by Jaime Maddox
“Oh,” Nic said, “so it’s kind of like chicken Parmesan.”
“Yeah, that’s what my mom calls it. Chicken-Parmesan pizza.”
“And I guess Andre’s is called spaghetti-and-meatball pizza.”
He giggled at her clear display of ignorance, shaking his head. “No, there’s no spaghetti, just meatballs. It’s meatball pizza.”
“And you’re telling me that tastes good?”
“Really good,” Chloe said.
“Great,” Andre added.
“Well, guys, I hope you aren’t too disappointed with this plain old cheese-and-pepperoni pizza I ordered for us.”
“Pizza is still good, even without meatballs.”
Just a little while later, the server brought their pizza to the table and Andre’s prediction proved accurate; the pizza was good, even without meatballs. The busy day had stimulated all of their appetites, and Nic was worried there wouldn’t be any left over for Louis. There was, though, and when she paid the check and walked back to her car, she was happy to see it was close to seven. The finish line was in sight, and she was going to cross it in one piece.
With full bellies and tired legs they crossed the threshold into Nic’s apartment, each of them hauling bags filled with the treasures they’d collected at the store. They were greeted by Louis, who, in spite of the fatigue Nic knew he must be feeling, jumped from the couch to help with their load of packages. “Where were you in the parking lot?” Nic teased him.
“Just hand over the food and be quiet,” he ordered, then turned his attention to Chloe and Andre, whose ceaseless chattering suddenly halted. “Hi, guys. I’m Louis,” he said, and shook their hands. “And you must be Chloe,” he said as he pointed to Andre.
This drew a smile as Andre shook his head. “I’m Andre. That’s Chloe,” he said, and pointed toward his sister.
“Well, I’ve heard all about you guys and it’s nice to meet you. Did you buy me anything?” he asked as he pointed to the shopping bags.
Both children shook their heads apologetically.
“Yes, we did,” Nic replied. “Close your eyes.”
As Louis closed his eyes, Nic removed a tube of toothpaste and a can of air freshener from one of the bags and gave them to the children, who began giggling at the absurd gifts they were about to present. “Okay, you can open them now.”
His laughter was as genuine as theirs as he accepted his presents. “I really needed these. Thanks. Do you want to show me what you guys bought?”
As the kids began pulling things out of bags, Nic looked at Louis. “How is she?” She silently mouthed the words so Chloe and Andre wouldn’t hear.
“Extubated.”
Nic didn’t know why she felt such relief to know that someone she’d never even met was breathing on her own, but she was. Removing the ventilator was a great sign that Katie was stabilized and would survive. He didn’t need to tell her anything else, and she simply nodded, but inside, her heart was pounding at the news.
He smiled and winked at Nic. “Why don’t you get a shower or something? I can handle them for a little while.”
Nic raised both hands to her lips and blew him a kiss. “I love you so, so much,” she said as she ran the other way, not giving him the opportunity to change his mind.
As the warm water spread over her, Nic didn’t feel revived but exhausted. A million questions raced through her mind. How could she do this again tomorrow? Or the next day? How did Katie do this every day? How long would Katie be in the hospital? Who was Katie, really—the drug addict, dealer, and murderer the news had described or the woman who was raising two delightful children? What would Nic do about work? She worked part-time, twenty hours a week, which in her ER schedule equated to five shifts every two weeks. She wasn’t due back until Monday, for an evening shift. It would be a royal pain in the ass to switch, so in the next few days she had to figure out a plan.
Maybe she should take the kids to the lake. The weather was warm. What better way for kids to spend their summer days than jumping off the dock and splashing each other in the water? It was how she’d spent her childhood, and those were some of her fondest memories. She only had two kayaks, but they could paddle them around the dock while she watched, and if they were really good, she’d take them on the Jet Ski. They could run around in the yard without fear of abduction and climb a tree and hike in the woods. She might even take them to Ricketts Glen, the state park just a short drive from her house. They had trails that followed magnificent waterfalls through the mountainside, and some were short enough for the kids to endure. It would be good for them to go to the mountains. Mostly, though, it would be good for her to be home.
The past day and a half had been more stressful than any ER shift she’d ever worked, and she felt like she could climb into bed and sleep for twenty-four hours. The city stressed her, with its noise and traffic and Katie Finan lying in a hospital bed just a few miles away. She’d talk to Jet, and as long as she didn’t object, Katie would take the kids home.
And why would Jet object? She clearly felt the need to be at Katie’s side, and as good as her intentions were about Chloe and Andre, she couldn’t be in both places at once. Jet needed help. And besides, the judge had put her in charge of the kids, so she felt a responsibility to take care of them. Even if Jet told her she didn’t have to, she couldn’t escape the burden she had, for better or worse, agreed to carry.
As she toweled off and donned her pajamas, the sound of laughter filtered in from the living room. She ran a brush through her long wet hair and went to investigate. They were all gathered around the television, Wii remotes in their hands as they guided Mario and Luigi through a maze of deadly turtles and Venus flytraps. To her delight, Rae was with them. She smiled as Nic met her gaze, and Nic couldn’t control the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach. Rae had told her she’d stop by later, but in the chaos, she’d completely forgotten. What a perfect ending to her day.
“So you’re still alive,” she said. The remote cast aside, she stood and walked toward Nic. “How bad was it?” she whispered.
“I’m fucking exhausted, thanks for asking.” But Nic smiled, and Rae did, too. “Would you like a drink? I’m sticking to water tonight or I’ll pass out, but I’d be happy to get something for you. I still have that Shiraz you liked, the one from Jordan.”
Rae teased her. “I’ve never been to Jordan.”
“So I’ve heard.” Nic teased her back. Suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to visit the Middle East and drink wine with Rae. That would have to wait, though. She had children to think about. “What would you like? To drink.”
“Just water for me, too.”
Nic noticed Rae discreetly assessing her pajamas. The loose silky tank and Capri-length pants were made more for comfort than to impress, and she was suddenly self-conscious about her attire and the wet mop of hair that must have looked dreadful. “Please excuse my appearance, Rae. I’m ready for bed.”
Rae smiled. “I kind of like the wet look.”
Nic sucked in a breath and their eyes locked, the pounding in her ears deafening. They held, until Andre tugged frantically at Nic’s arm, breaking the spell.
“We have a surprise!” he announced.
“Andre, hush!” Chloe said.
“What are you guys up to?” Nic asked, squinting at them.
“Hold on, hold on,” Louis told Nic and Rae, and then he addressed the kids. “Come on, guys.”
Rae arched a questioning brow in Nic’s direction, and they both looked toward the kitchen, listening to the muted voices that seemed to be plotting some larcenous activity. And then Andre dimmed the lights and the three of them emerged, their faces glowing in the flickering light of thirty birthday candles.
Nic bit her lip and held back tears of joy. The day had been unlike any other, filled with so much excitement she’d forgotten it was her birthday. Had she fielded calls from anyone at all, they might have reminded her, but she’d been too busy playing the
role of AJ and had avoided everyone.
It took three blows to extinguish the inferno, even with Andre and Chloe’s assistance, and then the five of them sat on the floor around the coffee table and devoured an ice-cream cake. When they were done, Rae helped with the cleanup.
She and Rae talked for a few minutes in the privacy of the kitchen before returning to the living room to watch the action. Both Chloe and Andre seemed to know their way around all the worlds of the Mario Brothers and were thrilled to be playing. Nic was startled when the house phone rang, and she saw it was after eight. The lobby guard was calling to announce Jet’s arrival, and Nic gave permission for her to come up to the apartment.
Jet proved a more powerful lure than the Mario Brothers, and Chloe and Andre abandoned their remotes as they rushed into her arms. Louis took the opportunity to excuse himself; after forty hours of consciousness he was ready to sleep. Jet helped the kids with their baths while Nic and Rae removed the tags from their clothing and folded them into neat stacks, which she then placed in piles on the chaise lounge in her room. She supposed she’d give the children her bed and sleep with Louis; she doubted she could separate them.
“I’m going to lie down with them,” Jet said when they were both done showing off their new pajamas.
“Night, AJ,” Andre said as he waved to her.
“Night,” Chloe said.
Nic smiled at them both. “Good night.”
Rae poked her as they walked back to the couch. “AJ?”
“Yeah.” Nic explained the logic.
Rae tried not to laugh. “That’s RS.”
Nic frowned. “What’s RS?”
“Really sweet.”
Nic took the pillow beside her and hit Rae with it before resting back with her feet on the ottoman. She looked at Rae and frowned. “I’ll be more careful in the future. I don’t want to ruin my reputation as a shark.” After their laughter died down, Nic told her the plan to take the kids to the lake.
“It’s a great idea. It’ll probably be a few days before they can get into their house, and this is no place for kids.” She waved her arms around.
“I’m just nervous. What if I can’t handle them?”
Rae looked into her lap before she spoke. “You know, I’m on vacation starting tomorrow and will be in West Nanticoke for the week. I can help out a little.”
Nic grunted. “What, no trip to Jordan planned?”
Rae’s face saddened as she shook her head. “No, no trips.” She cleared her throat and found Nic’s eyes. “My dad was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. He’s still getting his treatments, so I’ve been trying to go home as much as I can.”
Nic closed her eyes. “I’m such a jerk. I’m sorry.”
“No, not your fault.”
“What kind of cancer?”
“Colon. He’s got a great prognosis, and he’s doing well, so no need to be glum. I’m just trying to spend more time with them, you know? We take our parents for granted, and then something like this happens and you say, ‘Holy shit. They’re not going to be around forever.’”
Nic nodded and covered Rae’s hand with her own. “I’m so mad at my parents. But I know you’re right. I still love them. And, they’re all I have other an aunt and an uncle and a few scattered cousins. When my parents die, I’ll be alone, Rae.”
“Do you think you want kids?”
“Honestly, I’ve never even thought I’d be in a relationship.” She didn’t add until now, although that was how she felt. Rae made her feel, and that in itself was amazing, such a change from her typical reaction to new people. “I spent so much time alone as a kid I never really learned how to play well with others. I have friends, don’t get me wrong. I’m not antisocial. I just feel most comfortable with myself.” She laughed. “Except for Louis. He got under my skin and grew there, kind of like a fungus.”
“He has that ability.”
“He does. If only he didn’t have a dick, he’d be perfect for me.”
Rae laughed and rested back against the couch. “I feel the same way about him. But for the record, I don’t have one.”
“Is that supposed to be a sales pitch?”
Rae faced Nic and put her hand over hers. The look on her face displayed the fear she felt at making this confession. “I’d like to see you again, Nic. You’re a pain in the ass, but I like you anyway.”
“Your pitch is improving.”
“I’ve been rehearsing all day. So, do you want to get together some time this week?”
“Like a date? Are you asking me on a real date?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“I don’t know, Rae. I have kids to think about now.” Her tone was teasing but she kept a straight face, the whole time thinking about the pleasant shock she’d had earlier when Rae had kissed her.
“Well, this would be a first for me, dating a woman with kids. But I’m willing to try it. I have two nieces, and I’ve never allowed either of them to starve or break a bone under my watch.”
“Any concussions or communicable diseases?”
“Well…”
Nic laughed and then smiled at her, deciding to admit what she was feeling. “I’d like to see you, too, Rae. And help with the kids would be a bonus. If Jet agrees, I’ll take them home tomorrow. When are you heading back?”
“Saturday morning. I’ll catch up on some things at the office before I leave, because otherwise they’ll haunt me while I’m gone.”
“How about Sunday, then? Have you ever hiked Ricketts Glen?”
Rae’s face lit up. “I love it there.”
“Perfect.” She nodded her head toward her bedroom door. “Let’s check with Jet.”
Nic walked across the room and into the foyer that led to her bedroom, and quietly opened the door. The light was off, but the light behind her lit the room enough for her to see within. Jet was fast asleep, her feet hanging off the bottom of Nic’s queen-size bed. In each arm she held a child, both of them asleep as well.
Closing the door behind her, she walked back into the living room. “You can always sleep at my place again,” Rae offered when she told her about the slumber party in her bed.
Nic sat and turned, looking at her. She’d had an unbelievable forty-eight hours, starting with the awful time the two of them had spent on the evening they’d met. So much had happened since then, and something in Nic had changed. It was hard to describe, but suddenly she understood her discontent. Her life, with all of its wonders and blessings, lacked laughter. Louis had made her laugh, had truly enriched her life, and that was why she loved him so much. Now he wasn’t a part of her world anymore, not on a regular basis, and she missed him and the joy he brought. Chloe and Andre made her laugh, and the feeling was wonderful. And Rae, with her sarcasm and insight and tremendous wit, made her laugh as well. Nic wanted to keep laughing. She wanted to see Rae again, to explore what might happen if she let down her guard and allowed someone to get close.
“If I sleep at your place again, Rae, I won’t be spending the night on the couch.”
Rae’s jaw dropped, and she didn’t say a word before Nic spoke again. “Now, I think you should go. I need my sleep. I’m exhausted, and I fear my niece and nephew will be up before the roosters.”
She walked Rae to the door, and this time when they reached the threshold, it wasn’t awkward at all. Nic reached up and gently stroked Rae’s cheek, then placed a soft kiss on her lips. It wasn’t frantic like the earlier one, just a soft brush of her lips against Rae’s, with no tongues probing or arms encircling, but it was electrifying just the same. It wasn’t passionate, but it was full of promise and left her hopeful about what the coming days would bring.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Mountain Air
Footsteps in the house caused Nic to sit up, and in the dim light of the lamp she saw Andre approaching her as she rested on the couch. It had been another exhausting day, and, even though it was only ten at night, she was tired.
Jet had wholeh
eartedly agreed with Nic’s plan to take the kids to the mountains. Katie was making progress, taking liquids now and getting out of bed, but Jet was still stressed. She’d have to go back to work Monday, and afterward she’d want to spend time with Katie at the hospital. Even if the kids stayed in Philadelphia, she’d probably only see them at bedtime. And after spending the night at Nic’s fifteenth-floor apartment, blocks away from the nearest park and with no place to ride bikes or throw balls, they needed to do something. Katie’s house was still off-limits. Jeannie had offered them her house in Mount Airy, and Nic would have loved to spend time with Jeannie’s kids Sandy and Bobby, who rented the house from their mom, but she would still have had to come up with an agenda for them. At the lake, they didn’t need one. The kids would never be bored.
Jet had also suggested a marvelous though intimidating option—that Nan go to the mountains with the kids. They knew her, and she knew them, and it would make it easier on everyone to have her along. It also meant another person in Nic’s well-protected personal space, but in the end she decided the benefits outweighed the inconveniences. Besides, Katie was making such progress, it was likely she’d be heading to the mountains herself by the middle of the week, and Nic would no longer have to worry.
She’d picked up Nan at nine, and even after a stop at the grocery store, they were settling in at Nic’s place by noon. Nic nearly had a heart attack when she saw Andre sit at the bench of her piano—it was her piano—but before she could stop him, he played the opening notes of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. While Nan put away groceries, Katie stood in stunned silence as he flawlessly performed the piece from memory. Chloe followed his performance with her own piece, and Nic had to once again pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.
The weather had cooperated for a day on the water, and the kids had loved every minute of it. They’d done cannonballs off the dock, slid on the slide, and paddled around in the kayaks. The fire pit was lit at dinnertime, and they’d cooked hot dogs over the open flame and then roasted marshmallows. At dusk the kids ran around with jars catching fireflies, while Nic and Nan enjoyed the fire. Fatigue spared none of them, and they’d all fallen asleep soon after showering and changing for bed. Nan was in one guest room, while Chloe and Andre were sharing another.
