The Real Thing

by Linda Rettstatt

  “How have you been feeling?”

  “I’m okay. I kind of messed things up talking to the kids, but I think I got it all straightened out now.” He rubbed a finger along the top of the beer bottle. “Dave, has Stephanie ever hinted that Jane might be seeing someone?”

  “Seeing as in dating? Are you crazy?”

  “I saw her today. I stopped at the Denny’s on McKnight to get pies. She was having dinner with some cop. They were laughing and having a good time. Then he got up and rushed out. Must have gotten a call.”

  “You must have seen someone that looks like Jane. She’s in New Mexico visiting her sister.”

  “No, she isn’t. I know my own wife when I see her. Well, I used to. Dammit, it was Jane.”

  “Wow. I don’t know, man. Steph hasn’t said anything like that, not that she would. You think maybe Jane was seeing this guy before?”

  “I don’t know what to think anymore. Why would she lie about going to New Mexico? She never mentioned to me that she had a friend who’s a cop. The guy did look vaguely familiar, but I can’t place him.”

  Stephanie appeared in the doorway. “Dinner’s ready. Dave, will you call the boys? They’re playing video games in the family room.”

  When they gathered at the dining table, Mitch was painfully aware that his family was absent. For as much as he defended his kids for going off with their friends, he had to silently agree with his mother—Thanksgiving was family time. And what about Jane? Was she afraid he’d bite? She could have come to dinner instead of lying about her plans and then eating with that cop. It all stuck in his throat and he had a hard time choking down a bite.

  “Mitchell, you need to eat.” His mother pointed at his nearly-full plate.

  “I’m not very hungry.”

  “I’d threaten you with no dessert but, since you forgot the pies, that won’t be much of a threat.”

  He started to reply, but pressed his lips together. At this rate, his mouth was going to permanently seal shut. Maybe that would be for the best, keep him out of trouble altogether. He wanted to be at home, with Jane and the kids, sitting around their own dining room table, laughing, eating Jane’s homemade pie. He wondered if Officer Smiley would stop by later for dessert.

  He felt lightheaded and sat back in his chair. His hand trembled as he picked up his water glass, so he set it down again. No point in showing signs of stress. His mother would have him rushed back to the hospital. He stood abruptly. “Thanks so much for dinner. I’m sorry about the pies. I have to leave now.”

  Everyone stared at him. “We’re not finished eating,” Dave said.

  “I know. I have to go.”

  “Mitchell….”

  He strode toward the front door, not turning at his mother’s call. He needed air. He needed space. He needed a job.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Jane, I’m not going away until you answer the door. I have a key, remember?”

  Stephanie would not go away and she would use the key. How had she found out Jane was at home? Jane opened the door. “Hi.”

  Stephanie barreled past her into the house. “Let’s start with why you told everyone you were going to New Mexico?”

  “Because at the time that was my plan. When I called my sister, she told me she was going away for the holiday.”

  “You look like hell, by the way.”

  “Yeah, well, you’re short.” Jane headed toward the kitchen. “I just made coffee. Want some?”

  “Yes. And I want the whole story, including the part where you were having dinner yesterday with a strange man—a cop—at Denny’s.”

  Jane whirled around. “How did you know about that? Not that there’s anything to know, but….”

  “Mitch saw you. He stopped to get pies to bring to dinner. It really spooked him. So much so, he didn’t even go inside to get pie. You owe me dessert, by the way. So, who is this guy?”

  Jane poured two cups of coffee and set out cream and sugar for Stephanie. “He stopped me for running a red light last week on the way to Louise’s birthday party. And, then, again when I swerved and he thought I’d been drinking. The third time was just a fluke. He was off duty.”

  Stephanie stared at her open-mouthed. “You were stopped by the same policeman three times in one week?”

  “Actually, three times in two days. Then he came into Denny’s while I was there and invited himself to join me. I guess he felt like he knew me.” Jane saw the horror on her sister-in-law’s face. “Oh, don’t look at me like that. He’s too young for me. And I’m not looking. I have a husband. At least I think I do.” She’d been keeping so many emotions bottled up and now that she had someone to talk to, they all rushed to the surface and tears brimmed her eyes. “I’m so scared, Steph.”

  “Oh, honey.” Stephanie rounded the table and hugged her. “It’s going to all work out.”

  “You think so?”

  Stephanie patted her back. “I don’t know. It’s what I’m supposed to say. Hey, Dave’s with the boys. Why don’t I stay over and we can have girls’ night? I’ll run out get a few chick flicks. You have popcorn?”

  Jane wiped her eyes, got up and opened one of the cupboards. “Popcorn—check.”

  “I’ll pick up sandwiches at Subway, too.”

  Jane hugged her tightly. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Now go wash your face and I’ll be back in an hour.”

  Five hours later Jane sniffled and wiped her eyes. “You are a sadist.”

  “I prefer to think of myself as a cathartic genius.”

  “What ever possessed you to put on a Nicholas Sparks marathon? Nights in Rodanthe. Message in a Bottle. What’s next?”

  Steph picked up a DVD. “Safe Haven.”

  “Oh, good God, kill me now. What time is it?”

  “Almost eleven. Time for ice cream.”

  They filled bowls with French vanilla topped with chocolate sauce, pecans and cherries. “We are going to regret this in the morning,” Jane said.

  “Not me. I’m eating anything I want for the next seven months.”

  “What do you…?” She set down her bowl and smiled. “Oh, my God, Steph. You’re pregnant?”

  “Quite a surprise, huh? The twins are fourteen.”

  “I wondered why you passed on the wine. Is this a happy surprise?”

  Stephanie nodded, her eyes glistening. “It is. Dave was in shock. I told him last night.”

  Jane hugged her sister-in-law. “I’m so happy for you. Between the two of us, if we watch that next movie, we’re going to need more tissues. I’ll be right back.” She went to the powder room and closed the door. Staring at her face in the mirror, she thought about the first time she discovered she was pregnant. Just twenty-one and unmarried. She practiced for two days how to break the news to Mitch. He’d been stunned but never once made her feel the baby was unwanted or that she was in it alone. His immediate reaction was to press a palm to her belly, smile and propose.

  When she became pregnant three years later with Robbie, Mitch was equally excited and proud to be having a son. Maybe they should have tried for a third baby before it was too late. Well, technically it was not yet too late. Not physically. But at forty-one she was approaching the age where pregnancy would be risky.

  Jane splashed cold water on her face and patted it dry. A baby was not the answer to their problems. It was Steph’s news that triggered this maternal wondering. She retrieved a box of tissues from the closet and returned to the kitchen for her bowl of mostly melted ice cream.

  “You okay?” Steph asked.

  Jane hugged her again. “I am. And I’m so happy for you. Come on, let’s cry some more.”

  That night, when the movie marathon and cry fest ended, Jane lay in her bed staring at the ceiling while Stephanie snored softly beside her. They had laughed until Steph fell asleep. It was the first Jane had laughed in over two weeks, she realized. Thank God for best friends.

  Her head ached and her eyes burned from cryi
ng. Her throat felt raw. She couldn’t sleep and feared her tossing around would waken Steph. Jane slipped out of bed, pulled on a robe and crept down the stairs to her office. This was where she felt most at home, most alive. She pressed a button and her laptop came to life. She sought comfort in the company of Natalie and Jackson. She found herself going back, rewriting, making Natalie softer and giving Jackson stronger alpha qualities.

  She woke up at six a.m. curled on the loveseat in her office. Her back ached and her knees complained about being bent for hours. She sat up and stretched. The house was quiet. Stephanie no doubt still slept. Jane went to the kitchen and turned on the Keurig, dropping in a coffee pod. She carried the freshly brewed cup with her to the sun room. This was her favorite room in the house. Bright with floor to ceiling windows and French doors that opened onto a patio and, beyond that, the manicured back yard. She sat on a chaise and thought that she spent far too little time in this room. Even now, with light snow falling, the quiet and the beauty outside acted like a balm, calming her inside. She made a mental note to consider moving her desk into this space.

  This room had been a project she and Mitch had shared, paid for with her first advance. They had spent hours out here having coffee or an evening cocktail and talking long after the kids were in bed. Where had those people gone?

  ~ * ~

  Mitch stood outside the doors of Kennedy Advertising Associates and drew in a deep breath. He should feel angry, maybe a little sad. Instead, he felt relief. Pure relief. He opened the door, picked up the boxes he’d brought along, and whistled as he headed for the elevator.

  When he reached the receptionist’s desk, Gail smiled and hurried as well as anyone could on six-inch heels to hug him. “Mitch, it’s so good to see you.” Her words dripped like honey.

  With a packing box in each hand, he couldn’t fend her off. “Good to see you, too, Gail.” He wriggled free of her grasp. “I just came to get my personal things from my office.”

  “Oh, I packed those up and sent them to you. Didn’t you get them?”

  “No, I mov… Uh, that is I must have been out when they were delivered.”

  “But surely your wife would have told you.”

  “Yes, well. I guess I don’t need these, then.” He held up the boxes.

  Gail narrowed her gaze. “Oh, my God, did Jane put you out?” She threw her arms around him, her breasts pressing into his chest. “You poor man.”

  As if on cue, Liam Kennedy came out of his office. He stopped abruptly. “Am I interrupting something?”

  Mitch dropped the boxes and extricated himself from Gail’s hold. “Not at all. I came to clear out of my office, but I understand that’s already been done.”

  “We needed the space.” He shifted his stare from Mitch to Gail. “Didn’t I ask you to send his belongings to his house?”

  “I did. He says he didn’t get them. I’ll call the delivery service and check on it.”

  Mitch held up a hand. “That won’t be necessary. I’m sure they were delivered and I just missed them.” He picked up his empty boxes, casting a glance at this former office. “Kazmarick? Really?”

  Liam shrugged. “It’s business. He’s young, energetic, and creative.”

  “You were just waiting for the opportunity, weren’t you?”

  “That’s the nature of success, Mitch. You see an opportunity, you take it.”

  “Your uncle must be so proud of what you’re doing to his company.”

  Liam flashed a barracuda-like smile. “He will be when he sees the financials for the next quarter.” He glanced at his watch. “I have work to do. You take care, Devereaux.”

  Mitch’s hold tightened on the packing boxes, his fingertips digging into the cardboard. He’d fantasized about throwing a punch at Liam Kennedy more than once. Before he could act on that fantasy, Gail said, “Mitch, I just spoke with Jane. She said your boxes were delivered to the house and you can pick them up there any time you like.”

  Shit. “Thank you, Gail.”

  He strode to the elevator. Gail followed and slipped in front of him, pressing a manicured hand to his chest. “Oh, Mitch. I’m so sorry. If you need anything at all, you just give me a call.” She slid a slip of paper into his shirt pocket. “You know, if you need to talk, or anything.”

  The elevator doors dinged open and Mitch backed into the car, the boxes held in front of him to prevent Gail from pursuing that ‘anything.’ “Goodbye, Gail.”

  “See you, Mitch.”

  Not if I can help it. He exhaled and leaned against the back wall. Reaching into his pocket, he extracted the paper. A neatly printed phone number, nothing more. He started to ball up the paper, but then shoved it into his pocket.

  He tossed the empty boxes into the back of his SUV and climbed behind the wheel. Should he go to the house to get his things? It would be a good reason to show up and a chance to see what Jane was up to. He headed across town.

  Jane opened the door, took one look at him, and walked toward the kitchen. Stephanie sat across from her at the table drinking coffee and eating a bagel.

  “Hi, Mitch.”

  “Steph.” He glanced at Jane. She looked tired, he thought. Good. He hoped this separation was taking its toll on her, too. “The boxes from my office?”

  “In the front closet. It seems you forgot to give Gail your new address.”

  “I didn’t forget.” He shifted his gaze to Stephanie, then back to Jane. “Can we talk for a moment?”

  She stood and followed him through the living room.

  “There is not nor has there ever been anything between me and Gail. But I’d like to know a little more about you and your cop.”

  Jane’s face flushed. “My cop?”

  “The one you had dinner with on Thursday at Denny’s.”

  “Are you following me now?”

  “Don’t give yourself that much credit. I just happened to stop there to get pies. I saw you two laughing it up. He must be quite the comedian. He also looks to be at least ten years your junior.”

  She lifted her chin in defiance. It was a look that used to make him smile. “So what if he is? Are you jealous?”

  “Hah. That’s a good one. Just wait until you start giving him directions and orders.”

  “Here’s an order for you—get out. Take your boxes and go. And the next time you want to come by, call first.” Her voice reverberated off the walls of the alcove.

  “Don’t hold your breath.” He lugged the boxes from the closet and stood at the closed front door.

  Jane reached around him and flung it open. “Let me help you out.”

  The door slammed behind him just as he crossed the threshold. If he’d been a second later, it would have hit him in the ass. Pretty much the way he’d felt about his departure from Kennedy. Why all of a sudden was it Piss on Mitch Devereaux Day? What had he done to deserve this treatment?

  If he had any doubts about taking a break from Jane, this encounter swept them away. They’d gone from being in love, committed, and happily married to nearly being strangers. He’d had a brief glimpse of the woman he married right before she practically admitted to an affair with Officer Happy Face and ordered him out of her house. His house. And it still bugged the hell out of Mitch that he couldn’t place the guy.

  Back at his tiny apartment, Mitch rearranged the furniture—twice. Slumped in the slightly tilted recliner, he stared at the two boxes that contained all of his personal effects from his office—an office he’d occupied for over fifteen years. He tugged the corner of a picture frame and unearthed the award he’d received four years straight for highest volume of advertising sales. He’d received the last award four years ago? Wow, what had he done for the last four years? The answer came as quickly as the question faded. He had coasted. He’d become comfortable, complacent. Shit. He’d become bored and disinterested.

  He shoved the frame back into the box and removed a smaller double frame. One side held a photo of him and Jane from their family vacati
on to Hawaii two years ago. She’d nearly starved herself for months to fit into that bikini and, damn, she looked hot. He remembered how people had stared at them as they strolled the beach. The other frame held a photo of Kristi and Rob, laughing and horsing around on the beach. His family. His happy family.

  He set this photo on the lamp table beside the chair and sighed. He had to find something to do. What did he used to do when he wasn’t working? When was he not working? He could go fishing. He shuddered. He hated fishing. His father had made him fish when he was a kid and the sight of the fish flailing on that hook, desperate to get free had made him sick. Maybe he could take in a movie? He liked movies. A quick scan of the listings in the morning paper changed his mind—unless he wanted cartoons or vampires.

  Bowling! When he’d first started at Kennedy, some of the guys got together for bowling. He was sure he had shoes. Somewhere. After rummaging through the pile of shoes and dirty clothing in his closet, he decided the bowling shoes must be history. He’d rent. But bowling was no fun alone.

  Mitch glanced at his watch. Just about lunch time. He hurried to his SUV and drove across the city to Rob’s high school. It couldn’t hurt to spring his son for a few hours and take him bowling—a little father and son time.

  Rob slowed as he approached the principal’s office and spied Mitch talking with Principal Dean. “Dad? What are you doing here?”

  “I came to pick you up for your dentist appointment. Remember?” Mitch tried to discreetly wink.

  “What dentist appointment? And what’s wrong with your eye?”

  Mitch laughed. “The kid would forget his head if it wasn’t attached.” He nodded to Rob. “Let’s get going. We don’t want to be late.” He thanked the principal and nudged Rob toward the door.

  Outside, Rob pulled his arm loose. “What’s going on?”

  “We’re going bowling.”

  Rob stopped walking. “I can’t go bowling. I have an economics test in half an hour.”

  “So you can make it up. Come on. When was the last time you bowled with your old man?”

  “Uh—never.”

  Mitch hit the lock release. “What kid isn’t happy to get out of school for the afternoon?”