Hidden in the Heart: An LDS Novel

by Roseanne Evans Wilkins

  * * *

  Cathee reached for her cell phone as the alarm went off and automatically pushed the snooze button. It was a habit she had a hard time getting over. She stared at the unfamiliar ceiling. It took her a moment to remember she was at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka.

  She checked the time on the cell phone. 6:00 p.m. She blinked.

  Why had she set the alarm for 6:00 p.m? Then she remembered dinner with Garrett, jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. From the reflection in the mirror, she could see her makeup had survived the nap. She reapplied her lipstick after she brushed her teeth, ran a quick comb through her hair, then went to wake up Christina.

  They had both dropped off quickly after they arrived in the room. Sunday naps were a tradition in the Laurenson household, and Cathee had kept up the tradition.

  Cathee opened the curtains to let in the afternoon sun, then moved over to rub Christina’s back. Her eyelids fought to open. As Christina stirred, Cathee said, “You need to brush your teeth and comb your hair. Mr. Garrett is going to take us to dinner.”

  Christina stretched and yawned, then crawled off her bed. She trudged slowly to the bathroom while Cathee rushed to find Christina’s shoes.

  Cathee checked her phone again. “Hurry, Christina. We’re supposed to be there in five minutes.” She derided herself for not setting the alarm sooner. Garrett probably didn’t like to be kept waiting.

  Christina still had toothpaste around her mouth when she emerged.

  “You need to rinse, Honey.” Cathee followed her into the bathroom. She watched while Christina rinsed, spat, and washed her face. When Christina had finished washing, Cathee quickly brushed her hair. “I put your shoes by the door. Ready?”

  Christina nodded, slipped on her flip flops, and they headed out the door together.

  Garrett was sitting at the designated table in the atrium. He was checking his watch when Cathee caught sight of him. She sighed.

  Christina looked up. “What’s wrong, Mommy?”

  “I think I need to work harder at being on time. Mr. Garrett has been checking his watch every time we’ve been to meet him.”

  Christina furrowed her brow. “How come?”

  “It means we’re late.”

  “Oh.”

  As Christina ran up to hug Garrett, Cathee could see the welcome in his face. They might be a few minutes late, but he seemed to be happy they had come. Maybe he’d been worried they wouldn’t show up.

  He looked up from Christina as Cathee arrived. “So the dessert restaurant?” he asked.

  “Please?” Christina begged.

  “Sounds good.” Cathee smiled. “I like their desserts, too. We haven’t tried the entrees, though.”

  “They have a nice menu. I think you’ll like it.”

  “I’m sure I will.”

  Garrett reached for Cathee’s hand, then Christina’s, and led them to the restaurant.

  The tables were topped with small white perforated ceramic jars. The lightbulbs inside immitated the flicker of candles. “Look, Mommy. The lights move here just like they did last night.”

  “You’re right, Honey. Aren’t the lights pretty?”

  Christina nodded.

  They were seated quickly. The waitress arrived just a moment after.

  “Hi. My name is Janet. I’ll be your server tonight.” She smiled warmly as she handed out the menus, then pulled out her notepad. “What would you like to drink?”

  “Apple juice for my daughter and water with a slice of lemon for me.”

  Garrett announced, “I’ll have lemonade.”

  As Janet was leaving, Cathee asked, “Having a little sugar with your lemons?”

  He smiled. “If I have to have a lemon, I’d like it sweetened a bit.”

  “I wouldn’t have guessed.”

  “Why not?”

  Cathee pursed her lips. “I don’t know...I just don’t see you as a sugar type.”

  “And what type is that?”

  Flustered, Cathee dropped her gaze to the table and was grateful for the interruption of Janet as she delivered their drinks.

  “Have you decided on your orders?”

  Cathee and Garrett nodded simultaneously. Cathee ordered first. “I’ll have the salmon with lemon herb sauce. My daughter will have the chicken tenders with applesauce and carrots as the sides.”

  Janet nodded, scribbled into her notepad, then turned to Garrett, who said, “I wanted to try the steak.”

  “Mashed or baked potato?”

  “Mashed, please.”

  “Would you like salads with your meals?”

  Cathee shook her head when Garrett turned to her. “No, thanks,” he informed Janet.

  When she left, Cathee responded to his earlier question. “I guess I think of sugar types as push overs.”

  “And I’m not?”

  She shook her head vigorously. “Anyone who won’t take ‘no’ for an answer isn’t a push over.”

  Garrett laughed. “I’m not like that with everyone, you know.”

  Her brow furrowed. “Why me?”

  “I’m not sure...you’ve intrigued me from the moment we met.”

  She laughed. “It must not take a lot to intrigue you.”

  His face was serious as he replied. “I haven’t been interested in anyone since Jill died.” He surprised himself by mentioning her so casually. “There’s something about you...”

  Christina interrupted, “Who is Jill?” Apparently, she had been too busy coloring the day before to key into their conversation.

  Garrett dropped his gaze to meet hers. “She’s my wife. She died several years ago.”

  “Oh.” She paused a moment. “Are you sad?”

  “Sometimes I’m sad. I miss her.”

  “Do you have any kids?”

  Cathee bit her lip to keep a smile from forming. Trust her daughter to ask all the hard questions.

  “No.” This time, Garrett’s face looked almost agonized. Cathee had to drop her gaze. It was hard to watch his pain. “We never had any children.”

  Christina stared at him a moment, then patted his arm. “I wish you were my daddy. I don’t have one. You’re nice.”

  Garrett smiled, his pain fading away, and said, “Thanks. That’s very kind of you to say.”

  Cathee blushed scarlet. It was time to stop Christina’s interrogation. She was being far too candid.

  “Christina, quit pestering Mr. Garrett. I don’t think he likes all your questions.”

  “I don’t mind.” His eyes twinkled with amusement.

  “I do.” Cathee was firm. “Why don’t you tell Mr. Garrett about your preschool?”

  Christina beamed with enthusiasm. “I go to Rainbow Bright Preschool. They teach me all kinds of things, and we get to sing and play outside and color.”

  “What’s your favorite thing to do?” Garrett met Christina’s gaze, seeming intensely interested in what she had to say.

  She paused a moment, her brow furrowed in thought. “I like to color. Mommy hangs my pictures on the fridge. Sometimes, she puts one in a frame and hangs it at her office.”

  “Do you go to her office often?”

  She shook her head. “Mommy let me go once, but she says it’s not a place for children.” She shoved her bottom lip out in a pout.

  “Most offices don’t allow children, Christina. I’m sure your Mommy is following the rules.”

  Janet arrived with their entrees, effectively cutting off the conversation. They turned their attention to their meals.

  “This salmon is perfect.”

  Garrett looked up from cutting his steak. “They do a nice job on the food here.”

  “Do you come often?”

  “I’ve been here a few times. It’s a popular place for conventions.”

  “Do you attend many?”

  “I usually attend a conference about once a month, but I’m not usually the presenter. The conferences are held in various locations. Sometimes I
travel out of state.”

  “How did you get to be an expert in your field?”

  “I’ve specialized in handling RAD children. I have a lot of hands-on experience, and I do a lot of studying as well. My success in the field has been gratifying.”

  “How does dealing with RAD children differ from other kids?”

  “They have attachment issues. Often, the therapy consists of play therapy and careful interaction with the primary care giver. The goal is to achieve successful attachment between the parent and the child.” He paused a moment. “If the child can successfully attach, any problems the child has will be within the normal range.”

  “What kinds of problems can a RAD child have?”

  He shifted uncomfortably. “It really depends on the child. There are a wide range of behaviors. It would take some time to go through them all. Some of them are lying, stealing, violent behavior, destruction of property. Each child will react differently, but they exhibit extreme behavior problems and are particularly challenging in situations where a parent or authority figure is in charge. Sometimes it is diagnosed as Oppositional Defiant Disorder or ODD. In the case of RAD children, the problems can be overcome with therapy involving the parent. Normal therapy doesn’t work with these kids. I provide a framework of support for the parent and then work on getting the parent and child to interact in loving ways.”

  “It sounds...complicated.”

  “It can be, but I love my work.”

  “I can tell.” Cathee smiled warmly and then concentrated on her meal. Her own work as an auditor seemed dry and boring after hearing about his work. She wondered if he’d even be interested in what she did for a living.

  When Janet came to pick up their plates, she asked, “Did you want to see the dessert tray tonight?”

  Cathee looked apologetic. “I’m too stuffed to eat a dessert myself.”

  “Can I have the brownie fudge with ice cream, Mommy?”

  “Do you have room?”

  “Can we share?”

  Cathee pushed back from the table a couple of inches. “I think I might be able to find a little room.”

  Garrett laughed. “You sound like you’re being tortured.” He looked up at Janet. “Bring the Brownie Fudge Delight and three spoons.”

  Cathee looked at him with wide eyes. It seems way too early in our relationship to be eating off the same plate. Ugh. Shouldn’t he be grossed out just thinking about sharing a plate? I share food with Christina all the time, but I’ve never eaten off the same plate as another adult. Awkward. How do I handle this?

  When dessert arrived, Cathee took the first bite. After Garrett’s spoon had touched the brownie, she couldn’t bring herself to take another bite. “I just don’t have any room,” she excused herself.

  He didn’t seem to share her view. He ate the rest of the brownie with Christina, seeming oblivious to the fact he was sharing food with a stranger. What an odd man.

  After Christina and Garrett finished dessert, Garrett left a few twenties in the leather case Janet had left with the bill. As they were walking out the door, Cathee glanced back and saw the look of delight on her face. He must’ve left a nice tip.

  They moved back to the table in the atrium they had shared for lunch. Garrett paused, seeming to sense Cathee didn’t want to be walked to her room. “So...what are your plans tomorrow? Do you have them firmed up?”

  “We are going to tour the governor’s mansion tomorrow morning. It’s only open on Mondays.”

  “Do you mind if I join you?”

  She chewed on her lip a moment, indecision flickering across her face. “You’ll probably be bored to death.”

  He grinned. “I’m sure Christina will keep me entertained.”

  Cathee laughed. “At least you’ll be kept busy answering questions.”

  Christina interrupted. “I’ll be good, Mommy. I promise. Can Mr. Garrett come with us?”

  Cathee relented. “I suppose you can come. Let me know if you get too bored and you can come back to the convention before we head to the Brown vs. Board of Education Historical Site.”

  “I doubt I’ll be bored, but I promise I’ll let you know.”

  “I’m planning on leaving here by 9:00. Can you meet us here then?”

  “Since you’re providing the transportation, can I provide breakfast?”

  She stared at him a moment, then pursed her lips thoughtfully before answering. “I suppose breakfast wouldn’t hurt. Let’s meet at 8:15 then. It will give us time to order and eat.”

  He tried to hide a grin. He’d won–again. “Breakfast at 8:15. I’ll wait for you here.”

  She reached for Christina’s hand, and they headed to the bank of elevators alone. Garrett watched as they walked away. He longed to be walking with them. He was tired of being a lone man. He hoped he’d be able to win Cathee over. He didn’t have much time before they went their separate ways.