by Judith Keim
Misty was carrying a small suitcase.
“What are you doing?” she asked, as Josh and Bert walked into the room.
Misty gave her a little smile. “I’m meeting with Josh like you wanted.”
“Good girl. I knew you would,” said Josh. “You belong with me.”
“No, I don’t,” Misty said sweetly, putting an arm around her mother. “I belong with my mother, not someone like you.”
“Here,” Misty handed him the suitcase. “Inside are all the horrible clothes you forced me to wear. I’m sure others in the group might like them, those who are too afraid to leave.”
The look of fury that crossed Josh’s face made Grace cringe with fear. She took hold of Misty’s fingers.
“You little ... little ...” Josh snarled.
Bert held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t even say it. I suggest you leave before I call the cops. You wanted a meeting with Misty, and she came of her own will. Her words are hers, not ours. You got your wish, and we got ours.”
Josh raised a fist and shook it at Grace. “Misty is as stupid as you are. No wonder your husband wanted you both dead.”
“Get out!” said Bert, giving Josh a little push.
“You’ll be sorry! Both of you!” Josh snarled, lashing out at them in the only way he could.
Grace wanted to cry with gratitude. Some men, like Josh, were cruel and demeaning. Others, like Bert, made her think better of them. She turned to Misty and hugged her hard.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
SUKIE
Sukie’s week was busier than usual at the library. One of the other board members was proposing a different replacement for Sukie, which meant she had to take time out of her normal routines to do some additional training. The board gave no reason for not recommending the previous candidate. All she knew was that Edythe was furious about it.
As much as Sukie liked her job, she was looking forward to the weekend. After doing a stint at the circulation desk, Sukie returned to her desk to find that someone had left a message on her cell phone. The number was one she didn’t know. Thinking it was another robo call, she was about to delete it when she looked at the number again. Someone in Georgia. She picked up the phone.
Sheri Cantwell, Cam’s ex-girlfriend and Chloe’s mother, wanted to meet with her at the Rehabilitation Center. Sukie lowered her head into her hands and let out a soft groan. She did not want to meet with Sheri and get in the middle of what was Sheri’s and Cam’s old business.
She thought then of Chloe. She’d do anything for her. Before she could change her mind, she punched in the number Sheri had asked her to call.
The phone rang and rang. Sukie was about to hang up when a woman’s voice said, “Hello?”
“Is this Sheri?” Sukie asked.
“Yes. Are you Sukie? Cam’s wife?”
“Ye-e-e-s.”
“Listen, I want to meet with you, woman to woman. And I don’t want Cam to know about it.”
Sukie hesitated. “Why would you want to meet with me? And Cam and I don’t keep secrets like this from each other.”
“Oh.” Sheri paused. “I want to talk to you about Chloe because I’m her mother. Not you.”
Sukie hid her dismay and spoke as calmly, as steadily as she could under the circumstances. “There are all kinds of mothers, Sheri. I might not have given birth to Chloe, but I love her and feel as if she’s my child too.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, the people here think it’s a good idea for me to meet Chloe, now that I’m sober, and as sort of a closure thing. But I don’t want to. I don’t really know her. And Cam doesn’t want me around. You get the picture. I have a chance to start a new life away from here with a guy I met. If you promise to take care of Chloe, I can get the rehab people off my back. Cam’s right. I didn’t want his baby, and I don’t want her now.”
Though her heart was breaking for Chloe, Sukie held herself together. She’d heard some women just weren’t good at being mothers. Apparently, Sheri was one.
“Someday, Chloe might want to know about you, Sheri. And she deserves to have medical information about you and your family. That will help her later in life. Are you willing to do at least that for her?”
“Yeah. The place here has all my medical information. I’ll ask them to send it to you after I’m gone. I’m not as bad as you might think. I am thinking of her, you know?”
Sukie doubted it. “Where are you going when you complete the program?”
“Out West. Like I said, I’ve got a friend who’ll help me. God knows my family won’t.”
“I’m sorry. I really am. Good luck with everything.” Sukie thought about saying so much more but decided it was best to keep things short and simple.
“Thanks for ... everything,” Sheri said and cut off the call.
Sukie set her phone down and sighed. She couldn’t be sure Chloe’s mother wouldn’t turn up again in their lives, but for the time being, they were free of her and her craziness. She was happy for Cam. And sad for Chloe.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
CAROL ANN
As she had done every morning that week, Carol Ann sent a text message to Ed, telling him to have a good day, that she was thinking of him, and would always be there for him. Though he hadn’t responded to any of her messages, she sent them anyway. He’d been very confused, very scared when she’d last seen him, and she wanted to let him know he wasn’t alone.
To keep herself busy on this Saturday, she began to clean and straighten the apartment. With a move to Ed’s condo out of the question, she’d continue to live there for the foreseeable future. And she hadn’t given up her idea of doing interior decorating for extra income.
After her apartment was sparkling clean, Carol Ann spent time writing down decorating ideas for Tiffany. Then, in a desperate attempt to keep her mind off her disappointing situation, she went out and bought a needlepoint kit.
That evening, she sat on the couch pulling strands of gray wool in and out of the holes of the canvas of her project. The design on the hanging doorknob cushion she was working on showed a gray elephant sound asleep on a white pillow on a green background. Beneath the elephant was the word Sssh! in white letters. As she worked, she told herself not to think of Ed, but her thoughts naturally turned to him. Why hadn’t he responded to any of her messages? Even if he didn’t want to hear from her, wouldn’t he send a message telling her to stop? Her insides squeezed as a thought came to her. Maybe he was so sick he couldn’t respond.
Her cell phone rang. Carol Ann gazed at caller ID and sighed. Earlier in the week, she’d refused to take calls from her mother, but she knew if she didn’t answer soon, her mother might come to the apartment.
“Hello, Mama,” Carol Ann said listlessly.
“I been tryin’ to call you all week,” her mother said. “I’m wondering how you’re doing. Just another few weeks or more and that baby will be here. Have you gone ahead like I asked and found out if it’s a girl or a boy?”
“No, Mama. I told you I want it to be a surprise.”
“Well, just so you know, I’ve been crocheting a blanket for it. A yellow one.”
Tears sprang to Carol Ann’s eyes. “Why, Mama, that’s real sweet of you. I appreciate it.”
“Sure hope it’s gonna be a girl. Your sister’s boys, all of them, are wild. Becky doesn’t do a good job with them. And you should see her house. That’s a mess too.”
Carol Ann couldn’t help the smile she felt spreading across her face. Usually, her sister and her family were perfect in her mother’s eyes. Without Carol Ann around to complain about, her mother seemed to be focusing on her sister. Now, maybe Becky would understand what Carol Ann had been putting up with for years.
“How’s that fiancé of yours?” her mother asked. “And when is that wedding going to be? You’re running out of time, Carol Ann. You’d better give that baby a proper family. Hear?”
“Yes, Mama. I’ve gotta go now.”
/> Carol Ann clicked off the call and leaned her head back against the couch. Her life was a mess. Her fairytale happy ending had turned into another scary nightmare.
###
Days later, Carol Ann entered the office relieved the work week was almost over. She needed a Fat Fridays luncheon to keep her going after another week of no response from Ed. Her energy had peaked last weekend. This whole week she’d felt as if she could hardly carry this baby. On Monday, she’d check with the doctor to see why she was feeling so logy. He’d probably tell her she was depressed. Well, duh!
She waved to Lynetta and made her way to her desk.
Lee emerged from her office. “I’m glad you’re here. Something’s come up, and I’m on my way to Baltimore to see a friend.”
Carol Ann felt the blood leave her face. “Is it Ed? Is everything all right?”
Lee gave her a self-satisfied smile. “That’s what I’m going to find out. You hold the fort here. We’ll be in touch soon.”
Lee went back to her office, picked up a small suitcase, and, giving Carol Ann a little wave, left the office.
Numb with shock, Carol Ann sank into her office chair.
Lynetta rushed over to her. “What is it? Where is Lee going?”
Blinking as rapidly as she could so no one would see her cry, Carol Ann shrugged. “I’m not sure what is going on, but Lee is leaving for Baltimore to check on Ed.”
“Oh.” Lynetta’s voice was soft and concerned.
A shiver of apprehension crept through Carol Ann. How could she have been so wrong about him? “I’m a complete dope when it comes to men. I’ve proved it over and over.”
Lynetta patted her back. “Listen, if you need to go home, I’ll cover for you.”
Carol Ann shook her head. “No, I need the Fat Fridays group more than ever. But thank you.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait to talk to them. I need their advice.”
“Is everything all right?” Carol Ann asked her.
“Maybe,” said Lynetta. A smile broke across her face. “I think so.”
“Good. At least someone’s life isn’t in pieces.”
###
When it was time for the Fat Fridays luncheon, Carol Ann debated whether to go. Her spirits were low, and she had both a backache and a headache. Tension at its worst, she thought.
“You ready?” said Lynetta, coming up to her desk.
“I guess so.” Carol Ann grabbed her purse and followed Lynetta to the bank of elevators.
Lynetta put an arm around her. “Everything’s going to be all right. Just think! In another few weeks, you’ll have that baby to hold.”
Carol Ann nodded, more worried than she wanted to show. She just didn’t feel right.
Outside, Lynetta said, “Get in my car. I’ll drive.”
Carol Ann slid onto the passenger’s seat of Lynetta’s car and stared out the window. She couldn’t stop thinking about Ed and Lee. Lee had been almost pleasant to her this morning.
Lynetta pulled into Bea’s parking lot. “Here we are. C’mon, girl. Let’s go have us some fun!”
Carol Ann smiled weakly and got out.
Walking into the restaurant, Carol Ann was relieved to see Tiffany and Sukie already seated at their favorite table. Feeling as if she’d swallowed a beach ball, she squeezed through some seated people to reach them.
“Hi, Carol Ann! How are you doing?” Tiffany asked her as Sukie and Lynetta embraced.
Tears rolled down Carol Ann’s cheeks. Telling herself not to make a scene, she swiped furiously at them. She’d felt conflicted all morning, fighting a natural urge to cry coupled with anger that bubbled inside her at the injustice of what appeared to be happening.
“This morning, Lee left for Baltimore to see Ed,” she told Tiffany.
“What’s this?” asked Sukie, giving her a quick hug.
Grace arrived. “Sorry, I’m a little late. What’s going on?” She looked from Sukie to Carol Ann. “Oh, sweetie, what is it?”
Carol Ann barely managed to repeat the words.
Watching the other women exchange worried looks, she felt her stomach twist.
Grace placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t rush to judgment. You don’t know anything until you speak to Ed.”
Carol Ann nodded and took a seat at the table. It wasn’t the first time she’d heard those words.
As soon as the waitress had taken their orders, everyone started to talk at once. Laughing, Sukie held up a hand. “Okay, one person at a time. Who wants to go first?”
Lynetta raised her hand. “Me.” She leaned forward. “I really need your opinions. I met with James on Monday, and we’ve been together every night since then. He wants me to move to California. Me and the boys.”
Carol Ann clasped her hands together. “Did he propose?”
Lynetta shook her head. “That’s just it. He hasn’t come out and asked me. He wants to see how our relationship works out there. He’s got a house, a teaching job, and he’s even thought of a job for me. At MacTel, of all places. He has a friend in HR there.”
“Wow! Sounds like he’s thought of everything. How about the boys? How do they feel about it?” said Grace.
“He’s even thought of them. The school district he’s in has a great sports program. He’s already mentioned it to them, and Jackson, in particular, seems okay with the idea. Martin pretends he doesn’t care, but he really likes James.”
Carol Ann observed a glow of happiness on Lynetta’s face. A momentary pang of jealousy was quickly overtaken by delight for her friend. “That’s great, Lynetta. I say go for it!”
Grace frowned. “There’s no commitment. Not really. You could get hurt.”
“Yes,” said Tiffany, “but if you love him, and you truly believe he loves you, it’s a chance for a happy future.”
Sukie gave Lynetta a steady look. “I can’t advise you on your situation, but I remember how the women in this group told me to take a chance with Cam.” She smiled. “I took it, and I’ve never been happier.”
“Thanks,” said Lynetta. “I’ve never met anyone as wonderful as James. He’s steady and true. Look what he did for his mother. She’s the one who told him not to let me go. Isn’t that sweet?”
“You two make a great couple,” said Tiffany. “I hope it works out. But, Lynetta, we’ll miss you.”
Carol Ann gasped. “Oh my God! If you go to California, I’ll be the only one in the group left at MacTel. You can’t leave me there alone!”
“I thought you were going to set up an interior decorating business,” said Tiffany.
“I can’t do that now. Not yet. And not if I have to raise a baby alone.” She couldn’t hide the panic in her voice.
“One day at a time,” Grace reminded everyone.
“Right,” said Sukie before turning to Grace. “How are things going with you and Misty?”
Grace told them the story of Josh’s arrival in town.
Carol Ann listened with horror. “What if Misty had wanted to return with him? What would you have done? We all know what you had to do to keep her safe.”
“Yeah, it broke your heart,” added Tiffany.
Grace held up a hand to quiet them. “Bert was right. I had to allow her to choose whether to go with him or stay with me. Otherwise, it would never work.” She gave them a sheepish grin. “But, I admit, I was damn scared.”
“I’ve got good news,” said Tiffany. “I’ve been saving it until now to mention it. Regard was furious when he found out Muffy wanted to live here part-time. Apparently, he told Muffy her role was to be with him. Period. God! I’m so relieved.”
“Great news,” said Grace, giving Tiffany a high five.
“Yes, I’m so glad it all ended well,” said Sukie. “Now, let me tell you what happened with Chloe’s mother this week.”
Sukie told of her phone call with Sheri. “It broke my heart that Chloe’s mother doesn’t have any interest in her.”
Carol Ann’s hand crept to her belly. The baby
had quieted. Boy or girl, this baby was going to have a lot of attention and love. Even more uncomfortable than she’d been all day, she shifted in her chair.
“Are you all right?” Tiffany asked her, giving her a worried look.
“Just really uncomfortable,” Carol Ann responded. Unable to hold back, she let out a groan. At the same time, a puddle formed at the base of her chair.
“Oh my God! Your water broke! You’re having the baby!” said Tiffany.
Carol Ann gaped at the liquid rolling down her legs. “Nooo! I can’t have the baby here in the restaurant. And look at the mess I made!”
“Don’t worry about it,” said Sukie in a soothing voice that did nothing to calm Carol Ann. “We’ll tell the manager and they’ll take care of it.”
Carol Ann let out a nervous laugh. “I’ve got to go home! I haven’t packed my suitcase yet. I was going to do that this weekend.” More liquid dribbled to the floor.
“I think I’d better take you right to the hospital,” said Tiffany, rising.
The other women scrambled to their feet and quickly paid their bills.
“Let us know when you’re settled in the hospital. We’ll be there, like we promised,” said Sukie, giving Carol Ann a hug.
Tiffany took hold of Carol Ann’s arm and walked her outside. The other members of the Fat Fridays group closed ranks around them, murmuring among themselves.
As they approached Tiffany’s car, Carol Ann stopped and groaned.
“Better leave right now,” said Sukie, her warning clear. “Carol Ann, want me to go to your apartment and gather your things?”
“Would you?” Carol Ann handed Sukie the keys to the apartment. “There’s a pink gown in my bureau. And you’ll see all the stuff I use in the bathroom. After I get checked in, if I have time, I’ll write down a list. I’m too nervous to think now.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you have everything you need and meet you at the hospital this afternoon,” said Sukie.
Lynetta checked her watch. “I’m late!” She gave Carol Ann a hug. “You’re going to do just fine, hon. Try to relax as much as you can. It’ll make it easier.”
