Phoebe shrugged. “Oh, not really.”
Anna tilted her head and dropped her fork on her plate. “Not really? That means you have been holding something back. Spill it.”
“I don’t know, I ran into Dr. Dawson, um, Alec again. Well, running into him sounds like it was by chance, but he is Jacob’s doctor, so of course I’ve seen him this week.” She picked at her salad, and Anna shook her head.
“Now that’s some interesting news. Tell me more.” Anna had a big smile and leaned forward, waiting on the details.
“There’s nothing more to tell. I just feel like things are unfinished there, but I also don’t feel like dating him is right for me. For Jacob, either. It might be confusing for him.”
“What’s going to be harder than what he has already been through? You said yourself he likes Alec, so why not give it a shot?”
“Because what if it doesn’t work out? I thought that it was going to be forever with Dan, and you see how that turned out. I can’t go through that again. I can’t put Jacob through more drama with what he’s already going through.” Phoebe hoped that would be the end of the conversation, but Anna wasn’t about to let it go.
“Forget Dan. I never liked him, you know.”
“I’m aware.” Phoebe shook her head and looked away.
“Well, he was a loser from the beginning and you have always deserved better. I know you loved him, but Phoebe, Dr. Dawson is a much better man than Dan ever could hope to be. I think he was in love with you. And I think it’s likely he still is.”
Anna reached over and put her hand over Phoebe’s, and Phoebe looked at her with brimming eyes.
“I don’t know. When things were starting to get serious I just got scared. I love how he makes me feel, but Anna, I don’t want to get hurt again.”
Anna nodded. “I understand that. I know Dan was terrible to you. You can’t be afraid forever, though.”
Phoebe looked away as she wiped a tear from her cheek. “Do you have any idea how hard it was to have to leave my house so that woman could move in? Dan set everything up before I had a clue. He hid money and got a sleazy lawyer. I ended up with just about nothing. I can’t risk that again.” She sighed, and Anna shook her head.
“You know I’ve had bad luck with men—mostly my own fault, I know. You’re going to find the right one for you, trust me. That is, if you don’t turn into a hermit.”
Phoebe opened her mouth to reply, but a beep stopped her.
Anna pulled out her phone and checked her texts. She sighed. “Uh-oh. They need me to come in to work. Kristen’s going home sick.”
“Oh. Hope she’ll feel better. I need to get back to the hospital, anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow at church?”
“Yep. I’ll be there. You’re going? Thought you’d be at the hospital.”
“My mom’s going to get to the hospital early in the morning. Jackie’s out of town so I don’t have anyone to teach my class. So, since my mom can help out, I’ll be at Sunday School but probably miss the service.”
“Oh, okay. Well, tell Jacob I’m sorry I won’t make it back over this afternoon. I’ll stop in for that game of Go Fish later this week. And I’m praying. For Jacob and for you.”
Phoebe gave her a weak smile as they hugged quickly. “Thank you.”
Anna smiled at her warmly one more time and then she turned and jogged to her car.
“Thanks, Anna,” Phoebe whispered again. She took a deep breath and looked up at the blue sky and sparse puffy clouds. “So much to think about. So much work to do on myself.”
Heading to her own car, Phoebe held her head up to get her mind focused back on her son. He needed her full attention and she’d see that he got it.
7
“Good grief, Dan. This is getting out of hand. You can’t keep just showing up here. I was just leaving for church and I don’t have time for this.”
Phoebe had her Bible in one hand, her purse over her shoulder, and her keys in the other when Dan walked up to her in the yard. The sight of him made her want to go back inside and lock the door, though she knew it wouldn’t do any good. Plus, she had about twelve precious first graders who were depending on her to tell them the story of Joseph’s coat of many colors today.
“Then it’s the perfect time. I was hoping I’d catch you so we could go together.” Dan smiled, though there was something about it she found rather flat. She noticed that he was better dressed than normal. For the first time in a long time, it didn’t look as though he had slept in his clothes and his beard was trimmed.
Phoebe’s instinct was to give in. That’s what she almost always did with him. He was so forceful, and he rarely lost an argument with her. She wanted to argue, but she figured it wouldn’t do her much good.
She opened her mouth to agree to ride with him, but then she stopped. Something inside her gave her courage to stand up for herself.
“I’m teaching Sunday School today and I’m not staying for the worship service. So, really, if you want to go then you should just go by yourself.”
She took a step towards her car, but he reached out and took hold of her arm. She snapped her head around and stared at him coldly.
“Now don’t be this way, Phoebe. I told you I’ve changed. This is one way I’m trying to prove it to you.”
She rolled her eyes and pulled her arm from his grasp.
“So, why don’t I come and help with your class. I’m good with kids, especially the older ones like you teach.” He chuckled and sauntered over to her car. “I’ll just ride with you.”
He doesn’t have a clue. I’ve never taught older children. Phoebe shook her head in disbelief. “No, Dan. You’re not riding with me anywhere. If you want to go to church, then fine. All are welcome there. But I don’t need or want your help with my class.”
“What’s gotten into you? You used to be so agreeable.”
Phoebe didn’t respond. She took the final steps to her car and got in. When she was in, she turned the key and locked the doors. She backed out of the driveway and didn’t look back.
As she drove, she thought about that unpleasant encounter. She realized that Dan hadn’t even asked about Jacob. She felt a profound sadness for her son. While she didn’t want to be married to him, she really wished he’d be a good father to their son.
* * *
Walking up the sidewalk to the educational building at the Centerpoint Church, Phoebe felt a hand on her elbow. She had no idea anyone was behind her and she jumped at the unexpected contact.
“It’s just like old times now, isn’t it? Walking in together. I like it.”
“You startled me, Dan.” She was able to control her voice, but her anger was rising like a volcano. “Don’t you dare do this to me. Go away.”
The last thing she wanted was to make a scene, especially at church. Controlling her anger was probably easier than controlling her ex, though. So, instead of stopping to argue with him, she kept on walking.
He chuckled in that self-confident way that now made her skin crawl. “I remember when we used to argue about what time to get up so we would make it on time. You were always so worried that we were going to be late, but I could always be ready in five minutes. I loved teasing you like that!”
Dan laughed out loud, but Phoebe didn’t even smile. She remembered those arguments, too, but with far less fondness than he did.
They got to the door, and Phoebe didn’t wait on him. She wasn’t going to walk into the building on his arm, nor was she going to allow him the chance to put his hand to her back. As far as she was concerned, they were as separate as they were the day they were divorced, and she had no desire to make any changes.
The two of them walked into the building and Phoebe did her best to avoid eye contact with anyone. She could feel the stares, and all she wanted to do was make it to her classroom where she would be safe. She could see the concerned looks on some faces as Dan strolled along behind her. But she just smiled and waved trying to act as normal as possib
le. It was still a little early and she was thankful most people weren’t there yet.
Making it to her classroom, she dropped her things on the table. She went to the cabinet in the corner and started getting out the art supplies for the craft time.
“What do you need me to do?” Dan stood just inside the door with his head tilted to the side and an arrogant smile on his face.
Phoebe looked around to make sure they were alone. “I need you to leave me alone. I need you to leave and go do whatever it is you want to do. Go to your own class if you even remember which room it’s in. Or just go home. I don’t care. But I want you away from me.”
Dan chuckled again. “Oh, come on now, Phoebe—”
“Phoebe, dear.” Barb Tarrant walked into the room in a direct line to Phoebe. “How is Jacob?”
The older woman gave Phoebe a hug and then put a hand on each shoulder and looked at her intently. “And, how are you?”
“He’s getting intensive antibiotics. The doctor says he’ll be fine, we just need to get this infection cleared up. And I’m okay. Worried, stressed, but okay.” Phoebe smiled.
“Yes, he’s in good hands. The people at the hospital are excellent. My sister had surgery there just last fall. It went beautifully, and they cared for her so well.”
Phoebe sighed as Barb turned abruptly to look behind her. “Dan? Land sakes, I haven’t seen you in a while.”
She turned back to Phoebe with a questioning look. Phoebe frowned and shook her head hoping the woman got the message that nothing was brewing between her and her ex-husband. Barb shrugged.
“Well, I need to get over to the fellowship hall to welcome visitors. Have a good class and give Jacob a hug for me.”
“Sure. Thanks for stopping by, Barb.”
Barb walked by Dan without even cutting her eyes towards him. She left without acknowledging him again at all. Phoebe felt like it was a small victory to have obvious support that Dan would be a fool to not see.
“That old bat might be the preacher’s wife, but she sure doesn’t act like a Godly woman. Did you see the way she treated me? Ignored me completely when my son is sick in the hospital.” Dan’s words added fuel to Phoebe’s anger.
“Listen, Dan. Don’t you ever speak ill of my friends again. You’re too selfish to get that my friends don’t like what you did. If you’re truly sincere about making amends, then you’ll need to change your attitude. Like yesterday.” She let out a breath and held up her hand as he opened his mouth to speak. “No. I won’t listen to you right now.”
She turned her head to see two children walk into the room. They skipped and giggled as they went to the small table and chairs. “Mrs. Saxon!” “Hey!”
“Good morning, Leslie. And Phillip. How are you two this morning?”
“Good.” The two spoke in unison and then giggled again.
“You’re going to sing with me today, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am. I will. I don’t know about Leslie, though.” Phillip wrinkled his nose as he looked over at his cousin.
Phoebe looked at the back of the room to see other children coming in. Most surprising, Dan was gone. She’d expected a bigger fight than what he’d given her, but she wasn’t looking a gift horse in the mouth. She breathed a sigh of relief and turned her attention back to the kids.
8
“Okay, kids. Who wants to say a prayer before we go?”
Phoebe smiled as she looked around the circle of children. Their bright faces smiled back at her and she felt a pang of sadness that Jacob wasn’t with her today. He wasn’t hearing the Bible story or spending time with his friends in the room next door where the second-grade class was.
Fiona raised her hand shyly. “I will.”
“Great, Fiona. Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes.”
In her sweet, little voice, Fiona prayed. “Dear God, thank You for today. Thank You for Mrs. Saxon. Thank You for the church. Thank You for my friends. Help us to be good at school this week. Amen.”
“Amen.” Phoebe raised her head to see the children scrambling to get moving, their attention spans pushed just about to the limit. “Be sure to put your chairs back at the tables, please. If you’re going to Children’s Church, line up against the wall for Miss Susan.”
When the room cleared, she got her things and headed to the door. She almost bumped into Anna on her way out as her friend was coming in. “Hi!” Phoebe laughed.
“Hey, I just wanted to say a quick hello. I know you need to get on your way.” Anna nodded encouragingly. “Tell him I’ll stop by soon, okay?”
“I’ll tell him. Hey, thanks for yesterday. I didn’t realize I needed some girl time. Jacob barely knew I was gone.”
“It’s my job. Making sure my best friend gets salad. I’ll call you.”
Phoebe saw Joe walk up in the hallway and she waved. He waved back as Anna walked over to join him. What a great couple.
She would have liked to tell Anna about Dan’s stunt that morning, but she didn’t have time. She also didn’t need to be the reason her friend’s heart wasn’t ready to hear the message in worship, either. She knew Anna would be furious.
Heading out of the building, she ran into the pastor. “Hi there, Pastor Tarrant. I’m going to miss the service this morning. I need to get to the hospital.”
“Oh, I understand. Barb mentioned that Jacob’s getting treatment and the outlook is good.”
“That’s true. I’m stressed out about it all, but thankful for the prayers and good wishes.”
“We’ll pray for him in the service this morning.”
Phoebe breathed out, overwhelmed by sudden emotions. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”
He reached into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope. He handed it to her and she took it just by reflex. She glanced down and saw her name printed on the front. Confused, she looked up at him.
“It’s just a small gift. I hope you’re not offended or embarrassed.” He smiled compassionately and waited for her response.
“It’s money? Oh, gosh. I can’t… I can’t accept money.” She handed the envelope back to him with a frown.
“Phoebe, I know your situation isn’t ideal. You’re not able to work as much as you need to and the expenses with Jacob are probably piling up. It’s okay to accept help when you need it.” He didn’t take the envelope and stood there with his hands at his sides.
“I just feel horrible accepting charity. Who would do such a thing for me?”
“The giver asked that I keep them anonymous, but I will be happy to extend your gratitude.” He winked, and Phoebe struggled to find the words.
“All right. And it’s true, I do need the help. It’s embarrassing that my ex-husband won’t step up to help with his son, but I can only control me.” She exhaled loudly. “I’m learning that too slowly, I’m afraid.”
“That’s a hard lesson to learn. You’re getting there, though. It’s not your fault that Dan is what he is.”
“So, please do express a thank you from the bottom of my heart to the generous person who did this. God is meeting my needs in many ways. Thank you. I’ll be on my way so you’re not late to the service.” She smiled then bit her bottom lip.
“I’ll check in on Jacob this week. Take care, Phoebe.”
“All right, Pastor. Thank you again.”
Walking out to her car, Phoebe felt blessed even though there were so many problems in her life right now. Trusting God to take care of her worries and heal her son was a struggle some days, but she didn’t give in to the temptation to take a break from her faith.
Curiosity got the best of her when she got in the car. She hadn’t opened the envelope to see how much it was. When she looked inside, it was all cash—five hundred dollars. This gift proved there were still kind people in the world, though she had no idea who or why anyone would choose to be kind to her.
She’d needed something good to happen. This would lighten the load on her finan
ces a bit.
“Thank You, thank You, Lord. You always take care of me.”
9
Phoebe continued to feel blessed on Monday morning as she got up and prepared to go to the hospital. Some of the burden had been lifted from her shoulders, though this gift was only a temporary bridge. If Jacob got well fast, then maybe things wouldn’t get too far out of hand financially.
She’d been thinking about who might have done this, but the only logical benefactor was Alec. He was the only one who knew how tight things really were, besides Anna. Her parents didn’t even know. He’d figured most of it out on his own. She’d confirmed his suspicions when he’d asked her about it point blank.
She was planning to use most of the money to pay bills and the rest would go towards groceries when Jacob got home. Her work cleaning houses and babysitting didn’t bring in much money and it was no secret that some months she didn’t make enough to pay all the bills. Things had gotten better when Jacob went back to school since she had more time to work. When he’d been so sick, all her time and attention had gone to him.
Dan was taking care of the house payment, so at least she didn’t have that expense to worry about. The downside was that he believed this saintly deed gave him privileges he didn’t actually have. The other was that he believed providing a roof over Jacob’s head was more than enough to contribute to raising him.
And further than that, Phoebe had no leg to stand on legally. Dan’s slimy lawyer had advised him on all the ways to get out of paying child support and how he could walk away with all their marital assets. Dan had followed the advice to the letter. The house Phoebe lived in used to belong to her and Dan together, but now she was just a tenant. He took it in the divorce—along with just about everything else but her car and her clothes. She couldn’t afford a decent lawyer and felt lucky to get to keep her paid-for vehicle.
All that was water under the bridge now. It couldn’t be redone, though she wished it could. It didn’t help to dwell on it or seethe in anger. She’d done all that and the only thing that changed was her mental state.
A Doctor's Patience (Hero Hearts; Medical Romance) Page 3
