Ian heard the familiar click and an unfamiliar meow. He looked at his feet to spot the Rodent sitting her on her quickly becoming half kitten half cat haunches. “How did you get out here? Is Ralphie teaching you his walk through walls trick?”
He considered leaving the demon outside, hoping something would drag it off for a midnight snack, but visions of having to explain to Ronnie that his precious cat disappeared made him change his mind. Ian shoved open the door and looked down at the cat.
“You may as well come in.” The cat didn’t bother to thank him for being a gentlemen and just walked inside the living room. Ian shut and locked the door in the dark.
It was quiet and black, only enough light to allow Ian and the spawn from hell to make their way to the kitchen. Ian heard crunching or scratching or something from the cat, while he poured bottled water in a cup and dunked in a tea bag. He pressed all the right buttons for the microwave and waited patiently for the little bell to go off.
As he opened the door and took out his now steaming tea, he saw the cat return to him from the corner of his eye. “Don’t be looking at me Rodent. You want entertainment? Go turn on the TV. I’m sure there must be something on Animal Planet or Fox News you’re sure to enjoy.”
Wrapped the tea bag string around a teaspoon and pulled until every last drop was squeezed from the bag. He added sugar, lots of sugar. “Okay, don’t go thinking this is any kind of bonding thing, but should I have kissed her? You know really kissed her?”
Rodie cocked her head and wrapped her tail around her body. Ian frowned. “What would you know?” He picked up his mug and walked through the still dark house. Rodie making every move he did.
Ian stopped at Ronnie’s room, door open, dark and empty. He leaned against the frame. “Well you might as well turn in varmint. I am.” He waited for the cat to jump on the bed and curl up as she usually did. “What are you waiting for?”
The cat looked up at Ian. Her little head turned to peer in the room, then back to Ian and blinked.
“Ronnie is spending the night with his friends. You remember them, the two little boys who kept yanking your tail and kept making you run for your life.” Ian thought about it. “I liked them. They should come back more often.” He looked down at the cat, unmoving.
Ian sipped his tea. “Fine. Sleep or not.” He took a step toward away, but turned back to the cat to issue a warning. “Just remember, if you use your little claws to slash my throat in the middle of the night, Ronnie will be back tomorrow and he won’t be happy about that.”
Rodie looked up at Ian and meowed.
“I miss him, too.” Ian leaned back against the doorframe and back down at the cat. “Fine.” He straightened back up. “You can sleep in my room…on the floor. Come anywhere near the bed and I’ll put on a pair of gloves and throw you off the balcony. Deal?”
The cat seemed to lead the way. Ian sipped his tea and walked down the wall of bedroom doors. As they sauntered in the dark past the last door, it drifted open.
Soft light from the bathroom gently illuminated the bedroom. Ian and the cat stopped and turned, attention drawn to forms in the room. Billy and Reece lay there, naked, entwined, covered in sweat.
Ian reached for the doorknob. “I’ll just shut this.” He said.
“Thanks, man. Must not have gotten it shut all the way.” Billy smiled, not moving a muscle.
“Uh huh.” Ian hoped it was dark enough for the lovers not to see the shock on his face or the fact that he could feel it turning beat red.
“Night, Ian.” Reese sighed.
“Yeah. ‘night.” Ian made sure the door shut all the way then quickly made his way to the stairwell. When they got to the landing he looked at the cat, still taking every step he did. “Let’s run upstairs and gouge our eyes out.”
He flipped the lights on to his bedroom. “Claim your space Rodent.” Ian grabbed the remote from the nightstand and pointed it toward the glass wall. With a simple touch the curtains performed their magic and disappeared. He sipped his tea and looked out in to space.
Tea cup in one hand, remote in the other he stepped to the glass and sighed. “Life is good.” A gentle tinkle captured his attention. He smiled at looked toward the wind chimes hanging outside in the corner talking to the slight breeze that touched them.
He saw light from the balcony across the way. Ian moved closer to focus on Kellen and Ralphie, safe in their own home. He noticed Kellen look up and over at his lights. He waved in case he could see him.
Ian saw Ralphie jump against the French doors from the inside. He looked like he was barking but couldn’t hear him. Ian smiled, then noticed Kellen rush the doors himself. He could swear he could almost hear Kellen shout his name.
The cat hissed and spit. Ian turned to see Rodie’s back arched on the bed.
“I said anywhere but the bed.” Ian tossed the remote on the nightstand and bent to smack at the cat in one motion.
As he bent he heard a strange sound and something just missed him. Glass shattered and began to rain all over the room.
At the door of his closet Ian saw a figure dressed in black from head to toe. Before he could react he saw a flash and more shattered glass rained down around him. The figure came at him.
Ian lobbed his steaming tea mug in the figure’s direction and darted toward the now open balcony. The man dived toward him, head butting Ian in the gut. Ian grabbed the man’s head, despite the breath being kicked from his lungs, and brought his knee into the man’s face as hard as he could. He heard cracking and pain shot through his leg.
The man fell backward but struggled up to stay up. Ian saw a movement at the door. They both turned and saw a very naked Billy in defense mode.
“Son of a bitch!” And Billy ran toward the figure. The figure managed to get up and Ian saw a gun pointed in his direction. Billy tackled him from behind and grabbed his hand. There was sound of another shot, this time bringing a rain of plaster on a stunned and frozen Ian. Billy’s force hurled both men toward Ian. The two struggled knocking Ian off balance.
Ian was trying to remain standing and help Billy fight the man in black. He took a step toward them but pain shot up through his knee and it buckled. He reached for the railing of the balcony to pull himself up.
As Ian pulled himself to a standing position, he saw the black figure stand up and face him, gun pointed at ready to fire. From the ground Billy grabbed his feet sending the man forward again. Ian felt the bullet just miss his head, and the full weight of his attacker hit him in the chest.
He heard the railing give way, and felt himself give with it. Ian heard yelling as he fell through the air. He heard the thud as he landed on the ground below, and lost his breath. He struggled for air as he heard another crack and felt the full force of two bodies landing on top of him, one and then the other.
Ian tried to get up, but he couldn’t move. Pain racked his body as he lay there in the grass, crumpled in a pile. He kept hearing the wind pellet by and the sounds of feet running and shouting. Why couldn’t it just be silent enough for someone to hear him scream?
He saw Billy stand up and grab the figure below him and drag him to his feet. The man was like rag doll but struggled with Billy. Billy landed a good punch that whirled the man around. The man tried to return the blow but Billy was too fast for him. He punched him in the gut and then grabbed the ski mask and pulled it off.
“You?” Billy said, and that was all the time the man needed. Ian saw the gun raise and he tried to shout out but he couldn’t breathe. He saw Ralphie sail over top of him and heard his teeth sink into the man’s arm. The gun went off and he saw Billy jolt and fall backward into the pool.
The man shook Ralphie off and he heard the dog splash in the pool. Ian lost focus and heard another splash as he felt the man stagger over to him. He tried to focus on the man’s face but could only see his finger starting to squeeze the trigger.
Ian heard a louder shot from over his head and he saw the man’s body jolt then fall forward. He felt the thud of the body landing on top of him for the second time, maybe the third. He’d lost count. Bodies kept falling on him. Ian struggled to breathe.
He heard Kellen’s voice. “Get him out of the pool!” Ian swore he could hear Tippy screaming.
Ian felt someone pushing or pulling the man off him. He kept hearing Kellen.
“Ian…Ian…talk to me.” But he couldn’t. It was all he could do to breathe.
Ian’s eyes focused on a set of eyes staring into his blankly. They weren’t Kellen’s. The face came together, blurred but enough to see the eyes of Blue Richards roll back in his head. Blood was pouring out his mouth.
The last thing Ian saw before he lost consciousness was Blue’s lips tremble. The last thing he heard before the world went black were those bloody bubbles bursting clearly into to two words….
“Darla…Hutton…”
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Vignette #139: Goodnights
It was well into the night when Saxon’s car pulled back into Ian’s driveway. The place was dark. Ian looked at the house then back to Saxon behind the wheel.
“Looks like no one’s home.” Ian said.
“Are you scared…loser?” Saxon teased.
“Loser? I let you win.”
“Yeah, right.”
“You cheated. You kept aiming the ball in the right direction, after the first game anyway.”
Saxon snorted again. Ian loved it when he made her snort. “We’ll I guess I better get inside before my father comes out on the front porch with a shotgun.”
“He doesn’t scare me.” Saxon said. “I had a great time. You are always so much fun.”
“Well, I’m easy.” Ian snickered. “Just don’t tell the rest of the football team. It’ll be all over the school by morning.” Ian leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I had a great time, too. I can’t remember the last time I just went out and enjoyed myself.”
“It looks good on you Ian Justyn.” Saxon smiled, her teeth flashing in the shadows of the streetlights. “You should do it more often.”
Ian nodded. “By the way. I found a little something. I thought you might like to have it.” Ian reached for his wallet and slipped out a little paper square.
“For me?” Saxon took it when Ian nodded. “Can I open it now?”
“Sure.” Ian scooted in a little more. “Don’t get excited. You probably don’t even remember.”
Saxon pulled the little bow and unfolded the paper and discovered a second layer of blue Kleenex. “Okay Ian Justyn. That’s just mean.” She taunted him.
“You gave it to me that way, so point that finger at yourself.” He tried to remind her.
“I did?”
Ian nodded. “Look inside the Kleenex.”
She hesitated the moment. “If this is boogers…”
“Just open it, you big baby.” Ian chuckled.
She held the tiny square of Kleenex up to the dashboard and folded back the corners. The copper reflected in the street lamps. She turned to Ian. “Where did you find this?”
“In Aunt Hil’s jewelry box. I’d forgotten about it, but as always, she didn’t.”
Saxon couldn’t help but smile. “Ian, I’d forgotten, too.” Was all she could say. He reached over and touched the soft blond curls at the back of her head.
“Reunited at last.” Ian kissed the woman softly on the lips. “Goodnight, Saxon.”
“Good night, Ian.”
Ian slipped out of the car, and waved goodnight. “No you didn’t Saxon.” He said to the night as she drove off. “I’ve seen the other half hidden around your neck every time I see you.” He smiled and fished out his key for the front door.
“Looks like no one’s home.” Ian said.
“Are you scared…loser?” Saxon teased.
“Loser? I let you win.”
“Yeah, right.”
“You cheated. You kept aiming the ball in the right direction, after the first game anyway.”
Saxon snorted again. Ian loved it when he made her snort. “We’ll I guess I better get inside before my father comes out on the front porch with a shotgun.”
“He doesn’t scare me.” Saxon said. “I had a great time. You are always so much fun.”
“Well, I’m easy.” Ian snickered. “Just don’t tell the rest of the football team. It’ll be all over the school by morning.” Ian leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I had a great time, too. I can’t remember the last time I just went out and enjoyed myself.”
“It looks good on you Ian Justyn.” Saxon smiled, her teeth flashing in the shadows of the streetlights. “You should do it more often.”
Ian nodded. “By the way. I found a little something. I thought you might like to have it.” Ian reached for his wallet and slipped out a little paper square.
“For me?” Saxon took it when Ian nodded. “Can I open it now?”
“Sure.” Ian scooted in a little more. “Don’t get excited. You probably don’t even remember.”
Saxon pulled the little bow and unfolded the paper and discovered a second layer of blue Kleenex. “Okay Ian Justyn. That’s just mean.” She taunted him.
“You gave it to me that way, so point that finger at yourself.” He tried to remind her.
“I did?”
Ian nodded. “Look inside the Kleenex.”
She hesitated the moment. “If this is boogers…”
“Just open it, you big baby.” Ian chuckled.
She held the tiny square of Kleenex up to the dashboard and folded back the corners. The copper reflected in the street lamps. She turned to Ian. “Where did you find this?”
“In Aunt Hil’s jewelry box. I’d forgotten about it, but as always, she didn’t.”
Saxon couldn’t help but smile. “Ian, I’d forgotten, too.” Was all she could say. He reached over and touched the soft blond curls at the back of her head.
“Reunited at last.” Ian kissed the woman softly on the lips. “Goodnight, Saxon.”
“Good night, Ian.”
Ian slipped out of the car, and waved goodnight. “No you didn’t Saxon.” He said to the night as she drove off. “I’ve seen the other half hidden around your neck every time I see you.” He smiled and fished out his key for the front door.
Vignette #138: Breathe
David Turner was a wreck. They’d finally done it. Four Stars Studios had found a way to sabotage his film. He paced the set back and forth.
This was a disaster. Not the film, “Breathe” had gone better than he had hoped. It was the lack of a female lead. Malvina Golden had bailed. At the last minute she bailed on them.
Her last film with the studio kept running later and later. David had gone ahead and began production of “Breathe” without her, filming every scene but those that required her. That kept them from missing their own deadlines and kept her from getting in legal trouble with Four Stars.
Then Four Stars made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Turner couldn’t blame her. She called this morning and apologized. Great, she was sorry, so was everyone else’s bank balance.
Today was the last day they could use this rented space. The ballroom set needed to be struck so the next renter could move in. If they didn’t get this scene, the whole film was for naught.
It was the final scene, a ballroom. All Turner needed was to find an actress to fit into the already designed and fitted gown, descend the staircase and reach out her hand to the camera. They’d already filmed the dancers, Redfield’s entrance, dialogue and close ups.
They had even talked Herman’s sister into standing in for the moment the camera sees the two hands touching, the two hands fated to live happily ever after, the final moment of “Breathe”. The whole film hinged now on the “actress” who belonged to that “hand” coming down “that” staircase.
He had begged Herman’s sister to do the part. She was ungodly shy. Just the camera on her hand took eighteen takes. She kept bursting into tears and ruining the shot. She finally cried herself out and they got the perfect shot.
“Okay.” Herman came rushing to him. “Get it set up. We’re ready.”
“What?” David was shocked.
“Heat up the lights, point the camera and scream action, stupid. We’re ready.” Herman was puffing, struggling for air having run full speed ahead from somewhere.
“Malvina showed after all?” David eyes lit up.
“No.” Herman put his hands on David’s shoulder. “Trust me. We found the perfect replacement. It took some work, but we’re ready.”
“Who?”
“Stop wasting time.” Herman shoved him toward the cameramen. “We’ve got just enough time to get this scene in the can and get the set struck. We’ll talk contracts later.”
“Uh…”
“Just do it!” Herman hissed.
In ten minutes they were ready. The professionals, excited they were finally going to get this masterpiece back underway, pulled it all together. The bright lights hit the staircase and the A.D. cued the sound.
“Ready up there?” Turner dared ask before he gave the final call.
“Ready.” A distinctly familiar voice called back.
“Let’s get this down in one take.” Turner called back with a directorial command.
“Piece of cake.” Was the response unseen from the top of the staircase.
Turner nodded his head. The clapboard slipped in front of the camera. “Breathe finale take one.” Came the voice followed by the clap.
“And action!” David called and held his breath.
The music swelled and he looked to the top of the stairs. He saw the dress first. The costume designer had created a masterpiece. It caught his attention immediately and then led his eyes directly to the form of the elegant young woman wearing it.
She hesitated at the top of the stairs. He knew the camera was slowly and smoothly zooming in on her face. David saw her shy smile, the nervous dart of her eyes. His jaw dropped.
It was Herman’s sister after all. She stepped to the top. A moment before taking that first timid step she smiled. It lit up the room. She blushed shyly, biting her lip looking down at her feet.
David’s heart pounded. She was perfect. She was beautiful. She genteelly picked up the billowing folds of that gown and began to descend, each step stronger, each step determined, each step toward destiny, just as they had imagined.
She reached the bottom, smoothed her gown and almost unnoticeably curtsied. She took a deep breath and radiated that heart-stopping smile again, finally reaching out her hand, shyly determined but with courage.
“Cut!” David said. “Print it!” He said with relief.
He looked at the woman who had saved his life. “Young lady, I have just fallen in love.”
The woman threw back her head and laughed.
David’s jaw dropped again. He knew that laugh. “Oh my God!” He thought out loud.
This was a disaster. Not the film, “Breathe” had gone better than he had hoped. It was the lack of a female lead. Malvina Golden had bailed. At the last minute she bailed on them.
Her last film with the studio kept running later and later. David had gone ahead and began production of “Breathe” without her, filming every scene but those that required her. That kept them from missing their own deadlines and kept her from getting in legal trouble with Four Stars.
Then Four Stars made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Turner couldn’t blame her. She called this morning and apologized. Great, she was sorry, so was everyone else’s bank balance.
Today was the last day they could use this rented space. The ballroom set needed to be struck so the next renter could move in. If they didn’t get this scene, the whole film was for naught.
It was the final scene, a ballroom. All Turner needed was to find an actress to fit into the already designed and fitted gown, descend the staircase and reach out her hand to the camera. They’d already filmed the dancers, Redfield’s entrance, dialogue and close ups.
They had even talked Herman’s sister into standing in for the moment the camera sees the two hands touching, the two hands fated to live happily ever after, the final moment of “Breathe”. The whole film hinged now on the “actress” who belonged to that “hand” coming down “that” staircase.
He had begged Herman’s sister to do the part. She was ungodly shy. Just the camera on her hand took eighteen takes. She kept bursting into tears and ruining the shot. She finally cried herself out and they got the perfect shot.
“Okay.” Herman came rushing to him. “Get it set up. We’re ready.”
“What?” David was shocked.
“Heat up the lights, point the camera and scream action, stupid. We’re ready.” Herman was puffing, struggling for air having run full speed ahead from somewhere.
“Malvina showed after all?” David eyes lit up.
“No.” Herman put his hands on David’s shoulder. “Trust me. We found the perfect replacement. It took some work, but we’re ready.”
“Who?”
“Stop wasting time.” Herman shoved him toward the cameramen. “We’ve got just enough time to get this scene in the can and get the set struck. We’ll talk contracts later.”
“Uh…”
“Just do it!” Herman hissed.
In ten minutes they were ready. The professionals, excited they were finally going to get this masterpiece back underway, pulled it all together. The bright lights hit the staircase and the A.D. cued the sound.
“Ready up there?” Turner dared ask before he gave the final call.
“Ready.” A distinctly familiar voice called back.
“Let’s get this down in one take.” Turner called back with a directorial command.
“Piece of cake.” Was the response unseen from the top of the staircase.
Turner nodded his head. The clapboard slipped in front of the camera. “Breathe finale take one.” Came the voice followed by the clap.
“And action!” David called and held his breath.
The music swelled and he looked to the top of the stairs. He saw the dress first. The costume designer had created a masterpiece. It caught his attention immediately and then led his eyes directly to the form of the elegant young woman wearing it.
She hesitated at the top of the stairs. He knew the camera was slowly and smoothly zooming in on her face. David saw her shy smile, the nervous dart of her eyes. His jaw dropped.
It was Herman’s sister after all. She stepped to the top. A moment before taking that first timid step she smiled. It lit up the room. She blushed shyly, biting her lip looking down at her feet.
David’s heart pounded. She was perfect. She was beautiful. She genteelly picked up the billowing folds of that gown and began to descend, each step stronger, each step determined, each step toward destiny, just as they had imagined.
She reached the bottom, smoothed her gown and almost unnoticeably curtsied. She took a deep breath and radiated that heart-stopping smile again, finally reaching out her hand, shyly determined but with courage.
“Cut!” David said. “Print it!” He said with relief.
He looked at the woman who had saved his life. “Young lady, I have just fallen in love.”
The woman threw back her head and laughed.
David’s jaw dropped again. He knew that laugh. “Oh my God!” He thought out loud.
Vignette #137: Squares
Jesse sat on the bed and watched Ian haul the cedar jewelry box from his closet. “What are we looking for again?” He asked as it was plopped down beside him.
Ian opened the lid. “Just a little square of Kleenex if it hasn’t disintegrated.” He opened the lid and began fingering the trinkets in the box. “Blue Kleenex…I know it has to be in here.”
“You’re sure?” Jesse asked as he began to help go through the myriad of treasures.
“Absolutely.” Ian was positive. “I gave it to Aunt Hil to keep for me and this is where she put that sort of thing.”
Jesse held up a gold chain with a heavy ball of colored glass encrusted in imitation gold. “Egads! Someone actually paid for this?”
Ian smiled and took it from him holding the ball to his eye and turning toward the overhead light. “Actually I did. You can hold it up the light and it has a sort of kaleidoscope effect. It just proves the point that no matter how hideous, Aunt Hil always found a way to cherish it.”
He handed it to Jesse who mocked Ian’s earlier motions. “This is cool!” Jesse grinned with the gaudy ball close at one eye.
“Tasteless, yes, but to a mountain kid…loads of fun.” Ian grabbed a handful of gaudiness from the box and continued his dig. “Maybe the Kleenex is long gone, but the little penny itself has to be in here. Maybe at the bottom.”
“Penny?”
“A penny hack sawed in half actually.”
“And you want to give this to Saxon?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me it has the same principal as the kaleidoscope necklace.” Jesse began pulling handfuls of chains and pins from the box to search the bottom.
“Sort of.” Ian defended. “She gave it to me on closing night of “Romeo and Juliet”. It was sort of a physical memory of a promise.”
“If you say so.” Jesse tried to spread thin the pile of jewelry now on the bed. “It’s not in the bottom of the box…and Romeo take my advice. I think flowers say it so much better than a hacked up coin.”
“No, this has special meaning.” Ian insisted, now sitting on the bed and pulling the box on his lap. “Maybe it slipped down behind the lining.” He began to feel the inside of the box.
“Look if you’re hoping she’ll give you some, I think all you have to do is…”
Ian stopped and looked the young man in the face. “I’m not hoping Saxon will give me some…we don’t have that kind of relationship.”
Jesse tried not to laugh. “Yeah…right.”
“Jesse, I keep explaining, over and over...”
“I know. I know.” He said picking up pieces one by one and gingerly returning them to the cedar box. “You’re just old friends, yada yada yada. In case you haven’t noticed, no one is buying that but the two of you. Get your head out of the jewelry box, Ian Justyn. You are head over heels for each other. You just refuse to admit it.”
“Next subject.”
“Naturally.” Jesse puffed. “Dude. It’s not here.”
“It has to be.” Ian scratched his forehead and tried to think back. “I handed it to her and she said he’d put it in my special place.”
“Special place?”
“She told me that there was a special place of things that were for me, things that I’d need later in life and she was keeping them until the time came.” Ian closed his eyes and tried to recall in every detail the day.
“Maybe there’s another box.” Jesse stood and walked to the closet. “Have you gone through everything Reese and Billy brought back?”
“Wait!” Ian put out his hands. “I was standing by the couch and she went into her bedroom and straight to this box.”
Ian stood and looked at it. “She fiddled with it. I could see her do it from the couch.” He twisted the box on the bed and stepped back to look at it. He walked over and turned it just a little more to the right.
“Okay…then she reached down…” Ian slid his hands along the back of the box. “Aha!” He pushed a little knot and a thin drawer popped out of the bottom.
“I’ll be damned.” Jesse bent over to look. “A little secret compartment.”
Ian grinned from ear to ear and reached for the little square of blue Kleenex right on top. “Told ja.” He almost cheered in victory.
“Ian?” Saxon called from down stairs.
“Be right there, Saxon!” Ian called back. He turned to Jesse in panic. “What did I do with the wrapping paper?”
Jesse pointed to his desk. “What else is in here?” He picked up the rest of the drawer contents as Ian wrapped the little half penny and slipped it in his wallet.
“Looks like papers.” Ian said as he slipped a light jacket on.
“Duh…what kind of papers?”
“Birth certificates and stuff I assume.” Ian looked at the small stack in Jesse’s hands.
“Ian?” Saxon called again.
“Keep the tissue in your bra, Saxon. I’m coming!”
“For a guy, you take forever to get ready.” Saxon bellowed up from the bottom of the stairs. “We’re just going bowling not competing on Dancing With the Stars!”
“Coming right down.” Ian said. “Can you put that back in the closet for me?”
“No prob.” Jesse stuffed the papers back in the drawer and shut it. “Have a good time.”
“I will.” Ian smiled. “Thanks, Jess. Enjoy your Saturday night.” He disappeared.
Jesse picked up the jewelry box and slipped it back into the space made for it on the top shelf of the back wall in the closet. He flipped off the light and shut the door.
Rodie popped out from under the bed and looked up at him.
“Hey, sweetheart. Where’d you come from?” Jesse bent to scoop her up. She hopped right into his arms and he scratched her ears.
“Jesse?” He heard his brother calling from downstairs.
“Yuh?”
“Do you know how to get this TV on the right channel to watch a DVD?”
“Be right there.” Jesse turned, Rodie in arms and stepped toward the bedroom door. He heard something kicked. He looked down and noticed a yellowing envelope neatly laying at his feet.
“Jesse?”
“Coming!” Jesse snatched up the paper from the floor and shoved it in his back pocket. He looked at the cat. “Remind me to come right back up here and put this back in that little drawer. It probably fell out of there.”
Rodie purred and Jesse flipped off the bedroom lights.
Ian opened the lid. “Just a little square of Kleenex if it hasn’t disintegrated.” He opened the lid and began fingering the trinkets in the box. “Blue Kleenex…I know it has to be in here.”
“You’re sure?” Jesse asked as he began to help go through the myriad of treasures.
“Absolutely.” Ian was positive. “I gave it to Aunt Hil to keep for me and this is where she put that sort of thing.”
Jesse held up a gold chain with a heavy ball of colored glass encrusted in imitation gold. “Egads! Someone actually paid for this?”
Ian smiled and took it from him holding the ball to his eye and turning toward the overhead light. “Actually I did. You can hold it up the light and it has a sort of kaleidoscope effect. It just proves the point that no matter how hideous, Aunt Hil always found a way to cherish it.”
He handed it to Jesse who mocked Ian’s earlier motions. “This is cool!” Jesse grinned with the gaudy ball close at one eye.
“Tasteless, yes, but to a mountain kid…loads of fun.” Ian grabbed a handful of gaudiness from the box and continued his dig. “Maybe the Kleenex is long gone, but the little penny itself has to be in here. Maybe at the bottom.”
“Penny?”
“A penny hack sawed in half actually.”
“And you want to give this to Saxon?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me it has the same principal as the kaleidoscope necklace.” Jesse began pulling handfuls of chains and pins from the box to search the bottom.
“Sort of.” Ian defended. “She gave it to me on closing night of “Romeo and Juliet”. It was sort of a physical memory of a promise.”
“If you say so.” Jesse tried to spread thin the pile of jewelry now on the bed. “It’s not in the bottom of the box…and Romeo take my advice. I think flowers say it so much better than a hacked up coin.”
“No, this has special meaning.” Ian insisted, now sitting on the bed and pulling the box on his lap. “Maybe it slipped down behind the lining.” He began to feel the inside of the box.
“Look if you’re hoping she’ll give you some, I think all you have to do is…”
Ian stopped and looked the young man in the face. “I’m not hoping Saxon will give me some…we don’t have that kind of relationship.”
Jesse tried not to laugh. “Yeah…right.”
“Jesse, I keep explaining, over and over...”
“I know. I know.” He said picking up pieces one by one and gingerly returning them to the cedar box. “You’re just old friends, yada yada yada. In case you haven’t noticed, no one is buying that but the two of you. Get your head out of the jewelry box, Ian Justyn. You are head over heels for each other. You just refuse to admit it.”
“Next subject.”
“Naturally.” Jesse puffed. “Dude. It’s not here.”
“It has to be.” Ian scratched his forehead and tried to think back. “I handed it to her and she said he’d put it in my special place.”
“Special place?”
“She told me that there was a special place of things that were for me, things that I’d need later in life and she was keeping them until the time came.” Ian closed his eyes and tried to recall in every detail the day.
“Maybe there’s another box.” Jesse stood and walked to the closet. “Have you gone through everything Reese and Billy brought back?”
“Wait!” Ian put out his hands. “I was standing by the couch and she went into her bedroom and straight to this box.”
Ian stood and looked at it. “She fiddled with it. I could see her do it from the couch.” He twisted the box on the bed and stepped back to look at it. He walked over and turned it just a little more to the right.
“Okay…then she reached down…” Ian slid his hands along the back of the box. “Aha!” He pushed a little knot and a thin drawer popped out of the bottom.
“I’ll be damned.” Jesse bent over to look. “A little secret compartment.”
Ian grinned from ear to ear and reached for the little square of blue Kleenex right on top. “Told ja.” He almost cheered in victory.
“Ian?” Saxon called from down stairs.
“Be right there, Saxon!” Ian called back. He turned to Jesse in panic. “What did I do with the wrapping paper?”
Jesse pointed to his desk. “What else is in here?” He picked up the rest of the drawer contents as Ian wrapped the little half penny and slipped it in his wallet.
“Looks like papers.” Ian said as he slipped a light jacket on.
“Duh…what kind of papers?”
“Birth certificates and stuff I assume.” Ian looked at the small stack in Jesse’s hands.
“Ian?” Saxon called again.
“Keep the tissue in your bra, Saxon. I’m coming!”
“For a guy, you take forever to get ready.” Saxon bellowed up from the bottom of the stairs. “We’re just going bowling not competing on Dancing With the Stars!”
“Coming right down.” Ian said. “Can you put that back in the closet for me?”
“No prob.” Jesse stuffed the papers back in the drawer and shut it. “Have a good time.”
“I will.” Ian smiled. “Thanks, Jess. Enjoy your Saturday night.” He disappeared.
Jesse picked up the jewelry box and slipped it back into the space made for it on the top shelf of the back wall in the closet. He flipped off the light and shut the door.
Rodie popped out from under the bed and looked up at him.
“Hey, sweetheart. Where’d you come from?” Jesse bent to scoop her up. She hopped right into his arms and he scratched her ears.
“Jesse?” He heard his brother calling from downstairs.
“Yuh?”
“Do you know how to get this TV on the right channel to watch a DVD?”
“Be right there.” Jesse turned, Rodie in arms and stepped toward the bedroom door. He heard something kicked. He looked down and noticed a yellowing envelope neatly laying at his feet.
“Jesse?”
“Coming!” Jesse snatched up the paper from the floor and shoved it in his back pocket. He looked at the cat. “Remind me to come right back up here and put this back in that little drawer. It probably fell out of there.”
Rodie purred and Jesse flipped off the bedroom lights.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Chapter Twenty Six: Nightfalls
Jesse sat on the bed and watched Ian haul the cedar jewelry box from his closet. “What are we looking for again?” He asked as it was plopped down beside him.
Ian opened the lid. “Just a little square of Kleenex if it hasn’t disintegrated.” He opened the lid and began fingering the trinkets in the box. “Blue Kleenex…I know it has to be in here.”
“You’re sure?” Jesse asked as he began to help go through the myriad of treasures.
“Absolutely.” Ian was positive. “I gave it to Aunt Hil to keep for me and this is where she put that sort of thing.”
Jesse held up a gold chain with a heavy ball of colored glass encrusted in imitation gold. “Egads! Someone actually paid for this?”
Ian smiled and took it from him holding the ball to his eye and turning toward the overhead light. “Actually I did. You can hold it up the light and it has a sort of kaleidoscope effect. It just proves the point that no matter how hideous, Aunt Hil always found a way to cherish it.”
He handed it to Jesse who mocked Ian’s earlier motions. “This is cool!” Jesse grinned with the gaudy ball close at one eye.
“Tasteless, yes, but to a mountain kid…loads of fun.” Ian grabbed a handful of gaudiness from the box and continued his dig. “Maybe the Kleenex is long gone, but the little penny itself has to be in here. Maybe at the bottom.”
“Penny?”
“A penny hack sawed in half actually.”
“And you want to give this to Saxon?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me it has the same principal as the kaleidoscope necklace.” Jesse began pulling handfuls of chains and pins from the box to search the bottom.
“Sort of.” Ian defended. “She gave it to me on closing night of “Romeo and Juliet”. It was sort of a physical memory of a promise.”
“If you say so.” Jesse tried to spread thin the pile of jewelry now on the bed. “It’s not in the bottom of the box…and Romeo take my advice. I think flowers say it so much better than a hacked up coin.”
“No, this has special meaning.” Ian insisted, now sitting on the bed and pulling the box on his lap. “Maybe it slipped down behind the lining.” He began to feel the inside of the box.
“Look if you’re hoping she’ll give you some, I think all you have to do is…”
Ian stopped and looked the young man in the face. “I’m not hoping Saxon will give me some…we don’t have that kind of relationship.”
Jesse tried not to laugh. “Yeah…right.”
“Jesse, I keep explaining, over and over...”
“I know. I know.” He said picking up pieces one by one and gingerly returning them to the cedar box. “You’re just old friends, yada yada yada. In case you haven’t noticed, no one is buying that but the two of you. Get your head out of the jewelry box, Ian Justyn. You are head over heels for each other. You just refuse to admit it.”
“Next subject.”
“Naturally.” Jesse puffed. “Dude. It’s not here.”
“It has to be.” Ian scratched his forehead and tried to think back. “I handed it to her and she said he’d put it in my special place.”
“Special place?”
“She told me that there was a special place of things that were for me, things that I’d need later in life and she was keeping them until the time came.” Ian closed his eyes and tried to recall in every detail the day.
“Maybe there’s another box.” Jesse stood and walked to the closet. “Have you gone through everything Reese and Billy brought back?”
“Wait!” Ian put out his hands. “I was standing by the couch and she went into her bedroom and straight to this box.”
Ian stood and looked at it. “She fiddled with it. I could see her do it from the couch.” He twisted the box on the bed and stepped back to look at it. He walked over and turned it just a little more to the right.
“Okay…then she reached down…” Ian slid his hands along the back of the box. “Aha!” He pushed a little knot and a thin drawer popped out of the bottom.
“I’ll be damned.” Jesse bent over to look. “A little secret compartment.”
Ian grinned from ear to ear and reached for the little square of blue Kleenex right on top. “Told ja.” He almost cheered in victory.
“Ian?” Saxon called from down stairs.
“Be right there, Saxon!” Ian called back. He turned to Jesse in panic. “What did I do with the wrapping paper?”
Jesse pointed to his desk. “What else is in here?” He picked up the rest of the drawer contents as Ian wrapped the little half penny and slipped it in his wallet.
“Looks like papers.” Ian said as he slipped a light jacket on.
“Duh…what kind of papers?”
“Birth certificates and stuff I assume.” Ian looked at the small stack in Jesse’s hands.
“Ian?” Saxon called again.
“Keep the tissue in your bra, Saxon. I’m coming!”
“For a guy, you take forever to get ready.” Saxon bellowed up from the bottom of the stairs. “We’re just going bowling not competing on Dancing With the Stars!”
“Coming right down.” Ian said. “Can you put that back in the closet for me?”
“No prob.” Jesse stuffed the papers back in the drawer and shut it. “Have a good time.”
“I will.” Ian smiled. “Thanks, Jess. Enjoy your Saturday night.” He disappeared.
Jesse picked up the jewelry box and slipped it back into the space made for it on the top shelf of the back wall in the closet. He flipped off the light and shut the door.
Rodie popped out from under the bed and looked up at him.
“Hey, sweetheart. Where’d you come from?” Jesse bent to scoop her up. She hopped right into his arms and he scratched her ears.
“Jesse?” He heard his brother calling from downstairs.
“Yuh?”
“Do you know how to get this TV on the right channel to watch a DVD?”
“Be right there.” Jesse turned, Rodie in arms and stepped toward the bedroom door. He heard something kicked. He looked down and noticed a yellowing envelope neatly laying at his feet.
“Jesse?”
“Coming!” Jesse snatched up the paper from the floor and shoved it in his back pocket. He looked at the cat. “Remind me to come right back up here and put this back in that little drawer. It probably fell out of there.”
Rodie purred and Jesse flipped off the bedroom lights.
David Turner was a wreck. They’d finally done it. Four Stars Studios had found a way to sabotage his film. He paced the set back and forth.
This was a disaster. Not the film, “Breathe” had gone better than he had hoped. It was the lack of a female lead. Malvina Golden had bailed. At the last minute she bailed on them.
Her last film with the studio kept running later and later. David had gone ahead and began production of “Breathe” without her, filming every scene but those that required her. That kept them from missing their own deadlines and kept her from getting in legal trouble with Four Stars.
Then Four Stars made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Turner couldn’t blame her. She called this morning and apologized. Great, she was sorry, so was everyone else’s bank balance.
Today was the last day they could use this rented space. The ballroom set needed to be struck so the next renter could move in. If they didn’t get this scene, the whole film was for naught.
It was the final scene, a ballroom. All Turner needed was to find an actress to fit into the already designed and fitted gown, descend the staircase and reach out her hand to the camera. They’d already filmed the dancers, Redfield’s entrance, dialogue and close ups.
They had even talked Herman’s sister into standing in for the moment the camera sees the two hands touching, the two hands fated to live happily ever after, the final moment of “Breathe”. The whole film hinged now on the “actress” who belonged to that “hand” coming down “that” staircase.
He had begged Herman’s sister to do the part. She was ungodly shy. Just the camera on her hand took eighteen takes. She kept bursting into tears and ruining the shot. She finally cried herself out and they got the perfect shot.
“Okay.” Herman came rushing to him. “Get it set up. We’re ready.”
“What?” David was shocked.
“Heat up the lights, point the camera and scream action, stupid. We’re ready.” Herman was puffing, struggling for air having run full speed ahead from somewhere.
“Malvina showed after all?” David eyes lit up.
“No.” Herman put his hands on David’s shoulder. “Trust me. We found the perfect replacement. It took some work, but we’re ready.”
“Who?”
“Stop wasting time.” Herman shoved him toward the cameramen. “We’ve got just enough time to get this scene in the can and get the set struck. We’ll talk contracts later.”
“Uh…”
“Just do it!” Herman hissed.
In ten minutes they were ready. The professionals, excited they were finally going to get this masterpiece back underway, pulled it all together. The bright lights hit the staircase and the A.D. cued the sound.
“Ready up there?” Turner dared ask before he gave the final call.
“Ready.” A distinctly familiar voice called back.
“Let’s get this down in one take.” Turner called back with a directorial command.
“Piece of cake.” Was the response unseen from the top of the staircase.
Turner nodded his head. The clapboard slipped in front of the camera. “Breathe finale take one.” Came the voice followed by the clap.
“And action!” David called and held his breath.
The music swelled and he looked to the top of the stairs. He saw the dress first. The costume designer had created a masterpiece. It caught his attention immediately and then led his eyes directly to the form of the elegant young woman wearing it.
She hesitated at the top of the stairs. He knew the camera was slowly and smoothly zooming in on her face. David saw her shy smile, the nervous dart of her eyes. His jaw dropped.
It was Herman’s sister after all. She stepped to the top. A moment before taking that first timid step she smiled. It lit up the room. She blushed shyly, biting her lip looking down at her feet.
David’s heart pounded. She was perfect. She was beautiful. She genteelly picked up the billowing folds of that gown and began to descend, each step stronger, each step determined, each step toward destiny, just as they had imagined.
She reached the bottom, smoothed her gown and almost unnoticeably curtsied. She took a deep breath and radiated that heart-stopping smile again, finally reaching out her hand, shyly determined but with courage.
“Cut!” David said. “Print it!” He said with relief.
He looked at the woman who had saved his life. “Young lady, I have just fallen in love.”
The woman threw back her head and laughed.
David’s jaw dropped again. He knew that laugh. “Oh my God!” He thought out loud.
It was well into the night when Saxon’s car pulled back into Ian’s driveway. The place was dark. Ian looked at the house then back to Saxon behind the wheel.
“Looks like no one’s home.” Ian said.
“Are you scared…loser?” Saxon teased.
“Loser? I let you win.”
“Yeah, right.”
“You cheated. You kept aiming the ball in the right direction, after the first game anyway.”
Saxon snorted again. Ian loved it when he made her snort. “We’ll I guess I better get inside before my father comes out on the front porch with a shotgun.”
“He doesn’t scare me.” Saxon said. “I had a great time. You are always so much fun.”
“Well, I’m easy.” Ian snickered. “Just don’t tell the rest of the football team. It’ll be all over the school by morning.” Ian leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I had a great time, too. I can’t remember the last time I just went out and enjoyed myself.”
“It looks good on you Ian Justyn.” Saxon smiled, her teeth flashing in the shadows of the streetlights. “You should do it more often.”
Ian nodded. “By the way. I found a little something. I thought you might like to have it.” Ian reached for his wallet and slipped out a little paper square.
“For me?” Saxon took it when Ian nodded. “Can I open it now?”
“Sure.” Ian scooted in a little more. “Don’t get excited. You probably don’t even remember.”
Saxon pulled the little bow and unfolded the paper and discovered a second layer of blue Kleenex. “Okay Ian Justyn. That’s just mean.” She taunted him.
“You gave it to me that way, so point that finger at yourself.” He tried to remind her.
“I did?”
Ian nodded. “Look inside the Kleenex.”
She hesitated the moment. “If this is boogers…”
“Just open it, you big baby.” Ian chuckled.
She held the tiny square of Kleenex up to the dashboard and folded back the corners. The copper reflected in the street lamps. She turned to Ian. “Where did you find this?”
“In Aunt Hil’s jewelry box. I’d forgotten about it, but as always, she didn’t.”
Saxon couldn’t help but smile. “Ian, I’d forgotten, too.” Was all she could say. He reached over and touched the soft blonde curls at the back of her head.
“Reunited at last.” Ian kissed the woman softly on the lips. “Goodnight, Saxon.”
“Good night, Ian.”
Ian slipped out of the car, and waved goodnight. “No you didn’t Saxon.” He said to the night as she drove off. “I’ve seen the other half hidden around your neck every time I see you.” He smiled and fished out his key for the front door.
Ian heard the familiar click and an unfamiliar meow. He looked at his feet to spot the Rodent sitting her on her quickly becoming half kitten half cat haunches. “How did you get out here? Is Ralphie teaching you his walk through walls trick?”
He considered leaving the demon outside, hoping something would drag it off for a midnight snack, but visions of having to explain to Ronnie that his precious cat disappeared made him change his mind. Ian shoved open the door and looked down at the cat.
“You may as well come in.” The cat didn’t bother to thank him for being a gentlemen and just walked inside the living room. Ian shut and locked the door in the dark.
It was quiet and black, only enough light to allow Ian and the spawn from hell to make their way to the kitchen. Ian heard crunching or scratching or something from the cat, while he poured bottled water in a cup and dunked in a tea bag. He pressed all the right buttons for the microwave and waited patiently for the little bell to go off.
As he opened the door and took out his now steaming tea, he saw the cat return to him from the corner of his eye. “Don’t be looking at me Rodent. You want entertainment? Go turn on the TV. I’m sure there must be something on Animal Planet or Fox News you’re sure to enjoy.”
Wrapped the tea bag string around a teaspoon and pulled until every last drop was squeezed from the bag. He added sugar, lots of sugar. “Okay, don’t go thinking this is any kind of bonding thing, but should I have kissed her? You know really kissed her?”
Rodie cocked her head and wrapped her tail around her body. Ian frowned. “What would you know?” He picked up his mug and walked through the still dark house. Rodie making every move he did.
Ian stopped at Ronnie’s room, door open, dark and empty. He leaned against the frame. “Well you might as well turn in varmint. I am.” He waited for the cat to jump on the bed and curl up as she usually did. “What are you waiting for?”
The cat looked up at Ian. Her little head turned to peer in the room, then back to Ian and blinked.
“Ronnie is spending the night with his friends. You remember them, the two little boys who kept yanking your tail and kept making you run for your life.” Ian thought about it. “I liked them. They should come back more often.” He looked down at the cat, unmoving.
Ian sipped his tea. “Fine. Sleep or not.” He took a step toward away, but turned back to the cat to issue a warning. “Just remember, if you use your little claws to slash my throat in the middle of the night, Ronnie will be back tomorrow and he won’t be happy about that.”
Rodie looked up at Ian and meowed.
“I miss him, too.” Ian leaned back against the doorframe and back down at the cat. “Fine.” He straightened back up. “You can sleep in my room…on the floor. Come anywhere near the bed and I’ll put on a pair of gloves and throw you off the balcony. Deal?”
The cat seemed to lead the way. Ian sipped his tea and walked down the wall of bedroom doors. As they sauntered in the dark past the last door, it drifted open.
Soft light from the bathroom gently illuminated the bedroom. Ian and the cat stopped and turned, attention drawn to forms in the room. Billy and Reece lay there, naked, entwined, covered in sweat.
Ian reached for the doorknob. “I’ll just shut this.” He said.
“Thanks, man. Must not have gotten it shut all the way.” Billy smiled, not moving a muscle.
“Uh huh.” Ian hoped it was dark enough for the lovers not to see the shock on his face or the fact that he could feel it turning beat red.
“Night, Ian.” Reese sighed.
“Yeah. ‘night.” Ian made sure the door shut all the way then quickly made his way to the stairwell. When they got to the landing he looked at the cat, still taking every step he did. “Let’s run upstairs and gouge our eyes out.”
He flipped the lights on to his bedroom. “Claim your space Rodent.” Ian grabbed the remote from the nightstand and pointed it toward the glass wall. With a simple touch the curtains performed their magic and disappeared. He sipped his tea and looked out in to space.
Tea cup in one hand, remote in the other he stepped to the glass and sighed. “Life is good.” A gentle tinkle captured his attention. He smiled at looked toward the wind chimes hanging outside in the corner talking to the slight breeze that touched them.
He saw light from the balcony across the way. Ian moved closer to focus on Kellen and Ralphie, safe in their own home. He noticed Kellen look up and over at his lights. He waved in case he could see him.
Ian saw Ralphie jump against the French doors from the inside. He looked like he was barking but couldn’t hear him. Ian smiled, then noticed Kellen rush the doors himself. He could swear he could almost hear Kellen shout his name.
The cat hissed and spit. Ian turned to see Rodie’s back arched on the bed.
“I said anywhere but the bed.” Ian tossed the remote on the nightstand and bent to smack at the cat in one motion.
As he bent he heard a strange sound and something just missed him. Glass shattered and began to rain all over the room.
At the door of his closet Ian saw a figure dressed in black from head to toe. Before he could react he saw a flash and more shattered glass rained down around him. The figure came at him.
Ian lobbed his steaming tea mug in the figure’s direction and darted toward the now open balcony. The man dived toward him, head butting Ian in the gut. Ian grabbed the man’s head, despite the breath being kicked from his lungs, and brought his knee into the man’s face as hard as he could. He heard cracking and pain shot through his leg.
The man fell backward but struggled up to stay up. Ian saw a movement at the door. They both turned and saw a very naked Billy in defense mode.
“Son of a bitch!” And Billy ran toward the figure. The figure managed to get up and Ian saw a gun pointed in his direction. Billy tackled him from behind and grabbed his hand. There was sound of another shot, this time bringing a rain of plaster on a stunned and frozen Ian. Billy’s force hurled both men toward Ian. The two struggled knocking Ian off balance.
Ian was trying to remain standing and help Billy fight the man in black. He took a step toward them but pain shot up through his knee and it buckled. He reached for the railing of the balcony to pull himself up.
As Ian pulled himself to a standing position, he saw the black figure stand up and face him, gun pointed at ready to fire. From the ground Billy grabbed his feet sending the man forward again. Ian felt the bullet just miss his head, and the full weight of his attacker hit him in the chest.
He heard the railing give way, and felt himself give with it. Ian heard yelling as he fell through the air. He heard the thud as he landed on the ground below, and lost his breath. He struggled for air as he heard another crack and felt the full force of two bodies landing on top of him, one and then the other.
Ian tried to get up, but he couldn’t move. Pain racked his body as he lay there in the grass, crumpled in a pile. He kept hearing the wind pellet by and the sounds of feet running and shouting. Why couldn’t it just be silent enough for someone to hear him scream?
He saw Billy stand up and grab the figure below him and drag him to his feet. The man was like rag doll but struggled with Billy. Billy landed a good punch that whirled the man around. The man tried to return the blow but Billy was too fast for him. He punched him in the gut and then grabbed the ski mask and pulled it off.
“You?” Billy said, and that was all the time the man needed. Ian saw the gun raise and he tried to shout out but he couldn’t breathe. He saw Ralphie sail over top of him and heard his teeth sink into the man’s arm. The gun went off and he saw Billy jolt and fall backward into the pool.
The man shook Ralphie off and he heard the dog splash in the pool. Ian lost focus and heard another splash as he felt the man stagger over to him. He tried to focus on the man’s face but could only see his finger starting to squeeze the trigger.
Ian heard a louder shot from over his head and he saw the man’s body jolt then fall forward. He felt the thud of the body landing on top of him for the second time, maybe the third. He’d lost count. Bodies kept falling on him. Ian struggled to breathe.
He heard Kellen’s voice. “Get him out of the pool!” Ian swore he could hear Tippy screaming.
Ian felt someone pushing or pulling the man off him. He kept hearing Kellen.
“Ian…Ian…talk to me.” But he couldn’t. It was all he could do to breathe.
Ian’s eyes focused on a set of eyes staring into his blankly. They weren’t Kellen’s. The face came together, blurred but enough to see the eyes of Blue Richards roll back in his head. Blood was pouring out his mouth.
The last thing Ian saw before he lost consciousness was Blue’s lips tremble. The last thing he heard before the world went black were those bloody bubbles bursting clearly into to two words….
“Darla…Hutton…”
Ian opened the lid. “Just a little square of Kleenex if it hasn’t disintegrated.” He opened the lid and began fingering the trinkets in the box. “Blue Kleenex…I know it has to be in here.”
“You’re sure?” Jesse asked as he began to help go through the myriad of treasures.
“Absolutely.” Ian was positive. “I gave it to Aunt Hil to keep for me and this is where she put that sort of thing.”
Jesse held up a gold chain with a heavy ball of colored glass encrusted in imitation gold. “Egads! Someone actually paid for this?”
Ian smiled and took it from him holding the ball to his eye and turning toward the overhead light. “Actually I did. You can hold it up the light and it has a sort of kaleidoscope effect. It just proves the point that no matter how hideous, Aunt Hil always found a way to cherish it.”
He handed it to Jesse who mocked Ian’s earlier motions. “This is cool!” Jesse grinned with the gaudy ball close at one eye.
“Tasteless, yes, but to a mountain kid…loads of fun.” Ian grabbed a handful of gaudiness from the box and continued his dig. “Maybe the Kleenex is long gone, but the little penny itself has to be in here. Maybe at the bottom.”
“Penny?”
“A penny hack sawed in half actually.”
“And you want to give this to Saxon?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me it has the same principal as the kaleidoscope necklace.” Jesse began pulling handfuls of chains and pins from the box to search the bottom.
“Sort of.” Ian defended. “She gave it to me on closing night of “Romeo and Juliet”. It was sort of a physical memory of a promise.”
“If you say so.” Jesse tried to spread thin the pile of jewelry now on the bed. “It’s not in the bottom of the box…and Romeo take my advice. I think flowers say it so much better than a hacked up coin.”
“No, this has special meaning.” Ian insisted, now sitting on the bed and pulling the box on his lap. “Maybe it slipped down behind the lining.” He began to feel the inside of the box.
“Look if you’re hoping she’ll give you some, I think all you have to do is…”
Ian stopped and looked the young man in the face. “I’m not hoping Saxon will give me some…we don’t have that kind of relationship.”
Jesse tried not to laugh. “Yeah…right.”
“Jesse, I keep explaining, over and over...”
“I know. I know.” He said picking up pieces one by one and gingerly returning them to the cedar box. “You’re just old friends, yada yada yada. In case you haven’t noticed, no one is buying that but the two of you. Get your head out of the jewelry box, Ian Justyn. You are head over heels for each other. You just refuse to admit it.”
“Next subject.”
“Naturally.” Jesse puffed. “Dude. It’s not here.”
“It has to be.” Ian scratched his forehead and tried to think back. “I handed it to her and she said he’d put it in my special place.”
“Special place?”
“She told me that there was a special place of things that were for me, things that I’d need later in life and she was keeping them until the time came.” Ian closed his eyes and tried to recall in every detail the day.
“Maybe there’s another box.” Jesse stood and walked to the closet. “Have you gone through everything Reese and Billy brought back?”
“Wait!” Ian put out his hands. “I was standing by the couch and she went into her bedroom and straight to this box.”
Ian stood and looked at it. “She fiddled with it. I could see her do it from the couch.” He twisted the box on the bed and stepped back to look at it. He walked over and turned it just a little more to the right.
“Okay…then she reached down…” Ian slid his hands along the back of the box. “Aha!” He pushed a little knot and a thin drawer popped out of the bottom.
“I’ll be damned.” Jesse bent over to look. “A little secret compartment.”
Ian grinned from ear to ear and reached for the little square of blue Kleenex right on top. “Told ja.” He almost cheered in victory.
“Ian?” Saxon called from down stairs.
“Be right there, Saxon!” Ian called back. He turned to Jesse in panic. “What did I do with the wrapping paper?”
Jesse pointed to his desk. “What else is in here?” He picked up the rest of the drawer contents as Ian wrapped the little half penny and slipped it in his wallet.
“Looks like papers.” Ian said as he slipped a light jacket on.
“Duh…what kind of papers?”
“Birth certificates and stuff I assume.” Ian looked at the small stack in Jesse’s hands.
“Ian?” Saxon called again.
“Keep the tissue in your bra, Saxon. I’m coming!”
“For a guy, you take forever to get ready.” Saxon bellowed up from the bottom of the stairs. “We’re just going bowling not competing on Dancing With the Stars!”
“Coming right down.” Ian said. “Can you put that back in the closet for me?”
“No prob.” Jesse stuffed the papers back in the drawer and shut it. “Have a good time.”
“I will.” Ian smiled. “Thanks, Jess. Enjoy your Saturday night.” He disappeared.
Jesse picked up the jewelry box and slipped it back into the space made for it on the top shelf of the back wall in the closet. He flipped off the light and shut the door.
Rodie popped out from under the bed and looked up at him.
“Hey, sweetheart. Where’d you come from?” Jesse bent to scoop her up. She hopped right into his arms and he scratched her ears.
“Jesse?” He heard his brother calling from downstairs.
“Yuh?”
“Do you know how to get this TV on the right channel to watch a DVD?”
“Be right there.” Jesse turned, Rodie in arms and stepped toward the bedroom door. He heard something kicked. He looked down and noticed a yellowing envelope neatly laying at his feet.
“Jesse?”
“Coming!” Jesse snatched up the paper from the floor and shoved it in his back pocket. He looked at the cat. “Remind me to come right back up here and put this back in that little drawer. It probably fell out of there.”
Rodie purred and Jesse flipped off the bedroom lights.
David Turner was a wreck. They’d finally done it. Four Stars Studios had found a way to sabotage his film. He paced the set back and forth.
This was a disaster. Not the film, “Breathe” had gone better than he had hoped. It was the lack of a female lead. Malvina Golden had bailed. At the last minute she bailed on them.
Her last film with the studio kept running later and later. David had gone ahead and began production of “Breathe” without her, filming every scene but those that required her. That kept them from missing their own deadlines and kept her from getting in legal trouble with Four Stars.
Then Four Stars made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Turner couldn’t blame her. She called this morning and apologized. Great, she was sorry, so was everyone else’s bank balance.
Today was the last day they could use this rented space. The ballroom set needed to be struck so the next renter could move in. If they didn’t get this scene, the whole film was for naught.
It was the final scene, a ballroom. All Turner needed was to find an actress to fit into the already designed and fitted gown, descend the staircase and reach out her hand to the camera. They’d already filmed the dancers, Redfield’s entrance, dialogue and close ups.
They had even talked Herman’s sister into standing in for the moment the camera sees the two hands touching, the two hands fated to live happily ever after, the final moment of “Breathe”. The whole film hinged now on the “actress” who belonged to that “hand” coming down “that” staircase.
He had begged Herman’s sister to do the part. She was ungodly shy. Just the camera on her hand took eighteen takes. She kept bursting into tears and ruining the shot. She finally cried herself out and they got the perfect shot.
“Okay.” Herman came rushing to him. “Get it set up. We’re ready.”
“What?” David was shocked.
“Heat up the lights, point the camera and scream action, stupid. We’re ready.” Herman was puffing, struggling for air having run full speed ahead from somewhere.
“Malvina showed after all?” David eyes lit up.
“No.” Herman put his hands on David’s shoulder. “Trust me. We found the perfect replacement. It took some work, but we’re ready.”
“Who?”
“Stop wasting time.” Herman shoved him toward the cameramen. “We’ve got just enough time to get this scene in the can and get the set struck. We’ll talk contracts later.”
“Uh…”
“Just do it!” Herman hissed.
In ten minutes they were ready. The professionals, excited they were finally going to get this masterpiece back underway, pulled it all together. The bright lights hit the staircase and the A.D. cued the sound.
“Ready up there?” Turner dared ask before he gave the final call.
“Ready.” A distinctly familiar voice called back.
“Let’s get this down in one take.” Turner called back with a directorial command.
“Piece of cake.” Was the response unseen from the top of the staircase.
Turner nodded his head. The clapboard slipped in front of the camera. “Breathe finale take one.” Came the voice followed by the clap.
“And action!” David called and held his breath.
The music swelled and he looked to the top of the stairs. He saw the dress first. The costume designer had created a masterpiece. It caught his attention immediately and then led his eyes directly to the form of the elegant young woman wearing it.
She hesitated at the top of the stairs. He knew the camera was slowly and smoothly zooming in on her face. David saw her shy smile, the nervous dart of her eyes. His jaw dropped.
It was Herman’s sister after all. She stepped to the top. A moment before taking that first timid step she smiled. It lit up the room. She blushed shyly, biting her lip looking down at her feet.
David’s heart pounded. She was perfect. She was beautiful. She genteelly picked up the billowing folds of that gown and began to descend, each step stronger, each step determined, each step toward destiny, just as they had imagined.
She reached the bottom, smoothed her gown and almost unnoticeably curtsied. She took a deep breath and radiated that heart-stopping smile again, finally reaching out her hand, shyly determined but with courage.
“Cut!” David said. “Print it!” He said with relief.
He looked at the woman who had saved his life. “Young lady, I have just fallen in love.”
The woman threw back her head and laughed.
David’s jaw dropped again. He knew that laugh. “Oh my God!” He thought out loud.
It was well into the night when Saxon’s car pulled back into Ian’s driveway. The place was dark. Ian looked at the house then back to Saxon behind the wheel.
“Looks like no one’s home.” Ian said.
“Are you scared…loser?” Saxon teased.
“Loser? I let you win.”
“Yeah, right.”
“You cheated. You kept aiming the ball in the right direction, after the first game anyway.”
Saxon snorted again. Ian loved it when he made her snort. “We’ll I guess I better get inside before my father comes out on the front porch with a shotgun.”
“He doesn’t scare me.” Saxon said. “I had a great time. You are always so much fun.”
“Well, I’m easy.” Ian snickered. “Just don’t tell the rest of the football team. It’ll be all over the school by morning.” Ian leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I had a great time, too. I can’t remember the last time I just went out and enjoyed myself.”
“It looks good on you Ian Justyn.” Saxon smiled, her teeth flashing in the shadows of the streetlights. “You should do it more often.”
Ian nodded. “By the way. I found a little something. I thought you might like to have it.” Ian reached for his wallet and slipped out a little paper square.
“For me?” Saxon took it when Ian nodded. “Can I open it now?”
“Sure.” Ian scooted in a little more. “Don’t get excited. You probably don’t even remember.”
Saxon pulled the little bow and unfolded the paper and discovered a second layer of blue Kleenex. “Okay Ian Justyn. That’s just mean.” She taunted him.
“You gave it to me that way, so point that finger at yourself.” He tried to remind her.
“I did?”
Ian nodded. “Look inside the Kleenex.”
She hesitated the moment. “If this is boogers…”
“Just open it, you big baby.” Ian chuckled.
She held the tiny square of Kleenex up to the dashboard and folded back the corners. The copper reflected in the street lamps. She turned to Ian. “Where did you find this?”
“In Aunt Hil’s jewelry box. I’d forgotten about it, but as always, she didn’t.”
Saxon couldn’t help but smile. “Ian, I’d forgotten, too.” Was all she could say. He reached over and touched the soft blonde curls at the back of her head.
“Reunited at last.” Ian kissed the woman softly on the lips. “Goodnight, Saxon.”
“Good night, Ian.”
Ian slipped out of the car, and waved goodnight. “No you didn’t Saxon.” He said to the night as she drove off. “I’ve seen the other half hidden around your neck every time I see you.” He smiled and fished out his key for the front door.
Ian heard the familiar click and an unfamiliar meow. He looked at his feet to spot the Rodent sitting her on her quickly becoming half kitten half cat haunches. “How did you get out here? Is Ralphie teaching you his walk through walls trick?”
He considered leaving the demon outside, hoping something would drag it off for a midnight snack, but visions of having to explain to Ronnie that his precious cat disappeared made him change his mind. Ian shoved open the door and looked down at the cat.
“You may as well come in.” The cat didn’t bother to thank him for being a gentlemen and just walked inside the living room. Ian shut and locked the door in the dark.
It was quiet and black, only enough light to allow Ian and the spawn from hell to make their way to the kitchen. Ian heard crunching or scratching or something from the cat, while he poured bottled water in a cup and dunked in a tea bag. He pressed all the right buttons for the microwave and waited patiently for the little bell to go off.
As he opened the door and took out his now steaming tea, he saw the cat return to him from the corner of his eye. “Don’t be looking at me Rodent. You want entertainment? Go turn on the TV. I’m sure there must be something on Animal Planet or Fox News you’re sure to enjoy.”
Wrapped the tea bag string around a teaspoon and pulled until every last drop was squeezed from the bag. He added sugar, lots of sugar. “Okay, don’t go thinking this is any kind of bonding thing, but should I have kissed her? You know really kissed her?”
Rodie cocked her head and wrapped her tail around her body. Ian frowned. “What would you know?” He picked up his mug and walked through the still dark house. Rodie making every move he did.
Ian stopped at Ronnie’s room, door open, dark and empty. He leaned against the frame. “Well you might as well turn in varmint. I am.” He waited for the cat to jump on the bed and curl up as she usually did. “What are you waiting for?”
The cat looked up at Ian. Her little head turned to peer in the room, then back to Ian and blinked.
“Ronnie is spending the night with his friends. You remember them, the two little boys who kept yanking your tail and kept making you run for your life.” Ian thought about it. “I liked them. They should come back more often.” He looked down at the cat, unmoving.
Ian sipped his tea. “Fine. Sleep or not.” He took a step toward away, but turned back to the cat to issue a warning. “Just remember, if you use your little claws to slash my throat in the middle of the night, Ronnie will be back tomorrow and he won’t be happy about that.”
Rodie looked up at Ian and meowed.
“I miss him, too.” Ian leaned back against the doorframe and back down at the cat. “Fine.” He straightened back up. “You can sleep in my room…on the floor. Come anywhere near the bed and I’ll put on a pair of gloves and throw you off the balcony. Deal?”
The cat seemed to lead the way. Ian sipped his tea and walked down the wall of bedroom doors. As they sauntered in the dark past the last door, it drifted open.
Soft light from the bathroom gently illuminated the bedroom. Ian and the cat stopped and turned, attention drawn to forms in the room. Billy and Reece lay there, naked, entwined, covered in sweat.
Ian reached for the doorknob. “I’ll just shut this.” He said.
“Thanks, man. Must not have gotten it shut all the way.” Billy smiled, not moving a muscle.
“Uh huh.” Ian hoped it was dark enough for the lovers not to see the shock on his face or the fact that he could feel it turning beat red.
“Night, Ian.” Reese sighed.
“Yeah. ‘night.” Ian made sure the door shut all the way then quickly made his way to the stairwell. When they got to the landing he looked at the cat, still taking every step he did. “Let’s run upstairs and gouge our eyes out.”
He flipped the lights on to his bedroom. “Claim your space Rodent.” Ian grabbed the remote from the nightstand and pointed it toward the glass wall. With a simple touch the curtains performed their magic and disappeared. He sipped his tea and looked out in to space.
Tea cup in one hand, remote in the other he stepped to the glass and sighed. “Life is good.” A gentle tinkle captured his attention. He smiled at looked toward the wind chimes hanging outside in the corner talking to the slight breeze that touched them.
He saw light from the balcony across the way. Ian moved closer to focus on Kellen and Ralphie, safe in their own home. He noticed Kellen look up and over at his lights. He waved in case he could see him.
Ian saw Ralphie jump against the French doors from the inside. He looked like he was barking but couldn’t hear him. Ian smiled, then noticed Kellen rush the doors himself. He could swear he could almost hear Kellen shout his name.
The cat hissed and spit. Ian turned to see Rodie’s back arched on the bed.
“I said anywhere but the bed.” Ian tossed the remote on the nightstand and bent to smack at the cat in one motion.
As he bent he heard a strange sound and something just missed him. Glass shattered and began to rain all over the room.
At the door of his closet Ian saw a figure dressed in black from head to toe. Before he could react he saw a flash and more shattered glass rained down around him. The figure came at him.
Ian lobbed his steaming tea mug in the figure’s direction and darted toward the now open balcony. The man dived toward him, head butting Ian in the gut. Ian grabbed the man’s head, despite the breath being kicked from his lungs, and brought his knee into the man’s face as hard as he could. He heard cracking and pain shot through his leg.
The man fell backward but struggled up to stay up. Ian saw a movement at the door. They both turned and saw a very naked Billy in defense mode.
“Son of a bitch!” And Billy ran toward the figure. The figure managed to get up and Ian saw a gun pointed in his direction. Billy tackled him from behind and grabbed his hand. There was sound of another shot, this time bringing a rain of plaster on a stunned and frozen Ian. Billy’s force hurled both men toward Ian. The two struggled knocking Ian off balance.
Ian was trying to remain standing and help Billy fight the man in black. He took a step toward them but pain shot up through his knee and it buckled. He reached for the railing of the balcony to pull himself up.
As Ian pulled himself to a standing position, he saw the black figure stand up and face him, gun pointed at ready to fire. From the ground Billy grabbed his feet sending the man forward again. Ian felt the bullet just miss his head, and the full weight of his attacker hit him in the chest.
He heard the railing give way, and felt himself give with it. Ian heard yelling as he fell through the air. He heard the thud as he landed on the ground below, and lost his breath. He struggled for air as he heard another crack and felt the full force of two bodies landing on top of him, one and then the other.
Ian tried to get up, but he couldn’t move. Pain racked his body as he lay there in the grass, crumpled in a pile. He kept hearing the wind pellet by and the sounds of feet running and shouting. Why couldn’t it just be silent enough for someone to hear him scream?
He saw Billy stand up and grab the figure below him and drag him to his feet. The man was like rag doll but struggled with Billy. Billy landed a good punch that whirled the man around. The man tried to return the blow but Billy was too fast for him. He punched him in the gut and then grabbed the ski mask and pulled it off.
“You?” Billy said, and that was all the time the man needed. Ian saw the gun raise and he tried to shout out but he couldn’t breathe. He saw Ralphie sail over top of him and heard his teeth sink into the man’s arm. The gun went off and he saw Billy jolt and fall backward into the pool.
The man shook Ralphie off and he heard the dog splash in the pool. Ian lost focus and heard another splash as he felt the man stagger over to him. He tried to focus on the man’s face but could only see his finger starting to squeeze the trigger.
Ian heard a louder shot from over his head and he saw the man’s body jolt then fall forward. He felt the thud of the body landing on top of him for the second time, maybe the third. He’d lost count. Bodies kept falling on him. Ian struggled to breathe.
He heard Kellen’s voice. “Get him out of the pool!” Ian swore he could hear Tippy screaming.
Ian felt someone pushing or pulling the man off him. He kept hearing Kellen.
“Ian…Ian…talk to me.” But he couldn’t. It was all he could do to breathe.
Ian’s eyes focused on a set of eyes staring into his blankly. They weren’t Kellen’s. The face came together, blurred but enough to see the eyes of Blue Richards roll back in his head. Blood was pouring out his mouth.
The last thing Ian saw before he lost consciousness was Blue’s lips tremble. The last thing he heard before the world went black were those bloody bubbles bursting clearly into to two words….
“Darla…Hutton…”
Vignette #136: Forward
But Ian Justyn kept moving forward, smiling, making everyone feel special. He shook, hands and thanked people for coming as they began to say goodbye. He wrapped food and make sure everyone had a little something to take with them.
“Are you sure you are going to be alright by yourself?” He said as he sat on the bed and watched the overnight bag being zipped up.
“It’ll be hard, but I think I can survive one night.”
“I’ll only be a phone call away if you need me.” Ronnie told his father.
“I’ll try to keep busy to make the time go by faster.” Ian sat beside him and folded his hands in his lap.
“Your not gonna cry or anything are you?”
“Maybe.” Ian hid a smile. “But you’ll be back tomorrow, right? This isn’t like a forever thing is it?”
“Oh, no.” Ronnie said. “Just the one night, you couldn’t make it much longer without me.”
“You’re so right.” Ian hugged his little boy and kissed the top of his head. “Did you remember to put food and water out for that thing?”
“Taken care of.” Ronnie said. “Rodie will be fine until I get home tomorrow, but if you get lonely she’ll cuddle up with you.”
A shiver went down Ian’s spine. “If I ever get that lonely, I’ll have somebody shoot me.”
“Papa!” Ronnie moaned.
“The rodent will be fine.” Ian said, give the boy’s shoulder a little squeeze. “I’ll be fine, just pretend to miss me when you get home and everything will be A-Ok.”
“Oh, I’ll miss you, Papa. I’ll miss you till I get back.” Ronnie smiled.
“Me, too.”
“Ready to go, Slugger?” Susan popped in the bedroom.
“Yes, ma’am.” Ronnie stood and grabbed his bag. “I was just makin’ sure Papa wouldn’t let the house fall to pieces while I was gone.”
She smiled. “It’ll be tough, but I think he can manage. You ready?”
Ronnie nodded his head and gave his father one last big hug and kiss. Susan turned to Ian. “Are you ready?” Ian seesawed his head back in forth to indicate he’d live with it.
“You take care of my boy.” He warned her.
“Of course.” She said. “Otherwise, who’d take care of you?”
As much as he didn’t want to, he watched his son piling into the car with two other excitedly hyper little boys, and two adults. He waved as they drove off and stood in the driveway for just a little while trying to convince himself that he’d be back soon.
“Let the little guy runaway for a while?”
Ian turned around, but had to shield the evening sun from his eyes to see the man the voice came from. “His first sleep over. I think it’s going to be harder on me that it will on him.”
The man took a step toward him. “So…you never called.”
“No, Blue. I didn’t.” Ian said firmly.
Blue nodded his head. “I understand. Things got busy.”
“Yes.” Ian smiled and walked past him; up the driveway toward the front door he’d left standing open.
“What do you say, we make a little time now.” Blue gently grabbed Ian’s arm as he tried to walk past him. “No one will notice if you and I slip off somewhere private and get naked.”
Ian firmly pulled his arm from the man’s grasp. “I’m flattered, but no. I’m not interested.” He continued his walk to the front door.
“Sure. People are starting to leave now. How ‘bout if I help you clean up and discreetly stay behind. No one would know, just us.”
“No. I’m not interested.” Ian started to walk away quickly. He got to the steps of his front door. “Blue, go home. Hop into whatever transportation got you here and go home to Ella. She’s a special woman. Go home and have a chat with her. Don’t understand all this cavalier sex stuff, Blue, and quite frankly I don’t ever want to. If it’s something you want to do, fine. Just be honest about it with the person you are supposed to be honest with and leave me out of it.”
Ian left the man standing in the front yard and closed the door. He looked at the cat, sitting in the window looking outside. “Did you put him up to that, Rodent?” He squinted at the cat, who decided to ignore him and lick her front paw. Ian curled up his upper lip and walked away.
“Who are you talking to?” Saxon asked him, as she met him halfway between the kitchen and the living room.
“The varmint. I told it I knew what it was up to, but it decided to ignore me and lick itself. It was disgusting.” Ian said taking her arm and guiding her back outside.
“You’re just jealous.” She said.
“Jealous? Of that fur covered alien from Hades?”
“Yes, Rodie can lick her feet and you can’t.”
Ian stopped and turned to her. “Oh yes, I can. I just choose not to do it in front of others. I certainly have enough class not to sit in the front picture window and chew on my own toenails.”
“Of course.” Saxon agreed. “That sort of thing is for the bath.”
Ian held the door for her. “Well after the bath. The hot water and steam makes the toe nails much easier to chew.”
“See, I knew I’d been doing it wrong.”
“Now you know.”
Saxon giggled and put her head on Ian’s shoulder as they walked arm in arm. “Now I know I didn’t show up early and help with all the cooking and stuff. I’m just not real good with the hotty uppy thing.”
“Well at least you’ve learned the scientific name for the stove.”
She shoved him playfully with her hip. “But if I do say so myself, I’m quiet professional with a box of Press ‘n’ Seal.”
“Gosh, I don’t know that I can afford a professional.”
“I’ll offer my services…for free…on one condition.” She said.
Ian rolled his eyes. “Saxon Allen, always trying to weasel amendments to the contract.”
“I was thinking…bowling.”
He stopped and turned to her. “Bowling? You’re a terrible bowler.”
“Better than you.” She said firmly.
“Oh please.” Ian rolled his eyes.
“Remember the last time we went?” She reminded him. “Who broke a hundred?”
“You did.” He confirmed. “But three lanes down from where you were throwing the ball.”
“Anyone can knock pins down in the lane in front of them.” Saxon said firmly.
“That’s the point, Saxon dear.”
“Then stop plying me with tequila and spinning me around when it’s my turn.”
“Only if you stop lifting up your brassiere and flashing me when it’s my turn.” Ian grabbed her hand and headed for where the Shores had already begun to clean up. “It’s embarrassing, having to help you pick up all that Kleenex.”
The couple had to sidestep Billy and Reese who we’re pulling stuffed liners out of trashcans. “It’s about time, the one who made the mess showed up to help clean it up.” One of them said.
“I’m here, and I brought help.” Ian said. “Oh and guys, I thought I’d give you a little heads up.”
“Ronnie off with the Tysons for the night?” Reese asked.
Ian nodded his head. “And I’m gonna show this poor deluded thing how to bowl, so the house is gonna be empty. If you catch my drift.” Ian wiggled his eyebrows.
“Hmmm.” Billy tied a knot in the ties of his garbage bag. “I guess that means I’m stuck watching the cat lick itself.”
“Afraid so, but it’s always taken both me and Ronnie to do that, so if you might need to find a friend to help.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Billy smiled and looked at Reese.
“Are you sure you are going to be alright by yourself?” He said as he sat on the bed and watched the overnight bag being zipped up.
“It’ll be hard, but I think I can survive one night.”
“I’ll only be a phone call away if you need me.” Ronnie told his father.
“I’ll try to keep busy to make the time go by faster.” Ian sat beside him and folded his hands in his lap.
“Your not gonna cry or anything are you?”
“Maybe.” Ian hid a smile. “But you’ll be back tomorrow, right? This isn’t like a forever thing is it?”
“Oh, no.” Ronnie said. “Just the one night, you couldn’t make it much longer without me.”
“You’re so right.” Ian hugged his little boy and kissed the top of his head. “Did you remember to put food and water out for that thing?”
“Taken care of.” Ronnie said. “Rodie will be fine until I get home tomorrow, but if you get lonely she’ll cuddle up with you.”
A shiver went down Ian’s spine. “If I ever get that lonely, I’ll have somebody shoot me.”
“Papa!” Ronnie moaned.
“The rodent will be fine.” Ian said, give the boy’s shoulder a little squeeze. “I’ll be fine, just pretend to miss me when you get home and everything will be A-Ok.”
“Oh, I’ll miss you, Papa. I’ll miss you till I get back.” Ronnie smiled.
“Me, too.”
“Ready to go, Slugger?” Susan popped in the bedroom.
“Yes, ma’am.” Ronnie stood and grabbed his bag. “I was just makin’ sure Papa wouldn’t let the house fall to pieces while I was gone.”
She smiled. “It’ll be tough, but I think he can manage. You ready?”
Ronnie nodded his head and gave his father one last big hug and kiss. Susan turned to Ian. “Are you ready?” Ian seesawed his head back in forth to indicate he’d live with it.
“You take care of my boy.” He warned her.
“Of course.” She said. “Otherwise, who’d take care of you?”
As much as he didn’t want to, he watched his son piling into the car with two other excitedly hyper little boys, and two adults. He waved as they drove off and stood in the driveway for just a little while trying to convince himself that he’d be back soon.
“Let the little guy runaway for a while?”
Ian turned around, but had to shield the evening sun from his eyes to see the man the voice came from. “His first sleep over. I think it’s going to be harder on me that it will on him.”
The man took a step toward him. “So…you never called.”
“No, Blue. I didn’t.” Ian said firmly.
Blue nodded his head. “I understand. Things got busy.”
“Yes.” Ian smiled and walked past him; up the driveway toward the front door he’d left standing open.
“What do you say, we make a little time now.” Blue gently grabbed Ian’s arm as he tried to walk past him. “No one will notice if you and I slip off somewhere private and get naked.”
Ian firmly pulled his arm from the man’s grasp. “I’m flattered, but no. I’m not interested.” He continued his walk to the front door.
“Sure. People are starting to leave now. How ‘bout if I help you clean up and discreetly stay behind. No one would know, just us.”
“No. I’m not interested.” Ian started to walk away quickly. He got to the steps of his front door. “Blue, go home. Hop into whatever transportation got you here and go home to Ella. She’s a special woman. Go home and have a chat with her. Don’t understand all this cavalier sex stuff, Blue, and quite frankly I don’t ever want to. If it’s something you want to do, fine. Just be honest about it with the person you are supposed to be honest with and leave me out of it.”
Ian left the man standing in the front yard and closed the door. He looked at the cat, sitting in the window looking outside. “Did you put him up to that, Rodent?” He squinted at the cat, who decided to ignore him and lick her front paw. Ian curled up his upper lip and walked away.
“Who are you talking to?” Saxon asked him, as she met him halfway between the kitchen and the living room.
“The varmint. I told it I knew what it was up to, but it decided to ignore me and lick itself. It was disgusting.” Ian said taking her arm and guiding her back outside.
“You’re just jealous.” She said.
“Jealous? Of that fur covered alien from Hades?”
“Yes, Rodie can lick her feet and you can’t.”
Ian stopped and turned to her. “Oh yes, I can. I just choose not to do it in front of others. I certainly have enough class not to sit in the front picture window and chew on my own toenails.”
“Of course.” Saxon agreed. “That sort of thing is for the bath.”
Ian held the door for her. “Well after the bath. The hot water and steam makes the toe nails much easier to chew.”
“See, I knew I’d been doing it wrong.”
“Now you know.”
Saxon giggled and put her head on Ian’s shoulder as they walked arm in arm. “Now I know I didn’t show up early and help with all the cooking and stuff. I’m just not real good with the hotty uppy thing.”
“Well at least you’ve learned the scientific name for the stove.”
She shoved him playfully with her hip. “But if I do say so myself, I’m quiet professional with a box of Press ‘n’ Seal.”
“Gosh, I don’t know that I can afford a professional.”
“I’ll offer my services…for free…on one condition.” She said.
Ian rolled his eyes. “Saxon Allen, always trying to weasel amendments to the contract.”
“I was thinking…bowling.”
He stopped and turned to her. “Bowling? You’re a terrible bowler.”
“Better than you.” She said firmly.
“Oh please.” Ian rolled his eyes.
“Remember the last time we went?” She reminded him. “Who broke a hundred?”
“You did.” He confirmed. “But three lanes down from where you were throwing the ball.”
“Anyone can knock pins down in the lane in front of them.” Saxon said firmly.
“That’s the point, Saxon dear.”
“Then stop plying me with tequila and spinning me around when it’s my turn.”
“Only if you stop lifting up your brassiere and flashing me when it’s my turn.” Ian grabbed her hand and headed for where the Shores had already begun to clean up. “It’s embarrassing, having to help you pick up all that Kleenex.”
The couple had to sidestep Billy and Reese who we’re pulling stuffed liners out of trashcans. “It’s about time, the one who made the mess showed up to help clean it up.” One of them said.
“I’m here, and I brought help.” Ian said. “Oh and guys, I thought I’d give you a little heads up.”
“Ronnie off with the Tysons for the night?” Reese asked.
Ian nodded his head. “And I’m gonna show this poor deluded thing how to bowl, so the house is gonna be empty. If you catch my drift.” Ian wiggled his eyebrows.
“Hmmm.” Billy tied a knot in the ties of his garbage bag. “I guess that means I’m stuck watching the cat lick itself.”
“Afraid so, but it’s always taken both me and Ronnie to do that, so if you might need to find a friend to help.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Billy smiled and looked at Reese.
Vignette #135: Struggle
Ian almost ran her over when he stepped out of the kitchen door. “Ella, I didn’t see you.”
“Sorry, Ian. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“Me, either. We haven’t had the chance to chat. Are you enjoying yourself?” He asked.
“Oh, yes, having a wonderful time.” She smiled.
“I haven’t had a chance to meet your boyfriend. You did bring him?”
“Yes. He came late, but you’ve met him already.”
“I have.”
“Yes, Blue Richards.”
“Blue?” Ian thought a moment. “Oh, bartender at Open Fields?”
“That would be the one.”
“I never got the chance to thank him. He got me out of a really bad situation.”
“Can I ask you something personal? I mean we are technically off the clock, right?”
“Of course.”
“Actually it’s more of a favor.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
Ella looked Ian in the eyes. “Look, I know that every once and a while Blue likes to play with the boys.”
“Play with the…?”
“I figure what the heck, just be a man about it and wear a condom.”
Realizing, finally, what she was talking about Ian managed to get out. “That’s very…uh…contemporary of you.”
“He’s got the hots for you. I mean big time.”
“Ella, I have no desire…”
“Ian, drag the man off in the bushes and put him out of his misery. It’s really getting pathetic.”
“I’m so sorry, Ella. I really am, but that is never going to happen.”
“I keep telling him that, but…oh heck, I really liked him, too.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Me, either.” She said and walked off into the crowd.
“I’ve got the next number. Is it my turn?” Came the familiar Aussie lilt.
“I thought I left all the appointments for private audiences when I left the office.”
“Well, mate, when your the most popular kid in school everyone wants to dance when you throw the prom.” Jeremy took a swig from his cup.
“Never thought I’d hear that term lobbed in my direction. I wanted to speak with you anyway.”
“Here I am, at your service.”
“Stop.” Ian smiled. “Ronnie said the boys have invited him for a sleepover tonight?”
“Yes. We thought it just might be easier in the long run. Is that alright with you?”
“Easier?”
“We’re going fishing tomorrow, remember?”
Ian felt stupid because of what he had been thinking. “At the crack of dawn. I remember.”
“We hoped you’d change your mind and go with us.”
“Actually,” Ian said, “I’d love to go…”
“Great!”
“But, Billy’s visit was a surprise and he leaves on Monday morning. This will give me a day to spend some time with him and not have to feel guilty about ignoring Ronnie.”
“Invite him to go along.”
“You know, I think Ronnie’s kind of enjoying the thought of having his first sleep over. It’s a big step for him. As much as he’d enjoy having me along, I think it would make him feel more grown up if I let him do it on his own.”
“Susan and I kind of felt that way, too but wanted to let you know that you had an option.”
“Jeremy, I need to thank the two of you for being so great about Ronnie. I was a little hesitant because of the age differences when Tippy first suggested it.”
“The boys love him, and he’s a great kid. A good influence, it’s good for them to be around a kid from a normal background. We don’t want them to grow up not knowing how lucky they have it any more than we want them to grow up thinking they’re privileged.”
“I know this comes out of the blue, but have you and Susan given any thought to where you’re going to send J.J. to school?”
“We keep going back and forth, public, private, charter? It’s a big decision and ultimately we have to make a decision based on what we think is best in the long run for J.J.”
“I’m struggling with the same decisions for Ronnie. This time last year there was only one choice for him, now besides the best education possible there are other factors to determine in.”
“In other words, how best will he fit in?” Jeremy understood. “He’s a good kid, but no matter what decision we make about our kid’s education, there’s always the square peg in the round hole.”
“I don’t think Ronnie’s a square peg.” Ian said, “But will the other kids, no matter where I put him, feel the same way?”
“If Susan and I can be of any help, you know we’d love to be there for you.”
Ian smiled. “Thank you, Jeremy. I may very well take you up on that. I better go track the little guy down and get him ready.”
Jeremy nodded his head and watched Ian off to find his social butterfly. He couldn’t help but notice Ian, as he was stopped or stopped himself among the crowd. If you watched close enough, you could see that one second when the color changed.
What was it about that man, he wondered. Why was it when someone entered his space, it looked as though the chameleon changed colors? Was there one person in the world who could walk in a room and Ian Justyn just remained Ian Justyn?
“So how do you think he’s doing?” Came the voice at Jeremy’s ear.
“He’s thrown a great gathering.” Jeremy turned at smiled. “You expected anything less?”
“I didn’t mean about the party.” Colton said, lifting that one trademark eyebrow.
“Colt, I don’t know him that well. Susan and I both adore him, but he holds us at a distance.”
“He holds almost everyone at a distance.” Colton said softly. “I can’t shake the feeling that he’s not being honest.”
Jeremy turned to his friend. “Colton, if you are thinking there’s something sinister going on.”
“Nothing that melodramatic. I just get the feeling that there’s so much going on in that poor man’s head that he’s not letting on. He’s been through so much, especially lately and I’m not sure he’s come to terms with it all.”
“I don’t know that much about his past, Colton, but I know he stepped into a tornado, but he seems to be holding on.”
“There’s a lot going on with that young man. I can feel it.” The man watched Ian throwing back his head and laughing with Billy. “Something’s not quite right.”
Jeremy turned to Colton, half joking. “You don’t think he’s dangerous.”
“Only to himself.”
They stood and watched Ian scoop up Ronnie and swing him around in the air, both laughing and carefree. Jeremy saw a man he was hoping would let him be a true friend, despite a mistake they both made, but hopefully could put in the back of their minds.
Colton Shores on the other hand saw something else, felt something else. He didn’t know why, but he saw a man in danger. He saw a man trying hard to put everyone around him at ease, not realizing that he himself was just as important. It was as though Ian Justyn was some long lost part of him, and there was this instinctual need to fix whatever was wrong.
“Sorry, Ian. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“Me, either. We haven’t had the chance to chat. Are you enjoying yourself?” He asked.
“Oh, yes, having a wonderful time.” She smiled.
“I haven’t had a chance to meet your boyfriend. You did bring him?”
“Yes. He came late, but you’ve met him already.”
“I have.”
“Yes, Blue Richards.”
“Blue?” Ian thought a moment. “Oh, bartender at Open Fields?”
“That would be the one.”
“I never got the chance to thank him. He got me out of a really bad situation.”
“Can I ask you something personal? I mean we are technically off the clock, right?”
“Of course.”
“Actually it’s more of a favor.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
Ella looked Ian in the eyes. “Look, I know that every once and a while Blue likes to play with the boys.”
“Play with the…?”
“I figure what the heck, just be a man about it and wear a condom.”
Realizing, finally, what she was talking about Ian managed to get out. “That’s very…uh…contemporary of you.”
“He’s got the hots for you. I mean big time.”
“Ella, I have no desire…”
“Ian, drag the man off in the bushes and put him out of his misery. It’s really getting pathetic.”
“I’m so sorry, Ella. I really am, but that is never going to happen.”
“I keep telling him that, but…oh heck, I really liked him, too.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Me, either.” She said and walked off into the crowd.
“I’ve got the next number. Is it my turn?” Came the familiar Aussie lilt.
“I thought I left all the appointments for private audiences when I left the office.”
“Well, mate, when your the most popular kid in school everyone wants to dance when you throw the prom.” Jeremy took a swig from his cup.
“Never thought I’d hear that term lobbed in my direction. I wanted to speak with you anyway.”
“Here I am, at your service.”
“Stop.” Ian smiled. “Ronnie said the boys have invited him for a sleepover tonight?”
“Yes. We thought it just might be easier in the long run. Is that alright with you?”
“Easier?”
“We’re going fishing tomorrow, remember?”
Ian felt stupid because of what he had been thinking. “At the crack of dawn. I remember.”
“We hoped you’d change your mind and go with us.”
“Actually,” Ian said, “I’d love to go…”
“Great!”
“But, Billy’s visit was a surprise and he leaves on Monday morning. This will give me a day to spend some time with him and not have to feel guilty about ignoring Ronnie.”
“Invite him to go along.”
“You know, I think Ronnie’s kind of enjoying the thought of having his first sleep over. It’s a big step for him. As much as he’d enjoy having me along, I think it would make him feel more grown up if I let him do it on his own.”
“Susan and I kind of felt that way, too but wanted to let you know that you had an option.”
“Jeremy, I need to thank the two of you for being so great about Ronnie. I was a little hesitant because of the age differences when Tippy first suggested it.”
“The boys love him, and he’s a great kid. A good influence, it’s good for them to be around a kid from a normal background. We don’t want them to grow up not knowing how lucky they have it any more than we want them to grow up thinking they’re privileged.”
“I know this comes out of the blue, but have you and Susan given any thought to where you’re going to send J.J. to school?”
“We keep going back and forth, public, private, charter? It’s a big decision and ultimately we have to make a decision based on what we think is best in the long run for J.J.”
“I’m struggling with the same decisions for Ronnie. This time last year there was only one choice for him, now besides the best education possible there are other factors to determine in.”
“In other words, how best will he fit in?” Jeremy understood. “He’s a good kid, but no matter what decision we make about our kid’s education, there’s always the square peg in the round hole.”
“I don’t think Ronnie’s a square peg.” Ian said, “But will the other kids, no matter where I put him, feel the same way?”
“If Susan and I can be of any help, you know we’d love to be there for you.”
Ian smiled. “Thank you, Jeremy. I may very well take you up on that. I better go track the little guy down and get him ready.”
Jeremy nodded his head and watched Ian off to find his social butterfly. He couldn’t help but notice Ian, as he was stopped or stopped himself among the crowd. If you watched close enough, you could see that one second when the color changed.
What was it about that man, he wondered. Why was it when someone entered his space, it looked as though the chameleon changed colors? Was there one person in the world who could walk in a room and Ian Justyn just remained Ian Justyn?
“So how do you think he’s doing?” Came the voice at Jeremy’s ear.
“He’s thrown a great gathering.” Jeremy turned at smiled. “You expected anything less?”
“I didn’t mean about the party.” Colton said, lifting that one trademark eyebrow.
“Colt, I don’t know him that well. Susan and I both adore him, but he holds us at a distance.”
“He holds almost everyone at a distance.” Colton said softly. “I can’t shake the feeling that he’s not being honest.”
Jeremy turned to his friend. “Colton, if you are thinking there’s something sinister going on.”
“Nothing that melodramatic. I just get the feeling that there’s so much going on in that poor man’s head that he’s not letting on. He’s been through so much, especially lately and I’m not sure he’s come to terms with it all.”
“I don’t know that much about his past, Colton, but I know he stepped into a tornado, but he seems to be holding on.”
“There’s a lot going on with that young man. I can feel it.” The man watched Ian throwing back his head and laughing with Billy. “Something’s not quite right.”
Jeremy turned to Colton, half joking. “You don’t think he’s dangerous.”
“Only to himself.”
They stood and watched Ian scoop up Ronnie and swing him around in the air, both laughing and carefree. Jeremy saw a man he was hoping would let him be a true friend, despite a mistake they both made, but hopefully could put in the back of their minds.
Colton Shores on the other hand saw something else, felt something else. He didn’t know why, but he saw a man in danger. He saw a man trying hard to put everyone around him at ease, not realizing that he himself was just as important. It was as though Ian Justyn was some long lost part of him, and there was this instinctual need to fix whatever was wrong.
Vignette #134: Romance
“Do not try and tell me again that you aren’t interested.”
Saxon hung her head. “Tippy that’s a one way ticket to nowhere.”
“I don’t think so.” Tippy took her hand and pulled her over to a set of lawn chairs in the shade. “Honey, I think the time is right. Make a move.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve seen too many really good friendships ruined because someone decided it was time to make a move. That never works. I love Ian too much to give up what I have with him.”
“But that Clare thing is out of the picture.” Tippy looked at the little boy bouncing across the yard. “And he’s got Ronnie now. The path is clear. I’d think about it if I were you.”
“Honestly, Tippy, since Ian came to town I’ve thought of little else.” Saxon shook her head. “It’s just not meant to be.”
“I think Ian might surprise you.”
Saxon squeezed Tippy’s hand. “I think he’d try, Tippy. I really do think he’d give it everything he had, but in the end he’d never open up enough to let me in.”
“He was with that Clare thing for what eight, nine years. He had to fight to keep that relationship together, what makes you think he wouldn’t work even harder to make it work with you?”
“Tippy, you don’t understand.”
“Then make me, and I’ll back right off.”
“Ian loved Clare, but he was never in love with Clare. Do you understand that?”
Tippy nodded her head. “Because of Taylor.”
“Right. He was with Clare because deep down he knew she’d never break his heart. I will.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m human, because he knows I’d break my own heart trying to overcome the first real joy he’d ever known that crumbled into a nightmare he lived with for ten years.”
“Oh honey.” Tippy put her arm around Saxon. “You’re the one who’s afraid. You’re the one whose had her heart smashed to bits a few too many times.”
“Well, I can’t deny that.”
“Saxon, romance is like going camping with diarrhea.”
“What?”
"No matter how hard you try to plan or anticipate sooner or later there's gonna be an explosion. Never let it be said you didn't go for it just because you were afraid you'd end up having to beat your underwear on a rock. Besides, those little explosions in romance are half the fun, and most of the time the only thing you end up remembering."
Saxon laughed out loud. “Okay, I need to write that one down.”
“It’ll be in the book.” Tippy smiled.
“I’ll think about it, but…”
“Honey, I know all about the fear of overcoming those first great loves, the one’s that break a man’s heart into believing he’ll never ever be that foolish again. Colton is the love of my life, and I have no doubt that I’m his, but you know he was married once before.”
“He was?”
“He had one of those stories, like Ian. Poor boy in a small town, a pretty young thing swept in and made him feel like the two of them could make impossible possible but…”
“She broke his heart?”
“He found out she lied about almost every thing and left town almost as quickly as she came. Almost killed the man.”
“But then he met you.”
“He met me.” She smiled. “We’d been married a few years and I noticed that every once and a while he’d get that look in his eyes and drift off. You know me, I chased around until I got to the bottom of it. I found it on the bottom in the back of his underwear drawer--a picture.”
“A picture?”
“A picture of them on their wedding day. It nearly broke my heart.”
“What did you do?”
“Well, my first instinct was to call him on it. I mean, how dare he keep that around, and still pine for her? I gave him everything I had and he had that one little piece of his heart still hidden under his socks.”
Saxon nodded her head and looked at the ground. “Did you talk to him about it?”
“I never even brought it up. I realized that I couldn’t expect him to give me something that wasn’t his. He’d given that part of himself away. It wasn’t his to give to give back.”
“You just let it go?”
Tippy nodded her head. “You know what I did? I went right out and bought a frame for that picture. Just put that picture in it and slipped it right back in the drawer, and never said a word.”
“Why?”
“Saxon, if it weren’t for that little part being taken away, the rest would never to come to me as fully and as perfect as it is. Think about it, honey. You may just be avoiding the best thing that ever happened to either one of you, just because there’s a little vibrant part of him that should never, ever be yours because it’s no longer a part of him.”
“But…”
“One last thing, and I swear I’ll never talk about it again…today.” Tippy smiled. “You know when you walk down the sidewalk sometimes you hear the tap of your heel and sometimes you don’t? You know what that sound is? It’s the echo of where you came from.”
Tippy munched on a piece of cheese and mused further. “Sometimes you don’t hear it, sometimes just barely and sometimes it’s so loud you can’t help but recall where it came from. You still walk a straight line to your destination, but there’s always that echo of yesterday reminding you of how you got to where you are. It’s natural, not a thing wrong with it. It’s just up to you whether it makes you smile or makes you cry.”
Tippy reached over and gave Saxon a hug. “You think on that a while. I’m gonna slip up the stairs there and say hello to David Turner. You should make a point to do the same before he slips off.”
“I will.” Tippy got up and Saxon grabbed her hand. “And thank you.”
Saxon hung her head. “Tippy that’s a one way ticket to nowhere.”
“I don’t think so.” Tippy took her hand and pulled her over to a set of lawn chairs in the shade. “Honey, I think the time is right. Make a move.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve seen too many really good friendships ruined because someone decided it was time to make a move. That never works. I love Ian too much to give up what I have with him.”
“But that Clare thing is out of the picture.” Tippy looked at the little boy bouncing across the yard. “And he’s got Ronnie now. The path is clear. I’d think about it if I were you.”
“Honestly, Tippy, since Ian came to town I’ve thought of little else.” Saxon shook her head. “It’s just not meant to be.”
“I think Ian might surprise you.”
Saxon squeezed Tippy’s hand. “I think he’d try, Tippy. I really do think he’d give it everything he had, but in the end he’d never open up enough to let me in.”
“He was with that Clare thing for what eight, nine years. He had to fight to keep that relationship together, what makes you think he wouldn’t work even harder to make it work with you?”
“Tippy, you don’t understand.”
“Then make me, and I’ll back right off.”
“Ian loved Clare, but he was never in love with Clare. Do you understand that?”
Tippy nodded her head. “Because of Taylor.”
“Right. He was with Clare because deep down he knew she’d never break his heart. I will.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m human, because he knows I’d break my own heart trying to overcome the first real joy he’d ever known that crumbled into a nightmare he lived with for ten years.”
“Oh honey.” Tippy put her arm around Saxon. “You’re the one who’s afraid. You’re the one whose had her heart smashed to bits a few too many times.”
“Well, I can’t deny that.”
“Saxon, romance is like going camping with diarrhea.”
“What?”
"No matter how hard you try to plan or anticipate sooner or later there's gonna be an explosion. Never let it be said you didn't go for it just because you were afraid you'd end up having to beat your underwear on a rock. Besides, those little explosions in romance are half the fun, and most of the time the only thing you end up remembering."
Saxon laughed out loud. “Okay, I need to write that one down.”
“It’ll be in the book.” Tippy smiled.
“I’ll think about it, but…”
“Honey, I know all about the fear of overcoming those first great loves, the one’s that break a man’s heart into believing he’ll never ever be that foolish again. Colton is the love of my life, and I have no doubt that I’m his, but you know he was married once before.”
“He was?”
“He had one of those stories, like Ian. Poor boy in a small town, a pretty young thing swept in and made him feel like the two of them could make impossible possible but…”
“She broke his heart?”
“He found out she lied about almost every thing and left town almost as quickly as she came. Almost killed the man.”
“But then he met you.”
“He met me.” She smiled. “We’d been married a few years and I noticed that every once and a while he’d get that look in his eyes and drift off. You know me, I chased around until I got to the bottom of it. I found it on the bottom in the back of his underwear drawer--a picture.”
“A picture?”
“A picture of them on their wedding day. It nearly broke my heart.”
“What did you do?”
“Well, my first instinct was to call him on it. I mean, how dare he keep that around, and still pine for her? I gave him everything I had and he had that one little piece of his heart still hidden under his socks.”
Saxon nodded her head and looked at the ground. “Did you talk to him about it?”
“I never even brought it up. I realized that I couldn’t expect him to give me something that wasn’t his. He’d given that part of himself away. It wasn’t his to give to give back.”
“You just let it go?”
Tippy nodded her head. “You know what I did? I went right out and bought a frame for that picture. Just put that picture in it and slipped it right back in the drawer, and never said a word.”
“Why?”
“Saxon, if it weren’t for that little part being taken away, the rest would never to come to me as fully and as perfect as it is. Think about it, honey. You may just be avoiding the best thing that ever happened to either one of you, just because there’s a little vibrant part of him that should never, ever be yours because it’s no longer a part of him.”
“But…”
“One last thing, and I swear I’ll never talk about it again…today.” Tippy smiled. “You know when you walk down the sidewalk sometimes you hear the tap of your heel and sometimes you don’t? You know what that sound is? It’s the echo of where you came from.”
Tippy munched on a piece of cheese and mused further. “Sometimes you don’t hear it, sometimes just barely and sometimes it’s so loud you can’t help but recall where it came from. You still walk a straight line to your destination, but there’s always that echo of yesterday reminding you of how you got to where you are. It’s natural, not a thing wrong with it. It’s just up to you whether it makes you smile or makes you cry.”
Tippy reached over and gave Saxon a hug. “You think on that a while. I’m gonna slip up the stairs there and say hello to David Turner. You should make a point to do the same before he slips off.”
“I will.” Tippy got up and Saxon grabbed her hand. “And thank you.”
Vignette #133: Magic
“Papa! Papa!” Ronnie shouted excitedly as he finally tracked Ian down.
“Ronnie! Ronnie!” He mocked back, catching him and wrapping his arms around him.
“J.J. and Charlie want me to come over tonight and have a sleep over!” He was bouncing up and down from the excitement and probably way too much sugar.
“When? Tonight?”
“Uh Huh. Can I? Can I, please? I’ll never ever ask you for anything again!”
“I doubt that seriously.” Ian got down on his knees and tried to hold the jumping bean in one place. “Did their parents okay this or is this something you guys just decided on your own?”
“No, they suggested it. They want you to come, too!” He grinned. “Won’t it be fun?”
Ian sighed. “Puppy, tell you what. Papa needs to talk with JJ and Charlie’s parents and then I’ll let you know. Okay?”
“I’ll be good. I promise!” He was trying not to beg or whine.
“It is not a question of you being good. I trust you, but I just need to talk with them about it first.”
“Okay.”
“In the meantime…” Ian turned his son around so he was facing the balcony. “Some one is here that you invited and I think you should run up and gave him a big hug and ask him how his stupid cat is.” Ian pointed until his son’s eyes followed.
“Mr. Turner!” Ronnie bolted in the direction of the old man.
“Amazing. You just point your finger and off every one runs in the direction you choose.” The woman’s voice drifted down over him.
“That’s because I’m magic.” He stood to look in her beautiful blue eyes. “Shh! Don’t tell any one. It’s a secret.”
“Safe with me.” Saxon Allen slipped her arm around Ian’s waist and meandered with him back to the food spread. “I forgot how good your chili is.”
“You can’t really judge whether or not chili is good until the next day. If it doesn’t repeat, I didn’t add enough cumin.”
Saxon, of course, laughed. She picked up a homemade potato chip, turned around and nodded her head. “So what do you think?”
Ian turned his head and spotted Reese and Billy oblivious to anyone but each other. “Awkward.”
“I’m happy for both of them.”
“Oh me, too. I just…”
Saxon turned back around to him. “Reese told me Billy was so worried about your reaction, if nothing else the last thing you needed was another shock.”
Ian’s laugh was quiet. “Saxon, the last thing it was to me was a shock. You can only walk in your dorm room so many times to find a strange red-faced guy and hearing the excuse “I was so drunk I don’t remember anything”. Even I know two plus two is five.”
“Four. Two plus two is four.”
“That’s why I have an accountant.” Ian looked the couple and back to Saxon. “I feel awkward because Billy is like a brother, and Reese has quickly become one, too. Normally, I’d pull Reese aside and say you hurt him and I’ll break your face, now if someone gets hurt I’ll have to kill both of them.”
“Tippy’s already introducing him to everyone as her son-in-law.”
“And you’re surprised?” Ian snatched a piece of cheese from Saxon’s plate and filled a cup with tea. “I’m a little worried about the ease at which everyone is taking it here. When he goes back home it’s going to be a totally different story.”
“Speaking of totally different stories, I loved that script you gave me.”
“And?”
“And I’d love to do it, but you’re right totally uncastable, even if I could get backing.”
“Well, it was worth a shot.” Ian’s head whipped toward the kitchen. “Excuse me, Saxon. I seemed to be needed in the kitchen.” He kissed her cheek. “See you later?”
“Won’t leave until I say goodbye.” She smiled.
“Better not.” Ian pointed his finger at her and went toward Colton having a nervous breakdown in the kitchen doorway.
Saxon watched him and sighed.
“Ronnie! Ronnie!” He mocked back, catching him and wrapping his arms around him.
“J.J. and Charlie want me to come over tonight and have a sleep over!” He was bouncing up and down from the excitement and probably way too much sugar.
“When? Tonight?”
“Uh Huh. Can I? Can I, please? I’ll never ever ask you for anything again!”
“I doubt that seriously.” Ian got down on his knees and tried to hold the jumping bean in one place. “Did their parents okay this or is this something you guys just decided on your own?”
“No, they suggested it. They want you to come, too!” He grinned. “Won’t it be fun?”
Ian sighed. “Puppy, tell you what. Papa needs to talk with JJ and Charlie’s parents and then I’ll let you know. Okay?”
“I’ll be good. I promise!” He was trying not to beg or whine.
“It is not a question of you being good. I trust you, but I just need to talk with them about it first.”
“Okay.”
“In the meantime…” Ian turned his son around so he was facing the balcony. “Some one is here that you invited and I think you should run up and gave him a big hug and ask him how his stupid cat is.” Ian pointed until his son’s eyes followed.
“Mr. Turner!” Ronnie bolted in the direction of the old man.
“Amazing. You just point your finger and off every one runs in the direction you choose.” The woman’s voice drifted down over him.
“That’s because I’m magic.” He stood to look in her beautiful blue eyes. “Shh! Don’t tell any one. It’s a secret.”
“Safe with me.” Saxon Allen slipped her arm around Ian’s waist and meandered with him back to the food spread. “I forgot how good your chili is.”
“You can’t really judge whether or not chili is good until the next day. If it doesn’t repeat, I didn’t add enough cumin.”
Saxon, of course, laughed. She picked up a homemade potato chip, turned around and nodded her head. “So what do you think?”
Ian turned his head and spotted Reese and Billy oblivious to anyone but each other. “Awkward.”
“I’m happy for both of them.”
“Oh me, too. I just…”
Saxon turned back around to him. “Reese told me Billy was so worried about your reaction, if nothing else the last thing you needed was another shock.”
Ian’s laugh was quiet. “Saxon, the last thing it was to me was a shock. You can only walk in your dorm room so many times to find a strange red-faced guy and hearing the excuse “I was so drunk I don’t remember anything”. Even I know two plus two is five.”
“Four. Two plus two is four.”
“That’s why I have an accountant.” Ian looked the couple and back to Saxon. “I feel awkward because Billy is like a brother, and Reese has quickly become one, too. Normally, I’d pull Reese aside and say you hurt him and I’ll break your face, now if someone gets hurt I’ll have to kill both of them.”
“Tippy’s already introducing him to everyone as her son-in-law.”
“And you’re surprised?” Ian snatched a piece of cheese from Saxon’s plate and filled a cup with tea. “I’m a little worried about the ease at which everyone is taking it here. When he goes back home it’s going to be a totally different story.”
“Speaking of totally different stories, I loved that script you gave me.”
“And?”
“And I’d love to do it, but you’re right totally uncastable, even if I could get backing.”
“Well, it was worth a shot.” Ian’s head whipped toward the kitchen. “Excuse me, Saxon. I seemed to be needed in the kitchen.” He kissed her cheek. “See you later?”
“Won’t leave until I say goodbye.” She smiled.
“Better not.” Ian pointed his finger at her and went toward Colton having a nervous breakdown in the kitchen doorway.
Saxon watched him and sighed.
Vignette #132: Vices
Ian hadn’t had a smoke all day and decided to walk up the outside steps to his bedroom and enjoy one. It was his house, damn it, he would lock himself in the bathroom if he had to.
As he made it up to his balcony, he discovered someone he wasn’t aware had even arrived. He walked over and sat down in the chair beside him.
David Turner’s gaze turned from watching all down below to Ian. “I hope you don’t mind. I was exploring the house on my own and found my way here.”
“I don’t mind at all. I’m honored, glad you came.”
“You’ve made a beautiful home here.” The man said returning his gaze to look out over the balcony.
“Thank you.” Ian said and cocked his head in realization. He put his hand on Turner’s forearm. “I keep forgetting. It must still be difficult for you to come here.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Ronnie called me personally, you know. I don’t think there is a human alive that can turn that boy down.”
Ian smiled. “I hope he doesn’t catch on to that before he learns to use his powers for good and not evil.”
Ian caught a glimpse of sorrow flash across Turner’s face. “I can only imagine.” He said. “I can only imagine.”
Ian bit his lip. “I’m sorry, Mr. Turner. I keep putting my foot in my mouth, forgive me.”
“For what, being a proud father? Why should you apologize for that?” Turner asked him.
He took a deep breath. “You’ve never spoken much of your past, our relationship has been very work oriented. I’m grateful and in awe of you, sir, and I no more want to disrespect you than I want to remind you of anything that might still be painful.”
Turner nodded his head.
“All I really know of your past is legend and hearsay, and I of all people would understand how any conversation pertaining to the past would be something best avoided in casual conversation.”
Turner finally turned to look at him. “Ian, I am blessed by your respect and your presence in my life, but you are right. There are some things that are still very painful. It’s not that I don’t wish to discuss them, it’s just that for most people whom might ask, the answers are truly none of their business.”
Ian smiled “I perfectly understand that one, too.”
“I would hope that you think that we have more than a business relationship. Personally, I consider you a friend as well. I thought you felt the same way, you’ve practically made me a part of your family.”
Ian nodded his head. “Absolutely. I owe you so much, sir…almost everything you see, and the last thing I want to do is take advantage of our friendship, just to satisfy my own curiosities.”
To Ian’s surprise, David Turner laughed quietly. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, Ian. I am probably just as curious about your past as you are about mine.”
“My past?” Ian looked back at him blankly. “My past is pretty much a very boring open book, yours is the one that has all the pages colored.”
Turner laughed out loud and quickly then just as quickly returned to quietly gazing out over the festivities. “I had forgotten how beautiful it was here.” He finally smiled, weakly, but truly. “This house, this place takes me back to times I’ve avoided for so long, too long.”
“Mr. Turner, may I ask you…” he hesitated only a moment and plunged forward with his question. “Why have you never gone public? You could probably put a lot of the speculation and urban legend to rest. You are probably the only person alive that knows the truth.”
Turner leaned forward in the chair and looked directly into Ian’s eyes. “You have amazing instincts young Justyn, that’s why you are where you are. Once they are refined…” Turner cocked his head. “If the world thinks you are taking them by storm now…”
Ian blushed. “I appreciate the support.”
“I’m trying very hard to teach you everything I know, and you seem to always be one step ahead of me. So tell me, what makes a piece good?” Turner posed.
Ian thought a moment. “It’s all a matter of prospective. There are so many sides to every situation, and you have to find an idea that shows the audience a side interesting enough to make the unfolding all of the other perspectives as realistic and thrilling as the one you are telling it from.”
Turner patted Ian on the hand. “You’ve just answered your own question.”
Ian smiled and sat back. “Still, maybe you should write a book, at least tell your side of the story.”
Turner smiled. “But then, that urban legend is the only legacy that any of us have to leave behind, no matter how true or how false. In many ways, as long as the world has unanswered questions about Darla, James and I, the three of us will always be remembered. Maybe not what we had hoped for, but always remembered.”
“I understand.” Ian said, although a little disappointed.
“Now it’s my turn.” Turner sat back with a smile and folded his hands across his stomach.
“Your turn?”
“To ask you a question.”
“Oh this is a game?” Ian laughed himself. “Okay, your turn, but I doubt that I am as eloquent with my answer as you.”
Turner looked at him with a devilish grin. “May I have a cigarette and some scotch?”
“Mr. Turner, you are ninety odd years old, I am not about to…”
Turner cocked on eyebrow. David knew it was going to take a little convincing. “Yeah, yeah, I shouldn’t but neither should you, and one more smoke and a belt of good liquor isn’t going to do too much more damage than it already has. Now how about those vices?”
Ian drummed his fingers on the stone tabletop. “The booze I can supply, but I quit smoking.”
Turner smiled. “Bullshit. You and I are cut from the same cloth, Ian. You’ve got a pack hidden around here somewhere.”
Ian got up from the table and entered his bedroom. Within a moment he returned with two glasses and a bottle of Chevas Regal. He poured each of them a finger full and then looked both ways before he pulled a pack of Marlboro Light 100s from his breast pocket. As he lit one for an excited Turner he warned him. “If we get caught, these are yours.”
“Yeah…” Turner closed his eyes and exhaled. “They’ll believe that…” he took another drag pulling the smoke deep into his lungs. “Damn, I think I’m getting a chubby…”
“Mr. Turner!” A shocked Ian exhaled.
“I’m 94, but I’m not dead!” Ian laughed, as Turner flicked his first ash into the little glass tray. “Now, why did you choose to be behind the camera and not in front?” He asked. “And don’t give me the standard, no talent, bull shit. You and I both know how true that is.”
Ian thought for a moment. “Fear. Pure and simple.” He sighed. “The way I was raised, Mr. Turner, whenever I brought attention to myself I was resoundly punished. I loved acting. I loved music. I could get so quickly lost, and have everything I was denied for just the few moments when I was being someone else.”
“And it was obvious that when you did that, you were gaining attention.”
He nodded and looked in his drink. “I couldn’t shake the fear, the terror that a mind numbing swift kick from out of nowhere was close at hand, and I knew that would always be there. My dreams were not to be, but then I thought that maybe I could have a hand in helping someone else’s dreams come true, some one whose fears couldn’t stand in my way.”
“Any chance you’ll change your mind?” Turner bellied up his glass.
“Not a chance in hell.”
“A lot of people are going to try.”
“I’m where I need to be.” Ian bellied up his own glass. “Anything else is just a lark.” He clutched the bottle. “Another?”
“Please.” Turner said trying not to too impatiently push his glass toward Ian.
Turner puffed his Marlboro. As he expelled and turned back to Ian a voice bellowed up the stairs from the pool. “Are you still smoking you old goat?”
“Are you still chasing women, you old broad?” Turner cracked back to a beaming Tess Sinclair.
“Just like you, friend.” She retorted as she climbed the stairs to them. “On any rare occasion some sexy gift from God gives me the chance.” Tess Sinclair wasted no time engulfing David Turner in her large frame, rocking him from side to side. It was obvious to Ian that the two had a long history of deep friendship, maybe even love.
“I take it you two know each other.” Ian teased.
“Oh, my boy, the world is small.” Turner grinned.
“And life is full of wide circles.” Tess slapped her friend playfully on the shoulders. “So, your boy here has persuaded me to come out of retirement.”
“From what I understand, it had more to do with large some of moneys than conversation.” David couldn’t stop grinning.
“She’s full of it.” Ian turned up his glass. “She was boohooing in her endless basket of fries and begging me to give her work. It was only because my son asked me to help her, that I offered a generous financial sum.”
“Yeah, right.” She cracked back. “You’re so brilliant; I’d have done it for free.”
“You always did before.” Turner joined in.
“Screw you old man!” Tess snorted, picking up the Chivas and chugging.
“You always said I had the wrong parts.” Turner lobbed back.
“Ah who would know?” Tess chuckled. “I hear it’s pretty small.” She lovingly chucked Turner under the chin, before turning to Ian. “You on the other hand…”
Ian put up both hands and stood. “With that, I’m out of here. I should get back to the little people.” Ian smiled, leaving the bottle and the pack of smokes on the table. “I’ll leave the two of you to catch up…alone with your vices.”
“Killer chili, hot stuff.” Tess hugged Ian and pinched his rear.
“Thanks”. He slapped her butt with a crack. “And Mr. Turner, thank you…”
David nodded as Ian smiled and descended the stairs. They watched him cross the pool deck and reenter the party. Tess took his seat and poured herself a drink.
“So…how much have you told him?” She asked.
As he made it up to his balcony, he discovered someone he wasn’t aware had even arrived. He walked over and sat down in the chair beside him.
David Turner’s gaze turned from watching all down below to Ian. “I hope you don’t mind. I was exploring the house on my own and found my way here.”
“I don’t mind at all. I’m honored, glad you came.”
“You’ve made a beautiful home here.” The man said returning his gaze to look out over the balcony.
“Thank you.” Ian said and cocked his head in realization. He put his hand on Turner’s forearm. “I keep forgetting. It must still be difficult for you to come here.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Ronnie called me personally, you know. I don’t think there is a human alive that can turn that boy down.”
Ian smiled. “I hope he doesn’t catch on to that before he learns to use his powers for good and not evil.”
Ian caught a glimpse of sorrow flash across Turner’s face. “I can only imagine.” He said. “I can only imagine.”
Ian bit his lip. “I’m sorry, Mr. Turner. I keep putting my foot in my mouth, forgive me.”
“For what, being a proud father? Why should you apologize for that?” Turner asked him.
He took a deep breath. “You’ve never spoken much of your past, our relationship has been very work oriented. I’m grateful and in awe of you, sir, and I no more want to disrespect you than I want to remind you of anything that might still be painful.”
Turner nodded his head.
“All I really know of your past is legend and hearsay, and I of all people would understand how any conversation pertaining to the past would be something best avoided in casual conversation.”
Turner finally turned to look at him. “Ian, I am blessed by your respect and your presence in my life, but you are right. There are some things that are still very painful. It’s not that I don’t wish to discuss them, it’s just that for most people whom might ask, the answers are truly none of their business.”
Ian smiled “I perfectly understand that one, too.”
“I would hope that you think that we have more than a business relationship. Personally, I consider you a friend as well. I thought you felt the same way, you’ve practically made me a part of your family.”
Ian nodded his head. “Absolutely. I owe you so much, sir…almost everything you see, and the last thing I want to do is take advantage of our friendship, just to satisfy my own curiosities.”
To Ian’s surprise, David Turner laughed quietly. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, Ian. I am probably just as curious about your past as you are about mine.”
“My past?” Ian looked back at him blankly. “My past is pretty much a very boring open book, yours is the one that has all the pages colored.”
Turner laughed out loud and quickly then just as quickly returned to quietly gazing out over the festivities. “I had forgotten how beautiful it was here.” He finally smiled, weakly, but truly. “This house, this place takes me back to times I’ve avoided for so long, too long.”
“Mr. Turner, may I ask you…” he hesitated only a moment and plunged forward with his question. “Why have you never gone public? You could probably put a lot of the speculation and urban legend to rest. You are probably the only person alive that knows the truth.”
Turner leaned forward in the chair and looked directly into Ian’s eyes. “You have amazing instincts young Justyn, that’s why you are where you are. Once they are refined…” Turner cocked his head. “If the world thinks you are taking them by storm now…”
Ian blushed. “I appreciate the support.”
“I’m trying very hard to teach you everything I know, and you seem to always be one step ahead of me. So tell me, what makes a piece good?” Turner posed.
Ian thought a moment. “It’s all a matter of prospective. There are so many sides to every situation, and you have to find an idea that shows the audience a side interesting enough to make the unfolding all of the other perspectives as realistic and thrilling as the one you are telling it from.”
Turner patted Ian on the hand. “You’ve just answered your own question.”
Ian smiled and sat back. “Still, maybe you should write a book, at least tell your side of the story.”
Turner smiled. “But then, that urban legend is the only legacy that any of us have to leave behind, no matter how true or how false. In many ways, as long as the world has unanswered questions about Darla, James and I, the three of us will always be remembered. Maybe not what we had hoped for, but always remembered.”
“I understand.” Ian said, although a little disappointed.
“Now it’s my turn.” Turner sat back with a smile and folded his hands across his stomach.
“Your turn?”
“To ask you a question.”
“Oh this is a game?” Ian laughed himself. “Okay, your turn, but I doubt that I am as eloquent with my answer as you.”
Turner looked at him with a devilish grin. “May I have a cigarette and some scotch?”
“Mr. Turner, you are ninety odd years old, I am not about to…”
Turner cocked on eyebrow. David knew it was going to take a little convincing. “Yeah, yeah, I shouldn’t but neither should you, and one more smoke and a belt of good liquor isn’t going to do too much more damage than it already has. Now how about those vices?”
Ian drummed his fingers on the stone tabletop. “The booze I can supply, but I quit smoking.”
Turner smiled. “Bullshit. You and I are cut from the same cloth, Ian. You’ve got a pack hidden around here somewhere.”
Ian got up from the table and entered his bedroom. Within a moment he returned with two glasses and a bottle of Chevas Regal. He poured each of them a finger full and then looked both ways before he pulled a pack of Marlboro Light 100s from his breast pocket. As he lit one for an excited Turner he warned him. “If we get caught, these are yours.”
“Yeah…” Turner closed his eyes and exhaled. “They’ll believe that…” he took another drag pulling the smoke deep into his lungs. “Damn, I think I’m getting a chubby…”
“Mr. Turner!” A shocked Ian exhaled.
“I’m 94, but I’m not dead!” Ian laughed, as Turner flicked his first ash into the little glass tray. “Now, why did you choose to be behind the camera and not in front?” He asked. “And don’t give me the standard, no talent, bull shit. You and I both know how true that is.”
Ian thought for a moment. “Fear. Pure and simple.” He sighed. “The way I was raised, Mr. Turner, whenever I brought attention to myself I was resoundly punished. I loved acting. I loved music. I could get so quickly lost, and have everything I was denied for just the few moments when I was being someone else.”
“And it was obvious that when you did that, you were gaining attention.”
He nodded and looked in his drink. “I couldn’t shake the fear, the terror that a mind numbing swift kick from out of nowhere was close at hand, and I knew that would always be there. My dreams were not to be, but then I thought that maybe I could have a hand in helping someone else’s dreams come true, some one whose fears couldn’t stand in my way.”
“Any chance you’ll change your mind?” Turner bellied up his glass.
“Not a chance in hell.”
“A lot of people are going to try.”
“I’m where I need to be.” Ian bellied up his own glass. “Anything else is just a lark.” He clutched the bottle. “Another?”
“Please.” Turner said trying not to too impatiently push his glass toward Ian.
Turner puffed his Marlboro. As he expelled and turned back to Ian a voice bellowed up the stairs from the pool. “Are you still smoking you old goat?”
“Are you still chasing women, you old broad?” Turner cracked back to a beaming Tess Sinclair.
“Just like you, friend.” She retorted as she climbed the stairs to them. “On any rare occasion some sexy gift from God gives me the chance.” Tess Sinclair wasted no time engulfing David Turner in her large frame, rocking him from side to side. It was obvious to Ian that the two had a long history of deep friendship, maybe even love.
“I take it you two know each other.” Ian teased.
“Oh, my boy, the world is small.” Turner grinned.
“And life is full of wide circles.” Tess slapped her friend playfully on the shoulders. “So, your boy here has persuaded me to come out of retirement.”
“From what I understand, it had more to do with large some of moneys than conversation.” David couldn’t stop grinning.
“She’s full of it.” Ian turned up his glass. “She was boohooing in her endless basket of fries and begging me to give her work. It was only because my son asked me to help her, that I offered a generous financial sum.”
“Yeah, right.” She cracked back. “You’re so brilliant; I’d have done it for free.”
“You always did before.” Turner joined in.
“Screw you old man!” Tess snorted, picking up the Chivas and chugging.
“You always said I had the wrong parts.” Turner lobbed back.
“Ah who would know?” Tess chuckled. “I hear it’s pretty small.” She lovingly chucked Turner under the chin, before turning to Ian. “You on the other hand…”
Ian put up both hands and stood. “With that, I’m out of here. I should get back to the little people.” Ian smiled, leaving the bottle and the pack of smokes on the table. “I’ll leave the two of you to catch up…alone with your vices.”
“Killer chili, hot stuff.” Tess hugged Ian and pinched his rear.
“Thanks”. He slapped her butt with a crack. “And Mr. Turner, thank you…”
David nodded as Ian smiled and descended the stairs. They watched him cross the pool deck and reenter the party. Tess took his seat and poured herself a drink.
“So…how much have you told him?” She asked.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Chapter Twenty Five: Chameleon
Ian hadn’t had a smoke all day and decided to walk up the outside steps to his bedroom and enjoy one. It was his house, damn it, he would lock himself in the bathroom if he had to.
As he made it up to his balcony, he discovered someone he wasn’t aware had even arrived. He walked over and sat down in the chair beside him.
David Turner’s gaze turned from watching all down below to Ian. “I hope you don’t mind. I was exploring the house on my own and found my way here.”
“I don’t mind at all. I’m honored, glad you came.”
“You’ve made a beautiful home here.” The man said returning his gaze to look out over the balcony.
“Thank you.” Ian said and cocked his head in realization. He put his hand on Turner’s forearm. “I keep forgetting. It must still be difficult for you to come here.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Ronnie called me personally, you know. I don’t think there is a human alive that can turn that boy down.”
Ian smiled. “I hope he doesn’t catch on to that before he learns to use his powers for good and not evil.”
Ian caught a glimpse of sorrow flash across Turner’s face. “I can only imagine.” He said. “I can only imagine.”
Ian bit his lip. “I’m sorry, Mr. Turner. I keep putting my foot in my mouth, forgive me.”
“For what, being a proud father? Why should you apologize for that?” Turner asked him.
He took a deep breath. “You’ve never spoken much of your past, our relationship has been very work oriented. I’m grateful and in awe of you, sir, and I no more want to disrespect you than I want to remind you of anything that might still be painful.”
Turner nodded his head.
“All I really know of your past is legend and hearsay, and I of all people would understand how any conversation pertaining to the past would be something best avoided in casual conversation.”
Turner finally turned to look at him. “Ian, I am blessed by your respect and your presence in my life, but you are right. There are some things that are still very painful. It’s not that I don’t wish to discuss them, it’s just that for most people whom might ask, the answers are truly none of their business.”
Ian smiled “I perfectly understand that one, too.”
“I would hope that you think that we have more than a business relationship. Personally, I consider you a friend as well. I thought you felt the same way, you’ve practically made me a part of your family.”
Ian nodded his head. “Absolutely. I owe you so much, sir…almost everything you see, and the last thing I want to do is take advantage of our friendship, just to satisfy my own curiosities.”
To Ian’s surprise, David Turner laughed quietly. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, Ian. I am probably just as curious about your past as you are about mine.”
“My past?” Ian looked back at him blankly. “My past is pretty much a very boring open book, yours is the one that has all the pages colored.”
Turner laughed out loud and then just as quickly returned to quietly gazing out over the festivities. “I had forgotten how beautiful it was here.” He finally smiled, weakly, but truly. “This house, this place takes me back to times I’ve avoided for so long, too long.”
“Mr. Turner, may I ask you…” he hesitated only a moment and plunged forward with his question. “Why have you never gone public? You could probably put a lot of the speculation and urban legend to rest. You are probably the only person alive that knows the truth.”
Turner leaned forward in the chair and looked directly into Ian’s eyes. “You have amazing instincts young Justyn, that’s why you are where you are. Once they are refined…” Turner cocked his head. “If the world thinks you are taking them by storm now…”
Ian blushed. “I appreciate the support.”
“I’m trying very hard to teach you everything I know, and you seem to always be one step ahead of me. So tell me, what makes a piece good?” Turner posed.
Ian thought a moment. “It’s all a matter of prospective. There are so many sides to every situation, and you have to find an idea that shows the audience a side interesting enough to make the unfolding all of the other perspectives as realistic and thrilling as the one you are telling it from.”
Turner patted Ian on the hand. “You’ve just answered your own question.”
Ian smiled and sat back. “Still, maybe you should write a book, at least tell your side of the story.”
Turner smiled. “But then, that urban legend is the only legacy that any of us have to leave behind, no matter how true or how false. In many ways, as long as the world has unanswered questions about Darla, James and I, the three of us will always be remembered. Maybe not what we had hoped for, but always remembered.”
“I understand.” Ian said, although a little disappointed.
“Now it’s my turn.” Turner sat back with a smile and folded his hands across his stomach.
“Your turn?”
“To ask you a question.”
“Oh this is a game?” Ian laughed himself. “Okay, your turn, but I doubt that I am as eloquent with my answer as you.”
Turner looked at him with a devilish grin. “May I have a cigarette and some scotch?”
“Mr. Turner, you are ninety odd years old, I am not about to…”
Turner cocked on eyebrow. David knew it was going to take a little convincing. “Yeah, yeah, I shouldn’t but neither should you, and one more smoke and a belt of good liquor isn’t going to do too much more damage than it already has. Now how about those vices?”
Ian drummed his fingers on the stone tabletop. “The booze I can supply, but I quit smoking.”
Turner smiled. “Bullshit. You and I are cut from the same cloth, Ian. You’ve got a pack hidden around here somewhere.”
Ian got up from the table and entered his bedroom. Within a moment he returned with two glasses and a bottle of Chevas Regal. He poured each of them a finger full and then looked both ways before he pulled a pack of Marlboro Light 100s from his breast pocket. As he lit one for an excited Turner he warned him. “If we get caught, these are yours.”
“Yeah…” Turner closed his eyes and exhaled. “They’ll believe that…” he took another drag pulling the smoke deep into his lungs. “Damn, I think I’m getting a chubby…”
“Mr. Turner!” A shocked Ian exhaled.
“I’m 94, but I’m not dead!” Ian laughed, as Turner flicked his first ash into the little glass tray. “Now, why did you choose to be behind the camera and not in front?” He asked. “And don’t give me the standard, no talent, bull shit. You and I both know how true that is.”
Ian thought for a moment. “Fear. Pure and simple.” He sighed. “The way I was raised, Mr. Turner, whenever I brought attention to myself I was resoundly punished. I loved acting. I loved music. I could get so quickly lost, and have everything I was denied for just the few moments when I was being someone else.”
“And it was obvious that when you did that, you were gaining attention.”
He nodded and looked in his drink. “I couldn’t shake the fear, the terror that a mind numbing swift kick from out of nowhere was close at hand, and I knew that would always be there. My dreams were not to be, but then I thought that maybe I could have a hand in helping someone else’s dreams come true, some one whose fears couldn’t stand in my way.”
“Any chance you’ll change your mind?” Turner bellied up his glass.
“Not a chance in hell.”
“A lot of people are going to try.”
“I’m where I need to be.” Ian bellied up his own glass. “Anything else is just a lark.” He clutched the bottle. “Another?”
“Please.” Turner said trying not to too impatiently push his glass toward Ian.
Turner puffed his Marlboro. As he expelled and turned back to Ian a voice bellowed up the stairs from the pool. “Are you still smoking you old goat?”
“Are you still chasing women, you old broad?” Turner cracked back to a beaming Tess Sinclair.
“Just like you, friend.” She retorted as she climbed the stairs to them. “On any rare occasion some sexy gift from God gives me the chance.” Tess Sinclair wasted no time engulfing David Turner in her large frame, rocking him from side to side. It was obvious to Ian that the two had a long history of deep friendship, maybe even love.
“I take it you two know each other.” Ian teased.
“Oh, my boy, the world is small.” Turner grinned.
“And life is full of wide circles.” Tess slapped her friend playfully on the shoulders. “So, your boy here has persuaded me to come out of retirement.”
“From what I understand, it had more to do with large some of moneys than conversation.” David couldn’t stop grinning.
“She’s full of it.” Ian turned up his glass. “She was boohooing in her endless basket of fries and begging me to give her work. It was only because my son asked me to help her, that I offered a generous financial sum.”
“Yeah, right.” She cracked back. “You’re so brilliant; I’d have done it for free.”
“You always did before.” Turner joined in.
“Screw you old man!” Tess snorted, picking up the Chivas and chugging.
“You always said I had the wrong parts.” Turner lobbed back.
“Ah who would know?” Tess chuckled. “I hear it’s pretty small.” She lovingly chucked Turner under the chin, before turning to Ian. “You on the other hand…”
Ian put up both hands and stood. “With that, I’m out of here. I should get back to the little people.” Ian smiled, leaving the bottle and the pack of smokes on the table. “I’ll leave the two of you to catch up…alone with your vices.”
“Killer chili, hot stuff.” Tess hugged Ian and pinched his rear.
“Thanks”. He slapped her butt with a crack. “And Mr. Turner, thank you…”
David nodded as Ian smiled and descended the stairs. They watched him cross the pool deck and reenter the party. Tess took his seat and poured herself a drink.
“So…how much have you told him?” She asked.
“Papa! Papa!” Ronnie shouted excitedly as he finally tracked Ian down.
“Ronnie! Ronnie!” He mocked back, catching him and wrapping his arms around him.
“J.J. and Charlie want me to come over tonight and have a sleep over!” He was bouncing up and down from the excitement and probably way too much sugar.
“When? Tonight?”
“Uh Huh. Can I? Can I, please? I’ll never ever ask you for anything again!”
“I doubt that seriously.” Ian got down on his knees and tried to hold the jumping bean in one place. “Did their parents okay this or is this something you guys just decided on your own?”
“No, they suggested it. They want you to come, too!” He grinned. “Won’t it be fun?”
Ian sighed. “Puppy, tell you what. Papa needs to talk with JJ and Charlie’s parents and then I’ll let you know. Okay?”
“I’ll be good. I promise!” He was trying not to beg or whine.
“It is not a question of you being good. I trust you, but I just need to talk with them about it first.”
“Okay.”
“In the meantime…” Ian turned his son around so he was facing the balcony. “Some one is here that you invited and I think you should run up and gave him a big hug and ask him how his stupid cat is.” Ian pointed until his son’s eyes followed.
“Mr. Turner!” Ronnie bolted in the direction of the old man.
“Amazing. You just point your finger and off every one runs in the direction you choose.” The woman’s voice drifted down over him.
“That’s because I’m magic.” He stood to look in her beautiful blue eyes. “Shh! Don’t tell any one. It’s a secret.”
“Safe with me.” Saxon Allen slipped her arm around Ian’s waist and meandered with him back to the food spread. “I forgot how good your chili is.”
“You can’t really judge whether or not chili is good until the next day. If it doesn’t repeat, I didn’t add enough cumin.”
Saxon, of course, laughed. She picked up a homemade potato chip, turned around and nodded her head. “So what do you think?”
Ian turned his head and spotted Reese and Billy oblivious to anyone but each other. “Awkward.”
“I’m happy for both of them.”
“Oh me, too. I just…”
Saxon turned back around to him. “Reese told me Billy was so worried about your reaction, if nothing else the last thing you needed was another shock.”
Ian’s laugh was quiet. “Saxon, the last thing it was to me was a shock. You can only walk in your dorm room so many times to find a strange red-faced guy and hearing the excuse “I was so drunk I don’t remember anything”. Even I know two plus two is five.”
“Four. Two plus two is four.”
“That’s why I have an accountant.” Ian looked the couple and back to Saxon. “I feel awkward because Billy is like a brother, and Reese has quickly become one, too. Normally, I’d pull Reese aside and say you hurt him and I’ll break your face, now if someone gets hurt I’ll have to kill both of them.”
“Tippy’s already introducing him to everyone as her son-in-law.”
“And you’re surprised?” Ian snatched a piece of cheese from Saxon’s plate and filled a cup with tea. “I’m a little worried about the ease at which everyone is taking it here. When he goes back home it’s going to be a totally different story.”
“Speaking of totally different stories, I loved that script you gave me.”
“And?”
“And I’d love to do it, but you’re right totally uncastable, even if I could get backing.”
“Well, it was worth a shot.” Ian’s head whipped toward the kitchen. “Excuse me, Saxon. I seemed to be needed in the kitchen.” He kissed her cheek. “See you later?”
“Won’t leave until I say goodbye.” She smiled.
“Better not.” Ian pointed his finger at her and went toward Colton having a nervous breakdown in the kitchen doorway.
Saxon watched him and sighed.
“Do not try and tell me again that you aren’t interested.”
Saxon hung her head. “Tippy that’s a one way ticket to nowhere.”
“I don’t think so.” Tippy took her hand and pulled her over to a set of lawn chairs in the shade. “Honey, I think the time is right. Make a move.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve seen too many really good friendships ruined because someone decided it was time to make a move. That never works. I love Ian too much to give up what I have with him.”
“But that Clare thing is out of the picture.” Tippy looked at the little boy bouncing across the yard. “And he’s got Ronnie now. The path is clear. I’d think about it if I were you.”
“Honestly, Tippy, since Ian came to town I’ve thought of little else.” Saxon shook her head. “It’s just not meant to be.”
“I think Ian might surprise you.”
Saxon squeezed Tippy’s hand. “I think he’d try, Tippy. I really do think he’d give it everything he had, but in the end he’d never open up enough to let me in.”
“He was with that Clare thing for what eight, nine years. He had to fight to keep that relationship together, what makes you think he wouldn’t work even harder to make it work with you?”
“Tippy, you don’t understand.”
“Then make me, and I’ll back right off.”
“Ian loved Clare, but he was never in love with Clare. Do you understand that?”
Tippy nodded her head. “Because of Taylor.”
“Right. He was with Clare because deep down he knew she’d never break his heart. I will.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m human, because he knows I’d break my own heart trying to overcome the first real joy he’d ever known that crumbled into a nightmare he lived with for ten years.”
“Oh honey.” Tippy put her arm around Saxon. “You’re the one who’s afraid. You’re the one whose had her heart smashed to bits a few too many times.”
“Well, I can’t deny that.”
“Saxon, romance is like going camping with diarrhea.”
“What?”
"No matter how hard you try to plan or anticipate sooner or later there's gonna be an explosion. Never let it be said you didn't go for it just because you were afraid you'd end up having to beat your underwear on a rock. Besides, those little explosions in romance are half the fun, and most of the time the only thing you end up remembering."
Saxon laughed out loud. “Okay, I need to write that one down.”
“It’ll be in the book.” Tippy smiled.
“I’ll think about it, but…”
“Honey, I know all about the fear of overcoming those first great loves, the one’s that break a man’s heart into believing he’ll never ever be that foolish again. Colton is the love of my life, and I have no doubt that I’m his, but you know he was married once before.”
“He was?”
“He had one of those stories, like Ian. Poor boy in a small town, a pretty young thing swept in and made him feel like the two of them could make impossible possible but…”
“She broke his heart?”
“He found out she lied about almost every thing and left town almost as quickly as she came. Almost killed the man.”
“But then he met you.”
“He met me.” She smiled. “We’d been married a few years and I noticed that every once and a while he’d get that look in his eyes and drift off. You know me, I chased around until I got to the bottom of it. I found it on the bottom in the back of his underwear drawer--a picture.”
“A picture?”
“A picture of them on their wedding day. It nearly broke my heart.”
“What did you do?”
“Well, my first instinct was to call him on it. I mean, how dare he keep that around, and still pine for her? I gave him everything I had and he had that one little piece of his heart still hidden under his socks.”
Saxon nodded her head and looked at the ground. “Did you talk to him about it?”
“I never even brought it up. I realized that I couldn’t expect him to give me something that wasn’t his. He’d given that part of himself away. It wasn’t his to give to give back.”
“You just let it go?”
Tippy nodded her head. “You know what I did? I went right out and bought a frame for that picture. Just put that picture in it and slipped it right back in the drawer, and never said a word.”
“Why?”
“Saxon, if it weren’t for that little part being taken away, the rest would never to come to me as fully and as perfect as it is. Think about it, honey. You may just be avoiding the best thing that ever happened to either one of you, just because there’s a little vibrant part of him that should never, ever be yours because it’s no longer a part of him.”
“But…”
“One last thing, and I swear I’ll never talk about it again…today.” Tippy smiled. “You know when you walk down the sidewalk sometimes you hear the tap of your heel and sometimes you don’t? You know what that sound is? It’s the echo of where you came from.”
Tippy munched on a piece of cheese and mused further. “Sometimes you don’t hear it, sometimes just barely and sometimes it’s so loud you can’t help but recall where it came from. You still walk a straight line to your destination, but there’s always that echo of yesterday reminding you of how you got to where you are. It’s natural, not a thing wrong with it. It’s just up to you whether it makes you smile or makes you cry.”
Tippy reached over and gave Saxon a hug. “You think on that a while. I’m gonna slip up the stairs there and say hello to David Turner. You should make a point to do the same before he slips off.”
“I will.” Tippy got up and Saxon grabbed her hand. “And thank you.”
Ian almost ran her over when he stepped out of the kitchen door. “Ella, I didn’t see you.”
“Sorry, Ian. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“Me, either. We haven’t had the chance to chat. Are you enjoying yourself?” He asked.
“Oh, yes, having a wonderful time.” She smiled.
“I haven’t had a chance to meet your boyfriend. You did bring him?”
“Yes. He came late, but you’ve met him already.”
“I have.”
“Yes, Blue Richards.”
“Blue?” Ian thought a moment. “Oh, bartender at Open Fields?”
“That would be the one.”
“I never got the chance to thank him. He got me out of a really bad situation.”
“Can I ask you something personal? I mean we are technically off the clock, right?”
“Of course.”
“Actually it’s more of a favor.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
Ella looked Ian in the eyes. “Look, I know that every once and a while Blue likes to play with the boys.”
“Play with the…?”
“I figure what the heck, just be a man about it and wear a condom.”
Realizing, finally, what she was talking about Ian managed to get out. “That’s very…uh…contemporary of you.”
“He’s got the hots for you. I mean big time.”
“Ella, I have no desire…”
“Ian, drag the man off in the bushes and put him out of his misery. It’s really getting pathetic.”
“I’m so sorry, Ella. I really am, but that is never going to happen.”
“I keep telling him that, but…oh heck, I really liked him, too.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Me, either.” She said and walked off into the crowd.
“I’ve got the next number. Is it my turn?” Came the familiar Aussie lilt.
“I thought I left all the appointments for private audiences when I left the office.”
“Well, mate, when your the most popular kid in school everyone wants to dance when you throw the prom.” Jeremy took a swig from his cup.
“Never thought I’d hear that term lobbed in my direction. I wanted to speak with you anyway.”
“Here I am, at your service.”
“Stop.” Ian smiled. “Ronnie said the boys have invited him for a sleepover tonight?”
“Yes. We thought it just might be easier in the long run. Is that alright with you?”
“Easier?”
“We’re going fishing tomorrow, remember?”
Ian felt stupid because of what he had been thinking. “At the crack of dawn. I remember.”
“We hoped you’d change your mind and go with us.”
“Actually,” Ian said, “I’d love to go…”
“Great!”
“But, Billy’s visit was a surprise and he leaves on Monday morning. This will give me a day to spend some time with him and not have to feel guilty about ignoring Ronnie.”
“Invite him to go along.”
“You know, I think Ronnie’s kind of enjoying the thought of having his first sleep over. It’s a big step for him. As much as he’d enjoy having me along, I think it would make him feel more grown up if I let him do it on his own.”
“Susan and I kind of felt that way, too but wanted to let you know that you had an option.”
“Jeremy, I need to thank the two of you for being so great about Ronnie. I was a little hesitant because of the age differences when Tippy first suggested it.”
“The boys love him, and he’s a great kid. A good influence, it’s good for them to be around a kid from a normal background. We don’t want them to grow up not knowing how lucky they have it any more than we want them to grow up thinking they’re privileged.”
“I know this comes out of the blue, but have you and Susan given any thought to where you’re going to send J.J. to school?”
“We keep going back and forth, public, private, charter? It’s a big decision and ultimately we have to make a decision based on what we think is best in the long run for J.J.”
“I’m struggling with the same decisions for Ronnie. This time last year there was only one choice for him, now besides the best education possible there are other factors to determine in.”
“In other words, how best will he fit in?” Jeremy understood. “He’s a good kid, but no matter what decision we make about our kid’s education, there’s always the square peg in the round hole.”
“I don’t think Ronnie’s a square peg.” Ian said, “But will the other kids, no matter where I put him, feel the same way?”
“If Susan and I can be of any help, you know we’d love to be there for you.”
Ian smiled. “Thank you, Jeremy. I may very well take you up on that. I better go track the little guy down and get him ready.”
Jeremy nodded his head and watched Ian off to find his social butterfly. He couldn’t help but notice Ian, as he was stopped or stopped himself among the crowd. If you watched close enough, you could see that one second when the color changed.
What was it about that man, he wondered. Why was it when someone entered his space, it looked as though the chameleon changed colors? Was there one person in the world who could walk in a room and Ian Justyn just remained Ian Justyn?
“So how do you think he’s doing?” Came the voice at Jeremy’s ear.
“He’s thrown a great gathering.” Jeremy turned at smiled. “You expected anything less?”
“I didn’t mean about the party.” Colton said, lifting that one trademark eyebrow.
“Colt, I don’t know him that well. Susan and I both adore him, but he holds us at a distance.”
“He holds almost everyone at a distance.” Colton said softly. “I can’t shake the feeling that he’s not being honest.”
Jeremy turned to his friend. “Colton, if you are thinking there’s something sinister going on.”
“Nothing that melodramatic. I just get the feeling that there’s so much going on in that poor man’s head that he’s not letting on. He’s been through so much, especially lately and I’m not sure he’s come to terms with it all.”
“I don’t know that much about his past, Colton, but I know he stepped into a tornado, but he seems to be holding on.”
“There’s a lot going on with that young man. I can feel it.” The man watched Ian throwing back his head and laughing with Billy. “Something’s not quite right.”
Jeremy turned to Colton, half joking. “You don’t think he’s dangerous.”
“Only to himself.”
They stood and watched Ian scoop up Ronnie and swing him around in the air, both laughing and carefree. Jeremy saw a man he was hoping would let him be a true friend, despite a mistake they both made, but hopefully could put in the back of their minds.
Colton Shores on the other hand saw something else, felt something else. He didn’t know why, but he saw a man in danger. He saw a man trying hard to put everyone around him at ease, not realizing that he himself was just as important. It was as though Ian Justyn was some long lost part of him, and there was this instinctual need to fix whatever was wrong.
But Ian Justyn kept moving forward, smiling, making everyone feel special. He shook, hands and thanked people for coming as they began to say goodbye. He wrapped food and make sure everyone had a little something to take with them.
“Are you sure you are going to be alright by yourself?” He said as he sat on the bed and watched the overnight bag being zipped up.
“It’ll be hard, but I think I can survive one night.”
“I’ll only be a phone call away if you need me.” Ronnie told his father.
“I’ll try to keep busy to make the time go by faster.” Ian sat beside him and folded his hands in his lap.
“Your not gonna cry or anything are you?”
“Maybe.” Ian hid a smile. “But you’ll be back tomorrow, right? This isn’t like a forever thing is it?”
“Oh, no.” Ronnie said. “Just the one night, you couldn’t make it much longer without me.”
“You’re so right.” Ian hugged his little boy and kissed the top of his head. “Did you remember to put food and water out for that thing?”
“Taken care of.” Ronnie said. “Rodie will be fine until I get home tomorrow, but if you get lonely she’ll cuddle up with you.”
A shiver went down Ian’s spine. “If I ever get that lonely, I’ll have somebody shoot me.”
“Papa!” Ronnie moaned.
“The rodent will be fine.” Ian said, give the boy’s shoulder a little squeeze. “I’ll be fine, just pretend to miss me when you get home and everything will be A-Ok.”
“Oh, I’ll miss you, Papa. I’ll miss you till I get back.” Ronnie smiled.
“Me, too.”
“Ready to go, Slugger?” Susan popped in the bedroom.
“Yes, ma’am.” Ronnie stood and grabbed his bag. “I was just makin’ sure Papa wouldn’t let the house fall to pieces while I was gone.”
She smiled. “It’ll be tough, but I think he can manage. You ready?”
Ronnie nodded his head and gave his father one last big hug and kiss. Susan turned to Ian. “Are you ready?” Ian seesawed his head back in forth to indicate he’d live with it.
“You take care of my boy.” He warned her.
“Of course.” She said. “Otherwise, who’d take care of you?”
As much as he didn’t want to, he watched his son piling into the car with two other excitedly hyper little boys, and two adults. He waved as they drove off and stood in the driveway for just a little while trying to convince himself that he’d be back soon.
“Let the little guy runaway for a while?”
Ian turned around, but had to shield the evening sun from his eyes to see the man the voice came from. “His first sleep over. I think it’s going to be harder on me that it will on him.”
The man took a step toward him. “So…you never called.”
“No, Blue. I didn’t.” Ian said firmly.
Blue nodded his head. “I understand. Things got busy.”
“Yes.” Ian smiled and walked past him; up the driveway toward the front door he’d left standing open.
“What do you say, we make a little time now.” Blue gently grabbed Ian’s arm as he tried to walk past him. “No one will notice if you and I slip off somewhere private and get naked.”
Ian firmly pulled his arm from the man’s grasp. “I’m flattered, but no. I’m not interested.” He continued his walk to the front door.
“Sure. People are starting to leave now. How ‘bout if I help you clean up and discreetly stay behind. No one would know, just us.”
“No. I’m not interested.” Ian started to walk away quickly. He got to the steps of his front door. “Blue, go home. Hop into whatever transportation got you here and go home to Ella. She’s a special woman. Go home and have a chat with her. Don’t understand all this cavalier sex stuff, Blue, and quite frankly I don’t ever want to. If it’s something you want to do, fine. Just be honest about it with the person you are supposed to be honest with and leave me out of it.”
Ian left the man standing in the front yard and closed the door. He looked at the cat, sitting in the window looking outside. “Did you put him up to that, Rodent?” He squinted at the cat, who decided to ignore him and lick her front paw. Ian curled up his upper lip and walked away.
“Who are you talking to?” Saxon asked him, as she met him halfway between the kitchen and the living room.
“The varmint. I told it I knew what it was up to, but it decided to ignore me and lick itself. It was disgusting.” Ian said taking her arm and guiding her back outside.
“You’re just jealous.” She said.
“Jealous? Of that fur covered alien from Hades?”
“Yes, Rodie can lick her feet and you can’t.”
Ian stopped and turned to her. “Oh yes, I can. I just choose not to do it in front of others. I certainly have enough class not to sit in the front picture window and chew on my own toenails.”
“Of course.” Saxon agreed. “That sort of thing is for the bath.”
Ian held the door for her. “Well after the bath. The hot water and steam makes the toe nails much easier to chew.”
“See, I knew I’d been doing it wrong.”
“Now you know.”
Saxon giggled and put her head on Ian’s shoulder as they walked arm in arm. “Now I know I didn’t show up early and help with all the cooking and stuff. I’m just not real good with the hotty uppy thing.”
“Well at least you’ve learned the scientific name for the stove.”
She shoved him playfully with her hip. “But if I do say so myself, I’m quiet professional with a box of Press ‘n’ Seal.”
“Gosh, I don’t know that I can afford a professional.”
“I’ll offer my services…for free…on one condition.” She said.
Ian rolled his eyes. “Saxon Allen, always trying to weasel amendments to the contract.”
“I was thinking…bowling.”
He stopped and turned to her. “Bowling? You’re a terrible bowler.”
“Better than you.” She said firmly.
“Oh please.” Ian rolled his eyes.
“Remember the last time we went?” She reminded him. “Who broke a hundred?”
“You did.” He confirmed. “But three lanes down from where you were throwing the ball.”
“Anyone can knock pins down in the lane in front of them.” Saxon said firmly.
“That’s the point, Saxon dear.”
“Then stop plying me with tequila and spinning me around when it’s my turn.”
“Only if you stop lifting up your brassiere and flashing me when it’s my turn.” Ian grabbed her hand and headed for where the Shores had already begun to clean up. “It’s embarrassing, having to help you pick up all that Kleenex.”
The couple had to sidestep Billy and Reese who we’re pulling stuffed liners out of trashcans. “It’s about time, the one who made the mess showed up to help clean it up.” One of them said.
“I’m here, and I brought help.” Ian said. “Oh and guys, I thought I’d give you a little heads up.”
“Ronnie off with the Tysons for the night?” Reese asked.
Ian nodded his head. “And I’m gonna show this poor deluded thing how to bowl, so the house is gonna be empty. If you catch my drift.” Ian wiggled his eyebrows.
“Hmmm.” Billy tied a knot in the ties of his garbage bag. “I guess that means I’m stuck watching the cat lick itself.”
“Afraid so, but it’s always taken both me and Ronnie to do that, so if you might need to find a friend to help.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Billy smiled and looked at Reese.
As he made it up to his balcony, he discovered someone he wasn’t aware had even arrived. He walked over and sat down in the chair beside him.
David Turner’s gaze turned from watching all down below to Ian. “I hope you don’t mind. I was exploring the house on my own and found my way here.”
“I don’t mind at all. I’m honored, glad you came.”
“You’ve made a beautiful home here.” The man said returning his gaze to look out over the balcony.
“Thank you.” Ian said and cocked his head in realization. He put his hand on Turner’s forearm. “I keep forgetting. It must still be difficult for you to come here.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Ronnie called me personally, you know. I don’t think there is a human alive that can turn that boy down.”
Ian smiled. “I hope he doesn’t catch on to that before he learns to use his powers for good and not evil.”
Ian caught a glimpse of sorrow flash across Turner’s face. “I can only imagine.” He said. “I can only imagine.”
Ian bit his lip. “I’m sorry, Mr. Turner. I keep putting my foot in my mouth, forgive me.”
“For what, being a proud father? Why should you apologize for that?” Turner asked him.
He took a deep breath. “You’ve never spoken much of your past, our relationship has been very work oriented. I’m grateful and in awe of you, sir, and I no more want to disrespect you than I want to remind you of anything that might still be painful.”
Turner nodded his head.
“All I really know of your past is legend and hearsay, and I of all people would understand how any conversation pertaining to the past would be something best avoided in casual conversation.”
Turner finally turned to look at him. “Ian, I am blessed by your respect and your presence in my life, but you are right. There are some things that are still very painful. It’s not that I don’t wish to discuss them, it’s just that for most people whom might ask, the answers are truly none of their business.”
Ian smiled “I perfectly understand that one, too.”
“I would hope that you think that we have more than a business relationship. Personally, I consider you a friend as well. I thought you felt the same way, you’ve practically made me a part of your family.”
Ian nodded his head. “Absolutely. I owe you so much, sir…almost everything you see, and the last thing I want to do is take advantage of our friendship, just to satisfy my own curiosities.”
To Ian’s surprise, David Turner laughed quietly. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, Ian. I am probably just as curious about your past as you are about mine.”
“My past?” Ian looked back at him blankly. “My past is pretty much a very boring open book, yours is the one that has all the pages colored.”
Turner laughed out loud and then just as quickly returned to quietly gazing out over the festivities. “I had forgotten how beautiful it was here.” He finally smiled, weakly, but truly. “This house, this place takes me back to times I’ve avoided for so long, too long.”
“Mr. Turner, may I ask you…” he hesitated only a moment and plunged forward with his question. “Why have you never gone public? You could probably put a lot of the speculation and urban legend to rest. You are probably the only person alive that knows the truth.”
Turner leaned forward in the chair and looked directly into Ian’s eyes. “You have amazing instincts young Justyn, that’s why you are where you are. Once they are refined…” Turner cocked his head. “If the world thinks you are taking them by storm now…”
Ian blushed. “I appreciate the support.”
“I’m trying very hard to teach you everything I know, and you seem to always be one step ahead of me. So tell me, what makes a piece good?” Turner posed.
Ian thought a moment. “It’s all a matter of prospective. There are so many sides to every situation, and you have to find an idea that shows the audience a side interesting enough to make the unfolding all of the other perspectives as realistic and thrilling as the one you are telling it from.”
Turner patted Ian on the hand. “You’ve just answered your own question.”
Ian smiled and sat back. “Still, maybe you should write a book, at least tell your side of the story.”
Turner smiled. “But then, that urban legend is the only legacy that any of us have to leave behind, no matter how true or how false. In many ways, as long as the world has unanswered questions about Darla, James and I, the three of us will always be remembered. Maybe not what we had hoped for, but always remembered.”
“I understand.” Ian said, although a little disappointed.
“Now it’s my turn.” Turner sat back with a smile and folded his hands across his stomach.
“Your turn?”
“To ask you a question.”
“Oh this is a game?” Ian laughed himself. “Okay, your turn, but I doubt that I am as eloquent with my answer as you.”
Turner looked at him with a devilish grin. “May I have a cigarette and some scotch?”
“Mr. Turner, you are ninety odd years old, I am not about to…”
Turner cocked on eyebrow. David knew it was going to take a little convincing. “Yeah, yeah, I shouldn’t but neither should you, and one more smoke and a belt of good liquor isn’t going to do too much more damage than it already has. Now how about those vices?”
Ian drummed his fingers on the stone tabletop. “The booze I can supply, but I quit smoking.”
Turner smiled. “Bullshit. You and I are cut from the same cloth, Ian. You’ve got a pack hidden around here somewhere.”
Ian got up from the table and entered his bedroom. Within a moment he returned with two glasses and a bottle of Chevas Regal. He poured each of them a finger full and then looked both ways before he pulled a pack of Marlboro Light 100s from his breast pocket. As he lit one for an excited Turner he warned him. “If we get caught, these are yours.”
“Yeah…” Turner closed his eyes and exhaled. “They’ll believe that…” he took another drag pulling the smoke deep into his lungs. “Damn, I think I’m getting a chubby…”
“Mr. Turner!” A shocked Ian exhaled.
“I’m 94, but I’m not dead!” Ian laughed, as Turner flicked his first ash into the little glass tray. “Now, why did you choose to be behind the camera and not in front?” He asked. “And don’t give me the standard, no talent, bull shit. You and I both know how true that is.”
Ian thought for a moment. “Fear. Pure and simple.” He sighed. “The way I was raised, Mr. Turner, whenever I brought attention to myself I was resoundly punished. I loved acting. I loved music. I could get so quickly lost, and have everything I was denied for just the few moments when I was being someone else.”
“And it was obvious that when you did that, you were gaining attention.”
He nodded and looked in his drink. “I couldn’t shake the fear, the terror that a mind numbing swift kick from out of nowhere was close at hand, and I knew that would always be there. My dreams were not to be, but then I thought that maybe I could have a hand in helping someone else’s dreams come true, some one whose fears couldn’t stand in my way.”
“Any chance you’ll change your mind?” Turner bellied up his glass.
“Not a chance in hell.”
“A lot of people are going to try.”
“I’m where I need to be.” Ian bellied up his own glass. “Anything else is just a lark.” He clutched the bottle. “Another?”
“Please.” Turner said trying not to too impatiently push his glass toward Ian.
Turner puffed his Marlboro. As he expelled and turned back to Ian a voice bellowed up the stairs from the pool. “Are you still smoking you old goat?”
“Are you still chasing women, you old broad?” Turner cracked back to a beaming Tess Sinclair.
“Just like you, friend.” She retorted as she climbed the stairs to them. “On any rare occasion some sexy gift from God gives me the chance.” Tess Sinclair wasted no time engulfing David Turner in her large frame, rocking him from side to side. It was obvious to Ian that the two had a long history of deep friendship, maybe even love.
“I take it you two know each other.” Ian teased.
“Oh, my boy, the world is small.” Turner grinned.
“And life is full of wide circles.” Tess slapped her friend playfully on the shoulders. “So, your boy here has persuaded me to come out of retirement.”
“From what I understand, it had more to do with large some of moneys than conversation.” David couldn’t stop grinning.
“She’s full of it.” Ian turned up his glass. “She was boohooing in her endless basket of fries and begging me to give her work. It was only because my son asked me to help her, that I offered a generous financial sum.”
“Yeah, right.” She cracked back. “You’re so brilliant; I’d have done it for free.”
“You always did before.” Turner joined in.
“Screw you old man!” Tess snorted, picking up the Chivas and chugging.
“You always said I had the wrong parts.” Turner lobbed back.
“Ah who would know?” Tess chuckled. “I hear it’s pretty small.” She lovingly chucked Turner under the chin, before turning to Ian. “You on the other hand…”
Ian put up both hands and stood. “With that, I’m out of here. I should get back to the little people.” Ian smiled, leaving the bottle and the pack of smokes on the table. “I’ll leave the two of you to catch up…alone with your vices.”
“Killer chili, hot stuff.” Tess hugged Ian and pinched his rear.
“Thanks”. He slapped her butt with a crack. “And Mr. Turner, thank you…”
David nodded as Ian smiled and descended the stairs. They watched him cross the pool deck and reenter the party. Tess took his seat and poured herself a drink.
“So…how much have you told him?” She asked.
“Papa! Papa!” Ronnie shouted excitedly as he finally tracked Ian down.
“Ronnie! Ronnie!” He mocked back, catching him and wrapping his arms around him.
“J.J. and Charlie want me to come over tonight and have a sleep over!” He was bouncing up and down from the excitement and probably way too much sugar.
“When? Tonight?”
“Uh Huh. Can I? Can I, please? I’ll never ever ask you for anything again!”
“I doubt that seriously.” Ian got down on his knees and tried to hold the jumping bean in one place. “Did their parents okay this or is this something you guys just decided on your own?”
“No, they suggested it. They want you to come, too!” He grinned. “Won’t it be fun?”
Ian sighed. “Puppy, tell you what. Papa needs to talk with JJ and Charlie’s parents and then I’ll let you know. Okay?”
“I’ll be good. I promise!” He was trying not to beg or whine.
“It is not a question of you being good. I trust you, but I just need to talk with them about it first.”
“Okay.”
“In the meantime…” Ian turned his son around so he was facing the balcony. “Some one is here that you invited and I think you should run up and gave him a big hug and ask him how his stupid cat is.” Ian pointed until his son’s eyes followed.
“Mr. Turner!” Ronnie bolted in the direction of the old man.
“Amazing. You just point your finger and off every one runs in the direction you choose.” The woman’s voice drifted down over him.
“That’s because I’m magic.” He stood to look in her beautiful blue eyes. “Shh! Don’t tell any one. It’s a secret.”
“Safe with me.” Saxon Allen slipped her arm around Ian’s waist and meandered with him back to the food spread. “I forgot how good your chili is.”
“You can’t really judge whether or not chili is good until the next day. If it doesn’t repeat, I didn’t add enough cumin.”
Saxon, of course, laughed. She picked up a homemade potato chip, turned around and nodded her head. “So what do you think?”
Ian turned his head and spotted Reese and Billy oblivious to anyone but each other. “Awkward.”
“I’m happy for both of them.”
“Oh me, too. I just…”
Saxon turned back around to him. “Reese told me Billy was so worried about your reaction, if nothing else the last thing you needed was another shock.”
Ian’s laugh was quiet. “Saxon, the last thing it was to me was a shock. You can only walk in your dorm room so many times to find a strange red-faced guy and hearing the excuse “I was so drunk I don’t remember anything”. Even I know two plus two is five.”
“Four. Two plus two is four.”
“That’s why I have an accountant.” Ian looked the couple and back to Saxon. “I feel awkward because Billy is like a brother, and Reese has quickly become one, too. Normally, I’d pull Reese aside and say you hurt him and I’ll break your face, now if someone gets hurt I’ll have to kill both of them.”
“Tippy’s already introducing him to everyone as her son-in-law.”
“And you’re surprised?” Ian snatched a piece of cheese from Saxon’s plate and filled a cup with tea. “I’m a little worried about the ease at which everyone is taking it here. When he goes back home it’s going to be a totally different story.”
“Speaking of totally different stories, I loved that script you gave me.”
“And?”
“And I’d love to do it, but you’re right totally uncastable, even if I could get backing.”
“Well, it was worth a shot.” Ian’s head whipped toward the kitchen. “Excuse me, Saxon. I seemed to be needed in the kitchen.” He kissed her cheek. “See you later?”
“Won’t leave until I say goodbye.” She smiled.
“Better not.” Ian pointed his finger at her and went toward Colton having a nervous breakdown in the kitchen doorway.
Saxon watched him and sighed.
“Do not try and tell me again that you aren’t interested.”
Saxon hung her head. “Tippy that’s a one way ticket to nowhere.”
“I don’t think so.” Tippy took her hand and pulled her over to a set of lawn chairs in the shade. “Honey, I think the time is right. Make a move.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve seen too many really good friendships ruined because someone decided it was time to make a move. That never works. I love Ian too much to give up what I have with him.”
“But that Clare thing is out of the picture.” Tippy looked at the little boy bouncing across the yard. “And he’s got Ronnie now. The path is clear. I’d think about it if I were you.”
“Honestly, Tippy, since Ian came to town I’ve thought of little else.” Saxon shook her head. “It’s just not meant to be.”
“I think Ian might surprise you.”
Saxon squeezed Tippy’s hand. “I think he’d try, Tippy. I really do think he’d give it everything he had, but in the end he’d never open up enough to let me in.”
“He was with that Clare thing for what eight, nine years. He had to fight to keep that relationship together, what makes you think he wouldn’t work even harder to make it work with you?”
“Tippy, you don’t understand.”
“Then make me, and I’ll back right off.”
“Ian loved Clare, but he was never in love with Clare. Do you understand that?”
Tippy nodded her head. “Because of Taylor.”
“Right. He was with Clare because deep down he knew she’d never break his heart. I will.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m human, because he knows I’d break my own heart trying to overcome the first real joy he’d ever known that crumbled into a nightmare he lived with for ten years.”
“Oh honey.” Tippy put her arm around Saxon. “You’re the one who’s afraid. You’re the one whose had her heart smashed to bits a few too many times.”
“Well, I can’t deny that.”
“Saxon, romance is like going camping with diarrhea.”
“What?”
"No matter how hard you try to plan or anticipate sooner or later there's gonna be an explosion. Never let it be said you didn't go for it just because you were afraid you'd end up having to beat your underwear on a rock. Besides, those little explosions in romance are half the fun, and most of the time the only thing you end up remembering."
Saxon laughed out loud. “Okay, I need to write that one down.”
“It’ll be in the book.” Tippy smiled.
“I’ll think about it, but…”
“Honey, I know all about the fear of overcoming those first great loves, the one’s that break a man’s heart into believing he’ll never ever be that foolish again. Colton is the love of my life, and I have no doubt that I’m his, but you know he was married once before.”
“He was?”
“He had one of those stories, like Ian. Poor boy in a small town, a pretty young thing swept in and made him feel like the two of them could make impossible possible but…”
“She broke his heart?”
“He found out she lied about almost every thing and left town almost as quickly as she came. Almost killed the man.”
“But then he met you.”
“He met me.” She smiled. “We’d been married a few years and I noticed that every once and a while he’d get that look in his eyes and drift off. You know me, I chased around until I got to the bottom of it. I found it on the bottom in the back of his underwear drawer--a picture.”
“A picture?”
“A picture of them on their wedding day. It nearly broke my heart.”
“What did you do?”
“Well, my first instinct was to call him on it. I mean, how dare he keep that around, and still pine for her? I gave him everything I had and he had that one little piece of his heart still hidden under his socks.”
Saxon nodded her head and looked at the ground. “Did you talk to him about it?”
“I never even brought it up. I realized that I couldn’t expect him to give me something that wasn’t his. He’d given that part of himself away. It wasn’t his to give to give back.”
“You just let it go?”
Tippy nodded her head. “You know what I did? I went right out and bought a frame for that picture. Just put that picture in it and slipped it right back in the drawer, and never said a word.”
“Why?”
“Saxon, if it weren’t for that little part being taken away, the rest would never to come to me as fully and as perfect as it is. Think about it, honey. You may just be avoiding the best thing that ever happened to either one of you, just because there’s a little vibrant part of him that should never, ever be yours because it’s no longer a part of him.”
“But…”
“One last thing, and I swear I’ll never talk about it again…today.” Tippy smiled. “You know when you walk down the sidewalk sometimes you hear the tap of your heel and sometimes you don’t? You know what that sound is? It’s the echo of where you came from.”
Tippy munched on a piece of cheese and mused further. “Sometimes you don’t hear it, sometimes just barely and sometimes it’s so loud you can’t help but recall where it came from. You still walk a straight line to your destination, but there’s always that echo of yesterday reminding you of how you got to where you are. It’s natural, not a thing wrong with it. It’s just up to you whether it makes you smile or makes you cry.”
Tippy reached over and gave Saxon a hug. “You think on that a while. I’m gonna slip up the stairs there and say hello to David Turner. You should make a point to do the same before he slips off.”
“I will.” Tippy got up and Saxon grabbed her hand. “And thank you.”
Ian almost ran her over when he stepped out of the kitchen door. “Ella, I didn’t see you.”
“Sorry, Ian. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“Me, either. We haven’t had the chance to chat. Are you enjoying yourself?” He asked.
“Oh, yes, having a wonderful time.” She smiled.
“I haven’t had a chance to meet your boyfriend. You did bring him?”
“Yes. He came late, but you’ve met him already.”
“I have.”
“Yes, Blue Richards.”
“Blue?” Ian thought a moment. “Oh, bartender at Open Fields?”
“That would be the one.”
“I never got the chance to thank him. He got me out of a really bad situation.”
“Can I ask you something personal? I mean we are technically off the clock, right?”
“Of course.”
“Actually it’s more of a favor.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
Ella looked Ian in the eyes. “Look, I know that every once and a while Blue likes to play with the boys.”
“Play with the…?”
“I figure what the heck, just be a man about it and wear a condom.”
Realizing, finally, what she was talking about Ian managed to get out. “That’s very…uh…contemporary of you.”
“He’s got the hots for you. I mean big time.”
“Ella, I have no desire…”
“Ian, drag the man off in the bushes and put him out of his misery. It’s really getting pathetic.”
“I’m so sorry, Ella. I really am, but that is never going to happen.”
“I keep telling him that, but…oh heck, I really liked him, too.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Me, either.” She said and walked off into the crowd.
“I’ve got the next number. Is it my turn?” Came the familiar Aussie lilt.
“I thought I left all the appointments for private audiences when I left the office.”
“Well, mate, when your the most popular kid in school everyone wants to dance when you throw the prom.” Jeremy took a swig from his cup.
“Never thought I’d hear that term lobbed in my direction. I wanted to speak with you anyway.”
“Here I am, at your service.”
“Stop.” Ian smiled. “Ronnie said the boys have invited him for a sleepover tonight?”
“Yes. We thought it just might be easier in the long run. Is that alright with you?”
“Easier?”
“We’re going fishing tomorrow, remember?”
Ian felt stupid because of what he had been thinking. “At the crack of dawn. I remember.”
“We hoped you’d change your mind and go with us.”
“Actually,” Ian said, “I’d love to go…”
“Great!”
“But, Billy’s visit was a surprise and he leaves on Monday morning. This will give me a day to spend some time with him and not have to feel guilty about ignoring Ronnie.”
“Invite him to go along.”
“You know, I think Ronnie’s kind of enjoying the thought of having his first sleep over. It’s a big step for him. As much as he’d enjoy having me along, I think it would make him feel more grown up if I let him do it on his own.”
“Susan and I kind of felt that way, too but wanted to let you know that you had an option.”
“Jeremy, I need to thank the two of you for being so great about Ronnie. I was a little hesitant because of the age differences when Tippy first suggested it.”
“The boys love him, and he’s a great kid. A good influence, it’s good for them to be around a kid from a normal background. We don’t want them to grow up not knowing how lucky they have it any more than we want them to grow up thinking they’re privileged.”
“I know this comes out of the blue, but have you and Susan given any thought to where you’re going to send J.J. to school?”
“We keep going back and forth, public, private, charter? It’s a big decision and ultimately we have to make a decision based on what we think is best in the long run for J.J.”
“I’m struggling with the same decisions for Ronnie. This time last year there was only one choice for him, now besides the best education possible there are other factors to determine in.”
“In other words, how best will he fit in?” Jeremy understood. “He’s a good kid, but no matter what decision we make about our kid’s education, there’s always the square peg in the round hole.”
“I don’t think Ronnie’s a square peg.” Ian said, “But will the other kids, no matter where I put him, feel the same way?”
“If Susan and I can be of any help, you know we’d love to be there for you.”
Ian smiled. “Thank you, Jeremy. I may very well take you up on that. I better go track the little guy down and get him ready.”
Jeremy nodded his head and watched Ian off to find his social butterfly. He couldn’t help but notice Ian, as he was stopped or stopped himself among the crowd. If you watched close enough, you could see that one second when the color changed.
What was it about that man, he wondered. Why was it when someone entered his space, it looked as though the chameleon changed colors? Was there one person in the world who could walk in a room and Ian Justyn just remained Ian Justyn?
“So how do you think he’s doing?” Came the voice at Jeremy’s ear.
“He’s thrown a great gathering.” Jeremy turned at smiled. “You expected anything less?”
“I didn’t mean about the party.” Colton said, lifting that one trademark eyebrow.
“Colt, I don’t know him that well. Susan and I both adore him, but he holds us at a distance.”
“He holds almost everyone at a distance.” Colton said softly. “I can’t shake the feeling that he’s not being honest.”
Jeremy turned to his friend. “Colton, if you are thinking there’s something sinister going on.”
“Nothing that melodramatic. I just get the feeling that there’s so much going on in that poor man’s head that he’s not letting on. He’s been through so much, especially lately and I’m not sure he’s come to terms with it all.”
“I don’t know that much about his past, Colton, but I know he stepped into a tornado, but he seems to be holding on.”
“There’s a lot going on with that young man. I can feel it.” The man watched Ian throwing back his head and laughing with Billy. “Something’s not quite right.”
Jeremy turned to Colton, half joking. “You don’t think he’s dangerous.”
“Only to himself.”
They stood and watched Ian scoop up Ronnie and swing him around in the air, both laughing and carefree. Jeremy saw a man he was hoping would let him be a true friend, despite a mistake they both made, but hopefully could put in the back of their minds.
Colton Shores on the other hand saw something else, felt something else. He didn’t know why, but he saw a man in danger. He saw a man trying hard to put everyone around him at ease, not realizing that he himself was just as important. It was as though Ian Justyn was some long lost part of him, and there was this instinctual need to fix whatever was wrong.
But Ian Justyn kept moving forward, smiling, making everyone feel special. He shook, hands and thanked people for coming as they began to say goodbye. He wrapped food and make sure everyone had a little something to take with them.
“Are you sure you are going to be alright by yourself?” He said as he sat on the bed and watched the overnight bag being zipped up.
“It’ll be hard, but I think I can survive one night.”
“I’ll only be a phone call away if you need me.” Ronnie told his father.
“I’ll try to keep busy to make the time go by faster.” Ian sat beside him and folded his hands in his lap.
“Your not gonna cry or anything are you?”
“Maybe.” Ian hid a smile. “But you’ll be back tomorrow, right? This isn’t like a forever thing is it?”
“Oh, no.” Ronnie said. “Just the one night, you couldn’t make it much longer without me.”
“You’re so right.” Ian hugged his little boy and kissed the top of his head. “Did you remember to put food and water out for that thing?”
“Taken care of.” Ronnie said. “Rodie will be fine until I get home tomorrow, but if you get lonely she’ll cuddle up with you.”
A shiver went down Ian’s spine. “If I ever get that lonely, I’ll have somebody shoot me.”
“Papa!” Ronnie moaned.
“The rodent will be fine.” Ian said, give the boy’s shoulder a little squeeze. “I’ll be fine, just pretend to miss me when you get home and everything will be A-Ok.”
“Oh, I’ll miss you, Papa. I’ll miss you till I get back.” Ronnie smiled.
“Me, too.”
“Ready to go, Slugger?” Susan popped in the bedroom.
“Yes, ma’am.” Ronnie stood and grabbed his bag. “I was just makin’ sure Papa wouldn’t let the house fall to pieces while I was gone.”
She smiled. “It’ll be tough, but I think he can manage. You ready?”
Ronnie nodded his head and gave his father one last big hug and kiss. Susan turned to Ian. “Are you ready?” Ian seesawed his head back in forth to indicate he’d live with it.
“You take care of my boy.” He warned her.
“Of course.” She said. “Otherwise, who’d take care of you?”
As much as he didn’t want to, he watched his son piling into the car with two other excitedly hyper little boys, and two adults. He waved as they drove off and stood in the driveway for just a little while trying to convince himself that he’d be back soon.
“Let the little guy runaway for a while?”
Ian turned around, but had to shield the evening sun from his eyes to see the man the voice came from. “His first sleep over. I think it’s going to be harder on me that it will on him.”
The man took a step toward him. “So…you never called.”
“No, Blue. I didn’t.” Ian said firmly.
Blue nodded his head. “I understand. Things got busy.”
“Yes.” Ian smiled and walked past him; up the driveway toward the front door he’d left standing open.
“What do you say, we make a little time now.” Blue gently grabbed Ian’s arm as he tried to walk past him. “No one will notice if you and I slip off somewhere private and get naked.”
Ian firmly pulled his arm from the man’s grasp. “I’m flattered, but no. I’m not interested.” He continued his walk to the front door.
“Sure. People are starting to leave now. How ‘bout if I help you clean up and discreetly stay behind. No one would know, just us.”
“No. I’m not interested.” Ian started to walk away quickly. He got to the steps of his front door. “Blue, go home. Hop into whatever transportation got you here and go home to Ella. She’s a special woman. Go home and have a chat with her. Don’t understand all this cavalier sex stuff, Blue, and quite frankly I don’t ever want to. If it’s something you want to do, fine. Just be honest about it with the person you are supposed to be honest with and leave me out of it.”
Ian left the man standing in the front yard and closed the door. He looked at the cat, sitting in the window looking outside. “Did you put him up to that, Rodent?” He squinted at the cat, who decided to ignore him and lick her front paw. Ian curled up his upper lip and walked away.
“Who are you talking to?” Saxon asked him, as she met him halfway between the kitchen and the living room.
“The varmint. I told it I knew what it was up to, but it decided to ignore me and lick itself. It was disgusting.” Ian said taking her arm and guiding her back outside.
“You’re just jealous.” She said.
“Jealous? Of that fur covered alien from Hades?”
“Yes, Rodie can lick her feet and you can’t.”
Ian stopped and turned to her. “Oh yes, I can. I just choose not to do it in front of others. I certainly have enough class not to sit in the front picture window and chew on my own toenails.”
“Of course.” Saxon agreed. “That sort of thing is for the bath.”
Ian held the door for her. “Well after the bath. The hot water and steam makes the toe nails much easier to chew.”
“See, I knew I’d been doing it wrong.”
“Now you know.”
Saxon giggled and put her head on Ian’s shoulder as they walked arm in arm. “Now I know I didn’t show up early and help with all the cooking and stuff. I’m just not real good with the hotty uppy thing.”
“Well at least you’ve learned the scientific name for the stove.”
She shoved him playfully with her hip. “But if I do say so myself, I’m quiet professional with a box of Press ‘n’ Seal.”
“Gosh, I don’t know that I can afford a professional.”
“I’ll offer my services…for free…on one condition.” She said.
Ian rolled his eyes. “Saxon Allen, always trying to weasel amendments to the contract.”
“I was thinking…bowling.”
He stopped and turned to her. “Bowling? You’re a terrible bowler.”
“Better than you.” She said firmly.
“Oh please.” Ian rolled his eyes.
“Remember the last time we went?” She reminded him. “Who broke a hundred?”
“You did.” He confirmed. “But three lanes down from where you were throwing the ball.”
“Anyone can knock pins down in the lane in front of them.” Saxon said firmly.
“That’s the point, Saxon dear.”
“Then stop plying me with tequila and spinning me around when it’s my turn.”
“Only if you stop lifting up your brassiere and flashing me when it’s my turn.” Ian grabbed her hand and headed for where the Shores had already begun to clean up. “It’s embarrassing, having to help you pick up all that Kleenex.”
The couple had to sidestep Billy and Reese who we’re pulling stuffed liners out of trashcans. “It’s about time, the one who made the mess showed up to help clean it up.” One of them said.
“I’m here, and I brought help.” Ian said. “Oh and guys, I thought I’d give you a little heads up.”
“Ronnie off with the Tysons for the night?” Reese asked.
Ian nodded his head. “And I’m gonna show this poor deluded thing how to bowl, so the house is gonna be empty. If you catch my drift.” Ian wiggled his eyebrows.
“Hmmm.” Billy tied a knot in the ties of his garbage bag. “I guess that means I’m stuck watching the cat lick itself.”
“Afraid so, but it’s always taken both me and Ronnie to do that, so if you might need to find a friend to help.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Billy smiled and looked at Reese.
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