Tangled Hearts

by Tea DeLuca

  “Has their plane left yet? Honey, it might be a waste of time.”

  “I don’t know, but I have to try.”

  Mags forgot everything except catching Mark’s flight for New York. It would occur to him at some point when Liddy looked at him with panicked blue eyes that the dog was at her place. Would she miss it when they connected to their flight to Rome? Or in their hotel room late tonight in Italy when she went to bed? She had to make it. She fought the traffic on the long stretch to the airport till she pulled into one of the departure lanes and stopped. She didn’t have time to park in the garage and walk back. An attendant yelled at her that parking wasn’t allowed, but she ignored him and continued into the terminal. Then she searched the entrance for a flight departure sign. What was the flight number? Did Mark mention it? From the times listed, it had to be 703. Running into the security line, she was confronted with a young brash attendant with about as much patience as a starving man waiting for his dinner.

  “Ticket and ID, please.”

  “I don’t have a ticket,” she began.

  He promptly cut her off. “You need to check in over there. Come back with a boarding pass.”

  “You don’t understand,” Mags tried again. “I’m not flying anywhere. I need to take this to gate ten.”

  “No family or friends beyond this point, lady. That’s been the rule since nine eleven.”

  “I know that!” her anger rising. “There is a little girl on flight 703 that needs this dog.” She waved it frantically in front of his face.

  “Nice try, but there could be drugs or weapons in that thing.”

  “Drugs? Weapons? Are you crazy?” Her voice got higher. “Look, do you have kids? This little girl is going to have a complete breakdown when she discovers it’s missing. Her parents won’t be able to replace it.”

  “Too bad. Next.”

  “Next? Did you hear me? I have to get this to the child. She’s only three. I know the airport, and the gate isn’t far. Can’t I just take it to her before the plane takes off?”

  Quite the crowd was watching the scene. Some with children nodding their support. A big burly man with grey hair and a twinkle in his eye stepped from behind the young jerk. He pulled the dog from her hand and winked. “Got kids and grandchildren. Wouldn’t want to be the dad, dealing with a lost snuggle far from home. I get it even if the kid doesn’t, Miss. What flight did you say?”

  “Flight 703 to New York. The little girl is Liddy Harrington. She’s with her father, Mark. Mark Harrington. Please hurry. The plane is going to leave.”

  “I’ll try, but if the plane has already taxied out, we won’t be able to do anything about it. Stay here. I’ll be back.” For a big man, he ran quickly down the flight of stairs and disappeared around the corner.

  “Sit over there,” the young attendant ordered.

  “You could be a little nicer,” Mags complained. “Haven’t you ever lost something you loved?” Her breath hitched, and the tears sprang to her eyes. This was about a stuffed dog, not about Mark. She moved to the bench and sat down and continued to check the departures again. Flight 703 was preparing for takeoff. Did her hero catch the flight?

  Chapter 49

  Melissa shifted uncomfortably and tucked her bag under her seat. This wasn’t the plan. She had no idea Mark had changed Liddy’s flight. Not only was she flying with them, but she was seated right between them. All the way to Italy, and she couldn’t get close to the man. Couldn’t talk softly to him, share a drink, or touch him. That was the worst. She couldn’t hold his hand or touch his thigh. She had suggested a different seating arrangement, but Mark and his daughter outvoted her.

  “Daddy, I want to color.”

  “Not a problem, baby.” He pulled coloring book and crayons from her backpack and pulled down the tray.

  “Hi.” A pretty flight attendant leaned over the seat and smiled at Liddy. “I heard there’s a good girl on this flight named Liddy.”

  Liddy’s smile broadened. “I’m going to Italy with my daddy.”

  “Is that right? I have something for you. I think this is yours.” She set the dog on the tray, and Liddy leaped on it.

  “Daddy, you forgot my puppy,” Liddy accused, holding it tightly against her.

  “Where did you leave it?” Melissa asked.

  “In the kitchen.”

  Melissa looked confused, but Mark was still talking to the attendant. “How?”

  “Apparently, a young woman got into quite a scene with security. She insisted this child had to have this dog. Believe me. I would have done the same thing. I have kids, and it’s tough when you forget something that gives them a sense of security. Anyway, she got Lloyd’s attention. Nice guy, long time agent here, and he radioed ahead as he ran it over. Pilot actually held the plane for a minute or two.”

  Mags, Mark smiled. All the instincts of a mother and enough bitchiness to get what she wanted. He loved her all the more and would be indebted to her for getting it to Liddy. He couldn’t imagine the nightmare when they discovered it missing. “This woman isn’t in any trouble, is she?”

  “No, I don’t think so, but they towed her car while she was in the terminal,” she laughed. “I’m guessing she wasn’t very happy about that. I’ll be back in a minute for your drink order.”

  Melissa waited for an explanation, but Mark kept Liddy occupied as the plane took off. Airborne, at last, Mark relaxed in his seat and closed his eyes. At some point on this trip, he was going to have to tell Melissa about Mags. He’d have to explain the tension in the park when they ran into her and fill her in on their history. Then maybe she’d understand why this wouldn’t be the romantic holiday she envisioned. He opened his phone to her new number. If he used it, there was no way to stop her from changing it again before he came back.

  Thank you. You saved the day.

  He ordered a drink and some juice for Liddy as he waited for a reply. Melissa also ordered a drink, but he couldn’t read her mood. Was she angry, annoyed, tired? His phone registered a text.

  You’re welcome. Hope you appreciate the cost. I’m in the impound waiting for my car. Charging me, I mean, you $150.

  He had to smile. Well worth it.

  How did you get my number?

  Phone was on the counter. I stole the number. Don’t even think about changing it again.

  He waited a long time before she answered. I don’t want to play games. Enjoy your time.

  With Melissa. He could feel it, though she didn’t write it. You promised to talk to me when I get back. There’s no one else but you, Mags.

  Mark glanced at Melissa, reading her medical journal. Liddy curled up in his lap and watched one of her favorite movies on his phone. When she dozed off, Melissa set her magazine aside.

  “Mark, remember the patient I told you about generically that night a few weeks ago?”

  “What about her?”

  “You didn’t tell anyone about our conversation, did you? Even just casually?”

  “No, I never said anything to anyone. Why?”

  “She came into my office yesterday and demanded her records. Out of the blue, she’s changing doctors. I was afraid she might be suing me or something.”

  “She wouldn’t have any way of knowing, Melissa. Is it wise for her to change doctors at this point?”

  “No, and I pointed that out to her, asked if she was in some way dissatisfied with her treatment, but she thanked me and said she wanted a new doctor outside my practice.”

  “You’re worried?”

  “Yes, I’ve told you how she procrastinates, and she said she won’t refill her medication. Instead, she wants to live a normal life. Something happened.”

  Mark exhaled slowly. He knew exactly why she had changed doctors, but would she take care of herself without Melissa harping at her? “You gave her the file. Another doctor should be able to take over her care, right?”

  “If she finds another doctor. Mark, I wasn’t going to say anything, but the woman we ra
n into in the park, that was her. She acted very strangely. I can’t figure it out.”

  This wasn’t the place to discuss this, on a plane with his daughter between them. “Maybe you’re reading too much into it.”

  “Maybe.” She reached for his hand. “I really need this vacation. Too much pain and unhappiness. We’re going to have the best time.”

  “Melissa, we’ve talked about this. Besides, Liddy will be with me.”

  “Of course,” she smiled, her hand tightening in his. “But it’s Italy, and we’re so far from home. I just want to spend every minute with you.”

  “Daddy, I have to go potty.”

  “I’ll take her, Mark. That’s what moms do, don’t they?”

  Mark stared at her blankly as she guided Liddy to the bathroom. Mom? She wasn’t his daughter’s mother, and she’d never be his wife. Soon he would make it clear to her again.

  Chapter 50

  Mags returned to work; there was no reason not to do her job at the store. Corporate put her on hold till either an opening occurred in another store or someone else requested a transfer. If nothing else, Ronnie and Sandy were glad to see her. No matter what happened running into Mark would be a possibility, and she needed to figure out how to handle it. If they weren’t together, if he married Melissa, they should be adult enough to say a pleasant hello and engage in conversation, but she was doubtful.

  The store was busy and kept her occupied. Wedding season and spiritual occasions like communions and confirmations required special dresses. More stock arrived, but she couldn’t keep it on the shelves or racks very long. She also invested in a rack of boys’ clothes, little suits and dress clothes. At the end of the day, she collected the cash on hand and stopped at the bank before heading to the baseball field.

  The team warmed up as Mags pulled in behind Craig’s truck. He smiled warmly and snaked an arm around her waist. Settled on the bleaches, she hunted for Ryan seated on the end of the bench. His team was down one nothing.

  “Missed you,” Craig whispered, tucking her hand in his. From Mark’s visit and Mags’ call, he knew a door had opened. He had every intention of capitalizing on her vulnerability and inching the counselor completely out of the picture. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”

  “Not much to tell,” she answered, staring at the field. “Let’s just say I’ve cut my ties to the past and am making a fresh start.”

  “I want to be part of that fresh start, Magnolia.”

  “People we’ve loved will always be a part of us. Can you move on from Elizabeth?”

  “Together we’ll build something else.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Where are you staying? I know you’ve moved out of your apartment.” They jumped to their feet as the opposition rounded third and flew down the line toward Ryan, in full catcher mode, protecting his plate. The two boys crashed, the dust flying, and the umpire shouting, “Out!”

  Ryan glanced their way, a satisfied smirk as he dusted off his uniform and tossed the ball back to the pitcher while the parents clapped and shouted their appreciation.

  “College ball material,” Mags smiled at Craig.

  “I think he has senioritis. His grades have slipped a little.”

  He was a good dad, and Ryan was lucky the man kicked his ass now and then. “He’ll be all right. You’ve raised him well.”

  “Stay the night, Magnolia. Come back to my place.”

  He took her by surprise, but she felt more in control and wasn’t about to rush into anything. “Not tonight, Craig. I’ve got to be back at the store early tomorrow.”

  “Well, maybe you could think about this. Begin your fresh start by moving in with me, honey.”

  “What?”

  “It’s a way for us to see how well we live together and whether we want to make it permanent. You don’t have to agree today but think on it.”

  “Craig, it’s a big step. Everyone will make assumptions especially the kids. If we don’t work out, people will get hurt.”

  “I have a good feeling about us, Magnolia. Think about it, and Saturday my folks are having a barbecue. I’d like you to come.”

  “Saturday?” What would Mark be doing in Italy on Saturday?

  “We can talk more about you moving in then.”

  Ryan slammed the ball, rounded first, and stopped at second. “I may be busy. I’ll let you know.”

  When the game ended, she hugged Ryan and kissed Craig. Could they make this work without love?

  Driving back to her parents in the quiet of the night, something bright lit up the sky, a shooting star. As a child, her mother had fired her imagination with wishes the shooting star would grant. As an adult, she realized it wasn’t even a star, but she wanted to believe tonight that wishes did come true, that the secret of her destiny rested hidden in the stars. What was Mark doing? The wedding, Liddy, and touring that incredible city with Melissa. Damn, she lingered over the night sky as she reached her parents’ porch. She wasn’t a child anymore. A capable strong woman, she controlled her own destiny, not some silly star, and for now Craig was her destiny. If things went well with his parents on Saturday, it was time to have his family here, and then she’d reach a decision on moving in with him.

  Chapter 51

  This trip was becoming an awful lot of work. Mark pulled on his trousers and shiny black dress shoes and laid out the crisp white shirt. Melissa showered in the bathroom, a complication he hadn’t expected. When she booked her airline ticket, she hadn’t booked a room at the lavish hotel that was also the venue for the wedding reception. She planned on sharing the expense and his bed. The first night was the bachelor party, and he came in so trashed he didn’t remember climbing into bed fully clothed. The second night was the rehearsal dinner. He secured Liddy with cement to him, sitting her on his lap, holding her in his arms and holding her hand, and snuggling her as she slept between them. To her credit, Melissa smiled that ‘this can’t be happening smile’ and helped keep Liddy amused. Last night was the bachelorette party. For security reasons, his and his daughter’s, he kept Liddy with him again, but Melissa chose to crash in Stacy’s suite after the party. She claimed she didn’t want to disturb him, but he suspected her anger was less in control. The real test was today.

  His amazing sister had smiled and relied on her fiancé to survive the wedding chaos and excitement. That was what women did. They embraced the entire experience even if it wasn’t their show. Melissa talked on and on about the flowers, the meal, the seating arrangements, the bridesmaids, and the dress clothes, carefully noting his preferences. Damn it, she was taking mental notes, and it was making him nervous.

  She came from the bathroom; hair still perfectly coiffed from the morning in the salon. The towel barely covered her ample curves, and his dick came to attention. She was a beautiful woman, but he couldn’t make love to one woman when another occupied his thoughts. And if he had any chance with Mags, he knew this would come up. Did he sleep with Melissa in Italy? He wanted to truthfully and emphatically look her in the eye and say no.

  He pulled on the white shirt as Melissa came closer. She ran her still damp hand over his chest, her eyes on fire. “It’s still early, Mark.”

  “I’m meeting Stacy downstairs and grabbing Liddy.” He carefully tucked his shirt in his pants and buckled his belt.

  Melissa couldn’t hold it back any longer. “We haven’t been alone for a minute since we got here, Mark.” She let the towel fall and carefully fingered the lingerie she needed to put on. “I love Liddy, but she’s been your entire focus since we arrived.”

  “As I told you she would be,” Mark pointed out.

  “To the extent that you haven’t touched me, haven’t even attempted to start something? Your parents or Stacy would be happy to take her.” She reached for the red dress and glided it over her body. She was even sexier in the dress than out. “Zip me, please.”

  The dress was inches above her knees and hugged her hips. The V-neck plunged to nearly h
er naval, and the tiny cap sleeves barely covered her shoulders. She touched up her makeup, licking her lips and eyeing him from beneath long black lashes. The red heels were killer as was the red and black hat with the wide brim that left little of her hair showing. She was a knockout, and Kim was going to have to fight for the attention today on her big day.

  “What do you think?” She spun in front of him.

  “You look great, but we’re going to be late.”

  “You go ahead. I’ll be right down. I need to change bags,” she glared.

  Damn, the tie choked him, and the room was way too hot. He headed down the elevator, and Liddy quickly found him. He scooped up his princess in the sweet green dress and missed the daggers coming from Stacy. “Mommy’s mad,” Liddy whispered.

  “Liddy, Grandma wants you over there,” Stacy said angrily. “I want to talk to Daddy.”

  He watched Liddy skip over to his parents before he turned to his ex-wife. “Talk to me or at me, Stace?” he questioned.

  “What the hell is wrong with you? I spent all last night listening to Melissa complain about how distant and unromantic you are. You’re in Italy, moron. Get with the damn program.”

  “Your program?” he returned angrily. “Melissa’s program? I warned her this wouldn’t be the romantic vacation she thought it would be.”

  “Why? She said you haven’t touched her even since before this trip. Do you remember the distance you put between us when you were thinking of the ghost? Are you thinking of her again?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  She gripped his arm. “Don’t you walk away from me, Mark. You know exactly what I’m talking about. She was right there in your thoughts, filling your body with desire, and pushing me away. And you’re doing the same thing with Melissa. Why now? Why is she on your mind now?”

  Rage filled him for all that was out of his control at the moment. “Today is about my sister and your brother. Drop this.”