The Exact Day

Chapter 1

 

MARCH 10, 2023
Trey Sanders stood hillside at Rose Gardens Cemetery on a bleak afternoon in San Jose, California, to pay respects to the passing of Linda Macy, a one-time girlfriend. He stood beside the grieving widower, Stewart Macy, as the graveside ceremony commenced. The minister recalled sweet memories of the deceased, but Trey’s mind strayed to his own impassioned episodes that reminded him of his whirlwind romance with Linda, years ago.

Trey and Linda flirted with passion and intimacy ten years earlier when they both attended Stanford University. They met in an accounting class, and her uninhibited personality captivated him. He pursued a football scholarship, while she set her sights on an MRS degree, long before Stewart entered the picture. Her playful nature charmed Trey, and they almost tied the knot, but a knee injury ended Trey’s NFL hopes. Settling for a two-year degree in business, he said goodbye to Stanford, and returned to his childhood home in Los Angeles to build his company, leaving Linda behind, jilted. His buddy, Stewart, gladly stepped in to fill Trey’s shoes, and, within a year, Stewart and Linda were married. In another year, they proudly announced the birth of a baby boy.

Over the next decade, Trey and his older brother Steve oversaw the growth of a lucrative landscape engineering business. At the age of thirty, Trey was responsible for eight trucks and twenty-five employees, with contracts that booked up the calendar for the next year. Steve, Trey’s elder by three years, oversaw the accounting and billing for the business.

One evening after work, Trey’s cell phone rang. He checked the screen – Stewart Macy. They hadn’t spoken in years.
“Hey, Stewart, what’s happening?” Trey said. After an aching pause, Stewart replied.
“Trey, I just wanted to talk to you for a minute. Is this a bad time?”
“No, what’s up? How’s Linda?”
“I don’t know if you knew this, but she was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago.”
“No, I hadn’t heard. How’s she doing?”
“She passed away this week. I’m notifying anyone who might want to attend the funeral. I know you two were close for a while back in college.”
“That was years ago, man. You guys have been married for, what, seven or eight years now?”
“Yeah. Every street I drive reminds me of her. I just don’t know what I’m going to do now.”

“She was a fine lady. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
“I’ve got two kids to raise. What am I going to do?” Stewart choked back tears. Trey could not find words. “I shouldn’t be dumping all this on you,” Stewart continued. “I just, uh, I just don’t know which way is up.”
“Listen, I’ll clear my calendar to get to the funeral. Maybe we can talk then.”
“That’d be good. I’d really appreciate it.”
“You bet. Stay strong.”

When they hung up, Trey sat motionless and stared out the window. He remembered how close he had come to marrying Linda. At the funeral service, he stood silently beside Stewart, struggling to conjure words of comfort. He leaned into Stewart’s ear.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” he whispered. Stewart nodded, while his eyes were fixed on the casket being lowered. Trey felt his attempts to ease Stewart’s broken heart were useless. To make matters worse, as cold-hearted as it seemed, he quietly breathed a sigh of relief that he dodged a bullet. As he drove home from the funeral service, he counted his blessings, knowing that if only he had stayed at Stanford, he could easily be the grieving widower today instead of Stewart.
“You make your choice, and you take your chances,” he muttered. “Life’s not fair.”

MARCH 24, 2023
Trey relaxed in his usual corner booth at Harry’s Diner, only a few blocks from his West Los Angeles apartment. He routinely pampered himself with a window view of his hectic neighborhood. Julie, the head waitress, always took good care of him. Old enough to be his mother, she was a fixture at the diner, and appreciated his loyalty. Lingering over the entertainment section of the Los Angeles Times, he felt content.

Halfway through the movie reviews, he heard a throaty motorcycle muffler. He scanned out the window to see a lean, confident rider in worn-out jeans glide into the parking lot, get off the bike, and flip the kickstand. Trey began to return to his reading when the biker leisurely flipped a shiny cobalt blue helmet off, arched her neck, and shook her head to reveal a flowing cascade of golden hair, shimmering with highlights from the sun’s rays. Trey sat fixed.

With an almost imperceptible nod, he smiled. This rider’s a girl, he whispered to himself. She had him fooled, and he didn’t fool easily. He put his paper down to watch her enter the diner with the grace of an elk and the figure of a goddess. She turned her gaze casually to the left and right when her eye fell to Trey for a beat. He did not avert her eyes, and she was taken by his gaze. Julie interrupted the moment.

“Here’s your order, Lisa.” She slid a take-home bag across the counter. Lisa laid a twenty down and slid it to Julie.
“Keep the change.”
“Thanks.”
“Who’s the guy in the corner?” she whispered.
“He’s a regular.”
“You know him?”
“Trey? Yeah. He’s a good guy. And he’s single,” Julie added.
Lisa picked up her to-go bag and gave Trey another once-over. He lifted his coffee mug and waived her to join him. She leisurely approached.

“You sure know how to make an entrance,” Trey said, glancing at her bike. She smiled.
“Gets me in and out of traffic.”
“Yeah, and a helluva lot easier to park than an F-150,” Trey added. Lisa grinned.
“That too.”
“That your lunch?” Trey nodded at her take-out bag.
“Yeah.”
“Some place you gotta be?” Trey said. Lisa considered her reply.
“No. Why?”
“Because I’m stumped right here with a quiz question, and I could sure use your help.” Lisa paused in a moment of indecision. She’d never encountered this pick-up line before, and the invitation intrigued her. Trey extended his hand to shake.
“Trey – spelled with an E,” he grinned. “But pronounced like the cafeteria tray, with an A. Don’t blame me. My parents could have named me Shirley and my life would have been a whole lot easier.” Lisa chuckled and returned the handshake.
“Lisa Randall. Spelled with an R.” She set her bag on the table and scooted in. “So, Trey, what’s the burning question?”
“Well, it’s in today’s paper. They’re asking us to name the top three ending lines of a movie.” Lisa opened her bag and began spreading out her lunch – a double cheeseburger with fries.
“Well, according to who?” she said.
“I don’t know – probably everyone who happened to be in the newsroom when they cooked up this little mind game.”
“Sounds like fun,” Lisa said. “Let’s have a go at it.”
For the next hour, they debated the possible candidates for the best final lines of a movie. They managed to agree on Casablanca for #1 — “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Gone with the Wind for #2 — “After all, tomorrow is another day.” But they could not agree on #3. Lisa voted for Back to the Future — “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,” but Trey insisted on Some Like it Hot — “Well, nobody’s perfect.” They concurred that honorable mention went to Silence of the Lambs — “I wish I could chat longer, but I’m having an old friend for dinner.”

They laughed throughout the afternoon, sharing favorite ice cream flavors, confessing past crushes, declaring cherished musical bands. By late afternoon, they felt like old chums and, as Lisa mounted her bike, exchanged phone numbers in the parking lot. She noticed Trey walking on foot.
“You don’t have a car?”
“Yeah, but I just live a few blocks away, and I like to walk.”
“Climb aboard. I’ll drop you off.”
“Don’t I need a helmet?”
Lisa echoed back the final line reminiscent of Back to the Future – “Helmet? Where we’re going, we don’t need helmets.”
“Very funny,” Trey said. “I’m just letting you know I’m putting my life in your hands.”
“I haven’t had any complaints yet,” Lisa said. Trey grinned.
“Okay.” He mounted the back of her bike, wrapped his arms gentlemanly around her waist, and the two motored away.

In Trey’s apartment parking lot, he slipped off the bike.
“Now you know something I don’t,” he said.
“What’s that?”
“You know where I live, but I don’t know where you live.”
“I live in Rancho Park, just a couple miles away.”
“You free tomorrow?”
“I suppose I could be.”
“My company has the contract to manage the landscaping at the Page Museum.”
“Where’s that?”
“You know – the La Brea Tar Pits, down on Wilshire Boulevard. You ever been there?”
“No.”
“Really? Then for sure, I’ll pick you up at one o’clock.”
“Okay. Gimme your cell phone.” He handed it over, and she entered her address into his memo app.
“There you go,” she said, handing the cell phone back. He looked at it and nodded. Then she throttled her bike and rode off.

MARCH 25, 2023
The next day, he picked up Lisa in his 2015 metallic blue Chevy SS. She smiled as she slid into the passenger seat.
“Nice wheels,” she smiled.
They drove down Interstate 10 and got off at S. La Brea Boulevard, then drove north to Wilshire Boulevard.
“Here we are – the Miracle Mile,” he said as Lisa studied the architecture.
“Nice neighborhood,” she said.
They parked in the museum staff lot and went inside. The receptionist welcomed them.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Sanders. Here’s your two passes.”
“Any exhibits closed today?”
“No, they’re all open.”
“Any flowers outside need replacing?”
“Nope. You’re good.”
“Excellent.”
Trey led Lisa through some of his favorite exhibits and they watched the 3D theatre show of the wooly mammoths. Trey checked his watch.
“We should probably keep moving,” Trey said. Lisa smiled.
“Is there someplace else we need to be?”
“Yes. I’ve got dinner reservations on Rodeo Drive. You like seafood?”
“Absolutely.”
“Great.”
They drove another couple of miles west and pulled up to Ocean Prime Seafood restaurant. Trey left his car with the valet host and the receptionist led them to their table.
“Okay, okay, I’m impressed. Is this how you live all the time?” Lisa said.
“No, I’m just trying to follow the Tao of Steve.”
“The Tao of Steve?”

“Yeah, that old art house movie from several years back. One of the characters in the movie explained his secret for winning a girl’s heart.”
And what was that?”
“Do something excellent in her presence. Is it working?”
“It’s working.”
The evening felt like a reunion with your dearest confidant and lifelong friend. They laughed, shared secrets, confessed weaknesses, and built on the foundation already begun the previous day. Neither wanted the evening to end. They closed the restaurant and navigated the freeway at its friendliest time of day – the midnight hour.

*

In the next few weeks, Trey and Lisa got to know each other better. On a Sunday stroll along Santa Monica Beach, Trey delved into personal questions.
“What do you do for a living?” he asked.
“I’m a nurse. I work at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.”
“I know where that is – just off the 405.”
“Yeah, right off the Wilshire Boulevard exit.”
“I’m impressed. My brother’s wife has a sister who’s making over $100,000 as a medical center nurse.”
“You can make a lot more than that if you want to specialize.”
“You mind if I ask if you’re in that income neighborhood?” Trey said. Lisa smiled.
“So, you want to swap salary secrets?” Lisa said. “Okay – I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”
“How about if I just say I’m well north of 100,” Trey said.
“Fair enough – I can say the same,” Lisa said. Trey grinned.
“How about that. We both live in the same neighborhood and didn’t even know it. Isn’t that convenient?”
“Yes, isn’t it.”
“And here I was thinking all you could afford to get around town was a motorcycle. Goes to show you,” Trey said. Lisa smiled.
They stopped their stroll at the Santa Monica Pier for lunch under an umbrella at the Pier Hamburger Joint.
“Did you grow up here?” Trey said, right when Lisa took a big bite out of her double cheeseburger. She covered her mouth with her hand and tried to swallow before answering.
“Sorry,” Trey said. He handed her a napkin. “Take your time. This interrogation shouldn’t take more than a couple hours.”
“Thanks,” she said, as she wiped her mouth. “No, I grew up in Fresno. That’s where my parents live.”
“Wow. How’d you end up down here?” Trey said.
“I got a scholarship to UCLA – go Bruins – and I never looked back.” Trey smiled, then pointed to Santa Monica Beach.
“Right there – that’s where I grew up, trying to learn how to surf.”
“Did you go to college here?” Lisa said.

“No. I went to Stanford. Got a two-year business degree, then came back down here. Couldn’t get L.A. out of my blood. And besides, my mom lives here.”
“Mom? No dad?” she said.
“He died about fifteen years ago. A medical thing. Mom never remarried. I have a brother and the two of us keep an eye on her. Not that she needs it.”
“I’m so sorry. Dads are important. I was an only child. My dad was my cheerleader, my coach, my role model. He set the bar. I promised myself I’d never settle for anyone that didn’t meet the standard he set. And I’m still single.” Trey swallowed hard. “Yeah, sure. No pressure,” he said.
“No, don’t worry. I know he’ll like you,” Lisa said. “If he doesn’t, you’ll disappear, and nobody will ever find the body. Just kidding.”
They finished lunch and started back up the beach to their car. Trey noticed a bus bench announcing the upcoming Rose Parade.
“Let’s change subjects,” he said.
“Okay,” Lisa smiled.
“You ever been to the Rose Parade?” he said.
“Wow – that’s funny you should ask. Last year, I was part of the team that helped build the Fresno float. We spent a couple of weeks attaching all the flowers and everything, and it won the 2023 Sweepstakes Trophy for being the most beautiful entry,” she said beaming.
“Well, that beats the hell out of my one-and-only parade story. When I was in high school, I spent the night leaning up against a wall along Colorado Boulevard suffering with an aching wisdom tooth. I don’t remember anything else about the parade that year. And ever since, I’ve just watched it on TV.” Lisa chuckled.
“Oh, you poor boy,” she commiserated. “Is it too late to kiss it and make it better?” Trey pointed to the corner of his lip.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, a kiss would have miraculous recuperative powers.” Lisa kissed his cheek and Trey swooned like one reborn. “I’m healed. Oh, thank you, Jesus.” Lisa smiled.
“Don’t get all ‘Elmer Gantry’ on me.”
“Okay, you seem to be up on your Hollywood movies,” Trey said. “Who is your favorite male movie star of all time?” Lisa had to think about it.
“I would have to say Humphrey Bogart,” she said. “Casablanca just did me in.” She drifted off in memories of Bogey and Bergman on that airport runway.
“What about you?’ she said.
“I don’t know – probably Jimmy Stewart,” he said. “I love every movie he ever made.”
When they got back to the car, Trey got on his cell phone to look something up. Then he started the car, and they got on the road. He exited the 101 at Vine Street and drove south.
“Where are we going?” Lisa said.
“Oh, just a little side trip,” Trey said. He drove to the intersection of Hollywood and Vine and turned right. He found an open space along Hollywood Boulevard and parked.
“Let’s go take a look at something,” he said. They walked over to the old Vine Street theatre and crossed the street to the front of the Body Energy Club.
“Here we are,” he said.

“Okay, where are we exactly?” she said. He stepped over to the long row of Hollywood Walk of Fame stars along the sidewalk and pointed down. She looked at the star – it was the Humphrey Bogart star. Her face broke into a broad smile.
“I can’t believe you went out of your way to show me this,” she said, with a slight tear
in her eye. “That was sweet of you.”

CHAPTER 2

Weeks turned into months as they explored common passions, cravings, and guilty pleasures. Lisa, for her part, marveled that he was the only man who ever really got her. Their two hearts melded into one, like two puzzle pieces that belonged together. Trey knew in his heart this would be the romance to equal Edgar Alan Poe’s Annabel Lee, a maiden “who lived with no other thought than to love and be loved by me, with a love that the winged seraphs of Heaven coveted her and me.”

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023
In the fall, they decided to make a road trip. They drove to Bryce Canyon, Utah, to watch its striking colors come alive at daybreak. On the way home, they dared each other to walk to the outer edge of the rim of the seventy-foot Grand Canyon Skywalk, overlooking the 4,000 ft. drop to the canyon floor. At the far end of the Skywalk, Trey took a knee and produced a small velvet box.

“This may seem a crazy place to ask such a sobering question, but if you can take a chance walking out on this terrifying walkway, would you take a chance of marrying me?” Lisa giggled with joy.
“Yes – of course I will,” she said. They kissed in front of all the witnesses on the walkway that memorable afternoon.
Back home, Trey introduced Lisa to his older brother Steve, his wife Emily, and their three kids – Kirk, Tommy, and Tracy. Emily gave Lisa kudos for capturing Trey’s heart.
“Steve and I are partners in our landscaping company. We call it Trey Industries,” he smiled.
“Yeah,” Steve intruded. “I proposed Steve Industries, but the family decided that Trey has more mystique to it.” Emily turned to Lisa and changed the subject.
“Girl, you must have some magic juju to lasso this rascal,” Emily said with jubilation. “Congratulations.”
Last, but not least, Trey introduced Lisa to his mother, Gloria. The two instantly fell in love with each other, and talked about wedding details, sharing Thanksgiving alternate years between the two families, and, of course, when grandma might expect a new grandchild to fuss over.

Trey and Lisa set the wedding date for Christmas Eve at noon, with a honeymoon at Mammoth Mountain for a two-week snow skiing adventure. Both accomplished skiers, they looked forward to demonstrating their prowess on the slopes. Trey reserved a honeymoon suite complete with hot tub, chilled champagne, king sized bed, and the best view of the slopes from a private balcony.

DECEMBER 15, 2023
One more essential chore awaited them – a much overdue visit to Lisa’s parents’ home in Fresno to introduce them to their future son-in-law. She especially coveted her father’s blessing over this union. They drove up Hwy 99 and maneuvered through some of Fresno’s charming neighborhoods until they reached the street where Lisa grew up. The homes were dated but maintained with pride. Lisa took a deep breath.
“When was the last time you were here?” Trey said.
“It’s been over a year,” Lisa said.
“That’s not bad,” Trey said. “Some of my buddies haven’t seen their parents for years – I mean years.”
“I know, but I’m feeling guilty right now.”
“If I know your dad the way you’ve described him, you’re in good hands.”
They pulled into the driveway to reveal a lovely, well-manicured yard and a handsome, ranch-style home framed with shrubs and flowerpots. They had barely turned the ignition off when Lisa’s parents met them in the front yard. Lisa wrapped her arms around her mother, while Lisa’s father shook hands with Trey.
“Trey, Charlie Randall, pleasure to meet you,” he said. Trey looked him straight in the eye and returned the greeting.
“Mr. Randall, the honor is mine,” he said. Charlie turned to his wife.
“And this is Dorothy, Lisa’s mother.” Trey gave her a courteous nod, then went back to Charlie.
“Mr. Randall –” Charlie cut him short. “Please call me Charlie,” he said. Trey nodded.
“Charlie, I want to compliment you on your beautiful home. I don’t know if Lisa told you, but I’m in the landscaping business, and I know a pampered yard from a neglected yard. Yours is top notch.”
“Well, let’s go inside and get acquainted. I understand you have plans for my daughter.”
They all went into the house. Lisa and her mother went straight to the kitchen, while Charlie led Trey to the living room, where memorabilia filled the walls. Trey examined a collection of framed photos of Charlie in full uniform. Beside them hung framed plaques and a treasure of medals and ribbons for distinguished service as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He retired with the rank of colonel and full honors.
“I had no idea,” Trey said. “This is amazing.”
“Twenty years in the Air Force – tours in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, and the Iraq War,” Charlie said. Trey studied the array of commendations, then pointed to a small ribbon hanging all by itself.
“What did you do to earn that one?” he asked. Charlie offered a sly grin.

“I can’t tell you – it hasn’t been declassified yet.” Trey’s eyes widened. “I’ll just say there were times I forced my bird into maneuvers the manufacturers never imagined were possible.”
“Okay,” Trey said. “What do you do for thrills now?”
“These days I work for the Post Office,” Charlie added with pride. “And that’s all the excitement I need.” He patted Trey on the shoulder.
“Let’s go outside. We’ve got some steaks to grill.” Charlie slid the glass door that opened to the backyard, and the two walked out to see a full-sized swimming pool and built-in barbeque grill. In Trey’s mind, Fresno was starting to look better and better by the minute.
“Now, how do you like your steak?” Charlie said, holding a platter of ribeyes.
“I’ll have mine medium,” Trey said.
“Coming right up,” Charlie said. He arranged four steaks on the grill and listened to them sizzle.
“I love the smell of steak grilling, don’t you?” Charlie said.
As the meat cooked, Trey took the opportunity to make his betrothal request to the father of the bride.
“I’m not used to, I mean this is my first time to observe the proper protocols of formalizing a marital union between two families, so I’m just going to wing it and hope for the best,” Trey said. “I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage, if you would do me that honor,” Trey said. “I promise to you and God to protect, cherish, love, and respect your daughter all the days of my life.”
“You seem a man of honorable intentions, good breeding, and of sufficient means to provide well for my daughter,” Charlie said. “So, I do grant you permission to wed my girl and welcome you into our family, as you are welcoming me into yours.”
In the kitchen, Lisa and her mother chopped a salad and various garnishes, amidst a buzz of questions.

“Where did you meet? How long have you known him? Have you met his family? What does he do for a living? Where will you live? Will you continue to work? What church does he belong to? Have you talked about having babies? Have you made wedding plans? Let me see the ring!”
Fresno weather at night in December was often chilly at forty degrees, so the foursome retired to the dining room for dinner. Trey heaped compliments on the chef for the exquisite steaks, and to Dorothy for a divine apple pie. Charlie offered their backyard for the wedding ceremony, but Lisa assured him that church arrangements were already made.
“We’ll stop by to see you as soon as we’re back from our honeymoon,” Lisa promised. With tearful hugs and kisses, Trey and Lisa bid farewell to her lovely parents and made the drive back home to Los Angeles.

DECEMBER 20, 2023
With the wedding only four days away, Trey and Lisa finished setting up their Christmas tree and dressed it with twenty yards of multi-colored string lights, and a shimmering angel tree topper. Under the tree sat the bounty of their Christmas shopping chores, with a stack of presents waiting for parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. They capped off the evening nestling on the couch with a bowl of popcorn to watch the classic Frank Capra presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life. Never mind that they could recite practically every line for each character in the movie. They never tired of this classic, heart-warming tale.
Lisa especially liked the Clarence character, who finally won his wings by jumping into the freezing river to save George Bailey. She wiped a tear from her eye when all of George Bailey’s friends poured into his house with cash offerings to fill his basket.
“It gets me every time,” she said.
“Yeah,” Trey said. “Wouldn’t it be nice if angels really could rescue us,” Trey said.
“You never know,” Lisa said. “Doesn’t the Bible tell us to be kind to strangers because they might be angels in disguise? Something like that.”
“Well, then I probably fed an angel yesterday, because I gave a ten-spot to a panhandler,” Trey said.
“Did you really?” Lisa said, as she snuggled up to Trey. “That’s why I love you so much.”

DECEMBER 24, 2023
The small church overflowed with family and friends. The wedding coordinator bedazzled the church with such a splash of floral arrangements, some guests wagered that Cinderella’s fairy godmother had a hand in the decorations. After the vows and recessional, the reception hall rocked with music, dancing, and drinks. A splashy hors d’oeuvres table offered guests a wide selection of charcuterie boards to tantalize every taste.

Finally, the wedding couple sent word to prepare for their departure. Trey and Lisa emerged from their changing room, now sporting snowbound attire, waving to their loved ones who lined the walkway to the parking lot and their Chevy SS getaway car. With one arm around Lisa and his other arm lifting his jacket as an umbrella to shield them from the hail of rice, bird seed, flower pedals, confetti, glitter, and paper streamers tossed at them
from well-wishers. Trey’s brother, Steve, stood guard at their car to fend off any practical
jokers. Once safely ensconced in the car, Trey lowered his window.
“Thanks for everything,” Trey said.
“No problem,” Steve said. “I checked the weather report for Mammoth. They’re calling for a nice blanket of snow. You two should have a hell of a honeymoon. And don’t worry about the company. I’ll keep an eye on things.”
“Thanks, man,” Trey called out.
“Don’t forget to write,” Steve called back. Lisa lowered her window and waved farewell to her parents and blew kisses to her dearest friends.
Trey found the nearest onramp to Interstate 5 and checked his watch – three o’clock. He turned to Lisa.
“It’s a five-hour drive to Mammoth. We should be there by eight or nine at the latest.” She purred with contentment.
“I’m in no hurry. We’ve got our whole lives ahead of us.”
Trey picked up the Antelope Valley freeway in Newhall and connected to US 395 just north of Ridgecrest. Light snow dusted the highway as they continued north.
“Looks like it’s going to be a white Christmas,” he said.
Around Lone Pine, the snow picked up and traffic slowed.
“We may not roll in till ten,” Trey said.
“No rush. We’ve got all the time in the world,” Lisa said.