by Mona Ingram
She waited for the explosion, but it didn’t come. Instead, he stared at her as though he didn’t hear correctly. “He was...” he swallowed. “He was running away from home?”
Jenna felt sorry for him, but he needed to hear this. “That’s what he said, but I’m not sure he was all that serious.” She looked past him to a set of French doors that opened onto a patio. “Can we go out there? You look like you need to sit down.”
“Good idea.” He grabbed a bottle of iced tea from the refrigerator, downed half of it, and followed her to the patio. Taking the chair opposite her, he leaned forward. “Why?” he asked. “Did he say why?”
“He’s lonely. I asked him about friends to play with, and he says that none of his school friends live around here. I haven’t seen one child his age, so I don’t think he’s exaggerating.” She stared into the coffee mug for a moment. “He needs something to do other than playing computer games in his room. We didn’t have play dates when I was a kid and you probably didn’t either, but these days parents arrange for their kids to get together. It’s part of the way they live. And there are organized day camps he can attend. There are even special interest day camps.” She softened her tone. “And then there’s you. There are so many simple things you can do together. I drove by Clover Point today and there were lots of kids flying kites with their parents. It looked like fun.”
“I don’t know about that,” he said, rubbing a palm against a raspy cheek. “I have a pretty busy schedule.”
“Too busy for your son?” she asked gently. “He says you never talk to him. He also told me you never look at him, and I could see what he means when we came into the house.”
He looked at her with haunted eyes. “You’re stepping over the line.”
“Am I?” She was desperate to get past whatever was holding him back. “Somebody has to stick up for that child, and I figure it might as well be me.” She tried to laugh, but it came out hoarse and strangled. “There’s nothing much you can do or say to me that hasn’t already been done, so if you want to get mad at me, give it your best shot, Brett Carmichael.”
For several long moments he just looked at her. “Who are you, anyway? We never did get around to establishing that.”
Jenna wasn’t sure she even knew who she was anymore. Tears leaked out of her eyes and ran down her cheeks. This past week she’d lost her fiancé, her apartment, her belongings, her credit, her bank account and her precious camera equipment. She hadn’t thought she could sink any lower.
Wrong again.
Now her nose was running; she swiped at it with the back of her hand. She must look a sight, but she didn’t care; she’d done what she could for Danny.
“As I said before, I’m nobody. A week ago I lost everything. Poof!” she said, tossing imaginary pixie dust in the air. “The whole kit and caboodle, gone.” She leaned slightly closer to him, deriving a perverse pleasure when he pulled back. “I’m homeless, Brett.” She made a broad gesture toward where she thought her car might be. “All I have left is my car, and I’ve slept in it for the past three nights. That’s how Danny and I met. He got into my car while I was using the restroom in the park, and asked if he could spend the night.”
He watched her as though waiting for the punch line, and when it didn’t come, his expression darkened. “You’re homeless?” He looked around, but nobody jumped out and pointed to the hidden camera. “Are you telling me I’ve been listening to a lecture on how I don’t take care of my own son from a homeless person?” He threw his head back and laughed. “That’s rich!”
She regarded him sadly; there was nothing more she could do here. “As long as you listened,” she said, and then stood up. “I promised Danny I’d say goodbye. I hope you’ll let me keep my word.”
A confused look crossed his face as he rose with her. “Yes, of course.” He preceded her into the house and up the stairs to Danny’s room.
“Jenna!” Danny was playing a computer game, but he dropped his controller and launched himself at her. “I was afraid you’d forget.”
“No,” she said, bending down to his level and picking up the controller. “Are you playing Minecraft?”
“Yeah,” he said, sending a hopeful glance in his father’s direction. “It’s fun.”
She studied the computer screen. “It looks hard.”
Danny’s chest swelled. “I’m pretty good.” He looked into her eyes. “You look like you’ve been crying again.” Small fingers touched her cheek. “I wish you wouldn’t cry.”
“It’s nothing,” she said quickly. “I tried to drink my coffee before it had cooled down. Now before I go, I want you to promise me something.”
His brow puckered.
“You must promise me that you won’t talk to strangers.” She tapped him on the tip of his nose. “Promise?”
He nodded, eyes brimming with tears. “Okay.” He threw himself into her arms. “I wish you could stay here and take care of us.”
Jenna stiffened. “I don’t think so, Danny.” She rose quickly, desperate to put some space between them before she completely lost it. “But it was fun hanging out with you today.”
“Me, too,” he said, searching her face as though she might change her mind. “Goodbye, Jenna.” Eyes bright, he picked up his PlayStation controller and resumed his game.
Jenna made her way down the stairs, barely aware of Brett behind her. Every time she thought she’d endured the worst of it, something else came along to knock her feet out from under her. She wasn’t sure how it was possible to lose your heart to a small boy in such a short time, but she had. How much more could she take?
She gathered up her bag from the kitchen and turned to find Brett leaning against the refrigerator, long legs crossed casually at the ankles.
“The thing is, you don’t look like a homeless person.” There was something different about the way he was looking at her, but she didn’t want to wait around to figure it out.
“I haven’t had much practice,” she muttered, checking inside her bag. She had no idea what she was checking for, but she couldn’t meet his eyes. “Let’s just say I made some foolish decisions and I’m paying for them now.”
“Trust me, I’ve done the same.” He frowned at her as though she was some sort of enigma. “I’d still like to hear about it.”
She barked a laugh. “You want me to humiliate myself even more? I don’t think so.”
“Dammit, Jenna. You’re making this difficult!”
“I’m the one making this difficult?” Sarcasm dripped from her words.
He held up his hands, palms out. “Okay. I didn’t phrase that very well, but I don’t know how else to say it. I want to ask you to consider the position of housekeeper, but I don’t know you. I thought maybe if we talked for a bit, I’d get a better sense of who you are.” He offered his most appealing smile and for an insane moment she found herself wishing he was trying to charm her rather than interview her. “After all, we can’t have just anyone taking care of Danny now, can we? Stay and have dinner. Then if we decide it’s not a good fit, you go on your way. No harm, no foul.”
“Trust me, Brett. I’m the last person you want as a housekeeper.”
“And why is that?”
“First of all, I have no idea what a housekeeper does.” She glanced around. “Especially in a big fancy place like this. Besides, I think what you’re really looking for is a glorified babysitter for Danny.”
He considered her words for only a moment. “You’re right, of course. No matter what you might think, I love that little boy more than anything.”
Desperation tinged her voice. “Then why can’t you show it?”
Pain sliced across his features. “It’s complicated.”
Jenna was tempted to grab him and shake him, but held her temper. “It usually is,” she said.
“So what do you say? Will you stay for dinner?”
She dropped her bag and a victorious smile tugged at the corners of Brett’s mouth. “You
can cook?” she asked with one raised eyebrow.
“No, but I have an excellent collection of take-out menus, and I’m not afraid to use them.”
Jenna stifled a smile. “What does Danny like?”
He hesitated only a second. “Pizza. And we could order some salad to go with it, just to ease our conscience.”
“Sounds good. Let’s eat over there at the breakfast nook. It looks so much cozier than the dining room.” Brett was already speaking into the phone and she studied him for a moment. For the first time, she noticed dark circles under his eyes. She’d been so busy worrying about Danny and her own situation that she hadn’t paid much attention.
He disconnected, looked up and caught her looking at him. “What?” he asked.
“You look tired,” she said simply. “Bad day?”
“Yes and no. I had a good day in the OR. Two surgeries that went well, but I made the mistake of stopping by Emerg on my way out. There was a big pile-up on the Trans-Canada.” He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the images. “They had everything under control, but there was this one woman...” His voice trailed off, prompting Jenna to remain silent while he dealt with the memories in his own way. After a few moments he came back from wherever he’d been and offered her a pale imitation of a smile. “It’s always hard when there’s nothing you can do.”
“I’m sorry, Brett. Would it help to have a drink? I don’t know if you have anything...”
“No, thanks. I had one when I came home. That’s all I allow myself.” He pulled out his wallet and left some bills on the kitchen counter. “Would you pay for the pizza when it comes? I think I’ll go upstairs and visit with Danny for a while.”
At last... something was going right. “I’d be happy to.”
Chapter Five
“MIGHT AS WELL MAKE myself at home,” muttered Jenna, pulling out drawers, looking for cutlery, napkins, and plates. The semi-circular booth in the corner was the ideal place for an informal family meal. If she lived here, they’d eat there every night and share stories about what they’d done during the day.
In spite of her earlier comment to Brett, she had to admit that the idea of living here had a certain appeal. Even if only temporary, it would get her off the streets until she could figure out her financial situation. But did she want to become a housekeeper for a living? Not really. Housework was not something she enjoyed, and in all good conscience, she couldn’t live in a house this beautiful without keeping it up. How much work she was expected to do was something she’d have to discuss with Brett.
Jenna stepped back to admire the table. She’d placed brightly coloured fabric napkins at each place, and searched through the refrigerator until she found a couple of bottles of salad dressing. Even though she was in a stranger’s home, the simple act of setting a table restored some of her self-confidence. Phil had taken more than her money and belongings when he abandoned her... he’d left her doubting her own judgment. Slowly and insidiously, he’d stripped her of her ability to believe in herself, and the need to reclaim her former poise might be reason enough to accept Brett’s offer.
Okay, she admitted to herself. There was one more reason. A smile softened her lips as she thought about Danny. She glanced in the direction of the stairs, wondering how they were getting along. There was something about the way Brett looked at his son – or more accurately, didn’t look at him. A woman’s magazine would call it emotional unavailability, but no matter what kind of a label she slapped on Brett’s response to Danny, she couldn’t help but wonder about the story behind it. Perhaps later she could gain some insight into what made the attractive doctor tick.
Because he was attractive – there was no denying that. One more caution flag. If she worked here, she’d have to forget the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Or the way his long, sinewy fingers drew her attention. A foolish habit perhaps, but she’d always judged a man by his hands. Brett’s hands were slender, as befitting a surgeon, but they also projected an underlying strength – something she could use at this time in her life.
Scanning the table set-up one last time, Jenna wandered through the dining room and into the living area. A love seat and two plush chairs were grouped casually in front of a massive fireplace, but in spite of the inviting layout, the room appeared unused. Where did Brett spend his time when he was home? Certainly not in this showpiece of a room. Right out of a home décor magazine, a low sofa table backing the love seat held an elegant arrangement of fresh flowers. She picked up a faint aroma of furniture polish underlying the scent of the flowers. Mrs. Jessup may have left abruptly, but she’d left the home in immaculate shape.
Inset into the walls on either side of the fireplace, two sets of shelving held an eclectic display of books, mementos and photographs. Jenna examined the book titles and decided that it would be impossible to get an idea of the person behind the collection. Adventure novels shared shelf space with a few classics, and a selection of travel books took up almost an entire section. She liked the idea that the books hadn’t been purchased for show.
A framed photograph caught her eye and she stopped moving as little bells went off in her head. Reaching up, she took it down and looked into Danny’s eyes... although it wasn’t Danny.
Jenna couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen a woman this exquisitely beautiful. Dressed in a gauzy formal dress with an ornate necklace, the woman smiled shyly. Her dark hair was gathered on the top of her head in a loose bun, a few wisps curling around a heart-shaped face. Either Filipino or Thai, the woman was exotically alluring. Was it any wonder Danny was such an angelic looking child?
Placing her fingertips on the cool glass, she spoke to the image. “I think I’m beginning to understand,” she murmured.
She sensed rather than saw Brett behind her. Turning slowly, she looked into his eyes, then her gaze moved deliberately to Danny, standing proudly at his side.
“I’m showing Daddy how to play Minecraft!” he said excitedly. Evidently forgetting that Jenna should be gone by this time, he took her hand. “Come on,” he urged. “We saw the pizza delivery coming up the driveway.”
Avoiding Brett’s gaze, Jenna set the frame back on the shelf. Discussion of his late wife would have to start with him.
Any qualms Jenna may have had about lagging dinnertime conversation disappeared as Danny chatted between bites of pizza. Still reserved around his son, Brett listened with an indulgent grin. From time to time, he dropped a hand to the boy’s hair, then pulled it back. But it was enough. Jenna lowered her head to hide a smile of satisfaction.
“YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO do that.” Brett entered the kitchen as she was finishing the dishes. “But thank you.” He glanced behind him. “Danny was asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.”
Jenna nodded. “He’s had a big day.”
“Hmmm.” Brett was opening one cupboard after the other. “I’m quite sure there’s some tea around here somewhere.” He gave her a tired smile. “I could use a cup of tea tonight.”
“You know, we don’t have to do this tonight. You’re tired.”
He shook his head. “I’m okay. Ah, here we are.” He started to take boxes out of a narrow cupboard. “Who knew there were so many kinds of tea? What do you suggest?”
“Are you worried about caffeine?”
“Not tonight. What do you suggest?”
“Let’s try the jasmine. I could use some as well.” She busied herself making tea, then followed him back to the breakfast nook, where he’d made himself comfortable.
“Thank you for staying,” he said quietly. “But I’m afraid we’ve raised Danny’s hopes that you’ll accept the position.” He traced the pattern on the cup with the tip of a finger. “So tell me your story.”
Jenna busied herself pouring tea, then stared into the steaming liquid for several moments, gathering her thoughts.
“MY PARENTS DIED ABOUT eight years ago,” she said. “We lived in Ontario, near London. Their car skidded off
an icy road and into a river; they weren’t found until the next morning.” She gave a small shudder. “After they died, I just wanted to get away. We weren’t a wealthy family, but there was enough money for me to move to British Columbia and get settled.”
She looked up to find him watching her intently. “No aunts or uncles?” he asked.
“No, unfortunately. Anyway, I went to Vancouver and got a job in a photography studio as an assistant. I did a bit of everything, from answering the phone and booking appointments, to setting up lighting. I enjoyed it. Then one weekend I took the ferry over here, to Victoria, and I fell in love with the place. I still had some money left, so I moved here and set up my own business in a small heritage house in James Bay. I got enough jobs to make a living, and then before I knew it, I started to do well. Then I met Phil, or maybe I should say he met me.” She blushed. “This is really embarrassing.”
“You don’t have to...”
She held up a hand. “No. This is good for me, if you don’t mind listening.”
He nodded for her to continue.
“Looking back, it was one of those classic situations. “ She gazed into the distance. “In the beginning, he was so charming, and then he slowly started to exert control. At first it was subtle... you know, small suggestions about how I could improve my business model, as he called it.”
Brett frowned. “What does he do?”
“He’s a software developer. At least that’s what he told me, and I think there’s a kernel of truth in there somewhere. He certainly knew a lot about how computers work. He told me he worked for a company in Vancouver and that he did on-site installations and training which kept him on the road. He called me a lot, so I rarely needed to phone him, but when I did he answered his own phone. I thought nothing of it.”
“He asked me to marry him after only about six months, and I was so happy to have someone of my own I didn’t stop to think about how fast it was, or how little I really knew about him.” She touched her ring finger with a wry smile. “He gave me a big engagement ring, and almost immediately after that, he started to take over my life. We had plans to buy a house, so we opened a joint bank account. He put me on his credit card, which I thought was very generous, but he went over every penny I spent, his excuse being that we needed to build up our bank account. I put all of my photography income in the joint account as well.”
