Vicki’s Gift

by Fischer, Kristin Noel

  I thought our conversation would end there, so I scooted to the edge of the couch to leave. Seth, however, stopped me.

  “Can I just say one thing?”

  “What?” I asked.

  “Our main problem is that I want more kids and you don’t, right?”

  I nodded. “It’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s definitely an issue.”

  “Okay. Would you go to the concert with me if I promised not to get you pregnant?”

  “What?” I stared at him, shocked he would say such a thing. Then I burst out laughing, and Seth did too.

  “I can’t believe you said that.”

  He shrugged. “Does that mean you’ll go with me?”

  *

  After agreeing to go to the concert with Seth, I came home and tore through my closet, trying on one outfit after another. Seth had been completely unhelpful in the wardrobe department, telling me I could wear whatever I wanted to wear.

  He would be in his Class B uniform. According to the internet, Class B’s were worn on occasions requiring a polished look but not formal enough for Class A’s.

  Glancing at myself in the mirror, I smoothed down a black cocktail dress I’d bought but had never worn. If I paired it with the right shoes, it might work. I left the bedroom and headed to the front closet, where I kept my shoes.

  Bianca’s voice echoed in the hallway outside my door. She laughed, and a man responded, but I couldn’t quite make out what he said. Throwing on my heels, I peeked through the peephole to see Daniel Serrano.

  What was Daniel doing here? Picking up his daughter from Bible study? No, Bible study was last night. I knew because I’d provided the snacks for Bianca and the girls last night.

  Daniel grinned and said good-bye. Bianca gave a little wave, looking as if she might combust with delirium.

  When Daniel left, she did a little happy dance back into her apartment. I waited a beat before crossing the hall and knocking on her door.

  She must’ve been standing right there because she flung open the door and beamed at me. “Vicki, you’ll never—”

  “Well, what do you think?”

  “I think you look amazing.”

  I spun around. “Really? You don’t think it’s too tight?”

  “No, you look great. What’s the occasion?”

  “I’m going to see a concert in Galveston at The Grand.”

  “With whom?”

  Trying to act casual, I gave a little shrug. “Seth.”

  “Seth Watson?”

  I nodded.

  “Wow. What’s that about? Did he somehow age an extra five years?”

  “Ha ha. No, I just ran into him—”

  “In his turnout gear?”

  I rolled my eyes. What was up with my sister’s obsession with firefighters in turnout gear? “No, he wasn’t wearing his turnout gear. We’re just going as friends.”

  She raised a brow. “Maybe that’s what you think, but I guarantee that’s not what Seth will be thinking when he sees you in that dress.”

  Self-conscious, I ran a hand down the front. “Should I wear something else? I don’t want him getting the wrong idea. I love this dress, but maybe I should wear what I wore to church last week.”

  “Don’t you dare. This is perfect for a night out at The Grand.”

  “Okay. So, What’s going on with you? Anything new? Have you heard anything from the adoption agency?”

  “Not yet.”

  “I’m sorry. I know you’re anxious, but it really hasn’t been that long.”

  She groaned. “It feels like an eternity.”

  “I’m sure it does. What about Daniel? I just saw him leaving. Is everything okay with Joy?”

  Her smile took over her entire face. “Yes. Everything is perfect. He’s going to renovate my kitchen in exchange for me teaching Joy how to drive.”

  “He’s going to renovate your entire kitchen, and all you have to do is teach his daughter how to drive?”

  “Yup.”

  I grinned. “Why do you think he’s being so nice. Do you think he has ulterior motives? Do you think maybe he likes you?”

  “I wish, but no. I think he really doesn’t want to be the one teaching Joy to drive. She’s pretty much the worst driver in the world.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, but there’s a reason for it. She’s very anxious about driving because she was in the back seat when her mother was killed in a fatal car accident.”

  “Oh no.”

  Bianca nodded. “Daniel said that Joy has tried to get her license in the past, but she gets too scared. I think he just wants to make learning how to drive a pleasant experience for Joy.”

  “Maybe, but it seems like he’s going out of his way to make things pleasant for you too.”

  Bianca grinned.

  Chapter 27

  Seth

  On the drive to the concert, I had a hard time keeping my eyes on the road. Vicki looked absolutely stunning in a sleek black cocktail dress and sparkly jewelry that made it difficult to remember we were just friends.

  As we crossed the bridge, we talked about various books we’d read and how the book was always so much better than the movie. We were both still big readers, so books were an easy topic.

  Eventually, she asked about my divorce. I could’ve dodged the question or made a joke about it, but I didn’t. Honest answers to serious questions were the side effects of the therapy I’d gotten during my journey to sobriety.

  “I’ll spare you the gory details,” I told her, “but in order to deal with the stress of the job and losing my family, I drank. Of course, I didn’t realize that’s why I drank so much. I thought I just enjoyed the taste of alcohol. Things got worse as they do when one is an addict. Finally, Scarlet had enough. She said she was taking Grant and leaving if I didn’t get help.”

  “So, you got help.”

  I nodded. “I did. I could tell she was serious that time. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done to our marriage. She filed for divorce while I was in rehab and married Ford the day the divorce was final.”

  “Oh, Seth.” Her voice was tender.

  I glanced one last time at the water below us as we drove off the bridge onto the mainland. “It was for the best. She’s really happy with Ford.”

  “And you have a great relationship with Grant.”

  “I do, thanks to Scarlet. Had she not issued that ultimatum, I might’ve lost my son. Instead, I’m sober and able to be the kind of dad I always wanted to be.”

  “You’re a good dad.”

  I glanced at Vicki and smiled. She had no idea how much her words meant to me. “Grant’s an amazing kid. It’s easy to be a good dad when you have a kid like that.”

  She gazed out the window, making me feel like I’d said too much. We’d once been so close, but things were different now. I needed to remember that.

  At the concert hall, Vicki and I joined my coworkers and their spouses for drinks and appetizers in a special room set aside for us. After introducing Vicki to everyone, we stood at a cocktail table with Oscar and his wife, Wanda.

  Vicki hassled Oscar about setting up the fake dating profile for me.

  Oscar shook his head. “I don’t see what the big deal is.”

  “You don’t?” she said. “Seriously?”

  Oscar gave Vicki an admiring look. “That profile got your attention, didn’t it?”

  She smiled and slipped her arm through mine. “Seth and I go way back. We’ve been friends for a long time.”

  Oscar just laughed.

  When the lights flickered, Vicki and I took our seats with the others. An elegantly dressed woman in her sixties stepped onto the stage.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m Rosslyn Baldwin, the director at the Grand Theater. Thank you for supporting the arts by attending tonight. Before we begin, I’d like to acknowledge the Rose Island Fire Department and introduce you to two special guests.”

  Mrs. Baldwin smiled in our dir
ection. “Last month, two brave firefighters responded to a call where Mr. Jones, an older gentleman, collapsed while mowing his lawn. After stabilizing Mr. Jones, they helped load him into the ambulance. Then, these honorable men stayed behind to mow the yard. They even edged, something that Mr. Jones claimed hadn’t been done in years.”

  Soft laughter rippled through the audience.

  Beside me, I felt Vicki watching me. Although she knew tonight was a work event, she didn’t know I was being honored. I supposed I hadn’t told her because I was still struggling with being recognized for doing what was my job.

  In fact, when I first found out about the event, I hadn’t wanted anything to do with it. Then, my captain explained that being honored wasn’t for me but for the community. In a day and age where the news was full of unkindness, people needed to hear about others reaching out to make the world a better place. So, I was doing my best to be gracious.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” Mrs. Baldwin continued, “please join me by showing our appreciation to Seth Watson and Oscar Rios. Gentlemen, can you please stand?”

  We rose, and the crowd cheered as if we’d actually done something heroic. Everyone in the audience came to their feet to give us a standing ovation. Oscar and I waved awkwardly before taking our seats.

  When I sat down, Vicki scooted close to me. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this.”

  I shrugged. “I told you it was a work thing.”

  She swatted my shoulder. “You didn’t tell me you were being honored though.”

  “So, you’re impressed?” I whispered.

  “Yes. Had I known, I would’ve dressed up.”

  I admired her dress, confused. Then, I realized she was joking. We exchanged a smile as the lights dimmed and the concert began.

  After the show, we were invited backstage to meet the musicians. A little nugget of faith whispered in my ear that maybe Vicki and I could be more than friends. Maybe we could try again.

  “Can I get a shot of just the first responders with the band?” a photographer from the newspaper asked.

  Vicki placed a hand on my arm, something she’d been doing all night. “I’ll meet you in the lobby, okay? I just need to use the ladies’ room before we go.”

  “Okay. See you in a minute.”

  As I watched her walk away, Oscar flicked the back of my head. “Dude. You’ve got to stop drooling over that woman. Being so obvious about your feelings is going to destroy you.”

  I laughed, pretending I didn’t know what he was talking about. He was right, of course, but I couldn’t help it. I still had feelings for Vicki, and there didn’t seem to be anything I could do to stop them.

  Chapter 28

  Vicki

  As I headed toward the ladies’ room, I pushed out a slow breath and tried to calm my racing heart. Seth and I were friends. I needed to remember that. Anything more than friendship with him would end in disaster.

  Suddenly, I thought about my birthday party and what Jillian had said on the boat about me not holding her baby. What if I just tried to do it? What if I just tried to hold Linda Faith? I could do that, right? What would be the worst that could happen?

  Total disaster. That’s what could happen. I could have a panic attack, and everyone would look at me, thinking I was a freak.

  Oh, Lord, I don’t want my heart broken again. I don’t. And I don’t want to break Seth’s heart either. Save me from my own stupidity. Please.

  After using the bathroom, I returned to the lobby and looked at all the old photographs of actors and actresses that had performed here. Many of them were still alive, but some had passed on, bringing home the fact that life was short. Life was incredibly short. There really wasn’t time to waste.

  “Hi,” a deep voice said as I studied a photo of Travis Tritt. “You’re from Rose Island, right?”

  I looked up to see an incredibly handsome man I recognized right away. I nodded. “I am.”

  “I’m Ambrose Strickland,” he said. “Your bakery catered the dessert for my law firm’s Christmas party last year.”

  “That’s right.”

  He offered his hand, and I shook it. “I’m surprised you remembered me. That was almost a year ago.”

  He gave an impish grin. “Also, I recently came into the bakery and saw you there.”

  “I remember. You’re the man who called me ma’am.”

  “Ma’am?”

  “Yes, just like that. I asked if I could take your order, and you said, ‘Yes, ma’am. I’ll have the flax seed muffin and dark roast, no room.’”

  He frowned. “I’m thinking you didn’t like being called ma’am.”

  “No woman likes being called ma’am. It makes us feel old.”

  His brow lifted. “Oh. I apologize. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  “Apology accepted.”

  “You’ll have to let me make it up to you.”

  I stared into Ambrose’s deep blue eyes, wondering if they were really that blue or if he was wearing colored contacts. He seemed like the kind of guy who would wear colored contacts. Not that anything was wrong with that. After all, not everyone could be born with Bradley Cooper’s beautiful blue eyes.

  “I really am sorry,” Ambrose said. “I’ve probably been offending women all over the place. Thanks to you, I now know better.”

  “I’m glad I could help.”

  He grinned at me with an I-know-I’m-irresistible expression. “I’m serious about making it up to you. Tomorrow, I’m coming to Rose Island for a meeting. I’d love to take you out to dinner if you’re free.”

  I shook my head. “That’s not necessary.”

  “I know, but I’d like to. Will you let me buy you dinner if I promise never to call you ma’am again?”

  I didn’t know what to say. On one hand, it felt nice to be asked out by an attractive, successful man with beautiful blue eyes. On the other hand, I was here with Seth. Even though we weren’t technically on a date, and even though he just wanted to be friends, making plans with another man felt a little slimy.

  Speaking of Seth, he abruptly appeared at my side. “Hello.”

  “Seth. Hi.” I jumped and spoke in a squeaky voice as if I was guilty of something.

  Ambrose introduced himself, and the two men shook hands. “You’re one of the firefighters they honored tonight, right?”

  Seth nodded. “That’s right.”

  “Congratulations. Well done, my friend.”

  Seth bristled, and I did too. There was something off about Ambrose’s compliment. Maybe it just seemed a little over the top and hollow. Nevertheless, Seth thanked Ambrose.

  A beat of tense silence followed, then Ambrose offered me an apologetic smile. “I guess I need to beg your forgiveness again, Vicki.”

  “Oh?”

  He gestured to Seth. “Had I known you had a boyfriend, I never would’ve asked you to dinner.”

  “I’m not her boyfriend.” Seth spoke so firmly it felt like a slap across the face.

  I knew we’d come tonight just as friends. But seriously, did he have to be so adamant about it? Was he so appalled by the idea of dating me again?

  I covered my embarrassment with a smile. “Seth and I are good friends. We grew up together.”

  Seth nodded but didn’t elaborate.

  Ambrose’s mouth broke into a huge smile. “Well, in that case, why don’t you give me your number, Vicki? I’ll call you tomorrow, and we can make arrangements for dinner.”

  *

  On the drive home, Seth was quiet. I wanted to ask if he was upset about Ambrose, but I didn’t want to make things more awkward between us. Besides, Seth had been adamant in saying that he wasn’t my boyfriend. It felt like he was trying to send me a clear message that he wasn’t interested in dating me at all. While I was trying not to be interested in him like that either, it still hurt after the enjoyable evening we’d shared.

  Alone in my apartment, I did something I hadn’t done in a long time. I went to my clo
set and took down the box I kept hidden in the back. With a deep breath, I opened the lid and pulled out the one photo I had of Seth and me. We’d taken the picture one evening when the sunset was too beautiful not to capture the moment.

  Staring at it now broke my heart. We’d been so young back then. Neither one of us had any idea how hard we’d fall for each other or the heartbreak we’d experience.

  If I could go back in time and warn that young girl of the future, would I? Would I tell her to stay clear of getting involved with Seth?

  I didn’t know. The only thing I did know was being around him was too hard. When we were together, everything felt right. But . . .

  He’s not the right guy, is he, Lord?

  Deep in my heart, I knew it was true. Determined to do what was best, I took the picture and padded downstairs to my little office in the bakery where I kept my paper shredder. For several minutes, I stood there without moving.

  Then, before I could change my mind, I pressed the picture to my heart and ran back upstairs. Maybe shredding the picture would be best in the long run.

  Tonight, however, I couldn’t do it. That picture was the only evidence I had that once upon a time I’d loved a man who’d loved me back beyond my wildest imagination.

  *

  The next morning, Ambrose called to arrange dinner just like he said he would. Bianca hassled me about going out with someone I’d met while on a date with someone else. I ignored her, refusing to pass up an opportunity with a good-looking guy who actually seemed interested in me.

  After closing the bakery that afternoon, I walked down to our communal mailboxes, which were located about a block away. Bianca often complained about the inconvenience, but I didn’t mind. The walk gave me an excuse to clear my head and get some fresh air before returning to my apartment for my afternoon nap.

  When I reached the mailboxes, our new mail carrier, Eliza Smith, was standing by her car. Eliza had recently graduated from high school and had moved to the island with her boyfriend, who worked in the guitar shop owned by his uncle.

  “Hey, Eliza,” I said, holding up a pastry box. “I brought you a slice of hummingbird cake.”