Lean on Me (ARC)

by Pat Simmons

  His shoulders slumped. “Yes, and I thought I’d get a glimpse of gratitude from him. Nope.” He shook his head. “The only way I can keep from regretting my good deed is to convince myself I did it for the sake of his children. I dipped into my children’s college fund to post bond for the ungrateful loser.” He caught himself and looked up. “Sorry. Bad day.”

  He had started a children’s fund? Immediately, she chided herself for her own pity party earlier. Her day had been busy, so busy she’d skipped lunch, and when her energy level plummeted, the fatigue from her weekend’s activities hit hard. Her fatigue was physical, and she could bounce back after a good night’s sleep.

  On the other hand, Marcus was mentally conflicted. What could she say to ease his turmoil? She doubted he would find rest when he closed his eyes tonight. The vulnerable side of Marcus was just as endearing as his warm personality. Both were attractive.

  “You did the right thing.” She reassured him as a yawn escaped before she could trap it. “Sorry, it’s not the company.” She smiled and hoped her eyes twinkled to back it up.

  He wiped his mouth, then clasped her hand. “Thanks for the pep talk. Why don’t you take a nap on the sofa? I’ll load the dishwasher.”

  What kind of host would she be if she did that? But common sense told her to take his help for her body’s sake, so she pushed aside proper etiquette and accepted Marcus’s offer. “Just a power nap for a few minutes.” After that, she would check her emails to confirm her appointments for the next day and review the doctors’ bios before meeting with them. The last task of the night would be tending to Aunt Tweet’s needs before going to bed.

  She turned on her aunt’s favorite game show. With Aunt Tweet at one end of the sofa, Tabitha cuddled up at the other. Instantly, her mind faded to black.

  When she woke, the house was quiet, and all the lights were off, except for the lamps in the den. Sitting up, she got her bearings and checked the time. Her nap had been two hours! She jumped to her feet and was about to race upstairs and check on Aunt Tweet when a note taped to her refrigerator stopped her.

  You really are a sleeping beauty. Judging from your cute light snore, you needed your rest.

  “Hmph. I do not snore,” she mumbled.

  I tagged along with Aunt Tweet as she walked Sweet Pepper. She said she was going to bed. She looked tired too, so I don’t think she’ll be sleepwalking tonight. A few times, I caught you smiling. I’m heading home, so I can have some sweet dreams too. Oh, and thanks for letting me know it’s okay that Victor doesn’t appreciate what I did for him. I guess we can say God knows and I’ll get a star or something.

  Marcus

  * * *

  Marcus pointed his remote to the flat screen in his man cave and clicked off Sports Midwest. Tabitha was good for him—they were good for each other. Whether she vented or not, he had to interpret her silence, read her body language, and be on guard for any mood swings. When he griped about Victor, she listened. He had every reason to complain. His mother taught him and his brother to say please and thank you growing up. He was still waiting to hear those words from Victor.

  Getting to his feet, he took a deep breath. Obsessing over the situation with Victor was only going to cause him grief, so he shut down all thoughts of his ex-employee.

  He decided to take a stroll through his neighborhood—again. The night air was warm, but every now and then, a cool breeze swayed the trees. It wasn’t officially summer, but the evenings were longer.

  Instead of allowing Victor’s situation to taunt him, Marcus walked and let his mind recall pleasant thoughts of being at Tabitha’s house. He automatically smiled.

  One minute, Aunt Tweet was content watching Wheel of Fortune, the next minute she was antsy, wanting to take the puppy for a walk.

  Not letting her out of his sight, knowing what happened when anyone did, he’d put a leash on Sweet Pepper and off they went, not waking Tabitha.

  “I can’t remember Mama’s name,” Aunt Tweet had said with no prompting on his part.

  His heart dropped at her admission. He couldn’t imagine not recognizing his parents or forgetting their names. Looping his arm through hers, he rested her hand on his arm and patted it. “It’s okay. Tabitha can tell you.”

  She paused. “Who?”

  “Your niece,” he explained. How much had she forgotten? Physically, no one would know she suffered with dementia symptoms. Ask her a few questions or listen to her ramblings, and the evidence that something wasn’t quite right was as glaring as a flashlight.

  “When God speaks to you, you’d better listen.” She paused when the puppy took a potty break, and she looked up at him. “Don’t worry about doing good for folks. Let them live with the regrets. Not you.”

  Marcus froze. So she had followed their conversation at the dinner table. The dog tugged her along, so he took a few strides to catch up. “Aunt Tweet, you’re remembering more than you’re letting on,” he joked.

  She chuckled. “I forget a lot,” she said sadly, “but I’ll never forget my name or true love. That will last a lifetime.”

  “Are you trying to tell me something?”

  “I just did. You have to pay attention, young man. Whew.” She was becoming winded. “I’m tired now. I guess I’m getting too old to teach every day.”

  As Marcus steered her back toward Tabitha’s house, he got an idea. She’d seemed to be in her element when she’d interacted with the little ones at his on-site child care. Maybe she would enjoy telling them a story a couple times a week. That could be a temporary distraction so Tabitha could relax in the employee lounge or do some homework. The big benefit was he could be near Tabitha. Would she go for it?

  When he returned to Tabitha’s, she was still knocked out. She looked so peaceful. He hated to disturb her. Aunt Tweet said good night and disappeared upstairs while Marcus put Sweet Pepper back in the kennel for the night.

  Grabbing a nearby throw off a chair, he gently covered Tabitha. Leaning down, he was careful as he brushed his lips on her cheek. That’s when he heard her faint snore. He smiled.

  Once Marcus stole his kiss, he scribbled a note for her and left. He couldn’t help but reflect on what Aunt Tweet had said about having no regrets. Currently, his only one had been coming to the rescue of a man who acted like he didn’t want to be saved.

  One thing was for sure, he didn’t have any regrets about how he’d met Tabitha. Whether she admitted it or not, they were building a relationship—one that would be ripe by the time her aunt moved in with Rachel. Then look out, Miss Tabitha Knicely. Nothing would stand in the way of real dates.

  Chapter 22

  That was sweet of you last night. But I wish you’d woken me up, Tabitha texted Marcus the next morning as she waited in the lobby to speak with Dr. Roland. She blushed as she added I DO NOT snore.

  In reality, she was glad he hadn’t woken her. She hadn’t felt that well rested since she’d started with Ceyle-Norman. She had awakened before the alarm and checked on Aunt Tweet. Although her aunt was resting, Tabitha got her up to bathe and dress her, then cooked a hot breakfast. By the time they walked out the door, Tabitha felt as if she had consumed a couple of energy drinks.

  She read Marcus’s reply. Happy Wednesday, sleepyhead. I have the evidence. I recorded it, and it’s probably gone viral by now on social media.

  Tabitha blinked and panicked. What! Please tell me you’re kidding.

  I am. Just said it to make you smile.

  You made my heart drop first. When Dr. Roland approached, she shoved her phone back into her briefcase and switched to business mode. “Good morning. I’m following up to see if you feel our drug would be a good fit for your patients.”

  He signaled her to follow him back to his office, where he said, “I do have some concerns about one active ingredient interacting with a couple of medications.” He frowned and seemed to
be contemplating his next words. “At least ten of my patients could benefit from the drugs. Leave me samples and I’ll monitor them. If they can tolerate the medicine, then I’ll prescribe it for them.”

  She exhaled. “Thank you.” Ten wasn’t a small number. She could exceed her quota and bump up her bonus if the doctor saw positive results and refilled their prescriptions in this quarter.

  Back in the car, she checked her voice messages for missed calls from doctors’ offices—none—then her texts. Marcus had sent one after she’d put her phone away.

  Seriously, I slept better knowing you got some rest.

  Every caregiver should have someone like Marcus Whittington to make them smile amid the frustration, the exhaustion, and the brink of losing all sanity.

  Sorry. Had to go earlier—business.

  Can you talk now? he texted back almost immediately.

  Yes.

  Her phone rang instantly. “I would really like to treat you to lunch.”

  She gnawed on her lipstick while deliberating whether she could make it happen with stops in Saint Charles, Saint Peters, and O’Fallon counties, far west from Saint Louis County, where they lived. Yet Tabitha couldn’t resist seeing him, if only for five minutes. “My aunt told me long ago never to turn down a free meal when a gentleman offers.”

  “So is that a yes?” He sounded hopeful.

  “It’s a wish, but I’m stuck out west for the rest of the day.”

  “Then I’ll come to you before I meet with one of my clients. Name the place and time.”

  The man was so easy to like—and love. If only the timing were better.

  * * *

  Grinning, Marcus stood from his desk. “I’m out for the rest of the day,” he advised Demetrius.

  His brother stopped tapping on the keyboard and gave him a side-eye. “Admit it. You’re in love.”

  “Nothing to deny there. I am,” he said softly, “but Tabitha’s not ready to hear it.”

  Demetrius was quiet. Something was on his mind. “No denying the attraction between you two, but…”

  “But what?”

  “Before you flip, consider whether her feelings aren’t based on… Well, are you sure she’s not using you as a babysitter?” Demetrius looked concerned.

  “I guess you’ll find out when it’s Rachel’s turn.” Marcus smirked. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you watching her sister and putting in a lot of effort to show that you weren’t. And I’ve also noticed you step out of the office when a certain ringtone chimes.”

  Marcus patted the keys in his pocket and checked for his wallet. “Have a good day.” He whistled until he reached the door, then his amusement exploded into laughter. “I do believe I’ve upped you, Bro,” he mumbled to himself, closing the door as he spied Chess walking down the hall. “Any problems at the work sites?”

  “Nope. You know I run a tight ship.” Chess gave a mock salute, then continued toward the supply room.

  “Not too tight that you don’t respect other employees.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Although he had pending business matters downtown, his craving to see Tabitha was worse than any hunger pangs he had ever experienced. Their agreed meeting spot was Chick-fil-A on Mid Rivers Mall Drive.

  Whittington Janitorial Services was centrally located off I-170, so he could get to the three major interstates in no time. Twenty-five minutes later, he reached his destination when he turned into the restaurant’s parking lot. He looked for her car, then remembered she drove a company-issued blue Taurus. He parked.

  Once he entered, Marcus noticed her right away. Her light gray suit was classy and professional. The heels were high, showcasing a pair of shapely legs. Apparently, she had a group of admirers and was unaware of their interest. She hadn’t noticed him either as she texted away on her phone. Suddenly, as if sensing his approach, she glanced up and smiled. “Hey. Give me a sec.” She finished her text, then slipped her phone into her bag. “Ready.”

  Staring into her eyes, Marcus knew his brother had called it right. He was ready to reveal his feelings, but would she believe him after less than two months? He decided to tuck away his declaration until he could no longer hold it and when he felt she would return the sentiment.

  Still, he had to let the men in the corner know she was taken, so he placed his arm around her waist. He grinned when she leaned in to him as a playful gesture, but he didn’t let go. “Have you ordered?”

  “And deprive you of springing for lunch? I wouldn’t dare,” she joked, batting her lashes.

  “And I don’t want to be deprived of treating you like the lady you are.” He winked, and they approached the counter together to place their orders.

  After paying the bill, the cashier gave them a numbered tent, so the server could find them. Thanking the young man, Marcus accepted it and guided her to a vacant table.

  “How’s your day going?” they asked each other at the same time, then chuckled.

  “I’m always better when I see you,” he answered, which caused her to blush, and that made him grin.

  “I’m having a typical day, meeting with doctors or bribing gatekeepers to get to them to give my three-minute spiel, leave samples, or encourage those who have them to write prescriptions for targeted patients.” She paused when their meals were delivered in record time. Taking her hand, he gave thanks for their food and asked the Lord to remove all impurities, then they dug in.

  “Sorry I fell asleep on you last night, but I’ve been exhausted lately. I don’t know if it’s a combination of summer heating up early, the demands of the new job and being a first-time caregiver, or a vitamin deficiency.”

  “I would guess all of the above. You have a lot on your plate, and I’m not talking about food.” Marcus maintained a straight face, wanting her to see there was no pun intended.

  Tabitha nodded. “Yeah, I know. A woman at the company suggested I join a support group.” She sighed. “Maybe it’s time. Aunt Tweet’s doctor in Philly said the same thing. Honestly, my sisters and I were in denial it would get to this point.”

  Marcus squeezed his lips together to keep from commenting, but the words spilled from his mouth anyway. “I thought I was your support group.” He dipped his fry in ketchup to mask his bruised ego. He wanted to be the person she could depend on.

  She rested her hand on top of his. “You are.” She captured his eyes and held them. “When you’re around, I have to keep reminding myself my aunt is my concern, not yours.” Tabitha shook her head and her long mane bounced side to side. “Every time I make demands on your time, I’m taking you away from doing something important.”

  Her eyes pleaded for understanding before her lashes fluttered and she looked away. “You make me want to be selfish, and I’m trying my best not to,” she said so softly an untrained ear might have missed it.

  Not him. He was in tune with her and caught the sadness. This was proof his brother was wrong about Tabitha using him. She had too much class and compassion for that. “Hey,” he said a couple of times to regain her attention. “I’m good. Trust me.” He winked.

  “I’d be disappointed if I couldn’t be there for you.” Marcus chuckled. “Speaking of your aunt, it seems strange not having her nearby.” He bit into his grilled chicken sandwich and chewed, watching Tabitha dip her chicken strip into the sauce. “While you’ve been busy feeling guilty about being selfish, I’ve been selfishly thinking about options to give you more downtime—for naps, minus the snoring,” he said, ducking as she balled up a napkin and threw it at him. “Seriously. What do you think about having Aunt Tweet read a couple times a week at the warehouse to the children? She seemed to enjoy herself.”

  “You mean telling them stories? I’ve seen her get frustrated trying to read her Bible.” Her mouth turned down with sadness. “That sounds like more work for me. Once I get home in the evening, I
don’t want to leave, but if she likes it, I think it’s important to do stuff that makes her happy while she can remember.”

  “Yes!” He balled a fist in victory. “If I notice it’s too much for you or her, then we’ll think of something else.” In his peripheral vision, he noted admiring stares coming from a table not far from them. He grunted.

  She tilted her head and seemed to study him. “You amaze me, Mr. Whittington…” She seemed to want to say more but switched gears, keeping her thoughts to herself. “Aunt Tweet said God was talking to her on Sunday.”

  Marcus squeezed his lips in thought. “Maybe the Lord’s been talking to me to forgive Victor of his attitude and help him.”

  “I’m jealous.” She dabbed her last waffle fry in ketchup. “I mean, God seems to be speaking to everyone but me.”

  “Trust me, if He’s trying to get your attention, Jesus won’t let you rest. I’ve done my deed, so you won’t see me back in church for a long time.”

  She looked disappointed. “If I ask you to go with me, you won’t come?”

  “Woman, don’t call my bluff. When it comes to you, I’ll backtrack in a minute.” Marcus wiped his hands and mouth, then pushed his trash aside. “To tell the truth, I’ve near felt God urging me to do something like I did with Victor.”

  After wiping her hands, Tabitha checked the time, then relaxed. “I’ve got about fifteen minutes, then I have to get on the road.”

  “You know, despite the time crunch, this is nice—us having lunch. I guess we can call this a pre-real date.”

  Tabitha slapped his hand. “You won’t give up, will you?”

  “I can’t, don’t want to, and won’t.” Again, he kept a straight face, so she would know he was serious.

  “Somehow, you’re making a believer out of me. Although I still don’t think this is an ideal way to start a relationship—me as a caregiver. When Aunt Tweet isn’t at Bermuda Place, she’s with me.”