Stone in Love

by Cadence, Brook

  Charlie followed her to the kitchen, where a pot of tea brewed on the stove.

  “You don’t look good,” Charlie said, sitting at the table.

  Lindsay joined him with her mug of tea. “Thanks.”

  “You know what I meant. I’m worried about you. I didn’t hear from you last night, and when I called today you didn’t answer.”

  “I was probably sleeping. I just woke up a few minutes ago. Besides, there’s not much to tell.”

  “Did you hear from your boss?”

  “Yes. He said faulty electrical wiring caused the fire. It will take six months to rebuild, and my position will still be available to me.”

  “That’s great.”

  “You think so? And just what am I supposed to do in the meantime? And don’t even start with this stuff about you paying my bills. I know that’s what you’re thinking.”

  “I wasn’t going to say that. Although, I do wish you’d let me help you sometimes. I love you.” Charlie reached across the table and put his hand over hers.

  “I know you do. I shouldn’t be so snappy. It’s hard to put on a front that everything is fine, when it’s so clearly not.”

  “I don’t expect you to. I want you to be able to talk to me in good times and bad. All I ask is that you don’t shut me out.”

  “Okay.”

  “What are you thinking you might do in the meantime?”

  “Obviously I can’t wait six months to work. I’m going to call some of the medical offices I’ve applied to in the past. If I don’t have any luck with that, I’ll have to go put in some new applications.”

  “May I ask where you’ve already applied to?”

  Lindsay went through a rundown of at least ten practices, before she finally divulged what Charlie really wanted to know. She hadn’t applied at Charleston Family Medicine, his father Richard’s office, but she had applied at a doctor’s office close by—one that employed a close friend of Charlie’s dad.

  Dr. Brent Taylor at Surfside Medical, an associate of Richard’s for more than forty years would take his recommendation into serious consideration. And Charlie was confident his dad would be willing to help. He couldn’t remember a single time since moving out on his own, that he’d asked him for anything.

  “And you’re going to contact each one of those offices again?” Charlie asked.

  “Oh yes. If I have to stay on the phone all day long, that’s what I’ll have to do.”

  Charlie looked across the table at Lindsay. He couldn’t stand seeing her so depressed. There was no question as to what he had to do.

  A bothersome thought crossed his mind: What if Lindsay heard the name Dr. Richard Mundy come up in conversation? It was a real possibility. What if she asked Charlie directly if he is related? Would he look her in the eyes and lie? Never.

  All he could do is hope and pray she never asked.

  Lindsay covered her mouth when she checked the available balance in her savings account. She should have checked her online banking a week ago, when her employment met its demise. The amount was less than what she’d expected. Substantially less. She needed a miracle … soon.

  She felt better when she checked her email. Ireland had sent her a message that she was all settled in New York. She had already started her photography classes, and things with her and Jeffrey were going well. She asked Lindsay to write back and let her know how the new job was going.

  Lindsay couldn’t reply to her email at the present time. She didn’t want to bring Ireland down. She would respond when there was happier news.

  She powered off the computer and went to her bedroom, where her cell phone was buzzing on top of the bed. She didn’t recognize the number.

  “Hi, this is Michelle with Surfside Medical,” a nice young lady said. “The doctors have reviewed your application and have asked me to call you. We have a position available, and would like you start immediately.”

  Lindsay couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Really? But, don’t I need to interview first?”

  “That won’t be necessary. The doctors have been in contact with your previous employers, and they gave you an excellent reference.”

  “Wonderful. I’m available to start now.”

  “Can you come in tomorrow at eight?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Do you need directions?” Michelle asked.

  “Yes, please.” Lindsay wrote down the address. She knew the area pretty well and felt confident she could find it. “I just have one other question.”

  “Yes?”

  “You said doctors; how many are in the practice?”

  “Several. We’re a large office, but you’ll mainly be under my supervision. Anything you need, you come to me. We try not to disrupt the doctors from their very strict schedule.”

  “I understand. Thank you so much! See you bright and early tomorrow morning.”

  Lindsay hung up and hit the speed dial for Charlie. “I’m taking you out to dinner tonight!”

  “You sound happy,” Charlie said. “What’s the occasion?”

  “I just got a call from Surfside Medical Practice. They hired me on the spot and I start tomorrow.”

  “Congratulations! I knew it wouldn’t take long. I’m so happy for you!”

  “Thank you. Now I can breathe again.”

  “I bet. I’d love to go to dinner tonight, but before you get ahead of yourself, understand that I’m the one who’s buying.”

  “Why?”

  “You need to save your money. I insist on paying for all of our dates. At least until you get your first paycheck. I’m putting my foot down on this one.”

  “All right. I can allow you to do that.”

  “Pick you up at seven?”

  “Okay. And since I’m in such a great mood, I’ll even be ready on time.”

  Charlie laughed. “I’ll hold you to that.”

  “I love you, Charlie.”

  Charlie paused. “I’m happy to hear you say that. It seems like things have been a bit off lately, if you will.”

  “It’s all my fault. I should have a more stable attitude toward you, no matter what is going on with me professionally.”

  “Don’t think about it. I love you too, doll. Now go get ready, so you can keep your promise. You have exactly … five hours.”

  * * *

  The candlelit dinner Lindsay shared with Charlie was more than she’d imagined. He took her to an expensive restaurant in downtown Charleston, where she was serenaded by a string quartet. She savored every bite of the rich, four–course meal. After dinner, Charlie handed her a tiny box wrapped in shiny, red paper complete with a bow.

  “What’s this?” Lindsay asked reluctantly. Surely he wasn’t proposing marriage already. She feared opening the box, because if it was a ring, she would have to turn him down—at least for now.

  “Just a little something I want you to have,” Charlie answered. “Go ahead. I know what it looks like, but it’s not that. You don’t have to worry.”

  “Who said I was assuming anything?” So he’d read her mind. He knew her too well. But why did he dismiss the idea of marriage so easily. Was she not marriage material?

  Oddly, she was a bit disappointed. She set the box on the table and crossed her arms. “You sound like the idea of marrying me is revolting.”

  “I’m sorry if I came across that way. It’s just, I know you’re not ready for marriage.”

  “Yes, but I want you to know that I’m taking this relationship seriously,” Lindsay said. “You’re right that I don’t want to get married now, but down the road I can see myself being your wife. Now I need to know, is that what you want?”

  Charlie smiled, his eyes sparkling. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were made for me. I can’t wait till the day I call you my wife.”

  “Well, thank you for clearing that up, Mr. Mundy. I’m glad we’re on the same page.” She shook the box next to her ear. “Now I’
m really curious what’s in this thing.”

  “Open it,” Charlie said.

  Lindsay took off the lid. Inside was the key to the Camry he’d bought for her. She recognized it right away.

  “Before you say no, let me explain,” Charlie said. “You know I’m keeping the car until you accept it. It’s yours—like it or not. And now that your new job is a longer drive, I insist that you accept it.”

  Lindsay stared down at the key.

  “You don’t want your brand new car sitting idle underneath my house, do you? What if there were an earthquake? My house would crush it.”

  “That’s a bit of a stretch,” Lindsay said, “but you do have a point.” She pushed the chair back and walked to Charlie’s side of the table. Taking a seat in his lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Not concerned who was watching, she indulged him in an open–mouth kiss. “Thank you.”

  “Now, that’s what I like to hear. Was that so hard?”

  “I guess not.” Lindsay pinched his cheek. “Had to make sure you’re real again.”

  “Oh, I’m real,” Charlie said. “More alive and well than ever, thanks to you.”

  Lindsay hugged him and held on tight. She didn’t know—couldn’t imagine—how it could ever get better than this.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Lindsay’s first few weeks at her new job had been easier than she’d expected. She was surprised how much she retained from college and had transitioned well. The practice was huge, with eight doctors, four P.A.s, and ten medical assistants, and was always busy with staff coming and going. Lindsay would say hi, but there was never time to mingle. Michelle, her main contact from day one, was the only person she conversed with to any degree. And that was exactly how Lindsay preferred it. Less office drama meant more time to focus on doing a good job.

  Each day was a mirror image of the one before. She clocked in at eight and pulled the patients’ charts. The rest of the day consisted of taking patients’ medical histories and vitals, drawing blood, and administering vaccines. She clocked out at 5:00 precisely and was never asked to work a minute over. Her new job was the missing piece of the puzzle that completed her happy life.

  Meanwhile, Lindsay’s relationship with Charlie was going strong. He wasn’t flying today, so he was able to meet her at Subway for lunch.

  Lindsay sat at a booth studying her paycheck stub while Charlie ordered their sandwiches.

  “You must like what you see,” Charlie said, setting down the tray. “Turkey sub with water, right?” he asked, divvying out their order.

  “Uh–huh. Actually I do like what I see very much,” Lindsay said, giving Charlie a wink.

  “Not me, silly. I saw you looking over your paycheck. You had the biggest grin on your face.”

  “Oh, that. I’m just so happy. Even the pay is better than I could have imagined. You know, this job is almost too good to be true.”

  “Well, you know the old saying—good things come to those who wait. You were overdue for this.”

  “I guess so. Still, everything is so perfect right now, it’s scary. I’m holding my breath, waiting for the walls to come crashing down around me. And I’m still trying to wrap my head around you and me. How did I ever land a—” Lindsay’s phone vibrated in her purse.

  Her tone went from an excited high to a depressing low. “—pilot.”

  “Who is it?” Charlie said.

  “Mom.”

  “Go ahead and talk to her. I don’t mind.”

  “No. I’ll call her back later,” Lindsay grumbled. She finished the last bite of her six–inch sub and crumpled the wrapper into a ball. “She has great timing. Just when I couldn’t be any happier, it’s her on the line.”

  “Well, you said it yourself that everything was too good to be true.”

  “I know.”

  “But why you don’t talk things out with her is beyond me. If you two straightened things out, there wouldn’t be a single thing standing in the way of your happiness.”

  “You’re right. I’m tired of these up–and–down emotions when it comes to her. I think tonight I’m going to finally take your advice.”

  “That’s music to my ears, doll.” Charlie glanced at the large round clock near the exit. “I’d better get back to the airport. I need to work on my pre–flight log.”

  He slid Lindsay’s chair back and held the door open while she exited. “Same time next week?”

  “Yep,” Lindsay said, playing along. “And same time tonight too?”

  “Right. But make that call before you head to my place.” Charlie kissed her on the forehead.

  “Will do. Love you.”

  * * *

  That evening, Lindsay called her mom. “Sorry I didn’t answer earlier. You called at a bad time. I was having lunch with Charlie.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about it, dear. So, you and mister pilot are still going strong, are you?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact we are. Mom, I’m going to get right to the point. You and I have problems—big ones. That comment is a perfect example of what’s wrong with our relationship.”

  “Problem?” her mother asked in her most earnest voice.

  “Don’t pretend there isn’t one. The icy–cold relationship we have—do you think it’s normal?”

  “How do you mean, dear?”

  Lindsay inhaled deeply and took great care in forming the coming words. “All right, Mom. I can see that I’m going to have to spell out the obvious, although I’m not buying into your display of ignorance. Your first question to me is always about a man. That’s your biggest concern. I don’t understand it. Why?”

  “I worry about you, that’s all.”

  “I can take care of myself. You shouldn’t.”

  “But, all the time you spent going to school—those were years you should have been having babies. Let the man work while you raise a little family.”

  “Because that’s what you did? This isn’t the seventies, Mom. Times have changed.”

  “But your sister stays home, and her husband provides a nice existence for her. She’s always happy, and I want the same for you.”

  “I’m am happy—doing things my way!”

  “Please don’t raise your voice at me.”

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to make you understand that I’m not my sister, nor do I wish to portray her. I like being independent. Pride and integrity are my idea of happiness. I’m making a great living for myself these days, and the one person in the world I wish would be proud of me is you. I can see that’s never going to happen. Not until I quit my job to spend my days shopping and having lunch with you.”

  “That’s absolute nonsense.”

  “Is it? Then why are you so inquisitive as to the state of my relationship with Charlie?”

  “I want what every mother wants—for her daughter to have a good man standing beside her.”

  “Don’t you mean footing the bill for her? Well, you can forget it, because that’s never going to happen. I met Charlie under bizarre circumstances in the first place. I didn’t go out looking for a wealthy man to take care of me. And if we end up marrying one day, I’ll still work. If that’s not something you can accept, then we should go our separate ways until you can wrap your head around it.”

  There was nothing but dead air on the line for several, long seconds. Finally Lindsay said, “Well?”

  Her voice breaking, Mrs. Martin said, “There’s more to it, Lindsay. You’re the only person I’ve told this to. You’re sister doesn’t even know.”

  Lindsay’s patience was wearing thin. “Yeah?”

  “I haven’t always been a homemaker. When I was eighteen, I worked at a small convenience store down the street from my parents’ house. One evening, another clerk and I were closing up when we were robbed at gunpoint. We were pistol whipped, tied up, and …” Her mother wept uncontrollably at that point. “Don’t make me say it.”

  “You don’t have to say any more, Mom. I get it. I’m so sorry.
I don’t even know what to say.”

  Mrs. Martin sniffled. “Hold on, dear.”

  Lindsay heard her blowing her nose. To say she felt horrible was an understatement.

  Her mother came back on the line. “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. All I ever wanted was to protect my daughters from having to go through something like that.”

  “I understand, Mom, I do. You don’t have to explain.”

  “But it’s not fair to keep you from following your dreams, because of my compromised view. I sincerely apologize for bringing you down like I did. Starting today, I want to have a closer relationship with my daughter.”

  Finally, the words she so desperately needed to hear had been said.

  “I’m sorry for saying you resented your sister. I was grasping at anything I could to get you to change.”

  “It’s okay. I appreciate you sharing your story with me. It makes a huge difference to understand your reasoning. Let’s start our new, improved relationship by spending a day together soon. We could go downtown, sit in the swings at Waterfront Park, maybe catch some lunch.”

  “I love you, honey,” Mrs. Martin said. “And that sounds perfect.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  At the office, one of Lindsay’s duties was to hand out bi–weekly paychecks to each department, and today was payday.

  The checks were gathered in bundles, organized by departments, and secured with a rubber band. She had just stopped by the on–site maintenance office to hand off their checks, when she came across the next bundle. The sticker on the top said “Physicians and P.A.s”.

  Lindsay moseyed down the long hall toward the doctors’ mail room. She put each doctor’s stub in their individual cubbyhole.

  A black wire tray, filled to the brim with outgoing mail sat on a nearby table. Lindsay picked up the stack and pushed one piece after the other through the Pitney–Bowes postage machine. Halfway through, she came across a letter addressed to a Dr. Richard Mundy at a neighboring practice.

  Mundy—could he be any relation, she wondered. She thought back on her conversations with Charlie about family, but couldn’t remember what he’d said his dad did. Actually, she could only remember herself doing all the talking, while Charlie sat listening.