Slowly, Emily made her way towards her mother’s room. She braced herself. There was a chance her mother was asleep. The way her luck had been as of late, she needed to prepare herself for the worse. It was as if the fates had smiled on her by bringing Tabby into her life, only to test them. To make certain they were worthy soulmates. Was it what her best friend and wife had been through?
No two soulmates were alike and yet there was a part of her that wondered if there weren’t tests each person had to go through. Her latest test was asleep on the hospital bed. Emily snickered. It wasn’t exactly a hospital bed. It was a store bought adjustable bed. The room was decorated much like the room back at the mansion. The therapist shook her head. Were these the kind of people who had raised her?
No. Emily wasn’t raised by Monica and Lucas Dunst. There had been at least three nannies who had provided what a true mother and father should have provided. The therapist shoved the bitterness she felt, momentarily, away. She knew she was better off for having been raised by those three women than she would have been by her birth parents.
Monica’s eyes slowly fluttered open. The matriarch glanced around the room, searching for what it was that had awakened her. When gray eyes met azure ones, a smile was instantly upon the patient’s face. When Monica took in the rest of the face, the smile quickly faded. It was as it always was. Her daughter wasn’t happy to see her. “Ems.”
“Ems?” Emily was now standing next to the bed. She wanted so badly to ask her mother about her father, but decided now was not the time. In fact, she would interrogate her brother and maybe have her uncle do some research on his own brother. “I haven’t been called that since I was six years old. I wish you wouldn’t do that. Treat me as a child. Especially seeing how you’ve forced me into a situation I don’t want to be in.”
Gray eyes closed. Partially it was from the pain the medication to prevent it didn’t even come close to touching. Partially it was because she knew this was the response she would receive from her only daughter. “And I don’t want to be transferred to the terminal department. I don’t want your father lying in a coma. But here we are, both at death’s doorstep.”
The anger Emily felt receded, but only slightly at the implication of the impending death for both her parents. It was yet another melodramatic moment her mother was famous for. Still, in this case, it was somewhat true. “And if you’d been the kind of parents I could be proud of, I wouldn’t have been gone all this time. It doesn’t matter which of you denied the ransom, the fact was it was Uncle Mitch that rescued me and my girlfriend.”
“Ems, really.” Monica attempted to roll away from her daughter. It was clear she was attempting to show her superiority. In her weakened state, it was futile to attempt to do. “You know I let your father handle all of those decisions. And don’t you dare speak of the woman who corrupted my little angel.”
Tears were instantly falling down Emily’s cheeks. “Mother, I’ll see to it that you and father are taken care of. But I won’t come here again. Not unless you can promise me something. Promise me that you’ll accept Tabby and Nicky as part of the family. This is your last chance.” In the back of her mind, she wondered, even with the text, if she hadn’t received her last chance with Tabby.
Monica gave her answer with her prolonged silenced and turning away from her daughter. Emily sighed, not having expected anything else. The therapist made her way by the door, turning back to look at her mother. What she saw made her pause for a moment. It wasn’t the socialite. It was a defeated, battered woman lying in the bed.
The question remained. Why was her mother defeated? Was it the cancer? Was it death looming? Was it her husband’s potential death? Emily slowly made her way through the corridors of the hospital. She couldn’t even remember making it to the main waiting room and her uncle’s secure arms. Oh how she wished Tabby was the one who was wrapped around her.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
“Go inside.” Tabby knew she was on the receiving end of one of her son’s rare stubborn looks. Instantly, she knelt down in front of him. “Tell Grandma Melissa who’s here. Then go with the other children.” The nurse pulled her son into a hug. It was mostly so she could whisper. “We’ll talk about this later, I promise. While we look for the perfect spot.”
Nicky clutched at his mother as he continued to glare at the woman from the past. A woman who was making it difficult to trust anyone. Even at times he would push the Walker clan away. All because he didn’t want to have his little heart broken once again. It was why he would distance himself from Emily when she returned. Even if his mother told him it was all right.
“Nicky, please do as I ask. I promise I’ll be all right.” Nicky sighed and kissed his momma on the cheek. He wasn’t one for public displays of affection, but he wanted Helen to know this was his mother and no one was going to hurt her, not on his watch. He glared at the woman who had so badly hurt him and his momma as he made his way into the bed and breakfast.
Tabby stood tall, her arms across her chest. In her mind, she could feel Emily holding her hand. If not standing behind her, arms wrapped around her. In that moment she knew. She had to face down this woman from the past. She had to open up her heart fully to a woman who obviously loved her. How many texts had her girlfriend sent, simply saying how much she loved her and needed her?
“Tabby!” Helen had watched the exchange between mother and son. It appeared she wasn’t welcome here. Not that she could blame either Tabby or Little Nicky. “I didn’t know you would be here. Did you move here? Or is it a vacation? For me, it’s a mixture of work and pleasure. Hopefully now a little more pleasure.”
Ignoring the comment, the nurse asked, “How long?” Tabby wasn’t about to answer any of the questions. Helen long ago lost the right to ask them. She definitely had lost the right to receive anything from Tabby or her son. When her ex didn’t respond, the nurse lowered her voice and became a little more forceful. “How long are you planning on staying in Middletown?”
“Three weeks.” Tabby’s face paled considerably. Helen, for a moment, thought that her ex was going to pass out. “I work for the state now. I travel inspecting any place that serves food.” The look on Tabby’s face took in her meaning. “Yes, I’m staying at the bed and breakfast, but I’m also the health inspector that will be rating it.”
Melissa was at the door and had heard the last part of the conversation. She had seen the pallor of Tabby’s normally pristine features. The woman was like Abby in that regard. She was normally always smiling. The only time her daughter-in-law had not been smiling was when they had all thought that Sam was lost to them. And who could blame her.
“I see.” Tabby wasn’t certain what to say to that. She didn’t want to do or say anything that would harm her friend. Melissa was carrying on a family tradition, with no one to immediately hand it off to. “I hope you enjoy your stay.” The nurse attempted to move past her ex, only to find her path blocked.
“What’s your hurry? I know you probably have plans. You weren’t expecting me to just show up out of the blue.” Helen attempted to place a hand on Tabby’s shoulder. The nurse quickly shrugged off the touch. “I was hoping we’d be able to get to know one another. I know I did something that can’t easily be forgiven…”
“Forgiven?” Tabby was now standing directly in front of her ex. Emerald eyes were on fire. After the loudness of the single word, she managed to lower her voice. The last thing she wanted was to draw attention to herself. She especially didn’t want to bring Nicky back out onto the porch. Her little man had been through enough; Helen would only place them both through worse.
“You ran out on me. You took everything from me. You made Nicky and me fall in love with you.” Tabby was tempted to slap her ex, but refrained. It wouldn’t do any good. It would only stir up hard feelings. “He still won’t trust anyone easily. And I’m having trouble trusting my true soulmate because of you. So just stay as far away from me as you can.”
Tab
by roughly pushed passed her ex. She stopped when she saw Melissa standing there. There were tears already streaming down the younger woman’s eyes. The matriarch never hesitated. She took Tabby into her arms. She could feel the petite body shaking against hers. “Why don’t you go to my room and pull yourself together. Then take Nicky on that picnic. Maybe text or call Emily.”
The nurse pulled out of the warm embrace. Her own mother had been fairly kind, except when it came to accepting her sexual orientation. Something neither of her parents had ever truly done. But being held by the matriarch felt so special. There really was something different. There really was something so unique about Melissa. “Thank you.”
The innkeeper waited until Tabby had disappeared before turning her attention onto the statuesque woman. With all the connections she had, she didn’t care if she pissed off Helen. If she were to give a bad report regarding the bed and breakfast, she would find herself in trouble, if not out of a job. “Why don’t we share a cup of tea or coffee before I check you in.”
Helen was hesitant to join the older woman. The exchange had been a telling one. There was more than simple friendship between the stranger and her ex. But what did it entail? Helen knew she would have to be cautious whenever she was around her. “After the trip I’ve just had, I could use a cup of coffee. If it’s not too much trouble.”
“You’ll find there are many advantages of staying here as opposed to a hotel or other bed and breakfast.” Melissa was walking along, not caring if Helen actually followed her or not. This was a conversation she hoped would help her friend, not harm her. The young woman, from the stories she had heard, could be as dangerous as they come.
It was with intensity that Helen watched the practiced movements of the innkeeper. It wasn’t long before a steaming mug of coffee, creamer, sugar and homemade chocolate cookies were placed on the table before her. Not one to turn down a free sample, Helen took a bite of the cookie, nearly moaning in pleasure. She poured some creamer and sugar, stirring the contents.
Melissa watched the cautious movements. This woman was no fool. She was deliberate. Attempting to take her time in what she said and did. When it came to the matriarch, it was futile. She had raised three children. Helped in raising her grandchildren. There was the fact she had married a military man and a retired police officer. And there was her daughter, a former SVU detective.
“I want you to be aware of something.” Melissa sipped her coffee. She loved the strength of it. She always liked things that were strong, including her children. Including both her husbands. Including her grandchildren. “This is more than a business. I overheard why you are here. I hope that no matter what, you’ll be fair in your decisions.”
“I’m always impartial when it comes to judging a place on its standards.” Helen took a sip of her coffee. It was nearly bitter, even with all the creamer and sugar she had added. “I assume Tabby told you her side of things. There are two sides to every story.” She knew her host hadn’t said anything about the past connection.
But the way Tabby had broken down and fallen into the innkeeper’s arms, Helen knew that some kind of story had been told. It was always the ones that left was the bad guy. Still, the way she had walked out was one of the biggest regrets she had in her life. Why she had left was another story.
“Young lady, let me tell you a story.” Melissa sat back. Her coffee was nearly gone. She was feeling the effects of the caffeine. It was something she was weaning herself off from. Too much caffeine wasn’t good for her blood pressure. It had suddenly been higher than it ever had been before. She hoped it wasn’t a reoccurrence of her breast cancer. Or something possibly even worse.
The stranger sat forward. It was obvious she wasn’t used to being spoken to in this manner. “There once were two soulmates. One had never been in a committed relationship. The other had been sorely abused, both physically and mentally.” Melissa paused. She wanted to see what kind of reaction the beginning of the tale would receive.
“I never laid a hand on her.” Helen stood quickly, the chair tipping over. “And I don’t know what she told you. I left because she’d be better off without me. With me living with her, the income was too great. I tried to remain in touch.” The young woman began pacing. “She’s the one who wouldn’t respond to my emails. To my texts. Wouldn’t answer her phone.”
“Very interesting that you would think the story related to you in any way.” Melissa was smiling smugly as Helen came to a complete halt in front of her. “It was a story about my daughter and her wife. It was while they were still dating. Sam was accused of hurting Abby’s ex. Because of the abuse she’d suffered, sadly at her husband’s hands, she briefly chose to believe her ex over my daughter.”
Helen was now red-faced. She knew she had been tricked. The young woman sighed heavily. “I think I’d like to be checked in now. I’d like to get settled into my room. I’m having dinner at the diner later and would like to have time to inspect it.” She was defeated. And needed time to regroup. She hadn’t expected to see Tabby. Perhaps that was why.
“I think it’s best that we all take a moment to realize things aren’t always as they seem. That things aren’t always black and white.” Melissa didn’t wait for a response. She pushed through the door, not bothering to hold it open. As she made her way towards the desk, she noticed Tabby and Nicky making their way down the stairs.
Melissa held up, hoping that Helen wouldn’t emerge right away. When the door opened and closed, she cursed not taking more time with her new guest. The mother and son hesitated for a moment as they took in the statuesque figure. They both had bloodshot eyes as if they had been crying. Cautiously, they walked out the front door.
Tabby had hoped Helen would have checked in right away. She hoped that she and Nicky wouldn’t have to see her ex, at least not until they had both had time to process her presence. She held tight to her son’s hand as they made their way to her car. The nurse took the time to buckle her son into the back. A gentle kiss was placed on his forehead before settling herself behind the wheel.
It was in silence that they made the trip. There was the stop at the diner. Tabby wondered if she would see Helen here. Most likely if her ex was to stay any amount of time in Middletown, they would eventually cross paths. If it were in a public place, it would be easier to handle. At least she hoped fervently it would be easier to handle.
Thankfully the diner was busy, but the service was speedy, as always. It wasn’t long before Tabby was behind the wheel once again, headed towards the park. There was still one memory that was pleasant, if she didn’t think about how the time spent had ended in them being kidnapped by Anthony Denardo. She shuddered at the thought that the man was still out there somewhere.
The pair walked around the park. They discovered the spot Adam had told her son about. Tabby had to admit it was an ideal spot to have a party. There was the small stream. But there were also all the other amenities the park had to offer within walking distance. There was even, during the summer, a small concession stand that sold cold drinks, ice cream and had access to public restrooms.
For whatever reason, Tabby chose to sit in the same secluded spot as she had shared with Emily. For some reason, it made her feel closer to her girlfriend. It was funny how now Nicky was leaning against her, fast asleep. It was a role reversal from the time when she had been held by her soulmate. It was still the most amazing feeling.
The surprise that Emily had never been with a woman before had nearly been overwhelming. They had never had the time to discuss the fact they had basically had a one-night stand. That it could have easily been simply that. And yet, even when they had been flirting in the diner, both had known it was so much more.
There was a text message from her soulmate. Things were graver than they had been told. The fact her father was almost definitely at death’s door wasn’t what they had been told. Emily’s mother, on the other hand, had already been told death was likely. Unless a miracle happened, she too would
be gone in a matter of months, if not weeks.
The pressure Emily must be under. Tabby sighed, wishing she and Nicky could fly out and be with them. It wasn’t about the money. Sierra and Desiree would gladly give her the money to fly across country. It was the fact she needed to be here. There were too many people who were counting on her. But the one that needed her the most was her soulmate.
So why was she still sitting here? Tabby was about to wake her boy when she received a text. It was from Emily. But it wasn’t meant for her. The words crushed her as she read them. Who was this Lena person? Why were they having dinner the next night? The nurse sat there, attempting to calm herself down before waking Nicky.
It was several hours later. Nicky was in bed. The bed and breakfast was settled or at least settled as it could be. Tabby found herself where her day had begun. Once again her cellphone was in her hands as she sat on the dock, her feet soaking in the warm waters of the lake. She wished it could relieve the aches and pains of her soul.
Another text came in. Tabby didn’t need to look to see who it was from. It seemed she could sense it was from her soulmate. It couldn’t be the fact Emily had been texting her every twenty minutes or so. The text she had sent earlier had given her girlfriend hope. And what had the text she’d received indicating cheating supposed to do for her.
The figure sitting next to her startled her. Tabby was certain it was Melissa. The innkeeper always seemed to know when someone needed her. The nurse was surprised to see her fellow nurse sitting next to her. Abby didn’t hesitate in placing her feet in the water. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to disturb you. Sam wanted to spend some quality time with Miss Alex.”
While it could be true, Tabby wasn’t buying it. She knew how close her girlfriend and Abby were. It was more likely that Abby was sitting next to her to defend her best friend. “I appreciate that your wife wanted some alone time, but so do I. No offense to you, but I really want to…”
Distance of the Heart Page 4