A Ghost of a Chance (12 page)

“
Things are getting complicated,” he uttered with a deep sigh.

She nodded, “Well that’s an understatement. You’ve got Hallie here almost believing that you exist and the other. Well let’s just say you’ve got it enraged.”

“
How do you know?”

“
Hard not to. Can’t you feel the anger seeping out from the walls around here? It’s hopping mad all right. So, if I were you I’d watch your back. No telling what it’s liable to do next.”

He grimaced, “That makes two of us. I have no idea what my next move is. That’s the problem. Maybe I’m making things worse for her here.”

“
Do you think so, Jack? It’s nice to think about what’s good for someone else for a change, isn’t it?” She smiled indulgently, “Didn’t do that much before did you?”

“
Try never.”

She nodded her cherubic face in a comforting way. “Must have been a lonely life.”

“
It didn’t seem like it at the time. But now, well it’s hard to imagine living that way again.”

“
Too bad you didn’t recognize all of this then. Maybe things would have been different.”

The sadness of what-might-have-been seeped into him for possibly the first time. “Yes, “ he murmured almost to himself.

“
Maybe things would have been different.”

“
Well, chin up. There’s still a lot of good you can do here.”

“
But I can’t figure out what’s the best thing to do.”

“
Then stop using your head. In my experience it’s not too reliable. Feel what to do. That way you won’t go wrong.”

“
Aunt Marie.”

“
Yes.”

“
Do you think I could have made her happy? If things had been different?”

“
Without question my boy,” she said without hesitation. There was a different expression in her clear, blue eyes – one that he found difficult to read. And then she repeated, “without question.”

It was three’ o’clock in the afternoon, but Hallie had pulled down all the shades in her bedroom until the interior had the appearance of dusk. She had taken the phone off the hook and had put on her most comfortable pajamas. Of course, she realized that it was somewhat ridiculous to consider sleep at this time of day. But she also realized that there was no course for her now, except this one. Whether or not this was a rational course was not the issue.

Jack curled up in his doggy bed near the door where she’d placed it. She was grateful that he was taking the hint that it was naptime. It seemed better to keep him near so that he wouldn’t be agitated by her absence.

She stretched out on the bed and closed her eyes. “All right Jack, if dreamland is the only way I’m going to find you, then here I come.”

He lay down next to her on the bed, hopeful and determined that he could deliver what she was after.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Hallie awoke from reality. Looking around and slowly allowing it to sink in, absorbing the impact of where she found herself, left her feeling distractedly gratified and somewhat cautiously pleased with her accomplishment. There was no question that this was a dream, but it was unlike any other dream she could remember having. This dream was the product of a conscious creation, an active choice to be here. She smiled, relaxing a tad. It was here, all hers, even down to the specific place.

Not because she particularly liked it here. In fact, she was developing an acute distaste for the environment. But this place was a touchstone. It was where she’d seen him, the man she sought.

The Mexican waiter who had just approached her smiled broadly; “Will you be dining alone ma’am?”

She shook her head, “No,” and then tentatively added, “At least I hope not.”

He ushered her with exaggerated flourish to a corner table. Her eyes scanned the restaurant. It was indeed Monica’s favorite Mexican joint, La Casa Grande, but there were subtle differences. The atmosphere felt quiet, more sedate tonight, unlike the raucous place that she remembered. These were Hallie’s touches, her influence. For the first time, she glanced down and became aware of what she was wearing. It was her red dress, the pretty one. The one she had saved for that special sometime. Evidently this might be just that special night, bizarre as the circumstances were.

“
Can I get you a margarita ma’am?”

She considered carefully, “No.” She must maintain a specific mood, “I think tonight I’d rather just have a glass of white wine.”

“
Yes Ma’am,” and then he was gone, and she was left with her own thoughts for company. She looked around pensively, the first flush of success beginning to dim a bit.

There were a few couples in the restaurant, but they were seated far from her, nearly not even touching the fringes of her reality. None of them remotely resembled the man from her dream, Jack. She turned the name over in her mind, Jack – and then again hmm, Jack? Here she was, having another dream, hoping that he’d show up.

The soft lilting music of a mariachi band was playing in the background. The stage was certainly set. Everything seemed to be going without a hitch. All was well. She was in control of the moment. She took a breath and held it for what seemed like an eternity, and then let it escape in a deep rattling sigh. A wisp of panic trailed across her heart. It was more than possible that she would spend the evening here in control all by herself. What if this whole thing was a delusion on her part, and she was just certifiable?

Hadn’t Edward once accused her of having a thin grip on reality? Didn’t this just support all his accusations of her? Of course the truth was that it was Edward’s reality that she could never manage to get a grip on.

She shook her head with resolution, control, control. She wouldn’t, couldn’t think about Edward tonight. Where was that glass of wine?

What are you up to tonight Hallie?

Nothing much, I’m trying to find this guy that I met in a dream once. But that’s not crazy is it? No indeed, it’s absolutely ludicrous
.

She slumped forward covering her face in her hands, feeling all her masterful control draining away. It seemed hopeless; she was hopeless – ridiculous and hopeless.

And then she felt the warm pressure of a hand on her bare shoulder. Tentatively, she looked upward and found herself gazing into warm blue eyes. “I got your message. I hope I’m not late.” Her heart clutched painfully. Good Lord it was him. Here he was, smiling at her as though they were old friends.

How weird was that?

It hit her in a flurry. It worked. Her experiment worked. She couldn’t believe it. What did she do now? She opened her mouth to speak but like her counterpart Gabriella was struck completely dumb in the moment. Truly, she hadn’t planned this far, just as far as getting him here. He was here, but what would she do with him now? Deep down she didn’t really think that this would work that he was real on any level. Things that she wanted just didn’t come to her.

She glanced up. Yes, he was still there. He was dressed casually but nice – white shirt with khaki pants. He seemed to be waiting, perhaps waiting for her to speak, but she hadn’t. Frankly, it was all too much. He shrugged a bit, seeming to be a little amused by her reaction. “That’s all right.” He sat in the chair next to her and deliberately pulled it closer to hers, again acting as though they were well acquainted. “I imagine this must all seem very strange.”

Then there was the interruption, the sudden appearance of the waiter bringing her wine that further spliced into the confounding moment. “Here you are Ma’am. And what can I get for you sir?”

“
That looks good. I’ll have the same.” He nodded and disappeared quickly. Hallie still mute just observed the transaction silently and with wide eyes. He seemed very relaxed here, this Jack person, quite comfortable in this bizarre circumstance.

He was looking at her now, intently. Seeming — how could she say — quite pleased, as though he’d just won a lottery or something.

Why was that? After all they didn’t really know each other, except for that kiss. Did he remember that? How exactly did this work?

He reached over with familiarity and took her hand in his. Maybe he did remember. It was a small gesture, but the contact sent tendrils of pleasant sensations up her arm. Good grief, what was this? He too was taking his time in speaking, apparently trying to choose the right words. “You know Hallie. You haven’t said anything since I arrived.”

“
Yes, I know that,” she managed to get that much out. Genteelly extricating her hand, she took a sip of wine. Even if it as dream wine, she needed something to help her get hold. She glanced back to him. He still seemed amused. What was so damn funny?

“
I’ve been looking forward to spending time like this with you for a long time Hallie.” He spoke softly and gently, as though he were taking great care with her.

She took a difficult breath. “Is that so?” And then she tacked on as an impulse, “So you spend time like this often?”

She emphasized the word this. It was a simple question but jam packed with a million other questions just beneath. He nodded, frowning just a tad she thought. “Yes, I suppose it must seem a little, well, out of the ordinary to you.”

“
This,” she gestured outward, “Nooo, I meet some of my favorite people dreaming about bad, Mexican restaurants.”

He smiled, “Can I count myself in that category? I mean the favorite people part, not the bad Mexican restaurant part. That’s not really my fault.” She looked down; she couldn’t help smiling. Wasn’t this all pretty silly?

“
I have to admit Hallie that I was a little disappointed you picked this place.”

“
Oh well sorry about that. I wasn’t quite sure where to make reservations in a case like this.” His eyes were sparkling.

He was admiring her. She could feel it somewhere inside her skin. And their conversation, it was slipping into an easy banter like in one of those romantic comedies she had in her DVD collection. It was something she recognized but had never experienced before. Of course, it was still her dream.

He took her hand again and this time brought it to his lips and kissed it softly. She stared at him, a little stunned at his boldness. What was he doing? She liked it, but what the hell did he think he was doing?

She tugged on her hand again, but he seemed intent on not giving it up this time. “Now let’s just slow down here for a minute Jack. It is Jack?”

Those eyes, gorgeous blue eyes, were just piercing in intensity, “Yes, it’s Jack Hallie.” And then ignoring her protestations, he kissed her hand again, and little shots of pleasure seemed to shoot out across her skin.

She had to clear her mind. She clumsily and abruptly yanked the hand away this time. “Now look, I’m a little confused here,” she cleared her throat awkwardly; “No that’s not true,” she spoke without looking at him. Those mesmerizing eyes could make her forget what she had to say. “It goes way beyond just a little. Who and what are you? I mean really what is all this?”

Undaunted, he quite smoothly wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her a little closer to him. Again, the tingles of electricity trailed up and down her at the contact, particularly where his hands touched her bared shoulders. Dream or no dream she knew men, well a little bit, and there was no question he had an agenda where she was concerned. He whispered to her, “That’s a whole bunch of questions Hallie, and I really don’t feel like answering them all right now. Can we just say I’ve been trying to reach you for a long time, and I want to make the very most of the time we are together?”

She found it difficult to breathe just now. Her loudly thudding heart seemed to be interfering with the respiratory process. “Um, well, Jack. I know this is a dream and all. And I do admit I instigated this, sort of. But I really think that’s not going to do it. I’m going to need a bit more of an explanation. All of this is so very,” she swallowed, “unusual.”

He lightly kissed her cheek, “Did I mention how beautiful you look in that dress Hallie?”

“
Um, no you didn’t. Thanks.” Now what was she trying to say? “But well, my life is kind of going crazy, and I’m not sure why, and I thought if I could find you, well maybe we could talk about it.” she looked up at him plaintively. “What do you think? Do you want to talk?” The waiter appeared out of nowhere, postponing his reply.

“
Well here you are sir, your wine. And.” He paused critically surveying the situation. “Ah, I can always spot newlyweds.”

Hallie straightened up, startled by the intrusion. “Uh no, it’s not what you think.”