by J. P. Hansen
Henry shook his head like a grandfather clock, then said, “I can’t protect you on this one.”
Chase gulped, “Are you firing me?”
“You don’t leave me any choice. Read the papers. Hell, you fired yourself.”
As the words settled in, Chase’s angst lifted into a strange serenity. He had anticipated this for so long that when it hit, he felt relief—when the bullied stands up to discover the bully’s a coward.
Chase inhaled, then said, “I’ll make this easy for you…”
After Chase finished, Henry grinned like the Grinch. Marching away, Chase hoped Friday would be the last time he saw that face.
***
Sondra, Betsy Stanton’s daughter covered for Brooke on Monday and, according to the glowing report from the kids, did a superb job. Still there when Brooke arrived Tuesday, Sondra made a great impression—just like her mother.
Later in the morning, Show and Tell featured NC. Brooke brought him, but had asked Parker to leave her name out of the story so the other kids wouldn’t get jealous. He asked her what “jealous” meant in such a cute little boy way. Then, as she explained, his focused brown eyes made her melt.
Miss Ingram eased back and enjoyed Parker’s animated storytelling. He had a knack, a confidence in front of his peers. Popular and charming—just like his father. She worried about how the weekend’s events would affect him, but he showed no signs of sadness. Brooke felt akin to Parker, remembering what it was like to grow up without a mother—but with a terrific father.
Reading Cinderella, Miss Ingram felt a funny sensation. She paused and spotted Chase against the back wall. Blushing, she botched the next line. Brooke glanced at the bag, and giggled at the glass slippers she planned to model at the story’s end.
After the kids left, Chase and Parker remained. Marsha had the afternoon off. The three stood silently for a few seconds. Chase sent Parker to go grab NC, then whispered in Brooke’s ear, “I hardly recognized you in those glass slippers—with your clothes on…”
“I see Prince Charming hasn’t lost his sassiness.”
“Want a ride in my red chariot?”
Parker lumbered over with NC in his arms. He said, “Can Miss Ingram come over?”
Chase raised his eyebrows at Brooke. She eyed both of them, then said, “Hey, did you guys plan this?”
Parker giggled, which triggered Chase’s hearty laugh—Brooke had her answer.
Parker hugged NC in the back seat and said, “Daddy, can you turn on silly songs. I told Miss Ingram I can sing ‘em.”
Chase said, “Did you guys plan this?” Giggles from Parker and Brooke.
Flipping on Parker Tunes, father and son sang every song—to the absolute delight of Brooke. Is there anything he can’t do? The ride home seemed shorter; Chase noticed his palms were sweaty. Aside from Oksana, he hadn’t had a female to his house since Heather. He hoped Duke would behave. And, he hoped Brooke liked authentic Ukrainian fare.
Pulling into the driveway, Brooke’s eyes widened, “Sheesh, nice house.”
Chase said, “You’ll have to pardon the mess—and watch out for the dog. He gets a little hyper when we come home.”
“You mean Duke? A dukie gets hyper around a girl?”
“Very funny…”
The garage door opened. Oksana gripped Duke’s collar as they parked. Brooke rubbed her neck, thinking, she looks familiar—where have I seen her?
They exited the BMW and Oksana struggled to hold Duke. Chase said, “You can let him go. Come here Duke.” Oksana released Duke, then sighed. Brooke stared—I have definitely seen her…then, it dawned on her.
Chase clutched Duke, whose front paws set on his shoulders, then said, “Oksana, say hello to Brooke.”
Oksana wiped her hand on her apron and extended it toward Brooke. She’s the nanny?
Inside, Chase said, “Would you like a quick tour?”
“Sure.” Brooke fixed her gaze on Oksana.
Parker said, “C’mon Miss Ingram, I’ll show you my room,” then dashed up the stairs. Brooke and Chase followed, well behind Parker. Passing the master bedroom, Chase winked at Brooke. She ignored him.
With hyper voice, Parker showed Brooke his toys, books, and played her a few Raffi tunes. He treated Brooke like a friend over to play. Chase learned which things ranked at the top of Parker’s world. Parker said, “I got lots of Lego’s for my birthday. You wanna build another castle with me?”
Brooke smiled, Chase raised an eyebrow.
Before Brooke could answer, Chase said, “Not right now. We have to eat dinner soon. Parker, you need to pick up your room first.”
Chase and Brooke strolled away with Parker saying, “How about after dinner?”
Brooke said, “Nice try,” from the hallway and giggled.
Chase led Brooke into the master bedroom and planted a dramatic kiss. Brooke pulled back and frowned. Chase asked, “What’s wrong?”
Brooke inhaled a deep breath, then released slowly. “Remember how you said you’d always be truthful with me?”
“Yes, and I meant it…”
Brooke sighed, peering deeply into his eyes, then said, “Is Oksana more than just a nanny to you?”
“She cooks, cleans, does it all really. But, I think I know what you’re asking—is she a mother to Parker? No. He sees you as—”
“That’s not what I’m asking.”
“I don’t understand…” Chase rubbed the back of his neck.
“I’m going to ask you a direct question and if you don’t want to answer it, fine.” Chase raised his eyebrows, asking, “What’s this about?”
“Are you sleeping with Oksana?”
The question knocked Chase back a step. He scrunched his brows and glared at Brooke, then said, “That’s ridiculous.”
Brooke crossed her arms across her chest, then said, “About a month ago, at Noon, I saw you walking arm in arm into a hotel with Oksana.”
“That’s impossible. You have me confused with someone else.”
“Nope. I was close by. It was definitely you and then, when I saw Oksana today, it registered. You carried a lingerie bag and she wore a low cut dress. You two were laughing as you entered the Renaissance at North Hills—”
“North Hills?” Chase’s eyes narrowed, “I remember now…Oksana was kind enough to go shopping with me for Parker’s birthday.”
“Unh huh…At the hotel?”
“Oh my God, you can’t possibly think,” Chase’s eyes darted like strobe lights, then he said, “Ah, now I remember. I had to use the bathroom. That mall doesn’t have any public facilities. We both had to go—the hotel was right there. We were only in there for ten minutes.”
“Did you get Parker lingerie? That’s the only bag I saw—”
“Lingerie? That’s absurd…Come to think of it, I bought her a belated gift for her birthday. She said she needed a swimming suit—to go to the beach with her boyfriend. I bought her one—an expensive one—at some store…I forget the name, but they only sold swimwear, not lingerie.”
Brooke stared into Chase’s eyes and knew—he spoke the truth. She sighed, then said, “You have no idea how stupid I feel right now.”
Chase glared, Brooke released a nervous laugh—the final piece fell into place. A wave of relief enveloped her. Brooke hugged Chase with a firm grip, then glanced at his bed—and spotted the infamous pink slip beside his pillow. Another truth revealed. She giggled.
Chase broke the hug, holding Brooke at arm’s length, then said, “My turn now.” Brooke frowned, Chase continued, “Tell me the truth about how my boss found out about us?”
“I already told you the truth. I…did…not…tell…Henry—or anyone,” Brooke bit her lip, then continued, “Actually, I told my best friend Melissa. I was her maid of honor that night. But, she’s the only one I told. There’s no way she—”
“I don’t understand how Stoddard found out.”
“Not from me.” Chase figured she told the truth. Both stood in
silence, then Brooke said, “Hey, wait a minute. I found your envelope—you know, the famous big package. The seal looked broken—like somebody opened it and resealed it.”
Chase rubbed his chin, then said, “I personally wrote that note with my fountain pen, then sealed it myself. Afterwards, I marked it ‘Personal & Confidential.’”
“I know, but did you mail it yourself?”
“Yes…I handed it to Ruth, but,” Chase’s eyes met Brooke’s. He said, “She’s the only one who could have…I can’t believe she’d do something like that.”
“Ruth’s given me the heebie-jeebies since I first met her.”
“God, I’ve confided in her…”
“About us?”
“No, of course not. About the situation with Heather.”
“I think Ruth has a crush on you.”
“You’re crazy. She’s married. Plus, she works for me…” Brooke suppressed her thought.
“Dinner!” Oksana pierced the silence like a foghorn across a still pond.
With everything resolved, Chase and Brooke relaxed, savoring each bite of Oksana’s gourmet Ukrainian dinner. Hearing about Oksana’s upbringing, Brooke appreciated her more.. From the first course to Parker’s favorite—Yabluchnyk, a Ukrainian apple cake—the meal tasted scrumptious. Oksana took great pride in being part of Chase’s family. And, Brooke cherished it.
Chase awarded Oksana the rest of the night off—to spend with Dmitri. He and Brooke cleaned up the kitchen. Afterwards, Chase, Brooke, and Parker took Duke on a nice walk. Brooke marveled—I never pegged him a family man.
Brooke and Chase settled on Parker’s bed, preparing to tuck him in. Duke whimpered, waiting impatiently to jump up on the crowded bed. Parker asked, “Can Miss Ingram help me say my special prayers?”
Brooke gazed at Chase and mouthed, he’s too cute. Chase said, “Sure thing buddy.” Brooke placed her hand across Parker’s chest and they both recited the familiar prayers. Afterwards, Brooke slid her fingers through Parker’s short hair. The spike had fallen and the dye Oksana used returned his hair to its natural brown shade. Brooke hoped his dreadful memories faded like the bad dye job from Heather.
Parker’s eyelids flickered, then closed; Chase said, “I love you.” Brooke turned—Chase’s eyes fixed on hers. They gazed at each other while Parker’s breathing deepened. Chase caressed Brooke’s hair, then placed his hand in hers. She rose without breaking her eye contact, then their lips met. Duke leaped on the bed, and made a funny grumbling sound, causing the couple to pause and chuckle.
Chase led Brooke down the hallway and stopped. They kissed again, this time with wanton desire. As they broke for air, Brooke gazed into Chase’s eyes and said, “I love you.” Their lips melded as if repeating the three magic words telepathically.
He lifted Brooke up in his arms and carried her into his bedroom. Placing her in the middle of the bed, he slid on top of her. Their eyes locked in a lover’s gaze. He said, “I loved you the moment I saw you,” then kissed her.
Their eyes met, and Brooke said, “Make love to me…”
Becoming one, their desires felt delirious yet delicate. Their lovemaking reached profound depths, familiarity, knowing. The passion heightened, then they exploded in ecstasy together. Gasping for air, they collapsed in each other’s arms. With moistened eyes, Chase said, “That was amazing.”
Brooke said, “I love you so much,” as her tears slid onto his chest.
They held each other in silence, allowing love’s whisper to ring inside. Both felt awed by their emotional release. Was it pent up stress or suppressed pleasure? Either way, this time they had taken a quantum leap together. And neither one wanted to ever turn back. Brooke hadn’t quite felt this same force before; Chase had never come close.
Brooke noticed something strange in the room. She focused, then said, “Is that a guitar?”
Chase broke from his tranquility, and said, “One of ‘em.”
Brooke bolted upright, the dappled moonlight careened off her glistening skin. “Oh, my God. Pinch me. You are the perfect man.” Chase chuckled. Brooke said, “Will you play something?”
“Sure,” Chase pulled on his boxer briefs, then strode over and lifted his guitar off the stand. Sitting bedside at Brooke’s feet, he played the familiar opening to “Something” by The Beatles. Pausing before the vocal part, he said, “You asked me to play ‘Something’.” Brooke giggled.
Enjoying a captive audience—it had been a long time since he serenaded anyone but Duke—Chase said, “I wrote a song for you.”
“Did you really?” Brooke tingled inside, reminiscent of junior high, “Like, I mean, I’d love to hear it.” She stuttered as Cupid’s arrows struck.
Chase played the first few notes of Crash Into Me. Brooke’s laugh shook the bed, then she said, “Keep playing. I love Dave Matthews. It reminds me of,” her eyes sparkled, “It could be our song.”
“Do you know any James Taylor?” As the words left her mouth, she braced herself. JT songs reminded Brooke of Tanner—their first date, countless lovemaking sessions, and fond times.
Chase played the intro to “Fire and Rain.” The song always brought tears to Brooke’s eyes. Chase stopped and asked, “Am I playing that badly?”
Brooke sniffled, then said, “No, that song reminds me of…” Brooke glanced away and wiped her fluttering eyes.
“Tanner?”
“Yeah…JT concert was our first date. That song’s such a sad one for me. I’m sorry.”
Chase slid his hand on top of Brooke’s, then said, “I understand. Believe me, I do. Music has a mystical way of touching us.”
Brooke sniffled, then said, “I’m better now. I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t spoil the moment.”
“Well, this probably won’t help, but…” He lifted his guitar up and pointed to writing at the base. Brooke squinted, hoping to dry her eyes enough to see it. Then it came into focus: “To My Dear Friend Chase. Enjoy My Guitar, James Taylor.”
Brooke looked dumbfounded, “Where did you find that?”
“It’s a beauty—the Olson guitar he actually played during a benefit concert I attended. It was auctioned off; I outbid everyone, then asked him to sign it for me.”
Brooke’s jaw dangled open, “You actually met JT?”
“He’s a great guy. Real soft spoken. You’d never guess he was a legend.”
“You never cease to amaze me…”
Chase chuckled, then started strumming, saying, “Don’t worry, this isn’t a JT song.”
Brooke cocked her head, “That’s beautiful…I don’t recognize it though. What’s it called?”
“I haven’t named it yet…”
“Wait a minute. You wrote this song?”
Chase paused, then said, “Yeah, one night, I couldn’t sleep—thinking about you—imagine that. Then this melody came to me. You like it?”
“You did what?” Brooke lunged forward, nearly knocking Chase off the bed, as her lips landed hard.
“If that’s how you like it now, I can only imagine what you’ll do when I finish it.” She joined his lips as if giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
I’ll finish another time…
***
The alarm rang way too early. Brooke didn’t plan on spending the night and realized she couldn’t show up in the same dress. Chase wished Brooke’s clothing filled his walk-in closet. The drive back to her car took on a serenity—like the start of a honeymoon. The sun popped, piercing the darkness just as they pulled into Angel’s Academy.
Chase kissed Brooke, then said, “Can I see you tonight?”
“Will you let me sleep a little?”
“We went to bed early…” Chase’s grin illuminated with a ray of sunshine.
Brooke’s eyes crinkled, “We have to find a happy medium between bed and sleep.”
“Is that a ‘yes’?”
“Sleep’s overrated,” Brooke kissed Chase, holding on longer than usual.
Chase floated to Starbucks a
s if on a magic carpet. He left carrying three quad Espresso’s. He had to make Miss Ingram laugh once more.
Chase surprised Brooke in the Angel’s Academy parking lot. Handing the still steaming coffee to her, she said, “I hope it’s the right temperature.” They both laughed, then after making sure no kids had arrived early, kissed one last time. A perfect way to start the day.
***
Inside the courtroom, Pam Moliere arrived just before nine. Chase didn’t mind. There was nothing they needed to do—except signatures. Pam’s clout ensured they were first on the judge’s busy docket.
After a quick handshake, Pam asked, “Ready to set the record for the quickest divorce in Carolina?”
Chase inhaled, “I think so.” His stomach churned. Though long overdue, he felt queasy. His present collided with the past. Though life blossomed with Brooke, it was imploding at work and with the mother of his child. Thinking of Heather—how strung out she looked—he still couldn’t believe it had come to this.
Courtrooms always made him feel somber. He glanced at Pam, grateful he never became a trial lawyer. I don’t know how she does it?
The large wooden door swung open. As the judge approached the bench, Chase braced himself. Realizing the past five years were about to be erased, sadness set in. There because of a failed marriage, he felt responsibility for his part of the failure. Like a zombie, he listened to Pam and some judge end his previous five years of marriage—in five minutes.
Clad in suit and tie, Chase signed the papers; later, Heather would do the same in an orange jumpsuit. Though Pam tried to persuade Chase to fight the pre-nuptial, he was glad he didn’t. Leaving the courthouse, he held his head high, hoping to never see Pam again. He wondered how Parker would take the news—and how often he’d take him to visit his mother in a Minnesota federal prison.
Chase dreaded the office. Henry had him in a holding pattern until Friday. Chase imagined the boardroom, wondering if any board members would feel somber as they cast their severance votes. His professional life was in his former mentor’s hands. Chase had never been a lame duck; the master manager didn’t have any idea how to manage limbo.
