by M. Sembera
Seminol narrowed his eyes and started to speak, until Hert appeared at the top of the stairs.
Making his way down, Hert said, “I called Dr. Chepelli, to reschedule,” then saying, “Jackson, take the rest of the day off,” he limped through the living room and out of the front door.
Furious, I made a loud groan and walked into the kitchen. Not so carefully pulling items out of the refrigerator for lunch, I threw them onto the counter.
Still holding Sophia, Jackson kept his tone smooth questioning, “What the hell was all that?”
Shaking my head at him, I calmed down for the moment to make lunch for the three of us.
After lunch, Jackson and I sat on the living room couch while Sophia took her nap. Staring at the front door, I could feel Jackson glaring at me as he waited for an explanation. I knew I would have to tell him I saw Emerson, something he had strongly advised against.
“Are you gonna tell me what’s going on? Or do I have to sit here and wonder if you just felt like being a smart ass to Mr. Ramsden?” Jackson questioned.
I blurted, “He’s a damn liar, that’s why!”
Jackson appeared confused as he waited for a real explanation.
I started to explain, “Okay, yesterday Hert and I got into a fight,” pausing for a moment, waiting for his ‘what else is new’ expression to fade before saying, “Look Hert said something to me that my father used to say, so I left. I was just going to drive around then come right back home but I ended up at the old Office building instead.”
“You talked to Robert’s didn’t you? Damn it, I…” he fussed before I stopped him, informing, “Emerson was there but I didn’t get to talk to him because Seminol showed up.”
Jackson’s disapproval turned into curiosity as he asked, “What did he say?”
Taking a breath, I shared, “That he advised Hert to be done with me.”
“He’s wrong,” Jackson assured.
With a slight shrug, I admitted, “It doesn’t matter, I have more important things to worry about than some jerk that doesn’t even know me.”
“Speaking of more important things, what about …” he started to ask before I stopped him, saying, “I can’t right now.”
With a look of concern, Jackson asked, “You didn’t make a deal with him did you?”
Shaking my head, I replied, “No, I didn’t but it is serious.”
I could tell Jackson was worried. Ideas quickly sprang into my mind as I contemplated my options. I could tell Jackson about our conversation but why would I when I knew it had nothing to do with him. Still, I knew I needed him.
Testing the waters, I asked, “When you said you would stand beside me, did you really mean it?”
With a quick nod, he replied, “Yes.”
Requiring more, I questioned, “Even if I can’t tell you what’s going on?”
Slowly nodding, he said, “Ren, you know I will.”
“I haven’t said anything to Hert about it and right now I just really need some time to think because I’m not sure who I can trust and I know if I tell Hert, he’ll try to handle it himself and I think that’s a bad idea,” I explained.
With a loud exhale, Jackson questioned, “And you handling it, is a good idea?”
“I don’t have a choice, Salvador knows about Sophia,” I clarified.
Jackson’s expression was somewhere between shock and horror as he blurted, “How?”
Shrugging, I said, “I don’t know and right now I don’t even know what he wants from me.”
In the midst of our very serious conversation, I had to laugh a little when Jackson asked, “How do you always end up in the worst situation possible?”
Shaking my head, I suggested, “Bet you wish you’d stuck to your one date rule now.”
With a wide smile, he replied, “Worst mistake I’ve ever made,” as he laughed.
Pretending to be offended, I hit him on the shoulder, saying, “Please, I’m the best thing that ever happened to you.”
I thought he would laugh. Instead he sat there staring at me as if he had something to say.
I was worried that I had crossed some sort of line with Jackson. Our friendship was a fine balance. It was easy to get carried away and forget there was real feeling behind some of the inappropriateness we shared in conversation. Sometimes it was difficult to maintain our close friendship seeing as we were once in a relationship, even if it was a million years ago. Especially since, the lines at one time had started to blur. Still, we were both committed to our friendship.
Breaking the silence, I said, “Well, now that I’ve made you all uncomfortable…I’m going to clean up the kitchen.”
Stopping me, he assured, “Ha, it takes a lot more than that to make me uncomfortable,” with a smile before questioning, “Hey, can I ask you something?”
Nodding, I had the feeling I was fixing to be uncomfortable.
“Sometimes, I think you want me to say more than what I’m saying,” he shared.
Raising an eyebrow, I said, “That’s not really a question.”
Working hard to conceal his smile, Jackson replied, “You want me to come right out and ask you if you have a thing for me?”
As my face started to turn red, I fussed, “Damn it Jacks!” as I got up and walked into the kitchen.
Standing at the sink, I started to wash the dishes. I saw Jackson stroll in with his smile beaming from ear to ear.
Picking up the cup towel, he said, “Now that I’ve made you all uncomfortable… Why don’t I help you with the dishes.”
“Why do you do that?” I griped.
I could hear the smile in his voice as he replied, “Because you secretly like it.”
I asked, “Oh, yea?”
“I told you, I know you better than you think,” he stressed.
In disbelief, I asked, “How is that?”
A little more serious now, he explained, “No matter what you say, your eyes give you away.”
Quickly turning to him, I questioned, “Okay mister rhymie, what are they saying now?” staring directly at him.
Gasping, he pretended to be shocked, saying, “Wow, you're kinda dirty.”
Repeatedly popping him on the arm, I shouted, “Oh, my gosh Jacks! Shut up!”
Backing away, he laughed, “Okay. Okay, stop hitting me crazy lady. You know I’m just messin’ with ya Ren.”
Laughing with him, we both jumped a little when the phone rang.
While I walked to get the phone, Jackson took a seat at the kitchen table.
“Hello,” I said, answering the phone.
Hert’s voice was on the other end, saying, “Rennillia, I have an urgent matter to deal with. I will be back in three days.”
“Oh, I’m Rennillia now?” I snapped without thinking.
After a short pause, his tone softened as he replied, “I’m sorry it’s short notice. Jackson is going to stay there with you while I’m gone. Let me talk to him please.”
I started to argue, “He doesn’t need to…” before Hert ordered, “Damn it Renni, just do what you’re told.”
That was it.
I walked over and handed Jackson the phone, informing, “Mr. Herterand wants to speak with you.”
Walking out of the kitchen, I stomped upstairs to check on Sophia.
Sophia was still fast asleep. I smiled at her then shook my head in frustration as I thought about Hert. Really, who did he think he was? Wondering how he’d like it if I started calling him Scott, I made my way back downstairs. Jackson was in the living room as I walked past him and back into the kitchen.
“Looks like I’m staying here for a couple of days,” he shared, following right behind me.
Walking up to the sink to finish washing dishes, I snapped, “I don’t care what your boss said, you don’t have to stay.”
“I don’t mind,” he assured.
Shaking my head at him, I stated, “That’s not the point.”
With a peculiar expression, Jacks shrugged sayin
g, “Okay, well I’m gonna go home and pack a bag. I have to grab some stuff from my office too; I shouldn’t be gone more than an hour.”
Jackson walked out the back door and I finished up the dishes.
It wasn’t long before Sophia was up and Jackson was back. As Jackson shuffled though paperwork at the kitchen table, I played with Sophia on the living room floor. It occurred to me that Seminol was more than likely the reason for Hert’s unusual phone disposition. It wasn’t a good excuse and I would be bringing it up when he returned but I kind of understood. That aside, for the next three days Hert would be gone and the calm I was in need of, seemed attainable.
Chapter 10
Jumping so far out of bed, I was almost in my doorway when a loud bang woke me. I ran to Sophia’s room. She was still fast asleep, so I rushed to the stairs. Running right into Jacks at the top of the stairs, I placed my finger over my mouth cautioning him not to wake Sophia. Turning around, he headed back down as I followed.
“What the hell was that?” he asked.
Thinking, ‘how am I supposed to know,’ I said, “It sounded like something hit the house.”
We looked all over downstairs before Jackson said, “Wait here, I’m gonna check outside.”
I stood by the back door in the kitchen waiting.
I started to get nervous, until he came back saying, “A tree fell on your garage.”
Glancing at the clock, I said, “What a way to start the day,” with a laugh.
Shaking his head and exhaling loudly, Jackson shared, “I’m not gonna lie, that scared the hell out of me.”
Nodding, I agreed, “Yea, me too.”
As I stood there, I noticed he was wearing a white wife-beater undershirt and basketball shorts. Unable to help it, I started to smile.
“What?” he questioned.
Laughing slightly, I replied, “You look more like you right now.”
Making a face at me, he repeated, “What?”
Shaking my head, I explained, “All I ever see you in is suits now.”
Laughing, he said, “Oh, you miss my hoodie days.”
“I don’t miss ‘em just reminds me…ya know,” I said.
With a smile, he admitted, “I still have the one you used to wear all the time,” before saying, “It’s in my drawer.”
“Hmmm, okay, I think I’m gonna go get dressed now,” I stated before turning and walking out of the kitchen.
Walking up the stairs, I shook off an odd feeling. It was probably nostalgia getting the best of me but since he was going to be here for the next three days, it was best to be extra aware of what came out of my mouth. I got dressed, brushed my teeth, pulled my hair up and headed back down to make breakfast.
Jackson frowned a little, asking, “No Sophia?”
Shaking my head, I answered, “It’s just five, she usually sleeps ‘til about seven.”
I noticed he had put a regular t-shirt on, as he sat down at the table saying, “You know I’m just messin’ with you when I say stuff, right?”
Nodding, I fluffed him off, saying, “I know.”
“Are you sure? 'Cause you had kind of a funny look on your face before,” he questioned.
Rolling my eyes and shaking my head, I stressed, “Jacks, a tree just fell on the house and scared me half to death and now I have to call around for a tree service and I’m supposed to be at Amila’s at noon for lunch.”
Seemingly accepting my explanation, Jackson said, “By the way, you have to call the car service to take you to Amila’s.”
“No I don’t,” I stated, pulling eggs and bacon out of the refrigerator.
I heard him sigh before he urged, “Come on Ren, it’s just a precaution.”
“From what?” I blurted before saying, “Driving down the road.”
Getting a little frustrated with me, he reaffirmed, “No Mrs. Smarty Pants, to make sure you get where you’re going safely.”
Thick with sarcasm, I replied, “Yes, because the road to Amila’s is so dangerous.”
With a loud sigh, Jackson said, “Good Lord woman, it makes Hert feel better for the driver to take you, okay.”
Shaking my head and rolling my eyes, I snapped, “Whatever makes Mr. Herterand feel better,” and started to cook breakfast.
When breakfast was ready, I fixed Jackson a plate and set it on the table in front of him. After serving Jacks, I fixed my plate, grabbed the phone, the phonebook and sat down at the table with him. Flipping through the phonebook looking for a tree service, I started to eat.
“You know my cousin does that,” Jackson informed.
Confused, I laughed, “Eats eggs and looks through the phone book?”
Rolling his eyes, Jacks replied, “No smart ass, the trees. One of my cousins has a tree service.”
“Oh, what’s his company called?” I asked.
Shrugging, he said, “Southern Trees, I can call and have him come out if you want.”
Nodding, I was relieved saying, “That would be great.”
As we continued eating, the phone rang.
“Hello?” I answered.
Hert’s voice was on the other end saying, “Hey.”
I repeated, “Hey,” before he said, “I just called to check on you.”
Hert’s tone was softer than yesterday but still more business-like than I cared for.
“Well, that big tree in the back fell on the house this morning but other than that we’re fine.”
He asked, “Is there a lot of damage?”
“I don’t think so, it hit the garage. Jackson went out and looked; I haven’t been out there yet,” I answered.
Hert asked, “Is he right there, can I talk to him?”
With a disappointed, “Sure,” I handed Jackson the phone.
As he took the phone from me, I got up from the table and left the room.
I walked upstairs and into Sophia’s room. She was just waking up. After telling her good morning, I changed her and got her dressed before heading back downstairs. In the kitchen, Jackson was no longer on the phone and sat at the table eating. He smiled wide, seeing Sophia. She mirrored his smile and started to squirm. I placed her in her highchair before walking back to the stove. I put some eggs in a bowl and filled her sippy-cup with juice as Jackson asked her if she wanted to play with him again today. Although it was difficult getting Sophia to eat with Jackson distracting her the whole time, she did finally finish breakfast. Jackson took her into the living room to play and I cleaned up the kitchen.
With the kitchen cleaned, I headed to the living room to join Jacks and Sophia.
As I sat on the couch watching them play, Jackson looked up at me and informed, “I called my cousin while you were upstairs. They should be here in about an hour, to give you an estimate. Hert said for you to get the checkbook out of his desk to pay them.”
Nodding, I asked, “Did he say anything else?”
Shaking his head, he replied, “Just that he would try to call tonight and that he’s gonna try to be back as soon as he can but it’s not looking to good.”
“What’s he doing?” I questioned.
Shrugging, he said, “I didn’t ask.”
With a sigh, I replied, “Okay,” and when upstairs to get the check book.
Jackson’s cousin and his crew arrived on time. Brennen and his three son’s Dillen, Niall, and Oran, all had red hair and scruffy red beards. They were all incredibly cheerful and laughed a little with every word they spoke. After walking out back, to survey the damage with them, Brennen informed they would be back as soon as possible to remove the tree. I wrote out the check and left it with Jackson. Leaving the moment the driver arrived I hoped I would make it to Amila’s on time.
Happy I was only five minutes late, I quickly pulled Sophia out of her car seat and walked to Amila’s front door after asking the driver to come back in an hour. I barely knocked before she opened the door.
Noticing she appeared a bit nervous, I asked, “Is everything alright.”
&
nbsp; Nodding, she forced a smile, saying, “Come in.”
“Amila, if something’s wrong?” I started before she stopped me, saying, “It’s not me,” as I followed her to the couch.
Taking a seat next to her, I set Sophia on my lap asking, “Did something happen?”
“Sorta Ren, we’re friends and I don’t want you to get mad at me,” she admitted.
Just as I questioned, “Why would I be mad at you?” Emerson walked into the living room.
It took me a minute to catch my breath.
He looked horrible. Appearing as though he had not slept in days, he had dark circles under his eyes. My heart started to go out to him, until I started to wonder what he was doing here.
“Amila, can you give us a moment?” I asked.
She quickly nodded, disappearing into the back of the house.
“What were you thinking, coming here?” I questioned.
Shaking his head, Emerson replied, “I didn’t know where else to go.”
Lowering my voice, I griped, “So you picked the woman whose marriage you almost destroyed’s house.”
“I know how it looks but she’s really sweet and…” he started to explain before I snapped, “I know. She’s my friend. Haven’t you hurt her enough? She just lost her husband a few months ago, now you want to suck her into all this.”
Shaking his head again, he confirmed, “I know they won’t find me here.”
Throwing my hands in the air, I blurted, “Who?” before I realized, I already knew the answer.
Staring at him, I shook my head.
It occurred to me that was what Hert and Seminol were doing. Emerson must have taken off after I saw him at the old Office. Emerson was the important issue and he was right, they wouldn’t think to look for him at Amila’s. No wonder Hert told Jackson it didn’t look good.
“So why are you letting me know where you are when my husband’s the one looking for you?” I asked.
Shrugging, he replied, “I need your help.”
“What about Amila?” I questioned.
Emerson quietly replied, “She doesn’t know anything. I told her I just needed somewhere to be.”
“You were her ride home from my party,” I stated.