by Rachel Hauck
As much as he loved seeing his kids, the cream of the weekend was walking into Trudy’s with Coral Winthrop on his arm.
To be clear, his kids were, always would be, commanders of his heart. But showing up with a hot, rich babe . . . How could a guy go wrong?
Sitting at the nook in his little kitchen in his little Woodbridge house, he reveled in his weekend memories.
Coral? Knocked it clean out of the park. Not only was she stunning on the outside, she was gorgeous on the inside.
First time in his ten-year history with Trudy he’d seen her speechless. He played it up too.
“I’d like to introduce Coral Winthrop. Heiress, owner of CCW Cosmetics, and fashion icon.”
Trudy’s posse of skinny, surgically enhanced Jersey socialites abandoned her immediately to swarm Coral, who, with a sly wink at Chuck, told him to not worry about her. What a pro.
However, his comeuppance enjoyment ended the moment he saw Jakey. “Dad!” The boy flew into his arms, knocking him back.
My boy . . . my boy . . .
Yet it was Riley who sank him. She crashed into his leg, weeping. “I thought you forgot me.”
Scooping her up, he held her for the better part of a half hour as her tears soaked his new shirt from JCPenney.
When he caught Trudy watching, she turned away. That’s right, my kids need me.
On this Sunday evening, he was feeling confident about his chances of getting the TRO dropped. He poured another bowl of cereal and flooded the O’s with milk.
He made the most of his two hours on Saturday and Sunday, ignoring family and former friends to focus on his kids.
He hadn’t seen any of them since he blew up over the affair, and it felt good to be in command of himself, calm, peaceful, escorting Coral.
After she presented Trudy with a large CCW gift box, she joined Chuck, stooping down to the kids’ level, speaking with them as if they mattered.
Heart, don’t go falling in love.
The hedgie, Will—what a blockhead—actually put his phone down and introduced himself to Coral, trying to win favor by naming a mutual friend.
When he flirted with her, she cut him off in less than three words and slipped her hand into Chuck’s, playing the role of doting girlfriend.
That’s when Trudy cornered him.
“I didn’t know you were bringing a guest.”
“It was last-minute.”
“Coral Winthrop of CCW Cosmetics was last-minute?” She made a face. “Who is she really, Charles Mays? Don’t lie to me.”
But Chuck refused to battle with her. He was there for his kids.
At one point, Jakey whispered in his ear, “I never told, Daddy.”
“I knew you wouldn’t.”
The hour passed too quickly, but Chuck left without being asked. Coral linked her arm through his as they walked out, never looking back.
Then this afternoon, Riley had clung to him. She insisted Chuck be the king at the head of her royal princess table.
Once again Coral had tongues wagging. She looked like a million bucks coming and going. He owed her big-time for this weekend.
Chuck finished his cereal and carried his bowl to the dishwasher.
Yeah, he owed Coral big. She brought the best present for both kids on Sunday.
Giant, amazingly illustrated and professionally printed magic-book posters for Jakey and Riley.
The kids didn’t remember the stories at first, but as he retold the ones he remembered, they went wild. Riley immediately gathered her little friends for a game of “jumping in the book” and Jakey rallied his friends to do the same.
Just remembering choked him up.
“Coral, when, how?” he whispered as she leaned against him.
“This past week. I had our art department work them up. I would’ve brought them yesterday but there was a holdup at the printers.”
He wanted to kiss her smack on the lips and not just for the posters.
Each poster featured a book boldly titled The Magic Book and had a perfect depiction of the kids. Coral said the artist stalked Trudy’s Facebook profile for pictures.
Jakey’s poster was of a train engineer chugging over the Rockies. Riley’s depicted a princess riding a pony over the clouds.
The artist added the words, “Whenever you want to dream, jump into a book.”
In addition to the posters for the twins, Coral had smaller versions made for the party guests.
Seeing her outside of the society, and not as a headline on a tabloid, Chuck wondered how the prince ever let her go. He’d have sailed the high seas to get her back.
She was real, genuine, and hot. Did he say that already?
As if the posters weren’t enough, she brought more CCW gift boxes for the moms and cases of Pink Coral lip gloss for Riley and her friends.
He offered to pay her back, but she refused.
Now that the day was over and he was back in his little house, he relived each hour, trying to remember every detail.
He shut off the lights and jogged the narrow stairs to his room, stepping over the drop cloth and paint cans he’d left out to finish painting the hallway.
He’d completed remodeling his bedroom and bath two months ago but ran out of energy for the final touches.
In the bathroom, he dropped his clothes in the hamper, stepped into his sleeping pants, and brushed his teeth.
Flopping down on his bed, he linked his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling, hanging on to the hope he felt. Did he dare to believe his days of estrangement were going to end?
He’d apologized to Trudy many times. Even sent her a text after Riley’s party, apologizing again and thanking her profusely—swallowing whatever pride he had left—for allowing him to see the twins.
He submitted himself to her mercy, if she actually possessed any, for a chance to remove the restraining order. They’d have to go to court together. She’d have to convince the judge on his behalf.
Tomorrow night’s story society would be interesting. This had been a big weekend for them all.
Jett and Lexa had attended his mom’s wedding and brother’s memorial. A wedding at a funeral? Now there was a story waiting to be told.
Then there was Ed’s trip to the top of the GW. Chuck had watched to make sure he made it to the top okay, then picked up a fare.
Ed never called, so Chuck assumed he arrived home safely. And there was nothing in the news of an old man leaping from the GW. He checked.
However, he felt certain there was more to Ed’s bridge story than he let on.
Laundry. The random thought shot him out of bed. If he didn’t toss a load in he’d be wearing dirty underwear this week.
Filling the washing machine, Chuck considered his work schedule. He’d agreed to a couple of evenings with Elite Limo. While he preferred driving for himself, the limo tips were incredible.
Back in bed, he picked up Rites of Mars hoping to get to the end of the chapter before falling asleep. Jett was a good storyteller. Really good.
He’d just started chapter twenty when a text came in. Coral.
Is it weird I’m still floating from the weekend? I really had fun. Thank you for letting me horn in and be a part of your kids’ story.
Are you kidding? Thank YOU for coming. For the posters. Best gift ever. I’m still floating myself. You were the hit of both parties. Trudy was impressed.
Maybe too much? I took away some of her attention.
Ha. Don’t worry. Not your fault. She does like to be the life of every party. Center of attention.
Did you know she invited me back? I think you’ll see your kids again soon.
She what!? Well, that’s bonus, good news. I’m working up the nerve to ask her to remove the TRO.
I’ll say a prayer.
Please. See you tomorrow?
Story Society. 8:00.
Smiling, he tried to go back to Stovall and his plight on Mars, but Coral filled his imagination. When he’d read the
same sentence five times he closed the book and called her.
“Chuck? Is everything all right?” she said.
“Yeah, sure, I just . . .” He sat on the side of the bed. Just what? Say something. “The posters . . . How much do I owe you?”
“Owe me?” Her voice dropped. “Nothing, Chuck. I told you, it was my pleasure.”
“Are you sure, because I didn’t bring a gift. You were going to help me . . .”
“The entire art department had a blast working on the concept.” Her tone was flat. Insulted. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Okay, and, um, thanks. Really.”
“Is that all?”
Don’t hang up . . . Don’t hang up. “I was wondering about you. Any news on your double databases?”
“Oh, that, well, yes, my mole Teddy tracks their activity. If they move money to another account, I’ll have to act fast, but so far they are letting their account build up.”
“Any idea why they’d do this to you?”
“Besides greed? No.”
“Who can understand a criminal’s mind, right?”
“That’s just it, Chuck. I don’t think they are criminals. Greedy, yes. Stupid. For sure. Calculating. But criminal? I don’t see that in either one of them.”
“Betrayal is the worst. Especially by people you trust. Hard to like or respect betrayers. It’s the worst kind of selfishness.”
Her silence lingered long enough for three heartbeats. “Yes, I suppose it is.”
After that the conversation stalled and he wished her a good night. It was when he hung up he realized what he’d said.
“Hard to like or respect betrayers.”
The prince guy . . . Coral had betrayed him in some way by running off. It was a wonder Chuck wasn’t choking to death, since he stuffed his fat foot into his mouth.
He grabbed Mars and tried to read but couldn’t, so he snapped off the light. Think, Chuck, think before you speak. His mother preached that almost every day.
Snatching up his phone, he texted Coral.
Sorry. Wasn’t thinking.
Lying back, phone on his chest, he closed his eyes and waited for her to respond, desperately trying to recapture the joy from the day, the joy from five minutes ago.
Don’t let one misstep sour the whole weekend. But he’d inadvertently insulted the woman who made the two parties sparkle.
He’d just drifted off when his ringtone blasted, jolting him upright. Coral? But no, Trudy’s number filled the screen.
“Trudy? Are the kids all right?”
“They’re fine. What I want to know is what you’re up to?” Her hard tone pelted him.
“Up to? Nothing. Just want to love and help raise my kids.”
“Behind my back?”
“Behind your . . . ? Trudy, just say it. No games. I’m tired.”
“Did your snooty heiress wear you out?”
“Don’t be vulgar.” He capped his temper. If he lost it with her, she’d use it against him.
“Did you go to the twins’ school?”
Oh boy. “What? No.”
“That’s funny because as I was tucking Jakey into bed tonight, he regaled me with magic-book nonsense and how he wanted to jump in and pretend his daddy would visit him at school again.”
Jakey, oh, Jakey. “He’s six, Tru. Sometimes pretend and reality are the same.”
“You didn’t visit him at his school?”
“What did he say exactly?”
“You tell me. What did he say?”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t the one tucking him in.” &#@!&. How was he going to get out of this?
“Chuck, tell me the truth. So help me, you and your stupid magic book have him all turned around.”
“Jakey knows how to tell the truth. At least he did when I was in the house. Or has Will taught him to lie?”
“I won’t dignify that with an answer.” Her breath was fire in his ear. “He said he invited you to the party when he saw you at the playground fence. Is that why you went to my mother? Huh? If you showed up at their school I will file for a final restraining order. You’ll never see them again.”
“Really? Is that what you want? To take their father from them?” Shut up, man. Shut up. “You cheat on me and I end up watching from the outside. You saw how Riley clung to me. She thought I forgot her. Is that what you want? For your daughter to have this, this rejection, just to get back at me? I lost my temper and I’m sorry, but don’t make them pay.”
“You waved a gun at us and terrified the children.”
He sighed and ran his hand over his face. “It wasn’t loaded. I would never hurt you or the kids.”
“I don’t care. You threatened our safety and I’ll never forgive you.”
“You cheated on me, Tru. I loved you and you brought another man in to my home. How is that any better? Lust is still one of the seven deadly sins, I believe. Waving an empty gun around never made the list.”
“You broke the law. And I believe anger is on that list.”
“So did you. The law of our marriage vows. We got married in the church, for crying out loud. Now you’re hurting the kids, punishing them by keeping me away. Even worse, by subjecting them to that slick-haired-money-grabbing-phone-addict of a boyfriend.”
“What do you call bringing Coral Winthrop to my house? Huh? I ought to file for the FRO just because you’re such a liar. How much did you pay that model to mimic Coral Winthrop?” Proof. His ex-wife was certifiable. “And the CCW products and those posters—you’ll be driving twenty-four seven to pay for those. How would you even know the real Coral Winthrop, huh? You drive Uber and limousines for prom nights and drunk businessmen.”
“Trudy, as much as I love the sound of you shrieking in my ear, do you have a point? I have an early day tomorrow.” Not that he’d fall asleep anytime soon.
“Is she your girlfriend?”
“No.”
“Did you bring her just to show me up?”
“How did Coral Winthrop show you up?” He hadn’t planned on showing up his ex, it was just an unexpected perk.
“Everyone whispering how great you are if you won over the real Coral Winthrop. And wasn’t I so mean to keep the kids from you. But they weren’t there that night. I have nightmares about it.”
“So do I. Believe me, so do I. I have the added bonus of seeing you in our bed with another man.”
“You listen to me, Chuck Mays. Stay away from the kids’ school. Stay away from me.”
“Do you hear yourself? You’re mad because I did something nice for the kids? This is all about you.”
“I’m warning you. Don’t let that long-legged blonde Barbie come sniffing around here either.”
“They’re my kids, too, Trudy. I’m not too thrilled your cheating hedgie—”
“Stop calling him that, Chuck.”
“—is in their life.”
“I’m calling the shots. And don’t you forget it.”
She hung up and Chuck fired his phone across the bed. He got up and started pacing, hands flexing into fists, releasing, and flexing again.
She was an evil, jealous witch.
He ran downstairs for a water, but his middle was full of burning coals. He tossed the bottle back into the fridge, then ran upstairs again, stopping at the paint cans and drop cloth.
Might as well work. He was too mad to sleep. He pried the lid from a can of paint, then slumped down against the wall.
The house built for one was suddenly too small. He had to get out of here before the old walls closed in.
Yanking his gym bag from the closet shelf, Chuck threw a few things in and hammered down the stairs. He locked up and burned through the cool air toward his car.
He fired up the engine, then made a call.
“Feel like company?” he said. “Naw, just Trudy the nut job. Tell you when I get there.”
Chapter 28
Ed
The morning light brightened the kitchen as he washed th
e cast-iron skillet he’d used to make a hearty breakfast of eggs and bacon.
His very own granny used to cook for him with the same skillet, and he sometimes imagined he could still taste her fried pork chops.
She’d be 121 were she alive. Born in 1898, in a world on the verge of a new century, in a city ripe for industrial and moral revolutions.
“Ed, thanks again, man.” Chuck dropped his bag on the kitchen counter.
“Did you sleep good?” The circles under his eyes said he did not.
“Too much going on in my mind.”
“You did the right thing, reaching out to a friend.”
Chuck dug a tumbler out of his bag and motioned to the coffeepot. Ed nodded. “Finish it up. I’ve had my two cups.”
“Trudy knows how to get under my skin.” Chuck fell against the counter and peered around the large airy kitchen that hadn’t been updated since the eighties. “How long have you lived here?”
“Almost forty-eight years. A lifetime. Holly was a toddler when we bought the place. You know, you shouldn’t let her get to you. If we love when it’s easy, it’s of no credit to us. Anyone can love when it’s easy. But if we love when it’s hard, then we are all the better. We gain what we cannot see.”
“Clearly you’ve not met my ex.” Chuck glanced back as he meandered into the den. Toward the typewriter. Too late for Ed to stop him. “You didn’t have a difficult marriage. Didn’t get cheated on and threatened.” The big guy hovered over Ed’s Underwood and the stack of paper. “How’s the memoir?”
“Turns out writing a book is a lot harder than I imagined.” Ed made a racket of putting the iron skillet away in the oven drawer. “Can I get you anything else?”
“I should be going.” Chuck snatched up his duffel bag. “Thanks for letting me crash. I just had to get out . . . My place was closing in. Driving clears my head.”
“Are you ever going to tell us what really happened with your ex? Why she won’t let you see the kids?”
“I told you. I caught her in an affair and lost my temper.”
“Is that why you had to get out of Woodbridge at eleven o’clock at night? Your temper?”
Chuck’s big frame moved with wildcat grace. He snapped up his bag. “Sorry to have bothered you, old man.”