Small Town Scandal

by Kay Lyons

  “I was wondering the same thing about you.” Toby nodded toward the door. “Maria’s in labor and Rob’s trying to get back from a business trip in this mess so I got elected to drive her and Ma. Labor and Delivery is a busy place tonight.”

  “Always is when the barometric pressure drops or there’s a full moon. Freaky stuff,” Garret muttered, referring to all the cyclical and otherwise unexplainable things that happened in a hospital. He’d learned to prepare for these events over the years after being caught off guard the first year or so on the job. Weather changes were nearly as busy as holidays when families turned against each other and the world’s most inept chefs decided they wanted to be Emeril and speed chop.

  “You can say that again.” Toby’s agreement was packed with the vehemence of a confirmed bachelor. “I grabbed this on the way out, thinking I’d slip it under your door.” He lifted the file and waved it in the air for a few seconds to make his point before dropping it onto the desk. “The Jacobs settled and agreed to no press statements or public discussions regarding the case. Signed and sealed.”

  “Thank God.” Garret rubbed his hands over his face in an attempt to ease the tension and fatigue. At least that was one problem handled with minimal fuss. The doctor at fault had been ordered to seek employment elsewhere months ago. But keeping the hospital’s name out of the papers because of a surgical accident hadn’t been easy. Or cheap.

  “You know,” Toby said, “we could always go through with our plan from law school.”

  “Beauty would never be the same with the two of us in practice together.”

  “Just an option to think about. Gotta admit we’d set the white shoe boys on their asses if we did.”

  Garret nodded as he always did whenever Toby brought the subject of a partnership up, and added the file to the stack he would take home with him—a stack to match the one already in his SUV from his first attempt to leave. He needed to review the settlement before passing the news on to the board at the meeting Monday morning. If there was a meeting. Having to reschedule would screw up a whole week’s worth of meetings. Was that what life was about? A series of meetings? Was he destined to spend his days listening to Harry complain?

  Toby’s reminder about their law school ideas left Garret scowling. He’d like to say that opening a practice had been the pipe dream of two idealistic attorneys out to change the world, but that wasn’t true.

  “You look like death warmed over. Bad day?”

  “You could say that.” Garret stacked the piles together and stuffed them into his briefcase. He’d told the nurses to call him if things took a turn for the worse and they weren’t going to be able to stop Darcy’s labor. Did that mean they had? He should’ve instructed them to update him no matter what.

  “I heard that trip to Nashville yesterday scored you a nice ride.”

  He grimaced. News traveled fast. It had been Harry’s responsibility to go to Nashville, but the president had balked at the last minute with a bogus excuse, sending Garret to deal with the university hospital officials instead. Knowing he’d come back to a disaster after a single day away, the visit to the car lot had been a gift to himself. “Always wanted a convertible. It’ll be delivered this spring in time for the pretty weather.”

  He stood and pulled on his coat, piled more files into the already-full briefcase and led the way to the door. Another week gone in the blink of an eye. It wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t leave his house before six every morning to hit the gym and arrive at work before the sun did more than brighten the horizon. Why buy a convertible if he could only drive it in the dark? “You’ll love it when we take it to the course for the charity golf tournament in June.”

  Toby waited while Garret locked the office. “Like that’ll happen. You’ll cancel again. What was it last time? Something to do with the nurses’ union?”

  “Security upgrade,” Garret corrected automatically, his brain clicking through time and events by the problems that had crept up and ruined his enjoyment of them. Toby had a point there, as much as Garret hated to acknowledge it. The odds were against him. “The new system kept going off every five minutes, and it was upsetting all the parents with infants in the nursery.” He lifted the leather case and used the worn corner to punch the down arrow at the elevator. “You’ll thank me once your niece is in there and all is quiet.”

  “That law degree must really help with handling that kind of stuff.”

  Garret twisted his neck, sighing in relief when it popped loudly. “Enough, Tobe. My job may not be one hundred percent law—”

  “Or even twenty.”

  “—but I’m good at what I do and—”

  “Your father and grandfather worked hard to get you the position,” Toby muttered, his voice reeking of boredom as he made the statement. “Hey, I get that there are perks, and I know guys who’d kill for your pay. But for all the hours and headaches I don’t see much in it for you besides a ridiculous salary and a prime parking space. Is the money worth all…that?” He indicated the bulging briefcase.

  “Everything’s going to be shut down because of the snowstorm. Joss and I are supposed to get together this weekend, but with the snow I thought maybe we could stay in and—”

  “Work?” Toby smirked.

  “Back off, Tobe. Not now, okay?”

  His friend looked away, an apologetic expression on his face. “Sorry.”

  Knowing he should quit while Toby seemed prepared to drop the subject, Garret sighed. “But?”

  Toby hesitated a long time. “But,” he drawled slowly, “I think it would take a saint to put up with your plans for a snowy weekend.” He grinned. “What happened to ‘Bare-it Garret?’”

  “It was initiation.”

  “Yeah, well, I still can’t believe you wanted to be a part of those drunken idiots.”

  “Lesson learned. Can we move on? If you’ve got something to say, spit it out.”

  “This is perfect weather to get stranded with a beautiful woman. Yet you’re planning to work for the next forty-eight hours? Give me a break. I’m stuck here, but what’s your excuse? When was the last time you spent the weekend with Jocelyn?”

  Chapter 5

  GARRET SCOWLED at his friend. “This isn’t the high school locker room.” He was prepared to deflect the issue rather than acknowledge that Toby was right.

  “I’m not asking for details, just trying to make a point.”

  “Which is that I should spend the weekend with Joss?”

  “Yes. No!” Toby shut his eyes and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “It’s just every time I call or see you, you’re here. It’s gotta be hard to have a relationship that way.”

  The elevator chimed and the doors slid open. Garret stepped on, thankful it was empty. It had been a long, hard week and he was too exhausted to examine his life. That would require brain power he didn’t have. He wanted to check on Darcy’s condition and make sure she’d stabilized, drive home and go to sleep, all without having to process or think.

  “Look, the fact that you’re not saying anything says you know I’m on to something.” Toby followed Garret into the elevator and punched the button for the cafeteria level.

  “You’re not on to anything. I’m humoring you by not arguing.” Garret punched the L&D floor and hoped his friend wouldn’t notice.

  “You forget where you parked?”

  “I have to stop by the nurses’ station and check on something.” If he told Toby the truth, his friend would go off on another tangent about how Garret went overboard when it came to his job. To some, simply bringing Darcy in meant his Good Samaritan deed was done. But to him a visit was the least he could do. She was all alone, scared. His right hand curled with the memory of her hand clutching his.

  Toby remained quiet, but Garret was aware of his scrutiny the entire time. The elevator chimed and the doors opened once more.

  “Remember Michelle?”

  He’d known Toby wasn’t through. “Why?”
<
br />   “You pretended to be sick halfway through a date because you said she snorted every time she laughed.”

  “It was annoying.”

  “But you didn’t tell her that. And what was the other one’s name? The one with the big boobs? Rachel? Rochelle? She lasted, what, a month? You ended things with her after you caught her not giving the excess change back to the cashier when she’d given her too much.”

  “The point, Toby?”

  “What are you waiting for? You haven’t ended things with Jocelyn, but you haven’t moved forward, either. You’re in a holding pattern.”

  Garret glanced around to ensure the hallway was clear before he rounded on his friend. “You know, you’re beginning to sound like Harry.”

  Toby shoved his hands into the pockets of his leather coat. “That’s low. Can’t we have a simple discussion?”

  “You’re not looking for a discussion, you’re looking for a debate, and so help me—”

  “Why haven’t you popped the question? You bought the ring.”

  Garret locked his jaw to keep from swearing a blue streak. “Keep your voice down.”

  Toby shrugged like a man who knew it wasn’t his bachelorhood on the line.

  Garret stepped closer. “What is this about?” The doors started to close and he shoved the briefcase out to hold them open. He told himself to let it go, to drop the discussion and get out of there while he could. But something wouldn’t let him. “What is it you’re trying so hard not to say?”

  Toby’s ears turned red, a sure sign his friend was fast losing patience himself. “I already said it. You bought the ring before Christmas—as a Christmas present—but the day came and went and you didn’t give it to her. I’ve kept my mouth shut and waited, thinking you’ll tell me what the delay’s about. You haven’t said a word. What’s going on?”

  Garret wasn’t sure. Buying Joss the bracelet had been pure impulse and he’d told himself he was going to give it to her in addition to the ring. But when they exchanged gifts…“Nothing’s going on, we’re fine. The timing was off. And I’m going to do it. I just haven’t gotten around to it.”

  There was that smirk again. Toby had been his friend for too many years. First as schoolmates, then as playmates when Toby’s mom had come to work for the Tulanes. Toby knew what buttons to push, and that smirk made Garret want to plant his fist in Toby’s mouth.

  “Be still my little ol’ heart. That’s got to be what every woman wants to hear.”

  Garret fought for patience. He loved Joss, was going to marry her, no doubt about it. Why was Toby hinting otherwise? “Tobe, I don’t—” Garret broke off and swore as understanding dawned. “People know? Is that it? Someone else knows besides you and me?” He and Toby had gone to one of the most discreet jewelry stores in Nashville. A high-end business with nondescript signage and an armed guard who met potential customers at the elevator, walked them through a metal detector before escorting them beyond a bullet-proof-glass-partitioned wall to view the merchandise. How had people found out?

  “I haven’t said anything, but you know how gossip works and that—” he lowered his voice when a woman in scrubs walked by the far end of the hallway “—was a big-ticket item even if it was one of their less expensive rings. How long did you think it would be before people began to speculate?”

  “It’s none of their business.”

  “I agree, but I can’t blame them when I’m curious, too. She hasn’t mentioned it?”

  “Joss isn’t like that.”

  “Maybe not, but wouldn’t she find a way to let you know she’s ready even if she didn’t come right out and say it? You know, leave bridal magazines lying around? Something?”

  The comment gave him pause. Garret forced himself to unlock his jaw so the pain streaking to his head would ease. “Joss is building a career, just like I am. Timing is everything. You’ve experienced that enough in court, figuring out when to say just the right thing to sway the juries. Joss and I have plenty of time. Marriage isn’t something to rush into.”

  Toby tugged at his ear. “If you say so.”

  “I do.”

  “Fine, whatever. If you see Maria or my mother walking the halls, do me a favor and tell them I went to get something to drink. I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

  Subject apparently dropped for now, Garret nodded. “Sure.” He pulled the briefcase from the door, but as they slid shut, he was very aware of the fact Toby didn’t look any happier than he had when he’d started the strange conversation. His friend meant well, and Garret tried to remember that despite his irritation Toby’s questions had hit home. Joss hadn’t mentioned getting married since—When? A long time ago, and she’d made the comment so casually he knew she wasn’t hinting.

  Toby was feeling the pressure every thirty-something guy out there felt to settle down and do something with his life. Reacting to it. That had to be the reason behind the inquisition. Tobe was freaking out because his sister was on kid number three while he hadn’t made it to first base with a woman in months. Parental pressures to reach certain achievements changed as a kid grew older, but they certainly didn’t disappear.

  Garret walked toward the nurses’ station to check on Darcy, each step longer than the last. He eyed the empty area and set his briefcase at his feet, leaning against the desk while he waited for someone to return. Seconds passed, minutes, his thoughts running rampant but finally becoming centered on the one question he couldn’t answer.

  When was the last time he and Joss had shared more than a passing kiss?

  WHAT DO YOU MEAN she isn’t here?” Five minutes later Garret bit back the curse that sprang to his lips and wiped a hand over his tired eyes. It was one o’clock in the morning and Darcy had been having labor pains. Where else could she be?

  The nurse gave him a chilly stare at his tone. “It’s hospital policy to treat and release patients provided their condition is under control, Mr. Tulane.”

  “She didn’t drive herself here. Where did she go?”

  The older nurse raised her eyebrows and straightened the multitude of charts in front of her by banging the stack against the counter. “I don’t know what to tell you, Mr. Tulane, but she’s not here. Try the cafeteria or the waiting area by the main entrance. Now I have to go. We’re short-staffed tonight.” Her tone suggested the situation was his fault.

  That was partially true. The nurses’ contract was up for renewal and Harold was balking at the pay raise. Not only were the current wages causing them to lose some of their experienced staff, but also the low rates meant new graduates weren’t eager to work here when other hospitals paid more. He couldn’t blame them.

  Scowling, he grabbed his briefcase and turned to leave, only to stop in his tracks and stare out the nearby window. The hospital appeared to be in the middle of a snow globe. Giant flakes blew in blinding sheets, buffeted by gusts of wind that shook the window in its frame.

  Was Darcy out there? Concern overrode every ounce of remaining frustration.

  Downstairs, the reception desk was unstaffed, the main lobby empty. The television inside the waiting area was tuned to a local station broadcasting details about the storm he didn’t want to consider. Surely she wouldn’t have tried to walk? The closest motel was a quarter mile away.

  Shaking his head, he hurried to the cafeteria and visually scanned the colorful scrubs and white coats, unease growing when he didn’t see her. Where was she?

  He’d turned to leave when he spotted her. Darcy sat in the far corner booth with her head propped against her arm. And even though he had no reason to feel the extent of the relief swamping him, he did. Knowing she was all alone and could have easily lost her baby tonight got to him.

  Darcy’s blond curls were messy and her expression was one of pure exhaustion. But the moment she saw him approach, her brown eyes warmed with welcome. Something twisted inside him at the sight.

  She straightened and pushed the small, old-fashioned-looking porcelain doll she’d been staring
at into the center of the table. “I was hoping I’d see you again. I didn’t get a chance to thank you for all you did for me.”

  Like kicking her out into the snow? “You’re okay?”

  She nodded. “Seems so. The contractions were a combination of dehydration and stress. The IVs and medication stopped them almost immediately, and Dr. Clyde said I’m okay. No damage from the accident at all.”

  “You’re not sore?”

  She shrugged. “A little in my shoulders and back, but nothing major. Honestly the crash was more like a bumper-car hit because I was going so slow. Taylor and I are fine.”

  “Taylor? But you called the baby Cameron earlier.”

  She blushed prettily. “Did I? I like that. I’ll have to write that one down.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I’m trying out names until I find one that fits.”

  “Okay.”

  “Don’t laugh. How anyone can pick a name out of a book is beyond me. If you really want the truth, I think a parent needs to open the back door and shout it a few times to get the full effect and know if they’re going to like hearing it for the next eighteen years or so as they call their kids in for dinner.”

  This time he laughed outright. “I’ve never thought of it quite like that, but you might be on to something.”

  “Thanks for requesting Dr. Clyde. She’s very nice. She wants me to come back if the contractions start again, but otherwise I’m good until my follow-up on Monday.”

  “I thought she might make you feel more comfortable. She’s received good reports during her practice here.”

  Darcy blinked up at him. “So, what are you still doing here? I would’ve thought you’d go home after dropping me off.”

  “I had some things I needed to take care of with the Maintenance Department. I’m heading home now, but I wanted to check on you first.”

  “That’s very sweet. Like I said, I’m fine.”