Huntington Family Series

by Rachel Ann Nunes

  She’d called Berkeley that morning, pulling out of school and resigning her teaching assignment. The supervisor over her class hadn’t been happy at the last-minute changes but was remarkably understanding about her reasons. Savvy knew her co-teacher would be able to fill in the gap–or there were plenty of other qualified replacements if he needed help. She promised to e-mail her lesson plans to smooth the transition.

  Next, she’d called her apartment and left a message on the phone to let her new roommate know she had been delayed. Savvy was paid up for another month, and her lease wasn’t over for eight, but she could always sell the contract, if she had to. There would be time later to decide what to do.

  Savvy gingerly touched her head and felt her stitches. The swelling around the area had gone down, and only when she rolled on her side during the night or brushed her hair did she even remember that she’d been hurt.

  Or when she thought about Lexi. If only it hadn’t happened, she thought, then Lexi wouldn’t be so upset.

  Unable to bear waiting a minute longer, Savvy went to the reception desk. “Uh, is something wrong? My, uh, Derek Roathe’s been back there a long time.”

  The pretty brunette smiled. “I’ll check for you, okay?”

  Savvy nodded and waited at the counter while she disappeared, grateful the doctor’s office didn’t appear too busy this morning.

  The receptionist returned, but she wasn’t alone. A tall, lean man with a warm smile and a receding hairline held out a hand. “I’m Dr. Miller, Derek’s physician,” he said. “Can I talk with you for a moment?”

  Savvy felt pressure building in her chest. “Is he okay?”

  “For now. But we need to talk.”

  Savvy followed Dr. Miller down a short corridor and into an empty examining room. She’d hoped he was taking her to Derek, but apparently what he had to say to her was private.

  The doctor indicated for her to take a chair, while he sat on a stool by the examining table. He pursed his lips a moment, as though considering his words. “I understand that you’re Derek’s daughter.”

  “Well, yes.” Sort of, she amended silently.

  “I’m very glad to see you here. He told me about you a few minutes ago and has given me permission to talk to you about his condition.”

  “It’s bad, isn’t it?”

  He nodded gravely. “Yes. Quite frankly, I’m worried. Derek’s blood pressure is way too high today. I’ve giving him some medication to slow it enough so that he can go home, but at this point he really should be in a hospital. At least for a few days to see how things go. However, he refuses. I understand why. There’s nothing we can do for him in the hospital except to see that he stays down and quiet.”

  “That’s hard for him.” Savvy had seen that he fought against playing the invalid.

  “Exactly. He’s the perfect type A personality. It took several serious episodes for me to get him to quit work. Unfortunately, the only thing left is a heart transplant, and he’s not a good candidate for that.”

  Savvy took a deep breath. “How long does he have?”

  “A day, a week, a year–it’s impossible to say. It depends on many factors, but my best guess is probably less than a month. His heart is simply too weak.”

  Savvy didn’t think anything more could faze her. Derek was dying. She’d known that, but having it spelled out so clearly took the hope right from her. “Thank you,” she managed to say, “for being honest. Does he know?”

  “I told him nearly the same thing a month ago. That he’d better make plans for his younger daughter.”

  And that made Lexi run off to California, Savvy thought. “Is there anything I can do?” she asked.

  “I have a list.” Dr. Miller took a page from the clipboard Savvy hadn’t noticed he was carrying. “But as I said, things don’t look good.”

  “I understand.”

  Dr. Miller checked his watch. “If his blood pressure reacts well to the medication, he should be ready to go home in ten minutes. I have a wheelchair you can use until you’re able to rent one for him.”

  “A wheelchair?”

  “Yes. He needs to relax as much as possible from here on out. That means no walking–except maybe to the bathroom.”

  “I see. Thank you.”

  Savvy made her way back to the waiting room, trying unsuccessfully to hold back the tears.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Days crept by. To Savvy’s frustration–and secret joy–Tyler didn’t leave for Utah. He had been going to stay at a motel, until Amber’s parents offered to let him crash in their spare room. He gratefully accepted, noting that he could be at the Roathes’ in two minutes by car if an emergency happened.

  Not that it appeared necessary. Derek flourished under the attention of his two daughters, and there was more laughter in the somber house than Savvy had thought possible. She discovered that Derek enjoyed hearing about her studies, and they spent hours staring at the sky or thumbing through the astronomy books she checked out at the local library. They treated each other like friends rather than father and daughter, but it was enough for Savvy. She made sure her conversations with Derek were interspersed with ample rest, meals, and medication breaks, which she regarded religiously.

  At first Lexi went to school, but after three days of cutting class and coming home early to check on her father, everyone realized there was nothing they could do to keep her there. Savvy finally went to the junior high to work out a home study curriculum, grateful that seventh grade didn’t count toward high school graduation. Tyler took on the responsibility of tutoring Lexi in English, and though his method of teaching from the newspaper wouldn’t likely be approved by the district, Savvy felt the individual attention would outweigh any fault in his curriculum.

  Savvy herself took over teaching Lexi math and science, which had always been her favorite. Unlike with English, Lexi was far behind her grade level in those subjects and would have needed a tutor anyway to keep up with her class. After only a few days, she showed remarkable progress, though their relationship was like a rollercoaster. One minute Lexi was warm and friendly, and the next she would ignore Savvy and treat her as though she didn’t exist.

  “It’s like she’s two different girls,” Savvy said to Tyler.

  “You’re missing the point,” he replied. “When is it that she treats you badly? Huh? I’ll tell you when. Right after Derek has a coughing spell, or when he feels too weak to leave his room, even in the wheelchair. It’s when she’s most afraid of losing him.”

  Savvy tried to keep that in mind, but it still felt like rejection.

  Her relationship with Tyler was at a standstill, which wasn’t a real surprise because they were never alone. Savvy rarely left Derek, but the few times she did, Lexi always tagged along–although why, Savvy couldn’t say. It was almost as though Lexi didn’t want her to be alone with Tyler, but that seemed silly.

  Tyler himself was a constant, and despite her suspicions about his possible continuing involvement with LaNae, Savvy found herself relying on him more and more. He was always willing to run to the grocery store, grab a video, fill a prescription, or help Derek to the living room or out to the backyard so they could look at the stars. He would often sit and talk with Derek while she fixed dinner, discussing world events. Tyler’s eyes often met hers, causing her heart to pound furiously. She found herself anticipating his arrivals and wondering if maybe her old dreams really could come true.

  Her other support was the long talks she had with her family over the phone. Their love went a long way toward soothing her heartache at the prospect of losing Derek so soon after finding him.

  The next Sunday, Savvy sent a prayer of thanks heavenward when Lexi didn’t balk about going to church and told her she’d invited Amber to come along. Lexi even made it a point to get up early and make the pancakes for breakfast, inviting Tyler and Amber over for the meal. In a pancake Lexi gave Tyler, she purposely sprinkled in a healthy dose of vitamin C powder, and Savvy l
aughed herself silly at Tyler’s reaction. Later, as they pushed Derek’s new wheelchair into sacrament meeting, it was all she and Lexi could do to keep from bursting into laughter every time they looked at each other.

  Yet behind all the laughter and enjoyment, there was a sense of waiting. Lexi stayed at her father’s side, even during the astronomy discussions, which she endured in stony silence. Savvy found herself going to any length to engage her in the conversation and to let her know how much she was loved, but try as she might, Lexi refused to participate. She was equally unwilling to talk about what would happen after Derek’s death. When pressed, she only insisted that she was going to live with Tyler. Nothing anyone could do–not even Tyler–would persuade her otherwise.

  On Tuesday, one week and four days after their arrival in Colorado, Lexi went over to Amber’s for her English lesson. Tyler usually came to the Roathes’, but he hadn’t arrived yet, so Lexi had decided to go there instead. “I need to get out of the house,” she said. “I’ll be back by dinnertime.” Noting her sallow face, Savvy let her go gladly. The walk to Amber’s in the afternoon sun would do her good. Yet when neither Lexi nor Tyler appeared for dinner, Savvy began to worry.

  “Give Lexi a little space,” Derek said from his place on the living room couch. “She’s been penned up here too much these past few days. You know she has.”

  Savvy stared out the front window. “I guess you’re right. I’m worrying too much.”

  “What you should be doing is taking care of that young man of yours.”

  “He’s not my young man. Tyler and I are friends.”

  Derek laughed. “Now tell me a story I can believe.”

  Savvy ignored him and went to reheat their cooled dinner. Derek needed to eat, Lexi or no. She was considering calling Amber’s house when Lexi flounced into the kitchen. Savvy turned from the stove. “You’re late. I was beginning to worry.”

  “Tyler’s fault,” Lexi said, plopping down at the table. “I had to walk back. Couldn’t get him off the phone. Again. He talks on the phone more than Amber and I talk to each other.”

  Savvy froze at the words. She’d seen Tyler several times talking on his cell phone here, usually pacing in the backyard, but she’d hoped he was talking with his family. “Oh?” she forced herself to say, busying her hands with the plates from the cupboard. “Isn’t he coming for dinner?” He hadn’t missed a dinner in the entire time they’d been in Colorado.

  “Got sick of hearing all that lovey-dovey stuff,” Lexi continued as though Savvy hadn’t spoken. “I’ll be glad when he marries that girl and starts to act normal again.”

  Savvy had her back to the counter and now she clung to it. “He was talking to his girlfriend?”

  “Uh-huh. Fiancée. They’re engaged now. I told you it was going to work out. Now I can live with them. Dad’s lawyer came by today, didn’t he? I need to ask if he fixed the custody stuff.” Lexi met her gaze for the first time. “What’s wrong, Savvy? You look kind of pale.”

  “It’s nothing. I–I’m hungry, that’s all.” That much was true. Savvy had lost her appetite, but her stomach still clamored to be filled.

  Lexi arose and took two steps toward her. “Savvy, I know you kind of like Tyler, but you want him to be happy, don’t you?”

  What about my happiness? Savvy wanted to shout. You’re my sister, and you should care about my happiness! But she wouldn’t say any of that now. Not when Lexi’s father was dying and Savvy was trying to win Lexi’s trust and love. Tyler didn’t matter–or shouldn’t. She should have known he hadn’t changed. “Of course,” she choked out. “Do you want to take a plate to your father?”

  “Sure.” Lexi gave her an anxious glance, one Savvy thought might contain at least a small bit of compassion. “I’ll eat with him in the living room, if you don’t mind.” The last sentence was so cordial that it was a balm to Savvy’s breaking heart.

  I told you not to get involved, she scolded herself, as she made up a plate of dinner for Derek. Tyler is not to be trusted–at least not with your heart.

  Lexi heaped her own plate full of the low-fat chicken casserole Savvy had made because it was her second favorite after spaghetti. Without a word of thanks, Lexi left the kitchen.

  * * *

  When Tyler finally made it to the Roathes’, dinner was over and he knew he’d have to forage for himself in the kitchen or go out. Savvy, deep in a conversation with Derek about the orbits of asteroids, scarcely looked his way. Lexi, however, smiled at him warmly before glancing back at her father. Tyler saw in her eyes a longing to be a part of what her father and sister shared, yet at the same time a reluctance to put her heart on the line. He knew exactly how she felt. Savvy was more open with him lately, and he knew it was time to lay his heart at her feet. But what if she refused his offering?

  Of course, that was providing they could find time alone, without their young shadow. Savvy looked at him just then, and his heart tightened. Now, he told himself. The time is now.

  Tyler tossed the newspaper he’d brought for Derek next to the couch where he was lying. “Savvy, let’s go for a walk.”

  “Can I come?” Lexi asked eagerly, popping to her feet.

  “No. Someone should stay here with Derek.”

  “I’m fine,” Derek said. “I don’t need to be baby-sat.”

  “I’ll stay,” Savvy volunteered.

  “But I need to talk to you–alone.” Tyler thought he saw a glint of approval in Derek’s eyes. Lexi folded her arms, her face drawn in a pout.

  Savvy regarded Tyler silently for a few seconds, and to his surprise the old familiar hurt was back in her eyes. “Okay,” she said quietly. “I’d like to talk with you, too.” She stood and walked with him to the door.

  They made their way onto the porch and over the grass to the sidewalk. The lawn was greener now, and free of trash, thanks to the hours he’d spent outside working. He was thinking of pruning the tree next. The early September day was warm, and the sun shone intensely as it plunged toward the west, but the thick branches overhead cast dark, gloomy shadows, as though stalking those who lived in the house.

  They walked a block in silence. Rain the day before had made the lawns green and bright, and several varieties of flowers still showed an array of blooms. But fall was almost here. He could smell it in the air.

  “I just got off the phone with the San Francisco Chronicle,” he said. “They’ve offered me a job.” That made two job opportunities now, since he was almost positive the Tribune would end up making a similar offer. He’d talked twice more with them since their first call, and though they still needed a face-to-face interview, things were looking good.

  Savvy gave him a half smile that made his heart pound. “Are you going to take it?”

  “I think I’d rather work at the Tribune. Unless my situation changes.” Unless you decide you want me, he added silently.

  They walked past another house in silence. There was a comfortable familiarity between them this evening that made almost anything possible. Tyler began to believe they could finally work things out.

  “Do you believe in miracles?” he asked. He’d practiced it, and this is how he’d decided to tell her how he felt–that she was his second chance at a miracle.

  She gave him a sideways glance. “Of course.” Then she frowned. “Not for Derek, though.”

  “I don’t know. He got to meet you. That’s a miracle, isn’t it? And you and Lexi have each other.”

  She made a noise of disgust. “She still doesn’t want me.”

  “It’s just a matter of time.”

  “Well, we don’t have a lot of time, do we?” she snapped. Looking immediately repentant, she glanced at him. “Look, Tyler. I really appreciate you coming to Colorado with me. You’ve gone above and beyond the call of friendship. But you should go back to Utah. I know you have your own life to live–including that new job.”

  “So do you. Have a life to live, I mean.”

  She shook her head. “For
now, this is where I’m supposed to be.”

  “Maybe.” He couldn’t deny that he didn’t want to leave Lexi to face this trial as much as she didn’t. Or to leave Savvy, either. “I can’t go,” he said, his feet stopping suddenly. “I think I’m incapable of leaving.” He looked at her, holding her gaze. For once, she didn’t look away.

  “What are you saying?”

  He stepped closer. With one hand he reached out and took her arm, drawing her closer still.

  “Tyler,” she warned. “Don’t.”

  “Don’t what?” he asked. “Savvy, I’m here because of you. I mean Derek’s a nice guy, Lexi’s a great kid, but I’m here because of you. I want to be with you.” He wanted to kiss her, but her next words rooted him in place.

  “I’m sorry, Tyler, but I don’t believe that. No, don’t say anything. Hear me out.” She blinked, and tears filled her eyes. “You’re here with me. We’re friends. You’re letting this closeness cloud your mind. I think you need to go home, talk to your fiancée, and go on with your life. I want you to be happy–I really do. Besides, I’m going to be busy raising Lexi. That’s going to take all my energy right now.”

  His hand tightened on her arm. “I don’t have a fiancée!”

  “Please don’t say that.” Her gaze dropped to the ground. “I knew it would happen. I’ve been expecting it.”

  “Expecting what?” He let go of her arm and made fists at his side. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Savvy, you’re the one I care about!”

  Her eyes met his, filled with hurt and suspicion. “Well, that’s odd because Lexi told me about you getting married. And how you’re always talking to your girlfriend on the phone.”

  “Since when do you believe anything Lexi says?” he demanded. “She’s manipulated everything from the start! You know that.”