Déjà Vu All Over Again

by Ashantay Peters

  Chapter Eight

  “You know what? It doesn’t matter.” Sally slapped her hand over her mouth. She hadn’t meant to speak her thoughts.

  “What doesn’t matter, Sally?” Abby leaned forward on the store’s couch. “Do you mean you aren’t upset that Carlos is traveling with his father? Or will you try telling me your thoughts were somewhere else.” She smiled. “I’ve been practicing reading auras, and yours is bright and clear.”

  “I’ve created a monster.”

  Abby blew on her fingernails and polished them against her jersey top. “Yeah, great huh?”

  Sally tapped her fingers on her chair arm, glad she could see Abby’s bright halo again. “Speaking of auras, yours has changed recently. Sure you don’t have some news?”

  “If you mean the wedding date, you’ll have to wait until Carlos returns. I promised him I wouldn’t reveal our state secret without him in attendance.”

  Sally clapped her hands and moved beside Abby to give her a hug. “Finally. I’m going to be a mother-in-law.” She leaned back. “I know you two will have a long and happy life together. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

  “So, your knowledge.” Abby put air quotes around the last word. “Are you making that up, or do you know for sure?”

  “No one knows anything for sure, and arguments happen. But I’ve known from the moment we met that you and my son were destined.” She smiled. “And are grandbabies not far behind? You know that’s my biggest desire.”

  Abby smiled and wagged her finger. “Nope. Not gonna catch me.”

  Sally relaxed, willing to let her son and Abby tell her in their own time. “Enough of you trying to worm secrets out of me. What news of Carlos’s big trip? I know he calls or texts you every time he paddles around a new curve on the Colorado River.”

  “He doesn’t.” Abby blushed. “Well, only when he can get a signal.”

  “Yeah, and I’ve heard your phone pinging nonstop with new texts, which must be when they finally get through. I’m looking forward to the big photo download when they reach the hotel later this week.”

  “Me too. We’ll finally be able to Skype.” Abby grasped her elbows, a sign that she wanted to speak seriously. “You know, Sally, I haven’t stuck my nose in, but I’m curious. How is Jack’s presence affecting you? You look happy for Carlos, but aren’t you the least bit upset? Jealous? Hurt or something? I would be all of those, in spades.”

  “Dang. I shouldn’t have helped you move that ghost out of your house. Then I wouldn’t have a know-it-all as a friend and neighbor.”

  “Do you really think I won’t notice your subject change? Wimpy try, Sally, really below your standards.”

  She shook her head. “Right. Well, you know, Jack is Carlos’s business, not mine. We’re trying to get along because our son asked. We’re adults. We can handle the situation.”

  “Hmm, that tells me you still harbor some feelings for him. Yep, I knew it. Your big, showy ‘let me help you pack, son’ comments are a bunch of hooey. You’ve kept your eagle eye on the two of them since Jack showed up.”

  Carlos’s welfare had determined Sally’s guidelines for interactions with her former spouse. While Jack had been true to his word and made “friendly” calls and sent texts before and during his Grand Canyon trip, she’d reserved judgment on his motives. Neither of them had mentioned their conversations to Carlos, and she hadn’t decided why they kept their overtures toward each other a secret.

  “Yes, well, I can’t help wanting to ensure Carlos doesn’t get hurt.” She held up her hand, palm out. “I know. I can’t protect him, but he’s still my baby. You’ll know what I mean when you have children. And will that be soon?”

  “Not answering and I’d like to remind you that you pushed my buttons and made me face my fears not long ago. It’s time I returned that favor. Tell me, what the heck happened to your marriage? Jack seems like a nice guy, you’re fabulous, and I remember you telling me that your marriage was a failed dream. Why?”

  Abby was right to push, but it sure didn’t feel good. Her future daughter-in-law deserved the truth. The story could help in her marriage.

  “We didn’t trust our love,” she said. “If we had, there’s no way we could have been tricked by his father, grandfather, and a firm of underhanded attorneys. We sure as heck wouldn’t have divorced without talking it out first.”

  “You were young and foolish, right?” Abby chewed her lip, her forehead creased. “How old were you, anyway?”

  “We were both eighteen when we met at Woodstock, twenty-four when we divorced. We had more dreams than sense or money.” She crossed her legs and smoothed down her skirt, buying herself time to avoid Abby’s questions, or rather, facing her own answers.

  Abby tapped Sally’s arm. “Now you have the sense and he has the money. And you’ve both made dreams come true for yourselves. You should get together and try again.”

  Sally threw her an exasperated look. “I don’t think so.”

  “Okay, I won’t push you. Even though it’s obvious…never mind.” Abby shifted in her chair. “Have you decided about the Charlotte concert?”

  “No, um, no. I’m not sure Jack really wants me there. I think he offered as a courtesy.” That was a lie. He’d made it clear that he wanted her there. But she’d have to face old friends, the rest of the Rough Cuts, along with Mitch. Not a pleasant thought.

  Abby pulled her phone out of her bag and began tapping out a text. “Sorry, I have to get this message. Business.”

  She hadn’t heard a phone ring. Abby must have been attuned to the alert.

  Her friend shoved the phone back into her bag and swiped her palms together. “Done deal.”

  She didn’t like the satisfied gleam surrounding Abby. “What do you mean? That text wasn’t about business, unless it was funny business. What have you done?”

  Abby examined her fingers. “You made me face my fears, now it’s your turn.”

  “What. Did. You. Do?” She was pleased to note her tone sounded clipped, not upset.

  “Don’t flip out. You can handle this.”

  “Tell me.”

  “Carlos has received a text saying you’ll be attending the Charlotte gig.” Abby stood. “No more games, Sally. Heal or not, up to you. But Carlos and I won’t stand by and watch regret cut you up into slivers. The grandchildren you crave deserve emotionally whole grandparents.”

  Abby was right, and she’d needed a push. “Fine thing, trying to manipulate me with grandchildren. Shame on you.”

  Abby shrugged. “Hey, we learned from the best, remember?”

  As they stood at the doorway to Good Vibes, she voiced a nagging question. “You didn’t type very much. How will Carlos understand your message?”

  She smirked. “Thinking you’ll get out of the trip with us? No way. We agreed on a catch phrase before he left.”

  Sally raised her eyebrows. “And?”

  “The die is cast.”

  Great. They’d chosen the words attributed to Julius Caesar before his actions began a civil war.

  “Fine. You’ve left me no option but to gird my loins and cross the Rubicon.”

  “I know.”

  Chapter Nine

  Days later, Sally looked up when her store bell rang. “Carlos! I’m glad you’re back.”

  “Me, too.”

  She scolded herself for feeling relief that his trip might not have been perfect. Glee replaced her shame. “What happened? Abby said you were enjoying yourself.”

  “I did. Jack was a great companion. He made sure our accommodations were top notch, and with kids back in school, the crowds weren’t too heavy.”

  “Oh, I see. Silly me. You missed Abby, of course.”

  “Angling for a compliment, Mom?” He pulled her into a hug. “Yes, I missed you, too. Traveling first class is a blast, but my two favorite women weren’t there to make the experience perfect.”

  She pulled away with a light swat at his chest. “Don’t worry. I did
n’t replace you while you were gone. You’re still my favorite son.”

  “Good to know, favorite mom.”

  “Would you like dinner at my house tonight, or are you too tired?”

  “That’s why I stopped by. Abby finished her commission and we’re celebrating. Come over at six for drinks.”

  “I’m glad you two finally combined households. I like having you next door.”

  “You can stop worrying. Abby takes good care of me.”

  She shook her head. “You’re joking, right? Did you learn nothing during those years teaching psych? Mothers cornered the market on worrying centuries ago.” She patted his cheek. “I hope Abby will discover that fact for herself one day, soon.”

  “Yeah, well, first things first. You promise you’ll come for dinner?”

  She sensed his excitement. “Should I bring champagne? Dessert?”

  “No, we have everything under control. Six o’clock. Don’t be late.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  “Good.” He hugged her again and headed for the door. His hand on the doorknob, he turned. “By the way, Jack will be there, too.” Carlos wrenched open the door and hurried out, throwing final words over his shoulder. “See you at six.”

  The door fell shut. Sally’s jaw remained dropped. Her son had become devious over the years, and she had only herself to blame.

  While she felt more comfortable with Jack after their conversations, she hadn’t seen him since their dinner at Celeste’s. When he’d laid a goodnight kiss on her that made her shiver remembering it, she’d told herself the wine was to blame, even though she’d stopped drinking in preparation to drive. Wasn’t her fault her bones melted. That had been a side effect of Jack’s magnetism. He’d always had that effect, and now that she understood her susceptibility, she’d make sure not to get caught again.

  But oh, she couldn’t deny the thought left her feeling empty.

  ****

  Jack pulled up to the curb and turned off the car. He eyed the bouquet he’d picked up in Stratton. He should have gone with a smaller bunch. The damn thing all but took up the entire passenger seat. He’d had to seat belt the vase in to keep it standing upright. He hoped Abby wouldn’t think he tried to buy her off. He had so many years to make up for, and some emotions he still found difficult to voice.

  He adjusted his ball cap and sunglasses then eased out of the car. Wrestling with the flower arrangement, he headed for the front door, more nervous than expected. Although he and Carlos had made significant inroads on their trip together, this was his first visit to his son and Abby’s home.

  As he started up the drive, he noticed Sally exiting her front door. She didn’t seem to notice him. Unless he slowed down, they’d arrive together. He maintained his pace.

  They met at the bottom of the stairs.

  “Sally.”

  “Jack.”

  “After you.”

  She nodded.

  Shit. Why did he even bother calling her? She seemed determined to keep him at arm’s length. Her friendly attitude during their regular conversations drove him crazy. She’d finally agreed to another dinner after turning down a meal before the Arizona trip.

  Would building trust always be so difficult? Was it even possible?

  Her hand trembled when she gripped the railing. That’s why he kept trying. Because whenever he lost hope that they’d ever move past the friend stage, some small tell would let him know she wasn’t as calm as she appeared. He merely needed patience and a chance to kiss her again. He knew he’d pressed her buttons when he’d last laid one on her.

  Feeling better, he whistled under his breath and followed her to the door. He shifted the flowers to one arm and with Sally, simultaneously raised a fist to knock. They exchanged glances and smiles as Abby appeared in the entrance. The dogs, Bunny and Henry, slid to a stop against Abby’s legs.

  “Welcome. Glad you both could make it.”

  Her emphasis on the word “both” left no doubt as to what Carlos and Abby desired.

  “Oh, I love the flowers. They are for me, right?”

  Yep, no flies grew on her. “They are.” He hefted the vase and passed it to her.

  “I’ve got the perfect place for these.” She held the door open with her hip. “Come in. Carlos is checking the oven. He’ll be right out.”

  The dogs demanded attention until Carlos appeared. Then they turned and led the way into the living room. Jack settled across from the fireplace, the dogs at his feet. A small fire burned. Sally disappeared into another room, presumably the kitchen.

  “Nice home you’ve created.”

  “It’s Abby’s, well, now ours,” Carlos said. “You should have seen it before she worked her magic. What a wreck.” He rested one ankle on his knee. “Did most of the work herself. The paintings in here are hers, too. Wait until you see what she’s done with the kitchen. She’s amazing.”

  “Yeah, I think you mentioned that once or oh, about one hundred times. Every day we were away.” He studied the artwork. “Strong lines, good use of color. I get why you brag.”

  Carlos grinned. “Bad habit, I guess.”

  “Nah, I’m glad you found your special woman. Don’t let her go, son.”

  He shook his head. “I waited too long to find her. She’s not getting away.”

  “Who’s not getting away?” Abby strode in carrying a platter of hors d’oeuvres. She set the plate on the table and bent to kiss Carlos. Henry sat politely off to the side, waiting for people error. “You’d better be talking about me.”

  Carlos pulled her down beside him on the couch. “You bet I am. Don’t even think about leaving. Well, except for putting dinner on the table. I’m okay with that.”

  “You’d better be, because you’re helping.”

  “You’re in command.”

  Jack wasn’t blind to the heat between them. Yep, his son had the moves, and the right woman. Now it was time for the old man to score. He’d wanted to come to terms with Sally so he could move on and look for a new woman. He rubbed his jaw. Since they began talking again, he’d been deluged with memories of the good times. The physical attraction hadn’t disappeared, either, though he wasn’t sure she felt the magnetism as much as he did. Could be he hadn’t thought his future plans through. Could be Sally was his answer.

  Time would tell.

  ****

  Sally took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves, but the extra oxygen didn’t help. The glasses on the drink tray she held rattled. She returned the tray to the kitchen counter and sipped wine, concentrating on steadying her emotions. Henry had followed Abby and the food tray to the living room, but Bunny sat at her feet in silent support.

  “Bunny, I hadn’t expected to meet Jack at the door.”

  The small apricot-colored poodle mix tilted her head. Her liquid brown eyes seemed to understand Sally’s words.

  “You get it, don’t you, sweet pup? We almost looked like a couple walking in together.” She took a deep breath. “So what if we’ve had dinner together and talk on the phone. We’re not a couple. Can’t be. Crap. I never should have agreed to dinner at his house tomorrow night.”

  Bunny moved closer, sitting on Sally’s shoe.

  “I gotta tell you, cutie pie, I don’t like this family night stuff. Carlos may get his hopes up, and then what?”

  The dog sneezed then shook out her fur.

  “You’re right. It’s not his hopes that may be destroyed. I’m lying. Again. Thanks for listening.”

  She grabbed the tray, pasted a smile to her face, and sailed out with Bunny to join the others. “Here we go. White wine and beer coming right up.” She set the tray on the table rather than serving each person, not wanting to stretch her nerves any further.

  She claimed an overstuffed chair sited as far from Jack as possible. Making nice for dinner was one thing, sitting close to him under the regard of discerning eyes another. “Here’s to Abby’s completed job,” she said.

  After exchanging
the toasts, silence fell.

  Carlos and Abby exchanged glances. Abby nodded and he cleared his throat.

  “Celebrating Abby’s job isn’t the real reason we asked you here. Well, it is, but we have another aim for having you to dinner.” Carlos looked between Jack and Sally. “We’d promised we’d tell you first, so that’s why you’re both here.”

  He placed his beer on the table.

  The wedding date? Finally. “So? We aren’t getting any younger,” Sally said.

  “Spit it out,” Jack said at the same time.

  “Abby finally agreed to set a date.”

  Abby blushed. “He makes it sound as if I was dragging my feet. We only met in June.”

  Jack and Sally spoke together. “You know when it’s right.” Jack glanced at her. She looked away from him and toward Abby.

  “I’m excited for you,” she said. “What date did you choose? Soon, but not too soon, I hope. Plans. We have to make plans.”

  Carlos held up his hand like a traffic cop. “Before you go all Momzilla on me, you need to hear what we’d like from you.” He looked to Jack. “You, too.”

  Her heart stuttered. She had a bad feeling.

  “The wedding will be private. Abby, me and immediate family. This is our ceremony, and we don’t want a circus.” He put his arm around Abby, pulling her close. “That said we want you two to stand up for us. We want you at our sides, not watching from a distance.” The couple exchanged glances. “It would mean the world to us if you’d both agree.”

  Dear Goddess. Could tonight hold any more emotional hits? Sally smoothed away tears, took a deep breath and spoke, her voice high and reedy to her ears. “You bet I’ll be your witness.” She stood and moved to the couch, her need to hug the couple overwhelming. “Thank you for asking.”

  Jack had stood with her. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” His voice had broken on the last words.

  She reached for her wine and gulped. She’d been trying to keep an emotional distance from Jack so they’d have the opportunity to become friends. Otherwise, they’d jump into bed as they had when they met. And the future would replicate the past. If Carlos and Abby knew about the on-going contact between her and Jack, their curiosity would have no bounds. Now they’d be thrown together on a regular basis. Ai-yi-yi.