by R. J. Lloyd
“Eva.” He held his hands out to her. “We don't have to decide right now. But we probably should at least let it be on our minds. We will need to eventually talk about it.”
She covered her face with her hands. “I’m not ready.”
He put his hands on hers and pulled them down. “Like I said, we don't have to decide right now. But we do need to know our options. And, one day, we will want to choose.”
She opened her eyes. “The beauty of our situation, though, is we can choose eternity and change our minds to mortality at any point, for all we know. It’s just once we make choice, who knows if we can go back to eternity. The curse of our situation is we don’t know anything for sure. Nothing is for sure. And the paradox of it all is giving me a headache. Can we just go get something to eat?”
He chuckled. “Yes. Food sounds good.”
“Guild Slop Chili?” she joked.
He snorted. “Goldstar. But I just might call it Guild Slop from now on.”
She followed him to the car. “How far is it?”
He pointed down the hill. “On foot, or by car?”
“You don’t expect me to walk down this mountain, do you?” She shook her head. “Clearly, you over estimate my agility.”
“Clearly, I have. But no. Car is far better than traipsing through all those yards on the way down. I know I have no desire to be bitten in the ass by someone’s dog.” He opened her door for her. After going around to his side and getting in, he turned the key in the ignition and put the car in reverse. But before he took his foot off the brake, he paused and put it back in park. “Eva…”
“Not now, Ian.” She put her hand on his. “Can we not talk about it? It's on my mind. I promise, it is. But I don’t want to talk about it for a while.”
He took a deep breath. “I’ll stop.”
“Thank you.”
“But…”
“But nothing!” she yelled.
He laughed. “I was just going to say I still am going to make you try Goldstar.”
“Oh.” She was embarrassed by her outburst. “Guild slop. Yes.”
“Yes. Guild slop.”
Ian wasn’t joking about the drive. It was brief. He hadn’t been wrong about the chili, either. By the time they were checked into the hotel, Eva was full and far more relaxed. That night, they watched a movie at the theater on the Levee, watched some of the street performers and took a walk across the purple bridge after dark to see the city lights on both banks. It was not unlike a typical vacation a young couple would take together, and just what Eva needed.
They both pushed out thoughts of the lab, the experiments and who they really were, and allowed themselves to just pretend they were a normal couple on holiday, even if for just one night.
Twenty-One
Homeward Bound
“Rise and shine.” Ian waved a plate of bacon under her nose. “Eat. Shower. Get packed. I get to take you home today.”
“You’re not going to break out in song, are you?” she grumbled and pulled the comforter back up over her head.
He yanked the blanket down. “Only if you stay in this bed.”
Eva lifted herself up to her elbows and gave him a mock glare. “Are you like this every morning?”
“Only mornings where I get to take the love of my life home and have her in my life… my actual life. Not life on the run.”
Her lips pulled to the side. “Alright. I give. Just stop saying ‘life’ so much. I’m up, and, yes, I’m excited.”
“You sound it,” he replied sarcastically.
She reached out. “Do I smell bacon?”
He handed her the plate with a smile. She tried to take it, but he didn’t let go. She tried again, but his grip was still tight. Before trying again, she looked up at him. Plastered on his face was a huge, cheesy grin.
She flashed a fleeting smile back.
He didn't let go.
She gave him a fake, toothy grin.
He didn't let go.
After pursing her lips and grunting, she took in a deep breath and tried to put on a realistic smile. But he still didn't let go.
When her stomach rumbled, she eyed him.
But he stood firm.
Finally, she burst out in laughter. “You win! Just give me the bacon!”
He let go of the plate and casually took a drink of his orange juice. “Duly noted; will smile for bacon.”
She threw a pillow at him. “Will kill for it, too.”
“Thankfully, I can’t be killed then.”
She huffed at him. “Jerk.”
“Love you.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
After breakfast, they got on the road. After all the traveling the previous few days, the drive to Detroit seemed like nothing more than an afternoon jaunt. Before they knew it, they crested the industrial bridge on 75, just south of Downtown, and the Detroit skyline came into view.
“Wow. Cities up here look so much more… city than in Florida. I forget that.” She marveled at the rising buildings in front of them.
“More city, huh?” He chuckled.
She pushed his shoulder. “Yes. More city. Don’t hate.”
“Oh, I definitely do not hate. You’re far too adorable to hate.” He reached out and took her hand.
Ian’s neighborhood, being one of the smaller areas bordering the north side of Detroit proper, was a short drive more. If it had been a straight shot through town, it would have been maybe five minutes. But Eva was glad for all the twists and turns in the expressway. She was able to take in the city landscape a bit more and see the variety of architecture, colorful graffiti and even a little of the lesser known side of Detroit—the parks.
The city had grown a reputation of being hard and dangerous, carefully cultivated from years of rioting, poverty, ruins and struggle. Eva could see remnants of that as they drove through areas with burned out buildings and houses. But there was so much that reflected the side of Detroit that people were not aware of—the growth and the rebuilding that was happening throughout the area.
Ian told her how so many people—companies, organizations and individuals—were investing in Detroit. Communities that had always been there were flourishing. Historical buildings were being renovated and given new life and new businesses. Whole neighborhoods were being bought up, whether it be by a sweeping of individuals who were all renovating to live there like where Ian lived, or groups that were buying, rebuilding and giving as earned prizes for selected people who applied, such as a writers’ group. And, of course, the flippers, buying homes, renovating them and the selling them for a profit.
Detroit was awe inspiring for her. An entire city that was coming up and standing tall and proud, out of the ashes of a tragic past. It was once grand. Then it fell. But now, as they drove through, it was truly amazing. And as these thoughts ran through her mind, Eva found a certain sense like she could relate to it all.
With the memories she had been having of their living life together, she could tell they were a nearly perfect couple. One that probably made their friends sick with how sappy they were. But then, they fell. However, as they turned onto 8 Mile from 75, Eva looked over at Ian. He glanced at her, flashing his warm and familiar smile, patted her knee and went back to concentrating on the road and talking about all the things he couldn’t wait to show her. She knew they were rising out of those ashes. They were going to be awe inspiring together and even better than before.
Right then, she knew going back, allowing those memories to creep in, wasn't the right choice. They could have eternity. If their souls found each other even after death, in a world that wasn’t supposed to be theirs anymore, connecting in a world devised just for them to live separate lives, they were meant to be together. She wasn’t about to throw away any of the time she could have with him for a life they were no longer living.
He tilted his head. “You want to?”
She snapped back to attention. “I’m sorry. What?”
“Food. T
acos. Bacon wrapped hot dogs. Chips and salsa. I wanted to take you to my favorite place in my town. Well, in Ferndale anyway. It’s called Imperial. I’m starving.” The light turned green, and he turned north on Woodward. “It’s just up the road.”
She smiled. “Sounds great.”
“Perfect. I’ll call Kyle and let him know I’m back in town, and you’re with me. I will probably need to swing by the café after we eat to make sure everything is going smooth.” He pulled into a public parking area behind a row of businesses.
Once again, Ian was not wrong. The food was delicious. Eva devoured her meal, wanting to order more but knowing if she even thought about eating another bite, her stomach just might burst. She reminded herself they would be living fairly close and could come back at any point. It helped, even if only a little.
Ian signed the charge slip for their bill and slid it across the bar. “Kyle wasn’t at the café when I spoke with him earlier. He's gone to pick up a new shelving unit for the mugs. So, I really want to be there when he gets back. He said he’s been trying to call, but since I tossed my actual cell phone in the trash so we couldn’t be traced, he hasn't been able to get hold of me.” He stood and helped her down from her stool.
“Is it far?” she asked as they headed for the exit.
He shook his head, motioning for her to go through the door first. “No. Just up the main strip. We can walk if you like. It's maybe four blocks.”
“Walking is good after being in a car for days.” She turned then went through the doorway.
As she stepped out onto the sidewalk, she slammed into something solid. After a moment, she realized it wasn't something but rather someone.
“Eva. Oh, good. Cities are so much harder to sort through and pinpoint people.”
She took in a sharp breath. “Mitchell?”
“Mitchell?” Ian stepped out, moving close to Eva’s side.
“Have you forgotten what I look like already? Yes. It’s me, Mitchell.” He took a bow.
“Hey, Mitchell.” Ian’s tone held a hint of irritation. “We just got into town and are on our way somewhere. And I know you want to talk about those other people, but now is not a good time. How about you just give us a phone number and give us a few days to settle in? We can call and have you come visit later, when we’ve had time to clear our heads.”
Mitchell looked back and forth between the couple. “But I came all this way.”
“Mitchell…”
“Eva…”
“We’re not trying to be rude, but…”
“You aren’t, but you are. Right?” Mitchell shot Ian a scathing look.
“No.” Ian stepped slightly in front of Eva. “Listen, give us a number or don’t. But this popping in like a creepy stalker isn’t alright. I don’t care how you feel about her, and honestly, neither does she. And right now, both of us have had enough of all of this. I thought our last discussion was blunt enough. Obviously not. So, since you need it more obvious…”
Mitchell cut him off. “412-555-0672.”
Ian pulled out his phone. “412… what else?”
“555-0672,” Mitchell replied.
Eva put a hand on his shoulder. “We will call you. Please, just give us some time. This is all a lot to take in.”
He put his hand on hers. “I get it. But soon, please.”
Ian gently pulled Eva closer to him; far enough that her arm dropped. “We will call when we’re ready.”
Mitchell glanced at Eva one more time before turning to leave. As he rounded the corner, Ian’s shoulders dropped. He took her by the hand, and they rushed across Woodward as the signal changed for them to cross. It was a block before he slowed down.
Eva tugged him back. “Ian. Stop.”
“I just want to get to the café.” He slowed his pace, but kept going, tugging her to keep up
She refused to let him pull her any further. “Stop.”
Ian did as she said, but kept his back to her. “He just gets under my skin.”
She put a hand on his arm. “I'm not going to say he’s not creepy. But we probably need to handle him with some kid gloves if he’s going to keep showing up like that. Who knows what he might pull if we push him.”
He turned around to face her. “But who knows if he doesn’t get what he wants, either. And what he seems to want is for us to go after some renegade ghosts like us, and he wants you. Neither of which I want to give him.”
“I know. You’re right, but until we have time to think, I don’t want to make him angry. He makes me nervous, too.” She closed her eyes, shaking her head. “Let’s just go to the café. He’s gone for now. We can call when we’ve decided what to do.”
“I’ve already decided.”
She sighed. “When we are sure about our decision after we’ve calmed down a bit.”
“Fine.” He forced a grin. “Hot chocolate?”
“Hot chocolate,” she agreed.
A couple blocks up the road, they walked in through the front door of Ian’s café. Instantly, Eva fell in love with the place. The aesthetics of the establishment were exactly the kind of place she could imagine herself spending hours in, reading and relaxing.
Ian stepped into her line of sight. “So? Do you like it?”
She did another scan of the room. “I love it, Ian. Really. It’s fantastic!”
He took her hand. “Let me show you around.”
He whisked her through the building, proudly showing off every detail. She commented on the things she remembered him telling her about in their dreams. Even the fact that he had just purchased it. She followed along, matching his enthusiasm. The employees as well as a few regulars were happy to see Ian, and welcomed Eva excitedly.
He disappeared behind the counter and returned with what he’d promised… hot chocolate. Motioning toward a table by the window, he set down the mugs. “I hope you are fine with staying until Kyle gets back. I have some business things he needs me to help with, but I also want to introduce you to him.”
She took a sip, wincing slightly at its high temperature. “I could stay here all day. But you'd have to excuse me if I get lost in all the books.”
“A fellow book nerd. I forgot.” He got up, returning with one in hand. “Here. You once said you’d never read it.”
She took the book and looked at the cover. “Winston Graham, Poldark? Oh! Yes. Didn't they make a television show out of this?”
“Yes. Two, actually. Once back in the 70’s, and one more recent. What I caught of it was pretty good, the more recent one, that is.”
She set the book down on the table and tested the hot chocolate again, sipping more gingerly. “So, why this series? What makes you love it so much?”
He thought for a moment. “You know, I think it’s a couple of things.”
“Do tell.”
He rubbed his chin. “First, I suppose, it appeals to my inner historian. It takes place in the 1700s, and the story wasn't written until the 1940s and is completely fiction. But it’s fairly realistic. The characters seem true, gritty and real. It gives you a glimpse into the mining world, the scandalous inner workings of society and what life was truly like when you challenged both.”
The corners of her mouth spread out across her cheeks, her smile growing as she listened to him go on about a piece of literature. It reminded her of when they were in the dreams, and he would tell her about his dreams and goals. “Any character you relate to more than others?”
“Ross, the lead character. Well, the main character in the first book or so. Things change for him as the series goes on. He makes a mistake or two. Like I said, the books are very realistic in this story.”
She giggled. “Don’t we all? Make mistakes, that is.”
“Yes.” He mirrored her amusement. “But sometimes the mistakes we make change who we are. Or at least how we’re seen permanently.”
“Kind of like Marcus.” Her hands folded in her lap. “Once I found out everything, it was impossible to see him as
the man I’d thought of as my father. I still don't think I could have ever seen him as anywhere near the same man.”
Ian’s face had lost all humor. “Maybe not that bad, but yes. That same concept.”
“Oh. I didn't mean to bring all that back up.” She hid her face behind her mug.
He pulled her hands down. “It'll be a good thing to refer to it all at some point. We just have to get over this awkward hurdle.”
“You’re right,” she agreed.
Ian perked up as the door opened. “Kyle!”
The two men met half way and hugged.
Kyle patted him on the back. “I was beginning to wonder if you were ever coming back.”
“I can’t just expect you to run this place all by yourself unless I expect it to be run to the ground,” he joked.
“Hey!” Kyle punched his best friend in the shoulder. “I’ve been doing very well for the last few days. Cut me some slack. You don't have all the brains in this deal.”
“Don’t I?” Ian punched him back.
Kyle balled up his fists, a playful smirk on his face.
Ian held his hands up in surrender. “Hey, man! The place is still standing. You did alright.”
“Just alright?” He pulled his arm back, readying his punch.
Ian waved his still raised hands. “Fine! You did good. Geez!”
Kyle lowered his arm and shrugged. “Well, I'm not sure about good. You'll have to see the numbers before you decide on that.”
“How about you meet Eva first?” Ian turned slightly and motioned to her.
She was still sitting at the table. After he referenced her, she swallowed her drink of hot chocolate and nodded, offering a shy wave. “Hi.”
“Holy crap. She is real.” Kyle stepped toward her. “And with how gorgeous she is, no wonder you’ve just about gone insane over her. I mean, you said beautiful, but dang.”
Eva blushed.
Ian turned red from embarrassment. “I didn’t…”
Kyle ignored him, cutting him off. “Hi. I'm Ian’s better looking and completely capable roommate and business partner. You must be Eva, the woman of his dreams… and now mine.” He held out his hand to her.
