Kindergarten Baby: A Novel (16 page)

“How much do you think you will need?”

“Well, it
is
Bart’s Island, and you know the price of a small villa, so I’d say around six or seven thousand. Thank God all my expenses are paid by the publisher. It’s just the timing of this trip that’s causing a temporary problem. Try not to worry, Linds. I’ll think of something.” He smiled apologetically. “Now tell me more about little kid writing. It is fascinating how you get them to write at such a young age.”

Lindsey was a natural planner and problem solver. Using those talents, she began thinking about solutions to Emmett’s dilemma. They decided to skip dessert, but they each had a warmed snifter of Grand Marnier. They took their time, sipped their drinks, and anyone glancing their way would have sworn they were in love. Justin brought the check as their glasses emptied, and Emmett excused himself, heading for the men’s room.

“Hey, Justin, ol’ buddy,” called Emmett when he was a good distance from the table. “This is so embarrassing, and such a cliché. I either lost my wallet or left it at home. At any rate, I need your help. Can you cover tonight’s bill for me? I’ll bring cash by for you tomorrow.”

“Well, uh,” Justin stammered in disbelief. This was a first. “I suppose I could but I don’t work tomorrow. In fact, I am taking three days off. Can you bring the money by next Tuesday?”

“You got it. Thanks, man. I owe you one. A big one! And here’s our address and phone number just to make you feel better about this whole thing.” Justin didn’t feel better. Emmett on the other hand, felt great.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

She had been warned. Laura was trying her best to hide a mischievous smile, and it was driving Lindsey crazy.

“Where are you taking me?” she asked. They were headed west on Speedway Boulevard, past The-10, top down, hair blowing wildly in the wind.

“You’ll see,” was all her friend would say. “It’s your birthday. I’m allowed to surprise you.”

They kept heading west as the road narrowed and became steep, meandering through what resembled a forest, except the leafless trees were massive saguaro cactus. To see one or two was a great sight; to see an entire hillside filled with saguaros was out of this world. Especially in this February, late afternoon light.

“We’re going to Old Tucson, aren’t we?” guessed Lindsey. It had been a long time since she’d been there, and she’d never gone without the task of keeping twenty-five kinder kids safe and accounted for. This would be fun.

Laura was cryptic. “You’ll see.”

Lindsey sat back and enjoyed the drive, making a conscious effort to keep memories of past birthdays with Anthony from slipping into her thoughts. Laura turned north at the next crossroad, and Lindsey frowned.

“I guess my prediction was wrong. We’re not going to Old Tucson, are we? The only other place out here is the Sonora Desert Museum. That’s it, isn’t it?”

A sideways grin from Laura. “You’ll see.”

Feeling rather smug, Lindsey settled back, certain she’d figured out her friend’s surprise. Her confidence faded as Laura drove the little blue Miata right past the entrance to the museum.

“But now we’re heading to…‌to the middle of nowhere,” Lindsey cried, perplexed.

Laura threw up her hands. “Damn! You guessed it! My big surprise is no longer a mystery. Yes, I am taking you to the middle of nowhere for your birthday. A real get-away-from-it-all experience.”

Lindsey was a little baffled, and she tried not to let her disappointment show. “Well, that’s a surprise all right.”

They veered down a dusty dirt road‌—‌a road that could have been better navigated in a high clearance vehicle‌—‌and Laura did the best she could in her little sports car by jogging around the deepest ruts and largest rocks, giggling and shouting, “Hold on!” Eventually she pulled over by an abandoned, rundown picnic area and turned off the engine.

“Here we are,” she declared. From the tiny trunk of her car she produced a bottle of pinot noir, some red and green grapes, a container of spreadable Gourmandise with walnut cheese, a pre-sliced baguette, and a blanket to sit on. Then she handed Lindsey a small boom box and said, “Let’s go!”

They walked up a primitive path to higher ground, spread the blanket, opened the wine, and sat down to enjoy the approaching sunset. Lindsey surveyed the picturesque scene, thankful it wasn’t rattlesnake season. All rattlers should still be tucked snugly away for the winter. That’s what she told her students, anyway. As much as she loved nature and the outdoors, this place was a little wild and wooly for her tastes. It was also, curiously, not typical of a celebration masterminded by her dear friend. Regardless, she was determined to enjoy it.

The Tucson sky transformed into a breathtaking light show. Even the clouds added to the splendor by letting strands of blue, pink, tangerine, and purple pierce through. Good wine with a good friend…‌a relaxing birthday for a change, thought Lindsey, trying hard to convince herself that this first birthday without Anthony would be okay.

Laura reached over and pressed Play on the boom box, then grinned at Lindsey as the music started.

“You say it’s your birthday! It’s my birthday too, yeah
,” bellowed the Beatles.

“Dance with me!” Laura cried, and Lindsey’s eyes lit up.

The women jumped to their feet, singing along with the CD, dancing like kids. As the song played again, a male voice came from the south side of the small hill, adding to the sing-a-long. Laura glanced at Lindsey and nearly laughed out loud at the confusion in her friend’s eyes‌—‌a confusion that only increased when more singing from another voice‌—‌approached from the north.

A bulky shape bounded through the dusky evening light, all legs and wagging tail, and Lindsey shrieked with joy. “Wendell!” She hugged the dog, then leaned back and looked in his big eyes. “What are you doing here?”

Laura tugged her back to her feet. “Lindsey, I’d like you to officially meet the new love of my life!” she bragged, grinning madly. She held out a hand for the man on her right, and he stepped out of the shadows.

“Jake?” Lindsey asked. She frowned with disbelief.

“Lindsey?” he stammered, sounding equally baffled.

Laura put her hands on her hips and glanced between the two of them, looking just as lost as Lindsey felt. “You guys know each other?” she asked.

“Yes,” they both said, and then gave Laura their best
what the hell is going on?
look.

“What? Why are you so shocked, Lindsey? I’ve been talking about my bartender friend at the Coyote Café for weeks.”

Lindsey turned to Jake. “You work at the Coyote Café?”

“Well, yes, now and then.” He appeared as shocked as Lindsey. “I can always use a few extra bucks to help out with college expenses and things. Hey, I knew I was attending a very cleverly planned birthday party for one of Laura’s best friends,” he said, glaring at Laura, “but I had no idea that friend was you, Lindsey. And that’s the truth.”

Turning back toward Laura, he mouthed,
Love of your life?

“But you…‌you deliver Chinese food. That’s your job,” Lindsey said, trying to regroup.

“Hold on, everybody. Let me get this straight. He’s your Chinese food guy?” Lindsey nodded, still frowning. “Well, that explains why Wendell is here, anyway. The dog is one guest even I wasn’t expecting. I just wanted you to meet my new boyfriend, and when he offered to supply dinner, it seemed like a good idea and—”

“You never told me his name was Jake,” Lindsey said.

Laura put her hands on her hips. “Well, I tried to, but you were hurrying off to get ready for your dinner date with Emmett.” She blinked through the confusion. The awkward silence was broken by the forgotten voice coming from the north. “You both know me, right?”

“Emmett!”

He chuckled. “And only one of you is claiming to have a relationship with me?”

A low, growling sound rumbled from Wendell’s throat.

“Cool it, dog,” snapped Emmett.

Jake and Emmett exchanged inquiring, territorial glances, like two more dogs.

“Just how do you fit into this picture?” Jake asked Emmett.

“Oh, Jake, this is Emmett, who I met at the Grand Canyon. I guess I haven’t had the chance to tell you about him. We’ve both been so busy since the holidays‌—‌well, especially you, with
two
jobs and all, besides going to college and dog sitting, and bird sitting—” She froze. “Oh my gosh,” she whispered, hand over her mouth. “Malcolm. I completely forgot about Malcolm. I am so sorry! You’re still bird sitting for me? Why didn’t you call?”

Jake’s expression held more than a hint of annoyance. “Why didn’t
you
call? Oh wait. Stupid question. Now that you have a boyfriend, you can suddenly forget about the others you used to care about, whether they were humans, canines, or birds,” he replied hotly.

The air grew thick with tension, and Lindsey stared at Laura. Laura looked panicked and confused. Jake glanced nervously between the ladies, and Wendell continued to growl at Emmett.

The night sky was almost black now. The curve of the full moon silently edging over the surrounding hilltops would soon shed some light.

Emmett walked away from the confusion and lit a fire he’d obviously set up earlier, while the others gazed uncomfortably at each other, not knowing what to do next.

“It’s Lindsey’s birthday,” he said, “and no matter what else is or isn’t going on here, her birthday is the most important thing right now. Laura, you’ve planned a unique experience for your friend, and I suggest we let it continue. We have music, presents, bags of food‌—‌Chinese, I presume, Jake?—an interesting location, a fine full moon, a friendly fire…‌And hey folks, I didn’t lug all these bottles of wine up this hill for nothing. So let’s party! What do you say?”

With the help of a little Wild Horse Merlot, they made it through the evening for Lindsey’s sake, though conversations were now being restricted to safe topics like the weather and the southwest desert. Everyone knew there would be more questions and‌—‌hopefully‌—‌explanations forthcoming in the next few days.

***

Shawna’s use of the silent treatment was almost more than Anthony could bear. The air was so thick with stress and strain, he found it difficult to breathe. Something had to give. Something had to change. Today the disturbing silence was abruptly broken when a vase crashed to the floor, shattering into countless pieces.

“I’ve given you everything you said you wanted. I’ve done everything little Miss Goody-Goody never would,” Shawna shouted.

“True, but I want
love
,” insisted Anthony.

“You think I don’t? Do you really think I don’t?”

“That’s exactly what I think. All you wanted was a boy-toy,” Anthony said. “Well, I can’t play that role if that’s my only role. I need more. I need a real relationship that includes love, companionship, friendship, and, yes, the great physical pleasure you give me.

Her eyes were angry slits. “When did you become Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes?” she hissed. “You never seemed to mind my lifestyle until recently. In fact, you craved it!”

“Shawna,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s too weird. You won’t go anywhere with me unless it’s at night. You won’t make love‌—‌let me rephrase that‌—‌you won’t have kinky sex with me unless we are in a dark place and you completely run the show. The only place I really get to see your body is at The Office, and even there, parts of you are covered up and the lighting is as dim as it is here at home. What’s with you?”

“I had a strange childhood, okay?” She crossed her arms and glared at Anthony, saying no more. She reminded him of a stubborn, pouting child.

“That’s it? That’s all you are going to say?”

He was not about to let it go, but the only thing she’d say in response to his badgering was, “Shut up, you bastard!”

Wendell looked first to Anthony then to Shawna, his tail low. The shouting got louder and angrier until Shawna exploded, slamming Anthony’s jaw with a powerful left hook. He stood back a moment, in shock not only from the physical contact, but also by the fact that a girl could throw such a punch. He was still dazed when, seconds later, Wendell lunged at Shawna. She backhanded the dog, who yelped in pain, then stood his ground between the two angry people, growling at Shawna.

“Get the fuck out of my way, dog!” she shouted, moving toward Wendell.

Anthony felt a twinge of concern for the dog’s safety. He held out a hand. “Wendell, come on boy. Let’s go!”

Anthony ushered him quickly outside, away from this volatile situation, and Wendell seemed more than happy to go. Shawna followed, as enraged as ever, and when Anthony saw her in pursuit of him, he jumped in his car and took off. He wasn’t thinking about anything but escape as he screeched away. Deafened by emotion, he didn’t hear the “thud” against his car.

***

Jake cursed, wishing he were anywhere but here. But she’d called, and she’d sounded desperate. When he burst through the door, Shawna stood in her fur coat, sharply pointed heels, and powder blue chiffon scarf, her eyes hidden behind large, dark sunglasses. She looked like a redheaded Jackie O gone wild.

“What took you so long?” she demanded, her voice uncharacteristically low.

“Hey, back off. I did the best I could. Besides, half the time you call me it’s for no reason whatsoever. This time, you called me while I was in class. You should have given me a bit more information, you know. You left out a key component: location. I went to three other 24-hour clinics before I found this one. So how did it happen?”

She flapped her hands, trying to quiet him. “Look, Jake. The details don’t matter. What matters is that I need to hire you to do a few more things for me. Here’s the deal. I don’t care if he lives or dies, but I can’t let Anthony know that I screwed up. Oh, he’s definitely earned a portion of the villain status this time, but he’s already upset with me. This inconvenience could be the end of us. You know, that straw and the camel thing? And I need him in my life. He
must
stay with me. If the truth were ever discovered‌—‌which it never will be, Jake,
never
will be‌—‌he’ll know this accident was kind of my fault.”