Lovers & Losers

By Norma Von Deck

Many stories take place in the NYC area. Characters appear in other locales: college campuses, an island like Nantucket, an unusual therapy session, & a divided country in perilous times.
Each story deals with relationships (in & out of marriage) with family members who help or hinder them. A few cross-genre tales take lovers and losers into the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy and time-travel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Norma Von Deck
• Release date: Sep 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301597284

Norma Von Deck

Norma Von Deck, a Columbia graduate, is a former book publicist and promotion specialist for New York publishers Random House, Stein and Day, among others. Her short-stories have appeared in good literary magazines that, sadly, are no longer in print; a few of these stories are included here. Although Norma is a resident of Delray Beach, Florida, her characters live in the northern, mostly northeast, parts of our country.

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LOVERS & LOSERS

by Norma Von Deck

Copyright 2013 by Norma Von Deck

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Time Out

Steve and Becca

Mother’s Helper

The City Walker

Right to Remain Silent

The Traveler

Monkey in the Middle

An Obituary

A Faustian Marriage

Just Girlfriend Talk

Marisa’s Sweet Revenge

Evening of the Bridge Game

Random Skirmishing

The C-Word

ʻTis the Season

Family Matters

Dreaming of Uncle George

Generation Gaps

Educating Ginger

Loves, Lies and Family Ties

The Last Place

The Mentor

Glenna’s Hurricane

Summer at the Lake

About the Author

TIME OUT

Watch it, lady. You’re not the only car on the road, the Jaguar driver shouted. Dee, who was having difficulty steering her Volvo through the accumulating snow, would have said Sorry if the man hadn’t been so rude. How stupid she’d been not to check the weather report before bringing the car into Manhattan for its 45,000-mile service. And, after a workday fraught with problems, a hazardous trip home to Westchester County was the last thing she needed.

The word home stuck in her throat. She’d never liked the cold, modern ranch house Phil insisted on buying or the enormous spruce and deciduous trees that made the property dark and gloomy. Phil, working in Santa Barbara during a mutually agreed-upon separation, refused to sell the house in the devalued market. When the twins were with her, she tolerated living there. Until they returned from their weeklong visit with Phil’s parents in Los Angeles, she knew she’d be unable to shake off her depression.

Her heart pounded as the Volvo skidded, making her fight to keep it on the road. Her co-worker Amy was right; she should have stayed in town. Dee’s cell phone rang, giving her an excuse to pull off Route 9 to a side street.

Amy, I’m still on the road and it’s really coming down.

I was hoping you were home. My husband said he was nearly sideswiped.

Me, too. I'd better keep going before the roads are impassible.

If it’s this bad tomorrow, stay put, Dee. I’ll e-mail or fax anything you need.

After the hideous news today, I’d like to stay away from the office, too. And to think you know one of the people taking over our company!

Dee shuddered, remembering her shock at hearing the name of the conglomerate’s late-arriving partner.

"Amy, I knew someone with the same name, but he planned to work for UNESCO, not run a publishing firm. I'm sure it's not the same person. Speak to you tomorrow."

I’ll call you later to make sure you got home all right. Ciao.

As she drove, Dee asked herself how she’d feel if the new management’s late- arriving partner did turn out to be the David Spencer she once knew. David was always in the recesses of her mind and always would be, but that was in another life. She sighed, refusing to allow herself to imagine ever seeing him again.

When she finally turned into her long, winding driveway, she worried about navigating the curves. Damn. The snow was deeper than she’d thought and the car was stuck. She’d have to walk the rest of the way. After pulling on lined rubber boots and wrapping a wool scarf around her head and neck, she grabbed the flashlight from the glove compartment and trudged through the snow.

The house was dark, meaning the power was out—and no heat. The streetlights she’d passed were on, but her husband’s virtual forest prevented her from seeing whether any neighboring houses had lights. The wind was howling, which explained the power outage.

Dee? Was it the wind or her imagination that someone called her name? She waited a few seconds, listening. Again she heard a man’s voice yelling, Dee, is that you? from the direction of her house.

Peter? Janice? she yelled, but why would her neighbors be out in the storm?

I can’t see you, but don’t move, the man said. Trees and light poles are down and there might be live wires.

Who are you? she shouted. His concern for her was surprising, especially if he was trespassing. Was there really danger from live wires?

I’m—don’t move. The voice was closer to her now. I can see your flashlight and you’re right near—

Gusts of wind prevented her from catching much of what he said, but she'd heard enough to realize his voice was familiar. Her heart pounding, she told herself it was probably power of suggestion.

Tell me who you are, she shouted, excited and so intent on discovering his identity that she ignored the loud breaking sound behind her.

She was comfortable sleeping in. She’d aced her last exam, so she could cut the class. If David phoned, she hoped he’d gotten the job he wanted. Her graduation was next week and he might ask to join him wherever he was going. She sighed.

She seems to be stirring, she heard a woman say. She didn’t recognize the voice, but then she didn’t know everyone in the dorm.

You’re not sure she’ll remember you? A gruff-sounding male voice posed the question, but she didn’t hear anyone answer.

Here’s the doctor, the woman said. Why was a doctor was in her room?

Mrs. Chandler, can you open your eyes? He sounded like a doctor, but what did he want with her?

She cleared her throat and whispered, Why can’t you let me sleep? And I’m not Mrs. Chandler. My name is Dee Philips and I’m not married to anyone yet. Has David called?

The man with the gruff voice asked, Are you the David she’s talking about?

I’m not sure. We haven’t seen each other for years. Dee recognized his voice, but was surprised at his words. She opened her eyes.

She wasn’t in her dorm. She was in what appeared to be a hospital room. And David was gazing at her with concern.

What happened to me? Why am I here? And did you get that job?

David had an odd expression on his face. A doctor, wearing a white coat with a name tag she wasn’t close enough to read, took David aside and spoke to him.

The ringing in her ears made it difficult for her to catch more than a word or two. David nodded and turned back to her. Dee, you were struck on your head by a heavy, snow-laden tree branch. You've been unconscious most of last night and early today." She touched her head and it was sore, which explained the ringing in her ears. Everything else David said confused her.

How can it snow in May? she asked, aware that the doctor, the woman (a nurse, she realized), the gruff-voiced man, and David all exchanged worried glances.

It’s March, Dee, David said. The snow delayed my flight, making me miss the Brigham meeting. I discovered that you worked there, but you’d left for the day. So, after finding out your address, I drove to Briarcliff Manor, assuming you’d be home by then.

You might as well be speaking a foreign language. I don’t understand a word you’ve said. She struggled to sit up, allowing David and the doctor to assist her.

Dr. Hill, let me speak to her alone. I'll try not to upset her. David spoke with more authority than usual. Both the doctor and the man she guessed might be a police detective looked doubtful, but they left the room, along with the nurse.

Why did you say you hadn’t seen me in years?

I haven’t, Dee. It must be nine, ten years. You still could pass for a college girl, but I hope I look older than I did back then.

No, you just look tired. The ringing in her ears was getting louder and she pressed her hands to her head. You said I was hit by a tree and was unconscious. I can’t remember anything. She started to cry because nothing made sense.

He sat next to the bed and put his arm around her. Dee, you have a mild case of amnesia that is probably temporary. Do you remember my warning you not to move because the storm had caused power outages and downed trees?

I seem to recall—no, I’m very muddled.

The detective showed me your license with your married name, Chandler. Phil, your husband, is an architect, right? It’s been a very long time since I read your wedding announcement.

If I’m married to someone named Phil, why can’t I remember him? David, what happened to us? I thought you cared for me.

I did. Dee, that was years ago and you were still in college. You asked me whether I took a job—

With UNESCO?

No, I actually took a job in the foreign service in Tehran and it was unthinkable for you to join me. It was far too dangerous.

And so we stopped seeing each other. Just like that?

No, you wrote me that you’d met someone who made you very happy. I wasn’t able to leave my posting and soon after that you married him.

What have I done with my life? Did I graduate from college?

I’m sure you did. And you work as an editor at Brigham Publishing. Does that sound familiar?

No. David, how old am I?

You're two years younger than me, so you’re thirty two. By the way, your friend Amy has been calling you and wants to visit you. Amy works with you at Brigham.

I think I know an Amy. How do you know her if she works with me?

When the doctor reappeared holding a hypodermic needle, Dee noticed that David looked relieved. I think we’ve talked long enough, Dee. I’m certain you’ll feel better in a day or two.

Mr. Spencer is right, the doctor said, giving her the injection. "Rest for a while

and perhaps you can have company later." Although she hated to see David leave, possibly forever, she was bewildered and upset enough to welcome oblivion.

When Dee awakened, it was nighttime. She was startled when a young woman arose from a chair and asked, How are you?

She knew the speaker, a pretty blonde, but she couldn’t process her name.

My throat is dry and I have a headache, but the ringing in my ears isn’t as loud as before, she told the woman.

Drink this. She handed Dee a plastic cup of water. If you’re hungry, they’ve left sandwiches for you and I can bring you some hot tea.

Thanks. I am hungry. Have you been here long?

The woman smiled. Not long. Dee, do you know who I am?

Amy? she asked because it was the only name that came to mind.

She was relieved when the woman said, Then you don’t have total amnesia.

Pretty close to total, I’m afraid. David told me we work together at—I’ve already forgotten the name.

Brigham Publishing. We’re editors until further notice. So your David Spencer is our David Spencer. I gather he was shocked when he learned you were on the staff. I haven’t spoken to him yet, but he’s awfully attractive.

I’m confused. What does David have to do with you and me now?

Amy unwrapped a sandwich. Start on this and I’ll bring the tea.

Dee was aware Amy hadn't replied to her last question. It was the same question David failed to answer. Her short-term memory wasn’t working well enough to guess what they were keeping from her.

Returning with the tea, Amy said, I won’t stay long. You need your rest.

No, what I need is for you and David to stop pussyfooting around and explain why you referred to David, a man I once cared about, as ‘our David.’

Amy sighed. You don’t recall what happened at Brigham yesterday, do you?

Not a single thing and please explain what connection David has to anything at...that organization.

I’m not supposed to upset you, but David is one of the partners of the company that’s taking over Brigham. He hadn’t arrived in time for the meeting.

Yes, he mentioned some meeting.

All our jobs are on the line. You and I have husbands and won’t starve, but—

Amy, do you know my husband?

I’ve met him.

I have two children—twins—a boy and a girl. My marriage is unhappy, isn’t it?

Amy stared at Dee with amazement. How can I answer that?

Give me a clue at least. His name is Phil, but he’s a blank so far.

All I know is that he’s in California. You never explained why and I felt it was none of my business.

Sensing how uncomfortable her friend was, Dee said, I’m sure the marriage isn’t working. I think my children are with Phil’s parents.

Amy nodded. That’s true. The doctor said they were staying in California with their grandparents.

How did he know that?

Dee, he’s spoken to your husband, who I assume is coming here. Did David say anything about our job situation?

No Weary of asking and answering questions, Dee said, I’m really beat. Thanks for coming, Amy.

The following afternoon, after she had a series of X-rays, Dee discovered a handbag in her bedside drawer and within it, her license and registration. Both were in the name of Deanne Chandler and the registration indicated she owned a blue Volvo. That seemed vaguely familiar. How was it possible to remember a car but not a husband? How had she recognized David, yet could summon no mental picture of Phil? As for the address on the license, she drew a blank.

A pattern was emerging. When she’d awakened, she thought she was in college and her first thoughts were of David. Were the years between then and now so awful that she’d blocked out almost everything except the twins? Why were Jane and Robby visiting Phil’s parents? Tired of all these unanswered questions, it was barely eight p.m. when she let herself drift off. Sleep provided a wonderful escape in her present state.

Mrs. Chandler, how are you this morning? The tall, white-haired physician stood over her, making her realize it was the next day. She sat up and tried to focus.

Much better, Dr. Hill. The nurse said you might let me go home, but I’m not sure I remember my home. Isn’t that ridiculous? Is today Friday or Saturday?

Friday. Your accident happened Wednesday and you were unresponsive until yesterday afternoon. I spoke to your husband shortly after you arrived here and I just spoke to him again. I told him another day in the hospital would be helpful and he said tomorrow would be better for him, too.

Doctor, I don’t really remember him. My husband, I mean.

As a neurologist, I know the effects from head trauma can run the gamut. I’m puzzled how you knew Mr. Spencer, a man you hadn’t seen in several years. I assume you’ve seen your husband more recently. Dee wondered whether the doctor thought she was faking amnesia.

We’re in White Plains now, and my license says I live in Briarcliff Manor. I’m told my husband is in California, so possibly I haven’t seen him for some time.

When the phone rang, the doctor gestured toward it. I suspect that might be your husband. Why don’t you answer it? he said, giving her an encouraging smile as he left.

Gripping the phone, Dee heard a man ask, Back to your normal charming self?

The tone of voice was sarcastic and somehow she was certain it was her husband—instinct, not memory, her guide.

I’m O.K. now. This is Phil, right? His manner offended her, making her unwilling to acknowledge him.

Oh, shit, do you really have amnesia or are you just playing at it? I’m not in the mood for games.

Dee took a deep breath, amazed she’d ever written a letter to David saying that this mean-spirited man made her happy. Phil, are you bringing the twins home?

My parents are taking them to the San Diego Zoo today.

Please bring them when you come tomorrow.

Sorry, babe. I don’t have time to get them. My folks will be in New York before the end of the month. You’ll see the twins then.

She gritted her teeth. They’re probably missing school. Don’t be such a bastard.

I’ll see you tomorrow.

Dee scrolled through her cell phone and found the Los Angeles telephone number of Martin and Ella Chandler, assuming they were her in-laws. Hoping they hadn’t left for San Diego, she placed the call.

A maid answered. Identifying herself, Dee asked to speak to the children. The next voice she heard was Jane’s.

Mommy, I’m so glad you called. Daddy said you were very busy with your job, but we miss you.

I’m never too busy to speak with you and Robby. Are you having a good time with your grandparents? I miss you, and I think school starts again in New York.

Grandpa keeps talking about us going to school in California, but we don’t want to. We miss you and we don’t see Daddy in either place. Here’s Robby. Say hi to Mom.

Mom, can our grandparents make us go to school here? They’re nice to us, but we miss our friends back in New York. And you mostly.

I’ll certainly fight them, Robby. I miss you both very much. Love you a lot.

They both echoed, Love you a lot, too, and she knew the warm, affectionate children were what made her life tolerable.

Saturday morning, Dee was sure she wore a wristwatch, but couldn't find one in her handbag. She asked a nurse if it might have been removed it when she arrived at the hospital.

Very likely. I’ll find out.

I’d appreciate that. Dee felt quite steady on her feet. She’d have to wear the clothes she had on when she was injured. Opening the closet, she was delighted to find a suitcase with clean clothes and toiletries.

Mrs. Chandler, this watch is all they were keeping for you. Weren't you also wearing a wedding ring? the nurse asked.

I might not have been. It seemed quite likely to Dee that she had stopped wearing it. The question about the ring triggered another thought. Had David worn a wedding ring? Why had she assumed he was single?

The nurse patted her on her arm and said, "I’m sure you left it at home. This is your watch, isn’t it?" Dee nodded because the slender gold watch was familiar.

After showering, she put on fresh clothes and makeup for the first time since the accident. Combing her hair at the bathroom mirror, she heard a male voice in her room. Curious to see who it was, she rushed in. The man, turning off his cell, said, You don’t look too bad, considering. You do know who I am, don’t you?

She couldn’t have described Phil before seeing him, but this tall man with graying blond hair, bushy eyebrows, and piercing blue eyes was her husband. Yes, Phil, sad to say, I do.

So you were faking amnesia.

No, but the blow on my head wiped out a chunk of my memory. I woke up thinking I was back in college and had no immediate memory of you, the twins, or where I lived. I was at a happier time in my life. I soon remembered Jane and Robby and also how lousy our marriage is.

How true. I once suggested I take Robby and you take Jane if we split up.

That’s detestable. I spoke to the children. They want to come home.

He shrugged. What about your job? Still making good money? I hope so.

Dee hadn’t given much thought to Brigham. According to Amy, they might lose their jobs.

Has the doctor discharged you? Phil sounded annoyed at her lack of attention.

Not yet. Will you be staying at our house tonight?

Ah, so you do remember—

Unless I had a—um, GPS in my Volvo, I doubt I could find the house. The address is on my license. Ah, here’s Dr. Hill.

The two men shook hands. Since your memory has returned, there’s no reason not to discharge you. Just take it easy for a few days. By the way, Mr. Spencer may not have mentioned it, but he probably saved your life. You owe him a great debt.

Thanks for telling me. I had no idea.

And who the hell is this guardian angel? Phil said in a nasty, sneering way as soon as the doctor was out of earshot. A new boyfriend?

I’ll ignore that stupid, insulting question. Phil, will you drive me home now?

Anytime you’re ready.

The ride to Briarcliff Manor was bearable because Phil was on the speakerphone most of the time. Dee hoped he would have business concerns to occupy him when they reached the house—and he did, switching to his cell phone the minute they arrived. She went to her bedroom to repack the suitcase for at least a week in the city.

She doubted David would be at Brigham over the weekend, so she called Amy.

Where are you? Amy said. The hospital said you’d been discharged.

At home in Briarcliff Manor.

Have you been in touch with David Spencer and do you know anything—

No, I only saw him Thursday in the hospital. Were you aware that he saved my life?

I guess so. I never did speak to him. He’d left the hospital when I arrived, darn it. He wasn’t very available at Brigham either.

I need to thank him for everything. Do you know where he’s staying?

I heard someone say The St. Regis. Nice, huh?

Thank you for coming to the hospital. I’ll speak to you Monday.

Wait. Did your husband come? Is your memory back? Do you feel O.K.?

As Phil walked into the bedroom, Dee said, Yes, he drove me home from the hospital. I’m feeling much better. Hanging up, she asked him, Do you need me for something?

Do you want me to send out for pizza?

I’m not hungry, just exhausted. Thanks, anyway.

Remembering the doctor’s advice, she undressed and went to bed. The call to David would wait till tomorrow.

When Dee awakened Sunday morning, the sun was shining and she saw little evidence of Wednesday’s snow. She repacked a suitcase and an overnight bag and brought them to the garage. After placing the bags in the Volvo trunk, she suddenly realized she’d left the car stuck in the snow days ago. How did it end up in the garage?

She found Phil in the kitchen, drinking coffee. Any left? she asked. He nodded, immersed in the Sunday Times. I’m leaving for Manhattan now, she told him. If you need to speak to me, call my cell.

Don’t rush off on my account. I’ll be flying back to L.A. tonight.

I’d rather be in the city. I hate staying here without the children.

He shrugged. For the last time, my parents will bring them.

Dee knew he wouldn’t budge. She needed a lawyer—fast.

As she opened the garage door, Janice and Peter, her next-door neighbors, drove up to the house. Janice lowered the passenger-side window.

How are you feeling? she asked. I shudder when I think you might have frozen to death if your handsome friend hadn’t come along.

We tried to call you when the power went out and assumed you’d stayed in the city, Peter said. When we heard the sirens, we came over to see what happened.

I hope I packed the right clothes for you, Jan added.

"Oh, you packed the suitcase, Dee said. Thanks. How did it get to the hospital?"

When I told David I had your keys, he suggested you might want fresh clothes. I packed what I thought you’d need and he brought them to the hospital. With the kind of marriage you have, hold on to him.

Jan, don’t mess in other people’s lives, her husband told her.

That’s O.K., my marriage is on life support, Dee said.

When did you get here? Peter asked.

Yesterday, but I’m leaving for Manhattan soon. My publishing house is going through changes, and I’d better be close by.

Good luck, and remember. David is a keeper, Jan said.

If you’re heading to the train station, let us take you, Peter added.

That would be great. I remember leaving my car in the snow. Who moved it?

After the ambulance left with you, Jan said, Peter and David dug it out and David drove it into the garage before following the ambulance to the hospital. We knew the ambulance came from White Plains. Glad that was the name of the hospital. You sounded dazed when we called you.

Dazed is an understatement. You’re such good friends. I'd appreciate the ride now.

Dee enjoyed the Hudson River view from the train, seeing it almost through new eyes. The unexpected time out of her normal life gave her new energy and hope. She had no idea if David could be part of that life, but the possibility made her giddy. She knew little about his current situation other than his surprising connection to Brigham.

Leaving Grand Central Station, Dee wasn’t sure where she’d spend the night. It wasn’t until she told the cab driver, The St. Regis, please, that she convinced herself she wasn’t behaving like a stalker. Should David still be there, this was her best opportunity to thank him. It was odd he hadn’t called her again, but he had business matters on his mind and, very likely, other people who were important to him.

If nothing else, David had served as the catalyst for ending her marriage, something she should have done years ago. It was obvious to her that she had to make major changes for herself and her children as soon as possible.

While registering