by Elsie Davis
April shook her head, her friend’s concerned warning touching, but unnecessary. “I can handle it. Trust me. I’ll keep you posted.” They hung up, April aware her clock was ticking, and she didn’t have much time to get ready to leave. Garrett was about to make all her dreams come true. Well, Garrett’s money, she corrected. The city slicker was not her idea of a forever kind of guy for anything else, no matter how handsome or how much she hadn’t been able to get him out of her head all day. Something she wasn’t about to tell Maddison, or she’d never hear the end of it.
April would have preferred to see Tammy’s face in person when she delivered the news she was quitting, but an email was all she had time for. Starting Monday morning, April’s caseload would be Tammy’s problem, and all the candidates supposedly lined up for the job were welcome to it. Her biggest regret was handing off the file for the young girl and her mother that she was recommending the courts leave together. She hoped Tammy would heed the comments April had made on the file, but she realized it was out of her hands. When she returned to Hallbrook, she’d check up on the pair to see how they were doing.
An hour and a half later, on the dot, she pulled up to the Bradley house. Knowing what she would need was almost impossible, so she’d thrown together some outfits that could be mixed and matched and last a few days. She’d have to swing by later to get more of what she needed before they headed to the city.
She knocked on the door and waited. The sound of raised voices coming from inside was not a good sign, and the dog’s barking only made it more chaotic.
The front door opened, and Garrett reached for her bag and pulled her inside. “Thank God, you’re here.”
“What’s with all the shouting?” April asked.
Garrett pointed toward the two older kids who stood glaring at him as if he were the devil. Her arrival was clearly none too soon.
“Melanie heard me talking about New York, and she told Bryan, and they aren’t thrilled about it. And I’m not getting anywhere trying to make them understand I don’t have a choice but to return to the city, and they have to go back with me.” Garrett ground out his frustration in each word as he tried to explain.
Maybe she should reconsider. There was still time to change her mind. No. Her education and future depended on her seeing this through, not to mention the children’s well-being was at stake.
“What seems to be the problem?” She directed the question at the kids. Better to dive in and get straight to the source. Both kids launched into a diatribe, and April caught bits and pieces. She held up her hand. “One at a time, please. This needs to be a civilized conversation if anyone is going to listen and come to some sort of agreement.”
“Fine,” Bryan huffed. “He—” Bryan pointed at Garrett, “—expects us to move to New York City with him. To leave our friends and our school. And we don’t want to go. It’s not fair.”
“Yeah, we don’t want to go.” Melanie echoed his words, her lower lip in a full, drooping pout.
April’s gaze landed on her casted arm, and she felt a momentary rush of sympathy. Now wasn’t the time. She had to get this situation under control and fast. “I totally understand.” April nodded, moving farther into the room and stopping six feet away, blocking Garrett out of the conversation with strategic positioning.
“You do?” Bryan was shocked, his voice dropping a few decibels.
“I do. You have school and friends here. It’s all you ever known. It would be scary to live somewhere else.” With kids, sometimes you needed to nudge them to the right conclusion, not bulldoze them. Garrett apparently was a heavy-equipment operator.
“I didn’t say I was scared. I’m not scared of anything, except when maybe dummy here fell out the tree. I just don’t want to, and he can’t make me.” Bryan crossed his arms and took a defensive stance—but at least they were talking and not yelling.
“I’m not a dummy, and I’m not scared either. That’s dumb.” Melanie chimed in.
April chose her next words carefully. “No one said anyone was dumb. Melanie falling from the tree was an accident. There’s a huge difference. I think you’re both afraid and won’t admit it.”
“No—” Bryan interjected.
“Wait. Hear me out. We need to listen to each other. It’s not a one-sided conversation.”
“Fine,” he huffed again, plopping down on the sofa to listen.
“Thank you. As I was saying, fear makes us not do things, and sometimes we don’t even realize our fears are being driven by fear. Here’s what I see on the other side of what you see. I see kids who have wonderful friends here in Hallbrook, and that won’t change. But here’s what else I see. I see kids who have an opportunity for an adventure. It’s like a vacation to a new place, to try it on and see how it fits. Kids love adventure, so to say no to that would tell me you might be afraid.” She’d come a full circle, and she could see the two of them trying to make sense of what she just explained. April also knew this was the most critical part and kept quiet.
“Adventures are fun.” Bryan shrugged. “But what if we don’t like it?” He’d thought of the one question she wasn’t prepared to answer. She hoped, for everyone’s sake, Garrett didn’t correct her answer.
“We can discuss it then. Make decisions together. It’s easier to cross that bridge and make decisions after you’ve had a taste of the adventure and know all the facts. Let me put it this way. If you could have vanilla ice cream, which you know you like because it’s familiar, or you could have some secret flavor that could be amazing or not, which would you choose?”
“The secret flavor. Vanilla is boring.” Melanie’s answer gave her hope this would work.
“Bryan?” April waited for him to get on board with the direction she was taking the discussion.
“Vanilla is for girls.” Bryan scrunched up his nose. “I want something different. Like green and chocolate.”
“Exactly. Think of the city like green and chocolate ice cream. Something to try, so the next time you’re asked vanilla or mint chocolate chip, you will know exactly what to answer.”
The light clicked on for both children. It was evident in the way they stood looking at each other, more relaxed now.
“Okay, but if we hate the mint, I don’t want to be forced to eat it.” The kid was quick-witted for his young age, making her even more grateful they were on board for the adventure.
“Sometimes, we don’t have a choice what’s served, and we just say no to dessert.” April had no idea where the last thought came from, and it was over their heads, but it helped her to fully understand what she was trying to explain. A life lesson about trying new things, but also about understanding that sometimes decisions were made for you, but sooner or later you could make the decision for yourself. Exactly the lesson she’d learned as a foster kid stuck in the system.
“What’s that supposed to mean. Who says no to dessert?” Melanie chimed in.
“It means, give the city a chance. Maybe you’ll like it, maybe you won’t. But in the end, it becomes a part of growing up, and it helps you to figure out what you like and don’t like. It’ll help you know what you want to do with your own life when you grow up and get to make your own choices.”
“Okay. So, when does this adventure start?” Bryan asked the question, but all three of them turned to face Garrett for the answer.
He stood staring at April in amazement with Sandy fast asleep in his arms.
April shot him one of those I-got-this-looks and shrugged.
“Monday. April, if you can put together some of their things, I’ll take care of my mom’s affairs and call for a ride to the airport and book us a charter flight to La Guardia.” Garrett was in a take-charge mode now that the kids were settled. Except Monday was the day after tomorrow, and not at all what she expected.
“I didn’t see that coming.” There were loads of problems associated with leaving that soon, but she tamped down her response, not wanting to give the children any wiggle room. “O
kay, then. I’ll get everything ready. I’m sure the kids will help pack their own clothes for our adventure.” She smiled for the sake of the children, but her mind was racing with all that needed to be done. This was insane.
“But what about Rufus?” Bryan asked, stroking the dog’s back. “He has to come with us. Can he ride in a plane? And not in the cargo area. I’ve heard awful things about that from the other kids at school.” Bryan was well-informed.
“Not a plane. We’re going by helicopter. And the dog can fly with us in the main area. It’s a huge chopper,” Garrett replied.
“A helicopter? A real helicopter. Yes!” Bryan exclaimed. “I mean, ummm, cool.” Caught between a boy and a young man, the kid wasn’t sure how to react.
April shot Garrett a secret wink, accompanied by a grin she couldn’t hold back. Score a point for Garrett.
Chapter Six
Garrett had turned the entire household over to April the minute she arrived. Best decision ever. He still couldn’t believe how she’d been able to diffuse the volatile conversation that had been going on for over ten minutes by the time she arrived. Melanie had been sullen and withdrawn all the way home from the doctor’s, and not even Mabel had been able to draw her out.
At first, Garrett had worried her wrist was bothering her, but when they got closer to home, he knew there was more to her attitude. It didn’t take long to find out what. The second they entered the house, Melanie told Bryan what she’d heard about them going to New York City. It was as if a bomb had been dropped. His negotiating skills were some of the best in the country, but they were useless when it came to dealing with children.
Luckily, April’s tactic had worked, because he was at the end of his rope dealing with them and had no idea what to do next. He wasn’t sure what would happen when the kids found out they might be eating mint chocolate chip ice cream for a long time to come, but he’d decided to follow her suggestion and cross that bridge when the time came. Anything to bring peace to the household, even if it was temporary.
He couldn’t even begin to imagine how this would all work out. His penthouse suite was his personal space. A place of his own created exactly as he wanted—a haven of perfection. Which was ironic, considering he’d moved to the city for the lights and excitement. In the end, he preferred the lights from his balcony overlooking Manhattan and the Hudson River over an exciting nightlife. He got enough of that with all the client dinners and parties he had to attend.
And now he had to share it with three kids, a dog, and a nanny. He let out a deep breath and shook his head. Everything would change, and it was up to him to figure out how to make it work.
He needed to take a page out of April’s playbook to watch and learn. She’d come in and systematically begun organizing everything last night. Dinner was reheated leftovers from the home-cooked meals, salads, and desserts the neighbors had dropped off. The children picked up their toys, had their baths, and like magic, they were all in bed on time. Sandy at eight, and the other two at nine.
Not to mention the smooth, efficient way she’d handled the kids on Sunday, getting them packed and prepared for the move to the city. It was most impressive and confirmed the money he’d offered her was well spent.
For the past two nights, Garrett had felt guilty sleeping in his own bed, knowing she was on the couch. He’d offered her his mother’s room that he was currently using, but she’d turned him down, insisting it would be easier to get a jump on things in the mornings if she was in the living room.
This morning, however, when he came downstairs, he was surprised to find her sound asleep, considering they needed to be out the door by eight a.m. Although judging by the suitcases piled high at the front door, she’d worked late last night.
He watched her sleep, appreciating the soft look on her face, her hair cascading across the pillow. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Garrett noticed a golden butterfly birthmark on her throat that he hadn’t seen before. An image of him kissing it crossed his still half-asleep brain. He snapped out of the no-go zone he’d traveled into and headed for the kitchen.
He flipped the coffee pot switch to on. April had set it up the night before, and it wasn’t long before the warm aroma of chicory percolated throughout the kitchen. Way better than the plastic instant he’d used every day. It made a nice change.
It wasn’t long before April entered the kitchen, brightening the place considerably and energizing him in a way no cup of coffee would ever do. And all while still dressed her in pajamas.
“Good morning. I totally overslept.” She yawned and headed for the coffee pot, the long beep signaling it was ready drawing her attention.
“Good morning.” He started to rise, intent on getting his own cup of coffee.
“Sit down. I’ll get yours.” She waved him off, and he complied, finding it oddly comforting to watch her in action.
She handed him a cup of steaming coffee. He took a sip; the flavor was bold and daring. “Thanks, this is perfect.”
“I’ll jot that down in my memory notebook. Two cups of water and three tablespoons of Graystone Dark Magic coffee per cup.” She tapped her temple.
“Memory notebook?”
“Yes. It’s something I learned to do a long time ago. It helps me to remember things. Someday it’ll come in handy when I’m trying to keep up with twenty-plus kids in a classroom.” Her laughter filled the kitchen with warmth.
“You want to teach?” There was a lot to learn about April, and everything about her interested him. Maybe she’d used the same magic she used on the kids on him. He was definitely a fan of hers.
“Yes. Kindergarten, to be exact. That’s why I want to finish my schooling and agreed to your offer.” April fixed a sippy cup with milk and screwed on the lid. Of course, she wouldn’t forget the top. That was for amateurs like him.
“Now why doesn’t that surprise me?” He pictured her presiding over a classroom of little beasts like she was the queen of the jungle.
“I love kids. What can I say?” She shrugged.
“Why didn’t you finish your schooling before? I’m guessing you’ve been out a few years.”
“Do I look that old?” She smoothed back her hair, frowning.
“I didn’t mean it that way. You don’t look like a fresh-face college girl. Is that better?” He winked.
“Umm, maybe.” April shook her head and rolled her eyes. “I made it through three years of college, but then I got sick and missed too much school and had to drop out. One thing led to another, life changed, and I couldn’t afford to finish. I’ve been trying to put money every week into a fund so that one day I could finish.”
“And that explains why you jumped at this opportunity—for which I’m grateful.” His mother trusted him to make this work, and for her, he’d try to make things right for the kids. He still didn’t have all the answers but getting April to help was an excellent start.
“That makes two of us. We’ll make it work.”
“You mean, you’ll make it work. I’ll be at the office escaping the madness,” he teased.
“So that’s how it’s going to be. At least I know ahead of time what to expect. By the way, I called the principal of the elementary school in your neighborhood and explained the situation. They agreed as long as the kids are enrolled in school by Labor Day, you’ll be fine, and they won’t miss much.” April picked up the coffee carafe and filled his cup.
“Thanks. And I appreciate you taking care that. It’s not something I would’ve thought of, at least not right away.” He’d have to find out what school district he was in. Or maybe a private school would be better. That would be an excellent task to assign his secretary, Brooke, once he got back to the office. She was a New Yorker through and through and was well-versed on all the ins and outs. Better to trust someone citified who knew the ropes than to lay that on April’s plate.
“Trust me, if you had forgotten for long, you’d be reminded. It’s called truancy. The truancy police would
come knocking on your door looking for the kids. The law requires them to attend school unless you’ve arranged for homeschooling.” April laid out three bowls, spoons, napkins, small plates, and a juice glass. She was a master at time management.
“I’m expecting there’s a lot to learn along the way, which is another great reason to have you to help guide me through this. What are you feeding them for breakfast? A smorgasbord?”
Her sassy grin was endearing, the dimple on her chin more pronounced when she fighting back a laugh.
“The dishes are for cereal and a piece of toast. A balanced breakfast.” April added the peanut butter and jelly to the table. “And don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it. Kids are resilient, and they’ll come around. They just need to get to know and trust you.”
“By the way, nice pajamas.” He’d almost been able to resist the temptation to tease her about the kitty-cat flannel bottoms and matching T-shirt top, but not quite.
“What? I love cats. And they’re comfortable.” There wasn’t a trace of discomfort. Her confidence was admirable. April was a unique woman with special talents when it came to kids and just about everything she did, and he couldn’t help but wonder more about her. Her history.
She probably had no shortage of boyfriends, and he wondered if her current boyfriend had any issues with her running off to New York City, knowing a man was part of the package deal. If April and he were an item, no amount of money would make that situation right, and he wouldn’t want her traveling with some guy. Not that someone could necessarily stop her. She was fascinating, yes, but also determined.
“Thanks. I woke up early and tried not to disturb you.” Garrett took the steaming cup of coffee from her and took a sip.
“Disturb? I barely slept. That couch is the smallest, most uncomfortable bed I’ve ever slept on. The princess had it made in the fairytale with just peas under her mattress. The lumps under that couch mattress felt more like oranges.”