Crossroads of the Heart

by Savannah Maris

  “No, she wasn’t cheating on me.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes.”

  The doorbell rings, and I flinch. I feel as though I’m reliving the worst day of my life like one of those damn Groundhog Day movies.

  Before the officers leave, he asks if I’ve contacted Tamryn’s parents. “Yes, sir, and they agreed to call me if they hear from her.”

  “You can pick up a copy of the report on Monday.”

  “Can we make a copy now so Mr. Hunter can get to work?”

  “It won’t be official until it’s time stamped by our computer system, but we’ll make the exception.” He points to a phone number at the bottom. “If anyone questions, have them call that number. We’ll tell them it’s official.”

  I make a copy of the report in the office. Walking up the hall I hear Bash say, “Officer, is there any way we can keep this off the news? She’s traveling alone, and we don’t want to alert her parents until we know more.”

  “Once that report gets entered into the system, it’ll be public record. Anyone can get ahold of it, including the media.” The other officer looks at Bash. “You’ve got until Monday morning before this leaks. I’m sorry.”

  I give the original report to an officer, and Bash reaches out his hand. “Thanks for the help.”

  I see the officers out and close the door. “Now, what?”

  “I go to work. My retainer is five thousand dollars plus expenses. I need half up front.”

  “Cash or check? I’ve got a thousand dollars here and can wire the rest into your account.”

  9

  Tamryn

  I follow Becky’s small, black four-door car that looks like it’s about to fall apart. Less than fifteen minutes later, we turn on a road that leads to a lakeside cottage that isn’t paved, but in good enough condition that driving by car isn’t an issue as long as I’m careful.

  We pull into the driveway of a gray cottage with white trim. It’s neat and the yard is nicely maintained. I get out of my car and look around. With all the trees and the narrow road, it’s definitely private. The only times I’ve ever stay alone are in hotel rooms for photoshoots. Can I stay out here by myself and not be scared?

  I turn in a circle as I follow Becky toward the house. The front porch holds a couple of rocking chairs comfortably. Becky’s words come back to me. “If you wanna people watch you can sit on the front porch.” Who the hell am I going to watch? There isn’t anyone out here.

  Inside, is an open floor plan with the family room and kitchen as one open space. There’s a short hall where two small bedrooms share a bathroom. The place is furnished with plush furniture in warm colored upholstery which makes the whole place feel quaint and cozy.

  I smile as I walk out to the back porch where a swing is attached to the roof of the porch on one side and a hammock on the other, two more rocking chairs finish out the porch. Looking out toward the dock at the lake, I can see myself here for more than a month.

  “Becky, what do I have to do to rent it?”

  “I’m helping my aunt with it since she’s getting up in years. Most people just come for a week, but I can give you a good deal since you want it for the whole month.”

  I tap my finger on her lips. “What if I decide I want it longer than a month?”

  Becky smiles. “If you decide you want to stay longer, just let me know ten days before the end of the lease.”

  I nod. “How much.”

  “We normally rent it for a thousand dollars a week because of having to pay all the cleaning fees between tenants, but I’ll let you have it for five hundred a week.”

  I run the numbers in my head. “That’s good.”

  “Is that too much?”

  “No, I’ve got money until I open an account and get some more transferred.”

  I fill out the lease and give Becky two thousand dollars cash. She puts the money in her pocket but hesitates to leave. I tilt my head. “Do you need anything else?”

  “Are you okay? Are you running from someone or something? Dale and I will help you any way we can.”

  My lips roll in and tears sting my eyes. “It’s nothing like that. I need to find me again because someone I put all my faith in broke my heart.” A sad smile accompanies my watering eyes. “Thank you for all you and Dale have done. I’m so glad I met you.”

  Becky stands to leave, so I do too. I’m surprised when Becky hugs me. I hesitantly lift my arms to Becky’s back. A genuine hug, not like the ones people give me at social events or on location. “Thank you,” I whisper.

  “You’re welcome. Now, you’re coming back to the Bar and Grill tonight, right?”

  I nod as I blink before the tears fall. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I say through a teary smile and wipe my nose on the back of my hand.

  I watch Becky leave and take a minute to look at my new temporary home. I make my to-do list in my head—unpack, grocery shop, and call my parents. Since calling my parents is the last thing I want to do, I set off with the other activities first.

  It’s mid-afternoon by the time I decide to let my parents know about my relocation. Disappointing them is the last thing I ever want to do, so my heart is heavy as I dial their number. How am I going to tell them my marriage has ended? They love Noah. It’s going to destroy them to find out he cheated.

  The phone rings a few times, and I’m about to hang up when my mother’s voice comes through the line. “Hello?”

  “Mama, you seem out of breath. Are you okay?”

  “Tamryn? I was just coming in from the garden. Where are you?”

  My mother always cuts right to the chase. “I’ll get to that in a minute. How are you and Daddy?”

  “We’re fine. Noah called late last night worried sick about you. Did you go on an assignment?”

  I roll my eyes. “Mom, is Dad there with you? I’d really only like to say this once if at all possible.” My voice starts to crack so I clear my throat.

  “Hang on a minute, dear.”

  She calls my father for him to come inside for a minute. I can’t help but smile when I hear him, “Who’s bothering me in the middle of the day?” That’s just like him.

  “Hey, baby girl. What’s going on? Noah’s worried. He thought you were coming here, but I assured him you weren’t.”

  “Hey, Daddy. I’m not telling y’all where I am because I know how relentless Noah can be if he wants something, but apparently he doesn’t want me anymore.” My voice cracks and the tears fall.

  “What are you talking about, Tamryn?” Mom’s voice is full of concern.

  I take a deep breath trying to control my emotions. This is the first time I’ve said these words out loud, and I’m afraid that once I say them, I can’t take them back. “I think Noah is cheating on me. All of the signs are there, and I’ve just been too blind to see them.”

  “You think or you know?” my father asks.

  “Know.”

  “How do you know, honey?” my mother asks.

  “I just know. There are signs, and I’ve seen them.” I’m full on crying now.

  “Baby girl, he said he’d been working a lot since you’ve been home. He sounded really worried. Why don’t you come home? We’ll call him. How does that sound?”

  I’m shaking my head before my father finishes speaking. “No, Daddy. I can’t. If he wanted to spend time with me, he would. I just wanted to tell you that I’m finding an attorney on Monday and filing for divorce.”

  “Tamryn, don’t you think that’s rushing things? Honey, talk to him and make sure you know what you’re talking about. What if you’ve read these signs wrong?”

  “I don’t think so, Mom. For the first time in sixteen years, I doubt Noah. I think he’s been lying to me, maybe for years, and I’ve had enough of coming last.”

  “Tamryn, I’m getting off the phone so you can talk to your mother. Think this through, baby girl. I just don’t want to see you make a mistake. I love you.”

  “Tha
nk you, Daddy. I love you, too.”

  “Honey, now tell me about these signs you think you’re seeing.”

  “I read this article, Mom. It gave five signs, and they’ve all happened. He’s come home with lipstick on his collar. The night I came home he came to bed smelling like another woman’s perfume. He gives me gifts every time he screws up. He hasn’t come home on time in years. Oh, and the other night he didn’t come home at all! See Mom, I’m not crazy!”

  “Have you asked him about any of these things?”

  “The lipstick was during his Hong Kong trip last year, and the man he was there to speak with gave him a lap dance as a show of friendship. He said it was the dancer’s lipstick. That he pulled away when she tried to blow in his ear or something.” I sigh. “Now, I don’t know if I believe him. I’m leaning toward not.”

  “Tamryn Fields Carmichael, I have raised you not to act like this. You talk to your husband like a grown woman. Do you hear me, young lady? You don’t throw away the kind of love that you and Noah have over some magazine article.”

  “Had, Mom. What we had. He doesn’t want it anymore, and I’m not so sure I do either.”

  “You need to come on home now, and be with people who love both of you, and can help you work this out.”

  “No, Mom. I need to be on my own for a little while. Listen, I need to go. I’ll call you in a couple of days. Love you.”

  It’s seven-thirty when I walk into the Crossroads Bar and Grill. I wear my favorite form-fitting jeans and heeled sandals that make my legs look as if they’re a mile long, and a spring blue and white striped blouse that makes my eyes pop. My mother always told me, don’t let anyone know you’re upset. You fix your hair, put on makeup, and flash your smile. There was no ice cream and pajamas allowed in the Fields household. No, siree, you make them eat their hearts out. Too bad Noah isn’t here to eat his heart out.

  Even though my heart is heavy, my eyes light with humor and my smile spreads across my face when I see the table I asked for reserved with a huge sign that reads, “Reserved for Tammy.”

  Becky comes around the corner of the bar with a glass of wine and gives it to me. “I’m glad you made it. God, you look fantastic!”

  “Thanks, Becky. This is great!” I giggle. “I didn’t think Dale would reserve me the best table for people watching.”

  “When Dale told me you wanted this table, I made sure you got it.” Becky leans in so I bow my head and she raises to her tiptoes. “Every man’s head turned when you walked by.”

  My smile turns sad, and I hold up my hand. “Still married, Becky. Even if I wasn’t, I don’t think I’d be interested right now.” I raise my shoulder.

  “Well, you can still dance and have a good time. There’s a couple of guys here who can really twirl a girl on the dance floor. There’s nothing wrong with that, and you won’t be breaking any vows.” Becky winks as she walks back to the bar.

  I sit at the table and watch the crowd. There are several couples here, but mostly singles. I watch some of the women flirt while some men seem to be having a dick measuring contest. I giggle to myself. It’s fun to do the people watching instead of being the one watched.

  Scanning the room, my gaze locks with a man about my age, watching me watch everyone else. My face warms, and I lower my eyes to continue looking around the bar. It’s busier in here now compared to earlier. All the tables are full of people enjoying drinks or food or both.

  Becky walks up, and I smile. “Seems you’ve caught the eyes of our most eligible bachelor across the room.” She tilts her head back toward the man who’s still watching me.

  “I didn’t mean to.” I glance from under my lashes hoping he doesn’t see me looking at him.

  “Well, he’s been looking at you like he wants to devour you since you walked in here. I haven’t seen him look at anyone like that.” Becky laughs. “Do you want anything to eat?”

  “Grilled chicken breast and broccoli?”

  Becky sits her tray on the table and grabs both of my hands. “Look at me.” When I do, all sincerity is in her expression. “I don’t know why you’re here, but something has brought you to Saluda. Maybe you’re at your crossroads. Take tonight and have some fun. Dance and let yourself enjoy some people who probably have no clue who you are. Relax, okay?”

  I nod before Becky walks away. I’d just taken a sip of wine when I notice the DJ starts an old country song. Watching the couples dance brings back a memory of my parents dancing to this song and a fond smile stretches across my face.

  “Would you care to dance?”

  I turn to see the dark-haired man from across the room standing there with his hand out, palm side up. I cut my eyes to the bar and see Becky nodding with a wide grin. Looking in the man’s dark brown eyes, I agree as I intentionally place my left hand in his. He leads me to the dance floor as “Tight Fittin’ Jeans” by Conway Twitty plays through the speakers.

  “So, what’s a married woman doing in a bar alone?”

  I stare over his shoulder while I listen to the words of the song before hesitantly giving him a small smile. “Just like the song says, I’m here to live a dream.”

  “Sounds like there’s more to that story than what you’re willing to tell.”

  I raise a shoulder and cut my eyes to his before I turn my head away. I don’t want him to see the tears. He holds me like Noah used to when we danced.

  The deep voice speaks directly against my ear. “Then let’s follow the song and let me make that dream come true.”

  I tilt my head back and look into his eyes. After a few beats, I agree. “No names, okay?”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  The small smile reappears on my face. “That’s what I want.”

  10

  Noah

  “Earl, have you heard from her?” I can’t hide the anxiousness in my voice.

  “She’s called, and quite frankly I didn’t like what she had to say.”

  I rub the back of my neck because I know what’s getting ready to come out of my father-in-law’s mouth. I take a deep breath and prepare myself for the shitstorm that’s coming. I’ll tell Earl everything he needs to know, but I have to hear where Tamryn’s mind is, first.

  “What did she say?”

  “She thinks you’ve been unfaithful.” There’s a pause before the tongue lashing begins. “Boy, what did I tell you the day you asked me if you could marry her? What was the one thing I told you I’d do to you if you did it? Noah, I may be older, and it may have been several years ago, but I still know how to neuter a bull. I don’t think it’d be too much different on you, only smaller.”

  Son-of-a-bitch. He’s pissed.

  “Earl, um, Mr. Fields. I have loved Tamryn faithfully since we were fourteen. Five years ago, she put a wedding band on my finger, it has never come off—literally or figuratively. I swear to you on a stack of Bibles, Earl, I haven’t cheated on her.” My legs bounce uncontrollably, so I pace in the living room of our home.

  “She says that she knows you’ve cheated. You better be grateful I’m not driving to Atlanta, right now.”

  My fingers plow through my hair, and I spew the only reason she could think I’ve cheated. “I didn’t come home last Thursday because I was downtown with a client, and we’d had too much to drink. I’d already sent my driver home. I could’ve taken a taxi, but she’d have already been asleep. It was late so I got a hotel room.”

  “Was this client a female? Did you stay alone?”

  “No, sir, he’s male, and yes, I stayed alone. I had sent her a text, but apparently she didn’t get it until the next morning.”

  “I see. If you were her, what would you think?”

  “Exactly what she’s thinking.”

  “She doubts you, thinks you’ve been lying for years, Noah. Years.”

  I shake my head even though Earl can’t see me. “No, sir, never. Can I speak with her?”

  “She doesn’t want to talk to you right now.”

&nb
sp; “Is she with y’all?”

  “Nope, and she won’t tell us where she is either.”

  “Dammit!”

  “I’ll get the number off the caller ID when I go back inside. In a few days, I’ll text it to you.”

  “A few days? Earl, I can’t wait a few days!”

  “Noah, I want to let her calm down and talk to her again. If I find out anything from Shirley, I’ll call you later. You better not be lying to me.”

  “I promise you, I’m not.”

  Earl ends the call, and the only new information I have is that Tamryn isn’t in Aiken, but he’s confirmed infidelity is the issue which isn’t an issue at all. I pick up the phone and call Bash.

  “Hunter.”

  “Bash, it’s Noah. I just hung up with Tamryn’s father. She didn’t go home, but she won’t tell her parents where she is.”

  “I have her confirmed on the flight to Columbia. It was delayed so she didn’t get in until after midnight, and there was no connecting flight. Have you checked your credit cards? The rental companies require a credit card to be on file. Do you think she’d try to drive somewhere or stay locally?”

  “She’s not a night owl or a fan of driving late at night, so I’d be surprised if she drove someplace else.”

  “Okay. I’m already on the road to Columbia. Check to see if any charges have come in on any of your credit cards and let me know if you see anything.”

  I’m walking to the office before Bash finishes his sentence. “Will do.” Sitting down at the laptop, I check for any email notifications from our credit card companies. We have those sent here and not our phones because of the amount of traveling our jobs require and don’t need our phones blowing up with notifications. I scroll through and see that at twelve-thirty this morning a charge was run for Enterprise Rental Car at the airport in Columbia, South Carolina. Bingo. I quickly send Bash a text letting him know the time and where she’s rented the car.