Just a Love Story

by Sable Hunter

  When Derek joined them, they were able to share only a brief moment before he was spirited off for questioning. He kissed her, held her tight, and thanked her for taking care of June. “I appreciate you, more than you can know.” With Zane waiting to accompany him to the police station, there was no time for further conversation.

  “Don’t you want me to keep June while you take care of this?” she offered as he walked away.

  “No.” He gave her a big smile. “Now, that I’ve got her back. I’m not letting her go anytime soon.”

  “Presley will be there if she needs anything,” Zane assured Shae with a wave.

  A few moments later they were all gone. Even the crowd of police in the hotel was dissipating. Soon, only Shae and the crime scene tape were left behind.

  Having come with Derek in his truck, she made her own way back to the Driskill. She felt odd. Let down. After the adrenaline rush and the excitement of the last few hours, her mind and body felt adrift. Shae didn’t know what she’d expected. Derek didn’t need her dogging his every step as they built the case against Provo and took care of the charges that were pending against him.

  But she kept waiting for him to call. Waiting for Derek to ask her to come to him.

  Sitting on the bed in Room 525, Shae pondered the miracle that June was the little girl she’d pulled from the waves in Galveston. The knowledge made her feel connected to them, that June and Derek belonged to her.

  Her arms felt empty.

  She seemed to stand at a crossroads, waiting for someone to tell her which way to go.

  But…nothing happened.

  Derek didn’t call.

  He didn’t come to her when night fell. Even the spirits were strangely quiet.

  Once again, Shae was alone.

  …For Derek, the rest of the day was a mix of joy and frustration. To begin with, he was thoroughly grilled by the police. One hardheaded detective seemed determined to prove Derek was involved in Provo’s plot in some way. Zane lost his temper with the cop who seemed unwilling to look at the facts.

  “They were getting a divorce. Blair framed Derek. Provo was the one pulling her strings. He convinced Cheryl Hightower to go along with his lies. What more do you need to know?”

  Before the questioning was over, Derek was exhausted. He was finally allowed to leave, but to his consternation, June wasn’t permitted to be alone with him. Child services insisted she remain with Zane and Presley, pending a hearing before Judge Elgin. The soonest they could schedule the hearing was the next day. Zane argued until the services representative agreed Derek could stay under the same roof with his child for the night.

  By the time they left the station and fed June, the hour was so late, he didn’t even try to call Shae. “She’s probably sleeping by now,” he told Presley.

  “Maybe.” She gave him a warm smile. “I bet she’s worried. Why don’t you give her a call anyway?”

  Derek walked out on the back patio of Zane’s home and eased down into a chaise lounge. He hurt all over. His body was covered with bruises from being shot with the blanks. Sheer terror and panic had left him shaken. Since leaving Longleaf, his life had been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. He was still stunned at the happenings of the day. After tomorrow, he and June could start over. They could begin life anew. He could rebuild his business. And Shae…

  He held the phone in his hand. He needed to call Shae and tell her everything.

  This was the last thought he entertained before falling fast asleep.

  * * *

  “Wake up, Daddy.”

  Derek opened one eye to find June’s face right next to his own. “Hey, cutie.”

  “Pwesley says we gonna be late iffen you don’t hurry.”

  “What time is it?” he asked as he hugged her close.

  “Day time.”

  Derek chuckled as he sat up, squinting at the morning sun. “I can’t believe I slept outside.”

  June climbed into his lap. “I’ll stay wiff you.”

  “Okay.” He sighed with contentment, holding his child.

  “Where’s Shae?” June asked out of the blue.

  Derek’s eyes popped open. “At the hotel. I think. I hope.” He hadn’t called her last night. Instead, he’d fallen asleep. Picking up his phone, he saw it was dead as a doornail. “Dang, I need to charge this thing.”

  “Derek! We have court in an hour!” Zane called out the kitchen door.

  “I guess we’d better hurry.” He took his daughter’s hand and let her tug him into the house. “Have you eaten breakfast?”

  “Waffles!”

  “Did you leave any for Daddy?”

  Presley answered the question, “I’ll have you a plate warming in the oven when you’ve showered and dressed.”

  Derek nodded. “Thanks, I appreciate everything you and your husband have done for us.” He held up his phone. “Can you charge this for me? I need to call Shae.”

  Presley took his phone. “Sure. I sent her a text message. I’m sure she’ll want to come to the hearing. After all, she’s a big part of this, isn’t she?”

  “Yes.” Derek was relieved. “Thanks. I’m glad you did.” After the hearing was over, he planned on taking her and June out on the town. His best girls.

  …Shae left the hotel room key card on the dresser as she pulled her luggage behind her. When Presley’s text message arrived, she’d already been in the process of packing. Zane’s wife invited her to the hearing and briefly explained what had gone on the day before. Shae completely understood why Derek had chosen to spend the night there instead of coming to her at the Driskill.

  What she didn’t understand was why he hadn’t called her himself. She couldn’t deny it; her feelings were hurt. “Goodbye,” she spoke to whatever spirits lingered in the room. Leaving the Driskill hotel was proving to be difficult. Shae felt once she was gone, her tenuous tie with Derek would be severed.

  After reclaiming her car from the valet, she left Austin. When she’d been unable to sleep during the night, she’d watched the endless news reports concerning the incident at SXSW. There was even an unidentified shot of her and June, waiting in the lobby while the police swarmed the hotel looking for the shooter. Zane’s private investigators were being hailed as heroes. Governor Kyle Chancellor was talking commendations for the two men who’d had the foresight to stop a madman.

  The whole drive over to Bastrop, she kept her phone on her lap…just waiting for him to call or text. With every mile, her hopes dwindled further. When she arrived at the courthouse, the hearing had already begun and Shae slipped as quietly as possible into the back row.

  Derek was standing by Zane at the same table they’d occupied before. The table across from them, formerly occupied by Blair and her lawyer was empty. Shae wasn’t surprised, Derek’s ex was most probably in jail. Shae felt sorry for June over the loss of her mother but knew the little girl would be far better off with her father. She looked around the courtroom, but didn’t see June or Presley, so she assumed they were waiting somewhere together until the hearing was completed.

  “There are a few things I would like to say before telling you my decision.” Judge Elgin rattled some papers in front of her and adjusted her glasses. Raising her head, she pinned Derek with a stare. “After reviewing the evidence given to me concerning the validity of the videos presented in evidence against you, Mr. Alden, I agree with the assessment that they were forgeries. All charges against you are dropped and I award you full custody of your daughter, June.”

  Shae smiled as Derek hung his head with relief. She knew there’d been no real question about the judge’s verdict but just hearing it must be like having a million pounds lifted from his shoulders. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispered, knowing there was no way he could hear her.

  “I also reverse the previous assessments granted during the divorce. The property, including the house and the contracting business, granted to your former wife are being returned to you, Mr. Alden.” The judge�
�s even tone belied the gravity of her decisions.

  Shae wanted to applaud, but knew it wasn’t appropriate.

  “One last thing…” The judge paused, folding her hands in front of her.

  Everyone waited expectantly, wondering what other edicts the bespectacled woman might issue.

  “This doesn’t have anything to do with today’s proceedings. I just feel compelled to set the record straight about a few things.”

  Judge Elgin had everyone in the room waiting on pins and needles to learn what she had on her mind.

  “Concerning Ms. St. John…”

  Shae stiffened. What was going on?

  Following the judge’s eyes, Derek zeroed in on Shae in the courtroom. She met his gaze, but quickly looked away as the judge began to speak.

  “I took exception to the other lawyer’s assessment as to who reads romance novels, particularly the ones in question. I know you saw me write something down when I was handed the book.” She picked up the paper and held it up for all to see. “I noted the title.” Judge Elgin looked straight at Shae. “I haven’t read this one yet.”

  There were titters of laughter in the courtroom and Derek turned back to look at Shae once more – who was blushing.

  “These books are full of life. They make you feel young again. I don’t consider myself to be a pervert. Conversely, Judge Judy doesn’t see herself as a prude, either.”

  Shae covered her mouth. Judge Elgin was Judge Judy. If they weren’t in a courtroom setting, she would’ve run to the woman and given her a hug. Instead, she kept a dignified pose and nodded to the woman she’d spoken to many times online.

  The judge wasn’t finished. “Mr. Alden. I trust you will make good decisions concerning your daughter. While I can’t say your choice of a first wife says much about your good judgement, your choice in spending time with a nice woman like Shae St. John redeems you in my eyes.” She rapped the gavel. “Good luck.”

  As soon as the judge rose and left the courtroom, the doors swung wide open and June came running inside to her father. Presley was right behind her. Excitement pervaded the air like a fragrance. Shae stood for a few moments and watched them celebrate. She stood a few more, waiting to see if he might seek her out. When he didn’t, she ventured to the front, wanting to congratulate him before she left. She stood by quietly while Derek spoke to two men she didn’t know. Once, he glanced over his shoulder and met her eyes. He held out his hand to her and she took it, giving his hand a squeeze as he continued talking to a man who kept slapping Derek on the shoulder. Listening to his carefree laughter, Shae felt like a warm cloak was settling about her. She held onto his hand until it slipped free of hers as he accepted someone else’s congratulations.

  Reluctantly, Shae moved away. She didn’t hurry, but she didn’t feel as if staying any longer was wise. Giving him one last, longing glance, Shae turned away and headed home.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  As soon as Shae got on the road traveling east, she called to check on Coretta.

  “Hello?”

  “Grandmother, how are you?”

  “Missing you.”

  “I’m on my way home from Austin. I…” What to say? “I was visiting a friend.” There was no use going into detail about people Coretta would probably never meet. “Are you feeling well?”

  “Yes. Come get me.”

  Despite her heartache, Shae had to laugh. “Where do you want to go?”

  “Longleaf Day.”

  Longleaf Day? “Are they still planning on having it?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  Just the mention of the celebration caused Shae to tremble. “I’m not sure people would be very glad to see me.” As she talked, the phone in her hand vibrated. Immediately she tensed, thinking it might be Derek. Glancing down, her heart fell when she saw it was Cathy. “I have another call, sweetie. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

  “Ten. I want to see the parade.”

  “We’ll see,” she said, unsure of the idea.

  “I invented ‘we’ll see’, doesn’t work on me,” Coretta told her.

  “Yes ma’am.”

  The next call was more of the same. “How’s Mojo?” she asked Cathy.

  “Ready to see you. How was your trip?”

  “Fine. Derek won custody of his daughter.”

  “Good. I saw on the news where there was a shooter at SXSW, but he didn’t kill anyone. Were you anywhere near there?”

  “Actually, we were.” Shae sighed. “I’ll tell you all about it when we get home.”

  “Okay. So…how’s Derek?” Cathy asked, her voice full of mischief.

  Shae chewed on her lower lip, then moaned slightly, “Oh, he’s great. I don’t think we’ll be seeing one another again though. He has his old life back. I don’t think he’ll be visiting Longleaf anytime soon.”

  “Oh, that’s a shame.”

  “I talked to Coretta, she’s good. How’s Lynn and the kids?” Shae wanted to be polite, but the small talk was killing her. She wanted to get off the phone and lick her wounds in peace.

  “They’re fine. Excited about tomorrow. Longleaf Day is back on and going to be the best ever. I think Jo is going to be there.”

  “That’s wonderful!” She managed to inject some enthusiasm into her voice.

  “You need to come.”

  Shae chewed on her lower lip so hard she brought blood. “That’s what Coretta said. She wants to go.”

  “Well, bring her. You two can hang with us. We’ll have a good time.”

  Even though Cathy couldn’t see her, Shae shook her head. “There’ll be food. I’m not too excited about having it thrown at me.”

  “Oh, come on, Shae. Have faith. Since the mill sold, I think Longleaf has a new lease on life. You might be surprised.”

  “I’ll sleep on it. Okay?”

  “You’re saying that just to get me off the phone, aren’t you?”

  “Is it working?” Shae laughed, her eyes glued to the road.

  “No, but I’ll let you go.”

  Before Shae could say goodbye, Cathy giggled and added one more thought.

  “Just be ready. We’ll pick up Coretta first, then we’ll be by to get you.”

  Click.

  “Arg!!” Shae fussed, laying her phone down.

  She didn’t drive another half a mile before she picked up the phone and turned it off. There was no way she could drive five hours yearning for a phone call that would never come.

  * * *

  Back in the courthouse, Derek was floating on cloud nine. He couldn’t quit smiling to save his life. “Daddy, I’m hungry!” June pulled on his pants leg.

  “Okay, we’ll get something on the way home.” Home. He couldn’t believe it.

  He had his little girl back. His house. Even the contracting business was his again. Derek was ready to start his life anew. Glancing around, his eyes scanned the near empty room. He’d dealt with everyone else and saved the best for last.

  Where was she? He couldn’t wait to show her his home. He wanted Shae to spend some time getting to know June. “Where is she?” he asked Presley and Zane.

  “Who?” Presley asked, her face purposefully bland.

  “Shae,” he said with a lift of his shoulders, as if Presley should know who he was talking about.

  “Oh. She left a while ago,” Presley murmured, giving Derek a shake of her head. “She waited. She even came down to stand next to you and waited some more. Did you ever call her after we talked this morning?”

  “No.” He shook his head, a funny feeling rising in his stomach. “I intended to last night…but I fell asleep.” Dumb. Dumb. He started moving toward the exit. “You know my phone was dead this morning and this hearing…” Hell, every excuse he made just sounded hollow. “Maybe she’s still here.”

  Scooping June up into his arms, he hurried outside. There were still people lingering around, but none of them was the one he longed to see. “She’s gone.”

  What she must thi
nk of him.

  He hugged June, knowing his excitement over being reunited with his daughter didn’t give him license to take Shae for granted. “I thought she’d wait for me.”

  Presley followed them out. “It’s not too late. Call her. If you explain, I’m sure she’ll understand.”

  “That’s exactly what I’m going to do.” He nodded to Zane as he pulled his cell from his pocket. “Thanks again. I’ll talk to you both tomorrow.”

  With his daughter in one arm, he held the phone to his ear with the other. As he crossed the parking lot, he waited for the connection. “Come on, baby. I was a fool. Answer me, please.”

  The call went straight to voice mail. “No. No.” He tried again.

  “What’s a fool?” June asked as Derek unlocked the back seat of his truck.

  “A guy who doesn’t appreciate the women in his life enough.” He placed the little girl in her car seat.

  “I’m a woman in your life.”

  “Yes, you are, sweetheart.” He kissed her on the top of his head. “Shae’s not answering her phone,” he confided as he fastened the straps to hold her safely inside.

  “Maybe she’s tired.”

  Yea, tired of him ignoring her. “Maybe.”

  “I’m tired,” June whispered, then yawned really big.

  “You can nap while we drive home.” He told her just before closing the door and hurrying around to the driver’s side of the vehicle.

  Once he was behind the wheel, he tried Shae one more time. Voice mail again. “Dang it,” he muttered. “I’ll try again when we get to the house.” Backing out of the courthouse parking lot, he set a course for home.

  “Where’s Mama?”

  The question took Derek by surprise. “Uh, she’s going to be away for a while.”

  “On a trip?”

  She was too young to process anything more. The idea of a trip would work fine. “Yea, a trip.”

  “With that man?”

  He debated his answer. “No, but the man is on another trip. He won’t be back for a long, long time.”

  “Good. He’s mean.”

  “You don’t ever have to worry about him again.” When June grew quiet, Derek was relieved. He was a bit surprised she didn’t ask more questions about her mother. Now, if things would just work out with Shae.