Franklin blurted out, “April, what happened between us? Why did you leave me?”
Her smile quickly vanished. Her hazel eyes darted all around the room. She looked everywhere but at him.
The moments seemed so long before April sighed deeply and spoke very softly.
“Franklin…I…I don’t know what to say. Nothing I could tell you would be a satisfactory answer.”
Franklin moved his empty plate to the side and rested his elbows on the table. “Try me.”
Right on queue April was able to summon the tears. “Everything seemed to be happening so fast. I just panicked!” She reached out to touch Franklin’s fingers that were laced together. “I never stopped loving you though Franklin. Please believe that! I thought once we got engaged things would change. That you’d be willing to spend more time with me and share more of yourself with me. But, you didn’t. You were so married to your work and the Rutherfords. I just didn’t know where I fit or if there was even room in your heart for me. I was afraid that would never change.”
Franklin could actually almost understand that. Hadn’t he had his own doubts? He was terrified that he wouldn’t be a good husband and father. That he’d be just like his father.
“Why didn’t you just talk to me? We could have worked through it…together.”
“I was afraid you wouldn’t understand. I know I hurt you but I just hope I have I lost you forever Franklin.”
When Franklin hesitated for a moment April had a silly notion that maybe he’d found someone else. Could he have really found someone else in the months she’d been gone?
“Franklin, I’d like for us to try again? I’m not scared anymore. Unless…you’ve found someone else?”
“April…I…I was seeing someone. And, I just don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
April began to remove her hands from resting lightly on top of his. “Oh, I see.”
He stopped her from removing them “No, you don’t. I can’t make any promises but I know that it’s good to be here with you right now. All I can promise you is right now.”
She looked up at him with glassy eyes as he bore deeply into hers. Franklin was always so hard for April to read but for a moment she’d seen vulnerability in his eyes.
In that moment, April wasn’t sure but hoped she could win him back. As long as he never found out the real reason she’d left and the real reason she’d come back…she had a chance.
She blinked a few times, “I’m just grateful you’re willing to give me right now then.”
Franklin and April spent most of the weekend together. Yet, even though he’d spent the entire weekend with her and they’d had a good time, it was missing something. They laughed but it wasn’t as hearty, the silent moments were a little uneasy, and there were sparks between them but not fireworks. As a matter of fact, Franklin found himself thinking about Sandy almost the entire time.
Chapter 28
For the past couple of months Vicky hadn’t wanted to get out of bed let alone get dressed unless it was absolutely necessary. Well, today it was necessary. She was on a mission. It was time to bridge the distance between her and Jason. She wanted to feel the closeness they’d once shared. Hopefully, Aunt Shirley was right. Vicky needed Aunt Shirley to be right. No matter what… she loved Jason and was going to prove to him how sorry she was for everything.
Vicky showered and changed into some actual clothes. It was time to put away the pajamas and do something with her unruly hair. Her bed was cluttered with discarded shirts, jeans, and dresses.
It took more time than she wanted to find something decent to wear. Standing in front of the full length mirror in nothing but her underwear is when she realized the considerable amount of weight she’d lost. Vicky smoothed her hands over her stomach. It still hurt that there was no more baby. The pain was almost unbearable.
Vicky inhaled deeply, closed her eyes, and encouraged herself.
“Deep breaths. Deep breaths. I can do this.”
After taking some time to calm herself she was able to continue. Vicky held up to her body a cottony- soft yellow maxi dress. The color did a good job of hiding the dullness of her caramel skin.
Vicky sat down at her vanity to try and do something with her hair. She unbraided the single braid that she’d worn for the past several weeks. Once she’d taken it down…It was a fly away mess but nothing a flat-iron couldn’t handle.
Forty-five minutes later, she’d managed to tame most of her curls. Smooth waves of hair fell over her shoulders. While it wasn’t salon grade it was much better than the braid. Satisfied with the job she’d done, it was now time to get her face to show some signs of life. That might be a little more complicated.
Vicky didn’t wear much makeup but the dark circles under her eyes had to go. After spending several minutes looking for her concealer, she finally found it. Twenty minutes later, the reflection she saw in the mirror revealed a woman who was still alive.
She was ready. Finally, to face Jason. There weren’t going to be any excuses. They were going to talk.
Just as Vicky opened the door to leave their bedroom, she ran into their housekeeper, Willa.
Willa was surprised to see Vicky up so early, dressed, and about.
“Oh…Mrs. Rutherford, Mr. Rutherford wanted me to let you know that he needed to leave for a bit.”
It was obvious Vicky was disappointed.
“Did he say where he was going or when he’ll be back?”
“I’m sorry he did not. Would you like me to find out?”
Vicky hesitated and sighed, “No. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”
Vicky went into Jason’s gardens. It was so peaceful there. Shortly, after she’d arrived Sandy walked in. They talked for what seemed like hours until Sandy left to take care of some personal things.
Vicky tried to keep busy. Angel was napping so she went into Jason’s library. That was probably going to be the first place he would go when he came home.
Her nervous energy had her walking around the room. She ended up at his desk. It brought a smile to her face when she saw a photo of them on their wedding day sitting there. Just to the right of it was a picture of Angel. Vicky was about to search the wall of books for something interesting to read when she noticed the ultrasound photo.
Unable to breathe, Vicky slowly reached for the picture. She held it in her hands for a moment before tracing the shape of her son. Moments later she clasped it to her bosom. A tear slowly slid down the side of her cheek onto the desk. That’s when she realized she’d been crying.
Whispering to herself, “One second, one moment, and one minute at a time.”
Vicky wiped her tears away and put the photo back to where Jason had left it. There was no way she would be able to concentrate on reading anything. She was doing her best not to slip back into despair. And, even though it was mid-afternoon, Vicky was all of a sudden exhausted. She walked over and sat on the sofa to wait for Jason.
It wasn’t long before the exhaustion took over and Vicky fell asleep.
*****
Jason tossed and turned all night. At the first sign of sunlight…he decided to get up and try to be productive.
The closer it was to Friday’s hearing, the more restless he became. In two more days, there was a chance they could lose Angel.
Jason knew it was early but he’d decided to call John Lucas. He’d probably called him at least one hundred times in the last few days for an update.
More than likely, John Lucas was expecting his call. He continued to reassure Jason that everything was under control.
Jason knew that this time John Lucas wasn’t underestimating that hot shot lawyer – something Abernathy. He’d prepared Vicky well for the hearing. When the call ended and after the reassurances of John Lucas, Jason still couldn’t control his nerves. Angel was so much a part of him that he didn’t know what he’d do if he lost her, especially so soon after the death of his son.
That pain was still so fresh in his
heart.
After spending more than an hour reviewing a contract that should have taken on twenty minutes, Jason decided to head over to the gym. Maybe he could expense some of his anxiety in a constructive way.
Vicky and Angel were still asleep when he’d left the house and would probably be sleeping for a few more hours.
It took more time at the gym than Jason anticipated getting control of his emotions. His trainer had met him there and really worked him out. After they’d finished Jason spent some time running on the track. He’d worked himself until the point of complete exhaustion. Finally, he was ready to hit the showers.
Jason changed clothes and headed for home. The gym was only about a half an hour away. Jason’s cell phone rang. It was Bridget.
He answered, “Hello.”
The familiar sound of her voice came through the line. He felt guilty. “Hi Jason. I was sitting here thinking about you and thought I’d give you call. I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed hanging out when we were in Minnesota. I hope we get to do it more often…as friends of course.”
He got himself into this mess, he had to get himself out. “Yeah…it’s always good to see good friends.”
Bridget didn’t like the sound of that. She hoped she hadn’t lost ground. “Well, I know things are tough for you right now but maybe we can find some time to hang out here. We could meet at the club for drinks or lunch.”
“Bridget…Thank you for trying to be a good friend right now, but that is probably not a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Honestly, because Vicky wouldn’t like it.”
“I don’t understand? What was it only fine because we were in Minnesota? If that’s the case, we can meet in Minnesota. I don’t want to lose our friendship, Jason.”
“Bridget, it probably wasn’t a good idea in Minnesota either. Look, I don’t want to hurt your feelings but I love my wife and us being friends would hurt her. I’ve done enough of that lately.”
She started to stutter, “but, but Jason…I know you’re going through a lot. I just want to be there for you.”
“And, I thank you for that but that’s what Vicky is for.”
Bridget no longer tried to mask her frustration and anger. “Well, fine then! One day you’re going to wish you’d chosen me.”
The next thing Jason heard was a dial-tone. He shook his head. It was all for the best. As he drove home he passed one of Angel’s favorite toy stores. Jason immediately turned the car around and decided she deserved a gift. After all, Angel had lost a little brother too. He knew she didn’t fully understand everything but it would be impossible for her not to have some kind of feelings about it. Even her beautiful smile hadn’t been as bright. Jason hoped this might put the spark back into it.
He came out of the store with a fluffy brown teddy bear probably as big as Angel. It wore a pink necklace and had large brown eyes framed in extra long lashes. They were just like hers. That is what made him think to get it in the first place. He couldn’t wait to see the expression on his little girls face when he gives it to her.
Right next door to the toy shop was a jewelry store. Although Vicky and his relationship had been strained he wanted to do something to put a smile back on her face too.
Buying Vicky a present wasn’t nearly as easy as buying Angel one. Although there were some beautiful pieces, nothing seemed to feel right. The saleswoman saw his frustration and hoped she could assist him.
“Excuse me. Can I help you find something?”
“Actually, yes you can. I want to buy a gift for my wife; Nothing too big or flashy but something ‘special’.”
“I think I have just the right thing. It just came in yesterday and I haven’t even put it on the floor yet. Let me go and grab it.”
While Jason was waiting for the saleswoman to come back another customer entered.
“Jason? Jason Rutherford is that you?”
Jason turned around to see Michael Soloman. He was on the short list of several people Jason had no desire to see.
Michael forced a smile “It’s been a while. Thought we might all get together last week in Minnesota but Bridgette explained. The press can be rough. How are you doing?”
“We’re good…you and Wendy?”
“Wendy’s great. You know Jason, we’re still your friends and we just want the best for you. We hate to see you going through so much. Our condolences on the loss of your son. But, it’s good to know that you and Bridgette are re-connecting too.”
Jason’s hair stood up over his body. He was tense, “Our families are old friends.”
Michael didn’t realize he was treading on thin ice. Jason swallowed hard because he knew it was all bullshit. Especially, since none of his so-called friends even showed up to the funeral or even sent a condolence card. Strangers had shown more empathy.
The sales representative came out of the back, “I’m sorry it took me so long but here it is! I love this piece.”
Jason turned back to see what she’d brought out from the back. It was beautiful. It was a delicate white-gold necklace with a pair of love birds entwined into the word ‘love’.
“It’s…perfect. I’ll take it.”
Jason gave the clerk his credit card and she happily went to take care of his sale and wrap the necklace up.
Michael clasped Jason’s back, “Well…Bridgette never really got over you.”
“Michael, Bridget and I are just friends…nothing more and nothing less.”
Michael looked as if he didn’t believe him “Well, everything happens for a reason. And, it does seem like you’ve been getting better press lately. I’m sure you probably never expected to have all these ‘baby daddy’ issues when you married Vicky.”
Jason turned around so fast and snatched Michael up by his jacket and hemmed up against one of the jewelry cases.
“You insensitive bastard. Are you trying to say that it was a good thing to lose my son to get better press? Or, that I shouldn’t have married Vicky?”
Michael tried to wiggle out of Jason’s iron clasp grip. “Don’t take your regrets out on me! What did you expect when you married her? My biggest surprise is that she managed to dupe you and Ryan Carter. Whatever she has between her legs must be made out of gold.”
Jason hit Michael in the jaw so hard that it knocked his body backwards almost over the jewelry case.
“Please…please not in my store. Please stop!”
The sound of the store clerk’s frantic voice jarred Jason out of his angry haze.
“You might want to think very carefully next time you say anything about my wife or me.”
Jason apologized to the clerk, took his package, and left the store.
*****
Jason took the long route home. He didn’t want to bring that energy home with him. When he finally arrived home, he went directly into his study. Jason needed a drink and to center himself before he saw Angel or Vicky.
He walked inside and poured himself bourbon. He was so focused that he hadn’t noticed Vicky was in the room. It wasn’t until he was about to put the drink up to his lips that he saw her sleeping on his couch. Knowing how much she was concerned with him drinking, Jason put it down. He watched her sleep for a few more moments before walking over to her.
Vicky still looked so fragile and beautiful. She’d seemed to have taken special care with her dress and hair. Jason removed several strands that had fallen over her eyes. He hadn’t really touched or kissed Vicky since they’d gotten back from their honeymoon. He was dying to just kiss her.
Maybe she wouldn’t mind since she was sleeping. Jason hovered over her face for an extra second before gently brushing his lips against hers. Although he broke the kiss, he didn’t want to break the connection. So, he sat on the floor next to her while she slept. Jason knew she needed the rest. It was obvious by her coming into his office she wanted to talk to him. He wasn’t going to wake her. So, whatever it was would have to wait until she woke up.
> Jason’s phone rang. It was the office. He needed to take the call but decided to take it somewhere else so he didn’t wake her up.
Several hours later during the early evening Vicky woke up with a light blanket covering her. Willa must have given it to her while she was sleeping. Vicky hadn’t meant to sleep so long or be away from Angel this long. And, as far as she could tell, Jason still hadn’t returned to his office.
Feeling disappointed that she hadn’t been able to talk to him; Vicky decided to find Angel and spend some quality time with her. She was probably wondering where she’d been all day.
Chapter 29
Vicky walked into Angel’s bedroom to see Jason sitting on the floor Indian style with her on his lap watching a movie. He was laughing and so was she. Angel was laughing so hard and pointing at something.
“Daddy…look. He’s rolling on the floor.”
Jason had seen this movie with Angel a million times but if it made her happy he’d watch it a million more. “Yes he is. I don’t know how he does that.”
Angel hopped up to demonstrate to Jason how the character basically turned himself into a pretzel and rolled around on the floor. As Angel turned around she spotted Vicky leaning in the doorway.
“Mommy! You awake.”
Angel ran to her mom and threw her arms around her legs.
Vicky hugged her right back, “Yes I am. I’m sorry I slept so long.” She looked up to see Jason studying her. It made her feel somewhat self-conscience. She automatically tried to smooth her hair down. She knew it was all over the place and hadn’t thought Jason was home.
“I probably look a mess.”
Their eyes connected for the first time in months, “No. You look beautiful.”
“Mommy, you got to meet Pita. Daddy bought me Pita.”
Vicky dragged her eyes away from him to Angel looking confused, “Who’s Pita?”
Angel ran over to her bed and dragged her brown Teddy Bear off of her bed. It was actually bigger than she was.
She huffed and puffed as she dragged the bear over to her mom, “This…is…Pita!”
LOVE, LIFE, and VOWS Page 11