So, keeping the smile pasted firmly in place, she turned around and gestured to the table in the corner. “Please, sit down.”
“I want to know why the hell you thought telling my daughter to go to a doctor to discuss her condition was a better option than speaking to me, her mother.”
Ooooh boy. “Has Donna spoken to you?”
“Don’t treat me like an idiot,” Sally snapped angrily. “I’m her mother, you’re not. So what gives you the bloody right to advise my daughter?”
Ooohhhh, cripes. Shea’s mind spun. Did she betray a confidence? It wasn’t like she was a health professional anymore with strict codes, but she was a clairvoyant who - well, hell, she wasn’t a real clairvoyant. So what right did she have to do - well, anything, really, when it came to people’s relationships?
“Please, sit,” she began soothingly. “We can talk-”
“Talk?” Sally was furious. “I ought to report you to the police for giving an underage girl advice!”
Shea froze. Oh shit, would she do that? Could Sally do that? Going by the fury on the woman’s face, yes, she could. But how would that impact - oh Jesus, Cole. How would that impact on Cole? His sister reported to the cops, maybe investigated?
The colour drained from her face at the thought of facing questions, being questioned, maybe facing a lawsuit.
Going through that hell all over again.
Aaron and his security people knowing she was a fake was one thing, he’d known before they grew so close. Having it come out to his family? Oh God, facing those accusing, shocked faces of people who had become her friends? It made her shrivel inside.
Having Cole face the shame of his school mates and friends knowing that he combed social media for information? Sure, she refused to do readings for his friends and he was happy about that, but the betrayal was there, and betrayal had an ugly way of festering and blowing up.
Their lives here would be over.
They’d have to start again elsewhere.
Away from Aaron.
How would this affect Aaron if it blew up? He’d no doubt stand by her but the damage to his business, his relationship with his family… Maybe the blow up would be the end of her and Aaron.
Oh God, she didn’t know what would happen.
It was like a stick of dynamite in her hand with a flame perilously close to the wick - it could fizzle out or catch fire and blow hers - and Cole’s - lives apart. Destroy everything they’d worked for and risked and gone through already.
Black dots started to dance in front of her eyes, her breathing growing shallow and rapid as panic threatened to overwhelm her, a roaring in her ears.
A hand on her arm, a voice far away, something shoved over her mouth and nose.
It was several minutes before she started to come to, the roaring fading away, the black dots disappearing and her sight clearing.
Blinking, she found herself sitting at the table clutching a paper bag over her mouth and nose with Sally sitting in a chair beside her helping to control her shaking hand, one hand on her back rubbing comfortingly.
Embarrassed, still frightened, she lowered the bag, sought desperately to regain some kind of control.
“Are you all right?” Worried, Sally peered at her.
“I’m f-fine.” Placing the bag onto the table, Shea tried for a smile but was obviously way off the mark going by Sally’s dubious expression.
“Are you prone to panic attacks? Do I need to call someone for you?”
“No. No, I’ll be fine.” Shea folded her arms, hands clutching her upper arms tightly. “I had a panic attack?”
Sally nodded. “I’ve seen it before. Donna had one when she was studying for exams last year.”
“Oh.” How bloody humiliating. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s me who is sorry. This is my fault.” When Shea opened her mouth, she shook her head more vehemently. “I wanted to blame someone and you were a prime candidate. I came in here like a bat of hell and scared the living shit out of you.” All at once her face crumpled. “I’m sorry.”
Shea stared as the angry woman of mere minutes ago, the woman who had the power to possibly destroy Shea’s life and thereby Cole’s as well, dissolved into tears.
After several seconds of gaping at her, Shea regained her commonsense, got to her feet - admittedly a little wobbly at first, obviously her nerves were still a little shattered - and flipped the ‘closed’ sign on the door.
No way in hell was she doing anymore readings tonight.
Maybe never.
Never sounded good right now.
Taking Sally’s arm, she helped the sobbing woman to her feet, placed an arm around her shoulders and walked her through to the kitchen where she settled her into a chair and dropped a box of tissues by her elbow before switching on the kettle.
As Sally tried to still her sobs, Shea asked, “Tea or coffee?”
“What?” A tear-streaked face looked at her.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m needing a good hot drink. Tea or coffee?”
Sally mopped her face with a tissue. “Coffee.”
Red slunk around the doorframe, studied Sally and disappeared back into the hall. No doubt he’d discover the door into the shop open and be in there very shortly with Carrot happily wreaking havoc.
Right then Shea didn’t care. She’d deal with the results of their shenanigans right after she dealt with this still-possible disaster.
“I’m sorry, Stella.” Sally blew her nose.
“Shea. My name’s Shea.”
Sally looked uncomprehendingly at her.
“Stella is the name I use for my business. My real name is Shea.”
“Shea.” Sally gave a watery smile. “I actually prefer it to Stella.” She resumed staring at the table while picking apart a tissue.
Setting a steaming mug of coffee before Sally, Shea placed her cup of tea on the table, retrieved a packet of chocolate biscuits she’d hidden from Cole - definitely a chocolate biscuit occasion - ripped it open and put it on the table between them before sitting opposite Sally.
Sniffing, Sally looked at her. “I’m so sorry I took my frustration out on you.”
“Maybe you had good reason,” Shea replied quietly.
“No, I didn’t.” With a sigh, she cupped a hand loosely around the coffee mug. “Donna told me about the pregnancy.”
“I’m glad.”
“I was too. Well, not at first, I tore her a new one. I’ve been down that road, I didn’t want her to go through what I did.” Picking up the mug, Sally blew on the steaming liquid. “I wanted her to finish her education, get a career, have all those things I didn’t. She’s so young.”
No denying that.
“I lost it. I yelled at her, told her she’d wrecked her life.” Tears filled her eyes again but she dashed them away with the back of her hand. “Demanded to know who the bastard was that knocked her up, how she could allow it to happen. I said everything my mother said to me, everything I promised myself I’d never say to my daughter because my daughter would not repeat my mistake, I was determined about that. I promised myself that the day I held her in my arms and looked at her little red, screwed-up face. I promised her I’d make sure her life was different.” Sally took a sip of coffee. “Good brew.”
“Thanks,” Shea replied automatically. “Cole has particular tastes when it comes to coffee.”
“Kids.”
“Kids.”
In a moment of mutual understanding, they smiled at each other.
Sally took another sip of coffee.
Ginger strolled in, glanced around before wandering over to the biscuit bowl and started crunching.
Had to admire a cat who didn’t give a fig for undercurrents.
“I love my daughter, Shea,” Sally said quietly. “She was no mistake. The circumstances were, the result wasn’t. I made my way in life, I brought up my daughter, and she’s a good girl. She came to you looking for answers because she was too scared to
come to me. I understand that because I’ve faced what she’s facing. I do understand. I just thought…” Her lips tightened a fraction. “I promised I’d never make my daughter fear to face me, to tell me anything. But I did just that, and I acted the way I swore I never would.” She resumed shredding the tissue. “When Donna told me she’d spoken to you, that you’d advised her to see a doctor or counsellor, I was furious. Blamed you, said you should have rang me, said you should have instructed her to tell me not a stranger.”
“I asked if she could speak to you but she was adamant. I didn’t know what the situation was at home, I honestly didn’t know what to say or do,” Shea confessed. “Donna was scared, but Sally, I don’t think that’s a reflection on you. I think a lot of teenagers who make mistakes with such huge consequences are scared to tell their parents for whatever reason - disappointment, anger, and sometimes recriminations that are violent. I don’t know you. I didn’t know what Donna was facing. The best I could do was advise her to see her doctor or go to women’s health centre for advice. In no way am I capable of dealing with something like that, I have neither the right nor knowledge.”
“I understand, I do.” Tracing the mug up and down with her fingertips, Sally gave a small, weary smile. “It was my guilt over my reaction that made me blame you. Certainly didn’t want to acknowledge my own fault.”
Reaching out, Shea placed her hand atop Sally’s. “You have a right to be angry, you know. You have feelings, hopes, dreams for your kid. You don’t want them to make mistakes, you want to keep them from ever going through things you went through, but you can’t control everything.”
Sally smiled wryly. “Guess it’s easier when you can see the future.”
Guilt raked through Shea. “You’d think so, but it’s not always clear. Relationships aren’t easy.” She pulled her hand back. “I don’t seek the future of me or mine, family or friends.”
“Why? You could help them.”
“Personal reasons.” Shea shrugged. “Close ties and all that.”
“Okay.” Sally was puzzled but her concern over her daughter overshadowed any curiosity. “Hopefully Donna will come home and I can tell her its okay, we’ll get through it together.”
“What about the father?” Shea asked.
Sally’s mouth tightened, her eyes flashing.
“He has a right,” Shea stated firmly. “If it was my brother who got a girl pregnant - let’s not forget it takes two to tango - I’d want him to know. I’d want to know. The baby is half his, the responsibility should be shared.”
Sally glanced away, bit her lip, frowned, looked back at Shea.
Shea gazed silently at her. In this, at least, she was certain, and it was true, if it had of happened to Cole, she’d want to know, want him to know and take responsibility.
“Yeah.” Sally’s shoulders slumped. “You’re right.”
“So where is Donna?”
“I don’t know. She left while I was still ranting.”
“Do you think she’s gone to the father?”
“Brad?”
Okay, so she suspected the father. Shea didn’t say anything.
“I know it was Brad.” Sally’s fingers tightened around the mug. “Brad’s her boyfriend. Donna wouldn’t sleep with anyone else, she’s besotted with him.”
“You didn’t try there?”
“I rang but there was no one home. I tried his mobile but it was turned off. Donna isn’t answering her mobile.” Weary, worried, Sally leaned back in the chair. “No point ringing the police to report a missing girl. I mean, we’ve just had a row and it’s only been a couple of hours. No way would they take that seriously.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I just hope she comes home. I hope she knows I love her and just comes home.”
“Mum?”
Startled, Shea spun around on the chair. Sally’s head jerked up, her eyes widening.
Standing on the back veranda was Donna.
Oh boy.
“Donna?” Sally stumbled to her feet.
Donna rattled the door handle, her voice thick with tears. “Mum?”
Before Shea could do more than shove to her feet, Sally was across the room and had unlocked the door, throwing it open wide to grab her daughter and jerk her into her arms.
“It’s okay, baby.” Sally rocked her. “It’s okay.”
“I’m sorry, Mum,” Donna sobbed. “I was so scared. I am scared.”
“Sshh, baby. Sshh.”
Not quite knowing what to do or say, Shea stood beside the table watching. Truth be told, it was a little throat-lump inducing to watch mother and daughter unite.
“How did you know I was here?” Sally smoothed Donna’s hair back from her wet cheeks.
“I guessed. I went back home and when you weren’t there I remembered the look on your face when I’d mentioned Stella. I guessed you’d come here. Your car was out front, the door was locked so I came around the back.” Donna looked up at her mother. “I heard what you said.”
Comfortingly, Sally rubbed her arms. “I guess we need to talk a little more.”
“Okay.” Donna still looked uncertain.
“No yelling,” Sally promised. “We need to sit down and discuss this, discuss options, and then we need to see Brad and his parents.”
Donna gulped.
“Whatever the outcome, baby, we’re in this together.” Sally kissed her forehead. “You’re not alone.”
A flicker of hope in her eyes, Donna smiled tremulously. “Okay.”
Turning, one arm around Donna, Sally looked at Shea. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Shea smiled. “Looks like you two are going to work it out.”
“Is that what you see in our future?” Donna wiped her cheeks with the back of one hand.
“No crystal ball or Spirit guide. The evidence is right before my eyes.”
Sally gave Donna a squeeze. “Come on, let’s go home. We’ve a lot to talk about.”
Donna gave Shea a shy wave which she returned with a nod of reassurance, and then they both left, going the back way and up the drive to where Sally’s car was parked out front.
Locking the security screen, Shea looked down at Ginger as he wound around her ankles. “What a freakin’ night.” Scooping him up in her arms, she hugged him tight. “They’re not the only ones with important things to talk about.”
Purring, Ginger rested his paws on her shoulder and rubbed his face against her cheek.
Deriving comfort from him, she spent several minutes giving him some loving before he decided enough was enough and struggled to get down. Placing him on the table, she glanced at the clock. Barely six o’clock. It felt like hours had passed.
Looked like it was an early night, no way was she reopening the shop.
Right now, she didn’t want to open it for readings full stop.
It was time she took stock of her own life decisions.
Chapter 11
Unobserved, Aaron watched mother and daughter embrace and speak, then the mother say something to Shea before they moved off down the driveway. Shea locked the security screen before looking down to where Ginger curled around her ankles. Speaking softly, she picked him up and snuggled him close.
He’d been watching since Marietta had alerted him that the shop was closed and Shea had taken her visitor into her kitchen. That unusual action combined with the fact that the visitor had stormed furiously into the shop had him leaving the security building to melt into the shadows of Shea’s back garden to observe and, if necessary, intervene to protect.
Wasn’t hard to hear the crying, Shea’s voice. He’d started to move closer when Marietta had alerted him through the ear bud of the communication device of another person entering the driveway. Staying still, he watched the teenager go up onto the veranda and stop to listen, unnoticed by the women in the kitchen.
Observing the proceedings, he relaxed. The woman had gone in angry, started crying, Shea had talked to her and the daughter showed up. Mother and daughter r
econciled and left.
Telling Marietta the alert was off, he bid her goodnight before taking the ear bud from his ear and putting it into his pocket. Coming up onto the veranda, he could clearly see Shea glance at the clock. Knocking on the door, he watched her approach and open it. Now he could see the strain on her face, the paleness of her cheeks, his gaze narrowing as concern spiked through him. “Shea?”
“Hi, Aaron.” She smiled. “Come in.”
He stepped past her, turning as he did so, so that he kept her in view the whole time. “What’s wrong?”
“You could say it was a bit of a heavy session.” She shut the door.
“You’re closed early. Getting ready to reopen?”
“Actually, I’ve decided I’ve had enough for the night. One of the perks of being the boss, right?”
He eyed her.
She eyed him right back.
Okay, she wasn’t going to explain anything and he wasn’t exactly in the position to push it. Not his business. Well, her safety sure as hell was, but her clairvoyant stuff was all hers.
Wouldn’t stop him doing a little unobtrusive prying, of course. “Early night?”
“That’s the plan,” she agreed calmly. “Shop closed, I’m going to shower and have something to eat.”
Hmm. Now that opened up some possibilities. His interest changed direction as he noted her slightly defiant pose. Hands on hips, shoulders straight, bosom nicely shown off by the demure dress. Little bit of attitude. He liked that.
He also liked the fact that Cole was happily in the company of his family which left Shea alone for the weekend. He’d planned to call around later when she closed shop for a drink and something more carnal if she was in the mood, but now…
Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. When he pulled back, she was eyeing him suspiciously.
He grinned a little. “Dinner?”
“That was my plan.”
“I meant go out for dinner.”
Surprise replaced the suspicion. “Really? Now?”
“Sure. You’re closed early, the night is young. Unless you have other plans?”
The Wells Brothers: Aaron Page 26