Handle With Care

by Patrice Wilton

  The following day, Lauren’s stomach did a bouncing act as she waited for Shane to come and collect her son. All morning she was nervous, but why, she had no idea. Nothing was going to happen on her date because she didn’t want anything to happen. She had nothing to feel guilty about, and yet .…

  Just the thought of Shane, this dear man, spending time with her son while she was out with another didn’t sit right with her. Even if he’d encouraged it, she knew his reasons were unselfish. He cared about her and Josh and only wanted the best for them. But what was that? Did he not fit into this picture at all? More importantly, did he not want to fit?

  By noon, she was hanging around the kitchen, anxious for Shane to appear, wanting to have a word with him before seeing Kevin.

  “Shane.” She smiled and beckoned him in. “Josh is waiting for you, but I wanted to ask you something first.”

  “Sure. But first tell me, how did the date go?”

  “It went fine,” Lauren told him, searching his face for clues. When she didn’t get any, she added, “Actually better than fine. We had a really nice time.” Still not a single twitch. How did he feel, dammit? She’d wanted to test his reaction, but so far the verdict was zilch. Did he not care about her after all?

  Finally Shane grunted. “Nice. You use that word a lot.”

  “I guess I do,” she answered, happy to hear something in his voice, a trace of emotion. “We went to Melisse in Santa Monica for dinner. It’s a beautiful French restaurant, very romantic, and the food was out of this world.”

  “Hmmm. That’s … nice.” He flexed his shoulders. “I ate at my favorite restaurant too. Pizza Hut. Had the extra-thin crust, fully loaded. Brought half of it home and ate it for breakfast. Delicious.”

  She made a face. “Yuck. I can’t imagine eating a greasy pizza for breakfast. Do you ever cook for yourself?”

  “Not unless I have an overnight guest.” He grinned and raised an eyebrow. “Speaking of which. Did you get any rest last night?”

  “That’s none of your business, but we did make arrangements for today.” She stared into his eyes, hoping to gauge his feelings, if he had any. “You don’t mind, do you? Perhaps you could come back around four?”

  He raised a brow and gave a hint of a smile. “Does that give you enough time?”

  “Not funny,” she answered, hurt by his indifference. “I have no intention of doing whatever you think I’ll be doing.”

  “You might not, but he may have other plans.” He didn’t break eye contact. “So you do like him then?”

  They were interrupted by Josh’s reappearance. “What are you guys talking about?” He tossed a baseball in the air and didn’t catch it. It rolled down the hall, and he chased after it. Running back, he said, “Come on, Shane. Let’s go to the park.”

  “Yes, why don’t you?” Lauren spoke.

  “Okay, sport,” Shane said to Josh. “Let’s get going. Your mom has important things to do.”

  “I do not,” she snapped. She tapped her foot, now eager to see them leave.

  “Whatever. Have fun.” He put a hand on Josh’s shoulder and guided him out the door. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he said with a wink and a grin.

  “Go to—” She stopped herself just in time. “Enjoy the park. ’Bye, honey.”

  “’Bye, Mom.”

  She closed the door firmly behind him and sucked back tears. She’d hoped he might show a little jealousy, but he hadn’t seemed to care.

  To make things worse, she wanted to spend the afternoon with him, not Kevin. He always made her laugh, made her feel good. She enjoyed his humor, his warm smile, the natural camaraderie they shared, and the way he connected with her son. But she was stuck entertaining Kevin whether she wanted to or not.

  He arrived a half hour later, and as soon as he was in the door, he pulled her into his arms. “This was a great idea,” he murmured against her ear. “Got both of our boys taken care of, and now I have you all to myself.”

  “Yes. Right.” She slipped out of his arms. “There is a fabulous art auction at the Long Beach Museum that I’ve been dying to take in. The exhibition has been open to the public for a month, and I haven’t had time to go.” She grabbed her handbag. “This is my only chance. The auction’s coming up on May 22nd.”

  “That sounds interesting, but couldn’t we make better use of our time?” He glanced at his Piaget watch and frowned. “We only have a little over two hours.”

  “Just enough time.” She linked her arm with his. “If we hurry, we can probably see the entire exhibit.”

  “I thought we were going to spend the day getting to know each other, not traipsing around a museum.”

  “We will be getting to know each other. This is one of my passions, and I hoped you might enjoy it too.” She touched his face, looking into his eyes. “I want to take this slow. I don’t want to have any regrets or lose you as a friend.”

  Kevin was quiet for the entire drive, and Lauren did her utmost to lighten his mood. She had been an active fundraiser for many years and was well known by the curators. She happily introduced Kevin to everyone she knew, but although he was courteous, he showed little interest in either the people or the magnificent works of art.

  After an hour and a half they returned home, and Kevin’s mood seemed to lift.

  The moment they were inside, he trapped her against the wall with his arms. He bent and kissed her. “Well, now that you’ve had your fun, how about if we have some together?”

  She slipped out from under his embrace, giving a nervous little laugh. “Behave yourself. Josh will be home soon, and it would probably be better if he didn’t see you here. I don’t want the children to know about us quite yet.”

  “What would be wrong with that? We’re adults and if we like each other, why shouldn’t the boys know?”

  “Things are different with Josh and me. I’m all he’s got, and because he’s had to grow up without a dad, I’ve treated him like my best buddy. We don’t keep secrets from each other, but this time I believe it’s the prudent thing to do.”

  “Why? What’s the big deal?”

  She looked at him, not understanding why he didn’t get it. “Because we don’t know how things are going to work out between us. And I don’t want him getting any hopes.”

  “What about mine?”

  She smiled. “You can definitely hope.” She gave him a light kiss. “I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the day, but I loved seeing the exhibits. I could easily have spent more time there.”

  “It was fine, but if I’d had a choice, I’d have preferred to keep you to myself.”

  She sighed. “Please don’t rush me. When the time is right, we’ll know it.”

  “Don’t keep me at arm’s length for too long, or I’ll take the hint and not bother you anymore.”

  “Really?” She took another step back. “Fine by me. If that’s how you want to play it.”

  “I’m sorry. I guess I’m not used to being put on hold.”

  “Well, I’m not used to being pressured for sex. So get used to it,” she snapped back.

  “I didn’t mean to pressure you. That was never my intention. I just thought … well, you know, that you were attracted to me the same way I am to you.”

  “I like you, Kevin, but I’m not ready to hop into bed with you. Or anyone. I need to take this slow.”

  “Sure. Fine. I can do slow.” He stayed a little longer and didn’t try to kiss her again. She liked him better this way.

  When he was ready to leave, she walked him to the door. “Good-bye, Kevin.” She closed the door behind him and wondered whether or not she wanted to see him again.

  About ten minutes later Shane returned with Josh, and Lauren’s stomach did a sudden flip-flop as a wave of heat washed over her. Avoiding looking at Shane, she asked Josh if he’d had fun.

  “It was great, Mom. I hit a home run.”

  Shane nodded. “He hit the ball out of the park. The kid’s got talent.” She t
urned aside to hug Josh. “I’m proud of you, honey. I see a baseball scholarship in your future.”

  He gave her a wide, happy smile, showing off his missing tooth. “You bet. Shane pitched some really hard balls too.”

  “Didn’t want to make it too easy on you.” His gaze shifted to Lauren. “You’re looking a little pink. Did you get some exercise too?”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Yes, I did. I went to the museum.”

  “Uh-huh. See anything interesting?”

  He didn’t believe her, which ticked her off. “Yes. I saw plenty.” She picked up Josh’s bat and ball, which he’d left near the door, and stuck them in the hall closet.

  “Are you going to see him again?”

  She shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

  He’d walked up behind her and was too close for her liking. She felt like she couldn’t breathe, and her heartbeat had picked up a notch. Being a doctor, she knew the physical signs, and this wasn’t good. She ducked around him and spoke to Josh. “Why don’t you go wash up and then watch some TV? Shane needs some help with his studying.”

  “Don’t worry about me,” Shane said. “If you’re too tired …”

  “I’m not too tired,” she said quickly. “Walking around a museum is not exactly an aerobic exercise.”

  He said nothing but raised an eyebrow. “You’re not interested then?”

  “Just because I didn’t have sex after a couple of dates doesn’t mean I’m not interested.” She sighed. “But I am starting to think I’d prefer to keep Kevin as a friend.”

  “One doesn’t necessarily preclude the other.” He looked her dead in the eye.

  “Discussion over.” She stalked into the kitchen. “Let’s move on to the important stuff. What did you bring today?”

  While he sorted out his books, Lauren made two plates of cheese and crackers and apple slices. She gave one to Josh and set the other on the kitchen table. They hit the books for a couple of hours, and then Shane yawned and stood up.

  “Great class, teacher.” He touched her nose. “Thanks again.” He glanced at Josh, who’d moved from the TV to his Legos. “I’ll see you next Sunday,” he called to the boy.

  “Okay.” Josh glanced up. “The park was cool. Thanks.”

  Lauren walked him to the door. “He really appreciates your taking the time to see him, and so do I.”

  He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “As far as seeing Josh, I enjoy it too.” His eyes met hers. “I’m also glad you got out of the house today. I didn’t like thinking about you and him together.”

  “Shane …”

  “Don’t say it. I know we’re friends, and that’s the way we both want to keep it.”

  “Exactly. You’re going to be a doctor, and the last thing you need is a distraction like Josh and me.”

  “Right. And you need a solid guy, someone who can give you both what you deserve. Not a basket case like me.”

  “You are no such thing,” she said softly.

  “Am too. Look, the reason I didn’t call you for more than a week was not because we’d kissed. I was fighting old demons.” His eyes slid away from hers. “I’m a recovering alcoholic, and I had the urge for a drink. It happens from time to time.”

  She froze. “You’re an alcoholic?”

  “No. I said ‘recovering.’ I gave up drinking a year ago.” He shrugged. “When I got back, I was messed up and hit the bottle much too hard. That was a very black period for me. I was depressed and angry over the whole Iraq mess and in pain because of my stump, and I hated the old prosthesis they had me wear .…” He looked down at the floor. “I was homeless for about nine months and didn’t want help.”

  “That was before you got the i-limb then?”

  He nodded. “Yes, I got this about ten months ago, and it changed my life around. I don’t feel like a freak anymore, and my quality of life has improved. It’s way more functional than anything else they’ve fitted me with.”

  “I have been wondering about that. How does it work? You can grasp things—even throw a baseball with my son.”

  He nodded. “There’s an individual motor for each finger which bends at its natural joint. This particular model has 24 different grip options controlled by a Bluetooth softwear app. You can program it for a wider grip or smaller if you’re working on something that needs precision. It can also be controlled by muscle signals as well.” He showed her. “I mean, this baby is stellar compared to what I’ve had in the past. I can type with it, tie a shoelace, open doors with a key. It also allows me to exert pressure, so I can grip heavier objects.”

  “Wow—that is unbelievable! What technology. Amazing. So, that’s why you can do all the things you do—like be a medic.”

  “Yes. And this flesh-colored material covers up the robotic appearance, so it’s not quite so noticeable when I’m out in public.”

  “I see.” She bit her bottom lip. “I also get why you’re so proud of it. But Shane, I know that you’ve sacrificed for your country and have gone through enormous difficulties, but as a parent, I need to ask: Did you drink this week?”

  “No, but I wanted too.” He looked down at his feet. “I controlled my urges this time, but what about the next? And the next? It won’t be the last time. It never is.”

  She stood rooted to the spot. “My husband was killed by someone with two DUIs. I became a spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.” Her eyes searched his face. “I have little or no tolerance for people who have no regard for themselves or others. Do you go to meetings?”

  “I’ve been.” He shifted his feet. “Didn’t like it much.”

  “Well, you better start again. You need help, and they provide it. Would you like me to go with you?”

  “No. I can control this. Getting into a good med school is too important for me to screw up.”

  She stepped away from the door. “I can’t have you drinking and being around Josh.”

  “I don’t intend to.” His eyes roamed over her face. “But I’m not whole, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be.”

  She didn’t say anything at first. “You will be if you can stay sober. And get help. It takes time, that’s all.”

  “What about you? You lost your husband three years ago, but you haven’t fully recovered from that. I see it in your eyes. I hear it in your voice when you speak of him.”

  She smiled, but it hurt to do so. “We both have deep wounds to heal, but we’re on our way to recovery.”

  “Not sure about that, but we’ve made it out of ICU.”

  She bit her bottom lip. “Yes, that we have.” She moved forward and touched his shoulder. “I like you, Shane Dawson. Please don’t screw this up.”

  EPISODE FOUR

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Shane stopped for a quick bite to eat before he returned home. The second he opened the door, he sensed someone’s presence. “Brent?” He dropped his books on the floor. “Is that you?”

  Major barked, and jumped all over the place. He ran back and forth from Shane to the kitchen, peeing in his excitement.

  Brent strolled out of the kitchen, a huge grin on his face. “Nobody else better have a key.” He hugged his friend. “See you got a dog. He’s a bit crazed, isn’t he?”

  Shane laughed. “He’s in training to be a hero dog, but he’s got issues. Likes people too much.”

  The dog wagged his tail and tried to jump on Brent. He knocked him off, but gave him a pat on his head. “I see that.” He straightened up. “So, how the hell are you? Let me see this million-dollar hand of yours.”

  Shane held his i-limb up for inspection. “Top of the line. Don’t come much prettier than this.”

  Brent nodded. “Damn, that is something.” He wiggled the mechanical fingers. “Do these really work?”

  “Sure do. Thumb rotates too. Fingers are controlled by electrical signals from the nerves in my arm. Pretty cool technology.”

  “I’ll say. That’s fantastic. Must have taken some training to figur
e out how to use it, right?”

  “Yeah, it was extensive, but they have a great support system and problem diagnosis if I run into problems. So far, everything’s working as it should.”

  “That’s great. You look good,” Brent said. “Healthier and happier than when I left.”

  “I stopped drinking. Fell off the wagon once, but otherwise I’ve been sober for eleven months and twenty-four days.”

  “Glad to hear that.” He lightly punched Shane in the arm, which got Major barking, and jumping around.

  Brent was a big man, built like an NFL linebacker. Had to be four inches taller than Shane and outweighed him by at least thirty pounds. He could drink anyone under the table, and Shane had foolishly done his best in their misspent youth to keep up.

  “I figured you’d died or something,” Shane said, trying not to let him see how worried he’d been. “Haven’t heard from you in over a month.”

  “You’re my nursemaid now?” Brent knuckled his shoulder. “Figured I’d give you a surprise. See if you’ve turned my apartment into your own little love shack.”

  “Naw. No time for that.”

  “What about this doctor friend? Or Melanie? I figured you two might have reconnected. Girl was the love of your life.”

  “If she’d been that, I would never have left,” Shane said a little too quickly. “When I came back all messed up … well, let’s just say whatever feelings we’d once had were long gone.”

  “That’s too bad. We had some good times together. Remember that rafting trip? How she fell in and came up without her bikini top?” Brent grinned. “She was some looker.”

  “Let’s not go down memory lane. Suffice to say she didn’t want to be saddled with a cripple.”

  “I’m surprised. I always liked her.”

  “Then you should have married her.”

  Brent laughed. “So, that leaves the doctor. Jake told me you’d met someone. Details, man.”

  “Nothing to tell. It’s more like a business arrangement. Her husband is dead, and her six-year-old kid needs male companionship. I take him out on Sundays, and Lauren makes it up by tutoring me. Works all around.”