These Days Series: After Tuesday | Forgotten Yesterday | Deciding Tomorrow

by Renee Ericson

  “Sounds good.” Water runs in the background, and the clatter of dishes echoes through the connection. “I’ll let you go, so you can spend some time with him. I need to get ready for Cody when he gets here. It will all work out. You’ll see. He’ll come around. But if this Brent guy is a total jerk, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

  “I’m sure you will, but I’m not worried.”

  “Okay. I need to get going. Talk to you soon.”

  “Talk soon.” I end the call, and the silence crowds the room in the space between the phone, Brent, and myself.

  “That was Shauna,” I say into the quiet, “Cody’s wife.”

  “I kind of gathered that.” Brent takes the phone from my hand and places it on the nearby table. Then, he pulls me back into his arms and rests against the headboard. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

  I sigh. “She wants us to go up there for Thanksgiving. I told her I needed to talk to you about it first.”

  “So, that’s what you’re doing now?” he teases.

  “I guess so. We don’t have to go if you don’t want to though.”

  “Why wouldn’t I want to? It’s your family, and we don’t exactly have plans.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Do you not want to go?” he asks, enunciating every word.

  “It’s just Cody.” I grunt, recalling the talk we had earlier. “He and I got into an argument earlier today when I told him that you were here. I’m not sure it’s the best idea that we do go, but Shauna says she’ll talk to him.”

  He settles down further into the bed, so we’re lying together.

  “I’m sorry about coming here like this,” he says softly. “I wasn’t thinking that it would be a problem.”

  Turning around within his embrace, I cuddle into him, circling my arms behind his back. “It’s not a problem at all. I want you here. Cody is just being a dick, like always. You know how he can be.”

  “Yeah, I remember.” He chuckles. “Does he have an issue with me?”

  The answer is so obvious. “A little. He’s kind of mad at you for leaving.”

  “Well, I’m mad at me, too.”

  “It was so long ago though. There has to be a statute of limitations or something. You just can’t be mad forever.”

  “No, you can’t. But you certainly can see your mistakes for what they are and which ones you don’t want to make again.”

  “True.” I let out a gust of air and lick my lips. My body becomes rigid.

  Brent kisses the top of my head, relieving the rising tension. “If you had asked me to stay back then, I would have,” he utters into my hair.

  My mind goes straight back to that time and place when we said our farewells four years ago. Then, all I wanted was for him to stay, but I couldn’t be selfish enough to ask. His torment came from many directions and sources—the loss of our baby, my despair, our hurtful words, his academic probation, and the separation of his parents. It was too much, all of it at once.

  “I just couldn’t ask you to stay,” I say, closing my lids.

  “Why?” he asks, mildly distressed. “Why couldn’t you?”

  “Because I loved you too much to take you further down with me. I loved you enough to let you go.” I sniff back the pricking tears. “It was one of the hardest things I ever did, but I didn’t know what else to do for you. I let you go, so you could hopefully find happiness. At least one good thing was all I wanted for you.”

  “But I didn’t find happiness like you had hoped, not really.” Brent’s hands glide up and down my back, floating along my spine. “Can I tell you something?”

  “Of course.”

  Brent’s chest rises and falls as I listen to the oxygen entering and leaving his lungs along with the pumping of his heart.

  “I’ve only ever had one good thing in my life,” he murmurs. “And I found her a long time ago.”

  Seventeen

  We pull onto Cody and Shauna’s street situated in the quiet Milwaukee neighborhood. A stone-gray tone oppresses the mid-morning sky. It’s a typical Thanksgiving morning. Leaves fall from the trees and line the sidewalk as the wind fiercely blows in the late November air.

  “Just a little farther up,” I tell Brent as he drives slowly up the road. “It’s a blue two-story on the left just at the end of this block.”

  “Got it.”

  After talking to Shauna the other day about Cody, Brent and I discussed the idea of joining them for Thanksgiving. At first, I was hesitant. I still am in some ways, but it’s the right thing to do. Although I haven’t spoken to Cody since that day when we shared those harsh words over the phone, Shauna texted and assured me that he was going to put our issues aside for the holiday. Also in the same text, she wanted to know if I would make an apple crisp. It’s in the backseat of our rental car.

  “This one?” Brent asks, stopping in front of their house with a driveway full of cars.

  “Yep, this is it.” I gesture out the window. “We can park on the street. There’s a spot up there.”

  Brent drives farther up the block and parks the car next to the curb. He shuts off the engine, and we exit onto the street. The thin, sharp air hits my cheeks, stinging them slightly, as I close the passenger side door. I grab the dessert from the backseat of the car and join Brent on the sidewalk. He takes my hand, and I lead him past two houses. We’re at their front door in a matter of moments.

  I ring the doorbell, and a dog barks within. I hear the sound of puppy nails scratching the hardwood floors just inside the door.

  “Is that Dragon?” Brent asks, referring to the dog that was once my constant companion.

  He now lives with Cody.

  “I doubt it. He’s getting older. I bet it’s Rugby, their other dog.”

  Brent wraps an arm around me, squeezing my shoulder. “It will be fine,” he says reassuringly.

  “Get back,” Shauna enunciates from behind the closed door. “Go get Cody.” The skittering puppy nails retreat, and the door swings open. Shauna’s fiery hair comes into view with her pregnant belly protruding underneath a teal-green shirt. “You made it!” She steps forward, giving me a hug.

  I pat her on the back with one hand, maneuvering around her stomach, while balancing the plate of apples with sugar in the other.

  “Good to see you,” I say, stepping back and standing next to Brent once again. “Shauna, this is Brent.”

  The glint in her eye shows that the image of Brent is more than she was expecting.

  “Well, it’s nice to meet you,” she finally says after her open gawking. In typical Shauna-like fashion, she gives him a hug in greeting. “Come on in. Everyone’s in the den.”

  We enter the house, and she closes the door behind us. Then, she leads us down the hall. Men’s voices echo throughout and get louder the farther in we proceed. Reaching the kitchen entrance, Shauna takes the plate from my hand.

  “They’re right in there.” She points down the short hallway. “I’m just going to put this in the kitchen.”

  I guide Brent toward the room at the end of the house where everyone is gathered. At the threshold, we see Shauna’s family—her parents and three brothers—and Cody. Dragon is sitting at Cody’s feet. Sensing new people in the room, my canine friend trots over to greet us.

  “Hi, Dragon,” I say, squatting down and scratching behind his ears. He licks my face. “Ew. It’s good to see you, too.”

  Brent bends over and pets the top of his head as I stand back up. Cody’s eyes meet mine and then glance toward Brent as he continues to pet Dragon. Cody’s trepidation is clear. He rises from his chair, leaving the rest of his extended family, and approaches us at the room’s entrance. I grip Brent’s hand tightly, making it clear that he and I are here together.

  “Hi, Cody,” I offer, rubbing my free hand along my thigh. “Thanks for having us.”

  “Sure,” he replies, forced and tense.

  “Hi, man,” Brent says with his hand outstretched, being as cor
dial as ever.

  Cody shakes it once.

  “Good to see you again,” Brent adds.

  Cody’s mouth twitches, and he returns his hand to his pocket. “Beer is in the fridge, and Shauna put out a few appetizers on the table. Feel free to help yourself.”

  “Thanks,” I say, leaning into Brent.

  Cody offers a tight-lipped smile and then walks back to his seat, joining the others. My body relaxes a bit now that the initial greeting is over.

  “Brent,” Shauna says from behind us, “have you met everyone?”

  “No, not yet,” he replies.

  Shauna scoots her round belly around us and into the den. “Well, let me introduce you.” She faces her family, all seated together and chatting among themselves—except for Cody, who is now sitting back like a spectator. “Hey, guys,” she beckons their attention with her commanding voice.

  They immediately stop talking and give her their ears.

  “Ruby’s here.”

  “Hey, Ruby,” her eldest brother, Marcus, calls, waving from the couch.

  Her younger brothers, Tony and Daniel, follow suit. Her mother and father, both in their late sixties, nod in acknowledgment of our presence.

  “Hi, everyone,” I say, smiling shyly while waving back.

  “And…” Shauna continues, almost like a game show host. “She brought a guest. This is Brent.”

  Her hand touches his shoulder before running down his bicep.

  I’m onto you. I’d use the opportunity to feel him up, too.

  “Hey,” Tony says. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Hey, Brent,” the rest of the family chimes in.

  “Turkey will be ready at noon,” Shauna announces. “So, get your appetites ready.” She adjusts her frame, facing us. “You guys good?”

  “I think we’re good,” Brent replies without any pause, his arm finding its way around my waist. “Thank you again for the invite.”

  “Of course. You are always welcome in my house.” Patting Brent on the shoulder, she gives me an approving look and then heads back into the kitchen.

  Shauna’s family goes back to their conversation, and Cody dives into his own little world, pondering his shoelaces.

  “You want to get a drink?” I ask Brent.

  “Sure, we can do that.”

  We enter the kitchen where Shauna is in the process of basting the turkey.

  “Can I help you with anything?” I ask, opening the refrigerator. I pull out two beers, one for Brent and one for me.

  “Sure.” She shoves the pan back into the oven, closes the door, and wipes her hands on the front of her apron. “You can hide in here with me if you want.”

  “I’m not hiding,” I tell her defensively, as I pop open the beers and then hand one to Brent. “I thought maybe you could use some help. I’m trying to be nice.”

  “Ha!” Brent quietly guffaws.

  “What are you laughing at?”

  “I think Shauna’s right.” He lifts his beer, saluting her. “She’s got your number.”

  “Whose side are you on?”

  “Oh, I’m on yours, but I know you.” He takes a sip from his beer. “You’re looking for a place to hide out.”

  I cross my arms and stick my tongue out at him.

  “It’s okay,” Shauna chimes in. “I’d be doing the same thing. Besides, I can put you to work.” She slides a bundle of carrots along with a cutting board and a peeler across the counter. “So, here you are. Get to work.”

  Over the next hour, I help out in the kitchen, preparing the meal. Brent turns on his inexplicable charm right away, and Shauna takes to him completely. A few times, she winks in my direction, declaring her approval, which brings a bit of relief to this strained visit.

  Her brothers come in every once in a while, getting a beer and giving her a hard time, like any brother would. Brent is able to hold a conversation with all of them, which doesn’t surprise me, given his easygoing and social nature.

  He grabs Tony’s interest the most after he asks Brent what kind of car he drives. It makes sense with the family business being the auto body shop. Apparently, Tony is some kind of connoisseur of German auto engineering, and he appreciates Brent’s love of Audis. Their shared interest seems to spark an immediate connection.

  I’m delighted that Brent can acclimate so easily in this strange-to-him environment. His ease puts me at ease.

  Brent and Tony are in the middle of some guy talk—something about car weight and distribution—when Cody silently walks into the room, getting a new beer.

  “Hey, babe.” Shauna rubs his lower back as he closes the refrigerator door. “Food will be ready soon. You getting hungry?”

  “A little.” He pops off the top and takes a swig. “Smells good though. Can’t wait.”

  “Hey, Cody,” Tony addresses him. “You need to show Brent your new project. He’s got a thing for Audis.”

  Cody glimpses at Brent and then takes another drink. “I think I knew that,” Cody says, voice quiet and even.

  “Oh, yeah?” Tony faces Brent. “You should see it. Cody’s almost done restoring a ’71 Audi 100 Coupe. It’s killer. I still have no idea how he picked it up since they don’t sell those things in the States, but it’s awesome. You have to check it out.”

  “Hmm…sounds pretty cool,” Brent replies.

  Cody takes another sip of his beer. Shauna and I share a glance, silently acknowledging the tension, as she washes her hands and I continue to stir the food on the stove.

  “It’s a great piece. You don’t want to miss it.” Tony starts toward the door leading to the garage. “C’mon, Cody, show it to him.”

  Brent waits, stagnant, allowing Cody to call the shots on this one as Tony rests his hand on the knob, ready to go. Cody takes another drink and then sets the bottle on the counter. Without a word, he walks past all of us, around Tony, and into the garage. Tony follows, oblivious to the evident anxiety. Brent raises his brows, places his beer on the counter, and joins them.

  The door clicks shut.

  “This should be interesting,” I say to Shauna.

  “I’m sure it will be fine,” she says, optimistic. “Besides, Tony is out there. I don’t know what Cody’s issue is with Brent. He seems really nice. I like him.”

  “Thanks,” I say, pulling a bowl of stuffing out of the refrigerator. “I like him, too.”

  “I can see why,” she teases. “He’s really cute.”

  “Yeah, he’s pretty easy on the eyes.”

  “That is a complete and total understatement. I almost fainted when I answered the door.”

  “That’s just pregnancy hormones getting to you,” I say, playing it off.

  “Uh…no. He’s hot, plain and simple.”

  I nod. “Yeah, he is.”

  We both laugh and then get back to work on the meal. Shauna checks the turkey again while I season the stuffing some more.

  “So, speaking of hormones,” I say, “when is your due date again?”

  “January second.” She shuts the oven before wiping her hands on a towel. “Five more weeks to go.”

  “Wow, time really flies. How are you feeling?”

  “Honestly?” she asks, retrieving a glass from the cabinet. Shauna fills it with water and then eagerly gulps the liquid. “I hate to say it, but I feel great other than the fact that my back has been killing me the past couple of days. It’s likely because I’ve been on my feet so much. And this little girl”—she rubs her belly—“kicks the hell out of me all day, every day, but I love it.”

  Her words hit me like a sledgehammer. I turn my head down and concentrate on mashing the potatoes. The thought of actually feeling a baby from the inside is still mind-boggling to me. What a wonderful and magical feeling that must be—a child touching and communicating with you and only you. A hint of jealousy stirs through me.

  “She’s kicking right now.” She sets down her glass on the counter. “You want to feel it?”

  Biting my lip, I no
d my head. Shauna steps next to me and guides my palm onto her rotund belly. Her hand lays across mine as we wait, staring at our joined hands. The little girl growing in her stomach suddenly nudges my fingers.

  “Oh my God.” My hand jolts again from the contact.

  Shauna holds my palm in place as Scarlet continues to push and kick. It’s such a beautiful moment. She’s tapping, sending a message and saying hello. She’s communicating in a manner before words are even possible. The wonderment ignites the pricking waterworks.

  “It’s amazing,” I confess, unable to remove my hand yet.

  “It’s not so great when it’s three o’clock in the morning,” she kids. “Or when she decides to start whacking at my kidney. Trust me, it’s not so amazing then. That shit really hurts.”

  “I’m sure, but wow.” I remove my hand. I ball it into a fist at my side, not allowing the temptation to feel her belly all day take over. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “Me either.” She steps back and tosses a towel over her shoulder. “Five more weeks, and then Cody is in big trouble.”

  I snort. “He sure is.”

  The door from the garage opens and clicks shut. Tony comes into view from around the corner.

  “Hey,” Shauna says, confused, “is everything okay?”

  “Yep. Just gotta use the john.” Tony proceeds through the kitchen and down the hall.

  No further words are exchanged.

  We dip into silence.

  Concern buzzes between Shauna and me as she washes a dish, and I add garlic to season the potatoes. We work together in the motions while Brent and Cody are alone with no chaperone.

  A shout from the garage perks my ears.

  “Did you hear that?” I whisper, setting the spoon to the side. “I think that was Cody.”

  A voice booms, louder than before. This time, it’s easy to identify it as Cody’s. Hesitantly, I sidle up next to the garage door, listening, with Shauna right behind me.

  “You motherfucker,” Cody barks. “I don’t think you know what you did to her.”

  “Trust me,” Brent retorts, voice rising, “I have a pretty good idea. Don’t think I don’t regret it either because I do.”

  I reach for the doorknob, wanting to put a stop to this right now.