Just Like Em

by Marion Ekholm

  Which would be sometime tomorrow. Sammy had pleaded to have them come over to the pool at their apartment on Sunday. She had agreed. Since Roger planned to drop the boys off, she wouldn’t have to deal with him for any length of time. Now that she had seen him in the present, long-ago images of him had begun to dim, replaced by intriguing new ones. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that.

  * * *

  “’LO, GRANDMA,” SAMMY said as he dashed into his grandmother’s apartment. Doris Masters moved out of his way and extended a cordless phone toward Em.

  “Who’s calling?”

  Doris glanced at Sammy’s retreating back before saying, “Bradley.” As Em grasped the phone, her mother added, “Collect.” Doris turned on her heel and followed her grandson.

  Bradley? She had sent him her new address when she arrived in Phoenix so he’d have no excuse. His child support checks were already two months behind, and she could really use that money.

  Taking a deep, fortifying breath, Em began, “Hi, Bradley. Would you like to speak to Sammy?”

  She started to go after their son and stopped when Bradley said, “No. I need to speak to you. What’s with all these stamped, self-addressed envelopes?”

  My way of making it easy for you, she thought, but controlled the urge to say the words. Hadn’t she always made it easy for him? Just like smoking, it was a hard habit to break.

  “If it’s for child support, you can forget it.”

  Em held on to the spaghetti strap of her dress, ready to flip it back onto her shoulder. “What are you talking about? You agreed....”

  “I agreed to a lot of things, including you getting total custody and taking the kid to Arizona. You want to get into that can of worms?”

  Em tensed. The strap broke loose at one end, and now lay like a limp string in her hand.

  “Bradley, things here are tight. Jobs in Arizona don’t pay what they do in California. I’ve had to take temporary work....”

  “You chose to leave the land of opportunity. Don’t try pushing that one on me.”

  With a snap, Em freed the strap completely from the dress.

  “Besides,” Bradley continued, “at least you have a job.”

  “What are you talking about?” Em braced herself against the wall.

  “I’ve been laid off, Emmy Lou. No job, no money, no medical insurance. You know what that’s like, right?”

  Slowly, Em slipped to the floor, her skirt making a swirl of flowers around her on the worn rug. She almost mentioned COBRA, the program that allowed people who lost their jobs to continue on their employer’s health insurance. Instead, she bit her lip, hard. If he had no money, he might suggest she contribute to the payments, and she wasn’t about to volunteer spending another dime on this lowlife. Saving him stopped once she got the divorce.

  “Well, get another job, Bradley,” Em said, trying to restrain the frustration in her voice. How come every time she had to deal with her ex-husband, she felt as though she were free-falling through space? “With all that education...” She paused as a new thought struck home. “Unemployment insurance. You can send me money from that.”

  “Missed it by two weeks.” Why wasn’t there some worry in his voice? Concern for himself, if not for their son? “So, what kind of work did you find? With all your computer skills, it should be a breeze....”

  With a flick of her thumb, Em disconnected the phone.

  “You okay?”

  Em looked up. Her mother stood above her, leaning against the green-striped wallpaper, arms crossed over her chest.

  “I take it from that scowl, and your ruined dress, the conversation wasn’t exactly pleasant.”

  Before pushing herself off the floor, Em glanced down at the ripped bodice, destroyed when she’d pulled out the strap. “When is it ever?”

  “Care for some fresh lemonade? One of my friends has a lemon tree, and she gave me enough lemons to last the rest of the summer.” A look of worry passed over Doris’s face as she reached to touch Em’s lip. “Is that blood?”

  Em passed the back of her hand over her mouth. “Yeah. I bit myself.”

  Doris turned and headed for the kitchen. “Take a seat at the table. I’ll make us iced tea without the lemon. I don’t think you’d like citrus juice on that wound right now.”

  Maybe she would. Intense pain might block out the conversation she just had with her ex. Em clenched her hands and struck them on the small dining room table as she took a seat by the window. For the first time, she noticed the strap was still wrapped around her fingers. Slowly, she unwound the delicate fabric.

  “I really liked this dress,” she said when her mother returned with the tea.

  Doris placed two coasters on the wooden table before setting the tall glasses on top. “Take it off and put it in my room. I think I can fix it.”

  “Did I ever tell you what a wonder you are?” Em lifted her glass in a silent toast before touching the rim to her lips. The moisture stung momentarily but not enough to keep her from taking a long swallow.

  Em and her mother had always remained close, talking on the phone and visiting whenever possible. When Em lost her job this past spring, her mother had asked her and Sammy to live with her in Phoenix. With Doris retiring in June after thirty-five years of teaching second grade, it meant Em wouldn’t have to put out extra money for daycare.

  Deciding to accept the offer had been easy. Nothing had gone too well for them in California. But they waited until Sammy finished first grade, even though it put a strain on their limited budget. Having come from an unstable family herself, Em tried to ensure her son’s life was secure wherever possible.

  “He’s not sending any money,” Em said without preamble. “Lost his job and health insurance.” She chuckled, recalling her thoughts. “I almost volunteered to pay for COBRA insurance. Can you believe it? I can’t even afford it for myself, and here I’m about to volunteer to pay his.”

  “You’ve always been too generous.”

  “No more. I may end up biting my lip to shreds,” she said, pounding a fist on the table again, “but he’s never going to see another red cent from me.”

  Doris pushed some strands of gray-blond hair back over her ear. “So, did he mention what college he’s going to?”

  “College? What college?”

  “Before you showed up, he said he was back in college, working toward some degree.”

  “How can he pay for tuition, books...?”

  “How did he pay for them before? He never held down a job, did he, before he walked out on you?”

  Em sat back and stared at the ceiling. Some loose paint looked as if it might fall, but their landlord wasn’t due to paint the place for several more months. “No, Ma, he didn’t. Not while we were married, anyway. He always planned to once he finished college.” Em thought a minute. “You don’t suppose there’s someone out there....”

  “As much in love with him as you were?”

  Em sucked on her lip a moment, wondering if it might be swelling. “No, I was going to say as gullible as me.” Her lip must be swelling. The word barely made it out of her mouth. Or maybe she found it way too painful to admit that anyone could be conned into supporting a man while he attended one college after another and offered nothing in return.

  “Why don’t you contact your lawyer? Maybe he can do something.”

  “He’s already bled me dry, and Bradley only has the assets I paid for.” The car, stereo set and all the other items he’d charged to her credit cards. She ran a hand through her hair and pulled out the fancy elastic holding her ponytail.

  For a fleeting second, Em recalled what Jodie had said about her husband. But Em couldn’t afford to pay Harve, and she didn’t want to accept his charity. Besides, Bradley could still threaten her with repealing the custody agre
ement. She didn’t want to give him any reason to come after the one thing he knew she treasured.

  “I’m accepting that job.”

  “Where you’re a temp? I thought you said they didn’t pay enough.”

  “The pay is doable. I’ll get benefits immediately, and Sammy’s start in six months. I haven’t found anything better, and Metro stopped hiring.”

  For several moments they sipped their tea in quiet companionship. Em played with the torn strap on the table, making a coil first one way and then the other.

  Finally, Doris said, “How was the party?” She placed the glass in front of her face, but it didn’t hide the grin. “Was Roger there?”

  Em nodded and pushed the fabric to the side.

  “Did he finally wake up and realize how the two of you were meant for each other?”

  Em tossed the cork coaster at her mother. “That was a long time ago.”

  “So, your fatal attraction has worn off?”

  “He’s still very attractive, but...I don’t know. It’s different.” Em sighed and checked out the peeling paint on the ceiling again. “A lot of things have happened in my life since I had a childish crush on him.”

  “Anything new with Jodie?”

  “She’s the same old Jodie. I think she tried to set me up by introducing me to some single parents. One guy actually asked me for a date.”

  “And you said...?”

  Em scrunched her nose and shook her head. “A real jerk.”

  “I think you just have a total dislike for men right now. That, too, will fade with time.”

  Not possible, Em thought as she continued, “Sammy made good friends with Roger’s twin boys. They’re coming over tomorrow for a swimming party.”

  “Sounds like fun. It should go a long way in helping Sammy adjust to life here.”

  * * *

  “I’M TAKING THE boys over to Em’s apartment to see her little boy,” Roger told Samantha as he sent his sons off to the car. “You’ll be all right till I get back?”

  Sophia had the day off, and it meant Samantha would be all alone. Mentally, he ticked off the damage she could do in that time. Long distance calls to her cousin in England. At least she couldn’t get on the internet and buy out China without his password.

  “Can’t I come, too?”

  Roger’s jaw dropped. Samantha had always avoided her brothers every chance she got. Now she asked to be included in something that couldn’t interest her at all. It had to be Em. What spell had she cast over his daughter?

  “Sure,” he said, “but I wasn’t planning to stay. The boys are going to swim and then watch a video.” Something that would probably make your skin crawl, he almost added.

  “That’s okay. I’ll help. Watching three boys is a handful. I’ll get my suit.”

  Still agape, Roger watched her rush up the stairs. What had happened to her? This daughter, who put up a stink if he asked her to watch her brothers while he showered, was volunteering to babysit? No way. Whatever she had going with Em was going to stop right now. Even if he had to stay around and supervise.

  “Sounds like a good idea,” he said as he followed Samantha up the stairs and passed her in the hall. “I think I’ll take my suit along, too.”

  Samantha paused by her door and regarded him. “Dad, I thought you wanted the time alone to get some paperwork done.”

  “All work and no play makes fathers very dull. Besides, I can bring the work with me.” She shot him a look of disbelief before disappearing into her room.

  What had he gotten himself into? He had yet to make all the schedules for the transfer to Seattle. A half dozen people had posted for other jobs; now, who would do their work? He had to review the remaining personnel and determine what jobs required immediate attention. And here he was blowing a chance at a peaceful day alone. Crazy. How could he accomplish these tasks at a noisy apartment complex while he baked in the hot sun?

  But he had to go. He’d never be able to concentrate on his work knowing what he did about Em. He reminded himself again that in one summer she’d annihilated his sister’s good family upbringing. Who knew what she was capable of doing now?

  While he changed in his room, Roger talked to the picture of his wife, which held a prominent place on the white-washed oak dresser. “You wouldn’t recognize Em,” he said as he pulled on his gray plaid swim trunks. “She’s grown up into quite a woman. Not that I’m interested, mind you. It’s just that Samantha seems to like her.

  “Remember what a pill Em was? Well, your daughter’s another Em.” Roger slipped on his loafers and a shirt, and walked over to the picture. Picking up the gold frame, he said, “I sure could use your help raising Samantha.” He kissed the glass surface and whispered, “I miss you so much.” With a heavy heart he returned the picture to the dresser and headed out the door.

  Roger met Samantha in the front hall. “Dad, you’re not wearing that!” When did she start talking like her mother?

  He glanced in the hall mirror at his gray-plaid trunks. His white ones probably would look better, but he’d tossed them in the laundry last night. The colorful Hawaiian shirt had faded a little since Karen bought it for him on their delayed honeymoon to Oahu. Okay, so it looked a little weird, especially with the briefcase, but he was going for comfort, not to make a fashion statement.

  “What will Em think? That I’m related to some geek?”

  Roger dismissed the remark and opened the door. “This is me. You coming or not?” He had no intention of dressing to impress Em. This shirt reminded him of happy times with Karen. Furthermore, if Samantha found his clothes so despicable, she might decide to stay home and eliminate his need to stay at Em’s. After yesterday’s encounter with the cigarettes, he planned to keep his family’s exposure to Em at a minimum.

  * * *

  THE BOYS FOUND Sammy and hit the pool the moment they arrived at the apartment complex. Samantha took off for Em, who was sitting under a ramada, a wooden roof that shaded a picnic table within easy access of the pool. She got up and headed toward him as he secured the safety gate. He stopped short and stared along with every other male in the area.

  Her white suit was conservative, covered by a sheer, colorful blouse in blues that hugged her every time a breeze passed by. “Hello, Roger. Samantha says you’re planning to work here.” Her puzzled expression showed a concern he hadn’t expected. “Maybe you’d prefer the apartment, where it’s quieter.”

  “No, this will do fine.” He placed his briefcase on the table. “I just have a few things to catch up on for the office.” Not that he’d get anything done with so much distraction, but he didn’t want to leave his children alone with her. Her attention was already back on the boys horsing around in the pool. It gave him a chance to observe her.

  Several strands of blond hair had come loose from her ponytail. When had she decided to grow her hair long? It certainly was an improvement over the short spikes he remembered. He looked back at his sons, intending to keep an eye on them. They had a tendency to get rowdy if they thought they could get away with it.

  At least he didn’t have to worry about Samantha. She was sloshing in the pool with some kids her own age. Four years in high school followed by four more in college. How was he going to pay for that without a job?

  Suddenly, the task before him took on enormous proportions. He had a presentation to make the next day. Roger sat down and began making a list of what he had to accomplish over the next six months.

  * * *

  “WOULD YOU CARE for some iced tea?” Em stood before him holding two glasses.

  Roger accepted the offered glass. He hadn’t even realized he was thirsty. After a long swallow, he forced himself to look away. The boys had disappeared. He half stood, searching the pool for any sign of them.

  “They’re taking a break
, playing in the sandbox with some trucks and action figures. Mind if I sit here? It’s the only shade left in the area.”

  “Go ahead,” he said as he pushed papers to one side.

  “I’ll try not to disturb you.”

  “That’s okay. It’s time for me to take a break.” Usually, when his children were around, one part of him was always tuned in to them. For some reason he had lost himself in his work, and left the supervision to Em. Was it instinct or something else that had trusted Em to watch out for them? The realization struck him as odd, considering how he felt about her potential influence. He looked around for his daughter.

  “Samantha’s playing cards with her friends in the other ramada.” Em nodded to the other side of the pool.

  “How did you know...?”

  “It’s the look you get. Sort of a fatherly, worried expression. I noticed it yesterday when you thought I was enticing her to smoke.”

  “Déjà vu. I remembered how you turned my sister into a smoker.”

  “I did what?” Her strident tone morphed into a long sigh. “Jodie Holden introduced me to every vice I ever had, including smoking.”

  “My sister?” Roger started to laugh at the absurdity. “She was a milquetoast until you came along and ruined her.”

  “You haven’t a clue what she was really into.” Em started to tap her fingers on the table. He glanced down to the movement and noticed that her nails, although polished in light pink, were short and practical, not the fake extensions in vivid colors Samantha often tried.

  “Oh, no? When you showed up that summer, she started to drink, swear, smoke and carry on with the opposite sex.”

  Em pierced him with her blue eyes. “Just like you were doing?”

  Roger paused. Just like him? “That’s different,” he said. “I was attending college at the time.”

  “No. What’s different is you’re male and we’re female.” Em sat straighter. Roger gave her his complete attention and doubted if anything other than a comet’s entry into the atmosphere could distract him. “And according to you, we’re supposed to abide by a stricter standard. Jodie chose not to, and I went along for the ride.”