Sweeter Than Wine

by Hestand, Rita

  "Really, you must know the area well then."

  "To some degree, but I've been working in the Northern California area for a couple of years now."

  "Well, I'm retired myself. I was in the sheet metal business for thirty some odd years. My wife died last year and I thought I'd see some country, before I join her."

  He was making a joke, but Sam had trouble finding the humor in it. Death was no laughing matter. He missed his father, and today was the first time he acknowledged it.

  Sam immediately related to the old gentleman. The conversation flowed easily between them. "I'm sorry for your loss."

  The old gentleman smiled wanly, "Eh... thank you, but I'm coping rather well. There were a lot of things I couldn't do when she was with me, thought I'd catch up a little."

  "Oh, like what?" Sam asked, keeping the conversation flowing.

  "Deep sea fishing for one. Never been you see Ellen couldn't swim and hated the water." Sam nodded and sighed.

  "I'm sorry. Well, I've heard there is some great fishing around about." Sam smiled again.

  "I hope so, I've already rented a boat," The man nodded. "My brother–in-law's idea. He says we'll have a blast. I hope so. I'm ready."

  "Well, good luck then," Sam nodded as the gentleman finished his coffee and left. He was about to dig into his pancakes that the waitress brought when a familiar voice stopped him mid-air.

  "At least you're not rude to everyone you meet," the lady's voice rose with an air of snobbery.

  "The lady on the beach, again." Sam turned his head to find the woman watching him with indignation. He couldn't stop himself from gazing from her head to her painted toes in her white sandals. Her wide straw hat had hidden her face from him or he might have recognized her.

  "It is rather odd we being in the same place, twice in one day, wouldn't you say?"

  She rose and started to leave.

  Feeling guilty as charged, Sam got up, and left his breakfast to catch her going out the door, "Wait... I'd like to apologize."

  "Absolutely no need, of course, I think I got your message, finally…"

  "Please," he said and pulled her by the arm onto the patio, closing the door behind them. "I'd like to explain."

  She looked shocked, "Why bother?"

  "Because like you, I don't want to leave a bad impression on someone I don't know. For the life of me, I don't know why I was so rude to you. That's not my nature, but this morning, well…it was important. I was very pre-occupied."

  She pulled her arm from his fingers and twisted about to look at him. "I certainly got that impression."

  He got a look at her too, built like a beautiful Greek sculpture, with generous pouting breast, and hips that made her skirt naturally flare. Not like the average models of the day, but sculpted. Her breast puckered against her dress, making them more pronounced. In the sundress strained naturally at the bustline, barely able to hold all of her, and he couldn't help but notice. He wondered why he couldn't take his eyes from her. Wondered why his breath seemed to catch when she drew breath.

  Again he scolded himself silently for noticing. What did he ever see in this woman?

  "So…go on, what was so important about that mournful wail you kept making?"

  "Is that what it sounded like, a…wail?"

  "Yes, that's what it sounded like, like someone hurting, that's why I ran to see what was wrong. I thought—.never mind, what I thought. I was obviously wrong."

  Sam smiled for the first time that day, "You were absolutely right. It was a mournful wail. And... I apologize, but it was—a release for me."

  "A release," the woman's eyes widened, as though he intrigued her. "What kind of release?"

  "Suffice it to say, you were right, I was hurting, on the inside, and it seemed at the moment, such a wonderful way to release it." Sam explained. "I can't explain it."

  Obviously confused, she grimaced, "I'm sorry I interrupted you, but honestly, I only wanted to help."

  "I can see that now, and I do apologize for being so rude. I just thought I was alone, and I wasn't."

  She stared at him wide-eyed and open mouthed for a moment, and then slowly her expression changed, "So did I."

  Her mouth hinted a smile.

  "Can you forgive me, then?"

  "Of course, and I truly am sorry I interrupted you." She said, her voice returning to a sweet lilt.

  "Good," Sam said and was about to return to his breakfast when her words stopped him.

  "So who hurt you so badly?"

  Sam turned around but his smile faded. "Are you always this forward?"

  She frowned instantly. "Forward? I merely asked a question. Despite my own intentions for the morning, we happen to have shared a moment on the beach and I was merely curious as to what could make a man feel so deeply."

  Sam considered her for a moment. He couldn't focus on his hurt, not with this brown haired, blued eyed seductress staring at him as if he was a Tuna out of water. Had he been thinking rationally he would have understood that she found him a bit odd, but he hadn't thought rationally since his vacation had started. His thoughts jumbled and the hurt magnified. Now he stared into innocent eyes that clamored for a sense of reason he didn't have.

  He decided that the only thing that would shut her up was shock so he struck with it. "The death of my life as I know it."

  He walked away without another word.

  Chapter Two

  As he walked back into the restaurant he lingered over his own words. That had to have shocked her, but nothing had come back at him. He should be glad, but again he knew he was being rude and he didn't like himself very much for it. Why was he taking it out on this stranger, this woman?

  The pancakes were cold, and after a few seconds of trying to interest him, he put his fork down and got up to pay his bill.

  He went to his room and found the solace of loneliness staring at him. He didn't need to be alone. He needed people around him that would force him to move and act like a normal person.

  However, the woman kept creeping back into his mind as he sat on the edge of the bed and tried to decide what he was going to do with himself now that he had finally stopped somewhere.

  The old man had talked about a fishing boat that sounded like fun. He had never deep sea fished before.

  Perhaps he should try it. Yes, that was a plan.

  He'd seen a boat rental place down the road a bit; he'd check it out and charter himself a boat.

  As he pulled his bike into the parking lot he secured it and went straight to the rental office. There was a young lady in t-shirt and jean shorts sitting behind the desk. She looked up and smiled as he came in.

  "I'd like to charter a fishing boat," he smiled at her.

  "Oh…uh….well, I'm sorry, but this lady has just chartered our last boat for the day. Could you come back tomorrow?" the young woman asked, not missing a pop of her gum.

  Sam turned with déjà-vu and looked at the woman he'd been trying to forget all morning…

  "You…again?"

  The woman had changed into white capri's and a t-shirt with a bra, he noted, and wore a cap on her head her ponytail sticking out the back of it. She looked just as shocked as he to see him.

  "It is rather odd, isn't it? I'm terribly sorry."

  "No-no, that's perfectly all right. It is a free country," Sam shook his head and started for the door.

  "Wait…"

  He turned around and he shouldn't have, the woman was coming up to him, putting her hand on his arm and making him pause, "I've an idea, if you're game."

  "I can hardly wait to hear it," Sam firmed his lips and tried a plastic smile on.

  "Well, I feel I have somehow caused you a lot of trouble today, and the day has barely started. I'd like to make amends. Besides, I've never deep sea fished before myself. But if you'll pay half, we could go together and that way both of us could enjoy the sport for half the cost."

  Sam studied her again, long and hard. The woman really did feel
bad about the beach scene, especially after him telling her about his life or lack of one. Moreover, she meant no real harm, but somehow Sam knew it was going to end up a very interesting day.

  After a moments thought he smiled, "You fish on one end of the boat, me on the other?'

  "That's fine with me," she chimed.

  "Well, we will have a pilot, so to speak?" he gestured to the woman at the desk; the lady popped her gum and nodded.

  "Oh yes, there'll be two men to help you with the gear and one to captain the boat."

  "All right, it's a deal," Sam turned back to the woman who had occupied his mind. "Uh….by the way, what is your name?"

  "Lacey Malone," she said, putting her sunglasses on." And yours?"

  "Sam, Sam McKay." He replied going to the desk and opening his wallet to pay the lady.

  "The captain will be here in about half an hour."

  "Thanks."

  "Oh wonderful, I wanted to check out the souvenir shop, I'll just be a few minutes."

  "Be back in time, the captain leaves right on the dot," the girl encouraged.

  "Oh yes, of course, thanks hon." And she was off.

  Sam sat there in the office waiting, wondering whom Lacey Malone was buying trinkets for. It wasn't his business, but it kept his mind busy, and off her shapely body. It wasn't that she had the best of figures; it was how she carried herself, almost regal, like a ballerina or something.

  "I've got to get a life," he muttered to himself.

  "Excuse me?" the girl at the desk looked over at him.

  "Never mind," he muttered again and stuck his nose in a magazine.

  Twenty-five minutes past and Lacey hadn't returned, the Captain came in and grabbed a log, then eyed Sam for a moment and looked about.

  "Oh yes, the lady will be right back, she's gone to the souvenir shop," Sam found himself explaining.

  "Well, we'll be boarding in five minutes. Make sure you have a fishing license too." The Captain warned, checking his watch again and leaving with the log in his hand.

  Sam nodded. For a moment he considered going and collecting Ms. Malone back to the boat, but she really wasn't his business. Besides, maybe she'd reconsidered.

  As he finally boarded the boat, there was still no sign of Ms. Malone and he couldn't help wondering about her. Was she capable of taking care of herself, he wondered?

  He was certainly preoccupied with Ms. Malone he silently scolded. He proceeded to follow the guide to the back of the boat where he requested to fish. The fishing gear was top rate and the swivel seat quite comfortable.

  He was just putting on his life jacket when she appeared. She literally had to jump aboard and with her hands full of shopping sacks at that, she nearly fell. He frowned; the boatmen should have been a little more helpful.

  They did instruct her to put her purchases down below and then they would get her set up. The men were shaking their heads as though they'd found her lacking in the mental department. Sam couldn't believe they were being so rude.

  She had gone below and came back quickly. She glanced toward Sam and he waved.

  She smiled brightly, and then the guide brought her a life jacket. Sam watched as she put it on and breathed in the fresh air.

  Sam nearly dropped his line; the woman was extremely naïve about her sexual prowess.

  Nevertheless, as they sped out of the harbor, Sam noticed her smile quickly fading and he wondered what caused it. Fastened into his seat, he couldn't just walk over to find out, and decided to quit worrying about her. He wanted to enjoy this day, if he could.

  It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, and the water was an ultra blue. Waves created a gentle lapping against the boat's edge. The smell of live bait created just the atmosphere for fishing. Sam relaxed.

  The Captain informed them they would begin mooching or drifting and then they could cast their lines.

  One of the guides cast her line out for her as she positioned herself at her seat.

  By now, she looked a little pale, Sam thought.

  She got a nibble before he did, and there was a little excitement as she screeched, and pulled on the line, too quickly, the fish got away. The guide again directed her as to where to cast, and to wait until she felt a pull on the line before trying to hook the fish.

  She nodded and leaned forward. "I was a little too anxious, I guess."

  This time he heard a noise and turned about to see her being sick, over the railing. One of the men was helping her. He unfastened her belt, and took her line from her and directed her to the bathroom below deck.

  She nodded and grimly made her way.

  Sam shook his head. This was no place for her, he reasoned. Why would a grown woman insist on doing things she knew nothing about? And being alone too, didn't help.

  She was gone so long, he nearly forgot about her. He hooked an Albacore and brought her in with no trouble. He had to admit, it was exhilarating, he was beginning to relax and enjoy himself.

  The guides were laughing and cutting up with him about how big it was and he had to admit, he was proud, a new experience for him. He had a good 30 pounder.

  Still when they began to pack it down, Sam shook his head, "No, throw it back."

  "Throw it back, but this is a fine specimen, trophy size, don't you want it mounted?"

  "No, I don't collect fish trophies—or any trophies I should say."

  They looked at him funny, but proceeded to throw the fish back in the water.

  With still no sign of Ms. Malone, Sam decided to go below and see how things were.

  He found her with her head bent over the toilet, a washrag at her mouth, her eyes closed.

  "Sea sick?"

  "I guess so," she murmured. There were tears in her eyes now. It wasn't hard to figue. It wasn't just the seasickness bothering her.

  "I'm sorry; we can have the Captain turn around. If you like?" Sam offered.

  "No…no, please don't do that. I couldn't live with myself if I spoiled another minute of your vacation. I'll be all right in a few minutes." She insisted, not bothering to look at him.

  "You haven't spoiled anything, Besides, I don't think a few more minutes is going to help you a bit." he tried to console her, by now he was feeling just a tad bad about his own behavior.

  "Oh please, don't be kind, not after all this. I couldn't bear it." She said her tears streamed down her face.

  "Hey," he consoled, and pulled her to her feet so that she rested against him now. "There's no need for this. Nothing is spoiled, I caught a great fish, and I tasted the salt water. I've had enough. Let's get back to shore."

  "You're being very kind," she whispered, "But why?"

  "Well, let's just say I grew up with John Wayne, and a cowboy always protects the lady, whether he wants to or not." Sam laughed.

  "John Wayne, huh?" she pulled away to look into his face.

  "Come on," he motioned, "Let's go on deck and try to enjoy the last few minutes of the sunset. I'm getting kind of used to you being around."

  "Okay—I'll try." She said pulling away from him.

  "Thank you..." she said minutes later as she inhaled the crisp sea breeze. She glanced at the lapping water and turned away quickly. Sam couldn't help but feel a tad sorry for her. Seasickness was no fun.

  "For what?"

  "For not laughing at me," she smiled slowly.

  "Tell you what we'll do," he said as he helped her climb to deck, "We'll have ourselves a quiet little dinner, and you can tell me all about why you are trying so hard to make yourself do things you don't want or should not do."

  Chapter Three

  She joined him in the restaurant. She chose a light blue organza sundress that brought out the blue of her eyes, she curled her hair just a little and let it drape down her back.

  She noted how well he had cleaned up too. He looked handsome in fresh denims, white shirt, and brown jacket. His chin had a shadow, but his hair was light brown and it made him ruggedly handsome .Almost dangerous looking.


  "Feeling better?" he asked as they sat at a quiet little corner table. The candle light flickered in his face as she glanced at him.

  "Much, thank you," she smiled.

  The candlelight made the table seem more intimate...

  "Good, that's a start. Want a wine before we eat?"

  "Oh…that sounds lovely," she replied taking the menu from his hand.

  She had butterflies in her stomach, but she wouldn't let him know it. This was the first time she'd been out to dinner with a man in some time. She'd been to dinner with some of the teachers before, but never an intimate dinner for two. It was her own fault; she turned down plenty of invitations to dinner before. However, she was bucking up. She lived far too far a sedate life, and she had to change that. She vowed she wouldn't let the Dean intimidate her again. She was determined to grit her teeth and enjoy herself. It was just that she had forgotten how to enjoy herself it had been so long.

  Her eyes scanned the prices on the menu, she gulped, and her smile began to fade again.

  "Something wrong?" he asked.

  "Uh... no, it's just…well, these prices, they are unbelievably high." She tried not to sound too indignant.

  "Nothing for you to worry about, I'm treating," he said with a smile.

  "Oh but…" she glanced at him and saw his smile and something within her reacted. It was like a glacier slowly melting. She'd never had such a reaction to a man before and it startled her. Not even Howard gave her that kind of reaction. She recognized the attraction. It baffled her. How could she be attracted to this man? It would do no good, of course and she silently believed it was what attracted her…the fact that he wasn't interested in her. Yet, neither was Howard and she had been attracted to him too, for the same reason.

  Sam exuded a dangerous kind of attraction. He was very tan, his hair was a little long and ruffled about him. He looked native, primitive, and provocative.

  His brown eyes were menacing, his light brown hair was longer in the back and trailed to his shoulders. In addition, he wasn't overly tall, but by far, he was more appealing than anyone else in the room. He was sort of a Michael Douglas rugged looking man. A risk taker, a gambler, an exciting kind of man, a man that could teach her how to enjoy life. And it was exactly what she needed.