Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  You don’t have to, Kathryn, I’m right here. Be strong. When you feel the strongest, that’s when I’m by your side. Kate flipped around when she heard Anna’s voice. It felt like she was right behind her, whispering in her ear.

  “Just like in New York. When I panicked, you were there,” Kate said to the empty room. She turned back to the closet and placed her hand on the sweatshirt she was looking for. It was right in front of her the whole time.

  She slipped it over her head and felt game ready. Funny how two small towns could make such a big fuss over a game that didn’t count for anything except bragging rights. It was a tradition that started back in the 1950s when the other school didn’t have a gym, and they challenged her school to a game. It became a high school tradition ever since.

  Determined to make it a fun evening, Kate headed downstairs for dinner. Lindsey and her family were joining them, and she thought she heard their voices.

  “Lindsey!” Kate drank in the sight of her friend, looking so much like young Anna. “I’ve missed you so much!”

  “How are you? Your dad’s filled me in on the details of your New York adventure, past and present.”

  “No one else heard, did they?”

  “Of course not. Your dad’s careful. You’re growing more paranoid by the day. We need to get that book back from Tyson so you can relax.”

  “No, I need to get it back.”

  “Hey, we’re a team. I helped you steal the first book from Maya.”

  “Yeah, you did, and I’m eternally grateful...but this is something I need to do on my own.”

  “I’m here if you need me. Sisters till the end.” Lindsey hugged Kate tightly and then whispered in her ear. “I can’t believe Freddie’s still alive.”

  “I know. We really need to find time to talk.” As Kate hugged her friend, she realized there was someone else she needed to speak to. She never told her father about having the rights to his books. Shocked to see him looking like a prize fighter after his return, it flew right out of her head. Tonight he was sticking to the story of a low tree branch hitting him in the face, and everyone seemed to buy it.

  “I promised Jordyn we’d save her and Brian seats at the game. Seems like basketball players will be announced plus all the cheerleaders...past and present.” Lindsey filled Kate in on their friend.

  “We never get to see much of Jordyn at this game, do we?” Kate laughed. Jordyn attended the dance when she was cheering for the team while Kate ended up with Tyson in uncomfortable situations.

  “This year’s going to be different. Right?” Lindsey’s squeezed her cousin’s hand. “We’re not leaving your side.”

  Kate, Drew and Lindsey left the parents at the dinner table to get a head start to the game. Jake, Lindsey’s little brother, tagged along, too, reminding the trio he sat with them last year.

  “It’s a tradition now until I’m on the team,” he stated.

  “And we’ll be cheering for you in the stands. I’ll scream out, that’s my little bro!” Lindsey teased.

  “Argh!” Jake playfully air punched at his sister.

  “Hey, Jake, watch those swings.” Drew stepped in to control the situation. “We’re the only two who can air fight.”

  “You don’t think I can defend myself?” Lindsey bantered back, giving Jake a few air punches.

  The playful chatter lasted all the way to the game and into the gym. Erin and Jordyn were with the new cheerleaders on the sidelines, showing them some moves. Tyson broke away from his basketball buddies when he saw them.

  “Hey, guys, good to see you.” Tyson’s friendly smile didn’t help ease the tension. “Thought we’d all go out for a reunion after the game. Jordyn and Brian are on board. I hope you three will join us at the diner.”

  “We’ll try to meet up with you after the game.” Kate reminded herself she had to play nice. “I’m sure we can go out for awhile...for old time’s sake.” She felt the pressure of Drew’s hand in hers. “We’re gonna grab some seats. Good luck.”

  They climbed the steps of the bleachers and picked a spot in the middle for the best view. People began to file in, and the gymnasium quickly filled up. The basketball coaches from both teams came out to the center of the floor and announced their players. Then they invited returning players from past seasons to join them on the floor. From each group, the coaches revealed the honorary captain for the game. Tyson already knew he was to be captain and held his arms over his head when it was broadcast.

  “Ugh, what a showoff.” Lindsey made a disgusted face which made Kate giggle. “Acts like he’s the only one out there. What about Brian? He was a good player.”

  “You’ll always have a soft spot for him.” Kate nudged her. She thought back to how Lindsey dated him two years ago. They were still friends. She wished it could be that simple with Tyson.

  The game got underway. Kate was distracted most of the time, thinking of other things, just like the past two years.

  “You know if we win it’s going to be pandemonium in here.” Drew leaned in close to be heard over the crowd.

  “Why? What’s the big deal?” Kate was confused and decided she better pay attention.

  “Well, for the past ten years, each team has won five games. This is a tie breaker of sorts.”

  “Oh.” Kate looked at the scoreboard, seeing there were just thirty seconds left to play, and the score was tied.

  Everyone rose to their feet, clapping and cheering for their team. The two teams traded baskets, keeping the score evenly matched. The scoreboard clock ticked down to the final two seconds of the game. The home team ended up with the ball, and the player seemed to freeze in place.

  Tyson stood up and screamed something at him, and the boy released the ball. The crowd watched in silence as the ball headed toward the basket as if it was in slow motion. It hit the rim, swirled around a few times and dropped in. Kate’s side of the gym broke into wild cheers as the team huddled together on the floor in celebration.

  Lindsey had Jake head up the stairs to join their parents and took Kate’s hand. “Let’s get out of here before we can’t move.”

  Kate grabbed Drew with her other hand, and they started down the steps. At that moment, a large crush of people came with them. The gym floor started to fill up. It seemed like everyone wanted to join the festivities on the court.

  Kate was surrounded by fans as she reached the bottom step and felt Lindsey’s hand slip away. Luckily, she still was holding on tightly to Drew. She turned back to look at him and knew she shouldn’t be frightened, but suddenly she was. Drew nodded as if to say keep going, and that’s when she felt their hands separate.

  “Drew!” Kate screamed as loudly as she could.

  “I’ve got you!”

  Kate was relieved to hear his voice which was barely audible above the chanting. She allowed herself to be guided to the edge of the commotion and through a small side door of the gym that led outside. She buried herself into his body, feeling protected. Safely outside, Kate was able to focus again. “That was crazy!”

  “It sure was!”

  Stunned, Kate looked up into Tyson’s face. He smiled at her so lovingly, so longingly, it scared her. His lips were on hers before she realized what was happening.

  “I love you.” He breathed into her ear and pulled her close. “We could have it all, Katie. If only...”

  “If only what, Ty? I do what you say? Feel how you want me to feel?”

  “No, I was going to say if only things were different. I love you like a friend, that’s all. Come on, I’ll drive you to the diner.”

  This time Kate stood her ground. She had given in to his demands twice before on game day, and look how that turned out. She was done appeasing him, stroking his ego, reasoning with him. Suddenly, she knew Anna was with her.

  “No, I’m not going with you. Go find your girlfriend, and take her to the diner. We’ll meet you there.” Kate walked around the building to the main door where she was positive she’d find Drew.


  “Kate, over here!” Drew’s arm rose up from the crowd. “What happened to you? It’s as if something...or someone...took you away.” Then he paused, knowing he had answered his own question. “Tyson.”

  “Yep, but here I am. I didn’t need rescuing. I told him nicely I didn’t need a ride. We’d meet him there.”

  “You still want to go?” Lindsey shoved through the crowd to join them.

  “Of course, we have a book to think about.”

  The drive to the diner was awkward, but Kate was determined to keep everyone positive. “Guys, we have to act like fun college freshmen. Not like we have an agenda. Tyson’s smart and can see right through us. I don’t want him to feel like he’s cornered or that he’s won. Let’s show him how the Campbell/Roberts/Kelly clan parties.”

  Jordyn and Brian were already in the restaurant reserving a large table for the group. After all the hugs and handshakes, they sat down to wait for the guest of honor. When Tyson and Erin arrived, everyone clapped and gave a few shout outs. Drew offered to pick up the tab, and they cheered for that. College stories were told, the game discussed and old high school teachers were dissected.

  “Wonder if the gym cleared out yet? Good thing I rescued you, right, Katie?” Tyson held up his glass of soda like he was toasting her.

  “I was managing fine on my own.” Kate held up her own glass.

  “You’re a feisty one,” Ty nodded back.

  “Yes, she is,” Drew added.

  “You should know, Drew-ski.” Tyson slapped him on the back.

  Kate knew those two comments could set Drew off. He hated when Tyson called him Drew-ski and the other, alluding to sex, was a topic Drew didn’t want to discuss. She held her breath, waiting for his reaction.

  “Maybe I do.” Drew had a slight smile on his face that Kate knew was really a grimace.

  Good job, Drew. Hang in there. We’ll leave soon. Kate held her glass higher and said, “To the honorary captain of the game.” She moved the attention back to Tyson and felt Drew relax. “What did you say to that kid with the ball?”

  “I said, shoot! Shoot the ball, dammit!”

  Everyone laughed and credited Tyson for winning the game.

  Kate felt it was a perfect time to end the evening. “We’ll have to meet again before everyone goes back to school. Right now, I’m ready to go. Good seeing you all.”

  Drew and Lindsey hopped up while Kate was still giving her good-bye speech. To Kate, they appeared overly anxious to leave. Trying to keep up the act, they talked and laughed until they spilled out into the cold night air.

  “Drew, you held up well. I’m proud of you.” Kate quickly kissed him on the cheek.

  “We all did!” Lindsey called out. “Group hug!”

  The three friends held fast to each other. At that moment Kate realized what Anna’s letter was trying to say. Kate could be strong, but not on her own. She’d always need her friends and her family to support her.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Sunday night couldn’t come soon enough. Drew promised Kate she could go to the canyon Monday and return after their private Thanksgiving on Thursday. They’d be back in time to celebrate with family in Ohio. That’s how the book worked. You woke up at the canyon, and it was a new day. When you woke up at home, it was still that same day. The book was good at fooling a person into believing it was all a dream.

  Carl and Maya promised to come to the Roberts’ for dinner. Renae was flying in from New York. Everything was on track as Kate got ready for bed.

  “Mom!” Kate called out from her bedroom.

  She came rushing in. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Just wanted to say good-bye. We’ll see you on Thursday.”

  “I don’t like this, Kate.”

  “I know you don’t, but everything will be fine.”

  “Promise? Last year it was Carl’s turn to scare us at the canyon, and the year before was your concussion here at home. I can’t take anymore Thanksgiving holidays like that.”

  “Mom, don’t worry. Think of it as we’re on vacation.” Mother and daughter clasped hands as if making a promise to each other. “Love you.”

  Kate suddenly remembered she hadn't talked to her father yet. She couldn’t leave without letting him know what happened in New York. “Mom, I never told Dad about his books. Did you?”

  “Of course not. It’s your place to tell him. I think you should do it soon.”

  “Yeah, like right now. Would you mind finding him and asking him to come to my room?”

  “Sure.” Her mom left and in a few minutes returned with him.

  “Had to say good-bye to your dear ol’ dad, didn’t you?” Her father put his arms out for a hug. His face was healing but still showed signs of the beating he took.

  “Yep, but there’s something else, too. I need to tell you why we went to New York so suddenly.”

  “You already did. My mother wanted you to go to the law firm, hoping you’d find Freddie or some of Andrew’s family. It’s wonderful news that Freddie’s alive. I’m still amazed at her forward thinking. It was just a dream in her mind, but she had the tenacity to pull it off. I’m so grateful she had Freddie. It’s like he took my place.”

  “It does seem that way. He knows everything, too, so it’s safe to meet him. He’ll keep our secrets.”

  “Is that what you wanted to tell me? I trust Andrew’s brother completely.”

  “No, there’s more.” She hesitated. “Your mother left me the rights to your books. All royalties were put into an account after her passing. Freddie managed the account.”

  Silence filled the room. Kate couldn’t tell if her father was thinking or angry. “Dad, did you hear me? I own your books, but I’m more than willing to give them back to you plus the royalties.”

  “How much? How much money’s in the account?”

  “A little over two million.”

  Her dad clasped his hands, folding and unfolding his fingers over and over again. “You’re a millionaire,” he finally said. Then he stuck out his hand. “Congratulations.”

  “You want to shake hands?” Kate was confused. It was hard to read him. She still couldn’t tell what he was thinking. “Are you mad?”

  “Oh my gosh, no! It was a brilliant move on my mother’s part. Don’t know how she pulled it off, but she did. She leaves everything to someone who isn’t born yet. No wonder she wanted Freddie running the firm. She only trusted him.”

  “And the books?”

  “You keep the rights. I would leave them to you anyway. You’ll respect my wishes about them, I’m sure.”

  Kate took her father’s hand, and they shook on the deal. She could tell he was very happy and just needed time to sort everything out. “I’ll take good care of them.”

  “I know you will.” He kissed her forehead. “Sweet dreams.”

  Kate crawled into bed, and her mother tucked her in like when she was little. The last thing her mom did was place the book in the bed next to her. The book had to travel with her so she could stay at the canyon longer. Looking up at her parents, Kate felt the love in the room. She closed her eyes, listening to them talk softly to each other, and knew they’d stay until she was gone.

  * * * *

  When Kate woke the first thing she wanted to do was visit Anna. She knew things would never be the same but was grateful for this time warp in her life. Running down the boardinghouse hall, she tapped on Anna’s door. “Are you awake?”

  “Kathryn, you’re back early!” Anna threw the door open, embracing her.

  “Yes, I have some time before Drew and I head to the cabin. I want to spend it with you.”

  “Let me get dressed. I’ll join you for breakfast.”

  Kate wandered into the kitchen to find Maya at the stove. “Good morning, Mrs. Johansson.”

  “I heard you were coming for a few days and thought I’d keep an eye on things.” Maya untied her apron and sat at the large wooden table. “Coffee?”

&nbs
p; “Thanks.” Kate reached for the steaming cup, taking in the aroma.

  “I suppose Drew’s upstairs and will be down soon.”

  “He can get his own coffee,” Kate answered, and the two women laughed.

  “Can I join in?” Anna slipped into a chair next to Kate. “I’m so glad Kathryn’s back! I missed her.”

  “You two go ahead and visit. I’ve got things to do.” Maya got up and left the kitchen.

  “Kathryn, I have to tell you something. You’re going to think I’m silly, but I feel like I know your friend, Lindsey...like I met her before.”

  “You did. At my wedding.”

  “Well, maybe I’m not saying it quite right. It’s like I know her. She seems so familiar.”

  Kate smiled, knowing Lindsey would love to hear this. “She’s just a friend from Ohio, Anna. I don’t think you know her.”

  “Well, it’s so...”

  “Déjà vu?” Drew’s voice filled the room. Anna looked at him quizzically as he walked to the stove to pour some coffee. “The experience of feeling like something’s happened before,” he explained.

  “Yes, Andrew, something like that.”

  “Or maybe you knew her in another life,” Kate suggested, knowing it was true.

  “Stop, you two. You’re making my head spin!” Anna giggled as she held her head.

  Drew headed back out of the kitchen. “I’ll leave you two alone. Be outside if you need me, Kate.”

  She knew there was nothing to lose so she decided to tell Anna about the trip to New York. Confiding in her wouldn’t change anything. History was already rewritten. “I need to tell you about the trip to New York City.”

  “Need? That sounds like it wasn’t a good trip. Wasn’t that part of your honeymoon? I hope you enjoyed some of the time you spent there.”

  “Well...not exactly.” Kate began with the train trip, describing the Pullman car, keeping the story light. She told details of the limo ride, shopping at Saks and the opulent décor of the Martin four-story townhouse.

  “That all sounds wonderful, Kathryn. I don’t understand.”