Nora's Promise

by Sedona Hutton

Davey slumped against the sofa cushion. His entire reasoning why he couldn’t be a daddy crashed and burned quicker than his wreck on the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Sure, he was anal-retentive about birth control now, but as a teenager he’d been wild and reckless. Angry about his mother’s desertion, arrogant over his racing success, and full of raging hormones, he’d turned to fair ladies to experience the gentle affection he no longer received at home.

  Ben’s nine going on ten. The words put a knot of anxiety in his throat, one he couldn’t swallow down.

  Ben. An image of a young version of him formed in Davey’s mind, fucking with his head. What if he was Ben’s father? He didn’t know jack shit about parenting. Then again, Ben’s mother hadn’t asked for his help. She was probably just looking for money. If all she wanted was money, he could pay child support and that would be that.

  But a voice in his head objected. So you’d abandon your son the way you were abandoned?

  He couldn’t do that. He picked up a pillow and put it over his face.

  Cruz tugged the pillow away and tossed it aside. “You need to talk with your mother.”

  Davey cleared his throat. “Why does she think it’s me?”

  “She found a picture of you with the boy’s mom when she was pregnant.”

  Davey put his head in his hands. “Jesus, Cruz.” The anxiety spread into his chest and grew bigger and bigger until he thought he might have a full-fledged panic attack. He sucked in air to stave off his intense feeling of doom. “What’s his mom’s name?” he finally asked, lifting his head.

  “Nora Williams.”

  Relief gushed through Davey. “I never dated a Nora.” Now, feeling like the accusation was a bunch of hooey, he even managed a grin. “I might not remember all of the women I date these days, but back then—” he let out a low whistle “—I remember every single one.” With his demanding race schedule, he hadn’t had a lot of time to date. When he had dated, it had been a big deal. There’d been Misty, Roxanne, and Lynn. Then he’d moved to bigger race circuits in Alabama and dating had become even more infrequent.

  “Your mom didn’t want to talk about Nora.” Cruz took a sip of his beer. “She said you should come home and she’d explain.”

  Wariness wrapped around Davey. “You think she made this up to get me home?”

  Cruz’s jaw set. “She wouldn’t do that,” he said in a voice so firm that Davey could only gape at him.

  “You should at least hear her out,” Cruz said, this time in a gentler voice. “Why don’t we both go? We can move into your dad’s place for the offseason. You need to go through his stuff anyway and figure out what to do with the farmette.”

  Davey hadn’t had time to sort through any of that because his dad had passed unexpectedly just before the race season had started. The doctors said it had been his dad’s ticker, but Davey suspected the years of alcohol abuse had finally taken its toll. Either that, or his last girlfriend, who’d been a year younger than Davey, had been too much for him. Maybe it had been some of both.

  The last thing Davey wanted was to spend the next two and a half months immersed in his father’s stuff living in the same small town where his mother resided. He’d prefer to go back to the comfort of his downtown Charlotte condo. He opened his mouth to say no, but as the idea circulated, it became more attractive. With Cruz along for moral support, he could take care of his father’s estate, honor his commitment to his mother, and settle Nora’s claim in one fell swoop. And he could have it all taken care of before the start of the next season.

  Chapter Four

  Her grandfather was brilliant, Nora thought, as she rubbed down the bar with a terry cloth towel. She’d been working at OTR for over a week and while it wasn’t the career of her dreams, she liked bartending and enjoyed helping Steph in the office. She’d already automated the payroll and had ideas for additional improvements.

  She was also thrilled that she’d made good on her promise to find her and Ben a place of their own. Last weekend they’d moved into the half-duplex next door. While she was still unpacking and decorating, the place already felt warm and homey. More importantly, Ben seemed more secure and happier than he’d been in a long while. He could walk to school and to Lucas’ from their new place. He had also befriended Steph. Part of the draw was her orange tabby, Taz, but he had quickly become fond of Steph too and the feeling seemed to be mutual.

  Nora filled another drink order, smiling at Jenna who delivered a salad to a high-top table at the bar, while Hud stepped out of the kitchen to deliver a burger.

  “Thanks, boss,” Nora said, using his nickname. They all called him ‘boss’ or ‘boss-man’ because Steph left him in charge whenever she was away.

  “Anything for you,” Hud said with a wink.

  A few minutes later Hud waved her into the back. “Need your help,” he called out, then gestured for her to follow. He led her toward the loading dock door.

  “What’s up?” she asked, stepping outside behind him.

  “There’s a cat out here.” He tipped his head toward the dumpsters. Peeking out was a small, adorable cat. Nora could only see its head, solid black except for a white chin.

  “He or she’s hungry,” Hud said, his voice full of concern. “I think it’s a she.”

  The cat let out a loud, sharp mew as if in concurrence with Hud’s statement.

  “Did you give her food?” she asked Hud.

  “Tried.” Hud scrubbed a hand over his face. “Every time I go near it, the cat runs off. I left a bowl of milk but she won’t come out from behind the dumpster. I tried, my kitchen staff tried. Jenna tried.” He gave her a helpless look. “Poor thing’s all skin and bones.”

  Nora’s heart tugged. “Give me a few minutes.” She closed her eyes and did something she hadn’t done in a long while. She drew on her gift.

  She’d been able to communicate with animals for as long as she could remember. As a child, it had caused her nothing but pain. Mean kids had called her the ‘animal witch.’ Nice kids had called her the ‘animal whisperer,’ but they had still looked at her as if she were from another planet. Over the years, she had suppressed her abilities except with her own pets and during her time in California working at the elephant sanctuary.

  But she was a big girl now and this kitty needed her. Eyes still closed, she focused on connecting with the timid animal. She visualized a stream of aqua spilling down from the clouds and slowly swathing her from head to toe. After she was blanketed in tranquility, she mentally offered the image to the kitten.

  Opening her eyes, she slowly approached the cat with an extended palm. Her hand tingled, as it did when she drew on her animal energies. Universal energy, or at least that’s what the farm animals she used to commune with had called it.

  Nora transmitted positive vibrations to the cat through her hands. She lowered to the ground by the dumpster, unconcerned about the dirt and debris. “Hi sweet kitty,” she said softly.

  Tapping into the kitty’s energy, she felt the cat’s fear lessen. She extended her hand a little further so it was directly in front of the kitten. She kept her hand extended and her energy linked with the cat for several minutes. Eventually, the kitten’s fear waned altogether and was replaced with curiosity.

  The cat angled her head. Her eyes were still a little cautious, but she didn’t run. Nora focused on connecting again. Hud and I are here to help, she communicated telepathically.

  The cat sniffed her hand, stepped out from behind the dumpster, and stared at her warily. They held each other’s gaze for a few long moments. Nora intensified the aqua light around her. We’re here to help if you’ll let us, sweet kitty. She sent more positive vibrations and mentally drew the kitty into her image of aqua which was now encircling her in a soft, warm glow.

  Mew.

  This time the cat’s voice was calmer. She let out another mew and then climbed onto Nora’s lap.

  Nora held in her laugh at Hud’s gasp of surprise. She didn’t want to scare the sweet k
itty.

  Pleased that she still had the gift despite not using it for years, Nora gently rubbed the cat’s head. “That’s a good girl,” she cooed. “Now are you coming home with me or with Hud?”

  “With me,” Hud said.

  “What do you think little one?” she asked, still petting the cat. The cat rumbled out a purr. “I’m gonna take that as agreement,” she said to the cat, and then looked over her shoulder at Hud. “Come over, but slowly.”

  She communicated telepathically with the cat again, explaining that they would keep her in Steph’s office for the day, then she’d go home with Hud and that he would take good care of her.

  When Hud sat next to her, the cat climbed off Nora’s lap and onto his. Hud’s lips lifted into a smile.

  “Hi, kitty. What do you think of the name Blackie?” he asked, stroking her head.

  The cat let out a half meow, half purr, then increased the octave to a soft roar.

  Hud grinned. “I think she likes me.” He slowly moved his fingers under her chin and gently rubbed. “I’ve been wanting a cat ever since my Lizzy passed. Just haven’t gotten around to it.”

  Nora decided he hadn’t gotten around to it for a reason—so he’d be available for this cat. Her involvement had likely happened for a reason too. She’d been blessed with a gift, and she needed to start using it again instead of worrying about what others might think. She wasn’t an impressionable, over-sensitive kid anymore. She was a strong, independent woman and it didn’t matter if others picked on her. Besides, Hud hadn’t called her an animal witch, nor had he thought she was a wacko. Instead, he’d appreciated her skills.

  As Nora made a silent vow to use her talents again, Hud hand fed the cat small chunks of cheese. After Blackie had eaten every morsel and consumed the milk Hud had brought out earlier, they got her settled in Steph’s office.

  Nora had been back at the bar for less than fifteen minutes when the bell rang in the back. Busy day, she thought, grabbing the inventory sheet. “Boss-man, can you watch the bar?” she called over her shoulder as she made her way through the stockroom and out the back door.

  Outside, was a Moonshine Brews & Beverages delivery truck. The man she’d met at Ron’s last week was leaning against it. “Well, isn’t this a nice surprise,” he said stepping toward her.

  As he approached, his body became fuzzy and Nora’s heart pricked with eager anticipation. Was her grandfather returning?

  The pocket watch appeared first, followed by white hair, then the rest of her Pap’s head and body filled in.

  “Pap!” She rushed over and threw her arms around his neck.

  “How are you doing, Cupcake?” He pulled her in close.

  “Good. I was just thinking about you.” She drew back and studied him. He looked vibrant, healthy, and happy. “How are you?”

  “If I was any better, I’d be twins,” he said, his honey-brown eyes twinkling.

  “Oh, Pap.” He’d said the same thing when she had been little and the familiarity tugged at her chest. “I love it here.” She tipped her head toward the building. “Thanks for the job lead.”

  “Yes indeed.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You’re here for a reason.”

  “They’re all like family,” she said. “And Steph….” She sighed happily, thinking about all the time she and Ben had spent with Steph throughout the week. They’d kicked the soccer ball around in the big back yard, made—and ate—Moose Munch popcorn, played with Steph’s orange tabby, and watched the Minions movie with Ben and Lucas. “She’s amazing.”

  “I’m glad all is well.” Her grandfather stacked another beverage box onto the dolly.

  “It is, except….” She nibbled on her lower lip, wondering if she should ask Pap about Davey.

  “He’s Ben’s father,” her grandfather confirmed, after accurately reading her unspoken question.

  Her heart brimmed with appreciation. She’d set out to find Ben’s dad so Ben would have more family and so he’d be taken care of should something happened to her. And she’d found him, thanks to her Pap.

  But it had happened so quickly that she hadn’t had time to think through the various outcomes. What if Davey didn’t want anything to do with Ben? He was a hot-shot NASCAR driver who probably didn’t want the responsibility of a child. Then again, what if he did? What if he tried to take Ben away from her, she thought, as her anxiety coiled in her stomach.

  “It’s going to be okay,” Pap said, and her worries instantly lessened.

  “But you’re going to have to be patient with him.” He placed another box on the stack on his dolly, following the exact order of the list Nora had in her hand.

  Nora shoved a strand of hair away from her face. “But patience isn’t my best quality.”

  Her grandfather glanced at her with a half-smile. “That’s why I’m planting the seed.”

  He started to fade. “Wait—don’t go!” Panic rose in her belly. “How am I supposed to develop patience?” It’s not like she could snap her fingers and make it happen.

  She didn’t receive a spoken answer. But as her grandfather blurred away, his voice sounded at the edges of her awareness. You’ll figure it out, Cupcake.

  The gold watch disappeared last. When the younger delivery man materialized, Nora staggered back a few steps.

  The tall, dark-haired man glanced at the fully stacked dolly. “Damn.” He shook his head. “Don’t remember putting them there. Guess I’m hot today.” He glanced her way. “We’ve got to stop meeting up like this,” he said in a teasing voice.

  “I work here.” She extended a hand. “Nora.”

  “Are you still encumbered?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows. “Or are you ready to take me up on that drink offer?”

  “She’s spoken for, Scott,” came a deep voice from behind her.

  Hud. Thank God.

  “So just leave the liquor,” Hud said in his perfect southern drawl, “and keep your pick-up lines.”

  Scott shrugged good-naturedly and finished the order. After he left, Hud helped her carry the boxes inside.

  “Thanks for the save,” she said. “How did you know?”

  “I have a sixth sense.” He gave her an impish grin. “And eyes in the back of my head.”

  “Thanks again.” She reached up on her tippy-toes and kissed his cheek. “I owe you.” She glanced at her watch. “But I’ve got to get back to the bar. Davey should be here soon.”

  “Davey Johnson?” Hud asked, his voice incredulous.

  “Yes.” She tilted her head to study Hud.

  His eyes were wide, his expression shocked. “Steph’s son is coming here?”

  She didn’t know why Hud was so surprised that Davey was visiting. Maybe he wasn’t a NASCAR fan and didn’t know the season had ended. “The season ended last week.” Her lips ticked up. “I’m not a fan, either.”

  Hud rubbed his fingers through his goatee. “But Davey and Steph are estranged.”

  Nora gaped at Hud. He must have been mistaken. Steph had called Davey; she’d told him about Ben.

  “They haven’t spoken in eleven years,” Hud said. “Unless you count the few minutes Davey blessed her with at Tuck’s funeral.”

  Guilt swamped Nora. If Steph and Davey weren’t on speaking terms, she had put Steph in a precarious position. She gave Hud a quick hug, then sprinted toward Steph’s office.

  Steph glanced up from her computer when Nora charged in and closed the door behind her.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you and Davey aren’t close?” Nora blurted out. “I wouldn’t have asked you to call him. I would have done it myself.”

  “Nora—” Steph rose and rounded her desk.

  “I’m so sorry.” Nora bit her lower lip as her guilt intensified. Steph had given her a job despite her unfriendly behavior. She had given Nora and Ben a wonderful place to live at a rate that was practically a steal. Steph had also given Nora more care and support over the last week than she had experienced in the last several yea
rs combined. “You’ve done so much for me.”

  Steph gently put her hands on Nora’s shoulders. “Honey, you did me a favor. No matter what happens next, Davey and I are communicating.” Steph slid her hands down Nora’s arms and linked their fingers. “I’m not expecting him to greet me with open arms, but coming here is a positive start.” She squeezed Nora’s hands. “You’ve given me the gift of a second chance with my son.”

  Davey plodded toward On The Rocks Bar & Grill with the ever present ball of anxiety clutching at his throat. It had first formed when he’d received his mother’s email and had grown after Cruz’s conversation with her. It had continued to spread when he’d talked to her himself earlier in the week and every time he’d thought about their meet-up today. Now, it reached out in all directions, spreading like a fast-growing vine, trailing down his back and chest, closing in on his body so tight he could barely breathe.

  At least he had Cruz with him. Reaching for the door, he glanced at his friend.

  Cruz patted him on the back. “It’s going to be okay, son,” he said in that low voice that never failed to calm Davey.

  “Thanks for being here.” Davey’s chest filled with appreciation for the one person who had always been there for him.

  Pulling in a long breath, he opened the door and stepped inside. The interior wasn’t falling apart like the exterior, nor was it anything like what he had expected. Considering its location on the wrong side of the railroad tracks, he’d envisioned a small, rundown bar. Instead, the place was clean, filled with natural light, and hopping with customers.

  He and Cruz headed toward the bar. When he spotted the long wall of race pictures, he stopped and stared. His gaze swept over rows of photos that lined the wall from the top to half-way down. Stepping over to take a closer look, shock fired through him like a bullet. Every single picture was of him and they followed his racing history.

  An unexpected warmth glided through him as he studied the pictures. The top photos were from his early racing days. His mother had been around for his first years in racing, maybe she’d even taken a handful of the pictures. But she hadn’t been around for the rest, yet the wall was a shrine to his entire racing career.