From the Heart: Romance, Mystery and Suspense a collection for everyone (14 page)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Gina and her husband, Fred, lived on the edge of Hoquiam, in a beautiful newer area of large homes, manicured lawns and flower-filled gardens. Even though the homes’ styles varied throughout this concrete community, the tan color scheme gave a sense of sameness while driving through it; people either loved or hated it. Gina stood in the middle of the driveway, arms crossed as if ready to take on the devil himself. Her husband traipsed out of the house and waved his large hand, as Emily parked on the street in front of the house. Fred, only a few inches taller than Gina, stood behind his wife—a solid, balding man who could stand to shed a few pounds. He was a good, honest and quiet man; a glazier who never had a bad word to say about anyone. Emily liked him.

She glanced at Katy, sound asleep.

“Well, you look like crap.” Gina met her halfway down the driveway.

Emily swiped away another of the endless tears that had become a constant flow these last few days. Maybe it was relief or all the anxiety she’d held onto for so long; she snorted. “You have a way with words.”

Fred lingered a few steps behind Gina. “Hey, Emily.” When he smiled, you knew it was genuine.

“Hi Fred, thanks again for your help. I’m so sorry to be imposing on you guys.” Mac climbed out of the truck, the engine idled. “Where should I park?”

Fred walked around Emily. “Back in the driveway, there’s a side door to the basement; we’ll shove everything in there.”

Mac nodded and backed the truck in. Fred yanked open the front door and shouted. “Lance, Rick, get out here and give us a hand unloading Emily’s stuff.”

Two gangly teens, with light brown hair that was a little too long, shuffled out of the house.

Moving out of the men’s way, Emily stepped onto the neatly manicured grass with Gina. “I really appreciate you and Fred letting us stay here, but I promise you, I’ll find us a place quickly, and we’ll be out of here in no time. And we won’t get underfoot. Katy’s really good, you know that.”

“I know, I know, would you stop worrying? We’ll help you get a place. I’ve already made up the guest room for you and Katy.” Katy whimpered from her car seat. Gina unbuckled her and carried her into the house “Go grab yourself a coffee, Emily. I just made a fresh pot.”

Emily wandered alone into Gina’s large dream kitchen; something like what you’d see plastered on the front of those renovation magazines. She listened to Gina ramble on to Katy, showing her the dusty toys she pulled out of the basement for her to play with. Katy was quiet and silent when Gina wandered back into the kitchen with her.

“So what did Bob say, when you told him you were leaving the ranch?”

“Well, brace yourself. He said he knew I couldn’t make it on my own. And a few things had to change before he’d allow me to come back.”

Gina’s mouth dropped. “What?”

“I burst his fantasy bubble really quick. I was in no mood to put up with his bullshit. So I told him I was filing for divorce. He didn’t say anything
, except for me to let him know our new address and phone number. I gave yours and he said nothing. He hung up.”

“I cannot believe you were married to that man for all those years. Jesus, Emily, was he always this much of an asshole?”

Emily flinched, wondering at what point she’d allowed her values to compromise. Even with Brad, she had to wonder what the hell was tattooed on her forehead. There had to be a reason she constantly found herself yearning to be loved.

“Sorry, Emily, don’t answer that…”

“Gina, where does Emily want her suitcases?” Fred yelled from the back door.

Emily jumped.

“Sit down, I’ll take care of this. You relax, Em. Drink your coffee.”

Gina barked orders to Fred and the boys, taking Katy with her outside. Soon the truck started and pulled away. Emily didn’t move. She didn’t say thank-you, goodbye, or anything. She let Mac slip away as if burying the last part of Brad.

* * * *

The next few weeks left Emily dizzy. She found a small house close to town. Actually, Fred found the small older fixer-upper, belonging to one of his buddies. Fred recruited a few friends to move Emily and Katy. Bob had shown no concern over her plight. He picked Katy up every other weekend for his obligatory visit, but Emily wondered if that was only to hurt Emily
, because he showed no interest in Katy. But in the next breath, the man offered to take Katy on his “off” weekend to help her out. She was done trying to figure him out.

Emily was down on all fours digging in the front garden when Bob pulled up to the small two-bedroom bungalow. Katy was in the backseat of a shiny red brand new mustang. Emily dropped her trowel in the dirt, wiped her hands on her faded blue jeans. She strode toward Bob as he lifted Katy out of her car seat. Laughing, he lifted Katy high in the air as she giggled and squealed.

Katy snatched her blue blanket from her dad and raced to Emily, demanding to be lifted—an attitude she’d not seen before.

Bob zipped up his dark blue windbreaker and lingered for a minute in front of Emily. “You seem to have done pretty well for yourself, Emily.”

Emily firmed her lips and leaned around Bob. “Nice wheels. Are those gold-spoked? That must have set you back a lot of money.” He just shrugged.

“Well after all, I’m the one having to commute to pick up Katy. I need a decent vehicle.”

“A sports car, which I’m guessing is fully loaded. So is that where all the money you can’t pay full child support is going?” Katy grabbed Emily’s shirt by the collar and twisted. She kissed the top of her head, and plunked her on the ground.

He popped on his sunglasses so Emily couldn’t see his eyes. He shrugged and walked away.

“Katy, go and grab your wheelbarrow on the front step.” Katy toddled to the step, dropping her blanket and grabbed her green plastic wheelbarrow and started filling it with dirt.

“You know Bob, I let you off easy. You don’t even pay the minimum child support set by the state. I’ve asked nothing for me, and you go out and buy some fancy new sports car and try and bullshit me with this crap of being necessary transportation. Let me guess, you took out another car loan, financing this whole thing?” He didn’t stop, but picked up his pace
, pausing only to open the driver’s door. He swallowed hard, climbed in, and squealed his tires as he left.

“Asshole.” When Emily turned around, her elderly neighbor, Jim, waved from where he watered his flowerbed in front. Emily’s cheeks burned, she waved, ducked her head and hurried inside. “Great show, Emily.”

The phone rang just as Emily closed the door. Katy turned on the TV and dragged out her dolls. Emily grabbed the kitchen phone. “Hello.”

“I’m looking for Emily Nelson.”

“Speaking.” She didn’t recognize the male voice on the other end.

“This is Taylor at Banters Farm and Feed. You applied for a part time job in our gardening department?”

“Oh yes.” The day after she landed on Gina’s doorstep, Gina suggested she apply.

“Well if you’re interested, I have a part-time opening two days a week.”

She grabbed the back of an envelope and scribbled the details, part time and average pay enough to keep from blowing through Brad’s nest egg. With the tiny amount Bob paid each month, she’d have enough if she was careful. She’d need to find a sitter for Katy.

Two days later, Emily started her new job, a menial job, hands in the dirt, but was one she enjoyed
, which helped take her mind off Brad, instead of thinking of him a hundred times a day.

Emily set out a tray of starter plants, outside the front door.

“Whoo hoo, Emily.”

She stumbled and nearly dropped the tray. In disbelief, she watched Crystal climb out of a fancy, brand new Cadillac SUV. What was with all these new vehicles? The woman made a beeline right for her, wearing designer jeans and matching jean jacket, her bright red toenails sticking out the end of her open toe high-heeled shoes. Her lips were painted a bright red, not a blonde hair out of place. She tucked her Gucci purse under her arm and waved her fingers high in the air as if they were long lost kin.

Emily looked right and then left. Hide. But the woman cornered her as a cat did a mouse. “Oh Emily, how are you? It’s so good to see you.” She reached over and touched Emily’s arm.

Emily stepped back and bumped the rack of starter plants behind her. “I’m fine.” She tried to slip around Crystal. But the woman stepped forward
, boxing her in.

“Oh Emily, I’ve got to tell you, Brad and I are doing so good now. It was a little rocky at first, but just the other day he was telling me how glad he is I’m home.”

Emily’s throat became so dry she thought she’d choke. Crystal smiled brightly, all white gleaming teeth, one of the cover girl photos. “You know Brad had this wonderful idea of renewing our wedding vows. How romantic is that? He’s everything I ever wanted in a husband. He’s so attentive to my needs. Why, he just bought me this brand new Cadillac. He wanted to make sure I was safe and had something decent to drive. So, have you talked to Brad lately?”

What the hell? “Ah, no.” Emily jammed her hands in her apron pocket.

“Excuse me I really have to get back to work.”

Crystal stepped back enough that Emily could squeak past. “Oh yes, of course. I’m done here anyway. This store doesn’t really carry the quality, or variety, of perennials the more established stores do.” She tossed Emily a high quick wave, as if they’d been friends for years. With her Gucci tucked under her arm, she strode back to her fancy SUV.

“How’s Trevor?” Emily stepped closer to the curb.

Crystal’s hand froze on the door handle. Maybe two seconds passed before she faced Emily, the smile long gone. “Who?”

Emily crossed her bare arms over her blue T-shirt. Was it plausible that the name truly didn’t register? “Your son, Brad’s son, Trevor. How is he?”

“I know he’s my son. And he’s not your concern. He’s fine—better than fine
, now.” Crystal climbed in and slammed her door. She backed out in such a way, if someone was behind her, she’d have knocked them over. Emily blinked back tears, stung beyond belief at how Brad could be so fickle. To allow this woman into his life, his bed and lavish her with expensive gifts. How could he turn his son, who she believed was the most important thing in his life, over to her? She’d been played. So of course, she questioned all her choices, after all, how sound could her judgment be?

Chapter Thirty

It had been three weeks and two days since she’d last seen Brad—since she moved out of his house. This was Bob’s weekend with Katy, and for the first time since then, Emily was at a loss as to what to do. So she cleaned the house, top to bottom, and then wandered to the store to grab dinner and rent a movie.

Emily wandered the junk food aisle. Forget dinner
; she needed snacks, chips and dip to go with her movie. She stuffed not one but two bags of the extra salty ripple chips into her basket. She whipped around the corner. positive she had all she needed to assemble a tasty dip. Looking down in the basket instead of straight ahead, she was nearly knocked over. Emily stepped back and wondered to herself whether she’d gasped when she gazed into his soft brown eyes. Of course, her stomach started doing all kinds of acrobatic flips. So no, her desire for him hadn’t dimmed in the least. He looked fantastic in his snug Levis, buttoned-up plaid shirt, and faded jean jacket. He wore his black cowboy hat, the one she loved, and he practically lived in.

Trevor, her lost little boy, clung to his daddy’s hand, chomping on crackers from the open box in Brad’s other hand.

“Hi. How are you?” How pitiful was that? She couldn’t pretend he meant nothing. So she dropped her eyes as her cheeks heated; she was positive her face was blood red.

“I’m fine, Em, how are you?” She darted a shy glance at Brad and didn’t miss the sorrow that seemed to dim the light in his eyes. He seemed older, too. His handsome face seemed deeply marked with heavy lines and shadows. Even the gray dotting his hair seemed heavier.

Emily wanted to jump up and down. How could she be excited and devastated at the same time? “Brad, I… I…”

Brad stuffed the open box of crackers in the rack with the bottled water freeing his hand. He squeezed her shoulder and stepped closer. “Really, Em, I need to know how you are. Is everything okay?”

He didn’t look away. In fact, the way he watched her, she’d swear he really cared. “I’m fine.” Her voice trembled and she took a breath. “I have a job; I’m working at the gardening store at the edge of town.”

“That’s the one Taylor Banter owns, right?”

“Yah. He’s very nice man.”

“I’m glad to hear it. So how do you like working there?”

She glanced away and then back at Brad. “I like it. But then, I like plants and everything to do with dirt and growing things. I thought you knew I was there, after Crystal dropped in. Oh and congratulations; she told me you’re planning on renewing your wedding vows.” She tried to sound happy for him, she really did, but she ached so bad, the bitterness made her sound like a spiteful old hag. She never could play politics. “Sorry…” She forced a smile that strained her face and then gazed down at Trevor—a little boy she still thought of as hers. He wouldn’t look at her. Because he was out of crackers and the box was out of reach, he began his “whoop whoop” rocking back and forth. He was no better. Didn’t Brad see that? When she looked back up, Emily needed to step back by the wildness that appeared to seethe from every part of him.

“You saw Crystal. When?” His voice was a little loud; some shoppers turned their heads, stopped and gawked.

“A week ago, you didn’t know?”

“No. And where ever would you get the idea I’m renewing vows with Crystal?”

“So you’re not renewing your vows?”

He turned his head while he let go of a string of curses under his breath. An elderly lady turned her cart around and went the other way.

“I guess that was for my benefit.”

It was natural to touch his arm. “Do you have time for coffee?” She put herself out there, hoping he wouldn’t turn her down.

“Sure, there’s a coffee house next door.”

“Let me pay for this, and we’ll go.” Emily lifted her basket of snacks, and then waved at his open box of crackers. “Are you going to pay for that?”

“Ah yes, thanks for reminding me.” He reached for the box and followed Emily to the checkout. He sat his box in with her groceries and paid for everything. She tried to refuse, but he wouldn’t listen, as he handed cash to the cashier.

The overweight, dark
-haired cashier looked at Emily and then Brad. “I think I’d listen to him, he’s bigger than you are. And listen honey, if a man wants to pay for your groceries, let him. I wish one would pay for mine.”

An older guy, all gray and hunched, standing in line behind Brad, also piped in. “She’s right, just let him pay.”

Emily closed her mouth, frowned, and glanced at Brad, who appeared to beam from the backup. Emily lifted her bag of groceries and marched out the door, Brad and Trevor right behind her.

Next door was a small coffee shop. Brad held the door for Emily. She grabbed a booth and placed her grocery bag on the floor. Brad scooted in with Trevor across from Emily. The only other customers in this eight-table coffee shop were an elderly couple chatting at a small round table across the room.

A middle-aged waitress appeared with two menus and a coloring book and crayons for Trevor.

“What can I get you?”

“You want coffee, Em?”

“Sure.”

“Two coffees, one cream, and sugar, black for Emily and an apple juice for my boy.”

The waitress had a brilliant white teeth smile. She used her finger to flick back her dark bangs, which were a little on the long side. “Do you need a few minutes to look over the menu?”

“No, nothing to eat for me. Em?”

Emily handed her menu back to the waitress. “Just coffee, thanks.”

The lady frowned but took both menus and scooted away.

Brad reached in his grocery bag and pulled out a handful of crackers for Trevor, and piled them on a paper napkin. Trevor saw only the crackers, and one by one shoved them in his mouth and chewed, as he lined up the sugar bowl, individual creamers, and then stacked them one by one, over and over.

Emily slid the coloring book and crayons in front of her, before Trevor decided to eat the crayons.

Brad leaned on the table. “Em, Crystal and I have not reconciled, we’re not renewing our vows. I don’t know why she would have told you that. Actually, that’s not true. I do know why.” His eyes suddenly fixed with a sadness resembling hers.

Her stomach twisted up in knots; she hoped he ached too. She reached across the table and touched his hand. Her hand trembled and she yanked it back.

“You know, I made a mistake and I kick myself every day. I should have settled things with her when she left but instead, I did nothing. And you know what it got me? Her word against mine
, and frankly right now, she has me by the balls.” Brad leaned back and tapped his hand on the table. The waitress arrived with their coffee and Trevor’s juice.

“Thank you.”

She only nodded as she walked away.

Brad ripped off the paper surrounding the straw and dunked it in Trevor’s apple juice.

Emily studied the man. What was he talking about?

His face flushed. “Sorry, Em, I didn’t mean to be so graphic.” He waved his hand for her to forget it and slurped his coffee. “You don’t need this crap; you have your own struggles. I feel pretty low about how you got dragged into the middle of this shit, her shit, and how she treated you and Katy.”

Her ears were ringing and the room didn’t quite look right. She sucked in a deep breath, and then another. She opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn’t think of anything to say. So she closed her mouth. He then reached for her hand as something similar to worry transformed those hard brown eyes.

Emily snatched her hand back. “Brad, you need to stop. I don’t understand. What the hell are you talking about? How does she have you by the balls? What’s going on? No more games, I swear to God, I feel as if you two crammed me into a shooting gallery at a carnival and I’m the target.”

Gobs of blue dripped out of Trevor’s mouth. He’d found a crayon and was chewing the paper off now along with bits of the crayon. Emily reached across the table. “Trevor, no, spit it out.”

Brad jammed his fingers in Trevor’s mouth and pulled out what was left of the blue crayon, and then used a napkin to wipe his face. Emily made sure, this time, she’d confiscated all the crayons. Trevor whined and reached for the crayons, which of course, he wanted back. “Brad, more crackers.” Emily wiped the bits of crayon and spit off the table, and Brad dumped a pile of crackers in front of Trevor. “Here give me that.” Emily took the soiled napkins and dumped them in the garbage by the door.

She felt grounded when she slid back in her seat. Trevor ate his crackers and swung his legs knocking the bottom of the booth, thud, thud. They’d better hurry. His crackers were almost gone.

Brad tapped his hand on the back of the booth. His face colored. “I never should have let her back in. That was my mistake
, and since I never filed for legal separation or abandonment of Trevor—full custody...” He threw his hands in the air and leaned back. “Let’s just say, she’s one smart B…” He almost said it but caught himself before the vulgar word slipped.

He glanced over at the waitress
, who raised her eyebrows from where she lingered behind the cappuccino machine. “She’d seen a lawyer, and had a plan in place before she ever walked back into my house. She knew exactly what to say and do. I screwed up. And I can’t force her to leave. I’m the one that has to leave if I want a separation. And I can’t take Trevor. She said I threatened and abused her and threw her out after Trevor was born. And that she suffered from depression, didn’t know her rights. And now she’s back because of Trevor having autism, she’s threatened to take him, because this therapy is abusive. She believes because he was born this way, he is to live this way. He needs to be respected for who he is. She’s even gone so far to put him on a waiting list for an institution in California, specializing in autistic children. She’s using Trevor; for what reason, I don’t know yet. But I can’t, no I won’t let her do that to my little boy.” His eyes filled with tears as he placed his hand protectively on top of Trevor’s head.

Emily wanted to leap up, race out to the ranch and give the woman a tongue lashing. “What do you mean she’s threatened to take Trevor? She can’t handle him. An institution, what the hell … she can’t do that!” Emily slammed both hands on the table.

Brad grabbed her arms, jerked her forward. The man and woman across the room watched and whispered behind their hands. “Calm down, Em. I won’t let her get away with it.”

Emily lowered her voice, shooting a meaningful glance at Trevor. “I’m sorry, Brad but what the hell does she think she’s doing? She hasn’t spent any time with him. She avoids him. Her body language alone screams out how uncomfortable she is around him. She doesn’t know him, she can’t stand to be in the same room with him and he picks up on that.”

“She can’t fake motherly concern. He won’t respond to her. She freaks him out. I don’t understand why anyone would stoop that low. She’s his mother; doesn’t she want what’s best for him?” Emily couldn’t hold back the venom, she tried, she really did. She’d always tried to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, hadn’t she? But this was too much. Trevor wasn’t hers. But she wanted him to be.

“Em, you’re right, but I need to think of Trevor. I already got raked over the coals by my lawyer. I need to listen to him. Follow what he says to win this and get her out of my life.”

Understanding what really happened didn’t make the hurt any less. How long had the woman planned to drive a wedge between her and Brad? It was odd if you thought about it. Her timing in coming home, just when her and Brad had developed a closeness. They’d almost consummated their relationship. She winced, as her mind dreamed up “what ifs” and “what might have been”. “Brad, I’m so sorry, I should have known better. Please, if there’s anything I can do?”

Brad clammed up and looked away. He reached for his wallet, threw a ten on the table.

“Are you finished?”

“Yes.” Emily snatched her groceries and slid out. Brad followed with Trevor. The sun dipped lower, but was still nice and warm. Emily stopped and faced Brad. “Thanks for the coffee and for buying my groceries.” She didn’t want to walk away. She hated these awkward moments, and smiled one of those tense awkward smiles. Emily squatted in front of Trevor. “Bye, Trevor.” He stared at the ground. He made no notice of her. Did he know she was even there? “He’s regressed.” Emily stood and didn’t miss the way Brad flinched. “You know Brad; I’ve stayed silent about a lot of things. But Trevor deserves better than to be victimized because of a greedy, selfish mother. Look at him.”

Brad flushed and touched the top of Trevor’s head. “I know, Em, but I promise you, I’ll start his therapy again. I know you’re right. She’s fighting me right now.”

“She’s wrong, Brad.” Tears misted, blurring Brad. “To not help any child, to deny them therapy is cruel. Would you deny a child with cancer, his treatment?”

“That’s not the same, Em. A child with cancer is fighting for their life.”

She wanted to hit him. “What kind of life will Trevor have if he can’t function?” Brad squeezed her shoulder. His eyes turned kinder.

“Hey, hey, Em, I know what you’re saying. And I love your passion. You
showed
me, remember? And you did everything you could to help Trevor. And I promise you I’ll win. Remember your words, ‘don’t give up’.”