by Debra Webb
Colleen huffed. “I was not in bed. I was on the telephone if you must know.” She swept her arms down the front of her body. “Can you not see that I’m dressed?”
Helen shrugged noncommittally. “It’s hard to tell. Some of those fancy duds you wear look just like pajamas.”
“Just because you prefer the rustic look, doesn’t mean I have to,” Colleen snapped. “Now, what is it you need?”
Helen held up the two stemmed wineglasses and a corkscrew. “These belong to you, I believe.”
Colleen glowered at the items in question. “If they do, you know where they go.” She backed up and opened the door wider. “Come in, won’t you?” she invited, her tone purposely patronizing.
Aggravated beyond reason, Helen stomped inside. “I found these in my living room along with an opened bottle of wine.” She placed the glasses in the dishwasher, and the corkscrew in its proper drawer.
“Really?” Colleen poured herself a cup of coffee. “Want some?” She waggled the half-empty pot at Helen.
Helen shook her head. “Was Zach at home last night?”
Colleen frowned. “Now that you mention it, I don’t remember seeing his car in the drive when I came home.”
“Beth wasn’t home either when I got back from the card game.” Setting her coffee aside, Colleen studied Helen with mounting suspicion. “You think they were together.”
“I know they were together. Beth came home a few minutes after three. I heard them at the door.”
“Then why did you ask me if he was home?” Colleen’s eyes suddenly widened with anticipation. “What happened? Did they kiss again?”
Helen wanted to shake her. Couldn’t she see what all this would lead to? “All I heard was him say good-night.”
“Hmm.” Colleen sat down at the table and placed her chin in her hand. A rather unladylike position, but she needed to think at the moment. “Wine…out late together…but they didn’t do any smooching at the door…”
“Good grief, Colleen,” Helen fired as she dropped into a seat on the opposite side of the table. “These are our children you’re talking about.”
“Well it’s not as if they haven’t already done it with other people. You should be glad they’re attracted to each other. I can’t imagine a woman I’d be more pleased to have as my daughter-in-law.”
Helen rolled her eyes. “That’s not the point. I love Zach as if he were my own, but this could be wrong for both of them.”
Colleen leaned forward slightly and fixed her with a hard look. “Don’t even think about bringing up the other thing. I’ll leave the room if you do.”
“Putting that aside,” Helen went on, “Beth’s work is here, Zach’s is in Chicago. One of them will have to compromise. And I don’t think it will ever work. Beth had her fill of city life in Indianapolis. She’s told me several times how glad she is to be back here at a smaller hospital. And I’m sure Zach would never want to return to Kelso permanently. He seems to love his work in Chicago.”
“There are small, private hospitals in Chicago,” Colleen countered. “Why wouldn’t Beth be happy at one of them?”
Helen shrugged. “The only way we would know the answer to that question is if she were asked.”
Colleen looked thoughtful. Dread trickled through Helen. She knew that look. Colleen was devising a plan. Helen stood, determined not to be a part of her old friend’s machinations this time.
“And I’ve made a decision about us,” Helen announced as an afterthought.
Her words dragged Colleen’s attention back to the conversation. “You have?”
“I’ve decided that I’m not going to fight with you anymore over the issue.”
Colleen’s expectant gaze narrowed with suspicion. “Why?”
Helen played her trump car. “Because I trust you. I don’t know why I’ve been such a bear about the whole thing when I know perfectly well that in the end you’ll do what’s right. That’s the kind of person you are.” With that said, she turned and walked out.
Colleen stared after Helen. The nerve of the woman! Did she really believe such a thing? Colleen could feel her blood pressure rising. She forced away thoughts of Helen and her latest declaration. Colleen didn’t need any more stress, besides she had bigger fish to fry.
Now, who did she know in Chicago…
A DISTANT RINGING tugged Beth from her deep slumber. Reluctant to rouse from her dreams of making love with Zach, she opened her eyes a fraction at a time. His scent filled her nostrils and she smiled. She hugged the dress she’d worn last night a little closer and inhaled deeply of Zach’s arousing scent. He’d held her close for a very long time this morning, comforting her in a completely nonsexual manner. His subtle aftershave and a hint of his own unique fragrance clung to the silk garment she’d worn. After he’d gone home, she’d fallen into bed, completely exhausted, the dress tucked next to her pillow. If she couldn’t have the real thing at least she could dream of him.
Another ring jolted her fully awake. The source of the sound finally penetrated the remaining layer of sleep enshrouding her. The telephone. She squinted at the digital clock—9:20 a.m. Too early considering she hadn’t made it to bed until after three. Groaning with displeasure she reached for the phone. She dragged the receiver from its cradle on her bedside table and managed a thick hello.
“Beth, Mayor Chadwick here.”
Another groan almost escaped her. “Good morning, Mayor.” She eased up on one elbow. “What can I do for you today?” Like she didn’t know. She’d tried her level best not to think about that darned birthday celebration the past couple of days. She supposed she couldn’t put it off any longer. With only one week to go until show time, she had no choice. It was time to suck it up and get what she had to do done.
“We’ve started on the floats for the parade, but I wanted you to have the final say on what we’ve come up with for Colleen. Is it possible for you to come down to the granary warehouse this morning and take a look at what we’re doing?”
Beth sat up and shoved the hair back from her face. She moistened her dry lips. “Sure, I’ll be right there.” She estimated she could shower and dress and drive into town in thirty minutes. That should be soon enough.
“Have you given any more thought to that theme?” he ventured. “We thought you might want to tie it in with our float suggestion.”
Beth tried to work up a little enthusiasm, but it was slow in coming. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“I’ll see you shortly then.”
Hanging up the receiver Beth considered whether or not she should try and talk her mother into coming with her. Why not? The worst Helen could do was say no.
Three cups of coffee and twenty-five minutes later, Beth was on her way into town with her mother in the passenger seat. Helen had shocked her by offering to go along before Beth even asked. Maybe that luncheon date she and Zach had engineered had done more good than Beth thought. Whatever the case, she was glad to have her mother involved in the activities once more.
When Beth braked to a stop in the parking area outside the old granary warehouse, Zach’s shiny red sports car grabbed her attention. She hadn’t considered that he would be here, though she obviously should have. Her gaze went immediately to the rear-view mirror where she scrutinized her thrown together appearance. She wore no makeup. Her hair was twisted up and pinned in a loose knot and still wasn’t completely dry. Her jeans were worn comfortable and her Hoosiers T-shirt was baggy and faded. She looked completely unkempt.
“You look fine, dear,” her mother said, startling Beth who’d somehow forgotten she was even there. “Now come along.”
Beth smiled. Of course, she looked fine. It was Saturday. And she’d come prepared to work on the parade floats if needed. “Thanks, Mom.” She opened her door and got out, then looked across the top of the car at her mother. “I’m a little out of it this morning. I was at the hospital until two-thirty.”
“At the hospital?” Helen sounded s
urprised.
Frowning, Beth closed her door. “Yes. Where did you think I was?”
Her mother shook her head. “Oh, I hadn’t really thought about it. Is everything all right?”
Beth decided her mother averted her gaze far too quickly. Something was up. “One of my patients—well she used to be my patient—had a worrisome reaction to her chemo treatment. I went in to check on her.”
“That’s too bad.” Helen started around the car. “Is she going to be okay?”
Beth rounded the hood and matched her stride to her mother’s as they made their way to the warehouse. “Probably not. She needs a bone marrow transplant and the odds of finding a good match are almost nil.” Beth sighed. “She’s only twenty-two.”
Helen paused before entering the building and met her daughter’s gaze. “That’s just awful. Are you okay?”
Beth kissed her cheek. “I’ll make it. Thanks for asking.” Maybe she’d read too much into Helen’s actions this morning.
Inside Beth was amazed at the sheer number of volunteers working steadily. Several floats were already taking shape. She almost laughed at the black-and-white cow near the end of the room. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out to whom that one belonged. Old Bert was still cashing in on his claim to fame.
“I’m going over to see Viola,” Helen told her before walking away.
Beth smiled as she surveyed the activities once more. This was one of the things she loved most about small towns. People took the time to show they cared. In the city everyone was too busy. She hadn’t even known her own neighbors when she’d lived in Indianapolis. That life wasn’t for her.
“Good morning.”
The sound of Zach’s husky voice washed over her, triggering an instant surge of desire. “Good morning,” she returned.
She tried not to stare at him, but she just couldn’t help herself. He looked wonderful, and, to her relief, he was dressed very much as she was. His jeans were every bit as worn as her own, and the Columbia University T-shirt was faded practically beyond recognition. The urge to move closer to him all but overwhelmed her. He drew her on every conscious level, and some she hadn’t even known existed until a few days ago. She doubted any other man could make her feel quite this way.
“Any word on Laurie this morning?” His gaze, as well as his voice, turned solemn.
“One of the nurses called about six, right before her shift ended, and told me that Laurie was still resting comfortably. So that’s a good sign.”
“Until the next time,” Zach added somberly.
Beth nodded. Words weren’t necessary. Both recognized where Laurie’s situation was headed.
“I sent balloons this morning,” he said, then looked away. “I hope that’s okay.”
Beth touched his forearm. It was all she dared do for fear of throwing her arms around him and holding him tight in front of everyone including her mother. But even the small contact of her fingers against his warm skin tugged at her senses in a way that made her weak with need.
“I’m sure Laurie and her mother will appreciate that you were thinking of them.”
His gaze leveled on hers once more in a heart-stopping show of blue. “Is it like this often?”
He didn’t have to explain what he meant. “Sometimes. But there are enough times in between when we’re able to help people that it cushions moments like this.”
“But it still hurts,” he suggested, his tone too knowing.
“Yes,” she admitted. “It still hurts.”
He inhaled a big breath. “But you keep doing it anyway, because it’s who you are.”
She nodded. “Just like you.”
For a long time he stood there and simply looked at her without saying anything. Finally, he spoke, “I realized this morning that you’re right where you belong.” He opened his arms in a magnanimous, yet seemingly weary manner. “That this is what means the most to you. This place and these people.”
Beth read the question in his eyes, but couldn’t quite decipher the emotion there. “That’s true. This is home.”
He sighed just a little. “That’s what I thought.”
Before she could fathom his intent, he leaned down and kissed her cheek. The brief touch sent her heart racing. Her breath caught during that millisecond when he paused before drawing away. But draw away he did.
“Don’t ever let anyone change you,” he said, his eyes emphasizing his words.
He didn’t give her a chance to respond before he rejoined the planning committee gathered around a large worktable in the center of the room. Beth could only stand there for a minute or so. She scanned the faces around her, all so familiar and so dear. This was home and these people were all part of one big family. She did love it here. Her gaze sought and found Zach. Just as she loved him. She could count on him. He’d always been there for her whenever she needed him. They were more than friends…more than just family.
Their relationship meant far too much to risk it for the sake of a brief affair. No matter how much she wanted him like that, would a few moments of physical satisfaction be worth a lifetime of friendship? She and Matt had been friends all during medical school. And, admittedly, they were still friends now, even after the divorce. But it wasn’t quite the same. She regretted that.
She didn’t want what she and Zach had to ever fall into that category. So maybe she’d made a mistake. Acted too hastily. An empty feeling welled inside her, creating a sense of loss that echoed to the depths of her soul. A feeling of loss for something she’d never even had.
Zach grinned at something Harve said and Beth’s heart reacted. Some things were just better left alone.
“Beth!” Mayor Chadwick called. “Come tell us what you think of this!”
Beth made her way to the worktable where sketches, some rather good, some not, were spread across the top. Her attention focused in on one design in particular. At first she couldn’t believe what she was seeing, but on further inspection she knew it was exactly what she thought. An elegant, rose embellished—
“I think it makes the perfect statement,” Mayor Chadwick insisted. “A float befitting of the lady to ride upon it.”
“It’s a throne,” Zach said hesitantly, as if he weren’t sure everyone else understood what they were looking at.
An honest-to-God throne. Beth still couldn’t believe her eyes, even when her ears confirmed it.
“I’ve thought it all out,” the mayor enthused. “Instead of giving her the keys to the city or some such nonsense—everybody and their brother does that old cliché—we’ll crown her as Queen of Kelso!”
Beth’s gaze collided with Zach’s. He adopted a helpless expression. It was his mother, he couldn’t exactly protest too loudly.
Still looking at Zach, Beth offered, “Do you think the formality of it might embarrass Mrs. Ashton just a little?”
“She’ll love it!” Viola interjected. “Queen for a day.”
The mayor chuckled. “Why she’ll be thrilled,” he added. “You know how Ms. Colleen loves to be the center of attention.”
“You’re not supposed to encourage her, Arnold,” Helen scolded, addressing the mayor by his first name. “Why that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen.”
“I designed it myself,” Viola protested, color darkening her cheeks.
“I wouldn’t be bragging about it,” Helen retorted, always the paragon of honesty.
Before Viola and Helen could start in on each other, Zach intervened, “I think we should keep it simple.” He smiled at Viola. “Though it’s a lovely design, how about we tone it down just a smidgen?”
Pouting, Viola sniffed. “I suppose I could scale back on the embellishments.”
While they hashed out the design of the float, Beth studied over her initial idea for the theme. Mrs. Ashton had spent a lifetime being a friend to all. Why not focus in on that concept? Maybe the idea would drive home the need for Helen and Colleen to make amends.
“For the
theme,” Beth cut into the hum of conversation. All eyes turned to her. “I was thinking friendship should be the main focus.” Doubt clouded most of their faces. “Think about it,” she went on. “Mrs. Ashton has been a friend, offering help anyway she could, to the whole town for most of her adult life. Any one of you could probably come up with your own personal occasion when she helped you in one capacity or another.”
Sounds of agreement rumbled through the gathered crowd. No one could argue with that.
“I like that,” Zach said. “What do you think, Mrs. McCormick?”
Helen looked at a loss for words for one long moment. “That…sounds good. Much better than the queen idea.”
Beth frowned at her mother’s apparent reluctance. “Whatever else happens in our lives, a good friend is priceless,” she reminded all listening. Her gaze shifted to Zach’s and something passed between them. An understanding of sorts that neither of them could deny.
As everyone else in the room latched on to the theme and ran with the concept, Beth kept her gaze locked with Zach’s. She knew what she had to do.
If she read him right, he did, too.
Chapter Nine
“Lucy, hey, it’s Beth.” Beth listened as her friend went through a lengthy but good-natured monologue about how she hated working Saturdays and that Beth should be there to enjoy all the fun. “You can call me in two weeks when I’m at work and you’re home,” Beth suggested in an effort to placate her. Lucy’s answering laugh told her she’d said the right thing. “Look, I wanted to check on the Ellroy girl. How’s she doing? I might drop by to see her if she isn’t released today.”
The news was good. Laurie’s vitals were stable and she’d actually managed to hold down a small breakfast this morning. The doctor had even mentioned releasing her later that afternoon. Relief washed over Beth as she said a silent prayer of thanks. It was so unfair that the girl might have to spend her final days so miserably. “Call me if anything changes, would you?”
Lucy agreed to call Beth if Laurie wasn’t released that day. Beth knew how cautious her oncologist was. He no doubt felt extremely confident for the moment if he planned to send her home.
