The Cliff

by Gucker, Christie A. C.

  “Um, that’s sort of a compliment.” I shot Dane with a perplexed look.

  “We’ll touch base later for the travel plans and our plan of attack. I want to go and just get this over with and get back here to Lanie.” Grant grabbed my chin and lifted my face to his when he said it.

  There was nothing to be worried about. This man loved me. But the thought of a client only wanting to deal with him and him alone still wasn’t sitting well. Just the thought of her thinking about touching him made me mad. I could imagine how Grant felt having seen me with someone else. I would never be able to get over it. I hoped he would.

  We headed back to my place and sat down at the kitchen table.

  “Lanie, you aren’t really worried about my going away for business, are you?”

  “Yes. No. Yes.”

  “Don’t you trust me?”

  “I trust you, Baby, it’s her I don’t trust.”

  “Lanie, you don’t even know her.”

  “Instincts. It’s a girl thing. I know we weren’t together yet, but didn’t you worry when I left for almost six months?”

  “Yes. I was afraid you’d meet someone and fall in love before I even got the chance to be with you.”

  “Really? You did?”

  “I would’ve tried anyway, you know. There was no stopping me. I had to finally let you know how I felt, even if you said no. I had to take the chance.”

  “I’m glad you did. I would’ve taken that chance, too. Just so you know.”

  He pulled me onto his lap and buried his face into me. “Lanie, I love you so much. I don’t want to leave you.”

  “Then let me come with you.”

  “You apparently need to be here. Besides, I plan on closing this deal the first day I’m there. I’ll pour on the charm.”

  “Don’t pour too much, okay? I just have a really bad feeling. I won’t rest until your plane lands, and you’re back in my arms.” Grant just softly laughed and shook his head. He obviously thought I was being ridiculous too. But something just really felt wrong.

  We spent the day looking over the business, trying to figure out when Dane had lost the account and how bad of shape we were in. Grant brushed up on his presentation skills and I put together PPTs and PR statements. Of course we stopped to make love whenever possible.

  Around six, the doorbell rang. When Grant opened the door, a young, pimply-faced teenager stood there holding four bags of something that smelled wonderful, whatever it was.

  “Delivery for Mr. and Mrs. Bennett?”

  “Well, since you’re probably not asking for my parents, and you came here instead of next door, I’ll assume you mean us.”

  “What is that?” I asked him.

  “Lots and lots of food, Miss. Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Deli.”

  “We didn’t order this.”

  “I have a note, sir.” Grant rolled his eyes when the kid called him sir. I certainly felt like a grown-up with my new ring. He handed Grant the note.

  Grant and Lanie Bennett

  I thought I’d help you ‘stay in’ before G leaves, since I’m the one who’s causing you to be apart. This should be enough to cover you so you can spend more time together. It’s all taken care of, even the tip. Again, sorry and thank you.

  Dane

  “Hmm,” Grant said.

  “What? It was thoughtful of him. He certainly went out of his way.”

  “Right, Lanie, but why is he ass-kissing us? What kind of game is he playing?” Grant spat.

  “Because he needs us right now. He stands to lose everything and if you can’t land this account, you know his parents will take him out. He needs us so let him ass kiss for a while since lately he’s done his best at being a pain in the ass. He needs to do this.”

  “Well, it certainly does help us spend more time alone. No worries about cooking or going out. Fine. I’ll take the ass kissing. It’s better than what we were getting.”

  “So, what are you in the mood for?” I grabbed the bags and started looking through them all.

  “I don’t suppose there’s any chocolate hazelnut spread or sandwich cookies in those bags?”

  “Alas, no. But they are in my cabinet, so no worries. And we still have sex cake!” I smiled and pointed to the general direction of anything sweet in my kitchen that we could lick and eat off of each other.

  “Well then, how about Indian? We can save the deli for lunch tomorrow. And dinner tomorrow is taken care of, too. That leaves one thing for you to have when I leave. So pick which and put it in the freezer.”

  I grabbed the Italian and tossed it into the freezer. Then I grabbed him and tossed him, so to speak, against the counter.

  “You, my love, are not going anywhere. We will be eating and making love all night! In fact, when you pack, I’m going to try and squeeze myself into your luggage.”

  “You’re so petite, I’m sure you’ll have no problem at all. And I’d be more than happy to pack you into my luggage. So, about that webcamming you mentioned; there must be a reason to not just email, text and call?”

  “Oh, you know why. I plan on making sure you’re satisfied even when you’re not with me.” I ground my body against his. He growled quietly and then picked me up and put me on the counter.

  “Baby, I plan on not stopping all night long.”

  “Oh yeah? Well you might need a short break by the time I’m done with you.”

  “Oh, you think so? Honey, I’m going to make you come so many times you won’t be able to even sit at your computer to webcam me.”

  “You think so, huh? Well you might want to leave your Cannoli home on ice, because you won’t be able to walk when I’m done with it. Oh, and he wants to stay home with me, anyway.”

  “He told you so?”

  “Yes, we talk all the time. He prefers me to you. He’s just stuck with you.”

  “Because he’s stuck in you! That’s his happy place. And stop calling him Cannoli.”

  “But I love Cannoli.”

  “Yes, and he loves you, too. How about we let him tell you all about it? Cannoli proceeded to tell me all about every part of me he loved for the rest of the night.

  * * *

  I watched Grant go back and forth from his closet to the bedroom with suit after he’s-really-going-to-look-hot-in-that suit. I made sure to put out a full set of pajamas for him. No way was he sleeping in the buff without me by his side.

  “Lanie, stop unpacking my briefs and putting in boxers. Those things are God awful uncomfortable. And I’m not wearing these pajamas. At least put in sweats.” Grant shook his head and went back into the closet.

  “Don’t forget your phone charger.”

  “Got it.”

  “Don’t forget your laptop plug.”

  “Got it.”

  “Don’t forget your passport and your—”

  “I’ve got it. I’ve got everything, Lanie.” Grant was clearly getting frustrated with my constant comments. I did that when I got nervous.

  “Don’t forget you love me.”

  “That’s something I would never forget. It’s a part of me. Trust me, you have nothing to worry about there, ever.”

  My heart fluttered a bit and all I wanted to do was to go with him. But I had to give him what he needed; and that was my trust. He deserved it. He’d never done anything to make me doubt him.

  “I’m not going with you to the airport,” I blurted out and then quickly looked at him to gauge his reaction. He slowly turned and gave me a confused look.

  “You’re not? Why not?” Now he sounded a bit worried. I knelt on his bed and grabbed his face between my hands. Our lips were only centimeters apart.

  “Because I can’t stand to watch you leave me and then have Pierre sit through the ride home listening to me cry.”

  “Baby, don’t do that. I feel terribly guilty leaving you behind as it is. Especially with you so worried. Please don’t make me picture you crying when I leave. It’s heartbreaking.”

  “
I don’t want to break your heart. I don’t. It’s just that … I can’t be without you.”

  “Love, we’ll be back together before you know it. I promise this will go by fast.”

  I nodded my head and he slowly leaned in and kissed me.

  * * *

  I shadowed him the entire morning. I was already feeling empty without him.

  I followed him to the car and watched as he and Pierre put his bags in the trunk.

  Pierre gave me understanding looks every so often. Finally, Grant turned to me.

  “Lanie … I have to go now. I promise you I will webcam every night, and text, and call, too. I promise. I’ll be home soon.” He raised his right hand.

  “I know, Hun. I’m just going to miss you. A lot!”

  “Be a good girl while I’m gone. I already had a conversation with Woof, so no parties. Got it? He promised to text me, too.”

  I smiled and reached out to touch him. He grabbed me and pulled me close.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you.”

  He kissed me deeply. It was slow but had an edge of urgency to it. He dropped his hands and stepped away from me.

  He looked into my eyes. I could see this was as hard for him as it was for me. I gave him my bravest smile and nodded.

  He smiled back and got into the car. I watched as they pulled away. I waited until I could no longer see them and felt my heart tighten in my chest. I felt empty and hollow. I felt the tears coming and my face suddenly felt very flushed. I turned and walked towards my house to grab Woof and visit my mom. Really, what was wrong with me lately?

  I headed straight for the walk. When I entered the room, it was already cold. It was a dreary day outside and the whole room just felt wrong. I sat down in my chair and snuggled Woof close to me.

  “Mom? Are you here?”

  There was no tapping sound. I waited a moment and repeated myself. Still nothing. Fine. If she wasn’t going to respond, I’d just talk.

  “See my engagement ring? Grant and I are getting married. But I guess you already knew that. Dad gave me your wedding dress. I’m so excited about that—I’m going to wear it. Maybe make an alteration or two. Hope that’s okay.”

  Nothing. No tapping. Even my mom had left me. I crunched myself into a little ball with Woof in the middle and closed my eyes, feeling very alone. Everyone had been here only a few days ago. Now there was no one here with me. I was seriously feeling it, too.

  Being alone never bothered me before. Maybe I should just sleep the entire time. I could dream about Grant and I wouldn’t know any better. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  * * *

  Tap. Tap Tap.

  I was awoken by a series of tapping noises.

  “I’m up, I’m up.” The walk was still dreary. I felt extremely cold and stiff. Woof was long gone and my stomach began to growl.

  “Fine. I’ll go eat something. But I really don’t feel like it.”

  I headed downstairs and right to the fridge. I took out the deli meat and a bagel, and slapped piece after piece of assorted meats and cheeses on it. I slathered on mayo and poured myself a glass of soda. I grabbed some chips and headed to the couch to watch whatever channel was there when I turned it on.

  I sat on the couch in my sweatpants and ate. I ate like a slob; like a complete and utter pig. There were crumbs on my shirt and mayo on the side of my mouth. I didn’t care. I was pretty sure I was experiencing a slight case of depression. I knew after my sandwich was done I’d be eating the chocolate hazelnut spread with a spoon right out of the jar. After a short while, I just stared at my cell phone, waiting for a call or a text from Grant. What was wrong with me? I really needed to get my shit together. He’d only just left and I was falling apart. It was so unlike me because I liked to be alone and enjoyed quiet time. But something about this trip was bothering me and I just couldn’t shake it.

  * * *

  I woke up to my cell phone vibrating on my lap. Well, that had to be Grant, who else would vibrate there? Giggling to myself, I grabbed it and checked the number. Damn. It wasn’t him.

  “Hey, Dane.” I really didn’t feel like talking.

  “Were you sleeping?”

  “I guess so.” I really didn’t feel like talking to Dane.

  “Lanie, we have to start going over all the PR. Have you heard from Grant?”

  “No, I guess the plane didn’t land yet.” I lazily looked at the clock.

  “He should’ve been there by now. How long was his flight?”

  “I think it was about 5 hours and 46 minutes and 33 seconds.”

  “Counting the seconds are we?”

  “Yes.” Are we done yet?

  “Where do you want to work? I can come there or you can come here. Whatever. Just tell me. We have a press conference in two days. I’m hoping we’ll have good news from Grant before then.”

  My phone beeped. I just stared at it. It was Samantha.

  “Dane, Samantha is calling. I have to answer,” I said very nonchalantly.

  “Fine. Hurry back.” Now he was getting annoyed with my blasé attitude.

  “Hi, Samantha.”

  “Lanie, turn the news on, now!”

  “Why? What the hell could possibly …”

  “Turn it on!”

  I turned on the news channel to breaking news and almost threw up. Plane crash, and it had departed from our airport, more details to come.

  “Samantha! I have to go. I have to go call the airline.”

  “What flight was he on? They haven’t said what airline or flight yet.”

  “I’ll call you back.” I switched lines. “Dane, get over here now. There’s been a plane crash. I need all of Grant’s flight info. Now. Get over here now!”

  I was panicking. I couldn’t breathe. I knew it. I’d known it all along. It wasn’t the client that was bothering me. It was the flight. I never should have let him leave.

  “Lanie, Grant left hours ago. I’m sure it’s not his plane.”

  “Dane, get your ass over here with everything you have. Don’t question me. Do it.” I hung up the phone. I unlocked the front door and headed to my office to check the Internet.

  I started my computer and heard Dane come running up the stairs.

  “I have everything. Go to Eclipse Airline’s website.”

  I got to the site and immediately saw the alert on their home page. My stomach knotted and I felt the color drain from my face. I started to hyperventilate.

  “It’s his airline. It’s his. Oh my God, Dane. Oh my God.”

  “Lanie, hold on. They’re the major airline out of our airport. There were lots of flights leaving today. I’m going to read you his flight info. Did they post a manifest yet?”

  “No, just the flight number.”

  “He was on flight 3—” Oh shit! Oh shit! I was starting to gag. I was holding my breath.

  “4—” No, no, this can’t be happening …

  Chapter 36

  Let’s Get This Over With

  “7—” I just stared at the screen. I thought I had died. My body went cold; I couldn’t move. My heart shattered into a thousand pieces. No sounds could escape my lips, because there was no air in my lungs. My eyes started to burn and I couldn’t focus on the screen anymore. I felt the room begin to spin. Even the sounds in the room became jumbled and disjointed.

  “1.” Dane was saying something. My brain had stopped processing everything. Did he just say one?

  “Lanie, it wasn’t his flight.” I still couldn’t move.

  “Lanie? Can you hear me?” Dane shook me when I still didn’t respond. “Lanie, it wasn’t his flight. His flight was 3471, that one says 347.”

  One number difference, just one number made my heart whole again. I immediately broke down sobbing. But this sobbing was pure relief. My phone began to vibrate. I didn’t remember grabbing it, but it was suddenly in my hands.

  “Grant? Grant, please say it’s you.” I was frantic to hear his voice.r />