Rescue Me (a quirky romance novel about secrets, forgiveness and falling in love)

by Allan, Sydney

  "Well, what do you think?" Rainer asked Sue, unsure whether giving Hailey a ring was wise, but certain if he was going to give her a ring, this one was the best. Funny, he'd never thought to buy jewelry in a mall before. "It's top notch, isn't it?"

  "It's gorgeous," she agreed. "I'd melt if someone gave me a gift like that. But it's too much. It's not exactly a housewarming gift, is it?"

  "I know." He handed it back to the salesman. "But it's perfect. The stone is the same color as her eyes."

  Sue sighed. "Let's go to Housewares Direct. It's down the aisle. You can find her a nice gift--something a little more appropriate."

  "Ever the voice of reason," he said to a visibly disappointed Henry as he stood. But he leaned over the counter to whisper, "Don't sell it. I'll be back later," before following Sue into the mall's main corridor. Hailey'd been through so much lately. She deserved that ring. He'd worry about explaining it later.

  Now, all he had to find was an appropriate vessel. Something clever to hide it inside. Something tacky. Something that would make her wonder what he'd been thinking.

  Two long, exhausting and frustrating hours later, he carried a small velvet box, secreted into his pocket while Sue was in the ladies room, and a larger bag with a gift that made him smile when he thought about it.

  Sue strode beside him, her friendly banter welcome and distracting, exactly what he needed if he was going to survive the next several hours away from Hailey. But her welcome company was stolen during lunch when she received an urgent page from the hospital.

  She excused herself with an uneasy smile and a casual, "Duty calls," then left him to finish his meal alone.

  Now he wished he hadn't taken the day off!

  With his meal still half-eaten, he flagged down the waitress, paid the bill, and left. He drove straight to the hospital, his feet carrying him to Heidi's room.

  He'd been warned she didn't want to see him, and he briefly hesitated in the hallway. If he forced himself in there, he'd be falling into old habits, something he'd promised never to do again.

  Instead, he sent a nurse in to tell Heidi he would like to see her. If she refused, he would leave. To his surprise, the nurse stepped out of the room with a pleasant smile and motioned toward the door.

  He stepped inside. The lights were dimmed. The television off, the shades drawn.

  "What are you doing here?" Heidi asked.

  "I know you said you don't want to see me." He stopped and shrugged out of his sport coat. It was hotter than Hades in there. "That sounds so stupid. Like we were dating."

  "Would you mind getting to the point? I'm tired."

  "Sure." He stepped closer but stopped short when she slid deeper under the covers. She didn't look good. "It's about your sister."

  "Again? Damn it, Rainer! When are you going to learn to leave things alone?"

  "I didn't do this. I swear."

  "What are you talking about?" She sounded exasperated.

  "She's moving back."

  "So what? She's already been here. I know. It's a big state. She's entitled to live where she likes."

  "But did she tell you she's going to be staying with me--until she finds a place of her own?"

  Silence.

  "I thought you should know," he added. "We've been friends a long time. I figured I should tell you."

  "Well, isn't that great? Thanks for the warning, and good luck to the both of you. But what made you think I'd care?"

  He shook his head. He was trying to be forthright and honest. In the past, Heidi would have appreciated that. She'd changed so much in such a short time. "I guess I'll go now." He stopped at the door. "I really do care about you, you know."

  "Sure, you do. Just like she does."

  "Maybe when you're feeling better, you'll change your mind about our friendship."

  "I will never change my mind, Rainer Hartmann. Ever since we became friends, you've been controlling me. You go way beyond friendship, stooping to manipulation at a whim. I don't need that. You understand me? And neither does Hailey. She won't put up with that for half as long as I have."

  "I know. I've learned my lesson."

  "Sure you have. That's why you're here telling me she's moving in with you. You're using Hailey to make me jealous, but it isn't going to work."

  "I am not. You can make your own decision about our friendship. I didn't want you to learn about Hailey through someone else."

  "How noble."

  "I'm treating you the way I'd want to be treated."

  "Well, thanks for the honesty. Now, you can leave. Have a great life."

  He heard the quaking in her voice and stood his ground. "I'm sorry this hurts."

  "It doesn't hurt. You're my ex-friend. She's my ex-sister. It's a fine match. I don't need either of you."

  "You're hurt and angry. Why can't you admit it? You used to be so honest about your feelings."

  "You're not a shrink. Leave the psychotherapy to the professionals. Contrary to popular belief, I've never been honest about my feelings--not when it came to you. If I had, we wouldn't have been friends for more than a few weeks. You've been driving me crazy for years."

  "Really?" Those words fell out of nowhere. It took a moment for them to strike home, stealing his breath.

  "Yes. Now, would you leave? Please?"

  "Are you sure?"

  "You have a problem letting go."

  "And you don't?" he asked, mentally reeling from the last blow.

  "Absolutely not." She smiled, the expression another surprise. "See? I'm happy. Really. We didn't work out, not even as friends. But maybe you and Hailey can."

  As he stared at her smile, he understood how bad his manipulation had been--how damaging it had been to their friendship. Heidi was genuinely relieved to see him gone. Realization left a bitter taste in his mouth--and a renewed resolve not to make that mistake ever again.

  No one deserved to be treated the way he'd treated Heidi. No matter how noble his reasons.

  "I'm so sorry for the way I treated you."

  She shook her head.

  "I destroyed our friendship. But I swear to you, your pain isn't in vain."

  She nodded, and a more genuine smile spread over her features. "I know I sound angry, but I'm not as mad as I look. I want to make it clear, that's all. I don't need a friend who pushes and controls me."

  "I understand."

  "Good luck, Rainer. I mean it. I hope you're happy. Maybe sometime down the road we can become friends again."

  "I hope so."

  She turned her face.

  "Good bye, Heidi. I wish you a hasty recovery, and years of health and happiness." He left the room and closed the door.

  He'd made his peace. Apologized for what he'd done, and told her about Hailey. His guilt was assuaged.

  Now, he had some final preparations to make before Hailey's return to the condo. He stepped outside into the aging afternoon and rummaged in his coat pocket for his cell phone to find out exactly when she'd be returning home.

  When the call went directly to voicemail, he assumed she was in a bad cell, slipped his phone back into his pocket, and went to his car. Maybe a trip to the clinic would eat away the rest of the afternoon. He could take some urgent care cases, help out until closing. Yup, that was the answer. Stay busy. Stay sane.

  Chapter 18

  Exhausted, and wanting nothing more than a shower, Rainer's smile warming her face, and a cozy bed, Hailey drove past the exit leading to Rainer's house. Andrew rode quietly at her side.

  Next stop, the hospital, before visiting hours ended. Only after she settled things with Heidi would she allow herself the luxury of a weekend of lazing around Rainer's place. Then on Monday, it was back to job and apartment hunting.

  She and Andrew rehearsed their sales pitch once more as she drove the last few miles. After parking in a distant lot, they boarded the shuttle. Fall was chilly in Michigan. She'd forgotten how cool it could get in September. "Thank God for shuttles," she said as she de
barked, a blast of cold air stinging her face and ears.

  The sun dipped below the horizon, leaving streaks of purple and salmon across the sky, reminding her of how late it was getting. Rainer expected her home around eight. It was seven already. She entered the massive brick building, passing under the heaters inside.

  Andrew shivered. "I'd forgotten how cold it could get out here!" he said through chattering teeth. "Maybe I'm making a mistake."

  "Don't you dare back out on me now!" She turned to catch his playful grin, looking a little strained against the chill, but in place.

  She led Andrew across the lobby to the elevators, then down the maze of corridors to Heidi's room, only having to ask twice for directions. After a few wrong turns, they reached the room. She stood outside the door, nervous as she'd ever been, and whispered to Andrew, "You wait out here until I call you, okay?"

  Andrew socked her on the arm. "Go get her, babe. I'll be right here."

  She rubbed away the resulting cramp and opened the door, grateful for his moral support, but not his strange way of showing emotion. When she entered the still room, she almost turned around and left, again. Exactly like this afternoon, the lights were dim, the television off, the shades drawn tight. The lump on the bed didn't stir when she closed the door. "Heidi?"

  "Hailey? Again?" The voice wasn't coming from the bed, as she expected. It came from a shadowy corner. "Why can't you just leave me alone?"

  "Where's the light? And what are you doing sitting in the dark?" Hailey asked, ignoring her sister's last question.

  A burst shattered the inky darkness, illuminating the corner where Heidi's voice had risen. "I'm just thinking."

  "In the dark?"

  "I do my best thinking in the dark."

  Hailey took a quick moment to survey her sister's face and form. Heidi was pale, her lips a chalky white. And her cheekbones stuck out prominently under deep shadowed eyes.

  "You look good," she lied.

  "I look like hell. Don't even try. But I'm feeling a little better."

  "Good! Are they going to let you go home soon?"

  "I hope so. I can't stand this place."

  "I don't blame you." An awkward silence hung in the air, but Hailey was comforted by the fact that Heidi hadn't thrown her out yet.

  "Rainer was here this afternoon."

  "Oh?"

  "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be making yourself cozy over at Rainer's place? Like I said, the immediate danger's passed. I'm going to live. So you don't have to make nice to appease your guilt."

  "I'm not appeasing my guilt."

  "Call it what you like."

  Hailey held back a deep sigh. How would she reach Heidi? So much had happened between them, on top of the sickness, which had clearly changed Heidi. Hardened her. Her sister was so cynical and angry.

  Would anything she say or do help?

  "Regardless of what you think," Hailey began. "I came here to try to help you. You're my sister. We're The Twins. Inseparable. Remember?"

  "Inseparable, until you separated us," Heidi scoffed.

  "I did. And I apologized."

  "Yeah. Apologized. So why bring it up again?"

  This was going nowhere! Frustration gave rise to anger. She swallowed back a bitter retort. "Because I want to make things right, that's why."

  "Make things right? So, are you agreeing to my offer? Swapping lives with me?"

  "There's nothing in California anymore. I sold my business.

  "Really?" Heidi didn't look convinced.

  "Let's just say I learned what's most important in life."

  "Yeah? What's that?"

  Their eyes met. The pain in Heidi's was so plain it made Hailey want to cry out, to take that skinny body in her arms and hold tight.

  "I have another proposition," she said.

  Heidi crossed her arms over her chest, making the tubes running to her wrists more prominent. "Proposition?"

  "I have a friend. He's a computer geek. Programming, hacking, networking. That sort of thing. He needs an accountant."

  Heidi shook her head. "I'm not interested in another low-paying job."

  "I think you should listen to his offer first."

  "Besides, I don't know how long it'll be before I can go back to work."

  "I think you can work from home. Telecommute."

  "Why are you pushing so hard?" Heidi's face was a mask of annoyance.

  "Because I never wanted to see you like this. The job might be a small thing, but it's something."

  Heidi sighed, and chewing her lip like she used to as a child, a habit that made it easy for their mother to tell them apart, she turned to stare at the black television.

  Hailey took that as indecision and cautiously stepped closer. "Heidi, we've been fighting too long. I don't want this to continue--cancer or not. It's wrong. I went to California a stupid, idealistic child. Selfish, gullible, a dreamer. But I've returned a woman who knows herself and what's important."

  "Everyone claims they've changed."

  "All I'm asking is you give me a chance to prove it. Take the job my friend is offering--or at least listen to his offer, then decide. Let me gain your trust slowly."

  A tear slid down Heidi's cheek, and she raised a shaking hand up to wipe it from where it settled. She met Hailey's gaze. "I hated you for what you did. I promised I'd never let you do that again."

  "I don't expect you to trust me overnight. I've had a little taste of what you went through. I know what it's like. I'm embarrassed--ashamed--of how I acted. If I have to, I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, Baby Sis."

  Heidi laughed through tears at Hailey's use of her pet name. "I'm only three minutes younger than you," she shot back, like she had hundreds of times. It felt so good to have that minute touch of normalcy. Hailey wished she could climb into that moment and stay there forever.

  "What happened to you?" Heidi asked after a few moments. "You never talk like this."

  Hailey shrugged. "Am I that different?"

  "Hell, yes!"

  "I guess life happened to me. It has a way of teaching you hard lessons."

  Heidi held up her arm in testimony. "I know exactly what you mean."

  "So, will you listen to Andrew's pitch?"

  "He's here? Now?" Her eyes darted around the room, then settled on the bathroom door. She slowly stood, and with one hand yanking at her I.V. pole, she staggered toward the bathroom.

  Hailey lunged toward her. "What are you doing?"

  "I can't see anyone looking like this. I may be sick, but I'm not dead."

  "Let me help you," Hailey offered, while trying to steer Heidi back toward the bed. "Is your make-up in the bathroom?"

  "In a small bag hanging on the towel bar. But I'd like to shower. Do I have time to shower?"

  "Can you shower with all this gear attached to you?"

  "If you call the nurse, she can unhook it for me--until I'm finished."

  "I don't think all this fuss is necessary. Really."

  "I do," Heidi said. "Don't you see? If I don't have the least bit of dignity left, I have nothing!"

  "Okay. I'll call the nurse." She pushed the call button on the side of the bed, and explained the situation to the individual who answered.

  Within moments, a friendly-faced nurse wearing a pink lab jacket and a pleasant smile came to the room to take care of Heidi. Feeling out of place, Hailey excused herself from the room and found Andrew sitting in the family waiting area, reading a book. When she stepped into the room, he lifted his head and raised his brows in question.

  She grinned. "I think I've made some progress. I don't know what made this time different, but it was."

  He stood and hugged her. "I'm so happy for you. What about the job?"

  "She's getting ready for her interview as we speak," she said, pulling out of his embrace. "She wants to act as normal as possible. Can you do that? Act like she's really interviewing for the job?"

  "Sure. It'll be great. If she'
s anything like you, I'm sure it'll work out."

  "She's a lot like me, only better." Hailey said, like she always said. "She's the good twin. I think you'll like her." She went to the door. "I'll be back in a minute. I'm going to see if she's ready for you yet."

  "All right," he said, dropping his gaze back to his book.

  She walked slowly down the hallway. Gears whirring in her head. What if they really liked each other--like fall-in-love kind of like? Wouldn't that be great? Heidi deserved a good guy, and after spending the long road trip with Andrew, Hailey'd gotten a clear picture of who he was and what he was all about.

  He was a doll!

  Her heart jumped. Could it happen? Could Andrew see past the illness? See the beautiful woman Heidi had been, would possibly become again?

  She knocked on the door, and Heidi answered with the typical, "Come in."

  Hailey stepped inside. And was overwhelmed.

  "How do I look?" Heidi asked from the bed. She sat propped up, the bed's head fully upright. The dark shadows under her eyes were gone. Her face was aglow. The cheekbones that had looked too prominent now looked lovely, touched with pink. Her full lips sported a similar shade.

  But the biggest change was the hair.

  Hailey's hair, or at least she thought it might be. It was dyed blond, with streaks of gold, and falling in soft layers around Heidi's face.

  "You look amazing!"

  The color on Heidi's cheeks darkened and spread over the rest of her face. "Are you teasing me?"

  "No. I mean it. Is that my--"

  "Your hair? Yup. Rainer found a local lady who makes wigs for cancer patients, rather than going through the national organization. That way, I got mine within days, instead of weeks."

  Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of Rainer's name, and the kindness he'd shown to Heidi. "He's something."

  Heidi's expression was solemn. "Yes, he is."

  Hailey stepped up to the bed, her profound and inexplicable glee mellowing. "What's wrong."

  Heidi shook her head.

  "Tell me. What is it?"

  "He was here today. I told him I never want to see him again."

  "He told me about your earlier disagreement. I don't understand it, though. Why? After everything he's done?"