Tempest Torn

by Nicole Andrews Moore

  “I’ve gotta go!” She panicked, broke his hold on her and rushed to the back entrance.

  “Wait!” Joey called after her.

  It only made her run faster. Flying up the steps, she saw he was following behind her, but more slowly, cautiously. Her heart pounded as she threw open the door. Which bag was it in? Dammit, she had to hide it before he saw it and initiated a conversation she wasn’t ready to have. The bags were lined up on the island. Immediately she started peeking into them. Naturally it was in the next to the last bag. Grabbing it, she shoved it into the depths of her purse, right as he walked into the kitchen.

  “What was that all about?” he asked, obviously surprised to see her standing there. “Are you okay? I thought you were having some kind of medical emergency or something. I wasn’t sure what I’d find when I got in here.” Coming to stand in front of her, he laid a hand on her forehead. “Sweaty, but no fever.”

  “I’m fine!” Still, she realized it was going to take more than those words to reassure him. “Groceries. I didn’t want the ice cream to melt.” Marti gestured to the bags.

  “Oh, right. I’ll help you put everything away. I know you can’t reach the top shelves.” Joey flinched, obviously expecting to see a flying fist headed toward his shoulders, as she normally would react. Instead, Marti stood there stiffly.

  “Yup. I’m short. Let’s work on that.” Everything felt awkward. Her purse was on her shoulder because she didn’t dare set it down. Every time she looked, she’d discover he was staring at her, trying to figure her out.

  They had managed to get half the bags unloaded when her phone started ringing. “Dammit!” she growled as she struggled to find it in her purse.

  “Calm down, let me help,” Joey offered while reaching for her purse.

  “No!” she shrieked, backing away. “I’ve got it.” Without explanation, she rushed into her room, locked the door behind her, then turned and dumped the contents of her purse on the bed. Picking up her phone, she saw Reagan was calling.

  “What’s up?” she asked flatly. It had been a really emotional day so far. She was completely spent and according to the clock on her nightstand, it was only 10:15am.

  “So, how’d it go?” Reagan asked excitedly.

  Sitting down heavily on the bed, Marti replied, “I haven’t had a chance to take it yet.” Picking up her Carmex, she dropped it back in her purse.

  “What are you waiting for? I need to know!” She could hear an impatient sigh on the other end.

  “It’s been a little busy around here this morning. You’d have to be here to understand,” Marti explained while she continued to gather the contents scattered on the bed and return them to the purse.

  “Give me your address and I’ll come right over,” Reagan offered.

  Pausing for a moment, she considered it. “No. Not today. Soon.” Staring at the only item left on her bed, she picked up the dreaded pregnancy test. “Let me call you back.”

  There was a squeal. “Are you going to take it?”

  “Yeah. Just let me call you after. Okay?” Already, Marti wished no one knew. This was the kind of thing she would keep entirely to herself. Given her history, if it was positive, she wouldn’t be sharing this news for a long time. Without waiting for a response, she ended the call.

  Unwrapping the package, Marti opened the box, pulled out the paperwork, and read through the directions. It seemed simple enough. Pee on a stick. The accuracy would depend on the time lapse since her last cycle. Really, she didn’t even know.

  Part of her was afraid to get excited only to be disappointed again. The other part wished she could share this with Joey. He should be with her, waiting, wondering, and loving her through it. Her breath caught in her throat. Whatever Joey felt for her, it obviously wasn’t love. Not only had he never said it, but lately he certainly hadn’t shown in. As much as she wanted to let go of his mistake, Marti always worried it was only a matter of time before he went back to Finn.

  Standing, she walked into the bathroom while opening the foil wrapper on the test. What was meant to be would be. There was no fighting it. Pushing down her sweats and panties, she uncapped the test and positioned herself. “Here goes nothing.”

  When she finished, she capped the test and left it on the vanity while she considered her attire. If she was going to the cafe, she really did need to change first. Determined to kill time, she walked over to the dresser and pulled out a pair of jeans and a nicer fitted long sleeved shirt. Somehow, it seemed better. Swallowing hard, she returned to the bathroom and peeked at the test.

  Holding it in her hand, for a moment, she frowned and called Reagan as promised. The minute her friend answered, Marti spoke. “It has to be a false positive. If I don’t start in another week, I’ll take the second one.”

  “I knew it!” Reagan screamed. Then she calmed down and grew stern. “With your history, you’ll call a doctor today. They may want to see you right away.”

  “I don’t really know any OB/GYNs down here,” she complained.

  “You’re lucky to have me. I do. Obviously. I’ll text you the number. You need to call as soon as we hang up. Got it? Then let me know when your first appointment is. I’ll go with you.” Reagan had certainly taken charge of the situation.

  “You don’t have to do that,” Marti mumbled.

  “Call and we’ll talk after. I’m hanging up now,“ Reagan announced.

  True to her word, the call ended. Marti’s gaze shifted back and forth between the test and the phone. Seconds later, Reagan’s text came through. With a sigh, she gave in and called the doctor.

  Minutes later she had an appointment scheduled for the very next day. It was too much. Her little world seemed to be spinning out of control. She couldn’t even stand the thought of talking to Reagan again. Instead, Marti texted her home address and asked Reagan to meet her there before the appointment so they could ride together.

  Throwing the test in the garbage, Marti tried to paste on a happy face. When that didn’t work, she settled for a veneer of calm and walked back out to the kitchen. Joey was sitting on a stool, obviously waiting for her.

  “Hey,” he murmured cautiously, “I was just about to check on you.”

  “No worries. I’m fine,” she replied. Looking around, she realized all the groceries had been put away. Now what was she going to do with herself?

  Turning on the stool, his eyes followed her as she moved to the other side of the island. “In my experience, when a woman says she’s fine, she most certainly isn’t.” He folded his arms on the stone counter and waited patiently.

  Nodding, Marti leaned on the granite across from him. “That may usually be the case in your vast experience, but really, I’m okay. Just have a lot on my mind and even more to accomplish.” She was trying to tease him, trying to be herself. Now it was up to him to notice.

  “My vast experience?” Joey’s eyebrows rose.

  Marti’s smile was finally real. She nodded happily, eager to see what he’d say next. This was what she needed.

  “I can’t imagine your list is longer than mine,” he joked while he gestured to the wipe board over her desk.

  Laughing, she murmured, “Much longer. Much much much longer.”

  “Okay, well, now that I know you’re ‘fine’, I’ll be getting back to work before you think of new things to add to my list.” Standing, he smiled at her before he turned and exited the kitchen.

  Soon she heard his steps on the stairs. Hungry, she grabbed her phone and called Brantley. “Hey, I don’t suppose we can meet earlier for lunch?”

  Laughing, Brantley argued, “But it’s only eleven in the morning! What if we split the difference and meet at noon?”

  “Nah. Let’s just eat on our own and we’ll do the real estate stuff with Deb at one. The cafe is packed at noon, like standing room only. I’ll grab some food, run some errands and still meet you at one, okay?” She felt desperate to get out of the house.

  “If you’re sure?” N
ow it was Brantley who sounded uncertain.

  “Positive. See you then.” Marti ended the call. For a moment, she contemplated going upstairs to let them know she was leaving. Almost instantly, she thought better of it and simply grabbed her purse and headed back to the van.

  Now that Marti was pregnant, she was looking at the minivan a lot differently. At one time, she would have thought only a sport utility vehicle would do. Suddenly, she had to admit there were some benefits to having sliding rear doors and stowaway seats. Maybe she should talk to the insurance company about letting her keep this thing. It was closing in on a month she’d had it. She felt like it was already hers.

  Sliding into the front seat, she pondered where she would go to kill time. Who was she kidding? With a sigh, she drove to the center of town. Things were going to be different this time, she was going to be different this time. Her last pregnancy didn’t last long enough for her to prepare. Fighting the fear, Marti parked near the cafe, but walked past it until she reached the bookstore. It was just a small one, not a Borders or Barnes and Noble. Still, there had to be something here for her.

  Pushing the door open, Marti jumped a little when a loud chime announced her presence. A gray haired woman in tiny reading glasses popped up from behind a stack of books. “Welcome! Let me know if you need help finding anything!” she chirped.

  Nodding, Marti smiled. “Thank you, I will.” Then she continued into the depths of the store. It took her a moment to find her bearings, but once she did, she discovered What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Though she didn’t have a lot of girlfriends in Vermont, Marti knew this was the quintessential pregnancy handbook. Swallowing hard, she grabbed it and walked back to the front of the store to purchase it.

  “That didn’t take long,” the woman noted while she rang up her purchase. Pausing a moment, she squinted at Marti. “I don’t know you. Just passing through?”

  Chuckling, Marti shook her head. “No, I just moved here a few months ago. I’m Marti.” Thrusting her hand out, she prepared to make the introduction official.

  It was a tiny, frail hand that clasped hers ever so briefly. “I’m Beverly. So nice to meet you.” Passing Marti her bag, she looked down her glasses at her. “Come back again when you have time to browse.”

  “I will,” Marti promised while backing out of the store. She knew her next stop would be the cafe for food. If she waited much longer, her body would start eating itself. Realizing nothing escaped Laurel’s eagle eyes, she stuffed the book in her purse. She’d get her food to go and eat it in the gazebo while she read. When she entered the cafe, Laurel smiled at her then jerked her head a few times. Guessing this was some sort of signal, she turned and found Brantley waiting at her usual table.

  Changing directions, she walked over to him. “Hey, what are you doing here?” Standing, he silently walked around the table to pull out the chair opposite his. When she figured out what he was doing, she backed up. “Wait. I’m starving to death. I’ll be right back.” A split second later, she had all but bolted to the counter.

  “What can I getcha?” Laurel asked. “Soup, sandwich, leash for your new puppy dog?”

  “Laurel!” Marti hissed. “Stop it.”

  “Just calling it like I see it, chick. I’ll line ‘em up, you just keep knocking ‘em down.” She winked at Marti.

  “Please, I’m begging you. I have to live with this man.” She clasped her hands in front of her chest.

  Behind her, the door opened. Laurel laughed before adding, “And that one too.”

  Marti’s head dropped to her chest. The hairs stood up on the back of her neck. Laurel wasn’t playing. Joey was right behind her. Finally, she spoke. “Okay, I need a Boston Cream Cupcake.”

  “What do you want to go with it?” Laurel asked as she pulled the cupcake out of the display case.

  “Oh, you’re right. I’ll take a Triple Chocolate Threat too.” She was nervous and twitchy, shifting on her feet while she waited.

  Jaw dropping open for second, Laurel finally spoke. “I was thinking more like a soup or sandwich, or both even.” Shaking her head, she sighed. “Take the cupcake. I’ll bring you some food.”

  “But I ordered two cupcakes,” Marti whined.

  “Listen, you’re lucky I’m giving you this one when you clearly haven’t eaten yet today. You can have the other one after you eat something healthy.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I know just the thing.” Marti stood there frozen. “Go! Go,” Laurel urged.

  Turning slowly, Marti mumbled under her breath as she made her way back to the table. “Hey.” She barely looked at Joey. The chair was still out waiting for her. Brantley stood but she shook her head at him. “I’ve got it.” Then a little louder and more boldly, she grumbled. “What I don’t have is a second cupcake!”

  “And you’re not gonna get it with that attitude!” Laurel warned. “Joe, you wanna tell Marti about my policy to refuse service?”

  Leaning against the counter, but turned Marti’s direction, he shook his head in disapproval. “Seriously. Stay on her good side.” Looking over at Laurel he asked, “How am I doing? Will I be eating today?”

  Smiling, Laurel reached under the counter. Pulling out a Magic 8 Ball, she shook it and waited a moment before answering. “All signs point to yes!”

  Standing up, Joey beamed. “Can I get my usual?”

  Pointing at Marti, she asked, “What’d he do?”

  All Marti could do was shake her head. This was not the time for honesty. She feared if she opened her mouth, she’d blurt out ‘impregnated me.’

  “It’s not me!” Joey cried, his hands raised in surrender. “It’s the house! She bought the money pit! Hell, it even tried to eat her once!”

  “Is this true?” Laurel asked.

  “Every word,” Marti responded, looking every bit as pathetic as she sounded.

  With a sigh, Laurel grabbed the Triple Threat Cupcake, set it on a plate, and gave it to Joey. “Thank you!” He looked so pleased as he lifted it up and prepared to take a bite.

  “Not yours!” Laurel cried. “Give it to Marti. She’s earned it.”

  “But I’m fixing the house. Don’t I get a little something too?” Joey’s expression now matched Marti’s.

  “Yup. I’ll get you a basket of chicken fingers and fries.” Laurel stalked back to the kitchen to work and disappeared from sight.

  Slowly, Joey walked over to the table and passed Marti the cupcake. “Here.” He looked at her, then Brantley, then back to her. Without saying another word, he picked up a vacant chair from the next table and stuck it at the end of theirs. “You okay?” he asked as he watched Marti nibbling on her first cupcake.

  Marti nodded but she couldn’t meet his eyes. She knew Brantley was studying them. She could barely look at him either. Why hadn’t she put the book in her vehicle before coming in? How could they both be here?

  Everything was strangely silent at the table. Finally, Brantley broke the quiet. “I think Debra is going to show us some great places. She said there are lots of places where we can get an office and a living space.”

  Every time he referred to them as ‘we’, she cringed. Part of it was what he was saying, but mostly it was how Joey was reacting to it. His eyebrows kept arching. He kept fisting his hands on the table. It was ridiculously painful.

  “Debra’s right. There are lots of them around the town square. Why, that’s what Laurel has,” Joey noted. Marti and Brantley were looking around confused so he explained. “Yeah. This building is three stories high. The second floor is her storage area. The top floor is living quarters. She even has a rooftop garden.”

  “That’s a spectacular idea!” Brantley seemed about ready to bounce out of his seat.

  Marti, however, was focused on Laurel as she walked out of the kitchen carrying armloads of food. “So, when you kick me out so you can go home, you’re just walking up two flights of stairs?” Her voice sounded incredulous.

  Dropping one of her hearty roast
beef sandwiches in front of Marti, Laurel responded. “So? What of it?”

  Shaking her head, Marti whispered, “I didn’t order this.”

  “You’re pale. You need the red meat. Eat it and shut up already.” Setting a basket in front of Joey, she growled, “You have something you want to say?”

  “Thank you,” he mumbled weakly.

  Seemingly satisfied, Laurel walked back to the kitchen. Marti and Joey ate in silence. She felt like everything turned to sawdust in her mouth. It was almost impossible to swallow. Praying for a break, she struggled on until finally the cafe door opened again.

  It was Debra. “Oh, there you are!” she exclaimed. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

  Though it was just after noon, Marti knew her energy would soon be sapped. Today, she wanted to be home when that happened so she could curl up in bed and take a nap. Springing from her seat, she wiped her mouth and grabbed her other cupcake. “Let’s do this.” Grabbing her purse, she began to open it when she remembered the contents. Biting her lip in fear, she paused.