Chapter 2
Samantha tossed and tumbled. Her conscious mind refused to fade into restful sleep. She became furious with herself. She knew darn well why sleep was out of the question. She’d never met a man like that. Tall, attractive, and physically fit. It was not her nature to dwell on an image, a mirage, really. She questioned her own loyalty to Steven. She had known from the beginning that the shortcomings in her relationship with the doctor would not endure the test of time. She decided that good looking men like Dick McGowin, on the other hand, were all the same. They just want to get you in bed.
She hustled off to work, already ten minutes late. The waiting room was crowded, mostly women with children. Mary said, “Morning, Sam. It’s a mess this morning. Doctor Peyton’s going to be late. Angel’s seeing the first patient – a child with an earache. She started to turn away. “Where’s that smiling face? You’re not coming down with something, are you?”
“No, I’m alright, just had a bad night’s sleep. Give me a few minutes to settle down, then send in the most critical, if there’s one. Otherwise, as they arrived.”
“Doctor Peyton said he’s going to his son’s soccer practice. You should call him if you need him, or, he’ll be in around eleven-ish. You know how that goes; he may not come in at all unless you call him with a critical need. A typical Saturday.”
At four, she saw the last patient and closed the medical clinic until Monday morning. She stopped by the market. The island was crowded with vacationers this time of year, testing the patience of everyone, tourists and locals alike. She nudged a woman in line who failed to move fast enough, then realized she was unusually cranky. She even felt guilty about yesterday’s reaction to Dick. Once she’d discussed the unusual experience with Steven, she would return to normal, she told herself.
Steven had asked her to pick up his youngest daughter, Trish, from a friend’s house. He’d stayed for all of Timmy’s game, and then accompanied Timmy to a ceremony, awarding trophies to the most outstanding players. She was happy to do these things, admitting that she loved having the semblance of a family life. Who am I kidding, she said to herself, I still want children of my own.
Saturdays were pretty much the same, hamburgers on the patio, with one of the children having a friend over. She rather enjoyed the routine. She thought about the situation for a moment. She rarely stayed over on the weekend, preferring her cottage. It was her idea to leave in the morning, before the kids were up, when she did stay.
Samantha hadn’t felt like staying late. She helped with the kid’s chores, finished with the dishes and begged off for an early evening at her place. As usual, she insisted that Steven and the children spend Sunday doing family stuff. Besides, she just wanted some time alone, and looked forward to a hard workout at the gym on Sunday with some quality time in the surf.
“You wouldn’t believe it,” Steven said, as he walked through the door on Monday morning. “A navy plane crashed in the ocean, right off our little island. The pilot made it ashore on the back side of the island, somewhere near Cat Harbor. It was just on the news.”
She looked at him with a huge smile on her face. “Oh yeah, I believe it, all right. Guess who was there and pulled him out of the water?”
His jaw dropped. “You? Why didn’t you call me?”
“Why? He ditched near the west end of the island. It was no big deal. I happened to be there for an overnight-er on Ipswich. He drifted against my boat, attempting to paddle ashore with a banged-up arm. It was only a badly bruised shoulder. I put the arm in a sling and assisted him getting to the other side of the island.” She felt she shouldn’t mention he’d spent the night on her boat.
“I’ve told you this before. You shouldn’t go off alone like that. Now, tell me, what was he like?”
“Like most young military men, tall and rugged-looking. Perhaps a little arrogant, but nice enough.” She handed over the medical records of his first patient. “The most notable characteristic was his extreme self- confidence. I may be confusing that with arrogance.”
Steven said, “Did he describe the experience, or the type of aircraft? You know, like brag about his exploits?”
She looked at Steven for a few seconds. “I heard him talking to his commanding officer. The plane was some kind of jet. He had to go from twenty thousand feet, down to nine thousand feet, and he jumped out there. It was more like another day at the park. He didn’t seem bothered by the experience.”
“Sounds like an interesting guy. You know, I would’ve enjoyed talking with him.”
She thought about his last statement. She could read him like a book. Steven always considered himself to be the smartest person in the room and liked challenging people he first met. Sometime he pushed the wrong button with strangers, asking his egoistical questions. He wasn’t a rude person, just challenging in social conversations. In spite of that, he was attractive and likable.
She’d been on scholarship for the swim team at the UC San Diego. Swimming, still her exercise of choice. She’d inherited the small island cottage, and much more, from an old maid aunt, a retired teacher. She had learned to surf, spending summers here, with Aunt Clara. She still cherished the memory of New Momma, her name for Aunt Clara in her prayers. Aunt Clara often accused her of being an over-age, over-educated beach bunny. Maybe I am, she thought.
A full week had gone by since she’d met the navy pilot. She felt like an immature school girl drooling over the high school quarterback. I’m thirty-one years old, it shouldn’t be happening. I should have given him my number and encouraged his call. At least, that would provide an opportunity to work through this silliness and get on with my life.
The problem had only grown worse after Thursday morning. She was awakened from a dream about the pilot at three a.m., leaving her feeling guilty, even embarrassed. She’d never experienced such an erotic dream until then. She’d awakened, believing he was lying next to her on the V-berth, where he’d slept. Her hand had been gently stroking the thin hair on his chest, creating unsuspected sensations. That had never happened before. Why can’t I have those feelings for Steven, look forward to our next kiss? He’s attractive, successful and he loves me.
She rushed away from work. She tried to make up her mind; should she jump in the shower, or go for a run along the harbor-front beach. She chose a run on the beach and quickly changed into shorts and running shoes. She headed for the door and felt her phone vibrate; a text. She’d check it after her run.
Chapter 3
Lieutenant Commander Dick McGowin picked up his cap, positioned it carefully on his head, and left the building. He’d been granted a ten-day leave while the investigation was underway. He had been temporarily reassigned to the Naval Training Command in San Diego, at Miramar Naval Air Station, awaiting a change from regular navy to reserve status, only days before his plane went down.
The report of his downing and loss of the aircraft had been reviewed and approved by his commanding officer. He didn’t expect today’s meeting to be the end of his reporting to the review board.
He made plans for an overdue visit with his brother, Dammit, and his wife, Robbin, in Florence, South Carolina after his appointment at the Pentagon. He and his brother had always been close, with Dammit being eighteen months younger, and two inches taller, a brawny six feet, five inches tall. The McGowins were a well know family in the Los Angeles business community. Dammit, now a reserve colonel in the marines, got lucky and married Doctor Robbin Goodrich, heir to three generations of her family’s wealth. Dick never let him forget it. He didn’t understand why the requested meeting was in Florence, until Dammit explained they were there visiting the newest children’s hospital acquisition. Children’s Medical Care Associates, a non-profit children’s hospital foundation made possible by an endowment from Doctor Robbin Goodrich.
“Now, you’re telling me you’ve fallen for someone you’ve only known a few hours? That’s not the older bro I know,” Dammit said, laughing. “Maybe the splash in the ocea
n busted more than your arm.”
Robbin said, “Lay off my favorite brother-in-law, Dam. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say.”
“Thanks, Robbin. Just because he’s bigger than me, he likes to throw his weight around. Does he still run five miles before breakfast every morning?”
She reached across and picked up Dick’s hand. “Go ahead, Dick, tell me everything about this girl who’s started your engine revving. I trust your judgement.”
“Thanks. I’d whip his butt, if he didn’t play dirty. Anyhow, this great love story may never come about. She’s involved with someone now, Doctor Peyton, on Catalina Island, where I ditched. Her name’s Samantha Brooks and I’ve never been attracted to anyone like this. I don’t intend to hurt her if she’s genuinely in love with this guy. My senses are telling me to read between the lines, her good life is not quite as good as she professes it to be. I intend to find out with a full-court press. I won’t do anything stupid, but do believe in the old adage; nothing ventured, nothing gained. Can you guys think of a good reason why I shouldn’t?”
“Dutifully noted,” Dammit said. “You’ve always given me good advice and I’m only trying to do the same for you. I know you’ll do it your way, anyhow, and it’s always been the right way.” He turned at the sound of the waiter returning with a second glass of wine. “Dick. I called you, not only because Robbin and I have missed you, but we’ve only seen you once since you returned from deployment in the Middle East and would like to run something by you.” He looked at Robbin. “We know you’ve applied for a transfer to Naval Reserve status, then plan to go with American Airlines to continue flying. We’d like you to consider another option, something we think would be mutually beneficial for both, yourself as well as Robbin and I.”
Dick looked at Dammit, then back at Robbin. “I think I know what you’re proposing, but go ahead, let me hear it.”
“I think you may have met Mark Wynn, our chief pilot,” Dammit said. “Mark has been our first and only chief pilot since the Trust purchased the Gulf Stream and leased it to CMCA, the foundation. As a result of an old injury sustained during the first gulf war, he’s decided to retire in December.”
Robbin spoke first. “Please consider joining us as the foundation’s Chief Corporate Pilot. As a family member, there would be unlimited advantages.”
Dick looked from one to the other, his mind racing. “You know I’ve participated in the demise of several expensive aircraft, don’t you?”
Dam said, “Two of those were destroyed on bomb runs. I also know that you’re a trained, well-respected, highly responsible naval officer, as well as a danger addict. You drove your Austin Healy sports car like a maniac in high school. Today you drive like an eighty-year-old, retired grade school principal. That’s the difference between then and now.”
“This can’t be happening,” Dick said. “You know I still like dancing on the sharp edge of the blade. I can’t give up flying the navy’s most advanced fighter plane, Dam. Your offer might interfere with my reserve duty. Also, would it pay enough money for a decent retirement?”
“As I said, the benefits are unbelievable, and the salary could equal or beat that of an airline captain. We have a whole week to kick everything around and explore all the options. You will have about four months between your release from active duty and Mark’s retirement. That’ll give you time to sort out your love life. Let’s tip glasses for a toast to the right decision.”
Dammit looked at Robbin. “Would you care to join Dick and I in the hotel gym for a short workout?”
She shook her head. “I’ll take this opportunity for a few laps in the pool. You guys need a little personal time.”
“See you at the gym in forty-five minutes,” Dick said. He felt for his phone and room key.
Dick dressed for a workout and picked up his phone. Being trained for rapid assimilation of data, he’d easily memorized the number of the borrowed telephone while on Samantha’s boat.
He texted; ‘Hi Sam. Thanks for patching up my shoulder. I can’t remember having a more enjoyable evening. After your careful attention to my life- threatening injury (ha-ha), you’ve been constantly in my thoughts. I would like to see you again. Your text will let me know if further contact is appropriate. I can’t deny, you’ve invaded my long-denied tender spot. Dick, or Rascal to my squadron buddies.’
Chapter 4
Samantha stared at the message. She trembled with nervous energy. Be careful what you wish for. A moment later she heard her phone buzz. “Hello there, Rascal. In my opinion, the name’s very appropriate. How did you acquire my unlisted number?”
“Naval officers are resourceful animals. To say more would divulge military secrets. I’ll bet you a Yankee dime that you didn’t let the doctor know I spent the night on Ipswich before leaving your island. Tell me the truth, now.”
“Before I tell a lie, it’s important to know the definition of a ‘Yankee dime’.”
“That’s believed to be the true value of a sailor’s kiss. Of course, an officer and a gentleman’s kiss has much more value, by act of congress. Just ask any officer. Someday, you may want to test the theory for yourself.”
“Would you, by chance, have a particular officer and gentleman in mind for this test?”
“Maybe. We’ll keep the gentleman’s name under wraps until we have an opportunity to get together again.”
“Are you in the brig or something, for destroying the navy’s airplane?”
“Not yet. I’m taking a few days off, visiting my brother, Dam, and his beautiful wife, Robbin. We’re in Florence, South Carolina for a business meeting.”
She was curious about his brother’s name. “You mean your damn brother, don’t you? What’s his name?”
“No, no, Sam, his first name is Dammit. Our mother was a hoot. Dam was in so much mischief, as a toddler, that every other word she uttered around him was ‘damn it’. He thought that was his name until he started to school. Our father said it was fitting and added Dammit to his birth records as his middle name.”
“I guess you’re not just pulling my chain. He probably had a lot of fights as a school boy.”
“We both did, until I figured out that life would be better as a lover and not a fighter. Unfortunately, I never had enough experience as a lover to master the craft.”
“Now I know you are the sailor my momma warned me about.”
“In all seriousness, I have next weekend free. I even have a flight reserved for a trip back to the west coast. How about another Saturday night on the beautiful Ipswich?”
“I’ll have to think about that. Call me after six tomorrow evening. You obviously have my number. Don’t get into any mischief that might change my mind.” Samantha felt a tingle of excitement run through her body. She’d never had that with Steven and it bothered her. There’d been little opportunity for dating since moving to the island and she wondered if that influenced her decision to enter the relationship. It had seemed like the natural thing to do at the time. After all, she thought, he’s an attractive, well established doctor. Could a difference in age of twenty years have anything to do with her lack of excitement with Steven? She didn’t think so.
She swam, head down, into the breakers for fifty yards, turned, and let the waves carry her back to the beach. She repeated the swim two more times before returning to her spot on the blanket and drinking heavily from her water bottle. She turned over on the towel to even her tan lines. Steven was walking toward her from her cottage. She hurried to her feet and greeted him with a light kiss. She hadn’t expected him today.
“Careful, honey, the sunscreen can stain this shirt. Get cleaned up and join me for lunch. The kids are with their mother until later this evening.”
Samantha stood back and looked at him from head to toe. Hawaiian sport shirt, white shorts, and highly polished loafers without socks. She smiled. “Mighty spiffy for a casual island afternoon.”
“I’m not much for sand and salt. Come on in and get
cleaned up. We can grab a quick lunch and come right back to your place for the afternoon.” She knew what he had in mind.
She held his gaze for several seconds, not appreciating his authoritative tone. “You should have called me. This is my day off, my only day to myself, and I haven’t finished my workout, Steven. I don’t want to give that up today.” She’d expected a more emotional greeting.
“You know I have very little time to spend with you,” he said. “I thought you’d be glad to see me.”
She felt he was cajoling her, but tried to stay pleasant. “Yes. I know that, and I am glad to see you.” She waited for a strolling couple to walk on by. “I have a list of things to do this afternoon and I’m already behind in my workout, even without catching a few waves with my board.”
He put his hands on her shoulders and held her at arms’ length. “What’s going on, Samantha? Things haven’t been the same for weeks now. I’m crazy about you, and I feel like you care for me.” He dropped his hands. “We’re still on for Tuesday evening, aren’t we?”
“Of course, Steven. Sometimes I feel like I’m involved with a married man, stealing time away from his family. We get together only when it’s convenient for you. I don’t like feeling that way. You can understand that.” Actually, she was tired of being taken for granted and wouldn’t put up with that very long, in any relationship. She didn’t like disappointing Steven, but knew he’d be over it by the time they saw each other in the clinic.
Chapter 5
“Bring the girl on in, let’s see what she has to say,” Harvey Marino said. Two big men placed the woman in a straight-backed chair in front of Marino. “You’re a good bartender, Maria. How long have you worked at the Jolly Fisherman’s Club?”
In the Blink of An Eye Page 2
