by Tawny Taylor
All four boxes held yellowed paper smudged with faded poster paints, coloring book pictures scribbled with crayons. Lumps of baked clay resembling animals. Her mother blinked back a tear. “How could I go on without these?”
Fate simply nodded and urged her mother into the car. And after one final silent farewell, Fate drove away from her childhood home, down her childhood street, through her childhood subdivision. And away from childhood memories.
After dropping off her despondent mother, she went home, ignored the blinking answering machine and stared at the TV. And once she was so tired she couldn’t focus her eyes, she went to bed. The next morning, she felt no better. It was not a good feeling having no place to go on a Tuesday. She glanced at the clock, willing time to move faster, yet it continued to drag by. And as noon approached, she considered canceling her lunch date with John.
Why had she called him anyway? Hell if she could remember anymore…
But, after calling Tracy and enduring a stern lecture on the hazards of becoming a hermit and hiding from life, she pulled her hair back, slipped on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and headed for the restaurant.
Despite her best efforts to dillydally, she got there first. So she sat, alone, and watched neighboring diners chatter.
“I thought I might find you here.”
No way! That lying, scheming, asshole hadn’t hunted her down. She didn’t look, couldn’t stomach the thought of looking at him. “If that’s you, Gabe, you’d better leave now before I punch your lights out. I’m on a date.”
He stepped into her line of sight, and her stomach twisted into a tight ball. “Yeah? Funny, I don’t see anyone sitting next to you.”
Damn him! The cocky, annoying, obnoxious Gabe was back. In full force. In the flesh. In her face. “Get lost.”
“I tried to call you. Did you get my message?”
“No. I didn’t bother listening to it. I don’t want to hear any more of your lies.”
“I wasn’t lying. Won’t you just give me a chance to explain?”
“Why? So you can get laid? Why don’t you flash that tongue around the restaurant, and I’d bet you’d get at least a few takers.” Someone cleared their throat, and she glanced over her shoulder to see who it was. John. “Hi. Thanks for coming.” She stood, purposely ignoring Gabe, and took John’s hand. She motioned toward Gabe. “Just ignore him. He’s leaving.”
Gabe stuck his hand out. “Gabe Ryan. I work with Fate.”
“Correction, worked. I don’t work there anymore,” Fate said.
John glanced at both of them then gave Gabe’s hand a shake. “Good to meet you. I’m John. And we’re on a date, if you don’t mind.”
Gabe pulled up a chair from the next table and took a seat—the nerve he had! “Actually, I do care.”
“Gabe, I swear, I’ll kill you.” She shoved his shoulder. “Get the hell out of here. No one invited you. Why are you doing this to me?”
“Because you haven’t given me the chance to explain. Give me that much, and I’ll leave you alone for good.”
That was tempting, if he’d keep his word. But the problem was she knew if he told her something that even remotely made sense, she’d buy it. And the last thing she wanted to do was fall for another one of his lies. She was simply too vulnerable. “Not now.”
Gabe leaned forward, and her nerve endings caught fire. “When?”
“Later. Call me later.”
“Fair enough.” He stood, gave John an obvious once-over—rude son of a bitch—and nodded his head. “I’ll call you later. Nice meeting you, John. Don’t touch her. She’s mine.”
She jumped to her feet. “In your dreams, you sick son—“
John caught her wrist and silently pleaded for her to stop. She sat.
“Want to tell me what that’s all about?” he asked.
“It’s a long story.”
“That’s okay.” He flagged the waitress. “Tuesdays are slow. I have at least a couple of hours.”
To his credit, John was a good listener. He spent the next two hours bobbing his head up and down as she poured out all the ugly details from the past couple of weeks. Then he wished her luck, shook her hand, and left.
She wouldn’t be seeing him anytime soon.
With nowhere else to go, she headed home and busied herself cleaning closets, figuring she’d give herself the rest of the week to clear her head before hitting the pavement and looking for another job. A full week off would be nice, give her a chance to do things she normally didn’t have the time to do, like go to museums, do grocery shopping without the weekend crowds, think.
Her phone rang, and expecting it was either Tracy or Gabe, she read the caller ID display.
Work. Probably Gabe.
The machine beeped and clicked and she waited for his voice.
“Hello, this is Curtis Duncan. I’m calling for Fate Doherty. If she would—“
She picked up the phone to take the call. “Hello?”
“Ms. Doherty?”
“Yes.”
“I’m calling because I need to meet with you. Can you come to the office?”
“No offense, but if this is just a formality to my being fired, I can live without it.”
“Not at all. You’re still very much an employee here. Whatever gave you that idea?”
“What? But…wait a minute. Did Gabe put you up to something?”
“I have no idea what you mean. How does three o’clock sound?”
She glanced up at the clock. “I can do that.”
“Good. See you then. Goodbye, Ms. Doherty.”
She changed her clothes and retamed her hair with the help of her trusty scrunchy then drove to Single Temptation—she’d never get used to that name. She stepped up to his door at exactly three o’clock.
“Ms. Doherty.” He motioned her inside, and she took a seat.
Curiosity was eating her alive, but she didn’t speak.
“A lot of crazy things have been happening around here lately, and I felt, after Monday morning’s confusion, that I should get the explanations taken care of before any assumptions were made.”
She shifted in her chair. “I think it’s a little too late for that.”
He nodded. “I should have talked to you sooner, but you left so abruptly, and I haven’t been able to reach you.”
“You’ve been trying?”
He nodded. “Anyway, that’s not the issue I called you in here to discuss.”
She silently prepared herself for a surprise, figured it had to be something she’d least expect for him to have called her in like he had.
“Mr. Ryan has left the company.”
The words kind of soaked into her consciousness. “What? Left?” That made no sense! Why would he lie to her, scheme, backstab and then leave? “I thought—“
“Like I said, I figured we’d best clear the air before any assumptions were made.”
“But what about the meeting? Why wasn’t I a part of it?”
“Mr. Ryan was covering for you. He thought you were going to be out for the day.”
Had she been that foolish? Been willing—hell, more than willing—to believe the worst when all along she’d been wrong? Gabe had wanted to explain, but she hadn’t given him the chance… “Covering for me?”
“That’s what a good assistant does for their boss, isn’t it, Ms. Doherty?”
“Assistant?” What? She was confused.
“He took a demotion over a week ago.”
Those words landed on her head like a load of concrete. He took a demotion. He left the company. He had covered for her.
And she’d called him every ugly name in the book. All because she assumed—God, she hated that word!—he was lying to her. He hadn’t wanted her job. Could she be any stupider? Any meaner? After everything he’d done to help her. She had to make it right. She couldn’t live with herself until she did. “Do you know where he’s gone?”
“No.”
“Why did he quit
?”
“For legal reasons I can’t tell you that. Maybe you should find him and ask him yourself.” He lifted a manila folder from his desktop. “Now, I reviewed your personnel file this morning, and I see you have some vacation time carried over from last year. I’d like to see you take that now, before the new company gets fully underway. Would you like to take the next week off?”
Her head was swimming. What had he said? “Sure.”
“Okay. Then we’ll see you bright and early next Monday morning.” He stood.
She stood, too. “Okay. Monday.”
This wasn’t happening. She’d made such a fool out of herself, all because she hadn’t—even after sleeping with Gabe , even after hours of talking, sharing, laughing—been able to believe anything but the worst about him.
She didn’t deserve his love or forgiveness.
After all, what had she done for him? Absolutely nothing.
She reached for the doorknob and gripped it in her hand. “Oh God.”
“What is it, Ms. Doherty?” Duncan asked from behind her.
“Nothing. Sorry. Just thinking. I’ll see you Monday. Thanks for clearing things up for me.”
“See you Monday.”
She left the building, ran to her car, and started it up. Now, where to? Where would she find him? She had to find him. Had to talk to him. Had to apologize. Had to make this right.
He didn’t deserve the trash she’d hurled at him.
Fighting to remember how to find his place, she drove across town. It took her over two hours but she was successful. Too bad he wasn’t there.
She tried his cell phone. Off. She left a message on his answering machine. She left a note on his door. She checked with the neighbor.
The elderly gentleman said he’d seen Gabe moving boxes out of his apartment yesterday.
He’d moved? He’d left? But he’d wanted to explain. He said he would call. Had she hurt him that bad?
Oh no.
She drove home, her heart so low she’d need a spatula to scrape it off the floor. Her belly ached. Her head hurt. Her insides were knotted.
He had to call.
The phone rang, and she jumped to answer it. “Hello?”
“Hey, Fate!” Tracy said. “What’s up? How was the date with John?”
“Well, if you think me rehashing my love affair with another man a great date, then my date with John was a huge success.”
“That bad?”
Fate slumped into a nearby chair. “It’s worse than that. I’m an idiot.”
“You are not.”
“I was all wrong about Gabe. I just wanted to believe the worst about him. I couldn’t give him the benefit of the doubt. And now he’s gone. I don’t know where to find him. I want to at least apologize.”
“That man can’t stay away from you for long. I’m sure you’ll get your chance.”
“But apologizing isn’t good enough. I haven’t done anything to deserve what he’s given me. He’s done so much.”
“Well, what does he want more than anything?”
Fate closed her eyes and thought about that question for a moment, tried to remember their conversations. “Just me, I guess. My trust? The one thing I kept denying him—and a belly ring.” She chuckled remembering that conversation.
“Well, then do it. Get your bellybutton pierced. And when he does get in touch with you, do something to prove you believe in him.”
“Okay.” Her stomach flip flopped. “Will you go with me?”
“Sure. I’m getting off work in a few. I’ll come over and pick you up.”
“Okay.” She changed into a scrubby pair of sweats with a low waistband and a t-shirt and waited for Tracy. And as they drove to Original Skin, they chatted about the crazy things people did for love and how much it lowered your IQ.
And when she entered the building, Paul gave her a big smile. “See? I told you you wouldn’t be able to stay away.” He gave Tracy an appraising once over and an even bigger smile. “Who’s your friend?”
“This is my best friend, Tracy. Tracy, Paul.”
They shook hands, and Fate couldn’t miss the sparks flying between them. Funny, she’d never in a million years expect those two to be attracted to each other, Tracy so conservative and Paul so…unconventional. She teared up; the mysteries of love.
Paul led them back to a private room. “So, who’s the patient today? Tracy?”
“No. Not today. Fate’s getting her bellybutton pierced.”
Paul raised his eyebrows. “Really? After this past weekend, that’s the last thing I expected.” He motioned toward the chair, which mildly resembled a torture device, or an electric chair, and Fate sat, her stomach in her throat. “Are you nervous?”
“Yes.” That was an understatement!
“It’ll only hurt for a split second. And then you’ll be sore for a few days. Clean it twice daily with soap and water and put a dab of petroleum jelly on the jewelry and work it through the piercing after you wash.” He handed her a card with care instructions. “You can read this at home when you can concentrate better.” Then he prepared his instruments, and Fate refused to watch. “Did you pick out your jewelry yet?”
“Oh! I forgot.”
“I’ll do it.” Tracy jumped up and left the room.
Paul watched her leave. “She’s cute. Is she taken?”
“Not at all. You should ask her out. I think she likes you.”
He grinned. “Just for that, the piercing’s on the house.” He pinched her stomach and zap! Pain shot up her spine as the blade went in. Her skin was tugged and pulled and then everything was still, and she realized her eyelids were clamped shut. “You can open them now.”
“Are we done yet?”
“Just waiting for the jewelry.”
She nodded but didn’t look.
Tracy returned a moment later and handed Paul a plastic packet. He opened it and started tugging on Fate’s skin again.
“Are you doing okay?” Tracy asked.
“Yeah.” She swallowed, sure something was on its way up from her stomach.
“All done,” Paul said. “Take a look.”
Fate forced her eyes open and snuck a quick peek. There, in the middle of her belly button hung a deep blue stone. And up above was a sparkling clear one. “Oh.”
“Okay. Do what I said. You don’t want it to get infected, and I’ll see you Saturday, right?”
“Sure.” She stood, and black and white stars glittered before her eyes, blocking out her vision. “Oh. I know I’m a coward, but I don’t want to faint. Gabe’ll hear about it. Get me out of here.”
“Okay.” Tracy took her hand and led her outside.
Breathless and just about blind, Fate sat on the grass and ducked her head between her knees. “What I do for love.”
“What we all do. Welcome to the club, Fate.”
Chapter 13
Happiness is possible, even for someone who has been shunned by fate.
“It’s done,” Duncan said. “She was shocked as hell. It was all over her face.”
“Thanks. Sorry it came to this. I thought we might be able to work things out different, but I guess that’s not going to happen.”
“Yeah, yeah. You knew it would end like this all along. I still think you’re an idiot, but what the hell do I know. Just don’t repay me by working for my competition.”
“Promise.”
“Later, Ryan. Good luck with her.”
“Thanks.” Gabe punched the talk button on his cell. Where would she be now? Had she gone to find him? Had she gone home? His cell phone rang again. “Hello?”
“Heya, Ryan. It’s Paul.”
“What’s up?”
“Just thought I’d let you know your girlfriend was just in here. I won’t spoil the surprise, but if I were you, I’d hightail it over to her place. You’re in for a big surprise. And I’m jealous as hell.”
What had she done? “What kind of surprise?” He felt a goofy grin spread o
ver his face. She’d done something for him?
She did love him! His heart soared. He slammed his car into gear and roared down the street, knowing if it took him two minutes to get there it would be too long.
“I’m not saying another word. Bye.” Paul hung up.
Ungrateful bastard!
It took twelve minutes and thirteen seconds—he’d counted every one of them—to get to her place. He almost continued driving when he saw a car in the driveway. Did it belong to that guy, John? Had Paul made an assumption?
Well, he was here now! He’d taken enough risks already, what was one more? He parked and forced himself to walk up to the door. It opened before he had the chance to knock.
A young woman stood on the other side, a curious expression on her face. “May I help you?”
“I’m here to see Fate. I’m Gabe.”
“Oh!” Her gaze swept up and down then she stepped aside. “The one-and-only Gabe. I’ve heard all about you.”
“All good, I hope.” He chuckled, knowing full well she’d probably heard everything but good.
“Of course.” She closed the door behind him. “Fate’s lying down.” She reached behind him and picked up a brown leather purse. “And I was just leaving.”
“Is she sick?”
“No, she’s fine. Just a bit of a baby. I’m sure you can handle her.” She opened the door. “Nice meeting you, Gabe.” And then she left.
A bit of a baby? Fate? Never! If she was in bed this early, not even eight o’clock in the evening, something must be really wrong. He hurried back to her bedroom, memories from not so long ago shooting through his mind and giving him one hell of a hard-on.
He knocked and opened the bedroom door. The room was dark. Was she sleeping? He went up to the bed. “Fate?”
“Gabe?” She sat up and reached for the lamp on the bedside table. The light snapped on, emitting a mellow light over her face and sweatshirt. She smiled.
Damn, that was one dazzling smile! He rushed to her side and swept her into his arms, but she instantly stiffened. He pulled back. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing. I just…” She hooked the band of her sweatshirt in her fingertips and raised it. Something flashed in the dim light.
“What did you do?”
“I got my bellybutton pierced. For you.”