by Sherry Kyle
“Bryan, you’re bringing this up now? I’m a married woman—”
He needed to know he was worthy enough to keep Ashley by his side instead of sending her running like he had with Shelly. “No, you’ve got me all wrong.” He held up a hand. “Pete’s one of my best friends—”
“Exactly. Can we move on and forget the past?” Shelly stood and moved toward the kitchen. “Sure you wouldn’t like something to drink? I’m going to make myself a cup of tea—”
“Peppermint.” Bryan leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.
“Yeah, you remembered.”
She filled the teapot and set it on the stove to heat. She’d always said tea tasted better scorching hot, not simply warmed from the microwave. He kept this little tidbit to himself. Why make her think he still had a torch for her when he didn’t?
He shifted in his seat. Where was Pete?
Shelly returned to the small family room, pulled back the curtain, and looked out the window. “I don’t know what’s keeping him.”
Maybe Bryan should leave. He’d try again another time when Pete was home. A simple text could’ve eliminated this whole thing. “Shelly—”
“Here he is.” She let the edge of the curtain fall and went to the garage to greet her husband.
The tension in Bryan’s shoulders eased. Pete always had been a good buffer where he and Shelly were concerned, as if their college days together hadn’t existed. Maybe tonight’s discomfort was because everyone knew he was close to proposing—Shelly included.
Pete entered the house with a bag of groceries. “Hey, Bryan. Didn’t expect you tonight.”
Bryan followed Pete into the small kitchen. “I was in Soquel and decided to stop by on my way home. I should’ve texted you first—”
“No problem. Up for some Rocky Road?” Pete pulled a gallon of ice cream out of the bag and set it on the counter.
Bryan grinned. “You know me. A sucker for something sweet.”
Shelly came into the house with a basket of clean laundry. “I’ll fold in the bedroom to give you boys time to talk.”
The teakettle whistled.
“Mind pouring me a cup and bringing it to me?” Shelly tossed the words over her shoulder as she disappeared from view.
“No problem,” Pete called to her. He opened the cabinet and perused his wife’s tea selection. “Now if I could only remember which kind she likes before bed.”
“I hear peppermint’s good,” Bryan coaxed.
Pete raised a brow. “How do you know that? You never struck me as the tea type.”
“I’m not.” Bryan’s shoulder twitched. Did he look as uncomfortable as he felt?
“I’d better ask her.” Pete got out a few bowls, spoons, and the ice cream scooper. “Serve yourself. I’ll be back.”
While Pete went into the bedroom to talk with Shelly, Bryan dished himself a couple of scoops of Rocky Road. Would she get after Pete for forgetting what tea she liked in the evening when Bryan could recall six years later? He hoped not.
Pete returned wagging his head. “You’d think she’d be grateful I asked.”
“What happened? What did she say?” Bryan brought a spoonful of ice cream to his lips, guilty for playing this game.
“You were right. It was peppermint. But I could’ve done without the glare.” Pete set the appropriate tea bag in the cup and poured the steaming liquid over it.
“Women. They’re unpredictable,” Bryan said.
“Except when they have the same tea almost every night. Why can’t I remember the simple details?”
Bryan stayed quiet and let Pete mull over his words.
“Apparently you remembered she drank peppermint tea, and it’s been how long? Even after all these years, you’re still a hard act to follow.” Pete’s voice indicated no malicious feelings.
A lump of marshmallows and nuts from the ice cream lodged in Bryan’s throat.
He had never considered what it must be like for Pete whenever he was around. No wonder his friend asked when he and Ashley were getting married.
If only he could get up the courage.
25
Kayla bobbed her leg up and down as she waited for Dr. Collins to call her into his office. She was not going to be a roadblock to Jeremy’s success as a doctor. If the confession ruined her chances for a future in the program, then so be it. She’d undo the harm her mother had done by speaking to the professor.
Kayla fiddled with the leather clasp of her Coach purse, rubbing it between her fingers. She’d taken great care with her appearance this morning, wanting to look as polished and professional as possible. Her neatly pressed jacket and slacks complemented her petite frame, and the new teal blouse accentuated the green of her eyes. Whether or not her looks would help her today was irrelevant, but it gave her a semblance of confidence. Clearing Jeremy’s name and helping him get the summer intern job before it was too late were important.
The door to Dr. Collins’s office opened, and he stepped out with briefcase in hand.
“I’ve been called to the hospital. We’ll need to reschedule—”
“But I need to talk with you.” Kayla’s heart pounded. “It’s extremely important.”
The professor locked the door to his office then shot her a look. “More important than an emergency appendectomy?”
She followed him down the hall. “Well, no, but—”
“Your mother has already informed me of the situation. You won’t have to worry about inappropriate male students. It’s taken care of. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Kayla chased after him out of the building, not an easy thing to do in four-inch heels. How could she make him understand without sounding as though she was put up to it? “Dr. Collins, there’s been a serious miscommunication.” She wove through the parking lot after the professor. “Jeremy is one of my best friends.”
The professor stopped at a black Mercedes and opened the back door. He dropped his briefcase on the backseat then turned to her and crossed his arms tightly over his chest. “I’ll give you thirty seconds.”
Thirty seconds? How could she make him understand the truth in thirty seconds? She hesitated.
Dr. Collins quirked a brow.
Kayla sucked in a mouthful of air and let the words flow fast and furious. “You know my mother, have known her for years. She’s a perfectionist in every sense of the word and expects others to be like her. Well, I’m not—far from it. I have to study like crazy to get decent grades, which by her standards is not good enough, and to be completely honest, I don’t know if being a doctor is what I’m meant to do. But I’m rambling and right now that’s beside the point.” She looked him directly in the eye. “Jeremy is the smartest guy in class. I know because he’s my lab partner. He’s helped me study and actually cares that I succeed. Did you know he tutors at least five other people in the class? Okay, yes, they’re females, but his intentions are good I can assure you—”
Dr. Collins stopped her with his hand. “Time’s up.”
Kayla straightened her shoulders. “He deserves the summer intern position. I won’t let my mother’s wrong assumptions hurt his chances. Jeremy never took advantage of me.”
Dr. Collins jostled his keys. “Are you done?”
Kayla clutched her purse to her side. Did she say enough? “I think so.”
“Good.” Dr. Collins got into his car and pulled out of the parking lot and into the street.
Her stomach twisted into a knot. She tried to recall exactly what she’d said. Did she give her professor enough information to change his mind about Jeremy?
Time would tell.
The bigger problem was whether or not her mother was working at the hospital today. If Dr. Collins told her about their conversation, she would once again try to steer him wrong.
Six hours later, Kayla sat at an outdoor table at Café La Flore, sipping a vanilla latte and feeling more anxious than she had before she spoke with the professor. How could she have let it g
o this far? If Jeremy didn’t get the intern position, she’d never forgive herself. And if her mother’s words affected his career as a doctor … no, she wouldn’t let her mind go there. Jeremy had worked too hard.
And I haven’t worked hard enough.
Her cell phone chimed, signaling a text.
HEY FRIEND! CALL ME. EXCITING NEWS. C
At least something positive was happening in her best friend’s life. Kayla took another sip of her espresso and called Chloe. “Hey. What’s up?” Kayla purposefully put a lilt in her voice, attempting to put her feelings aside. It wasn’t working.
“After you chewed me out for not visiting Heather, I went home with her after the party. Felt good to go back to my childhood neighborhood. Okay, I almost hyperventilated when we drove down David’s street, but it was dark—”
“Doesn’t he live around the corner from Heather?”
“Yes, there’s no other way to get to her house, so it was inevitable.”
Kayla set her coffee down. “Was he home? Did you see him?”
“Whoa. You’re getting ahead of me—”
“You did say you have exciting news …”
“Okay, okay. I won’t hold you in suspense. The following night Heather ordered pizza, and when I answered the door to pay the deliveryman, I nearly fell over.”
“Why? Was the deliveryman a hot Italian guy with dark hair?”
Chloe laughed. “You know me too well, but no. No gorgeous deliveryman, but I noticed Heather had ordered three pizzas. Three. My sister and I could never eat all that pizza, so I knew something was up.”
“And?” Kayla moved her hand in circles, as if that would help Chloe move the conversation along. Her best friend could draw out a story more than anyone.
“Heather told me it was time I faced my fear. Said she’d invited David and several other friends from her church to come over. Well, I was mad. I couldn’t believe she’d take advantage of the situation. No wonder I hadn’t gone home for so long.”
Kayla pressed her lips together. It was more than that. Chloe hadn’t gone home since David broke up with her and her parents died in the auto accident. But now was not the time to remind her of that difficult summer.
“What’s the exciting part?” A little good news would help brighten Kayla’s mood.
“David was the last to arrive. He said he debated on whether or not to come.”
“That’s understandable. Does he know how much he hurt you?”
“He asked me over to his house, and on the walk over, he apologized. Said he should’ve come to my parents’ memorial. Should’ve been there for me.”
“Darn right he should’ve.” Kayla couldn’t help the protective tone.
“Kay, his words were so tender. He really meant them.”
“In that case, I’m happy for you. It was a long time coming.”
“There’s more. His parents welcomed me in like I was their long-lost daughter. They hugged me and told me to come over any time. They want to be a part of my life even though they know David and I aren’t a couple anymore.”
“Won’t that be awkward? I mean, what if David starts dating someone else?” Kayla didn’t want to burst her friend’s bubble, but she had to see the reality of the situation.
“I’m not worried about that.” Chloe’s voice held a confident edge. “David and I sat on his parents’ porch swing, and he told me that he missed me, that he wants to try again.”
Kayla downed the last swig of her vanilla latte. “Let me guess. You’re definitely willing.”
“I told him I wanted to wait and see. That I needed time to digest his apology.”
“You didn’t! All you’ve ever talked about is getting back with David. That if he asked, you’d jump at the chance.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll only let him squirm for a little while.”
“So, you’re getting back together? You and David?”
“All I can say is, when he put his arm around me, it’s as if no time had gone by. I had the same tingly feeling in my stomach as when I was in high school. I believe he’s the one.”
What must that be like? To know for certain? Jeremy’s image floated across her mind. The likelihood they’d ever get together was slim to none, especially now that she could’ve ruined his career. “I’m thrilled for you.” Kayla’s words didn’t match the sound of her voice. She had to put aside her troubles for a little while longer, at least until she hung up the phone. Kayla tilted her face upward and let the sun warm her all the way through to her cold heart.
“What’s going on with you? Did you and Jeremy have fun the other night? You know he has a thing for you. I can see that look in his eyes whenever you’re around.”
Could she tell Chloe the truth? That her mom misunderstood and could’ve ruined Jeremy’s livelihood—and any future she could have with him? “We had a nice time, but there’s something I’ve got to tell you—”
“I’ve got another call. It’s David. Can I call you back?”
“No problem. Talk to you later.” Kayla disconnected the call, leaned her arm on the table, and rested her weary head. She hardly slept last night, and her emotions were at an all-time high.
Would Ashley be a protective sister like Heather? Help her face her biggest fears? Orchestrate a romantic meeting? And would Kayla gain the love of another family if Ashley became a part of her life? The questions swirled through her head.
It was all too much to think about.
26
With a steaming pot of chicken soup in her mitten-covered hands, Ashley cocked her head toward Lauren’s house. “Can you ring the doorbell?”
The rest of the simple dinner rested in the brown paper sack in Madi’s hand. The girl’s brows shot up. “You sure Lauren won’t mind? I know my mom hates surprises.”
“Hurry, this is heavy.”
Why do some teenagers make life so difficult?
“Lauren’s never sick. I can’t remember the last time she’s missed a family dinner, and I want to make sure she’s okay.”
“All right.” Madi let out a breath and rang the doorbell. “My mom always makes a meal for people who have a baby. I’m surprised you didn’t make soup for Tori, too.”
All this talk about her mom must mean Madi was ready to go home. Thank God! The girl wore her out.
“You’re right. I do need to make a meal for Tori. You were a good babysitter the other night. Seems like you bonded with her girls.”
Way to keep it positive. No one else was around to give Madi a compliment when she needed one.
“I’m used to little kids. I’ve got three brothers.” Madi rang the bell again.
Where was Lauren? On Sunday, Mom said she was taking the week off work. Ashley set the heavy pot down on the front stoop. Besides making the soup out of the goodness of her heart, Ashley had another motive. She wanted the photo back. If Lauren couldn’t find her biological sister, then she’d take matters into her own hands.
Madi shook her head. “I don’t think she’s here.”
“Let’s wait another minute.” Ashley peeked in the family room window. A box of tissue sat on the edge of the coffee table, and a knitted afghan and television remote lay haphazardly on the sofa.
“Maybe you should call her.”
“And ruin the surprise?”
Madi folded her arms. “Or we can stand here all day. I say we take the soup to Tori.”
Ashley wasn’t going to leave. Not yet. She pulled her cell phone out of her purse and punched in Lauren’s number. “If she doesn’t answer, we’ll—” Before she could finish her sentence, Lauren came on the line. “Hey, sis, how’re you feeling?”
Madi’s mouth drooped. She must be missing her brothers something fierce.
Lauren talked on and on about how sick she was and how she spent the last half hour standing in a steaming shower.
“Good thing I’m here with a pot of chicken soup.”
“Homemade like Grandma used to make?” Lauren’s congestion
made her m’s sound like b’s.
“Yeah, Madi and I were looking in her old cookbook and found the recipe. Thought you’d like some since you’re sick and all.”
“I love that chicken soup. Now’s perfect.”
Ashley grinned. “Well, are you going to let us in?” So I can get the photo.
“Us? Please don’t tell me Bryan’s with you. I look horrible—”
“No, it’s just me and Madi.”
“Give me a minute. I’m wrapped in a towel.”
“Okay, but hurry or else I’ll drive this soup straight to Tori’s.” Ashley glanced at Madi and winked.
“You wouldn’t dare!” The phone went dead.
“Lauren’s coming.” Ashley picked up the pot of soup. “She was in the shower.”
“My mom hates it when I take long showers.” More talk about her mom. Must be time to go home for a visit with her family.
Right now, Ashley needed to concentrate on her own life and figure out how she was going to bring up the photo.
A minute later, the door swung open. Lauren wore her pale pink robe and fuzzy slippers. Her wet hair hung limp around her oval face, and the edges of her nostrils were bright red from her cold. “Come on in.”
Madi showed her the bag. “We brought bread and brownies, too.”
“You two are saints.” Lauren gestured them inside. “Sean’s going to be happy. He loves brownies. That’s if they last that long.” She smiled at the teen.
“I’m going to set this on the stove so you can keep it warm all day.” Ashley moved past Lauren and headed for the kitchen. She set down the pot to heat and let her gaze roam the counter. Had Lauren left the photo in plain sight? Ashley perused the rest of the kitchen. It was hard to spot in the midst of the clutter. Dirty dishes, mail, and newspapers were scattered throughout the space. “You need to clean. How do you find anything in this mess?”
“Feel free. I’ve been sick all week.”
Now she could look around for the photo without feeling guilty. “Sean doesn’t know how to wash dishes?” Ashley joked.