Authors: Francis Ray
“Yes, ma’am.”
Polite and disinterested. Naomi had seen the change come over Kayla the moment Richard said Naomi had the final decision. Naomi could protect herself, but the price was too high. Clearly Richard ranked over a puppy. High praise indeed.
“You were going to ask Richard about the show-and-tell.”
Kayla leaned over farther. “You said we shouldn’t bother him.”
Translation: You’d say no. Her arm went around Kayla’s small shoulders. She was too young to have gone through so much, then Naomi remembered the children—babies actually—who had gone through so much more. “I might be wrong, but I think Richard was talking about my having the final decision on you having a puppy, not about you asking him to come to your show-and-tell.”
Kayla’s head snapped up. Naomi’s heart squeezed on seeing the hope in her daughter’s eyes.
“For real?”
“For real.” Naomi pulled Kayla closer. “You can ask him before we leave.”
Kayla was quiet for a few seconds, as if absorbing the information. “All right.”
Naomi gazed down at her daughter, then noticed movement in the cage. “The puppies are waking up.”
Kayla straightened and scooted closer on her knees, her small hands wrapped around the bars. “Mama?”
“Yes, honey.”
“The brown one trying to lie on his mother’s face sure is cute. He’s the same color as Teddy.”
Naomi laughed. She could almost hear the wheels turning in Kayla’s head as she tried to think of ways to get that puppy. She was her happy self again, and Naomi planned to keep her that way.
* * *
Richard paused before opening the door to the kennel. He didn’t know what to expect. Worse, he wasn’t sure he could help make it better for mother or daughter. Kayla might be a child, but she often took her cues from her mother. Naomi probably didn’t even realize how much Kayla watched her. Both had been through a lot. He’d do anything to keep them happy—anything but bow gracefully out of their lives. They needed him as much as he needed them.
It was clear by the strained smile earlier on Naomi’s face that she hadn’t wanted to come. It had to be more than Kayla’s desire to see the puppies. Whatever it was, he just hoped and prayed he could help.
Finally opening the door, he was surprised to hear the joined laughter of mother and daughter. For a moment, he simply stared at Naomi, her pretty face animated and carefree. He’d seldom been able to watch her without worry of making her nervous or, worse, letting her see how deeply he cared for her.
He wasn’t used to hiding his feelings or being secretive, but he had little choice. Naomi had already showed him that she didn’t want anything more than friendship. He wasn’t about to mess up.
He wasn’t aware of making a sound, but he must have. Naomi’s shoulders tensed, her laughter abruptly stopped. Slowly her head turned. When their gaze met, he saw uncertainty, and breathed a sigh of relief that he didn’t see fear. He let the door close. “The puppies are showing off.”
Kayla giggled and pointed to the cage. “They’re playing over their’s mother’s head.”
“As long as they’re near, she doesn’t mind.” Richard squatted on the other side of Kayla. “A mother’s love is a strong bond. She’ll do anything to make sure they’re safe and happy.”
“Daddies don’t,” Kayla said softly, her smile fading as she lowered her head.
He heard Naomi’s gasp, saw the regret, the sheen of tears in her eyes. She’d put the blame on herself as usual instead of the bastard who had abused her and didn’t want his child. He ached for both of them. “It’s never the mother’s or the child’s fault. It’s his that he can’t appreciate what a wonderful gift he has.” Richard circled Kayla’s shoulder with his arm.
She leaned against him. His arm tightened.
Unlike her mother, Kayla reached out for love and acceptance. Her father’s violence hadn’t made her afraid to trust as it had her mother. Naomi had told him about the abuse, but he was sure she’d left out a lot of details. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Naomi blink back tears. He wished he could pull her to him as well. They’d both feel better.
She needed hugs. She needed him. The hard part was convincing Naomi.
“After I finish here, why don’t I pick you two up and we go to grab a burger at Brandon’s restaurant?”
“I don’t—”
“Please, Mama,” Kayla interrupted, scooting over to her mother. “I haven’t asked him yet.”
Indecision flickered in Naomi’s eyes. Love won. “It’s a school night. We’ll meet you there.”
He’d accept her decision. “I’ll call Brandon and get reservations.” He stood, not wanting to give her time to suggest a fast-food place. Regardless of it being a Thursday night, the restaurant was usually packed. He held out his hand to help her up. “I’ll walk you to the front.”
He could tell she wanted to ignore his hand, and thought she might. He felt like shouting for the small victory when she lightly placed her fragile hand in his. He released her as soon as she was upright. He wasn’t taking any chance that he’d do something to make her uneasy again and she’d back out.
“Thank you,” she said, meeting his gaze
“Anytime.” For some reason, he felt he’d won a major victory. “I’ll make the reservations for six thirty.”
Naomi reached for Kayla’s hand. “Good-bye.”
“Bye, Dr. Richard.” Kayla took a step with her mother, then pulled away to stare up at Richard with wide, questioning eyes. “You won’t forget, will you?”
Frowning, he hunkered down in front of Kayla until they were eye level. Naomi might question people’s word, but never her daughter. “I’ll always tell you the truth no matter what. I keep my word. If I can’t make it because of an emergency, I’ll call like I did Saturday. You can always count on me.”
She threw her free arm around his neck and squeezed. His arms went around her, and he felt her tremble. What was going on? It couldn’t be Naomi’s ex, but whatever it was, it must be super important. His questioning gaze went to Naomi, but she glanced away. He straightened. “See you at six thirty.”
Naomi nodded. “Come on, sweetheart.”
Richard followed them out and watched Naomi’s SUV pull off. Before the night was over he was going to find out what had put that shattered look in Naomi’s eyes, and the miserable one in Kayla’s.
* * *
“Kayla, what did you do to your hair?” Naomi asked on entering Kayla’s room and seeing that her daughter had unplaited her neat hair; it was now sticking up all over her head.
Her daughter turned from the small floor mirror in the corner, her lower lip trembling, her hairbrush clenched in her small first. “I’m sorry. I tried to fix it the way you do. I wanted to look nice so Dr. Richard would say yes.”
If he didn’t, Naomi would … Her thoughts halted as she saw a tear glisten in Kayla’s eyes. “Of course he’ll say yes.” Crossing the room, she brushed Kayla’s hair into neat ponytails.
“I thought I could do it.”
“That’s all right. I like combing your hair.” Tying yellow ribbon over the rubber bands securing Kayla’s hair, Naomi stared down into her daughter’s face. “You look very pretty.”
“You think Dr. Richard will think so?” Kayla asked, the worry still in her face.
“I do,” Naomi answered, trying not to feel hurt that she wasn’t enough. “Why don’t you get Teddy and we can leave.”
Kayla picked up Teddy, then adjusted his yellow tie. “We’re ready. Mama. You only had to help us a little.”
“Because you’re growing up to be a big girl.” Naomi went to her room for her handbag and car keys. Kayla was with her every step. “We can’t stay long.”
“But I have to ask him tonight. We have to turn in the name tomorrow,” Kayla said, her eyes huge.
“I know, honey.” Kayla’s section was the last one in the kindergarten class to have show-and-tell. “Let’s go before we’re late.”
* * *
Naomi had to circle the block twice before finding a parking space near the entrance. Each time they passed Richard’s car, Kayla became more anxious. She was practically running when they reached the restaurant. As expected, there was a line of people waiting to get inside.
Naomi took Kayla’s hand and went to the hostess stand. “I’m with Dr. Youngblood. He had reservations.”
“Certainly. He’s already seated. This way.”
They followed the pretty young hostess to a small table near the back of the restaurant. Richard rose when they neared.
“Hi.” He pulled out Naomi’s chair, then helped Kayla settle Teddy in a waiting booster seat, then held the chair for her. “You and Teddy look extra special tonight.”
Kayla beamed. “Mama helped with my hair, but I did the rest.”
“You both did a good job.” He retook his seat. “I was going to give you a few more minutes, then go out and let you have my space. Parking is worse than usual.”
“We managed,” she said, feeling nervous and off.
Richard picked up his menu. “I already know what I want. How about you, Kayla?”
She opened her mouth, then sat back in her chair. Instantly concerned, Richard and Naomi both asked in unison, “What is it?”
“I got ketchup on my top the last time we were here and I had french fries with my hamburger.” Her lower lip trembled. “I want to ask you something and I want to look nice.”
A lump lodged in Naomi’s throat. Tears crested in her eyes as Richard rose and crouched by Kayla’s chair.
“Pumpkin, you’ll always look nice to me. I spill things on my clothes, too. But if you had ketchup on your head and mustard dripping from your chin, it wouldn’t change how much I care about you, always remember that. Now give me a hug and ask me whatever you want.”
Kayla threw her arms around him and just held on for a long moment before straightening. She glanced at her mother, who nodded, then looked at Richard. “My class has show-and-tell next week. It can be a relative or an important person in your life. I wanted to ask you if you’d come.”
Richard fought the lump in his throat to get the words out. “I’d be honored.”
Kayla’s eyes widened with happiness. She threw her arms around him again. “I know you’re busy like Mama said, but I thought you could come during your lunchtime. It’s Monday morning at eleven. Right before my class has lunch. Mama wouldn’t mind packing you a lunch, would you, Mama?”
Naomi sniffed. “No, I wouldn’t.”
“Would it be all right if I ate lunch with you and your class?” he asked. He remembered that the times his parents had eaten lunch with him in elementary school were pretty amazing.
Her eyes rounded to the size of saucers. “No one has ever eaten lunch with me before.”
“Then I’d be honored to be the first,” Richard said.
“Wow!” Almost jumping in her seat, she turned to Teddy. “You hear that, Teddy? Dr. Richard is going to eat lunch with me and everything.”
Chuckling, Richard took his seat. He glanced over at Naomi, who mouthed
thank you.
For some reason, it annoyed him. Did she honestly think he’d say no? “Kayla, ready for that hamburger with mustard and french fries with ketchup?”
“Yes, sir,” Kayla said.
Richard signaled the waitress. He knew it was rude not to ask Naomi if she had decided, but at the moment he wasn’t too thrilled with her. “We’re ready to order. This pretty young lady and I will have the Kobe burger medium-well with mustard on the side, and lots of french fries. She’ll have orange soda. I’ll have Pepsi.” He closed the menu.
The waitress’s attention shifted to Naomi. “And you, ma’am?”
“House salad with vinaigrette.”
“But Mama, you always get the hamburger, too,” Kayla said.
Naomi’s smile felt stiff on her face. “I’m not very hungry.” She handed her menu to the waitress.
“Now, Kayla, tell me more about the show-and-tell.” Richard said, shifting his attention to Kayla. He would not be moved by the wounded look on Naomi’s face. It was about time she learned to trust him. If she didn’t, there was nothing to build on and he was wasting his time.
* * *
Naomi had never felt so conflicted or unsure of herself in her life the next day at work. She was in a pensive mood and couldn’t shake it. She should be happy instead of moping. Her daughter was ecstatic. Sierra had called that morning excited about a house that had just come on the market. She wanted them to see it early Saturday morning before anyone else snapped it up. Naomi’s evaluation scores earlier with the principal were the highest possible, and she had been recommended for her contract to be renewed.
Her life was moving forward, so why did she want to put her head down on her desk and bawl?
Even her students noticed she wasn’t her usual self. They worked quietly in their groups, didn’t jump to get in line for lunch, and marched like little soldiers to the cafeteria … which just reminded her that Richard was coming to lunch with Kayla next Monday, and she wasn’t invited.
She’d already called Fallon, Catherine, and Mrs. Grayson and asked if they might drop by school to eat lunch with Kayla before school was out for the summer. She wasn’t going to beat herself over the head for not thinking of it before. She’d done enough of that. Kayla didn’t have grandparents who cared, but she had friends who did.
With that thought in mind, Naomi checked her watch. Ten minutes before the dismissal bell. Shutting off her alarm clock, she left her classroom. Just outside the double-door entrance to the classrooms, people waited to pick up the students. She saw the abusive husband. He was laughing and talking to other parents as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Her ex had been well liked and gregarious. Their smiles hid the ugliness beneath.
Naomi continued outside, hoping to see his wife. She had thought badly of the women in the office for not helping, but had realized that she had done nothing as well. She planned to correct that oversight.
A friendly smile on her face, Naomi went down the row of cars already parked in front of the school. It wasn’t unusual for a teacher to come out to search for a parent they’d been unable to contact, so she was sure her actions wouldn’t arouse the husband’s suspicions.
She was almost at the end of the cars when she spotted the woman in a late-model Cadillac, her head bowed, the window partially rolled up although it was a hot, humid day. Naomi remembered her shame and having no one to talk with or help her … until she’d reached Santa Fe.