She planted her hand on her waist. “I hope you have on some good walking shoes.”
He peered down at his work boots, then up at her. “Well, yeah, but I’ve been working all day, and I’m just plumb tired. Can you help me? Please.”
“Come in. I’ll get my purse. Do you want to stay for dinner before going home?”
He started to say yes, but the word clogged his throat. Instead he shook his head. “Thanks. Another time.” He stayed out on the gallery, but through the open door, he spied the family taking their seats at the table. He didn’t know what that feeling was like to have a family sitting around a table talking, sharing dinner. Even now with his dad living with him, they rarely ate a meal together.
When Kim came back, Zane said, “I’m sorry about taking you away from dinner, but—” he lowered his voice “—I’m worried about Dad. He might have been angrier than I thought. I didn’t think he would drive away and leave me.”
She shut the door behind her. “I love chicken, hot or cold. I’ll be fine. Besides, it won’t take me that long.”
In the car, Kim switched on the engine and pulled out of her long driveway onto the highway that ran along the coast. Two blocks away, she turned right and headed away from the Gulf toward the area Zane directed her to. “The area where you live is newly developed. How did it weather the hurricane?”
“Not too bad since we’re about four miles from the Gulf. My home backs up to Lake Hope.”
“Do you see many alligators around your place?”
“Two in the last couple of years.”
“Don’t tell Anna. She’d want to come to your house and keep watch for one.”
Picturing Kim’s inquisitive daughter brought a smile to his lips. Every time he’d come down to the ground today, she’d been right there asking questions about the roofing process. “I’ll remember that.”
Ten minutes later, Kim parked in front of Zane’s dark house. “It looks empty.”
“Yeah. That worries me.”
“What did you two fight about?”
The irony of this conversation struck him. “My father doesn’t approve of me helping you.”
“Then why did he come and help today?”
He didn’t need to see her face in the dark to know that Kim was hurt. It laced each word and made him wish he hadn’t said anything. But he wasn’t going to lie to her. “He knew I needed everyone I could get today. Lately he’s been doing some odd jobs around here and in the neighborhood. I’m hoping he’s getting back into the routine of working. For a long time, his drinking kept him from having a job for long.”
“I guess you were right. We should put our two dads in a locked room and let them duke it out. My dad doesn’t want you in my life, and yours feels the same way about me. I don’t understand them making such a big deal out of it. We’re only friends now.”
“Yeah, friends. I guess they don’t even want that.”
“Tough. I have to be able to live my own life, and Dad is going to have to realize that.”
“Right. I told mine that.”
Kim shifted toward him, her fragrance of jasmine permeating every part of the interior. “Go check and see if he’s here. If he isn’t and you want to find him, I’ll take you.”
“You would?”
She clasped his arm nearest her. “Yes. And if you want, I can even talk to your father. Assure him my intentions are honorable.”
He burst out laughing. “Sounds like we’re living a hundred years ago and our roles are reversed.”
“I love your laugh. I can remember that time you laughed so hard when I fell into my cousin’s pool fully clothed.”
“I know I shouldn’t have, but you should have seen your face. You couldn’t believe that little boy pushed you.”
“It certainly made me reconsider babysitting a relative. I didn’t even get paid for looking like a fool in front of everyone.”
“Not to me. You were adorable. An adorable drowned rat—I mean cute little dog.”
Facing forward, she started the car. “I’m not sure being referred to as a drowned dog is much better than a drowned rat.”
“Oh, yes, much better. I’ll be right back.” Zane hopped from the car and hurried into his house. A minute later, he was back. His worry mingling with a frown implied his dad wasn’t home even before he slid back onto the front seat. “Let’s go down Highway 90 and check the bars.”
“You think he’ll begin drinking again?”
“I hope not. His liver won’t last much longer if he does. But I’ve got to check those places in Hope first.”
“What if you don’t find him there?”
“Then I’ll have you take me home, and I’ll wait for him after I call Ian. His men can be on the lookout for my truck.”
“It helps knowing the police chief,” Kim said, coming to a four-way stop on Gator Road.
“I could have used that fifteen years ago.”
Before putting her foot on the accelerator, she threw him a glance. “Do you think my dad was responsible for you being arrested prom night?”
“Only he can tell you that. Even if he was, it’s not important now.”
“Yeah, but if he did, that was so wrong of him. He shouldn’t think he can—”
“Kim, don’t. It’s the past. I meant it when I told you I have forgiven your father for what happened all those years ago.”
“How can you?”
“Because it takes too much energy to keep up that kind of anger. When I left Hope, I didn’t feel that way. Even when I lived here, I was an angry guy.”
At a stoplight on Highway 90, Kim tapped her fingers against the steering wheel. “You’re a changed man?”
“Yeah, getting to know the Lord can do that to you.”
“Maybe.” The light switched to green, and Kim pressed her foot down on the accelerator, shooting across the intersection.
“Slow down a little. There are a few bars he used to frequent along this strip.”
Silence descended for the next few minutes as Zane searched the parking lot of every bar they passed—until they came to the last one before leaving the city limits.
“He’s there.” Zane pointed toward his black truck parked boldly in front of the bar.
Chapter Six
“Thank you. I can take it from here.” Zane opened the passenger door and put one foot down on the ground.
The light from the bar’s neon sign shone on his face, revealing deep lines of sadness etched into his features. “Will you be all right?” Kim asked.
“Sure. It’s not like I haven’t gone after my father before and brought him home drunk.”
Her heart wrenched at his words. She didn’t want him to be alone. It was hard enough dealing with an alcoholic but doing it by yourself was doubly difficult. She opened her door.
As she rose and peered over the top of her car, his gaze met hers. “No. A bar isn’t a place for you, especially this one. Why do you think it’s on the outskirts of town?”
“I’m going in with you. Otherwise, I would be left sitting by myself waiting in the car. That doesn’t sound too safe, either.”
“How about driving away? I’ll even wait to go in until you’ve left.”
“Nope. You aren’t alone this time dealing with your dad. I’m here. Just as you have been these past few days for me. I won’t be able to leave until I know how your dad is.”
He stared at her for a long moment then pivoted toward the entrance. “Suit yourself. I warned you.”
Kim scurried after Zane into the bar, a wall of smoke blasting her in the face. She blinked her stinging eyes. How could anyone sit in here and drink?
As blaring music from a jukebox played, Zane paused and took stock of the place. The bartender saw him and gestured toward a booth in the back on the right. Zane swung his gaze toward it and stiffened.
Kim glimpsed the top of his dad’s head, the light from above shining on his bald spot as he bent over the table, his chin resting on his
upper torso. Zane reached back and grabbed her hand, then moved in between the tables until he stopped at the last booth.
His dad slowly raised his head. Tears filled the older man’s eyes, the same dark blue as Zane’s. “What are you doing here?” he asked in a voice full of anger.
“Taking you home.” Zane touched his father’s arm.
He jerked it away. “I don’t wanna go. I might not drink this.” He waved his hand at a small glass with a dark liquor in it. “Then again I might. It’s my decision. Not yours.”
Zane slipped into the booth across from his dad and tugged Kim down next to him. “Then we’ll stay here and keep you company,” he said over the loud music playing in the background. “Staying here may be your decision, but driving my truck home isn’t.”
The old man straightened, fastening his intense regard on Kim. “What’s she doing here?”
“She gave me a ride and wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Yeah, I’m sure she cares.”
Kim held his look. “I do care. You’re Zane’s father. You helped me when I needed it today.”
“I remember what you said to me when I wouldn’t tell you where Zane was.” Mr. Davidson tapped the side of his head. “I don’t forget those kinda things.”
“Dad, that was—”
“I don’t care. She told me to go drown myself in a bottle.”
Zane shot her a look.
“I did, but I was upset and hurting. I said some things I’ve regretted. I’ve wanted to apologize to you.” That was the only thing she could do when she saw the pain on the man’s face as he struggled with his addiction.
Mr. Davidson tilted up his chin. “What’s stopping you?”
“Nothing. I’m sorry for what I said. It was wrong. Please accept my apologies.”
“Nope. I won’t.” Zane’s dad clasped the glass in front of him, and slowly with hands trembling he brought the liquor toward his mouth.
Zane tensed. His hand clenched.
When the drink reached Mr. Davidson’s lips, Zane knocked it from the man’s grasp. “No, don’t do it. It’s killing you.”
The glass shattered against the floor. Drops splattered on Kim’s jeans.
The older man scrambled from the booth. “Get out of here. I don’t need a keeper. I’ll do what I want,” he shouted, drawing everyone’s attention in the bar. He swiveled around and stormed to the counter to order another drink.
“I shouldn’t have done that.”
“If he doesn’t want to change and stop drinking, nothing you do will change that.” Kim slid out of the booth followed by Zane.
“I know, but I can make sure he doesn’t drink and drive.” Zane marched to where his father stood at the bar and held out his hand. “I want the keys to my truck now.”
“How am I supposed to get home?”
“Call me or a cab when you’re through doing whatever you think you’re doing.”
Digging into his pocket, his dad scowled. He ignored the outstretched palm and tossed them toward Zane. He managed to catch them before they fell to the floor, then he stalked toward the door.
Kim hurried after him and nearly ran into him right outside the door. She settled her hand on his arm. “Do you know who his sponsor is?”
“Yeah, Ian.”
“Call him. Let him talk with your dad. Sometimes we’re too close to the situation and only make matters worse.”
“I will, then I’ll go back to the house and wait.”
“He might not be home for a long time. Is this my fault?” she asked, still hearing the beat of the music throbbing against the walls of the bar.
Zane turned fully toward her. “No. He was drinking long before you were in our lives. He started when Mom left and hasn’t stopped. Personally, I think he’s afraid of what his life will be like without living in a stupor half the time.”
“I’m so sorry.” Her throat closed around the last syllable.
He took her face in his large hands, rubbing his thumbs over her cheeks. “I can’t thank you enough for bringing me here. Go home. I’ll be fine.”
She hesitated.
“Please. You’ve got to teach a classroom of students tomorrow bright and early.”
She nodded, still not trusting herself to say anything to him—not with her throat clogged with emotions she didn’t want to feel. She thought she had problems with her father, but Zane’s were much worse. She turned away and made it to her car, missing the feel of his palms against her cheeks.
* * *
An hour later, Zane paced a path from his couch to the kitchen and back. After having called Ian, all he could do now was wait for Ian to bring his dad home. But in what condition? That question plagued him as he made another trip to the kitchen. This time he went to the coffeepot and poured some of the strong brew into a mug. It was going to be a long night.
When he walked back into the living room, headlights spilled through the crack in the pulled drapes. He reached the front entrance as a car door slammed. Would Dad be sober or drunk? Tension twisted his gut.
He stepped outside and came to a halt when he saw Kim mount the steps to his porch. “You shouldn’t have come.”
“Is your dad home yet?”
“No.”
“Then I should be here. You need company until he comes home.”
“No, I—” The soft expression in her eyes whisked his denial away. “Come in. Shouldn’t you be home? You’ve got work tomorrow.”
“So do you, but I can afford to miss some sleep. I’ll make it up tomorrow night. I went home, grabbed something to eat and—” she lifted a sack “—brought you some since I figured you didn’t take the time to eat.”
“You figured right, but I don’t think I can eat.”
“If not, then you can put it in your refrigerator and have it later.”
He held the screen door open for her. “I have some coffee if you want some.”
She stepped into his entry hall. “That’s great. Extra strong?”
“Yup.”
“Just the way I like it.”
“Me, too.” Zane led the way to the kitchen.
While he poured her coffee, Kim put the food she’d brought into the refrigerator. “There’s enough for you and your dad. When you’re ready, just zap it in the microwave and it’s good to go.”
Zane refilled his cup then waved her toward the living room. “Funny how some things go. I’ve been back for three years, and in the past three days, I’ve seen more of you than in those years.”
Seated on the couch, she cradled her mug between her hands and sipped. “I guess we got good at avoiding each other in Hope.”
“I’m glad we aren’t anymore. There were some misunderstandings that needed to be cleared up.” Zane sat across from Kim, not sure what was happening between them. He didn’t want to care about her.
“Besides the twenty thousand dollars you didn’t take from my dad, what else?”
“What happened when you talked with my father?”
“That wasn’t a misunderstanding. He made it clear how he felt about me. Still does.”
“If you feel that way, why are you here?”
“Because if you can forgive my father for what he did, then I can forgive yours. I don’t want to see anyone struggle with drinking and give into it again. I don’t want to be the reason he gave in to alcohol after being sober for months.”
“Is that what you’re thinking?”
She nodded, then lowered her head.
“Three months ago, right before the hurricane, I found Dad at that same bar, staring at a glass of whiskey. Six weeks before that Ian did because I was in New Orleans, and he called Ian to come get him at another bar in town. Each time he hasn’t taken a drink—yet.”
“So, he hadn’t had a drink tonight?”
“Not according to the bartender. Though after we left, he could have.”
“Because he was really upset about you working at my house.”
“Pa
rtially, but I think there’s more to it than that. Ever since the hurricane, my dad has needed to test himself. Right after the hurricane, he went days with little sleep trying to help people around here get back into their homes, find their possessions, clear their debris. I hadn’t seen my father like that in years—since before Mom left.”
“He had a purpose.”
“Yes, that’s it.”
“We all need a purpose.” She took a sip of her coffee then placed it on a coaster on the table next to the couch. “That may be what’s happening with my father, too. He used to have a job. Somewhere to go and feel he was contributing. He’s only sixty. He has many good years still, but his illness has made him feel useless, especially since the hurricane.”
“So, what do we do about it?”
“Find things they can do that will make them feel their self-worth. As a teacher, I know how important it is for a child to have good self-esteem. When a child doesn’t, it affects everything he does. That’s what’s happening with my dad. I’ve been so busy with the mess created by the hurricane that I didn’t see what was going on with Dad.”
Zane rose, restlessness flowing through him. He began pacing again. “That’s why my father has been content these months since the hurricane until recently. Most people around here didn’t have as much damage as some parts of Hope. They are back in their homes. The mess has been cleared. Repairs made. A lot because of my father. Now he doesn’t have anything.”
“I think your dad liked how he felt when he was helping the neighbors.”
Stopping near Kim, Zane drew her to her feet. “Lately I was realizing my dad needed a job, something at least part-time, but I didn’t realize why. But everything you’ve said fits what’s happening with him. Thanks for helping me see that.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You’re a wise woman. No wonder the kids in your class love you.”
She blushed and tried to cover her reaction with her hands. “Okay, I’m thoroughly embarrassed now.”
“Why?”
She looked down. “I’ve never been comfortable with compliments.”
He placed his palms over her hands, gliding them away from her face. Then he tilted her chin up so she peered into his eyes. “That hasn’t changed. You weren’t when we dated. Just smile and thank me.”
Love Runs Deep (New Beginnings Book 7) Page 7