Another Time, Another Place

He frowned slightly, rising up on his elbow. “You thankin’ me like you ain’t gonna see me again.”

I shrugged as I touched his thick eyebrow. “There’s no guarantee.”

Harrison shook his head. “That’s where you’re wrong, Counselor. I done traveled the world, and come across many fine ladies in my day, but…”

I burst out laughing, pulling myself up against the headboard. “Yeah, you’re such a wise, old soul.” He wasn’t amused. I stopped smiling when I realized I may have been too sarcastic. “Harrison, I…”

His eyes narrowed as he placed his index finger over my lips. “Like I was saying…I’ve seen many a fine woman, but I’m old enough to recognize when I’m in good company. You got my attention, lovely lady, and if you don’t mind, I think I wanna stick around.”

I glanced at the small piece of gauze taped to his ear. “Your ear is gettin’ better.”

Harrison grinned. “I guess there’s hope for me yet.” He took a deep breath and clasped his hands behind his head, lying back down on the pillow. His expression was reflective, directed towards the fan circulating from the ceiling.

I nudged him. “Deep in thought?” He smiled as he pulled himself up beside me, placing his forehead against mine.

“Yep. I was thinkin’ about a beautiful woman I once met. How her eyes changed colors with the movement of the sun. How the switch of her hips when she walked made me stand at attention. The sexiness of her bottom lip, pouting at me, waiting far too long for my kiss. Sorry to keep you waitin’,” he whispered as his lips covered the fullness of mine.

TO SIR WITH LOVE

I had a meeting with Mr. Rayman at his mansion. He’d recently taken quite ill, and needed to review some of his legal affairs concerning the estate, and delegation of a successor for his cigarette company. As I walked toward the long stretch of willow trees and restored plantation houses, I noticed Harrison hollering through the open door of his cedar bungalow. Next thing I saw was him storming inside. A minute later, he was back outside, throwing a pile of women’s clothes, and an old suitcase to the dusty ground. Naomi stood crying on the porch as he threw her business outside for all of Sapelo to see.

I didn’t want to see Harrison upset, but whatever business he had with his wife was between them. I knew we’d be able to talk about it when he was ready. I shook my head as I continued walking down the plantation path toward the Rayman Mansion.

***

Regal ivory pillars towered over the intricate entrance to the mansion. The solid oak doors opened as I made the last stride up the slate steps. Gladys, Mr. Rayman’s housekeeper, stood smiling at the doorway.

“Mornin,’ Miss Gladys,” I said, kissing her on the cheek.

“Mornin,’ chile,” she said, rocking me as we hugged. I’d known Miss Gladys ever since I was a little girl. She was petite, and always wore her thick hair in a neat bun. Her rosewater scent, and neat posture always made me wonder if she’d ever wanted to be a model or actress, instead of working for the Raymans all these years. I’d never seen a frown on her flawless bronze skin, and I never heard her complain.

“How’s Mr. Rayman doin’ today?”

“Still himself,” she said, shaking her head. “Fussin’ and sneakin’ cigarettes every chance he gets.”

I laughed. “Where is he?”

She pointed to the west wing. “In the study. Go on, he’s expectin’ you.”

As I strolled over the emerald marble tile corridor, I saw Mr. Rayman, settled comfortably in his leather reading chair. He had a paisley cigar robe belted around navy cotton pajamas. He appeared to be dozing off when I entered. I approached him in the vast library corridor, and his head lifted slowly.

“Jasmine,” he said, extending his arms for a hug. He’d seen me grow up, so I was used to the light peck he’d placed on my hair when I hugged him. He shook his head, almost with a melancholy glance. “You get more beautiful by the day, you know that?”

I waved my hand. “Don’t make me blush, now,” I said, sitting on the sofa near him. “How you feelin’ today?”

He huffed. “Like I got one foot in the grave.”

“Stop that talk. You just had a setback, is all.”

He pointed at me. “A smart woman like you should know better. Emphysema isn’t some nightmare that will go away.” He swallowed hard, wringing his hands.

I got up and poured him a glass of water from the pitcher.

He nodded in appreciation. “Thank you kindly,” he whispered, taking a sip.

“Did you bring all the paperwork with you?”

“Yes, sir,” I said as I sat back down. I pulled a file from my briefcase. “Here are the documents you requested. I believe I amended everything, per your instructions over the phone. We just need to go over some minor details, and make any final changes you see fit.”