“Not really, but I’ve got some eczema on my elbows and I don’t want people to see it.” Another tear rolled down her cheek and she dabbed at it with the tissue. “I’m freaky-looking enough right now.”
“Can I see your elbows?” Was this eczema related to her other symptoms?
“Sure.” She removed her sweater and bent her arms so he could see. A red, scaly rash covered the entire area around both elbows. The lesions were thick and crusty. “Does it hurt or itch?”
“No, not really. Mostly it’s just ugly. Do you think it’s important?”
“I’m not sure. Have you always had problems with eczema?”
“No. It popped up about a year, maybe a year and half ago.”
“A year and a half ago? So, around the time you started having trouble with urinary tract infections?”
Melissa blinked at him. “Yeah, I guess it was. Dr. Sato gave me some cream for it, and it went away for a while. It only came back again this spring.”
“Did it get worse when you were out in the sunshine?”
“I suppose it did. I noticed it a few days after I planted some flowers in my garden.” She shifted uncomfortably again. “Doc, are we done here? I really need to use the washroom.”
“Yes, of course. We’ll talk again once I get the results of your lab work. We are going to figure this out, Melissa.”
Her eyes welled with tears once more. “Okay. Bye, Doc. Thanks.”
When Melissa left the room, Alex made some notes in her file. He had a hunch that the rash on Melissa’s elbows was the key to understanding what was going on inside her body.
Chapter Nine
The last day of school came as a relief. It had been a rocky school year, full of controversy, struggles, and failures, and Julia was glad to see it end.
But the tribulations weren’t over yet. She needed the summer break to get ready for the storms that were sure to explode in the fall when the daycare opened. A couple of her teachers, like Ralph Sykes, adamantly opposed it. Fortunately, the majority of her teachers supported her, enough to ensure the daycare’s success. She hoped.
She had a lot of work to do this summer, but right now all she wanted to do was have some fun. Tonight was their first actual softball game, against their arch rivals from Bar Harbor.
Julia held the bat high and scowled at the pitcher, doing her best to intimidate. She knew it likely had little effect on him. At five foot three and a hundred and ten pounds soaking wet, she didn’t have the physical presence to intimidate anyone. Sometimes it was an advantage. Because of her diminutive size and because she was a woman, she was often underestimated. They soon discovered she was no pushover. In the classroom and the boardroom, she’d learned to use her brains and her quick wit to let people know they couldn’t push her around.
But at the moment, all she wanted was a safe hit. She let a couple of strikes pass by, hoping to lull the Bar Harbor pitcher into complacency. It wouldn’t be the first time her hitting ability had been misjudged.
A fat strike rolled down the middle of the plate, and she saw her chance. She swung hard and connected with the ball, sending it over the second baseman’s head. As she stood on first base, she gave the pitcher an innocent smile when he glared at her. He probably wouldn’t underestimate her again.
The game ended with a satisfying score of six runs to four in favor of her team. Alex had hit a home run that brought in two runs, and had pitched, as well, since Edie had decided not to play this season. Julia had been shocked when Aaron announced she was staying home with the baby this summer instead of playing ball. She told herself that Edie had three kids now, and her priorities had shifted. But she couldn’t quite accept it. The old Edie would have bundled baby number three into her stroller and brought her to the ball diamond the way she’d brought Michael and Natalie when they were that age. Sometimes, back then, Edie’s mother came to their games and watched the kids while Edie and Aaron played, or sometimes she’d kept them at her house. Edie had always found a way to play. Julia couldn’t stop worrying about her. She had a bad feeling that something was wrong, but whenever she called Edie she claimed everything was fine.
The only bright spot was that Tracy had been able to make tonight’s game, and they’d had a lot of fun. Especially since they won.
“Would you like to come over for a beer?” she asked Tracy as they took off their cleats. “I’ve got some cold ones in the fridge.”
“I’ll have to take a rain check,” Tracy said as she slipped on her sandals. “I’m working an early shift tomorrow. I’ve got to go home and do some laundry so I have a clean uniform to wear. Another time?”
“Of course. Talk to you later.”
With a wave, Tracy headed to her car. Julia called to Ava, and she came running from the playground. She was dismayed to see her daughter’s clothes were covered in sand and dirt, and she even had sand in her hair. Julia wiped at Ava’s clothes with her hand.
“What on earth were you doing over there?”
“Tommy buried me in the sand. We were pretending we were at the beach. That’s what you do at the beach.”
“Oh, really?” Maybe she’d have a little chat with Tommy’s mother.
She nodded solemnly. “Can we go to the beach?”
Julia gently ruffled her daughter’s silky blonde hair, trying to brush away the sand. “Sure. The first nice hot day we’ll go. But nobody’s getting buried in the sand.”
“Okay, Mommy.”
She skipped ahead while Julia made sure her duffle bag contained all her equipment before she slung it over her shoulder. To her surprise, Alex came up behind her and slipped the bag from her shoulder.
“Let me carry that for you. It’s heavy.”
She blinked at him. “Oh. Okay. Thanks.”
“Do you have time to come over to my place for a beer? I owe you.”
She wanted to say yes, to throw caution to the wind. Alex was the first man who had stirred the cold embers of her libido since her divorce three years ago. But she couldn’t allow any relationship between them to go past the friendship stage.
“Thanks, but I need to get Ava home and throw her in the tub. She got a little carried away in the sandbox.”
“Mind if I tag along?”
Warning bells went off in her head. Were they starting to make a habit of getting together after a game? “It’s going to take a while to get her cleaned up. I need to wash her hair.”
“That’s fine. I should probably have a shower, too. I’ll run back to my place and get cleaned up and grab some beer. By the time I get to your place, you’ll have finished bathing Ava.”
She scrambled for an excuse. “The house is kind of a mess.”
“I’m not planning on critiquing your housekeeping skills.” He paused, and she heard his sigh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to impose. It’s just that I enjoy talking with you after our games, and I thought… That’s okay. Forget about it.”
Now she felt like she’d kicked a puppy. “Alex, I do want you to come over for a beer, especially if you’re supplying them. I’m just a little worried, that’s all.”
“What do you mean? What are you worried about?”
She took a furtive look behind her to make sure no one could hear them. “This is a small town, you know. People talk.”
“Yeah, so?”
“I’m the principal of the school. That means I have to maintain a spotless reputation.”
“What are they going to talk about? We’re having a couple of beers. Not much excitement in that.”
“In reality, no, but on the gossip grapevine having a beer together after a game translates to having a steamy affair. If they see you coming to my house once, maybe even twice, it might be overlooked. But if it gets to be a habit, they’re going to think something’s going on between us. It’s like playing with fire.”
He gave her an incredulous look. “Seriously, Julia? How would anyone even know I went to your house? Are you under surveillance or something?
”
“The next best thing—nosy neighbors.” He deserved to know the rest of her concerns. She lowered her voice, not wanting her daughter to hear. “My reputation is a real concern for me, but it’s not the only thing I’m worried about. I’m worried about Ava. She’s becoming very attached to you. What happens when you leave in a few months? If I let this bond between the two of you flourish, she’s going to be devastated when you go. She’s barely six. She doesn’t understand.”
Alex didn’t reply for several long minutes. Behind the frantic beating of her heart, Julia was aware of the sound of their footsteps against the cement sidewalk, the call of a crow in a nearby tree. Someone was barbecuing, and the smell made her hungry. She heard Alex’s steady breath as he walked beside her.
“The last thing I want to do is to upset Ava. Or you. I guess I’ll see you at the next game.”
He took her duffle bag from his shoulder and held it out to her. Julia stared at it. She should pick up the bag, say thank you and goodnight, and walk away. Quickly.
She should. She really should.
“Listen,” she heard herself say, “just don’t call her Sweet Pea anymore, you know?”
Don’t make my daughter fall in love with you. Don’t break her heart.
He seemed to understand. Nodding, he placed the bag back on his shoulder. “I’ll be careful with her.”
“Good. That’s good.”
They walked in silence until they reached her house. Alex handed her the bag and this time she took it from him. “So I’ll see you in a little while?”
“In about a half hour or so. Is that all right?”
“It’s great. See you then.”
Julia and Ava walked to their front door. After letting Ava inside, she stood on the step for a moment and watched Alex walk down the sidewalk. A curious mixture of trepidation and excitement filled her chest. She hoped that by inviting him back to her house today she hadn’t just made the biggest future regret of her life.
****
Forty minutes later, Alex arrived at Julia’s house, a six-pack of cold beer in one hand. His knock was answered by Ava, who wore a charming gap-toothed smile along with her yellow cotton pajamas. Her damp hair was beginning to curl in ringlets as it dried.
“Hi, Dr. Alex!” she said holding the door open wide. “My Mommy said to tell you to sit down in the kitchen. We made sandwiches. She said to help yourself. She’s having a shower.”
An instant visual flashed through his head. Julia smiling in pleasure as she turned her beautiful face to the warm spray, her slim, naked body dripping with water. Blinking, he struggled to dispel the vision, focusing his attention instead on Ava.
“Thanks, Swe—Ava.”
He followed her into the kitchen and, taking a can of beer for himself, placed the rest on the table. Ava opened the fridge and pulled out a plate, placing it in front of him.
“Mommy made this for you.”
Alex pulled the plastic wrap from the sandwich and found ham and cheese on rye. “Thanks. I’m starved.”
While he ate, Ava munched on carrot sticks and chattered about her friends at the playground. “My friend Tommy went to Disneyland at spring break this year.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“That’s in California, you know,” she said sagely.
“So I’ve heard. Would you like to go to Disneyland?”
She gave an enthusiastic nod. “Tommy said it was fun. He went on lots of rides. And then they went to Sea World and saw the dolphins and whales.”
“That’s in San Diego, where I’m from.”
“Is California far away?”
“Yes, very far. I wish it was closer so I could visit my mom and my grandmother.”
“Did you go to Disneyland when you were little?”
“No, I didn’t. I’ve never been to Disneyland.” His mother hadn’t had the time or money for frivolities like Disneyland. “Did you know that in San Diego, where I grew up, it never snows and it’s almost always warm?”
Ava’s blue eyes grew round with wonder. “Maybe Mommy will take me to California.”
“I hope you get to go. You’d like it.” Alex could imagine taking Julia and Ava for a walk on the beach along the bay. He’d love to show them around his world, introduce them to his grandmother—
Stop.
What was he doing? He’d only known Julia Stewart a short time, and during part of that time they’d had some serious misgivings about each other. They hadn’t even gone on a date, or kissed. Why would he be thinking about taking her home to meet his grandmother?
Because Julia was the kind of woman who made a man think about family and forever. He already knew her life was here, and he had no intention of staying in Lobster Cove. So what was he doing in her kitchen?
Julia walked into the kitchen, her blonde hair still wet from her shower. She’d changed into a white T-shirt and pink shorts that showed off shapely, toned legs. She smiled at him, and Alex realized he was in her kitchen because he didn’t want to be anywhere else.
“Thanks for the sandwich. It was delicious.”
“I’m glad you liked it.” She helped herself to a beer. “I’m not the greatest cook, but I can usually manage not to mess up a sandwich. Thanks for the beer, by the way.”
“You’re welcome. You don’t like cooking?”
“Day-to-day cooking feels more like a chore to me than a pleasure. But strangely, I do enjoy cooking a holiday meal, or having people over for a barbecue. Unfortunately, I only have a few recipes that I do well.”
“My grandmother is the greatest cook. She taught me how to make some simple Mexican dishes like fish tacos and guacamole. Someday I’m going to learn how to make Chicken Mole the way she does.”
“Any time you need someone to test your efforts, Ava and I will be happy to volunteer.”
He grinned. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She opened a bag of potato chips and put them in a bowl. “You’ve talked about your mother’s side of the family. What about your relatives on your Campbell side—your father’s family? Have you kept in touch with them?”
“My dad’s parents lived somewhere in northern California, I’m not even sure where. I only remember seeing them once, maybe twice. After Dad died, we lost contact with them. I don’t know if my mother didn’t make the effort, or if they just weren’t interested.”
“Have you ever thought about looking them up? Your grandparents might be gone now, but maybe there’s other family,” Julia said.
“Yeah, I’ve thought of it. I know my dad had two brothers, and I’ve always wanted to meet them. It’s something I hope to do someday.” He paused and took a sip of beer, the memories flowing. “As much as I loved my grandparents, my life was never the same after my father died. I don’t remember much about him, other than little fragments of memories. I remember he was always smiling or laughing, and even my mother smiled more when she was around him. We were happy together.”
Julia covered his hand with hers in a gesture of silent support. He was surprised at the memories that were pouring out of him. He hadn’t thought of his father, and about losing him, in a long time, couldn’t remember the last time he’d talked about him. All he knew was that Julia was easy to talk to. She listened without judgment, like a trusted friend he’d known for years instead of just a few months.
Ava laid her small hand on his arm, her skin pale against his. “I don’t have a daddy either. Mine lives far away now, and I don’t see him.”
Though she spoke in a matter-of-fact way, with little emotion, Alex saw the stricken look on Julia’s face at her daughter’s words. Didn’t Ava’s father visit her? He placed his hand over hers. “Do you miss your dad?”
She shrugged, her blue eyes solemn. “I don’t know. I don’t remember him.”
Alex stroked her hair. How could any man abandon his child, especially one as sweet as this little girl? He fought the urge to pick her up and comfort her in his arms, knowing Julia wouldn’t want him t
o do that. She was already worried about Ava becoming too attached to him.
He wondered if that ship had sailed. Maybe he was already in too deep.
He made himself smile. “Living with my grandparents was wonderful. I had lots of cousins to play with, and aunts and uncles who looked out for me. I had a wonderful childhood.”
“I wish I had cousins,” Ava said with a wistful sigh.
“Ava, you have lots of friends here in Lobster Cove, and people who love you,” Julia said. He heard the hitch in her voice that she tried to cover with a smile. “You’ve got your grandparents, and Edie and Aaron and their kids, and Tracy and her brother Logan. You’ve got all your friends from school. Lots of people love you, baby.”
“I know.” She glanced at Alex and looked away.
Julia gently smoothed the blonde curls from her forehead. “I think it’s time for you to hit the sack. Run upstairs and brush your teeth. I’ll be up in a few minutes to tuck you in.”
“Aw, do I have to?”
“Yes, you have to. Say goodnight and go upstairs.”
Reluctantly, Ava slid off her chair and headed for the door.
“Goodnight, Dr. Alex.”
“Goodnight. Sleep tight.”
“You sleep tight, too.”
Alex grinned, and she gave him a mischievous smile before running up the stairs. When he looked at Julia, his grin faded. Her brows were knit together in concern, the corners of her mouth pulled down in a frown. He held up his hands in mock surrender.
“Hey, I didn’t call her Sweet Pea once.”
She let out a long, tired sigh. “No, you didn’t. I’m just surprised, I guess. I’ve never seen her take to someone like she has to you. She’s usually pretty shy.”
“It’s probably because I looked after her when she broke her arm. She feels comfortable with me.”
“She trusts you, you mean.”
“Maybe.” He knew a strong bond had developed between them. He hadn’t meant for it to happen. He wasn’t sure when it had happened, or why, just that it was there.
She rose from her chair. “I hate to rush you, but I should make sure Ava gets to bed.”
One More Second Chance Page 10