“Is that you Jill?” Emma could barely see clear to the back.
“Yes Ma’am! Now let’s go, I want to do some singin’ and dancin’!”
This was going to be a good night.
***
Another group of ladies walked in. The bar was really busy tonight with all the singles or those who had no kids waiting for them at home. David hated working the bar on nights like this, but his boss needed an extra hand. David worked four different jobs around town, plus he had become the “Go To” man for home repairs and quick car repairs for those who had no one to do it for them. The bar job was one he hated to do the most, this wasn’t his life anymore, and his sponsor told him it wasn’t a good idea but it helped pay the bills.
With a heavy sigh, he turned to hand a guy his drink and was staring her in the face. He hadn’t seen Emma walk in. He handed the guy the glass, cleared his throat of the frog that took residence there every time he saw her, and asked, “What can I get for ya?” WOW! She looks beautiful when she dresses down. Wait, is that my hat and hoodie?
He couldn’t believe she had kept them.
“Um, just a soda.”
“Hey! What is taking so long? Come on Em, we have to pick our song.” When David looked up from pouring the drink, and saw his sister at the bar next to Emma. He put the glass down for Emma as quick as he could and then turned and walked to the other end of the bar. He was still reeling from Emma’s dad figuring out who he was, he knew his sister would too.
“I have an order to place, Bud!” Tiffany yelled at him down the bar. She always did have a big mouth. He signaled to another bartender to wait on her. It was going to be hard to avoid the whole party, but he would do what he could.
He had a hard time not watching Emma the whole night. The fact that she was here for karaoke was a bonus. He loved to hear her sing. It was hard not to stop and stare when she walked up to the microphone. She smiled at the DJ to indicate she was ready and David had to remind himself to breathe. That smile still took his breath away.
It was a joy to see her have a good time. The fact that a bunch of church ladies descended on the bar was a shock for him, but it was a breath of fresh air. They were all loud and crazy and not intoxicated. They were all just as fun to watch, but Emma stole the show for him.
His bar partner must have caught him watching Emma, because he walked over and made an off color remark to him about her. David turned to the guy with a smile plastered on his face to make the guy think he agreed, but then made the smile disappear and replied, “You touch her, I’ll make you hurt, for life. I may have Jesus in my life, but I’ll not let you lay a hand on her.”
“Wow! Someone is touchy. Do you know her? Or do you have plans to go after her yourself?”
“I do know her, from church. I respect her, and all those ladies she came in with. When you wait on them, you better pretend you’re a choirboy and behave yourself. Got it?”
He made sure he gave the guy a pointed look to make it clear that he would hold the guy to it. He gave a nod, made another unrepeatable remark and walked away. David didn’t care what the guy thought of him. He wasn’t here to play nice, but do a job.
Halfway through her song, Ann jumped up and almost ran to Emma and handed her a cell phone. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He could sense something was wrong. Emma looked down at where Ann pointed and then she dropped the microphone while trying to put it in the stand and ran out the door. The room was filled with a loud squeal as the microphone was dropped and people cringed.
He went for his jacket in the back room and ran out the front door. That’s when he ran right into Tiffany.
“Umpf!”
“Sorry”
“It’s okay, Ryan. You had better follow me.”
He froze just outside the door and stared at his sister as she jogged down the sidewalk.
“Wait? What?” He asked. He knew she would eventually figure it out as well, but he didn’t think she had noticed in such a dark room.
“You! Follow! NOW! It’s Sarah!”
That put power in his feet and he ran to the truck best as he could. By the time he climbed inside the truck, his leg was starting to throb. He turned the keys he had put into the ignition, slammed the truck into gear and squealed his tires as he sped out of the parking spot. His mind raced almost as fast as he drove the truck. Something was wrong with his baby girl.
He stayed a block behind all the way to the hospital. Until he knew how bad it was, he would stay in the shadows. When he got to the hospital, he saw his sister at the front entrance and she stopped him.
“Hold on brother dear.” He knew the tone, she was mad, most likely at him.
“I need to know what happened to Sarah, Tiff!” He was about to blow and he didn’t care at this point who knew who he was. His baby needed him.
“Before I tell you a thing, you have to answer a question.”
“I don’t want to play games. By the way, how did you know it was me?”
“I lived across the hall from you for 15 years and then I babysat the boys until Emma moved out of town. I can spot you a block away. I have known you were around town for the last six months. I’ve just been waiting for you to come out of the woodwork. Now my turn. WHERE IN THE WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN!?” She punched him in his left shoulder. It startled him but he figured he deserved it.
“In hiding! Look at me, Tiff! Now, what happened to Sarah!?” His blood was boiling right now and he was about to take it out on someone if he didn’t get answers, soon.
“We will talk more later.” She let out a sigh, he guessed, to clear her head. “She had a fall at Emma’s brother’s. He and his wife were nice enough to keep the kids for the night so we could get Emma out of the house. Well, Sarah apparently had a fall down the stairs while sleepwalking. That is all I know right now. I have no clue how bad the break is yet. Now are you going to come in or are you going to stay out here?”
He thought about it for a second. He could feel the fear coming on. It started in his stomach like a rock weighed it down, and then it started to creep up into his throat. God, I can’t. Not yet. I just can’t. “Will you come out here and report to me when you know? I can’t yet”
With an irritated sign, his sister nodded her head and walked to the door. She turned before she walked through the doors, looked straight at him and said, “You’re a fool, you know that right? Your daughter would love nothing more than to have her daddy hold her in this kind of situation and you are too caught up in your fear to come into the light. I love you big Bro, but you are a fool.” With that said, she turned back to the door and went into the hospital.
He sat on a stone bench by the door. He figured his heart weighed about as much as the bench. He knew his sister was right. He was a fool and a coward. He put his head in his hands and began to pray for his baby girl and his family.
He sat on that bench for a few more minutes and then he decided to leave. He couldn’t do anything here. Plus, he had to answer to his boss. That was going to be fun to explain.
***
Emma felt like she was going to fall apart at any moment. Her baby was hurt and she couldn’t do a thing about it. All she could do was sit and hold Sarah’s left hand while they wrapped her right. She would have to have someone write for her at school for the next few weeks. She heard a little whimper come out of her baby girl and she wanted to whimper right along with her. Emma felt bad, but she was just a little bit envious of her daughter because Emma had no one to turn and cry into. She had managed to go eight years without a major accident and all this one did was bring back all the memories of Ryan’s.
Emma was watching the nurse wrap Sarah’s arm when a hand touched her shoulder. She was so focused that she jumped a little and looked at a man who had hair the color of wheat. I t was just a little long but looked well maintained and his eyes were the color of the ocean. His skin was tanned just enough that he had a bronze glow about him. He smiled at her and his teeth were so white... oh,
who was she kidding, this man was gorgeous! Gorgeous like that movie star she liked to watch. He was one of the stars in those car movies where it was okay to break the law because it served a good purpose. WOW! Was the only thought she could form. If she was dreaming, let her stay that way for just a bit longer.
“Ms. Daniels?”
“Uhh!” She blinked a couple time to wake herself up. “Yes! Just call me Emma.”
“Okay, Emma, I am Dr. Emerson. I am the doctor caring for your daughter. I thought I would go over a few things with you since I couldn’t touch base with you when you first came in. Can we talk out here in the hall?”
“Oh, yes. Sarah, honey? I’ll be right back. I will be right outside.”
“Okay, mama.” responded Sarah like there was not a care in the world. She was totally calm now. Probably the medication.
“Here I am falling apart and she is acting like it is no big deal. Kids bounce back so quickly,” she said to the doctor as they stepped into the hall.
“They do have a wonderful way of doing that. Now, here is the list of medications I am prescribing for her for pain and infection prevention. This sheet is just some things to go over with her on ‘do’s and ‘don’ts’ like ‘don’’t put weight on that arm’ those kind of things. I noticed you don’t have a primary care physician, so if it is okay, I would like to see her on Tuesday or Wednesday. Just to check on her arm and see how she is doing.” He must of have noticed her panic because he then said, “and see how you are doing. Here is my card, so you can call me anytime, day or night.” He looked down at their feet like a nervous school boy and a bit of red shading was showing over the edge of his collar. It took her a second to figure out his meaning. Is he hitting on me? Should I be mad or happy that I’ve still got it. Wait a second...
“You are making quite an assumption if I get your meaning. How do you know that I don’t have a husband at home? I didn’t indicate I was single.”
“Yeah,” he rubbed the back of his neck. She got a kick out of watching this handsome doctor squirm just a bit. “I overheard one of your friends tell the nurse there was no husband or boyfriend when she was asked if we should call anyone else besides you. Sorry if I am out of line.”
Well that was sweet and bold. I could admire that. “Okay I will choose not to be offended.” She couldn’t help but smile at him as he was so humble about it. “Thank you for all your help Dr. Emerson. It means a lot.” She gave him her best smile and turned to go back in the room. Dr. Emerson had a few words with Sarah and then released her.
“It was good to meet you Sarah, and your mom.” He looked straight at Emma, smiled, and then nodded his head, “Yes! It was very good to meet you.” He turned to look back at Sarah, “Now I will be seeing you sometime next week, and take it easy. No climbing trees or hitting any siblings, if you have any.”
“I have two older brothers. They’re dumb.” Sarah rolled her eyes and shook her head while Emma and Dr. Emerson laughed.
“Thank you, Dr. Emerson.” Emma held out her hand to shake his. He took her hand, shook it slowly, smiled at her, and then said, “Call me Mike. Less of a mouthful.” He winked at Sarah and left the room.
Emma watched him leave as Sarah asked, “Mommy, why did he smile at you like that?”
“Oh honey girl, I don’t know. Let’s get going.” She was not about to talk about this with her eight-year-old daughter. Not tonight. It was late and she was tired.
Chapter 11
Emma called in to the doctor’s office first thing Monday morning and the receptionist told her they had an opening for that day. Emma took the appointment and they went in and saw the handsome doctor. She had taken a few days off from work to care for Sarah, so it was no problem, but she did take a couple extra minutes to get ready. Sarah even commented on how her mommy was getting a little too dressy for the doctor’s office. She couldn’t help feeling like a school girl when it came to Dr. Mike Emerson. A feeling she had not had since high school. It wasn’t as strong as it was with Ryan, but it was enough for her to pay attention. It was scary and exciting all at the same time. Maybe it was an indication that she was actually ready to move on. It sure had been long enough.
In the exam room, she and Sarah chatted about school and homework when the handsome doctor walked in. Emma watched him as he took a better look at Sarah’s arm and she listened as he asked Sarah questions. She was amazed at how well he connected with her daughter. He had a calming way about him that made it easy for Sarah to talk to him. Usually she had to encourage her daughter to talk to someone.
When he was done wrapping the hard cast, he said to her daughter, “Okay Sarah, why don’t you go on out to the nurse’s desk and tell Janette I said you can have an extra cookie while I talk to your mommy.”
“Okay! I like cookies!” With that she was out the door as fast as she could go.
“She is a beautiful girl, Emma. She looks just like you.” There was a bit of a pause before he went into doctor mode. “Okay, I want to see her again in ten days, to check her arm and see how she is doing. I want to make sure she is healthy in her mind as much as in her body.”
“What are you looking for when it comes to her mind?” She was unsure of what he meant.
“I want to make sure there is no fear. I want her to feel free to be a kid and not have a fear of falling and hurting herself again.” She could understand that. Smart, caring, and handsome! I hope I am not overreacting but I could use some of that in my life.
“Emma, I have to ask. Where is Sarah’s father? I noticed he isn’t listed on the form. If you don’t want to tell me, that’s okay. Just know that this is Dr. Emerson asking, well and maybe a bit of Mike the guy too, but mostly the doctor.” He gave her a shy grin and looked down at Sarah’s file. She wasn’t sure how to answer this.
“For now, can I just say, he is not in the picture, in any way. I don’t think he wanted to leave but I think he felt like he had to leave.” She paused, contemplating if she should say more or not, gave a heavy sign, “Yeah, we will just leave it at that for now. It is just a long story.”
“Well, Mike,” he snickered at himself as he looked at the chart, clearly he felt silly talking about himself in the third person, “would like to know your story better. Dr. Emerson will leave it be for now.”
“OH! Well, okay. Mike can call me and, um, we will set something up.” This may be the oddest conversation she had ever had with a doctor.
“Great, I will, uh, let him know.” They stood and looked at each other, like they were evaluating the seriousness of the other person. Then one of them snorted and then they broke out into a full laugh. As they walked out of the room, everyone stopped to look at was all the commotion was. Once the doctor and Emma noticed that they were being watched, they composed themselves and went back to business. She set the next appointment and with a ‘thank you’ to all Dr. Emerson’s staff, Emma and Sarah left.
In the car, Sarah commented on how silly she was behaving with the doctor. Emma felt the same way. But she realized that Dr. Mike made her feel that way. Like it was okay to be an adult and be a little silly.
When she pulled into the driveway, she noticed David’s truck parked by the house.
“Mom! Is that Mr. David’s truck?”
“It looks that way.”
They got out of the SUV and he got out of his truck with a thermal bag that looked like it was full of some heavy things.
“Hey there. What are you doing here?” Emma asked in a carefree way.
“Um, an act of generosity, perhaps.” He hesitated reaching out to shake her hand, but he finally got his hand out there. She reached for his hand to finish the gesture and when their hands connected, a surge of electricity shot up her arm and traveled to her heart. She found herself having a hard time breathing. She quickly looked at him and by the look in his eye, he had the same sensation. They stood there and gazed at each other in amazement.
Sarah’s voice broke the gaze. “Ma? Are you okay?”
&
nbsp; “Uh. Um. Yeah honey. I … I’m fine.” She turned to David, “Why don’t you come on in?”
“Please come in and say hi, Mr. David. What ya got in the bag?”
“Well... the pastor asked me to bring this meal by for you. Someone in the church made it and dropped it off. It is really heavy. So yeah, I’ll take it in for you.” She was shocked at how, considering his appearance, she had no problem trusting this man. After that first meeting, she hadn’t felt uneasy around him.
“Yes, please. Come on in and I will show where to put it. Sarah, go on in a head of us and let your brothers know that we have company and to get washed up for dinner.” She turned and looked at David. He wasn’t looking at her at the moment but was watching Sarah walk in the house. Hmm. He looks so lost and alone. Why did I not see this before?
***
He didn’t know what possessed him to make the meal and bring it over, but he knew he had to check up on Sarah, the boys and Emma. Ever since Friday at the bar, watching her sing and have fun, and then the need he felt to protect his family, well it just drew him back in to them. He knew he was missing out on a lot, but he didn’t realize it until he couldn’t be of help to his daughter and Emma.
“If you just put it there on the kitchen island, I’ll get plates.” He glanced at her and noticed she was watching him, closely. She was studying him; he could feel it. “So, you have been here a couple of times and I have not asked you where you are from, David?”
“Around.”
“Where around?” She won’t let it go, guess I better play along.
“I grew up around here. Was gone for a few years but came back a few months ago. How about you?”
“Hmm, I grew up here too, but I don’t recall knowing a David. What year did you graduate?”
He paused for a second. She was getting to close but he was not about to lie. “1998. I was a bit of a loner.”
“Okay, well you might have known my husband. Well, ex-husband. He graduated the same year.”
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