by Claire Fogel
“How do you expect to get this into your car?”
“I have a big car. I’m sure it’ll fit, either in the trunk or in the back seat.”
“Hope you’re right. Let’s go. Lead the way.”
He pushed the cart through the store carefully and outside into the parking lot. When we reached my car, he looked surprised. “This looks like a police car.”
“It was. Now it’s my car. When Chief O’Donnell ordered new cars for his department, my parents bought this one for me. It was the Chief’s. He took very good care of it.” I smiled. “I love it.”
I thought I heard him mutter, “An appropriate vehicle for you.”
He put my TV on the back seat. “I think it’s a good idea if you drive slowly, Cara. I’ll be right behind you.”
When we got to the yellow house on Birch Street, Lieutenant Fox carried the large box into my living room, set it leaning against the table I planned to place it on, and turned to me. “How do you plan on setting it up?”
“Uh, well, I’ll need help. Maybe one of my friends . . .”
He shook his head, again looking amused. “I’ll set it up for you.”
“I really appreciate all your help, Lieutenant. Are you hungry? Would you like a snack?”
He was kneeling on the floor, opening the TV box, and looked up at me, clearly surprised. “A snack would be great, Cara. What’d you have in mind?”
I smiled. “I call it the Sunrise Special, but it’s just as good at night. It’ll be a surprise.”
He chuckled. “I’ll look forward to being surprised.”
As he carefully removed the TV from the box, I went into the kitchen, got out the bacon, bagels, tomatoes and cream cheese, and made two Sunrise Specials. I put them on two plates, took two sodas out of the fridge, and set them on the table in the kitchen nook.
When I went back into the living room, the new TV was sitting on the table Miss Williams had left for me, and the Lieutenant was plugging it in and connecting it to the cable that stuck out of the wall. I remembered that Miss Williams had her TV in the same place. Maybe she’d left the cable turned on.
He turned it on and we had a picture. It was beautiful. Our old TV at home that sat in Mom’s bedroom didn’t look nearly as good as this did. I’d have to thank Miss Williams.
“It looks fantastic! Thank you, Lieutenant. I know this isn’t part of your job but I really appreciate all of your help tonight.”
He grinned. And once again, he almost took my breath away. The man was totally gorgeous when he wasn’t in cop mode.
“Okay, Cara, you’re very welcome. Now where’s my snack?”
“In the kitchen. Follow me.”
Needless to say, he loved my Sunrise Special. Of course, everyone did. While we ate, he talked a little about his family. It was just his sister and his mom since his dad passed away from a heart attack at the age of forty.
“What about your family, Cara? Any siblings?”
“No, I’m an only child. My parents just got married last year.” I had to smile at the shocked look on his face. “It’s a long, strange story, but they’ve loved each other for the past nineteen years, just never got married. They were finally able to resolve their issues, and they got married in October last year. Their wedding was in our back yard with about a hundred people there to witness the occasion. It was lovely. And they’re very happy.”
“Sounds as though it made you happy too.”
I smiled. “Yes, incredibly happy. I didn’t meet my dad until I turned sixteen. He’s a wonderful man. We made up for a lot of lost time this past year. I told you it was a rough year.”
He nodded.
“I’m not sure I would have made it through the year without my father.”
He was watching me carefully as I spoke. Finally he smiled. “I’d like to hear that long, strange story one of these days. It must be interesting.”
He stood up. “But now I’d better get home and let my sister know she’ll have her new TV tomorrow.” He grinned again. “Maybe now she’ll stop nagging me.”
I walked him to the door, thanked him again, and watched him walk to his car, parked behind mine.
Tonight had certainly been unexpected. I’d enjoyed his company. Maybe because I’d felt completely safe with him. No, it wasn’t just the safety issue. Aidan Fox was a good man. His good looks were simply icing on the cake. I wondered why he wasn’t married. Of course, it was possible he had a girlfriend. In my opinion, he deserved one.
Before I closed the front door, I looked up and down Birch Street. I had to smile when I saw an old van parked at the far corner. I couldn’t see its color from this distance, but I was sure it was green.
I shut the door and went to bed, feeling completely safe.
The next day was Saturday, but I didn’t plan to drive home for the weekend since I’d only been in Syracuse for three days. Lily called to ask me to meet her in the Café for lunch, and I agreed.
There was a different student behind the counter. Lily said he was a third-year student and an excellent cook. The menu board listed two things: Ham and Cheese Omelet, or Ham and Cheese Sandwich on Rye. There must have been a sale on ham and cheese.
I could always make myself a sandwich at home, so I ordered the omelet. Lily did the same. Over excellent omelets, we talked about the rest of the weekend.
She said there were always parties at Syracuse University, a few miles away. She was trying to recruit a few girls to go with her. It sounded like she had her eye on a guy she’d met the previous year.
“I’m not a party girl, I’m afraid. Most weekends I’ll be going home. It’s not a long drive and I want to see my parents and a few friends as often as possible,” I said.
“Cara, don’t you want to meet some new people, specifically guys?”
I snorted. “No thanks, Lily. I’m only here to study Art, not to do more than make a few new friends. Emphasis on friends.”
Her eyebrows almost hit her hairline. “Oh, that’s right. You’re still carrying a torch for the guy who got away, right?”
I shook my head. How did I explain being mated to an Elf who had taken my heart with him when he left?
“It’s a bit more than carrying a torch, Lily. It’s hard to explain.”
“Well, try. It sounds more like a punishment, if you ask me. Which you haven’t!”
She smiled sympathetically.
“Okay. All I can tell you is that I never knew what falling in love meant . . . until he kissed me. The ground beneath me moved. There was a roaring in my ears like surf hitting the beach. The rest of the world simply went away. Even though there were dozens of people nearby, nothing mattered but the feeling of his lips on mine and his arms around me. As though we were all alone in the universe. Have you ever experienced anything like that?”
Her eyes were big as she stared at me. “Uh, well, no, I can’t say I have. But I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love myself. I’ve fallen ‘in like’ several times, and ‘in lust’ once. Haven’t you ever had feelings for anyone else?”
“Well, yes. He used to be my boyfriend, the first guy I ever dated. And I even love him in a certain way. He’s a great guy. But I knew I wasn’t in love, even before I fell for Adam. It would be so much easier if I was in love with Sean. But I’m not.”
Lily looked fascinated. “So you’re not even going to date while you’re at Barrett? Three years of not dating? No guys to snuggle up with? You must be nuts!”
I had to laugh. “Maybe I am, I don’t know. I just want to focus on art, on perfecting my craft, nothing else.”
After we finished lunch, Lily left to round up a few second-year classmates to accompany her to the Syracuse campus Saturday night.
After she left the Café, I stayed to finish my coffee, glad I had my new TV to keep me company.
When I returned to my apartment, I went to the back room that I’d already named my “studio” to see what kind of view I had from the rear windows. Since I was just slight
ly above ground level, it was almost like being in Miss Williams’ backyard where there was a well-tended flower bed full of summer and fall flowers, and two white birch trees to remind me of the stream I enjoyed sitting next to in Blackthorne Forest. The best part was the wooded area behind the backyard. I thought it might be part of a public park, although I didn’t see any people back there. I looked forward to painting this new view. It would also be a good idea to hang some curtains! I didn’t need an audience when I was drawing at night.
Since it was a sunny day, I decided to set up my easel and get started. The various views on Barrett’s campus would also be excellent for painting. I wanted to make the most of them before winter arrived.
I got out my watercolor paints and lost all track of time until the sun went down. After dark I began to feel a little lonely, so I called my parents and Amy and spent time chatting with everyone. I tried to call Kevin too but just got voice mail so I left him a message.
Both my parents told me how empty the house seemed without me.
Mom said, “Ralph hasn’t eaten much since you left. I’ve had a hard time just getting him off your bed. I think he’s waiting for you to come home.”
My heart dropped. I hadn’t realized my being away at school would be so hard for Ralph.
My dad wanted to take Ralph to Elvenwood to meet Roscoe, his father, but Ralph wouldn’t cooperate, refusing to leave the house for more than the few minutes necessary to take care of his doggy needs.
“Cara, you might have to bring Ralph to Syracuse with you. Why don’t you check with Miss Williams to see if she’d mind having a well-behaved dog in the house,” Mom asked.
I said I would. Ralph’s behavior had me worried. Although he loved everyone he met, I knew he considered himself my dog, no one else’s.
Sunday morning I climbed the stairs and knocked on Miss Williams’ door. She answered the door, still in her robe, but with a smile for me along with an invitation to come in for coffee.
After she’d asked me if I’d settled in yet, and I thanked her for leaving the cable turned on in my apartment, she grinned as she added, “I saw that handsome police lieutenant bringing in your TV. He hooked it up for you too, didn’t he?”
I admitted he had.
She shook her head. “If I were twenty years younger, Cara . . .” She laughed. “I wonder if the rest of the police force is as good looking and as gallant as our Lieutenant Fox. I may have to stop in at the Syracuse Police Department and find out.”
I grinned. “You should, you know. He can’t be the only gorgeous man on the force.”
She asked, “Isn’t he a little too old for you, Cara? I’m only speaking as a mother, you know.”
“Miss Williams, I’m not planning on dating the Lieutenant. But I think we’re becoming friends. He’s just keeping an eye on me at the request of my Police Chief back home.”
She nodded. “I see. I did wonder. After all, he’s a handsome man. You’re a beautiful girl. Stranger things have happened.” She looked at me, her eyebrows raised.
I shook my head. “Not gonna happen, trust me.”
We’d finished our coffee. It was time to get to the reason for my visit.
“Miss Williams, how do you feel about dogs? Have you ever had one?”
She gave me a sad smile. “I had a Golden Retriever when I was younger. When she died, I was heartbroken. I didn’t think another dog could ever take her place. Why do you ask?”
I explained what my mom had said about Ralph and that I was worried about him.
“Mom suggested I bring him up here to stay with me. But I know not everyone wants a dog in their house. Ralph is really well behaved, housebroken, and very friendly. He’s also a good watch dog.”
“What kind of dog is he, Cara? Small, yappy dogs drive me crazy.”
“Ralph’s a Boxer, and bigger than most Boxers. He weighs about seventy pounds. He never barks unless someone comes to the door, or if he hears someone outside.”
“He does sound like a good watch dog. If you’ll clean up after him, take him out for the walks he’ll need, we can give it a try. It might be nice to have a dog around. And the backyard is fenced, fortunately.”
I was so happy, I started bouncing up and down in my chair. “I actually have time to drive home, get Ralph, and drive back today. Would that be okay with you?”
She chuckled. “If you’re willing to do all that driving, Cara, go right ahead. I’m looking forward to meeting Ralph.”
“Thank you so much, Miss Williams. Ralph will thank you too!”
I rushed downstairs, pulled my boots on, and called Mom. She and my dad were just sitting down to Sunday brunch.
“I’m driving home to get Ralph, Mom. Miss Williams said okay to having him here. I should be home in about two hours. But I’ll have to drive right back. Classes start tomorrow.”
“We’ve missed you, sweetheart, probably more than you realize. You can take time to have a quick bite to eat, can’t you? Of course, Ralph will be overjoyed.”
“I’m on my way, Mom. See you soon. And tell Ralph I’m coming home for him, okay?”
She said she would, and I ran out to my car and began the drive to Thornewood. It was only mid-morning, so I didn’t have to rush. But I was anxious to see my dog and hug him so he would know he hadn’t been forgotten.
I still had a couple of Mom’s Golden Oldies CD’s in my car, so I sang along with the Beatles until I pulled into Thornewood and arrived in front of my house.
It seemed strange. I’d only been gone four days, but it seemed longer.
Mom was waiting at the front door and greeted me with the mother of all hugs. My father was standing in the kitchen doorway with a big smile for me.
“This house hasn’t been the same since you left,” he muttered as he wrapped his arms around me and dropped a kiss on my head.
I couldn’t stop smiling. I loved my home. Nothing would ever take its place in my heart.
I tore up the stairs to my bedroom to find Ralph standing up on my bed, his nose pointed at the doorway. He must have recognized my footsteps because he launched himself at me as soon as I came through the bedroom door. Which put me flat on my back on my bedroom floor, laughing as Ralph licked my face, his little tail wagging like mad.
“I missed you too, Ralphie,” I told the ecstatic dog. “You’re coming back to Syracuse with me. I won’t leave you again, I promise.” I rubbed his velvety ears and hugged him as he wagged his entire body. I was sure he understood every word.
When I was able to get up off the floor, he followed me downstairs and went straight to his food dish, emptying it in less than thirty seconds.
Mom was smiling. “I think Ralph will live. His appetite is back to normal. I’ll pack up his food and treats for you. Can I interest you in a few pancakes? I’ve already got the batter ready to go on the griddle. I think your dad will help you eat them.”
“Thanks, Mom. Pancakes sound great. I’ll have to leave in about an hour, maybe two.”
There was a knock at the front door. When I opened it, Amy practically tackled me. “Your mom called to let me know you’d be home for an hour or so. You know I had to stop over!”
I hugged her back. “I’ve missed you too, Amy. But I’ll be home every weekend, weather allowing.”
“Thank goodness. Kevin won’t be home until Thanksgiving. Nothing’s the same without you guys.” She sounded a little sad.
She sat down and helped us eat pancakes while Mom drank coffee and smiled at our chatter.
Mom asked if the Syracuse police had been in touch with me. I assured her they had.
“Amy, I wish you could meet Lieutenant Fox. He’s gorgeous and single!”
“Maybe I’ll come up for a visit,” she said with a laugh. Of course, I knew the bakery would be keeping her too busy to take much time off this year.
Before long, it was time for me to leave. Amy gave me another bear hug at the door and made me promise to call her frequently.
I h
ad to hunt for Ralph’s leash. It wasn’t something we used often since he got his exercise in the backyard and in the woods. I finally found it in the pantry and clipped it to his collar. He gave me a confused look until he realized he was getting into the car with me, then his tail went crazy again, and I swear he was smiling.
I kissed Mom and Dad goodbye and said, “See you next weekend!” A few minutes later I was back on the highway with a happy dog in the back seat, busy looking out all the windows he could reach. He didn’t even mind wearing the harness I’d attached to the seat belt.
When we got back to Birch Street and into my apartment, Ralph examined every room, every nook and cranny, tail wagging happily, until there was a knock on my door. He started barking immediately, stationing himself in front of the door. I opened it to Miss Williams, who knelt down to greet Ralph.
“Ralph, this is Miss Williams, who owns this house. She belongs here, so be a gentleman,” I told him.
He sniffed her for a few seconds, then sat and held out a paw to her. She smiled and shook his paw.
She looked up at me to say, “Cara, he’s beautiful, one of the best-looking Boxers I’ve ever seen. And he has lovely manners.” She stood. “Let’s introduce him to the backyard. And in case you didn’t notice, there’s a doggy door in the back room, tucked into the corner.”
I hadn’t noticed, but it solved the problem of how to let Ralph out when I was at school. I showed Ralph the doggy door and we followed him out through the back door, located at the rear of the entrance hallway. He stood there, waiting for us, and then ran from one end of the yard to the other, christening the trees and anything else he thought needed to be marked, finally returning to me, tongue hanging out in the typical Boxer smile.
As long as Ralph was happy, I was happy too.
Classes started the next day. Ralph seemed confused when I left the house, but since I planned to come home for lunch, I was sure he’d get used to the routine. Miss Williams assured me she’d keep him company when she saw him out in the backyard.
As I walked across campus to my first class, Fundamentals of Drawing, other students either smiled or said hi. It seemed Lily was right. They recognized me from Lily’s photo display last spring. I didn’t feel like a stranger.
