The Leo-Aquarius Connection

by Janet Lane-Walters

  No matter, he remained a Winstone. There were traditions to follow, ones he wanted to reject. Did he have the guts? He’d escaped the pushing of his mother during his years at medical school and residency until…The pushing for his marriage to a proper wife who brought money and came from the right lineage had begun after he met Suzanna. He’d fallen hard for her and blown that relationship.

  The car grew cold. Caleb opened the door. He couldn’t dawdle any longer. He strode up the walk and entered the house using his key. The scent of roses wafted toward him. The vase of deep red ones sat on the marble top of the foyer table.

  A drink, a quick meal in the kitchen, a long bath and a collapse into bed to sleep until morning were his goals. He paused in the wide doorway of the living room. Two conversation centers, one before the massive fireplace and the other near the French doors set the scene. When he saw the bucket of ice on the bar where several bottles of champagne cooled, he knew his idea of a quick escape wasn’t happening. He dropped two ice cubes in a glass and added bourbon. He sipped and felt waves of exhaustion wash through him.

  His mother bustled into the room. Her short gray hair was carefully arranged in soft curls. She smiled but the expression failed to reach her eyes. “Caleb, so good of you to arrive in time for the dinner I’ve arranged for a special occasion.”

  What was special about his homecoming? He groaned. “A rain check, please.”

  She shook her head. “Impossible. Where have you been? I expected you this morning.”

  “I stopped at the hospital to check in and then went to the office to set up my space there and learn about the practice.”

  She grasped his arm. “You need to shower, shave and change your clothes. A suit and tie would be appropriate. We’re celebrating a coming event this evening.”

  A bubble of resentment rose. He should refuse and complete his plans to hit the bed. “I won’t be good company.”

  “You’ll do what is right.”

  Anger simmered. Could he spend the evening with guests and not explode? He trudged up the wide staircase to the landing where it divided into two flights. He climbed the right pair to the hall and entered his bedroom. Nothing had changed. Why would it? He’d seldom come home for the past eight years. The same pictures hung on the walls. If the brown drapes and bedspread were new, he couldn’t tell. At least his swimming trophies and medals remained above the fireplace in the small sitting room.

  He opened the huge closet and saw someone had hung the clothes he’d shipped home. After selecting a suit, he strode into the bathroom. He cast a longing look at the huge tub, stripped and turned on the shower.

  While he stood beneath the spray and washed, he made a decision. On Saturday, he would hunt for an apartment. This living in a prison when he had freed himself baffled him. He wanted to live as he wanted. For years, he’d believed he wasn’t part of the family. Coming home had cemented the idea.

  Caleb dried off and shaved. Another decision hovered. If the chance to spend time with Suzanna occurred, he would convince her he’d been wrong to ask her to give up her career. He’d been wrong to dislike her independence. He wanted her in his life. Now all he had to do was get through dinner.

  He’d just tied his tie and reached for a jacket when he heard a knock on his door. “Come in.”

  His mother stepped inside and studied him intently. “The Bishops and Regina are our guests. Since you’re home, the time has come to ask her to marry.”

  Anger rumbled. “Mother put the idea of Regina Bishop as my wife aside.”

  “Your father and I feel she is a suitable match.”

  His hands clenched. “I have no desire for marrying and Regina would be my last choice. She was Warren’s girl in high school. Never mine.”

  “She has money and will be an asset to the family. There are no other suitable women in town. She’ll bring much to the family. After all, her father practically owns Eastlake.”

  Caleb stepped toward her. “Mother give it up. There’s no way your plan will work.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Will you marry that unsuitable woman you were seeing before you left for London? You were seen with her.”

  A bitter laugh escaped. “She wouldn’t have me.” He drew a deep breath. “I’ve heard Regina is an alcoholic. Do you really want one in the family?”

  “No, no, no.” She stepped back. “Whoever said that lied. Her problem has been cured. She’s been home from the health spa for weeks. Your neglect of her is what caused her to drink.”

  “I never neglected her. I never dated her.” Caleb pulled on his jacket. One would think the family lived in Victorian times. Was that when the custom began? Did his mother know about his father’s mistress? Did she care as long as appearances where kept?

  He followed his mother downstairs. His father, brother and sister-in-law had gathered in the living room. All held drinks.

  Nancy spoke first. “Caleb, good to see you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “How was London?” his father asked. ‘Why didn’t you visit Earl Long?”

  “I was too busy with the seminar.”

  His brother winked. “Meet any interesting women?”

  Warren Junior and his father were a physical match. Tall, muscular men who enjoyed good liquor, food, beautiful women and making money.

  “Afraid not. Got out to a pub a time or two. Wasn’t much time for fun.” He paused and listened to the classical piano music in the background. He couldn’t tell them his ego had been battered by Suzanna’s angry words.

  The doorbell pealed. Caleb heard the tap of the maid’s shoes on the stone foyer floor. Moments later, the Bishops entered. His father poured drinks for them.

  “Just a small glass of wine for me.” Regina glanced at her father. “I’m drinking in moderation these days.” She claimed a seat of the sofa near Caleb. “I’ve missed you so much. Why didn’t you come home more?”

  The other people in the room gathered around the bar. Caleb’s jaw clenched. How could she have missed him? She had been his brother’s shadow. “Being a doctor is demanding. Illness doesn’t wait while you go on vacation or take time to play.” He knew he sounded pompous, but he didn’t care. He had no desire to follow his mother’s plans for his life.

  Cecelia, the maid, carried plates and a tray of appetizers. He took a plate and loaded on small treats. He was starved. Lunch had been hours ago.

  Regina inched toward him. He slid away. If she continued, he would end on the floor.

  “Don’t run away,” she whispered. “I’m on board with your mother’s and my father’s plans.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Why? I need a man in my life.” Her husky voice held a promise he didn’t want.

  “That won’t happen. I don’t play games.”

  “No game. You’re the only man in town suitable for me to marry. Remember, I always get what I want.”

  “Not this time.” He caught a whiff of her breath and noticed something stronger than the wine she sipped. When his mother rose, he bolted to his feet. He prayed the evening would end soon. Could he endure dinner without making a scene?

  During the soup, followed by salad and the entree of thick slices of roast beef and trimmings, he fought exhaustion and Regina’s touches. He ate with mechanical movements. How long could he endure?

  Conversation eddied around him. Regina’s hand often strayed to stroke his thigh. He had no reaction other than rising anger.

  He tensed. Get lost. The urge to push her away came closer to fulfillment but he couldn’t make a scene. Scenes had never been tolerated in this house. When the dishes were cleared, he breathed a sigh of relief.

  Regina leaned toward him. Her lips brushed his ear, “Come out with me this evening. I know a place where there’s a cool jazz group and a nice dance floor.”

  “Not happening. I’ve been up for twenty-four hours. I’m heading to bed.” He pushed his dessert away.

  “I know where there’s a king sized bed and a willing
woman,” Regina whispered.

  Caleb pushed his chair back. How much had she drunk before she arrived? He rose. “Mother, Father, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop, if you will excise me, I’ve been awake and on my feet for too long. I’m beat.”

  His mother scowled. “Don’t you have an announcement to make?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing that I’m aware of.”

  His father shook his head. “What?”

  “Not happening today.” He strode from the room. Or tomorrow or any other day. To say that would spark a confrontation he wasn’t ready for.

  Regina scurried after him. “Don’t run away. We were supposed to announce our engagement this evening.”

  He paused at the food of the stairs. “I haven’t agreed to anything. I have no intention of marrying you or any woman. Get lost and leave me alone.” He strode upstairs. Tomorrow, he had to inform his parents there would be no marriage to any woman he didn’t choose.

  Finding an apartment had risen to the top of his to-do list.

  Chapter 2

  Suzanna sipped the last of the coffee and checked the kitchen to make sure she’d missed nothing. She pulled on her jacket and grasped her shoulder bag and left. On her way to the SUV, she left the keys with the super.

  A half hour later, after a frustrating crawl through heavy traffic, she reached the nursing home. She spotted the ambulance and hurried inside. Jon lay on the stretcher near the nurse’ station. His suitcase sat on the foot of the gurney. Though he didn’t smile, she saw a hint of eagerness along with worry in his green eyes.

  “All set?” she asked.

  He nodded. “I wouldn’t let them take me until you arrived. You were late.”

  “Traffic was horrible.” She ruffled his dark hair. “The next time we see each other will be at Eastlake Rehabilitation Center. My friend Cate is in charge and is waiting for you.”

  “I won’t let anyone touch me until you’re there.”

  She tapped his nose with her finger. “You’ll be fine. I should arrive first but if not, just do what Cate tells you.” She turned away. His dependency was normal, but she hoped the degree would soon lessen.

  “All right.”

  She walked to the SUV and loaded the transport chair and the walker into the back. Moments later, she followed the ambulance from the parking lot.

  She understood his reluctance to ride in any vehicle. Following the accident, he’d been taken to the nearest hospital and been seen by a parade of doctors, culminating in emergency surgery for internal bleeding, all before she’d been located and had arrived. The moment his condition stabilized, she’d arranged for his transfer to City where she worked. There, she’d chosen the doctors to oversee his care.

  Once Suzanna left the city, she hit the gas, hoping to be at the Rehab Center in time to connect with Cate. She needed to fill in her friend on Jon’s insecurities. Though she’d mentioned them the one time they’d talked, she’d been hesitant to tell the whole story. Also, his clinging had become more prominent as the days to the move had dwindled.

  She sucked in a breath. Recently, there’d been so many changes in his life. The responsibility for his younger siblings no longer tied him to the needs of others. She hoped this would be the last move until he came home and could become a boy again.

  Two months ago, she’d been ready to leave City Hospital for Eastlake Community. Then there’d been the dreadful accident resulting in four deaths. Why had her mother and step-father taken their three children on a drive when they’d been drinking heavily? Would she ever understand?

  Her plans to relocate had been put on hold. How fortunate she’d been that her friends had stepped in to save the place for her. She’d handled the funerals and the legal problems, and both had been difficult.

  For several days after the accident, she’d feared Jon wouldn’t survive. Both legs were fractured, as was one arm. He had broken ribs, internal injuries and a few burns. But he’d lived. She’d called Eric Bradshaw to give up her dream job. She had to remain close to her brother until he healed. Then Cate called, and suggested Jon be transferred to the facility she ran. Suzanna had been grateful for the friendship formed in college with the Grantley Gang. Though the closeness had faded over the years, the bonds remained.

  The miles sped by. The scenery changed from city to suburbs to country. She noted the mileage on the speedometer and saw another ten miles would have her in Eastlake. She gasped. Where there’d once been a deserted farm, she saw a large mall. The sign near the entrance showed a listing of many stories. Less than a mile from the mall, she read a ship-shaped sign announcing the Pirate’s Cove. How interesting.

  At the outskirts of town, she slowed to match the speed limit. She neared the place that had been her home for four years. Though she’d returned to the city to work, she had fallen in love with Eastlake. The friends she’d made at Grantley College had become closer than her own family. Why had they drifted apart? If she hadn’t worked in the city, she would never have returned to school and become a nurse practitioner.

  Of the seven members of the Gang, only she and Megan Carter were single. She’d missed all the weddings and while sorry, she was also relieved. She believed her unmarried state would last forever. She’d only met one man she’d considered marrying, and that was Caleb Winstone, who’d offered her a much lesser position.

  The past is past. Forget him.

  As she drove through town, she saw places she remembered as well as some new shops. The Hot Doggery where she’d worked, and devoured chili dogs made her want to stop. As she passed Frank’s Place, she remembered cinnamon rolls and juicy burgers.

  She drove up the hill and saw the red brick building of the hospital with the town field beyond. She pulled into the visitor’s lot and crossed to the Rehab Center. Ten minutes later, the ambulance arrived. She waited in the foyer for her brother. Cate popped out of her office. After a quick hug and a hello to Jon, they rode the elevator to the second floor and into Jon’s room.

  “Wow am I really alone?”

  Cate nodded. “Most of our room are private, except for the pediatric rooms.” Cate wrapped a blood pressure cuff around his arm. “Since the children here at present are under ten, I thought this would be better.”

  “Thanks.”

  Suzanna looked around the room. Jon’s bed, a dresser, and two easy chairs furnished the room. A television hung on the wall across from the bed. A window let in light. What a nice set-up.

  Cate finished the exam and turned to Suzanna. “Rick will be in later to do an exam and decide on a treatment plan. The Physical and Occupational Therapists will be in to do the assessments. He’ll see the dietitian and the social therapist.” Cate squeezed Jon’s hand. “We’ll have you out of here by Christmas.”

  “Walking?” he asked.

  “You’ll still need the wheelchair and steps may come later.”

  Suzanna pulled a disc from her briefcase. “Here are all his records. What now?”

  “Why don’t you head over and check in? I told Eric Bradshaw you were arriving today. Have everything you need?”

  Suzanna patted the cordovan briefcase. “When we did the online interview, he gave me a list. Then he emailed it to me.”

  Cate laughed. “He loves lists and gadgets. You must call him Eric. Remember, he’s Jenessa’s husband.”

  “I will.” She turned to her brother. “I’ll be back as soon as I finish at the hospital.”

  "Don’t hurry.” He yawned. “I need a nap. I didn’t sleep much last night. I’m glad we’re here. I like this place.”

  “Good.” Suzanna kissed his forehead.

  Forty-five minutes later, she returned. All was set for her to begin on Monday. She entered Jon’s room to find Cate and two strangers at the bedside.

  Cate turned. “Suzanna, Mike is Physical Therapy and Grace is Occupational Therapy. They’re part of Jon’s team.”

  Suzanna noticed tears in her brother’s eyes. “Are you all right?”

  “He’s a brav
e young man,” Grace said.

  Mike shook Jon’s hand. “I know we worked you hard, but you did very well. I wish one of the other PTs had a lifeguard certificate. Working in the pool would benefit you.” He turned to Cate. “We need one.”

  “I’ve advertised far and wide. You could always go for yours. There’s a program at Eastlake Community Center.” She handed Jon a small paper cup. “For pain. It’s not an opiate.”

  Suzanna smiled. “That’s good news.” She feared Jon might become dependant on pain medication. She looked into the cup and saw a capsule and two familiar pulls. She patted Jon’s arm. “Take them and get some sleep. I’ll head to the house and unload the SUV. See you later.” She walked from the room with Cate.

  Cate paused. “Dr. Joe or his new partner will be in to check on your brother. One of them will be here around three.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  “The gang will arrive at your house around five. We’re bringing dinner from the Hot Doggery. Then we’ll give you a hand settling in. Don’t do any unpacking until we arrive.”

  “Sounds good.” Suzanna hurried to her car. She would be here when Dr. Joe arrived. She remembered him from her Grantley days. He’d been the newest addition to the staff and had enjoyed teaching the student nurses,

  She glanced at her watch. She had time to waste until Dr. Joe arrived. At four thirty, she had to be at the house to meet the friends with a U-Haul. Instead of going home, she drove to the mall and grabbed a chef’s salad at one of the restaurants. Then she found the computer store and bought a laptop for Jon. The tech loaded programs including a word processing program and some games.

  She finished at two thirty and drove to Rehab using her key card for the staff lot. She hurried to the entrance, crossed the foyer and used the stairs. When she reached her brother’s room, he was awake. “You okay?”

  “Slept for an hour. Food’s pretty good. Better than at the other place. Do hope this new doctor doesn’t want me to perform.