Never Far Away

by Anie Michaels

  Ella was glad to see the store was pretty busy, customers perusing the racks and her two employees helping women accessorize and find matching pieces. When Brittany, her most experienced employee, saw her, a smile formed along her lips.

  “Ella, hi! We weren’t sure we would see you today.”

  “Hi, Brit. How are things going today?”

  “Just great. Pretty busy for a Monday,” she said as her eyes strayed towards Porter and his hand linked with hers.

  “Brittany, this is Porter. Porter, this is Brittany, she is one of my valued employees.” Porter reached out with his free hand to shake hers.

  “Nice to meet you,” he said. “I’ve heard good things about you.”

  “Really? Well that’s good,” she said smiling.

  “We just came by to check on the store, make sure everything was going well.”

  “Everything’s fine, promise. Do you guys have plans today?”

  “Not really, we just came from the hospital.”

  “What?” Brittany asked, concern flashing across her face. “Is everything ok?”

  “Yes. Everything is fine. Better than fine, actually. My memory came back Saturday night.” Brittany’s eyes went wide and her smile was back.

  “Ella! That’s great! I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks, I am too.” Ella looked up at Porter and saw he was smiling as well. “I am just going to check my messages and then I will be out of your hair.”

  “Ella, this is your store. You’re not in my hair,” she laughed. Ella led Porter to the backroom and she sat down at her desk looking at some papers that had been left for her.

  “So, when do you actually work? You seem to come and go from here as you please,” Porter asked. Ella laughed.

  “I’m lucky enough that I can hire a full staff. So the store runs whether I’m here or not. I spend a lot of time here, more than forty hours usually, but I’ve been distracted the last couple of days.” She winked at him.

  “So, your store makes enough of a profit that you can fully staff and you don’t even have to be here if you don’t want to be? Why haven’t you opened a second store sooner? It’s obvious that you are very good at this.”

  “Fear of failing, I suppose, or being too comfortable.”

  “You’re not afraid anymore?”

  “No, the fear is still there, but the excitement and need for change is stronger. I guess I’m just ready. Besides, I feel like I can do anything if you’re there helping me.” He came to stand behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

  “I’m honored to help.” Just then her phone rang and she gave him a worried look.

  “It’s my mom,” she said and then answered. “Hey, Mom.”

  “Ella, where have you been? We’ve all been worried sick about you.”

  “I’m fine, Mom. Sorry you worried. Listen, can I come over for dinner tonight? I have something I want to talk with you about.” Her mom let out a sigh and Ella knew she still wanted to be upset with her for disappearing.

  “Of course you can come over for dinner. I’ll see you around six?”

  “Sounds great, Mom. Oh, and I’ll be bringing a date.”

  “A date?”

  “Yes, a date,” she threw a smile at Porter, which he returned and made her insides quiver.

  That evening as they drove to Ella’s parents’ house, Ella could feel the tension radiating off of Porter and it was making her nervous in return. He drove his truck and hadn’t spared a glance her way since they left her apartment. His hands gripped the steering wheel with impressive strength.

  “Baby, what’s bothering you?” Ella reached across the cab of the truck and gently stroked his forearm, trying to calm him down. He pushed out a loud breath and ran a hand through his hair which made Ella smile because his hair was constantly in disarray because of his habit. “What is it?” She pressed.

  “The last time I spoke with your mother she basically told me to move on. She told me to give up, that you wouldn’t ever remember me, or us, and that I should just cut my losses,” he paused. “I just don’t know how I feel about ambushing her like this. I don’t know what I’m going to do if she’s upset that we’re together.” Ella scooted across the seat and placed Porter’s arm around her shoulders so that she could press herself into his side.

  “First of all, my parents will probably be so ecstatic that my memory came back that will overshadow anything else. And secondly,” she said as she placed her hand on his chest. “It doesn’t really matter what my mom thinks about us being together. Nothing could keep me from you now. Besides, my mom isn’t really the type to forbid something. I’m a grown woman. Once my mom sees how happy we are, I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

  “I just don’t want anyone to be upset. We’ve had enough drama already. I just want everything to go smoothly.”

  Ella kissed his cheek and patted his chest.

  “Everything is smooth sailing from here on out, promise.”

  When they pulled up to her parent’s house, Ella made sure she held Porter’s hand in hers. She wanted there to be no mistake about their relationship when her parents saw them together. Ella knocked on the door and then opened it.

  “Mom?” She called out.

  “Back in the kitchen.” Ella gave Porter’s hand a squeeze. When they entered the kitchen, Ella saw her mother’s eyes lift to take them in and confusion immediately painted across her face.

  “Hi, Mom,” Ella smiled at her.

  “Ella, what’s going on?” Her mother’s voice was calm and smooth, genuinely concerned but still friendly.

  “Mom, I’ve got something to tell you and Daddy. Is he around?”

  “Ella, is that you?” She heard her father’s voice as he entered the kitchen, and the same concerned and confused expression came across his face to match his wife’s.

  “Mom. Dad,” Ella started. She wasn’t really sure where to start, so she decided to just jump in. “Saturday night my memory came back,” Ella said with half a smile, hoping they would understand what she wasn’t saying: that she remembered Porter.

  “Your memory came back?” Her mother asked.

  “Yes. It was completely random, out of the blue, and hurt like hell. But it came back.” Her mother’s hand came to her chest and she could see tears forming in her eyes.

  “It hurt?” She asked through the tears.

  “Yes. It felt very much like a migraine and then it was like a thunderstorm was in my brain. The worst of it didn’t last long and it was over quickly, but it did hurt.” She felt Porter squeeze her hand. She looked up at him and he leaned down to place a chaste kiss on her lips.

  “And it appears you’ve remembered Porter as well?” Her father asked.

  “Yes, I remember Porter. He’s the first thing I remembered,” she smiled up at him. “I drove to his house immediately that night. That’s why you couldn’t get ahold of me.”

  “So, then it’s true?” Susan asked and Ella could see a small smile was playing across her lips.

  “What’s true?” Ella asked, confused.

  “That you fell in love with him at the beach?”

  “Yes,” and a rush of air followed as Ella finally released some of the tension she’d brought in with her. “I fell in love with him at the beach, and I fell in love with him again in Portland, before I remembered him. I would fall in love with him over and over again, I’m sure. Although, I think we’d both rather that this time it stuck.”

  “You’ve been seeing each other in Portland?” Her mother’s eyes flicked between her and Porter.

  “Yes, Ma’am. I’m sorry if you feel like I went against your wishes. I just couldn’t stay away from her any longer.” Porter said, sounding like he was bracing himself for an onslaught of anger and argument.

  “Obviously, you can understand, given the circumstances, we made decisions based on what we thought was best for Ella,” her father began. “It was a stressful time for everyone involved.”

  “D
addy, I know why you and Mom made your decisions. Porter and I are just hoping now that I remember everything and know with everything inside of me that I love this man, that you will give us your blessing to be together.” Ella’s parents looked at each other and seemed to communicate silently, something that can only come with years of marriage. Ella could only hope that one day she and Porter could boast about how long they’d been married, and give each other looks that communicated entire thoughts.

  Ella’s mother walked over to her and pulled her into a hug.

  “All we want is for you to be happy and healthy. Porter proved himself to us at the hospital and every day since.”

  Ella pulled away from her mother and saw her father shaking Porter’s hand. Her father leaned into Porter, said something quietly near his ear, and she saw Porter nodding in affirmation. Everything worked out the way she had planned and she could almost see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, a point in her life in which she was happy, with a man who truly loved her, and thriving.

  Her father informed them dinner was ready and served on the deck. When they walked outside they were seated and surrounded by food. Ella’s mother had a tendency to over prepare.

  They were deep into the meal, enjoying casual conversation, her parents trying to get to know Porter a little better, when the conversation shifted back to Ella.

  “So, Ella, getting your memory back must have been a little strange. Have you remembered anything surprising?”

  “Not really, but it definitely is strange. I remember the robbery and the shooting, which is a little scary, but mostly I’m just remembering little things that might seem inconsequential to most, but it’s makes all the difference in the world to me now.”

  “Like what, Honey?” Her father asked.

  “Well, for instance, before the robbery I had been thinking about expanding the store and opening a second location.” She glanced over at Porter instinctually, looking for the support she knew he’d supply. Of course he knew what she needed and laced his fingers with hers, squeezing her hand gently.

  “Well, that’s a wonderful idea, Ella. You’re store does so well and you’re so good at what you do. A second store would be a good investment,” her mother gave her a genuine smile. “Would the second store be in Portland? Oh!” Her mother was suddenly very excited. “East side or West side?”

  “Well, actually,” Ella gave Porter another look, trying to absorb all the strength she could from him. “I think I’m going to open a store in Salem.”

  “Salem?” Her mother asked, confused.

  “Yes. It’s a decent-sized city and I don’t want to be too close to the other store, otherwise I will drown the market. I have to build them up separately to make sure they can survive independently of each other.”

  “But Salem is so far away,” her mother sounded honestly upset.

  “Susan, it’s only an hour,” her father added. Ella gave him a grateful smile for his subtle show of support.

  “I was farther away when I was at college,” Ella stated.

  “But the plan was always for you to come back. Why are you running away?” Ella put her fork down on her plate and took in a deep breath, trying to calm the agitation that was threatening to take over.

  “Mom, I’m not running away. I understand that this must be shocking for you, but you should try to be happy for me. I’ve spent the last two months lost, roaming around without direction or purpose. Now, I finally feel like I’m back to a place in my life where I can move forward. I can’t open another store here, Mom. It just wouldn’t be smart. I don’t need you to like my decision, but it would be nice if I felt like I had your support.” Her mother’s eyebrows were furrowed with worry and the lines around her eyes were deepening the longer she contemplated Ella’s plans.

  “What are you going to do down there all by yourself. You’ll be lonely, Ella.”

  “I’ll be there with her,” Porter answered. Ella’s chest filled with warmth knowing that he had taken it upon himself to break the news to her parents about their plans to live together. She squeezed his hand and rubbed her thumb along the top of his knuckles, all of a sudden wishing they were by themselves and just spending time holding each other in bed, instead of being here with her parents.

  “Porter, that’s sweet of you, but what is Ella supposed to do when you’re at your house? During the week when you’re not visiting? She’s just gotten over a very traumatic event in her life. I don’t think it’s a good idea to be so far away and all alone.”

  “Like I said, she won’t be alone. We’re planning on living together in Salem.”

  Silence fell across the room and all Ella could hear was the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner of the dining room. Her parent’s eyes met across the table, again, conversing without words. Her mother sighed heavily.

  “Porter,” her father began, “Ella has a broad and profound stubborn streak.”

  “Ah, yes, I’m aware,” Porter laughed lightly.

  “Once she puts her mind to something there is little to do to try and steer her in another direction. We’ve learned that sometimes it is best to just let her go.”

  “I’m right here, Dad. You don’t have to talk about me like I’m not in the room.” His eyes darted over to her. Ella had had enough of people pretending like she wasn’t around. All through her recovery everyone was always walking on eggshells around her, talking about her as if she couldn’t speak for herself, or handle what they were going to say.

  “Ella, I’m not trying to offend you. I’m just trying to explain to Porter how if someone was going to be with you in Salem we’re glad it’s him.” Ella felt a smile pull at her lips. “You don’t need our permission to move to Salem, or to live with Porter. You’re a grown woman. But we’re glad you’ve decided to do something to make yourself happy.”

  “I am happy. Thank you for understanding.”

  “Sweetie, after everything you’ve been through, all we want is for you to be safe and healthy. Salem isn’t that far away. Plus, I think it would be fun to decorate a new house!” Her mother exclaimed. Ella laughed.

  “Well, we can’t do too much decorating. Nothing too extensive anyway. We are going to rent a house for now until Porter can build us our own.” Ella looked over at him and smiled.

  “Build you a house? That sounds decidedly permanent,” her father said, sounding concerned.

  “Everything about Ella and me is permanent,” Porter said without even blinking, as if he were stating fact as sure as the earth revolving around the sun.

  “Well,” her mother stated after releasing a soft sigh, “If your father had said things like that a week after meeting me, I would have dropped everything and moved in with him too.”

  “Exactly,” Ella said, then leaned over and placed a small kiss on the corner of Porter’s mouth. “Thank you,” she whispered in his ear.

  “Ok,” her father interrupted. “Who wants dessert?”

  Chapter Nine

  Porter

  Porter and Ella were on their way back to her apartment when her phone rang.

  “It’s Megan,” Ella stated as she answered. “Hey Megs, what’s up?”

  “Well,” Porter heard her voice through the speaker of Ella’s phone, “I was wondering if you and Kalli wanted to come with me tomorrow to look at a few wedding dresses.”

  “Of course I want to come and look at wedding dresses with you. When and where?”

  “How would two work for you?” Ella held her hand over the phone and whispered to him.

  “What time do you have to leave tomorrow?”

  “I will probably leave early in the morning to get to work by eight.”

  “Two is fine with me,” Ella said to Megan. “I’ll put some time in at the store, then when we’re done drooling over you in a wedding dress, I will just head out to Lincoln City. Does two work for Kalli too?”

  “Yeah, she’s off tomorrow.”

  “Perfect. Which shop?”


  “Bridal Bliss. It’s downtown, on fifth.”

  “Great, I’ll be there. I’m so excited to see you in a wedding dress Megs.”

  “I will be the most beautiful bride you’ve ever seen, obviously.” She added with a laugh.

  “Obviously.”

  “Ok, please tell Porter I say hi and I will see you tomorrow. Bye, Fella.” Ella laughed and shook her head at her sister.

  “Bye, Megs.”

  “So, you’re going to come out to Lincoln City tomorrow?” He asked her hopefully.

  “I thought that’s what we decided. No more nights apart. You’re here tonight, so it’s only fair I should go to you tomorrow. Is that ok?” She asked, suddenly sounding worried.

  “Babe, of course it’s ok.” He took a deep breath in and let it out loudly. “I guess I’m just still getting use to the idea that I get to spend every night with you,” he said as he took her hand. His mind wandered back to the nights when he couldn’t even sleep in his own bed because thoughts of Ella made it impossible to get any rest. There were days when he considered selling his house simply because the thought of walking in and knowing she wasn’t there was too distressing. They pulled into her parking spot and when he turned off his truck he looked over at her.

  “Listen, I don’t want you to ever doubt that I want to be with you. Don’t doubt that every night I want you next to me.”

  “I want that too, Babe. So much.”

  He reached out and placed his hand behind her neck, pulling her into him. His mouth took hers gently and he felt her sigh into him, her breath caressing his face. How much longer could he have survived without her? If he had never gone to see her would she have ever remembered? The idea of not being in this exact moment with Ella caused a panic within him. His panic manifested itself in the kiss and he found himself pulling her even closer. She complied and crawled over his lap, straddling his thighs. His hands grasped at her, threading themselves through her hair, sliding down her back to land on the roundness of her ass.