by Syndi Powell
He rubbed his palms on his thighs. “There’s no guarantee that Ruby’s father is on that list, but it gives us a place to start.”
Page looked up at him. “Us?”
“I’m all the way in on this one.” He gave shrugged. “This is what you’re paying me to do.”
Right. For a moment, she’d forgotten they weren’t more than client and attorney. She tried to push down the disappointment, but her heartbeat didn’t slow. Instead, it felt as if it would pound out of her chest and everyone would see her feelings for this man. She cleared her throat and stood to hand Ruby the paper. “Does any of this look familiar?”
Ruby took a seat. “I don’t know. My mom said that it was just the two of us forever.” Her eyes skimmed the list again. “I wish I knew more. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.” Mateo rose and took the list from her. “I’ll start the groundwork. Check on dates and history of these men. See if I can find any connection with you.”
Page got up as well. “Can I get you some coffee? Or do you have to run off?”
“A cup of coffee would be great. I’m meeting my family for breakfast in—” he checked his watch “—half an hour, but I have some time.”
Page walked to the kitchen, and Mateo followed her. She poured coffee into a mug. “Cream and sugar?”
“Black is fine.”
She handed him the mug, and their fingers touched briefly. Page felt a spark pass between them, but when she peered at Mateo he acted as if nothing had happened.
“Do you really think one of these Thomas Burns could be her father?”
“I don’t know.” He tapped his finger against the mug. “Like I said, it’s a start. I’ll do some digging and let you know what I find out.”
“And if he’s not one of these men? I just don’t want to get Ruby’s hopes up only to have her find out that her father will reject her again.”
“I contacted a private investigator in Oklahoma to get some more background on both Ruby and her mom. See if there is any mention of a family member. The more we know, the better it is for our case.”
“And following the judge’s orders.”
“Exactly.” He took a sip of coffee. “So how are things going with you two?”
She glanced toward the living room, where Ruby was watching television. “Good, I think. We’re still learning about each other.”
He nodded. “Sounds promising.”
“She is so independent and stubborn.” She stared at him when he smirked at her. “What?”
“Sounds like someone else I know.”
She returned his grin. “You don’t know me well enough to say that.”
“Hey, I’m learning more and more about you every time I see you. Really see you.” He checked his watch. “I hate to run, but can we talk about this later?”
“Sure.” She walked him out to his car and noticed that Ruby was watching them from the window. “So, I guess it’s more waiting until we know what to do next?”
“I’ll try to check further into Ruby’s background. The best thing you can do is to make sure that she’s well taken care of.”
“I’m already doing that.” She took a few steps back so that he could get in his car. She waved as he pulled out of her driveway, accelerated and disappeared from view.
Similarly, Ruby had disappeared from the front window, Page noticed. She sincerely hoped that they wouldn’t be setting the girl up for more disappointment.
* * *
THE CROWD INSIDE the diner swelled with the Saturday-morning breakfast crowd. Mateo scanned the place, looking for his sister and brother-in-law. Lulu waved from a table near the back. He squeezed between tables and chairs, moving in her direction. He took a seat next to his dad and turned over a ceramic mug as a waitress passed by with a coffee carafe. “You had to pick the busiest spot to meet?”
After the waitress filled Mateo’s mug, Lulu waved off a second cup, but Roberto and his dad slid their mugs over for refills. “I figured we would be safe meeting at ten and the breakfast rush would be over. Speaking of which, you’re late.”
“Had to give a client an update on something I’m working on.” He blew across the mug before taking a sip of coffee.
“And you couldn’t have done that over the phone?” she asked.
He could have, but he’d woken up with a need to see Page. He was curious to know more about her. What she thought about...everything, really. Before he could change his mind, he’d found himself sitting in his car in front of her address. “Her house is on the way here, so it was no big deal.”
Lulu’s eyes widened. “Her? Is she young and single?”
Roberto groaned and his father chuckled. “Now you’ve done it. She’s going to have you married off to this client within a month. Watch.”
Mateo stopped the conversation by opening his menu and hiding behind it before his sister could get anything from him. But she pushed down the edge of the menu. “You’re talking about Page.”
“How do you know her?” He narrowed his eyes, then cocked his head to one side. “The aunties have been talking.”
“I think it’s their job to discuss our business amongst themselves. And since Sherri and I both got married, you’re one of the last for them to play matchmaker with.” She clapped her hands. “This is going to be fun.”
“No, it’s not. There’s nothing romantic between Page and myself.” And maybe if he said it enough times, he could start believing that this sudden urge to see her was nothing. Even if the hope that had flared in her eyes when he’d handed her the Thomas Burns list had made him want to do more for her. He wanted to put more hope in those hazel-green eyes. Wanted to make her smile. He rubbed his face. What was happening to him?
The waitress returned to take their orders. Once she left, Lulu took her husband’s hand and looked across the table. “Roberto and I have some big news.”
His dad took a deep breath and held it. He clasped his hands and brought them up to his face. “You’re...?”
Lulu nodded and started to cry. “Pregnant.”
His dad gave a shout and jumped up to embrace his daughter. “I’m so happy, mija.”
Mateo stood and shook Roberto’s hand, then took his turn hugging his little sister. “I thought you said you were waiting.”
Roberto gave a sheepish grin. “That was the plan, but this one had other ideas.” He put an arm around Lulu and drew her close to his side. “We’re due beginning of next year.”
Lulu looked at their father. “February twenty-fifth.”
His mother’s birthday. A wave of loss swept through Mateo, and he closed his eyes. “That’s... Wow. Just...wow.”
His dad wiped at his eyes. “She would have loved to be here. So proud of the young woman you’ve become, Lu.”
“I wish she was here.” Lulu grabbed her napkin and dabbed at her own tears. “I’m excited and scared and thrilled and...I need her.”
“We’ll be there for you. Whatever you need.” Mateo reached across the table and held her hand. “How are you feeling?”
She grinned and crumpled the napkin. “Okay, I guess. I don’t know. I’m still trying to process all of this.”
His father held up his mug. “I think this calls for a toast. To Roberto and my precious Lulu. May you be blessed with a healthy and happy baby.”
They clinked mugs and shared smiles.
* * *
PAGE PULLED UP in front of the library and turned to look at Ruby, who was staring out the windshield. “This is a library? It’s huge.”
“They hold a lot of meetings and community activities here. Like the support group. Let’s go.” Page got out and Ruby followed her inside the building. “The pamphlet says they meet on the second floor. Stairs or elevator?”
Ruby put a hand on her belly. “Elevator. I’m trying to take it
easy.”
“Good answer.”
They found the elevator and took it to the second floor. The hushed atmosphere made them drop the volume on their voices as well as they walked the long hallway to the indicated meeting room. Page started to walk in, but Ruby grabbed her arm. “Wait.”
Page raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”
Ruby leaned against the wall and looked up at the ceiling. “Nerves.”
“Remember, everyone is in a similar situation to yours. They might have some good advice. You have to see the bigger picture.” Page put a hand on the teen’s shoulder. “I belong to a cancer support group myself. Don’t tell April, but the meetings really do help. I don’t feel so alone in my battle.”
“Fine. I’ll give it a try.” Ruby started to walk into the room, then turned and held up a finger to Page. “One meeting.”
Page smirked. This sounded very similar to what she’d told April when she’d first visited Hope Center. It had been almost four years now since that first meeting, and the only ones she missed were when she had to work a shift at the hospital. “Agreed.”
A woman about Page’s mother’s age approached them as they entered. “Welcome. I’m Ranjan, the counselor who runs the group. I’m glad to see you here. How did you find out about our meeting?”
Ruby glanced at the other young women, who chatted with each other, her eyes darting around the room.
Page smiled at the counselor. “Dr. Achatz recommended it.”
“Angela has been a wonderful supporter of ours.” She turned to Ruby. “Dear, would you like to take a seat?”
Ruby looked at Page. “I’ll see you later?” She walked away and approached a teenager who was sitting alone.
“And you are her...”
“Guardian.”
“We usually meet for two hours, depending on how the conversation goes.” Ranjan walked Page to the door. “She’s one of our younger members, but she’ll be fine.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back to pick her up.” Page gave a small wave to Ruby, but Ruby was talking to her new acquaintance and didn’t see it.
Page exited the library. The summer evening left her free and at loose ends, wanting some company. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed April, but it went to voice mail. She hung up and dialed another number. Mateo picked up on the third ring. “Page?”
“Are you free to meet for coffee? I have some questions.”
He paused on the other end. “Sure, but I’d rather go for a walk if you’re up for it.”
“The River Walk?”
“Give me ten minutes.”
She drove to the downtown park area and waited until she saw Mateo arrive. She walked toward his car. “Thank you for meeting with me.”
He gave a shrug. “I was tired of reading briefs on such a beautiful night. I’m grateful for the break.”
He motioned for her to go first. They walked toward the Detroit River on the boardwalk. “You said you have some questions.”
She gave a shrug. “It was an excuse to see you.”
He stopped walking, and she did the same, wanting to see the expression on his face. “Page...”
“You said you wanted to be friends, but anytime I see you it’s with Ruby there. I thought we could spend some time alone.”
That seemed to appease him as he started walking again. “Speaking of Ruby...”
“She’s at a support-group meeting for teen pregnancy.”
He nodded, approving. “That will be good for her.”
“Can we talk about something besides Ruby?”
“What do you want to talk about?”
Page took a few steps then paused to lean against the railing that separated the walk from the river. He stood beside her, bending to rest his arms on the railing. “Did you ever picture your life like this? That is where you would be now?”
“Wow. You’re diving in deep.”
“I’m serious.” She turned to him. “I thought I’d be happily married with kids. The perfect mom with the perfect life.”
“What’s wrong with your life now?”
“No husband, no kids. Fighting cancer.” She shook her head. “Not exactly the happy ending they write books about.”
“Do you want me to tell you what I see? You’re a strong woman who has beat the odds more than once. You became the guardian for a pregnant teen when she had no one else and needed you. You’re a good friend to my cousin, who would have been lost without your support when she was fighting cancer.” He reached out and caressed her cheek. “I see an amazing woman whom I’ve come to admire a lot.”
She dropped her gaze to his mouth. The moment was broken, though, when she heard someone calling his name. Another couple approached them. Mateo lit up and hugged the petite woman who resembled him. “What are you doing here, Lulu?”
“I could ask you the same thing.” The woman held out a hand to Page. “I’m Mateo’s sister, and this is my husband, Roberto.”
Page shook hands with both of them. “Page.”
“Ah, the client.” Lulu pretended to punch Mateo in the shoulder. “You never mentioned she was so pretty.”
Page could feel her cheeks grow warm. “Thank you.”
Roberto cleared his throat. “We didn’t mean to interrupt you two.”
“Yes, it looked as if you were discussing something very important.” Lulu grinned. “It was nice to meet you, Page. I’m sure I’ll be hearing more about you. We will be talking about this later, right, Mateo?”
“Please stop.” His words didn’t sound angry, but amused. When the couple left, he turned to Page. “Sorry. My sister likes to play matchmaker. I hope she didn’t embarrass you as much as she did me.”
“It’s fine.”
Mateo motioned that they should continuing walking, so they did, heading farther down the boardwalk. “Where were we?”
He’d been touching her cheek, and she’d been wondering if he was about to kiss her. “You said you admire me.”
He glanced at her briefly. “I do. But to answer your first question—no, my life isn’t what I pictured, either.”
“What did you expect?”
“That I’d be a successful lawyer who drove a fancy car. Maybe married.”
“You don’t think you’re successful?”
He gave a wry snicker. “My clients lately have been getting younger and in more trouble than I’m happy with. I don’t know how much longer I can do this.”
“What if you’re their only hope?”
“Page...”
“You were Ruby’s. And mine. And just maybe, you do help them, no matter what their sentence is.”
“You can’t know that.”
“Sherri told me you were the best lawyer because you actually cared about your clients. That you didn’t take a case just for the money. Because you believed that you could help your client with whatever situation they were in.” She reached out and took his hand. “Don’t give up on that, Mateo.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Why can’t it be? Maybe I admire you, too, because I believe you make a difference. And we need more people like that.”
They looked at each other for a long moment, then Mateo glanced at his watch. “I need to get back to preparing a case.”
Disappointed that their time was getting cut short, Page nodded. “I have to go pick up Ruby.”
In silence, they walked back to their cars.
Before she had a chance to say goodbye, Mateo spoke. “I appreciate what you said, but I’m burned out. Nice words won’t change that.”
She could easily see the pain in his eyes. “That’s too bad. You really are a good lawyer.”
He walked away, his head down. She wished she could have lightened his burden, as he had for her.
Whenever she thou
ght they were taking a step toward each other, something made it feel as if they were actually taking two steps apart. Would their timing ever be right?
* * *
IT BOTHERED MATEO all evening the way he’d left things with Page earlier. Unable to stand it a moment longer, he called her. “Page? I never thanked you for the walk earlier. It was nice. Helped me clear my head a bit. How was Ruby’s meeting?”
“She said it was okay. Her favorite part was when the counselor brought out cookies at the end.”
Silence on both ends until he cleared his throat. “I’ve been thinking about what you said.”
“I’ve been thinking about your words, too.”
“I meant them.”
“So did I.”
He leaned against his headboard and gripped the cell phone. “I appreciate you trying to encourage me, but it’s complicated.”
“I just thought you shouldn’t give up on something that’s so important.”
“I get that. And I haven’t given up completely. I need to change my focus.”
“Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
He smiled. “Thanks. You, too.”
They said their goodbyes, but he still had her in his thoughts long after they hung up.
* * *
PAGE AND RUBY arrived at Hope Center and found a parking spot nearby so that Page could leave early for work. “April will take you home after the meeting. Okay, Ruby?”
Ruby seemed focused on the storefront, where various colored ribbons decorated the available space. “What did you say this place was again?”
“Hope Center. Cancer support groups. Similar to the one you went to the other night.”
“Right.” Ruby wrinkled her nose. “I told you I’d stay home and watch TV.”
Page squelched a grin. “I understand the feeling, believe me. I acted the same way when April brought me to my first meeting. She had to drag me practically kicking and screaming.”
“And you brought me because...”
“If I have to be tortured, then you do, too, kiddo.” She laughed at Ruby’s horrified expression. “Joking. I’d just feel better knowing you’re not home by yourself.” She held up a hand as the girl started to protest. “I know you can take care of yourself, okay? So call me overprotective, if you want to, however, I’m sure you’ll appreciate having someone with you for now and to make sure that everything is okay.”