Crashing Into Tess (The McGreers)
Page 16
“She loves them. They’re in her backpack all the time. I
can bring Rhiannon downtown tomorrow. Would you want
to go with Cassie and I to the library after school?” “Sure, I’d love to. And maybe we can pop over to the
clinic to ultrasound Rhiannon. I promised Cassie we
would.”
“That would be great, Cassie’s asking about you. She
wants see you. I’ve been thinking about you an awful lot,
too, but I wanted to give you some space, while you were
home.”
He’d left her hanging, and his casual excuse annoyed
her. He’d disappointed her by not trusting her, by not
believing in her, but she was looking forward to seeing
them. Just breathe, Tess, and don’t obsess. Things will work
out, somehow.
From: Richard.Bam@vmail.com To: Tess.Bam@vmail.com
Date: Wednesday, November 7, 7:28 am
Subject: How’s my little girl?
Dearest Tessie, I know I’ve said this, but thank you again for all of your loving attention here, daughter. I appreciate that your mother and I can count on you when the chips are down. I’m sorry I caused such a stir. Let me know how things go with the cowboy.
Love you, Your Dad To: Richard.Bam@vmail.com
From: Tess.Bam@vmail.com
Date: Thursday, November 8, 8:26 PM
Subject: Your Grown Up Big Girl
Daddy, I’m glad you are feeling better. I’ve been wondering how your physical therapy is going. I hope you are not trying to do any legal work yet, but something tells me you might be???????
As far as the cowboy, it’s very confusing. You and mom created such a safe world for Sam and I growing up, and I am only beginning to appreciate the wonder of that. Cassie is such a sweet little girl, but I can tell how much her parent’s divorce confuses and upsets her.
I met her at the library today, with her dad. We picked out books on puppies and she helped me ultrasound Rhiannon here at the apartment. You should have seen her face when I showed her all those little puppies on the screen!
Cassie makes me feel like I can work miracles, Dad. That’s how I felt about you when I was her age. There were so many years in my life when grown ups could fix everything. That sure was nice.
When I came here, I wanted to be grown up and on my own. I never imagined how much it would change me. Thanks for teaching me so much about how to live, Dad. I do mean that.
Your devoted daughter, Tess. Friday night after dinner, Alice opened the package of Mamma Boccini’s mocha cheesecake while Tess brewed decaf.
“So when is Rhiannon due to whelp?” Alice asked, putting two slices on dessert plates.
“Three weeks from yesterday, or thereabouts. Her ultrasound looks good. Cassie and I found six puppies. Crazy enough, Thanksgiving Day is her due date, eight weeks exactly.”
“Wow, so you’ll be in Philadelphia?”
Tess poured decaf in the little white cups with the pickaxe and gold pan with matching saucers, and set a cup and saucer in front of Alice.“I can’t decide. My dad’s doing much better now, and I can always go home for Christmas. I think I’d like to be here for the puppies, especially since Cassie is so excited about it. Jake’s got homes for two of them, and Cassie will keep one.”
“And clients at the office have spoken for three more,” Alice said, her fork cutting smoothly through the mocha cheesecake. “Yum, chocolate cookie crust.”
“Yup, Doc said the Cramers want a male, to surprise their little boy for Christmas,” Tess answered, before tasting her first bite.
“How are you going to pull that off?”
“They’ll be four weeks old by then, started on solid food. They can have him for the day, and bring him back to the litter afterward.”
“That’s great, all of them are spoken for, right?”
“They are,” Tess said, her voice a little lackluster. This is it, I’ve got to get this off my chest. She took a deep breath. “Alice, Bea mentioned she and Doc will be in Florida for Thanksgiving next year. Doc hasn’t said anything to me yet, though.”
“He doesn’t want to pressure you, especially with your dad’s health. And he knows how things are with Jake.”
“I wish I knew how things were with Jake.”
“Tomorrow night’s the Jackalope. Guess you’ll find out.”
“Oh, right, Jackalope.”
“Everybody from town will be there. You’re sure to see him and Cassie too. Doc and Bea are real excited about introducing you to everyone. I’ll be in the back helping Bea with the food, but you get to stay out front with Doc. Rotary’s hosting, and Doc and Bea are on the Leadership Council, so it’s kind of a big deal for them.”
Tess thought about the almost parental pride on Doc seemed to take in her, his constant, approving support, and felt horribly guilty. Still, Alice asked you to tell her, and you promised you would.
“Alice, a Surgical Teaching Fellowship will be advertised at New Bolton soon, to start next fall,” she offered in a rush, “My mentor there, Dr. Marguerite Sanders, has invited me to apply.”
“Really? That’s impressive, Tess. You should do it, keep your options open.” Alice finished the last bite of her cheesecake, not missing a beat.
“It could lead to a full time teaching position there, too. I promised not to leave you in the lurch at the clinic, Alice, and I won’t. If I get it, you and Doc will have plenty of time to find a replacement for me. I’d have almost a year in with Doc by the time I’d leave.”
“I hate to think of you leaving, Tess, but you have to do what’s best for you.”
“Everyone’s been so awesome, and I love the practice, you know that, Alice. I was up for anything when I got here, but my friends from home are all having babies. They have settled lives. I need to be thinking long term, too.”
Tess gulped her decaf. Her voice a little desperate, she said, “Truthfully, it felt so right when things were going well with Jake, but now they’re not. Cassie and I had a blast together with Rhiannon and the ultrasound, but Jake didn’t have much to say. He’s not interested in me anymore. It kind of makes me crazy, and I’m not sure I should stick around. We’d be crossing paths all the time, and sucking it up would make me nuts. Doc needs someone he can count on to stay and take over the practice, and I’m not certain I can commit to that.”
“Where could you find another Jake?” Alice asked gently.
“Probably nowhere,” Tess conceded, setting her cup in its saucer. “But I couldn’t stand the torment of being close by, and doing without him.
“Well, I’m glad your back, and the New Bolton thing sounds great, even though it would take you away from us,” Alice said, quiet understanding in her voice. “Don’t overlook Colorado State, either, there must be some great opportunities up in Fort Collins. I’m sure Doc has contacts he can steer you to there, if you’re interested. Just take your time, and give it all some thought, Tess. There’s no rush, we can start advertising for a new vet anytime, and don’t give up on Jake yet. Rustle up one of your knockout dresses for the Jackalope tomorrow, and slay him with your amazing charms.”
She mustered a smile. “Thanks, Alice.”
From: Richard.Bam@vmail.com To: Tess.Bam@vmail.com
Date: Friday, November 9 8:37 PM
Subject: My, How you’ve grown! Daughter Tess,
Your sister mentioned the New Bolton opportunity.
Don’t be angry with her, please dear, she’s worried about
you. I won’t say anything to Mother, you don’t need the
added pressure. You know we’d love to have you back. I
imagine that you are feeling torn. These choices are likely
to shape the rest of your life, so take some time making up
your mind. I’m thinking of you and I’m here if you want to
talk. Whatever you decide, know that I’ll be behind you. As far as me, rehab is going
well, though I never
expected to spend quite so much time on the treadmill. It
makes me loopy.
Archibald Lawsone has been dropping by afternoons, to
help me get caught up on my cases. Your sister has been a
big help, too. She cooked dinner tonight, three courses, do
you believe it?
I’m so proud of my girls. You and Samantha and your
mother have always been the light of my life.
Love. Love, Love You Always, Dad.
From: Tess.Bam@vmail.com
To: Sam.Bam@vmail.com
Date: Friday, November 9, 7:42 PM
Subject: What’s cooking, hot stuff? Sam, You’ve spilled the New Bolton beans AND you’re cooking dinner? What has come over you?
Love, Tess
PS: Remember to take the brownies out of the box before you put them in the oven. To: Tess.Bam@vmail.com
From: Sam.Bam@vmail.com
Date: Friday, November 10, 10:36 PM
Subject: HAH! Tessie,
Not apologizing for New Bolton bean spill: I’m worried about you. So is Dad. We want what’s best for you. FYI made heart healthy boneless chicken breasts broiled TO PERFECTION tonight, with salad, rice AND steamed broccoli! Granted, boredom here has driven me into the kitchen, but anything is possible when one puts her mind to it, so watch out! Archie liked dinner, and I’m planning Thanksgiving. Mom’s got her hands full at the office, but Grandma will help. Shall we expect you?
Love, Big Sister Sam
PS. Did you know you can substitute applesauce for the veg oil in brownie recipes? I’m making new discoveries daily.
To: Sam.Bam@vmail.com From: Tess.Bam@vmail.com
Subject: Do Tell!
Date: 6:48 am, Saturday, November 10
Sam, So Archie liked dinner . . . What about dessert?? Did you serve something “starchy”? Yesterday was spay and neuter day at the clinic . . . Don’t let that put a damper on your after dinner plans, though!
Love, Snip ‘n Clip Tessie Tess went into the clinic extra early Saturday morning to start kennel work before Alice arrived. Alice bustled in at five to eight, circles under her eyes. “Lotts and I didn’t leave the bar until three this morning. I was not looking forward to a room full of messy, hungry puppies and kitties. Thank you so much for covering, Dr. Bamberger.”
Tess smiled at Alice. “It was the least I could do, Al.” After work, Tess took Rhiannon for a walk. Her sweet collie-retriever’s belly was filling out, her tawny coat glossy and sleek from brushing. Rhiannon was eating more and slowing down now, happy return to the apartment to curl up on her bed in front of the wood stove and snooze.
Feeling restless, Tess dropped by the thrift shop to help Gertrude sort and label new items. At the bottom of a big box, she found a pair of dusty cowgirl boots; brown, with a low heel and pointy toe, their tall shafts embossed with decorative stitched vines and tiny pink flowers. “What a find! They’re just like the boots Meryl Streep wore in Silkwood, Gertrude!” Pulling them on, Tess stood in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection.
Gertrude peered out from behind the register. “That film with Kurt Russell and Cher, the sad one, where she didn’t have her kids? You’re right, they sure are,” she agreed. “Do they fit?”
“They’re a size too big, but I can wear socks with them.”
“Yup. You’ll clomp around, soundin’ like a real cowgirl, Tess. $5.99, and they’re all yours!” Gertrude smiled.
The new inventory kept them busy all afternoon, and Tess didn’t leave the thrift store until closing time. Eager to get home to Rhiannon, she opened her truck door and tossed the boots on the seat. As she climbed in, a Green Junction Police cruiser slipped into the spot next to her. Ron’s bulky stomach filled the driver’s seat. Uh-oh.
The cruiser’s door swung open. Ron stood up with authority, pulling his pants up over his belly. “Nice day, today.”
“Sure is,” Tess smiled, slightly creeped out. He eased his bulk around the back of cruiser, slipping his reflective aviator frames up on his head as he moved towards Tess. She saw a revolver under his unzipped black jacket, in a holster strapped to his chest.
“How’ve you been, since the accident, Tess?” Ron asked, meeting her eyes.
He wasn’t concerned at the Rancher’s Alliance presentation, and that was weeks ago. “I was fine just a few days afterward, Ron. You know that. It was nothing, really.”
“You got hit hard, Tess, you were knocked out for awhile, lost some blood. It was some gash on your head. You musta been pretty out of it, that night.” Ron nodded, trying to catch her eye.
Tess met Ron’s swarthy face dead on. “Not so out of it that I wouldn’t have noticed if Jake had been drinking, Ron.”
She saw his Adam's apple jump as he swallowed nervously. “Tess, you can’t be certain Jake wasn’t drinking. I know the facts,” Ron said, putting the cheap frames back over his eyes.
“This isn’t really something I want to discuss, Ron. I’ll see you later, okay?”
“I’ll see you girls at the Jackalope later,” he said evenly, fat lips thinning into a wide smile.
“We’ll be there!” Tess said brightly, completely revolted. Doesn’t he know when to give it up?
“You have a nice day, Tess,” Ron said, turning back to the cruiser.
“You too, Ron.” Relieved to be free of him, she climbed into her truck and slammed the door. He didn’t really send those dance tickets to the office, did he? How can I possibly spend a whole evening with him?
At home, Tess polished her new boots and searched her closet. She found an apple green, long-sleeved, empire waisted lambswool and angora knit dress her mother had sent, and took it to the mirror. Its swingy knit skirt hit right above the knee. Simple and friendly, like a first grade teacher, and it will work with my new boots. I might even kind of blend in.
Pulling on dark green tights, Tess rehearsed the faces of all the people she’d met at the clinic, matching faces with pets, trying to remember names. I don’t want to forget anyone. She put knee socks on, then the boots. I’m going to flub names, and I’m starving. I could eat a whole antelope myself right now. At least the boots look like they belong in Green Junction. It sure feels like I don’t.
Waiting nervously for Alice, she curled her eyelashes, slipped lipgloss, her driver’s license, and some cash into a little hip purse, and fired up her laptop.
To: Tess.Bam@vmail.com
From: Sam.Bam@vmail.com
Date: Saturday, November 10, 8:26 am
Subject: You were right. He’s a really nice guy . . .
Tess,
Archie likes “sinfully delicious” for dessert........with extra applesauce.
Love,
Sinfully Delicious Samantha To: Sam.Bam@vmail.com
From: Tess.Bam@vmail.com
Date; Saturday, November 10, 4:26 PM
Subject: The Archie’s of the World are underrated Sam,
Tonight’s the Jackalope. I’ll meet the whole town. I’m
nervous, Sammi. What if Jake’s still acting like a
Jerkalope?
Total Mess-Tess *****
“Whoa, look at that coat!” Alice raved at five-thirty,
when Tess climbed in her car. “You look fabulous.” “Well, as you can imagine, my mother is obsessed with
the Lord and Taylor President’s Day coat sale. This was the
one from two years ago,” Tess said self consciously,
comparing the bell sleeves and streamlined bodice of her
double breasted deep magenta boucle to Alice’s bright
patchwork quilted coat and suede slouch boots. “Do I look
too east coast for the Jackalope?”
“You look gorgeous, like spun gold and fine wine. I
love those wide sleeves. It’s a welcome change from
muddy Carhartt’s no?” Alice smiled.
“Yes,” Tess agreed emphatically.
“Ready f
or some fun?”
She sagged a bit. “As much fun as I can have, I guess.
I’m really stressed about meeting everyone, and it’s going
to be awkward with Jake. I hate to admit it, but I have a
really bad feeling about tonight, Alice.”
Alice reached over and patted her hand. “Doc and Bea
and I are all pulling for you, Tess. Doc is excited how well
everything’s been running at the clinic with you around.
And lots of people around here already know and like you,
including Jake and his Aunt Olivia. I’ll mix you a special
drink at Green Forks when the Jackalope’s over, I
promise.”
The high school was just outside of town on a hill
overlooking the park. As they parked, she saw a line of
people on the sidewalk, waiting to get into the lobby. Her
empty stomach clutched. “Looks like the whole town is
here.”
“Yup, the whole town and everybody from the ranches
around town,” Alice agreed cheerfully. “The Jackalope’s a big deal. Didn’t Sherri Tarleton want you to meet her sons?
They’ll be here tonight.”
“Oh, great,” Tess rolled her eyes.
“I promised to give Bea a hand in the kitchen before
dinner. You just circulate and let Doc introduce you to
everyone, okay?”
“Okay,” she answered. “Sure, Alice.”
In the lobby, they handed their coats to girls in band
uniforms. Dropping a bill in the tip jar, she wished she
could hide in the back with Alice. I’m all thumbs in the
kitchen, but I can take orders. Though I don’t know much
about rattlesnake jerky.
“You’ll be fine. Keep smiling and try to remember
names. There’ll be a quiz later!” Alice teased, pushing the
cafeteria door open.
The room was filled to bursting with men in jeans and
boots and women in wide skirts, rich with the buzz of
conversation and the heavy aroma of roasting meats. A long
buffet was set across the front of the giant cafeteria, near
the kitchen. Rows and rows of fold-out dining tables ran
the length of the room, covered in red-checked plastic