The Light of Day

by Lynne Norris

  Grace stopped at the fence and draped her arms over the top rail. Her gaze drifted out across the fields and she seemed miles away for a moment.

  “They’re beautiful creatures. They have such soulful eyes.” Emma reached out and touched one of the cows that wandered over. The young looking heifer moved closer and made snuffling noises as it sniffed at Emma curiously through the fence.

  “They are beautiful animals,” Grace agreed.

  “Do you get attached to them?”

  “Attached? When I was younger sure. I cried whenever it was time for them to go to the butcher. It still makes me sad.”

  “I couldn’t do it.”

  “They live a good life here, Emma. They’re out free-ranging on green pastures in the sunshine until the first snows and then they graze on the hay that we harvest.”

  “Until it’s time to slaughter them.”

  “Yes, until then they live a good life.”

  “Some people find that offensive.”

  “Do you?” Grace regarded her quietly.

  “No, I eat meat but, honestly, I never thought about what I ate as being a living, breathing creature before it gets to my plate.”

  “Most people don’t. They’re too far removed from what it takes to raise and grow their food. I know what we do for our animals is a hundred times more humane than what they do on the industrial farms. Bottom line is people need to eat. What we produce is good clean meat.”

  “You sound passionate about it.”

  “I am. People should have access to good clean food.”

  “Is that why you donate food to the soup kitchen?” Emma pulled her hand away when the cow tried to lick her hand.

  “It’s part of it. The reality is that those people could be you or I on any given day.” Grace rubbed the back of her neck with her hand. “Sorry. That just came out.”

  “It’s all right. It’s true and there’s nothing wrong with saying it.” Iridescent dragonflies darting here and there between the tall grasses caught Emma’s attention. A purple one touched down on her hand. It rested only a second or two before lifting off in agile flight. “Are you glad you came back to the farm?”

  “Yeah, I am. I always came back on weekends and holidays to work. That’s different than being here the entire year and managing things from start to finish. Now that I’ve been here it’s hard to think about going back to what I was doing.”

  “It must have been difficult to leave something that you loved so much.” Emma said leaning against the fence.

  “At the time it was the easiest decision in the world to make,” Grace said, without looking at Emma.

  “Because of your father?”

  “Partly. There were other things already in play. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do...then my father got hurt so I took a leave of absence.” Grace sipped her wine.

  Emma held Grace’s gaze and said, “You haven’t told me what happened.”

  Grace pressed her lips together and tapped a fingertip on her glass. “I found out one of my players was taking drugs. The rules were plain and simple enough. I got her into counseling and she was suspended from the team. There was a lot of pressure from the family. Apparently, Daddy was an alumni with money and a history of donating handsomely to the school.”

  Emma was quiet as she looked out at the cows. “That couldn’t have been easy to deal with.”

  “It wasn’t. The father called the dean or me almost everyday and demanded his kid be put back on the team. The man’s level of arrogance and entitlement was not to be believed.”

  “Did it end there?”

  “No.” Grace tipped her glass and finished her wine. “I wasn’t planning on getting into this now.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  Grace closed her eyes and sighed. “No time like the present I suppose. This whole mess took about six months to play out. Megan completed her counseling and passed two required drug tests so she was re-instated on the team at the beginning of the next season. We were two weeks into competition when I caught her in the locker room before practice snorting a white substance.”

  “Cocaine?”

  “I never found out. Part of me wanted to turn away and pretend I hadn’t seen what she was doing. That wasn’t a road I wanted to go down. I suspended her on the spot, wrote a report and went to the dean the next day. I knew something was wrong the minute I walked into his office.”

  “Oh no.”

  “She accused me of sexual harassment. It was her word against mine.”

  “Oh, Jesus, Grace. Didn’t the dean know she was doing it to divert attention away from what she’d done?”

  Grace shrugged her shoulders. “It didn’t matter what he thought. When a student brings a charge against a teacher or a coach the dean has no choice but to investigate the charges.”

  “That could ruin someone’s career.”

  “Believe me it’s not the first time false charges have been brought against a teacher or a coach because the student doesn’t want to take responsibility for their actions.”

  “What did they do?”

  “They put me on administrative leave while they looked into what happened.”

  “It’s so obvious she accused you to cover up what she was doing. What about the team? Did the other players know what was going on?”

  “I have no idea if they were told anything at all. They allowed me back into my office to gather up some personal things one evening when no one was there. That was the last time I was back there. Two days later my father was in the hospital. I went to the Dean and requested a leave of absence.”

  “Did you get a chance to defend yourself?”

  “Oh, yeah, I met with the school’s attorney to tell my side of the story.”

  “Did they ever tell you what the outcome of the investigation was?”

  “I got a letter last month clearing me of any wrongdoing. Doesn’t matter much anymore.”

  “Why? Don’t you think you’ll ever go back to coaching?”

  Grace faced Emma and took a careful breath. “I don’t think about coaching much anymore. My priorities have changed since I’ve been home. I want to be here. I know what it takes to run this farm successfully. I’ve been involved in every facet of the operations here.”

  “Will your father let you take over?”

  “Michael’s the oldest. It would go to him. Tony wants my parents to sell it and move into an adult community. It’s complicated.”

  “I can’t imagine your mother and father ever doing that.”

  “Neither can Michael and I. It would kill both of them to leave here, but that decision isn’t up to Michael or me.”

  “How is Michael?”

  “He’s managing all right. His wife walked out a year and a half ago and left him with the two boys.”

  “That’s awful.”

  “Some people aren’t cut out for marriage and kids. Tricia never grew up. She always wanted to be out at a party, even after the boys were born.”

  “That’s why Michael came back home?”

  “Between work, trying to raise Tyler and Jonah and paying alimony he was drowning. My parents offered to help him. So far it’s worked out pretty well for all involved.”

  “Jesus. Where does this bitch live?”

  Grace laughed. “Pick a number and get in line. I’ve got first dibs on her for what she did to him.”

  Your family is lucky to have the both you and Michael here.”

  “My mother might dispute that fact on certain days. What about you?” Grace asked.

  “What about me?”

  “Will you go back to the city once everything turns around?”

  “I guess that depends on whether a job opens up at some point. I’ve sent my resumes and filled out more applications than I can count. Nobody’s hiring. Right now I have no idea what I’m going to do.”

  “You always struck me as the kind of person who knew exactly what she wanted.”

  Emma snorted. “I
thought I knew what I wanted. The financial world is all I know. Moving paper meant making money and money meant food, clothes, security and status. A lot of good that did me.”

  “Were you happy doing what you did?” Grace asked.

  “I thought I was,” Emma said and she wondered now when she traded happiness for the illusion of wealth. She glanced at Grace’s profile in the afternoon sun. The breeze tugged at the wayward strands of loose hair that slipped from Grace’s ponytail and ruffled them across her cheek.

  “And now?”

  Emma felt her ears heat up when she realized Grace was smiling at her. “I still feel like I’m trying to find my equilibrium. I don’t recognize my life anymore.”

  “You will eventually,” Grace said.

  “Will you stay on the farm long-term?” Emma asked.

  “I like the work and the rhythm of the farm. It’s different now that I’m the one making decisions that drive the business.”

  “Different how?” Emma asked.

  “The success or failure of the farm is on me.”

  “What about Michael?”

  “He’s got a lot of responsibility raising the boys. He works hard, but managing the day-to-day details was never his thing.”

  “There’s so much to know. How do you keep it all straight?”

  “I have my grandfather’s journals. He kept meticulous notes. I learned a lot by reading them over the years. My father taught me the rest.” Grace fell silent as she gazed across the rolling fields then let out a sigh. “We should head back.”

  Emma wasn’t sure why, but an uneasy feeling settled in her gut as they neared the farmhouse. If Emma needed any clarification it came in the way of Paula walking out onto the porch with a look of disapproval as she and Grace approached. Emma was conscious of Paula observing her jeans, her hair, and her smug smile never wavering.

  “There you are. I was looking for you. Your brother is here,” Paula said nodding in the direction of a black Porsche parked in front of the garage.

  Behind her Tyler and Jonah screeched when they saw Grace and scrambled off the porch in her direction.

  “Hey guys. Slow down.” Grace knelt and corralled them one in each arm. “Where’s Dad?”

  “Inside.”

  “Would you mind keeping an eye on Tyler and Jonah for a couple of minutes?” Grace asked turning to Emma.

  “No problem,” Emma said. “My sister has two boys about their age. I’m used to a little chaos once in a while.”

  Grace cocked her head and smiled. “I promise I’ll send Michael out as soon as I find him.”

  Emma didn’t miss the sidelong dismissive glance cast in her direction. She was sure the possessive sweep of Paula’s hand across the small of Grace’s back as she walked past Paula was for her benefit.

  Chapter Eleven

  BARELY INSIDE THE door, Paula turned and enveloped Grace in a fierce embrace that she didn’t have time to evade. Warm lips, slid over Grace’s and a hint of tongue slipped inside her mouth. Paula nipped Grace’s bottom lip and squeezed her ass.

  “That’s because I didn’t get to say hello to you properly before you ran off before. You’ve been avoiding me,” Paula accused.

  Grace blushed furiously and could barely form a word. The only thing that could possibly make this situation any worse would be for her mother or Emma to walk in.

  “For God’s sakes Paula you’re in my parent’s house. Back off.” Grace said finally finding her voice.

  “Where were you hiding all this time?”

  “I had things to do.”

  “That’s all you do is work. You should come play with me tonight.” Paula clung like a vine twisting and curling around Grace possessively.

  “I need to find Michael.”

  “No you don’t.”

  “I really need to find Michael.” Grace put her hands on Paula’s hips and pushed, moving the woman back out of her intimate space.

  “Somebody call me?” Grace’s gaze lifted and locked with Michael’s. His eyes twinkled with amusement.

  He gave Grace a slow two-step smile, lifted his can of beer in a mock toast and winked.

  “Emma is outside with the twins. You need to go get them.”

  “I’m sure she’s doing just fine handling them. Besides Sadie and Max are patrolling the yard. You know they never let the boys out of their sight. But...seeing as you asked and Emma is your guest...I’ll oblige.”

  “Emma. Is that her name?” Paula asked once Michael made his way past them. Grace didn’t miss the acid in her voice. “Where is she from?”

  “She’s an old friend.”

  “Mmm. I think you like her.”

  “Whether I do or not isn’t any of your business.”

  “Paula.” Somewhere in her mind Grace knew she might regret what she was about to do next but in reality she didn’t give a damn.

  “Mmm.” Paula tried slipping her arms around Grace’s neck and let an indignant squawk when her arms were pushed firmly away. “What was that for?”

  “Stop it.”

  “Why?” Paula’s mouth twisted in anger and hurt.

  “Because this isn’t going to happen.”

  “What do you think is going to happen? I’m just looking for some incredibly hot sex with you, nothing more.” She traced a finger up the outside of Grace’s arm.

  “I am not going to have sex with you.”

  “Just tonight?” Paula asked hopefully.

  “No, not just tonight.”

  “You don’t know what you’re missing.” A pout formed on Paula’s lips and she stepped away reluctantly. “If you change your mind you know where to find me—if not, I have fresh batteries,” she threw back over her shoulder as she sauntered away.

  Grace stood in the hallway waiting for her heartbeat to settle down before she dared to walk into the kitchen. Just as she guessed, Tony was seated at the kitchen table with a glass of wine and a platter of food in front of him.

  “Nice of you to show up early and lend a hand, bro.” Grace clapped him on the shoulder on her way to the sink.

  “Ow. Do you have to be so damn rough?”

  “What did you do to your hand?” Grace asked noticing the gauze wrapped around the palm of his left hand.

  “I sliced it cutting a bagel.”

  “Seems an odd place to cut your hand if you were slicing a bagel on the counter.”

  “What are you talking about?” Tony asked.

  Grace pointed at Tony’s bandaged hand. “You cut your palm.”

  “So. I was holding the bagel in my hand.”

  “Well that was stupid,” Grace said low enough for only Tony to hear.

  “I taught you to handle a knife better than that,” Lucy chided from across the kitchen.

  “I know you did. I told you I was talking on the phone while I was cutting it.”

  “You’re always in a rush,” Lucy said.

  “Working in the city isn’t like living on the farm.”

  “It’s called an honest days work,” Michael said as he entered the kitchen.

  “Mine is too. Somebody has to defend the rights of citizens that stand accused of a crime they may or may not have committed.”

  “Excuse me.” Lucy stepped between her children eyeing each of them sternly. “Today is supposed to be a celebration. I expect each of you to set aside your differences and act accordingly.”

  After a fierce glance at each of her brothers, Grace said, “We will.”

  “I relieved Emma and took the boys upstairs. They’re with Pop.” Michael speared a couple of olives with a toothpick.

  “I’ll go up and check on them in a few minutes.” Lucy finished seasoning the sauce on the stove and turned the burner down. “Stop sampling the food on the tray.”

  Grace lifted the wine glass in front of Tony and drained half of it in one swallow.

  “What the hell? Go get your own.” Tony reached for the glass, but Grace slipped out of reach

  “Don’t mind if I
do. After you’re done having your snack move your car so people can enjoy their meal without having to sit next to your Porsche,” Grace snapped.

  “You know how to drive a stick. Why don’t you move it?” he said pulling a set of keys from his pocket. He stopped in mid-motion as Grace reached for the keys. “On second thought, no. I’ll do it. You might run it off the road.”

  “Ha, ha.”

  “If you two are done bickering you can start bringing the food out.” Lucy untied her apron and hung it over the back of a chair.

  “Sure. We’ll take these,” Grace said to her mother, indicating the trays of antipasti and roasted vegetables.

  Tony wiped his mouth on the napkin and poured himself another glass of wine before he stood and strode across the kitchen. “Fine. I’ll get the door.”

  As Grace was about to pick up a tray he caught her eye. “Nice to see you too, sis. Who’s the hottie?” He nodded out the door in the direction where Emma was sitting.

  “Emma Chamberlain. She went to high school with us.”

  “Huh.” He tilted his head. “Don’t remember her.”

  “That’s because you only remember the ones you slept with,” Grace said walking toward him with the tray.

  “Only if they were worth it.”

  “If I didn’t have a tray in my hands I’d hit you.”

  “Never stopped you before.” Tony plucked an olive from the tray and popped into his mouth.

  “Emma wasn’t like that.”

  “How would you know?” Tony asked.

  “She didn’t run with the party crowd.”

  “Too bad. She’s nice to look at though.”

  “Are you going to open the door?” Grace asked and started to squeeze past him when he ignored her.

  “Oh I get it now. You’re interested in her.”

  “And you’re checking her out because you think I am.” Grace nudged the door with her hip. “Glad to know some things never change.”

  “Here let me take that.” Tony relieved Grace of the tray and stepped through the doorway before her. “I’ll go introduce myself.”

  “Thanks for the help.”

  “Anytime,” Tony called back as he sauntered down the steps.

  “YOU’RE A GOOD boy. Aren’t you Max?” The shepherd tilted his head and perked his ears. Intelligent brown eyes studied Emma and she wondered if Max recognized what she was saying. Somewhere she’d read that dogs understood up to three hundred words. She rubbed him around his shoulders and neck and he inched closer to her. A few feet away, two hens clucked indignantly and kept just out of range of the dogs as they hunted and pecked for insects in the soil.