Vegas to Varanasi (Fortytude Series Book 1)

by Hickman, Shelly

  “Sorry, kiddo. She hasn’t said anything to me about him. He probably just wants to keep it friendly.”

  “But I already told him I don’t feel comfortable with that.”

  “Maybe he misses you.”

  I rise from my chair, walk to the window, and absently look out the blinds. “I seriously doubt it. How do you miss someone you rarely spent any time with?”

  “It’s possible. You okay?”

  I plop myself down into the comfy leather chair in the corner of my office. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

  “So how did your date go with Kiran?”

  “It wasn’t exactly a date, but it was good.”

  “Do you like him?”

  “Psh! Of course I like him! What’s not to like? That’s what worries me.”

  Luke’s laugh streams through the line. “Why does that worry you?”

  “We’re just so different. His family is wealthy and successful. He’s kind of formal and reserved, and I am neither of those things.”

  “So what?”

  “And then there’s his looks. How can I possibly date someone who’s that good-looking?”

  “Good God!” I can almost see the roll of Luke’s eyes. “You really need to stop fixating on that. What’s it got to do with anything?”

  “Well, I know it shouldn’t, but it does.”

  “Why? Why does it?”

  “Because the only reason he’s interested in me is because of some lame memories he has of me in high school.” I prop my feet up on the ottoman in front of my chair.

  “Are you hearing yourself right now? If Carly were talking like this, you’d give her a ration of shit.”

  I let out a sigh and rub my forehead. “You’re right,” I admit. “You’re right.”

  “Anna, you’re a good person. That’s what he remembers about you, and apparently, that’s why he likes you now. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made an effort to continue seeing you once you’re finished treating his mom. How much longer will she be coming to you anyway?”

  “Actually, tomorrow’s her last scheduled visit.” Suddenly, I hear a tapping sound coming from the front of the office. “Luke, hold on a sec.”

  I take a few tentative steps into the hallway, trying to see who’s there without them seeing me. I can’t imagine who would be coming around here at seven in the evening. As I get closer to the glass door, I see that it’s David standing outside.

  “Luke, I’m gonna go. David’s here.”

  “Okay. Good luck.”

  I shove my cell in my pocket so I can unlock the door.

  “David, what’s going on?” His face and eyes are red, and I’m hit with a twinge of panic.

  “I’m sorry, but Carly said you were here. I really need to talk to you.”

  “Come on back. I was doing some work in my office.”

  He quietly follows me down the hallway, and I invite him to sit in the chair I was in and lean against my desk to face him. “Okay, you’re kind of freaking me out. What’s wrong?”

  His shoulders slouch and he now looks a bit pale. “My dad died today.” He bursts into tears and brings his fingertips to his eyes.

  “David, I’m so sorry!” I find it kind of sad that he wants to talk to me. Then again, none of his family lives here, so I guess I’m the closest thing to family he has. I pull the ottoman away from his chair so I can sit across from him. “What happened?”

  He shakes his head, still shielding his eyes. “Massive heart attack. He didn’t even make it to the hospital.”

  I take his hand that rests in his lap. “Sweetie, I’m so, so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

  He regains his composure and takes a deep breath. “No. I just wanted to talk to you. I’ve got a flight out to Minneapolis tomorrow afternoon.”

  I’ve only met David’s father twice. The past couple of summers, we took trips together to visit both of our parents, his in Minnesota, and mine in San Diego. This is definitely a shock. His dad seemed so fit and healthy.

  “Can I give you a ride to the airport?”

  David groans and hangs his head between his knees. “Will you just hang out with me for a while?”

  “Of course. Do you want me to go next door and get you some coffee or something?”

  He says nothing for a moment and rubs his head. “I’m staying at the Santa Fe right now. Would you come have a drink with me?”

  I straighten in my seat. “The Santa Fe? I thought you moved in with a colleague.”

  “I did, but his lease expired.” He runs his hands up and down his pant legs. “It’s a long story that I don’t feel like getting into now... So, will you?”

  Just what he needs. A drink.

  I rise and walk toward my desk. “Do you think a drink’s such a good idea?”

  He gives me a dissatisfied smirk and swipes a hand over his face. “Anna, c’mon. My dad just died,” he says with a pitiful laugh. “I think that entitles me to a drink. I’ll have one later, with or without you.”

  We both know it will be far more than one, but this particular battle isn’t worth fighting. He’s right. He’s entitled.

  ***

  “You know, I was gonna go see my parents next month. Give my dad a copy of my final draft. He said he didn’t want to sit at a computer screen to read it.” David brings his iced glass to his lips. “I should have mailed it.”

  “He must have been really proud of you. How’s your mom doing?”

  “She’s doing surprisingly well. I think maybe better than me. She’s always been tough, though.”

  I nod slowly. “David, why are you staying here?”

  He hails the passing cocktail waitress. “Another round, please.” Licking his lips, he continues, “I told you. My roommate’s lease was up and he wanted to make a move. I’ve been here only a few days while I look for the right place.”

  I’m conflicted that he never asked to stay with us. Sorry that maybe he felt he couldn’t, and relieved he didn’t put me in that position. But I can’t let him stay in a hotel without offering to help, especially now. “You should stay with me and the kids until you find a place... You could have the sofa in the office.”

  He runs a hand through his hair and frowns. “Thanks, but that’s not necessary.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t like the idea of you staying at a hotel.”

  “I’ll be leaving tomorrow anyway. I’ll find something as soon as I get back.”

  We spend another hour at the bar, and conversation has become easy between us as I make small talk about the kids, and he tells me all about his new editing job. I’m a little dizzy-headed and tired, but not drunk. However, David is feeling no pain.

  “I think maybe it’s time we call it a night. I have work tomorrow,” I say and rise from my chair.

  “You shouldn’t be driving home yet. You wanna come up to the room and watch some TV?”

  I stand still, trying to assess his motives. I don’t want to be so arrogant to assume he’s trying to get me to bed, and insult him by saying so. Maybe he just doesn’t want to be alone.

  He gives me one of his charming smiles. “C’mon, Anna. I promise I’ll be good. And honestly, you shouldn’t drive yet.”

  “I can get Hayden to come for me.”

  David stands, then sways a moment. “Just one more hour. Please.”

  I let out a sigh. “It’s obvious you need someone to walk you to your room anyway.”

  When we reach his door, he pulls out his key card and swipes it through the scanner several times, unsuccessfully, while I send a quick text to the kids to let them know where I am.

  “Here. Let me.” I give it one swipe and turn the handle, and the door opens.

  We step inside, and the second the door closes, David pushes me up against it, taking my face in his hands. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you.” His stare is long and pained, before he abruptly shoves his tongue in my mouth.

  For a brief moment I respond, tasting the Jack Daniel’s on his
lips. But then I think better of it.

  “David.” I slide out from his hold. “We’re not sleeping together.”

  Wobbly, he leans against the door and rubs his eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Please, don’t leave.”

  I walk over to the bed and pull the covers down on one side. “Get in. You need some sleep so you’ll be rested for your trip tomorrow.”

  Like a child, he does as I instruct. He sits on the edge of the bed, his head hanging low, while I pull off his shoes. He’s breaking my heart.

  There’s a pile of dirty clothes in the corner on the floor. “Do you have enough clothes for your trip? See? By staying here, you don’t even have a place to do your laundry.”

  “It’s fine.” He’s now lying down, eyes closed. “You’re not leaving, are you?”

  I look in the closet for one of those plastic bags hotels usually provide and start stuffing clothes inside it. “I’m not leaving, sweetie. At least not now.”

  When I pass by the desk, I notice a hard copy of his manuscript. I assume, the one he plans to give to his mother.

  “This is it, isn’t it?” I ask, touching the top page.

  “Hmm?” He opens his eyes. “Um, yeah.”

  “Can I read a few chapters?”

  “Sure, if you’ll come sit with me.”

  I stop what I’m doing and drop the bag at my feet. Then I pick up the manuscript and set it on the nightstand. I sit down beside him and tousle his hair, and he rests his head in my lap.

  “You’re so good to me.” His words are slurred. “I really screwed up.”

  “Shut up and go to sleep,” I say gently. “I’ll stay with you for a while, but I have to go home soon. Are you sure you don’t need a ride tomorrow?”

  “I’m sure. The hotel has a shuttle.”

  “Text me once you get to the airport. ’Kay?”

  “Okay,” he whispers. Before long, David drifts off to sleep. I pick up the manuscript and begin to read.

  ***

  I jolt up in bed, not knowing where I am. It’s daylight, and David is still sleeping beside me. I grab my phone on the night table to see that it’s 8:24 a.m. There are several texts and missed calls from the kids.

  Shit! Shit! Shit! I am so late, and remember I can’t miss work today because one of my therapists requested the day off.

  I dash to the bathroom to take a glimpse in the mirror. Bloody hell! Running my hands under the water, I lightly dab my hair to tame the bed head because I don’t have a brush. I spot David’s comb lying on the counter and do my best with it, then quickly wash my face and put some toothpaste on my finger and go to work. Finally, I go pee.

  Thankfully, David’s flight is in the afternoon, so I don’t have to worry about waking him. I debate whether to take his laundry with me, then realize it’s pointless if he’s leaving today. He’ll probably take it with him and do it at his mother’s. After checking on him one last time, I close the door behind me.

  When I reach my office, five patients have already arrived, Geena being one of them. And who is sitting in the waiting area? Not Mr. Kapur, but Kiran.

  I chose to come in through the back, but there’s no way I’m going to avoid seeing him. I’ve nearly reached the front of the office to speak to Teresa and say hello to Kiran, when Teresa corners me.

  “Anna, where have you been?” she asks in a not so hushed voice. “Carly said you were with David last night and couldn’t be reached. She’s been calling all morning. We’ve been worried sick!”

  Ugh! I know Kiran can hear every word, along with the others in the waiting area.

  “Did you forget we’re short-handed today? I didn’t know if I should reschedule patients or not.”

  “I know,” I answer quietly. “I’m so sorry!”

  She gives me the once over for the first time. “Geez. You look terrible. Is everything okay?”

  I glance at Kiran. He looks at me briefly, before darting his attention to the magazine in his lap.

  “Everything’s fine. I’ve already called Carly. Please go help with the patients who’ve already started, and I’ll get a couple more going.”

  Geena is already working with another therapist, so I approach Kiran. “I’m sorry I haven’t had a proper chance to say hello. It’s been one of those mornings already.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “How are you?”

  “Good. And you?”

  I can’t read his face at all, and I feel just awful about the conversation he overheard.

  “I’m fine, thanks.” I turn to the patient sitting next to him. “Tina, why don’t you come back and we’ll get your EMS going. I’m so sorry for the wait.”

  “No worries.”

  Before I leave with her, I address Kiran one more time. “Do you think I could talk to you before you leave?”

  He looks at his watch. “Actually, I really need to get back to work. I wasn’t planning to come today. My father called me at the last minute to see if I could bring her.”

  “Oh. Sure.”

  Tina waits patiently while I ineffectually try to fix this mess.

  “I guess I’ll talk to you later then.”

  After a crazy morning, we manage to get back on schedule around midday. I did get the chance to speak with Geena and thank her for being so dedicated to her recovery; however, I never had the opportunity to speak with Kiran again before they left.

  It’s finally the end of the day, and all I’ve been able to think about is Kiran. I want to apologize and explain in person, but if I call him, I’ll be forced to say it over the phone.

  I haven’t had a minute this afternoon to check my text messages, and I see that there’s one from David, letting me know he made it to the airport. Thank you for staying with me, he says. Sorry for my behavior last night.

  I take a deep breath and send a text to Kiran. Is there any way we could meet tonight?

  I just feel sick! Am I making a big deal out of nothing? It’s not like we’re dating, but I don’t want him to have the wrong idea about me and David.

  As I head to my car a half hour later, I receive a reply from Kiran. Dinner?

  Are you sure you’re available? I ask.

  Seven o’clock at Joe’s Crab Shack?

  Deal. My treat.

  I have just enough time to run home, shower, and make myself presentable after having looked like a schlub all day. But before I do that, I need to check in with the kids.

  Hayden is standing in the hallway bathroom with the door open, gelling his hair before his shift bussing tables tonight. Carly’s in her room with the door closed.

  “Hey,” I say to Hayden. “Can I talk to you guys for a minute?”

  “Everything okay last night?” he asks, concern in his eyes.

  “Yeah.” I take a couple steps to Carly’s room and tap on her door. “Carl, can you come out?”

  She opens her door, revealing her laptop and school papers all over her desk. “Hey, what happened last night?”

  “David didn’t tell you when he called looking for me?”

  She shakes her head. “No, but he sounded pretty rattled.”

  “His dad died of a heart attack yesterday.”

  “Man, that sucks,” Hayden says.

  “He had a rough night. He’s staying in a hotel—”

  “A hotel?” Carly steps forward and squishes her eyebrows together. “What’s he doing in a hotel?”

  I’m beginning to realize that although David and Carly have stayed in touch, apparently he hasn’t been unloading his personal issues on her, and I’m grateful. “He said something about his roommate’s lease expiring. I don’t know. It sounded kind of strange to me.”

  Carly crosses her arms. “Well, did you tell him he can stay with us?”

  “Of course I did. He doesn’t want to.”

  “What do you mean, he had a rough night?” Hayden asks. “That’s why you didn’t come home?”

  I rub my arm. “Look, guys. He was really drunk, and he just wanted
me to sit with him awhile. I fell asleep and didn’t wake up ’til this morning.”

  Hayden and Carly exchange a look.

  “Nothing happened!”

  “Mom, it doesn’t matter,” Carly says, her eyes wide and glistening. “He needs help.”

  “I think he does, too, but he doesn’t see it that way.” I gently hold Carly by the chin. “I know you and David still talk. Please, please don’t feel responsible for him, okay?”

  I’m extremely concerned about this continued father/daughter relationship between the two of them.

  Seventeen

  I arrive at Joe’s Crab Shack, and Kiran is already waiting at a table. As soon as he sees me, he slides out from the booth to greet me, and I give him a quick hug.

  “Hi! Thanks for meeting me,” I say, moving into my seat across from him.

  “Of course. How was your day?”

  “Ugh.” I roll my eyes. “Well, you were there this morning. It didn’t start off great, but got better. What about you?”

  Kiran is tense, keeping his arms close to his body. He’s also avoiding my gaze. “Oh, fine. Fine.”

  The waitress arrives and takes our drink order and we begin to study our menus. I was planning to launch my apology after we order our food, but it can’t wait. I can’t leave him wondering if I’m even going to address it.

  “Kiran.”

  He looks up, and as always, the intensity in his eyes makes my breath catch a little.

  “I wanna tell you how sorry I am about the conversation you overheard this morning. I need to explain.”

  He shakes his head and sets down his menu. “Please, Anna, you don’t have to explain anything... You don’t belong to me.”

  His last statement triggers in me a wistful ache, one that takes me off guard.

  I take a swallow of water. “I do need to explain, because I don’t ever want you to think I’d disregard your feelings.”

  “Anna, this isn’t necessary. Really.”

  The waitress returns with our drinks. “And have we decided what we’re having tonight?”