by Pat Simmons
“Good morning. I wanted to see you before we both went in opposite directions today.” He handed her the rose, kissed her cheek first, then her aunt’s, and strolled back to his car with a swagger that made her lift an eyebrow. Seeing him gave her a boost of energy.
After dropping Aunt Tweet off at Bermuda Place, she drove to Ceyle-Norman to sign out more physician samples. Breezing through the lobby, she waved at Ava Elise. The woman always inspired her to smile. She missed seeing her every day and soaking in her encouraging tidbits about life.
“Hey. How was your weekend?” Her smile was warm. “Did you get some much-needed rest?”
Tabitha released a mock laugh. “Anything but that, even with my sisters in town. Saturday was the neighborhood’s summer kick off, we attended church on Sunday, and then enjoyed a barbecue at my neighbor’s company on Monday. I wish it was Friday, instead of Tuesday.”
Ava Elise chuckled. “How did your aunt interact with your sisters?”
“Good. They got a chance to see firsthand the things I’d mentioned about her behavior. She even wandered off at the summer kickoff.”
“Oh no, a nursing facility might ease the load.”
“That’s not up for discussion yet,” she lowered her voice. “I don’t know how much longer my aunt might live.”
“What do you mean?” Ava Elise gasped, then covered her mouth. “Is her health declining that rapidly? What’s going on?”
Shaking her head, Tabitha wished she knew. “At church on Sunday, my aunt mentioned no regrets before she was baptized in Jesus’ name. She repented like crazy, and God filled her mouth with heavenly tongues. I’ve never seen anything like it. Was she compelled to seek salvation, because she knew she was dying, or did she want to rectify her regrets?” She sighed, because she didn’t have answers. “Then I got to thinking. Maybe she was asking me if I had any regrets.”
Her former trainer frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I can’t help but wonder if she was asking me if I had regrets, either about taking care of her, or about my life.” She paused. “I do have some regrets. I had hoped taking a job that required less travel and handpicking an upscale adult daycare would make the transition easier.”
Tabitha was thoughtful. “There is nothing easy about being a caregiver. I leave one job to go home to another one until Aunt Tweet goes to sleep. I never thought being a caregiver for someone you love could be so challenging and exhausting.”
Ava Elise reached for some tissues, but Tabitha stopped her. “Nope, I refuse to have a breakdown today.” She mustered a smile. “Can’t ruin the makeup to hide my bags. I better go so I can get on the road.”
“That’s the right attitude of a top sales rep.” Ava Elise gave her a thumbs-up. “You know it’s about to get crazy in the field to make those bonuses. If a nursing facility is out of the question, you might want to join an Alzheimer’s Association support group.”
Aunt Tweet’s doctor in Philly had recommended that too. At the time, the Knicely sisters had balked at the suggestion—after all, they had each other and the situation under control. That was then. This was now.
“Another option could be a nurse’s aide in the evenings, so you can get some rest.”
“I would have to think long and hard about that one. First, strangers in my house, and second, strangers in my house under the guise of taking care of my aunt.”
“If you get sick, who’s going to take care of you?”
Right. One person came to mind: Marcus. Tabitha did her best to hide a blush. He had asked her that same question before he pitched in to share some of her burdens. “Okay.” She turned to check out samples, but Ava Elise stopped her.
“God can give you peace and rest. I’ll be praying that you receive both,” she said softly. Seconds later, she continued down the hall to the conference room where another training class, no doubt, was waiting to get started.
Marcus resurfaced in her mind, whether Tabitha was sitting in traffic or waiting in a doctor’s office. Her heart warmed. It was true she didn’t have room in her hectic schedule to date. Somehow, he had effortlessly made a liar out of her. If she could re-arrange her schedule to see him, she would.
GREAT. DEMETRIUS WAS in the office when Marcus arrived. The good mood he possessed earlier after seeing Tabitha had taken flight. No question, his brother would give him grief about the biggest mistake he was about to make in his life, be called the biggest fool ever, plus be out of a whole lot of money he was sure he wouldn’t get back.
Reluctantly, he accepted his fate to pay Victor’s bond. As long as he convinced himself it was for Latrice and the boys, he felt better about it.
“What’s up?” Demetrius was too upbeat this morning. What energy drink did he have?
“You don’t want to know,” he mumbled without making eye contact.
“What’s wrong with you?” His brother leaned across his desk. “I thought the way you were hovering over Tabitha yesterday, you’d be grinning from ear to ear. And what’s with that hairy stuff on your face?”
“It’s called growing a beard,” Marcus said.
“Why?”
“Because she likes it.” He didn’t have to look at Demetrius to know his brother was amused. Exhaling, he prepared himself to break the news. “Ah, listen, I made a decision to do something, and I know you’re not going to agree with it, but hear me out.”
“As long as it’s not taking money away from our business or affecting our business, then it’s your business.” He folded his arms and leaned back in his chair.
“I’m glad you said that because it involves my money. I decided to honor Latrice’s request and pay Victor’s bond.” Marcus counted to three and braced for his brother’s thunder.
Demetrius’ lips twisted before he roared, “What? If my name was on your bank account, I would freeze the assets.” His eyes bucked.
“I hear you.” He scratched his jaw. “But I think this is something God wants me to do.”
“God.” Demetrius’ jaw dropped. “What does He have to do with Victor?”
“I have no idea.” Convincing his big brother wasn’t going to happen, so he refused to waste three minutes explaining how God had been talking to him directly and then through the church sermon.
“I can’t believe my younger brother, business partner, and a college graduate with an MBA has been played as a fool.” He slapped his fist on his desk. Demetrius was beyond mad.
Ouch. That hurt, but Demetrius was right. Yet, Marcus doubted he would get any rest until he went through with the task. Ignoring his brother’s disappointment, he called Latrice.
He was expecting overwhelming gratitude on the woman’s part. Instead, she quietly thanked God, then him. “God bless you, Mr. Whittington.” She sniffed.
How was he getting blessed? It looked like Victor was getting all the blessings. “Right. Give me the particulars, and he’ll be out before the end of the day.”
It was torture counting down the hours, waiting until the last minute to go to the bank for a cashier’s check, then hoping a construction slowdown would prevent him from making it to St. Louis County Courthouse. Anything to extend his former employee’s stay another day. Unfortunately, everything seemed to be in Victor’s favor. There were no delays in getting to Clayton to pay the bond.
An officer removed Victor’s cuffs and escorted him out of confinement. When he met Marcus’ eyes, a cocky grin spread across his face.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Big Shot coming to my rescue. I’m sure I didn’t put a dent into your savings.”
Marcus refused to take the bait from this loser. “Trust me, God came to your rescue, not me. I’m doing this as a favor for Latrice and your sons.” He folded his arms.
“Well, me and her ain’t together no more.”
He cringed at the use of improper English, but this was not a mentoring moment. “Good for her. It’s a shame for your boys.” He snorted. “And for the record, your bond money came from my c
hildren’s college fund.”
“Right. You ain’t got no kids.”
“Not today, but one day I will.” He thought about Tabitha. Could she be the one? She was the perfect candidate. “As a matter of fact, my lady friend was on board with helping you.” Shaking his head, he continued his march to the door. God stopped him from proceeding a step farther.
Gripping his keys, he spun around. “I’m sure you don’t have bus money, cab fare, or an Uber driver on standby. Would you like a ride somewhere?”
“I don’t have no where to go.” Victor’s rough exterior slipped, and his vulnerability peeked through.
“Come on. I’ll drop you off at a shelter, and you can figure out your life from there,” he offered.
“Nah. I got this.”
“Suit yourself.” Marcus contained his glee. God, I did my part.
Chapter 21
T
uesday evening, Tabitha craved a nap—fifteen minutes tops—to get rid of the tension headache that had lingered all afternoon. Maybe she could do it with one eye open, watching Aunt Tweet.
Her aunt’s appetite was increasing while her interest in cooking was wavering, even cooking the occasional hot breakfast on the weekends. Tabitha prepared a quick meal of chicken, pasta, and stir-fry vegetables. She wondered if Marcus would stop by. When the doorbell rang half hour later, her heart fluttered as she tried to stifle a yawn before opening the door.
He stepped into her foyer and gave her a hug. Umm. The hugs were better than the sweet kiss on the cheek. Reluctantly, she broke their embrace to close the door. He followed her to the kitchen. Aunt Tweet hadn’t moved from her spot at the table, but was chewing on something.
Tabitha squinted. “What are you munching on?” Her aunt chuckled, but didn’t answer, so she asked again.
“I found a piece of candy.”
“Where?” Not a sweets eater, she didn’t have candy jars in her house, and especially, not on the table.
Her aunt frowned as if she was straining her brain. “At the school where I teach.”
Taking a peep into her aunt’s purse, which was resting on her lap, Tabitha was shocked to find an arsenal of peppermints and butterscotch candies. Clearly, the staffers at the adult care needed to supervise Aunt Tweet near the candy jar. “Dinner’s almost ready, so please don’t eat another piece.”
Her aunt nodded, and Marcus brushed a kiss on her aunt’s cheek. “Need any help?” he asked.
You have no idea. He must have read her mind because he scooted her over at the sink and washed his hands. He searched the cabinets for plates and glasses, then set the table.
“I should have brought some barbecue. We had plenty left over,” he said after they took their seats and said grace.
“You should have.” She pouted, even though her meal was tasty. “So did you bail out Victor?” She shoved a fork of vegetables in her mouth. He eyed her aunt and seemed hesitant to answer. “It’s okay. She’s doesn’t know who we’re talking about.”
His shoulders slumped. “Yes, and I still regret it. The man wasn’t even thankful.” He bowed his head. “For the sake of his children, I dipped into my children’s college fund to post bond for the ungrateful...” He caught himself and looked up. “Sorry. Bad day.”
Immediately, she chided herself for her pity party. Her day had been busy, so busy she skipped lunch, and when her energy level plummeted, the fatigue from her weekend’s activities hit hard.
“It’s okay.” The vulnerable side of Marcus was just as endearing as his warm personality. She liked both. His presence energized her, but a yawn escaped anyway 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. “Why don’t you take a nap on the sofa? I’ll load the dishwasher.”
Any other time, she wouldn’t think of entertaining such rude behavior, but at this moment, Marcus didn’t have to repeat himself as she jumped at the offer.
“Thanks! 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.
Getting up, she turned on Aunt Tweet’s favorite game show. With her aunt 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, anchoring her fist on her hip and she kept reading.
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. Oh, a few times I caught you smiling. I’m heading home, so I can have some sweet dreams too.
Marcus
MARCUS POINTED HIS remote to the flat screen in his man cave and clicked off Sports Midwest. After leaving Tabitha’s house, he came home and warmed up some spaghetti and rib tips. She was a good cook, but ate like a bird compared to his hearty appetite.
That wasn’t important. 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.
I healed ten lepers, only one thanked Me. Have you not read in Luke 17, only one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified Me? God asked.
He dropped his face in his hands. “I did what You asked, Jesus.” What more do You want from me? he thought, but didn’t say.
You. I want you, Marcus. God had heard him anyway.
Getting to his feet, he took a deep breath. Obsessing over the situation with Victor was only going to cause him grief with the Lord, 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 while a cool breeze swayed tree branches. It wasn’t officially summer, but the evenings were longer and the sounds of children at the playground filled the air.
Instead of letting Victor’s situation taunt him, Marcus walked and let his mind recall pleasant thoughts of being at Tabitha’s house. He automatically smiled, despite the scare.
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 put on Sweet Pepper’s leash and off they went, not waking Tabitha.
“I can’t remember Mama’s name,” Aunt Tweet said with no prompting on his part.
His heart dropped at her admission. He couldn’t imagine not recognizing his parents and 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 blaring 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 as if he was caught sneaking into the fridge for a late-night snack after bedtime. So she had followed his conversation with Tabitha 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 became 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 seemed to be in her element when she interacted with the little ones at his onsite childcare. 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 her. Would she go for it?
Tabitha was still knocked out when they returned. 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.
Before leaving, he couldn’t resist admiring her beauty. What wasn’t there not to be attracted to? Her smile, looks, perfume—anything that was uniquely Tabitha Knicely made him a goner.
Grabbing a nearby throw blanket off a chair, he gently covered her. Leaning down, he was careful as he brushed his lips on her cheek. That’s when he heard her faint snore. He smirked.
After Marcus stole his kiss, he scribbled a note, and left. He couldn’t help but reflect on what Aunt Tweet had said about 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
T
hat was sweet of you last night. But I wish you’d woke me, Tabitha texted Marcus the next morning as she waited in the lobby to speak with Dr. Bernstein. She blushed as she finished the text, and I DO NOT snore.
