Accidental Meeting

by Susette Williams

  Fifteen minutes later Abbey was driving home, not quite sure if she should be happy or not. She had expected to fill out an application and get a call for an interview in a couple days at the earliest. She hadn't expected to get hired on the spot. Things had changed over the last six years. The last job she had applied for was with Abbott & Ellingsworth and that had taken a phone call and two interviews before she had been hired.

  Abbey got home an hour and a half before Eric was due to get off the bus. Normally she didn’t get home until an hour or so after he did. Why couldn’t Monica have worked today? It would have given her a little time to prepare before having to tell her friend about what happened today. Taking a deep breath, Abbey shifted the strawberries under one arm, keeping a firm grasp on the milk and opened the door with her right hand.

  Monica sat wide-eyed in a half sitting, half-standing position next to the couch. She was either going to sit down, or get up. It might be better if she sat, given the news Abbey was about to drop on her. “What? You’re home!”

  “So I am.” Abbey closed the door and headed for the kitchen, sensing Monica not far behind her.

  “Strawberries. What’s the occasion?” There was a pause. “You got the promotion! Oh, Abbey, I’m so happy for you. I knew Gary would wise up and give you the job and here you were worried for nothing.”

  “I didn’t get that job, but I did get another one,” Abbey tried to sound cheery.

  “Another one? I didn’t know there was another position open.”

  Abbey sighed. “This hasn’t been a very good day and I don’t know how to tell you this… I had an accident this morning.”

  “Oh, my goodness. Are you all right?” Monica began looking her over from head to toe.

  “I’m fine. Your bumper is bent. I hit another car and he’s got a broken tail light and a small dent.”

  “Praise God, no one got hurt.” Monica held a hand heavenward.

  “Well…”

  “Oh, Abbey. Someone was injured? What happened?” Monica took Abbey’s hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.

  “Bruce didn’t get hurt when I hit his car. It wasn’t until he fell down the embankment that he got hurt.”

  “Bruce? You’re on a first name basis with the guy you hit?” Monica blinked rapidly. “I don’t understand. Did you know the guy you hit?”

  “No. It’s a long story.”

  “I’m listening. This has got to be better than that soap opera I watched earlier. There is nothing on TV during the day, nothing but trash and talk shows. Same thing.” Monica waved a hand as if saying, you know. She had a habit of doing that when it came to dismissing a topic and moving on to something else.

  “Gary tried to make a pass at me. I bruised his male ego by rejecting him and told him I quit. He then storms to his door and yells, ‘you’re fired!’” His lying and manipulation still hurt. Abbey wiped a stray tear that trickled down her cheek. “And if I try and tell anyone what really happened, they’ll just think I’m trying to retaliate for getting fired and I'm sure he'll fight me being able to collect unemployment.”

  “Oh, Abbey, I’m sorry.” Monica hugged her. “There’s got to be something we can do.”

  Abbey shook her head. “No, I just want to move on. Even if I got my job back, Stacey would talk about me behind my back. It would be miserable working there. Besides, I’ve got a new job already.”

  “You’re kidding. That was quick.”

  “I’ve got a part time job at the grocery store working third shift. It’s partly my fault that Bruce got hurt, so I told him I would chauffeur him around during the day since he can’t drive. That way I could look for a job, too. He didn’t call did he?”

  “Who? Bruce?” Monica frowned. “You seem awful concerned about this guy. What gives?”

  Abbey grabbed a glass from the cabinet and filled it with water. “I’m worried about him. He didn’t seem very happy. Not that his day was going any better than mine.”

  “Hmm. That’s true. So tell me about this guy. What’s he look like?”

  “What does that matter?” Abbey took a gulp of her drink.

  “Call it idle curiosity.” Monica shrugged her shoulders and wriggled her nose like a rabbit.

  “He’s tall and has brown hair, a little darker than mine, and chocolate brown eyes that bore right through you.”

  The phone rang, cutting short their conversation to Abbey’s relief. She rinsed her glass and loaded it in the dishwasher while Monica ran to grab the phone in the living room.

  “Oh, Abbey,” she crooned sweetly as she came into the room, clutching the phone against her chest. “Bruce is on the phone.” Monica handed her the phone, a big grin on her face. “And if I remember correctly, you’re addicted to chocolate aren’t you?”

  Abbey gagged, coughing to clear her throat all the while wishing her suddenly racing pulse would slow down. She couldn't believe he'd called already. She took a deep breath and grabbed the phone . “I'm sorry, Bruce. I must have swallowed wrong," she said pointedly to Monica and then turning her attention to the phone, she said, "This is, Abbey Martin. What can I do for you?”

  Chapter Four

  Week One

  Abbey glanced at her watch, acknowledging she made it to Bruce’s house five minutes early. It was worth getting up an hour early today to make sure she didn’t have any repeats of running late like yesterday, when her life took a dramatic turn. Counting her blessings, having a supportive friend, and a new part time job, plus the opportunity to make things right with the man she caused harm, she slammed the door of her blue Focus. Noting Bruce’s Lincoln MKS luxury car was not in his driveway, she walked up the stairs of an older two-story colonial house.

  The doorbell chimes reminded Abbey of church bells. Her stomach tightened. Last night Bruce had sounded pleasant on the phone, a vast difference from his earlier behavior when they first met. Not that she could blame him being sour after all that had happened.

  Abbey reasoned that her desire to help make things right with Bruce stemmed solely from her Christian duty to make things right. Talking about it last night with Monica proved to be useless. Arched brows and speculative looks, followed by, “Hmm,” were her roommate’s response, and, "If you say so."

  Abbey's heart beat quickened when the door handle turned. Doris opened the door. “Good morning, Abbey. Come in, dear.”

  “Thank you.” Abbey smiled and walked past Bruce’s housekeeper, eyeing her surroundings. The foyer was open to the second floor, a white, spindle banister lined the stairwell. Although the home appeared to be older, it was well maintained. A painting of a vase with a large flower arrangement caught her attention. It wasn’t the kind of picture she would have expected to find hanging in his home.

  “Find something amusing?”

  Abbey startled at the sound of Bruce’s voice. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were there.”

  “I think Abbey was admiring your painting.” Doris pretended to straighten it.

  “I could tell what she was admiring,” Bruce said in a curt voice.

  “I can see we’re grumpy again today,” Abbey mumbled to herself, folding her hands together in front of her.

  “What was that, Miss Martin?” Bruce hobbled closer. Taking a stance in front of her, he balanced his weight on the crutches.

  “Nothing, Mr. Harrington.” Abbey produced her sweetest smile. She’d get him in a better mood if it was the last thing she did. Judging by his facial expression, it might turn out to be the last thing she would ever attempt to do. “Your picture is quite lovely.”

  “It’s my mother’s.”

  “Yes,” Doris piped in, “she left it here when she moved, hoping it would brighten his spirits.”

  “Doesn’t appear to have worked.” Abbey couldn't believe she actually said that out loud. Bruce glared at her. If looks could kill, Abbey was sure she would have been a goner the minute he stalked into the room. “So, your mother used to live here?”

  “It was m
y parents’ home, until my mother remarried.” Bruce frowned. “Since this isn’t a social visit, do you mind if we get going? After we go to the doctors and get my cast put on, I need to run by work for an important meeting, one I seemed to have missed yesterday.”

  “I’m sorry.” She messed up his plans by causing the accident and today his plans were still being altered. They couldn't put a cast on because of the swelling. Abbey hadn’t meant to cause him any more hardship or pain. When she prayed last night, she promised God that she would do whatever it took to make this situation right and hopefully find out why Bruce was so grumpy. It seemed like he had so much to be happy about; his embittered disposition seemed unwarranted.

  Doris looked like she was about to say something until Bruce gave her ‘that’ look, the one people gave you when they dared you to say something else. Abbey knew she should bite her tongue, but couldn’t resist. “It was good seeing you again, Doris. Will you be here when we get home tonight?”

  “Yes, I’ll set an extra place setting at dinner.” Doris smiled.

  “You don’t need to make dinner tonight, Doris. I expect to be late.”

  “How late?” Abbey asked. She didn’t have to work at the grocery store until midnight, but hoped to take a nap beforehand.

  “Did you have other plans?” Bruce’s left eyebrow arched, again, just like yesterday. Abbey was getting familiar with that look. He had several, all of them reflecting negative emotions and she couldn't help but wonder if he ever truly smiled.

  “Not really.” Abbey didn’t want to bother telling Bruce about her ‘real’ job. After all, how late could he keep her driving him around town? Most likely, she’d have time to catch a small nap. Tomorrow she could sleep while he was at work, then swing by his office to pick him up when he was done for the day.

  “Good. Then can we go now, please?” Bruce nodded towards the door. Abbey took her cue and opened it for him.

  “We’ll see you later, Doris.” Abbey waved goodbye to the other woman.

  “Bye, dear. Try and have a nice day.”

  “I’m sure we will.” Abbey forced a smile and followed Bruce out the door, careful to stay out of his way as he maneuvered himself down the stairs of the porch.

  “Where’s your car?”

  “Right there.” Abbey pointed to her blue Ford Focus.

  “That’s not the car you had yesterday.”

  “No. Yesterday I had Monica’s Neon,” Abbey admitted with a little reluctance.

  Bruce pivoted to look at her. “I’m not even going to ask who Monica is, but do you have a habit of driving other people’s vehicles? Is this someone else’s car, too?”

  “Monica’s my roommate,” Abbey announced, sidestepping him to walk around to the passenger’s side and open the door for him. “And yes, this is my car.”

  “How do you expect me to fit in there?”

  One glance at the interior of the vehicle and back at Bruce standing there on crutches and understand his concern about there not being enough room for him in her car. He was tall with broad shoulders and needed to stretch his long legs. It wouldn’t be an easy fit.

  “We could take your vehicle, but I figured you may need someone to pick it up... from the side of the road.” Where it wouldn't be stranded if she hadn't of hit him yesterday. Nothing like feeling guilty and somewhat incompetent.

  “It’s already been towed and is being repaired. Seems I had a little run in with a motorist. I should be safer today. I always say if you can’t beat them, join them.”

  Abbey looked up to meet chocolate brown eyes topped by the most quizzical arched eyebrows she had ever seen. Abbey reached in and moved the seat as far back as it would go. “There, hopefully that should work.”

  Bruce frowned but squeezed in, sliding his crutches between the seats.

  “Would you like me to do your seatbelt for you, too?” Abbey asked in a sweet, soft tone.

  “Are you always so perky in the morning?”

  “Yes.” Abbey smiled purposely for him. “Haven’t you ever heard of rejoicing in the Lord always? You ought to try it some time.”

  Abbey closed the door for Bruce, allowing him the option of fastening his own buckle. Then went around to her side of the car and got in. “To answer your other question, no, I don’t have a habit of borrowing other people’s vehicles. Mine wouldn’t start, so I had to borrow Monica’s.”

  “And did you get the problem fixed or should I expect delays later today because we’re stranded somewhere?”

  “My battery was low and just needed to charge up for a bit. It’s fine now.” Abbey didn’t bother to look at him as she backed out of his driveway. “Are you always so negative?”

  Bruce was silent for a few moments, perhaps contemplating her words. Her hope for a peaceful, quiet ride to the doctor’s office was short lived. “I’m sorry. Perhaps I’m a bit testy. Running a day behind, coupled by pain, tends to make me a little grumpy.”

  “Apology accepted.”

  “I don’t believe it!”

  “What?” Abbey glanced at him, trying to focus on the road. Her heart began to race. “I honestly forgive you. After all, I can’t blame you. It’s my fault you’re behind schedule and you’re in pain. It’s me who should be apologizing anyway.”

  Bruce was staring at her, his mouth gaping when she glanced at him. “What?”

  “Do you always ramble on? Never mind. I forgot my briefcase. We need to turn around and get it.”

  “Why don’t we wait until after your doctor’s visit? You might not feel up to going to work when they’re done. If so, you can just stay home and rest for a little bit.”

  “I have no choice but to go back to work, but I guess it won’t hurt to wait and pick it up when we’re… I’m done at the doctors office.”

  Abbey wasn’t about to press him, nor was she going mention the fact that the pain pills would most likely make him sleepy. An involuntary smile slipped to her lips when she thought about him sleeping. It would be a nice change from his being awake and grumpy like a toddler who needed a nap. The thought of him curled up like a baby, fast asleep, made her chuckle.

  “What are you laughing about?” Bruce waved his hand in dismissal. “Rejoicing again, no doubt.”

  Abbey laughed even harder. She was rejoicing all right, just not about what he thought she would be.

  * * *

  By the time the doctor's visit was over and she'd retrieved Bruce's prescription, Abbey was more than anxious for Bruce’s pain medicine to kick in. Silently she wondered if perhaps she shouldn’t be the one taking the medicine for the headache she was getting. At least she had thought to ask Doris if they could alter a few of his suit pants and add an insert that could be removed when his cast came off. Bruce seemed to be a little impressed that she came up with the idea. Abbey was thankful that Doris was more than happy to accommodate his needs. Sewing wasn’t one of Abbey’s better talents. Sadly enough, it took her two years to learn to sew a straight line in reverse, reinforcing stitches. Not that his pants legs would be that hard to sew, they were a little too expensive for her to take a chance messing up. Not to mention it would be one more thing he would count against her.

  “Do you know where we’re going?” Bruce asked as she edged out of his driveway.

  “I guess that would help, wouldn’t it? Where to, Sir?” Abbey gave a mock salute.

  “Do you know how to get to Manchester?” When Abbey nodded he continued, giving her the address.

  Abbey slammed on the brakes.

  “Hey, what are you trying to do, kill me?” Bruce clutched the armrest and braced his other hand on the dashboard.

  “I’m sorry.” Abbey eased her car in motion. “Why do you have to go there?”

  “Go where?”

  “I recognized the address. It’s to Abbot & Ellingsworth.” She should know that address by now, having looked at it on the business stationary day after day for year after year.

  “Why do I have a sick feeling that this isn
’t going to be good news? What did you do, drive a car through the side of their building?”

  Abbey shook her head.

  “Set the building on fire?”

  Abbey shook her head, again.

  “This is serious isn’t it?" Bruce leaned forward a little to get a better look at her. "I don’t like the look on your face. What happened?”

  “I used to work there.”

  “Oh, is that all… Given our recent history, I've learned you can do a lot of damage in a small amount of time.” Bruce smiled. “So, did they warn you to never step foot in the building again or they would call the police? Stop frowning. I’m only joking. I thought you were the one who wanted me to lighten up."

  “Good, I’m glad you are. Remember that, though, if my name comes up.”

  “Why don’t you tell me about it?” Bruce suggested in a tone that was soft and soothing.

  “I really don’t want to talk about it.”

  “How long did you work there?”

  “Six years. Now, can we drop it, please?”

  "Now who's the one being grumpy?" Bruce mumbled.

  Abbey bit her lip to keep from refraining. She pulled up along the curb in front of the building, got out and rounded the vehicle, opening Bruce’s door for him. She took his crutches and held them in front of him for him to grab and hoist himself into a standing position. “I don’t recall ever running into you here before.”

  “Probably because I’ve never been here before.”

  “Oh." It really wasn't her business why he was here now. "What time do you want me to pick you up?” Abbey closed the door and turned to look at him.

  “I’m sorry, maybe you didn’t understand. I need you along with me all day—to help. Could you please park the car and bring my briefcase in with you?”

  Abbey didn’t say anything—there wasn’t anything she could say and there wasn’t any way she could get out of this.

  “I’ll see you in a few minutes then.” Bruce turned and entered the building.

  Abbey parked the car, said a quick prayer for the questioning looks she was sure to get from her previous coworkers. She hurried to join Bruce in the foyer of Abbot & Ellingsworth. She knew she wouldn’t have time to prepare for a confrontation, Abbey hadn’t expected to have to deal with Gary as soon as she walked into the building. Bruce was absorbed in conversation with her ex-boss.