The plane touched down mid-morning at Sea-Tac airport. As I stared out the small window at the unusually sunny surroundings, my feelings vacillated from anticipation to anxiety. The purported plan was that the guy I had met online and had gone on a blind date with, Charlie Swan, Chief of Police of Forks, Washington would be waiting for me in his hometown, but of course, he was unexpectedly at the arrival gate. Our hug was brief and we exchanged the normal pleasantries. "How did you get all the way to the gate?" I asked as we walked to the baggage claim.
"It's all who you know," he replied, smugly. I imagined that one of his law-enforcement cronies had ushered him in past Homeland Security. I had hoped, in vain, that I would have a long, leisurely drive alone to Forks, listening to music and reviewing my motives for agreeing to a week-long visit to a man I hardly knew, even as amazing as I suspected him to be. Charlie was aware only of his own eagerness to see me, no other thought emanated from his brown eyes and, deep down, I was just as eager. It was just that if there was one thing that I had learned over the years; it is easy to give up one's freedom, not so easy to get it back. But, of at least one thing I was sure, Charlie was worthy in every way a man should be. We had been talking for months. And he had made his decision, now he only awaited mine. This week would be key.
"So, who is watching over Forks, Chief?" I asked archly. A funny look passed over his face before he replied.
"They can get along without me for a few hours."
"Did you want me to follow you home in my rental?" I asked, puzzled.
"Nah, I got a lift here today, so I can drive in with you and maybe get something to eat with some friends of mine if you're not too tired." He eyed me hopefully.
"I am totally up for that, I am not tired at all," I agreed, then grew suspicious. "How long have you been waiting here for me, anyway?" I demanded.
"Only a couple of hours," he admitted guiltily, but I suspected that it had been at least twice as long. We were approaching the rental counters, where the keys to a late-model Pontiac awaited me. Just for fun, I usually reserved something flashier, like a convertible, for my vacations, but preferred to be less conspicuous while on Charlie's territory. It seemed to me that Charlie was a man of substance over style, and that he would appreciate a low-key profile. And he liked the car, insisting on being added as a driver to the rental agreement. The attractive female rental agent was rather flirtatious with him, which I found hilarious, smiling to myself. Charlie, being his gallant self, was completely oblivious to her overtures, which I found even more hilarious. Finally, he carried my small bags out to the car and maneuvered us onto the road.
"My friends want to take us out to this really great steakhouse, hope that's okay. I know you don't eat a lot of meat," he informed me.
"Sounds good to me. I don't eat red meat, but I can eat fish for days," I remarked, startled by his sudden outburst of laughter, "What's so funny?"
"You'll see," was all he would reply.
Meeting his friends, a married couple from Puyallup, and eating at the much-touted steakhouse was pleasant, although somewhat blurry as I began to tire from my trip. One thing did that did stand out was Charlie's friend pulling me aside momentarily while watching to see that Charlie was moving out of sight.
"Don't take this the wrong way, but I just want to tell you that I've known Charlie all my life and I've never seen him like this about anyone, except maybe Renee." His friend paused. "I don't want to pressure you or anything, you seem like a really nice lady, but his expectations are sky-high right now." He paused again. "And they don't make them better than Charlie. He's one in a million, and I don't say that lightly, you know what I mean?" I could only nod as we moved into the dining area where Charlie was holding out a chair for me.
After the meal, we bid good-bye to his friends in the restaurant's parking lot and I offered to drive.
"You don't have to drive the whole way, Charlie. I could drive now for a good hour or two." But he refused to hand me the keys.
"Just consider it a public service, ma'am." He sounded very matter-of-fact. "Besides, you should get some rest."
"But, I have all week to rest," I argued. Charlie would only silently hold the car door for me. "Just what are you planning, Chief?" I asked, sliding in.
"Just to get to know each other," he replied, ingenuously, glancing sideways at me. Once he was seated I to watch him as he drove. He would only look at me briefly and so I mostly watched his profile. He had a nice straight nose and thin lips. His jaw was already shadowed, he must have shaved early in the morning. He drove carefully, but resolutely, no surprise there. Everything about him seemed rugged. What kind of woman would leave this man? I wondered to myself. He's incredible.
"What's the matter?" Charlie asked.
"I just can't believe that someone hasn't snatched you up, already. You're totally amazing," I answered.
"I was just thinking that about you," he noted. I yawned, involuntarily. "Tired?" he asked.
"No," I smiled, "I'm just not used to all this fresh air you all have up here. It makes me sleepy, like altitude sickness or something."
"You'll get used to it," he assured me, "What do you think of Washington, so far?"
"My mom used to live in Renton, so I know the area. That was a while ago, though."
"You must have brought the sunshine with you, it was supposed to rain."
"That's a weird thing about me. It's sunny wherever I visit, no matter what time of year. Even when I would prefer it to rain." He smiled at me briefly and reached over to touch my sleeve. I sensed that he wanted to hold my hand while he drove, but wouldn't. Safety first, with Charlie. I frowned suddenly and he noticed.
"What's the matter?"
"I just remembered. I was supposed to call the bed and breakfast and let them know when I was going to be checking in."
"I forgot to tell you. They had to cancel your reservation. They overbooked. I had to get you in somewhere else." I shrugged, disappointed. I had been looking forward to staying the Pinecone Lodge.