Taking Chances

by Taylor, Janelle

  “I don’t know, but a person has to live where her work is.”

  “Would you live in the country again if Medico was there?”

  An odd question … “Certainly. But big companies bring people and progress. It wouldn’t remain deserted country very long. They are too few places like this left; you wouldn’t want this one spoiled.”

  Spoiled like Laura had been before her betrayal and their divorce … “I don’t care for anything that’s spoiled or more trouble than it’s worth.”

  Kirstin reached for her glass and knocked it over. Milk raced across the table toward Christopher, who jumped up to avoid the white flood and sent his chair clattering to the linoleum floor. Kirstin’s face went scarlet. She stammered, “I … I’m terribly sorry.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” he told her, grabbing a dishcloth to mop up the mess. He rinsed it several times and finally had the table and floor clean. “More milk?” he offered as he reached for her slippery glass.

  “Yes, thank you. I promise not to spill that, too.” Kirstin had been taken off guard by the chilliness in his tone and gaze at his previous remark. He hadn’t been talking about this area—more like about a person, an enemy.

  “It’s no big deal if you do, Kirstin. You don’t have to be embarrassed; it was an accident. You’re probably still a little shaky.” He’d had plenty of mishaps with his disabled hand. He got herself some more milk and they finished their meal in silence.

  Christopher stood. “I’ll get this cleared away. You rest.”

  “Can I at least wash the dishes?” she asked, unused to inactivity.

  “I’ll take care of them. You go into the living room and relax. You need to conserve your energy today while your blood sugar is still fluctuating.”

  He took the dishes to the sink in several trips. He didn’t roll up his sleeves and expose the revealing scars on his left wrist. As he rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, he realized she hadn’t moved from her seat.

  At his questioning look she prompted, “Where is the living room?”

  “I forgot you don’t know your way around my house. Bear with me, Kirstin; I seem to have misplaced my manners. I’ll show you.”

  “You’ve been most generous and patient, Christopher. I’m sorry to be such a bother. I promise to repay your kindness.”

  “Don’t cry, Kirstin; the weakness and all the emotional strain will pass.”

  Her nerves were touchy, her emotions were in a turmoil, and her voice was quivery, but she wasn’t about to cry as he presumed. Yet, she scolded in a soft tone, “That’s easy for you to say. You don’t know what I’m feeling and how this mess could ruin my life.” The moment those words were out of her mouth, she wanted to recall them. What’s wrong with you, Kirstin? She was normally in control of her feelings and, for a year now, master of her life. But she had not been prepared for an experience like this—neither the accident nor Dr. Christopher Harrison.

  “I do understand what you’re experiencing, but you’ll have to learn to adjust to things you can’t change. I’ll help any way I can. Getting upset won’t help; it only plays havoc with your blood sugar level.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry I’m being silly and cranky. Maybe I’m just tired; I haven’t slept much the last few nights.”

  “I’ll take you to the guest room if you want to turn in now.”

  “I never get to sleep early unless I’m sick. Crossing time zones has my body clock out of kilter, too. How long before it settles down again?”

  “Three days to a week. Accept your new limitations, Kirstin. Fighting them doesn’t help.”

  Something in his sad look and tone said he was referring to more than her condition, and her heart went out to him. She didn’t have a right to probe, so she didn’t. She wondered if she had evoked bad memories. “I hate to sound repetitious, Christopher, but I’m sorry again. I’m not usually rude to strangers, especially nice ones like you. If you don’t mind, I’ll sit in the living room and try to relax.”

  He smiled and led her there. Without thinking to ask her preference, Christopher chose music he thought she would enjoy hearing from the collection lying’ atop his stereo. He switched on the CD player and inserted five discs to play at random. He closed the panel, pressed a few buttons, and the sultry voice of Barbra Streisand filled the room. He adjusted the volume, set aside the plastic cases, and turned on lamps to prepare for dusk.

  As he did those tasks, Kirstin sat on a sofa with overstuffed loose cushions at its back, rolled arms, and many accent pillows scattered along its length. It was old but not frayed or stained, nor were the two matching chairs nearby. The chairs had an oval table between them; one chair had a low ottoman before it. The room wasn’t formal but it was large; it had a country air that implied the ex-big-city physician hadn’t changed anything or much since inheriting it from his elderly kin. On the dark wood square end tables, she noticed the homemade scarves that reminded Kirstin of her grandmother’s prized pieces of crochet. Three stained-glass lamps on the tables looked handblown, hand-painted, and antiquish. It was a nice and cozy room, but she had the feeling he rarely used it.

  Christopher turned and asked, “How’s that?”

  “Soft music and lighting to soothe the savage breast?” slipped out.

  He chuckled and grinned. “I have ranch chores to do, if you don’t mind my leaving you alone for a while?”

  “Certainly not. I’ll try not to interfere with your normal routine. I’ll sit right here and be a good girl for a change.” Heavens, Kirstin, you sound like an enamored teenager and a brazen flirt.

  He studied her with growing interest. She was certainly different from the other women he knew. Without a doubt, this was a nerve-wracking episode for her. There was no harm in showing a little extra kindness and attention. After all, she was brightening his day and mood more than the three lamps did to this room. Already he was looking forward to spending the next few days with her. It seemed as if she was going to be a nice break in his routine. “If you need anything, I’ll be back in an hour or two. Make yourself at home. If I’m gone longer, don’t forget your snack. Search the kitchen for whatever you need.”

  “Thank you.” But I’m not a child or that distracted by you. Kirstin could almost hear “Liar, liar, your pants are on fire” fill her ears,

  After he left, Kirstin tried to relax as she studied the surroundings in more detail. A large and old family Bible was on the coffee table. She started to peek inside to see if anything was recorded about her host but didn’t because he might return and think she was being a snoop. The lace panel beneath corded-back ivory drapes allowed her to see it wasn’t dark outside, but she didn’t know how much time evening chores required.

  She twisted and looked upward to view a painting over the sofa; it was a forest scene at dawn with deer drinking from a stream as fog lifted. She glanced at recessed decorative shelves on both sides of the fireplace which was covered by a glass-and-brass screen. She saw exquisite porcelain flowers and birds similar to her small collection by Lenox, older pieces that implied they had belonged to his aunt. There were books, figurines, and bric-a-brac, many pieces with a western flavor. What caught her attention the most were family pictures displayed in frames of assorted sizes and types. She wanted to get a closer look but would do it another time in case he returned without warning.

  Kirstin listened to music for a while, but it failed to calm her. Perhaps her tense mood was an aftereffect of her medical’ disaster. Or was she uneasy about being in an unfamiliar man’s home at night, with bedtime looming before her? She went to the bathroom, fetched a glass of water from the kitchen, then curled up on the sofa again. She closed her eyes and listened to experts crooning love songs. She walked to the CD player and scanned the disc cases atop it—Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, Air Supply, The Bee Gees, Neil Diamond—to find that his taste in past and current music matched hers. The same was true of the videotaped movies there.

  Maybe, she told
herself, this was a dream. How could she be trapped in a ranch house in the middle of nowhere with a stranger with whom she had so much in common? A man whose voice and manner compelled her to envision wild fantasies and crave to make them realities? It was crazy. Ridiculous. Hazardous. She knew so little about him and had a life of her own elsewhere but was drawn to him like a metal to a magnet. Didn’t such things only happen in movies and books?

  Some of those romance novels flashed before her mind’s eye: heroines captivated in heart and sometimes in body by mysterious and sensual heroes, men like Christopher Harrison. She could envision him as a pirate standing spreadlegged on the deck of a tall-masted ship, a cutlass in one hand and the other wrapped around her waist. Get a grip, Kirstin. Real men aren’t like novel or film heroes. David wasn’t, and neither were any of those saps you’ve met since he died. Christopher probably isn’t one, either. He—

  ‘ She shrieked, jumped, and clasped a hand over her racing heart as those dreamy reflections were shattered by a loud noise. “Heavens, you scared the life out of me! Why did you do that?”

  Three

  “And why on earth are you talking to a telephone like an idiot?” The ringer, she decided, must be set on high to be heard outside. She hoped it was Katie returning Christopher’s call. “Hello.”

  “Who is this?”

  “Kirstin Lowrey.”

  “Is this Doctor Harrison’s residence?”

  “Yes, but he’s out doing chores. Would you like to leave a message?”

  “Who are you? Where’s Helen? Why are you answering Chris’s phone?”

  “I’m a patient of his. Helen’s out of town. Is there a message?”

  “What kind of patient? What are you doing in his house if he’s not there?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “I asked what kind of patient you are and why you’re in his house.”

  “Do you want to leave Christopher a message or call back later?”

  “Christopher? Christopher! No message! I’ll call back!”

  The female caller slammed the receiver into its cradle. Kirstin was baffled and startled by the woman’s actions. Even a girlfriend had no reason or right to be rude to a patient. Kirstin realized that perhaps she shouldn’t have answered the phone. If it had been an emergency, she couldn’t have located him anyway. She was surprised at herself for forgetting to call her youngest daughter, and dialed the number.

  As Kirstin was about to hang up, the girl answered, breathless.

  “Katie, it’s me.”

  “Hi, Mom. I was racing in and out. How’s it going?” she asked, still panting from her rush. “I didn’t think you would call tonight. I’m glad you did. I wanted to make sure you were all right after our talk this morning. I hope you didn’t let Steve’s crap upset you. He can be such a fool at times.”

  Kirstin didn’t want to talk about the Steve matter again today, so she asked, “You haven’t checked your messages tonight?”

  “No, why? Is something wrong, Mom? Your voice sounds odd.”

  “I’m fine, Katie, but I had an accident. I— “

  “Accident! Are you hurt? What happened? Where are you? Do you need me to fly out tonight?”

  “Not exactly that kind of accident, honey. It’s a problem with my diabetes, but not to worry. The doctor says I have to stay here a few days to get regulated. Fact is, Katie, your old mom is stranded at his ranch in eastern New Mexico. I’m staying … in his guest room.”

  There was a short silence; then, Katie asked, “Say what, Mom?”

  “The trouble happened near his ranch. He has an office next to his house. Doctor Harrison is very smart and skilled—a graduate of Harvard and Johns Hopkins, no less—so I have confidence in him. Besides, the hospital and hotels are in Clovis, thirty-something miles away. The policeman who stopped to help me brought me here because it was closer and he thought I was in worse shape than I actually was. He assured me it was safe to stay here, and I’ve been given no reason by the good doctor to doubt his word. I also need a few car repairs.” Kirstin explained the incident in detail to one of the few people who knew the truth about her medical condition. In her opinion, no one knew her better or was closer to her or loved her more than Katie.

  “He’s right. You’re lucky you weren’t injured. It’s best to get this fixed before you head out again. Do you need anything? What’s the address there?” “I don’t know. I’ll have to get it and call you back tomorrow. I didn’t think to ask Christopher before he left and he’s out doing chores.”

  “Christopher?” Katie echoed in a merry tone. “What’s going on over there, Mom?” she teased.

  “Kathryn Lowrey, behave yourself. This is purely professional. He’s letting me stay here while he straightens me out; it’s not a serious enough matter to require hospitalization. He’s already been in touch with Doctor Cooper, and he’s experienced with diabetics. He’s been a perfect gentleman, worry wart. He’s kind and considerate and compassionate.”

  “I didn’t hear a wife mentioned amidst all those compliments.”

  “He isn’t married.”

  “Has he ever been married?”

  “I didn’t ask. His private life is none of my business, only his medical skills. But he does have a housekeeper, foreman, and two workers.”

  “Are they staying in the house with you two?”

  “Do employees normally live with their bosses?”

  “Is that a yes or a no, Mom?”

  “Actually the housekeeper is away for a while. I’m supposed to trade cooking and cleaning for his hospitality and medical services.”

  “Um-m-m huh … Make sure that’s all you trade,” the girl jested.

  “Katie!” Kirstin shrieked, then laughed. “It’s a good bargain, since I want to keep this matter concealed from Medico until I prove myself at the new complex. Besides, if this incident is reported to my health and car insurance anytime soon, I won’t be able to afford either policy, if they don’t drop me like a hot skillet. I know how sneaky and unfair some insurance companies and policies are. I overheard your father and his friends scheming plenty of times about how to get rid of high-risk people. As soon as I have this thing under control, I’ll tell the right people.”

  They had discussed the possible repercussions on her mother’s job and her whole life, so Katie understood. “How old is he? What does he look like?”

  “I’m a big girl, Katie. I can take care of myself. Don’t worry.”

  “Evading my questions, Mom? That makes me suspicious.”

  “Katie, you sneak! He’s forty-nine and, yes, nosy, he’s handsome and charming. Right now, I’m sitting alone and listening to music.”

  “Until he finishes his cowboy chores. Then, cozy and romantic.”

  “I’m too old for ‘cozy and romantic’.“

  “No, you’re not. I keep telling you, Mom, you’re gorgeous and good company. Any man would be lucky to get his hands on you. Put some romance and adventure in your life. Try it, you might like it.”

  “Katie, I’m a grandmother, a widow, and we’re strangers.”

  “So? What’s wrong with fun and romance? You deserve them and you’re on vacation. I’m not saying to be impulsive or wild, just have some great times with a nice and safe man. He is, isn’t he?”

  “Yes, but I can’t talk anymore, Katie. I don’t want him to return and hear me discussing him like this with my nineteen-year-old daughter. Did the furniture arrive on schedule?”

  “Yes, and it’s locked up safely. You handle things there and I’ll take care of things here. You’re sure you’re all right, Mom?”

  “I’ll be fine, I promise. How is the new commercial going?”

  “Terrific.” Katie couldn’t suppress the hope that her mother was attracted to this mysterious doctor. She had been giving advice in a jesting tone and manner but deep down she wanted her mother to get over her fear of dating and to find someone special. She didn’t want Kirstin to be alone for the rest of her life, w
hich could happen after her experience with her cold and demanding father. Especially if her mother didn’t do something brave to get a real love life going. “I’ll go down to your place this weekend and do a little straightening. I know you’re going to be thrilled with the apartment I found you. When I met the movers, I had them put the boxes you need to unpack and sort first in the extra bedroom. If I’m gone when you call in the morning, just leave a message on my machine.”

  Love and pride flowed through Kirstin for the girl on whom she could depend. She and Katie had always been close, and had grown even closer during the last fifteen months. They could be open and honest with each other— something both cherished. She knew Katie was only being half serious but … “Thanks for the help, honey, and I’ll try to act the liberated and mature woman.”

  Katie laughed. “Sure you don’t want me to come check on you?”

  Amidst laughter, Kirstin asked, “Isn’t it still true that three’s a crowd? I’ll call tomorrow. Bye, honey.”

  “Bye, Mom. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, and be careful.”

  “Kathryn Lowrey, behave yourself.”

  “I try, Mom, but it’s impossible sometimes. Love you. Bye.”

  “Bye, honey.”

  Kirstin removed her shoes and curled her legs on the sofa. She rested her head on a soft pillow and closed her eyes. She hummed along with Air Supply on the CD player and allowed sensuous fantasies to return and flourish. Daydreaming never harmed anyone, she told herself, but that was all she would do where the mysterious doctor was concerned.

  About thirty minutes later, the phone rang again. She was about to get up to answer it when Christopher called out from the doorway, “I’ve got it, Kirstin.” He lifted the receiver. “Doctor Harrison … What?”

  He was quiet for a time, then told someone, “A patient … I can’t make it; she needs watching and treating … No, and it’s late anyway.”