Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  Kate blinked, and everything became clear again. She saw her two cousins, Retta and Lucy, so darling in their vintage flapper dresses. They waved from a corner of the deck unaware Kate knew and loved their mother in another time.

  Thomas and his family were all smiles. Kate was happy to see them, especially for Drew’s sake. Thomas III resembled his grandfather, Drew’s best friend at the canyon, so much that Drew had a hard time separating the two. Kate hoped he wouldn’t spill any secrets in a weak moment.

  Brandon brought a date, and a group of young people she never saw before crowded around Lindsey. She seemed very friendly with them.

  Great, she has new best friends she never told me about. Kate was jealous. She shook her head as if to scold herself. She’s allowed to have other friends. She admonished herself for having those feelings.

  Kate searched for her parents in the crowd and saw them standing next to Lindsey’s parents, Beth and David. All of them looked very proud. Beth’s brothers, Steve and Scott, were busy putting the final touches on the deck with Anna giving the orders. Part of the large deck floor was covered over for a dance area.

  “Anna!” Kate waved to her. “This is unbelievable, so gorgeous. I haven’t even seen the house yet.” Anna wore a simple red chiffon dress that fell loosely around her. “You look lovely.” Kate kissed her cheek when she reached her.

  “And you are stunning, child.” Anna patted Kate’s face. “And look at this one! If it isn’t the spittin’ image of me!” Anna pulled Lindsey toward her. “How do you like your boys? Needed some gangsters here. You notice I left out the machine guns.” Anna chuckled at her own joke.

  Kate was able to finally get a good look at Charlie and Drew and even Brandon. They were all wearing black suits with black shirts, white ties and pinstripe vests. Each one wore a black felt fedora, not the summer straw hat Megan had mentioned.

  “Very gangster, Anna,” Kate said almost to herself. The image of Drew standing in his father’s house, dressed in that outfit, flashed before her. Something very familiar came to mind, but she couldn’t quite place it. She blinked and shook her head as if to make it vanish from her thoughts.

  “Kate! Kate, did you hear me? Carl’s here. You’re in for a big surprise.” Drew motioned for her to follow him.

  She stepped into the kitchen, and Carl headed straight for her. He wore a custom-made charcoal pinstripe suit, white shirt, charcoal tie with a white fedora.

  “Lil’ sis.” Carl walked toward her with open arms. As they hugged, Kate could see what appeared to be an entourage behind him. “Kate, I’m pleased to introduce you to Josie.”

  Kate stuck out her hand and shook the old woman’s hand. Her pure white hair was beautifully curled. Her honey brown skin was still relatively smooth for someone her age. She wore a designer black chiffon beaded dress and one black feather in her hair. Standing next to her was another man, who appeared to be in his fifties. From the similarities between the two men, Kate guessed he was Carl’s grandson, the other Carl.

  “And Kate, this is Josie’s son, Carl.” Carl’s eyes twinkled as he introduced him.

  “Nice to meet you.” Kate shook his hand, but someone behind him distracted her.

  “Finally, may I present my girl, Renae.” Carl took the girl’s hand and led her around Josie and Carl.

  Kate suppressed both a gasp and look of shock. Renae looked almost like Rachel Cook...only a modern day version. Tall and slender with large dark brown, almond- shaped eyes and high cheek bones, she was gorgeous. Her jet black hair hung straight, chin length, parted to one side, falling over most of one eye.

  “Wow, you could be a model,” was all Kate could think of to say.

  “And so could you.” Renae smiled. Her white beaded flapper dress sparkled under the lights.

  “Renae, you’re too modest.” Carl put her arm around her. “She is a model.”

  “I’d love to hear more about that and how you met.” Kate tried to muster up a smile as she looked back and forth between the two of them.

  “Oh, it’s a long story. I’m sure you have more guests to greet,” Carl said calmly. Nothing seemed to bother him. He didn’t seem to mind that Thomas III was headed straight for them.

  “Aunt Josie, Carl!” Thomas greeted his family. Then he looked at Carl Jr. “And what are you doing here with my cousin Renae?”

  “Chance encounter, Thomas. Small world, isn’t it?” Carl slapped him on the back, seeming unfazed by the comment. Thomas looked confused but didn’t ask more questions.

  Maya stayed in the background during the introductions and now gave Kate a hug. “I hope this goes well,” she whispered in Kate’s ear.

  Drew pulled Kate away from the group and into the family room. It was transformed into another world. There were chocolate and champagne fountains at the ends of a long table. A large, three-tiered cake decorated in black and white was the centerpiece. Bouquets of red roses were on every black linen-covered table. Bunches of silver foil star balloons mixed with black and white latex dotted the room.

  Old movie posters—The Mark of Zorro, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Kid, and The Jazz Singer—decorated the walls. Easels were spread throughout the room with black and white photos of stars of that era—Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Mary Pickford, Rudolph Valentino, Marlene Dietrich. “Rhapsody in Blue” was playing softly in the background, making Kate want to cry.

  “Are those tears?” Drew wiped the corner of her eye.

  “Of happiness. This is all so lovely, so Anna.”

  Lindsey and her group of friends entered the room. “O...M...G.!” One of the girls called out, heading for the champagne fountain, quickly grabbing a glass to fill.

  “We’re really not old enough to drink,” Kate whispered to Drew.

  “This is a speakeasy, isn’t it? There was no age limit.” Drew laughed and joined the line, returning with two glasses. “To the most beautiful girl here.” He lifted his glass in the air. “Happy Birthday.”

  Kate took a sip. “Ooh, that girl’s going to be disappointed. This is sparkling white grape juice.” She giggled and slipped her arm through Drew’s. They wandered around the room, viewing all the decorations.

  The rest of the guests filtered into the room as appetizers on huge silver trays were placed on the table. Crab-stuffed mushrooms with parmesan cheese, spinach dip and crusty pieces of bread, tiny cabbage rolls, oysters on the half shell, finger sandwiches and deviled eggs seemed to fit right into the theme of the night. The menu for dinner was engraved in white on small black note cards that had been given to the guests.

  Roaring Twenties Birthday Dinner

  Breast of Chicken a la Rose

  Medallion of Spring Lamb, Chasseur

  Potatoes a la Hollandaise

  Asparagus Tips au Gratin

  Peas and Carrots

  Waldorf Salad, Mayonnaise

  Kate was impressed. Some of these same things had been served at her great-great Aunt Lucinda’s wedding back in September of 1927.

  The night was not just an eighteenth birthday party; it was a celebration of the love. The love of friends and family she found long ago.

  * * * *

  After dinner, Kate was able to drag Carl back to Anna’s apartment for a quick discussion. “Renae? Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for you, but you could’ve warned me. Plus she looks like Rachel. She’s family, Carl! I heard Thomas say she was his cousin. Start talking.”

  “If you’d take a breath, birthday girl, I’ll tell you everything.” Carl sat down on Anna’s loveseat. “I drove the Maserati to Texas this spring to show my daughter. I wanted to test it out on the highway. You know the GranTurismo is one of the most beautiful cars out there today, and the performance—”

  “Carl!”

  “Okay, temper, temper, sis. I’ve never seen you like this. Well, if you must know, I took my grandson, Carl, for a spin. He wanted to show his cousins the car. I let him drive—felt bad for the guy, just went through a nasty divorce. He took me
over to his Aunt Dorothy’s house. They were having Sunday dinner. You’re aware that Thomas Sr. and Rachel had Dorothy and then Thomas Jr. after Josie, right? Well, anyway, Dorothy has three sons, and Renae was one of their daughters. I fell instantly for her.”

  “I wonder why...”

  “Hey, we’re not related or anything, right? Sure she has some resemblance to Rachel, but that’s where it ends.”

  “Really.”

  “Mmm, sounds a little sarcastic, sis. Okay, she’s helping take the pain away, and you have to admit, she’s easy on the eyes.”

  “I’m sure she likes your sports car.”

  “Yep, even Josie likes it.”

  “Just be careful. Don’t be too trusting and think you can tell your new family everything. I know Josie’s aware, but what about Carl?”

  “He knows we’re related somehow...distant cousins or something. Josie hasn’t told him anything. Don’t worry, Kate. This is my family...and Rachel’s. I think of Dorothy and Thomas Jr. as my stepchildren.”

  “You’re right. I’m just so nervous about Tyson showing up at the canyon. He could ruin everything.”

  Carl put his arm around Kate. “Let’s enjoy tonight. Don’t think about it.”

  “Think about what?” Drew suddenly appeared at the door of Anna’s apartment.

  “Tyson,” they both answered.

  “Great idea. We’ll talk tomorrow before we leave.” Drew nodded to Carl, then took Kate’s hand. “They’re asking for the birthday girls to come and cut the cake.”

  Lindsey and Kate held the cake knife together and sliced into the white fondant frosting. The three-tiered cake looked like a giant present. The top layer had a giant black satin fondant bow on top with a silver sparkling number eighteen popping out of it. The second and third layers appeared to have black ribbon wrapped around them. The bottom layer had Kate’s and Lindsey’s names on each side. Tiny black dots decorated each white frosted layer. Aunt Sue stepped in and said she’d finish serving the cake so the girls could go have fun.

  Music drifted into the house, and the crowd followed the sound to the deck. Evening turned to night, and the black velvet sky began to fill with stars. Drew took Kate in his arms and spun her onto the dance floor.

  “Remember when I said I ordered this sky for you?” Drew whispered in her ear.

  “How could I ever forget? It was our wedding night.” Kate touched her charm bracelet Drew started for her. A moon, a star and two horses hung from its chain, reminding her of their time together.

  Kate could have stayed in his arms all night, but she knew she needed to mingle with the guests. She decided to get to know Renae better and talk with Josie.

  “Stay with me while I circulate.” Kate took Drew’s hand as they made the rounds, finally entering the house. Josie sat in the great room, now empty of guests, with Anna and Maya.

  “Kate, Drew, join us.” Anna motioned to them. “I think it’s safe to talk in here.”

  “Anna, everything’s lovely. I must say I love your champagne.” Kate winked at her.

  “You didn’t think I’d serve all you young’uns the real thing now, did you?” Anna winked back.

  Kate threw her head back in laughter. “I know someone who’s very disappointed.” She thought of Lindsey’s Arizona friend who was thrilled when she saw the fountains.

  “Real thing’s being served to the adults.” Anna held her glass up as if she was making a toast.

  “Oh, Anna, I love you!” Kate winked again, then turned to Carl’s daughter. “Josie, you must still be adjusting to all the information you learned this year.”

  “Oh, my, yes, I am. I feel like Carl’s my child instead of my father.” Josie chuckled. “So much to get used to.”

  “Renae reminds me of your mother.”

  “Doesn’t she? She’s one of the few girls in our family. My Carl has a daughter, but we rarely see her now.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. Carl told me about the divorce.”

  “Well, let’s not talk about that on such a festive day. I’m so happy to see Anna. I haven’t seen her since I married and moved to Texas. I remember coming out here with Mom and Dad, well...I mean Thomas, I guess...to ride horses and play with Dan.”

  “He was your father, Josie. He raised you and loved you,” Anna quickly said. “This time travel has woven an intricate web that Thomas will always have a place in. We all loved him very much.”

  Josie wiped a tear from her eye. “I do get confused at times.”

  Kate took Josie’s hand. “Of course, you do. Did you know I was in Lucinda’s wedding and was born in the present? Think how confused I am when people look at the wedding picture and say ‘that’s Kathryn’ and I know it’s me.”

  “That’s a lot to comprehend, child, but you’re young, resilient.”

  “So are you.” Kate kissed her on the cheek. “You know Carl’s like my brother, so that would make you...”

  “Your niece!” Josie smiled. “You’re darling, Kate. I’m so glad you’re taking good care of Carl.”

  Drew was silent during the conversation but now spoke up. “Josie, it’s a pleasure to meet you and welcome to the club.” He took her hand and kissed it.

  Anna rolled her eyes. “He’s from the twenties. What can I say?” Everyone laughed with her.

  As they left the room, Kate turned to Drew and said, “One down, one to go. Josie was easy because she knows everything, but let’s see what Renae knows.” She was still worried about Carl sharing too much information. He was so friendly and outgoing, quick to think others were as trustworthy as he was.

  Kate found them dancing on the deck, looking very much in love as if the rest of the world didn’t exist. Kate hated to break up their moment, but needed to learn more about their relationship.

  “There you are.” Kate acted as if she was searching the house for them. “Carl, we’ve barely talked. I want to get to know Renae.”

  The two couples sat down at a round table in a quiet corner. A server passed by with a tray of champagne and one of sparkling juice. Drew deftly grabbed four glasses from him.

  “Not much to tell.” Carl raised his glass in the air. “Happy birthday.”

  “Thanks.” Kate smiled at the avoidance tactic. “As for not having much to tell, I’m sure Renae wouldn’t agree.”

  “We met at my grandmother’s house this spring.” Renae sat forward. “Carl’s related to Josie somehow but not the rest of us. We’ll do a family tree someday and figure it all out.” She let out a beautiful laugh that made Kate want to join in.

  “So it’s a long distance relationship. That’s hard.” Kate kept pushing.

  “Not really,” Carl responded. “I have time to join her when she goes on shoots. New York City’s closer to Ohio than Texas.”

  “So you live in New York.” Drew appeared interested in that fact. “One of my favorite cities.”

  “You’ve been there,” Renae nodded.

  “Many times.” Kate liked how Drew maneuvered the conversation so he didn’t give anything away. He could’ve easily said he grew up there and was quite familiar with the city but instead talked about his favorite restaurants, Broadway plays and spending hours in museums as if he visited frequently. “I need to get Kate back there in time for the new Guggenheim exhibit. Heard it’s going to be great.”

  “We should all go.” Renae looked at Carl. “Don’t you agree?”

  “The more time to spend with you and sis, the better. It’s been a great evening, but I think we’ll wrap it up.” Carl stood and reached for his phone. “I’ll put a call into the driver and have him pull around to the front of the house. We’re staying at Ericson’s Bed and Breakfast. It was made over from an old boardinghouse. Have you heard of it?” Carl raised his eyebrows as he glanced at Kate.

  “Yes, I have,” Kate nodded. Her beloved boardinghouse was now a bed and breakfast. “I’d love to see it sometime.”

  “I rented the whole place out. Feel free to stop by. We’re having
breakfast with Thomas and his family tomorrow.”

  “We’re leaving in the afternoon, but thank you.” Drew reminded him and turned to Renae. “Enjoy your stay.”

  “You sure? They say the old proprietor still haunts the place. Maybe we’ll get to meet him.” Carl chuckled at his inside joke. Kate knew he was referring to his father.

  “I’m sure he’s a friendly ghost.” Kate squeezed Carl’s arm to make him stop.

  The couples said their good-byes. Kate felt it went well enough that she needed to stop agonizing over the relationship. Carl was happy and would now stay in the present where he belonged. Rachel would become a distant memory. She grabbed Drew’s hand. “That went well.”

  “I hope you’re right. He seems to be just as fixated on this life as he was with Rachel back at the canyon. He’s throwing his money around recklessly...carelessly, without thinking about the consequences. I just hope you’re right.”

  * * * *

  The next morning was a flurry of activity. The families were packing and getting ready for the trip back to Ohio. Everyone, except Lindsey. She wasn’t coming back at all.

  “You’d think I’d be used to this by now. You come here every summer. I can’t stand it! I’m jealous,” Kate moaned.

  “You’ll be back before you know it. We’ll be starting college together. Can’t wait!”

  “True, but you’re going straight there.” Kate used her best Lindsey pout.

  “Hey, quit stealing my moves.” Lindsey pouted back at her friend. “You have to agree it’s dumb to fly home and back here again. If I forget anything I’ll buy it, or I’m sure Aunt Sue will get it for me.”

  “Spoiled!” Kate threw a pillow at her. Laughter filled the room as the two girls tossed the pillow back and forth until Drew broke up the fun.

  “Kate, your dad wants to speak with us...at Anna’s.” Drew shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t know what it was about.

  “Uh-oh, you’re in trouble now.” Lindsey threw the pillow once more.

  Kate, still in her pajamas, could tell this was important. Anna and her dad were in the sitting room when they arrived. Her mom...nowhere to be seen.