Casting About

by Terri DuLong

  “Why should I believe you? My lawyer will be in touch.”

  With that, he slammed the phone into the base. “She’s home. Claims she’s been there all night and she woke to find Clarissa gone. I don’t believe a word she’s saying.”

  “Okay,” said Officer Bob. “I’ll mosey on over to her place now. See what she has to say. You folks take care. I’ll be in touch.”

  Adam turned around after closing the front door and took me in his arms. “Thank God she’s all right,” he whispered.

  I nodded and didn’t allow myself to think what could have happened. “I can’t believe she’d claim that Clarissa is lying about all of this.”

  “I told you before that Carrie Sue’s a pathological liar, so it doesn’t bother her at all to put the blame on her own daughter.”

  “Come on,” I said, going to turn out the light. “I’ve got her all tucked in safe and sound. Let’s try and get some sleep.”

  45

  “Are you sure?” I said to Adam the following Wednesday evening as we cleaned the kitchen following supper.

  “Yes, I want you to go to the yarn shop tonight and join the ladies. It’ll be good for you. You need a girls’ night out.”

  Adam was right. It had been a stressful few days. “Okay, I’ll go,” I said, putting the last glass in the dishwasher. “After I say good night to Clarissa.”

  I found her curled up on the sofa working on another scarf. This time it was a blue and white one and meant to be a gift for Zoe’s new brother when he was born in two months.

  “That looks great,” I told her. “It’ll be perfect for Zac next winter.”

  Clarissa nodded, not taking her eyes from her needles. “Yeah, I thought so too. I think Zoe will like it.”

  “I’m sure she will. Okay, I’m heading over to the yarn shop for a couple hours, so I’ll see you in the morning.”

  I was glad I’d listened to Adam. It was fun being surrounded by females, catching up on island gossip.

  “So what’s this we hear that Opal has a man in her life?” Polly asked, looking up from the sweater she was working on.

  All of the needles stopped clicking as four faces looked at me expectantly.

  I laughed and shook my head. “You gals are terrible. It’s not up to me to discuss Opal’s love life.”

  “Oh, come on,” Twila Faye said. “You know what’s going on. Did she really meet him on the Internet?”

  “Yup, she did.”

  “Isn’t he here on the island now?” Dora asked.

  “Yeah, he is,” I said, concentrating on my pattern.

  “And so…,” Polly said. “Have you met him yet?”

  Grace nudged my elbow with her hand. “Cripe, Monica, tell us what’s going on.”

  I placed my knitting in my lap as I tried to suppress a smile. These ladies thrived on the current gossip, especially if a hint of romance might be involved. “There isn’t much to tell you. His name is Hank, he arrived the other day, he’s staying at the Far Away with his dog…and we’ve invited him and Opal to dinner Friday evening. There. Satisfied?”

  “Hmm,” Polly said. “Imagine that. Leave it to Opal to get involved with technology and snag herself a man.”

  “Yeah,” Dora said. “Years ago we met fellows at church or were introduced by friends and family. We did have blind dates, but they were, well—recommended. Not a complete stranger. Has Opal seen him since he arrived here?”

  I nodded. “Yes, he went to her house for coffee yesterday, and according to her, he’s exactly as she thought he’d be. Don’t forget, they’ve been talking and getting to know each other for a few months now on the computer. Opal said she felt like she’d known him forever.”

  “That’s become quite popular,” Grace said. “Couples meeting that way. Might not be a bad idea. They start off being friends and can find out a lot about each other by exchanging e-mails.”

  Polly shook her head. “I agree with Dora, it’s sure not like it used to be. I see something advertised on TV all the time—something to do with signing up on the computer with a dating company and they match you with somebody who has your exact interests. Seems to me that kinda takes the fun out of getting to know a person. You ever do anything like that, Grace?”

  “Me?” she said, shaking her head. “Nah, guess I’m an old-fashioned kind of girl. I like that instant chemistry that might occur the first time you meet somebody. Going through a dating service seems a bit too contrived for me.”

  “Speaking of that chemistry,” I said, “seen any more of Lucas?”

  “Oh, would that be Lucas Trudeau? The new owner of the bookstore. Are you two seeing each other?” Polly leaned forward, waiting for Grace’s answer.

  “Yes, Lucas is the new bookstore owner, and no, we’re not seeing each other. He’s just dropped by the coffee shop a few times.”

  “I saw him at the post office the other day,” Dora said. “Seems like a nice fellow. Introduced himself and said he plans to be ready to open the shop by October.”

  “I heard he’s originally from France and has another shop in Brunswick,” Twila Faye said. “Isn’t that where you’re from, Grace? Did you know him before you moved here?”

  “I’ve been gone from Brunswick almost ten years and he only moved there from Paris five years ago, but it seems he knows my aunt Maude. He said she’s a frequent customer in his shop.”

  “And so…,” Polly said, a smile covering her face. “Does he have a wife?”

  “No, he does not,” Grace told her. “However, he also doesn’t appear very interested in me. Stops by for coffee, chats a bit, and that’s it. Besides, after that recent fiasco with Tony, being committed to somebody isn’t high on my list right now.”

  “Is it true that he really left the island with Carrie Sue?” Twila Faye asked.

  I nodded. “Yup, the dynamic duo left together yesterday morning. After the crisis over the weekend with poor Clarissa, that’s probably the kindest thing Carrie Sue’s ever done for her daughter. She swore up and down that she hadn’t left Clarissa alone Saturday night—of course we don’t believe her. But when Officer Bob got to her place, she was there, so we had no proof. However, Adam had reached the end of his rope with her. He told her if she’d voluntarily sign the papers and give up her visitation rights, then he wouldn’t press charges.”

  “And did she?” Twila Faye questioned.

  “Without a moment’s hesitation. Why she even came here in the first place, we have no clue. She’s always been a poor excuse for a mother. Once she met Tony, she found a means to get herself out of here. Adam probably did her a favor forcing her to sign the papers.”

  “And she had no qualms about giving up rights to visit her daughter?” Dora asked.

  “Not in the least. Everybody else is always to blame, so this way she can say that Adam forced her to give up her rights. Makes her look like the injured party.”

  “Sure, when everyone knows she never wanted the responsibility of motherhood to begin with,” Grace said.

  I nodded. “Exactly. Finally, I think we can safely say we’ve seen the last of Carrie Sue Brooks.”

  “How does that make Clarissa feel?” Polly asked. “Does she feel rejected at all?”

  “Quite the opposite,” I told her. “In all honesty, I think the poor child feels relieved. We’ve had some problems with her these past few months since Carrie Sue got here and Clarissa had to visit her twice a month. Her grades slipped in school, some behavior problems, and it’s obvious she just hasn’t been happy.”

  “I can understand that,” Dora said. “You and Adam are her family. She knows how much you both love her and kids know when people are being phony. I’d say she knew Carrie Sue pretty well.”

  There was that word love again—an emotion I couldn’t honestly say that I felt for Clarissa. While I was far from a phony, I still questioned if I truly loved the child.

  “You’ve got that right,” Grace said. “By the time I came along, I think my parents
had outgrown parenthood. They were into living their own life, and a kid infringed on that.”

  Grace had never discussed her parents much with me, but I knew they were in their late forties when she was born and her sister, Chloe, was twelve years older.

  “When I was twelve and my parents were killed in that car crash in the south of France, I was fortunate that Aunt Maude was willing to raise me. And that was the difference between her and my parents—I always felt she deeply loved me. Never once did she make me feel that taking me in was her obligation. She always made sure that I knew she truly enjoyed having me with her.”

  I remained silent as I focused on the knitting in my hands, but I hoped that Clarissa knew that I honestly did enjoy having her with us.

  46

  Since Carrie Sue had left the island a month before, we’d seen a marked improvement in Clarissa. No further behavior problems. Her grades at school returned to As and Bs, but best of all was her happy attitude. She smiled more, laughed more, and appeared to be a more well-adjusted child.

  With the arrival of Hank on the island a new happiness had also come over Opal. Both Adam and I were fond of him, and it was easy to see why she delighted in his company. Distinguished looking with a crop of white hair, he had a way of making people feel at ease, and his wonderful sense of humor provided lots of laughter.

  I had just zipped the second piece of luggage closed when Clarissa came into the bedroom.

  “Are you excited about going to Augusta?” she asked.

  “I am,” I told her. “Is there anything in particular you’d like me to get for you while I’m there?”

  “No, but when you get back could you teach me that knit two together stitch?”

  I smiled. “Of course I will. We’ll find you a pattern for a scarf where you can use that stitch. And I tell you what, you’re getting so accomplished, pretty soon I think you’ll be able to begin a sweater.”

  Clarissa’s eyes lit up. “Really? Could I make one for Billie to wear?”

  “I don’t see why not,” I said, walking out of the bedroom. “There are lots of patterns now for doggie sweaters. She’d like that and it’ll keep her warm in winter.”

  Adam looked up from the crossword he was working on and smiled. “All packed?”

  “Yup, and your mother should be here shortly to get Clarissa.”

  “I’ll go get my duffel bag,” she said.

  A few minutes later Opal knocked on the kitchen door and walked in. “Is my favorite girl ready to spend a few days with her grandma?”

  Clarissa ran over to give Opal a hug. “Yeah, and Billie’s ready too,” she said, clipping on the dog’s leash.

  “Okay.” I reached for the tote bag containing Billie’s food and treats. “Here’s everything you need for Billie. I did give you the phone number at the Partridge Inn, right?”

  Opal waved a hand in the air. “Yes, you did, and I have both your cell phone numbers and we’ll be just fine.” She ruffled the top of Clarissa’s hair. “Now your job is to go and have a wonderful time. Hank is escorting the two of us for dinner this evening to the Island Room and we have a full weekend of activities planned for Clarissa.”

  I smiled as Clarissa jumped up and down. “Oh, goody. I like Hank, and maybe Billie can play with Charlie in your yard.”

  “I think that can be arranged,” Opal told her.

  Clarissa ran to hug Adam and then me. “Have fun,” she hollered, following Opal out the back door.

  “You too,” I hollered back.

  As soon as Adam negotiated the curve on the hill, I saw the Partridge Inn situated majestically at the top. Six stories high, pale yellow in color, with white verandahs and balconies. The front façade was partially hidden by looming dogwood trees in full bloom.

  “Oh,” I uttered, “It’s just lovely.”

  Adam placed his hand on my leg. “It’s considered one of the grand hotels of the classic South.”

  He pulled the car into the small, attached parking garage.

  We removed our luggage from the trunk and walked into the cobbled brick courtyard with a small pool at the center. The door from the courtyard led us to the lobby. Victorian décor and furniture gave the feeling of stepping back in time.

  While Adam got us checked in, I looked around and understood why my mother loved staying here. It had a warm and inviting ambience.

  “All set,” Adam said, turning to the bellhop. “Room three-oh-two.”

  The man was placing our luggage on the cart. “Very good, sir. I’ll be right up.”

  We took the elevator to the third floor and made our way along the thickly carpeted corridor. I could now see the building was tiered on different levels. Down three steps, a short walk along another corridor and up a few more steps. Our room was at the end and Adam inserted the key.

  Stepping into a spacious area, I took in the king-sized bed and elegant furnishings. Long, full-length windows allowed the sun to stream through, creating a golden glow.

  “Oh, how pretty,” I said, and felt Adam’s arms go around my waist.

  “I’m glad you like it. I think we’ll have a nice four days.”

  We both turned at the knock on the door.

  Adam opened it, the bellman removed our luggage from the cart, accepted his tip, and said, “Enjoy your stay at the Partridge Inn,” before quietly closing the door behind him.

  “How about some champagne?” Adam asked.

  It was then that I noticed the silver bucket on the coffee table in front of the sofa, with the bottle cooling inside.

  “Sounds wonderful,” I said, going to sit down. “You’ve thought of everything.”

  “I thought we’d relax here for a while. I made an eight o’clock reservation for dinner at the Verandah Grill downstairs.”

  I laughed at the pop when Adam removed the cork. “What a great sound.”

  Filling both flutes, he joined me on the sofa. “Here’s to us,” he said, lightly touching the rim of my glass.

  “To us,” I repeated before taking a sip of the delicious bubbly. “Hmm, very good.”

  “It is,” he said, after taking a sip. Placing the glass on the table, he reached for both of my hands. “Do you know how much I love you, Monica? I can’t even imagine my life without you.”

  I leaned forward and my lips found his. “I love you more than I thought possible,” I told him. “You’re everything to me, Adam. There was a time in my life when I doubted I could love somebody like this, but then I met you and I knew I’d been waiting all my life for you.”

  “This sure hasn’t been an easy first year of marriage for us, and it’s been the hardest on you, what with Clarissa coming to live with us and then Carrie Sue showing up. I just want you to know how much it means to me that you’ve hung in there and not given up.”

  “Given up?”

  “I know what your history has been in the past. When the going gets tough, you had a habit of running.”

  I pressed my lips together and looked down at the flute in my hand, but didn’t say anything. He was right. I knew that. I wasn’t known for having the tolerance for working things out. It was always much easier to simply walk away. But with Adam it was different—I couldn’t conceive of spending my days without him. No matter what.

  I took another sip of champagne and then sighed. “I guess maybe that’s what real love is all about. When you’ve found your soul mate—that one person in the world you don’t want to be without—well, there isn’t anything that you can’t get through together, and it’s you who made me realize that.”

  Adam took my champagne glass and placed it on the table. Standing, he reached for my hand and pulled me up beside him.

  I felt his lips crush mine as my arms went around his neck and I was instantly filled with desire.

  “Come on,” he said, his voice husky, as he led me toward the bed. “Let me show you how I love you.”

  Sitting in the beautiful dining room of the Verandah Grill, I felt a happiness that had seeme
d to be missing the past few months.

  Following a passionate session of lovemaking, I also felt sexy and very desirable.

  Adam looked across the table and smiled. “God, Monica, you look exceptionally beautiful tonight.”

  “You make me feel beautiful.” I was glad I’d chosen the sleeveless black dress. Simple, yet classy.

  “Oh, it doesn’t have a thing to do with me. I saw the heads that turned when we stepped off the elevator.”

  I laughed. “Hmm, it must be my afterglow still radiating. God, when was the last time we made love in the afternoon?”

  “I don’t know, but it’s been much too long, and we’ll have to be sure to fix that when we get home. Send Clarissa to my mom’s after school for cookies and milk and I’ll come home early.”

  I laughed again. “You’re terrible, but not a bad idea.”

  The waiter arrived with our entrees and smiled. “Bon appétit. Special occasion?”

  “Yes,” Adam said without hesitating. “Actually it is. We’re celebrating our love for each other.”

  The waiter inclined his head. “And that is the best possible thing to celebrate. Enjoy.”

  “That was so sweet. You really are quite the romantic.”

  Adam smiled. “For you, always.”

  “Oh, this duck looks delicious,” I said, picking up my fork.

  We savored the wonderful food and followed the meal with coffee.

  I exhaled a breath as I tried to formulate thoughts in my mind before speaking.

  Adam looked up. “Anything wrong?”

  “No,” I said, shaking my head. “There’s just something I want to discuss with you. Actually, it’s been on my mind since we were supposed to come here in December.”

  “And you’ve waited three months to talk about it?”

  “Yeah, I guess I just wanted the time and privacy for us. And maybe the subject is better discussed on neutral territory.”

  Adam’s face registered confusion. “What is it?”

  “Well,” I began and found myself nervously fingering the spoon beside my coffee. “I’ve just kinda been wondering…what would be your thoughts…” I stopped to be sure I phrased my question properly. “What would be your thoughts about possibly having a baby. Together. The two of us.” My eyes shot to Adam’s face to gauge his reaction and I saw his dumbfounded expression. “I know, I know,” I rushed on. “We had kinda agreed not to have children before we married, but…”