“I’m going to stay another day or two. Hope that’s fine.”
“Oh good! That’s perfectly fine. Can I get you more towels or anything like that?”
“Nah. I’m fine. Thanks, though.”
“Hey, Sadie, I hope it’s okay that I call you that, we aren’t some big hotel or anything, but I do offer breakfast for our guests. I make a mean omelet. We live in back. Just come in the office in the morning. Say eight?”
For the second time in less than a half an hour, I’m being invited to something, and for the second time in less than half an hour I’m finding it impossible to pass up. I like Dawn and I like eggs. It’s an easy yes even though I hate mornings.
“I’ll be here.”
Dawn smiles and nods her head, pleased with my answer.
***
Jake has just tossed the huge yellow car washing sponge, covered with suds, right at me. It hits my chest with a soggy thud and my mouth pops open, my eyes bulge, and I’m already plotting my revenge. My eyes scan the grass beside me for the sprayer nozzle attached to the end of the water hose. I glance up at Jake, who also spotted the sprayer, and the race is on. I lunge for the garden hose. Jake lunges for me and we fall to the grass in a tangled mess of arms and legs all grappling for control. Jake has me pinned at the waist and I’m laughing so hard I can barely breathe. I sigh heavily and bring my hands to his cheeks. I relax into the grass with his torso pinning me down and bring his lips to mine. Somewhere in the distance, I can hear one of our neighbor’s lawnmower humming along. The smell of fresh cut grass hangs heavily in the air. Someone else drives by and honks the horn a few times, causing us both to laugh into each other’s mouth. Jake breaks the kiss and looks me right in the eyes. “I love your laugh, Sadie Parker. I love all of you.”
My eyes pop open and just like that, Jake vanishes like vapor all around me. I clutch my chest and war with my cresting emotion. I miss him. I miss him so damn much. Closing my eyes, I relax deeper into the pillow, letting my rare, precious dream settle over me. I hold tight to it for fear that it will slip right through my fingers if I let it. I won’t let that happen. With one deep breath I file away the sweet dream of my love, to be revisited again one day. Hopefully.
“I love all of you too, Jake.”
***
April 23, 2013
I trudge into the office of the motel, wishing that I had just stayed in bed. I’m tired thanks to my night of restlessness. I slept well until I woke up grasping at my fading dream of that spring day out in the front yard with Jake.
I have these great dreams sometimes but as soon as I wake up, details become less vivid. They’ve become a double-edged sword for me. I love those dreams but I hate losing them when I wake.
“Oh, you came!” Dawn chirps, rounding the counter and effectively distracting me from my own thoughts. She comes right up to me and gives me a squeeze, wrapping her kind arms around my thin frame. I find myself liking her hug instead of cringing. Something about Dawn just feels so familiar.
“I can’t refuse a good omelet, now can I?”
“Mean omelet, honey. Mean,” she says, punctuating “mean” with wide eyes and a grin. “Come on back.” She motions back behind the desk. I follow behind her as she leads me to what looks like a door to her private quarters. It’s a small space but seems plenty suitable for just her and her husband. She continues walking past a living room area, complete with his and hers La-Z-Boys, to the kitchen. She points to the breakfast table equipped with two chairs. “Just there, honey.”
I sit and watch her bring various things to the table from the open kitchen.
“Oh! Before I forget…I picked this for you this morning.” Dawn hands me a short-stemmed single white daisy.
I take it from her and admire the little bloom. She’s so thoughtful. I really like Dawn. I watch her pour me a cup of coffee and set it on a saucer with a spoon.
“Made your omelet like mine. Hope you like it.”
“Thank you,” I enthuse. “I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“Careful, honey. Holding it like that, you’ll crush it,” she declares, motioning her chin to the flower in my hand.