud of myself, I had suggested he sneak into my room through the window. An idea he agreed with and after I hurried past my parents, answering only a few of their questions while they watched a movie, he climbed inside my room and then my bed.

  We were both virgins and we were both nervous.

  We were also drunk and not very good.

  “Well, anyway, you were never one to shy away from a task if someone thought you couldn’t do it,” he said.

  I shrugged, trying to hide the flush in my cheeks. “I guess you’re right.”

  Without another word, I scurried off to the cab, climbing inside and shutting the door. My breath was heavy as I yanked the seatbelt over my shoulder and my lap and clipped it.

  Stop, Rachel. Just stop.

  By the time Luke was finished and had climbed back into the cab of the truck, my breathing settled and slowed my heartbeat.

  “All set?” I asked, cringing slightly at my words.

  Really? All set? That’s all you can come up with?

  He arched one eyebrow and nodded.

  For the first several miles we both rode down the road in silence. Bouncing around in the truck as the wheels spun. Our conversations could go from easy to awkward in seconds flat, and for the most part they seemed to knock me off balance. While I couldn’t help but love to be around him, there was a part of me that hated it only because of how quickly memories could pop in as though they meant to do so out of nowhere to spoil the light-hearted fun between us.

  “So, what do you make of Charlie?” Luke asked. His voice made me jump slightly.

  “Who?”

  “The old army vet at the inn. What do you make of him?”

  “Oh, right. Charlie. Well, he seems like a really nice man, and he is easy to talk to.”

  “What does that mean?”

  My heartbeat kicked up again. “Oh, you know, he just asked a few questions and answering them wasn’t hard to do.”

  “Like what questions did he ask?”

  Revisiting the conversation, I stared out the window, closing my eyes at the mention of certain aspects of it like when he knew we were ex’s just from how we acted. I felt my cheeks flush with warmth once more.

  “Seems kind of personal with someone you just met.” Luke’s tone hardened.

  “You think so?”

  “Yeah. I mean, would you have asked him those questions?”

  “No, I guess I wouldn’t.” I stared at my hands, feeling a bit confused by my thoughts. I hadn’t felt uncomfortable around him or the fact he had even asked what he did. I hadn’t felt uncomfortable at all.

  “I could be wrong,” Luke said, his eyes studying my reaction. “He’s probably harmless.”

  “Yeah.”

  I stuck to one-answer responses the rest of the ride home. My thoughts far too focused on how little I knew about my one and only guest, or how little I would know about any of my guests. Growing up I never thought about the fact that my parents were basically letting strangers into their home, or at least a home of some sorts. How did my mother manage? How did she draw the boundaries of what was right and wrong? I hadn’t known of them ever kicking a guest out, but I suppose when I was too young to know or too busy with school, I really couldn’t tell if they had or hadn’t.

  My naiveté kind of shocked me.

  How would I handle guests who either crossed a line or made me feel uncomfortable?

  “Do you think I should hire an employee?” I asked.

  “What do you need an employee for? I mean, no offense, but you have all of one guest in the place.”

  “No, I know. I meant down the road. When I’m officially open.”

  “Maybe. If you think it would be a good idea.”

  “I was told Helen managed the place on her own, at least I think she did. She hired my mom, but she’d been running the place for decades before. It is only eight rooms or sixteen guests at a time.”

  “If you have on
ly couples. But some could come with children. I don’t remember your parents having any employees.”

  “They had a cleaning woman, but other than that, no, they didn’t. I guess I helped when I was older.”

  “And I did too.”

  “But they also had each other, and I don’t have someone else.” My words stung and the meaning behind them stabbed my chest.

  “It’s not like you won’t have help if you need it. Your dad, Nancy and Evan, my parents, even . . . me.”

  “I guess that’s true.”

  Luke glanced at me a few times but hesitated until he finally exhaled a deep breath. “Hey, Rach, I may have razzed you about being independent or given you the impression you can’t do this because one guest made me a little uncomfortable, but one, I was just joking, and two, that’s my issue. You obviously seemed just fine with Charlie, and that right there says a lot for the man. Don’t second-guess yourself. Not because of some stupid thing I said.”

  “It wasn’t stupid.”

  “But it wasn’t smart. You’re going to do just fine. I know you will.”

  As he turned the truck off the road and drove down into the parking lot of the inn my stomach settled a little. The fear still fluttered in the back of my mind, but so did the hope he was right. Along with the mix of emotions, I couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed at myself for having doubt. I had made a lot of scary choices in my life—one of which was a move to a huge city and I’d done it with only a small savings to my name, no job, and knowing absolutely no one.

  That had to count for something. It had to.

  “Well, well, if that welcoming committee doesn’t give you hope, I don’t know what will.”

  I glanced up at the scene in front of us. Nancy, Evan, and Dad were all making their way outside as we pulled into the parking space. Along with them, Charlie, my one and only guest, stuck near my dad, helping him down the long pathway.

  I climbed out of the cab, waving at everyone. “I’m so glad you are all here. I was dreading carrying in everything with just the two of us.”

  Nancy and Evan laughed, and while her husband got busy helping Luke with the bags, Nancy met me at the passenger door and wrapped her arm around my shoulder as we made our way to the back of the truck.