The Secret of St Claire

by Robin Alexander

  Lindsay filled her as she sank down and took one of Nicole’s nipples between her teeth. Nicole’s hips bucked as she tried to come into contact with Lindsay’s palm. “Oh, not like this,” Lindsay said against her skin before rising up to meet Nicole’s eyes. “Do it with me watching you and you watching me.”

  Lindsay put a hand in the center of Nicole’s chest to keep her flat on the bed. Nicole fought to keep her eyes open as the first wave of white-hot heat began between her legs and fanned out over her lower body. She came with her teeth clamped together and a strangled cry in her throat.

  *******

  “I will spend the rest of the day with the mental image of you coming.” Lindsay lay with her head on Nicole’s shoulder, caressing the skin between her breasts. “I have no idea how I’m going to drive back to work.”

  “I have to give a puppy its first shots at two. Poor baby, I hope I stick them in the right end.”

  Reluctantly, Lindsay sat up. “I have to go. Three orgasms before lunch, that’s a mighty fine sendoff.”

  Nicole pulled her down for a kiss. “Eat hearty. I plan to give you more this evening.”

  *******

  “Where are your tools?” Rose asked when Lindsay came back into the store. “Weren’t you able to get it fixed?”

  The tools and parts were still on Nicole’s kitchen table. “It’s…uh…gonna take some more time.” Lindsay avoided her mother’s curious gaze. “I’ll have to go back later, maybe on the weekend when I have more time.”

  “Speaking of,” Rose said with a hand on her hip. “Mike called, he’s been asked to go back to work early. Alexis will be getting off the bus at the house today. Do you want me to meet her?”

  All of Lindsay’s evening plans went down the drain in a heartbeat. “Um, no, I’ve missed her. You mind staying on here if I make dinner?”

  “Not at all.” Rose smiled and waved at one of their regular customers. “Did Nicole change her mind about dinner tonight?”

  “We didn’t really talk about it. I’ll call her later.”

  “Good, I want to hear what she thought about the fishing trip.” Rose took a good look at Lindsay, and it made her incredibly nervous. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you look downright haggard. Aren’t you getting any rest?”

  “I’ve been a bit restless.” Lindsay avoided Rose’s gaze and straightened a rack of fuses that up until then had been perfect. “I’ll pick up some tea on the way home later.”

  “No, do it now and take a nap before Alexis gets home. It’s slow here today. No need for you to hang around.”

  Lindsay nodded and pulled her key ring from her pocket. “Thanks, Mom. I think I will.”

  She felt incredibly guilty again as she drove home. Lying to her mother was becoming a common thing in only a matter of days. Add to that, she should’ve been ecstatic that Alexis was coming home early. Though she was thrilled, there was still a part of her that regretted the time lost with Nicole. She was becoming a greedy liar.

  When she got home, Lindsay debated on sending Nicole a text message with the news or calling. She opted for the latter, wanting to hear her voice. Deana put her through cheerfully, and when Lindsay heard Nicole answer, she sighed as she recalled their morning. “I have some news. Mike’s been called in early, and Alexis will be coming home tonight.”

  “I missed that little stinker,” Nicole said brightly. “As much as I’ve enjoyed our alone time, the house just wasn’t the same without her.”

  “You amaze me.” Lindsay sank down onto the couch. “I expected to hear disappointment in your voice.”

  “I am disappointed that I won’t be able to do the things I planned. I made a list, actually wrote it down, then put it in the shredder. But one of the things I enjoy the most about you, aside from what we did earlier, is spending time with your child. I’ll take every minute I can get with her and you, too.”

  “Does that mean you’ll join us for dinner?”

  “Absolutely, and I’ll bring pie. Do you suppose Lexi is tired of chocolate cream yet?”

  “Not a chance,” Lindsay said with a smile. “See you at six?”

  “Earlier if I can swing it.”

  “I’ll look forward to that. See you soon.”

  “Okay, sexy.”

  Lindsay ended the call and stared down at the phone. Everything about Nicole Allen was a pleasant surprise. In such a short time, Lindsay had gone from interest to attraction to downright lust. The other L word was bubbling up within her like a spring. Could it genuinely happen this fast? It had taken her mother two years to fall for her father. Did love truly come this quickly, or was she just caught up in a whirlwind of new experience that packed strong emotions and would dissipate when the storm was over?

  The phone rang again in her hand. Lindsay grinned. thinking it was Nicole, but the caller ID read St. Claire Elementary.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Clarice Pendarvis met Lindsay in the parking lot. Lindsay couldn’t recall when she’d ever seen the principal without a smile, but that day, her expression displayed anything but joy. “Is she okay?” Lindsay asked again as she climbed out of the truck. She’d asked the same on the phone, but Clarice’s dour expression had her rattled.

  “She has a split lip and a black eye. The school nurse is looking her over now.” Clarice gave her a tight hug and stroked her back. “She’s okay, honey. I would’ve been honest with you on the phone if she wasn’t.”

  “Will you tell me what happened before I have to face the other parents?”

  Clarice took Lindsay by the arm and started leading her toward the school office. “They’re not here yet. I waited a few minutes after talking to you before I called them. What I’ve gotten so far is Billy Meyers began taunting Amanda Stanton, saying things like her father was a cheater and a liar.” Clarice sighed. “This, of course, upset her, and she became hysterical, and that’s when Alexis stepped in.” Clarice pulled them to a stop. “Lindsay, she threw the first punch, the second, and third in front of many witnesses, including a teacher who couldn’t get out of her classroom fast enough to stop it before it began. You know, according to school policy, we have a zero-tolerance stance on this. It’s more lenient in elementary school, but I’m going to have to suspend Alexis at least for one day.”

  “Lord!” Lindsay rubbed her forehead as fear gave way to aggravation.

  “Between you and me, Billy had it coming. He’s already been reprimanded for harassing Amanda and a lot of other children. I’ve had conferences with his parents, followed all the steps. He’ll be suspended, as well.” Clarice rubbed Lindsay’s arm. “I know this isn’t going to make you feel any better, but if I’d been any of those other children, I would’ve knocked Billy on his ass a long time ago.”

  Lindsay smiled weakly. “I remember you did just that to Kevin McCreedy. To date, I think you’re the only one in history that ever laid him out.”

  “Times are different, though, honey. My back’s against the wall on this one. I wanted you to know before everyone else got here.”

  “Thanks, Clarice. Alexis and I have had many discussions about not using fists to settle an issue. She knew better.”

  “Be that as it may, a child can only take so much. Go easy on her, okay?” Clarice said with a sad smile. “She did it for a friend who’s going through a lot right now.”

  Lindsay nodded. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.”

  Lindsay was asked to wait in the teachers’ lounge until Clarice talked to the other parents. Tiffany Stanton joined her after about ten minutes. “I’m so sorry,” Tiffany said as she came into the room. “Please don’t be angry with Alexis.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for. Alexis could’ve handled this differently.”

  “To my knowledge, she’s never hit anyone before. Even when she and Amanda were babies, Alexis wasn’t one to get physical. She was upset because Amanda was hurting.”

  “She can’t—”

  Angela, the assistant princi
pal, stepped into the room. “Ladies, would you follow me, please?”

  Silently, Lindsay and Tiffany followed Angela down the hall. Lindsay felt like a schoolgirl being summoned to the principal’s office. Her palms began to sweat as her empty stomach swirled. Alexis and Amanda sat on one side of the room, Alexis with an ice pack to her lip. On the opposite side of Clarice’s office sat Wileana Meyers and her son Billy, who looked like he’d gone through a meat grinder. His face was red and swollen, dried blood ringed his nostrils. His lip was also split in two different places, and he was sporting a small gash above his left eyebrow.

  Lindsay sat on the bench beside Alexis and took her into her arms. Alexis began to cry softly as she leaned heavily into her.

  “I’ve spoken to all the parents separately,” Clarice began. “I’d like you all to hear what Mrs. Altman witnessed today.” She nodded toward the nervous-looking teacher. “Be frank, please, so that there’s no misunderstanding.”

  “It was the beginning of recess,” Mrs. Altman said timidly. “I was straightening up my classroom, and I heard a child scream and cry. I wasn’t on duty, but I went to my window anyway to see what the commotion was. I saw Billy circling Amanda, saying something I couldn’t hear. As I turned to go outside, one of the other children came in and told me that Billy was chanting, ‘Your daddy is a liar and a cheat, and he’s going straight to hell.’ As I went out the door, I saw Alexis step in between them, and I heard for myself that Billy was saying exactly what the child had told me. Before I could get to them, Alexis punched Billy in the mouth. She punched him two more times before I could get through the children that had gathered.” Mrs. Altman looked at Alexis sadly. “I grabbed Alexis to stop her, and Billy punched her in the face a couple of times before I could get them apart.”

  “He said my daddy was going to hell,” Amanda said tearfully as she pointed a finger at Billy.

  Wileana’s face flushed red as she regarded her son. She nudged him. “Apologize.”

  “Sorry,” Billy muttered without looking up from his shoes.

  Wileana looked at Clarice. “I’ve heard all I need to hear. He got what he deserved, and I understand what you have to do.”

  “Thank you,” Clarice said with a nod.

  “We’re gonna go now.” Wileana stood and pulled Billy to his feet. “Tiffany, Lindsay, I’m sorry for all of this.” Wileana behaved much like her son and didn’t meet their eyes as she ushered him out of the office.

  “Clarice,” Tiffany said when they were gone. “Isn’t there anything you can do? Please don’t suspend Alexis for this.”

  “I don’t have a choice,” Clarice said sadly.

  “Don’t put her on the spot. She’ll have the school board and every parent of every child who has ever been in a fight on her neck.” Lindsay reached over and patted Tiffany on the arm. “I appreciate your concern.” Lindsay looked down at Amanda. “Are you okay, honey?”

  Amanda nodded once, then her face twisted as more tears began to fall. She shook her head to the contrary and buried her face in Tiffany’s chest.

  “I’m not mad at you, Amanda,” Alexis said tearfully as she tugged on Amanda’s shirt. “You didn’t get me in trouble. It’s not your fault.”

  There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as the two girls embraced.

  *******

  “Are you hurt anywhere else?” Lindsay buckled Alexis’s seat belt.

  Alexis took the ice pack off her lip and pressed it to her darkening eye. “No, ma’am,” she said with a hiccup.

  Lindsay kissed her forehead. “We’ll talk about this when we get home.”

  She heard a muffled “yes, ma’am” as she closed the door.

  *******

  Nicole pulled in behind them when they parked in the driveway. Excitedly, she climbed out of her car as Lindsay and Alexis got out of the truck. Nicole was moving fast toward Alexis with her arms open wide when Alexis turned and looked up at her. The smiled dropped from Nicole’s face as she sank to her knees. “What happened to you, baby?” she asked in horror.

  “Billy Meyers—”

  “What?” Nicole bellowed as her face flashed red.

  Lindsay put a hand on her shoulder. “Billy looks like he’s been run over by an eighteen-wheeler. You may want to hold your indignation until you hear the rest of the story.”

  Nicole gathered Alexis in her arms and picked her up like a baby. Alexis held on to her like she was the only ally she had in the world. Nicole followed Lindsay up the steps and rocked Alexis gently as she waited for her to unlock the door. Once inside, Nicole sat her on the couch and began inspecting the child for other injuries.

  “He only hit me twice,” Alexis mumbled around her swollen lip.

  “Twice?” Nicole repeated as she stroked the hair from Alexis’s face. “That little—” Nicole clamped her lips together tightly to withhold the profanity that Lindsay was certain she wanted to scream.

  “Let me remind you he took a good beating.” Lindsay sat next to Alexis on the couch and took a closer look at her lip.

  The back door swung open and hit the wall. Rose stomped into the room and put a hand to her mouth when she got a good look at Alexis. She sagged against Nicole when she put an arm around her. “Tiffany called me at the store. Stacy’s there by herself, but Roger’s coming in early.” Rose knelt in front of Alexis and stroked her face. “Honey, what possessed you to hit him?”

  “I sthnapped,” Alexis said with a more pronounced lisp brought on by a fat lip. “Just like Mith Nicole did when Mark pulled my hair.” Alexis looked at her grandmother pleadingly. “He made Amanda cry.”

  Nicole covered her face with her hands. “Oh, my God, I am so stupid.”

  “Tiffany told you the whole story, I presume?” Lindsay looked at Rose.

  Rose nodded and grabbed Nicole by the hand, pulling her back down to the floor. “Neither of you is stupid. You both did something stupid when emotion took over. Don’t make the same mistake twice, understand me?”

  Nicole and Alexis nodded, and Lindsay had to stifle a laugh.

  Rose stood like the matter was settled. “Now we’re going to need something soft for dinner. I’ll run up to T-John’s and pick something up for us all.”

  “I’m not real hungry, Grams.” Alexis moved the ice pack to her lip.

  “Neither am I,” Nicole said wearily.

  “Not now, but you will be.” Rose planted a hand on her hip. “I have some frozen vegetable soup in the freezer. It won’t take long to thaw, that’ll do.” She darted off, leaving the other three behind.

  “Mom cures all with food,” Lindsay said with a smile. She pulled Alexis into her arms and cradled her. “You’re grounded for a week, no outside play.”

  Nicole’s eyes widened, and Lindsay shot her the “no arguments” look. Alexis took it better. “I know, Mom.”

  “Let’s get you out of these bloody clothes and into a warm bath.” She put Alexis on her feet, and Nicole hugged her.

  “I’m sorry, Lexi. I set a really bad example.”

  Alexis hugged her back. “I knew better, it’s not your fault.”

  Lindsay felt herself tearing up again.

  *******

  After dinner and the forgotten pie that Nicole had left in her car, Rose and Lindsay cleaned up the dishes. Rose looked into the living room and put a hand to her chest. “Look at this.” Lindsay came to stand beside her mother and looked at the pair sitting on the couch. Nicole had Alexis in her lap, and they were talking softly as they toyed with each other’s hair.

  “What do you suppose they’re saying?” Rose asked.

  Lindsay smiled. “I have no idea.” She stepped into the room. “I hate to disturb the grooming session, but someone needs to go to bed.”

  “We have a request.” Nicole looked at Alexis. “Since she’s suspended and you both have to work tomorrow and since this is my fault, we’d like to know if the accused can serve out her sentence at my office. Please? We promise not to have any fun, and Alexis has agr
eed to clean the exam tables after each patient.”

  Lindsay glanced over her shoulder at Rose. “Now we know what they were plotting.” She looked back at two hopeful faces. “Yes, but no fun. Are we clear?”

  Alexis and Nicole nodded with twin grins.

  Lindsay pointed to the stairs. “To bed with you.” She ruffled Alexis’s hair as she went by and looked at Nicole. “I’ll be down in a few.”

  Rose stepped farther into the room as her girls raced upstairs. “You’ve got that child wrapped around your finger,” she said with a slight smile.

  Nicole stood and stretched. “She’s an amazing kid. I’m just as thoroughly wrapped.”

  Rose moved in closer. “I was talking about Lindsay.”

  Retreat! Nicole’s mind screamed. She found herself backing toward the door. Rose matched every step.

  “I’ve known for a long time.” Rose began wringing her hands together. “I prayed that someone special, someone who could make her happy would come into her life. And then you showed up. I saw the way you looked at her at breakfast the morning we met, and I knew my prayers had been answered.”

  Nicole threw the door open. “Don’t do this to me. You have to have this conversation with her first.” She felt like a coward when she turned her back to Rose.

  “Nicole, she’s my baby.”

  Nicole put a hand to her chest and turned. “She’s my baby, too.”

  Rose inhaled deeply. Emotions flashed across her face as the confirmation truly registered. “Not a word of this.”

  Nicole’s jaw sagged. “You’re asking me to keep this a secret?”

  Rose held up her hands. “Lindsay has to resolve herself to things before she can discuss it. I’m the same way. She has to come to me in her own time.”

  Nicole closed her eyes and nodded. “I promise.”

  “Welcome to my family, sweetheart. I’ve been waiting such a long time.”

  All the air rushed from Nicole’s lungs as she rushed into Rose’s arms.