The Man From the Far Side of the Lake

Part 1

Things happen sometimes so fast you don't realize exactly what did happen. Steps you go up and down each day can turn on you, did you miss a step, slip, how exactly did it happen? But there it is wrapped in yards of cotton and ace bandages the ankle broken in three places. Plates, pins and screws holding it together. The damned painful thing that has taken over your life, changed life as you knew it.

There was nothing for it, she couldn't possibly remain in her apartment, there were the steps again, and now they were non negotiable.

"I've been thinking, Lynn, you can't go back home and it looks like you're going to be down for the summer, how about coming out to the lake with us, you can have Davey's old room...really we'd love to have you, there's Mazie of course but she's no problem, keeps to herself mostly, what do you think?" Jen Martin was making her case for her sister.

"I don't know, I hate to be a problem...ha...I am a problem, what am I thinking. If you're sure Miles won't mind?"

"Of course not, what's family for anyway. Miles is gone most of the time anyway, summer is his busy time you know."

"I hate to say it this way, but I have no choice, really I don't" It wasn't easy for Lynn Sommes to ask for help, she was an independent, self-sufficient woman. For the first time in her thirty years she was unable to take care of herself.

"Good, then its settled. I'll go by your place and pack up your clothes and things, turn off your fridge and clean it out for you. I'll be back in the morning and pick you up...all being well with you." Jen rose and gave her sis a hug.

"Thank you, Jen." She smiled as her sister closed the hospital room door. One more night in this place and she was out. The intravenous pain killer just gave her another hit and she settled back on the pillow, hoping to get some sleep between interruptions.

Of course it would rain the day she went home to her sister's lake house. Getting from the car across the gravel drive was tricky with the wobbly crutches, but Jen stayed with her until she was inside and seated on the sofa with her leg propped up. Pain medicine made her unsteady and drowsy. Drowsy was a good state for the afternoon and she slept most of it away. Covered in a crocheted afghan, she woke in the semi darkness of the room and pulled herself upright on the sofa keeping the ankle elevated. Silence...it was so quiet here, no near neighbors she could see out the large windows the lake, whitecaps showing as the spring storm worked its way across the water.

"Hi, didn't want to disturb you if you were still out, like a glass of iced tea?" Jen stood in the doorway to the kitchen,

"Love it, could you turn on a light?"

"Sure thing, want anything else?"

"No," Lynn replied...nothing but my two legs. She looked down at the bandaged foot.

It wasn't fair but things like this never take in consideration that you might just have made plans, reservations, plane tickets bought. Her whole summer gone down the tubes. She saw Mazie walk from one bedroom to another down the hallway. Mazie was Jen's mother-in-law and suffered from dementia. Lynn always felt a little strange around Mazie, never sure what world she inhabited. It was sad.

"How's Mazie doing?" she asked as Jen brought her drink.

"Good days and bad, she's fine now as long as I get her to take her medicine. See, she's carrying her purse from room to room, poor thing doesn't know where she is. Mazie..." Jen was up and down the hall.

Lynn thought Jen had infinite patience. She knew she could never be a caregiver...and wasn't a particularly good patient either. Perhaps an unhappy patient.

Three weeks later she had a hard cast and was able to get out a bit. She lay on a lounge chair with her foot propped up in the grassy lawn near the waters edge, Jen found an umbrella and stuck it in the ground near her chair and she supplied her with a stack of books and magazines and the postcards arriving from Italy. They were in Rome, her two friends, she would have been with them except for the ankle.

She watched the boat leave the dock across the cove, it seemed to be full of people and a dog, out for a day of fun. It was a large house newly built and partially hidden by trees that occupied the space behind the dock. There were several boats up in the boathouse, she'd seen different ones being launched.

"Have you everything you need?" asked Jen bringing her a small cooler of cold drinks.

"I'll be fine don't worry...oh Jen, who owns that house across the cove?"

"I don't know his name, he's not down here very often, usually brings a bunch of people when he comes, I think he might be a musician, at least he brings it with him. Well I should be back with Mazie in a couple of hours. You've got your cell phone, call if you need me, I can leave her at her doctors office if I need to."

"Thanks Jen, go on off with you." laughed Lynn waving her sister off.

She looked back at the house across the cove, someone was on the deck leaning over so she picked up her binoculars and looked to see who it might be. Not having a life of her own this summer she was interested in what was going on across the cove. It was a man in swim trunks and sunglasses leaning over the railing smoking a cigarette, his hair was dark and his skin looked to be lightly tanned. Was this the owner or a guest? Suddenly as if aware he was being watched he looked up across the cove and Lynn dropped her binoculars.

Part 2

Brett Houser looked across the cove, the woman was back again, the woman with a cast on her leg. Not a good way to spend the summer, he knew that very well having broke his ankle a few years ago, took a chunk out of his life...slowed him down a bit. The house had cleared out at last and he enjoyed in the morning alone. The sun had just come around to his deck and he walked down the steps and out to the pool and dove in. The water was fresh and cool on his warm skin. He swam three lengths of the pool and pulled himself out on the side. Inside his house the maid was vacuuming, he could hear the sound and frowned, noise.

Brett bought the property and had the house built two years ago, a hideaway at the time. He needed the down time and thought this sleepy little community would be a good place to go...when he needed a place. He could walk down the streets unrecognized, there weren't many places he could do that anymore, not since the Oscar.

His house had turned into a party house this month, he didn't mind, they were his mates, band members, friends. They would leave at the end of the month, he still hadn't decided whether to leave with them or stay on for a while. He had a stack of scripts to go through...but they packed as well as his clothes.

Leaving the pool he picked up a towel by the pool house and dried himself off. He looked back across the cove before going inside; she was still there under the umbrella. He stopped and looked at the house, an old rambling one story lake house with a wide screened porch He smiled slightly and went inside. After a quick shower and a pair of shorts and tank top he went outside to his garage and rolled his bike out.

Lynn was reading a book and underlining passages she liked, making notes to the edge of the page. This was a habit of hers, being a writer herself, if something spoke to her she wrote down why. She checked her watch, another hour before Jen would be back, maybe she would take a nap. Trying to adjust the back of the lounge chair she nearly tipped out and caught her self just in time. That ankle did not need another jolt. Now the chair was flat, that would never do.

Brett wound around the narrow roads in and out around the cove looking for the house he saw across the cove. It was a strange thing for him to do, he never mixed with locals. Maybe he was in sympathy for the woman, whatever the reason he persisted until he found the drive that led to the green shingled lake house and pulled his bike right up behind her chair.

Lynn heard the bike coming and turned in the uncomfortable lounge and watched him pull up right behind her chair. He sat there on the bike for a moment after turning off the motor before getting off. "Are you looking for someone?" she asked, he was obviously at the wrong house.

"I thought I'd come visit, if you don't mind." he said still on the bike.

"Oh, well not at all...do you live near here?"

"Over there," he pointed across the cove

"Oh," she said a little embarrassed had he seen the glasses?

"What happened to your foot" he asked throwing his leg over the bike and coming to sit in the grass beside her.

"Fell down some steps and broke my ankle."

"Pity that, with the summer."

"Yes, took away my trip to Italy." she gave a crooked smile. He had an accent.

"You're not from here where's home?"

"Australia is home, but I don't get there very often anymore."

"That's a long way how did you end up here?"

"Good question...I don't really have an answer for...seemed like a good idea at the time. Do you live here, this your place?"

"No it's my sister's well it belongs to her husband's mother, she's ill and lives here too. I'm just here for the summer, until I can get back on both feet."

"Bummer that, I did the same thing a couple of years ago, it takes a while. What's your name?"

"Oh, sorry I'm Lynn Sommes."

"Brett Houser," he watched her face and saw the recognition.

"Very nice to meet you, I really wasn't spying on you, I just like to see what's around here. Looks like you have a house party."

"Yeah, few of my mates around for a few weeks. Want me to fix your chair?"

"If you don't mind, I can't seem to make it stay...that's good thanks." Brett Houser for god's sakes! "Would you like a cold drink, Jen left more than I will drink?"

He took a coke, Tthanks, you don't mind being left out here?"

"No not really, I'm going to be left somewhere, this isn't bad at least the weather is nice...not to hot yet." He was quiet for a moment looking over toward his house across the cove.

"If I come get you sometime, would you like to come over to my house?" he said it quietly and she turned her head toward him.

"You'd come get me? Well...yes." Lynn was surprised and flattered that he would come for her.

"I know what a drag it can be stuck in one place...tomorrow. I'll come over tomorrow on the pontoon, you'll stay dry that way." he smiled and stood up, "See ya Lynn." he was on his bike and gone.

Brett Houser, the actor...how could it be he was here in this cove? Lynn smiled, what a surprise he turned out to be, she couldn't wait to tell Jen who lived across the cove.

Brett stopped by the marina for a beer and cheeseburger. He thought once about buying one for Lynn and taking it to her, but decided against it. She was nice, and pretty without trying, simple and he hoped uncomplicated. You couldn't tell anymore about people he'd been stung too many times. He liked her honest face, her brown eyes and long dark brown hair.

Jen pulled up in the drive and got Mazie in the house and settled before she came down to see about Lynn, "I'll bet you're about ready to go in." she said to Lynn.

"Lynn, I met your neighbor, the one across the cove...you'll never guess in a million years who he is!"

"Okay so I won't try and you're dying to tell me." she sat down in the grass

"Brett Houser...the actor."

"You're kidding me...how did you meet him?"

"He rode over here on his bike and introduced himself...and invited me over, says he's coming to get me tomorrow."

Jen looked at her and raised an eyebrow, "You sure that's a good idea? I mean those people move in some pretty fast crowds, Lynn."

"Well its for sure I'm not moving fast...besides he was nice...he really was." she smiled.

Part 3

Lynn donned a pair of shorts and a tee shirt and her one non-slip tennis shoe, wearing her sunglasses she hobbled on her crutches out to the lounge chair and sat down. What if he didn't come...she watched the house across the cove and saw no movement. He didn't say what time he'd come. She sat there for fifteen minutes and began to think she maybe misunderstood or maybe he was kidding. Why would he bother with her anyway? This was silly, she started to get up and saw a movement out of the corner of her eye, a pontoon was coming in from the lake, it was him.

There was another man with him driving the pontoon, he pulled it alongside the dock and Brett jumped out tying it down. He turned and walked up to the chair, Ready?"

"Yeah, I guess I am, how am I to get to the pontoon?"

He tilted his head and stooped down, "Hold on," he said and scooped her up and carried her to the dock. The driver jumped out and held her up while he ran back for her crutches,

"Hey, I'm Jimmy, a mate of Brett's" he said, friendly enough.

"Lynn Sommes," she said hanging on to his shoulders.

"Okay how you want to do this, Brett?"

"I'll get on the boat and you hand her down, careful now. You okay?"

Lynn wasn't sure, being held in his arms was a little overwhelming, "Yes, I'm good."

"Right, I'll put you down here, wait a tic," he pulled two life jackets out for her to prop her foot on. "Comfy?"

"Yes, very." she smiled up at him, his hair was windblown and wearing only swim trunks he was a sight to behold. She had to get herself in hand, "You've been out in the deep water?"

"Yeah and we're going back, that okay with you?"

"Sure anything, I'm a passenger." She looked out over the water, "It's lovely out here."

"Better than sitting on the bank? Want a drink or are you on meds?"

"No meds, thank goodness, yes a beer would be nice."

"So how long in the cast?" he asked handing her a cold beer.

"Four weeks, then I get a boot and then a walking boot...sounds a long drawn out thing."

"Yeah it is...you'll get therapy... teach you how to walk again...its rough." He took a long drink and looked out over the water.

"Took you about a year to get back to yourself didn't it," asked Jimmy

"Nearly, I went home for a year." he said and looked at Lynn.

"Its good you had people to help you, no scars I see." she looked down at his ankles

"It was this one," he held up his left ankle, "there's a little faint line here...plastic surgery."

"Lucky you, mine looks awful, like two strips of barbed wire up my ankle."

He smiled, "It'll fade...wear socks"

Socks, long pants, forget high heels ever again, and those lovely black boots I bought on sale...."Camo" she smiled.

"How far you wanna go Brett?"

"Take us to the marina, I'm hungry...you hungry?" he looked over at Lynn

"I could eat...they have good cheeseburgers."

Brett smiled and settled back on the seat just behind her so that she leaned against his shoulder.

Lynn sat up and turned, "You don't mind...me leaning on you."

"No...That’s why I sat here, and to make sure you don't go flying off the seat."

Jimmy brought their food back to the pontoon and they ate docked at the marina.

"How long are you here for?" asked Lynn.

"Not sure...maybe a month...maybe three or four...why?"

"Oh, just curious." she said biting into her burger.

"How long are you here?" he asked back and looked over his sunglasses at her.

Just a hint of blue green eyes, "For the summer or until I can take care of myself, which ever comes first I guess, I can't go home, I live on the third floor of an apartment building."

"Ah," he said. "You live alone?"

"Yes." she wouldn't look up...couldn't look up.

"Bad thing about breaking your right foot...you can't drive." offered Jimmy

"I know, I feel like a kid, helpless and hapless."

Jimmy grinned, "You coming back to the house?"

"Yes she is, aren't you?" Brett said to the back of her head as they pulled out of the dock.

"I guess I am." Lynn leaned against him for the ride back.

He was mostly quiet on the ride back to his house moving only once to settle his arm over the back of the seat where he found her arm and held it rubbing his thumb over her hand.

Lynn felt a little strange, unsure of herself and unsure of him, what was he doing anyway? Once they pulled up to his dock it was easier to get her out of the pontoon, it sat lower to the water and she was pulled up by Jimmy, Brett following with her crutches.

"It's too far for you to walk, I'll carry you." he handed the crutches to Jimmy and carried her up on the deck and into the house. "How about here?" he placed her on a long curving white leather sofa and handed her two pillows for her foot.

"This is gorgeous," she said looking around the room, the tall cathedral ceiling had windows all the way to the top. It was furnished in comfortable looking furniture, nothing too fancy.

"Back in a tic...oh the loo is right through there if you want." he said, "Looks like everybody has cleared out for awhile." he walked down a short hallway and came back with a couple of beers handing her one.

Lynn could see Jimmy down putting the boat away in the boathouse. Now how was she going to get home?

"How many people have you got here?" she asked.

"Eight or ten...I don't know," he sat back on the sofa his sunglasses pushed up on his head and those blue green eyes fastened on hers.

"You don't know how many people are staying here?" she asked smiling.

"No. I think they come and go. Jimmy came with me the rest just showed up."

"House party...that's usually the way it goes...we've had a few before Miles' mother became ill."

"Who is Miles and what's wrong with his mother?"

"Miles is my brother in law and his mother is...has dementia."

"Sorry...that's rough. Your sister looks after her?"

"Yes, she's great a real caregiver...something I could never be."

"I bet you could if you had to...what do you do?"

"I write...novels and some short stories."

"Published?"

"Yes, three now...I am proud."

"You should be...want another beer?"

"No, I am on crutches you know."

"Yeah, but I'm here...I won't let you fall."

He won't let me fall, she thought...I think I may fall...she looked into his eyes, "You won't let me fall?"

"No...you can't. I can't let you...I can't..." He looked off out the windows toward the lake.

"I probably should go...you probably have things to do."

"No...I don't...I don't have anything to do that's why you're here," he smiled a quick smile and looked down at her foot touching her toes in the cast, "I just needed somebody..." he looked up "You."

Lynn didn't know what to make of him, "Me? I'm nobody, a girl with a broken ankle for the summer."

"Don't ever say that 'you're nobody' you are somebody, you're Lynn Sommes. I like you."

Lynn stared into his eyes and saw them soften and he smiled. Somewhere in the house an electric guitar started up.

"That's Jimmy. He's been my mate for years, plays pretty good huh?"

"Yes he does, you have a band don't you?"

"Yeah...sometimes...have you heard it?"

"I have your CD's."

"You're a fan then?"

"I am, you're very good at what you do."

He got up suddenly and walked over to the window and turned back, "Are you cold?"

"No, its cool in here."

"Don't move, I need a shirt." he was down the end of the hallway.

Lynn was beginning to wish she had stayed on the other side of the cove. He was a little odd...she wasn't sure what it was he wanted of her. But he wanted something...having gotten over the first flush of excitement, just being with him...she was at a loss...what to do or say now. She lay her head back on the soft leather, let him lead...see where he goes...he's a little shy now too.

He came back pulling a shirt over his head, a long sleeve tee shirt with a logo.

"You're cold natured aren't you?" she said

"Am I? I'm just bloody cold. Can I get you something, coffee?"

"Okay, coffee would be good." he went back down another hall into a kitchen, it was partially open to the great room and he puttered about.

"Milk, sugar?"

"Yes and yes." she said. He actually made it himself, somehow she thought he would have servants at his beck and call.

Handing her a white mug, "I make it strong, lots of milk though."

Lynn smiled, "Do you cook as well?"

"Who me...no...I can do brekkie."

"Who cooks here, I mean with so many people around?"

"Whoever wants to eat, I go out mostly or eat what ever is cooked here. There's a barbie on the deck, it gets a work out."

"Hmm, summertime cooking...I cook sometimes when I really want something homemade."

"Just for yourself?"

"Un huh, why not?"

"I dunno seems like a waste...are you seeing anybody?"

Lynn blinked her eyes, it came from nowhere, "Well...no not now...not anymore."

"You had a guy...what happened?"

"Nothing that's why I don't have a guy anymore...we didn't want the same things...didn't see things...I don't know."

"What is it you want?"

"I...honesty to start with. A little honesty goes a long way with me."

"I want that too, that's important...don't ever lie to me."

"Why would I and about what?" she laughed, "No...I wouldn't lie to you." he was serious again she wondered what he was about.

He looked at her for a minute, "You would you know...afraid to..." he looked away.

"You know...I think you probably need to take me home Brett. This is getting a little deep." She set her empty mug on the coffee table.

He turned and looked at her, "If you want to go I'll take you," he said softly He stood and pulled her to her feet and put his arms around her kissing her softly on the lips, "But I want you to come back, will you?"

Lynn was stunned from the kiss, "Yes, you'll have to come for me."

He smiled and hugged her to him before picking up her crutches and holding them while she got her balance.

He took her home in a black SUV handing her out at her sister's house and kissing her before letting her go, "I'm glad we spent some time together, I want more."

Lynn ran her hands down his arms holding for balance, "I think I do too, I'll see you." She put the crutches under her arms.

"You will...yes you will...I'll come for you tomorrow afternoon."

He watched her walk to the door before getting in his vehicle and leaving.

Part 4

Jen was fixing a salad when Lynn came in through the back door. "So what have you been up to?"

Lynn made her way to a chair and sat down, "You know I'm not sure and that's the truth."

"You've been across the lake, I saw the pontoon go over, what's he like?"

"I think once he relaxes he's very sweet, but he's...scared...he must have been hurt pretty bad and more than once, it was a very...strange afternoon."

"Was the house full of people?"

"No...only his friend Jimmy and he made himself scarce, it was just me and him. He made me a cup of coffee..." she smiled a crooked smile. "We sort of talked...I'm going to see him again."

"You want to be careful there Lynn, he does have a reputation you know."

"I know, but I wonder how much of that is true after spending some time with him."

"He didn't try to..."

"No, but he did kiss me...boy did he kiss me."

"I've seen that on the screen, same kind of thing?"

"Oh yes...I like him and I want to know him better. He's coming for me tomorrow afternoon."

"For what, where are you going?"

"I didn't ask." Lynn wondered at that...but then it didn't matter. He was coming for her.

Later that night she lay in bed trying to go to sleep and went over the day in her mind. Whatever it meant or might grow to be, she knew it was only for a month or so...maybe more if he stayed. He'd said himself, he wouldn't let her fall and he couldn't. She understood what he meant, but how could he prevent her from falling in love with him. She would have to be very careful.

He came for her in his SUV, "How are you today?" he asked helping her into the vehicle

"I'm okay and you?"

He smiled starting the motor, "Oh I'm good, up for an adventure?"

"An adventure? What have you got in mind?"

"You'll see."

He took her to the zoo, leaving her at the entrance he dashed in and was back in a moment with a wheelchair, "Thought this might be better for you." he said leaving her crutches with the attendant.

It was a fun day, he wheeled her all over the zoo and even up to the botanical gardens. "You didn't tell me there was a tram up here." he said perspiring.

"We can ride it back."

"Oh yeah its all downhill going back, " he grinned taking a long drink from the bottle of water."

"I would never have guess the zoo, you surprised me." she said tilting her head

"Good...that's what I had in mind. Have you seen enough or do you want to go back through the gardens?"

"I've seen it, and thank you very much."

He took her to dinner, a popular restaurant on the river and they ate outside...so he could smoke. Loud music greeted their ears as he helped her back to the parking lot, "Where is that coming from?" he asked stopping.

"There's a tavern over there, they usually book hard rock bands."

He hesitated a moment, "Want to go over for a bit?"

"Sure," clearly he did. Hard rock wasn't her choice but she was up for it.

He bought them a beer and found a seat at the bar for her, he stood behind her. They left after finishing the beers.

"What'd you think?" he asked

"Well...if you can't play good play loud?"

He grinned, "The singer wasn't bad but you couldn't hear him for the guitar amps"

He took her to his house instead of taking her home, "You don't mind...for awhile."

"No not at all."

It had been a fun day, he was easy to be with, some of the strangeness had disappeared, he was...normal. Lynn really enjoyed being with him, he was very solicitous of her comfort at all times, very thoughtful.

His house was full on, the musicians were playing and laughter was heard pouring out of the open doors. "Come on...meet my mates." he said and helped her through the front door.

Lynn was introduced around and Brett found her a seat and an ottoman for her foot with a pillow on top, he brought her a glass of wine.

"How's the foot today," asked Jimmy coming to sit beside her

"A little tender right now, it's been a busy day."

"He kept you going did he?"

"Yeah, but it was fun." she turned and smiled, Jimmy watched Brett moving through the crowd, stopping to talk here and there.

"He's a fun guy, good to be around. What do you do?"

"I'm a writer, a novelist."

"Don't write about him okay?"

"Oh, I don't do that kind of writing...don't worry, I write fiction. He's way too real."

"Yeah he is." Jimmy was called to play and got up.

Lynn listened to them play and sing, she wondered if Brett would join them and looked around, he wasn't in the room. It wasn't too long that he appeared again, coming from the direction of a wing off the greatroom she hadn't noticed before, he'd changed his shirt and had his guitar, good she thought.

The band played a few familiar songs they had recorded and then played some recorded by other artists, Brett sang lead and glanced her direction several times. Lynn felt she had fallen into a rabbit hole, this just wasn't part of her life, but something she was privileged to be a part of for a while.

The band wound down and after another round of drinks they drifted off, some outside and some to other parts of the house. Brett came over to her and sat on the ottoman taking her foot in his lap.

"Are you okay, do you need anything, your glass is empty, Jimmy a refill for the lady." Jimmy brought her another glass of wine; it was good cool and light.

"It's been a wonderful day Brett, thank you." Lynn said taking a sip of the wine

"I'm glad you enjoyed it...it doesn't have to be over you know."

Lynn only stared at him, not sure exactly where he was going. He had her cast in his hand and ran his hand past it to her knee. "I'd like you to stay." he looked into her eyes.

"I...would you?" she said.

"Yes."

"I'm not much good you know, with this ankle."

"It's not the ankle I'm interested in." He took her wine glass and set it on a table beside the chair and stood pulling her to her foot, holding her for balance. He kissed her again this time deeply, leaving Lynn against his chest nearly gasping.

"Will you stay?" he asked again running his hands over her back.

"Yes," she whispered.

He picked her up and carried her down the wing of the house he'd come out of earlier, it was his wing, a suite of rooms. He carried her through to his bed. Depositing her, he lay down beside her and kissed her again.

"You can stop me now if you want to...don't" he said against her ear.

Lynn didn't stop him from removing her clothes touching her, kissing her body. Her ankle didn't seem to bother him at all. She forgot about it and only once did she move it. He made love to her slow and easy until she felt herself going and he took her with him.

"I didn't hurt you did I?" he asked later as he held her in his arms.

"No...no." she said against his skin. She tasted him, salty and male and breathed in his scent. The scent of their sex floated around them and she was aroused again running her fingers lightly down his stomach he was soon in the same state and took her again this time a little more forcefully.

"Sleep with me," he said drowsy now.

Lynn slept.

She woke in his bed alone and seeing her crutches against the wall she was captive until he reappeared. He'd showered, his hair still wet and combed back. He brought her a tray with coffee.

"How nice, thanks Brett."

He sat on the end of the bed and watched her with her coffee. "I don't suppose you'd stay here with me?"

"I really can't Brett, I have my things and set up at my sister's."

"What set up" he asked

"My special shower seat and hand held shower head."

"I could do that here."

"Why...why would you?"

"For you."

"But only for a short time...you'll be going won't you...soon."

"I don't know...does it matter how long, you won't need it in a few weeks."

"The shower...true once the cast comes off, I'll still need to sit though."

"What I'm asking you is this, come stay with me while I'm here, I'll make whatever adjustments I need to make for you. I want you here. I need you here."

Lynn set her cup down, this was insane. She looked up at him, the look on his face was tearing at her. He needed her...for a short summer. She looked aside, she would have to talk to Jen...Jen would not like this. "I need to talk to my sister, I'm afraid she's not going to like this Brett."

"But you'll do it won't you...come stay for as long as we have."

Lynn looked at the cup, the bed anything except him, he was irresistible. He was seductive, he was pleading, he was everything she had ever seen on the screen. But he wasn't acting now. "Take me home this morning and I'll talk to her. You should meet Jen."

"I will, I'll talk to her, whatever I need to do."

"It's that important to you?"

"You are."

Lynn met his eyes, this was madness, craziness, she was going to fall and fall hard and he was going to leave. She shook her head, "I must be mad."

"You'll do it." he jumped up and gathered her clothes bringing them to her and her crutches.

Jen didn't say anything at first, she walked around the kitchen table and sat down across from Brett, "I know you mean well, but this is my sister. I don't want to see her hurt."

"I know that, I'm not going to hurt her... we have an understanding."

Lynn looked at Brett...did they?

"It's easy for these things to get out of hand, regardless of what you intend, she's vulnerable right now."

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here Jen, I'm not a kid anymore." Lynn added

"You want to do this? You really want to go and stay a couple of months with this man, or until he decides he's had enough of this place and ups and leaves one day, dropping you off at the door."

"I know he's going to leave," she looked at Brett, "I'm going into this knowing, okay."

Jen looked Brett in the eye, "Don't hurt her, that's all I ask."

He'd won, "I won't I promise you."

Part 5

Time seemed to be flying now that Lynn had moved across the lake. Another week and she would get her cast off and graduate to a boot. The house party had left and now there was just Jimmy, whom Lynn liked. He and Brett sometimes sat and wrote songs; Lynn liked to see how they worked out the words and the music. Brett turned out to be a good housemate; she couldn't call him anything else could she? He was her lover and entertained her, took her around town and out into the country. He was totally relaxed with her but they never once mentioned his leaving.

She spent much of her time in his suite of rooms, he had a wide screen TV and tons of DVD's, books, she found he was a prolific reader, however the stack of scripts his agent had sent to him remained on the bedside table.

"Are you supposed to be reading those?" she asked him one afternoon when they were piled in the bed reading.

"Oh...yeah," he said absently, marking his page he closed the book. "You want to read them?"

"Might be interesting." she said.

"Most of it is garbage, I know that from first look."

"So you have looked at them."

He looked up, "Vaguely I think I did...okay hand me one." it took him five minutes before he tossed it.

"Another..." she handed him another and he read for some time before he set it aside."

"A possibility?" she asked.

"Needs further reading...hand me another." and so it went until he reached the bottom. Out of fifteen scripts, he had two set aside.

"Only two meet your criteria?"

"I don't have a criteria, it either speaks or it doesn't." He lay back on the bed and closed his eyes. Lynn crawled over to his side and ran her fingers over his face, his eyes, and through his hair. He was simply beautiful in a manly way. He took her hand and kissed the palm.

"I'm so glad you came...it would have been hell here without you."

"Why Brett, it's beautiful here, you've everything."

"No...I don't have it all," he turned and smiled. "But you made it good."

Lynn leaned down and kissed his lips.

"I have to go for a couple of days...I'll be back, will you wait for me here?"

"I...don't know, when are you going?"

"Tomorrow, I have a flight out at 7:00 in the morning, just a meeting, I'll be back by Sunday. Would you rather go to your sisters?"

"I think so, Brett, it wouldn't be the same without you here, besides I don't want to be on my own."

"Jimmy will be here."

"I require maintenance, you know that."

He smiled and rolled over pulling her down with him, "Yeah I know what you require and I don't think I want anybody else spelling me."

"Now that's not...what...I..." his kisses prevented speech.

Lynn went home late that night with a small bag that Brett carried in to her bedroom. He stopped her at the door and kissed her long and loving. "I'll miss you." he said.

"I'll be here when you get back, just come for me."

"I'll come for you Sunday afternoon," he patted her bottom and left.

"Well what's this?" asked Jen tying her robe in the hallway.

"He has a meeting to go to, he'll be back on Sunday." she smiled and lumped into her room and sat on the bed leaving her crutches on the floor.

"Are you okay, Lynn?"

"I'm fine...why?"

"It just seemed strange your coming home this time of night."

"That was my choice, he has an early flight, I wanted him to bring me instead of Jimmy tomorrow."

"I see...so how's it going over there?" Jen was curious and a little worried.

"It's wonderful Jen, I've never been better. He’s quite wonderful you know."

"Wonderful...how much longer will he be here?"

"I don't know we don't talk about it. Maybe another month...I just don't know it really doesn't matter you know."

Jen shook her head and stood up looking at her sister, "I'm glad you're back...touch earth for awhile anyway."

Lynn smiled and began to remove her clothes and get ready for bed.

The next day Lynn went down to the lounge chair, Jen supplied her with drinks and books, I'm just going to the grocery and stop at the library. Mazie is asleep you should be fine, just call me if you need anything.

Lynn read for a while and dropped her book, gazing across the lake; it almost seemed like a dream from here. She and Brett Houser in that house. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Mazie woke and put on her shoes, she walked through the house and not finding anybody she went outside. She saw the woman in the lounge and frowned. The bag she had hanging on her chair...Mazie walked quietly down to the chair and took the bag holding it close to her she walked down to the edge of the water turned and picked up Lynn's crutches and took them to the porch.

Lynn woke hearing the back door slam, probably Jen she thought and reached around for her sunglasses. The bag was gone from the back of her chair and looking down so were her crutches.

"Jen...Jen..." she called. She could see something moving on the screened porch, it was Mazie. "Mazie, be good and bring my crutches back, I can't walk without them...Mazie..." Lynn was becoming a little frightened, no telling what Mazie would do on her own. She'd clearly taken her bag and crutches. She had no idea what time it was or when Jen would be back.

Falling back in her chair she tried to figure out what she could do, crawl to the porch? She rolled off the chair and began crawling. Mazie came off the porch with her bag and walked down to her.

"Mazie give me the bag...please Mazie the bag." Mazie watched her for a moment and walked toward the water. "Oh no...Mazie...Mazie." Mazie walked out on the dock and sat down.

Lynn was about in a panic, she started crawling toward the dock calling to Mazie but Mazie was in her own world. She heard the boat before she could see it, being halfway from the porch to the water's edge. It came along the side of the dock and Mazie threw her bag at it and then started crying as it sunk in the water.

Jimmy was out and tying the boat in one motion, he picked up Mazie and started her toward the grass.

"Oh my god Jimmy, thank goodness you're here." Lynn was nearly in tears. "Just get her on the porch okay?"

He came back and picked her up and took her up on the screened porch, "Are you okay?"

"I am now, how did you...?"

"I was watching you, I saw her come out before and got the boat out."

"She's ill."

"I know, Brett told me, he also said to look out for you."

"Bless you Jimmy, she hugged him around the neck."

"I’ll stay until your sister gets back." he smiled and settled down beside her on the porch swing.

Mazie didn't move or look at him. It was nearly an hour before Jen pulled up, seeing the boat at the dock she walked into the kitchen and though the house to the porch, "What's going on?" she asked smiling.

"Mazie, Jen...she nearly...she took my bag and crutches and was on the dock when Jimmy came over and saved us."

Jen was speechless; nodding her head she took Mazie in the house. A few minutes later she came out again. "I gave her a good dose of her medicine and put her to bed. This is serious. I can't leave her alone at all anymore. Are you okay?" she noticed Lynn's knees.

"Yeah, scared Jen, I couldn't do anything, if she had decided to jump in after that bag she threw in the water."

"Well I would have pulled her out, its not deep there," said Jimmy.

"I am much in your debt, Jimmy." said Jen. "I'm going to call Miles, something is going to have to be done." Jen went back in the house.

"Lynn, are you going to be okay over here, I can take you over." Jimmy looked concerned,

"I'll be fine now, thanks, I'm glad you're there looking out for me."

"Have you talked to Brett?" he asked.

"No, have you? I'm afraid my phone is in the lake"

"I will talk to him tonight, I'll bring you a phone over later. Be safe Lynn." he mussed her hair and left.

Suddenly she missed Brett...missed him terribly and she wrapped her arms around herself.

Miles came home on Saturday, tanned and dressed in logo clothes. He designed golf courses and had been in Hilton Head for several weeks.

"Hey Lynn, how's that ankle coming?"

"I get the cast off next week."

"Good deal," he went inside and found Jen.

Lynn was in her lounge chair with a laptop, Last night laying in bed a story began forming in her mind. She would have to be careful; the knight in shinning armor of course could in no way resemble the man across the lake.

Dinner was a rather quiet affair in spite of Miles being home, the decision had been made to put Mazie in a facility designed to care for her particular problems. Jen told him she'd had enough

and was frightened for Mazie now. Especially after the incident on Friday. Miles agreed.

"I hear you're spending your time across the lake with Brett Houser. How did that happen?" he asked

"It just happened...just happened." answered Lynn, it had hadn't it?

"Rubbin' elbows with the rich and famous, you'll never be able to touch her now Jen."

Jen smiled, "She's handling it pretty well."

"So am I gonna get to meet this fella?"

"He'll be back tomorrow, if you're still here you may meet him, he'll be by to get me."

"I'd like to meet him, I sure would." Miles picked up another ear of corn, "What, has he moved over there or what?"

"Just for the summer, or until he has to go."

"That's his house though?"

"Oh yes, he had it built, he comes down sometimes to get away from everything."

"Why in the world would he pick our little cove here I wonder, all that money and the world for a playground."

"I guess we're just lucky, Miles, " said Jen.

Lynn checked the phone again that Jimmy brought her yesterday. He knows how to reach me she thought. Why doesn't he call...

He did call early Sunday morning, "Hi sweetheart, how are you?"

"I'm good where are you?"

"On the way to the airport, thousands of miles away...I'd rather be with you."

"You will be tonight won't you?"

"Yes, don't plan anything all I want is a shower and you...maybe just you."

Lynn smiled, "I'm ready just come for me."

"Oh I plan to do that, come and come again."

He never talked to her this way, "I'm looking forward to that...indeed I am."

"I should be there around six your time, miss you."

"I miss you too, hurry."

"Bye love."

He was gone; she lay back in the bed still hearing his deep sexy voice in her head. He'd called her love...oh well that wasn't anything...it wasn't not where he was from...still she liked the sound of it on his lips.

Jimmy met him at the airport and brought him directly to her house, Lynn had her bag packed and sitting by the back door. She came out of her bedroom and heard his voice in the kitchen, Miles had him now.

"Well it's awfully good to meet you, I've often wondered who lived in that house, we ought to get together sometime when I’ve got some time at home, summers are busy for me."

"Sure, maybe sometime..." he saw her coming now. "Lynn..."

"Hi Brett, see you've met my brother in law,"

"I have, are you ready?"

"Yes, that's my bag." She suddenly felt shy.

"Don't rush off now..." began Miles.

"I need to get home, it's been a long day on planes."

"Oh I understand, you go on then, Lynn you got that door?"

As soon as she was in the vehicle, he took her in his arms and just held her until they reached his house. "Let's get you in eh?"

Lynn, hampered by her crutches couldn't touch him at all but he touched her, her hair, her face, her back all the way into his wing where Jimmy set the bags down and left them alone.

"You've got some more sun...it looks good onya. Lets put these things away, he took her crutches and she sat down on the bed, "I don't want you running away anywhere."

"I'm where I want to be." she said and looked up at him, his eyes softened and he sat beside her.

"I'm glad...I want you here." he took her face in his hands and kissed her several times deeper and more urgently. "I want you." he said.

Lynn's arms were around his back and she pulled his shirt from his waistband to get to his bare skin. He smelled of airplanes and places she hadn't been with him. His mouth was demanding and she gave herself over to him as he pushed her back on the bed tugging at her shorts

Out of their clothes he rolled with her across the bed finally finding himself on top of her and after kissing her again he entered her and filled her with himself. Hard and fast he took her. Lynn closed her eyes and went with him.

"It's good to be with you again," he was panting over her. "You feel so good to me."

"Brett...I missed you so."

He was spent and fell on top of her still not releasing her. He kissed her lips softly brushing them with the tip of his tongue. She lay quiet now beneath him still her one leg thrown over his thigh.

"I think I'll keep you right here all night," she whispered to him.

"I'll stay..." he moved inside her again.

Part 6

Lynn woke in the morning in a tangle of sheets not even remembering the bed being turned down; Brett was still with her, curved against her back. She felt his breath on the back of her neck and lay still, not wanting to disturb him. She closed her eyes...if only it could be this way forever. The warmth of his body next to hers.

In a little while he roused turning over on his back and placing his hand in her hair, "You awake?' he asked.

"Yes, you slept in this morning, not like you."

"West coast time...what time is it?"

"After ten."

"Good grief," he sat up. "There's some people coming this week, my agent and some others."

"Do I need to go?"

"Certainly not, you stay they go. You're with me, Lynn that's how it is."

"I have a doctors appointment on Tuesday to get my cast off."

He lay back down on the pillow, "Do you want me to take you?"

"Oh no...I can get my sister... you don't..."

"I would you know, while you're in my care I'll take care of you."

"I know but Jen can do that. You’re awfully sweet."

"No its not being sweet, I'm responsible for you, I want to do for you."

"When are your people coming?"

"Um...Tuesday."

"Well then, should you be off to the doctors office when they arrive?"

He grinned, "I'd like that...I really would."

"Okay if you insist." she grinned back and he pulled her on top of him. He was hers again.

Tuesday arrived and at 9:00 Brett held her crutches as she moved up on the table in the cast room. The attendant kept smiling at him; Lynn wondered it she had any idea who he was.

A messy business removing a cast and the uncovered calf and ankle wasn't a pretty sight.

"Oh it looks horrible," she said and leaned against the wall.

Brett didn't speak but smiled at her in an encouraging way. She was fitted with a black boot that reached her knee, the leg still wrapped but at least now she could start moving it around. And the boot could come off at night.

"No more hard foot in the night banging into me," he said.

"You never said anything...have I been beating you up in your sleep?"

"Only once a night." he grinned.

"How does it feel?" he asked on the way to the car.

"A little cumbersome and my foot is stiff, I can't move it, Brett."

" Give it time, love. Do you want to stop for lunch?"

"I would, its a little early but I didn't eat breakfast."

"I noticed...why was that?"

"I wasn't hungry," she smiled.

They stopped at a bistro for lunch and took their time. "What time are your people coming; will they be there waiting?" she asked dipping into her soup.

"I hope so. It's work I'm afraid, it found me even here!" he made a face.

"Ah that has to be a good thing...another movie." she said taking a bite of salad.

He looked up, "Yeah...it's coming."

Lynn realized what this meant and ate the rest of her salad in silence. She thought he must know when he's going...he doesn’t want to tell me.

When they got back to the house there was another SUV in the drive and a rental car from the airport. "How many people?" she asked.

"Four, don't worry just be you." he raised his brows.

Jimmy had taken care of assigning bedrooms and getting everybody a drink. There was one woman and three men in the great room. Jimmy was playing host, Brett came in with Lynn and introduced her and spoke to everyone, they largely ignored her so she caught his eye and went back to his wing.

It wasn't long, he found her in his den, "Are you okay?"

"Oh..yes just a little tired, you don't mind if I sit in here do you?"

"No...I didn't want you to feel you had to that's all, remember you're with me."

"I know, I'm fine love." he kissed her quickly and went back to the company.

Jimmy came in later to see if she needed anything and brought her a bottle of water. "Thanks, Jimmy are they still at it?"

"Yeah still going at it you know how he is, he sees things a certain way and unless you can convince him different he sticks."

"What is it exactly?"

"The script, that's a scriptwriter and one of the producers out there now."

"What a business...and he loves it."

"He does, all aspects of it. Well, I'm off if you're okay."

"I'm good, and thanks, Jimmy."

Lynn found the remote on the coffee table and turned on the TV, finding an old movie she was set for a while. It seemed like hours before Brett came in flopped on the sofa and rubbed his forehead.

"Headache?" she asked.

"Tension...dumb fucks...sorry, Lynn."

"Is it over?"

"No, but it will be soon. How are you?"

"Fine are you winning?"

"I will...in the end...it’s just the getting there," he looked tired when he turned his head toward her. "You are a breath of fresh air, just what I need." he lay his head in her lap and she stroked his forehead and face, rubbing his hair back, his neck and shoulder. He lay there for a long time with his eyes closed and let her caress him.

He sat up, "Thanks, for being here," he kissed her and left again.

Lynn fell asleep and when she woke it was dark in the room, only the light from the TV, the house was silent. She sat for a minute and moved to the end of the sofa and put on a lamp, it was after nine, how could she have slept for so long? She found her crutches and opened the door, there was a light coming from the great room and she walked toward it. The room was empty. Soon she heard the main door open and his steps in the hallway, he saw her on her crutches by the sofa.

"Lynn...I'm sorry I took them to dinner and left them, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I just woke up and came out to see where you were."

"I'm here love, here," and he moved to her and put his arms around her. "Let's go for a swim."

"Now, but my foot."

"Water is not going to hurt it now love, I've been there remember, come on." He led her out the door and carried her down to the edge of the pool, squatting down he unwrapped her foot, and helped her off with her clothes, he dove in first and came back to the side where she sat, "Come in the water is warm," Taking her under her arms he pulled her into the water holding her to him. "How's the foot?"

"It feels strange," she said, "Don't let me go."

"You swim don't you?"

"Yes, but I'm not sure of my ankle."

"I won't let you get hurt," he pulled her slowly until her feet didn't touch the bottom and pulled her to him; her legs went around his waist. "That's what I wanted you to do." He moved her to the side of the pool and entered her, not moving but holding her to him.

Lynn held onto him, her legs tightening their grip not wanting anything but to be joined to him. He began to move and pressed her back against the side of the pool. Soon her body took over and responded to him thrust for thrust until she was breathless and limp against him.

"Now wasn't that nice?" he asked.

He wrapped her in a towel and went to find their clothes and her leg wrappings. Expertly wrapping her leg and buckling the boot back in place, "There good as new." he said, picking her up and carrying her back on the deck. There was a swinging hammock on the deck and he led her to it helping to place her beside him, he put his arm around her and she laid her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat.

"This is lovely, Brett."

"Yeah it is, piece of heaven, " he looked up at the stars and smiled.

Lynn had so many questions she would like answers too, but didn't ask any of them, not wanting to spoil the moment with him. Some how she knew they were numbered. After a while he asked her, "What are you thinking?"

She couldn't tell him how right it felt, their being together, how much she really cared for him, how much it was going to hurt.

"How good this feels, being here with you, what a strong heartbeat you have, how I love the feel of your skin."

He smiled and caressed her head, "Lynn, my life is like chapters in a book they all follow a story line but are separate, incomplete without the other, but separate...do you understand? This chapter is coming to an end...we have two weeks."

Lynn stopped breathing. She closed her eyes tightly and bit her lip...two weeks.

He felt her tighten up on his chest and put his arms around her, he had promised not to hurt her. "Lynn...I wanted you to know now, tonight...I have to go back to work...I have to go...we've had six weeks almost. I wouldn't trade them for anything." He kissed her damp hair. "It's not easy for me because I care about you."

Lynn raised her head, her eyes dry, "I care about you too, and I wouldn't trade this summer for three trips to Italy. I'm going to say it, I love you...how could I not...but I was aware all the time this was going to end. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

He pulled her head to him and kissed her, "I love you too...I do and I am going to miss the hell out of you. I wasn't going to say anything until I was ready to go...it didn't seem fair...there is no fair in this but that's how it is." His voice seemed almost to break and she backed up looking into his eyes in the moonlight, they were wet.

"Oh Brett...if I hadn't broke my ankle we would never have met...I would be in Italy."

'Thank god for broken ankles...oh Lynn," he held her tightly.

Lynn was undone and let her tears fall on his chest until she was through crying. He held her until she rose up, "I'm through now, no more tears...I want to be with you until you leave."

"You will be, as close as I can keep you."

He kept her close, the next day his 'guests' left and they went out on the pontoon staying until dark. The nights and most days were for lovemaking, Lynn felt like she was storing up for the lonely time to come.

He was funny, he was cute, he made her laugh and he kept her close.

The last few days he was on the phone a lot but she was beside him. Listening to the business side of him talking he was strong and sure of himself. She was proud of him.

The last day he woke her with his hands and his mouth. It was the last time they would lie together. He had a five o'clock flight. Arrangements had been made to close out the house, a crew would come tomorrow and clean and store away his summer life. Lynn's was already stored away. She watched him shower and dress, throwing a few things in a bag.

"You don't pack your clothes?"

"No... They stay here, just a few things go with me. It's cold where I'm going anyway."

"You'll freeze I know how cold natured you are."

He grinned, "Lots of layers."

"Will you ever come back here?"

"Yeah...someday." he looked at her his expression unreadable.

"Jen and Miles are selling...I won't be back."

"Lynn...you've made this summer great I couldn't have made it without you. You will always be a part of this place whenever I come back. I won't forget you. He took her in his arms and kissed her deeply and let her go.

"Brett...thank you for coming to visit...a broken ankle hasn't been so bad after all."

He grinned and pulled his bag off the bed and took it to the front door. Jimmy had his already in the trunk of the SUV and waited outside. Lynn took her crutches and followed him out to the vehicle, he stowed her crutches and helped her inside. Her bag on the seat beside her.

Jimmy pulled up in Jen's drive and got out opening the door for her, Brett took her bag and handed round her crutches walking with her to the house. Jimmy came over and hugged her kissed her good bye. Brett stood watching her. Jimmy went back to the vehicle he took her in his arms looking into her eyes for a long time he kissed her and turned and left.

Lynn watched the black SUV until it was out of site and went inside and sat at the kitchen table and cried for forty-five minutes. Thankful that Jen was not at home, she then went to the kitchen sink and washed her face. She was dry eyed and calm when Jen came back from shopping.

"You're here, that must mean he's gone...are you okay?"

"Yes...I'm okay...it wasn't easy by any means, but it's over. He's gone back to his world and it's time I touched earth again."