“I’m fine. Betty and I went out and I forgot to take my phone.” I reach for my backpack and car keys, needing to prepare for school.
“Right.” He stretches the word out for a few syllables. “How come Betty was home answering her landline if you two were out?”
I tuck the phone under my chin as I pull back my hair into a pony tail. “Oh, that. We ran into Wayne. I needed to talk to him so he drove me back so Betty could go home.” Please don’t ask for details.
Another sigh. This one doesn’t sound like relief. “Really. What were you talking about? Anything important?”
I look above and shut my eyes. “Of course. Wayne and I are parents. All our talks are important.”
“So it was about Noah?”
This time I’m the one with a sigh. A quiet one as I venture into territory I never thought I would. “Yep. Small talk about Noah. That was the gist of it. So, can I call later? I need to get going.”
“Sure thing, Honey. I’m glad you’re okay. I love you.”
My temples start to pulsate. “Love you, too.”
Chapter Thirteen
Betty giggles as I start the truck. “I can’t believe I’m going on a road trip. I’m so excited.”
I glance over at her and smile. As stressful as the first months of school have been, without the experience I wouldn’t have friends like Ella, Mitzi, Sandy, and Claire. Even Daniel has simmered down now that he understands we’re all insecure about failing and that we want to work together, not against each other. But Betty has been so much more than a landlord. She has been a blessing. Taking her back with me to Speculator Falls for a long Easter weekend feels right. And, she’s happy to help me plan Jenna’s shower.
“I think you’re going to enjoy staying in Speculator Falls for the weekend. You’ll love everyone.” An image of the unnerving Kyle Swarthmore and his endless ulterior motives to befriend us in order to buy away our property comes to mind. “Well, almost everyone.” I grin.
“And I won’t be in the way?”
“Absolutely not. My house isn’t huge, but it has three bedrooms. If you don’t mind the chaos that comes with having a teen around, you’ll be set for the weekend. We have a busy agenda anyway. We’ll hardly be home.”
I head north and feel a few love taps on my hand. “Carla, thank you. Since James died, I’ve been so lonely. I didn’t know how much until you came into my life. We didn’t have kids. All I have is my sister. It’s going to be a wonderful Easter. I can just feel it.” Betty lets out a dreamy sigh and looks out the window.
As I think about planning Jenna’s shower, studying hair color implements and rules, spending time with Noah, dodging Wayne and making sure Will doesn’t find out Wayne has feelings for me---all while celebrating Easter, I’m ready to pull over and let Betty drive while I take a nap.
⌛⌛⌛
Will and Noah elbow each other out the door as they run to the driveway to greet us. Seeing Will in a kelly-green T shirt stirs unpredictable emotions I’ve forgotten I’ve had. Refusing to turn Wayne away once and for all and lying to Will about it will do that, I suppose.
“Hey, Carla. I’m so happy we have a holiday weekend to enjoy.” Will pecks a chaste kiss on my cheek, probably for Betty’s sake.
“You guys remember Betty. Betty, Will and my son, Noah.”
Betty shakes their hands. “You boys have a wonderful lady here.”
“No argument there.” Will smiles.
Noah walks to the back and unbuckles the truck liner where our suitcases are. “What time are you meeting Miss Shirley at Jack Frosty’s? Can I go? Brittany, Josh and Amber are going there for ice cream.” He lifts our luggage and places it on the ground as he looks at me.
I realize if I say yes, Will’s left alone. “Will, I know my meeting is kind of girlie but did you want to come with? Maybe we can linger and have some ice cream, too. Frosty’s will be closed tomorrow for Good Friday.”
His eyes light up. “I’d love to go with you ladies. C’mon Noah, let’s bring their stuff in the house and we’ll get going.” He grabs a suitcase and gives me another kiss as he walks by.
Betty claps her hands. “I knew this was going to be a great weekend.”
⌛⌛⌛
It’s dusk when we sit at the booth with Jenna’s senior volunteer receptionist, Shirley McIlwain. Jenna gets the giggles when she describes Shirley’s glasses and now that we’re up close, I fight the temptation to smirk. Her lenses are thick and magnify her pupils. It’s pretty startling if you’re not used to it. When I glance at Betty, she doesn’t seem to notice. She plops in the booth and says hello.
“I’m Betty. I live in Gloversville and Carla’s been living with me while she’s at school.”
Shirley nods. “I remember Jenna mentioning you. Welcome. Will, sorry Carla dragged you here.” She chuckles.
Will stretches his arm across the top of the booth and I’m very aware of how close he is. Like The Tell Tale Heart, when his hand rests on my shoulder, I nearly jump.
He chuckles and faces Shirley. “I’m happy to be here. Not sure how much help I can be, but Jenna’s the best. If I can present a good idea or two, great.” He turns to me. “You okay? You seem startled.”
A high-pitched laugh fills the air and I realize the voice is mine. “No, I’m fine. I want to plan an amazing shower for Jenna. She does so much for all of us. I want to bless her.” That’s the truth. About her. The startled part? Why can’t I tell Will what Wayne and I really shared? Why can’t I tell Wayne that beyond sharing Noah, we don’t have a future?
“Hey, Carla.” Shirley snaps her fingers in front of my face.
“What?’ I sit up straight and attempt to focus.
“Want to make sure you’re paying attention. I just suggested The Harmony Inn Restaurant. I think Darla will give us the side dining room and block it off for a good price. It includes food and clean up.”
I bite my lip as I think. Jenna loves the atmosphere there, as well as the mountain views.
“I’m focused. Do you want to call and ask? I doubt we’ll receive a good price if I try.”
The crowd looks at me. Betty tilts her head. “Why not?”
I shrug. “I gave her a speeding ticket last year.”
Shirley nods and jots something in her notebook. “Yes, I’ll make that call. Can I count on you for games?” She looks right in my direction, those dark, bug eyes not even blinking.
“Absolutely.”
Will flashes a smile and squeezes my shoulder.
Games? Yeah, I’m full of them.
Shirley keeps writing as she talks about favors and flowers. She lifts her head and sets her gaze past me. “Carla. Isn’t that your boy over there?”
I turn to see a boy with wavy, black hair holding hands across the table with Brittany Niles. My throat starts to constrict as my brain and heart battle for control. My son is holding hands with a girl. And he didn’t tell me.
“Will you excuse me a moment?” I look to Will, who hasn’t moved.
“Are you sure?” He shifts his arm and gives me elbow room.
I glance over and see the two laughing with Josh and Amber, who are also holding hands.
“Yes. No. Noah never told me. He knew we’d all be at the same place.”
Will nods. “I’ll back you up, whatever you decide.”
Looking at his kind smile, I can’t believe I had any trouble choosing between him and Wayne. Once I learn what’s going on in Noah’s life, I need to give Wayne clear direction. Will’s encouragement helps me stay seated and reduced to a small wave when Noah and I lock eyes.
“You aren’t going to zone out this much when you style my hair, are you?” Shirley doesn’t quite have a scowl, but she isn’t smiling, either. I’ve not been on my game for this meeting.
“I know it’s getting late, but I promise you have my undivided attention. I’ll make favors. Print invitations. Whatever you need.”
“Okay, let’s see. Invitations. Jenna already ha
s the newspaper willing to print them off. Can you go down and pick them up next week when you get to town?” She taps her pencil on the table.
“Well, I want to.”
“What’s wrong?” Betty’s sweet voice joins the conversation.
“When I was sheriff I also ticketed the editor and she doesn’t love me.”
Shirley sighs and rolls her eyes.
“I’ll do it. I make deliveries there. It’s no problem.” Will saves the day. Again.
Now it’s my turn to hold hands.
⌛⌛⌛
It’s nearly midnight when Will drives us home and heads to his house. Noah heads right for the kitchen in search of snacks when I decide to linger.
“So…did you have fun at Frosty’s?”
He reaches for a bag of chips. “Yep.”
Let’s try another angle. “It kind of looked like Josh and Amber were a couple.”
Noah nods. “Yeah. Been about a month.”
Alright, he’s not opening up. And I have a desperate need to know what’s going on. I lean against the counter and go for it. “How about you and Brittany?”
He spins around, squeezing the bag. “I knew you saw us. It’s no big deal.”
“Is that why you didn’t say anything?” I want to come off as nonchalant but my voice is shaky.
He shakes his hand. “I didn’t mention it because there was nothing to say. The night had a double date feel to it with Josh and Amber and when they started to hold hands, I figured I’d ask. She said yes. End of story.”
My heartrate escalates. Wayne’s bold like that. Will Noah be as forward?
“What’s next?”
He opens the chips. “I figure I’ll talk to Pastor on Sunday and see if the church’s open for an October wedding.” His face stays expressionless for a few seconds before he walks over and nudges my arm. “Mom. I’m kidding. I like Brittany, that’s no secret. But I’m not even fourteen. My goals are pretty basic.”
I’m sure Wayne’s were, too.
Noah eats a chip. “Besides, Dad told me to be patient. Build a friendship first. He said he did everything wrong with you and he’s really sorry. He was telling me about a lady he wants to go out with and he said he’s taking it slow. Sounded like good advice.”
Chapter Fourteen
As a child, I never understood what was so “good” about Good Friday. Years later, it still doesn’t feel like a day to celebrate. The constant drizzle doesn’t help, but I dress in a sweater and jeans knowing what I have to do. Confront Wayne. With Will working, the timing works.
I just dread the conversation.
An hour later Noah’s at JB’s to help Ben with the Easter grocery rush and Sara picked Betty up for a Speculator Falls tour and brunch. I’m on my way to Wayne’s. His vehicle is in the driveway and as I park behind it, I feel my heartbeat rush. Noah’s words about Wayne and a lady taking it slow are a steady drumbeat through my aching head. Shouldn’t I be relieved to put a period between us?
I give my hard sheriff’s knock and Wayne opens the door as he’s buttoning the top of his white paramedic shirt. Before he finishes I catch a glimpse of his bare upper chest and avert my eyes by looking into his. Even worse idea.
“Carla. What a surprise. Come in.” He gestures me inside, but I stay on the porch.
“No, thanks. This will be quick.”
Wayne leans on the doorframe. “Okay. Is this about Noah?” He furrows his brow.
I shake my head. “Not exactly. He was holding hands with Brittany. We were talking about it and he mentioned you gave him advice.”
He nods. “Right. I am allowed to do that, right?” His words sound cautious.
“Of course. It’s what he said about your strategy about taking it slow.”
“What? You disagree?” He tries to smile, but it doesn’t quite work.
“No, you’re absolutely right and we’re the poster people for what happens when you rush.”
He tilts his head and a stray curl falls onto his forehead.
And I’m having a terrible time focusing. “Noah mentioned you taking things slow with a lady.” I spit the words out as if I’ve drank sour milk.
Wayne chuckles and within seconds he’s enjoying a full belly laugh.
“I don’t see what’s so funny. One day you’re confessing your feelings for me and telling me to give you a chance. The next, I’m hearing from our son that you’re with a lady, taking it slow.”
Wayne stands straight and walks inside, gesturing me inside. “I don’t bite. Come in so we can talk.”
Without a prayer or common sense, I march behind him.
“Carla. Do you know how cute you are when you’re mad?” He’s back to a soft laugh, but I’m not joining in.
I stand with my hands on my hips as he chuckles away, mere feet from me.
“I can’t believe I was actually confused and entertaining choosing you over Will.”
He instantly sobers and takes a step forward, closing the gap between us. “The lady is you. I was talking about you.”
I need a second to pick my jaw off the floor. “What?”
Another move toward me. “My impulse is to go to Will Marshall and tell him to marry you or get lost because I know what I want. I was an idiot to abandon you and Noah. I don’t deserve your love but something deep inside me feels like I have to at least try.”
The confusion overwhelms me. Every time I try to respond, words fail.
He looks as serious as the day I told him I was pregnant. “I don’t want to go slow. I don’t want to waste a moment. But things between us aren’t cut and dry. So, this is where I’m at. Like it, or not.”
I exhale as if I’ve been punched. “Wow. I don’t know what to say. When I’m with Will, it’s a nice, easy fit. He’s good to me. He always has been.”
Wayne winces.
“But you. We have history. And a son. I know you’re trying. I’m confused.” I bury my face in my hands but they’re pried loose when Wayne takes my hands in his.
“I meant it when I said I’d go slow. I’m happy to hear at least it isn’t a straight up no.”
Neither of us let go but thankfully we don’t interlock fingers, either.
“I should go.” I am nowhere near as forceful and confident as when I knocked on the door.
He releases my hands. “Do me a favor?”
I saunter toward the door and turn. “Sure.”
He follows and is so close that when I move, I step on his shoe. “Go to Marshall. Look him in the eye. And be honest with yourself. Because I think once you are, you’ll know he doesn’t give you half the feelings I know I do.”
⌛⌛⌛
As if Jenna doesn’t have enough to do, she’s planned a Saturday Easter Egg hunt at the senior center for the kids around the area. Not only does she ask for an update on shower plans, she wonders if I’ll come to the center and stuff eggs with candy Friday afternoon.
I want to tell her everything about the quandary I’m in but watching her with her auburn hair in a bun running between tables with plastic eggs, I can’t.
As soon as she sees me, she squeals, grabs my hand that still feels hot from Wayne’s touch, and leads me to a table. “I’m so glad you could help. Sara and Betty are on their way. Ben’s closing the store at three and he said he’d bring Noah. Will has one more delivery and he promised to help.” She doesn’t even take a breath.
“How many eggs do you have?”
She points to a box that has to stand five feet tall. “Fifteen hundred.”
“Jenna, we aren’t giving candy to everyone in the Adirondacks. We don’t even have tourists coming in yet. Just us locals.”
Her enthusiasm appears to deflate. “It’s the first one the center’s ever done. I wanted it to be big.”
I nod. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Show me what you want in the eggs.”
Jenna claps her hands. “I have bags and bags of chocolate. Once I get Fred and Janice settled, I’ll come over and sit with you.
Shirley said once you paid attention, you got a lot done planning the shower.” She unwraps a candy and pops it in her mouth. “Was it hard to focus with your big, strong man sitting next to you?”
I want to scoop up all the treats and eat them on the spot.
As we stuff the eggs with candy Jenna isn’t sampling, more help arrives. Once Ben walks in, Jenna’s face glows. Does mine with Will? Wayne? Anyone else but Noah?
“Sweetheart, we don’t have enough acreage in Speculator Falls for all these eggs.” Ben peeks in the box and then gives her a quick kiss.
Noah, trailing after him, widens his eyes when he sees all the plastic. “Can we put some on the logging trails? Maybe the hunters will find them.”
Ben chuckles. “In November.”
Before anyone can laugh, the door opens once more and Will steps in. With Wayne’s voice swimming through my mind, I jump up and greet Will with a quick hug before looking him deep in the eyes.
“Well, hello to you, too.” Will jokes, giving a perfunctory kiss on the cheek. Nothing to swoon over. He walks over to the table where we’re gathered and whistles as soon as he sees the plethora of eggs.
“Jenna, do you know where you want all these hidden? There are a lot.”
She sighs. “I only thought big. I didn’t think the details through.”
Will looks around at each of us and scratches his goatee. “Can I throw out an idea?”
“Absolutely. What are you thinking?”
He pulls out a chair and sits backwards in it. “It would take all of us getting the word out and getting permission from the businesses. Offer local businesses that are open tomorrow to have eggs in a basket for families that visit each store. JB’s, The Department Store. Coffee shop. Jack Frosty’s. You get people in to shop while kids get some eggs. There’s community places, too. The church could have some hidden around the front. Same for here. The library. The health center could hide eggs in their grass. Everyone could spend a better part of a day looking for eggs and getting out and about Speculator Falls.”
Jenna looks to Ben. He nods. “I’d definitely have JB’s involved. I’ll even make a map and get copies made for the egg hunters.”
Entangled: Surrendering the Past (Surrendering Time Book 2) Page 10
