Jamie’s comment had hurt more than she’d admitted. She’d told herself that there were good reasons to wait before she looked at opening a café, and that she was happy cleaning. Yet, with one question, Jamie had brought everything to the surface.
Forcing a few more bites, she chucked the rest of her dinner in the trash, going against her self-imposed mandate, and made a peanut butter sandwich. Sometimes, the best will in the world wasn’t enough. She’d have to go back to salads. At least if she prepared those using cheap ingredients, it would be fresh and healthy and she wouldn’t have to risk burning the apartment down using the one rickety burner that worked.
The phone rang, interrupting her thoughts, and she was ridiculously relieved to hear Megan’s voice. Stephanie’s best friend was engaged to Jordan Lambert, the owner of Haven, which was Prossers Bay’s only resort. They had been at school together and knew each other’s history and secrets. Abby and Jeanne were her other close friends, and the four of them had looked out for each other, ever since Megan and she had left high school. They’d roomed together until Stephanie had moved to Dunedin with Jamie while he’d been doing his studies.
“Hey, Megan. I thought seven o’clock was a bad time to call?’
“Jordan’s reading the girls a bedtime story and it’s a big book,” she giggled. “Those two sure have him wrapped around their fingers. Who would have thought it?”
“He never stood a chance with you three formidable females.”
“Hey! I resent that. Even if it is kind of true.” she giggled again.
The change in her friend since she’d moved in with Jordan was unbelievable. She was happier, mellower and had even begun to let Jordan be a real father to the girls. It had nothing to do with money. It was all about love with those two, and mutual respect.
Stephanie sighed. As much as she envied Megan, she could never begrudge it. Her friend had had a crappy few years when her then-fiancé had left her alone and pregnant with twins. Now it was her turn to enjoy a better life. Having a handsome resort owner, who was making it his number one priority to take care of Megan and her daughters, was the icing on that particular cake.
“What’s on your mind?”
“Abby and Jeanne have promised to help out with this fundraiser I’m organising and I wondered if you’d put your hand up, too?”
“Of course I will. Your idea to get aid to run more free camps for under-privileged kids around the country is wonderful. It’ll add to the great start that Jordan’s already achieved, and more than he could possibly manage doing on his own. What can I do?”
“That’s what I’m calling about. It’s a mini-fair. We’ll hold it in a couple of weeks, in the late afternoon/evening on Saturday, so that all the kids can come, but the adults will hopefully have fun, too.”
“Sounds a perfect way for the town to be involved.”
“That’s the idea. More people equals more money. Anyway, we thought that maybe we could have a get-together and iron out some details.”
“Name the time and place and I’ll be there.”
“That’s the problem. Would it be okay if we did it on our girls’ night this Saturday? I know it’s supposed to be all about us, and no work talk, but Jordan and I are crazy busy at the moment. Squeezing in another night is out of the question.”
“Don’t be silly. Whatever works for you guys is good for me. You’re the ones with families to think of.”
“Thanks for being so understanding. See you then.”
When Stephanie hung up the phone, she couldn’t help a rueful smile. Megan hadn’t said a word about Jamie’s return, which meant that she was saving it up for the group meeting. Still, she was looking forward to the catch-up. It was always fun, and she could do with some of that.
They had begun a monthly ritual of having a girl’s night at the resort after Megan had moved into Jordan’s beautiful hillside home at the end of last summer. The other three women had children, so to be kind to their spouses, they always scheduled dinners for after their families were fed. More often than not, Jordan would pick up the tab and the night was a freebie.
Stephanie was grateful for this, because saving like she was, it was hard enough to justify splurging on clothes, let alone a fancy meal.
Another reminder that, after two years, she had a tidy sum in the bank, and still no café. With that in mind, she pulled out a bulging folder which contained all her costs and ideas for a café set-up. It might be a little out of date but as she opened to the first page she felt a thrill course through her. It was time to act. To prove to herself, not to Jamie, that she was capable. Or at least to give it a try.
Chapter 4
As soon as she got in the door of the restaurant a few days later, Stephanie could tell by the looks of the other three women that they’d been discussing her. She sincerely hoped that Jamie coming home wouldn’t be the only topic of conversation tonight.
“How is everyone?”
“Desperate for the gossip. I can’t believe you didn’t call us earlier. This is huge, Stephanie.” Megan poured her a glass of wine.
Stephanie took a seat and sighed. “Sorry, guys. I’ve been trying to come to terms with it myself. Naturally, I knew that Doc was sick, and of course, a son should come home to take care of their father but, for about some reason, Jamie turning up suddenly hadn’t entered my head. Stupid, I know, but he hasn’t been home for so long, it seemed a logical conclusion that he’d let someone else take care of his dad.”
“So, I hear that you’ve seen Jamie.” Abby pushed a plate of nibbles towards her.
Of course she had. “Unfortunately, I bumped into him at his father’s place when I was cleaning.”
“Was he surprised?”
“That’s really hard to say. I got such a fright, I can’t remember much of the conversation.”
“I can only imagine.” Abby shook her head in wonder. “I would have phoned to tell how he rescued Liam from a ditch, but I figured you’d already know since you were cleaning Doc’s house at the time.”
“What? No, he never said a word about it. Is Liam all right?”
“Thanks to Jamie being at the right place and time, Liam’s just bruised, with a bad sprain, and a month’s grounding.”
The women laughed.
“He certainly has a way with kids. Liam couldn’t stop talking about him,” Abby continued.
Stephanie could picture how good Jamie would have been with Liam. He loved kids and she’d tried to encourage him into paediatrics, but he had this thing about being the best cardiologist. It was something about promising his mother, and Jamie would have done anything for her.
“How does he look after all this time?” Jeanne asked.
Stephanie took a gulp of wine. “Like Jamie. I don’t recall any changes.”
“So, pretty good, then?”
Stephanie blushed. “I guess. His hair was longer than I remember, but he’s taken up running again. He looked very fit.”
“I thought he looked fantastic,” Abby said. “Don’t look at me like that, Jeanne. He had no shirt on at the time,” she added defensively.
“He was always pretty hot. In fact, if you two hadn’t got together at school, I think I might have gone there.”
“Megan!” All three women chorused.
“Sorry, Steph, must be the wine talking. I know this isn’t funny but you can’t let it get to you.”
“I’m trying not to. Chances are I’ll bump into Jamie more than once while he’s here, but Abby’s going to swap houses for me until he leaves, which will help.”
Megan raised an eyebrow. “How long’s he staying for?”
“I really have no idea. I can’t imagine he’ll want to stay away from the city for too long or, more importantly, his job. After all, that’s what matters most to him.”
“At least he’s here when his father really needs him.”
Jeanne always looked for the good in people.
“That’s true. I also had a chat with the D
oc and he sounded a bit depressed. I guess he’s had a fright and is struggling with having to take things easy.”
“He’s a wonderful man, doing good things in our community, and he’ll be sorely missed if he can’t come back to work,” Jeanne added.
“Oh, I don’t think that’ll happen. The Doc’s not ready to retire,” Abby said.
Stephanie sipped her wine to release the lump in her throat. “He might not have a choice.”
Jeanne put a hand over hers that had twisted the table cloth. “Is it that bad?”
“Well, as you know he had a blockage leading to his heart, and they’ve had to put a stent in.”
“Which isn’t nice, but not too onerous I hear.”
“You’re right. It could have been much worse, but he’s getting on a bit and I don’t know that he’s been looking after himself very well. I’m not sure that the stent is a long-term thing.”
“He’s no spring chicken, and you know that Mary Anne’s been checking up on him. Surely he’ll be okay as long as he slows down a bit?” Abby added.
Jeanne grimaced. “I’d hate to be the one to tell him that.”
Megan poured more wine. “It’s probably up to Jamie to tell him. Wouldn’t the old Doc listen to his son? He is, after all, going to be a heart specialist, so he’ll know what his dad should and shouldn’t be doing.”
Stephanie shook her head. “I hope that he does listen, but I know Jamie and unless he’s changed in ways that aren’t apparent, the way he says it might not be guaranteed to make his dad listen.”
“You mean the steamroller approach he used to adopt?”
“The very one.”
Abby gave a small gasp. “Don’t look now, but the doctors are in the house.”
Naturally, all their heads swiveled to find that Jamie and his father were being seated at the next table.
Cliff grinned at them. “What a delightful sight. Four of Prossers Bay’s most beautiful women in one place. I hope this broken-down heart will be okay.”
“I hope Mary Anne doesn’t get to hear about you saying that,” Jeanne replied.
“I didn’t say that there were only four beautiful women, did I?”
The old doc looked tired, but there was no mistaking the twinkle in his eyes. Just as there was no mistaking the horror in Jamie’s. He clearly hadn’t counted on being next to a table where Stephanie would be. Probably not even in the same restaurant.
“I hope you don’t mind us sitting so close?” he asked, as if he could read her mind.
“We don’t mind a bit. It’s not like we’re divulging secrets or anything.”
Megan might have mellowed a lot since she’d met Jordan, but she still had an acerbic tongue when someone annoyed her, and it looked like she was pretty annoyed right now. Particularly with the waitress, who was looking at her in confusion, unsure what she’d done to incur her employers’ wrath, and with Jamie who had potentially destroyed a night of gossip.
Jamie took his seat after making sure his father was comfortable. The old Doc couldn’t hide his smile at the ruffled feathers, and Stephanie felt her own lips turn up just as Jamie looked across at her. He frowned, then shrugged his shoulders.
He’d always been one to not let things out of his control get to him. He’d had plenty of practice in his youth. Still, this was going to put a damper on proceedings for sure. Although she hadn’t been too anxious to talk about Jamie so maybe it was a good thing.
Luckily, their food arrived, which was enough to remove some of the awkwardness, and give them something else to focus on.
The wine flowed and the women got a little noisy. Jamie was drawn to their table whenever he heard Stephanie’s laugh. He’d missed that sound. Missed the way she made him laugh when he was taking himself too seriously, just by hearing her laugh.
“Those girls sure know how to have a good time,” his dad said with a fond smile.
“Looks like they’ve settled in for the night.”
“Good for them. They’re all such hard workers and it’s great to see Abby and Stephanie enjoying themselves. Those girls look after me like family.”
“Is that supposed to mean something?”
“Don’t get all injured. You know how I feel about Stephanie, but it’s not a slight on you. I’m proud of you, Jamie. I’m sure that you’re a fine doctor and you’ll be doing great things in that fancy hospital of yours.”
“Thanks, Dad. That means a lot to me. I really want to be the best in cardiology and Seattle could make that happen.”
“I’m sure you will be. Just as I’m sure you can’t wait to get there. I should be fine in a few days to get back in to work. You should go as soon as you’re ready.”
“Hold the bus. There’s no way you’re ready to be back at work yet.”
“I think I should be the best judge of that. Besides, you’ve met the temp. He’s not really up to it, is he?’
“When did you meet him? I told you not to go to the surgery. You should be relaxing and recuperating.”
“Jamie, I’m your father. I don’t need your permission for anything I do. Not now or in the future. I hope you understand that.”
Jamie was astounded. “I didn’t intend it to sound like you have to do what I say. It’s just that I need to know that things are going to be okay before I leave.”
“They’re okay now, if that’s all that’s holding you back.”
“You’re putting words in my mouth.”
“No. I’m telling you how it is for me. If that doesn’t suit you then I’m sorry, but that’s the way it’ll be once you go. You’re the one who needs to deal with this. Not me.”
“That’s unfair. The temp is a hell of a nice guy and I’ve done some research. Trust me, there’s no one out there who wants to come to Prossers Bay to run a country practice, short term.”
“My patients don’t like him. They want me. That’s why I need to get back to full-time as soon as possible. I appreciate your help, but the sooner I get back, the sooner I’ll be able to do that.”
“But, Dad . . .”
“I’m not discussing this any further. Excuse me while I go to the bathroom. Then I’d like to go home. I’m feeling very weary suddenly.”
Jamie wanted to help him but his dad shrugged off his arm. He was the most stubborn of men. He threw his napkin on the table just as Stephanie walked past him.
“You seem to take great delight in annoying people these days.”
“It certainly feels like I can’t please any one any more.” He looked at her sideways. “If I ever really did.”
She stopped. “Do you mean me or your father?”
“Both. He refuses to let me help him. You refuse to talk to me. I used to think that pleasing you was the one thing I could do right.”
Stephanie blushed, but she stood her ground. Inches from him. Tantalizingly close.
“I can’t say that wasn’t true. But I think you forgot that it might be important, when you stopped being around for more than a couple of hours at a time.”
“You know I had to put in those long hours to get where I am.”
“When are you going to be honest with yourself? I knew where you were and it wasn’t always at the hospital.”
“Everything okay here?”
His father had impeccable timing.
“It’s as it should be, Doc,” Stephanie answered, for both of them
“When are you coming back to work for me? Abby wouldn’t say.”
“I think things will stay as they are for a bit longer, but I will be back. You’re my favorite client, after all.”
His father chuckled as she kissed his cheek. Damn it, he wanted to finish the discussion and possibly throttle his father for making it obvious why Stephanie wouldn’t be coming to the house. It had to be because he was there.
They said goodbye to the women and Jamie took his father home. It was a quiet ride. Was he being selfish trying to get his father to take it easier, just so he could leave with a clear con
science? He hoped not.
He went to bed with thoughts of his father and Stephanie and how he could make things right. It took a long time for sleep to win him over.
Chapter 5
During the night, tossing and turning, Stephanie made her decision. She woke the next morning with a reason to put a spring in her step. Her café. The emphasis being on ‘her’ and the idea filled her with an equal measure of excitement and fear. She’d no intention of letting the fear win. Looking through her folder again, she pulled out the appropriate pieces of paper.
From somewhere, she’d found the courage to go to the bank and ask for a loan. Today. As soon as they opened she phoned and made an appointment to see the Manager. Her homework had been done, by looking at every available store over a period of time and crunching numbers. If she got the loan, she would narrow her list down and then ask Jordan to have a look and help choose the most suitable. Before that, she needed to have the dreaded talk with Abby about quitting.
Outside the town bank, she wiped her damp palms down her skirt and was about to open the door when, of all the people she didn’t want to meet right now, Jamie appeared on the other side. He opened the door and they stood staring at each other. He was the first to react.
“I haven’t seen you at dad’s for a while.”
“Abby kindly offered to swap houses for the foreseeable future, something I think you already knew.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“Didn’t I? This way we don’t have to be around each other. I think that’s best for both of us.”
“For us? Or for you?”
“Look, I don’t want to argue with you. In fact, I don’t want to rehash our history in any form.”
Prossers Bay Series Page 24
