Dreamlike State (The Magic of Black Forest Book 1) (4 page)

I thought he was getting up to leave, but instead he grabbed my elbow and escorted me to a table in the corner of the dining room.

“Huh, what are you doing?”

“I’ll make sure you get back to your cabin safely.” He asked the waitress to bring us some menus and our drinks from the bar.

Shoot! When the server brought us the menus, she brought me another vodka and ginger-ale. I didn’t want another drink, especially while I sat here with him. It doesn’t take much for me to get buzzed or much less drunk.

I fidgeted while I read the menu. He sat across from me, and stared, his eyes so intense.

“What?” I couldn’t resist smiling when I looked into his eyes.

“So how long will you be in town?”

“For four weeks. I just got here today.”

“Hmm. So who were you
supposed
to meet for dinner?” He arched one brow skeptically.

“A girl I met in Renovo. She was unable to make it because of work. I was kind of looking forward to it, she seemed very nice.”

“So you have a habit of talking with strangers then?” My eyes narrowed as he teased me.

“No, not until today. Typically, I keep to myself or with friends and family. I’m kind of shy so I have difficulty talking to new people.”

“You don’t seem to have any difficulty talking to me, a little fidgety though,” he teased me... again.

Before I could reply, the waitress returned to take our order. She stared at him and didn't bother to look my way, “Are you ready to order?” He gestured with his hand for her to take my order first. “What can I get you?” Her tone was sharp, a little hostile, as if it was an inconvenience to take her eyes off him. I could understand not wanting to turn away from such beauty, I didn't want to either but there was no reason to be rude.

“I’d like an order of chicken fingers and fries.” She barely acknowledged me as she wrote down my order.

She moved closer to Bradley and asked coquettishly, “And what can I get for you?” She was not just talking about food, she wanted a lot more. You’d have to be blind not to notice.

“Nothing for me, thanks.” What? I couldn't believe he was not eating?

Before the waitress turned to leave, I asked, “Could you please make my order to go?” If I’m going to eat alone, I’ll do it at the cabin with Seager.

“Sure, I’ll bring it right out,” she said with a smirk on her face. She turned and skipped off to the kitchen, eager to get me out of here so she could have him all to herself. If I could there’d be daggers shooting out of my eyes and hitting her right in her arrogant face. That thought made me giggle and forget that I was supposed to be upset with my handsome stranger.

“Why are you getting your order to go? Did I say something wrong?”

“I really need to get back, it’s getting late. I appreciate that you stepped in when – when Joe was here. It was as if you knew I needed rescuing. Thank you, it’s nice to see that chivalry isn’t dead,” I said shyly.

His eyes filled with excitement, wild even, by my last comment. “Well when you looked at me, your eyes were begging me to save you,” he replied smugly. Why did he enjoy teasing me so much?

Annoyed I replied, “I wouldn’t say I was begging.”

“I didn’t mean to insult you or imply that you were actually begging me – what I meant is that you looked like you could use a Knight in Shining Armor.”

How could I continue to be angry with him, especially while he stared fervently into my eyes and smiled my favorite crooked smile? “I did. You were. Thank you.” I smiled appreciatively.

The waitress returned with my food and dropped it on the table with the check. Her rude attitude made me laugh. Hearing me, she gave a quick sneer in my direction. Bradley reached across the table and before I realized what he was doing he grabbed the check then handed both the check and money to the waitress and told her to keep the change.

“You’re leaving, Brad?” She pouted before she purred her next question. “Will you be back later tonight?” That was when I realized they knew each other. Of course they would especially if he came here frequently. Great.

He rolled his eyes before gazing back into mine. “I don’t think so. Have a good night.”

She looked at me as though
she
was the one throwing daggers now, “Okay, well have a good night. Hope to see you later, Brad.” I had to give it to her, she was good. I laughed out loud. How desperate was she? He hadn’t shown her any attention, didn’t even look at her and still she continued an attempt to seduce him.

As we walked out of the bar, I wondered why that was. I mean the waitress was beautiful, shiny platinum blonde hair and big, deep brown, doe eyes. Her skin seemed flawless. She did wear a little too much make-up though. I’d bet she looked better without it.

“Wow, it’s really dark out here. What time is it?”

Before we crossed the road, he stopped under the streetlight and looked down at me. Actually stared, then said, “It’s about nine thirty. It gets dark here really quick.” I gazed into his eyes, thanked him again for earlier and for walking me back to my cabin now.

“It’s my pleasure.” He was very gentleman-like. I liked that… a lot. “What cabin are you staying in?”

“The one way in the back, at the end of the road…” He interrupted me and seemed annoyed by this.

“They put you back there? By yourself?”

Okay, he was definitely upset, but why? Was he worried about me? We just met. Could he have felt the electricity I felt?

“Yes… why? I requested a cabin with privacy, preferably with no neighbors. I meant it when I said I rarely talk to strangers. I’m not a good conversationalist.”

Ignoring my question, he said, “Oh yeah, you said you had your dog with you – Seager, right? What kind of dog?”

“Seager is a white shepherd-wolf mix. He’s beautiful and fearless. As long as he’s with me, I’ll be safe.” That bit of information seemed to have calmed him down. Of course, since I really didn't know him, I could be way off base here. He stopped under another light. Again, he stared at me with those dreamy eyes and that crooked smile and yes, I was dazzled. So much so, I was unable to remember what we had just talked about. What was it?

“Will I be able to meet Seager?”

Oh yeah. “Sure, I have to let him out before we lock up for the night.” I wasn't about to invite him in even though I’d have liked to. “Would you like to stay for a few minutes longer?” Seager was a good judge of character. If Bradley was a jerk, then Seager would sense it. I would know right away whether I should run into the cabin and lock the doors. I hoped that he could read my handsome stranger, because I sure couldn't.

“Does he bite?”

“He hasn’t bitten anyone -- yet.” I giggled.

“Natalia, you have a beautiful laugh. I’m really glad I met you tonight.” The way he said my name left me speechless and unable to think. I fumbled with the keys and tried to unlock the door. When I finally opened it I wasn't paying attention and, once again Seager, flew past me but this time directly at Bradley.

“SEAGER, NO!” I forgot where I was when I shouted his name, and it echoed through the forest and campground. Seager stopped dead in his tracks. I really didn’t need to yell like that but I panicked -- he always stopped when I told him to.

“Good boy, Seager, come here.” Whew. “Sorry about that. Wow, I’m sure I just woke up the entire neighborhood. I’ll have to apologize to all my neighbors tomorrow morning.”

Bradley walked slowly in our direction so as not to alarm Seager. “I wouldn’t worry about it. You’re only human and that was definitely a human response.” Now that was a strange response from him, like he’s not. There went my imagination again. I shook off the thought and returned to reality.

He held his hand out, palm down to greet Seager. He spoke calmly, with a soothing voice, “Hey Seager, I’m Brad. You sure are a good looking creature.” Seager walked directly to him. I held my breath with suspense. After a couple of sniffs, Seager began to wag his tail. As if he knew him, Seager began to nudge Bradley with his nose and whimper, actually crying as though he’d missed him. He did that to me when I got home from work.

Bradley seemed just as bewildered as I was. “Wow, he seems to like you. It’s as if he knows you.” I said suspiciously. Bradley wouldn't understand what I meant but Seager would.
“Seager, we’ll be talking about this later. I know you know something.”

“If I had met this beautiful creature in this lifetime, I’m sure I’d remember. You are one beautiful dog, Seager.” He playfully petted Seager and Seager enjoyed every second of it.

I couldn’t wait.
“Seager, do you know Bradley?”
I knew he heard me because he looked at me the second I asked him the question, but he didn’t respond. I will get answers this time. Right after Bradley leaves.

Bradley didn't say much to me once he met Seager. He was in
awe
of my dog.

“Well, it’s getting really late and we’ve had a long day. It was a pleasure to meet you,” I said abruptly.

“Oh well. I guess I should let you get some sleep then.” He walked up to me, leaned over, and whispered in my ear, “The pleasure is all mine. I hope to see you again, real soon.” With a grin on his face he turned, patted Seager on his shoulder and left.

Dazed, I just stood there.

Suddenly he spun around, waved his hand, and said, “You should go in now, it’s not safe to be out here in the dark by yourselves.”

“Okay, good night.” I did what he said and went inside, immediately I went to the window to see him one more time but he was gone. In that second he just disappeared. Where did he go so quickly? I was about to go back outside to see but decided to question Seager instead.

“Seager what was that about? Do you know him?”

Nothing.

“This is getting a little frustrating. I know you can talk to me. Why won’t you talk to me? I promise I won’t be freaked out, please answer me.”

Still nothing.

“Fine, be that way.” Talking to him is like talking to the wall, useless.

We shared my dinner. Afterwards, I crawled into bed.

Chapter 4

A heavy, sound sleep provided a dreamless night. I woke before the sun rose and momentarily forgot where I was. When I remembered, I also recalled what happened the night before. With thoughts of Bradley at the front and center of my mind there was no way I was going to fall back to sleep. So, I got up and put on some coffee.

“Seager, how about we sit on the porch while I have my cup of coffee?” Nothing.

I opened the front door and the air smelled refreshing. I inhaled deeply and took in all the fresh woodsy fragrances. The warm earthy deep green scents of pine, oak, grass and moss filled the clear, almost pure air. I inhaled again.

It’s so relaxing just sitting here. Seager and I watched as the sun rose from the horizon through the trees. It lit up the sky with a spectrum of violet, red and orange colors. It had a dreamlike quality. I’ve never seen the sky look so beautiful.

We had breakfast. Afterwards, I cleaned up quickly so we could get ready for our hike.

First, I filled my backpack with all the necessary hiking accessories; matches, sweater, plenty of water, mace, a map and a compass. I didn't plan on getting lost but you never know. When you are hiking, especially alone, preparation is everything. Next, I attached my sheath to my belt. After examining the sharpness of my buck knife, I placed it into the sheath. I didn't plan on using it; I’m just taking all sorts of precautions. Finally, I grabbed Seager’s leash. Once we get away from everyone, I’ll let him walk freely.

We spent the entire morning hiking. The trails were everything I'd hoped for and more – dense hemlocks that kept the forest floor in an everlasting darkness. Only when we were in the fields did we feel the sun on our faces.

Some of the trails were largely overgrown, with waist high bracken, laurel, and sticker bushes. Plenty of shrubs covered rocks that threatened to twist the ankles of unsuspecting hikers. I had a few narrow escapes, so I started to pay more attention to where I walked. Let’s not forget we had to listen for rattlesnakes as well. The climbs and descents challenged us but it was well worth the hike. The scenery was beautiful – everything green and brown – picture perfect.

Darn it, even with all my preparation I forgot my camera. If we go hiking tomorrow, I have to remember to bring it. I want to show Melissa how beautiful the scenery is up here. She, like my parents, would love it here.

Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with sadness. As if my parents were watching me, feeling my sorrow, I felt a gentle cool zephyr in the air. It was just what the doctor ordered. I felt a little better but not completely.

I looked down at Seager, who was overly excited with our surroundings. The sadness went away, replaced by happiness. He has a way of making me smile. All he has to do is look at me and wag his tail. I patted his head and looked at him adoringly.

We came upon a creek and decided to frolic through the water – getting soaked. Like two free spirits, we explored aimlessly through the forest and fields, not really paying attention to where we were or how we got there. We scared up a few grouse when we ran through the field. Actually, they startled me. Not Seager though, he tried to pluck them from the air as they took flight. Thankfully, he was unsuccessful. What would I do with it – bury it? It was funny. “Nice try, Seager, maybe next time.” He was having the time of his life.

We came upon a small herd of deer. Seager’s body shook with anticipation. He wanted to chase them but I gave him the stay hand signal. We watched the herd until the wind switched directions and they got a whiff of us. All their tails started to flicker up and down so we could see the white of them, their signal of danger. Seager got into stalk mode, and started to whimper with excitement. That was the final straw for the deer. When they heard Seager, they took off sprinting through the forest. I had to grab Seager’s collar to stop him from following them into the thicket.

Thankfully, we didn’t see any bears, although we did see signs of them all around us. We saw the claw marks on the trees, a sure sign of bears in the area. That was all a little intimidating. It almost made me run back to the cabin.

That was when it hit me --- what direction was the cabin in? I wasn’t paying attention, at all. A wave of panic washed over me at the possibility of being lost. Crap. I pulled out my cell phone and as I expected, it roamed while trying to get a connection. Cell phones are great unless you are in the middle of nowhere with no satellite to connect to.

“Seager, this isn’t good. We didn’t leave a trail to follow, nor did I check the compass to see what direction we’ve been going in. I don’t even know what direction the cabin is in.”

No response.

“Do you think you could say something – anything? Do you know where the cabin is? Can you get us back to the cabin?” My frantic voice was brusque. When he didn't respond, I contemplated screaming for help. He heard the worry in my voice and saw the panic in my eyes; he spun around and began to walk in the opposite direction.

It was now 11 am. We had been hiking for hours. I started to get cranky from being hungry and tired. “Seager,
if
we make it… Oops…
when
we make it back to the cabin, I’m going to make us some lunch then we’re going to take a nap all afternoon. What do you think about that?”

Nothing.

“You know these one sided conversations are getting really boring. How far are we from the cabin?”

No response. How irritating!

Seager didn’t take us back the way we came. Everything looked the same, green and brown. “Seager, are you sure you know how to get us back to the cabin?” He stopped and turned to look me in the eye. I thought he was finally about to say something but instead he rolled his eyes.

“Did you just roll your eyes at me?” I was flabbergasted. Seriously, I knew he just rolled his eyes at me. He turned back towards the direction we were walking and continued onward. I huffed and puffed then followed.

We were back at the campground by noon. It only took us about an hour to get back. I guess we weren’t as far away as I thought. I bent down to hug and pet Seager. “Good boy.” I chuckled. “I can’t believe I second guessed you. It won’t happen again. Good boy.”

While we walked down the gravel and dirt road, I could see that someone was sitting on our porch. I couldn't make out who it was. My heart started to beat rapidly – maybe it was Bradley. When I glanced a second time I realized it couldn’t be, the person – a woman, had blonde hair. She was looking in the direction of the dumpster. Instinctively, I stopped and glanced toward it to make sure there wasn’t a bear foraging for food. To my astonishment, the dumpster was gone.

“Seager, someone stole our dumpster. What’s up with that?”

When we got closer, I realized it was Colleen. And if my eyes weren't deceiving me there appeared to be flowers – different colors – on the table beside her. I wondered who she brought them for. Out of breath from practically running to greet her I smiled, “Hey Colleen, what are you doing here?”

Her eyes were wide with fear. “Your dog is huge, does he bite?”

I giggled and replied, “He hasn’t bit anyone
yet
. He’s still not done growing into his paws. He’s gonna get a lot bigger. You look a little pale...” I tried to control the smirk on my face. “Are you afraid of dogs?”

“Not usually but he’s big and looks intimidating, like he
wants
to bite me.”

“He’s just teasing you, Colleen. Seager, go say hello to Colleen and stop scaring her.” Slowly, he walked up to her, sniffed her feet, and then sneezed all over her legs.

“Eww, that’s gross.” Her bare legs were soaked with snot. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. Before walking over to where the dumpster was, Seager wagged his tail and licked her hand as if to let her know she had nothing to fear from him.

“Colleen, was there a dumpster over there when you got here?” I pointed in the direction of where Seager stood, where the dumpster used to be.

“No, but the owner, Sam, stopped by. He asked me to tell you to let your
friend
know that he moved the dumpster as
he
requested. So who’s this
friend
of yours? Maybe I know him.”

“I’m not quite sure who he’s talking about.” While I tried to think about what to change the subject to, I checked to see where Seager was. I mean, why would Bradley ask Papa Smurf to move the dumpster? That didn't make any sense.

She just laughed at me “Then who did
these
come from?” She pointed to the flowers. Oh, they’re roses.

I gasped. “You didn’t bring them with you? How many are there?”

“Why would I bring you roses, Natalia? I counted four dozen, so that’s forty-eight long stemmed roses. How can you not know who gave you four dozen roses? Come on spill it, Natalia.” She smiled; her sarcastic tone was full of skepticism. She didn’t seem so pushy when I first met her.

“I honestly don’t know who put them there. Maybe they belong to someone else – dropped off at the wrong cabin.” I shrugged while picking them up to smell their beautiful aroma. “I’ll put them in water and leave them out here just in case the giver or receiver realizes their mistake.”

“Okay, whatever, Natalia. I’ll find out soon enough.”

“Fine, when you do let me know. So what brings you by today?” I was getting annoyed with her pushiness. She rather reminded me of Melissa. Just thinking of Melissa made me smile; I missed her. I really needed to call her.

Ignoring the obvious fact that she annoyed me, she said, “I said I would stop by today. Sorry I missed you last night. I wanted to know if you have any plans for tonight.”

“I haven’t really decided. I’m pretty beat from our hike.” That reminded me, where was Seager? I glanced around and sighed when I spotted him. He was out like a light, sleeping on a small patch of grass in front of the porch. Boy, a nap sure sounded – no
looked
-- good!

“I’m thinking about taking my ATV out tomorrow so I’ll probably get to bed early tonight. I wanted to check out the ATV trails in Haneyville. Why? What do you have in mind?” I’d most likely decline her invitation but I was curious.

“Well, there’s a live band playing tonight across the street. They’re good and the lead singer is hot. He’s not just easy on the eyes. His singing gives me goose bumps. He could sing professionally but…” She shrugged her shoulders; she said no more on the subject. “So do you want to come with us?”

Forgetting about her unfinished statement I asked, “Us? Who’s us?”

“Oh, my best friend, Jesse. We know the band members so we get V.I.P treatment. They always save us a table in the front row, but away from the loud speakers and amps. Well are you interested?”

“I don’t know. What are you wearing?” I’m definitely not going if she was getting all dressed up. I didn’t have ‘dressy’ clothes with me. She sensed my concern, and offered to check out my wardrobe.

We pulled out all my clothes, which wasn't a lot, and laid them out on the bed. Some of the items she just threw aside as if they weren't good enough to be seen. “Well those are way too casual. They’re more like clothes you wear to bed, if you were to wear clothes to bed.”

I ignored her comment. “Specific dress attire is not required is it?”

“No. But if you’re looking to bump into Mr. Right tonight, you may want to dress for that occasion.” Does she know something I don’t?

“This shirt and skirt would look great on you.” She lifted up my blue button down shirt and my long black skirt; both are form fitting. “Where are your shoes?”

“That’s hysterical! I forgot about my shoes. I have sneakers, boots for ATV riding and these sandals here.”

“Well I guess you could wear either of them since the skirt is so long but let’s go with the sandals. At least they’re blue and go with your shirt.” What did she think; I was going to wear my boots? She’s really weird.

“What are you going to wear?” I asked before I actually decided whether I was going or not.

“I’ll wear a skirt too. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to wear heels with mine,” her words were laced with sarcasm.

“I guess that’ll be all right.” I teased. “What time does the band start playing?”

“At nine, but they start setting up around eight. Jesse and I typically like to get there when they’re setting up. Would eight be okay?”

“Sure, I’ll meet you there at eight. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to take a nap.” I didn't mean to sound rude but if she wanted me to go tonight, I would need to get some sleep.

“No problem, I can take a hint. Don’t forget to take your roses inside before you take your nap.” She snickered sarcastically.

“Thanks for stopping by. See ya later.”

I called Seager into the cabin but waited for Colleen to pull away before I brought the roses in. Whoever was supposed to get these beautiful roses was going to have to knock on my door to get them. I wanted to see who the lucky lady was.

Exhausted, I skipped lunch and took a nap.

***

I jumped frantically when I woke. “Seager, it’s five-thirty! I’m going to be late.”

He yawned and stretched before waiting by the door to be let out. I left the front door open so that I could watch him while I whipped up something to eat for both of us. By the time I got done with dinner and cleaned up, I only had an hour to get ready. I hoped for more time. What if Bradley was there? I kind of liked that there was a possibility and that I would be dressed up—well sort of dressed up.