Then Came You: A Lake Howling Novel

by Vella, Wendy

  “So this has been enlightening, but I never want to repeat it, Buster. Now piss off and forget it ever happened.”

  Buster gave him a look that told Noah he was fooling himself, and that in fact he’d be relaying what happened in the Hoot word for word to the others.

  “She’s not Samantha, bud. She’s sweet, kind, and I’d say pretty innocent about a lot of things. I don’t know anything about her, as she’s pretty closemouthed. In fact, Willow and I think she’s running from something. I mean, she’s got all her belongs in her Bronco, and you say she’s slept in there. That’s not right. Something is off. No one willingly chooses to live life that way.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “Okay, maybe I don’t, but I’m going out on a limb here to say I don’t think Lani is doing it by choice.”

  Buster was right, Noah didn’t think Lani had chosen this life.

  “So maybe there’s pain in there like you have, and she’s doing her best to outrun it, also like you.”

  “That’s BS. I’m not hurting, and those are not your words. No way are you that intuitive.” Noah realized he’d just confirmed what he’d denied.

  Fuck.

  “I’m extremely intuitive, I’ll have you know. Why, just yesterday I took home for Willow a caramel and chocolate muffin without her even asking me to.”

  “She’s pregnant! It’s a fairly sure thing that if she doesn’t need the bathroom, she wants food!”

  “No need to yell, Noah. I’m standing right here, a few inches from you.”

  Noah’s fists actually clenched as he contemplated just ending this conversation with a good brawl right here on the street.

  “We are the faces of this town, bud. Not a good look to have us bloodied and bruised at Spud Day.” Buster looked calm.

  “You!” Noah pointed a finger at him but had no words, so he jabbed him in the forehead. “Fuck off!”

  He then stormed inside and slammed the door of the Howler. The only problem being, it was one of those self-shutting doors, so it closed slowly. Buster stood there laughing as Noah fired several obscene gestures at him through the glass. He then turned and ran up the stairs to his room. Closing the door, he sat on his bed and contemplated taking a vacation.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The next day was pretty frantic at the Howlery. They had plenty of orders, and everyone seemed to want cupcakes with some kind of potato decoration.

  “I don’t get this,” Lani said as she piped frosting on a dozen cupcakes. “I mean, isn’t it all about decorating and baking your own potato cakes?”

  “These have been ordered by the book club to sell for fundraising, like the cake you made for Buster. We need to get a new shade sail for the kids’ play area at the daycare.” Mrs. C was doing dishes dressed in a flowing purple and orange kaftan. Her hair was wrapped in an orange silk headscarf. Today’s nails were purple.

  Buddy snored softly on the mat she’d bought him, with Bandit—Mrs. C had named the cat—curled up beside him. Looking at the dog, Lani knew that he was hers now, no matter how much she wanted to deny it. When she left Lake Howling, he’d be going with her. Bandit, however, she would need to find a good home for, as the road was no place for a cat. The thought of leaving one of her sleeping companions behind made her chest ache.

  “Now, tomorrow we’ll set up a stall outside and both man it, but there should be some time to look around.”

  “I don’t need to look around. I can man it, and you can spend time with your friends.”

  “Will you be here for Thanksgiving, Lani?”

  “I don’t think so, Mrs. C.” She’d told herself she’d be gone by then. Thanksgiving had always been a special time with her parents, and now that they were gone, she spent it alone remembering them.

  “I’d like you to join my family if you are.”

  “Thank you, but I don’t think I will be.”

  “Well, just think about it. Hank would love you to be there; he’s fond of you and Buddy. Of course Bandit is invited too.”

  She liked Hank too. He was kind and gentle and worshipped his eccentric wife. It would be a wrench leaving them both, and that was why she had to do it soon.

  “All right. Well, the offer’s there, Lani. I’ll miss you when the time comes.”

  “I’ll miss you too.”

  Mrs. C sniffed. “We’ll leave that subject alone for now.”

  Lani could feel the sting of tears too and swallowed them down.

  “I want you to enjoy the festival too. There is nothing quite like Lake Howling when we’re celebrating something. We do it better than anyone else. Plus, we’ll be selling a few cakes of our own. That order for the Bilks was cancelled, as that foolish man of hers went and got drunk and broke his foot, so they had to spend their anniversary in the hospital. We can sell that too.”

  “It says ‘Happy Anniversary to the Man I Love’ in gold writing on top.”

  “You can do something with that, I’m betting. We’ll make a few dozen cupcakes and slap some icing on those.” Mrs. C waved her purple nails at Lani. “May as well make the most of it and have some extra money in the till to bank at the end of the week.”

  “It is the end of the week. It’s Friday, in fact.”

  Mrs. C waved her hand again. She did that when she didn’t want to answer.

  “I got some cakes out of the freezer, and we’ll put frosting on those, and maybe pipe on a few flowers.”

  “I’ll do some,” Lani said quickly, remembering the complaints she’d had about Mrs. C’s flowers.

  Lani finished up the cupcakes and boxed them, then moved on to the rest of the things she needed to do. She iced the freezer cakes with simple decorations that went with the potato and fall theme. The Bilks’ cake was a bit harder, but she managed to scrape off the words and re-ice it. She then piped pumpkins and fall-colored leaves all over it.

  “Lovely. You really have a gift for this, Lani.”

  “Thanks. It’s fun.”

  They cleaned up and then Mrs. C took off her apron, which was the last thing she did every day. Buddy saw her do it and was instantly alert. Bandit never even twitched.

  “You naughty boy, you know what comes now, don’t you?”

  “Are you going to feed him again? Because he’ll get fat.”

  “No, he’s still lean, and I don’t give him too much.” Taking down a jar Lani hadn’t seen until now, she poured out a handful of dog biscuits and held them out for Buddy.

  “I’m going to take him for a walk,” Lani said. “I’ll put Bandit outside until I return.”

  “You go on. He’s fine in here, just remember to take your keys.”

  “I will, and thanks, Mrs. C, for everything.”

  “You’re a blessing, is what you are, Lani, so don’t think I’m doing you a favor.”

  “But you are.”

  Mrs. C rested her hip on the counter and looked at Lani. “You ever want someone to talk to, you know I’m here for you, don’t you?”

  Of course she’d known Mrs. C was sharp and not much got by her, but she hadn’t said anything before now, so Lani thought maybe she wouldn’t. Turned out she was wrong. Like a few of the people in this town, Mrs. C had noticed something with Lani was off.

  “Thank you, but I’m all right.” Lani used her standard response, although it was getting harder to stop at that lately.

  Mrs. C simply nodded, then waved her out the door.

  With Buddy on her heels, she headed down the street, waving to people who acknowledged her as she walked.

  “Hello, Lani, I just heard from Buster you made a cake and decorated it for the charity auction.”

  Walt and Lizzie Heath stopped to talk to her. To her surprise, Hope had told her they had both once been professional dancers.

  “I have. I hope it raises money for the preschool.”

  “I’m sure it will. We’re doing a dancing exhibition. Do you dance, Lani?” Lizzie asked her.

  “I don’t. I was a cheerle
ader.”

  “You need to be strong and skilled for that. Maybe you could do some tumbles at the Potato Festival.”

  “Ah… it’s been a while.”

  “You never forget, dear,” Walt said. “Hello, Buddy.”

  The dog sat quietly while they scratched his head.

  “Well see you at the festival, Lani.”

  Waving, Lani walked down the road and then onto the trail that wound through the trees.

  When she let down her guard, Lani had to admit that Lake Howling suited her. She felt like this place could be a good fit. Could she have friends and a home? Could she take a chance on that?

  It was likely she wouldn’t be found here—it had been four years—but there was also Noah. He didn’t want anything more than sex from her, but if she stayed, would that be enough? The burning in her chest when he was close told her that more than just her body wanted him, but she wasn’t about to acknowledge any more than that.

  She had once given herself unconditionally to a man, and because of him she was where she was today. Broke and running.

  She walked and thought about her future, but a sound stopped her. Like someone was being ill, or coughing. Whoever was making those noises was in distress. Lani walked off the track in the direction it came from.

  She rounded a large trunk and found a form huddled on the ground before her.

  “Are you okay?” She dropped down beside it. “My name is Lani.”

  “G-go away.” The words were more a rasp.

  “I can’t leave you out here alone when obviously something is not right.” Going on instinct, she place a hand on his back. “Is that you, Mikey?”

  He moaned.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “N-not well.”

  “I can see that. Come on, we’ll get you back to town. It’s not far, and I’ll call Jake.”

  “No!” The word was desperate.

  “All right, we won’t call him, but will you let me take you home?”

  “No! Not to my home.”

  “Okay, to mine then,” she soothed. “Up you get now.”

  She took his arm and helped him rise. Even under the shadows of the trees, she could see his color wasn’t good. He was shaking, and sweat beaded his brow. Putting her arm under his shoulder, she helped him walk back along the trails. Buddy trotted ahead, leading the way back into town.

  Lani made small talk about the Spud Festival tomorrow. Mikey said nothing. His tremors increased, and by the time they reached town, his teeth were banging together.

  “D-don’t l-let anyone s-see me.”

  “Okay, it’s going to be okay,” she said, leading him down behind the shops.

  Unlocking the door to the Howlery, she helped him inside and then up the stairs. Pulling back the covers, she sat him on the edge of the bed.

  “I’m taking off your shoes now, Mikey, and your shirt, as it’s smelly. Then you get into the bed.” He didn’t fight her.

  She covered him to his chin, then Lani hurried back downstairs to get a bowl in case he was sick. She turned on the lamp on the side table when she returned—that had appeared yesterday. Mrs. C and Hank were always putting things up here. The place was so full of stuff, it was hard to walk in a straight line.

  “You need to tell me what’s going on, Mikey.” She leaned over and had her first good look at him. He was pale, sweaty, and shaking. “Have you been feeling sick for a while, or has this come on suddenly?”

  “S-sudden.” He closed his eyes, and she watched a tear leak out.

  Buddy jumped on the bed and settled on the bottom. Bandit nudged Mikey’s chin. Lani pulled back the covers, and the cat curled up against his chest.

  “Did you eat something?”

  He shook his head.

  “It’s okay now.” Leaning over, she gave him a hug. Lani wasn’t big on contact with people, but this boy needed it now. As she rose, someone knocked on the back door downstairs. Mikey grabbed her hand.

  “I-I—Don’t t-tell anyone.” His eyes were desperate. “Pl-please.”

  “Okay, I won’t answer the door now, but Mikey, a doctor has to look you over soon, because I don’t know what’s wrong with you, and that’s worrying me.”

  His eyes shot away. He was hiding something from her, she could feel it. This wasn’t just a boy feeling sick; this was more, and it scared her.

  The second knock on the door rattled it on its hinges.

  “Whoever is knocking is not going away, Mikey. I’ll be back, okay. But I won’t let them in, I promise.” Hurrying down the stairs, she found Noah outside the door when she opened it.

  “Hi.” He stood there in a long-sleeved navy T-shirt and sweatpants. He was wearing sneakers, and his hair was damp. He did not look sexy at all.

  “Hi. Sorry, I’m busy now.”

  “Yeah. Who you got up there?”

  “No one. I’m tired.”

  “It’s about 4:00 p.m. A bit early to call it a day, don’t you think?”

  “I can’t talk right now.” Lani went to shut the door, but he stopped her, then grabbed her arm as she turned away.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Try again.” He nudged her inside and shut the door. “You have panic written in big letters on your forehead.”

  “No, I don’t.” Lani pulled free and backed away. “I need you to go.”

  “And I will, when you tell me what’s going on, Lani.”

  Mikey chose that moment to moan.

  “Who’s here?” He walked past her and headed toward the stairs. Before she could stop him, he’d started up. She followed as fast as she could, but he had a bigger stride than hers.

  “Mikey?” He was beside the bed when she reached the second floor, his hands stroking the hair from the boy’s forehead and cupping a cheek.

  “What the hell is going on, Lani? He needs a doctor.” Noah’s look sliced through her.

  “I know, but he wouldn’t let me call one. I was walking the trails and found him like this about twenty minutes ago. I brought him here and was about to call Jake.”

  “No!” Mikey sat up. “N-not Jake.”

  “Easy, tiger.” Noah eased him back down and pulled up the blankets. “Someone needs to see you, and it’s Jake or his mother.”

  He was so gentle with the boy, his voice steady and calm. Hands soothing as he cupped Mikey’s head.

  “You’re important to us, Mikey, and we need to get you well, because tomorrow’s a big day.”

  Lani went around the bed as Noah talked and stood on the opposite side. She took Mikey’s hand and held it tight.

  “The thing is, Mikey, whatever is going on with you could get worse, and you’re too important to us to let that happen. We need to get a doctor to see you, and in my mind Jake’s probably the best one right now.”

  Mikey started to cry. The sobs were heart-wrenching. Lani climbed on the bed and hugged him. “Tell us what’s going on, Mikey. Why don’t you want to see Jake?”

  “I-I smoked s-something.”

  Lani went cold, her eyes meeting Noah’s. He must have seen the fear, as his finger touched her cheek, just a stroke, a reassurance.

  “What did you smoke?” Noah asked.

  “N-not sure.”

  “I’m calling Jake now, Mikey. He needs to check you over.”

  The boy burrowed into Lani.

  “Be right back.” He leaned in and hugged Mikey. His hand then cupped Lani’s head briefly before he left, and it comforted her. Knowing he was here made her feel better, stronger somehow, and that was not good, not good at all. You are the only person you can rely on, Lani.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Noah called Jake as he paced the shop front downstairs. He’d come to see Lani because he owed her an apology and he’d wanted to get it over with because it wasn’t sitting comfortably. He wasn’t normally a spiteful person, but he’d been just plain mean when he’d spoken to her in the Hoot. Jealousy had nipped at his heels and forced th
ose words out his mouth.

  Jake pulled him from his thoughts by answering the phone.

  “Jake, you need to come to the Howlery. Rear entrance. Mikey’s here and he’s not good. Apparently he’s smoked something. Lani found him and brought him here. I wouldn’t tell Branna just yet, bud.”

  Jake said he’d be there soon. Noah pocketed his cellphone, then hauled in a deep, steadying breath as he walked back up the stairs. Lani was still on the bed holding Mikey in her arms, rocking him gently as if he was a baby, not a teenager.

  What had Mikey smoked to put him into this state?

  “Jake’s on his way.”

  Mikey’s teeth were chattering hard now, so he didn’t respond. Tears leaked out of his eyes.

  “Mikey, we were teenagers once, you know. Even smoked stuff in our time and puked our guts up.”

  The boy clenched his eyes shut. Noah watched as Lani rested her head on Mikey’s. Surrounding him, letting him know she was there. He wondered who had been there for her in times of trouble.

  What the hell was her story? Getting to the bottom of what made Lani Sullivan tick was becoming an obsession with Noah.

  A large black cat appeared from beneath the covers and headed to the bottom of the bed to curl at Buddy’s side.

  “Don’t tell me that is the cat you saved?”

  “Bandit.”

  “You know what happens when you name an animal, don’t you? It means you have to keep it.”

  “Mrs. C named him.”

  “But he lives with you,” Noah said, trying to put a smile on her face. It didn’t work.

  “Jake’s here,” he said when they heard a knock on the door minutes later. “I’ll go let him in.”

  “What’s he said?” were his friend’s first words. Worry lined his face.

  “That he smoked something. Lani found him in the trails. He’d been puking, he’s shivering, and looks bad.”

  “Well, hell.”

  “The thing is, bud, he didn’t want us to call you. Was pretty upset when I said I would, and my money is on that being because he didn’t want you disappointed in him.”

  Jake exhaled. “I have to say that was my first thought. I just never took him as someone who would do this kind of thing.”