Destined ~ A Time Travel Anthology Read online

  Destined

  A Time Travel Romance Anthology

  Denise Alicea

  JC Cooper

  Copyright © 2020 by Denise Alicea & JC Copper

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  1. Fireworks

  2. Consoling Angel

  3. Traveler

  4. Destined

  About the Author, Denise Alicea

  About the author, JC Cooper

  Fireworks

  Manhattan, New York

  Surrounded by several old boxes in a tiny apartment overlooking the city, Sarah sat going through each box carefully. Her grandfather Will had passed away and left her with most of his possessions. He only had one daughter and she had passed away before him. He died at the ripe old age of 92. He had lived a long and nice life and Sarah took care of him and was the one constant family member in his life. Each box was filled with pictures that he had left behind or items that he had cherished.

  At the end of a very worn box she found smaller velvet boxes. Dusting each one off slightly and after opening them, inside she found two gold medals surrounded by a blue ribbon that met together with white stars. One had a proud eagle with its wings up with a solider carved in. It was the Medal of Honor for the army. She had heard stories of her grandfather’s bravery and he was always so modest about what he had done. He didn’t consider it an act of bravery; he considered it his duty to his country. Putting her grandfather’s medal down, she picked up the other medal that was next to it. With it was a card detailing the heroic act of one James Taylor. Sarah had seen a group shot of the men who served with her grandfather. Looking for it again, she smiled when she found it. She remembered the tales her grandfather told about “lightning” Jimmy as his friends called him.

  Here he was tall with dark hair with piercing eyes. He had been called lightning because he was quick and it wasn't just in the battlefield, or so her grandfather told her. She could see why he would be given the nickname. He had been a good-looking guy when he had been alive.

  Glancing around, she could see the apartment was almost cleaned out and reality set in. Her favorite person in the world was gone. Her grandfather had been the one that knew her and had always been her protector. Getting up slowly and looking around at the apartment, it felt like a void without him. She picked up the box with the photos, letters, and the medals and headed out.

  Into the noise filled streets of New York City she walked, heading further down the street to her own small apartment. It was later in the day as she had spent a lot of time looking at the other items in the boxes at the apartment. She sat in her living room on the floor cross-legged while eating out of a Chinese container. Smiling, she opened two of the boxes near by that were from her grandfather’s apartment. What other mysteries would she find out about her grandfather and his friend, Jimmy? She found more pictures and letters as she shoved pork-fried rice down her throat with her chopsticks. Her cellphone rang and she dropped a stack of pictures back into the box as she grabbed her phone.

  “Hello,” Sarah said as she moved to her couch.

  “Hey, Sarah! It’s Jill! I’m so sorry for your loss hon. I know that you’ve been cleaning your grandfather’s place for a couple of days now, but I wanted to see you.”

  “I’d love to see you! How are things going and how’s Jonathan?” Sarah asked between bites.

  “He’s doing well. I’ll have a couple of things to attend to while in New York, but I have a couple of days off from the agency so I wanted to stop by.”

  Smiling, Sarah responded, “I’d love to see you. Just let me know when it’s good for you.”

  “I’m not sure yet, so I’ll give you a shout when.” Jill said, “I better get going for Jonathan burns down the hotel room.”

  Sarah laughed. “No problem, talk to you later.” Laughing Sarah hung up then looking at the boxes around her. This would be a nice connection to her grandfather that she would have besides the memories. Sighing she got back to her eating and then decided to grab another box. Inside were the two medals and the picture. Carefully taking them out, she decided she’d rather leave them out and frame it all. Every so often she’d look at the picture as she continued to eat.

  As the night passed on, she fell as sleep on the couch while reading a good book. It had been her ritual time after time. Outside it began to pour and thunder soon came afterwards. The first sound of lightning was so loud that Sarah shot up on the couch. The lights had gone out. Moving the hair off her face, she slowly dragged her body upwards and made her way into her bedroom. Once she was in the room, her body collapsed onto the bed. Sarah didn’t care about the world around her or the thunder that rolled in the sky that vibrated the windows.

  Hours later, a huge crash woke her up and she found herself sitting straight up in her bed. Moving the hair away from her face, she slowly crawled out of bed and tip toed to the door, picking up her wooden bat on the way. She cursed under her breath as the door creaks open. Seeing a huge shadow in her living room, Sarah swung the bat but it slipped out of her hands and hit the far wall with a resounding thud.

  “Grenade!” James shouted as he ducked hoping that his helmet and the object in front of him would protect him. He looked again in the dark, why does this object look like a sofa? He huddled down to the ground and waited, but nothing happened. Holding onto his helmet, he slowly raises up on his hands and knees only to be confronted by yellow eyes and a wet nose. It swipes and hisses at him. A cat! James falls back and hits a table, knocking a lamp into the floor. He turns around and sees it in pieces.

  Cursing under her breath and no time to call the cops, Sarah charged at him full speed, jumped on him and punched him in the face. “Who the hell are you and why are you in my home?” Sarah yelled at the tops of her lungs.

  Blinking, James took a second after the punch to recover and looked at his attacker. Who was this woman and where am I?

  Grabbing her hands and holding her back from his face, “I was fighting Nazis five minutes ago and now I’m... Where the hell am I lady?”

  “You are in New York and how would you be fighting Nazi’s? It’s 2013 and I know Nazi’s still exist but not in the form you’re talking about. You got the wrong house buddy, so I suggest you get up and leave,” Sarah said getting up and walking away from him to compose herself. Why does he look so familiar? She found a good lamp, prayed that it would turn on and it did. She could see the man a bit better. He looked like someone who came from a convention.

  James composing himself the best he could, stood up. One minute he was on the battlefield and suddenly was in a place that looked like something out of one of those science fiction books he read. “This is some kind of joke,” he said looking around him as if in a trance. “This is all a dream and I’m going to wake up.”

  Sarah could see he wasn’t joking and that maybe he was going to have a meltdown. “Why don’t you sit down? You’re not in a dream and it’s the year 2013. My name is Sarah Miller and you are?”

  With his jaw starting to ache, he rubbed it lightly. If this was a dream, then he certainly needed to reevaluate just how much pain he could feel. “Lieutenant James Taylor, darlin'. How the hell did I make it here?" Looking at her made him think he was dead and landed in heaven. She certainly is very nice to look at, he thought as he gave her the once over.

  Sarah crossed her arms over her chest and looked at James. “Nice to meet you, too.
I'm not sure how you made it here. Maybe my grandfather's death possibly?"

  "Grandfather?" James looked up at her. "Wait, Will Taylor? He was just with me..."

  "He passed away," Sarah said looking down at the carpet, trying to keep from tearing up. "He was 92 years old and he was very sad that you had passed away during the war."

  Cursing under his breath, James looked at her. He could see the sadness in her as she talked about it. “I’m so sorry to hear it. From his age though, he lived a long and good life. He had a family and it seems that he had you.”

  “Yes, I was the only grandchild and the favorite. He even helped support me through college. He was like a second dad, always believed in me. Anyway, until we figure out what’s going on, you’ll stay here.” Before James could interrupt, Sarah stood up. “Don’t even try it mister. I’ll find some clothes for you to wear. The sofa you are sitting on is a good place for you to crash.”

  Nodding James waited as Sarah disappeared from view. Sarah went into her linen closet grabbing what she could. Looking in the bottom corner of her closet, she saw the box labeled Mark where she kept her ex-boyfriend’s clothes that he had left at her house. Leaning down she opened it and unpacked a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Walking back to the living room, she handed him the pile she was carrying. “Here are some linens and some clothes that hopefully fit you.”

  “Thanks,” James said as he looked at her. “I’m sorry for inconveniencing you.”

  “No, please it’s not inconvenience.” she said walking back to her room. “Make yourself at home and sweet dreams.” James sat there for a few minutes still pinching himself, what would they think of him in the war? Did he just go AWOL? The last thing he remembered was a hand grenade coming towards him and then he ended up here. Wiping a hand across his face, he would be content with getting a good sleep and hopefully waking up in the right place tomorrow.

  Several hours later, Sarah opened her eyes slowly and sat up on her bed. Looking towards her nightstand, the hour read 10am. Getting up, she opened the door to her room and padded down the hall to the bathroom. Still half asleep, she opened the bathroom door and there stood James. He was shirtless, his biceps bulging, the pecks, the nicely shaped washboard stomach, and his American flag tattoo on his right arm present with a towel wrapped around his waist. She stared as only a girl could. James, catching her gaze in the vanity mirror, grinned, “Good morning, darlin’.”

  Snapping her gaze up to meet his blue eyes, she smiled then backed away. “I am so sorry. Morning.” She said as she hurriedly shut the door. She walked back to her room, her cheeks warm and flushed. He was absolutely stunning.

  In the bathroom, James just chuckled. It had been a long time since a woman appreciated him like that. It seemed like a long time since he had seen a bathroom, although they hadn’t changed much since his time. Finishing his routine, he dressed and made his way out to the kitchen.

  When the coast was clear, Sarah ducked into the bathroom. Looking at herself in the vanity mirror, she sighed. There was no way that he would like a girl like her. She looked like a wreck a few hours ago and now she had been caught drooling like a lovesick teenager. Without much hope, Sarah went about her routine hoping to make herself presentable.

  A little later, dressed and refreshed, Sarah came into the kitchen to find James eating an apple at her kitchen counter. Her ex’s clothes fit him perfectly… a little too perfectly. Grandpa, we seriously have to talk when I get to heaven, you and your match making skills. “Do you want some coffee? I can make some for us.” she said trying to be confident as she walked over to the counter. James nodded as he watched her. She had all the right curves and she was kind hearted. This was his kind of woman. He’d be sure to thank Will, if he ever saw him again, for giving him a slice of heaven.

  “Sarah,” James began as he tried to make small talk, “tell me about yourself.”

  Shrugging, Sarah looked back at him as she put the mugs on the counter. “I grew up here in Manhattan. I had a good childhood and went to a good college, NYU.”

  James chuckled at her, continuing to watch her make them coffee. “Wow, if that wasn’t the shortest biography I’ve heard in my life. You have to slow down darlin’. All this living in New York has had you talking and moving at a fast pace.”

  Turning around with two hot mugs, Sarah handed him one before setting hers on the table and turning to get cream and sugar before sitting down. James sat right across from her. “There is sugar and cream here if you take it that way. You wanted to know about my life so I gave you the short version. I’m sure your life is so much more interesting.”

  Taking a sip of his coffee he smiled at her. “I’m from New York as well. I’m a farm boy at heart, but always had a thing about the city. I came down here at a young age and got enlisted to help my country. From there I did the best damn thing I could and tried to stay alive just to rid the world of evil. I guess fate had something else planned for me.” He looked into Sarah’s green eyes and saw her not wavering as he told the story. “You are just like your grandfather. Will always was a good listener and a spitfire. I swear, no one would dare mess with him in the army.”

  Sarah laughed. “That sounds like him. He still had a lot of the fire even when he was dying. He told me he’d have a surprise. Always fixing me up on blind dates trying to find the right guy for me. I swear it’s his fault anyway. That fire as you call it is a trademark of my family. It’s either getting us into trouble or we’re off on an adventure.”

  The doorbell rang unexpectedly and Sarah wondered if she should get up to get it. She wasn’t expecting anyone to come today. If it was someone she knew, how could she explain away James? As she walked into the living room, she could see the couch was clear of items. James had put everything away it seems. What a solider at heart. I swear more men need to be this way, Sarah thought as she got to the door, tippy toeing up to look through the peephole. As she looked through the peephole, she saw Jill at her door. Shit! What am I going to say, what will she think? Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and opened the door. “Jill, oh my god, what a surprise!” Jill grabbed her into a bear hug.

  “It’s been a long time, Sarah! I missed you so much.” Jill said stepping in further. A beautiful African American woman with curly hair, Jill sat on the sofa, making herself at home. “I brought you a little something from Boston. I hope you like it.” Sarah opened the small bag just as James appeared in the doorway to the kitchen.

  “Sarah, did your friend want some coffee?” he asked as he stared at the two young women. Sarah looked mortified as Jill stood up, looking back at Sarah grinning.

  “I would love of cup of coffee from you, gorgeous. So you’ve been hiding in the kitchen all this time?” Sarah sat on the couch squirming as James walked over.

  “Um, Jill, this is James. He’s a friend of my grandfather. He used to volunteer at the veteran’s community center here. James, this is my best friend Jill. We went to college together.” Sarah sighed a breath of relief that the lie had worked. James took Jill’s hand shaking it.

  “Wow, what a grip! Sarah you need more of this in your life. I pray that James is single. You know… Sarah is single.” Sarah faced palmed herself and lowered her face, looking to the ground.

  James chuckled as he looked over at Sarah’s who he could clearly now see was blushing. “Well, Sarah and I are good friends. I came to give my condolences on her grandfather. Let me get you some coffee.” he said with a wink then disappeared back into the kitchen. Jill grabbed Sarah’s arm as she sat back down on the couch.

  “Super hot and a soldier I presume. That body and stance comes from being bred in the good USA. You need to make this more than a friendship, Sarah.” Sarah could see the happiness on Jill’s face.

  “You really like him? He is good looking, but we don’t really know each other. He knew grandpa really well. Besides, I couldn’t. I just got out of that horrible relationship with Mark. He was a jerk and I’m not ready to move on.” Sarah
pleaded with Jill.

  Jill shook her head, “I know hon, but have fun for once in your life.” Sarah nodded.

  James came out with a tray with three cups and the pot of coffee. Sarah wasn’t sure where he found the tray. He diligently poured Jill a cup. He had also brought the cream and sugar. What a gentleman. She could get used to this.

  “Here you go ladies,” James smiled as he handed each one of them a cup. He sat himself across from them. “So… any fun stories you want to confess, Jill? I’m trying to get more out of Sarah, but she’s not giving up too much about her life.”

  Sipping her coffee and hoping to drown in the cup, Sarah knew that Jill couldn’t keep her mouth shut now that she was matchmaking. “Well, Sarah was always getting into some sort of trouble during college. We were standing together at party when this guy came up to me.. He was trying to make these moves at a party we were invited to and he just wouldn’t get the point. So as soon as he grabbed my arm… well, let’s just say a fat lip doesn’t cover it.” Sarah nearly spit out her drink as both Jill and James laughed.

  “Quite the spitfire I’m learning. I thought I was done when we met for the first time. She has quite the hook on her.” James chucked remembering last night.

  “Oh no!” exclaimed Jill. “Sarah, you didn’t?” Sarah nodded now embarrassed by the whole event.

  “Well he was at the door and it was early in the morning. I thought someone was trying to break in. So I decked him.” Shrugging she continued, “Besides he should have said who he was immediately.”

  “You have my apologies, doll. I promise never to do that ever again.” he said sincerely looking at her, his eyes sparkling. Sarah nodded, blushing.

  “Well that’s settled, Sarah. Speaking of which, in the bag is a present for you.” Jill said shoving the bag into Sarah’s hands. Opening it, there was a beautiful vintage dress; it looked something out of I Love Lucy, polka dotted and black. It also came with black 1940's faux suede 3-buckle heeled dance shoes. “There is a club that I’ve been wanting to go to while in the city. It’s called Swing 46. It’s a jazz and swing club, one of the best. I thought you’d have to look the part. Jonathan will be joining us. I thought maybe now that you have a friend, James could come.”