“Hey there, kiddo. Mind if I stop over after work for a bit?”
“Um…” Val hesitated. She was not in the mood to be social.
“There’s chocolate involved,” Connie teased.
Val chuckled. Maybe she could use a visit of the Connie variety. “Okay. What time?”
“How’s four o’clock sound?”
“Good. Guess I’ll see you later, then,” Val replied.
“Ta-ta for now,” Connie chirped cheerfully.
At precisely four, Val’s doorbell rang. She opened the door to a smiling Connie, bearing an unmistakable box from the Chocolate Pizza Factory. She took the box and groaned as Connie removed her coat.
“If you bring these on all your visits, you’re invited weekly,” Val said, gazing at the confectionery masterpiece.
“Ha. I just happened to be near their store the other day and remembered the first time you and I ever tried one,” Connie said.
“Oh, yeah. You came out to the farm to see Sasha and me, and Leigh had given it to us as an early graduation gift. We ate it all in one day.”
“And got a little sick, if I recall.”
“Totally worth it,” Val said with a grin.
“Well, break that thing open. We’ll have a bite and chat,” Connie said.
Val got them each a generous piece of chocolate pizza and a bottle of water, then joined Connie at the table.
Connie savored her first bite of chocolate, toffee, and almonds, then got down to business. “So how are you doing, Val?”
“Right this second, or in general?”
Connie gave her a look, and Val smiled. “I’m all right.”
“How are the kids handling their visits?”
Val shrugged. “They seem to be okay. Lily came home last time and told me that they’d gotten Happy Meals, watched a movie, and played with Sheryl’s cat. She didn’t act upset or anything. Neither did Ian, although I don’t know how they’ll handle staying overnight. Ian likes our little bedtime routine.”
Connie just looked at Val and sipped her water, and Val could feel her tension growing under the scrutiny. She ran a hand under her hair to rub the back of her neck.
“You’re stressed and upset,” Connie said matter-of-factly.
Val rolled her eyes. “And you know this how?”
“You always rub your neck when you’re stressed and upset,” Connie replied. “So tell me, how are you really doing?”
Val knew she couldn’t hide from Connie’s apparent mind reading powers, so she didn’t bother trying. “To be honest, things just suck right now.” Connie nodded but didn’t reply, another habit that drove Val crazy, since it was usually followed by Val spilling her guts. “I know you told me not to get attached, but damn, Connie, it was impossible.”
“Yes, it can be difficult,” Connie agreed. She looked at Val with a little tilt to her head, like she was trying to figure something out. “I was just telling Paige earlier how important a good night’s rest is for one’s mental health.”
Val perked up at the mention of Paige’s name. “Um, okay, random statement.”
“Not random at all. I told her and I’ll tell you, too, because neither one of you looks like you’ve slept in days.”
Paige wasn’t sleeping either? “What did she say?”
“That she had a lot on her mind,” Connie replied. “She’s worried about you.”
The tiny surge of happiness Val felt wrestled with her deep-seated defensiveness. “What for? I’m sure she’s got plenty of better things to do than worry about me.”
Connie had a way of raising an eyebrow at a person and making them feel like they didn’t have a freaking clue. “Uh-huh,” she said. “So anyway, back to you. You aren’t sleeping, are you?”
“Not well,” Val said. She appreciated the concern in Connie’s eyes, but at the same time, it made her look away. She rolled her water bottle between her hands for a few moments as the feelings surfaced. “I’ve been having nightmares again.”
“Oh, honey,” Connie said. “Same as before?” Val nodded. “Were you having them before you got the kids?”
“Hardly at all, actually,” Val said. “I don’t get it. I really thought all that crap was behind me.”
“I’m not surprised at all. I was worried that foster parenting might trigger some things for you,” Connie said.
“Then why’d you encourage me to do it?” Val said, her voice tinged with anger.
“Because I also know how strong you are, and what you have to offer far outweighs any bad memories you might have.”
Val softened at Connie’s words. “Sorry.”
“You’ve done a great job with those kids, and they’re better for it. Maybe you bonded so strongly because of the parallels between their story and your own,” Connie said.
Val nodded. “It’s unbelievable how much Lily is like me. Our stories really are similar, except for the part where the brother and sister get to stay together.” Tears pooled, and Val finally let them go.
“And hopefully, the part where the kids are stuck in the system until they’re eighteen.”
“I know, Connie,” Val said, wiping her eyes. “It just sucks.”
“You did mention that,” Connie said sweetly, and Val smiled in spite of herself.
“Well, I’m going to get out of here and leave you to your evening. Got any plans?” Connie asked, rising from the table.
“Sasha’s supposed to come down later. Jen’s at a training, so we thought we’d hang out and binge watch Game of Thrones or something.”
“Excellent. So listen, one more thing.” Connie put on her coat, then laid her hand on Val’s shoulder. “Remember Dr. Susan Brown?”
“My old therapist?”
“She’s younger than me,” Connie teased, “and she happens to still be in practice. Her office is on Seneca Street.”
“I’m not a kid anymore, Connie. I don’t have to go talk to anyone,” Val said.
“Oh my God, there’s an age limit for therapy? There’s at least twenty adult therapists in this town alone. I don’t think they got the memo,” Connie said in a stage whisper.
“Stop,” Val said, laughing.
“It’s just a thought, Val. Now I’ve got to get home. Peter and I are going to the casino to play late-night bingo later, and this old lady needs a nap first.”
“Have fun. And Connie, thanks for coming over to check on me,” Val said.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” Connie responded with one of her rib-bruising hugs.
“Bye,” Val called, as Connie walked to her car. “You two kids behave yourselves tonight. I’ve heard stories about those crazy bingo players.”
“I have no intention of behaving myself. Life’s too short,” Connie replied, with a toss of her fiery hair. She drove off in her bright blue Mini Cooper, leaving Val shaking her head and grinning.
* * *
After four episodes, Val and Sasha decided that there were only so many hours of Game of Thrones a person could tolerate in one sitting. Val turned off the TV, stood up, and went to the kitchen. She felt restless and off-kilter without the kids. She kept wanting to peek in on them, except they weren’t there. Their nighttime routine had become such a pleasant way to end her days that she didn’t know what to do with herself now.
“Need anything?” she asked.
“Nah, I’m good,” Sasha replied. “I’m still full from dinner.”
“So, Connie stopped by today,” Val said, opening her third bottle of the Mike’s Hard Lemonade Sasha had brought and plopping back down on the couch. “Checking up on me.”
“Let me guess—her freaky sixth sense told her you were upset.”
“You’re dead-on, woman. Talking to her helped, though.” Val sipped her drink. “She suggested I go back to the therapist I used to see in high school.”
“Oh, yeah? Why?”
“I’ve been having nightmares again, like, a lot.”
“Oh, man, that bites. You used to serio
usly scare the hell out of me when you’d wake up screaming. Are they bad like that?”
“Yeah. I had one the first night the kids were here, and they’ve been happening ever since.”
Sasha whistled. “I’m sorry. Do you remember them?”
“Kind of,” Val replied. “There’s one where someone’s chasing me through a house, and they find me hiding in a closet. Sometimes it’s someone holding me down so I can’t move. I always wake up right before…well, before something happens to me.”
“Are they memories? I mean, did that stuff actually happen?” Sasha asked.
“I think maybe. Dr. Brown, the therapist, was starting to go there with me, but I quit going to see her. She was freaking me out. I mean, if my mind doesn’t want to remember stuff, there must be a reason.”
“Or maybe your dreams are trying to tell you something,” Sasha said. “Maybe if you figured them out, they’d stop.”
“I don’t know, but I’m so tired. Maybe this stuff will help me sleep tonight,” Val said, holding up her bottle.
“Temporary fix. Maybe you should give the therapy thing another try,” Sasha said.
“Maybe.”
“What time are the kids supposed to be back?”
“By noon,” Val replied, yawning.
“That’s in ten hours. Better get some sleep.”
“You want to crash in Lily’s bed?” Val asked.
“Actually, I really like this couch. All I need is a blanket.”
Val retrieved a fleece stadium blanket from her closet and brought it to Sasha. “Here you go. I put a new toothbrush on the bathroom sink for you.”
“Thanks, chica.”
“Thank you for keeping me company tonight, Sash. I really appreciate it.”
Sasha stood and gave Val a hug. “How many times have you been there when I’ve needed you? I’m happy to return the favor.” Sasha held Val at arm’s length. “You’re probably the strongest person I know, and I love you. Now go get some sleep.”
Val wiped her eyes. “Why’d you have to go and get all sappy on me? Love you, too. G’night.” Val went to her room and dropped into bed. Cuddling under the covers, she thought about how blessed she was to have Sasha and Connie in her life. Then Paige came to mind, the image of her gentle smile soothing Val’s frayed edges. Concentrating on that vision, she prayed for a few hours of sweet, dreamless oblivion.
Chapter Twenty-two
Paige looked in the rearview mirror at the children in the back seat. Ian had fallen asleep, surprisingly, as it was only ten in the morning. Lily was quiet, just staring out the window. Paige was annoyed at Sheryl Watkins, who had asked when the kids were moving in, loudly enough for Lily to hear. She knew Val hadn’t explained to them yet that they’d be moving to Sheryl’s home, and she was afraid the cat was prematurely out of the bag.
“You okay back there, Lily?”
The girl simply nodded, her gaze never wavering from the scenery speeding by outside. Not good. So not good.
An hour later, Paige pulled up to Val’s house but had to park at the curb. A dark green Jeep was in the driveway behind Val’s car. Paige was forty-five minutes earlier than she’d expected to be—what if Val was entertaining someone? A hot rush of jealousy hit Paige, taking her by surprise. Jump to conclusions much? Good God, get a grip.
As Paige was getting the kids out of the car, the front door opened and someone emerged. She let out a sigh of relief when she recognized Val’s best friend she’d met once in the club. She was tall and fit, with close-cropped hair, and a dazzling smile spread across her face when she saw the kids.
“Sasha!” Lily took off running and tackled the woman.
“Hey, Lily Pad, how are the frogs jumping?”
“You know I don’t have any frogs, goofball,” Lily replied, grinning.
Paige walked up to the door with a sleepy Ian, who was clutching Coqui.
“But Ian does. Hey, little man.” Sasha squatted down and gave the boy a gentle hug. Paige looked up to see Val in the doorway, watching the scene with a sad smile on her face. Sasha stood up and smiled at Paige, offering her hand.
“Hi. You’re Paige, right?”
Paige shook Sasha’s hand. “I am. Good to see you again.”
“You, too.” Sasha turned to Val. “Call me tomorrow, chica, or sooner if you need to.”
“Okay,” Val said. “Bye, and thanks again.” Then she bent to the kids, who had climbed the front steps, and encircled them both in a hug. “Hi, guys. Missed you.” Lily clung to her, and Val looked at Paige, a question in her eyes.
Paige nodded toward the house. “Let me just pull into the driveway. I’ll be right in.”
When she entered the house, Val was helping Ian out of his jacket. His cheeks were flushed, and he was dragging. “You feeling okay, buddy?” Ian didn’t respond. Val put her hand on his forehead, then looked up at Paige. “He feels hot.”
“Do you have a thermometer?” Paige said.
“No, I never bought one. I’m going to have to go down to the drugstore.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “Lily, we need to go back out.”
“Val, you stay with the kids. I’ll go. Be right back.”
Val’s shoulders sagged in relief. “Thank you.”
“No worries. See if you can get him to drink some water.” Paige went back out to her car and drove the two miles to the store. She picked up a digital thermometer, some children’s ibuprofen, and a large bottle of orange Gatorade. Emma always drank that when she was sick.
Back at the house, Val had Ian on the couch, propped up on pillows with a blanket tucked around him. Lily was standing nearby, her face a mask of worry. Paige put her purchases down in the kitchen, removed the thermometer’s packaging, and brought it to Val. Ian moaned when she put it in his ear.
“Holy—” Val bit back the cuss word. “It’s 103.2.”
“Oh, poor little guy,” Paige replied. “Might be the flu.” She went into the kitchen and measured out some ibuprofen. “Here, give him this. I think Urgent Care is open until five, if you want to take him. I can hang out here with Lily until you get back.”
“Paige, I’m pretty sure that’s way outside your job description.”
“I’m off the clock. Right now, I’ll just be a friend who wants to help out. Emma is at a Brownies sleepover, and I don’t need to pick her up until four.” Paige touched Val’s shoulder. “It’s fine. Go.”
“I owe you big-time,” Val said, as she bundled Ian up in the blanket.
“Where are you going, Mama?” Lily said.
“I need to take your brother to the doctor. He’s not feeling so good.”
“I want to go with you,” she whined.
“No, honey. You need to stay here with Miss Paige.”
“But I want to be with you,” Lily insisted, her voice getting louder.
“I bet you’re hungry, Lily. How about I make us some lunch?” Paige looked at Val, who nodded her approval.
Lily looked back and forth between them, then relented. “I guess. Can I have peanut butter and Fluff?” Lily said.
“Sure. Why don’t you get everything we need, and I’ll be right back.” Paige nudged Val out the door before Lily could change her mind. Outside, Val got Ian buckled in his seat and closed the car door.
“How did this fever come on so fast? Didn’t anyone notice he was sick at the visit?” Val said.
“Sheryl didn’t mention anything. Ian was quiet when I picked them up, but that’s not unusual. I did think it was strange that he was so tired at this time of day—he slept all the way back. If it’s the flu, it would make sense.”
Val blew out a breath. “Okay, well, thanks again for…being a friend.”
She looked so vulnerable that Paige couldn’t stop herself from hugging Val. She held her closely enough to smell the warm coconut scent of her hair, and long enough to feel Val tense, then relax. A muffled spate of coughing came from the back seat, and Val jumped.
“Go,” Paige said. “Be
careful, and I’ll see you soon.”
Val held her eyes for a moment, a parade of emotions crossing her face, then nodded and got in the car.
Paige watched her drive away, her feelings in a jumble. She told herself it was not unusual to do what she was doing, that she offered to stay because Val didn’t have anyone else in town to help her. A professional courtesy, that was all. And for a second there, she almost believed it.
* * *
“Where’s Emma?” Lily asked when she’d finished her sandwich.
“She’s with her Brownie troop. They had their first sleepover last night,” Paige replied.
“That sounds fun.” Lily was quiet for several moments, then said, “Can I tell you something?”
“Of course, sweetie,” Paige replied.
Lily hesitated, then blurted, “Aunt Sheryl says she wants us to live with her.”
Shit, shit, shit. Paige did not want to have this conversation without Val here.
“Um, that’s nice.”
“I thought about it, and I want to live here with Mama. Then I can join Brownies with Emma, right?”
Aw, hell. “Well, honey, I think your mom wants you to be with family, and the judge agrees.”
“What’s a judge?”
“He’s someone who helps decide where kids like you and your brother will live if they can’t be with their parents,” Paige replied, growing more nervous by the second.
Lily cocked her head to the side, as if in deep thought. After a moment, she said, “Family is people who love you, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Then we already are with family, so I’ll just tell the judge that I want to live here.”
Lily’s determined little face made Paige’s heart sink. “Well, I guess we can talk more about it later, because we need to clean up our lunch plates.” Weak deflection, Wellington. Thankfully, Lily let the topic drop and helped tidy up.
“Can I go watch TV now?” Lily said.
“Sure.” Paige sat at the kitchen table, her mind racing. How in the hell was she going to convince Lily, and how would Val handle it if she couldn’t? The last thing any of them needed was a traumatic good-bye.
Taking Chances Page 12