Crashing Tides Duet: Anchored and Adrift

by Ruby Rowe

  “You nailed it. Look, I promise to give you space, but if that’s not what you want, I’ve been told I’m a lot of fun.”

  “Um … OK.”

  “Wait, no, I wasn’t talking about that kind of fun. I mean, I have been told I’m good at that, too, but it’s not what I meant. What I was trying to say is I’m good at lifting people’s spirits.

  “I even have alcohol, Lucky Charms and a hot tub.” Glancing over, he gives me one of his boyish grins. “I’m that damn cool. Maddie thinks so, anyway.”

  “Yes, I sense how fond she is of her Uncle Jake.”

  “What do you say?”

  “Today’s proving to be about change, so why not? What could a little more hurt?”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Sailor

  Still believing I’m too upset to drive, Jake convinces me to leave my car at the school for the weekend. Going along with what he wants isn’t like me.

  I have a routine I seldom break, and I trust very few people, but his kindness seems genuine. Maybe it’s his affection toward Maddie that’s blurring my judgment, but I want to believe that’s not the case.

  No, I’m praying that’s not the case since we’re pulling up at his condo steps away from Washington Park in Greenwich. We take an elevator to the fifth floor, and once we walk out, I see there’s a door on the right and one on the left.

  “Our housekeeper comes on Friday mornings, so you’re in luck.”

  After unlocking the door on the left, he steps back for me to enter. As soon as I’m inside and standing in the living room, I glance around the condo. It’s an open concept, giving it an even more spacious appearance.

  “This is nice and in a premium location.”

  “Yeah, I could never afford it on my own. My roommate took me in like a stray dog.” I look back at him, and he messes with the top of his coarse, dark hair, his skin a hint of pink.

  “His room’s upstairs. The guest bedroom is, too. My room is down here.” He points to the left, and I spot a hallway.

  Straight ahead of us, behind the living room, is an open kitchen full of grey oak cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances, and to the left is a dining room.

  We stroll through it to a sliding glass door, and on the other side of it is a terrace. I cover my chest once we’re standing outside, eyeing the view.

  Since it’s early September, the foliage on the trees is still thick, giving the walking paths and benches a canopy of shade. The fading green color of the leaves only hints of the approaching autumn, but the breeze gives away that it won’t be long.

  “What a fabulous view of the park. This place is so charming.”

  “I grew up in Greenwich. After my mom met my dad, she convinced him to move here from Brooklyn. It’s a running joke in my family.

  The artsy chick moves the tough Brooklyn cop to the Village. She has a pottery shop nearby, and they’re pretty jealous I get to live next to the park.”

  “I bet.” I look around the terrace, and along with a table and chairs, there’s a covered hot tub on my right.

  “It’s almost lunchtime. Are you hungry?”

  “I don’t know. My mind is reeling right now. I should probably call the property manager from the apartment complex, my insurance company, and shit…” I glance down at my outfit. “I didn’t even think about clothes. I can’t believe this is the only outfit I own.”

  The reality of having no belongings and a home is setting in, and I feel like I need a good cry. My expression must show it since Jake is rubbing the back of his neck and staring off at the park.

  “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, losing everything, but maybe what you need right now is some down time. What do you say we get some lunch delivered?

  “I have to pick Maddie up today, and then her dad is swinging by this evening to get her, but other than that, I have no plans.”

  “Please don’t feel obligated to spend time with me because of what happened this morning.”

  He grins. “I’m beginning to think you don’t want to spend time with me.”

  “No, it’s not that. I appreciate it, but you’re going above and beyond, considering you barely know me, so I want to be sure you understand that I don’t expect it.”

  “I can already tell you’re important to Maddie, so you’re important to me. She’d insist we help you.”

  Thinking about Madeline, I bite my lip.

  “I wonder if it’s a good idea for Maddie to see me here since I’m her teacher.”

  Jake shakes his head. “Do you always worry this much?” Since his question reminds me of the past, I pull my penguin closer to my chest.

  “I guess I do worry a lot. I’ve found that when I don’t think things through, the consequences can be devastating.”

  His smile vacates the premises, and I feel bad for making our conversation deeper than it already has been.

  “So, what’s your favorite restaurant near here?” I ask. “Now that you mentioned food, I’m hungry.”

  A faint smile returns as he motions toward the sliding door. I walk back inside with him and set my purse and penguin in a chair at the dining room table.

  “Do you eat meat?” he asks.

  “Yep.”

  “If I didn’t already like you, I would after that answer. A great burger place is only minutes away.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Jake

  “Are you sure you want sweats?” I ask Sailor as I hand her a black pair.

  “I figure they’ll stay on better than your shorts.”

  “Are you calling me fat?”

  She giggles, and it’s nice to hear after how stressed out she’s been today. She loosened up over lunch, and I could tell there was a fun girl inside her. She bites on the corner of her lip as her eyes tilt up at me.

  “I appreciate this. Even though we weren’t close to my apartment building, I can smell the smoke on me. Are you sure you don’t mind if I shower?”

  “I do mind. You can’t wash your clothes, either, or stay the night. Take the subway back to your car, woman.”

  She laughs as I stare down at her sultry smile, and I wonder if Sailor knows she’s gazing back at me like she wishes I’d join her in the shower.

  I don’t think I’m reading her wrong, and if she’s feeling the attraction between us as much as I am, we’re headed to only one place soon–my bed. I’m still trying to decide if I’d be a dirt bag for letting that happen.

  I mean, even if it was a decade ago, I slept with her sister, and it doesn’t appear Sailor’s aware of it. If that’s true, then she also doesn’t know I was as much to blame for Rebecca’s death as she was.

  As I pull out my phone, I nod toward the door. “I’m going to go pick Maddie up, but first, what’s your phone number?” She rattles it off, and once I’ve typed her info into my cell, I send her a text. I hear her phone vibrate in her purse.

  “You have my number now, so call me if you need something before I’m back. The bathroom in the hallway upstairs should have everything you need for a shower.”

  “Thank you, Jake.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Sailor

  Jake leaves me alone in the house, so I grab the small cosmetic bag I have in my purse and take the stairs to the second floor.

  Crap, I forgot to ask him which room is the spare one. There are four doors in the hallway. Two on each side, and they’re all closed.

  I crack open the first one on the right, and this must be his roommate’s. I glance around, and the large space is sterile and plain.

  There’s a king-size bed covered in grey bedding and a large blueprint drawing of a sailboat hanging on the wall. There’s a large dresser, too, but not much else.

  Realizing I’m bordering on snooping, I pull the door shut. I wonder if this guy’s going to mind that I’m crashing here. Maybe I’ll be gone before he knows it.

  I open the first door on the left, and it’s a bathroom. Perfect. I look a
round, and you’ve got to be kidding me? On the sink is a wicker basket with individual quart-size baggies of travel size toiletries for girls. I fish around the basket. OK, there’s one for a man. That’s it.

  Do they bring that many chicks home with them? I pick one up, and inside are several items: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a razor, toothpaste and a toothbrush.

  I roll my eyes. A packet with two pain relievers is even crammed inside. I don’t go home with random guys. Is this a normal thing for them to have in their bathrooms? I’ll have to ask Carrie.

  I get in the shower, and the hot water spraying on my neck and shoulders is the stress-reliever I’ve needed today. I notice my legs have a little stubble on them, so I reach around the curtain and manage to grab the razor from the baggie I left on the closed toilet seat.

  I’ll probably buy shorts tomorrow, dresses and skirts, too, so it makes sense I’d want my legs smooth. It has nothing to do with the erotic thoughts I’ve had of Jake skimming his hands or mouth over them.

  Ugh. I like him, and I didn’t want to. He knew Rebecca, and aside from my family, I was diligent at detaching myself from those who knew about my past.

  But damn, Jake’s handsome, funny and caring. He’s down to earth and precious with Maddie. So far, he’s exactly the kind of man I’ve dreamed of finding.

  My ignorant parents would never approve of him since he’s not of the proper pedigree, but this is one of many decisions they don’t get to make for me.

  I also admire Jake for having a profession he enjoys. I’m assuming he likes his job. Why else would someone be a homicide detective?

  I became a teacher because it was the career I always dreamt of having. Since I was a teenager, I’ve wanted to surround myself with children and play a role in their education.

  I obviously didn’t choose the profession because of the salary. I’m fortunate to have inherited immense wealth from my family, but it’s not what matters most to me.

  I yearn for a man I can’t see myself living without. One who’s smart, funny and wants children. One who makes the future with him so appealing that the past is irrelevant. Maybe Jake could be that person. My person.

  Once I’ve showered, I remember I don’t have a comb or brush and no products to put in my hair. Hmph, the guys are missing an item in their whore kits. I may need to inform them of their poor hospitality.

  I start remembering all the belongings I lost in the fire, and I have to push the thoughts away to keep from crying. I open drawers on the marble vanity, but there’s nothing in them.

  I look inside the two doors below the sink and discover a caddy with all sorts of hair products and makeup inside it.

  Setting it on the counter, I exam all the used items that appear to belong to a woman. One who I could assume sleeps over frequently. My mind can’t help but race with possibilities.

  Does Jake have a girlfriend he’s not telling me about? Does this belong to his roommate’s girlfriend? The unknown makes me crazy.

  What’s happening in my world must always be clear to me. The unexpected is like an intruder wearing a mask I can’t see behind. It’s petrifying for me, and at this moment, I feel out of control.

  Finding a pink comb, I rinse it off and run it through my hair. I feel guilty for using someone else’s things, but I’m out of options right now.

  I pull out a tube of hair gel next and work a small amount through my wet strands. That’s it. I’m not using another item that belongs to this person.

  Returning the caddy exactly the way I found it, I finish getting ready and put on a white t-shirt of Jake’s, along with his black sweats. They’re too big, so I tie the strings in the front tightly.

  I stare in the mirror, feeling so much better. Hanging my towel on a rack, I head downstairs and put my cosmetic bag inside my purse. I was at least able to apply some makeup I carry with me.

  Hearing a high-pitched voice outside in the hallway, I smile.

  Maddie...

  As soon as the front door opens, she rushes in but comes to a stop once she spots me. Sticking her finger in her mouth, she looks me over and scrunches her forehead.

  “Ms. Lockwood, why are you wearing Jake’s clothes?”

  He clutches her shoulder as he stands beside her.

  “Remember what I told you? Ms. Lockwood lost all her belongings in a fire today, so I’m letting her borrow my clothes until she can buy some new ones.”

  Her innocent eyes fill with sadness. “I’m sorry about your stuff. I’ll give you some of my crayons and paper to use at school.”

  “That’s sweet of you, Madeline, but I have plenty of school supplies in our classroom.”

  She pushes back her thick auburn hair to get it out of her face, and that’s when she spots my penguin sitting in the chair.

  Dropping her backpack on the floor, she walks toward me and asks, “Hey, what’s that?”

  I pick it up. “This is my special penguin. I bought him many years ago.” Maddie’s in front of me now, eyeing it speculatively. She squeezes its body. “It’s so soft. I want a stuffed animal like this.”

  I feel terrible that I can’t give it to her, but there’s no way I could part with it. She touches the anchor pendant around its neck. “Why does he have a necklace?”

  “It was a gift someone gave me a long time ago, so I thought my penguin would like to wear it.”

  “What’s his name?”

  As tears fill my eyes, I lay it back in the chair with a trembling hand. I clear my throat and try to blink away my pain.

  “He doesn’t have a name.”

  Her round eyes look at me. “I could help you pick one.”

  “Uh, Maddie, let’s get you a snack,” Jake says. I glance up, and he’s staring at me hard. I need back in my bubble.

  “Uncle Jake, we have to make Mommy cards now. You said so this morning.”

  “Oh, is your mom sick?” I ask.

  “Yeah. She has incar … incarceritis and is in the hospital, but I can’t see her.”

  “Maddie, go grab a juice box out of the fridge.”

  “Ms. Lockwood, do you want a juice box?”

  “No, but thank you. And while I’m here, you can call me Sailor. That’s my first name.”

  “Sailor,” she murmurs, trying the word out with a smile. She skips off to the kitchen, and once she’s out of earshot, I look at Jake.

  “Incarceritis?” I hold my hand up. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.”

  “I know she’s not using the word in the right context, but it was the first one that spilled from my mouth when she asked me where her mom was. I couldn’t tell her the truth.”

  “I’m so sorry, Jake. You don’t have to tell me more.”

  “Maybe later. Anyway, I did promise Maddie we’d make her mom cards.”

  “You’re sweet, Jake, and she’s lucky to have you in her life, especially now.”

  “I try, but I feel like I fail her more often than not.”

  “I don’t believe that.” Strolling over to me, Jake cups my cheek.

  “I have a feeling you’re the sweet one. I’m glad you’ll be teaching her this year. Her dad and I are going to need someone with a lot of patience the next few months.”

  Clearing my throat, I stare up at him. “Of course. Whatever you need.”

  “What I need… What I need right now is to kiss you.”

  “Jaaaake,” Maddie says in a singsong as she runs out of the kitchen. Quickly withdrawing his warm hand, Jake turns around to face her.

  “What, Mads the Spaz?”

  She giggles. “There are no more Goldfish crackers in the snack drawer.”

  “Grab the crayons and paper from my bedroom, and I’ll get your snack.” They both leave the room, and I touch my cheek. Things are happening fast, so I should figure out Jake’s relationship status soon.

  Jake

  While Sailor helps Maddie make cards at the dining room table, I watch them and wonder what the fuck I’m doing with Sail
or?

  I decided on my drive to pick Maddie up that I wouldn’t be more than a friend to her teacher, yet the first thing I did once I was standing in front of her was touch her.

  Breaking the rule was easy when she was staring up at me like I hung the damn moon. If I’d known kids were chick magnets, I would’ve been using my niece as my wingman long ago. She’s way more fun than Elliott.

  Shit, Elliott. I didn’t see the harm in bringing Sailor here since I figured she’d be gone before he came home from the hospital, but if I were to continue seeing her, they’d find out about each other, and I don’t know how he’d feel about Sailor being around him.

  Part of me thinks it would be good for Elliott to talk to her. He’d see that she’s moved on and made a life for herself. Maybe then he’d put what happened to Rebecca behind him.

  I should tell Sailor he’s my roommate, and about my connection to her sister, but she’s been through enough today. There’s no reason for her to find out this weekend.

  The doorbell rings, so I go to answer it.

  “Hi,” I say to Brad before he walks in.

  “How’s Maddie?”

  “Good. She’s in the dining room with her teacher.”

  He turns back to look at me. “Her teacher?”

  “Yeah, her apartment burned to the ground this morning. It’s a long story, but she ended up here.”

  “Fuck, Jake. Is there any woman you won’t seduce?” He rubs his forehead. His tall forehead. The guy should cover it with some of his red hair. He’d look better. Not cooler, but better.

  “You’re an ass. I happened to be at the school right when she found out the news.”

  Brad points his finger at me. “If you upset Ms. Lockwood, she might take it out on Maddie this year.”

  “That statement tells me you don’t know her teacher well. She’s too nice to ever be mean to one of her students. You obviously don’t know me, either, if you think I’d do something that could cause my niece pain. Now, take your daughter and show her some attention this evening. She’s really missing her mom today.”