Leaving Oxford

by Janet W. Ferguson

  Out in the pool house, Sarah Beth took the computer from Jill’s lap. “I’ll make you some ginger tea. You’re green again. I can tell.”

  “Thanks. How about a saltine and Tylenol?” Jill propped her feet on the ottoman, laid her head back, and closed her eyes.

  “Knees still hurting?”

  Gingie pawed at the door.

  “Shoo. Get.” Sarah Beth shook her finger at the dog.

  Jill covered her mouth and nose with her hand. “You can let her in.”

  The nausea had to get better soon, or Jill would shrivel into nothing. “I remember last time I let in the smells of dog.” Sarah Beth turned on the Keurig and slid a tall mug under the spout. Her friend couldn’t live, much less nourish a baby, on the amount of food she kept down.

  “I have to go to the doctor today, so I’ll be outside anyway.” The grimace on Jill’s face said she was dreading it already. “I don’t know why they call it morning sickness. I’m sick day and night. Last time I went, the doctor said to give up on the vitamins, keep hydrated, and eat peanut butter and crackers.”

  “Peanut butter?”

  Jill nodded. “The thought of meat repulses me, and I need protein.”

  Sarah Beth handed her the cup of ginger tea and uncapped the pain reliever. “Your tea and doctor-approved pain relievers.” Considering the bony hand that took the steaming mug, she should stock up on peanut butter.

  “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”

  Sarah Beth fought the anxiety that begged to show on her face. Why wasn’t Jill getting better? “Need something else?”

  Jill’s lips formed a crooked smile. “I need you to say yes to Jess. Oh, and maybe a fat ripe watermelon.”

  A watermelon, she could do. Going out with Jess, another story. What would happen if her heart was ripped apart again?

  But since Jill seemed to really want her to go...

  ~~~

  Jess strode down the aisles of the grocery store. Picking up flowers had seemed like a good idea. Until he arrived. Football players on aisle one. Jess glanced down at his khakis and starched white button-down. A dead giveaway. And buying flowers. Obviously a date. They’d rag him for weeks.

  He looked both ways before he stepped up to the floral counter. Now, what to buy? He reached for a multicolored bouquet. No. One rose. Simple. Not too much. He picked up a red one, then turned toward the registers.

  “Coach,” a voice from behind hammered him. “Look at you. Struttin’.”

  Caught. Grant Vaughn and two other lineman.

  “Hot date, huh?” Three huge guys surrounded him and snorted.

  Keep the game face. “None of your business.”

  “Don’t be ashamed. You rule, Coach.”

  He gave them his sternest look, pinching back a smile. “Turn and walk away. Now.”

  They sauntered away, chuckling.

  Terrific. His pace picked up toward the checkout counter. Outside, he shut the door to his truck and lay the rose on the front seat.

  When had he made this transformation? He’d spent more time with this woman than he’d spent with his friends or family the past six months. Sometimes inventing excuses to see her. Okay, a lot of times. Now she’d agreed to one date. He’d tried to suppress all this...gushiness, but no luck. On the field, he’d commanded hundreds of young men in a game of controlled violence, but with this girl, this woman, he couldn’t control a thing.

  Five minutes after leaving the parking lot, he arrived at her house. In two long strides, Jess cleared the stairs and approached Sarah Beth’s door. He tapped twice and waited. The ferns by the door swayed in the breeze. Was he swaying, too? He hadn’t been this nervous since the bowl game he played against Ohio State. Crazy.

  The door swung open. Sarah Beth’s dark hair hung below her shoulders against a peach-colored dress. She looked him up and down with that ebony gaze. “You look like a frat boy.”

  Was that bad or good? He brought the rose from behind his back. “For you.”

  Her eyes lit up. “That is so sweet. I’ll put it in water. Be right back.” In no time, she reappeared.

  “You ready to go? I hope you don’t mind I picked the restaurant and the movie.”

  She slipped her hand under his elbow. “What’s not to like?”

  He wasn’t going to let the shock of her clasping his arm show on his face. But he had to admit, it did feel nice. “You can pick next time. I don’t want you calling me bossy again.”

  “I’ll let you know after our date if there will be a next time.” Her eyes cut toward him. “No pressure.”

  He opened the passenger door and waited for her to be seated. “Very funny.” Sarah Beth flashed a smile that beat any trophy he’d ever won. Maybe better than becoming a first choice draft pick would’ve been.

  ~~~

  The steady chirp of tree frogs filled the night air as Sarah Beth’s foot hit the top step of her porch. How had the evening passed so quickly? Naturally. In fact, the most relaxed date ever. And it was over. “What a delightful evening. Thank you.”

  Jess inched closer. “You’re welcome.”

  Her breath caught as his eyes fell to her mouth. She couldn’t do this. It was too soon.

  Not now. Maybe not ever.

  With one arm he pulled her close, the other hand lifted her chin.

  Much too soon. Not yet.

  His thumb traced her lips, then his lips traced her lips. And stayed. With a light hold he cupped her head, ran his fingers through her hair. Kissing her gently, but deepening with each passing moment.

  Wasn’t she going to stop him?

  In a minute. She’d stop him in a minute.

  The rest of the world faded.

  Finally, he released her, but he lingered with his forehead on hers, and then brushed her lips once more. “Goodnight, Sarah Beth. I’ll see you soon.”

  She stood motionless with a warm ache in her heart as he ran down the steps two at a time. When his taillights disappeared, she touched her lips, then fell into the rocking chair.

  ~~~

  Jess looked down the long table in the compliance meeting room. Coach Black sat on his side, along with Sam, the compliance director and a representative from the NCAA on the other. The palpable tension in the air speared at Jess’s insides, but he rested his hands on his legs and breathed normally. He’d prayed about the situation for days. Prayed this morning at home and all the way to campus. And Sam was there to back up his story. A muffled sigh escaped. Too bad this all happened.

  The memory of Sarah Beth’s kiss popped into his mind again. He’d never imagined emotions running that deeply for a woman. What if he lost his job here?

  The NCAA representative looked up from his notes and cleared his throat. Jess straightened and met the man’s gaze. He’d always played offense, and he wasn’t changing that now. All he could do was tell what he knew and hope for divine coverage.

  ~~~

  Sarah Beth walked into the pool house and held out a page she’d printed. “Look at this logo. Do you like?”

  Jill glanced up from her laptop. “I wasn’t sure this was possible, Sarah Beth, but since your date, your ideas have been crazier than ever. Which makes them better than ever.”

  Sarah Beth set her hands on her hips. “I’m not sure if I should take that as a complement or an insult.”

  “I’m happy for you.”

  A frown pressed her lips together. The memories of Jess’s kiss flooded her with a rush of delight tinged with fear.

  “What are you thinking?” Jill snapped her laptop closed. “You don’t regret going out with him, do you?”

  Her hands moved to cover her face. “Don’t you think it’s too soon? I’m...I’m not ready.”

  “Why? Because you don’t have feelings for him, or because you’re scared?”

  Petrified. Confused. Petrified again. Sarah Beth massaged her forehead. “Let’s talk about something else. You know, a football weekend’s descending upon us. Our population at least
triples for the home games. The Square’s a nightmare to get around.”

  “I think you’re scared. It’s obvious you have feelings for him.” Jill’s eyes closed, and she swallowed. “Oh, no.” She sprang up and rushed into the bathroom.

  Sarah Beth studied her emaciated friend staggering back to the bed. Even her blond hair seemed thinner and had lost its sheen. “I’m sorry you can’t seem to get over the nausea.”

  “I go to the doctor again next week because of the weight loss. He’ll have more options for me this time. I’m sure of it.”

  Was Jill putting on a brave front for her?

  ~~~

  Skin and bones were all Sarah Beth felt as she slipped her arm around Jill to help her outside toward the SUV. Even at ten in the morning, the humidity left them both sticky. But they had to get answers at the doctor’s appointment today.

  On the brick sidewalk around the pool, Jill’s footing faltered.

  “Are you okay?” Sarah Beth caught her, and with her foot, slid a lounge chair under her.

  Heart racing, she patted Jill’s cheek. Though Jill’s eyes fluttered, they didn’t open.

  “God, help me.” Sarah Beth’s hands shook as she punched 911 into her phone. “Send someone. My friend’s passed out, and she’s pregnant. Hurry.” She gave them the address.

  What should she do while she waited for the ambulance? She glanced around the pool. Nothing. She couldn’t do anything. An image of Adam flashed before her eyes. Just like that horrible accident. She was no help at all.

  Oh, God, please help Jill. She fell to her knees beside her friend slumped in the chair. God, I’m begging. Let the ambulance get here.

  After minutes that seemed like hours, red lights flashed beside the fence. Thank You. She raced to open the gate. “Here she is. Be careful. She’s pregnant, and she passed out. I didn’t know what to do.”

  The paramedics rushed over with a stretcher. “Step aside, ma’am.”

  Sarah Beth staggered back as they examined Jill who was still unconscious.

  They asked a string of questions, and Sarah Beth answered as best she could.

  Once they strapped Jill on the stretcher, they wheeled her to the ambulance. Sarah Beth ran behind them, her heart banging against her chest. “Is she okay?”

  One of the men glanced back. “We’ll take care of her. You can meet us in the ER.”

  Sarah Beth nodded, but her brain jumbled in a stupor. Meet them at the ER? She mashed her hand to her forehead. Keys. She spun around. Hadn’t she just held the keys? On the ground by the chair. She bent to grab them. Her hands shook. Her legs, too.

  I have to go to the ER. Now. “Help me, Lord.”

  She couldn’t fail her friend.

  She took fragile steps to the SUV and opened the door. The hospital was only a mile or two. Just drive.

  Trembling the whole way, forcing herself to breathe, she pushed the gas. Her hands steered, but tears welled up in her eyes. Why? Why? Why did she have to feel paralyzed like this when her friend needed her? She slapped the steering wheel.

  Driving the two miles drained her as if she’d run a marathon, but she made it to the parking lot, threw open the door, and raced through the ER entrance. “My friend was just brought here in an ambulance. I need to be with her.”

  The woman at the desk glanced her. “What’s the name? I’ll check.” Once she found Jill’s information, Sarah Beth wove through a small maze of halls, doors, and curtains. In the room where Jill lay with an IV already attached to her arm, Sarah Beth collapsed into a chair beside the hospital bed. “You’re awake. Thank, God.”

  Jill offered a weak smile. “Sorry.”

  “Why are you sorry?”

  “I scared you.”

  A doctor entered the tiny room and approached the headboard. “We’re admitting you for dehydration. We need to get some fluids in you and do a sonogram to check on the baby. I want to make sure we take every precaution.”

  Jill put her hand over her mouth, stifling a sob.

  Sarah Beth rubbed her shoulder. “I’m praying for you, and I’m not leaving your side.”

  ~~~

  The morning sun beat down on Jess’s back as he ran through the parking lot. The call from Tampa Bay had finally come. The job was his for the taking. But he’d asked for time to think about the offer. At least a week. They’d given him ten days.

  Ten days to decide whether he’d leave Oxford or stay and be with this woman. A woman he was in love with. A woman who couldn’t leave this town.

  Now another meeting with the NCAA. Maybe they’d make a decision. Across the sidewalk stood Teddy Conrad. The urge to turn around speared Jess. But that wasn’t how he played. He’d face the man head-on.

  It didn’t take long for Teddy to see him. Once he did, he moved with speed, his face contorted. As soon as Teddy was within five feet, his finger shot out at Jess. “How dare you try to turn my own son against me? I’ll do everything in my power to get you out of this town. Every alum I know will find out the kind of man you are.”

  Jess almost felt sorry for Teddy. Almost. “Let them know I’m an honest man who plays by the rules in football and in life. After that, do what you will.”

  “What a joke. See how far those naïve ideals carry you. And stay away from Sam.”

  Adrenaline coursed through Jess’s limbs. “I’ll keep my naïve ideals, but as far as Sam goes, you’re doing a pretty good job of turning him against you on your own.” Jess passed the madman on the sidewalk, giving a wide berth to avoid further confrontation. There was nothing more to be said while both their tempers flared this hot.

  ~~~

  Squirming from side to side, Sarah Beth tried to find a comfortable spot on the plastic chair by Jill’s bedside. Her phone rang. Again. The office would have to wait. She checked the number just in case.

  Not the office. Oh no. “Jess, I totally forgot our ice cream date. Jill’s in the hospital.” Her hand popped her forehead. So much for not telling anyone. Sarah Beth mouthed to Jill, “Sorry.”

  Shaking her head, Jill mouthed back. “It’s all right.”

  “What’s wrong? Is there anything I can do?” Jess’s voice held concern.

  “Say a prayer for her, and I’ll call you later.”

  “Uh...okay. I sure will.”

  After ending the call, she silenced the ringer, set aside the phone, and curled her legs beneath her. She settled in and allowed her mind to rest. Another episode of NCIS started—apparently, a marathon. This was the fourth one they’d watched since Jill was admitted. The IV fluids hydrating Jill perked her up, and a little color returned to her face as she stared at the TV monitor on the wall.

  An hour later, a rap on the door shook Sarah Beth from her daze. Probably another round of questions from another hospital worker.

  “Knock, knock.” Jess cracked the door, holding a yellow balloon. He gave Jill a little wave. “Hi, ladies. Jill, I wanted to come by and tell you myself that I’m praying for you.”

  Jill smiled. “Is that for me?”

  He gave her a sheepish look. “Yes, and I brought you something else. You and Sarah Beth may never speak to me again. But the man’s been worried sick about you since he saw you at church. He knew something was wrong and keeps asking me if I know anything.”

  Sarah Beth breathed a sigh. This had been bound to happen eventually. And Jess was being so sweet.

  A look of resignation settled on Jill’s face. She motioned to the chair. “If he’s out there, send him in. I may as well tell him everything and get it over with. He’ll know eventually.”

  With red eyes and a dozen multicolored roses, Nick entered the room. “I didn’t know what color you’d like.”

  Jill’s face lit up. “Thanks. Come in. You look so worried. I’m not dying, although the way I’ve felt lately, I wasn’t sure.”

  Nick set the roses on the table by her bed and sat. “I haven’t been to a hospital since...”

  Jill’s gaze fell to her lap. “I’m so sorry
. I wasn’t thinking about Katie’s mom. I’m such an idiot. I should tape my mouth shut.” She waved off Sarah Beth and Jess. “You two go on and get your ice cream. For that matter, you probably haven’t eaten. Go home, walk your dog, and eat a meal. You can tell Jess everything while you’re out.”

  Sarah Beth did a double take. “Everything?”

  Jill shrugged and looked at Jess. “I trust you. Go.”

  ~~~

  The smell of grilled meat permeated the air of the old gas station that now served as a greasy spoon. Jess studied Sarah Beth as she picked at the hamburger in front of her. Not eating. That wasn’t the woman he’d gotten to know. “So what’s going on?”

  Sarah Beth explained the predicament, imploring him to keep the paternity of the baby confidential.

  Of all the bad luck. Jess pounded his fist on the old, wooden table. “This is crazy. Just when Nick and Jill find each other... Life’s so complicated.” He grabbed a home-cut fry and dipped it in ketchup. “I pray the baby and Jill make it. Nick can’t go through that kind of loss again. I don’t know what I would do if you...or my child...you know, if I lost...you.” He shoved the fry in his mouth and told himself to shut up.

  Her face went slack, her dark eyes unreadable. “You want children?”

  “I want to have as many children as my wife wants to have—if she wants to have them.”

  “But what do you want?”

  Jess shrugged. “I’d like to have a child, but it’s not a deal breaker. Why? Is there something I should know?”

  She covered her food with a napkin and slung her bag to her shoulder. “Let’s go back to the hospital.”

  Had he said something wrong?

  On the way out the door of the cafe, Dr. Marlow, the team physician, caught Jess’s arm. “Hey, I heard you got a sweet offer from Tampa Bay.”

  Oh, crud. How had word gotten out that fast? Jess closed his eyes and shook his head. When he reopened them, he searched Sarah Beth’s face. Were those tears?

  Dr. Marlow let his hand fall. “Sorry, Jess. I didn’t mean...”

  Jess shrugged. “I get a lot of offers. No worries.”

  He took her hand, and they left the restaurant and walked down the sidewalk to the truck. Her grip was light. Why hadn’t he told her right away? At least about the possibility? He should have, but with her problem, he’d feared she’d close herself off from him. And he wasn’t sure he could leave her.