Entangled: Surrendering the Past (Surrendering Time Book 2)

by Julie Arduini

  Wayne exits as we wait on Noah to let Ben know he’s leaving. Will drops his arm to his side as soon as Wayne’s out of sight. “Carla, you two have history and he’s Noah’s father. But I’m starting to resent the guy. If I didn’t know better, I’d say Wayne’s trying to win you back. And I don’t like it.”

  ⌛⌛⌛

  It takes nearly the entire seventy-mile trip before Will returns to his laid back self. We exit the truck and enter the food court, where Noah makes a beeline for the pretzel place.

  “What about you? Anything special you want to eat or shop for?”

  As I look into Will’s kind eyes I realize how much his gaze exudes warmth. “No, you decide. I’m glad to be here.” I squeeze his hand.

  He returns the gesture. “Really? Thanks, honey. I was worried maybe I let you down.”

  Will leads us to the taco line.

  “I don’t understand.”

  He faces me. “Listening to Wayne, he sounds like your hero. He shows up at the right time and says all the perfect things. And then there’s me. The most exciting thing I offer you is a trip to the mall.”

  Even though the line moves forward, I stay still. “Will Marshall, I’m not looking for excitement. I think I’ve had enough of that for a lifetime between my old job and being a teen mom.” A rush of emotions slam into my throat as I try to get the words out, my confusion between the two dissipating. “You’ve taken care of Noah, leaving your own house to stay in mine while I’m away. You have no idea what that means to me. I can’t think of anyone who would make such a sacrifice. I know for a fact Wayne wouldn’t.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  I blink back tears. “Because he walked away the second I told him I was pregnant in high school.”

  Will clears his throat and wipes his eye with his sleeve as we move ahead in the line, neither of us saying anything for a while. When it’s our turn, he gestures for me to go first.

  Once I order my taco salad, I step aside so Will can speak. It hits me as he does that I need to talk to Wayne, and soon. My phone rings, and I take it out of my purse and shrug as Will looks on.

  “Hello?”

  Daniel’s voice booms through my cell phone. “Turn around.”

  “What?”

  “Just turn around. You’ll see.”

  I sigh and obey. There’s Daniel, with Claire, Mitzi, and Sandy, smiling and waving.

  I disconnect the call and throw the cell back in my purse as I gesture for Will to follow me. “What are you guys doing here?”

  Mitzi speaks first. “Blowing off some steam. Claire thought of it.”

  I nod and touch Will’s arm as I introduce my friends.

  Will chuckles. “Ah, the beauty school gang.”

  Daniel offers his hand. “I hope Carla’s sharing good things.”

  Will looks to me and I shrug.

  Claire giggles. “Daniel, the perm fumes must’ve gotten to you. You know we’ve all gone home venting about you.”

  Daniel nods. “I suppose I deserve that. What are you guys doing?”

  “I had to get some clothes for work and thought we’d go to Sears. Carla’s son is here somewhere.” Will glances around the storefronts.

  “You two probably don’t want to shop with us. I know you don’t get a lot of time alone.” Sandy’s smile is flat to match her Goth look, despite her kind gesture.

  “That’s true. You guys see her more than I do these days. But that’s okay. Once Carla graduates and gets her license, she’ll be back in Speculator Falls with her own shop. It’ll all be worth it.” He squeezes my hand and doesn’t let go.

  Mitzi looks to the others. “They’re so adorable.”

  “I suppose. If you care about that sort of thing.” Daniel deadpans.

  Claire rolls her eyes and reaches for his elbow. “C’mon, killjoy. Let’s leave them be.”

  After saying goodbye, the group heads to the food court and Will and I amble toward Sears.

  “We’re like a little family,” I tell him.

  “Even Daniel?”

  “Sure. We’re all trying to do well and graduate. We compete and bicker, but we’re rooting for each other, too. He’s like the annoying, over-achieving brother.”

  Will smiles. “Gotcha. Brother. That works.”

  My eyebrows form a “V.” “You okay?”

  He reaches down and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Yep. I let my mind get the best of me. Sometimes I worry that you might dump me for someone else. Stupid, right?”

  I shudder thinking about the call I have to make to Wayne.

  As I pick up my order, I know my mind is set. I don’t plan to ever tell Will.

  ⌛⌛⌛

  A waft of hyacinth dances by as I enter school and find Brandi looking like spring in her canary yellow blouse.

  “Ready for wet cuts today, Carla?”

  I walk over to the table with our customized mugs and reach for mine, filling it with coffee. “I think so. I studied the material, but the hands-on practice will be more telling.”

  Brandi smiles. “You’ll do fine. Rose asked me to print out grades up to the beginning of April, and yours is right here.” She waves a piece of paper. “You’re on track to graduate with distinction.”

  I can’t get to the front desk fast enough. Holding onto the printout, I stare at the letters. I’m doing well. If only I could be as successful with communication as I am with hair. I have to call Wayne and tell him there’s no future between us beyond caring for Noah.

  But I keep procrastinating.

  “Good morning, Carla. Did you get your grades?” Mitzi greets me as I walk upstairs to the classroom.

  “I did. How are you doing for the not-quite-half-way mark?”

  Her smile reveals what looks like newly-whitened teeth. “Great. A minus.”

  We head inside the room where Daniel, Ella, Claire and Sandy are seated.

  “How’d you do?” Daniel’s gaze rests on me.

  “I’m passing.” And suspecting he wants to “one-up” me with grades.

  Ella and Sandy exchange smiles.

  “What grade?” he continues.

  I sigh. “An A. Happy?”

  Daniel starts to respond when a noise erupts from the back. We turn and find Claire in tears, blowing her nose.

  “What’s wrong?” Mitzi asks.

  Daniel jogs over and hands Claire a fresh tissue. “You okay?”

  She blows again. “My grades are terrible. I want to do well to honor my mom, but I’m not even close.” She slides her printout to Daniel, who flips it over.

  His eyes widen a little, but he doesn’t say anything.

  “I’m not a great test taker. I get nervous when we work in the lab. But I want to do this.” Claire sniffles, but still looks as if she could model at a moment’s notice and be the most gorgeous one on the catwalk.

  “We could help you.” Ella offers, joining the small circle gathering at Claire’s table.

  “Right. Sandy’s a natural when it comes to the textbook. She’s helped me a lot.” Mitzi looks to her friend, who continues.

  “Carla’s a whiz with the heads. We could get some extras and practice.”

  I nod. “I’d love to help. Claire, you can do this.”

  Daniel folds his arms across his chest. “What about me? I have the same grades as Carla.”

  Claire rolls her eyes. “I don’t want to be a pawn in a game.”

  Mitzi sighs. “Really, Daniel. Have some compassion.”

  He clears his throat. “No, you don’t get it. I feel left out here. I want to help.” He faces the blonde beauty. “I promise, I won’t be uptight or compare grades with anyone. I guess that’s just me being insecure, trying to measure up. I don’t get a lot of fanfare with the family for going into the hair business when my dad’s a doctor.”

  Claire looks up and gives a faint smile. “Okay. You guys are the best. Thank you.”

  We head back to our chairs when I pass Daniel. “Was that for real?”


  “What? My confession to Claire?” he whispers.

  I nod. “Do you really feel insecure?” I thought that was just me---the teen mom handed this dream and feeling completely unworthy.

  “Try attending dinner parties with the folks when their friends ask what line of work you’re in. Explaining I want to open a salon in Lake George is a surefire way to erase those pasted on smiles they all wear.”

  “Wow. I’ve been pretty hard on you. I’m sorry if I made things worse.”

  He chuckles. “It’s fine. I think we both challenge each other, and that’s not bad. You remind me this is worth fighting for. Because…” He winks. “I do plan to graduate as head of the class.”

  ⌛⌛⌛

  Between extra hours helping Claire, my own studying, preparing for Jenna’s bridal shower, and entertaining Betty with casual conversation after school each evening, I still haven’t called Wayne. I decide after school Thursday I have to talk to him. After I go for a run.

  “Carla, do you have plans this evening? I don’t feel like making dinner and I thought I’d treat you. You’ve been working so hard, dear.” Betty barely allows me inside before greeting me. I need Jenna to meet her. Betty would be such an asset to the senior center when able to travel to it.

  “I thought I’d go for a jog, then I have some work to do.”

  Her aqua eyes seem to dull to a sad gray. “Oh. Well, never mind. It was just a thought.”

  I drop my purse on the table. “It’s a good idea. Let me get my exercise in, and then we can go. Does that work?”

  Her Sinatra blue eyes are back. “Wonderful.” She claps.

  The run gives me time to think and pray. There’s so much going through my mind between Noah, school, Will, Wayne, Jenna, and Claire. I’m not sure why Jenna listens to my advice because I feel totally inadequate.

  “It’s me again, Lord. The one who goofs up and is scared of doing it again. The one with a ‘baby daddy’ and a boyfriend. The one with a teen son who seems interested in girls and I’m not ready for that.” My feet hit the pavement with purpose. “I don’t know what to do with my fear. My failure.” I chuckle. “My fear of failure.”

  Give it to The One.

  I pick up the pace, wanting to be sure I’m truly hearing from the Lord. When I get the same answer more than once, I know. And that statement comes back to me even as I finish up and prepare to go out with Betty.

  An hour later I find Betty with her purse, ready to go.

  “Oh, Betty. I’m a sweaty mess. Can I take a few minutes to shower? You’ll thank me later.”

  She bats her hand at the air. “Nonsense. You’re fine. We’re not going anywhere special. You can shower later.” She opens the door and heads outside.

  Well, okay then.

  We end up at the local café, and I’m glad I ran before eating. I order a cheeseburger, Noah’s favorite meal.

  “What are you getting, Betty?”

  She doesn’t even pick up the menu. “I always get the BLT. Nothing better than a good sandwich at a place like this.”

  I look at my landlady and realize she isn’t that old. If she were at Jenna’s senior center, she’d be the belle of the place. “Do you get out during the week?”

  “I get groceries. Go to the post office. Things like that.”

  “Do you sew or work on puzzles or anything crafty?”

  Betty inspects the utensils. “What’s this about?” She starts to rub on the top of her spoon.

  “You’re a beautiful woman with a lot to offer. You could volunteer or join a club or be a part of a senior center. They could use your energy. Have you ever thought about it?”

  She puts the spoon on her napkin. “Not for long. I tried to go out with friends once. Did you know that when you’re a widow the other women think you’re after their husbands? It was the furthest thing from my mind, but it’s their fear. I decided staying home’s easier.”

  I never thought about widowed life. Then again, I haven’t exactly entertained married life either.

  “My best friend will be meeting with me next week for final touches on her wedding shower. Jenna’s the director of the senior center in Speculator Falls. She can give you some guidance. You have so much to offer people, Betty.”

  “It does get pretty boring.” Betty smiles.

  “Well, let’s change that. Life’s too short to stay still and watch everyone else have fun.”

  A woodsy cologne aroma grabs my attention and I look up, expecting the waiter.

  “Someone mention fun? I know a guy who’s a ton of entertainment and doesn’t wear plaid and flannel every day.” Wayne’s smirk ruins my appetite.

  Betty smiles. “Do you know this handsome young man?”

  I groan, wishing I’d made that call weeks ago. Like in high school, Wayne’s hard to resist in a uniform.

  “Hello. I’m Wayne Peterson, paramedic. I also happen to be Carla’s first and dare I say, only love.” He shakes Betty’s hand and reaches for a chair behind us. “Mind if I join you pretty ladies?”

  Chapter Twelve

  Wayne inches his chair up to the table. “I’m on break. Had a transport from Piseco. ATV accident.”

  Betty gasps. “Oh, dear. Will they make it?”

  Wayne nods. “I think so. Helmet saved him. Teen.” He looks to me. “They think they’re invincible.”

  Is he thinking of us years ago, or our own teen?

  Betty’s sweet voice breaks our gaze. “I’m Betty, by the way. Carla stays with me during the week. Wayne, what can I get you? Dinner’s on me tonight.”

  His eyes sparkle. “Thank you, Betty. That’s very kind. Cheeseburger.”

  She chuckles. “Funny. That’s what Carla ordered.”

  The two banter through the meal. Each time there’s a pause I want to jump in and ask Wayne to meet privately. My need to tell him the truth about our romantic future grows with each bite we enjoy.

  “Carla, you’re quiet this evening. Everything okay?” He leans closer.

  I swallow hard. “Actually, I need to talk to you. Perhaps you can drive me back to Betty’s.” I glance at her. “If you don’t mind.”

  She waves us off. “You two have fun.”

  His smile widens. “Sounds great. My schedule’s flexible unless there’s a call.”

  Please don’t let there be an emergency. This conversation has to happen.

  ⌛⌛⌛

  Once we walk Betty to her car and watch her leave, Wayne turns to me. “Did you want to walk or chat in the SUV?”

  Flashes of too many times alone in his car come to mind. “Walking is good.”

  I zip my jacket and stuff my hands in my pockets, hoping I can pull out some courage.

  “What’s up? Are you worried about Noah? He’s doing fine.”

  We walk down North Main Street without speaking for a few moments. Despite his arrogance and how he mocks Will, I can’t look Wayne in the eye.

  “Carla, you’re the one that asked me here. What’s going on?” He sighs and kicks a pebble down the sidewalk.

  “I’m having trouble putting the words together.” I squeak out the words before choking out a sob.

  He reaches for my hand, but I jerk it back like we’re playing “Hot Potato.” “Maybe because you aren’t supposed to say them.”

  I take a risk and look at his ebony hair. The chiseled chin. All the things that drove me to his arms in the first place. Qualities Noah inherited from him. “I’m so sure of what I want to say, and then I see you and the words don’t come.”

  “I know you’re confused. And I’ve kind of been a jerk about it. But here’s what I know to be true. My feelings for you are real.”

  I shudder as soon as he confesses. “Sometimes that’s not enough.”

  He nods. “True. Here’s what else is true between us---we have Noah. That’s something Will won’t ever have in common with you. I know he’s a good guy. I get that I made mistakes. But Carla, we have Noah.” His words are an impassioned plea
more than a statement.

  I stop and wipe moisture from the corner of my eye. “I don’t know.”

  He gives a quick squeeze to my shoulder and the touch feels like a thousand volts of electricity. “Then don’t decide yet. Pray about it. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

  We turn around and head back. I want to think of Will and the wonderful things he’s done, but my imagination is a blank space as Wayne and I walk in the snow.

  “I can’t promise my answer will be what you want to hear. Will’s so good to me. And to Noah.”

  Wayne remains silent as he stuffs his hands in his pockets and keeps pace with me until we reach the medical SUV. It’s still quiet as he drives me back to Betty’s.

  Once we arrive, he jumps out and opens the door for me as I slide out.

  “Goodnight.” He reaches out to me with an outstretched arm but then let the gesture fall to his side.

  Safe inside the house, I close my eyes and blow out a hot breath of frustration. Because after walking with Wayne, I can’t make any promises that don’t seem to come from a place that believes Wayne and I were once really good together.

  ⌛⌛⌛

  The next morning Betty greets me with a gasp. “Oh, Carla. I fell asleep before you returned. You had a phone call.”

  I put Betty’s homemade blueberry muffin on a napkin. “Really? Who called? Why didn’t they try my cell?”

  She walked over to the counter and picked up my phone. “You never took it to dinner. It was your young man.”

  My mind scrambles faster than the eggs Betty’s making. She means Will, right?

  “Will? Did he say what he wanted? Is it Noah?”

  Betty shrugs and hands me the device. “It didn’t sound like an emergency. He wanted you to call him back. I’m sorry I didn’t get the message to you earlier.”

  I gesture that it’s no problem as I punch in the familiar numbers. Before I can say anything more to Betty, Will picks up on the first ring.

  “Carla? Are you okay?”

  “I’m sorry, I left my phone at Betty’s and got back late.” I wave to Betty and head back to my room.

  His sigh comes through pretty clear. “Thank God. I was ready to call and get a sub driver so I could drive down and check on you. I was pretty worried.”