After Hours Redemption (404 Sound)

by Kianna Alexander

  She leaned back in her chair. “At least something good came of me getting my heart stepped on by Blaine Woodson for the second time in a decade.”

  “I’m just glad you’re not going to turn down the opportunity.” Ainsley dabbed the Slutty Sauce from her mouth with a napkin. “And I want you to be open to other opportunities that come your way too, E.”

  “Like what? I don’t have much else going on right now.”

  “You could. My dating sense is tingling.”

  “Ugh.” She threw up her hands. “The last thing I need in my life right now is a new man.”

  “You’re absolutely right.” She stood, stuffing her trash into the paper sack. “Lucky for you, I’m not talking about a new man. I’m talking about Blaine.”

  “Come on, Ainsley. I told you I’m not going to call him.”

  “I haven’t forgotten what you said. Don’t worry. He’s going to reach out.” She put their trash into the can, then grabbed a sponge to wipe down the table. “And when he does, you’re going to give him a chance this time, right?”

  She frowned.

  “Promise me, Eden. Promise me you’ll at least hear him out.”

  “And if I still think he’s full of shit after he’s said his piece, then what?” She folded her arms over her chest.

  “Then you’re free to tell him to kick rocks in flip-flops. I’m not demanding an outcome. I’m just asking you to give the brotha a shot.”

  “Fine.” She wasn’t particularly happy about Ainsley’s harping, but she knew her cousin. It’d be much easier to say yes now than be badgered about it for days on end. “You get on my last nerve, Ainsley.”

  “I love you, too, cousin.” Blowing her a kiss, Ainsley slipped from the room, leaving her alone at the table.

  * * *

  When Blaine rapped on the door of his father’s hobby room Saturday morning, he had no idea what to expect. Knocks on this door often went ignored if his father was busy building or painting one of the hundreds of model military aircraft and vehicles he’d collected over the years, or reading up on military history. Aside from that, Blaine himself hadn’t set foot inside the hobby room since his days as a rebellious teen.

  Clutching the handles of the large paper shopping bag, he waited a few moments. He could hear his father’s movements inside the room. He knocked again, in case his first one had gone unheard.

  Caleb snatched the door open this time. He wore an old tee, blue sweatpants and the canvas apron he wore when at work on his hobby. He frowned. “Blaine? What are you doing here, son?”

  He took a deep breath. “We need to talk, Dad, and it’s a long-overdue conversation.”

  Caleb’s frown deepened. “Not now, Blaine. I’m working on...”

  He held up the bag. “Dad, I hate to interrupt you. But I brought something I know you’ll want.”

  His father’s gaze flickered to the nondescript brown bag, then back to his son’s face. “What could possibly be in there that I’d want?”

  “How about two perfect 1/144-scale model kits for the Blue Angels Aerobatic Team aircraft?”

  Confusion knit his brow. “Are you serious?”

  He shook the bag gently, hearing the pieces inside rustling and rattling around. “Take a look for yourself.”

  Taking the offered bag from his son’s hand, Caleb peered inside. His eyes widened when he saw the contents. He immediately stepped back from the doorway. “Come on in.”

  Blaine smiled as he entered his father’s sacred space for the first time in a decade. The room hadn’t changed much in configuration over the years. There was a brown leather love seat and a coffee table to one side. His father’s workstation, a huge, custom-built oak table, was littered with paints, brushes and model parts, sectioned off with the four raised dividers built into the tabletop. The table’s unique design made it possible for Caleb to work on several models at one time without getting the pieces mixed up.

  “Have a seat, Blaine.” Caleb sat down on the love seat, already taking the brightly colored, shrink-wrapped boxes out of the bag.

  “Thanks.” Taking up the seat next to his father, he settled in. He watched quietly as his father inspected the two packages, the spark of interest glowing in his dark eyes.

  “Where did you find these?”

  “Online. I remember how much you loved Blue Angels memorabilia, and after consulting with Mom, I found out what was missing from your collection.” He flexed his fingers. “Took a bit of digging, but I found them. I’d say I learned a decent amount while searching for the models.” He leaned back. “Why don’t you quiz me?”

  Caleb chuckled, a rare sound indeed. “All right. What do you know about the Blue Angels?”

  “Cool. The Blue Angels are the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, formed in 1946. That makes them the world’s second-oldest aerobatics team. The squadron had two headquarters, one at Naval Base Pensacola in Florida, and the other at Naval Base El Centro in California.”

  Caleb appeared impressed. “I see you’ve done some research. Now, what can you tell me about the aircraft you brought?”

  “I’ve got two models, the Lockheed Hercules C-130, and the McDonnell-Douglas F4-J Phantom II. The C-130 was developed in the 1950s and has been used ever since by the US Air Force for tactical transport, parachute drops of personnel and equipment, and air mission landing. This particular model has been used to transport the Angels since 1970.”

  Tilting his head slightly, Caleb said, “Go on.”

  Blaine felt the connection growing between them, so he continued. “As for the Phantom II, it’s one of several models of jets used to provide escort and support to the squadron during aerobatics demonstrations. This particular model was in use by the Angels from 1969 to 1974—the Vietnam era.”

  Caleb blinked several times. His shoulders relaxed, releasing the rigidity that always seemed to reside there, and he released a slow breath. “Wow, son. I’m...pleasantly surprised.”

  “It gets better, Dad.” He rubbed his hands together, noticing they weren’t sweaty the way they usually were when he was in his father’s presence. Talking with him about the models seemed to have put them both at ease. “I got all the manufacturer recommended paints as well, and I want to spend today helping you put them together.”

  Caleb’s eyes grew wet. “Really?”

  He nodded. “Yes. I figure you can work on the C-130, and I’ll do the jet since it’s smaller and I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

  He laughed, a deep, rumbling sound Blaine hadn’t heard in years. “Sounds wonderful. I just so happen to have a couple of slots open on my table that we can use.” He put the boxes back in the bag and set it on the floor near his feet.

  “Great.” He grabbed his father’s hand. “Before we get started, though, I want to begin with an apology.”

  “I’m listening, son.” His voice was soft, welcoming, not gruff and irritated.

  “I’ve been so stubborn. I’ve locked myself away from you and the rest of the family, trying to prove I could do things on my own. For a long time, I relished being the ‘black sheep,’ thinking that made me daring and independent.” He sighed. “But these last few years, even the last few weeks, have shown me the value of relationships with people you love.” A vision of Eden’s radiant smile passed through his mind, and he cringed at the pain that clenched his chest whenever he thought of her. “I’m ready to try to put this relationship back together, Dad. And I know that begins with me saying I’m sorry.”

  Caleb gave his hand a squeeze. “I accept your apology, son. But I also admit my part in this. You inherited that stubbornness from me, truth be told.” He shook his head, chuckling wryly. “I’ve been too hard on you. For years, I tried to force you to be someone you’re not, just because I thought I knew what was best for you.” He looked past Blaine as if seeing something beyon
d him. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately about an old friend, someone I lost years ago. He has a son, too. About your age. But the difference is, my friend died.” He looked back to Blaine. “He’s not here to love and guide his son, to share moments like this with him. Knowing that...makes me so grateful I get the chance to tell you I’m sorry.”

  Caleb tugged his hand, and Blaine let himself be enveloped by his father’s embrace. Several long moments passed with them holding each other, and Blaine smiled. He could see the young boy who lived inside him, who longed for closeness with his dad, smiling as well.

  When they parted, Caleb said, “I’ve got to know...what brought this on?”

  Blaine’s smile faded. “Actually, it was Eden. She asked why we weren’t on good terms and said I should reach out.”

  Caleb nodded. “Tell her I said thank you.”

  He shook his head. “I would...but I don’t think she’ll speak to me.” He proceeded to give his father a quick rundown of what had transpired between them.

  When he finished, Caleb gave him that stern, fatherly look. “You realize she’s right, don’t you? It really was your own stubbornness that landed you in this situation.”

  He sighed. “Yes, Dad. I know she’s right, and I’m wrong.”

  “Well, if I were you, I’d figure out a way to tell her that. A woman like Eden is rare, and second chances with someone like her are probably one in a million.” He stood, stretched. “Tell you what. We’ll figure something out while we put these models together.”

  Eighteen

  Sitting beneath an umbrella on a grassy lawn at Piedmont Park, Eden watched her nephew running and playing with his friends.

  Ainsley sat next to her on the outdoor blanket, grinning as they looked on. “Look at him. You’d never know he was injured, the way he’s getting around now. I’m glad we went ahead with that surgery.”

  She nodded. “Me, too. He’s been so happy ever since he started playing baseball.” She smiled, watching him turn a cartwheel. “It was expensive but totally worth it.” Seeing Cooper so happy melted her heart.

  “They’ve been running like that for a solid hour,” Ainsley remarked. “Do you think they’ve overdosed on sugar?”

  Eden snorted. “Girl, please. Of course, they have! We brought seven ten-to twelve-year-olds out here, and fed them a cake, ice cream, cookies and punch.” She shook her head as one girl leapfrogged over a boy’s back. “We’re lucky if they don’t start levitating.”

  Ainsley fell out laughing.

  “It’s a good thing we brought them to the park. They need the space to run and jump and burn off all that sugar, anyway.” Eden giggled.

  Cooper ran over to where they sat. He was quite a sight, his blue T-shirt and shorts covered in grass stains, orange frosting and drips of vanilla ice cream. His conical birthday hat sat cocked at an odd angle on his head, just barely clinging on.

  “Look at that hat, Coop.” She gave her nephew a fist bump. “You’re an expert level hat-bender.”

  He laughed, reaching up to adjust it. Smiling brightly, he said, “Mom, Aunt Eden, thanks a lot. This is my best birthday ever!” He knelt briefly to gift them hugs and kisses, and then he was off again, blazing across the grass to rejoin his friends.

  “Is it just me, or did he leave a trail of exhaust behind him?” Eden grinned.

  Ainsley shook her head, brushing away at the tears gathering in her eyes. “I can’t believe my baby is eleven whole years old. Seems like yesterday he was just learning to walk.”

  “You can always have another one,” she chided, elbowing her playfully.

  Rolling her eyes, Ainsley countered, “Not on your life. Cooper keeps me plenty busy. Besides, I’d need a man for that, and I’m fresh out of prospects for the time being.”

  “Not really,” Eden teased. “What about Gage?”

  “Whatever. He’s my boss.”

  Eden shrugged. “So what? Are you saying people who work together can’t have a romance?”

  “Obviously that’s not the case. Look what happened between you and Blaine.” The moment the words came out, Ainsley clamped her hand over her lips. “I’m sorry, girl. I didn’t mean to bring him up.”

  “It’s okay. I know you just want to change the subject from you and Gage.”

  Ainsley punched her cousin playfully in the shoulder, then returned to her reclining position.

  Silence fell between them for a few moments, and Eden returned to watching the kids play. Several were involved in a fierce game of Frisbee, while the others crowded around one of Cooper’s gifts, an insect guidebook and collection kit.

  As she looked on, she felt a little spark of something deep inside. The part of her that wanted to one day mother a child, whether a smart, thrill-seeking son like Cooper or a little girl with a sharp mind and the fierce determination she’d inherited from her mother. She only wanted one child, whom she’d probably spoil and dote on endlessly. But as the years passed, she’d settled into accepting that maybe a child wasn’t in the cards for her. If that were the case, she’d be content to continue playing the role of World’s Greatest Aunt for Cooper.

  Or at least that’s what she told herself.

  Blaine’s face appeared in her mind. She didn’t push the thought away this time, allowing herself the fantasy for a few moments. What if he weren’t selfish? What if he stood up for her when she needed him, but wasn’t afraid to tell her when she was out of pocket? What if he wanted to build a life with her and be there to help raise that precious child she wanted so badly? But he was loving, an inner voice reminded her. He was caring, and kind, and had more drive to succeed than most. She knew she and this hypothetical child would always be loved and well cared for, because Blaine wouldn’t have it any other way.

  She dwelt on those thoughts for so long, she started to hear his voice, calling her name.

  Then Ainsley’s voice joined Blaine’s.

  Confused, she returned to reality. Turning to Ainsley, she saw her pointing across the field, toward the park entrance.

  And when she looked, she saw Blaine, striding in her direction.

  He wore a pair of tan jeans, a bright yellow button-down shirt printed with palm trees, and pristine white sneakers. He carried a huge bag emblazoned with multicolored balloons in one hand and had a bouquet of yellow roses and marigolds cradled beneath his opposite arm. With those signature dark sunglasses over his eyes, his locs flowing freely around his shoulders, he was a vision of casually dressed handsomeness.

  She swallowed. “What’s he doing here? How did he know where I was?”

  Ainsley winked. “Oh. Did I forget to tell you I invited him to Cooper’s birthday party?” She climbed to her feet.

  Standing up herself, Eden did her best to smooth the wrinkles out of her lavender tunic and knock off the blades of grass clinging to her purple leggings. “Ainsley, I’m gonna hide your favorite lace-front for this.”

  “Don’t you dare touch Tanisha!” Ainsley cut her a threatening look. “That wig set me back a pretty penny. The lace is invisible, I tell you. Completely invisible.” She gestured toward Blaine, whose long strides were quickly closing the distance. “Look at the size of that bag! Whatever’s in there is bound to be a pretty sweet gift for your nephew.”

  “Whatever.” She slid her feet into the jeweled flip-flops she’d worn to the park. “I’m gonna deal with you later, trust and believe.” She swallowed again, doing her best to get herself together.

  Because in a few more steps, Blaine Woodson would be in her personal space.

  * * *

  As he moved across the grass toward where Eden sat with Ainsley, Blaine ran through what he’d planned to say in his mind.

  Eden, you were right. I should have stood up for you.

  I’m sorry I didn’t make you feel safe and cared for.

  If you’ll let me make it up to yo
u, I promise it’ll be worth it.

  He kept a tight grip on the handles of the bag and the flowers, partly because of nerves, and partly to make sure his gifts reached their recipients undamaged. He’d brought something for the birthday boy, of course, but he’d also brought a small gift for his mother.

  If it hadn’t been for Ainsley inviting me here, I don’t know how I would have convinced Eden to see me.

  He saw them stand up and could see their mouths moving but still wasn’t close enough to hear what they were saying to each other. Piedmont Park was an expansive green space, so getting to them through the gaggles of folks who’d come out to enjoy the mild temperatures and sunny weather of this early September Sunday would take some time.

  He could make out the expression on Eden’s beautiful face, and it seemed somewhere between surprise and confusion. I’m guessing Ainsley invited me but didn’t tell Eden.

  As he came to the edge of their blanket, he stopped. Smiling, he handed the bag over to Ainsley. “Hey, Ainsley. Thanks for the invite—I put a little something for you in with Cooper’s gift.”

  “Much obliged, Blaine. Thanks for coming.”

  His gaze slid to Eden. Casually dressed in a two-tone purple outfit, she still looked as beautiful as any runway model to his eyes.

  Ainsley giggled. “I’ll...just take this over to Cooper. You two go ahead and chat.” Still giggling, she walked away with the gift bag.

  “Hi, Eden.” He didn’t move closer, unsure he’d be able to resist the urge to pull her into his arms.

  “Hi, Blaine.” She blushed slightly, giving him a sidelong glance. “Thanks for bringing Cooper a birthday gift.”

  “Of course.” He shifted his weight from left to right and back. “I’m afraid I’m not up on what eleven-year-olds are into these days, so I consulted my little cousin Jack. Hopefully, he likes what I got him.”

  She gave him the smallest smile. “I’m sure he’ll love it. I appreciate you doing your research.”

  He remembered the flowers tucked under his arm and inched just close enough to offer them to her. “Ainsley said these are your favorite flowers. I hope you like them.” He genuinely did, since he felt like a fourteen-year-old, cozying up to his crush.