Chapter Twenty-three
Paige was having a hell of a time getting her head into work mode Monday morning. She stared at her calendar, wishing that her entire afternoon would not have to be spent in court. She had a ton to do at her desk. And none of it is going away if you don’t start. Deciding that she needed just one more excuse to ignore her paperwork for a while longer, she picked up the phone and called Val.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Val, it’s Paige. Just calling to check in on Ian. Did the Tamiflu work?”
“Yeah. His fever’s down below a hundred, and he actually wanted to get up and play this morning.”
Val’s voice sounded gravelly and exhausted. “That’s good news. Hey, are you okay? You’re not getting sick, too, are you?”
“Nah, just tired. Haven’t been sleeping well.”
Val didn’t offer more, and Paige didn’t press. Of course Val wasn’t sleeping. This whole situation with the kids was hitting her hard. Worrying about Val—hell, just thinking about Val—was what kept Paige up at night. “Will Ian go back to school tomorrow?”
“Hopefully.”
“Okay, well, let me know if you need anything,” Paige said.
“Will do. Thanks.”
“Bye,” Paige said, but Val had already disconnected.
Val hadn’t just sounded tired. Her voice seemed flat, dull, defeated. And she couldn’t do a damn thing to take away her pain. Knowing this train of thought would likely derail her whole day, Paige tried to shake the concern about Val from her head by attacking her email. The fifth one down made her stomach drop—it was from Sheryl Watkins. She hesitated, then clicked to open it.
Ms. Wellington,
My husband is going on a business trip next week, and I thought that would be the perfect time to get the children moved in and settled. I’d like them on Monday. Please confirm that this is doable.
Sheryl Watkins
Paige sighed. This was exactly the outcome that she hoped for in all her cases. She should be happy, but instead, her chest felt heavy with discontent. Connie’s voice rang out in laughter down the hall, and Paige jumped up to intercept her.
“Morning, Connie,” she greeted.
“Paige, hi. You have to come to the break room. Joe brought Krispy Kremes.” Paige smiled and followed Connie to where Joe was laying out three boxes of the doughnuts and a stack of napkins.
“Joe, I’d marry you if I didn’t think Charlie would kick my ass,” Connie gushed, eying the doughnuts with pastry lust.
Joe laughed. “Doughnuts do not make a marriage, sweetheart.”
Connie rolled her eyes. “Don’t I know it. Still, I’d give it a go.”
“Tell you what. Whenever you need a Krispy Kreme fix, just let me know. No commitment required.”
“You’re on, big guy.” Joe laughed again, high-fived Connie’s upraised hand, and left.
“You two are a riot, you know,” Paige said, grinning.
“Well, somebody’s got to be the comic relief around here. So, what’s eating at you this morning?” Connie selected a chocolate glazed and sat down at the table.
“How do you know something’s eating at me?” Paige said. Connie just leveled her with a look that said, Girl, please. Paige rolled her eyes and sat down. “Right. It’s your superpower.”
“So?” Connie said through a mouthful of doughnut.
“I received an email from Sheryl Watkins. She wants Lily and Ian to move in on Monday.”
Connie nodded. “Have they had their overnight visit?”
“Yes, this past weekend. When I brought them back, I ended up staying at Val’s for a while.” At Connie’s raised eyebrow, she hurried to explain. “Ian had spiked a high fever, so I stayed with Lily while Val took him to Urgent Care. Poor little man had the flu.”
“Oh, no. Nasty strain of it this year,” Connie said.
“So I’ve heard. He’s better now, but anyway, Lily told me something that’s got me concerned. She said Mrs. Watkins told the kids she wanted them to come live with her.”
“And?”
“Lily has made up her mind that she wants to stay with Val. I explained that her mother wanted them to be with family, and she said, Family is people who love you, so I’ll tell the judge I want to stay here.”
“Hmm,” Connie replied, her brow furrowed. “She’s a smart one, that Lily. Did you tell Val?”
Paige felt her face flush with embarrassment. “No. She was so caught up in caring for Ian, I didn’t want to lay that on her, too.”
Connie nodded. “This may be a tough transition.”
“Val’s already upset about losing the kids. If it’s a difficult separation, I’m worried about how she’ll react.”
“Unfortunately, this falls under the lousy category of our job, but my experience tells me that they’ll adjust. You have to be careful that you don’t get too emotionally involved, Paige.”
That fucking ship had sailed. “I know. It’s just—”
“Hard. I get it. Listen, honey, I know you care about Val. As cold as this may sound, you just have to do your job. I’ll make sure Val’s okay.” Connie’s kind eyes softened the words.
Paige fought the sudden sting of tears. “Right. Okay. I’ve got court all afternoon, so I’ll talk to Val tomorrow.”
“Good plan.” Connie stood and threw away her napkin. As she headed to the door, she turned. “Listen, kiddo—I won’t say this gets easier, but you will get better at dealing with it.”
Paige shrugged. “Huh. Wish I had your confidence.”
“You’ve got a big heart, which is a blessing and a curse in this business. The trick is to try and keep everything in perspective,” Connie said.
“I’ll work on it,” Paige replied.
“I know.” Connie left and shut the door behind her.
Paige sat alone, staring at the table. For a second, she seriously considered putting herself into a Krispy Kreme coma, but thankfully, the impulse to stuff her face with sugar passed. With a shake of her head, Paige stood. Come on, Wellington. You’ve got work to do.
* * *
There was no answer when Paige called Val’s cell the next morning. Figuring she’d gone back to work, she dialed the library and was transferred to her number.
“Children’s section, Linda speaking. May I help you?”
“Hi, Linda. This is Paige Wellington from the county foster care unit. May I speak to Valerie?”
“Oh, sorry. Val isn’t working today. Is there something I can help you with?”
“No, thanks. I need to speak with her. I tried her cell but she didn’t answer,” Paige said.
“Actually,” Linda said, her voice dropping conspiratorially, “she texted me early this morning and said she was calling in sick. She’s never done that once since I’ve known her.”
“I see. Thank you. I’ll try her cell again in a little bit.”
Paige did try twice more, with no luck. By lunchtime, she was worried. “Janet, I’m going out for lunch, if anyone is looking for me,” she called to the receptionist as she left the office. She drove over to Val’s house, her stomach in knots.
Val’s car was in the driveway. Paige knocked on the front door once, then again. No answer. She knocked a third time, long and loud. Finally, she heard the lock click. The door opened slowly, and Paige gasped.
Val looked like a ghost. Her normally glossy hair hung lifelessly, and her skin was gray. She stood unsteadily in old sweats and a T-shirt, her arms crossed as she shivered. She could barely open her eyes, and Paige could feel the heat pouring off her as she grasped her upper arm.
“Oh my God, Val. You don’t look so good.”
“Must be why I feel like roadkill,” Val rasped.
Paige sprang into action. She got Val to the couch, where it appeared she’d already been lying. Looking around, she spotted the thermometer on the kitchen counter.
“Here, let me take your temperature,” Paige said. She read the screen, eyes widening in shock. �
��Val, you have a very high fever. It says 104.5. I need to get you to the emergency room.”
“No,” Val protested weakly, “just need to rest. Gotta be here for the kids.” Just those few words had her gasping for breath.
Paige hesitated, then nodded. “Okay, plan B. We need to get your fever down.” She went to the kitchen and rummaged around until she found some dish towels. Then she opened the freezer and pulled out the ice tray. She ran the towels under cold water, squeezed out the excess, and hurried over to Val. “Val, I need to lift up your shirt. Actually, taking it off would be better. Can you sit up?”
Val moaned but managed to push herself up a couple of inches. Paige grasped her T-shirt from the back and slipped it up over her head, alarmed at how hot Val’s skin felt. She took one of the cold towels and laid it across Val’s back, then eased her back down. She covered her chest with another towel and folded a third over Val’s forehead.
“Cold,” Val murmured, her eyes closed.
“I know, honey, but we’ve got to lower your temperature. Do you have a hammer?”
Val opened one eye. “Gonna put me out of my misery?”
Paige laughed. “No, I’m going to make some ice chips for you to suck on.”
“Oh. Toolbox is in the laundry room cupboard.”
Val retrieved the tool, put the ice cubes in a plastic bag, and gave them a few good whacks. She brought the pieces to Val.
“Here, open up.” Val parted her dry lips and Paige slipped the ice onto her tongue.
“Mmm.” After a moment, Val opened her mouth for another piece, like a baby bird waiting to be fed. Paige smiled and complied, giving Val a few more.
Paige touched the towel where it lay already warm on Val’s belly. “I need to change the towels. Hang on, okay?” She got them cold again and reapplied them to Val’s skin. Val murmured something, too low for Paige to hear. She leaned close. “What was that?”
“This isn’t the way I pictured you getting me naked.”
Paige felt her cheeks flame as she looked at Val in surprise. Val’s eyes were still closed, but the ghost of a smile played on her parched lips. It’s the fever. She’s delusional. Still, Paige couldn’t resist putting her hand gently on Val’s cheek.
“Just rest.” She pulled out her phone, went to the kitchen, and called Connie.
“Hello?”
“Connie, it’s Paige. Val’s really sick and I’m trying to get her fever down. I need to stay, because the kids—”
“Whoa, slow down. You’re at Val’s place?”
“Yes. She didn’t answer her phone so I went to check on her. She has a really high fever and shortness of breath.”
“Okay. Where are the kids?”
“Still at school. That’s why I’m calling. Could you pick them up, and Emma, too? They get out at three.” Paige took a deep breath, trying to slow her racing heart.
“I can do that. Am I on the approved pickup list?” Connie asked calmly.
“I’ll call and give permission for you to get them. I need to stay with Val. She doesn’t have anyone else to help her.” Paige’s voice broke, and she tried to cover it by clearing her throat.
“Relax, Paige. Everything will be fine. I’ll let folks know you’ll be out the rest of the day. Just focus on Val.”
Paige let out a sigh of relief. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ll call you once I’ve gotten the kids. I can bring them to my place for tonight if necessary,” Connie said. “You all right?”
“Yes. Val just looked so awful. She could barely walk.” Paige shivered at the memory. “I’m just worried about her.”
“She’s lucky you have that big heart and thought to check on her. You’re a good woman, Paige.”
“Thanks, Connie.” Paige’s eyes filled at the kind words.
“Talk to you later, kiddo.”
Paige called the school to arrange for Connie to pick up the kids, then went back to check on Val. She appeared to be sleeping. Paige touched her arm, the skin clammy but not as hot. Val shifted a little but didn’t awaken as she gently took her temperature: 102.8. Thank God.
Paige looked around for a blanket. She checked the living room and laundry area, to no avail. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, but also curious, she entered Val’s bedroom and turned on the light. Standing in Val’s private space, Paige immediately felt like an intruder, yet the faint lingering scent of coconut drew her in. The room was simply decorated in beiges and browns, the only furniture a rumpled bed, a small dresser, a bookshelf, and an upholstered chair.
Paige approached the bookshelf, where several items caught her eye. On top, a bud vase held an artificial red rose and a small Puerto Rican flag on a wooden stick. A white knitted lace doily lay beneath a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and a small glass containing a blue votive candle. The shelves below were crammed with books of all types.
Paige turned to the dresser. On its surface were two picture frames, one holding a picture of Val and her friend Sasha, and the other a worn, faded photo of a dark-haired girl and a tiny old woman. Next to the pictures lay the eagle necklace that Val always wore. On impulse, Paige picked it up and ran a finger over the intricate details. The silver felt warm, as if it had its own energy. Strength. Val was strong and she’d get through all this. Feeling an inexplicable sense of peace, Paige set down the necklace and looked to her left. Neatly folded on the back of the chair was a fleece blanket.
Out in the living room, Paige was relieved to see that Val’s skin had lost a little of its previous pallor, but she still looked tired. And vulnerable. And beautiful.
She went to the couch and lightly touched Val’s arm. Val inhaled sharply and opened her eyes. It seemed to take a moment for her to focus on Paige, but when she did, she smiled.
“Hey you,” Paige said.
“Hey,” Val whispered.
“How you feeling?”
“Like a train hit me.”
Paige laughed. “I’m sure. Your fever’s down some, but I need to get some ibuprofen into you. Think you could swallow a couple of pills?”
Val nodded. Paige gave her the meds, then removed the damp towels and tucked the blanket around her shoulders. Val settled back with a sigh and closed her eyes. A moment later, her eyes flew open and she sat up, the blanket falling from her bare chest.
“The kids?” she said, her voice panicked.
Paige gently pressed Val back down and covered her again. “With Connie right now. If you want, I can bring Lily and Ian back home and stay here with them tonight. Emma can stay at Connie’s.”
“You’d do that?”
“Of course.”
“That would be good. Thank you.” As Val looked at Paige, her dark eyes filled with tears.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Paige leaned closer, gently stroking Val’s arm.
“You took care of me,” Val said, her voice breaking.
“Well, yeah, silly. I couldn’t just leave you like that. You could barely move.”
“I know, but if you hadn’t checked on me, the kids would’ve come home and I…” Val’s tears spilled down her cheeks.
“It’s okay. They’re fine, you’ll be fine. Everything worked out.” Paige smiled, then, unable to stop herself, she reached to brush a strand of hair from Val’s forehead.
Val captured her hand in hers and held it. “Just…thank you.”
Paige stilled. The emotion passing between them was so palpable, she dared not move lest it disappear.
“You’re welcome.” Paige held her gaze for several moments, her own eyes growing moist. Swallowing hard, she lowered their joined hands to the blanket and gently removed hers. “Rest now, sweetie.”
“Okay.” Val’s eyelids had grown heavy.
Paige stood looking at her for several more moments, her heart full. Val had needed her, and she’d been there. Paige realized in that moment that she wanted to be there for so much more.
Chapter Twenty-four
Paige had made an epic attempt on Tuesday
to postpone the inevitable, but Sheryl Watkins had insisted on her timeline for the move. Val was still home recuperating, but Paige couldn’t put off the news any longer. Late on Wednesday morning, she drove to Val’s house, feeling like an elephant had taken up residence on her chest.
She knocked on Val’s door and was pleasantly surprised that it opened quickly. Val looked a million times better. Her hair shone, soft and clean looking, and her gorgeous skin was returning to its usual glow. She was dressed simply in a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved Syracuse University T-shirt, but she managed to make even that look amazing. Paige’s heart skipped a beat when Val smiled in greeting.
“Hey there. What brings you by?” Val said, motioning Paige inside.
“Just wanted to check on the patient, make sure she’s drinking her fluids and eating chicken soup and stuff.”
Val laughed. “The patient is following all prescribed protocols.”
“Good.” Paige took the offered seat on the couch. “You look a lot better.”
“Thanks. I’m still tired, but I couldn’t stand it any longer. I had to get up and clean. I even opened up all the windows and sprayed Lysol on everything I’d ever touched. Sorry, it’s still kind of cold in here.”
“It’s fine.” Paige sat quietly, biting her lip. She felt Val’s eyes on her, but couldn’t meet her gaze. After a few moments, Val sat beside her.
“This isn’t just a social call, is it?” Val stated quietly.
Oh, for God’s sake, Paige, just spit it out. She took a deep breath and forced herself to look at Val. “I have a confirmed moving date for the kids.”
Val’s eyes widened for a brief moment, then her shoulders slumped as a look of resignation settled on her face. “I knew it. When?”
“Monday.”
“Damn, that’s not much time.” Val stood abruptly. Paige heard her go to the kitchen and open the fridge. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Whiskey, neat?” Paige replied sardonically.
Val snorted. “I was thinking more along the lines of bottled water.”
Taking Chances Page 13