Where She Belongs

by Johnnie Alexander

  “Know what?”

  She stood, staring at her key. “It’s not my place to tell you.”

  “Tell me what?”

  “I need to go. I promised AJ I’d stop by the hospital.”

  Brett stood between her and the door. “If something’s going on with AJ, I want to know about it.”

  “As if you care.”

  “Of course I care. He’s family.”

  “Is this another one of your rules? You care so much about AJ you want to know his private business, but you’re also suing him. Yeah, Brett, that makes a lot of sense.”

  “You don’t have any siblings, do you?”

  “AJ isn’t your sibling.”

  “He’s as good as.” His eyes softened, as if pleading with her to understand. “When our parents died, Sully and Gran took us in. All three of us. We lived together under the same roof until AJ went to OSU. No more than fifteen minutes away. We saw him all the time.”

  “So what happened?”

  “Life happened.” He paced in front of the receptionist’s desk. “Don’t you see, Shelby? We can squabble all we want between us. But when push comes to shove, we’re all we have.”

  “If he wanted you to know, he would have told you.” She moved toward the door. “I have to go.”

  Brett pulled his phone from his pocket. “I can call my doctor buddy.”

  “Call whoever you want.” She pulled on the door handle, but he pushed the door shut.

  “You’re going to the hospital now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell AJ I asked about him, okay?” Sincerity softened his eyes to a sapphire blue. But she was no longer susceptible to his handsome charm. Frustration roiled within her chest, bubbling into shaking anger.

  “I’ve got a better idea.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Instead of calling your doctor buddy, call AJ. Give him a chance to tell you what’s going on.” She yanked on the handle. This time he didn’t prevent the door from opening. “And while you’re at it, explain this weird family dynamic that gives you the right to sue him.”

  She sensed him watching as she walked along the hall and waited for the elevator. But she refused to give him the satisfaction of turning around to be sure.

  When she reached her car, she slid inside and pounded the steering wheel with her fist. The arrogant lout and his “I make my own rules” attitude. It was past time he learned the world didn’t work that way.

  Her sympathies slid from Brett to Tracie. “I hope you get him,” she said. “Get him good.”

  AJ glanced at the display on his phone. “It’s Shelby,” he said to Meghan. “She’s probably in the lobby.”

  “I’m still not sure why you asked her to come.”

  They’d been through all that earlier, and he wasn’t rehashing the argument again. “You’ll like her,” he hissed before answering the call. “Hi, Shelby.”

  “I’m here,” she said, her voice wavering slightly.

  “You okay?”

  “Of course.”

  Her tone betrayed her. Hopefully nothing more than nerves. Though he couldn’t fathom why she and Meghan were so hesitant to meet each other. They were about the same age. Both moms. Give it a few weeks, and they should be the best of friends.

  “This place is a labyrinth,” he said. “I’ll come down and get you.”

  “I’d like that. Thanks.”

  The line disconnected, and he pocketed his phone. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “No rush.” Meghan concentrated on the yarn in her lap. One of the nurses had started her on a crochet project. AJ wasn’t sure what she was making, but it seemed to calm her to have something creative to do with her hands.

  He reached the ground floor lobby and found Shelby coming out of the gift shop with a stuffed dog attached to a balloon.

  “Hey, there,” he said. “Thanks for coming.”

  “I keep my promises too.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

  “There’s nothing to be nervous about. Meghan’s really looking forward to meeting you.” God, please forgive my little white lie.

  “How’s Jonah today?”

  “The same.” He gestured toward the elevators. “This way.”

  They started to cross the foyer when Brett came through the automatic doors. “Good. I found you,” he said as he approached. “What’s going on, AJ?”

  AJ shifted his gaze from Brett to Shelby. She looked away, and he shifted back to Brett. “What are you doing here?”

  “Shelby said you were in trouble.”

  “I did not,” she said vehemently.

  “You said he was going through something.”

  “That’s not the same thing.”

  AJ drew in air, then slowly exhaled as he faced Brett. “I guess I might as well tell you.”

  Brett shot Shelby a triumphant look, and she rolled her eyes.

  “What’s going on with you two?” AJ asked.

  “Shelby doesn’t understand about family, that’s all. She’s mad about the lawsuit.”

  “Lawsuit?”

  “I got this summons.” Shelby pulled the document from her bag and handed it to him. “We’re listed as defendants. You and me.”

  AJ glanced through the pages. “I didn’t think you’d really do it, Brett.”

  “Blame Amy, not me.”

  “Your name is on here too.”

  “We can talk about this later, okay? I’ll call Amy, and we’ll have a family powwow. Right now, you need to tell me about this injured boy that’s got you hanging your hat in the city. Most summers you disappear into the wilderness.”

  AJ handed the summons to Shelby and took another long breath. He might as well get it over with, but it wasn’t going to be easy.

  “You remember Meghan Jensen.” It wasn’t a question.

  “Art student Meghan?”

  “The one and only.”

  Brett shifted uncomfortably. “I remember her.”

  “Her son was in a car accident. A bad one. Thanks to your doctor friend, now he’s a patient here.”

  “Must be serious.”

  “It is. A few broken bones. A concussion. He’s in a coma.”

  “His name’s Jonah?”

  AJ nodded.

  “How old is he?”

  “Seven.” He tried to smile, but couldn’t. “Congratulations. You’re an uncle.”

  “Meaning you’re his father.”

  “Meghan didn’t have an abortion.” AJ stared at his feet, then peered through the hospital’s tinted windows to the parking lot. The cars were an indistinct blur. “She defied Sully.”

  Something he wished he had done.

  “Where has she been all this time?”

  “Most recently, a small town in Michigan. Just north of Toledo.”

  Brett took a couple of steps away from them, then returned. “This is unbelievable.”

  “There’s a little boy upstairs who needs the best medical care we can give him. That’s believable.”

  “That’s not what I meant.” Brett paced again, seemingly unable to stand still for more than two seconds. “You didn’t know about him? Before this accident?”

  “Didn’t have a clue.”

  “So she contacted you when she needed help.”

  AJ tensed, and he shoved his fists into his pockets to keep them from connecting with Brett’s jaw. No matter what his cousin said, he wasn’t going to hit him again. “It wasn’t like that. I went looking for her.”

  “Why?”

  His gaze darted to Shelby before he could stop himself. He was aware of Brett looking at her too. Compassion sparkled in her lovely eyes, and she rested her hand on his arm in a reassuring touch.

  “It’s complicated,” he said. How could he explain a prompting from God to Brett? He’d only scoff. “I had to find her, and I did.”

  “You’re sure you’re the father?”

  “Meghan’s too proud to take help from me if I wasn’t.”
<
br />   Brett nodded slowly. “You’re probably right.”

  “I need to get back up there. Don’t suppose you want to see your nephew?”

  “Another time.”

  “You don’t want to say hello to Meghan?”

  Brett gave a short laugh. “I think not.”

  “No surprise there. Come on, Shelby.” AJ held her elbow and headed toward the elevators.

  “AJ?” Brett called after them.

  He turned back.

  “If you need anything, if Jonah needs anything, let me know.”

  AJ waited for the gotcha, but it didn’t come. Brett snapped a casual two-finger salute and strode out the front door. AJ stared after him until Shelby poked his ribs.

  “I think someone’s impersonating my cousin,” he said.

  “He’s had a rough morning. Do you know Tracie?”

  “His receptionist? I met her once.”

  “She quit this morning. Or he fired her. I’m not sure which.”

  “Let me guess. They were having a fling.”

  “Bingo.”

  The doors opened, and AJ followed Shelby into the elevator. He punched the button for Jonah’s floor.

  “I take it Brett and Meghan don’t get along.”

  “There’s a bit of history.”

  “And you don’t want to talk about it.”

  He pressed his lips in a tight smile and shook his head. The history wasn’t pretty, and he didn’t like the part he’d played in it. As much as he hated to admit it even to himself, it still hurt that she’d rejected him for Brett.

  Until Brett tired of her.

  – 32 –

  Brett leaned against his Lexus and called Dr. Marc Nesmith’s number. The pediatrician answered on the third ring.

  “I’m outside the hospital. Any chance you’ve got time for a cup of coffee?”

  “Cafeteria in twenty minutes?”

  “Great. See you there.”

  Brett found the cafeteria and chose a table by the window. Pressing his forehead on the heels of his hands, he relived the memories revived by Meghan’s return.

  “Brett?”

  He jerked, pasted on a smile, and stood. “Hi, Marc,” he said, extending a hand. “Thanks for seeing me.”

  “Glad to.” The pediatrician took the opposite chair. “Have you seen Jonah yet?”

  “Um, no. No, I haven’t.”

  “Isn’t that why you’re here?”

  “No, I stopped in to see my cousin. AJ Sullivan.” He couldn’t seem to stop rambling. “I knew he’d be here, and I needed to talk to him about something.”

  “I met AJ after Jonah was admitted. Nice guy.”

  “He told me he’s Jonah’s father.”

  “I’m not surprised.” Marc swirled his coffee. “I wondered about the relationship.”

  “You wondered? So AJ’s not named in your records?”

  “Sorry, Brett. You know I can’t answer a question like that.”

  Maverick Marc playing by the rules? Who knew? “I wouldn’t tell.”

  “Nice try.” He leaned forward, hands clasped around his cup. “What’s this all about?”

  “Meghan left town years ago. Now here she is with a child.”

  “You don’t believe he’s AJ’s?”

  “I just think we should make sure.”

  “I’ve seen AJ with Jonah. I don’t think he shares your doubts.”

  “The breakup was a bad one.” Brett glanced away with a heavy sigh. Somehow he had to convince Marc to help him find out the truth. “She shows up with a sob story, and AJ feels obligated to help her out. He’s always wanted a family, and now he’s got one. Ready made. He’s not going to ask too many questions.”

  “But you will.”

  “Someone’s got to keep an eye on the family money.” An accurate statement, though this had nothing to do with finances. “Is there any way to check? Without involving AJ?”

  “Ms. Jensen doesn’t strike me as the gold digger type.”

  “With all due respect, you don’t know her as well as I do.”

  “I’m sorry, Brett, but I’m not doing a paternity test without AJ’s knowledge.”

  “There’s no other way? What about blood type?”

  “Old school, huh?” Marc leaned back in his chair. “Typing alone won’t give you a definitive answer.”

  “Explain why not.”

  “Let’s say you and AJ have the same blood type. As long as it’s compatible with Jonah’s and Ms. Jensen’s, either of you could be the dad.”

  “What if the blood type isn’t compatible?”

  “Then AJ, you, whoever, can’t be the father.”

  “Do you have Jonah’s blood type?”

  “Of course.”

  “Meghan’s?”

  “Probably.” He held up a hand. “But I doubt I have AJ’s. And I’m not risking my license to satisfy your curiosity.”

  “What’s the charity du jour?”

  “Brett . . .”

  “How much?” He leaned across the table. “Five thousand? Ten?”

  “And I’m supposed to believe this is about protecting the family fortune?”

  Brett ignored him. “Let’s do it this way. Tell me what AJ’s blood type needs to be. That’s all I want to know, and you won’t be breaking any confidentiality rules.”

  “If their blood types are compatible, it doesn’t tell you anything more than you know now.”

  “But what if they’re not?”

  “Then AJ shouldn’t expect a tie for Father’s Day.”

  “You’ll get me the info?”

  “Am I right in suspecting you and Ms. Jensen were more than just friends around the time of her son’s conception?”

  “My business.”

  Marc guffawed and eyed him steadily. “Children’s Brain Injury Research Project. Ten thousand dollars.”

  “Agreed.”

  “But this is it. If knowing the blood type doesn’t tell you anything, you’re on your own.”

  “Thanks, Marc.” Standing, they shook hands.

  “I’ll be in touch.”

  “Soon.”

  “You’ve got it.”

  They parted outside the cafeteria. Brett walked to his Lexus, his spirits less agitated than when he’d walked into the hospital. An action plan always helped him sort things out, though he was 99 percent certain the blood types would confirm what he already suspected.

  AJ couldn’t be Jonah’s father.

  Shelby followed Meghan out of the elevator when it stopped at the ground floor. AJ had practically pushed them from Jonah’s room, insisting Meghan needed a break. She’d finally relented, but for all her reluctance, Shelby sensed she was relieved to get away.

  “The cafeteria is this way,” Meghan said, gesturing to her right.

  “How’s the food?”

  “Not bad. I usually get a salad.”

  They turned a corner, and Meghan stopped abruptly. “Dr. Nesmith, hello.”

  “Ms. Jensen.” The doctor’s engaging smile warmed his dark eyes. “It’s nice to see you out of your room.”

  “AJ’s with Jonah.”

  “Is he? Perhaps I’ll stop in and say hello.” He switched his gaze to Shelby. “And you are?”

  “A friend. Shelby Kincaid.”

  “Marc Nesmith.”

  “You’re the pediatrician Brett called.”

  “You know Brett?”

  “A little.” Shelby looked past him. “In fact, I thought I just saw him. Walking toward the lobby.”

  Dr. Nesmith glanced behind him. “You might have. He’s planning to make a donation to a research project I’m involved in.”

  “How generous of him.”

  “Yes, it is.” His posture shifted, and his smile no longer seemed as genuine. “If you ladies will excuse me, I need to get upstairs.”

  He skirted past them and turned into the hall leading to the elevators.

  “He seems nice. Do you like him?” Shelby glanced from the doctor
to Meghan. Crimson splotched her pale cheeks, and dread settled in her gray eyes. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” Her tight smile revealed a shallow dimple, and she rubbed her arms. “So, you know Brett?”

  “Yes. Do you?”

  “I met him a few times. Years ago.”

  Shelby didn’t know why she was surprised. After what Brett had said that morning, he definitely would have known who AJ dated. “What was he like?”

  “Charming. Self-confident.” Meghan affected a careless shrug. “I didn’t know him very well.”

  “I don’t think he’s changed much.”

  “Is he married?”

  “Are you kidding? I think he’s too much in love with himself to ever fall in love with anyone else.”

  “He doesn’t seem to have impressed you.”

  “At first he did. But that was before I knew he was related to AJ.”

  Meghan’s forehead crinkled. “Why would that matter?”

  “It’s a long story. And complicated.”

  “Life always is.”

  Shelby stole a glance at Meghan as they walked toward the cafeteria. Her complexion had regained its natural coloring, but her shoulders remained stiff. She’d been understandably tense since Shelby’s arrival. But her agitation had increased after Shelby had mentioned seeing Brett in the hospital.

  Apparently, Meghan had her own complicated story where AJ’s cousin was concerned.

  Throughout lunch, she seemed distracted, pushing her salad greens around with her fork. Shelby did most of the talking, sharing details about the girls and their move to Misty Willow. She had barely finished her chicken wrap when Meghan draped her napkin over her plate.

  “I’ve been away too long,” she said.

  “I didn’t mean to keep you.”

  “No, this has been nice.” This time, both of Meghan’s dimples appeared when she smiled. “I mean it. Thank you.”

  “Is there anything I can do for you? For Jonah?”

  “Pray for us.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Home seems so far away.” Meghan crossed her arms on the table. “I’m not sure I should have agreed to this transfer.”

  “Why did you?”

  “Because Jonah has a better chance of recovery here. At least that’s what AJ said.”

  “AJ can be quite persuasive.”

  “I know.”

  Shelby squashed the temptation to ask Meghan about her relationship with AJ. When she had been in Jonah’s room, she’d observed them as closely as she dared without raising their suspicion.