Relentless: Three Novels

by Lindsey Stiles

  Chapter Seven

  I was surprised that I hadn’t awakened Trenton, but Buck yipped softly at my disturbance and then settled down again. I stood in the living room for a while, not sure what to do next.

  I decided to call Ray. I didn’t care if it was late. I had had just about enough of this nonsense. This scary nonsense. I needed answers!

  His phone rang a few times and went to his voicemail. I left him a message begging him to call me as soon as possible.

  I decided I was going to sleep with Trenton, to make sure he was safe. I climbed into his twin bed with the puppy between us and remained awake the rest of the night. When he awoke, he asked me how come I was sleeping with him. I told him my bed wasn’t comfortable. He gave me a strange look and said, “Mommy, you’ve seen them, too, haven’t you?”

  My heart dropped. “You have seen the little boy and his mommy?”

  He nodded sleepily and reached over the dog for my hand. I held it in mine. He was so small, so sweet. I was so glad to be near him tonight.

  “When have you seen them?” I asked.

  “All the time. I told you about the little boy and playing with the toys together.” I searched my mind and remembered him telling me about a little boy in his room the night we moved in. I had just brushed it off, thinking he had an imaginary friend. “Trenton, do they talk to you?”

  “The little boy just tells me that his mommy is sad. He’s my friend, though. He likes to play with my trucks and watch kid movies with me in my room. He sits right next to me on the bed. Even Buck sniffs him. He’s a good boy, Mommy.”

  I stared at my son, not sure what to say next. I decided to get up and make breakfast for the two of us, before school. A nice big country breakfast from that great kitchen in our cottage.

  *

  Much later, in the math hour just before lunchtime, I asked, “Can anyone tell me the square root of 64?” Millie Hendricks raised her hand. “Yes, Millie?”

  “That would be 8.”

  “Great job. Here’s another question. What is the square root of 81?”

  Millie raised her hand again, wiggled it and smiled. She loved to participate.

  “Anyone else besides Millie?” I asked. I looked across the classroom and noticed two students giggling in the back. “Jordan, how about you? Do you know the square root of 81?”

  Jordan blushed and said nothing.

  “Maybe you should be paying attention then. You’ll need to know this stuff for the pop quiz.”

  Jordan nodded his head.

  “Okay, Millie? What is the square root of 81?”

  “Nine,” replied Millie. She was my best student. She could have taught the class. Too bad I couldn’t let her.

  The bell rang and I excused my class for lunch. As soon as the students cleared out of the room, I picked up my cell phone. I saw that I had no missed calls. This upset me, because it was a quarter after noon and I had left Ray a message last night, and still had heard nothing back from him. I called his number again. This time, he answered.

  “Hello, Ray. It’s Jodie.”

  “I just finished mowing your lawn and was just about to call you,” he said.

  “Thanks for doing that and I’m sure you were. Listen, I’m having some problems with the cottage.”

  “What kind of problems?”

  I sighed. “There are ghosts, Ray.”

  “I know that. I told you all about it before you moved in. You said it wasn’t a problem because you didn’t believe in that kind of thing.”

  “I thought you were kidding!”

  “No, you didn’t. You knew I was serious. You just wanted a cheap place to live.”

  I began to get angry. “Ray, come on! It’s haunted. Even my friend Liz saw them.”

  “Well, as you see, I was serious.”

  “Who are these ghosts?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never seen them myself. My brother lived here for a while, but he died. Maybe it’s him.”

  “I don’t think so. The ghosts I’ve seen are of a woman and a little boy.”

  “Really?” Ray became silent. “Listen, Jodie, I have to go.”

  “Wait. Please, Ray! I need your help!”

  Ray hung up on me.

  I went over the conversation in my head. The only thing I could come up with that he was surprised that it was a woman and child haunting the house, but why? I was deep in thought and almost didn’t hear the vibration of my cell phone on the desk. I saw the caller ID flashing “Elizabeth” across the screen.

  I answered the phone. “Hello.”

  “Hey, you’re on lunch right?” asked Elizabeth.

  “Yeah, I just got started, Liz.”

  “Good, that’s what I thought. I didn’t want to disturb the class.”

  “They went to the lunchroom. What’s up?”

  “Well, I was wondering if you wanted to go out tonight?”

  “Go out?” The idea made me laugh. “I can’t remember the last time I went out.”

  “All the more reason for you to join me.”

  “Where do you want to go?”

  “There’s a new bar and grill that just opened up on Town Center Street. There’s a live band that plays on Friday and Saturday. I figured it would be fun to get out, maybe meet some men.”

  That really made me laugh. “Men? I don’t know, Elizabeth. It’s been so long. I don’t even have anyone to watch Trenton. And it hasn’t really been on my mind to meet anyone new. I still have the tan lines on my ring finger. To me, that means it is too soon after my divorce.”

  “Come on,” she pleaded with me. “My mom is coming over to watch Missy tonight, and she could watch Trenton, too.”

  “I’m sure your mom doesn’t want to watch my kid, too. You shouldn’t volunteer her services without asking her.”

  “Actually, she does want to watch them both. I spoke to her this morning. She said she would be more than happy to watch Trenton, too. He would keep Missy company, so my mom wouldn’t have to entertain her. The kids can play and she can catch up on The Bachelor on the DVR.”

  “I’ll have to think about it. I really don’t want to have to pick up Trenton so late from your house.”

  “He can spend the night. It’s not a problem. The kids will love it. They love sleepovers. Just bring Trenton’s sleeping bag.”

  “Oh, gosh. Can I just say I would like to go for the food and your company? And leave the men part out of it?”

  “Yes, Jodie! Now you don’t have any excuses. Be at my house at 7 p.m. tonight.”

  I debated in my head for a moment. What was the harm anyway? It would be good for me to get out and have some fun, and Trenton always loved playing with Missy.

  “Okay,” I finally said. “I’ll be the designated driver.”

  “Duh, girlfriend! You always are.”

  I laughed. “Great, see you then at your place.”

  I hung up my cell phone and wondered if I was going to regret this.

  *

  Trenton and I arrived at Elizabeth’s house a little after 7 p.m. Trenton was sporting his Iron Man pajamas and a pair of red slippers I had picked up at the local Walmart for a buck.

  Missy was waiting on the doorstep as we walked up the steps. “Trenton, Trenton, guess what? My mom bought me a new Barbie today. Do you want to play?”

  Trenton looked at his mother like he was going to puke. “I don’t like Barbies. I’m a boy. And I’m gonna get you. Rrrrr!” Trenton growled and chased Missy into her bedroom as she screamed with delight.

  “You can play with my G.I. Joe,” Missy offered.

  “Cool. Get out the Barbie Jeep, too.”

  “Yay!” Missy said.

  “Hi, Jill,” I said to Elizabeth’s mom, who was making popcorn and pouring apple juice for the kids.

  “Hi, Jodie. How you doing?”

  “I’m good,” I lied. The less people who knew I was slowly going crazy, the better. “How are you?”

  “The same. Good, but going bonk
ers.”

  “Sheesh. I can’t put anything past you, can I?” I said to Jill.

  “Not much.”

  I walked past her to the bathroom, where I could see Elizabeth primping in the mirror and dancing in front of it with the curling iron and a special heat-styling glove on one hand. She was singing a Michael Jackson song, Thriller, and doing a little moon walk dance.

  “Getting your groove on?” I asked her.

  “Yes, ma’am!”

  Trenton and Missy were already laughing as they ran past, chasing each other and squealing.

  “See? The kids are already having a blast,” Elizabeth said, coming out of the bathroom in black skinny jeans and a fake military jacket with lots of brass buttons. She had it undone and had a red silk tank top under it. She looked amazing. Her long blonde hair was curled around her face and her makeup looked as if it had been done professionally.

  “You look beautiful, Liz. Trendy, too.”

  “Thank you. You look beautiful, too.”

  I hadn’t really done much with myself. I had thrown my auburn hair up in a twist on top of my head. I was wearing very little makeup. “Liar. I’m a hot mess. I should be on What Not to Wear.”

  “No, you’re not a hot mess. But…do you want to borrow an outfit?”

  I smiled. “No, my high-waisted mom jeans and beige sweater will have to do.”

  “All right. I’m going to call your outfit classic casual. But let me help you otherwise. Sit down here, darling, and let me uncover the swan hiding in you.”

  I felt myself blush.

  Elizabeth motioned for Jodie to sit on the closed toilet seat.

  “You always were good at those slumber party makeovers in high school.”

  “I may be a florist, but my dream is someday to be a makeup artist and stylist to movie stars.”

  “I didn’t know that, Liz.”

  “Well, now you know. Sometimes the family business—which in my case happens to be mostly funeral flowers—isn’t your passion, but someday, I swear, I am going to do it, go to Hollywood and try and make it.”

  “Cool,” I said.

  “For now, you’re my guinea pig, so sit here and we shall get your full-on pretty in gear. Sit!”

  I obeyed and sat down, grinning. Elizabeth undid my twist and my hair fell to the tops of my shoulders. She took a brush and stroked my hair a few times before grabbing the curling iron she had on the sink. Within a few minutes, my hair looked as good as Elizabeth’s.

  “How is that me in the mirror?” I asked, looking at my reflection. “I look like an auburn-haired Farrah Fawcett. I didn’t even know my hair could do that.”

  “I guess you like it?”

  I stood up and checked myself out in the mirror. “I love it, but now my hair is the only thing that looks great.” I sighed a little.

  “Oh, we are not even close to being done yet!” Elizabeth smiled at me. “Now let’s do something with that makeup.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “A smoky eye makeup for evening. And red lipstick. You gorgeous thing you.”

  “See why I like you?” I said, blushing. “You get me all pumped up and confident. I am going to go out there and get crazy tonight.”

  “You mean you might even order an appetizer before dinner?” she teased.

  We both laughed. It felt good to have her for my friend. This was the Elizabeth I knew and loved.

  Chapter Eight

  When we arrived at Gilbert’s Bar and Grill, the restaurant was packed. Elizabeth put our names on the waiting list. The young hostess told us it would be a 45-minute wait. We decided to take a seat at the bar to wait. It had been a while since I had been at a bar of any kind, though this looked to be more about food than drinking. Everyone was looking at Liz. Well, maybe both of us. But mostly her. She was a knockout but not stuck up about it. It was one of the many reasons I enjoyed her company.

  A young man in his mid-twenties covered in tattoos approached us for our order. I wasn’t a real big drinker, and didn’t like the feeling of a hangover the next morning. Plus, I was always the designated driver. I usually stuck to drinking ginger ale. But tonight I was feeling a little bit gutsy and I decided to order a Mimosa, but without the alcohol. “One virgin Mimosa, please,” I said.

  “Good choice, and I’ll have the same, except with all the alcohol and none of the guilt,” said Elizabeth.

  The bartender took our order then headed toward the middle of the bar to make our drinks. Elizabeth nudged my shoulder and said, “He’s wicked cute.”

  “If you like young guys with tattoos,” I replied.

  “Good thing I do. Are you going to be like this all night, Jodie?”

  “Like what?”

  “So negative. You’re putting out these vibes like you don’t care if you have any fun or not.”

  “I didn’t mean to.” I realized I had been a little negative and decided to change my mood. “Let’s have a good time.”

  The cute bartender came back with our drinks, and the two of us toasted with our drinks.

  By the time they called our names for our table, I had already knocked back two Mimosas and was starting to feel the room spin. As we followed the hostess to our table, I said, “Uh-oh. I think there was actually alcohol in my drink.”

  “You, okay?” asked Elizabeth. She sipped hers carefully just after we sat down. “I think you got the ones with alcohol and I got yours. You look a little green around the gills.”

  “Yeah, I haven’t had alcohol since college. And you know why.”

  “Yeah, I do. That one night. And Trenton came from that.”

  “Ugh, I would like to forget that night. I love my son, but his dad is such a piece of work.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “He’s a piece of something, all right. Glad you are single now.”

  “Me, too. Will you drive my car home tonight since you haven’t been drinking?”

  “Sure, what are friends for, but to be the surprise designated driver?”

  “You’re funny tonight, Liz.”

  “And you’re more than a little tipsy. I’ll order you a glass of water; that should make you feel better until you get some food in you.” She motioned for the waiter to come to our table. “Can I get two ice waters, please? And maybe some crackers or something for my friend? She needs food or she’s going to keel over.”

  The waiter nodded and headed to the kitchen. Elizabeth handed me my menu. “Look at all this great stuff on the menu.”

  “Oh, I’m too dizzy to read it. Just order me whatever you’re going to get.”

  “Okay. Are you hungry?”

  “Yeah, I skipped lunch.”

  “Again? You need to stop doing that, Jodie.”

  “I know,” I said.

  “I’m going to kick your butt if you ever starve yourself again.”

  “I don’t do it intentionally. I just run out of time to eat.”

  “Make time,” Liz ordered.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I replied.

  The waiter brought back our waters and a bread basket. I dug right into the bread. Elizabeth gave him our order. She decided to order an appetizer of boneless buffalo wings, and for our main entrée, she ordered steaks, baked potatoes, and vegetables.

  “Soup or salad?” the waiter asked Liz.

  “Salad for both of us with lite ranch dressing. On the side for both of us.”

  He grabbed our menus and made his way back to the kitchen.

  “I like going on a date with you,” I joked. “You already know what I like to eat.”

  Liz laughed. “If the fallout of being accidentally drunk is seeing you finally smile, I am glad our drink orders got switched around.”

  After I finished my salad, I was beginning to feel a lot better. I couldn’t help but notice two stunning guys sitting in a booth across from us, staring and smiling. “Elizabeth, do you see the guys over there checking us out?” I whispered. Elizabeth picked up her head from her salad and looked over.


  “Yummy. They’re pretty cute. Probably gay.”

  I laughed. “Why do you think they’re gay?”

  “Because they’re two guys having dinner together on a Friday night.”

  “Well, we’re two girls having dinner together on a Friday night.”

  “That’s different.”

  “It is not. Don’t stereotype.” I laughed. “Oh my. They are heading over here and they have that certain look in their eyes.”

  “They are not.” Elizabeth turned her head and they were right in front of her face. “Oh, hello,” she said, surprised.

  “Hello, there, ladies. I’m Aaron and this is my friend, Tony. And despite what I heard you say, guy friends who go out to dinner are no more gay than girlfriends who go out to dinner.”

  “You heard that?” Elizabeth asked, blushing.

  “No worries,” Aaron said. “We all gotta eat sometime. No use going to a place like this by yourself and trying to scarf their huge appetizers all alone.”

  “True,” I said.

  We all said hello to each other as I introduced myself and Elizabeth.

  “We couldn’t help to notice that you two are all alone, and so are we. So, we were thinking maybe you want to join us,” said Aaron.

  “No, I don’t think so,” said Elizabeth, her gaze flickering to the tan line on my ring finger, a warning to me.

  “We would love to,” I said.

  Elizabeth gave me a shocked mad look.

  “Oh, don’t be such a pill. Liz, you said yourself that I need to have a better attitude and have some fun.”

  I stood up grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and we followed the men over to their table. Our waiter followed us and brought our plates and drinks.

  I didn’t know if it was my sudden liquid courage or plain boredom that made that decision. I was hoping it wouldn’t end up being a stupid decision, like that last night I drank, at college when a one-night stand had turned into a marriage with Trenton on the way. But these guys were super cute and fit. And perhaps the Mimosas had gone to my head. Just a little.