by Savanna Grey
“I’ve got work to do. I’ll talk to you guys later. Enjoy your lunches.” And she was off.
Kathryn eyed Grady and elbowed him in the side. “Why do I sit with you at lunch?”
Grady just chuckled once again and picked up his hamburger. He had a feeling he knew why, but neither one of them was ready to talk about it.
Back at the house Jack had to spend thirty minutes cleaning ice cream out of his leather seats while Emma took Olivia inside to clean her up. Looking at him over the rooftop of the car, she couldn’t help but smile, although he did not return it.
“Don’t even say it.” He warned, waiting for the “I told you so.”
Without mouthing a word, she walked Olivia upstairs to get changed.
She left Olivia reading in her room, one of her latest gifts from the Book Nook. She found Jack in the kitchen washing his hands.
“Jack, we really need to talk, don’t you think?” she approached him gently.
He scowled at her as he dried his hands. “I have some calls I need to make and files to attend to. We’ll talk later.”
Well, thought Emma. Actually the first word that came to mind was “jerk”. Okay, maybe not a very mature word, but in her line of work, she tended to avoid the more impactful derogatoriness.
She didn’t understand why he was reacting this way. One minute he’s thanking her and holding her hand, the next he’s behaving like she has the plague and can’t stand to be near her. They certainly weren’t going to come to any resolutions by not speaking to one another.
Fine. She’d give him some space, but they were having this discussion tonight whether he wanted to or not. Humph. She even tapped her little foot for her own personal emphasis.
She decided now would be a perfect time to read Dana’s letter. Knowing this was going to be difficult, she grabbed a handful of tissues and stuck them in her sweater pocket. Spring was in the air, but the air was still chilly.
Jack had disappeared into the back office room to use the computer and make calls. She went upstairs to let Olivia know she would be outside for a little while and that Uncle Jack was downstairs in the office if she needed anything.
Passing the hall toward the office as she made her way back to the kitchen, she hesitated. Should she let him know where she was going? No. She didn’t have to account her whereabouts to him. It’s not like it would matter to him anyway.
She knew her thought process sounded childish even to her own ears, but she wasn’t one hundred percent rational at the moment either. Heading out the kitchen French doors, down the patio steps, Tucker nudged her leg. Of course you’re coming along, ole friend. They followed the path to the gate that led off the property and to the path beside the river. She knew just the place to stop and read the letter. It was one of her favorite spots.
It was secluded not far from the property. It was a huge Oak tree with a large rock beside it. She loved it here. She and Olivia would stop here on their walks. Emma would relax against the tree while Olivia climbed up on the rock and look out over the water.
Arriving at her spot, she sat and made herself comfortable with Tucker lying down beside her, his head nestled in her lap.
Her hands shook as she unsealed the envelope. She pulled out purple monogrammed note paper with Dana’s initials on it. Purple had been Dana’s favorite color. She smelled the paper. It smelled like Dana’s perfume.
She felt the tears already welling up inside. Help me, D. she thought. I don’t know if I can do this. Just then an overwhelming feeling of peace filled her as the wind blew around her. Thanks, D.
Leaning back against the strong Oak for support, she began to read.
Dearest Emma,
I don’t really know where to begin. You would only be reading this if something has happened to Jeff and me. The thought of that I cannot put into words when it means that we have left Olivia behind. Being a parent means I also need to think about long term plans in the event something were to happen to us. Jeff and I put our will together when Olivia was just a year old. I don’t have to explain to you that she is our entire universe.
By now Allen would have explained our will. It may seem strange to you that we have left joint custody to you and Jack. Emma, know there isn’t anyone, including my brother, that I trust more with Olivia’s wellbeing than I do you. I know you love her unconditionally. If I can’t be there to do that, I need for you to do it for me.
Jack is her Uncle, and I love my brother. I don’t want her to lose sight of family throughout this. He will need your patience and grace to help him transition into the role of basically a new parent. He has no idea what to do, but I know he will do the right thing. I know eventually he will want to. He will be scared, which means he will be grouchy.
He’s stubborn and laser focused, but he has a large capacity to love. He’s just closed the door on it after mom and dad died, focusing all his energy on his work.
You have the capacity to unlock that door, Em. I need you to.
My suggestion would be to handle him as you do your students. Trust me on this one.
The two of you will be exactly what Olivia needs. Remember that. I trust you explicitly.
The details will be sticky I know, especially if Jack is still climbing his never-ending career ladder. I need Jack to stay involved in Olivia’s life. If he is deemed joint custodian, he has to be. He needs Olivia just as much as she needs him. He doesn’t realize it yet, unless by some miracle cupid has finally struck and turned things around. Somehow I doubt it.
The house. You belong in that house if we can’t be there. I wouldn’t want anyone else to have it. I know you will cherish it just as much as I did.
Enjoy it. Live in it. Love in it. Laugh in it. Just live! Obviously we are not promised tomorrow. Stop taking time for granted and make your dreams come true. You know what I’m talking about.
I would prefer Olivia stay and grow up in Garrett’s Point. I guess that is a decision the two of you will have to make.
Take time and don’t jump to any decisions between the two of you. Get to know one another better for Olivia’s sake.
Thank You for being my friend, my sister and my child’s God parent. Jeff and I both know you and Jack are the right ones to raise Olivia.
Do me a small favor though. Don’t let her forget us. Remind her often of how much we loved our princess.
Remember, the white horse isn’t necessary to find your knight. I found mine, and he was a lawyer to boot.
I love you, Em. I’m here. Just talk to me when you need to.
Dana
Emma hadn’t even felt the tears streaming down her face as she read the letter. She read it three more times before she folded it back up and placed it in her pocket.
Dana, I’m not sure I’m the person you gave me credit for being. She pulled the tissue out of her sweater pocket, wiping away her tears. Suddenly she was so very tired. She would just rest here for a few minutes before she went back.
Chapter Eight
Where in the devil had the woman gone? Olivia had come down to the office at half past five wanting something to eat. When he’d asked where Emma was, Olivia had informed him that she’d gone for a walk when they had come home. That was over four hours ago.
Just what he needed to contend with - a search party for Emma. He had work to do, and on top of that he was still really upset with his sister and felt guilty about it, but damn it! How could she put him in this situation? How was this possibly going to play out? If he was really going to be a full time guardian, then he needed to be here or take Olivia to Richmond. His sister wanted her to stay here in her home, which was now Emma’s home.
How in the hell was that supposed to work? Damn it. This was a mess.
Just then the doorbell rang. Great. More company.
He swung open the door and there stood a beautiful blonde woman dressed to the nines in a suave business suit. He’d seen plenty in the courthouse. This one looked slightly familiar.
“
Can I help you?” he asked, trying not to growl.
“Hi, Jack. I’m Sydney Garrett, Emma’s friend. We met yesterday, although you probably don’t remember me with all the people you did meet.” Sydney extended her hand in greeting, which Jack automatically shook. Strong grip. Confident woman.
“I was stopping by to chat with Emma for a few minutes if that’s alright.” she questioned.
“Actually, Emma went for a walk several hours ago and hasn’t returned. I was just going to go look for her.” Jack couldn’t keep the irritation from his voice. “Your timing is perfect. Would you mind waiting here with Olivia while I walk down by the river? Just want to make sure she didn’t run into any trouble.”
“Of course I don’t mind. Go on, please. We’ll be right here. Call the house if you need assistance.”
Jack headed out and down the path that Emma would have taken on her usual walks. It was dusk now. What if something had happened to her? Something akin to fear gripped him. He walked a little faster. Fifteen minutes into his walk, he found her. At first he thought something must be wrong as she was curled up at the bottom of a tree.
His heart rate increased as he sped up to reach her. Kneeling beside her and not knowing what was wrong, he gently shook her.
“Emma.” His hands gripped her shoulders gently trying to rouse her. “Emma, its Jack. Can you hear me?” His hand gently caressed her cheek.
Slowly her eyes fluttered open, and she shot straight up into a sitting position. Unfortunately Jack had been bent over her at the time, so when she did their heads collided.
Both holding their foreheads they spoke at once. “Jesus, Emma!” “Ouch, Jack!” they sputtered simultaneously.
Continuing to rub her sore head, she looked up at Jack who was now standing beside her. “What are you doing out here, Jack?” She was still sleep-dazed.
“Looking for you. You’ve been gone for over four hours. I thought something had happened to you.” he growled at her. “What the hell are you doing sleeping out here where anyone could have come upon you?” he practically shouted.
Emma stood very slowly, anger seething. Her eyes a sapphire blue when she looked up at Jack.
“In the first place, I needed some fresh air. Secondly, I came out here to read Dana’s letter in the peace and quiet.” She took a step closer to him, her cheeks flushed in her agitated state. Poking her finger into his chest, she finished “Thirdly, I must have dozed off while sitting here reflecting on Dana’s letter. I haven’t slept well the past three nights, but I don’t have to explain myself to you either.” She practically spit as she said the words through gritted teeth.
She was furious, and her response egged on Jack’s already dark mood.
“If you weren’t so irresponsible I wouldn’t have to be out here looking for you when Olivia wanted you, and leave your friend Sydney at the house watching her while I’m out here trying to see if you had been hurt.”
She stepped back as if he had slapped her. “How dare you call me irresponsible!” she shouted. Emma never shouted. She stopped herself from continuing the flood of angry words that were on the tip of her tongue. She was not a proponent of throwing angry words at each other. Once said, they could never be taken back.
After several deep breaths to collect herself she carefully said, “Jack, I needed a few minutes to myself. If I scared Olivia, I will explain to her what happened. As to being irresponsible, I won’t justify that with a response at this time, but know that I don’t appreciate your tone nor your attitude today or now.” and she walked away, heading back toward the house.
Dumbfounded at the change in her composure and feeling censored by her swift reply, Jack wasn’t letting it go that easily. “Wait a minute. I’m not finished talking to you.” He said as she bounded up the path.
He reached for her arm to prevent her from continuing and she turned on him. “Now you want to talk, Jack? I tried talking with you on several occasions today. You shut me out.”
She made a point of looking down at his hand grasping her forearm and back up to him, warning him to release her arm without having to say anything. He followed her gaze and abruptly released her.
“You may be used to people doing what you tell them to do, Jack, but I’m not one of them. When you want to treat me with respect and have an adult conversation about some very serious decisions, then we’ll talk, but not right now. Right now, I don’t wish to speak to you.”
She reached the gate into the yard and continued into the house where Sydney and Olivia were in the kitchen. Sydney had fixed a plate of food for Olivia and they were discussing favorite desserts at the moment.
When Emma entered, Olivia hopped down from the breakfast bar to greet her. Hugging her legs, she asked, “Aunt Emma. What took you so long? You went for a long walk.”
Sydney was amazed at what she saw. Emma was obviously furious. Sydney had never in the years they had been friends seen Emma like this. She hid it well for Olivia’s benefit, but Sydney knew pissed when she saw it. Emma was the eternal optimist and the voice of reason in their group. Jack Denton had apparently found a different button to push. Interesting, thought Sydney. Very interesting.
Oh, she hadn’t seen anything yet.
“I’m sorry, Liv. I was so tired, I fell asleep at our rock and tree spot.” She gave Olivia a squeeze and took a step back.
Jack caught up and entered the kitchen. He looked a little rough around the edges to Sydney, his hair was windblown, his cheeks were reddened, and she didn’t think it was the sea air that had caused it.
“Listen, Olivia. I am going out for a little while. Since I see Sydney has fed you, I will leave it to Uncle Jack to make sure you get in the shower and your pjs, okay? Show him where things are at if he needs help. Can you do that for me?” Olivia said she could, and Emma with narrowed eyes and a purposeful stride, turned to Sydney.
“I’ll grab my purse and meet you outside.” Emma practically ran up the stairs to her room to fetch her purse and keys.
“Olivia, why don’t you get the picture you drew so you can share it with Uncle Jack?” Sydney suggested.
As Olivia flounced into the living room, Sydney quickly walked over to Jack. “What the hell did you do to Emma?”
“Me? I didn’t do…” Just then Emma came down the stairs and Olivia returned with drawing in hand.
Sydney gave Jack her evil eye that had made councilmen shrivel. She said good-bye to Olivia and followed Emma out the front door.
Emma was waiting for her. “Em, what’s going on? Where are you going?” Sydney was very concerned for her friend.
“I just need some air, Syd. Jack is being a boneheaded jerk, maybe rightly so under the circumstances, but I’ve had enough today.” Sighing, she let Sydney in on what the lawyer had said.
“Dana made Jack and I joint guardians of Olivia. On top of that, they left me the house, which is paid for to raise her in.” Emma waited for Sydney’s response.
“Holy crap, Emma.” was all she said.
“I know. To top it off, Jack has closed up, and we haven’t talked about it yet, so I don’t know what the plan is or will be; hence, I just need a break, okay?”
“I’ll ride with you. I don’t think you should be alone right now.” Sydney pleaded.
Hugging her forever sensible friend, she said, “Syd, I promise I’ll call if I need you. I just need to clear the head a little. That’s all. In fact I’ll text you later when I get home.”
Off she went, leaving Sydney standing in the driveway. Sliding in to her silver beamer, Sydney voice dialed first Melanie then Kathryn and updated on what Emma had just informed her. She was worried. Emma definitely wasn’t herself she told them. Keep your phones close just in case.
People had a tendency to do out of character things when under extreme duress. Sydney was afraid this might be one of those times.
Unfortunately, she was right.
Bottoms Up Bar & Grill sat on the edge of town and was the local hangout for friendly
drinking and a competitive game of pool. Emma had only been inside a few times for bachelorette parties mostly. She didn’t have a high tolerance for alcohol, so she didn’t frequent the place. Mel’s was more her speed.
Tonight was a different story. As country music drifted in and out of earshot as people came and went, Emma contemplated whether she really wanted to go in or not. She decided the Bottoms Up was just what the doctor ordered for what ailed her.
When she swung the wooden door open the first thing that assaulted her senses was the smell of peanuts and low amber lights. Music blared from the juke box in the corner, crooning about honky-tonk neon lights.
She recognized various people scattered throughout the bar, Dan Harper and Grady McCloud sat at the bar while Councilmen Ted Murphy and his wife sat at a table in the back. Taking a fortifying breath, Emma decided a seat near the Sheriff probably wasn’t a bad idea.
She slid onto a stool at the end of the bar, trying not to feel so out of place. Relax, Em. You know all of these people. It’s just a drink amongst friends.
“What’ll it be?” the bartender asked as he moved down the bar to stand in front of Emma. She looked up into the face of one of her student’s parents. “Hey, Miss Heart. Didn’t realize it was you. What can I get you to drink?”
“Hi, Joe. How about a Long Island Iced Tea?” She couldn’t stand the taste of beer. Reminded her of rotten corn.
Grady had turned at the mention of Emma’s name. Surprise at seeing her here when he knew this wasn’t her kind of place was replaced with concern. His warning radar was blinking off the charts.
He was two bar stools away from her. He figured he’d sit and watch for a while. Make sure she didn’t get into any trouble, but just to be on the safe side, he pulled out his cell phone and sent a text message to the other three members of what he liked to refer to as the A Team.
Emma siting. Bottoms Up. Possible Problem? He hit send and waited.