by June Faver
“I know.” He shook his head. “We can’t rewrite history. Let’s just figure out where we’re going from here. Why do you suppose Kenny happened to show up at this particular time?”
“I don’t know.”
“I mean, he hasn’t exactly been a model father. No child support. No visits.”
“I know, Dad. You don’t have to remind me.” She lolled her head back on the headrest.
“Sorry. I just want to know why he’s back now.”
She sucked in a deep breath and let it all out at once. “I have no idea, but whatever it is, I’m sure he’s got an agenda of his own.”
Henry’s brows drew together. “That’s what I’m afraid of. I think I’ll have to call Sheriff Vern Garland tomorrow. See what he has to say.”
* * *
The next day, when Reggie was in her office going over the ad sales with Elvis, she congratulated him on signing up two new advertisers.
“I’m so proud of you, Elvis. You’re really doing a great job.”
Elvis grinned sheepishly as a red stain crept up his neck. “Thanks, Miss Reggie. I’m trying to do a good job for you.”
A soft tap on the door interrupted their meeting. Gayle opened it and peeked inside. “Sorry to disturb you, but there’s a…a gentleman here to see you.”
Reggie glanced at her calendar. “Hmm…I’m not expecting anyone.”
“He said his name is Kenny Landers and he was sure you would make time for him.” Gayle looked uncertain.
Reggie’s stomach knotted up in fear. Her breath seemed to have been squeezed from her lungs. She pressed her lips together. “Fine. I’ll see him.”
Elvis gathered his pages and slipped out of the room just before Gayle returned, escorting a smug Kenny into the office.
“Hey, babe. I thought I would drop in to see how you’re doing.” Uninvited, he plopped into the chair Elvis had vacated.
“I see.” She closed the ledger she had been working on.
He craned his neck, looking all around her office. “Looks like you hit the big time, girl. You’re the big boss now.” He shook his head. “Who woulda thunk it? My sweet little wifey made it to the top of the heap.”
“I’m really busy right now.”
“Too busy to spend some time with the man who loves you?”
Reggie snorted indelicately. “No, you don’t get to play that card, Kenny. If you had loved me, you would never have left.”
He looked injured. “Aw, babe. I was confused. I didn’t know what I wanted.” He put his boots on the edge of her desk, seemingly completely at ease. “Seems like you’ve done pretty well for yourself. You must be making some serious bucks now.”
She struggled to maintain a disinterested expression. “I really do have work to do.”
Kenny sat up straight, dropping his feet heavily to the floor. “Are you throwing me out?”
“I’m busy. What can’t you understand about that?”
He glowered at her. “I understand, all right. You’re brushing me off.”
“Well, I didn’t know you were coming. Most people call for an appointment.”
Pushing himself out of the chair with both hands on the armrests, he towered over her. “An appointment?” He leaned over her desk, pointing a finger at her. “You don’t tell me what to do.” His face reddened, and a vein stood out on his forehead. “You’re my wife, and you don’t talk to me like that.” He slammed his fist on her desk.
Her heart pulsed in her ears, but she lifted her chin, determined not to be bullied. “I am not your wife,” she said softly. “I haven’t been your wife for some time.”
“Excuse me, Ms. Stafford.” Gayle stood in the doorway. “I took the liberty of calling the sheriff’s office. They just pulled up outside.”
The tightness in Reggie’s chest loosened a bit as she managed to aim a smile in Gayle’s direction. “Thank you, Gayle. Please show Mr. Landers out. He was just leaving.”
Kenny snarled at Reggie before stomping out of her office.
Gayle stepped aside just in time to avoid a collision. “Oh, my!”
Reggie slowly covered her eyes with both hands. “Thanks.”
“Who was that man?” Gayle stepped into the office.
“My ex…my very ex-husband.”
* * *
Gayle’s heart was beating so fast she thought it might flutter out of her chest. The man named Kenny Landers had been a football player at the high school, but he had been a couple of years ahead of her. The rough-looking man who had just departed gave the impression that he had been living under a bridge. He needed a haircut, and the scruff on his face looked more like neglect than an attempt to look sexy.
Her boss appeared to be quite shaken. Whatever the reason for their encounter, it had not been a good one. Reggie had dropped her face into her hands. Although she was not weeping, she was close to tears, and her voice had risen a whole octave.
The Landers guy had been enraged when he left. As he’d passed her in the doorway, his jaw was clenched so tight a vein had popped out at his temple.
“Um, he’s gone now,” she said. “There’s a deputy outside in his cruiser. Do you want to talk to him?”
Reggie gnawed her lower lip. “Yes… No… I don’t know.”
“Well, why don’t you just have a chat with him? It couldn’t hurt.” Gayle looked at Reggie, hoping to encourage her.
Reggie swallowed hard. “Yes… Ask him to step in.”
Gayle left the office door open and made her way quickly to the front of the building. Yes, the deputy was still parked in front. She stepped out and knocked on the driver’s side window.
The deputy lowered the window. “What can I do for you, young lady?”
She had to smile at that. “Could you please come inside to speak to the editor? Ms. Stafford is pretty shaken up.”
The deputy climbed out and gave her a salute of sorts, with two fingers touching the brim of his hat. He left the lights flashing as he sauntered up the steps and into the Gazette office.
Gayle heaved a sigh, glad that her life was not as complicated as Reggie Lee’s.
“Are you okay?”
She turned around to find Paul Harmon gazing at her. She nodded absently. “I’m fine.”
“I was driving by and saw the flashing lights and thought I should make sure you were all right.” Concern was written all over his face. “I was afraid something might have happened here. You know, there are crazy people out there.”
Gayle felt like hugging him. “That is so sweet, Paul. I’m fine, but my boss…not so much.”
His brow furrowed. “Oh? What’s going on?” He reached out to her, and without thinking she reached back. Now they were holding hands in the newspaper parking lot.
“It was personal. Her ex came for an unannounced visit, and I had to call the sheriff’s office. The ex left when the patrol car arrived.”
“I can’t imagine,” he said. “Of course I cannot imagine having an ex. When I marry, I hope my wife will keep me around forever.” He raised her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss against it.
This small gesture caused a squeezing sensation in Gayle’s chest. She couldn’t control the wide grin that spread across her face, and when she leaned into his embrace, she lingered, soaking up the feeling of being surrounded by someone who truly cared for her.
* * *
Frank read the New York Times online and sipped his coffee. He worked the daily crossword and the Sudoku, then deleted them. Bored, he turned on the wide-screen television and flipped through the channels. Nothing.
Maybe he would go out for a walk. Maybe not.
For some reason he couldn’t fathom, the joy seemed to have faded from his life. He scrambled to find something to occupy his time…anything to take the place of the beautiful face resonating in his brain.
He had dreamed about Reggie Lee and how sweet she looked with Shannon and how peaceful she appeared when she slept in his arms. He awoke with a smile on his face, imagining he could smell the soft fragrance of her hair, longing to touch her skin. An ache rolled through him, causing physical pain from his gut through his chest. How can one guy be so messed up? Surely he could step away, if that was what she truly wanted.
In school, she had always been the smartest person in every class they’d shared. Now, it seemed she was smart enough to realize their differences and decide she didn’t want to prolong the agony.
He sucked in a breath, telling himself she hadn’t rejected him. She had merely replied to Mr. Nice Guy’s email.
“But I’m Mr. Nice Guy.”
Somehow, it just didn’t seem fair.
He rolled out of the leather recliner and stomped around the condo. Perhaps he could change. If he had to make a choice between Reggie Lee and everything else in the world, could he turn his back on the life he had created and settle in a small Texas Hill Country town where everyone thought the same way, attended one of the five churches, and voted the same ticket?
He wound up in the sparkling-clean kitchen, where he never cooked. Opening the refrigerator, he stared at the meager contents. He should just put on his jacket and go shopping. Surely laying in some basic supplies would lift his spirits. There was a deli and market a block away. He would browse the items and fill up the empty space in the fridge—and maybe the dead space in his heart.
Frank rode the elevator down all by himself. It seemed the other condo owners were either at work or locked inside their own ivory towers.
The doorman snapped to attention. “Good afternoon, Mr. Bell, sir. Enjoy your outing.”
Frank nodded at him, unable to recall his name.
Once outside, the air was brisk and smelled…well, like city air. He inhaled exhaust fumes mingled with odors from food vendors. He picked up his pace, passing the food cart where the vendor was serving up a sauerkraut-topped hot dog.
Yes, he reasoned. The city was where he belonged. He couldn’t imagine Reggie plodding along these streets, hanging onto Shannon’s hand.
Frank shook his head. That wasn’t right. He would carry Shannon if they were walking somewhere. Or he would hail a cab or hire a car. He swallowed hard, thinking they could make it work…if she was willing to make it work.
He waited for the light to change and then crossed to enter the corner market. Selecting a basket, he set out to find food, a basic instinct. He followed his nose to the bakery section and chose a fresh loaf of pumpernickel and one of whole wheat. Feeling foolish for his impulse purchases, he knew the bread would turn green before he could eat it, but he couldn’t make himself put one back.
At the deli counter he ordered a half pound each of smoked turkey and pastrami plus a variety of cheeses. He moved down the line toward the cashier.
“You wan’ some sides or a pickle?” The tiny lady behind the counter gazed at him dispassionately, her hair hidden under a white cap and her hands in oversize plastic gloves.
He nodded. “Sure. Give me a pickle and some potato salad.”
“How about a side of slaw?” She gestured to a cabbage mélange.
“Um, okay.” When she had served him, he moved to the line waiting to pay the cashier.
“Hello, Frank.” A low-pitched female voice spoke close to his ear.
He turned. “Uh, hello.” The sultry-looking brunette looked familiar, but he couldn’t recall her name.
“Why didn’t you call me to let me know you were in the city?” She threw her head back, tossing her mane of hair and puffing out her breasts.
“Well, I wasn’t sure when I would be back.” He gazed at her uncertainly.
Her eyes narrowed. “I can’t believe it! You don’t even remember me.” She punched his arm. “Dammit! We had a great time.”
Frank expelled a deep breath. “I’m sure we did, it’s just—”
The brunette tapped her stiletto impatiently. “Just what?” she snapped.
“I think I’m in love with someone…someone wonderful.” He flashed a brief smile, hoping for understanding. “I can’t seem to even think about anyone else.”
“Well! I’ve never been treated like this.” She tossed her hair again. “Trust me, Franklin Bell. Your reputation will be trashed by the time I get through with you. You’ll never get another date in this town.” She huffed out a breath and spun on her very high heels, taking long strides to the exit.
“Next,” the cashier sang out.
Frank felt as though he was in a daze. Suddenly it all made sense. He handed his Visa card to the man behind the cash register. A grin split his face. At last, he knew what he had to do.
* * *
The next afternoon, Gayle stopped by the animal shelter. She planned to make sure the orange kitten was still available for adoption in case she needed to swap out another deserving animal. The volunteers greeted her enthusiastically, delighted that she was going to feature some of their furry friends in the Gazette.
She went back to see Rusty the kitten, feeling both happy and sad that he was still occupying a cage with another kitten.
He came to the bar and reached a little white paw out to her.
Gayle scratched him on the head. “Don’t you worry, little fellow. I’m going to show the citizens of Rambling how adorable you are. I’m sure the perfect person will fall in love with you and rush in to pay your bail.”
She took a couple of pictures of other felines and then went to the canine side of the shelter. The dogs were excited and perked up immediately, greeting her with yips and arfs. “Hi, guys.” She was sad to see that Bubba was still in his cage but was told that Heidi, the smaller dog, had been adopted.
“Well, good for you, Heidi.” She made herself a promise that she would beef up Bubba’s story so that the right person would come in to rescue him.
She took a couple more pictures of dogs and then came to an abrupt stop, staring at a small, fluffy dog. It was white with black and brown spots on it.
Gayle could hardly breathe. Could this be Violet? “This dog!”
The volunteer came over and opened the cage. “Isn’t she cute? Such a little puff ball. Look at her little plume of a tail.” She turned the dog around to show off her fluffy little tail.
“Does she have a collar?” Gayle asked, reaching out to sink her fingers into the luxurious fur.
“No collar, and she isn’t chipped.” The volunteer offered her to Gayle. “Just hold her. You’ll fall in love.”
Gayle snuggled the dog against her chest, delighted when the dog licked her cheek. “Oh, I want this dog.”
“Awesome. There are a bunch of papers to fill out.” The volunteer grinned. “We can’t let just anyone adopt one of our little fur kids.”
Gayle stroked the dog’s head, locking her gaze to the bright and shiny shoe-button eyes. “I’ll do whatever it takes…but I’m taking Violet home with me today.”
The woman’s eyes opened wide. “Violet? That’s a perfect name. She looks like a lovely little Violet.”
Gayle followed the volunteer to the front office where she filled out a massive amount of paperwork, describing her home and fenced yard as well as her willingness to provide ongoing veterinarian care. She then forked over a plastic card to pay for the adoption fee.
If this was truly Violet, then she was sure Paul would be thrilled to have her back…but if he had manufactured an imaginary Violet to get her attention, she would keep Violet for herself. This was a win-win situation all around. The truth would come out, and Violet would have a home.
Chapter 15
“Where are you going?” Henry stood with his hands fisted at his waist.
Reggie pulled the knitted cap down to cover Shannon’s ears. “I thought I would take Shannon to the pa
rk. We can’t stay cooped up here forever.”
“Yes, you can.” He nodded to the window. “Is that your ex sitting a couple of doors down in that ratty old truck?”
A sinking feeling enveloped her as she rushed to the window. “Oh, no! I mean, yes. It’s him.” She closed the drapes and peeked out. “What is he doing out there?”
Henry reached for the phone. “I’ll take care of this.” He punched in some numbers and made a guttural sound deep in his throat. “Hey, Vern. You remember that louse, Kenny Landers?” A short pause. “Yeah, my daughter’s ex-husband. Well, he’s stalking her. Sitting right outside the house. And he made a scene at her office yesterday.”
Reggie sat on the floor, clutching Shannon close. “It’s going to be okay, baby. Don’t be scared.”
Shannon gazed at her with big eyes and a solemn expression.
Henry covered the receiver with his hand. “She’s not scared. Don’t you be scared.”
She nodded furiously. “I’m not, Daddy.”
He rolled his eyes and returned the receiver to his ear. “That’s right, Vern.” He hung up and huffed out a sigh. “Why don’t you take Shannon to the kitchen for some ice cream?”
“Ice cream? Daddy, it’s a little cool for ice cream.”
“Just take her out of here, okay?”
“Ice cweam!” Shannon squealed.
Reggie gathered her daughter and headed to the back of the house. She glanced at her dad, who peered through the glass panel high on the front door, glaring fiercely.
Shannon tugged on her hand. “Ice cweam.”
Reggie allowed herself to be drawn to the kitchen, where she seated her daughter at the table. She opened the freezer, staring at two gallon tubs of ice cream. “Too bad. It looks like we’re all out of ice cream. How about a couple of cookies?”
Shannon’s lips formed a pout, which quickly disappeared when Reggie reached for the cookie jar. “Let’s see what we have. Oh, there are some peanut butter cookies in here and some chocolate chip. Would you like one of each?”
Shannon nodded vigorously.
The sound of a siren blurted one short blast just outside their house. Reggie quickly arranged the cookies on a paper napkin and hurried to join her father.