by Sable Hunter
“What?” Avery’s voice was immediately full of concern.
“I may have to sell my part of the business to you or find another partner.”
“Why?” she asked. “I don’t want another partner!”
Tricia covered her face with both hands and let out a tiny frustrated squeal. “I never told you this, and I should have, but I suffered with epilepsy as a child. I gradually grew out of it, but that’s one of the reasons I came here. I wanted to live in a town where everyone didn’t think of me as a broken weirdo.”
Avery stood and placed David in his bassinet, returning to take Tricia in her arms. “I’m so sorry, sweetie, I didn’t know.”
Tricia hugged Avery back. “I thought that part of my life was over. I thought it wouldn’t happen again, but after my fender-bender the other day, the seizures started up again. I guess when I hit my head, I triggered something. I’ve had two seizures since then, so I can’t drive. I can’t make deliveries and I’m liable to have one in the store in front of our customers.” She began to cry. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Oh, honey, we’ll figure something out. Have you been to the doctor?”
“I go after I leave here. I dread it, but I need to get back on my meds. Since this is spring break, Kristen’s watching the shop. I’ve been giving her more hours since this all came about, but I’m paying the difference myself.”
“No,” Avery insisted. “We need the help. Kristen is still in school, so let’s start looking for someone to fill in the gaps.” She paused to think. “There’s a new girl in town, she’s dating Denver Bolden. Her name is Bryn something. I think she’s looking for a job. How about if I call her? She seems nice.”
“Are you sure?” Tricia asked. “You sure are taking this in stride? Doesn’t it bother you that I have epilepsy?”
Avery looked confused. “Sure, it bothers me. I don’t want you to be sick.” She studied Tricia’s face. “Were you afraid I’d think less of you if I knew you had epilepsy?” By the look on Tricia’s face, Avery realized that was exactly what she feared. “Are you crazy?”
Tricia burst out laughing. “Well, I do have a brain disorder.”
“I love you, I don’t want you to go away. We’ll do whatever we have to, we’ll make this work.”
Somehow, Tricia believed her. “Okay, we’ll make it work.” She glanced at her watch. “I arranged for my Uber driver to pick me up in five minutes, so I best go down to meet him.” She stopped long enough to give David a kiss and Avery one last hug. “I love you too, Mrs. McCoy. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“What did Cady tell you when she read your palm?”
Tricia’s bottom lip quivered. “She said I’d go through a storm, but in the end, I’d get my happy-ever-after.”
“My baby was born on Tuesday and she’s been right…every time. So, don’t give up hope on that numbskull of a foreman. Okay?”
Tricia squeezed Avery’s arm. “I’ll see you later.” She didn’t tell her friend that her hope was gone. She’d already given up.
* * *
“Let’s not assume anything, Tricia. I want to rule out other problems before we jump to any conclusions. While I understand why you’d think your epilepsy has returned, it is very hard condition to diagnose. There are still many unanswered questions about the disorder.” The doctor sat on a small stool and typed into his tablet. “I want to be sure, however, before I prescribe anything. We’re going to do a little lab work today before you go and I’ll make an appointment over at the hospital for you to have a brain scan. Once we verify that your epilepsy is back, we’ll go from there. Okay?”
Without waiting for an answer, he turned to his nurse. “Please send in a lab tech and contact imaging and find out when we can schedule Miss Yeager.”
“Yes, Doctor.” She left the room, easing the door closed behind her.
“I’ll have Nurse Webb call you on your cell. Is this still a good number?” He rattled it off.
“Yes, I’ll be waiting to hear.” Tricia let out a long breath. “Thank you, Doctor.”
After the lab technician filled all the vials she needed with blood, Tricia rose and made her way to the waiting Uber driver. This was the same guy who had driven her to see her grandmother. His name was Freddy and they were fast becoming friends.
Once when she was settled in the backseat of the crossover, Tricia let out a long breath. “Home, James.”
“Are you sure, how about a hamburger? I could use a bite, I’m starving.”
“I’m hungry too, as a matter of fact. Let’s do it.” Tricia fastened her seat belt. She’d been feeling queasy for the past few days, but a hamburger sounded good. “Why don’t we try that new place, Grillhouse?”
“I’ve been meaning to go there. I like the idea. After that, I’ll take you home. Sound good?”
“Sounds perfect.” She closed her eyes to rest for the few blocks they had to travel.
“We’re here, sleepyhead.”
“Thanks.” She started to open her door, but Freddy beat her to it. He gave her such a big smile that Tricia had to smile back. She’d never really looked at him before. He wasn’t in Lance’s league, but who was? Freddy Danvers was a tall, lanky guy with blond hair and a winning smile. “What do you do when you’re not chauffeuring people like me around?”
“I do freelance writing, mostly how-to articles.”
“Oh, really? Now, I know three authors!” She walked beside him up the ramp and into the rustic log-cabin style restaurant.
As they waited for the hostess to seat them, Freddy couldn’t contain his excitement. “Really? Are they local?”
“Yea, well, Avery is, she’s my partner at the florist. She writes romance novels and she has a friend who lives fairly close by the name of Micah Wolfe. He writes erotica and detective novels.”
“I’m impressed!” Freddy said as they followed the hostess to a table. “I’m not in their class, I mostly write for magazines and trade journals. I drive for Uber to supplement my income.”
“I think what you do is great.” She put her napkin in her lap. “I’ve always admired someone who could write, no matter the genre. And I’m certainly glad you are available for rides, I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t.”
Freddy glanced at the menu. “I enjoy getting out every day, it gives me something to do. Writing is a solitary lifestyle. What looks good to you?”
“Hmmm, the BBQ cheddar burger, I think. It will probably give me indigestion, but I want it.” She raised her head and noticed a woman at the bar. “Who is that? She looks familiar.”
Freddy glanced back. “Oh, that’s the owner. I don’t know anything about her, but her name is Pawnee something.”
“Pawnee, Pawnee, where have I heard that name before?” Tricia mused out loud and then it hit her. She pressed her lips together, but didn’t say anything out loud. Avery had told her about Pawnee. She was a friend of Levi’s, the man who was the Hardbodies bartender before Emma.
“I don’t know, it’s a nice name, though. Can I ask you something?”
Tricia grinned. “Why do people say that? You could just ask your question instead. Or what if people just said, no, you can’t ask a question?”
Freddie blinked. “I don’t know. I think it’s a preface to a personal question, but you’re right, it’s odd. Can I ask one anyway?”
“Yes!” She laughed, finding Freddie easy to talk to.
At the door, Lance stood with Brittney Cox, waiting for a table. His eyes were on Tricia Yeager and another guy. She seemed to be having the time of her life. A sour taste rose in his throat. He was still so angry with her. And disappointed. How could he have misjudged her so completely? His first impulse was to just leave, but he decided against it. He needed to get out and start over, he needed to get his mind off Tricia. That task wouldn’t be so easy, not since she was here, but he wouldn’t tuck his tail between his legs and run either. “Thanks for seeing me today, Brittney.”
“Oh, I’m thrilled, Lance. When I called to say hello, I couldn’t resist asking you for lunch.”
The hostess directed them to a booth about three tables away from Tricia. Her back was to him, so maybe he could eat in peace.
Back at Tricia’s table, Freddie waited while she gave her order to the waiter before giving his. Once they were alone again, he fiddled with his fork. “I was just wondering why you’re using a driver. I don’t really know you, other than by reputation, but I have seen you drive around town.”
“Do you not want my business?” Tricia evaded the question, wondering how to answer it. She remembered what her grandmother said and she’d been thinking about being more open, trying to educate people about the condition. Maybe if more people knew, they could sort of watch out for her. The thought made her sad. Really, the only person she didn’t want to know was Lance. Not yet, anyway. “Well, I’ve trusted you with my life while riding around with you, I guess I can trust you with this.”
“What?” His eyes grew wide behind his glasses.
“I had childhood epilepsy, but it’s come back. I’ve had two seizures in the last week or less.”
Freddie looked shocked. To give him credit, he did recover quickly. “Bummer!”
Tricia giggled. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
“Well, I’m glad I could help you. Anytime you need me, just let me know.”
“Thanks. I’ve got to try and get more help in the shop. My main fear is people finding out about me, they don’t usually react like you. I’ve had people cringe away from me, like I was dirty. I’ve had mothers keep their children apart from me, because they thought epilepsy was catching. One preacher told me I was demon oppressed and one teacher thought I had a learning disability. And don’t get me started on guys, no man wants to be with a woman who might throw a fit at any moment.”
“I wouldn’t feel that way,” Freddie said simply. “I think you’re great.”
“Thanks, Freddie.” She didn’t know what to say, she hoped he wasn’t insinuating that they start dating. She just wasn’t ready. After that, their conversation died down for a bit, they made small talk about the weather and the news until their food arrived. To Tricia’s surprise, Pawnee brought their dishes. She made eye contact with Tricia and smiled. “I know you, you’re Avery’s partner in crime. How are you?”
“Good.” Once Pawnee set down their plates, Tricia offered Pawnee her hand. “Yes, Pawnee, I remember you.” She couldn’t remember the woman’s last name, but it would come to her. “How have you been?”
“I’m okay.” Pawnee blushed. “I was out of town for a while, I had to have some long overdue surgery.” She met Tricia’s eyes as if she was conveying a secret message or something. When she did, Tricia remembered everything. “Oh, well, I hope you’re all better now.” Her last phrase sounded more like a question.
“I’m much better, thanks.” Pawnee tapped the table. “Well, enjoy, we’ll check back on you in a few minutes.”
“She seems nice,” Freddie said between bites of French fries.
“She is.” Tricia felt a little guilty. She’d been so busy feeling sorry for herself, that she’d forgotten other people had problems too. Pawnee, as a case in point, had suffered a stigma as powerful or more powerful than epilepsy.
Tricia remembered when she’d first become aware of the other woman. Pawnee had visited Hardbodies Saloon and the bartender, Levi, befriended her. Avery and Isaac thought Levi was attracted to her. Word got out that Pawnee was…different. The rumor that floated around was that the poor girl had been born with both sets of genitalia. She was a hermaphrodite. This news had baffled Tricia, she knew nature made such mistakes, but this woman was the epitome of femininity. She was slight, delicate, fragile, and exquisitely beautiful. Avery had said that Levi wanted to ask her out. And maybe he had. She didn’t know.
Knowing how cruel people could be, she was certain Pawnee had a difficult time fitting in anywhere. What would one do in a situation like that? Where could you turn? Avery had said Pawnee was saving up for surgery, an operation like that wouldn’t be covered under a medical plan.
“Hey, where did you go?” Freddie asked, trying to regain her attention. “Do you feel okay? You aren’t blanking out on me or something or you?”
Tricia threw a French fry at him. “No, I was just thinking about Pawnee. I think I’ll ask her over for a meal before we go. She might need a friend.”
“Hey, I was thinking too,” Freddie murmured, after swallowing a big bite of his mushroom Swiss burger, “I’ve done several human-interest stories. How would you like to help me with one about combating the stigma of epilepsy?”
Tricia swallowed wrong and had to drink tea to stave off a coughing spell. She held up a finger for him to wait. At least this pause gave her time to think. Could she do it? This was a prime opportunity to make some lemonade from the lemons she’d been given. Of course, there was still the verdict from the doctor to wait on, but Tricia didn’t really need it to confirm what she already knew to be true in her heart. “I think that’s a great idea, Freddie. How would it work?”
“Well, let me submit a query first and if they accept it, I’ll send you a questionnaire, then we’ll do some in-depth interviews. I’ll let you read and approve the article before I submit it. How does that sound?”
“Perfect.” She felt better already. Finishing up the last bite or two of her burger, Tricia excused herself. “I’ll be back. I need to go to the restroom.”
“Sure, I’ll get the tab while you’re gone.”
“Hey, no, we’re going Dutch.”
“No,” Freddie argued with a straight face, “that article will pay good money and I’m not planning on giving you a big cut.”
“Fine, greedy.” She chunked her napkin at him. “I’ll be right back.”
On the way, she stopped at the counter where Pawnee was filling some glasses with water. The woman’s long chestnut colored hair hung halfway down her back. She really was beautiful. “Pawnee, I was wondering if you’d like to come to my house for dinner sometime.”
Pawnee looked stunned. “Dinner? Me?”
“Yea, I bake a decent lasagna. We could make homemade ice cream and have a girl talk. I’d love to be friends.”
Tricia thought Pawnee might cry.
“I’d love that, I’m off next Thursday. Is that a good day for you?”
Tricia drew out her phone. “I’ll put it on my calendar.” She bounced a little on her tiptoes. “Great. I look forward to it!”
“So, do I.”
When Tricia turned to continue on her way to the restroom, she barreled right into a hard, male chest. “Sorry!”
“You should be. Watch where you’re going!”
The voice cut her like a knife. “Lance...”
Before Tricia could protest, he took her arm and yanked her into the hall. “Don’t make a scene.”
“What do you mean? I wasn’t going to make a scene!” Her heart hurt as she looked into his familiar face. “I just need to know what happened. What did I do wrong? Why are you treating me this way?”
Lance sneered and got down into her face. “I found out your secret and I don’t want anything more to do with you.”
Wham! Lance’s cruel statement crushed the air from her lungs. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” she whispered, even though she knew exactly what he meant. Her epilepsy.
“Oh, yes, you do. Why would you hide something like that from me?”
Tricia felt sick. “Who told you?” Before Lance could respond, Tricia found her answer. Coming up behind Lance was Nurse Cox. So much for confidentiality.
“Does it matter how I found out? I just want you to know that I’m on to the little game you’re playing. You’re not fooling anybody, Tricia, especially me.”
Tricia could hardly recognize Lance. He was so angry and that anger was directed right at her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know it would be so important to you.”
“
Not important? Why in the world would you think I’d want to be with you after learning what you are? You make my skin crawl!”
Holding herself upright was the hardest thing she’d ever done. All she wanted to do was double up with pain. “I’m sorry, Lance. I can’t change who I am, I never meant to mislead you, I only recently learned about it myself. I thought all of that was in the past.”
“Who are you trying to kid? You’ve known who you are for years. The past always catches up with us.” He backed up from her. “Just stay out of my way and we’ll be fine.”
“No problem.” She hugged herself tight, praying to God that she didn’t have a seizure now. Wouldn’t that be just her luck? “I wish you well, Lance.”
“Yea, I bet you do.” He turned and stalked off, caught the pretty nurse’s arm and left the restaurant.
“Wow, what was that all about?” Pawnee came up behind her.
“We went out on one date and he learned about a secret I’ve been hiding.”
“Been there, done that.” Handing her a drink, Pawnee gave Tricia a conspiratorial wink. “Girl, we have got to talk.”
Even though her heart was breaking, she smiled. “Are we still on for Thursday?”
“You bet.” Pawnee grinned. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
At the midnight hour, Tricia lay curled on her side in a fetal position. Freddie had brought her home, staying with her until she just forced him to leave. She hadn’t told him what happened, but he could see she was upset. Tricia knew he was afraid she’d have another seizure. In truth, she half expected to have one also, but she didn’t. The dread of waiting for something that didn’t happen almost made her ill. Even worse, the words Lance had shouted at her replayed in her memory over and over.
He hated her. She disgusted him.
Tricia wanted to die.
Why couldn’t she stop loving him?
Sleep came slowly and when morning arrived, she dreaded facing the day. For so long, Lance had the focus of her thoughts and hopes. To have that dream shattered with one fatal blow left Tricia drifting aimlessly. None of it seemed real. Dragging herself from bed, she mechanically readied herself for the day. She had much to do, there were two local funerals and she had several dozen orders to process.