by Ali Parker
Reaching up to rub the back of his head, she turned her face toward him and laid several soft kisses along his cheek. "It's okay. Do whatever you need to do."
He nodded, not speaking, but his breathing was shaky. He must have been close to Bethany's mom, his life so intimately intertwined with the blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty of his childhood. Jealously reared its ugly head and Kari pulled him closer, the fear of letting him leave her site terrifying her.
He moved back, sliding his hands around her face and lifting her gaze to his.
"I need to go. I have to find a flight, call my folks and pack."
"Do you want me to go with you?" she asked, her hands coming to rest on his.
He shook his head. "No, now isn't the time. Emotions will be high and I don't want you to be uncomfortable or put Bethany in an awkward situation when she's lost to her grief."
Kari stiffened as Jake leaned down and kissed her. She returned the gesture, but his words gave her concern. Was he planning on comforting her with his hugs? His kisses? His body? Kari felt tears well in her eyes and hated herself for being so insecure and selfish. She leaned into the kiss, moving her arms to wrap around his waist. Beating back her emotion was painful, but she managed to do it.
He moved back, the moonlight washing over him and making him devilishly handsome. The thought of not being in his arms all night caused her heart to throb painfully in her chest.
"You gonna be okay? I'll call you the minute I get there." He leaned in and kissed her again, moving back to stare into her face as if asking her permission.
"Of course. I'll be right here, and if you need me to call the school or the fire station, just let me know."
He moved his hands down to her hips, sliding them around to her rear as he pulled her close again. "I wish I could stay here with you. Make love to you all night."
"Me too. Be careful and hurry back to me."
"Of course." He leaned in and kissed her long and slow, the buildup leading to nothing. She pressed into him, needing to remind him with her actions that she was all he needed. He kissed her quickly again and jumped over the side of the porch, landing with a soft 'ump' and jogging to his truck.
Kari moved to the side of the porch to watch him. He turned and waved before slipping into his truck and driving off. Hot tears burned her eyes and spilled over, their night - their week - taken. It wasn't even the idea of him needing to go. It was who he was going to.
Would Bethany pull him back into her web? Would she awaken desires in him that he'd been trying to let die for the last three years? Nausea rolled over Kari in waves, her stomach lurching at the idea of losing him before she really got to have him fully.
She stayed outside for a few more minutes, trying to decide how to tell her friends. They would question the situation to the last degree, but she didn't want her worries to bleed through on them. Tilting her head to the sky, she closed her eyes and whispered for him to return to her as hers and not belonging in any way to the woman he'd spent his younger life with. Tragedy did weird things to people, the need to cling to the living sometimes causing people to make mistakes they wouldn't make otherwise.
She took a shaky breath and went back in the house, Sicily and Lisa talking over coffee in the kitchen. She ran her fingers through her hair and took a seat as they both turned their attention to her.
"What's wrong?" Sicily asked, her head tilting slightly as her eyes narrowed.
"Jake had to go. Death of a family friend." Kari shrugged and reached for Lisa's drink, taking a quick sip.
"That's horrible. Is he okay?" Sicily continued the conversation as Lisa stood, walking to the coffee pot and making another cup. She walked back and handed it to Kari, who reached up and smiled.
"I don't think so. He almost seemed dizzy when he got the news, but I think he thought it was his mom that had a heart attack instead of his friend’s." Kari looked over at Sicily, who knew more than anyone else what they felt like.
Sicily's hand came up to her mouth as she gasped softly. "Oh no. Poor guy. It's not his mom though?"
Kari shook her head. "No, a good friend of his. He's going home to pack and then he'll fly out in the morning."
"Are you going with him?" Lisa asked, sitting back and studying Kari, her gaze moving around questioningly.
"No. He doesn't want me to meet his parents under this situation, which I understand." She shrugged, taking a drink of her coffee.
"Something is bothering you about this. I can see it all over you. What's up?" Lisa asked, leaning forward and touching Kari's arm.
"The friend is an old girlfriend, like the one girl friend he spent all his time with when he was a kid." Kari shrugged. "I hate worrying, but I just can't help it."
"It's totally understandable, Kari. You just went through hell and had no clue about Frank's sleeping around. This is a big deal." Lisa growled.
"Yeah, but I can't ask him not to go and I can't force myself on the situation, Lisa."
Sicily spoke up. "It's going to be okay. You have to give him a chance to prove himself one way or the other, Kari. Nothing you can do or say is going to change the character of who he is."
"You're right. I just hate how scared I am." Kari reached for a small dishrag as tears filled her eyes, a few rushing to spill over.
"Oh boo..." Lisa got up and moved over to wrap her arms around Kari. "Frank's such an ass for doing this to you. He's a bad guy at his core. I saw the way Jake looked at you today. He's mad about you."
"You think so?" Kari asked between small sobs.
Sicily moved into her vision and nodded. "Yes, and he wasn't looking at you like his jerk friend was looking at me. He looked at you like he wanted to get you in his bed. Drake kept staring me down like he wanted to get me into his gym."
They all laughed, Kari wiping away her tears and trying like hell to put her fears to rest. Jake deserved the chance to prove himself and he'd not asked for this tragedy. Everything would be fine.
***
Everything would be fine. He drove home more quickly than he might another time, his thoughts on Kari. She looked ill at the idea of him leaving her to go home on the spur of the moment. How would he feel if she were flying out tomorrow to help her ex-fiancé get over the death of his mother?
"Like shit..." he muttered and rolled down the windows, needing air. He knew that nothing would happen between him and Bethany because that life had been buried a long time ago, and though it was hard to stop revisiting the grave, never once had he considered digging it up and starting again.
He was happy for the first time in a long time, the kind of serenity that nothing could replace. He would call Kari the next morning and tell her that he had fallen in love with her. She needed to hear it and even though it was far too soon, and she was likely to not return the sentiment, he needed her to know that she had nothing to worry about.
Bethany would cling to him no matter what. He had been her rock for years and the experiences they had shared in their young lives together weren't easily replaced. He would be there for her as a friend, and if she pushed at allat all he would kindly let her know that he was taken and completely loyal to his new girlfriend. He didn't want to stab her already aching heart, but nothing would cause him to hurt Kari.
He just prayed that she knew that too.
Jake pulled up to the house, getting out and calling his mom as he walked in. They spoke for a few minutes, Jake's dad having already booked him an early morning flight from Maine to Texas. Plans were made and everything was settled within an hour. He texted Bethany about his arrival time and sent Kari a long note letting her know that he would call her in the morning and she was the only thing on his mind.
He should have just stayed the night with her. Making love to her would have helped to warm his soul, comfort his heart as he closed his eyes on the long day. He lay in bed for hours thinking about her, imagining them getting married eventually and having three or four kids. He knew how silly he was being, but didn't care - h
e wanted a future filled with love and warmth, a wife and kids around him to share everything he had with.
She was the woman he could see in his future. He was sure he would scare her, but he was going to tell her just how much he'd fallen for her first thing in the morning. That would give her heart rest as he left the state. He would just tell her.
I love you.
Chapter 28
Jake woke to the buzzing of his phone, his dreams horrific, his night long and arduous. He reached over and pulled it to his ear, turning it on and realizing that it was only a text. Sitting up, he read his mother's prayer over him for safety, her loving words for his quick and easy arrival warming him. He checked the time and jumped up, his flight leaving in less than an hour. He'd never make it in time.
"Damn," he yelled and jumped up, throwing on jeans and a T-shirt and working fast to get his shoes on. He would have to drive like a bat out of hell. The house was clean as usual, so worrying about any last minute picking up wasn't a problem. He rushed around looking for his phone charger and cursing himself for not finding it the night before.
Resigning himself to having a dead battery on the phone for a few hours, he got in the truck and rushed to the airport, the closest one a few towns over. Good thing Maine was so small in comparison to Texas. In the Lone Star State there was no such thing as making a quick trip to the next town. It was usually a full day event to go anywhere. He smiled at the thought, the airport coming into view. He slipped his phone in his pocket as he parked.
Throwing his duffel bag over his shoulder, he ran toward the terminal, checking in quickly at the self-service line and running to the gate. He arrived as the flight attendant was closing the door, his ticket lifted in the air.
"Wait... please!" He ran toward the woman, the smile on her lips faltering.
It was a close call, but she got him on the flight just before it left. He sunk down in the seat next to an elderly man, who was already sound asleep and snoring loudly. Jake melted into his chair, pulling out his phone in hopes of just having enough to tell Kari that he was thinking about her and would call soon.
No luck. The phone was completely dead.
***
Kari spent the morning worried about Jake, having expected a call or something before he left for the airport. She texted him twice and then decided that she was bordering being a stalker. He would call or text when he could. Chances are he'd just gotten wrapped up in trying to get to the airport and make his flight. No big deal. She called in to let Martha know that she'd be going by the old Harrington Hospital to take a few pictures for the big celebration coming up for Bar Harbor. Martha reminded her to meet with a few of the older members of the staff and get some notes on stories as far back as she could.
Trying to busy her mind, Kari turned up the radio and sang along to a few fifties songs, a smile touching her lips at her silliness. If she let herself pause for even a moment she knew the feeling of loss and fear would consume her. Frank had ruined her from the carefree person she'd once been and she hated him for it.
The parking lot at the hospital was full, the small town much too tiny to have so many people sick at one time. Kari got out, concern for whatever might be going on turning her stomach. She walked in as an elderly woman looked up from the receptionist desk, a smile on her aging face.
"Hi, honey. Welcome to Harrington. How can I help you?"
Kari moved toward her, lifting her camera and smiling. "I'm from the paper. Martha sent me over to take some pictures and interview some of the staff about the good old days."
The lady laughed and stood up, clapping her hands and nodding. "Ah yes. The good old days. We remember them well - some days."
Kari chuckled and looked over her shoulder, the large glass doors behind her leading back out to the parking lot. "It's so busy today. Did something happen?"
"No, we're just the closest hospital for quite a few small counties around us. It's always busy here. We do a lot of labor deliveries, and we have a cancer ward that unfortunately stays packed most of the time."
Kari turned back and nodded. "Okay, just checking."
"Well, let's take you around and show you the facilities. Feel free to snap any pictures you'd like, just make sure they aren't of any of our patients." She leaned down to pick up the phone and called for someone named 'Wilson' to come and escort Kari around.
"Thank you," Kari responded as the woman explained that Wilson was one of the orderlies who had been around for quite a while and was a historian of the city. The woman smiled warmly and showed Kari to a small waiting room. She took a seat and pulled her camera into her lap before checking her phone.
No Jake. Worry tugged at her and she researched flights from Maine to Texas, noting that all of them seemed to arrive on time and without any trouble.
"At least he's okay," Kari mumbled as a deep male voice scared her.
"Talk to yourself much?"
She looked up and laughed, nodding her head at the tall African American male who stood above her. "All the time. I find it's easier to talk to yourself than others. Not too many opinions to deal with."
He laughed and extended his hand. "I'm Wilson. I'll be your tour guide today. You got the low down on the picture taking?"
Kari nodded and smiled, her thoughts about Jake melting as the friendly guy in front of her began to bring to life the last hundred years in the history of the hospital. She moved to join him, asking questions and stopping to take pictures around every corner.
By lunch they were done and she thanked him for his time, reaching out and shaking his hand. He gave her a card and she promised to call should she have any more questions. All in all it was a great success. Kari headed back to the office, her stomach growling and concern blossoming in her chest again.
Where was Jake? Why hadn't he called?
***
Jake walked toward his parents, his mother's eyes puffy from emotion. He pulled her into a tight hug, his father stepping up and patting his back.
"Man it's good to see you guys." He moved back and turned to his dad, laying a big hug on him as well.
"You look so good, baby." His mom moved in beside him as they walked toward the door, wrapping an arm around his waist. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into the side of him, smiling down at her.
"Yeah well I found a good woman and she's given me hope for the future."
"Jesus should be the only one to give you hope," his mom chided as his dad chuckled.
"I'm glad to hear you're seeing someone. How long have you guys been together? This is the first we're hearing of it." His dad reached for his bag and Jake swatted him away.
"I got it. No biggie." He winked at his mom. "Only a week, but I swear it feels like I've known her my whole life. It scares me how much I already like her."
His mom squeezed his side. "Why didn't you bring her with you?"
"I didn't want to put Bethany through anything extra. I can't imagine the hell she and her family are going through already. When she called, I honestly didn't know if she was talking about her mom or you." He looked down at his mom, his heart aching at the thought of it again.
"Oh, baby. I'm going to outlive all you guys."
"I believe that." His dad moved to hold the door open, pointing over to his golden Buick. "We're over there, son. Let's get you home and feed you and then we can get over to see Bethany and her family."
Jake nodded, remembering his phone. "Do you guys have a phone charger in the car?"
"Of course I do. I plan for all things." His mom moved away from him and pointed to the front seat. "Sit up there with your daddy and tell him all about your teacher of the year award."
He shook his head, but moved up front and dropped his bag on the floorboard, reaching in his pocket for his phone only to come up with nothing. Panic washed over him as he moved back a little, his dad looking at him over the top of the car.
He searched his pockets again, looking behind him on the street before grabbing h
is bag and digging through it frantically. "Damn..."
"Jake Isaac. Watch your mouth." His mother leaned up and spoke out of his door. He shook his head sighing heavily.
"What's the matter, Jake?" His dad patted the top of the car, getting his attention. "Did you lose something?"
"My phone."
"It's okay. You can use ours and we'll get you another one while we're here if you don't find it." His mother offered as his dad got in the car and leaned over, looking up at him.
"Get in and we'll take care of it this afternoon."
Jake got in the car, sighing again and hating himself. It wasn't about the phone. It was about Kari. She would be expecting a call or text from him - anything. She would be worried not only about his safety, but about him being around Bethany. He figured it would all be okay because he would just spend the next few days over communicating with her.
"Kari's going to be worried." He buckled up as his mom's hand moved up in the front, her phone clasped in her small fingers.
"Here, baby. Use mine and call her."
He turned and smiled at his mom, the sight of her warming his heart. "I don't know her number, momma. We just started dating."
"Oh that's not good. Let's see if we can Google her when we get home."
Jake laughed. "You use Google?"
His dad chuckled and pulled out into the busy freeway. "Your mom's a whiz on the computer. She's going to surprise you I'm sure - does me all the time."
"Joe, don't be telling Jake our private business."
Jake covered his ears and make lots of loud noise. "No, No, NO. I don't want to hear any of this."
He finally moved his hands to the sound of his parents’ laughing, his dad reaching over to squeeze his shoulder. "Glad you're home, son. We've missed you."
***
Kari had a quick conversation with Martha over a sandwich in the office before heading over to help Sicily. Lisa was showing houses all afternoon, but Kari figured she and Sicily could start working to knock out the second coat of paint that the small bakery needed. They could move in furniture later that week with Jake and Drake's help if Jake was back.
