A Summer in Time

Chapter XIV: Across the Miles

A SUMMER IN TIME by Norman H. Goroshnik
CHAPTER XIV: ACROSS THE MILES

From Paul’s bedroom window, Saturday morning appeared to be a nice day in Brooklyn. He showered, dressed and grabbing a bagel with cream cheese, ran out of his apartment, down the three flights of marble steps.  Paul swung open the steel entrance door in the lobby and raced out to his car.  He was "hell bent for leather!" and intent on driving to Grand Central Station to meet you coming in from Providence, Rhode Island.

He drove like a "New York taxi driver" cutting in and out of the cars.  Paul took the Manhattan Bridge across the East River.  Coming off the bridge, he quickly headed to the East River Highway, an easier way to get uptown, then turned on to 42nd Street toward the train station. He knew exactly where he could find a parking space.

Paul ran through the train station toward the gates, glancing up at the signs to find out which track your train was coming in on. He did not relax until he was in front of the right track.  Just then, Paul was able to see the train pulling into the terminal.  It was on time.

The gates opened and a stream of people came off the train and made their way across the concourse.  He knew he would spot you.  You were tall and at Paul's height, he was able to see through and over the crowd.  Looking about, he hoped you hadn't missed your train.

__________________________ 

You made your way out from the train.  You could see Paul up ahead, waiting anxiously.  A smile spread across your face.  You were glad Paul was already there to greet you.  It took away any uneasy feelings you may have had.

Paul forgave you for remaining uncommitted.  No matter what, he wanted you to have a wonderful day.

For Paul to accept that he would once again be with you, seemed like an eternity.

He had such admiration for you.  You really stood out from the crowd.  Since meeting you, Paul had always considered you special.  He could not ask for anything more.

"Blair, over here!" Paul called out.  His voice carried strongly over the crowd, something he learned to do while living with his parents, calling up to his mother on the third floor.  Shortly thereafter, his parents moved to Los Angeles to care for his ailing sister.  Funny, it wasn't the son who had left home, but the parents!

"Hello, Paul," you said as he wrapped his arms around you and kissed you.  "How are you?" you asked, greeting him gladly.  Much time had passed and yet, the spark was still there for both of you.  A deep trust had grown over the years.  It was as if time stood still and nothing had changed.  Today with each other was that important.

"I am fine, Blair--it is so good to see you!  I  planned a day for us that I am sure you will enjoy," he said.

"I have to call my mother to tell her that you met me at the train.  I want to let her know."   

Paul stood outside the telephone booth, waiting for you to end your call.  He was all jitters!  Now, separated from you only by the thickness of the glass door of the telephone booth.  Finally you came out and after a short stop at the restroom, it was time to leave the station.

You left Grand Central Station in high spirits, heading towards Paul's car.  He helped you in and took his place behind the wheel.  Paul found a parking space near Central Park.  You strolled through the park that had been host to millions of people over the years.  He held your hand, never wanting to let go again.

"Paul, Filenes hired me as a buyer in Boston.  I wanted to get away for the weekend, just to relax before I move to Boston and start my new job. I am very excited,” you said.  

"Congratulations, Blair! I know you will do well," Paul said.

Paul was too excited by your being in the city to begin dwelling on your move and new career in Boston.  He just wanted to keep it simple and wanted you to enjoy New York as he saw it!

After a while, you stopped to rest.  It was then that Paul calmed down and was able to listen well to what was being discussed and also to contribute to reviving your relationship.

The two of you sat on a park bench talking and watching a world of people pass by.            

Paul decided it was time to get some lunch and he knew exactly where to take you.  It was only a few minutes walk from the park to Morrie’s Delicatessen where the food was good and the atmosphere was crazy.

Morrie's was filled with loud noisy waiters, wearing black tuxedos, a towel over their left arm when serving.  On the tables were plates of sour cabbage, sour pickles and tomatoes.

The smells of delicacies swirled around you.  Kosher salamis hung on a rack over the preparation counters and baskets of rye bread and soft rolls were on all tables.  Even if you went into Morrie's with little appetite, you'd still end up ordering more food than you would be able to eat.

Paul ordered pastrami on rye with a bowl of chicken soup.  Blair ordered turkey on rye and opted for the soup as well.  The lunch was served by a smiling waiter, clearly showing his approval of you.

After lunch, Paul hailed a cab and took you to Bloomingdales  on 5th Avenue.  It was nice going through the store looking at all the expensive clothes and accessories.  A place to dream of things you'd like to own.  You mingled with the affluent as well as those just browsing like the two of you.

After Bloomingdales, Paul led you into Times Square then on to Rockefeller Plaza.  By now you were both a bit tired and sat on a stone bench observing the tourists taking in the sights.  Just being together was everything.

Evening came and Paul had a couple more surprises in store.  First, it was on to a Japanese restaurant on 58th Street.  It was close to where Paul had parked his car.

After a big lunch, Paul wasn't sure if you'd be able to eat again.  But you delighted in watching a chef cook your food right there at the table.  Paul ordered strips of steak mixed with oriental vegetables and rice.  The restaurant was impressive, filled with atmosphere.  And if that wasn’t enough, Paul took you to his car then drove further east to Sutton Place.   You took an elevator in a residential building up to the Beekman Tower, a luxurious cocktail lounge, enclosed in glass.  A balcony looked out over the city in all its glory and allowed patrons to enjoy a breath of fresh air and gaze at the New York lights.

After ordering drinks, Paul led you outside.  He stood behind you with his arm encircling your waist.

"Blair, just look.  We have the whole world in front of us.  Starting from here and now!  We can do what every we want together.  I love you, I always have!"                                     

This night with Blair had to be one of fulfillment for Paul in his life up to then.

As the evening wore on, the two of you left the cocktail lounge, taking the elevator down to the street level.  Paul drove his car back towards Brooklyn.  He wanted to show you his apartment before taking you to your aunt's house.

Paul had decorated his apartment with silkscreen posters from the airlines and oriental prints. A coffee table he had made from an old Bass drum sat in the middle of the room.  Large Japanese letters were painted on the drumskin head and illuminated by a light fastened to the base.  Paul’s drums sat off in a corner, surrounded by records, art, music and all his books.

That night Paul made love to you.  Nothing anyone could of said would have made Paul feel differently about his love for you.  His need was not passion, he missed you terribly.

"It's getting very late, Paul!  My aunt might be waiting up for me, we better go," Blair said.

You waited for Paul to lead the way out.  It was only a short ride to your aunt's house.  Even in the late hour he was able to find the house and pulled the car up in front.  Your aunt's heels sounded as she walk across the same type of marble floor like in his apartment house.  Your aunt’s apartment sat in a corner on the main floor.

The late hour and the dim lights in the foyer created a sad and gloomy atmosphere.

"Paul, I had such a wonderful time," Blair said.

"I am glad you did! I am happy you came.  This has meant a lot to me, Blair.  Would it be so terrible to share your life with me?"  Paul's question deserved an answer.

You remained very still as Paul looked deeply into your eyes for some hope.

"I love you so very much!  I don’t know how else I can make you realize how much you mean to me, how much I love you.  Tell me now what you feel?  Is there a chance that at some point in time soon we can plan to be together?" Paul asked.   

This time there were no tears from you.  Paul was unable to make sense of your silence.  He kissed you with an endless amount of passion, giving so much of himself, it left him empty afterwards.

"Don't do this Blair!  Don't keep us apart from each other, from a life together.  We are right for each other.  Blair let me love you the way I know how!  Can you understand what I have just said?" 

Paul lost his breath.  He was not angry.  But he soon started getting upset.  He kissed your cheek and turned away so you could not see the hurt in his eyes and on his face.

He left you standing in the hallway and limped out through the steel door. His spirit broken. Oh the pain.  He was blinded, drained, completely spent.  Paul returned to the driver's seat and a lonely, empty feeling stayed with him for an untold amount of  minutes.  He waited until the pain subsided in order to be able to drive home.

Paul stared out of the cold windshield and tried to make some sense of it all after the unbelievable day you had spent together.  

There were no plans to see you on Sunday. You were to spend the day with your family then return home to Providence on the train.  You did not even call him in the morning.

 __________________________

Two weeks had gone by since you had come to New York City.  This past meeting ended in hardship.  Paul managed somehow, day by day, to try and accept the inevitable.

On a Saturday morning, Paul picked up his telephone.  It was David.

"Paul, I got a call from Sheila!  Blair is in the hospital in Boston.  You should call her," Dave announced.

"What’s wrong, Dave?"      

"She has a bad ulcer problem.   Sheila did not know how to get in touch with you so she called me.  Take the number, Paul and let me know what happens."      “

"Okay, Dave, thanks!"    

Paul rose to the occurrence, but it would be hard to be supportive from across the miles.

CHAPTER XV:   Coming next, an important meeting between Blair and Paul in Boston!  Continue to read further.  This story will be hard to forget!   

With all life’s uncertainties.  With all the fears, wants and disappointments.  So many brave people have lived through experiences and deserve credit for what they have endured.

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