Entangled: Surrendering the Past (Surrendering Time Book 2)
Page 6
No problem. See you in the morning. -D
With phone put away, I peek through the curtain. “Hello---someone wanting their mom?”
Noah coughs. “Dad, did you call her? I told you I was okay.”
Once I step inside I notice Wayne in the corner, holding what looks like eye drops.
“Hey. Carla. I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away.” My former boyfriend grins and looks to our son. “Will called her.”
“You’re crazy if you thought I wasn’t going to check on you. Are you sure you’re okay? That’s quite the cough.” I lean in and kiss Noah’s forehead, careful not to touch the eye covered with gauze.
Noah sits up and sighs. “I’m fine. Dad’s going to look after me. Just eye drops and lots of water for my throat.”
I look to Wayne, who nods.
“He really is fine.” He reaches out and rubs my arm, which sends a shiver through me.
I return my focus back to Noah. “Are they able to release you soon?”
Noah nods. “Just waiting on discharge papers. I get to stay home tomorrow from school. Brittany promised she’d bring me my homework and read stuff to me if my eyes hurt.”
Wayne chuckles. “If it’s okay with you, he can stay with me. I need to give him drops every so often. It makes sense. I promise I’ll take him back to your house…”
“I know. It’s okay. I feel bad I can’t be there. Maybe I can drive back and forth.”
“Mom. That’s crazy. It’s winter. We get like a foot of snow every day. I’m good.”
I sigh, knowing he’s right. But I still feel guilty. “Okay. I’ll stay until you’re discharged. You can tell us all about Brittany.” I wink.
⌛⌛⌛
It’s dusk before the three of us exit the ER. Noah’s still chatting about Brittany as Wayne balances the eye drops and salve and I handle the triplicate paperwork.
“Where are you parked?” Wayne asks.
“Probably near you. I’m so used to being in a sheriff’s car that I almost parked in the emergency vehicle area.”
He nods, heading toward the middle of the small, square lot. “That would be a hard habit to break. Quite the switch from law enforcement to hair.”
We stroll toward the third row. “A blessing, really. From doing what I had to and now, what I want to.” I see my car. “Oh, I’m over there.”
We stop and I wrap Noah in a hug. “Please do what your father says.”
“I will.”
I wave and start for my car.
Wayne’s voice trails behind me. “This was nice, right? The three of us. Kind of like we’re a family.”
As soon as I see him drive away, I slump into my seat and cry
Chapter Eight
Betty wraps her shawl tight around her neck. “There you are, Carla. I was getting worried. I thought maybe I’d see you last night. Or this morning. Then I thought perhaps this afternoon.” Oh, Betty. I totally forgot to check in. Another person I’m not including. Sigh.
I force a smile and gesture for her to go inside. “I’m sorry. It’s been crazy.” I follow her. “It was a late night, so I used my entrance. It was important to get to school early; things are out of sorts. My son had an accident at school.”
Betty gasps and covers her mouth. “Oh, dear. What happened? Is he okay?”
“Yes, he’s fine. It was a lab mishap. His father is a paramedic, so I thank God for the quick care he received. They transported him to the hospital here to make sure he was okay. I got to see him, but it made for a long day.” I start toward the hallway when I hear her soprano voice.
“But I made a pumpkin roll.”
Pressure points radiate from my head; the same places I need to memorize for morning class. Betty’s like the mafia. There’s no saying no to her.
“One small piece. If I keep eating dessert I’m going to gain 50 pounds.”
Betty claps her hands together and scurries to the kitchen.
⌛⌛⌛
Half an hour later, I’m done eating and am now wearing sweats with my hair in a ponytail, ready to tackle my textbook. I stifle a yawn, knowing as soon as I refresh my knowledge on pressure points, it’s time to start the anatomy and physiology of skin, hair, and nails. Joy.
I conquer reading as far as skin and infection when next thing I know, I nod off. My Galaxy phone startles me back to reality. I reach for it, near my neglected textbook.
“Hello? Carla?”
I try to guess the voice, but my brain seems to be half-asleep. “Yes? Who is this?”
The low chuckle makes me sit straight up.
“Wayne? Is that you? What’s wrong? Is Noah okay?”
Another laugh. “Relax. Everything’s fine. He’s using the eye drops and is currently fast asleep in the spare room.”
My shoulders relax. “Okay, good. So, you called to let me know?”
“That’s part of it. You’ve been good at keeping me informed since I, uh, moved back and into your lives. I also had a question.”
“All right. What’s going on?”
“I’ll be in Gloversville Wednesday. Wondered if we could meet. I think it needs to be in person.”
My stomach tightens as I imagine the possible reasons why Wayne would want to meet. He wants custody of Noah. He’s moving away again. He’s dating someone and wants Noah to meet her.
“Carla? You still there?”
“Yes. Sorry. What time are you thinking? I’m in class until four.”
“How about four-thirty at Harold’s? My treat, and I figured you’d want Noah back with Will by then, so I don’t have to race home.”
I can’t tell if there’s a hidden meaning in his comment. “That works. I guess I’ll see you then.”
Once we disconnect, my mind races into overtime. By the time I finish my reading, the only scenario that makes sense is Wayne wants custody. The mere thought keeps me up past three in the morning.
My blue tights on, and I’m off for a jog by seven.
⌛⌛⌛
Leave it to Daniel to speak up as soon as he sees the bags under my eyes at our first class Tuesday morning.
“I hope that tired look is because Les asked you to be a live skin demo, and not because you had a rough night with your son.” He attempts a smile, but not a very convincing one.
Mitzi waltzes into the classroom and right up to me. “Wow. I could shop with the bags under your eyes.”
“Okay, hint taken. I didn’t get a lot of sleep.” I turn toward Daniel. “But my son is fine, thank you.”
Before the peanut gallery surrounding me can say anything more, Les strides in and places a stack of papers on his lectern.
“Okay, class. Quiz time. Let’s see how much you know about pressure points before we move on to anatomy and physiology.”
My head pounds like a carpenter’s hammer, I’m pretty sure I could be the live demo for all Les is going to teach today.
⌛⌛⌛
Daniel’s the last to hand in his quiz. Les looks at the clock as he holds the papers.
“Why don’t we break early for lunch? I’ll grade these, and Rose will be ready to start the new unit this afternoon.”
Claire stands and turns toward me. “Want to go somewhere, Carla?” She looks to the long table where Mitzi, Sandy and Ella sit. “Ladies? Care to join?”
I shrug. “I’m game.”
Sandy adjusts her leather jacket. “Hot dog place?”
“Sure.” Claire clears her throat. “An offer that good means I’ll buy, if that helps.” She smiles.
Ella glances my way before replying. “I guess I could. As long as we’re back in time.”
We stand and gather our coats and purses while Daniel sighs.
“No, no. Don’t ask me. Just because I’m a guy.”
Claire puts her hands on her hips. “I thought about asking you, but then I wondered how we could talk about you with you there?”
I’m not sure whose smile shocks me more––Ella’s or Sandy’s.
⌛⌛⌛
Thirty minutes later, our little class is at the hot dog joint, enjoying our meals. Mitzi’s the one asking questions between bites.
“Okay, Claire. I need to know. Why beauty school? Why here? Something tells me if you asked your family to send you to Paris, they’d do it.”
Sandy coughs. “Wow. Way to be subtle.”
The corn-silk-haired beauty rolls her eyes. “Just because my clothes don’t come from the discount store doesn’t mean I’m a spoiled brat. If we’re going to judge on appearance, why is Sandy here? She looks ready to go to some grunge band reunion.”
“Hey! I didn’t start this conversation.” Sandy puts down her fork. “Besides, you didn’t answer the question.”
Claire picks up her napkin and dabs the edges of her mouth. “Okay. My mom was a stylist before she met my father. She went to school here.”
Daniel nods. “Boy, I know that story. Your parents want you to follow in their footsteps.”
Did Dr. Garrett want Daniel to go into medicine?
Claire pushes her salad plate away. “No, that isn’t it. My mom died last year. I want to honor her memory by doing what she loved. I’m nervous I won’t be as great at hair as she was. If you guys can help me, I’d appreciate it.”
Mitzi gasps and blinks back tears. “I’m so sorry. I never would have asked if I’d known.”
Ella shifts in her chair. “I wish I had confidence in my abilities. I’d help you.”
“Maybe if you relaxed? You seem kind of tense all the time.” Sandy shoves the rest of her chicken tender in her mouth.
I glance at Ella, who tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. “I do? Sorry. I’ll work on it. This is new. I’ve been home with the kids since their births. I need…”
Ella’s phone rings and she nearly dives inside her purse to retrieve it. She glances at the front and immediately stands. “I’m sorry. I need to take this.”
Despite the winter temperature, the nervous mom dashes outside.
“What’s that all about?” Claire cranes her neck toward Ella.
“Maybe one of her kids needs something.” Mitzi offers.
I dip my last French fry in ketchup and say nothing. Because my sheriff’s imagination is reeling from the almost-hidden sight of Ella’s fading black eye.
⌛⌛⌛
By Wednesday afternoon I’m dragging out of our anatomy and physiology class and dreading meeting Wayne. The week’s been full of worrying about what he wants, wondering what is going on in Ella Traynor’s home life, and fighting boredom in this class.
“You’re still wearing those grocery bags under your eyes.” Daniel gives a playful shove with his elbow as we walk downstairs toward the lobby.
“You sure know how to make a woman swoon.”
“I’m just concerned. I want to make sure nothing’s wrong. We tied for highest score on that quiz, by the way.” He fiddles with his keys as we exit the building.
“Right. You’d love for something to be off so you could zoom to the top of the class.”
I reach my car first and start to unlock it as he keeps walking, but he gives a wave.
“Okay, enjoy those dark bags Carla.”
⌛⌛⌛
Wayne motions to me as soon as I walk into Harold’s, ten minutes after leaving the school. My stomach clenches as I move closer to the table.
“Thanks for meeting me.” His voice is steady and non-threatening, but my heartbeat still accelerates as he stands and pulls out my chair for me.
“I confess, I’m curious why you wanted to meet.”
He chuckles as he sits. “I didn’t mean to sound mysterious. I know you’re in town for school during the week. I had to be here for work. I’ve had something on my mind, and after the other day with Noah, I thought I should say something.”
Wayne hands me a menu and starts looking at his.
I place mine on my plate. “Is it about Noah?”
He lowers the menu. “Not really. You’re nervous about this?”
“I am. Please. I can’t even think about eating until you tell me.”
A waitress walks up to our table and pours water into our glasses.
“We need a few minutes before ordering,” Wayne instructs.
She looks at me and nods before walking away.
Wayne folds his hands together and puts them on the table. “Okay, we can talk now. It’s going to sound crazy, but after the three of us being together at the hospital, I felt like I had to say something.”
I try to swallow, but my throat is so dry I can’t. “Say what?”
“I was a jerk for walking away when you needed me most. And you were amazing to allow me back in Noah’s life when I moved here. I thought you’d take me to court or ban me from seeing him. And I deserved that. But, you’ve been great.” He takes a sip of water. “I love being with him. There was something I said the other night that I can’t get out of my mind.”
My mind races trying to recall everything he said, but I’m at a frantic loss.
“Carla, I lost out on a wonderful thing when I walked away.” He shakes his head. “Fourteen years without you both, but we looked like a great family at the hospital, didn’t we?”
“I don’t understand.” My teeth nearly chatter from nerves.
He sighs and reaches for my hands. “I know you’re with Will Marshall. But he doesn’t have what we have. We have a child. The guy doesn’t seem to have permanent intentions. Or, if he does, I don’t see where it’s mutual. So, until I see that change, I want to throw my hat in the ring.”
“What?”
“I’d like you to consider me. You and me. We had something great as kids, and I’d like us to try again now that we’re adults. Doing things the right way, of course. Carla, I think we have something, and I’d like to explore it.”
Chapter Nine
Even with a late January snowfall, the Friday evening drive back to Speculator Falls is a welcome relief. Wayne’s confession still stuns me, even after two days. I need time and space. Leave it to Jenna to call in hopes of finding out the latest.
“Any chance we can catch some girl time while you’re home?”
I navigate past a snow drift. “Is it to talk about Wayne?”
“No, but since you brought up his name, there must be something to talk about. What’s going on?”
Concentrating on the snow-covered roads helps me be matter-of-fact. “Wayne wants me to dump Will so we can be together.”
A high screech flows through my speaker. “No. Way. Carla, it’s like a soap opera with you. What did you say?”
“I was in complete shock. I fumbled around, asked for the check, grabbed my sneakers, and ran three miles.”
My best friend chuckles. “For a former sheriff, you sure take off a lot when the going gets tough.”
I’m now in the hamlet of Hope. Which I could use massive doses of.
“Okay, touchy subject, I get it. How about something else? Say, my wedding? Think we can steal some time away so we can plan? Ben’s antsy. He’s more than ready, and I keep putting him off because I don’t know how to execute a wedding between my Ohio life and my Adirondack one.”
I flashback to my first meeting with Jenna. City girl with lowlights and an even lower car that didn’t survive the mud and her steep driveway. It didn’t take her long to acclimate to Adirondack life. I understand her wedding planning conflict.
“I didn’t even think of that. You’re such a natural around here I forgot you’re from Youngstown. That is a problem.”
“Can you help me think it through? It would mean a lot.” Her voice softens, and it’s impossible to say no. The romance between her and Ben is the happiest story to come to Speculator Falls in a long time. Even Will admits the evolution from rivals to best friends who are now engaged beats our quiet
courtship.
“How about I come over tomorrow morning? Noah has basketball, so I’m free.”
There’s a giggle on the other end. “Sorry, Carla, I can’t help it. I’m glad you can help. But with two men vying for you, you sound anything but free.”
⌛⌛⌛
Noah and his eye patch are the first to greet me when I pull into the driveway. He opens the passenger door and lifts my suitcase.
“Hey, Mom. Welcome back. Did you have a good week, aside from visiting me in the hospital?”
Visions of his father confessing his romantic feelings for me come to mind.
“It wasn’t bad. Long, but it always is when I’m apart from you.”
We walk side-by-side to the front door, passing Will’s truck.
Noah sighs. “Say, there’s this dance at school next week. Kind of a winter thing, I guess. Brittany said she was going, so I wondered if I could go.”
I reach for the handle but turn toward him. “Did she ask you to go with her?”
Please say no.
He kicks at some snow. “Not in those exact words, but Chad thinks maybe she’ll dance with me. It’s next Friday, so you’ll be in town if you’re worried.”
His baby face is disappearing. I almost think I see chin stubble. With the door open, I gesture for him to get out of the cold.
“I guess so. I’d rather one of us drive you, though.”
In the kitchen, Will puts down the skillet and heads toward us. “You’re back. I didn’t hear you pull in.” He opens his arms and gives me a bear hug. “Where are we driving?”
Noah clears his throat. “School dance. Mom said I can go. Brittany’s going to be there. I really want to go. Dad told me dances were the best times for him. Especially with you, Mom.”
I offer a small smile and look at the floor, wishing it would open and swallow me up.
⌛⌛⌛
After dinner, Noah heads to his room and that gives Will and me time alone on the couch. He wraps his arm around my shoulder and gives a squeeze.
“Before I head home, how was your week? Anything interesting happen? I’m sorry I was called away to Utica for a couple deliveries. I missed checking in with you.”
My hands turn clammy as I face him. “Funny you ask, because…”