Running Home (Warm Springs Trilogy Book 2)

by Christina Kirby

  Chapter 25

  “You’re joking?” Ann said. “He went to your dad?”

  “Yep, sure did. And, did either one of them feel the need to tell me?” Jenny poured herself another glass of wine as she stood in Ann’s kitchen. She’d given herself twenty-four hours to cool down, but between Adam’s incessant calls and anger toward her parents, the time alone hadn’t worked.

  “Where is Adam now?” Sam asked in an over-happy voice while she played with the baby at the table.

  “Halfway to Cincinnati would be my guess.” Jenny inhaled deeply, the smell of chili heavy in the air. “At least I have you guys, right?”

  “Of course, but . . .” Ann cleared her throat. “Don’t you think you should at least talk to Adam?”

  “Yeah, maybe he doesn’t want to play for Cincinnati, or maybe, like before, he wants you to go with him,” Sam’s tone sounded hopeful.

  Jenny snorted. Pour gullible Sam. “He didn’t even tell me about the possibility. Besides, it’s better off this way. We can go our separate ways before anyone gets too caught up.”

  Ann gave her a pitying stare.

  “Don’t say it, Ann.” She was well aware of how far past ‘caught up’ she was.

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  “Well, don’t look at me that way. Like I’m going to fall to pieces.” Jenny already felt like a slob in her sweats, messy ponytail, and lack of makeup. The last thing she needed was to add certified crazy person to her résumé.

  “Holster your temper, Jenny. I know you’re not going to fall to pieces. You’re one of the strongest women I know, but I’m your friend, so I’m going to be honest with you.” Ann stopped stirring and set the large wooden spoon to the side. “Don’t be pig-headed about this one. Don’t turn away from your chance at happiness out of stubbornness. Adam loves you. He always has.”

  “Hey, ladies,” Jake pushed through the door into the kitchen. “Smells good, babe.” He leaned against the counter and his smile faltered as he took in the scene.

  Sam’s troubled eyes swung from Ann’s stern expression to Jenny’s face as it radiated irritation.

  “Um,” Jake scratched his head through his hat, “am I interrupting something?”

  Spencer pushed through the door next and his steps slowed as he seemed to notice the general discomfort right away. “What’s going on in here?”

  In a mock gesture, Jenny pretended like she was going to tear her hair out. “Argh. There’s nothing wrong. I just needed to vent.

  Ann filled the guys in, and as soon as she stopped speaking, they each took a deep breath.

  “What do you mean your dad told him to go without you?” Spencer asked the same time Jake said, “Have you told Adam you know?”

  “Yes, my dad did that and no, I haven’t talked to Adam.” Jenny brought her hands down on top of her head. “What difference would it make now?”

  At that question, everyone in the kitchen erupted into a heated debate.

  Spencer shouted over the rest. “You just need to talk to him.”

  “He won’t go. He can’t,” Jake’s temper flared. “He just got back.”

  “He loves to play, don’t be ridiculous.” Jenny snapped.

  “I think everyone is blowing this out of proportion. Jenny needs to talk to Adam and let him explain things and then they can work it out,” Ann yelled, still trying to be the voice of reason when all reason had left the room.

  “But, why didn’t he tell me before? And now, he kept his plans from me again.” Jenny placed her hands on her hips. “What’s his excuse this time?”

  The four of them continued to argue, standing about a foot from each other, while Sam remained at the table with the baby. Peter seemed to think the adults were funny judging by the way he kept giggling.

  After a few more minutes of shouting, Sam spoke up. “Spencer and I are going to have a baby.”

  Silence filled the room so quickly Jenny thought someone flipped a switch.

  Ann spun around. “What did you just say?”

  Spencer broke away from the rest of them to place a hand on Sam’s shoulder. “She said we’re going to have a baby.”

  Squeals of delight filled the air as everyone rushed the happy couple. One by one they took turns embracing Sam and then Spencer.

  “That wasn’t exactly how we planned to tell you guys, but it worked.” Sam shrugged and grinned sheepishly.

  “I’ll say.” Jake slapped a hand on his brother’s back. “Way to go, bro.”

  Spencer punched his brother lightly on the shoulder, but kept smiling.

  “Wow, guys. Just, wow. That’s so exciting.” Jenny’s annoyance evaporated. Even with her life in complete disarray, the happiness pouring out from Sam at the promise of a baby was contagious.

  “That’s why I was keeping my distance from the chili.” Sam grimaced and then apologized to Ann.

  “We’ll find you something else. There’s plenty to eat around here.” Ann went to work scouring through the pantry while Jake talked Spencer into a celebratory beer out in the backyard.

  In the quiet, Jenny sat down beside Sam at the table.

  “I hope you aren’t mad I just blurted that out when you’re dealing with all this stuff with Adam. You know I want for you to be happy, more than anything.”

  Jenny propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her linked fingers. “I know, and honestly, I’m glad you broke all that up. I need to stop over-thinking and just call him. I know I do, but I think I’m scared of his answer. What if he loves the game more than me? What if he doesn’t want me to go with him?”

  “It’s not possible.” Sam turned the baby around on her lap so that he could look at Jenny.

  It was hard to imagine that in a few short months Sam would be holding a baby of her own. A sense of longing pulled at Jenny. She reached a hand out to Peter and let him wrap his fingers around hers. His small hand seemed to pull the worry from her heart with one touch.

  “They are kind of amazing, aren’t they?”

  “Yes, they are,” Sam agreed.

  Adam waited while his sister hugged Vera and Honey goodbye. He hated to see her leave. Having her around made Warm Springs feel more like home.

  “Don’t be a stranger,” Honey leaned against her cane on the porch. “And, make sure you’re getting some sleep.”

  “Right.” Avery said. “Because that’s what med school is known for.”

  “Don’t you sass me girl.” Honey pointed a crooked finger at her as she laughed. “Love you.”

  “Same here. I’ll be back soon.”

  Adam followed her down to where her car was waiting by the curb. “It’s about time you headed out of here.”

  Avery tossed her laptop case into the front seat of her rented Mini Cooper and slammed the door. “I’d better. I still have a lot of learning to do.”

  He still didn’t understand why she insisted on driving such a small car. The mere thought of her weaving in and out of city traffic made him grimace. A neighbor drove by and waved. They returned the gesture and then Adam kicked the tire.

  “Thanks again for going on the trip with me.”

  “Had to,” she shrugged. “Without me, you wouldn’t have found that kick ass pub.”

  He laughed and leaned on the top of her car with his elbow. “You know you always have a place to stay when you’re here.”

  “I know, Honey already told me.”

  He reached out a hand and ruffled her hair. “You know what I meant.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” She ran a hand through her short locks and looked down at her feet. “Still feeling good about your decision?”

  “Yeah,” he laughed. “Wait, don’t tell me you think it’s the wrong one?”

  “No way. I sa
y good for you.” She glanced back up at him and smiled. “Hell, it’s your life. You should know what you want to do with it.”

  “I do.” He grinned. “Now, I just have to figure out how to get Jenny where I want her.”

  “Wait, what?” Avery held up a hand like she was about to stop traffic. “You think you’re going to plan something sneaky without me?”

  Adam crossed his arms over his chest. He’d seen his sister with that look before. Her wheels were already turning.

  “Normally, I would invite your help, but you have to get back.”

  “Eh, eventually.” She pushed away from the car. “Honey, I’m going to be staying a couple of more days.”

  “Avery, be serious,” Adam pleaded.

  “I am. Do you really think you can plan something that involves precision, lying, and sneaking without my help?” She cleared her throat as she started for the house. “Which one of us was the bookie in high school for three years without getting caught? Which one of us is famous for arranging epic bon fires for hundreds of people?” She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Me and me.”

  Adam groaned. “I thought you’d grown up, doctor to be?”

  “I have. Now I’m even smarter.” She stopped on the first step and beamed at him. “Face it, you need me.”

  Honey’s gaze shifted from one of them to the other. “Oh Lord, Vera, they’re up to something.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Vera nodded. “I do believe you’re right.”

  “Come on, Adam. Lots to do.” Avery followed Honey and Vera into the house.

  Adam leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He’d officially just lost control of the situation.

  Chapter 26

  Jenny was right in the middle of an episode of Snapped and was about to find out why the wife offed her husband. Not that Jenny blamed her. All men were guilty of something. With the current mood she was in, if she were on the jury, she wouldn’t convict.

  Her phone rang in the vicinity of the kitchen. When it stopped and immediately started again, Jenny groaned and rolled off the couch. Leave it to her to leave her cell in her purse. But, it didn’t make a difference until now. It wasn’t like she’d heard from Adam. It had been days. And, if it was him now . . . maybe she’d just ignore him.

  Disappointment and relief mixed as she read the name on the caller ID. “Hey, Sam.”

  “Hey, yourself,” Sam laughed. “Feeling better?”

  “Yeah, I’m okay. Went to the gym.” She didn’t get into how she’d beaten the punching bag within an inch of its life, or how the other women had stared. Better to leave those parts out. The important thing was, she was dealing.

  “Well, I’m glad to hear it,” Sam said. “I was calling because I need a favor.”

  “Sure, what’s up?” Jenny hopped up on the counter and eyed the stack of dirty bowls and spoons in her sink while Sam explained about how she needed help at the antique shop where she worked.

  “Mary can’t help lift it with her back the way it is, and Spencer’s out with the guys, so you’re my only hope. I’ll buy you dinner.”

  Jenny slipped off the counter, into her shoes and started for the door. “You don’t have to buy me dinner.” She paused and went back to the TV and hit record. “I’m happy to help.”

  “Thank you so much, Jenny.”

  “It’s no trouble. I wasn’t exactly doing anything important.” She closed the door to her apartment and jogged down the stairs. “How’re you feeling?”

  “Fine,” Sam said. “We have another doctor’s appointment tomorrow, so that should be exciting—”

  “What the hell?” Jenny slapped a hand to her forehead in frustration.

  “What? What happened?” Sam asked, alarmed.

  “Nothing, just a flat tire.” Jenny set her things down on top of her car and headed for the trunk. At least her dad had insisted she learn to change a tire. “It looks like it might take me longer to get there than I originally planned.”

  “Do you want me to call Spencer?”

  Jenny pulled the jack out of the trunk and dropped it on the ground with a loud clang. “No, I’ve got it. I can change—” Her eyes rested on a second flat tire. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

  “What now?”

  “Another one of my tires is flat. That’s it,” Jenny pulled her phone away from her mouth and shouted, “This is not my week.” Her voice echoed down through the line of apartments, the empty darkness swallowing the sound of her voice. As the echoes faded, the hairs on the back of her neck pricked to life. Two flat tires . . . her heart began to pound harder.

  “Jenny, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” Jenny whispered.

  “Are you okay?” Sam’s voice was tinted with worry.

  “It’s just odd. Kind of brings back memories of last year.” Jenny glanced over her shoulder and turned to put her building to her back.

  “No, Jenny, don’t think like that. I’m sure this is just a coincidence.”

  “I’m sure it is, too.” Her voice was convincing, but her eyes continued to dart left and right. “I’m going to call a tow truck. Sorry for the hold up, Sam.”

  “Don’t be sorry, and call me back after you call the tow guy. I’ll keep you company while you wait.”

  “Sounds good.” Jenny kicked at the second flat. “I’ll call you back.”

  Twenty minutes later, Jenny sat on the concrete steps holding the phone to her head and listening to Sam talk about the shop. As the step bit into her butt, she wished more than anything to be back in front of the TV. The last thing she wanted to do was deal with car stuff in the dark. Or, to be sitting in the dark at all. She was calmer now, but her fingers were wound around the butt of the pistol in her purse.

  The sound of an engine caught her attention and she stood, but it wasn’t who she was expecting. It was a police cruiser. Her breath rushed out in relief and she removed her hand from her bag.

  When it stopped and the window rolled down, Jenny leaned against the door and looked in. “Nick, what’re you doing here?”

  “I heard you needed a lift.”

  “Let me guess, Sam called you?”

  “Guilty,” Sam said in her ear. “I’ll let you go now.”

  Nick laughed. “Yes, ma’am. Told me about your tires. You must’ve driven through construction nails or something.”

  “Unfortunately.” Jenny tapped her fingers on the door. “You don’t have to take me to Sam’s. The tow truck is already on the way.” She didn’t want to ask him to stay. Didn’t want him to know how nervous she was.

  “Now, you and I both know, Bobby doesn’t get anywhere in a hurry. You might end up out here half the night.” Nick leaned across the center console and winked. “Especially, if he’s at his mama’s for dinner and football.”

  Jenny glanced over her shoulder at her pitiful car. Nick had a point, and she really didn’t want to sit around by herself for the next however many hours. “Okay, take me to Sam. I’ll have her bring me back, later.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Jenny got in, fell back against the seat, and stared out the window. “Do you normally run around scooping people up and running them around town?”

  “Only when a friend asks, and this did sound urgent.” He shifted in his seat and kept his eyes firmly on the road, even though there was no traffic. “In case you didn’t know, Sam can be very convincing.”

  “That she can.” Jenny smiled for the first time since she’d been blasted out of her apartment. The same apartment she’d barely left in two days. The same one where she’d waited for Adam to show up at the door. But, he hadn’t. He’d gone from blowing her phone up to complete radio silence.

  The ball of dread which had formed in her chest grew. Maybe he’d taken the job and taken
off. Or, maybe he’d decided it would be easier not to see her.

  “Nick, do you think it’s crazy for a girl to want to be fought for?” She turned sideways and spoke directly to him instead of her reflection in the glass. “I mean, am I wrong for wanting to be someone’s partner and not be treated like a child?”

  “Um.” Nick shifted in his seat again. “I think the safe response here is to say, the lady is always right.” He offered her a quick grin and then returned his gaze to the road.

  “You’re a smart man, Nick Holloway.” She sat up straighter when he turned the car. “Wait, where are we going? I thought we were heading to Main Street?”

  “Oh, Sam’s not there at the shop.” His eyes cut to the rearview. “She’s . . . she’s over at the church setting up.”

  A crease formed between Jenny’s eyes. She’d never seen Nick on edge before.

  “So, I hear Avery’s leaving town,” she said.

  His shoulders relaxed at the new direction of conversation. “Yep, I heard that, too.”

  “I thought maybe you’d spoken to her since you seemed so cozy at the wedding.”

  He shrugged, the silver buttons on his uniform caught the light. “We had a good time, but she has to get back to her job. Nice girl, though.”

  Jenny laughed. “I don’t know if I’ve ever heard someone say ‘nice girl’ about Avery. Usually, it’s more about her never-ending energy and her ability to cause trouble, but then again, I only really knew her as a girl.”