by Sherry Kyle
“Would you like to order something to drink? A glass of wine perhaps?” The handsome waiter bent slightly and looked at Kayla with pity in his eyes. She’d waited for twenty minutes and still no sign of her parents. Maybe he thought she was waiting for a man. Better set him straight.
“My parents should be here any minute.” Her voice was little more than a squeak. When the waiter left, she glanced at her watch for at least the tenth time in the last few minutes and pulled out her cell phone from her gold clutch. No messages. What could be keeping them?
While she waited, she scrolled through her e-mail. Chloe was headed to her sister’s house in Santa Rosa again this weekend. Things with David must be going well. As happy as she was for her friend, a slight niggling nipped at her gut. What must it be like to have found the one person you can’t imagine life without?
Jeremy’s image floated across her mind. She hadn’t talked with him since Chloe’s party, afraid if she did, she’d blurt out the real reason he didn’t get the intern position and ruin any chance of friendship. If she was honest with herself, she dreamed of a relationship since the night he declared his feelings. But it didn’t matter now that she’d completely blown it.
“Sorry we’re late.” Her mother’s rushed apology matched the quickness in her step as she slid into the seat her dad held out for her. “I told your father to text you, but he didn’t think it was necessary.” She glanced at the thin diamond watch on her wrist. “For goodness’ sakes, Robert, it’s eight o’clock.”
He sat in the chair opposite Kayla. “I’m sorry, Kay. Friday night traffic is a bear.”
“No worries. I needed to go through my e-mail.” Kayla mustered a smile and slid her cell phone into her clutch on the corner of the table. She took a sip of her water, her mouth feeling like surgical gauze. How was she going to get through dinner now that her parents’ arrival set her heart to racing?
The waiter returned and took everyone’s drink order. As much as she’d like something to lessen her senses, Kayla opted for iced tea. Her dad, on the other hand, ordered a glass of red wine. Her mother chose white. Maybe she’d wait to share what was on her heart until after the dinner when the alcohol had a chance to take effect.
“I was stunned when you asked us to dinner. It’s not like you. What’s the occasion?”
Kayla shifted in her seat at the pointed question. Why did her mother always find a way to make her feel bad? Kayla could do that all by herself.
Dad cleared his throat. “Who says there has to be an occasion? Can’t a family go out to dinner together?” He patted Mom’s hand in that patronizing way he did when he was embarrassed and wanted her to be quiet. Kayla had seen that gesture many times throughout the years. Her mother usually complied, but not always.
“No, it’s not like Kayla, and you know it.” Mom’s words were clipped and directed at her father.
“We discussed this the whole way here.” Dad’s voice was low. “Give Kayla a chance to explain herself.”
So they’d been talking about her, huh? Probably the reason they were late. Kayla imagined them driving around the block, trying to figure her out. After all the years of being in the pressure cooker, it was her parents turn to keep guessing a while longer. That’s if she could hold them off until after the appetizer.
The waiter returned with their drink order.
Kayla opened a menu.
“Well? Aren’t you going to say anything?” Mom’s voice hitched.
“I know inviting you to dinner is unusual …” How could she stall them awhile longer? A new tactic, although slightly misleading, came to mind. “I haven’t done my part in thanking you both for your support through the years and thought now was as good of a time as any.”
What her parents lacked in emotional and spiritual guidance, they made up for in providing material things. Truthfully, they went overboard in that area. If only they knew how to love her for who she was—flaws and all. And tonight, more than ever, she needed their encouragement.
“You see?” Dad lifted a brow Mom’s way then winked at Kayla. “Our daughter appreciates all we do for her.”
If she changed the subject, maybe her parents would get off her back. Kayla jiggled her foot. “How was work?”
“Busy.” Dad took a sip of his wine. “The emergency room was packed. I don’t think I took a minute to clear my head. Feels good to finally sit down and relax.”
Kayla toyed with her necklace, rubbing the pendant between her fingers. “Mom, what about you?”
“Two surgeries, a hysterectomy and a da Vinci cholecystectomy. I almost cancelled tonight, but your father insisted we come. Said you must have something important on your mind—”
“Are you ready to order?” The waiter’s timing couldn’t have been better.
After a quick perusal of the menu, Kayla chose the Dungeness crab bites while her parents both picked the plaza hackleback caviar, one of the most expensive items on the menu.
Once the waiter left, her mother excused herself to the ladies’ room.
“Don’t worry, Kayla. I’ll foot the bill.”
If only her father understood the true reason for her anxiety—and it wasn’t over the price of the food, although his offer was appreciated. “Thank you, Dad.”
She inhaled slowly through her nose and relaxed on the exhale. Let it go. The words zipped through her mind, the same three words she’d said to herself all growing up.
Dad broke the moment. “Mom told me about Jeremy. Such a shame. From what I’ve heard, he had massive potential.”
Had? Kayla’s neck muscles tightened. She played with her knife, flipping it over again and again. “What did Mom say?”
“There’s no reason to get upset. It happens all the time. Some students can’t handle the pressure. The best thing to do is carry on with your studies and let the natural consequences happen. He’ll pay for his mistake, and you’ll continue the course.”
His mistake. Jeremy hadn’t done anything wrong.
He needn’t pay for her mistake of not making sure her mother understood the situation. She’d tried to tell her the truth, but apparently it hadn’t worked. But even if she had tried harder, her mother would believe what she wanted to believe. Had her talk with Dr. Collins gone unnoticed as well? Kayla’s heart stuttered. Maybe her father would believe her if she explained—
Too late. Mom returned to her seat at the table, and the waiter came with their meals.
They ate in silence. Kayla barely tasted her food.
That’s it! No more pretending. “I’m not going to attend medical school.”
Dad’s jaw went slack.
“You’re what?” Lines etched Mom’s forehead.
“I don’t want to be a doctor,” Kayla continued while she had the nerve. “Never have. It’s your dream, not mine.”
“Is this about Jeremy? Because if he’s threatening you—”
“Mom, stop.” Kayla held up a hand. “Like I’ve told you before, Jeremy had nothing to do with my slipping grades or my decision. It’s my choice.”
Mom sent her a daggered look. “I don’t believe you.”
Dad patted Mom’s hand. “Christine, keep your voice down. People are looking.”
“Let them.” She spat her words through gritted teeth. “Our daughter is making a horrible mistake. All because of that Jeremy.”
“No! I won’t let you blame him.” Kayla leaned forward with her elbows resting on the table, an etiquette faux pas her mother drilled into her as a kid. “Listen to me, please. Like I told Dr. Collins, Jeremy is a great student and will make a wonderful doctor. He’s caring and kind and would do anything to help another student succeed.”
Dad clutched Mom’s hand. “Are you sure you’re not covering up for him?”
“Positive.” Kayla gripped her napkin in her lap. “Jeremy didn’t—couldn’t—do anything wrong. Period.”
Mom pulled her hand free and dabbed at her eyes with her cloth napkin. “After all we’ve done for y
ou.”
Kayla needed to get to the second point of the evening—and fast. “Do you like my dress?”
Mom’s brows furrowed. “Your dress?”
“Yes. Remember when I wore it last? At Dad’s fiftieth birthday party at The Cliff House? We took family photos.”
Lines etched Mom’s forehead. “Yes, now I remember.”
“You asked me who the designer was, and I never answered you.”
“Why are you telling me this when we’re in the middle of discussing your future?”
“Because it has everything to do with my future.” Kayla squared her shoulders. “I’m the designer. I made this dress, and my dream is to design my own fashion line.”
“You’re quitting medical school to become a fashion designer? Kayla, are you crazy?”
She expected this reaction from her mother. “Yes, I think I am.” Kayla relaxed her posture, and a giggle escaped.
“Robert? What are we going to do with her?” Mom’s voice shook.
“Hold on.” Dad raised a hand. “Let’s think this through. Mom and I are paying for your education and your apartment.” “I know, and I’m grateful—”
“But if you quit medical school, we’re done. You’re on your own.”
Could she live independently? Negative voices zoomed through her mind, telling her she was going to fail yet again, but this time, a stronger one took hold. The words of Philippians 4:13, the ones Jeremy read and she’d memorized since talking with Dr. Collins, wrapped around her heart and boosted her resolve. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Kayla found her voice. “There’s no changing my mind. I’ve applied to the California College of the Arts here in San Francisco.”
“How will you afford your apartment?” Mom lifted her nose in the air. “It takes a doctor’s salary—”
“I’ll move. I have plenty of friends I can live with in the meantime.”
Mom shook her head and let out a breath. “You’re throwing your life away.”
If she was throwing her life away, then why did Kayla feel so free?
29
Ashley turned off the headlights and dug in her purse for a piece of gum. She’d purchased dog food at AJ’s Market and now sat in the parking lot waiting for Tori to come back on the line.
Baby Max wailed in the background.
Ashley’s nerves rattled. She had to talk to someone, and Tori more than anyone, could give her the perspective she needed, that’s if her sister could steal away from her busy family.
The minutes ticked by. Their conversation had started out pleasant. Ashley asked about the girls and the new baby and whether or not parenthood was different the third time around. Apparently, it wasn’t. Just more laundry, more trips to the grocery store, and less time for her and Drew as a couple. But all in all, her sister was blissfully happy. When it had come time to talk about what was on Ashley’s mind, Max started crying.
“All right, I’m back. But I don’t know for how long. Max needs to be fed, and I’m the only one who can do that. So what’s up? Did Madi go home?”
Ashley leaned her head back against the headrest. “Yes, Madi’s home. She wanted Tanner to spend the weekend, too, so I was sent to the store for dog food.”
“Where are you now?”
“AJ’s.” The local store had everything—including a mini mart, gas station, and car wash. “As I was driving away, I saw Paul coming down the street. I’m sure it’s crazy at the house, and I don’t want to be there to witness it.”
“So you left Bryan alone to pick up the pieces—”
“It’s his family.”
“And the one you most likely will marry into. Are you sure you shouldn’t go back instead of talking with me?”
“There’s something else.” Ashley gripped the steering wheel. “I found out Bryan’s had an engagement ring for weeks, and he still hasn’t asked me.”
“I’ve been thinking about what I said at the flower shop, and maybe I wasn’t being fair. He’s been kind of busy taking care of his niece. So have you. Cut him some slack—”
“There’s more.”
“More?”
“He never told me about a past relationship.”
Tori laughed. “Don’t we all have a teenage crush we haven’t mentioned? Who talks about past loves anymore?”
“Tori, it’s someone who goes to our church. We see her practically every Sunday.” Ashley slouched in the seat. “And she’s gorgeous, talented, and extremely … perfect.”
“Does he act like he still cares for her?”
“No. I’ve never noticed anything. Besides she’s married. But now that I think about it, they almost go out of their ways to avoid each other.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
Ashley twisted a lock of hair between her thumb and index finger. “Susan said that he had a hard time getting over her.”
“And?” Tori probed.
“That’s all she said.”
“Ash, everyone has a hard time getting over a first love, but that doesn’t mean a better love won’t come along. Bryan’s found you, and he loves you very much. I can see it.”
Max started crying again.
“Look, Ash, I’ve got to go. Come by sometime, okay? Bring Madi with you. I’d love for her to watch the girls while you and I have some sister time. We’ll schedule it around Max’s afternoon nap. Maybe next weekend?”
“Sure. See you then.” Ashley dropped her cell phone into her purse and leaned her head on the steering wheel.
Was she making a big deal out of nothing?
Her gut twisted.
She didn’t think so.
Bryan glanced at the door. Where was Ashley?
“Daddy!” Madi rushed into the family room and threw her arms around her father’s neck, squeezing tight. Her forehead shone with sweat, and the top of her hair was matted down like a biker after a workout.
The twins followed suit, running to their father, but Ethan hung back, typical behavior for his personality. He folded his arms. “Where’s Mom?” His brows narrowed, and his mouth puckered like he’d eaten a lemon. The boy was old enough to know his dad made a terrible mistake. Ethan was an ‘old soul’ as some would say—very perceptive, understanding, and kind—and had taken on the role of man of the house while his father was gone. Paul’s choices didn’t seem to bother Madi.
“She’s upstairs, buddy.” Bryan gripped Tanner’s leash between clenched fingers. Personally, he’d like to connect his fist to Paul’s jaw.
The thirty minutes between when Paul showed up and the kids came home had been excruciating. Susan retreated to her room after roundabout conversations, more like arguments, about who got the kids when. Bryan wanted to fight his sister’s battle for her, and he would’ve, too, if Susan hadn’t told him to keep quiet. Finally, Bryan asked to leave the room, to give them time to talk in private, but both Susan and Paul wouldn’t let him go. Said they wanted a witness.
“Come here, Ethan.” Paul waved the boy over, but Ethan wouldn’t budge.
Visually, Paul hadn’t changed much in the last few months. He might have bulked up a little, but his usually lanky frame remained fit. What Bryan did notice were the lines that wrapped around Paul’s eyes, like he’d had too many sleepless nights. Was his brother-in-law worried about his failing marriage? The kids? Well, he should be. He’d cheated on his family.
“Dad, did you see Tanner?” Zachary directed his words to his father then rushed over to the dog and stroked his fur with heavy hands.
“Ease up, Zac. Tanner’s sleeping, or at least he was.” Bryan hadn’t meant for his tone to sound harsh. The thick tension in the room must have addled his brain.
Zachary backed away, a look of uncertainty on his face.
Bryan tugged on the leash lifting the dog to a seated position and motioned the boy forward. “Come back. It’s all right.”
Dylan raced over and joined Zachary. Four eight-year-old hands were all over the dog
in no time. Maybe having Tanner stay here was a bad idea. And now with the added stress of visitations between Susan and Paul, Bryan was ready to take the dog and leave—only he couldn’t because Ashley still had his truck. Where was she? It didn’t take this long to pick up dog food.
“Bryan, I need to speak with you.” Susan called from the bottom of the stairs.
Ethan stepped forward. “Mom, can I come, too?”
“Not now, Ethan. I need to talk with Uncle Bryan alone.”
Bryan rubbed Tanner’s ears. Should he take the dog with him?
Madi sat beside him on the couch. “Here. I’ll take him.”
Bryan released the leash to his niece and climbed over the dog and his nephews. He purposefully avoided eye contact with Paul, afraid he’d do something inappropriate in front of the kids like wrestle his brother-in-law to the ground and beat the snot out of him.
It takes two. The thought flashed in his mind. Was Susan ignoring their problems? For a relationship to work, it took both the husband and wife to work through their issues.
Bryan should talk. He was closing his eyes to what was keeping him from proposing to Ashley. Since Madi moved in, he’d all but disregarded the diamond ring sitting inside his kitchen drawer.
Susan led him up the stairs and into her bedroom. She locked the door once they were inside and flopped back on the bed. “I can’t do this.”
Bryan pushed aside the mound of clothes piled on the small armchair and took a seat. “You can’t do what?” He had an idea but wanted Susan to voice exactly what was on her mind.
“His week, my week. Talking about the kids. Pretty soon, I’ll hear them say how much they like living at their father’s house better—”
“Whoa, why are you going there?” Bryan leaned forward, elbows on knees.
“Did you hear Madi? She was so excited to see Paul, even after knowing what he did.”
“Madi hasn’t seen him in three months. She would do the same for you—”
“No, she wouldn’t, and you know it.” Tears rolled down Susan’s cheeks. “She’s been wrapped around his finger her whole life. Daddy’s little girl.”