Fallen: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World)

by Rebecca Barber

  “Th-th-thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I went to take a step back to give her room, but she flipped the hold, taking hold of my hand. Not giving me a chance to ask any questions, she pushed up on her toes, grabbed a fist full of my shirt and pressed her lips against mine.

  12

  LILY

  Thankfully this week had been super busy, so I hadn’t had time to sit and stress about how stupid I’d been. Kissing Zach. What was I thinking? I’d like to pretend I was drunk, and I could’ve blamed it on the booze, but the only thing I was drunk on was him.

  Sage had been off sick for the last couple of days, so I was trying to do it all myself and it wasn’t working. Not when I had four funerals, a school dance, and on Saturday a wedding to prepare for. On top of that, I was still trying to take care of Ava. Thankfully she was asleep at the moment, allowing me to use both hands as I tried to put together Mrs. Straughton’s casket arrangement.

  As quickly as I could, I stepped over Malteser who was sunning himself on the floor and grabbed the buckets of white roses and calla lilies and got to work. I was just finishing up when the bells on the door jingled. Pasting on a smile, I forced cheeriness into my voice ready to greet a customer. As exhausted as I was, I couldn’t afford to offend potential customers.

  “Good morning.”

  “Good morning. Are you Lily?”

  Caught a little off guard, I stepped behind the counter and wiped my hands on my apron. “Yes.”

  “I’m Linda, Zach’s Mom.”

  I don’t know if that was supposed to put me at ease or make me even more anxious. “Oh. Hello.”

  “Please, don’t let me get in your way. I was just hoping to steal a sneak peek at the girl who has my son wrapped around her little finger.”

  Ah. That made sense. She was here to see Ava, not me. I didn’t like the wave of disappointment that flowed through me, but I forced it aside.

  “Ava’s asleep at the moment. But she’s just in the office…”

  “Oh, she’s here. Is her sitter ill? I thought she’d be at home. I was just going to see if there was a time I could stop by and meet her.”

  “Nope. She’s here. With me. Usually, I’m not here as long or as hands on, but unfortunately Sage, my offsider, is sick. So, I’m it.”

  I hated feeling like I had to explain myself, but I couldn’t stand the thought of her thinking less of me.

  “Oh, sweetheart. I know Zach’s on shift at the moment, but can I help at all?” she offered, looking at me sympathetically.

  I was torn. I didn’t know this lady from a bar of soap, but I was desperate for some help, even if it was only long enough for me to take a bathroom break and grab something to eat.

  “I don’t…”

  “Why don’t you call Zach and check? He’ll vouch for me. I raised him after all…”

  “And you raised him right,” I confirmed, watching as she smiled proudly. “You don’t mind?”

  “Not at all. I’d do exactly the same if some weird lady walked in off the street and offered to help.”

  Making the snap decision, I took her up on her offer. I didn’t have much choice. I was desperate and she was offering me the help I desperately needed. Grabbing my phone from beside the register, I moved towards the corner of the shop, trying to locate the orange roses I was sure I’d seen stashed over here.

  “Thanks. I won’t be a second.”

  I hadn’t heard from Zach since I’d kissed him and then put as much distance as possible between us. Knowing I needed to do this, I found his contact and waited for him to answer.

  “Lily?”

  “Hey, Zach. I didn’t catch you at a bad time, did I?”

  “Not really. I’m on shift, but all good. What’s up?”

  “Well, there’s a lady here, Linda. She said she’s your mom and she’s offered to give me a hand.”

  “What?”

  “Your mom is here. Says she wants to help.”

  “Shit! Do you need help?”

  “Well… actually. Yeah. I could use a hand,” I admitted, trying not to feel ashamed. Asking for help wasn’t easy and it was definitely something I wasn’t good at.

  “I can’t come and help you now. Maybe I can see if I can swap—”

  “Zach!” He kept babbling. “Zach!” I tried again to get his attention.

  “Yeah?”

  “I don’t need you to swap your shift or run down here and save me. I was just checking to see if you had any issues with your mother helping me out.”

  “Issues? Like what?”

  “Well, considering I’ve never met your mother, I was hoping you could tell me she was who she says she is for starters?”

  Zach described the woman perfectly down to the color of her shoes and the handbag that dangled from her arm. There was no doubt the woman standing, gazing lovingly into the office where Ava slept was Zach’s mom.

  “Okay. Well, if you’re looking for her, she’s going to be down here at the shop with me for a while.”

  “No worries.”

  In the background an alarm went off. “Shit, sorry, Lily. Gotta run. I’ll check in when I can.”

  “Stay safe.”

  Zach ended the call and I pulled my phone away from my ear and stared at it for a few seconds, imagining him jumping into the engine and racing towards a burning building with very little regard for his own safety. Crossing my fingers, I hoped he’d be home safe.

  “Everything okay?” Linda called out, snapping me back into the here and now.

  “Yep. Zach’s just had a call out.”

  “Ah. That explains the face.”

  “What face?”

  “The one you’re wearing right now, sweetheart. The face that’s worried for him and wishing he had a safer job.”

  “My face says all that?” I asked, reaching up and touching my cheeks.

  “Yes, but don’t worry. I only recognize it because I’ve felt like that since he announced all those years ago that being a firefighter was what he wanted to do with his life. Trust me, I tried to talk him out of it, but Zach’s as stubborn as his father was, God rest his soul. But he’s good at what he does. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. All you can do is pray he comes home in one piece.”

  “Wow. I don’t know how you do it.”

  “It’s easy. I do it because I love him. And Zach wouldn’t be the man he is today if he did something else. So, I just hold my breath, hope for the best and love him no matter what.”

  “He’s a good man.”

  “The best. But enough about my son. Now tell me, how can I help?”

  Fifteen minutes later and I found myself wondering how I’d ever done this without her. Linda had run down the street and picked us up a couple of sandwiches and coffees, before taking over answering the phone, organizing the invoices and keeping her eye on Ava, leaving me free to scurry about and put together orders.

  By the time three o’clock hit, somehow, we’d caught up and everything was ready to go. Kids filtered in collecting their corsages for the school dance, and Linda and I worked seamlessly handing them out and taking their payments.

  The afternoon flew by and soon enough, I was tallying up the register while Linda swept the floors. Surveying the damage, I was glad a delivery was coming tomorrow morning. I’d been completely cleaned out, which was a very good problem to have.

  “Well, that’s it. Time to head out.”

  “Goodnight, pretty girl. You behave for Lily tonight,” Linda told Ava, booping her nose and earning her a gurgle.

  “What are your plans for tonight?”

  “Ah, I’ll head back to Zach’s. Have a glass of wine and organize some dinner. Nothing exciting.”

  “Well, how about you come back to my place and we share a bottle of wine instead?”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I know I don’t, but you really helped me out today. Consider it my way of saying thank you.”

  �
�If you’re sure, that’d be lovely. Thank you.”

  While I collected my stuff and locked up, Linda got Ava organized and we were out the door and heading home.

  I left Linda and Ava rocking back and forth on the porch swing while I went inside and poured the wine.

  Heading back out, I paused inside the door and eavesdropped on their conversation.

  “I can see why Zach loves you so much, Ava. You’re such a beautiful little girl. And you deserve the world. I hope you get an amazing forever home, sweetheart.”

  There was a lump in my throat. Even though I agreed with everything she was saying, even the idea of having to say goodbye to Ava was something I wasn’t ready to do, and I seriously doubted I ever would.

  “Here we go!” I announced, pushing open the door and stepping out onto the porch.

  I handed Linda a glass of wine and sat down on the swing beside her. “Want me to take her?” I asked, suddenly needing her close.

  Linda transferred Ava into my arms and instantly a calm settled over me.

  “Do you mind if I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “So, you don’t have an accent but Zach does…”

  “Ah. Yes. I’m American born and bred. I met Zach’s dad when he was travelling. I was young and in love and Australia sounded like an adventure. So, I moved to the land down under, got married and then had Zach and his sister Madeline.”

  “But you came back?”

  “Yeah. When my husband died. Zach and Maddy were all grown up and living their own lives, and I wanted to come home. It was time.”

  “And Zach followed you?”

  “I don’t know why, but he did. And I’m glad he did. Having him nearby has been amazing. Even if he’s a bit bossy and demanding.”

  “I can see that.”

  “But he means well. Zach’s a good boy.”

  “I can see that too,” I admitted. I mean, there was no point denying it. Zach was a good guy.

  Ava started to squirm, and I knew it was time to get her bathed, fed and ready for bed. But my feet were aching, and I just wanted to sit for a few more minutes and enjoy watching the sun sink below the horizon and drink my wine. But Ava didn’t seem to agree with that plan.

  “Okay. Okay. I’ll get up.”

  “What’s wrong?” Linda asked, that motherly worried tone seeping into her voice effortlessly.

  “Oh, someone’s just had a big day and is ready for her dinner and then bedtime.”

  “Well, I should get out of your hair,” Linda announced, chugging down the last of her wine and standing up.

  “You don’t have to go,” I replied quickly. Actually, the last thing I wanted her to do was leave. I was enjoying having her company. With Sarah working shift work and her own family to chase after, Sage being a million years younger with completely different priorities, mainly men, I spent a lot of time alone. Too much time alone. And since that kiss the other day, even the memory had me wincing, I needed the distraction before I continued to analyze it to death. “I mean, I’d love it if you’d stay. I just need to get Ava bathed and off to bed.”

  “Can I help?” Linda piped up.

  “Absolutely.”

  And when Linda said help, she meant completely take over, shoo me out of the bathroom sending me to refill my wine and go sit on the porch. When she emerged half an hour later, she appeared carrying the blanket from the back of the couch and what was left of the bottle of wine.

  “Dinner will be here in twenty.”

  “Dinner? Dinner? You organized dinner?”

  Shit! I was the worst host in the world. I’d been too busy wiggling my toes to even think about food or feeding my guest.

  “Yeah. I hope you like pizza.”

  “Does anyone not like pizza?”

  “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  “Is Ava…”

  “Washed, fed and sound asleep.”

  “How’d you do that? It usually takes me over an hour to get her down.”

  “Practice. Oh look. Pizza’s early.”

  Sitting up, I spun around to find the sexiest pizza delivery guy striding up the front path. Damn him!

  13

  ZACH

  It’d been a long couple of days.

  I’d done back-to-back shifts with two-day shifts followed by three nights, and all I could think about was a hot shower and some sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. Pulling my truck into the drive, I saw Mom’s little buzz box already parked there. I thought she said she was going home, but obviously I’d got my days mixed up. Wouldn’t surprise me.

  Grabbing my bag off the back seat, I checked the mailbox and trudged up the driveway and through the back door only to be greeted with the smell of bacon. Oh yeah. I could get used to coming home to this.

  “Morning,” Mom greeted cheerfully as she flitted about my kitchen.

  “Ah, hi. Smells good in here.”

  “Thought you might be hungry.”

  I hadn’t even thought about food but now it was here, my stomach was rumbling loudly. “Starving actually.”

  “Great! I have bacon, eggs, waffles…”

  “Wow! What’s the big occasion?” I asked. I couldn’t remember the last time Mom had cooked for me like this.

  I watched as her cheeks blushed before she lifted her mug to her lips and took a sip. Dodging my question, she sent me for a shower, telling me I had ten minutes before breakfast would be ready. Making a mental note to circle back to this conversation, I headed down the hall, dumping my bag on my bedroom floor and headed for the bathroom.

  After getting cleaned up, I changed into a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and stumbled back out to the kitchen. I was halfway down the hallway when I did an about face and turned back to my bedroom. Something was different. Looking around, there was nothing obvious though. Nothing was missing. Everything seemed to be in its place. The blinds were open, but I couldn’t remember if I’d just forgotten to close them or not. With a shake of my head, I gave up trying to work it out and followed my nose hoping there was still orange juice in the fridge.

  Mom was already plating up as I dropped into the chair. “Looks good.”

  “I had some time and thought you could use some food before you pass out.”

  “Yeah. I have big plans for a long day of sleeping,” I told her, taking the first bite of the fluffy scrambled eggs she’d heaped onto my plate. I didn’t know what her secret was, and for as long as I lived, I was positive I’d never be able to make eggs like she did. It was her superpower.

  “I thought you might. I changed your sheets and vacuumed your room, so you can just rest.” She smiled as she sat down opposite me and smothered her waffle with syrup.

  “You didn’t have to do that,” I mumbled through a mouthful of food.

  “I know. But I’m your mother. It’s what we do. We take care of our kids.”

  “I’m not really a kid anymore, Mom.”

  “You’ll always be my kid, Zachary. No matter how big and how buff you get, you’ll always be my baby boy.”

  “So, you think I’m buff?” I teased.

  Rolling her eyes, Mom sighed. “Eat your breakfast.”

  It was nice sitting here talking about nothing, or not talking at all while we shared breakfast. When I worried about Mom being lonely over in Kellyville, I hadn’t stopped to think that maybe she wasn’t the only one. Having someone to come home to, even if it was my mom and not the woman of my dreams, was kinda nice.

  Rocking back in my chair, I drained the glass of juice that had appeared in front of me. “So, what are your plans today?”

  “I was actually going to go give Lily a hand,” Mom replied, her voice wavering.

  “Lily? Does she need help?”

  “Calm down there, Superman. She needs help at the shop, not with Ava. She’s doing an amazing job with her. It’s just juggling the two.”

  “What about Sage?”

  “Sage is still there.”

  Yawning loudly, I
knew my time was running out. I was going to crash and crash hard.

  “Are you enjoying working there?”

  “I really am. And Lily’s such a sweetheart. Can’t say no to anyone, even if it’s her biggest flaw.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, Mom’s comment piquing my interest. If someone was taking advantage of Lily’s generosity, then I was going to put an end to that. Tired or not.

  “Nothing terrible, so you can wipe that scowl off your face. No, it’s more that she makes sure everyone else has everything they need before she goes after what she wants. What she deserves.”

  Yeah. I could see that.

  “How can I help?”

  “You don’t need to do anything, Zach. I know it’s your instinct, to find a problem, run in and fix it. You’re so much like your dad in that way, but this isn’t a problem that can be fixed.”

  “Bet it is,” I grumbled under my breath.

  “Oh geez. Look at the time. I’m going to be late. I told Lily I’d open…”

  Mom started clearing the table like a mad woman. Reaching out, I grabbed her wrist, halting her. “Mom, go. I’ll clean up.”

  “You sure?” She didn’t look convinced. “I know how tired you are.”

  “I’m fine. I’m pretty sure I can clear the table and wash up a couple of plates.”

  Bending down, Mom pressed a quick kiss to my cheek before scooping her bag from the counter. “Thanks, sweetheart. You’re the best. Love you.”

  “Love you too, Mom,” I called out as she disappeared out the back door, bouncing down the steps and was gone.

  For five minutes I just sat there, my mind slowly whirling, before I stood up, tidied the kitchen, stacking the dishes in the sink and going to bed. Stripping off, I slid between the sheets completely naked and closed my eyes. I didn’t know if it was the clean, crisp, fresh linen scented sheets or all the conflicting thoughts bumbling around in my brain but within minutes, I was down for the count.

  It was after two when I woke up, feeling slightly more human and a lot less like a zombie, and after tossing a load of washing in the machine, I was craving a burger like no one’s business. After a quick call to Bowie, one that was met with a string of curses after waking his grumpy ass up, I was getting dressed and heading to Hooligans. It might’ve been three o’clock on a Wednesday, but who gave a shit? When you worked shifts like we did, days and times seemed to blend together.