by Kay Stockham
Garret squatted down in front of her. He lowered the footrests and placed her feet on top, maintaining his hold longer than necessary. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. We’ll talk later, okay?”
“What’s there to talk about?” she asked pointedly. “I understand.” But did she? Garret didn’t seem like the type of guy to go around cheating on women.
“Garret, shut up and get out of the way.” Ethan unlocked the brakes and got them moving.
“I’m not finished with either one of you.” Harry followed them to the elevator. “I want answers and I want them now.”
The elevator doors opened, but as the brothers wheeled her inside, Rosetta called Garret’s name.
“Aww, great,” Ethan murmured.
Darcy glanced up and saw Garret close his eyes as though summoning the depths of his patience—or in embarrassment. She’d bet the latter. The older woman stepped onto the elevator with them, Garret’s boss following her.
“What on earth is going on here? You’ve got people talking about you throughout the hospital.”
“How are you, Gram?” Ethan kissed the woman on the cheek. “You look beautiful.”
“Good morning, Gram.” Garret smiled, but it was a strained effort.
Ethan pushed a button and the elevator began its ascent.
Harry dipped his head in a respectful nod. “Just the person I need to talk to. Rosetta, I want to know how you could condone such behavior. Why would you allow Garret to bring his pregnant mistress into your home and—”
“Harold Pierson, you should be ashamed of yourself! Don’t let me hear another word like that.” Rosetta glared at Garret’s boss, then dropped her gaze to look Darcy over, her eyes narrowing shrewdly. Swallowing, Darcy prayed for them all to go away. As though sensing her thoughts, Rosetta nodded and patted Darcy’s shoulder. “Let me handle this and don’t fret, dear. It’s not good for the baby.”
The elevator arrived on Dr. Clyde’s floor and Ethan pushed her down the hall at a breakneck pace, the others hurrying behind them. To her horror, the entire group followed her inside. Everyone in the waiting room looked up from their magazines and books. On the other side of a plexiglass partition, Dr. Clyde spoke with one of her employees, but the moment she noticed the hospital president and the rest of them in her waiting room, she walked out of sight. A second later the door to the examination rooms opened.
“Bring her right back. Darcy, what happened?”
She shook her head mutely, unable to speak.
“Oh, I know that look. They’re back, huh? Room three. Becky will get you hooked up to a monitor and we’ll see what’s happening here. The rest of you, please, wait in my office.”
Rosetta rested her hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “May I stay with you, dear?”
Darcy nodded even though she knew she should say no. Things were complicated enough and she needed to get used to being entirely on her own. Right now, however, Rosetta’s friendship was too precious to pass up. Within moments a fetal monitor was in place, a blood pressure cuff on her arm.
“Even higher than before. Darcy, I know you were upset by what I told you earlier. I could tell, but—”
“Excuse me for interrupting, but what did you tell her?”
Rosetta looked at her expectantly, and somehow Darcy managed to repeat the doctor’s warnings.
“Oh, Darcy. Child, don’t you dare worry about a thing. Do you hear me? You can stay with me. I don’t mind.”
“Rosetta, we’re not talking about a week or even two.”
“She’s right,” Dr. Clyde interjected. “She’ll need a place to stay until she’s cleared to travel, which could be anywhere from two to six weeks after birth.”
“And I’m fine with that,” Rosetta stated firmly. “Darcy, you shouldn’t be alone now. And since your mother isn’t able to come get you, I’d be honored if you’d consider my home yours. I have plenty of room and you can’t think of yourself as a bother when you’d be giving us old people a lot of excitement waiting on a baby to arrive. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need.”
Her nose tingled with yet more tears. Were these people for real? How could anyone—total strangers—be so generous?
“I’m afraid we have a more serious problem here. The contractions started too easily and could progress without medication and monitoring. It’s feasible that you could go into labor if we let the contractions continue. Darcy, you’ve got a little less than five weeks until your due date, but we need every one of them.”
“I have to take the medication, don’t I?”
“It would be best,” Dr. Clyde said with a nod.
“Will I be able to work? I have to pay for the repairs and rent.” She turned toward Rosetta. “If I stay with you, I have to pay rent. I’m not a charity case.”
Rosetta’s features softened with a look similar to…pride? “I know that, dear.”
Dr. Clyde set her file aside. “In an ideal world I’d insist you not work. But given the situation, I’m not opposed to it if doing so will make you feel better, and provided the medication is effective and you aren’t contracting. But you need to rest between clients, and I insist on half your normal load. Understood?”
Darcy nodded, unable to take it all in. It should’ve been her mother standing here beside her, should’ve been her mother holding her hand in support. Offering to help, to take her home. Garret wouldn’t like this. Not after what happened between them. And his boss.
My baby comes first. And it’s not like I’ll be kissing Garret again.
Darcy forced herself to lift her chin and stare directly into Rosetta’s eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Without a doubt.”
“Then I’ll stay on the condition that I pay you rent and get to help around the house.”
Rosetta beamed. “Done. You drive a hard bargain.”
Darcy smiled weakly. They all knew she was getting the best of the deal.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
LATER THAT EVENING Garret sat back in his chair and tried to tell himself he wasn’t responsible for how complicated his life had become. It didn’t work.
Despite Gram’s assurances that she had things under control and that nothing had happened between Garret and Darcy, Harry had made life hell. When the hospital president wasn’t muttering about Darcy and public display, he’d wreaked havoc throughout the hospital, causing numerous problems. And why not? Harry knew Garret would be the one left to clean up the mess. Garret didn’t doubt it was Harry’s version of revenge and the man’s way of keeping him so busy he wouldn’t have time to see Darcy.
After months of negotiations with the union representative and coming within inches of signing a new contract with the nurses, Harry had blown everything by informing the union official that the nurses didn’t deserve a raise. Harry and the rep had nearly come to blows, and Garret had spent the entire afternoon on the phone trying to repair the damage. He was sick of Harry’s temper and holier-than-thou attitude. The man didn’t have a clue how to relate to the hospital’s many employees. Months of work down the drain and for what?
As they had throughout the day, his thoughts drifted to Darcy. That her latest scare came on the heels of their kiss had been on his mind all day, and he tossed the pen he held onto the desk in frustration. How was she? Did she think he’d kissed her because—Why had he kissed her? One minute he’d offered comfort, the next he couldn’t think of anything but tasting her. Friends didn’t do that.
The phone rang and he hesitated before picking it up. “Garret Tulane.”
“Sounds like you and I had the same kind of day,” Joss said. “I just wanted to let you know I’m home and that I talked to Daddy a few minutes ago. He was awfully fired up.”
“Yeah.” He sighed. “Joss—”
“Don’t worry about me, Garret. Daddy’s in a mood. You’re such an honorable man. I trust you and I know you’d never deliberately hurt me. And I would never deliberately hurt you.”
Tell her what happened. But it
was only a kiss, and not deliberate, like she’d said. Why make the situation worse when it wouldn’t happen again?
“Listen, I, um, called to cancel our date tonight. I know we talked about going out to dinner, but I’m really tired and—”
“No.”
“What?”
“Joss…I don’t care what we do. I don’t care if you sleep all evening, but I’d like to see you.”
“Oh…How sweet. Okay, I think maybe I feel a second wind coming. I’m at home. Want to swing by here?”
“I’ll be there in half an hour.”
“Good. Now stop brooding. Daddy will calm down soon.”
He wasn’t so sure. At least not without a major concession on his part. Maybe he should ask Joss tonight? Get it out of the way?
There you go again. That’s nice and romantic.
“How is Darcy?” Joss asked, matter-of-fact. “Daddy said she went into labor again.”
He’d bet that wasn’t all Harry had said. “From the stress.”
“Poor thing. Be honest, was Daddy involved?”
He blamed himself for upsetting Darcy, but Harry certainly hadn’t helped. “Some. Anyway, she’s stuck in town until the baby’s born now. Ordered not to travel. If she can handle it, she’ll be able to work. Nick’s hired her on at the gym.”
“That’s great.”
It was. If he didn’t think too much about Darcy putting her hands on other men. Why the thought of that bothered him was a question he couldn’t answer.
“Garret, if you want to check on Darcy, don’t let Daddy’s temper stop you. Go right ahead.”
He cleared his throat. “That’s very understanding of you.”
“She’s pregnant and alone in a strange town. I can’t imagine being that way and having no one. It’s…sad. I understand why you feel the need to watch out for her—you’re the one who found her that night. Now, I’ve got to go make myself presentable before you get here. See you in a little bit.” Murmuring goodbye, she hung up.
Garret set the receiver on the base, his thoughts focusing on what Joss had said about Darcy. He was concerned about her, worried. Responsible. Maybe that was the source of his interest in her?
He grabbed his briefcase from the floor behind his desk and started to fill it only to pause. Harry had come in that morning with nothing in his hands, gone home the same way. Right or wrong, Garret had been performing Harry’s job in a lot of ways of late. Anger surfaced. Harry had no right to terrorize the hospital with his tantrums, and he needed to learn the consequences of his bullying.
Garret mentally quelled the rising tide of guilt and self-imposed responsibility, and determinedly returned the briefcase to the floor. Nodding to himself, he grabbed his keys and coat and headed toward the door, feeling very much like a kid playing hooky from school.
Maybe it was time to not be so ready to step in. Time to back off and let Harry appreciate him a little more. Time to make some changes.
FORTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER Garret sat across the table from Joss at his uncle’s bar and grille and thought of all the reasons she was perfect for him. Joss could play the socialite when expected, be charming and poised. She could also laugh at herself on occasion, and she was a smart, astute businesswoman. So why didn’t he ask?
She looked up, her fork raised halfway to her lips. “Something wrong?”
“I’m proud of you. You’ve done an amazing job on the gallery.” Her lashes lowered, but Garret thought he saw a flash of resentment.
“Thank you.”
“What?”
Joss stared at him blankly. “Pardon?”
“Don’t give me that. You’re angry. Why?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Obviously it’s something.”
She lowered her fork to her plate and gave him a benevolent stare. “How do you know I’ve done an amazing job? You’ve barely set foot inside the gallery. I didn’t say anything because I don’t want to fight.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“I know.”
“Your father’s my boss and not an easy man to take.”
“I know that, too. How about we talk about something else? Your mother said the cake recipe for Rosetta’s birthday party is divine.”
So that’s what they were down to? Discussing cake recipes because they couldn’t talk about them? “How about we go back to the gallery after we eat? It’s after hours so the phones will be quiet, no deliverymen will show up. You can give me a private tour.”
She hesitated for a long moment. “Now? Oh, well…I suppose I could. No, I will. That sounds like…fun.”
“What sounds like fun?” Toby walked up to the table from behind Joss’s left shoulder.
Garret sat back and grinned at him. “Where have you been? You haven’t been to the gym all week.”
Toby glanced at Joss and then back at him. “Jocelyn didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Tobias, I thought—I wasn’t sure if—”
“I’m job hunting.”
“What?” Garret looked at Joss and saw her staring at Toby, her expression hard to read. What was up with that? He focused on Toby. “What happened?”
“Same old thing. I got strung along like a mule with a carrot, but didn’t get the partnership.”
“Ah, Tobe, tough break.”
“Yeah, well, while I look around I’ve been taking some time to kick back and sleep in. I’ve been going to the gym later in the day.”
“That’s an excuse. You’re just afraid you’re off your game and I can take you down. Admit it, your record is history.”
Toby smiled at the teasing. “Bring it on.”
A pause followed the words and Garret shifted on the booth’s seat. “I’m surprised I haven’t talked to you if you’re on the hunt. How many times have you mentioned partnering up? Change your mind?”
Toby shoved his hand through his hair. “You’ve, uh, got your hands full right now. I know it can’t happen so why ask? Looks like my takeout is ready. See you around. Jocelyn…enjoy dinner with your guy, here.”
“Later.” Garret watched Toby walk away and then glanced back at Joss to see her gaze following him, too. “I can’t believe Wellington did it to him again. Toby’s a great attorney.”
“He’ll find something.”
He frowned at her tone. “Joss, is something going on?”
She flashed him a cool, measured smile. “Nothing unusual. I have a headache. After I arrived home today I got another lecture from Daddy. He says we don’t spend enough time together and that our relationship is suffering.”
“Do you feel that way?” Garret watched her closely, looking for clues to what she was thinking.
“I’m not complaining if that’s what you’re asking. I’ve canceled our dates, too, remember? I haven’t been able to spare more than a few minutes for you these past few months, and I understand that things are the same way with you. It just makes me wonder—” She broke off and jabbed her fork into her food.
“Wonder what?”
Another shrug. The silence between them lengthened, the weight of the ring box burning a hole through his pocket. If he asked, they’d be able to spend more time together and the tension between them would ease…right?
Garret finished off the last of his steak and downed the soda, noticing for the first time that other than the few bites she’d taken at the beginning of the meal Joss had barely eaten.
As though sensing his perusal, her light blue eyes rose to meet his. Out of nowhere he pictured a warm, rich toffee-colored gaze.
“Garret, can I be honest?”
“Absolutely.”
“I’m not feeling very well tonight. Can we postpone the tour and make it an early night?”
He wasn’t expecting that, but reminded himself that timing was everything. She had tried to call off the date and he hadn’t let her. This was no less than what he deserved for forcing her to come. Still he wanted to talk to her about how she felt, what
she saw for the future. Kids, house. What did she dream of?
He pushed his plate out of the way and leaned his elbows on the table. “Are you sure nothing’s wrong?”
Her gaze darted away from his. “I’m really tired and not hungry at all. I have a nasty headache and there’s this ongoing list of things to do buzzing around in my mind. I feel like I need to go to sleep and start fresh tomorrow.”
“I was kind of hoping we could talk. There’s something important I’d like to ask you.”
The fork slipped from her hand and clattered onto her plate before bouncing to the wood floor. “Sorry. I’m such a klutz. I’ll go get a new one from one of the stations. Your uncle won’t mind, will he?”
“You just said you weren’t hungry. Use mine, I’m finished.”
“I’m not hungry, but—”
He grabbed his fork from his plate and placed it on the edge of hers to use or not use as she liked. “Joss, listen, I’m sorry I haven’t been around to help you with the gallery. I apologize for that. I hope you’re not upset with me and just not saying anything. You can talk to me.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re busy and you’ve got more important things to do than mess with my little gallery.”
“Joss—”
“Daddy certainly wouldn’t want you wasting your time there when you could be working at the hospital. Besides, you’re not interested in art at all.”
“It’s just not my—”
“Not your thing. I know—” she pushed her plate away “—and it’s fine. Garret, really, I’m not very good company tonight. I think it’s best if we go. I think I’m coming down with a touch of the flu or something. You know what? You stay. Go have a drink at the bar. I’ll call a cab.”
“Joss, sit down. You look pale. Maybe you’re jet-lagged. Give me a second to take care of the bill and I’ll drive you home.”
JOCELYN GAZED out the window as Garret drove her home. He’d asked if she needed more air, if she felt sick. If he’d done something to upset her. All of which she answered with a low no. All of which she should have answered with a yes. She needed more air because she couldn’t breathe, felt sick because of what she’d done. Was furious at Garret for spending so much time at the hospital with her father instead of with her. Where were her guts? Her backbone? Why did she play the good little girl and pretend?
