Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking

by Maggie Van Well

  “Aw, seeing you out of the blue is awesome enough,” Drew said.

  Alice let out a hearty laugh. “Oh, you’re full of soup.”

  “What is it?” Alex asked.

  “We’ve decided to start our vacation together early this year!”

  Their eyes grew wide, and Alex said, “Really? When?”

  “As soon as we can get your stuff packed and in the car.”

  “What? You mean, right now? Today?”

  “Wow, Grandma, you’re full of out of the blues today.” Drew turned to glare at Kate, nudging his head toward his grandmother.

  Kate forced herself to speak through her shock. “Alice, that’s wonderful, but don’t you think you should’ve checked with me first?”

  “Then it wouldn’t have been a surprise.” She lost some of the color in her face. “You said at the wedding we could have them sooner.”

  “I did, but I didn’t think you meant the very next day. What if the boys had plans?”

  “Do they? Because I can’t cancel the reservations. I made them online.”

  “No, but that’s not the point. If they did—”

  “They would have changed them.” Alice’s lower lip trembled. “Their friends get to see them all the time, and I rarely do.”

  Guilt washed over Kate, but she still believed she had the right to ask for a simple phone call. “Please, in the future, just let me know.”

  Alice nodded then turned to Drew. “Let’s go, sweetie. I’ll help you pack.”

  As soon as Alex, Drew, and Alice left the room, Roger walked over and patted her shoulder. “I’m sorry about this, Katie. I tried to talk her out of it, but Leigh put the idea in her head, and Alice wouldn’t let it go.”

  Of course Leigh would do something like that. She was probably the one who insisted they ‘surprise’ them as well.

  “I understand, Roger.”

  “I don’t know how to talk to Alice anymore. She cries at the drop of a hat.” Her father-in-law thrust his hands into his jean’s pockets. “It’s been four years, and still everything revolves around losing William.”

  “Roger, have you ever—”

  “All the time. But she refuses to seek help.” He let out a long sigh as he tunneled fingers through his thick gray hair. “Her parents drilled it into her head that seeing a shrink was for weak people.”

  “Those are some heavy walls to break down.”

  “Yeah.” He was quiet for a moment then said, “I’m going to go help Alex.”

  She nodded then headed for Drew’s room to see if she could offer assistance.

  Kate stood at the door, watching as her son threw clothes into his suitcase. Alice removed them, refolded them, then put them back. “He’d already packed. Can you believe it? Good thing I checked, though. Otherwise he would have had seven pairs of shorts, only three shirts, and no underwear.”

  Kate hitched her should against the wall. “Looks like you have a rhythm going here.”

  “Yes, Drew and I have always been in sync.” Alice turned to her and smiled.

  “Yup. Grandma saved me from going commando.”

  Alice rose from the bed and over to Kate, taking her hand. “Thank you for understanding my need to be with Drew and Alex. I’ve always felt so blessed to have you for my daughter-in-law.”

  Kate squeezed her hand. “You know the feeling is mutual.”

  She nodded, lowering her eyes, but Kate could still see the tears framing them. “I feel like you and Leigh are the only ones who understand me, who are still mourning him.”

  “You know that’s not true. Roger and Roxanne—”

  “Are going on, business as usual. I know they don’t cry anymore.”

  “They do.” Kate placed an arm around her, stroking her shoulder. “Just not in front of everyone.”

  “Maybe.” Alice stared out the window of Drew’s room, facing Jake’s house. “I saw your friend when we pulled up. He waved hello. Such a nice man.”

  “Dr. Harris? Yes, he is.”

  “I must admit, when I saw you with him at the wedding, I’d thought you’d found someone and…”

  Kate gulped, choosing her words carefully. “One day, I’ll move on. William would want me to.”

  “Oh, I know that, dear. And I want you to be happy. But right now, I just don’t know if I could handle—” Turning away from the window and Kate, she took her seat on the bed. “I’m not going to think aboutthat. I’m going to focus on the next ten days I have with my grandchildren.”

  Alice went back to helping Drew pack as Kate stood frozen in her spot. This woman had always been so kind to her, had loved her like a daughter. Had been there for her, no matter what.

  How in God’s name could she ever break her heart?

  Chapter Eighteen

  WHISTLING HIS VERSION of Oh! Darling, Jake pulled open the door to the back entrance of the Victorian and two-stepped inside. His time with Kate Saturday night still made him feel like singing out loud. They’d shared secrets, consoled each other, and fought the sexual tension between them to within an inch of its life.

  That they had to fight it at all made him giddy.

  He’d wanted to see her yesterday, but despite spending most of the afternoon outside weeding his rose garden in the oppressive heat and humidity, she’d remained scarce.

  But he’d see her today. Would they share a special closeness now? Secret smiles?

  A blast of cold air along with silence greeted him as he came upon the nurse’s station, although he knew someone had to be here. The lights were on, and the chemical tang of cleaning solution hung in the air.

  He turned the corner that led to his office and nearly dropped his briefcase when Gladys appeared out of nowhere, her knowing brown eyes focused on him.

  Uh-oh, who’s she gossiping about this time?

  “Good morning, Gladys. How was your weekend?”

  “Very nice. Took the grandkids to the beach. Had a barbecue. Yours?”

  Boy, he’d better answer fast so she could blurt out whatever news had her bouncing from foot to foot.

  “Oh, we had...” Jake stopped. How should he answer? If he told Gladys he spent Saturday night as Kate’s ‘non-date,’ it would spread around the office like pinkeye on a playground.

  Who was he kidding? Half the town had been there. If his office staff didn’t know by now, they would soon enough. And he wasn’t sure how Kate would react to that. “It was very nice.”

  “That’s good.” She leaned closer. “Kate’s acting odd today.”

  Jake’s heart leapt. Was she whistling and smiling, too? Anticipating seeing him? “How so?”

  “She’s been cleaning.”

  His happy mood slipped. “You’re supposed to clean. It’s a doctor’s office.”

  “Arlene and I had already done that before she came in. So either we’re being insulted or something’s up with her.”

  Was Kate nervous about seeing him? Perhaps she was finally willing to admit there was something more going on between them. The thought made him want to sing again. “Maybe she just wants to keep busy.”

  Gladys shook her head. “I know Kate better than she knows herself. Something’s bothering her. I think I know what it is.”

  “You do?” He gulped.

  She nodded. “She’s stressing. Her boys left yesterday. Her in-laws picked them up a couple of days early. Kate needs a few days to prepare herself, but she didn’t get the chance this time.”

  “I see.” So in other words, nothing to do with him, which didn’t thrill him, but his concern for her overshadowed any disappointment he felt. He made his way around his busybody of a nurse. “Which room is she in?”

  “Four, I think.”

  Jake peered into the exam room. Powder-blue legs and backside stuck out from under the sink. Man, that was a fine ass, even in her shapeless scrubs. He longed to tip-toe over and run his hand down her rear to cup between her legs. Wanted to hear her moan.

  Tossing those thoughts aside, h
e cleared his throat and knocked on the open door. “Good morning, Kate.”

  Her entire body jerked, and she scrambled to her feet, leaning her hands against the counter. “Jake! Good morning.”

  Why was her voice so high-pitched? And why wouldn’t she face him? “Doing quite a bit of scrubbing, huh? Gladys told me she and Arlene took care of that earlier this morning.”

  The information brochures drew her attention next. Apparently they needed to be put in order, right side up and facing front. “Can never be too clean—”

  “Kate, look at me.”

  She placed the leaflets on the counter and turned, focusing on almost anything else in the room but at him. He’d expected to see red-rimmed eyes or a trembling lip, but he didn’t.

  He saw embarrassment.

  Jake’s gut clenched. “I know the boys left yesterday. Are you okay?”

  She gave a little chuckle and waved away his concern. “I’m a big girl, Jake. I can handle my sons being away for a few extra days.”

  That was his confirmation. Her behavior did have to do with him. He studied her, trying to catch her eye. “Something’s different about you.” Her eyes and skin appeared brighter, almost glowing.

  She gave a barely audible gasp. “It is? In what way?”

  “You look…” Younger. “Rested.”

  Pink flooded her face as she twisted her wedding ring. “I guess I’ve slept pretty well the last few nights.” She caught his eye, then quickly glanced away.

  The knot in his gut grew. No. Not Kate. She wouldn’t turn her back on him. He stepped closer, needing to be proven wrong.

  Look at me, damn it!

  She didn’t. She turned her back. “I need to finish before our morning patients arrive.”

  Jake tried to summon a smile, hoping it would show in his voice. “Sure, I’ll be in my office.”

  Walking as calmly as he could, Jake entered his office, forcing himself not to slam the door. He wanted to throw something. To punch a hole in the wall. Anything to stop the memories Kate’s attitude toward him brought forth. Memories he’d been too ashamed to share with her Saturday night.

  He sat behind his desk and lowered his face into his hands.

  Damn, the vision was still so vivid—him and Carol sitting in the doctor’s office, fingers linked, while they awaited the results of his tests.

  It didn’t matter how kindly the physician spoke the words. The results were the same.

  Infertile.

  Before the specialist could say anything more, Carol stood, thanked him, and left the room.

  Jake had followed, still numb from the shocking news. “Carol, I think Dr. Ernst still has some things to discuss with us.”

  She turned, her face reflecting indifference. “I don’t need to hear anything else.” She patted his arm. “Don’t come home for a few hours. It’ll be easier that way.”

  “What, why?”

  “I’m leaving. I don’t need half your money or anything like that. All I want is the house upstate and a divorce without a fight.”

  He stared, unable to comprehend what he’d heard. “I know you’re upset, but we have options—”

  “There’s nothing to consider. I want children. You can’t give me any.” She slipped her wedding and engagement rings from her finger. “I’ve already gone over the possibilities while we waited for your test results, and I’ve decided it’s not something I can do.”

  “But you’re my wife.” Even to his own ears, that sounded hollow.

  “I’m sorry, Jake. I can’t be married to half a man.”

  Her parting words allowed him to take the rings she held out. She walked away, and he never saw her again. He didn’t have to. She’d wreaked havoc on his life without ever showing her face again.

  It was, of course, his fault they couldn’t have children. Therefore, his fault their marriage failed. So he would pay.

  The truth held very little weight.

  Jake shook his thoughts back to the present, but those words still haunted him.

  Half a man.

  That’s what Carol thought of him. Is that what Kate thought, too? She didn’t seem to care on Saturday night. In fact, she’d shared in his grief. Comforted him. Wanted him to stay and keep her company.

  So why couldn’t she meet his eye now?

  ***

  Handful upon handful of cold water splashed directly in her face didn’t lessen the heat. Kate braced her hands on the edge of the bathroom sink, water dripping from her chin and nose as she prayed for her stomach to stop twisting. She knew facing Jake would be tough, but this was ridiculous.

  Probably because she’d done the same thing two nights in a row, spying on him then fantasizing until her body quaked and she had to muffle her face in the pillow.

  ”You look rested.”

  God!

  It wasn’t just the shame of ogling her neighbor’s private moments, or the embarrassment of him being the center of her fantasies. But also, afterward, as her body lay limp and her heart pounded in her chest,she’d realized why this was different from the other times she sought release at her own hands.

  She didn’t feel cold. Empty. Lonely.

  Instead, the warmth, elation at being a woman, and yearning for her fantasy to become reality had filled her.

  Okay, enough hiding. She needed to get out there and look him in the eye. It should be a breeze now that the initial face-to-face was over.

  With her emotional wall firmly in place, she left the bathroom. Inaudible yakking beckoned her to the front of the office.

  Jake stood at the reception area, his arms resting on the high counter, as he chatted with the front desk staff.

  Nancy, the plump, elderly receptionist, spoke in her low, soothing tones, while pencil-thin Beatrice yammered in a high-pitched whine as she pulled files.

  Kate joined them. “We all ready to open shop?”

  Jake spun around. Something flashed in his eyes when they met hers. Was that betrayal? But before she could be sure, he smiled. “Yup, would you please unlock the doors?”

  Nodding, she entered the waiting room and greeted their patients waiting outside, thankful to have something other than Jake to focus on.

  But no matter how hard she threw herself into her daily work, that brief flash in Jake’s eyes continued to bother her.

  ***

  “...a line of severe thunderstorms are moving across Long Island, heading for the east end. Residents in the warning area should remain indoors and away from windows. These storms have a history of producing dangerous lightning, damaging winds, and hail—”

  Curling his fingers around the remote control, Jake muted the sound. He’d kept the TV on for company, but the endless drone of the weather station only distracted him. He shifted in his seat by the family room window and glanced out at the darkening sky. Storm clouds raced toward the east.

  A thunderstorm. Great. Maybe now the interminable humidity would let up a little.

  He returned to his reading, wishing he could focus on more than a few sentences before his mind wandered again. He was wasting his day off, and for what? So he could lament over the last two days?

  Jake had remained professional toward Kate after their conversation Monday morning. He was responsive, but aloof, never trying to take their discussions any further than what was between the covers of a patient’s file. And that seemed to suit her just fine.

  He didn’t know how he’d expected her to react to the change in their relationship, but quiet acceptance wasn’t it.

  At least one good thing came out of his feeling of duplicity. It had finally sunk in that Kate was out of his league and his reach.

  And it fucking sucked.

  The light outside faded until it was too dim to read the words on the page. Jake turned to the window again. Man, it had gotten awfully dark for only four-thirty. The wind had picked up. The skies opened, and a rumble of thunder announced the arrival of the storm.

  Wonderful. Jake placed a Superman bookm
ark between the pages and closed the medical journal. Someone up there didn’t want him reading today.

  A flash of lightning streaked through the clouds followed by a clap of thunder, so strong it shook the house.

  Well, damn, the storm was practically on top of him.

  Jake went to his home office. Crawling under his desk, he unplugged the cable and power cords, praying he remembered how to reconnect them once the storm passed.

  He’d just come out from under his desk when a loud clicking grew to a deafening level. He rushed into the kitchen and over to the French doors that led to the patio.

  Pea-sized hail rained from the sky, making huge splashes in his pool, flailing against his patio and furniture like popping corn.

  He’d seen weather like this before, in Kansas, when he’d visited a friend from college.

  This wasn’t right.

  He returned to the family room, an uneasy feeling in his gut. The sky was dark gray, the wind bending his newly planted trees.

  Then his cell phone made a loud honking sound he’d never heard before.

  The unease deepening, he pulled out his cell and swiped it open. The weather station app flashed a red box alert.

  Tornado in your area.

  A strike of lightning nearly blinded him. Then the power went out.

  Okay, he’d dealt with this before. Just go to the basement. It’s Long Island. How strong could the tornado be?

  He hurried for the cellar door, hoping the neighborhood kids had the sense to get indoors. At least Alex and Drew were away. Which meant...

  He stopped halfway down the steps, his hand tightening on the handrail.

  Kate was alone and terrified of thunderstorms.

  Running to the front door, Jake yanked it open, almost losing his balance as the wind nearly ripped the door off its hinges. He forced it closed behind him, then threw his arms over his head and dove into the storm. The rain soaked him within seconds.

  Hail pelted his arms and back as he leaned into the roaring wind. Garbage cans and debris raced across his path, making navigating more difficult. The big oak tree in Kate’s side yard tilted at a frightening angle.

  Finally, he made it to her house, his fists pummeling the door.

  No answer. Was she even home? Or was she too scared to answer the door?