A Leap in Time (13 page)

The weather gods were on our side as they always were in Southern California. The sun cascaded its warm rays over the city giving the buildings a golden hue warming the briskness in the air. The clear blue sky was magnificent making the beautiful beach even more beautiful. The fall air was fresh and crisp reminding me of the fateful day I headed to the antique store.

So much has happened since. I sighed happily. I never want to wake up.

Marcus was blown away by the massive billboards on Sunset Boulevard, the array of restaurants that lined both sides of the street, the buildings ranging in different heights and shapes and, of course, the bumper to bumper traffic.

“Where are all these people going?” he asked.

We explained about the workday crowds.

He proudly declared that if we had a horse, we would be there already. I smiled, admiring his sense of humor especially at times of discomfort. He was handling everything so well. Truthfully, I was a little worried about his lack of anguish at the earthshattering culture shock. I wondered whether he might snap at any point and demand to head home to Pompeii while I wrapped things up here, but he never did. He remained the same calm, funny, mischievous and ever-so-attentive Marcus.

When we finally reached the beach at Santa Monica, we were famished, antsy and ready to get out of the car. We decided on the seafood restaurant with floor to ceiling glass overlooking the beach and got settled in a booth overlooking the glorious Pacific. Marcus marveled at everything, especially the massive lobster tank.

He turned heads everywhere we went. The waitress couldn’t take her eyes off him. It was very amusing and a little unnerving to watch. I have never been the jealous type, but this was putting me through every test on God’s green earth. To my delight, Marcus acted completely oblivious to it all.
Bugger off, ladies, he’s not interested and he’s mine!

Feeling celebratory, we each had several glasses of wine, an assortment of appetizers and the restaurant’s special of surf ’n turf for a late lunch. Needless to say, we were stuffed, a little buzzed and very giddy. Our group never lacked for things to talk about, from the sights we saw today, to the wine we selected, to simply admiring the ocean through the glass panels that lined the entire back wall of the restaurant.

So this is what real love felt like? Awesome.

At one point, Marcus asked what sushi was because we had mentioned it during dinner the night before. I explained about the wonderful Japanese delicacy. Puzzled, he admitted he couldn’t understand the logic behind serving raw fish.

“It sounds like a lazy and inexpensive way of cooking, doesn’t it?” He casually took another sip of wine sending me into a fit of laughter. Once I translated to Kate and Charlotte, they were in hysterics themselves. I wanted to hold on to this feeling forever.

“Actually, it’s a delicacy and very expensive.”

He grabbed me playfully around the waist, drawing me closer and kissing my neck, his eyes twinkling with mischief and pleasure. I was tempted to stay nuzzled close to him, but pulled away still laughing. It was nice to be reminded that a relationship should be fun and easy and loving and flirty.

Suddenly, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being watched. I almost wish I resisted the urge to look toward the entrance. I’d known that sooner or later our paths would cross again. I just wish it hadn’t been today. Mark stood by the hostess table waiting to be seated, but his eyes were glued on me, though they were hollow with dark circles. His broad smile didn’t hide his ashen face and thin frame. The weight loss made him look gaunt and exhausted. It was sad to see him like this. He looked genuinely happy to see me. His eyes surveyed the table settling uneasily on Marcus. The smile disappeared into a thin line. I couldn’t read his thoughts—maybe because I no longer cared to.

I debated whether to get up and say hello or to leave it up to him. I shifted in my seat. Damn! I hadn’t counted on our first encounter being so difficult.

Marcus seemed to sense a change in the happy energy. He leaned over and kissed me square on the mouth. “I love you,” he whispered. I was almost certain he knew exactly what was behind the sudden mood shift. I cupped my hands around his handsome face and kissed him back, whispering, “I love you” in both Latin and English.

“Is that M—”

I nodded before Mark’s name could escape his lips.

“Are you all right? Do you want to leave?”

“No, I’m fine. Just a little uncomfortable. He looks so depressed and gaunt.” By now Mark was moving toward us. I took a deep breath and stood to greet my broken looking ex-boyfriend.

“Lexi, it’s so great to see you. How are you?” Mark hugged me and planted a light kiss on my cheek.

“Hi, Mark. I’m doing great. It’s nice to see you too. How are you doing?” I asked, awkwardly pulling away.

Mark greeted Charlotte and Kate with a hug and kiss on the cheek. In some ways, this moment felt surreal because until meeting Marcus I’d imagined this exact moment—running into Mark while of course looking great and being the happiest I’ve ever been. Isn’t that the ultimate revenge? But this revenge didn’t feel so sweet. I actually felt sorry for Mark. I wished for him the same happiness I had found with Marcus. He deserved to be in love. Everyone deserved that.

“You look amazing. I’ve been really busy with work and tons of travel to the New York office.” He glanced over my shoulder to where Marcus sat.

“Mark, I’m sorry for being rude. Please let me introduce you to Marcus.”

Marcus stood, towering over Mark by at least a foot. He shook Mark’s hand. I explained that he was from Italy and didn’t speak English and then translated for Marcus what I had just said to Mark. Okay, so this was more than awkward.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mark.” Marcus was very polite and relaxed. I appreciated him being his laid back, confident self and not contributing to Mark’s misery.

“Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you, too,” Mark added, curtly—intended or not, I don’t know. Or care. “I’ll let you guys get back to your lunch. I’m meeting with colleagues from New York so I should probably go find them. Take care of yourself, Lexi. Marcus…take good care of her. She’s a gem.” He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, said his good-byes to the girls and, just like that, was gone.

“Are you all right?” I asked Marcus. “I know that was very unpleasant for you.”

Marcus put his index finger to my lips and gave me a quick peck on the lips. “Lexi, you have nothing to apologize for. I’m grateful you had a relationship that didn’t work out because it sent you to me. Now, let’s finish lunch and go for a walk on the beach.”

Chapter Fifteen

After our relaxing day touring and walking on the beach, we decided on takeout instead of dinner on the strip. Charlotte and Kate went straight home after we got to my apartment, too wiped for even take-away, or so they said. I think it was their way of giving me more alone time with Marcus. Typical Marcus, he was taking everything in stride in his usual calm demeanor. Only the glimmer in his eyes gave away his excitement for going home to Pompeii.

We had been in Los Angeles for three days, but our days and evenings were packed leaving us depleted of energy. Last night we had tea with Mrs. Ashton. She didn’t waste time telling Marcus about the secret circle of chosen “travelers” to other dimensions. Naturally she spoke to him in perfect Latin, catching me so off guard I almost fell out of my chair. Funny, how she forgot to mention that little detail before. What else was she keeping from me?

Marcus asked a lot of questions. He especially wanted to know if there were any incidents of travelers being locked out of the portal.

“I’ve never heard of that happening. Remember, travelers are carefully chosen so their journeys are blessed in a way, and very much part of the plan. You and Lexi wouldn’t be separated by a time portal unless you chose to be.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Ashton. I can’t help but worry about losing her. Our situation is complicated, as you know.” He sounded subdued surprising me with the burden of worry that he had been carrying.

Long after we headed upstairs for last minute preparations before Monday’s trip to Pompeii, I couldn’t shake his fear of being locked out of the portal, being eternally separated. I know I was being paranoid, but what if it did?

I was lost in my own head while cleaning out the fridge. The packing seemed very final even though we had every intention of returning in two weeks. The real thorn in my side was figuring out what to do about my apartment once I quit my job. I toyed with the idea of moving out completely, then giving the painting to either Mrs. Ashton or one of the girls so the portal was safe and available for our return. Another less ideal option was to sublet my apartment, but we needed to be able to come and go as we pleased. With so many variables to consider, I felt frustrated. For now, I would concentrate on packing and sorting through what I couldn’t live without for two weeks.

Marcus touched my arm. I looked up, unsure how long he had been standing there.

“Lexi, what is it?” He pulled me into his arms.

“I’m just thinking about our trip,” I lied.

“Right. Now tell me what’s really upsetting you. Is it about leaving your friends?” He tilted my face up so he could look into my eyes.

“No. Surprisingly I’m fine with that. I know we’ll be back. It’s, uh…nothing. Well, maybe… I was just thinking, maybe we should be extra careful about going back and forth. You know, always go together. You had a point. What if the portal decided it’s had enough? I can’t bear the thought of being without you.”

“This worrying is all my fault. I shouldn’t have said anything to Mrs. Ashton. Regardless, you heard what she said. No such thing will happen.”

For some reason, hearing Mrs. Ashton’s confidence had put his mind at ease created a layer of anxiety for me. “I’m feeling better. I promise. Just promise we’ll always travel together. I don’t want to tempt fate.”

“Shhh. We’ll figure it out, but right now I thought you might want to hear my plans for once we get to Pompeii…but since you haven’t asked, I’m guessing you want to be surprised.”

“You made plans? Tell me…please. I don’t want to be surprised.” I wiggled out of his arms to glance up at him and found him grinning devilishly. “Marcus, plea—” I batted my eyes in an attempt to make him laugh.

It worked. “Is that how women from your world get their way? Hmmm, I don’t care how many thousands of years you are ahead of us, your women have a lot to learn from the real masters of seduction.”

“Tell me? I would feel better if I knew your plans and then told you mine. I’ve been thinking about this a lot too.”

I had every intention of getting off the floor, continuing with our serious conversation, but Marcus clearly had other plans. I don’t know how, but he has mastered the skill of speed-undressing. I’m not sure how long we were on the kitchen floor, but the ringing phone broke the spell.

“Marcus…we should get that,” I said.

“No.” He barely paused from trailing kisses down my neck.

“Marcus…” Who was I kidding? I was losing the battle, and very quickly.

There was no harm in missing a call or two or three, right? The afternoon was completely unproductive in terms of packing, or anything else related to leaving.

Marcus was right, once we were in Pompeii, our alone time would be limited—we certainly couldn’t have an afternoon of lovemaking on the kitchen floor at his parents’ house, or Catina’s parents’ house for that matter.

“Marcus, will we ever have alone time in Pompeii?”

“Of course. Once we’re married.” He smiled wickedly as he pulled his clothes back on.

“Hmmm…” Pompeii was losing a little of its appeal.

“Don’t worry, my little vixen, we’ll find a way,” he chuckled.

I playfully smacked his bottom and got up to dress. He seemed to have a plan for everything—hopefully finding alone time was factored into his grand plans for us. Oh hell, I’d let him worry about it.

“Marcus, we really should talk about our trip, don’t you think?” I asked while he rummaged through the fridge. “Come on, I’ll order something while you fill me in.” I tugged at his shirt pulling him to the couch. He grabbed an apple and a seltzer water before joining me.

“What do you feel like eating—and please let it be anything but pizza.” I flipped through the menus stashed under the coffee table.

“I’ll have you know, I enjoy a wide range of foods.” He bit into the apple.

We settled on rotisserie chicken, a few carb-packed sides, and then made ourselves comfortable on the couch waiting for the food delivery.

“I thought we could stay in Pompeii overnight then head to Ostia in the morning. We can stay in Ostia overnight to enjoy the oceanfront and from there, go to my parents’ home in Rome. We’ll spend a week or so between Rome and Ostia before traveling back to Pompeii for our return here.” He sounded pleased with himself for the well-thought-out plans.

“Uh, okay. That sounds like a lot of travel. I thought it took days to ride to Rome. I only have a two-week vacation.” I tried to sound optimistic and excited. Really, I was excited. Who wouldn’t want the chance to see ancient Rome in its glory?

“Lexi, I know we’re light years behind your civilization as you often remind me, but we have achieved a speedier way of traveling.” He smirked at me. “We’ll be traveling by boat, of course. Once we’re in Ostia, we’ll take a carriage to Rome. It’s only an hour from there. It’s a great way for you to get to know your potential new home if you choose it to be…”

I was touched by his thoughtfulness. The best part was hearing that he was coming back with me to Los Angeles. It meant the world to me that he was willing to drop everything to make it possible to be together. Thankfully, he wasn’t the head of the family business yet so his schedule had some flexibility.

I threw my arms around his neck. “Thank you. Do you want to hear my plan?”

“Yes, I most certainly would.” He kept his arms around my shoulders pulling me to stretch out on his chest. “I have been thinking of quitting my job when we come back. I want to ask one of the girls to move in here so we can always have the portal available. We would live in Pompeii or Rome full time and once a month, come here to visit my family and the girls. What do you think?”