by Donna Fasano
“I’m sure there isn’t enough space to rebuild it the way I’d like,” I told her. “And this is a commercial street, not exactly a place where women could find a safe haven.”
Billy spoke up. “Besides, I still want to run the bar.”
I laughed. “So, after all these years, you admit there’s something special about the place? And you have to wait until it burns down to see this?”
“I saw it. You were ready to move on before I could state my case,” Billy said.
Fran put her hands on her plump hips. “I don’t care what you decide to do with the bar, but I’m going to have a benefit just the same.” She laughed. “What’s the point of being rich and famous if you can’t throw a big party and invite everyone to come?”
Susie raised a hand. “I’m in too. I’ll do something to beautify the street.” Her pretty face became animated. “You know, Dad knows plenty of people in the city counsel, and I bet he could get me in touch with the right people.” She rushed on, “I’m picturing a small square in the middle of the street with plantings… and I could do a sculpture, something big and arty, and donate it to the town.”
“My dear friends,” I said and grabbed each of their hands. “This is so not going to happen, but thanks for all the lovely thoughts.”
“And why not?” they both asked.
Susie pouted. “Why are you such a party pooper?”
“I don’t know. We don’t have time, for one. It would take months to organize all these wonderful plans of yours.”
“So who’s under a time constraint?” Fran asked. “You said it could take you years to get this new venture up and running. We might be able to move things along a little faster with some financial backing.”
“I never said I needed financial backing. And if I do, there are banks for that.”
“Stop being a pain in the ass,” Susie said, with an exasperated shake of her head.
Fran nodded. “We want to do this. Get it?” She looked at Billy. “Don’t you want to see a big concert in the middle of Hibiscus Street?”
“Sure I do,” Bill answered. “Although I’m not sure who would come with the place stinking of smoke.”
“That’s the point, isn’t it?” she argued. “Entertainers do this kind of thing all the time. Relief benefits to help out people who’ve lost everything due to some horrific force of nature. This won’t be on that big of a scale, but I’m sure I could get Jay Carpenter to come, and a few other recording stars. Just three or four of us throwing a street concert–supporting a neighborhood willing to fight for their rights and combat crime.”
“Oh, Fran, Susie. I love you both, I do. But really…let’s not get carried away.”
Billy frowned. “We don’t need Jay Carpenter, do we? He’s a jerk, if you ask me.”
All eyes turned to Billy.
“What?” He shrugged, and his ruddy cheeks darkened. “You think I didn’t know he was screwing my mom?”
“Billy!” I put my hand over my mouth in shock. “How could you say that?”
“Well, I’m not stupid. I saw you and him in tabloid pictures together. Not that I buy them, but one stared me right in the face at a check-out counter.” He looked at the floor. “I was just getting some groceries.”
“Oh, Billy. I’m so sorry.”
“My girlfriend at the time thought it was really cool.” He shrugged. “At least it got me laid.”
This time I blushed. “Please…I don’t want to hear about your sex life.”
“Trust me. Neither did I want to hear about yours.”
Chapter 27
Oh crap! My own son knew I’d been flat on my back, heels-in-the-air-in-love or lust with some guy who’d thought I was his “good-time-Sally.”
I couldn’t look him in the eye. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you knew.”
“Doesn’t much matter. Although I’m kind of glad you’re not seeing him anymore.” He gave me a suspicious look. “What’s going on with you and Katie’s father? I hope you’re showing some common sense there.”
I heard Susie snicker and shot her a dirty glance.
Fran spoke for me. “Oh, come now. We have more important things to worry about than your mom’s poor selection in men. Heck, I’m still rooting for Jake.”
“Speaking of which, shouldn’t we be able to see him now?” I glanced at my watch. “They’ve had him for three hours. What’s going on?”
Billy marched over to the lady sitting at a desk, a volunteer who monitored the phone and the coming and going of visitors to ER.
He gave his name and asked about Jake Montano.
The lady got on the phone to inquire then gave us the good news. “You can go in now. But only two at a time.”
Billy and I went first, and my pulse was beating as rapidly as a Mariachi band on steroids.
“I’m nervous,” I said to Billy. “What if he doesn’t make it?”
“Then you’ll just have to find someone else.”
I punched him and grinned. “You can be such an idiot.”
“You should talk. Should have married him years ago.”
“Now you tell me.”
We walked into the hushed, starched white room. The nurse nodded at us, and spoke reassuringly. “Hi. I’m Krista, and I’ll be taking care of him all night. He’s doing fine.” She smiled. “He was awake a little while ago, but you just missed it.”
She busied herself, adjusting the IV lines. He had one in his hand and an airflow of oxygen in his nose.
“They said he might need surgery for his collapsed lung,” I told her. “Is that what took so long?”
The nurse glanced at both of us. “Didn’t a doctor come and speak with you?” At our shake of the head, she said, “We’ve been exceptionally busy tonight, I’m afraid. Big accident on the Turnpike. So who is the next of kin?”
“We’re just his friends. I don’t even know his family, although his mother lives locally. I suppose someone should notify her.”
“The patient will be able to make the call. He’ll be awake soon and probably won’t be sleeping much at all tonight.”
“How long will he be in the hospital?” I asked.
“A few days, more than likely. Not only did he have the collapsed lung, but several broken ribs. He was under anesthesia when they inserted the chest tube, and will be in considerable pain.” She carried on, “Likely, they’ll want to keep him here until the chest tube is removed. Another x-ray will indicate when his lungs are clear and then he’ll be released. It can take several days.”
She smiled again. “I’m sure the doctor will be in later to explain all this.”
“The chest tube drains fluid from his lungs?” Billy asked. “Or is it air that’s trapped there?”
“That’s a good question. Are you studying medicine?” she asked with interest.
“No. Hardly. I have a business degree. But I googled it on my iPhone while I was waiting.”
“Ah…technology. Hardly need a medical degree anymore. We can learn everything online.” She laughed. “In his case he not only had air trapped but there was bleeding from the contusion. What happened?” She gave us a quick look. “You both have soot on your clothes and face.”
I hadn’t realized how bad we looked, because basically the four of us had looked the same. I sniffed my sleeve, realizing I also stank.
Billy gave her the details while I pulled over a chair and sat next to Jake, stroking his hand.
After a few minutes he opened his eyes.
“Candy…” he whispered.
“Oh, Jake. Jake…you’re going to be fine.”
His eyes roamed over the room. “Hey, Billy. How’s the bar?”
“Interior damage,” Billy answered. “But the structure of the building is still sound.”
He sounded like he knew what he was talking about, but I had a sneaky suspicion he made that up for Jake’s sake. And mine, I suppose.
“Good. Glad to hear it. We’re going into business together, right?
”
“Right,” Billy said.
I squeezed Jake’s hand, wondering just when the two of them had contrived this plan. “You kicking me out?”
“Never. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“I could still call Carl Richards. I’m sure he’d be willing to make me an offer. At a fire-sale price.”
“Don’t bother. Me and Billy can make it work. The inside needed a little sprucing up. Maybe this was the best thing that could happen.”
“Are you kidding me? You nearly died. And we had about a hundred people in there.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I didn’t mean it, anyhow. Just teasing.”
The pretty nurse was lingering, and she gave Jake a big smile. “Hi. I’m Krista. I’ll be on duty tonight.. Would you like something? There’s iced water next to you, but I could get you juice, or a sandwich in about an hour.”
“No, not now. But thanks.” His eyes followed her as she left.
“She’s pretty,” I said, removing my hand from his.
“So are you,” he answered, giving Billy a sideways look.
“Susie and Fran are waiting outside. I should probably let them visit quickly, then they can go home.”
“You could. Or you could stay with me.”
Billy spoke. “I’ll go. They’ll want to see you.”
The moment he left, tears welled in my eyes. “I don’t know what I’d have done if I’d lost you.”
“You didn’t. I was in the supply room, and that must be where they put the explosive. The cops gotta do something now. They can’t ignore this problem any longer.”
“You’re right. I’m sure with this whole neighborhood watch thing going on, they’ll be on top of it. Lydia will be cracking the whip too.”
“Did everyone get out all right?” His eyes looked worried.
“Yes. Everyone got out safely. Thank God!” I touched his cheek. “When the girls get here, ask them what they have planned. You’re going to love this,” I said with a grin.
Just then they walked in.
“Jake!” Susie cried, running over to give him a big sloppy kiss.
Fran pushed her way in too, and dripped tears all over his face. “You big hunk. What were you doing back there? Acting the hero? Why didn’t you get out like the rest of us? No common sense. That’s your problem.”
“I intend to take over the place one day, and wanted to save what I could. No way was I going to let all that magic disappear. Not until I get some.” He grinned, and I’m telling you now, my heart flipped over.
Why wasn’t I madly in love with this man? He was sweet, sexy, warm hearted and gorgeous—and right here in front of me. Why did I always want the ones who were either wrong or unavailable?
As I sat and watched the girls fuss over Jake, I wondered what it would be like to be married to a man I adored, as all my friends were. Their husbands were all loyal, hard-working, good, sensitive men, and I envied their happiness.
It must be something wrong with me, I decided. Something fundamentally wrong, because seeing Jake smiling and flirting with my friends, warmed me to the core. I loved him as much as I did them.
No more. No less.
I knew only two people were allowed in the room, and I stood up to leave and nearly bumped into Krista, the young nurse, who stood watching from the doorway.
She had one hand at her chest, and was looking at Jake the way I should have been. Eyes shining brightly, cheeks flushed, the young woman looked thunderstruck.
I touched her arm. “I’m going to go home now and shower. Tell Jake that I’ll be back later, will you?”
“Of course. Is he your boyfriend?”
I smiled. “No. I wish he was, but I think there’s some young woman waiting for him and it isn’t me.”
She blushed and looked away. “He’s very attractive. I imagine he doesn’t have trouble finding women.”
I glanced back at him and blew a kiss. “If I were you, I’d give it a try.”
Before the nurse could reply, I pushed out the door and found Billy in the waiting area.
“Let’s go home now. We both need a shower and to catch some sleep. I’m sure the police will want to speak with us again tonight, or first thing in the morning, and I want to be back here when Jake wakes up.”
“You’re not going to stay the night? I thought you would.”
“No. He needs his sleep and so do I. Besides, he’s got a pretty nurse by his side.”
“She’s got nothing on you.” He frowned and ran a frustrated hand over his unshaven jaw. “He loves you. Why are you leaving?”
“A person can’t choose the one they love.”
Chapter 28
Billy quizzed me a little on the way home, but I gave him enough generalities that he let the conversation go. Bottom line. I did love Jake, but Jake unfortunately was right. I loved him like I did Susie, Lydia and Fran. He was one of the gang, my close-knit circle of friends. My family of friends.
Back in the apartment, I quickly showered the day’s filth of my body and before I slipped into bed I checked my phone and saw a few text messages. There were two from Harrison which didn’t surprise me. I knew that Katie would have called him and that he’d be concerned.
I was exhausted, and didn’t want to speak about any of this. Not now. When I had a little more emotional distance, I’d call. Still, I figured he at least deserved a response.
I texted him a quick message saying Jake was hurt, but out of danger, and that I’d call in the next few days when things were settled. Then I turned out the light and crept under the covers, hoping to put everything out of my brain so I could sleep.
It was a restless night, but I got up early, made Billy and I breakfast of bacon and eggs, realizing we’d both need our strength.
“I’m going to the Candy Bar to check things out,” I told Billy over a second cup of coffee. “I’ll meet you at the hospital when I’m done.”
“Like hell you will,” Billy said quietly. He picked up the dishes from the table and began loading the dishwasher. “I’m going with you. I want to see what’s happening too.”
“I’m sure they’ll have it taped off,” I told him. “Until the investigation is over, it’s not likely they will let us or anyone in. Even if we do own the place.” The idea of Billy, with Jake, running the Candy Bar, was beginning to settle. I was warming to the idea and seeing great possibilities ahead.
“They might. It’s worth a try.”
“I wonder if we’re suspects?” I asked Billy. “They haven’t asked me too many questions, but I’m betting that they are looking into my financial records. Making sure we’re not after insurance money.”
He grinned. “You watch too much TV. Why would they suspect you? We were all there. Me, your friends, and half the neighborhood.”
“That’s true.” I made a goofy face. “I guess I thought before I spoke. Funny how something like this can make a person nervous, feeling guilty even when they are the innocent victims.”
“Not me. I feel like getting my hands on the person or people responsible and wringing a few necks.”
I snorted. “I like your feelings better than mine.”
We locked up and headed downstairs to my car. On my way, I called John, and asked him how the investigation was going.
“Candy, we have the arson squad on it, but it’s going to take a few days to get an official report. You know I’ll do my best to keep you informed.” He cleared his throat. “How’re you hanging in? I’m sure you’re taking it hard. That place was your second baby.”
I gave a weak laugh. “Yeah, it’s tough all right. Thank God there was no loss of life. With all those people in there, I’m not sure how we all managed to get out. Your crew did a fine job as usual, John. Stopped the fire from spreading and minimized the damage.” My voice broke. “Plus you saved Jake.”
“Well, we couldn’t leave him behind, now could we?” His voice was gentle. “Fran told me how you wanted to stay and fight the fire, a
nd how she and Susie had to forcefully remove you. I’m glad your friends were there. But if anything had happened to her…”
“I know, John. We were all so lucky. If anything had happened to one of my friends, or Billy—well, I don’t think we’d be having this conversation. I don’t know what I’d have done, I can’t even bare to think of it.”
Billy said, “Mom,” and took away the phone, telling John good-bye. He handed me a tissue from the glove box and I dried my eyes. For a woman who hated to cry, tears seemed to be non-stop.
A few minutes later we pulled up in front of the bar, and after one hasty glance I sat in the car, too stricken to speak.
“Shit!” Billy yelped. “Those frickin’ bastards. Look what they did!”
Tears rolled down my cheeks. My beautiful brick building was now ugly and blackened from the fire. It had my breakfast rolling around my stomach, and I gagged.
“You all right?” Billy asked, putting a protective hand on my shoulder.
I held on to my stomach and took several deep breaths, willing the food to stay in place. My brow beaded with perspiration and my mouth soured.
“I hope so.” I mopped up more tears with shaky fingers. “It’s worse seeing it than I’d imagined.”
“I knew it would be. Didn’t want you coming here alone.”
“Thanks, Billy.” I forced a smile which was more of a grimace. “When did you turn into such a nice kid? I must have been sleeping or something.”
“When I started to grow up.” He looked at me, serious for a sec. “Once I was in college and had to do everything on my own, I realized how good I had it back home. I never appreciated you enough.”
His words caused my eyes to tear up. Again. All this emotion lately was getting the better of me. “Ah… you were just a kid. They never appreciate their mothers.”
“Well, when I have a son of my own, I will make sure he does.”
I swallowed a lump of more guilt. If he’d had a father, so much would have been different. He’d have had better supervision, a loving hand to guide him and teach him manly stuff. Still, I’d done the best I could, and—surprise, surprise—he hadn’t turned out too bad after all.
