“I kinda guessed that you were a warm weather person at the Meetup. You were the only one wearing a long-sleeved shirt. Have you lived in Michigan your whole life?” Debby had moved so a foot separated them as they walked.
My whole life as Alexandra Reed. “Mostly.”
“Here in Northville?”
“Yes. I lived farther south in the state before here.” In two other safe houses. “How ’bout you? You said you had a house, so have you lived in Michigan your whole life?”
“I was born in Lansing, Michigan, and my family moved to Novi when I was twelve. I’ve lived there ever since.”
“Any siblings?”
“I’ve a brother, an Iraq war vet, who still lives in Lansing, and a sister in Arizona. That’s it.” Debby stopped walking to bend and stretch her back.
“Back issues?” Alex asked.
“One too many spills from atop my horse, I’m afraid. Nothing too serious, just arthritis that I aggravated by riding today.”
“Ah. I know what arthritis is. Have you ever tried yoga?”
“Yeah. I hate it.”
Alex laughed. “Me too. But Jen showed me some body stretches that’ve helped me. I could show you, if you’re interested.” Alex imagined the two of them lying on the floor stretching and moving together to the soothing voice of the instructor on the DVD. She liked the vision.
“Maybe I’ll try it. I don’t like taking anything for pain and lately I’ve had to.” She bent side to side as she spoke.
“Cool. We’ll make plans for next week. You ready to head back?” Alex tugged on Abby’s leash and began walking back without waiting for an answer. She considered the information she’d divulged and mentally reviewed the various methods of memory retention she’d practiced. She needed to be able to keep her story straight, especially if they were going to spend more time together. All the coaching during her transition hadn’t prepared her for the anxiety of possibly tripping over her story, or how in the world to deal with a simple dinner party, but she was beginning to believe that getting to know Debby was worth it.
*
Debby tried to figure out what bothered her about Alex. She had appeared relaxed and unguarded at dinner, but uneasy at times while they had walked, as if hesitant to divulge too much information. Jennifer had seemed reluctant to discuss herself, too. And what was that piece of paper in the door about? Some kind of strange OCD thing? Debby shook off the desire to reach beyond Alex’s defenses and know her better. She needed to ask her to attend the wedding with her, say good-bye after that so they didn’t get too close, and then concentrate on her new job. They could be surface friends and occasionally run into each other, but that was all. Alex could keep her privacy, and she would go back to the club and her no strings hookups.
Alex rapped on the door three times and hesitated as if counting before opening the door. Jennifer and Phil sat on the couch facing the door, and Abby rushed to jump on the couch and snuggle next to them when Alex unhooked her leash.
“I’m glad you two made it back. Phil got called into work and has to leave soon, but he wanted to say good-bye.” Jennifer hugged Abby close as she spoke.
Phil stood and placed his hand on Jennifer’s back when she rose. “We’ll probably see each other again,” he said. He smiled as Jennifer leaned into him.
“I’ll be heading home now, too,” Debby said. “Thank you for a lovely dinner. It was great to meet you all.” She waved at Joe, who waved back from where he was leaning with his back to the wall.
“Glad to meet you, Debby. I hope we’ll see you again,” Joe said.
“I’m gonna go, too. I’ve got a large group coming in tomorrow for a private wedding reception, so I’ll be on my feet all day. I’ll walk you out, Debby.” Alex hugged Jen and waved good-bye to Phil and Joe as she called to Abby.
“Thanks for the invitation today. Your sister is a phenomenal cook,” Debby said as they headed downstairs.
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you made it to help consume the feast, but I’m sure she’ll be bringing me leftovers for days.” Alex placed her hand on her belly and smiled.
“Before I leave, I have something I want to ask you.” Debby leaned against the wall and pulled out her car keys. “I’ve been invited to a lesbian wedding next month, and I’d rather not go alone, so I wondered if you’d like to come with me. Just as a friend. Like we agreed. It’s on Saturday, the fifth of September.”
“That’s Labor Day weekend. I’m scheduled to work on Monday rather than the weekend, so yeah. I’d love to go with you, as a friend.”
Alex smiled, and Debby’s gut fluttered. “Great. I’ll let you know what time when it gets closer. Have a good evening.”
“You, too. Take care.” Alex turned to leave and pulled Abby’s leash.
Debby pushed away from the wall and followed the sway of Alex’s hips as she led Abby toward the stairs. She needed to get a grip on her reactions to Alex or she’d regret having asked her to the wedding.
Debby reviewed the evening as she drove the few miles home. She had surprised herself when she found herself relaxed and enjoying the easy flow of conversation. Alex and her sister obviously cared about each other, and she had noted several times when they had exchanged glances and moved at the same time as if reading each other’s minds. She envied their connection. Her own sister lived in Arizona, but with her husband working overtime and two kids in school, the time and financial restraints meant they only saw each other maybe once a year. Her brother lived and worked less than thirty miles away in Lansing, Michigan, but was struggling with post-traumatic stress, so she didn’t hear from him often.
Phil and Jennifer seemed to be closer than she would have expected for a new relationship. They seemed as comfortable with each other as a long-term couple, and her jealousy took her by surprise. It seemed she had shaken off that feeling several times in the short time since Alex had entered her life, and she vowed to squelch it by consulting her list as soon as she got home.
*
Alex double-checked the guest list for one of the biggest wedding events the convention center had hosted all year. Sundays in July were big days for wedding events, and they usually took up the whole facility. She pasted on her smile and prepared to greet the guests streaming into the room. Her stomach clenched when she read the groom’s name. Maybe Martinez was a common name, like Smith or Jones. She checked in several guests as she searched the group for the wedding party but saw no one who stood out. She’d never seen a wedding so formal. All the guests were in tuxedos and evening gowns.
“I’ll be right back, Betty,” she whispered to her boss while scanning the crowd again, then grabbed her cell phone and headed to the employee parking area.
“Martinez.” She pronounced the name clearly over the phone to Joe.
“Does he have a first name?”
“Miguel. Miguel Martinez. God, Joe, is he related to that offshoot of the La Familia cartel I read about? Is he one of the bad guys that knew my father?”
“Take it easy. The whole Martinez family, and the Knights Templar cartel, is under surveillance. They’re a newer group, and your dad was never involved with them. Remember when I told you we would protect you at all costs? I meant it, kiddo. You relax, and I’ll look into this Miguel for you. He might not even be part of that cartel. It’s a pretty common Hispanic name, so try not to worry about it. I’ll get back to you soon, okay?”
“Thanks, Joe. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
Alex disconnected the call and took a settling breath before heading back to work. She wouldn’t panic. She had a new identity and there was no chance she would be recognized by this Martinez, even if he was part of the cartel. Her father was involved with the drug gang, not her. She settled behind the front desk and let the other employees take care of the wedding guests.
She was able to avoid working with the wedding party for most of the day, but an hour before she was due to leave, her boss asked her to work overtime to take over for one
of her coworkers who had to leave early. She took a deep breath and agreed to stay. She thought of Debby’s calm strength, and the constriction in her chest eased. The relief was short-lived as she realized she couldn’t even mention her fears to her. She sighed and phoned Jen to ask her to take Abby out. She saw no need to tell Jennifer anything until she heard back from Joe. No sense in both of them being on edge. She put her phone away and went to check on the wedding’s food preparation.
Alex spent the last hour of her shift confirming reservation information in the hotel’s computer. She noted which room Miguel and his new bride were staying in, surprised that it wasn’t one of the suites. It seemed they’d reserved those for their guests. Maybe he wasn’t an evil drug lord after all. They were due to check out the next day, and she hoped that would be the last time she ever saw them.
Chapter Seven
“Hey, good morning, Deb.” Kelly leaned across the counter at the nurses’ station located by the employee entrance. “You’re starting today, huh?”
“Yep. First day, and I couldn’t be more excited. I don’t know exactly what to expect yet, but maybe we can get together for lunch.”
“Sure. You go check in with Jan, and I’ll come by the pharmacy later.”
Debby followed the hallway to the center of the building past Janis’s office and had nearly made it to the pharmacy entrance when she started at a scream coming from one of the rooms. She quickly turned to investigate as two nurses scurried past her.
“It’s okay, Mrs. Wilson. You’re safe now.” The nurses’ practiced movements and calming demeanor must have been what Mrs. Wilson needed because her shrieking stopped. “Just relax and we’ll bring you your medication.”
Debby retreated down the hall to the pharmacy. If medication was needed, she wanted to be ready to learn what was being dispensed. She was surprised to find the pharmacy door unlocked but the room dark. She flipped on the light switch and called into the empty room. “Hello? Anyone here?” She was surprised and a little dismayed that the room full of drugs was left unlocked and unattended. She was about to leave in search of Janis when one of the nurses she had seen with Mrs. Wilson entered the room.
“Good morning. I’m Rita, one of the day shift nurses. You must be the new pharmacist Janis told us about. I’m hoping you can help me with one of the patients this morning.”
Debby smiled at the nurse standing in the doorway looking completely relaxed. “Yes. I’m Debra Johnson. I think I need to settle in first and get my bearings, Rita. This is my first day, and I’m not familiar with the procedure here.”
“Just look her up in the system, for goodness sake. You do know how to use a computer don’t you? It’s Cora Wilson. She takes two milligrams of Xanax, three times a day. It’s over there.” Rita pointed to a locked cabinet behind Debby.
“That sounds like a high dose. I’ll confirm it in the system and get back to you. Okay?” Debby bristled but stifled an impatient retort. She hoped this incident was an anomaly and not the norm.
“Just open the cabinet and give me the pills. I’ll let her doctor know about it.” Rita stood unmoving, with her hands on her hips.
“I’m sorry, Rita, but like I said, this is my first day, and I don’t even know where the keys are to the cabinets.”
“They’re right there. Hanging on that hook.” Rita pointed to a wall where several keys hung for anyone to reach.
“Is this where they’re kept all the time? It seems unsafe to leave them where anyone can get to them.”
Rita shrugged and Debby wondered what she’d gotten herself into just as Janis entered the room.
“Good morning. I see you’ve already met Rita.” Janis turned to address the nurse. “I’ll explain our system to Debby while you fill out the requisition form.”
Rita looked irritated, but turned and left the room.
“Sorry about that. Rita can be a bit pushy when it comes to her patients. Come on. I’ll show you the ropes. Penny, our other pharmacist, called in sick today, so you’ll be on your own.”
“Thanks. Can we start with why the keys to the drug cabinet aren’t put away in a drawer?”
“We’ve been short staffed for a few months, and regulations have slipped. You find a good spot for them, and I’ll make sure everyone is aware of the change.”
Debby didn’t mind working alone when she knew where to find things. She just needed to learn the facility’s process and figure out what was up with Rita. This may be more than I bargained for. Odd that she now had two new people in her life she couldn’t quite figure out. Thoughts of Alex reminded her she was going to mention the next barrel racing event to her. She liked the thought of Alex watching her ride. She stretched her back and remembered she was going to learn some yoga moves. She made a mental note to call her at lunchtime.
*
“So how’s your first day going?” Kelly and Debby sat across from each other in the employee break room eating their lunches.
“So far, so good. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into first thing this morning, though.”
“What happened?”
“A nurse named Rita came into the pharmacy demanding some Xanax for one of the residents, but I’d only just walked in the door and had no idea what the procedure was. Fortunately, Janis rescued me and explained how the system works.”
Kelly’s laugh surprised Debby.
“Rita can be a handful. I’m sorry you had to experience her exuberance on your first day. She takes her responsibilities extremely seriously. It was probably Mrs. Wilson who needed the Xanax. Her doctor keeps her heavily dosed or she gets extremely agitated. We’ve had to sedate her several times over the past few months so she wouldn’t hurt herself or anyone else.”
“Huh. Well, I looked up her record, and the dose Rita requested was indeed what was prescribed, although I thought it was pretty high.” Debby finished her sandwich and sat back with a cup of tea.
“So, how’s your love life these days? It’s been a while since you talked about the club,” Kelly asked.
Debby balked at the turn in the conversation but decided to be honest. “I’ve sort of lost interest, you know.” She took a swallow of tea and contemplated telling her about Alex, but Alex was only a friend. Why do I need to keep reminding myself of that? “I miss dancing, but the one night hookups have sort of lost their appeal. It almost seems like more work than it’s worth.”
“Whoa. I never thought I’d hear you say that. I know I’ve been a little off my game since I lost Kristen to Jaylin. I was hoping maybe we could hit the Rainbow Zone together this weekend. You up for that?”
Debby considered the invitation. A night out was probably just what she needed to let off some steam and keep her focus off Alex. She recalled she was going to call her to invite her to the fairgrounds and remind her of the yoga. Maybe she’d wait until next week, give it some time to feel less…interesting.
“Yeah. Let’s plan on a Saturday night adventure.”
*
Debby settled into her seat and took a sip of her beer as she watched Kelly dancing with a young brunette in a leather skirt and knit top that barely covered her breasts. Kelly caressed her bare midriff, and Debby turned to watch the other dancers.
A couple moved past her line of sight, and she caught her breath as one of the women stepped away then twirled back into the arms she’d left. She could have been Alex, with her short spiky hair and shapely body. She shook off the desire to be the one holding that body and searched for her own dance partner. An attractive blonde caught her eye, and she watched as the woman waved and went to join a group in the back of the room. For some unknown reason, she felt no inclination to follow her. She sat back and waited for Kelly.
“Are you going to just sit there like a bump on a log all night?” Kelly asked. She plopped into her chair and took a long pull on her cold beer.
“What do you mean? I’m just relaxing.” Debby shifted in her seat, willing Kelly to ignore her. Her idea of an adventure had been
wishful thinking. The only woman she’d wanted to dance with was one that reminded her of Alex. This wasn’t good. Alex was only supposed to be a friend, not someone against whom she needed her list for protection.
“You haven’t danced once tonight, and there are some hot women here.”
“I think I’m just tired. I’m so sick of retail pharmacy that it’s important to me to do a good job for Janis. I worked hard today and I think I’m just wiped out.” Debby knew Kelly wouldn’t buy her excuse.
“I’ve seen you work a fifty-hour week and still stay out all night dancing. You sure there isn’t something else going on?” Kelly leaned back in her chair and twirled her beer bottle with one hand, looking prepared to wait for as long as it took for Debby’s reply. “Does it have anything to do with that nice looking woman I saw you with at the fairgrounds last week?”
“That was Alex. She’s just a new friend I met at a Meetup last month.” Debby stood abruptly. “I’m going for another beer. Can I get you anything?”
“No. I’m good. Hey—” Kelly rested her hand on Debby’s arm to stop her. “We can leave if you’re not having a good time.”
Debby dropped back into her chair. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to squash your fun.”
“You’re not squashing anything. I’m ready to get out of here, too. I don’t know, maybe I’m getting old, but this doesn’t seem as satisfying as it used to. Let’s go get an omelet at Pete’s.”
“Sounds good. We’ve turned into real party animals, haven’t we?” Debby stood and stretched her back.
“Those bulging disks bothering you again?”
“Just a little. God, now I feel old. Let’s get the heck out of here.”
*
Debby fed Shadow and set up his stall for the night when she got home and then dropped into her swivel rocker to read the letter from the Michigan Pharmacists Association. She held up her arms so Buddy could jump into her lap while she read it aloud. “Due to conflicts in scheduling, the venue for this year’s event will be changed to the new convention center in Novi.”
Imperfect Truth Page 5