by Robyn M Ryan
Advil and water before checking the phone…then a long hot shower. Lauren felt somewhat revived, but it took another buzz-ping combination from the nightstand to remind her to check the phone.
Cassie: Call me please.
Heart pounding, hands shaking, Lauren keyed in her number, then hesitated as her sister’s demand bounced against her skull. If I call Amanda, will Cassie answer her call? Should I get as much information as I can and then contact my sister?
She responded to Cassie’s text.
Lauren: Give me five minutes. I’ll find a private spot.
Taking a deep breath, she called Amanda. She glanced at the clock—only five a.m. In Vancouver.
“Lauren, what do you want?” Her sister’s anger had not lessened overnight.
“I got a text from Cassie—on this phone. She wants me to call her.”
“No. Absolutely not. She used her cellphone?”
“Yes, but she might not answer if you call. I thought I could call her and try to find out where she is…”
“I meant it when I said I don’t want you involved.”
“Amanda, I only want to help you get Cassie home. I’ll conference you in on the call if I can. Please let me find out where she is first.”
Amanda’s sigh irritated Lauren. “Oh, why not? Just make sure to add me to the call once you know her location.”
“Promise.” Lauren ended the call before her sister could add any other demands. Her finger trembled as she entered the number. Please let Cassie agree to go home.
“Lauren, I’m so glad you got my message. I tried your regular phone, then just saw your text last night.” Cassie answered in a rush of words.
“Are you all right? Where are you? I’ve been so worried…”
“I’m fine. I got a hotel room…just wanted some space to think.”
“You know your parents are worried sick over you? Not knowing where you are, if you’d taken off on your own…or something worse.”
“Can I live with you?”
Cassie’s mournful voice tore at Lauren’s soul. “Honey, you need to talk to your mom first. Let me get her on the line.”
“I don’t want to talk to her.”
Lauren choked back a chuckle over the petulant tone. “Come on, Cassie. You can’t do anything until you talk with your parents. Then you can make plans. I know you want to graduate. Maybe you can discuss this with your parents after that?”
“She’s going to ground me.”
“With good reason,” Lauren lightened her tone. “If I conference in your mom, will you talk to her? Maybe apologize for worrying her? Please?”
Now Cassie sounded like a child. “Do I have to?”
“Yes, one hundred percent yes. Hold on, okay? She will be so happy to hear your voice.”
“I doubt it.”
Lauren pretended she didn’t hear that muttered comment and put Cassie on hold while she set up the three-way call. She begged her sister to handle things gently, then opened the conference connection. She lay back on the bed as mother and daughter spoke. Thank you, God. Now if each can just listen to what the other’s saying…
“Lauren?” Amanda broke into Lauren’s feeling of relief. “You can go. I’ll handle everything from here.”
“Um…sure. Talk to you later, both of you? I should have my phone back this afternoon.”
“Yes. Now I’d like to speak privately with my daughter.”
Rather than dwell on hurt feelings, Lauren dressed for the office and carefully removed her phone from its container of rice. How does this help revive a drowned phone? To her surprise, no water dripped from the phone, even as she shook it, and it powered on without hesitation. The battery showed twenty percent, but she could charge it in the car. She held onto Tom’s phone “just in case” and would return it later.
She called Dave after connecting her phone to CarPlay, hoping he wasn’t on a plane that early.
“New phone, babe?”
Lauren couldn’t hold back a smile upon hearing his voice. Somehow, he always poured sunshine over her mood. “Dr. Tom taught me a new trick…it’s working so far.” She explained the rice container method and heard him chuckle.
“That’s a new one—leave it to a neurologist to know how to fix a phone’s brain.”
“Seriously, right? Are you on the way to the airport?” Lauren looked at the traffic ahead and sighed.
“Morning skate, then we’ll head out. Gives us tomorrow to relax before the game. So, any news on Cassie?”
“Yep.” Lauren summarized Cassie’s text and the strained conversations with Amanda. “I don’t know what to do, Marty. My sister’s personality has undergone a complete transformation.” She merged into the traffic on the highway and sighed. “Traffic sucks, too.”
“Try to give your sister some space, Lauren. Don’t know the extent of her stress, but that can change people. Hopefully once Cassie’s home and they talk things out, her attitude will get back to normal.” Dave paused. “No matter what she says, this was not your fault.”
Lauren didn’t reply as she blinked back sudden tears. “You have plans tonight in Toronto?”
“Chad will visit his parents, so I’ll see what the guys decide. Wish you were waiting for me there.”
“That would be too perfect. Can’t even stalk you on television. You posting anything on Instagram?”
“That would be a hard no, squirt. I leave that to the younger guys and trust Caryn’s monitoring things—or have you taken over my accounts?”
“Caryn’s still got them. Might be TMI for me. Though, I guess someone has posted a picture of us together. Amanda mentioned it. Somewhere on Instagram. A friend sent it to her, and she…never mind, I don’t want to talk about her any longer.” Lauren slammed on the brakes and blasted the horn as a car darted across her lane, nearly clipping her new car. “Shit! I thought St. Louis drivers were crazy.”
“Take it easy, kiddo. You don’t want any road rage coming back to you. Let’s talk later, babe. You don’t need me distracting you in traffic.”
“I like your distractions.” Lauren pretended to moan. “Call me after morning skate?” When he promised, Lauren smiled, her spirits lifted much higher when she disconnected the call.
#
Caryn greeted Lauren with a hug later that day. “I’m so relieved you located Cassie—and got her back to her mother.”
“Me, too.” Lauren tried to project the happiness she should feel. “Just finished up with the new communications director for the Suns. Ms. Personality. I wish they’d promoted Angela—I know she could step right in and show she’s a superstar.”
Caryn led her to the kitchen. “Not a fan of the new employee?”
“Marsha?” Lauren didn’t hide her distaste. “One of those know-it-alls who doesn’t need any help getting up to speed. So, I told Rick Tyler that our work there was complete.”
Caryn set an iced tea on the table in front of Lauren. “Think she’ll last?”
Lauren shrugged. “We could place bets on that. I should mention she’s drop-dead beautiful and the media will love her. She had a totally different personality when she took a few media calls.” She sipped her tea. “I could be tacky…”
“What? Tell me,” Caryn prompted.
“She wanted to know why I hadn’t accompanied the team on the road trip. I explained another department handles that, and she told me that would change.”
“That’s not too…tacky.”
“Well, every other question concerned how much interaction the department has with the team. I let Angela describe their roles, but I swear Marsha’s more interested in hanging out with hockey players than actually working.” Lauren glanced out the window to see if any birds had congregated at the feeder. “Well, not my problem, right?”
“Nope. If you get paid for the entire period in the contract, I’m good. Maybe you can visit your family?” Caryn suggested.
Lauren switched topics. “I need to catch up with our clients. You
want me to work with Cam?” She laughed softly as a group of small birds descended on the feeder. “Maybe add a bird bath out there?”
“I’ll put that on Drew’s to-do list. That and a second feeder.” Caryn caught Lauren’s eyes. “Do you mind working with Cam? I know you two have a good rapport. But only if you feel comfortable.”
“No problem. He’s like a pesky little brother who likes to irritate people. Are his accounts locked down until we get access?”
Caryn reached behind her to snatch a sheet of paper from the counter. “Here’s everything you need to administer all of his accounts. He knows what’s coming—maybe you can soften his wounded ego.”
“No problem. I’ll touch base with Cam later today. Marty said they leave for Toronto after morning skate. Rest of the day free time.” Lauren glanced at the paper. “Is Cam actually active on all these accounts?”
“Who knows? Just set up your admin status ASAP so you can approve anything he tries to post.” Caryn shrugged with a grin. “If you need help, I can take half. Maybe we can set up controls before he lands in Toronto.”
“It won’t take long. I’ll take care of it right now if I can borrow your computer.” She set Tom’s phone on the table. “His rice jar worked, believe it or not. Thanks to him, I’m not buying a new phone today.”
She stood, intending to head for Caryn’s office, but her friend touched her arm.
“Everything okay with Amanda and Cassie?”
“I hope so. Amanda asked…told me…not to call either of them. She’ll contact me when she loops me back in.” Lauren took a deep breath and flicked a tear from her cheek. “At least Cassie’s home and I’m sure things will get back to normal in a few days.” Not likely, Gentry. Long time before Amanda trusts me again…if ever.
26
ALTHOUGH LAUREN COULD push her worries about Amanda and Cassie from her mind when she worked, the thoughts lurked just below the surface. The second she stopped concentrating on her clients, confusion, doubt, and a deep hurt forced their way into her thoughts. Amanda still hadn’t called her. Just want to know everything’s okay with Cassie. That too much to ask?
She hid her disappointment and hurt when Dave called. No need to dump my issues on him. Just the tip of an iceberg that could crash our new relationship. So much baggage…If he learns the truth about my toxic, dysfunctional family, he’ll realize I’m not a good bet for anything long-term.
The more time that passed without hearing from Amanda, the more ostracized and alone Lauren felt. Not even worthy of a quick text to let me know everything is okay—or not. She sent a short message to her sister, but after hours passed, she quit waiting for an answer. Maybe everything’s back to normal? Cassie would have found a way to call me if there were problems. Just stay patient and give Amanda time to recover from her ordeal—and her anger.
She watched the Suns games with Caryn, enjoying the distraction the twins provided. “If it weren’t for the frigid temperatures, I wish I’d met Marty somewhere. Totally romantic.”
Caryn bit back a smile. “I’m sure he’d keep you warm.”
Lauren felt her face flush as she envisioned his homecoming—after the FaceTime call they’d shared the previous night. He had recognized the flannel shirt she wore and teased her mercilessly.
“Hey, it reminds me of you. I can almost smell your cologne, so when I close my eyes it’s practically like you’re with me.” Lauren had turned the phone toward the wall so he wouldn’t see her reddened cheeks.
“Get back on the screen. Haven’t seen you in days.”
“No more laughing about your shirt?”
“Scout’s honor.”
“I didn’t know you were a Boy Scout?” Lauren shifted to her normal bantering tone.
“I’m not…I wasn’t, but it sounded like a good way to make a promise. I’d never laugh at you…unless you acted goofy…and wearing my shirt does not qualify. Maybe I should take something of yours on the next road trip.”
Lauren giggled. “Nothing would fit you, silly.”
“So?” He challenged. “Your…fragrance…would be enough.”
His wink awakened the butterflies in her stomach. “I can spray some of my perfume on a handkerchief?”
Dave shook his head. “No way. I’ll grab what I want before the next trip.”
“Which would be…?”
“I’ll see if you miss it.” She saw him bite back a smile. “Just need to decide which color I’ll grab…from the laundry basket.”
“Marty, you wouldn’t?” Lauren realized he was referring to her recent shopping spree at Victoria’s Secret.
“Sure, I can.”
“What if someone sees it? They’ll think you’re…”
“Don’t worry. You won’t see this on Instagram—no one can know I have it unless they ransack my suitcase.”
“Hmm, can I help you pick it out?” Lauren lobbed the idea back at him.
“If you’ll model the selections.”
Lauren giggled, even as she felt her face burning. “I look forward to that. I may have to get a few new things for you, Mr. Martin. Fair is fair.”
“Planning to upgrade my wardrobe?”
“Maybe add some color to your boxer briefs. Black gets boring. How about some navy blue? Green? Pink flowers? Gray?”
“No pink or flowers, kiddo. And no neon.”
Lauren hugged a pillow against her chest. “I can’t wait until you’re home, Marty. I really, really miss you.”
“It’s been a long trip. Maybe next time, you can meet me somewhere for a couple of days now that you’re no longer the Suns’ consultant.”
“Twist my arm,” Lauren murmured.
“I think you drew the short straw, babe. The ‘new you’ joined the team in New York. So, you could have traveled with the team after all.”
“You met Marsha?” Lauren tossed the pillow aside as an unfamiliar clench of jealousy hit the pit of her stomach.
“We all did, babe. She joined our team celebration after the Toronto win… ‘to get to know all of us.’”
“I bet.” She tried to hide her scowl, and Dave chuckled when he caught it.
“She’s getting to know Eckstrom, it appears.”
“Keep her away from Cam. I don’t need that disaster….and I better not see any photos of you with her.”
“My girl’s not…jealous...is she?”
Lauren realized he enjoyed teasing her a bit too much. “Oh, not at all. See how many selfies you can post. Caryn won’t allow them online.”
Dave chuckled. “Not a chance, squirt. Not about to screw things up after waiting all these years to get out of your friend zone.”
Lauren’s heart melted. “Marty, that’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever said. Thank you.” To her dismay, her eyes filled with tears. She needed to end the call before he noticed. “Good luck with the game. Remember, I’m still waiting for my hat trick.”
Caryn’s voice pulled her back to the present. “Wow, you must have been lost in some intense thoughts…maybe about a certain guy?”
“Maybe…Where are my Godchildren?”
Caryn’s laugh told her she hadn’t fooled her with the quick topic change. “They’re just stirring. Let’s get them fed before the game begins.”
Lauren loved when Caryn included her in “baby time.” She didn’t seem to mind that Lauren often pretended Jenna and Daniel were her own children. She lavished the love and attention she’d always craved as a child on these beautiful, innocent angels.
“Can you imagine anyone not loving a child, Caryn?”
Her friend shook her head, then replied, “I know the foster care system is overloaded with children. I read an article about it. I wanted to adopt every single child.” She handed a warmed bottle to Lauren, who tested the formula on the inside of her wrist. “Maybe when the twins get older, I can find a way to get involved and help the children.”
“You and Andrew could raise awareness about the need.” Lauren carried Jenna to
the sofa and cradled her. She laughed to herself as her angel sucked greedily on the bottle.
“I haven’t mentioned it to Drew. Everything’s so uncertain right now for him.” Caryn shrugged. “I’d like to set up some foundation or fund to assist the children who get bounced from home-to-home.”
“Count me in.” A wave of gratitude rushed over Lauren when she realized she could have been one of those children. Amanda stepped up and welcomed me like her own child. No matter what’s going on, she’s more than a sister. So very lucky Amanda and Trevor understood the conditions at home. She pressed her lips against the baby’s silky blonde curls. Had she ever thanked Amanda or Trevor for their generosity and love? With a sinking feeling, she couldn’t remember ever expressing those feelings.
#
Lauren debated calling Amanda as she walked home after the game. Too soon? Will she think I’m just trying to manipulate her? That could cause a deeper rift between us. It was still early in Vancouver. She could call Trevor for assurance that Cassie had returned home. She didn’t believe she needed to worry about Trevor mentioning it to Amanda.
Taking a deep breath, she searched her contacts for his number. Hope I’m doing the right thing. So far, I’ve just made situations worse.
Trevor greeted Lauren, his voice filled with warmth. “It’s been a long time, Lauren.”
“I know. Too long. I hope I’m not interrupting anything—is this a g-good time?” she stammered.
“It’s always a good time to hear from you. What’s up?”
“I just need to know—Did Cassie get home?”
She heard Trevor’s sigh. “Yes. She’s fine. Amanda hasn’t told you?”
“I unintentionally got caught in the middle of their disagreement about gap year versus uni. I didn’t call Amanda as soon as I’d spoken with Cassie…stupid, I know.”
“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. Cassie is in a miserable place right now. Amanda has her cut off from everyone—including me.”
