Читать книгу Her Fresh Start Family - Lorraine Beatty - Страница 14
ОглавлениеBret finished straightening his desk, closed his laptop and prepared to leave for the day. As he pushed his chair under his desk, he glanced out the window and caught sight of someone below standing on the front sidewalk. Nina. He peered closer. She had her hands full of her briefcase and satchel again, and that monster purse she carried. What was she doing standing in the hot sun?
She was still there when he exited the front door. He glanced around but didn’t see a car or taxi anywhere.
“Are you waiting for someone?”
She jerked and emitted a soft gasp. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people.”
“Didn’t mean to. So, how did the first day go?”
“Fine, but I’ve got a lot of homework to do before I see my first patient tomorrow.” Nina checked her watch again.
“I noticed you’d been standing here awhile. I got concerned. What are you doing?”
“Waiting for my cab.”
Bret tugged on his earlobe. “Then you may have a long wait. Taxis here are not very reliable.”
“The dispatcher said the cab would be here in five minutes.”
“And how long ago was that?”
Nina hesitated a moment before responding. “Twenty minutes.”
“No surprise there. You’ll probably have to rent a car if you want to get around.”
“That’s not an option. I don’t drive.”
“At all?” His eyes widened, and a frown creased his forehead.
“No.”
“Well, how did you manage to get around in Chicago?”
“Public transportation, cabs, the EL.” She looked up and down the street. “I assumed I could hire a cab here. I didn’t have any trouble this morning.”
“You were fortunate. Don’t expect that kind of service every time you call them. They’re okay if you don’t have to be someplace on time. There’s only one taxi company in Hastings, and they’re spread pretty thin. They do the best they can.”
She shifted her case from one hand to the other. He could clearly see the fatigue etched in the pinched corners of her mouth and furrowed brow. In the heavy suit and jacket, she had to be melting in the heat.
“You can’t stand out here forever. Why don’t I drop you off. Where are you staying?”
She hesitated, glancing once more at her watch, clearly reluctant to accept his offer. The heat must have forced her to decide. “The Emerald Hotel, downtown Hastings.”
It was the most expensive hotel in the city. Didn’t she realize there were several other more reasonably priced places across town? He reached out and took the briefcase from her hand. “That’s on my way home. My car’s out back.” He gestured toward the walk along the side of the building.
“All right. Thank you.”
He opened the door of his dark SUV and tossed a pink jacket into the back seat so she could sit down in the front. Safely buckled in, he started the engine and upped the fan speed on the AC. He stifled a grin when she sighed and unbuttoned her jacket to allow the cool air to wash over her. Adjusting to the heat in the Deep South took a lot of folks by surprise. He drove in silence along the Campbell highway, getting caught by every traffic light. When he turned off onto Franklin Street, he couldn’t stand the quiet ant longer. “Kitty said you’ll be here for three months, while they’re overseas.”
“Yes.”
“I guess moving to Mississippi from the Windy City is a bit of a culture shock.”
“I have to admit, I wasn’t prepared. Kathryn said this was a thriving city. I’d expected it to be much bigger.”
“It’s actually not that small. We have a university, a new mall, and several national companies have made Hastings their home base. But no, we can’t compete with Chicago in size, but we’re growing.”
“I’m sorry. That sounded rude. I’m just tired.”
“I understand. Mississippi gets a bad rap most of the time. Give us a chance.”
He pulled up at the curb in front of the hotel, and she opened the door the moment he came to a stop. He wasn’t sure whether to be offended or take her at her word that she was tired and eager to relax.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
He smiled. “You’re welcome. What time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow morning?”
Her blue eyes widened. “Oh, I couldn’t impose. I’ll call the cab company sooner.”
“You might still be late to work. Easier if I come and get you. What time do you usually start your day?”
“Eight thirty.”
“Perfect. I usually arrive then, too. See you tomorrow. About eight fifteen.”
Bret watched Nina until she disappeared through the elegant front door of the old hotel. She really didn’t like taking help from him, and he couldn’t help but wonder why. Some of her aloof attitude might be explained by being a Yankee. But he had a feeling there was more behind her standoffish personality. Something more serious than a change in regions.
If she allowed him to be her chauffeur, he might be able to figure her out and help her adjust. He also had a feeling she needed a friend.
As he entered his 1940s-Craftsman house, a short while later, he inhaled the aroma of something delicious that made his stomach growl. He found his dad standing at the stove.
His father glanced over his shoulder and scowled.
“You’re late.”
Bret was in no mood to do battle with his dad tonight. “A friend needed a ride home from work. It was on the way, so...”
“Where to? Timbuktu?”
“The Emerald, downtown.”
His dad scowled deeper. “That’s not on your way home.”
“It was today. What’s for supper?”
“Roast beef and noodles, and you almost missed it.”
“Where are my girls?”
“In the playhouse. Call them in. It’s time to eat.”
Bret headed toward the back door. He was thankful every day that his father was helping him raise his little girls, but there were things he and his dad didn’t see eye to eye on. Bret walked to the edge of the deck and stood straight as an arrow. “Hear ye. Hear ye. Are there any princesses on the premises?”
Squeals and giggles greeted him as two little brown-haired girls dashed from the pink-and-white playhouse toward him. At five and eight years old, they were growing up too fast for his liking. He knelt down just in time to grab them both in a big bear hug.
“We’re so glad you’re home.” Olivia smiled and patted his shoulder.
“I love it when you come home, Daddy.” Five-year-old Georgiana buried her head in the crook of his neck.
“I love coming home to my girls. Gramps has supper ready. Go get cleaned up so we can eat. And use soap.”
Bret’s eyes grew moist as he watched his daughters go inside. He loved them more than he could bear, and he wanted so much for both of them. He would do anything for them. But his failure as a husband had caused Sylvia to walk out on the three of them, leaving his children without a mother to love and nurture them as they grew. He’d tried his best to make up for the vacancy in the girls’ lives, but there was only so much a father could do.
He shook off the gloomy thoughts. He’d learned it didn’t do any good and only made him feel worse. Instead, he focused on the girls’ sweet faces and their happy smiles. It always lifted his spirits. After all, Livvy and Georgie were all that mattered to him.
The evening meal passed with the usual chatter from the girls, a spilled glass of milk and a round of the old “she started it, no she did” game.
Bret stacked the dishes beside the sink, as his father scraped them off and loaded them into the dishwasher.
“So, who was this friend you took home?”
“She’s the therapist filling in for Kitty.”
“Single?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, find out. Is she old, young, homely, what?”
Bret fought to curb his irritation. His dad was convinced that, if his son would just try marriage again, it would all work out. He’d never liked Sylvia. Always claimed she wasn’t honest, and wasn’t as committed to the marriage as he was. Bret spent a lot of his marriage overseas, serving in the army, and he always thought his dad was being his usual critical self. When he came home, things seemed fine to him. Until his last tour of duty.
He’d royally screwed up his mission assignment. He’d allowed the soldier he was sworn to protect with his life die. He’d barely had time to adjust to that debacle, when Sylvia had walked out, leaving the girls with his dad.
With his enlistment almost up, he’d taken an early discharge and gone home. But it was too late to save his marriage. He’d sold his house, moved in with his dad and put all his assets into purchasing the building and starting Phase II. He devoted his life now to helping veterans and being the best dad possible for his girls.
“Dad, I’m not looking for any relationship. When would I have the time?” With two massive failures in responsibility, he wasn’t looking for a chance to mess up again.
“That’s what I’m here for.”
“You do enough as it is.”
“I’d do more if it meant you were happy and settled again. With the right woman this time.”
“There’s no way to know if she’s right or not.” He’d loved Sylvia. He’d believed their marriage was good.
“I’ll know. I picked your mother, didn’t I? I’d find a good woman for you, too, if you’d cooperate.”
His dad meant well, but he didn’t understand the thin veneer of emotional scar tissue that could be easily opened, allowing the old pain and guilt to seep through his whole being. “Right now I need to get two little girls to cooperate and get to bed.”
Bedtime was always hectic, but he wouldn’t trade it for peace and quiet. The little smiles, the hugs, the giggles, even the arguments, made him feel alive and filled him with hope. He prayed every day that the Lord would take up any slack left by his ineptitude. He was trusting the Almighty completely.
Bret closed the door to the girls’ room, pausing a moment to snag one last glance at the precious, beautiful treasures. Oh, how he longed to protect them from the bumps and bruises of life. He’d had a similar feeling when he’d first met Nina. He had the overpowering sense that she needed protecting, despite her independent facade.
She was a puzzle, and he wanted to put all her pieces together to find out who she really was. This was the first time in years that he’d been drawn to a woman. Better not let his dad know he was interested. Besides, Bret knew he’d picked poorly the first time, and he’d likely repeat that mistake. In fact, he was. The first woman he’d noticed in years and she wasn’t the warm and motherly type, but cool, distant and aloof. He really knew how to pick them.
No. He’d keep his interest in Nina as simply that. Interest. Thankfully, she was only going to be here a short while, and then she’d return to Yankee Land and all would be well. So why was he looking forward to seeing her again in the morning?
He was an idiot.
* * *
Safe in her hotel room, Nina soaked in a hot tub until the water cooled. Then she slipped into lounge pants and an oversize shirt, before ordering room service. She settled down with the files she’d brought home, but concentrating was difficult. Coming here was the biggest mistake of her life. Today had made that perfectly clear. She didn’t belong here. She’d had visions of slipping quietly into Kathryn’s job, reacquainting herself with counseling private patients and passing the days until her friend returned.
She hadn’t counted on a man who had made it his job to look after her, or a secretary who was cheerier than a songbird at first light. Neither was she prepared for the warm weather and the lack of transportation. She should have done her research and been more proactive before accepting Kathryn’s offer.
Nina rested her head on the small sofa in her room, digging her fingertips into the hair at her temples. No. She had to stop being a hermit, hiding away from life. That was why she’d come here—to shake herself out of the dull, unfeeling life she’d had before. Losing her job had forced her to see what she’d become. A sad, lonely, closed-off human being. She didn’t like that person, but she’d lived this way so long, she didn’t know how else to be. The offer from Kathryn was the answer to her prayers.
Her gaze landed on the stack of files she’d brought home. She had people depending on her. Patients who needed her. There wasn’t time to feel sorry for herself. She picked up the folder, opened it and got to work.
Nina awoke the next morning with a nervous jitter dancing in her stomach. She would see her first patients today. She’d read their files, understood their issues, but it had been a long time since she’d counseled a patient privately. She decided to take it slowly today and allow herself to get a feel for each person who came into her office.
She dressed quickly and gathered her belongings, wanting to be downstairs, in front of the hotel, when Bret arrived. She’d have to find another way to and from work soon. She couldn’t ride back and forth with her landlord every day. Heat enveloped her from the moment she stepped outside. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Her silk blouse clung to her skin, and the thick wool jacket became itchy and uncomfortable. She hoped Bret was on time, or else she’d be a wilted mess by the time she got to the office.
The big black SUV appeared around the corner, and she quickly climbed inside, relieved to feel the cool interior chasing away the heat.
“Good morning. Did you have a good night?”
“Yes. I did.”
Bret scanned her outfit with a puzzled frown. “Aren’t you hot?”
She tugged at her jacket, aware of the blouse still plastered to her skin. Still, she wasn’t about to admit that. “No. It’s my first day seeing patients. I need to look professional.”
He shrugged. “If you say so.”
Prickles of irritation formed. Why did he feel he had the right to criticize her attire? “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“Nothing, if it was winter, but it’s late spring. That fabric is too heavy for this heat. I’m sure it was appropriate for corporate Chicago, but Hastings is more laid-back. Only attorneys wear suits here, and most of them don’t wear ties.”
Nina clenched her teeth to stop the snippy comment on the tip of her tongue. “Do you usually tell newcomers how to dress when they arrive in town, or is it just me that you’re finding fault with? First you hint that I might like to take advantage of the Tranquility Spa, and then decided my shoes were dangerous. Now you’re telling me my wardrobe is all wrong. Your hospitality needs some work.”
Bret gripped the steering wheel. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you or suggest that you needed some kind of makeover. You’re perfectly fine the way you are.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“I just meant you’d be more comfortable if you dressed differently. Less fussy and more relaxed.” He sighed. “I’m going to shut up now. I’m only making things worse.”
“Yes, you are.” She regretted snapping at him. After all, he had no idea what she was facing today.
“This is me trying to be helpful. I promised Kitty I’d look out for you, get you settled and make sure you were comfortable. I guess I’m not real sure how to do that.”
“Stop trying. I’m fine. Really. I don’t need any help.”
“Right. Except to get back and forth to work.”
She shot him a glance, but when she looked at him, she saw the sly smile and the twinkle in his green eyes, and her irritation vanished. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so sensitive. I’m nervous. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen patients.”
“You’ll be fine. I’m sure it’s like riding a bike.”
“I hope so. I don’t want to let Kathryn down. She’s done me a great favor in letting me fill in for her.”
“How so?”
She took a moment to gauge how much to reveal. “My job was eliminated. Her offer was a blessing. I jumped at the chance.” Maybe she’d jumped too quickly. “I hadn’t expected things to be so different down here.”
Hastings wasn’t Chicago. There, she’d been able to blend into the crowd and live an invisible existence. Here, her clothes, her hair and her manner made her stick out like a sore thumb. She was used to being a controlled professional, never letting her emotions show, nor allowing herself to feel them. Over the last year, those emotions had started to build up, threatening to rise to the surface, and she feared that when they grew strong enough, they’d explode and consume her. She knew expressing emotions, dealing with grief and loss, was the only healthy way to get through a traumatic experience. Somewhere along the way, she’d become stuck. She couldn’t go back, and she was too afraid to move forward.
“And I’m not making things any easier. I promise, I’ll keep my opinions to myself from now on.”
He really was a nice man. “And I promise, if I have questions, I’ll come to you for help.”
“Sounds like a good compromise.”
In her office, she settled in behind her desk, making sure her patient notes were ready. Dottie reassured her that Mrs. Alexander was a nice lady, who mainly needed someone to listen to and reassure her that she wasn’t crazy. Dottie felt sure after Nina saw the first patient, she’d regain her confidence.
Thankfully, Dottie’s prediction proved correct. Nina’s self-confidence grew after seeing her first patient. However, the second appointment that morning didn’t go as well. The patient was unhappy that Kathryn wasn’t there. She tried to reassure the gentleman, but he left with obvious doubts about her ability to help, which only added to her anxiety about the Widow’s Walk Club that night. If only she could see the women individually, instead of in a group.
After eating a quick lunch she’d had prepared by her hotel’s room service to bring with her to work, she was ready to tackle the afternoon. She’d have to find restaurants nearby, because the cost of having a lunch prepared by room service every day was too expensive.
Picking up the mail Dottie had placed on her desk, she scanned the flyer printed on light blue paper. Hastings Military Appreciation Day. The event Bret had mentioned. The flyer urged the tenants in the building to get involved and volunteer. Nina’s conscience sparked. Despite her experience with the service, she held great respect for the military. Maybe there was something she could do to help. Something small that would be helpful but wouldn’t get her too deeply involved. Shoving the flyer into her desk drawer, she set the idea aside for her to consider later.
Her next three sessions were uneventful. She doubted she’d done more than hold their place for the time being, but at least she hadn’t upset anyone. Nina opened the large file on the widows’ therapy group, hoping that reading through it one more time would boost her confidence and give her an idea of what to expect.
Bret appeared in her doorway. “I’ve come to take you to a party.”
The last thing she wanted to do now. The mere thought of meeting a bunch of strangers set her nerves on edge. She shook her head. “I’m not much for parties.”
He smiled and came toward her, reaching for her hand. “You can’t say no. This is mandatory.”
Sweat broke out on her palms. “No. Really, I don’t have time.”
“But everyone is looking forward to meeting you.” He tugged her to her feet.
Reluctantly, she stood and took a step, but the carpet once again snagged her stiletto heel, and she pitched forward. Bret’s arms wrapped around her rib cage, but her forward momentum twisted her ankle, leaving her right shoe stuck in the carpet.
A sharp pain lanced up her calf and she cried out.
In one smooth motion, Bret picked her up and carried her to the sofa, and then he knelt down and took her ankle in his hands, gently touching, twisting and probing, examining for any serious damage.
“Where does it hurt?”
“Nowhere now. I think it’s all right.” She started to tug her foot from his grasp. His touch was doing strange things to her system. His gentleness and concern warmed her heart, but she didn’t need the tingles that were shooting up her leg. His head was bowed over her ankle as he checked for injury, and she wondered if his dark brown hair was as soft as it looked. Her cheeks flamed. What had gotten into her?
Bret looked up and smiled. “Looks like no harm was done. See how it does when you stand on it.”
He held out his hand, and she slipped hers into it, acutely aware of the warm strength in his touch. Gingerly, she tested her foot. No pain. She grinned. Crisis avoided.
“Good.” He retrieved her shoe from the carpet snag and handed it to her. “I still think these shoes are dangerous.”
“You may be right.”
“So, are you ready for the party?”
Her good mood died. Why couldn’t he just leave well enough alone? His gallant rescue didn’t change the fact that she didn’t want to mingle with a bunch of strangers.
“No. I’m sorry, but I really don’t have the time.” She turned her back, hunching her shoulders. He’d probably be angry with her.
Bret exhaled a heavy sigh and touched her shoulder lightly. “I didn’t mean to pressure you. I wanted everyone to meet you.”
Nina’s irritation waned at the sincerity in his deep voice. He meant well, and he did have a way of making her feel better, but he had no idea what she was facing. “No. It’s not your fault. I need time to adjust. Everything here is so different.”
“I suppose we do take a little getting used to.”
“Maybe next time.” How could she explain that this was a difficult time of year for her, which only added to her stress. She’d hoped the move here would keep her too busy to dwell on the anniversary, but it wasn’t. She glanced at her phone. “I have a patient due in a few minutes, so if you’ll excuse me...”
He held her gaze a moment, his green eyes probing and filled with compassion. “Sure thing.”
She pulled her gaze from his.
He started out of the room. “If you need anything, just ask.”
“I will.”
Alone, in the quiet of her office, she poured a drink from the watercooler and let the chilled water dampen the heat in her throat. She should never have come to Hastings. Never agreed to fill in for Kathryn. It was much harder than she’d ever expected.
She sank into her desk chair, her gaze landing on the calendar displayed on the corner. Her nerves screamed at the upcoming date. How was she going to get through Friday in her present state? Reaching out, she grabbed the calendar and shoved it deep into the bottom drawer before picking up the next patient file and losing herself in the contents.
* * *
Bret marched into his office and closed the door, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He’d messed up again. He’d convinced himself that the shy Nina simply needed a little push to get her out of her shell. It always worked with his daughter Livvy. A little urging and she could move past her reluctance.
Unfortunately, Nina wasn’t an eight-year-old child. Pushing her had only upset her and shoved her deeper into her hole. He’d have to find a different approach. He knew behind that rigid exterior was a sweet, vibrant woman longing to get out. Maybe he could get a better read after they rode back and forth to work a few times. People often opened up while driving. He thought about calling Kitty, but his concerns would only make her worry about her friend, and she didn’t need that right now.
The bell tone on his cell chimed, and he smiled. His girls were calling. School was out, and they always checked in. He tapped the speaker button. “Hello, princesses. How was school today?”
Livvy spoke first. “Georgie got in trouble.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Did too. She had to stay in at recess. She pushed Justin Collins down.”
“Livvy, it’s not nice to tattle on your sister. Georgie, we’ll talk about this later.”
“Okay. Grandpa is taking us to get art supplies. I have to make a poster.”
“Can I make a poster, too?”
“We’ll see. You behave for your grandpa until I get home.”
“Did you have a nice day, Daddy?”
Bret’s heart warmed. His oldest girl was the nurturer in the family. Always thinking of others. “I did.” A memory of holding Nina in his arms flashed into his mind, making him smile. That had been a very nice part of his day. She’d felt so soft and warm in his arms. He shoved the notion aside.
“Will you be home soon, Daddy?”
“No, Georgie, I have to work tonight, but we’ll talk when I get home, okay?”
After a few phone kisses and a couple of love yous, Bret ended the call and closed his eyes, rubbing them to ease the tiredness. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to get the hang of working and being a single dad. If it wasn’t for Alan, he’d be at the office every night. If the company would turn a profit, he might be able to take on more help, but right now, that was out of the question. They were barely staying afloat.
It was nearly five o’clock when Bret finished preparing for the computer class he would be conducting this evening. He needed to check with Nina about tonight. The widows’ group met this evening, and he suspected she planned on taking a cab back to the hotel. Not a good idea.
The door to her office was open when he entered the reception area, which meant she didn’t have a patient. He stopped at the doorway of her office. She was deep in concentration, no doubt preparing for her first group therapy session with the widows. He had to admire her diligence.
He tapped on the door frame. She looked up and smiled, causing an unexpected catch in his pulse. She had a beautiful smile. She needed to display it more often. “I just wanted you to know that I have a class tonight, so I can still take you home when you’re done.”
“Are you sure I won’t be putting you out?”
“Not in the least. Knock on my door when you’re ready to leave.” She nodded, and he tore his gaze from her pretty blue eyes, reminding himself that he had a lousy track record with women. He scolded himself mentally and turned away, making a beeline for his office.
He had to watch himself where his new tenant was concerned. She obviously had issues, and she wasn’t like one of his vets, whom he could easily connect with. They had shared experiences. He had no idea what Nina had been through. But something about the woman had latched on to him and he couldn’t ignore her.
