Awake Asleep Dreaming Dead (13 page)

Thanks, Sam said.

As Sam walked to the car he saw Tom and Lori talking, getting more and more sociable, like two old friends catching up after a long time.

Got the rooms. We’re next to each other, 101 and 102. We’re lucky because we won’t have to carry our stuff far. Let’s unpack, and get some dinner. Hungry, Lori?

Yeah, but don’t have the money to indulge.

Our treat, Tom said. It’s all on us.

I hope you guys aren’t expecting me to pay you back.

No, no, no, you need to eat—we need to eat, and we want to help you get home, that’s all, Tom said.

I don’t know what to say. Running into you guys has been the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. Lori took Tom by the collar, kissed him, then stepped back. I don’t know what came over me, she said. Tom was pleasantly surprised. Then she leaned over and kissed Sam on the cheek.

He smiled. Let’s go eat.

HOTEL

After Sam got settled in his room he went to see Lori. He knocked on the door. Almost ready? We’re heading out soon. Still coming along?

Door’s open. Come in, Lori said.

He stood in the room near the open door. Ready to go? Sam asked again, then closed the door.

Yeah, almost, don’t have much to put away, Lori said, as she came out of the bathroom.

Need help with anything?

Not really. I just have the one bag, but I’d like to wash some things. I remember seeing a sign with something about a washing machine and dryer near the office when we checked in. Is there time to do laundry in the morning?

Sam eyed the chair next to the door, sat down, then watched Lori unpack her things, and sort them into neat little folded piles on the bed.

We’ve got to leave early tomorrow morning. Have to catch the early sun for the shots at the school. You can wash your clothes tonight after we get back from dinner. You should have enough time then. I’ll help you.

Okay, that’s what I’ll do, Lori said. I’ll wait until after we get back.

What kind of food do like? Sam asked.

Anything’s okay. I’m not so fussy after being on the road for such a long time.

Okay, let’s ask Tom what he’d like to have for dinner, Sam said. After he gets out of the shower.

That’s what I’d like to do, take a shower, Lori said.

I won’t bother you anymore, and wait outside. I can ask the clerk if he knows a good place to eat.

You’re not bothering me, and I’m grateful for the help. I’d still be walking on the side of the road if you hadn’t picked me up.

Sam started to get up, but decided to stay in the chair. You’re a nice girl. I’m glad we can help you out.

Thanks, you are too, Sam. I mean, a nice guy.

I still can’t figure why you’re not on the cover of a magazine.

On the cover of a magazine? Me? Lori said, then turned quickly, and looked at Sam.

You’re beautiful, and your voice is silky like an angel. You should be in the movies.

I’m just a country girl from the middle of nowhere.

A beautiful country girl from somewhere, Sam said. I’m a photographer, and I know beauty when I see it.

Do you have a girlfriend?

Sam was quiet for a moment. Yes.

What’s her name?

Esther.

Esther, that’s a nice name. How long have you known each other?

We met on the playground at school. It’s a day I’ll never forget. I was standing at the bottom of the slippery slide, and she was coming down. I was mesmerized when I saw her come down the slide. We raced to a big old oak tree on the playground, and she almost beat me. She could run really fast.

Lori smiled. So, you’ve had a long engagement. Is marriage in the future?

Yeah, I’ve been holding out. Don’t know why.

Then time seemed to stop. Sam imagined Lori say, You’re sweet, Sam. In his mind he watched her sashay up to his chair, lean over, and show a good share of skin from under her low cut tight t-shirt. He smiled. She straddled his lap face to face.

Do you love her?

Yeah, he whispered.

Frozen from the breathtaking view, and their eyes fixed on each other after a long silent moment, she kissed him. His eyes moved from her body to her moist lips. They stared at each other locked by some invisible force and kissed again. Lori dropped into Sam’s lap. She stroked his hair and face. Sam’s hands moved around her waist, up her spine, back down around her stomach, then up and over her chest.

Sam, Lori whispered.

Yes, he moaned.

Nothing else was said. There was only heavy breathing like steam engines climbing the Rocky Mountains. Lori squirmed on top of Sam’s lap, resting on him like a cat getting comfortable. Their hands moved over each other’s taut muscles. As the chair rocked, and squeaked, it seemed to shrink in size.

We should move to the bed, she said.

Sam kicked off his shoes. Tom’s waiting, he said, while holding her in a tight grip.

Hungry, Sam, Lori said, then kissed him.

You never told me what you wanted to eat.

Anything’s fine with me, steak, fish, chicken, Lori said.

Their eyes closed, they moaned. Sam pulled her T-shirt up and off. Now unclad from the waist up, Sam’s hands gently touched her bosom like a sculptor creating a work of art, then rested his face on her chest. Their breathing became synchronized as she reached under his shirt, then he unbuttoned, and dragged it off of his shoulders as they merged.

Sam grabbed Lori, he stood, holding her like it was their wedding night carrying her across the threshold. He walked to the bed, put her down gently, caressed, and kissed her one more time. You’re an angel.

I’m sure it’ll all work out, Lori said.

Sam awoke from the dream-like-trance. What the hell was that, he thought. It seemed so real. Letting out a gasp as he watched Lori on the bed from the chair. His photographic eye framing a picture of her as she got up, and walked into the bathroom.

I’ll wait for you outside, Sam said. Take your time.

Sam walked out of Lori’s room dizzy, his head in the clouds. A man lost in the jungle like Marlow in Joe Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.

Tom was leaning on the front fender of the car smiling at Sam when he came out of Lori’s room. You still hungry?

Starving, and bet you’re thirsty, Sam said.

You have to get something to eat and replenish your body for tomorrow. It’s hard work pushing a camera button.

You’re a pain in the ass, Sam said. I’m going over to the office, and find out when we can use the washer and dryer.

Good idea, I’ll wait here for Lori. Wouldn’t want her to get worried wondering where you went.

Yeah, yeah, ok, you old fart. I’ll be right back.

Sam went into the hotel’s office. It was empty, dimly lit with just a desk lamp turned on and a half burned cigarette in an astray sending smoke signals up to the ceiling. Sam looked around, then noticed a crisp, freshly printed book on the counter. What’s this about? he wondered. He picked it up and read the title, How to Live - When you’re dying. He opened the first page, and read the first line. First, and most important—stop the bleeding, second, relax, don’t get excited, and remain calm. You can’t change what’s just happened, so don’t make it worse. This book could come in handy..

Then the hotel clerk walked into the lobby. What can I do for you? They stared at each other a moment, then the desk clerk stepped behind the counter.

Sam closed the book, He looks like the clerk at the store I used to go to in the morning before school, and put it on the counter. Hi, I’d like to wash some clothes, he said. Can I use the washing machine and dryer anytime?

Sure, if it’s not being used anyone.

Thanks. Sam said. Is this your book?

Yes, it is. I just got it.

Is it any good?

I just started reading it this morning.

Is it a self-help book? I read the first few sentences, and it seems like that kind of book.

I think so, but it has a story.

What’s the story about?

A mystery about someone in deep trouble, and they need medical attention or will die? I don’t want to ruin it by telling you the ending. You might read it some day, so I won’t say anymore. But yeah, you’re right, it follows the life of someone who’s in serious trouble, and has to make a decision quickly, or suffer the consequences.

Actually, when I looked at the first page I thought it was some kind of a first aid book.

It is in a way, the clerk said. And it starts out by telling people what to do first when they’re in trouble. You know—things like the first step to take. If you don’t take the first step, or do what is necessary, you can’t move forward. You languish, than die!

That’s a pretty simple concept, Sam said. But simple things are usually the most complicated.

You’re right there, the hotel clerk said. Take a virus. It’s simple, but complex, always changing, never remaining in its original form.

Change is important, Sam said, but we can’t change unless we have information, knowledge, and what steps to take.

That’s why people write books, the clerk said, to pass on information.

I’ll have to give it a read sometime, thanks.

Sam left the lobby, his mind blank, wondering why he’d gone there, then remembered it was to ask about the washing machine. He didn’t see Tom in their room, so he headed over to Lori’s room. He knocked on the door, and was surprised when Tom opened it sporting a big grin.

You look happy, Sam said. Drinking again?

No, I’m waiting. Just killing time with Lori until we eat, Tom said. The joy on my face is from the company I keep.

Sam looked at Tom. Lori or me?

Both of you, Tom said. Both of you.

Are you ready?

I am, Tom said. She’s a nice girl. Do you like her?

I do, Sam said. There’s something about her that makes me feel alive.

I know exactly what you mean, Tom said. She makes me feel the same way.

Lori came out of the bathroom singing. She had a soulful voice, growling, passionate, and full of life.

That a nice song, Sam said.

“Me and Bobby McGee,” she said.

I know, I like it, Sam said.

That song was written by Kris Kristofferson, Tom said, way back when. Janis Joplin sang a version that was huge.

I think I have her CD, Sam said. We can listen to it on the way to the restaurant, or better yet, you sing it, Lori.

You know, I feel like I’m going to a party. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this way. Just been on the road so long, or it seems like forever. Anyway, I think I’m going to cry.

No crying tonight, Sam said. We’ll find a nice place to eat and have fun.

You sit in the front, Lori, Tom said, and I’ll sit in the back.

I can’t let you do that, Lori said, but Tom hopped in the back seat, leaving her standing there with no other choice.

You heard the man, Sam said. You’re sitting in the front seat.

I guess I am, she said.

Sam turned to Tom, who smiled at Sam, then winked. Well, what are we waiting for. Let’s get something to eat. I’m starving, and thirsty.

Sam started the car, and they drove off down the road, and turned onto what looked like Main Street.

RESTAURANT

 

The street lights were glowing, the night air carried the aroma of something good cooking, and laughter sang happy from the people on the street. Off in the distance on the right, Sam spotted a country club. It was a big classic log cabin with glowing white lights strung around it. The lights dangled from an overhang and skirted the deck of the structure.

Should we check it out? Sam asked.

Looks nice, Lori said.

Okay, let’s have a look, Sam said, then turned, and headed down a long tree-lined driveway that led to a parking lot. Parked in a row just beyond the pro shop were some electric golf carts all lined up nice and pretty, and nearby was an oversized practice green.

You play golf? Tom asked.

In high school I did, Sam replied, and I play a few times a year, but I’m just a hack. In my mind I imagine the ball flying straight and far, but I slice and hook. Can’t chip onto the green either. I always hit the ball too hard, or not hard enough. Feel like I’m playing in a storm with no control.

Let’s drive around and check it out, Tom said.

Look how everyone is dressed, Tom said. They circled the parking lot a couple of times and parked.

Everyone’s in formal clothes. Must be a special occasion. There’s a guy talking to the crowd in front of the club house, but I can’t make out what he’s saying.

What’s he holding?

It’s a trophy, Tom said as the crowd cheered and clapped.

The man speaking held up the trophy.

What do you think? Sam asked. Give this place a go, or find another one?

You’re driving, Tom said.

What do you want to do? Lori?

I’m just tagging along, so any place is okay with me.

It looks a little crowded, Sam said. Let’s take a drive through town, and if we can’t find anything better, we’ll come back here.

I like that idea, Tom said.

Sam got back on the road downtown, and cruised along Main Street. Houses lined both sides of the road, some small and some old, and at one time this might have been the main part of town. Sam followed the road down a steep hill into the business section of town.

Okay, what’s it going to be? Where do we eat?

Anything’s fine with me, Lori said. Really, I can eat anything

No, you have to choose.

What about that place over there? Tom asked, then pointed to a seafood restaurant with a full parking lot of cars, and a red neon lobster light above the door.

Looks okay to me, Lori said.

But, do you want to eat there?

Yeah, sure, she said.

Sam pulled in and parked. Lori, I think you made a good choice. Another sign said, WELCOME, and flashed, LAKESIDE, in a cascading waterfall of golden letters.

Where’s the lake? Sam asked. Why call a restaurant lakeside if there’s no lake?

Who cares, the fish come from a lake, and that’s all that matters. Let’s go in, Tom said, I’m starving.

Looks like a cozy place, Lori said.

Let’s head inside, Sam said.