As she walked to him, he opened his arms and gave her another hug. “Come on, little girl, let’s get you home,” he said as he kissed the top of her head. Tessa didn’t think she had ever had so many hugs and kisses and she loved every last one of them.
On the drive back to her parents house Tessa said, “Brad, I’m so proud of you. Your home is beautiful, and I can’t wait to see the horses and the rest of the ranch. It’s too bad we didn’t have enough time today for the full tour and to go for a ride, but I sure enjoyed all the time I got to spend with Sophie. You guys have done an incredible job with her. She is perfect and so bright. You’re a really good daddy and husband. Annie looks so happy she absolutely glows and I don’t think that’s just from the pregnancy. I’m sorry it took me so long to come back.”
Brad stopped her. “Tessa, no one is faulting you for leaving and finding your own way. We’ve all done it in some form or fashion. I mean damn, look at you. You are amazing, the whole package, a career, brains, looks, a sense of humor, and confidence that you didn’t have before. Well, you had it, but it was just hiding out. I could do without the tight clothes and the belly ring, although I think I got Annie talked into getting one, but you have done well for yourself. Don’t feel sorry, please. We are all just happy you’re finally home.”
Brad walked her to the door and made sure she locked it behind her, telling her he would see her tomorrow.
Tessa took a quick shower then went to bed looking forward to a good night’s sleep, finding it hard to believe that Sophie had actually worn her out. Tomorrow was going to be interesting. She was a bit nervous but also excited. Even though she would only be filling in for her dad for a little while, it would almost seem like the dreams she had when she was a little girl of working side by side with her dad had come true. The difference being that Tessa would be in charge and her dad would be missing. It would also be strange because she would be the boss and in charge for the first time in her adult life. She was so exhausted she didn’t even bother to read before turning out the light, which was unusual for Tessa. It wasn’t long before she was sound asleep, just like Sophie.
Chapter 4
Tessa unlocked the front door to Walker’s Pharmacy and walked in. Kathy Masters was already there, putting the money in the cash register. Kathy had worked for her dad for over twenty years. Her daughter Kayden had graduated with Tessa, but they had never really been friends. Kayden was a cheerleader, dated the football team, and was on the A-list. Lanni had told her that Kayden had married some guy when she was in college, but it only lasted six months. She had come home early from class one afternoon and found him in bed with his buddy and his buddy’s girlfriend. God, how awful that must have been!
“Tessa Walker, look at you! Why, I can’t believe my eyes, you’re as pretty as a picture. I’m so glad your mama called me or I would’ve never believed it was you!” Kathy said as she gave Tessa a hug.
“It’s good to see you, Mrs. Masters.”
Kathy patted her shoulder. “Call me Kathy, sweetheart. After all, you are my boss now and all grown up.”
“OK, Kathy. That’s going to take some getting used to. Is there anything you need me to do before I head to the back and get the pharmacy open?”
“No, dear, everything is ready to go. I’ll unlock the doors and turn the closed sign around. You just holler for me if you need anything, sweetie.”
Tessa took her leave and went to put up her purse and switch jackets. She had on black slacks, a light blue blouse, her hair pulled into a bun, and comfortable black shoes. Kathy turned the open sign and the day began.
Her first customer was Harry Thompson. He was eighty years old and hard of hearing, but she remembered him. He was always a sweet man and very kind to Tessa. He had once owned the gas station on the corner and many times intervened when that mean little boy Sam Collins threw rocks at her and called her names. Now his son operated the gas station.
“Good morning, Mr. Thompson. What can I do for you today?” she asked with a smile.
Mr. Thompson looked at Tessa, trying to figure out who the heck she was. Then realization crossed his face when he looked at her name tag and smiled. “Tessa Walker, well look at you! Aren’t you a sight for my sorry old eyes?”
Tessa smiled and reached across the counter to squeeze Harry’s hand. “How have you been, Mr. Thompson?”
Harry said, “I’m just fine. I’ll feel better after I get my prescription filled. Is your daddy around?” Tessa forgot that there were probably a few people left in town that didn’t know what had happened.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Thompson, but my dad is in the hospital in Casper. He had a stroke last Thursday night. I came home to cover for him while he is recuperating. I would be more than happy to fill your prescription, just give me a second to look it up. Which medication is it you need?” she asked.
“I’m sorry to hear about your dad, Tessa, but should you be back there messing with his stuff?”
Tessa gave him another smile. “I’m a pharmacist also, Mr. Thompson. That’s what I went to school for and I work for a company doing this very same thing in Seattle, so you don’t have to worry, you are in capable hands.”
Harry told her which medication he needed then shook his head and said, “Are you married, Tessa? I’ve got three grandsons who are still single and could use a good woman like you to settle them down.”
Oh yes, the Thompson triplets. They were a year older than Tess. Blond hair, blue eyes, and every girl’s dream, but not hers. She had never looked at them like that. “I know your grandsons, Mr. Thompson, and I’m afraid it would take more than me to settle any one of them down,” she said with a giggle.
“Well you can’t blame an old man for trying.” They chatted a little about Seattle, the weather, and of other things happening around town as Tessa filled his prescription. “If you change your mind about one or all of my grandsons let me know. Thanks for taking care of this for me. You need anything, just give me a call. Tell your mom and dad I’ll keep them in my prayers. Good to see you, Tessa.”
The rest of the morning went somewhat the same. Most of her dad’s clients were elderly and remembered her, all saying the same things and offering any help she might need. She had never had so many people try to fix her up with grandsons or nephews. It was even worse than what it had been in Seattle. She couldn’t have bought a date in this town six years ago. Now it seemed she could have her pick.
Tessa was standing at the front of the store with Kathy when Lanni showed up with lunch. “What you got in that bag? Sure does smell good. I didn’t realize I was so hungry,” Tessa asked Lanni as Lanni handed Kathy a container. Tessa thought how it was really nice she had thought about Kathy and brought her lunch also.
Before they made their way back toward the pharmacy, the door chimed and in walked Henry Green. Kathy took his hand and patted it as he greeted her. “Tessa, do you remember Henry? He graduated a year ahead of you girls.”
“Sure I do. It’s nice to see you again, Henry,” Tessa told him.
“It’s good to see you also. I heard you came home to fill in for your daddy. I’m real sorry to hear about him. If you need anything, just give me a call. I’ve helped your dad out before with a couple things at the house. There was a pipe that broke last year and I fixed it for him, but just call if you need anything at all. I’d be happy to help you.”
“Thanks, Henry, I appreciate it.”
Henry turned back to Kathy. “I almost forgot, here.” He handed Kathy a box from the bakery. “I thought I’d bring you one of those brownies you like so much with the caramel on top, just a little treat.”
“You are just the sweetest boy.” Kathy gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“There’s enough in there for you two also. I need to get back to work. You ladies have a good afternoon.” Henry tipped his hat and left.
“Wow, that sure was nice of him,” Tessa said looking at Kathy.
“Yes, he’s been dating Kayden, but I think he
is more taken with her than she is with him. She just won’t let herself get too involved again. I’m hoping one day some young man will break through that wall she has built around her heart.”
Tessa and Lanni went to the back to have lunch.
“So that was nice that you brought Kathy lunch.”
“Kayden and I’ve become really good friends. She’s not like she was in high school, Tess. She’s changed. I think finding her husband in bed with another couple and seeing some guy’s penis in her husband’s mouth while he was fucking the guy’s girlfriend gave her a reality check.”
“God, I can’t imagine. It’s one thing to catch your spouse cheating, but with a man and a woman, I can’t believe it didn’t completely destroy her,” Tessa said, feeling sympathy for Kayden.
“I’ve invited her to go out with us Saturday night, along with Bobbi, Liz, and Ronni. Do you remember Liz? She was a friend of your sister’s. Bobbi and Ronni graduated with us. Bobbi has the most adorable three-and-a-half-year-old twin girls. She was able to get a babysitter so she could come out with us. It will be fun. By the way, what is this belly ring my sister Annie is telling me about?”
“I’ll show you later,” Tessa told her with a sheepish little smile. She should have known Annie would mention it to Lanni. It was still weird that her best friend’s sister was married to her brother which made them related by marriage. “I forgot Bobbi had twins. What about the father, is he around?”
“Nope. She met him her second year in college and thought they would be together forever. When she found out she was pregnant he told her he wasn’t ready to be a father and wanted her to terminate the pregnancy. She told me there was no way she could have done that. He quit school and disappeared. She hasn’t heard from him since.”
“That’s awful. Does Bobbi have anyone to help her?”
“She has done most of it on her own. Her sister helps when she can but she has four kids of her own and her parents weren’t happy about her situation. Her younger brother Boone actually lived with her for a couple years when she first moved home and he was a big help, but he went into the Air Force last year. We all try and help when we can, but she seems to be doing OK. She works from home doing online medical transcription and makes good money and she sets her own hours. She’s a really great mom and those little girls are so precious.” They talked about other people they graduated with and too quickly it was time for Lanni to go back to work.
“Thanks again for lunch. I’ll buy next time.”
“Sounds good. I call you later.” As Lanni left, the fax machine started printing an incoming prescription. Tessa washed her hands and went back to work.
The afternoon business was slow for a Monday and Kathy thought that people might have assumed the store would be closed once word got out that Grant was in the hospital, so Tessa took a break and gave her mom a call to check on both her parents.
“He’s sitting up but isn’t quite ready to talk on the phone. He ate some soup today and he’s starting to get a bit ornery so that’s a good sign.” Tess could hear the relief in her mom’s voice. This had been so hard on her mom and she couldn’t even imagine how she felt knowing that the man she had loved for over thirty years could have been lost to her.
She told her mom that everything was going fine and to assure her dad so he wouldn’t worry. Tessa told her mom that many people had stopped by to inquire about her dad’s condition and that everyone was praying for him. “Give Daddy a kiss for me, Mama. I love you both. Call me if you need anything.”
A few more people stopped by to ask about Tessa’s dad during the afternoon and when Kathy flipped the closed sign Tessa let out a sigh of relief.
“It wasn’t that bad, was it?” Kathy asked chuckling.
“No, but having to tell the same story over and over was a little trying. I’m sure you must have had your share of the same conversations, plus I’ve never had so many people try to fix me up with what seems like every eligible bachelor in town.”
Tessa smiled then Kathy said, “The first week will be the hardest. I know when Kayden moved back home it was hard for her as well, although your situations are totally different. Kayden felt like a failure and pretty much kept to herself for the first year she was here. Lanni has been an incredible friend to her. I know that Kayden wasn’t nice to you girls in high school and she really does feel bad about that, but I’m hoping you will give her a chance and maybe you will end up being good friends. I better get home and start dinner. Jim likes everything ready by six thirty. You did a real good job today, sweetie. Your daddy would be proud. I’ll see you in the morning.”
As soon as Tessa got in the car, her cell phone rang. “Hey, little girl, why don’t you just drive right over here and have dinner with us, and before you say no, Lanni is also coming and Annie said she won’t take no for an answer.”
Tessa was happy for the invite. “I’m on my way, Bradley,” she told him then hung up smiling to herself because she knew Brad hated to be called Bradley.
* * * *
“Auntie Tessa, this is Auntie Lanni. She loves to play dolls wif me. Do you wanna play wif us?” Tessa smiled and joined in. Sophie was such a joy to be around. She made Tessa laugh, which helped her to relax. It really surprised Tessa just how smart Sophie was for being so young. Dinner was once again delicious with Sophie sitting right in between her aunties. She was very thankful for the invite even though she was really tired. She was glad not to be sitting in that big house alone eating a sandwich.
As if her brother could read her mind, he said, “Tess, you know we have plenty of room if you want to stay here.” Annie and Lanni were putting away the food in the kitchen and Tess was happy her brother had waited to say anything.
“Thanks, Brad, but I’m fine. Just takes some getting used to being in that big house alone. Besides, if it gets to me too much I’m sure Lanni would come over and Ally will be home on Friday. No worries, I’m good. I was thinking though that maybe one night little Miss Sophie might want to come and stay the night with her Auntie Tessa. That way you guys could have a night to yourselves and I could have my niece to myself.”
Brad gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek. “I sure am glad you’re home. Have I told you you’re my favorite sister? We will definitely take you up on the offer. Our fourth anniversary is coming up in a couple weeks so maybe I’ll make some plans and surprise Annie.”
“Whatever you need, let me know. I’ll be looking forward to it,” Tessa told him then thought about the fact that he had said a couple of weeks. Tessa wasn’t sure she would be here then. Surely her dad would be back to work and she would be back at home in Seattle.
Tessa thanked Annie for dinner and the leftovers she sent with her. Lanni said she would come by and see her tomorrow when she came into town.
On her way back to her parents’ house, she called Heather and checked on Bugsy. She told her about everything that had happened on her first day and assured her she would call again in a couple days. As she pulled into the driveway, she looked at the house. Being in her family’s home alone was eerie. Her parents were supposed to be here. She felt like a little girl again when the tears started streaming down her face. Life could be so unfair. Here she was at home, but no one was there. At least at home in Seattle she had her cat.
She picked up her phone and called Ally. “Hey, Ally Gator, did you go by and see Dad today?”
Ally gave her a sigh at the use of her nickname but she heard her chuckle. “Yes. He looks so much better, I’m not kidding. Mom looks better, too. She still didn’t get much sleep last night but maybe she’ll rest better tonight. I was there when Kathy called her to check on Dad and report in. She said you did an amazing job and everything ran smoothly. That made Dad smile. Thanks for coming home, Tessa. You’re the only one that Dad would trust to fill in for him.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Al, I’m glad to do it. Call me if you need anything. I’ll talk to you tomorrow and see you on Friday. I miss you,” sh
e told her baby sister.
“I miss you, too, Tess, and I can’t wait until Saturday night!”
Tessa rechecked the locks on the door and then headed upstairs, stopping in the doorway of her parents’ room. It was so quiet and dark. “God, please help him to get better so he can come back home where he belongs.” After sending up another prayer, Tessa took her shower and crawled in bed to read a bit before she went to sleep.
Chapter 5
The rest of the week flew by and was pretty uneventful. Her dad had been moved into the rehab facility on Wednesday and she went with Brad to take everything to their mom that she had asked for. The pharmacy closed earlier on Wednesdays and she was glad to have the chance to see her dad’s improvement with her own eyes. They had a wonderful visit then she helped her mom get settled in her room. Her mom had a comfortable room and only had to walk next door to spend the day with her dad.
“You really look amazing, Tessa. I always knew you had it in you.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Tessa didn’t want to argue with her mom, not now. She didn’t appreciate what her mom said or how she said it, but that was her mom.
“I just don’t understand why it took you so long, Tessa Rose. And why on Earth wouldn’t you have told us you had finally started taking care of yourself? My goodness, you have lost so much weight I hardly recognized you when you came to the hospital.”
Tessa had had enough. “Because, Mom, I live my life for me, not for anyone else. I didn’t make a conscious decision to change. It just happened. Maybe not being pressured and compared to others all the time helped. All I know is I like me and I don’t care what anyone else thinks, not anymore.”
Welcome Home, Tessa [Allure, Wyoming] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 6