Moon Over Alcatraz

by Patricia Yager Delagrange

  I cradled his face in both my hands. “I believe you. My old classmate moved to Washington. Let’s start over from here. No more lies. No more secrets. We have to trust each other, or this marriage can’t last another day.”

  “We can do this, Brandy. We’ve been through a lot together, losing our baby last year, and now this.”

  I couldn’t stop the tears. “Let’s focus on our baby, West. Our summer baby. We have so much to be grateful for. I’m healthy, Dr. Farney says the baby’s healthy. Let’s be happy.”

  Our lives together had endured incredible challenges in a short amount of time. We could look beyond a one-night stand and overcome anything Carol or Edward could do to us.

  Chapter 13

  My birthday was February fifth and Weston and I decided to celebrate it quietly at home. He’d been gone for so long that we decided to spend as much time together as we could cram into his short vacation. Plus, I’d been feeling ill, something that hadn’t happened when I was pregnant with Christine.

  But Dr. Farney continued to allay my fears, explaining some women had morning sickness both day and night and I needn’t worry. The queasiness seemed to occur mainly when I hadn’t had enough sleep or was stressed out so it didn’t come as a surprise given what Weston and I had just been through.

  After his first few days back at the job, he arrived home early one evening unexpectedly. Coming up behind me in the kitchen where I was fixing a salad, he wrapped his arms around my waist, nuzzling my neck.

  “Wow! You’re home early,” I said. “Playing hooky?” I continued slicing carrots, resting my head alongside his.

  His roving hands inched up toward my breasts and he pressed against me from behind where I stood at the counter.

  “I wanted to take you out to dinner tonight.”

  His kisses warmed the side of my face. I leaned my head back, arching my chest, enjoying his attentive hands. “Are we celebrating something special?”

  His breathing escalated, his chest expanding against my back. I turned my head to the side, stretching to reach his waiting mouth. Our kisses deepened, mouths wide, tongues searching. I curved my body around to face him, needing to feel him needing me.

  “Carol Smith quit her job.”

  I opened my eyes, searching his, trying to gauge his feelings. “I thought she was here for the duration.”

  His tongue found my earlobe. Chills slid the length of my spine as he licked his way down my neck toward my breasts pouting over the top of my shirt. “She admitted she came to San Francisco hoping I’d leave you for her.”

  I was on the edge, too aroused to respond to his words. One syllable escaped, “And?”

  He gently glided me to the kitchen floor, grabbing a towel to place under my head. Massaging my swollen breasts with one hand, pulling down my panties with the other, his tongue danced around my navel toward the patch of hair on my pubic bone. When he reached my sweet spot, I was beyond listening to his explanation. My hands grasped his head, running my fingers through his thick hair. I was all sensations. My orgasm was wonderful, freeing, intense.

  My breathing slowed, my mind cleared. “You didn’t answer me.”

  Covering me with his body, he stared down at me. “I told her I’d never leave you.”

  I could feel his unfulfilled need nudging against my leg. Wrapping my hand around him, I caressed him firmly, enjoying the feel of his hard swelling within my grasp.

  Unzipping his pants, he pulled out his swollen shaft, ready to enter me. I wrapped my legs around him, edging my body down, sliding him snugly inside. His rhythm escalated until the moment of his release, his body shivering to a halt, leaving me breathless under his weight, pressing me into the floor. It was a fantastic exercise to help me forget about Carol Smith.

  I called Cecilia the following week and invited her over for coffee. Though we lived next door to each other, we respected each other’s privacy, and talked on the phone more often than we saw each other. She was excited we were getting together. We hadn’t seen much of each other since Weston’s return, and I wanted to have “girl time,” talk with her about what had happened between Weston and me.

  It had been a long time since I’d had a close girlfriend. After we’d moved to Alameda the previous year, I spent a majority of my time alone, writing my second novel and promoting the first book online. I hadn’t had many opportunities to cultivate friendships. Having Cecilia as my next-door neighbor was a gift, especially during this stressful time in my life.

  I’d always been able to count on her to be there for me but I couldn’t be sure how she’d react to my having had extra-marital sex and I was anxious to find out. I was in the kitchen baking muffins when the doorbell chimed and I ran to answer it.

  “Cecilia, come in!” We hugged each other, and I guided her into the kitchen.

  “How have you been? I miss our talks.”

  “Since Weston got back from New York, it’s been a bit stressful around here.” I opened the cupboard and took out two plates, placed a muffin on each of them, set them on the table, then took a seat across from her.

  “Perry told me what happened. I’m so sorry, Brandy.”

  Our conversation skidded to a stop. “What did you say?”

  Her eyebrows knitted in concern. “I said I’m sorry about what happened between you and Weston. What’s wrong Brandy?”

  I shook my head. Unbelievable. “Weston told Perry?” She nodded. “About both of us having an affair?” She nodded again. “Well, at least I won’t have to bore you with the details.”

  “Oh, Brandy. I’m not here to judge you. I’d be the last person on earth to do that anyway, what with my jaded past.”

  I stared at her, unblinking. “What do you mean? You and Perry are the most solid couple I’ve ever known.”

  “We’ve had our rough times.” She sighed, leaning back in her chair. “You know how we’ve been trying for years to have a baby? At one point, oh I’d say about three years ago, I was so depressed about the in vitro not working. I met a man at the Alameda Athletic Club. Anyway, I was this close”—she gestured with her thumb and forefinger—“to having an affair with this Adonis look-alike.”

  “You’re not serious!” My eyes widened in disbelief. “I don’t picture it. You and Perry seem like the perfect couple.” Noticing her staring down at her muffin, I added, “And you know what? The baby thing will happen for you guys when you least expect it.”

  She looked up at me, smiled, and her eyes lit up. After taking a bite of muffin, she wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Well…one of the reasons I’ve missed you so much is because you’re one of the few people who knows anything about the in vitro process. And you were so sympathetic when we talked about it.” She paused and took hold of my hand across the kitchen table. “I wanted you to be one of the first to know. I’m pregnant, Brandy. I’m due in November!”

  I let out a loud “whoop,” ran around to her side of the table and gave her a big hug. I was so happy for her. It had been difficult for the two of them since they’d been trying to have a child. “I don’t believe it, Cece. Congratulations! We’re going to have our babies within a few months of each other! Fate must be intervening for us.”

  “I knew you’d be happy for us. And I’m so sorry about what’s happening with you and Weston. But don’t feel like you’re alone. I’m here for you if you ever need to talk.”

  “I know, Cece. And that means a lot to me. You know, Weston and I are still committed to our marriage, but it was so shocking. First I told him about Edward then he told me about Carol. Totally bizarre.”

  “You two give a deeper meaning to the word forgiveness.”

  “After losing the baby I was a mess. You remember the talk you and I had.”

  “Yeah. But I’m surprised to hear about…what was his name again?”

  “Edward. I met him at Peet’s. He was an old friend of mine from high school. He asked if he could fix me dinner at his house. It had seemed totally innocent—just two old fri
ends getting together again. I never dreamed I’d have sex with him. But once we were alone, I needed…I don’t know. Something was missing. Weston was gone, and he and I were arguing every time we talked on the phone and—”

  “It just doesn’t sound like you, Brandy. When Perry told me, I couldn’t believe it.”

  “Looking back, neither can I. I keep asking myself, ‘Who was that woman?’”

  “And Weston? What were his reasons for sleeping with his secretary?”

  “I didn’t want to have sex with him, remember?” She nodded. “He thought I didn’t love him anymore. He was drunk. She was there. You can imagine the rest.”

  “And now?”

  “I love Weston. He loves me. We’ll work through this. I know we will.”

  “I know you will too,” she agreed, smiling.

  I reached out and grabbed her hand. “Are you going to find out whether it’s a girl or a boy?”

  She shook her head. “We want to be surprised.”

  “The technician who performed the ultrasound asked me if I wanted to know. I told him I wanted to be surprised this time.” I looked wistfully out the window, remembering my last pregnancy.

  “Brandy?”

  I shook my head, the memories like cobwebs in my brain. “Uh, yeah. I was just thinking about the past and—”

  “Don’t go there. This baby is just the gift you and Weston deserve for all you two have been through.” She shoved her chair back. “I’ve gotta go.”

  I got up and gave her another big hug. “Thanks for listening.”

  “And thank you for the muffins.”

  “My pleasure. Anything for my best friend.”

  Chapter 14

  Spring was approaching and March in Alameda was a beautiful time of year with mild temperatures and soft breezy afternoons. The yard was filled with trees bearing bright green leaves. Rose bushes along the pathways bloomed with pink, red, and yellow petals. The grass was thick and lush from the rainy season.

  During the cold weather, my daily running routine, fighting the wind and rain, was anything but enjoyable. And now that I was going into my seventh month, I looked forward to walking briskly down my favorite lanes and avenues of this quaint city, the sights and scents of spring lifting my spirits. I was happy being pregnant.

  One weekend Weston and I decided to take a walk along the beachfront. We both needed the exercise and enjoyed the fresh air and salty breeze so we stopped to play along the shore. I loved the feel of the tide between my toes along the water’s edge.

  Half-way down Shoreline Drive, the street that runs the length of the beach, stands the Alameda Towne Center, a small shopping mall, newly-renovated, with a Starbuck’s, a Safeway, a few clothing stores, and a Mexican restaurant. We agreed having something to drink would be a good idea before our journey back home and veered off the boardwalk to have an iced coffee.

  I found a table for two while Weston ordered our drinks. He’d just brought them over and was settling in his chair, when we were interrupted before taking our first sips.

  “Brandy? Is that you?”

  I looked up into the same-as-ever, gorgeous smiling face of Edward Barnes, dressed in faded blue jeans that hugged his body in all the right places, and a short-sleeved white polo shirt that set off his tanned arms and well-formed biceps. His dark mustache was neatly trimmed and those blue eyes of his latched onto mine, leaving me speechless. He was a man who could turn the head of any female within glancing distance.

  I stared, mesmerized, completely taken back, my mouth half-open. Realizing I must look like a fish out of water, I cleared my throat and blinked several times. “Nice to see you again.” My mind whirled. I had to think of something to say before this blossomed into an ugly scene. Turning toward Weston I said, “Edward is a friend of Cecilia’s. She and I were having coffee at Peet’s and she introduced us.”

  Edward turned his gaze in my direction and squinted. I gave him a fake smile, hoping he’d get the hint.

  Weston looked up at Edward and thrust out his hand. “I’m Weston Chambers, Brandy’s husband.” He grasped Edward’s hand in a firm shake. “I just got back from the East Coast a few months ago. I haven’t been to Peet’s yet. Where’s it located?”

  Edward shot a quick glance my way. “Over on Park Street. My law office was just down the street, then I moved to Washington State for a while. I just transferred back here…hated the rain.”

  Weston laughed. “I hear ya’. So you’re back for good now?”

  “Yes, thank God, I’m here to stay. Lucky for me, I rented out my house while I was away and didn’t sell it, so I didn’t have to go through the hassle of finding a new place to live when I returned.”

  “Good for you…Brandy, you all right? You look a little weird, honey.”

  Reeling from this surreal situation, shocked to be in the same room with Edward and my husband, I didn’t know what I could say that would sound normal. I mentally gave myself a shake. “I’m okay, West,” I answered, placing a proprietary hand on his forearm with a smile.

  “You’re looking well,” Edward said. “How’s Cecilia?” he asked, with a tiny smirk on his face.

  I felt like I’d swallowed a rubber ball. I could hardly breathe, putting words together was a feat beyond my capabilities. But this was not the time to freak out. I cleared my throat again, which seemed to have clamped shut, unclenched my teeth and forced another smile. “She’s doing fine.”

  Weston jumped in quickly, grinning, “Brandy’s almost seven months pregnant, we’re expecting in June. Congratulations are in order for my beautiful wife here.”

  Edward looked over at me and I noticed his eyes move downward toward the table. However, my purse was lying on top of my belly and he couldn’t see below my breasts. “Well, congratulations to both of you.” His expression was anything but happy. He frowned, his eyes riveted on mine.

  “Thank you,” I managed to squeak out.

  I kept my attention aimed at Weston, anything to keep me from having to look at Edward. “Honey, suddenly I’m not feeling too well. It must have been all the walking. I think we should go.” If I could have, I would have run as fast as my legs would carry me out the door toward home.

  Weston took hold of my arm, helping me to my feet. “Sure.” He gathered up the cups and napkins, while I raced to the door. Edward pushed it open for me to exit ahead of him.

  When I reached the edge of the sidewalk he gently took hold of my arm and turned me toward him. “Whose baby is it, Brandy? Mine or Weston’s?”

  What was he talking about? Dr. Farney had confirmed I got pregnant over the Labor Day weekend, hadn’t she? My mind raced, seconds ticked by. I wouldn’t do this. Not now. Not ever. He had no right to confront me like this.

  Weston was just pushing the door open and rushed over to me. He could tell by my expression I wasn’t happy, though he’d naturally attribute it to my not feeling well. “I don’t mean to impose but could you drive us home, Edward? Brandy doesn’t look well—”

  “No! I’ll be fine!” Embarrassed from my sudden outburst, I managed a small smile. “I just need some fresh air. The walk home will do me good. I already feel better now that I’m outside.”

  Weston, ever the gentleman, just had to intervene. “Are you sure? It’s probably no big deal for him to give us a lift.” He turned toward Edward.

  “It would be my pleasure, Weston.” He gestured toward the parking lot. “I’m parked right over there.”

  “Thank you.” Weston smiled at him. “Come on, Brandy, it’ll only take a few minutes.”

  I didn’t want Edward to know where I lived. A huge sign appeared in my mind’s eye: Stop right there, don’t go any further. Granted, I wasn’t thinking straight. He could obviously look up my name in the phone book to see exactly where I lived. And Alameda was not a big place.

  Somehow it seemed wrong or just plain weird to allow him to drop us off at our home, like inviting a criminal to your house. But I was outnumbered. Weston guided me
across the parking lot to Edward’s SUV, assuring me we’d be home soon enough, where I could lie down and rest.

  I could do this for the few minutes it would take to get to our house on Lauren Drive. During the five-minute drive from South Shore Center, Weston told Edward about working on the Bay Bridge project which segued into Edward’s telling a story of his first ride in a car across the bridge when he was young.

  We pulled up to our house and it took everything in me not to shove the car door open and run to the house. I needed to get away from Edward, especially now that he’d had the audacity to confront me about the paternity of my unborn child!

  “Thanks so much for the ride, Edward. That was very kind of you. Brandy hasn’t been feeling up to par lately and we appreciate it. Would you like to come in?”

  “Not this time,” he said. Relief washed over me like a cool shower on a hot day. “Thanks for inviting me, though. I’ve got work to do at the office. Doesn’t matter that it’s the weekend in my line of work.”

  Weston shook Edward’s hand. “Maybe some other time then. Thanks again for the ride.”

  We walked up the pathway to the front door. I felt indescribably relieved entering the safety of our home. I ran up the stairs and shut the bathroom door, turned the lock, and sat down on the side of the tub, cradling my head in my hands. Breathe, I kept telling myself, you’ve got to get hold of yourself, calm down for the baby growing inside of you.

  I never thought I’d come face to face with Edward Barnes ever again. He’d moved to Washington, to their new satellite office. He wasn’t supposed to be in Alameda. Plus, I’d never entertained the idea he could be my child’s father. Granted, predictions of when a baby is conceived aren’t exact, but when Dr. Farney confirmed I was pregnant, she and I both talked about the Labor Day weekend as the likely date of conception.

  And I hadn’t marked the calendar with the day Edward and I had had sex!

  I heard a light tapping on the bathroom door and assumed Weston wanted to see if I was feeling better.