Promises, Promises (Class of '85)

by James, Silver

  He rolled off and gathered her in his arms so she could rest her head on his shoulder. “I wish we could ring in the New Year this way.”

  She nodded, her cheek rubbing against his skin. “Me, too. But I’m working.”

  “So am I.”

  ****

  Despite their schedules, they managed to spend a few hours snuggled into Michael’s huge bed early New Year’s morning. He had to be at the pub early to get ready for the bowl game party. New Year’s Day was almost as busy at Doogan’s as Super Bowl Sunday. After a leisurely shower, and great reluctance to actually put on clothes and face the winter weather outside the door, Kelly pulled on the pair of snow boots Maggie had handed down to her. She shrugged into her snazzy red parka, wrapped the soft muffler Maggie had knitted for her and searched in her pockets for her mittens.

  Michael appeared, dressed in his usual “uniform”—comfortable jeans, black tee shirt, and a Doogan’s Pub chambray shirt. He grabbed the front plackets of her jacket and pulled her close for a lingering kiss. With sure fingers, he fitted her zipper together and zipped up the parka then flipped the hood up and tied the strings. “Can’t have my girl getting cold.”

  Michael slipped his arms through the sleeves of his well-worn leather jacket. Butter soft, she loved walking with him with her arm looped through his so she could pet the leather. She rocked up on tiptoes and brushed her lips across his. “See you tonight?”

  His arms tightened around her. “I’ll come pick you up if I can get away for a few. If not, come to the pub?”

  “See you there.”

  He opened the door and they headed out. She huddled into her coat as he warmed up the Yukon and cleared the windows from the overnight snow. Catching a ride was just one of the nice things about staying at his place. Moments later, he settled into the driver’s seat and headed toward Lighthouse Catering. Kelly had convinced George Light that she could help prepare the food as well as serve it. That meant she got more hours, and a ride to and from the catering offices and the events.

  Michael stopped in front and leaned over to give her a kiss. “See you tonight, Kel.” He started to say something else but stopped.

  “See you then, Michael.” She slid out of the SUV and trudged through the snow. George hadn’t shoveled the walk yet. She turned to wave as the Yukon pulled away. She received a happy little “beep beep” from the horn in return. Movement across the street caught her eye. Someone had just ducked between two buildings. She headed back toward the front door and just as she ducked inside, the back of her neck prickled, as if someone watched her. Curious, she peered through the blinds of the front window but didn’t notice anyone paying particular attention. Shrugging off the feeling, she stripped out of her coat, hung it up, snagged a smock style apron, and headed toward the prep area.

  Sixteen hours later, she put the last set of glasses in the commercial dishwasher, dried her hands, and stripped off her apron. Her back and feet ached and those parts of her wanted only to get home to a hot bath. The rest of her, however, couldn’t wait to see Michael. Her smile looked a bit rueful as she checked her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Was it possible she was falling in love? She didn’t cringe at the thought, which she took as a positive sign.

  Bundled up, she stepped outside. “Happy New Year, George.”

  “Happy New Year, Kelly.”

  Her boss shut the door and locked it behind her. She looked around but no familiar Yukon idled in wait. She set off with a resolute step in the direction of Doogan’s. Two blocks along, her skin prickled and she had the distinct feeling someone was watching her. She quickened her step. At the corner, she all but sprinted around the corner and stopped. Holding her breath, she listened, even pulling the hood of her parka back to expose one ear to hear better. Nothing.

  “Getting paranoid in your old age, Kelly,” she muttered. Adjusting the hood for maximum warmth, she set off resolutely once more, her snow boots leaving deep prints in the snow where it hadn’t been shoveled.

  A few minutes later, she pushed through the door to Doogan’s. Warm air puffed into her face and the noise level escalated to deafening. Michael and Big Mike both manned the bar. Maggie and their part-time waitress bustled back and forth between tables and the bar like busy ants. One bar stool remained open, right in front of the beer spigots, even though the place was standing room only. Michael caught her eye and nodded toward the seat with a wink. She couldn’t imagine the hassle of keeping that stool saved for her but after being on her feet for what seemed like a week, she was grateful. She stripped out of her parka as she walked across the room, stuffing her mittens and scarf in the pockets as she went. She draped the parka over the seat and sank onto the slightly softer surface with a relieved sigh.

  “Long day, sweetheart?”

  She nodded, eyes partially closed. She rolled her neck on her shoulders and when she looked up, a foamy Irish coffee perched on a coaster in front of her. “You read my mind!”

  Michael leaned across to kiss her forehead. “Have to take care of my best girl, now don’t I?”

  In the noisy warmth of the pub, Kelly soon forgot her earlier fears. With so much life teeming around her, she couldn’t dwell on darker thoughts. New Year’s was a good time to reassess one’s life and look forward. For the first time since the troubles created by her ex-husband began, she really believed the future might be survivable.

  When the door jangled again, she didn’t bother looking around to see who had arrived. She was too busy watching Michael and enjoying his brisk-yet-elegant motions as he filled glasses and rang up sales. Yes, she had a lot to look forward to in the coming year.

  Chapter Six

  She stared at the envelope and refused to open it. The return address told her everything she needed to know about what it contained: Class of ’85 Reunion Committee. Delaying the inevitable wouldn’t relieve the headache pounding in her temples.

  Kelly tapped her finger on the thick vellum envelope. She had to find out the dates of the reunion so she could put in for vacation or something. Working any of the reunion events was out of the question. She continued to clean up Geoff’s mess—sending a portion of every paycheck to the federal court down in New York City—but serving food to her former classmates? That would be a humiliation she simply couldn’t endure.

  She stared at her work-roughened hands with badly-formed nails. From her comfortable support shoes to her unwaxed eyebrows, Kelly no longer resembled the pampered debutante and society wife she’d once been. She didn’t mind the hard work. Not really. And she had new appreciation for every person who worked to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. The envelope beckoned and she gave up. She didn’t bother with a letter opener. She stuck her index finger under the flap and ripped. She jerked out the enclosed card, tearing the envelope in the process.

  Dear fellow alumna,

  Hard to believe it’s been 25 years since we last walked the halls of Summerville High. Wouldn’t you like to know what’s going on with former classmates? The Reunion Committee has worked hard to plan a fabulous, fun-filled three day celebration on the last weekend in June at the historic Summerville Inn.

  Come for one day or all three but register early for the SHS package discount. Bring your spouse or come stag. You won’t believe the surprises waiting for you!

  RSVP to BethandRich@heade.com

  She read the words again. She was already scheduled to work a whole slew of events in June. Her boss told everyone the company was booked solid for the last weekend of the month and everyone was expected to work. The only excuse he’d accept would be their demise—and he expected a signed death certificate for proof.

  “Anybody who can’t or won’t work that weekend might as well pick up their final check now because you’re fired.”

  Kelly winced now as her boss’s words were still fresh in her mind. Could she suck it up enough to face her classmates, hoping they wouldn’t recognize her? None of her parents’ acquaintances acknowledged her now a
s if they were too mortified to admit familiarity. Would her high school friends ignore her or make fun of her? Maybe she should try to find another job.

  At the moment, she just wanted to get off her aching feet and into a hot bath. She tossed the invite to the side and headed toward her bathroom. When she’d moved in, she lamented the fact her parents hadn’t upgraded the bath in the apartment. Now she relished the big, claw-footed tub. She turned on the faucets, adjusted the temperature, and tapped the stopper into the drain. She kicked off her ugly shoes, stripped out of black slacks, white shirt, and her plain cotton bra and panties. Climbing into the tub, she stretched out and closed her eyes. Tomorrow. She’d figure out what to do tomorrow.

  A soft click echoed hollowly. She sat up and stared at the crack of the bathroom door. Was that a person moving out there? A dark shadow flitted across the vague light filtering in through the front windows. “Michael?”

  A thud followed by a muffled curse had her up and snagging a robe. “Who’s there? I’m calling the police!”

  Her front door banged open and she heard footsteps tumbling down the stairs outside. Her pounding heart mimicked those footsteps as she crept into the living room. The door stood wide open, moonlight streaming in. She dug through her bag to find the cell phone Michael insisted on giving her. Her fingers shook so much she could barely dial. She managed to tap out 9-1-1. Breathless, she explained the situation and the dispatcher assured her a police officer was on the way. Kelly clicked the off button and dialed Michael’s cell. He answered on the first ring.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She stuttered, shocked that he’d guessed something had happened. “H-h-how did you know?” For an unsettled moment, she wondered if he’d been the one in her living room. Then she realized he was almost twice the size of the shadow she’d seen.

  “You never call me, Kelly. Not on the cell. What’s happened?”

  She could hear a muffled conversation on the other end of the line and then a door slamming. “I’m headed that way, sweetheart. Tell me what’s going on!” He sounded on edge and breathless as if he were jogging.

  “Someone was in my apartment. I’ve already called the police. I think I scared him away.”

  “God, don’t let Dickhead be listening to the radio tonight.”

  She almost laughed. Richard Heade, former classmate and co-chair of the reunion with his wife, Beth, also happened to be chief of police. And a joke to many of those who knew him best. “In that case, I’d better get some clothes on.” Michael’s growl was unmistakable. “I was in the bathtub,” she explained as she flipped on a lamp.

  “Get dressed but don’t hang up. I’ll be there in under five minutes!”

  She closed the door before she pulled on sweats and tee shirt, taking the time to put on a bra, too. She heard squealing brakes as a vehicle turned into her parents drive. She peeked out the window. Michael. She started to shake again but when he pounded up the steps and banged open the door, she rushed into his arms.

  “Shhhh, baby,” he crooned. “I’ve got you. I’m here. It’s okay. You’re safe.”

  A few moments later, a second car pulled in. A car door slammed and booted feet climbed the stairs. “Little Mike, Kelly.”

  “Web, thanks for getting here so quick.” Relieved this was an officer he knew well, Mike exhaled. Web Bond had been a high school classmate and was a good cop.

  “What happened?” Web pulled a notepad from his chest pocket, along with a pen, prepared to take notes.

  Kelly explained, and added that she’d experienced this once before right after she’d moved in. She also mentioned the occasional feelings she had of being watched.

  “Interesting. Anyone you’ve upset? Turned down for a date?”

  “Kelly?” Her mother’s voice, hesitant and tremulous called up from the driveway. “Is anything wrong? Your father’s at the Club and will be upset if he can’t get into the driveway when he comes home.”

  She sighed. After ignoring Kelly for months, her mother was only concerned about the blocked driveway and her husband’s anger. She moved out of the safety of Mike’s arms and stuck her head out the door.

  “Someone broke in, Mother. I’m sure I can file the police report before Father arrives.” She ignored the shocked look on her mother’s face and slammed the door shut to discourage any further conversation.

  Web raised an eyebrow but didn’t say a word. He checked the apartment then returned to her and Michael. “Have you thought of anyone who might be stalking you?”

  Kelly shuddered and leaned against Michael as his arm slid around the small of her back. “Stalking? I…” She blinked. “You don’t suppose this has anything to do with Geoff, do you? I’m doing everything I can to pay the investors back.” Her voice hitched and she cleared her throat. “It’s hard making minimum wage and tips, but almost half of what I make goes into the fund the court set up.”

  She missed the hard look Michael and Web exchanged over the top of her head. “Wait! I…I wonder?” The two men watched her expectantly. “When I first came home, Father had hired this weird little guy named…something. Oliver? Otis?” Her brow furrowed as she concentrated. “Oscar! That’s the name. Oscar. Father claimed he’d been getting threats because of Geoff and he hired this guy as security. Promised him the garage apartment. The jerk was furious when I arrived home and claimed it. We had a confrontation in the driveway and he…” Heat rose in her cheeks and she swallowed. “He grabbed me…in a rather personal way. Father came out and fired him.”

  She gave Web a quick description. He wrote down all the information, cautioned her to change her locks, and keep the door locked. Always. “I’ll see what we have in the files about this guy. He sounds just weird enough that we may have run into him before.” He stopped in the doorway. “If you can get his full name and information from your father, it would help.”

  Kelly blanched. She hadn’t talked to her father since the day she arrived home. “I’ll…”

  “I’ll talk to him,” Michael intervened. “And I’ll ask around the pub. I’ll call you if I hear anything, Web.”

  The two men shook hands and the officer left, but paused at the bottom of the stairs. Kelly heard only a muffled conversation between him and her mother while Michael peered at the locks and doorknob.

  “I’ll get to Home Depot and we’ll get these changed out.” He looked like he’d come to a decision of some sort and appeared quite determined. “Why don’t you move in with me?”

  She covered her mouth with her hand but not before a little gasp escaped. Michael’s expression hardened. “Look, you already spend about half your nights at my place anyway. It’s safer than here.” He eyed the couch where she slept. “And a heckava lot more comfortable. Just think about it, okay?”

  She nodded mutely, afraid to trust her voice. She wasn’t sure how she felt about his offer to move in together. If she was honest, she’d admit she was hoping for something more. Even though they’d both been burned by their first marriages, deep down, she hoped Michael would consider a new start on the rest of their lives. If she knew he was beside her, she might even be able to work the class reunion and serve her former classmates with a stoic face.

  Michael reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Tonight, at least, stay with me? You can hang out at the pub until I close and we’ll go home and snuggle.”

  Home. She stepped closer and laid her head on his shoulder. His arms circled her and he hugged her. This felt like home, standing here like this. And she was tempted to accept his offer. Her parents would be appalled but did she really care? No. They’d turned their backs on her long ago. Michael and Big Mike and Maggie stepped into the breach and helped fill the hole in her heart.

  “Tonight. Yes. Thank you.” She raised her face to look at him. “And I’ll think about the other, okay?”

  He kissed the tip of her nose. “Okay.”

  ****

  A few days later, Kelly occupied her stool at the bar. She stare
d at the basket of fish and chips in front of her, her expression morose. While Maggie wiped down the beer pulls, she kept close watch on her. “What’s wrong, Kelly?”

  “I think George is going to fire me.” The older woman arched a brow but said nothing. “You know the reunion is coming up?”

  Maggie smiled. “Derek will be home that weekend. I can’t wait to see him. And I know a lot of the kids will drop by here. It’ll be so good to see them all again, to find out what’s going on in their lives.”

  Kelly exhaled, a big puff of air escaping in a rush. “Yeah, easy for you to say.”

  The other woman patted her hand. “Kelly, I think you will discover that many of your classmates haven’t lived the life they anticipated.” She tilted her head and her expression changed from one of concern to one of surprise. “Why, Kelly, I never figured you for a snob!”

  “What? I’m…”

  “Yes, you are. You don’t want to see your classmates from the wrong side of the apron.”

  She exhaled again. “No. Yes. Maybe. I’m not embarrassed to be a waitress. Good heavens, I admire you for how hard you work, and always with a smile!”

  “But…?”

  “But not one of my former friends has contacted me since I came home.”

  “Did you call them?”

  “I…” She blinked. “Actually, I did call a couple. I left voice mails. They never called me back.” She found it harder to mask the hurt in her voice than she anticipated.

  “That’s their loss, not yours, sweetie.” Maggie patted Kelly’s hand again. “Do what you need to do, Kelly. After all, it is your happiness that is important.” She glanced through the open service window between the bar and the kitchen. “I know Big Mike would hire you in an instant.”

  She started to shake her head and then considered the idea. If she was to take Michael up on his offer of cohabitation, working at the pub made a lot of sense. Unless. So many if’s in that thought. Would familiarity breed contempt? Or would she and Michael discover a comfort level in living and working together that led their relationship to a new level?