Not A Good Reason

by McCarthy, G. L.

  “Baby, I’m fine. It’s not that big a deal. I just wanted to talk to someone who may be able to tell me how to get over it.” Alex got up and went around to Sam to give her a hug.

  TJ knew why Sam was crying and looked at Cyn and knew they needed to talk as well. TJ was having her own issues about how she felt about her life and lack of education and in some ways her intelligence level. Not to mention Cyn’s change since Christmas.

  Sam composed herself and wiped the tears from her eyes as she looked at TJ. Knowing she could never lie to Alex about anything ever again.

  “I’m sorry, Darlin’. I just feel so lucky to have you in my life and would never want you hurting in any way.” Sam felt Alex tighten the hug.

  “I’m one tough bitch, remember.” Alex kissed Sam on the cheek and went back to her seat. “I guess it’s more of getting permission from someone to be freaked out about it. And Cyn has given me that permission. So I’m fine now.”

  “She’s paying me $90 an hour to say so.” Cyn smiled and hoped that would lighten the mood.

  “Why is Sam crying? What happened to her?” Oliver had joined the dinner party.

  Sam looked across the table at Alex and responded. “I’m fine, Oliver. Just one of those emotional moments when girls cry.”

  “Okay. I’m supposed to protect you. But I guess I can’t protect you from your emotions.” Oliver walked closer to Sam and put his hand on her shoulder.

  Sam could feel his hand and looked up at him.

  “Thank you Oliver. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Sam glanced down at Oliver’s hand and then to Alex.

  “So Oliver. These are our friends Cynthia Montgomery and Tiffany Jean Spicer. Cyn and TJ for short. Ladies I’d like you to meet Oliver Wade Simmons of the 46th Pennsylvania Regiment.” Alex smiled as Oliver came to attention.

  “Nice to meet you both.” Oliver knew they couldn’t see him, but Alex could respond for him.

  “Oliver said it was nice to meet you both.” Alex moved closer to Oliver so both women would have a direction to return the salutation.

  “Nice to meet you Oliver. Welcome to Hastings.” TJ gave a wave in Oliver’s direction.

  “A pleasure Oliver. The 46th Regiment fought at Gettysburg didn’t they?” Cyn’s history question came out before she remembered Alex’s request.

  “Yes, they were and fought valiantly in the face of unspeakable horrors.” Alex looked at Oliver and winked. “But now there’s another Western on that he’d like our permission to watch.”

  “Yeah, Alex said it’s another John Wayne classic.” Oliver looked at Sam like a kid in a candy store.

  “Which one?” Sam responded before she realized Cyn and TJ didn’t hear Oliver. “Oliver’s heading back to watch another Western.”

  Oliver looked at Alex for the answer. He’d forgotten its name.

  “It’s Fort Apache. More cowboys and Indians.” Alex smiled and knew these girls had probably never heard of it.

  “Nice meeting you both. May I be excused? I don’t want to miss the beginning.” Oliver worried it might be starting.

  “Yes, you are excused. But lights out after it’s over. Sam and I have work tomorrow.” Alex figured they couldn’t hear it, but wasn’t taking any chances.

  Yes, ma’am. See you in the morning.” Oliver smiled at Sam and Alex and headed for his new room.

  “Oliver said it was a pleasure and good night.” Having to relay every word could become a real bore.

  “I’m sorry I brought up the war. It just came out.” Cyn didn’t want Alex thinking she had disregarded her request.

  “No worries. It didn’t seem to bother him. It’s nice to know he’s tuned in to Sam’s feeling. Did you notice he appeared the minute you were in distress? I like that.” Alex was glad he was taking his job as guardian seriously.

  “I think it was more about the movie being over than he sensed me crying.” Besides Sam had told him to watch Alex and the house while she was gone.

  “Think what you will. I know better. Who wants dessert?” Alex picked up her plate and reached for TJ’s as Cyn was already up with hers.

  “Me.” Came back from everyone. Cyn and TJ had brought sherbet.

  The rest of the evening had been spent on small talk, but only after Cyn had insisted they discuss Alex’s issues about the picture. After hearing everyone give their view on how they would have responded if the roles had been reversed, Alex felt much better that she wasn’t acting irrationally about her reaction to seeing Sally Jennings again. Even if it was just her picture. TJ and Cyn left early enough so Alex and Sam could have some alone time. Changing the alarm clock to the new wakeup time sent Sam’s stomach into knots. This was how it was going to be for the next six weeks.

  “Talk to me lover.” Alex caught the look on Sam’s face as she set the clock.

  “I feel like I did when I drove away from the ranch and you. Is this a good idea? Maybe I should get a place near the training center.” Sam knew this new time was going to throw both their lives into chaos for a while.

  “Not to worry, Lover. It’s only for six weeks and besides I need to rub your sore aching muscles, remember?” Alex went up behind Sam and wrapped her arms around her waist.

  “Promise to tell me when you’ve had it. I’m a big girl and can stay by myself.” Sam turned so she could face Alex.

  “Promise. Now let’s go to bed.” Alex kissed Sam and let her go so they could get ready for bed and continue this activity between the sheets.

  Chapter 16

  When the alarm sounded Sam’s stomach did a few flip flops as she tried to open her eyes. It was still dark outside and it seemed like she’d only been asleep for a few hours. Alex rolled over and kissed her good morning, grabbed her robe and headed for the kitchen to make Sam a good breakfast. She was going to need all her energy today as it was forecast to be extremely physical. Alex knew that once she kissed Sam goodbye she could get a quick nap in before she needed to get ready for work.

  The coffee was ready and waiting to be poured. There was more than half of Alex’s steak leftover from dinner, because she ate more salad than anyone else, to provide some protein as well as substance for Sam. Alex sliced it thin and made Sam two sandwiches, one for now and one for later. Then came packing Sam’s lunch in a brown bag just the way she had made lunch for Alex. But Sam’s would have a few extras like two protein bars and a RTD protein shake. Alex had spent quite a long time in the supplement isle at the grocery store. The selection wasn’t huge and so she was able to find a great internet site that would ship her everything she wanted on a regular basis.

  “Mornin’, Alex.” Oliver wondered who could be up at this hour.

  “Good morning, Oliver. Did you like both movies?” Alex had felt a presence behind her.

  “Yeah, they were both good. Why are you both up so early?” Oliver had always been up before them, prior to today.

  “Sam starts her training today to become a Police Officer. So I’m making her lunch and breakfast.” Alex was glad he was up so he could go with Sam.

  “Oh, then I guess by job as her guardian spirit officially starts today. I won’t let anything happen to you or the house.” Oliver really hoped he could back up this with more than words.

  “Sorry? Aren’t you going with Sam?” Alex knew the answer as soon as she asked the question.

  “No. Sam told me to stay here and keep an eye on the place and you when she was gone.” Oliver placed his hands on his hips and tried to look bigger than he was.

  “Okay. I greatly appreciate that, and can’t tell you how much better I feel having you around.” Alex was only a little upset, only because she knew that Ramon would have Sam’s back if needed. Otherwise, she would be really pissed that Sam hadn’t told her about this plan.

  “You’re welcome. I’ve been watching the stories about ghosts on the picture box. So I’ve been practicing on moving stuff. It’s really hard, but I’m getting better. I seem to get more distance when I get mad. But it’s
hard to stay mad.” Oliver placed his finger on a spoon and moved it across the counter.

  “Wow, that’s great.” Alex knew with time he could hurl boxes and shake doors if he got mad enough.

  Oliver beamed from Alex’s praise and looked down at the floor. Alex reached over to give him a pat on the back, just as Sam walked in with wet hair, carrying her clothes, and looking adorable in her sweats. Alex’s hand felt something, but it wasn’t a solid something. She realized he wasn’t really as solid as he looked and pulled back.

  “Well don’t you look cute? Have a seat. You still have a few minutes before you have to leave.” Alex looked at the clock and it was 5:48.

  “Not many. I’m not sure where I’m going, but at least I shouldn’t have much traffic.” Sam felt like throwing up and wanted this day to be over.

  “Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. You’ll be fine. Oliver is watching the house while we’re gone. As well as looking after me until you get home.” Alex smiled at Sam just to let her know she knew about the arrangement with Oliver.

  “Great plan isn’t it? I need to go.” Sam grabbed her breakfast sandwich and thermal coffee cup. Alex grabbed her lunch sack and followed her out. “I’m sorry Alex.”

  “Don’t apologize. I completely understand. I’ll see you tonight. Drive carefully.” Alex kissed Sam as she almost got hit by the truck door opening.

  “Sorry.” Sam placed her uniform on the seat and tossed her lunch on the floor. Then put her coffee in the drink holder. “Bye, Darlin’. I’ll see you later.”

  Alex watched Sam drive away and hoped she would calm down during the long drive to her new career. As she walked back in Oliver was practicing with the spoon and was doing rather well. Alex was wide awake and decided to help, if she could, to see if he could lift it up.

  “Can you pick it up?” Alex moved the spoon to the table and pulled a chair out for Oliver to sit down. Then took the seat across the table.

  “I don’t know. I’ll try.” Oliver sat down and reached for the spoon. It moved but he couldn’t get his fingers under it.

  “Try this. Look at the spoon and imagine you can pick it up. No rush, you may need to recharge your batteries.” Alex looked at Oliver and knew she’d need to explain batteries and recharging, but pointed to the spoon.

  Oliver stared at the spoon and took a deep breath. Then while still holding his breath he reached for the spoon and picked it up. He was only able to hold it for a few seconds, but it was progress.

  “That’s fantastic! You did it.” Alex could tell Oliver had never received much praise in his life.

  “Thanks, Alex. I feel like I can do anything with you and Sam around.” Oliver smiled and went to reach for the spoon again.

  “That’s enough for now. You need to rest up and we’ll practice later. How about we see what’s on the picture box at this hour.” Alex thought calling the TV ‘the picture box’ sounded cute.

  “I know what batteries are, Alex. They make the rabbit beat the drum.” Oliver smiled as he headed for the remote.

  “You are absolutely correct. So you know what happens when they get run down?” Alex was happy Oliver was being educated about the modern world, but wasn’t so sure commercials where going to do such a great job.

  “The rabbit stops playing?” Oliver took his place on the floor and started channel surfing.

  “That’s right. The rabbit stops playing.” Alex wished she could touch him. If only to give him a hug, because she was sure he hadn’t received many when he was alive.

  As she sat watching cartoons with Oliver she thought back to last night and Sam’s reaction to Oliver putting his hand on her shoulder. Her look was one of amazement because she actually felt his hand. So if he could touch her, when could she touch him and feel a solid person if ever?

  Alex decided she might as well get ready and get to school earlier than usual. She knew Cyn wanted to talk to her. They were going to meet at the Ridgeside Inn at 7 for Cyn’s first pool lesson. Alex thought that if Cyn learned how to play pool she would be able to play with TJ. She thought it would be more romantic if TJ had taught her. Alex figured she would be doing more talking than teaching.

  Not sure where the time went, Alex didn’t arrive all that early. Feeling like she had so much extra time put her into slow gear. Even driving she was going slower than the speed limit. She knew she wouldn’t hear from Sam until she saw her tonight. And then she would have to leave to meet Cyn. It was possible that TJ could go over and keep Sam company, if she was too tired to go over to TJ’s to work on her truck. Alex needed to stop worrying about Sam; she was a big girl and could look after herself. In fact she was such a big girl, that Alex felt she was keeping something from her. Nothing to serious she hoped, but something. Maybe she could talk to TJ and find out what was bothering Sam. She wanted to respect her privacy, but if it was something minor then what was the big deal? But if it was something major, then they needed to have a serious talk.

  Chapter 17

  When the final bell rang Alex was wondering how Sam’s day was going. She was off work, but knew Sam was still hard at it for a little while longer. Then an hour plus drive home and the reward of a nice hot shower to wash it all away. Alex figured if Sam was exhausted she wouldn’t be up for a big meal. Maybe a quick call to TJ at work to see if she was up for pizza or Chinese takeout would give Sam a nice surprise. Not to mention Sam would be able to get ready for bed the minute TJ left for the evening.

  Alex would check in with Cyn and update her on this new plan. But first check in with TJ.

  “Good afternoon, Alex. Is everything okay?” Alex was the last person TJ expected to hear from.

  “Good afternoon, TJ. Everything is great. I’m just calling with a plan I wanted to run by you. I know you and Sam had planned to work on your trucks when Cyn and I did our thing tonight. But she may be a worn out mess when she gets home. So I was thinking about you coming over for pizza or takeout and hanging out over here?” Alex knew TJ would do whatever it took to hang with Sam. They were so much alike and got along so well. Even though TJ was 28 she seemed very grounded and thought things through.

  “Cool. I was worried about Sam driving over here after a hard day. Can I bring the pizza?” TJ didn’t drink and new Sam wasn’t a big drinker herself.

  “Perfect. We have plenty to drink so we’re all set. I’ll see you tonight. Thanks, TJ.” Now Alex could call Cyn and maybe they could meet earlier.

  Cyn was agreeable about meeting earlier, but seemed distant and not that enthused about tonight’s activities. Alex would pick her up, since she wanted as much time as possible to talk to her alone. Hopefully the Ridgeside Inn would be almost empty for them to continue this subject. Something was definitely wrong in Cyn/TJ land and Alex wanted to find out what it was. She really liked both women and was definitely more loyal to Cyn, but TJ was a good person and was still going to be a friend regardless of where her relationship with Cyn ended up.

  As Alex drove up her driveway, she hit the garage door opener, and caught sight of something out of the corner of her eye. It looked like Oliver running through the house and heading for the back door. As if right on cue he came through the back door and was waving wildly at Alex. Alex smiled, as this amount of enthusiasm for her return home was very endearing. Gathering all her stuff she had plenty of room on her side of the garage without Sam’s truck being parked next to her. Looking to make sure she wasn’t too far over she headed for Oliver who was grinning from ear to ear.

  “Hi, Oliver. How was your day?” Alex knew something was up as she unlocked the door.

  “I’ve been practicing all day and I can do it.” Oliver was anxious to show off his new trick.

  “Really, that’s great. Do you want to show me now or wait for Sam to be here?” Alex could see the spoon she put in the sink was now sitting on the table.

  “Oh, yeah. I can wait, I guess.” Oliver was torn. He liked Sam as she was the reason he was here. But he felt a connection to Alex, li
ke the mother he never had. She cared about him; he could tell by the way she talked to him. Plus they both loved the cowboy and Indian movies on the picture box.

  “How about you show me now and it will be our little secret. Just let me get out of these clothes first.” Alex winked at Oliver and knew he liked that idea a lot better.

  “Okay. I’ll be ready.” Oliver was beaming.

  Alex looked in her closet and needed to wear some nice jeans that she could even wear out tonight with Cyn. A black turtle neck would complete the outfit, although whenever she wore all black her ex Dez would call her Johnny Cash. A nickname she didn’t mind much.

  “Wow, Alex you look nice.” Oliver had never seen Alex in anything but her work clothes.

  “Thank you, Oliver. I’m going out with Cyn tonight. TJ is bringing dinner for her and Sam. They planned on working on their trucks. Although I don’t know how tired Sam will be after her first day. She may just want to sit and talk to TJ all night.” Alex hoped she would still be awake when she got back tonight.

  Alex pulled her hair back into a ponytail and put her cap on the counter next to her keys. Then she turned her attentions to Oliver who was patiently waiting to show off his new feat.

  “Okay, I can pick it up and put it in the sink and then back to the table.” Oliver looked at Alex to make sure she was watching.

  “Fantastic. Show me.” Alex watched the spoon as Oliver reached down and picked it up. Then slowly carried it to the sink and laid it down. “Wow. That was so good, Oliver. I’m so proud of you. I can see you practiced really hard all day.”

  “And now I will put it back.” Oliver reached for the spoon when the sound of a truck coming up the driveway stopped him. “Sam’s here. Now I can show her too.”

  But it wasn’t Sam; it was TJ carrying a pizza box and a brown paper bag. As Alex opened the back door she motioned to Oliver to wait a minute. She thought TJ would get a huge kick out of the floating spoon trick. Oliver smiled back and shook his head in agreement.

  “Hey TJ, you’re just in time. Oliver is showing me his mad skills.” Alex watched TJ’s face as she hurried in.