Penelope reached out and placed her hand on Caleb’s shoulder. “What a lovely surprise to see the both of you here. You could have given me a head’s up, Caleb.”
Caleb swallowed his food, then placed his burger back down on his plate. “That would have ruined the surprise,” he said with a wink.
“True. And it’s a lovely surprise to see you here.” She turned her gaze toward Addie. “Welcome to the Silver Spoon, Addie. Are you enjoying the food?”
“Immensely,” Addie said. “It’s just as good as it was when I was a kid.”
Penelope’s eyes twinkled. “That’s great to hear. People come from far and wide for our Silver Dollar Burgers. We just had a customer from Germany.”
“Mom,” Caleb said in a warning tone. “You sound like a commercial.”
Penelope made a tutting sound. “I’m sorry, Addie. Blame it on so many years of advertising the business. I do it on auto pilot.”
Addie dipped one of her fries in ketchup. “No need to apologize, Mrs. Donahue. This is the best food I’ve had in ages.”
Penelope said, “Please call me, Penelope. Any friend of Caleb’s is a friend of mine.”
Ellie rushed up to the table. “Penelope. Jude needs you out back.” She made a face. “Something about a jar of spoiled pickles.”
Penelope groaned. “No rest for the weary,” she said before hustling off toward the kitchen.
“Your parents are amazing,” Addie said, her gaze trailing after Penelope. “It’s wonderful that they can still work together. My parents couldn’t even be in the same room with one another once they had decided to end things.” Addie winced. “It wasn’t pretty.”
“I hope they never get to that point,” Caleb said, heaving a gigantic sigh. “Am I crazy, Addie? Or in denial? Because I still can’t wrap my head around the idea that their marriage is over. I keep thinking this is someone’s twisted idea of an April Fool’s Day prank. A very unfunny one.”
“I totally get it,” Addie said. “Life as you’ve known it is going to change. And no matter how old we are, we tend to view our parents through a childlike lens. Suddenly, it feels as if nothing makes sense.”
“I just want to know why.”
“Maybe there is no one why, Caleb. And perhaps they are both trying to find their way through this.”
“I’m just disappointed, I suppose. Being raised in a Christian family has taught me about valuing marriage vows. Through sickness and health. Till death do us part. I guess things don’t always work out like that.” Caleb pushed his food to the side. He seemed too aggravated to finish his food.
“I think sometimes life is more complicated than we can ever imagine,” Addie mused. Her own life had shown her that things were never simple. Sometimes, love wasn’t enough, although she deeply believed in honoring marriage vows.
She didn’t know what else to say to Caleb, who was clearly struggling to understand his folks and their situation. Addie didn’t know what challenges Jude and Penelope had faced in their marriage. It wouldn’t be fair for her to weigh in on their troubles.
“But I do know one thing. God hears our prayers. Talk to Him, Caleb. Lay all of your burdens on His shoulders. It always makes me feel better when I do that.”
“I have. And I’ll continue to do so.” He looked across at Addie and shook his head. “Do you know how good it feels to be with a woman who encourages me to pray? I think this is a first for me.”
“Really?” Addie asked. “For me, it’s automatic. It’s such a huge part of my life. And I’m glad it’s part of yours as well. I don’t know what I would do with myself if I couldn’t talk to God.”
When Ellie brought them two slices of apple pie at Jude’s insistence, Addie let out a huge groan. Even though she was stuffed from dinner, she couldn’t resist digging in to the sweet treat. Like everything else on the menu, it was scrumptious. She looked over at Caleb’s pie plate and saw it was empty. Before Addie knew it, they were the only customers left in the diner.
“Have we worn out our welcome?” she asked, nervously looking over her shoulder. She didn’t want either Jude or Penelope to think they were taking advantage of their ownership of the Silver Spoon.
“Of course not. They still have to finish up out back and get things in order for the breakfast crowd.” Caleb looked over at the jukebox. “I’m going to put some music on.” He stood up and fished around in his pocket, pulling out a few quarters. He walked over to the jukebox and began to flip through the listings.
“Aah. An oldie but a goody,” Caleb said as music began to fill the air. He began to tap his feet in time with the rhythmic beats. He turned back toward Addie.
“Dance with me.” Caleb offered his hand to her.
“Dance with you? Here?” she asked.
“My parents do it all the time,” Caleb said. “Come on, Addie. Live a little. Dance with me.”
Live a little. Isn’t that what she had been trying to do for the longest time? Live. Take chances. Kick up her heels.
She nodded her head. “Okay. Let’s dance.”
Caleb reached for her hand and pulled her toward him. She placed her hands on his shoulders as his hands rested on her back. They began to slow dance to the music.
Addie rested her head on Caleb’s shoulder. She could see Penelope and Jude standing at a distance watching the two of them. Jude turned toward Penelope and extended his hand. Penelope hesitated for a moment, then clasped Jude’s hand before he led her toward the parquet floor where they began to dance. Addie tapped Caleb on the shoulder, then nodded her chin toward his parents. Caleb grinned as he spotted them dancing cheek to cheek. She saw a hopeful expression on his face. It made her chest tighten just to see him so happy.
Addie knew if she could see her own face in the mirror it would be flush with joy. She felt like the luckiest woman alive to be dancing with Caleb as he guided them effortlessly in time to the music. For so long she’d wanted her life to be bigger and grander. She’d wanted to live life rather than hiding herself away from the world. And now, here she was, feeling on top of the world.
In such a short time, Caleb had managed to change her outlook on life. And she knew if she wasn’t careful, she was going to fall head over heels in love with Caleb Donahue.
“Don’t let the past control you. If you allow it to, the past can swallow you up and spit you out.”
Parker Donahue
Chapter Seven
Caleb couldn’t help but smile every time he caught sight of Addie as she walked around the restaurant greeting customers and putting out fires. She was a whirlwind, always in perpetual motion. Working at the bistro suited her. There wasn’t a single thing she couldn’t handle, except for the actual cooking. One night when there wasn’t a dinner service at the Blue Bayou, Caleb wanted to make dinner for Addie at his place. He wanted to show off his skills in the kitchen.
Tonight had been a very successful evening at the restaurant. Praise the Lord! Pride had filled him as he’d looked out across the eatery and saw the crowded venue. There were new faces he’d never seen before, which was a blessing to any establishment.
The restaurant had been filled up to the rafters. Addie’s suggestion to put seating outside had been a smart one. It allowed them to seat more customers and it gave the bistro a romantic, European flair. Addie had set up twinkling lights outside on the patio. It was a smart move. The customers loved the charming touch.
Caleb had to admit, Addie was making her presence known at the Blue Bayou. She was a breath of fresh air, not only for the restaurant but for his life as well. She possessed such a positive vibe. Caleb had never met anyone like Addie. She was a mass of contradictions. Shy. Funny. Smart. Quirky. And as sweet as chocolate candy.
It had been a wise decision to open up a few evenings a week to test the response. The money they’d made this evening was impressive. He was learning as a businessman that it was all right to listen to other ideas and to incorporate someone else’s suggestions into the Blue Bayou. It ma
de him a better owner, partner and boss. And he trusted Addie. He hadn’t really known her that long, but he had faith in her. And although he’d promised not to think of her romantically, they were clearly well past the line. The kisses they’d shared had been anything but platonic.
Addie came into the kitchen, interrupting his thoughts. She was gazing at him with a look of uncertainty etched on her face.
“What’s up?” Caleb asked. “Is everyone gone?”
“Not quite.” Addie shifted from one foot to the other. “My friend Chandra would like to come back here. I didn’t want to just bring her back without asking first.”
Addie’s close friend had been a patron this evening. He had watched the two of them earlier when Addie had stopped by her friend’s table. It was clear they shared a wonderful bond.
“Addie,” he said with a chuckle. “You’re free to bring anyone back here you like. We’re partners. Remember?”
A pleased smile lit up her face. “I wanted to give you a head’s up.” Addie bit her lip. “She said you look familiar to her.”
“Really?” he asked with a frown. “She doesn’t look familiar to me at all. Matter of fact, I would wager to say I’ve never seen that woman before in my life.”
Addie shrugged. “She wants to talk to you.”
“Why?” Caleb asked. “Does she have a complaint about the food?” he teased.
“She wouldn’t tell me, but I’ve known her since college. She’s a good person. Whatever she has to say, I reckon it’s important enough for her to ask.”
“Okay,” Caleb said with a nod. “Bring her back here then.”
Addie smiled, then left the room. A few minutes later she returned with her friend. She was tall with shoulder-length auburn hair and tawny colored skin. Slight freckles dotted her cheeks and nose. Caleb had spotted her earlier talking with Addie. Her face didn’t ring a bell at all.
Addie made the introductions. “This is Chandra Robbins. We were at college together. Chandra, this is Caleb Donahue. We’re working together here at the Blue Bayou.”
Chandra smiled at him. She had a kind face. Her skin was flawless.
“I think we’ve met before,” Chandra said, grinning at him.
He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Chandra. I’m drawing a blank. Where do you think our paths crossed?”
“Back in Tampa.” She spoke in a soft voice.
His heart began to pound. The sound was deafening and it thrummed in his ears. He shook his head. Tampa. Tampa. Images flashed before him. His palms began to moisten. He felt sick to his stomach.
“Caleb. Are you all right?” Addie asked. She gently squeezed his arm.
He swiped his hand across his forehead. Moisture had gathered there. What was going on with him? He’d never had a panic attack, but it felt like he was having one.
“I-I don’t remember being in Tampa.” He forced out the words. “Not ever.”
“You don’t?” Chandra frowned. She darted a glance in Addie’s direction. “I don’t want to cause you any distress, Caleb. I should go.”
“No!” he said, reaching for her arm to stop her from leaving. “Tell me about Tampa.”
She looked over at Addie again as if seeking reassurance.
“Tell him what you know,” Addie said in a gentle voice.
Caleb waved her toward the seating area. He pulled out a chair for her. Chandra sat down and crossed her hands in front of her on the table. Addie quickly sat down next to her. As Caleb sat down he couldn’t rid himself of the feeling that life as he knew it was about to change forever. A funny feeling had settled over him.
Chandra looked at him with sad eyes. “I grew up in Tampa. My mother used to babysit you.”
Caleb ran a hand over his face. “I-I was adopted when I was pretty young. There’s not a lot I remember about my life before I went to live with my adoptive family.”
Tampa. Tampa. The more it rolled around his brain, the more it sounded right. How could he have forgotten that detail? Why had he blocked it all out?
“I-I think Tampa sounds familiar. Your mother? What did I call her?”
“Mrs. Robbins I think. Sometimes you called her Gigi.”
Caleb’s hands began to sweat. He felt nauseous. An image flashed before his eyes. A brown-skinned smiling woman with rounded cheeks. Mrs. Robbins!
“Caleb!” Addie said his name in a sharp tone. “You don’t look so good.”
He placed his head in his hands and rocked back slightly. After a few minutes he raised his head up. Both Addie and Chandra were gazing at him with concern radiating from their eyes.
“I remember her,” he said, his voice filled with wonder. “I can’t believe it. It’s as if I’ve been blocking it out this whole time.”
Addie jumped up from her seat and came over to stand beside him. He felt her steadying presence as she gently patted him on the back. “Take it easy. I’m worried about you.”
He looked up at her. Addie’s beautiful face was creased with worry. “I’m okay, Addie. It’s just a little overwhelming to have it all wash over me like this.” He let out a harsh-sounding chuckle. He looked over at Chandra. “I remember you. We used to play hide and seek. You had a serious thing for Red Vines licorice.”
Chandra’s eyes widened. A grin broke out over her face. “You’re right, Caleb. We did. And to this day I love red licorice.”
He shook his head. “I don’t understand though. Why did I stuff that memory down?” he asked, his voice sounding raspy to his own ears. He felt a little bit lost at the moment. Why had his past always been so shrouded with mystery? Even his adoptive parents hadn’t been able to tell him very much about his life before being adopted. He knew his biological mother had given him up and that he’d suffered burns in an apartment fire. Sometimes a face flashed before his eyes of a beautiful woman with long, dark hair, almond-shaped eyes and mahogany-colored skin. Whenever her face appeared to him, Caleb squeezed his eyes tightly and forced himself not to remember. It hurt him too much to dredge up those memories.
“Probably because they’re painful,” Addie suggested, mirroring his own thoughts.
Caleb leaned forward across the table. “Did you know my mother?”
“Yes. Of course. We all lived on the same block,” Chandra answered.
“Do you have any idea of what happened to her? Is she still living?” Caleb asked, his heart in his throat. His pulse was racing like crazy.
“Of course I do. Her name is Rayna Johnson. She still lives in Tampa. I see her all the time.”
Caleb felt his jaw drop. He felt conflicted. He felt both relieved and incredibly angry. If his mother was still alive and residing in the state of Florida, why hadn’t she ever reached out to him? Did she really hate him that much? Was he worthless in her eyes?
“Incredible!” he said, anger surging up inside of him. After all these years he still felt the sting of it. Abandonment. Being tossed aside. Losing all the ties to his blood relatives. It still wounded him. “Not a word from her in all these years. Not a message or a note. Not even the hint of anything.”
“Caleb, I may be speaking out of turn, but I’ve heard her talking about you with my Mama. She’s never forgotten you. And she’s certainly never stopped loving you.”
“How can you say that? She abandoned me, Chandra. She terminated her parental rights and basically gave me up to strangers.” His tone was explosive. Caleb couldn’t rein in his feelings. They’d been festering for decades.
Chandra nodded. “I know you’ve been through a lot, but so has she. It’s not my place to tell you her truths, but I’m begging you to let me tell her I ran into you. Talk to her. Meet her for lunch. I promise you it’ll change your outlook. And maybe your entire life.”
He felt his face crumple. Caleb shook his head. “What would I do?” He scoffed. “Meet her for lunch? No, I’m sorry. I won’t be doing that. I can’t think of a single thing I want to say to her. And I appreciate it if you don’t tell her where to find me. After twenty
years, it’s a little bit late to make nice with me. Where was she for the last two decades?”
“Caleb, please,” Addie pleaded. Tears were coursing down her cheeks and she looked distraught. “I can see this is incredibly painful for you.”
“I’m sorry if I’ve overstepped, but I just know how Rayna has suffered over the years. She had no idea where you were all of these years.” She held up her hands. “Don’t go off on me, Caleb. I know you’ve suffered also. But sometimes in life things aren’t black and white. There are so many shades in between. And it’s honestly not my story to tell.”
Caleb took a calming breath. None of this was Chandra’s fault. He had no business raising his voice with her. “I’m sorry for blowing off steam, Chandra. It’s just frustrating. How could she possibly love me?” He shuddered. “If that’s love, I don’t want to have a single thing to do with it.” His shoulders heaved and his body sagged against the chair. “I won’t be tracking her down and I appreciate it if you respect my privacy and don’t tell her you’ve seen me.”
“I’m going to get out of your hair,” Chandra said. “Again, I’m sorry if I said too much. I thought I was doing the right thing. I apologize if I overstepped. Addie has my number in case you want to reach out to me.” She clutched her purse to her chest and made her way toward the swinging door. When she reached it, she turned around to Caleb. There was moisture pooling in her eyes. “I know this comment might not be welcome at the moment, but I can’t not say it. Even though I was just a kid, I remember being around you and Rayna. She loved you. You loved each other. I know I didn’t imagine those things.” With a nod of her head, Chandra disappeared through the swinging door.
As soon as she left the kitchen, Caleb let out a ragged sigh. He felt as if he’d been holding his breath the entire time Chandra was speaking to him. He felt battered and bruised.
Rayna. That was his mother’s name. He remembered the musical sound of it. It was yet another thing he’d stuffed down into the little black hole. If he closed his eyes he could see her face, as if through a filmy lens. Wide, mahogany colored eyes. A rounded nose. Full cheeks.
Adored (Seven Brides Seven Brothers Pelican Bay Book 2) Page 9