Heart Block

by Melissa Brayden

  Grace gathered her things together, and with a wholehearted wave to Emory, was out the door.

  Emory raised an eyebrow in amusement. “You’re sure she won’t just drive away?”

  “I keep the keys with me.”

  Emory laughed and Sarah noticed her dimples for the very first time. “She’s really something, a likable kid.”

  “Thank you.” Sarah was pleased with the sincerity in Emory’s voice. “If you have a minute, before I go, there’s something I came across of your mother’s that I thought you should see.” No, need to see, Sarah amended internally.

  Emory studied her with a look of restrained annoyance. “I don’t feel like going through any of Mother’s things today. If you could just place whatever it is in a marked box for me, I’ll find time to go through it all at some point.”

  Sarah held up a hand. “Please just hear me out and take a look. If you’re not interested, I’ll pack them up.”

  “Them?”

  “Just wait here a moment.” Sarah quickly retrieved the journals and returned with the small stack in her hands.

  Emory stared at the books, unblinking. “What are those?”

  “I came across some writing your mother did, journals she kept over the years. The entries are sometimes frequent and sometimes not. There are months that go by without anything and then weeks where every day is chronicled.” Sarah heard the excitement in her voice and commanded herself to slow down. “Please forgive me for this next part, but I did read a portion of what she wrote. At first, I was just curious, but it seemed the more I read, the more I couldn’t put them down.”

  Emory looked back at her dumbfounded, skeptical. “Are you sure that they belonged to my mother? It’s more likely that she was keeping them for someone.”

  “They were hers. Each inside cover contains her name and the year she began the journal.”

  Emory ran her fingers across her forehead absently. “I just wouldn’t have imagined that she…Mother wasn’t what I would call a deep person.”

  Sarah took a step forward feeling the need to defend the woman she had come to know in the past few hours. “That’s not true. She had a lot of deep feelings and, I think that maybe you should take a look at what she’s written, Emory. I’ve bookmarked a few sections for you if you don’t want to read everything.” When Emory didn’t respond but instead stared blankly back at her, she placed the books on the counter. “I guess…I’ll just leave them there then.” As Sarah turned to go, she was stopped cold by the dull, venomous tone of Emory’s voice.

  “Why would you bring these to me? I specifically informed you when we first met not to bother me with the details of whatever it is you might find. It’s not up to you to decide what’s in my best interest and what’s not. You’ve overstepped your bounds and it’s unacceptable.”

  Emory’s blue eyes were like ice, and Sarah felt as if she’d been slapped as they bore into her. Of course she’d known that she was pushing the envelope with the journals, but she believed in her heart that it was the right thing to do. Emory needed to read what she’d read and maybe it would help her recognize her own grief.

  But Emory’s reaction made her think that perhaps she’d been wrong. She realized now that she should have just stayed out of it. She took a breath and answered simply. “I’m sorry, Ms. Owen. I won’t make that mistake in the future.” She quickly made her exit.

  *

  An hour and a half later, Emory was still glued to the kitchen chair in the midst of paperwork not three feet away from the stack of books that glared back at her. Why was this even an issue? She should pick up her keys and go. She had a mountain of work waiting on her that would keep her busy late into the night. There was no reason to get caught up in whatever the hell was in that bundle of pages. She knew her mother. Hell, she more than knew her, and hearing her voice again from beyond the grave was only going to reiterate what she already knew, that Catherine Owen was a self-involved society woman who cared more about appearances than substance. It was best to put all of that behind her now.

  Even though that’s what she told herself, that’s not what she did. Swearing under her breath, Emory snatched the book on top of the stack, the one Sarah had bookmarked, and made her way onto the patio. She stared at its blue fabric cover for several full minutes before opening to the page Sarah had noted. She scanned the eerily familiar handwriting and a shiver ran down her spine as she began to read silently.

  May 29, 1997

  I write to you from Wallingford, Connecticut. Today, my younger daughter graduated with honors from the most prestigious preparatory school in the nation. This mother’s heart was full as I watched that beautiful young woman, who was once but a helpless infant in my arms, cross the stage and accept her hard-earned diploma.

  Emory was named salutatorian of her graduating class and was asked to make a speech at commencement. At first, I was nervous for her. I’d never heard her speak publicly, though she’d always been an articulate child. Once she began, however, my fears fled me and I was awestruck at her grace and the wisdom she imparted to her peers. She’s grown into such a well-mannered, mature young woman, with much of that credit going directly to her and the admirable life she’s led thus far. I was lucky to have brought my handkerchief along with me to the ceremony. I’ve never been so proud. Grayson, had he lived to see this day, would have been over the moon at his daughter’s many achievements.

  Emory stared at the passage, unsure how to feel. The words were so entirely unexpected, especially in comparison to her own recollection of the day of her high school graduation. Her memory was vivid, especially how her mother, whom she hadn’t seen in months prior to the commencement, had said very little to her after the ceremony. She’d behaved as if her attendance was a required formality, a box she was there to check on her motherhood to-do list. Catherine Owen had kissed Emory’s cheek and embraced her briefly, offering a few short words of congratulations before heading back to her hotel. Emory had been on cloud nine that day, celebrating with Mia and the girls from her hall, but saw none of that same excitement reflected in her mother’s eyes.

  Yet, here in her lap sat evidence to the contrary and it was hard to take in. She had no idea that on that day, underneath that crisp and polite pretense of conversation, there existed a depth of feeling, actual emotion even, and it had been held back from her. Stolen.

  She did the only thing she could think to do. She reread the earmarked passage again and again and again as if it were a drug she couldn’t get enough of.

  On a mission now, she flipped to the very first page of the journal and settled in. Hours passed as she tore through the pages and read her mother’s innermost thoughts, most of which brought about startling revelations for Emory. It turned out that Catherine thought of her twice-a-week tennis match at the club as a necessary evil, while what she really longed to do with her afternoon was curl up with a good book, preferably a classic. She’d read Pride and Prejudice seven times. Emory never knew that and shook her head in wonder at the information. Emory loved that book, and if only she’d known, they could have discussed it and a myriad of other Jane Austen works. Other interesting pieces of information included the almost schoolgirl crush Catherine seemed to have developed on Peter Fullbright, their attorney, and the fact that she’d regretted never having a dog as a pet. But most notably, the fact that she thought Emory had amazing talent as an artist.

  June 14, 1994

  It’s hot today in California, and before the afternoon is over, we’re expected to break record temperatures. Vanessa and I have taken refuge indoors and spent the afternoon selecting colors for the new furniture in the dining room, but Emory’s been with her sketchbook in the backyard since ten this morning. I’ve stolen glances at her work as I’ve passed by the window, and each new glimpse impresses me further. Her steady progress on the work was remarkable.

  The sketch is a very vivid representation of the birdhouse nestled on the back fence, an item I’ve paid very littl
e attention to until now. The detail she’s created is striking, and I marvel at her unique talent. I have no idea where she gets her gift, as neither Grayson nor I have any sort of artistic ability whatsoever. At any rate, it’s astounding what Emory’s able to produce on a blank canvas. She’s presented me with several of her works over the past year and I’m still figuring out the perfect place to showcase them. No location I’ve come up with seems to do them justice.

  Emory stopped. It was hard to read when she could no longer see the page in front of her. Unexpected tears assaulted her eyes, and large wet drops fell from her cheeks onto the page. She sat there in a helpless sea of emotion that overtook her with a force she couldn’t compete with. She hadn’t cried once since learning of her mother’s death, not at the funeral or even in the quiet solace of her own home. It wasn’t that she wasn’t sad; she knew inherently that she must have been, but she simply hadn’t felt anything at all. But now, as the sun was beginning to set on a Saturday evening in June, Emory cried. She cried for the loss of a parent and all that never was and all that never would be.

  She wrapped her arms around herself and held on as one emotional wave after another rolled through her. She didn’t hear the back door open, but it must have because as she raised her tear-filled eyes they found Sarah’s, who stood motionless on the deck, her lips parted in surprise. A moment later, something in Sarah’s eyes softened and the way she looked at her now, with such tenderness and understanding, caused Emory to crumble into herself once again.

  Sarah walked slowly to the couch and took the spot next to Emory, letting her hand settle on her back, softly soothing her with gentle circles. It had surprised her to see Emory’s Jaguar still in the driveway when she returned to the house, but it was an even bigger shock to find her in shambles on the back porch. She quickly noted the journals next to Emory and understood.

  Emory’s shoulders shook as the sobs wracked her and Sarah instinctually put her arms around her. As she did, Emory fell into her, settling her head onto Sarah’s lap. Sarah didn’t mind and held her as she cried quietly. Neither of them said anything, as there was no need. Emory was a person in pain and Sarah would be there for her.

  When Emory’s sobs quieted, Sarah began to slowly stroke her hair, a gesture that always soothed Grace when she was sad. Minutes passed and though Sarah could not see her face, she could tell Emory was beginning to regain control, her breathing not so ragged. As she watched the sun on its daily descent, just as the oranges changed to pink, Emory stirred, slowly pushing herself into a sitting position. She met Sarah’s eyes, but neither spoke for a moment.

  “I’m sorry about this,” Emory finally managed. “This is ridiculously embarrassing.” She gestured in the direction of the journals. “I was reading and it was all just too—” She had to stop then as her eyes once again welled up with tears.

  “It’s all right. I understand.” Sarah covered Emory’s hand with her own.

  With tears still gathering in her eyes, Emory stood, crossed to the corner of the deck, and gazed across the yard at the sunset. “She was proud of me,” she said, half to Sarah and half to herself. “And I went my whole life without knowing.”

  “Of course she was. Why wouldn’t she be?”

  Emory laughed sardonically. “I don’t even know where to begin. Because I got a B instead of an A. Because I missed being valedictorian by two-tenths of a point. Because I’m a lesbian. Because I don’t support the right charities, or because as a kid, I spent time drawing rather than playing tennis. I could go on and on.” She raised her arm and let it drop in punctuation.

  “And how do you feel after reading her words?”

  “I feel cheated. She had all of these feelings, concerns, opinions, and didn’t share any of them with us. She kept herself tucked away. What kind of mother does that? Doesn’t mother their children?”

  “I don’t know. I’m sure she had her reasons.” But in all honesty, Sarah couldn’t relate. Not a day went by without her telling Grace how much she loved her, how valuable she was.

  “Maybe it’s just who we are, the Owen family. Not exactly a warm and fuzzy bunch. I shouldn’t let this get to me. I hate that I care so much.” Emory wiped her eyes and turned back to face Sarah apologetically. “I’m usually a much stronger person than this, I promise.”

  “Trust me, I get that. But the thing is, you don’t have to be strong right now, Emory. You’re upset, and you’re grieving. Anyone who has ever lost someone knows that grief happens in cycles. Allow yourself the time you need to deal with this.”

  Emory took one last look at the disappearing sun and ran her hands through her hair. “I’m going to have a beer. I think I’ve earned it,” she half laughed. “Can I bring you one?”

  Sarah considered the offer and decided the day’s events warranted accepting the invitation. “Sure. A beer would be great.”

  Emory was gone longer than was necessary, and when she returned Sarah could tell that she’d straightened herself up a bit and washed her face. Gone was the little bit of makeup Emory usually wore, her face now fresh, clean, and sporting just a slight tan. She was maybe even more attractive this way, Sarah thought as Emory handed her a bottle. She probably had no trouble in the man department, or woman department, she mentally corrected herself, recalling the information she’d just learned.

  Emory sat. “So I should apologize. I snapped at you earlier about the journals, and that was wrong of me. Somehow, you knew I needed to see what was in them, and as hard as it is to admit, you were right. I’m sorry for speaking to you the way I did.”

  Sarah lowered the Dos Equis bottle from her lips. “Don’t give it another thought.” She smiled for a moment before continuing. “I just told myself that was your ‘I call all the shots’ executive voice.”

  Emory laughed out loud. “I guess maybe it was.” She studied Sarah. “Is that what you get from me? That I need to call all the shots?”

  Sarah looked thoughtful for a moment. “Is it wrong of me to say yes?”

  Emory laughed again. “No, it’s not.”

  “You’re the type of person who is used to having things done a certain way…yours. That’s not a bad thing. It’s probably why you’re so successful. Trust me, I’m taking notes.” She smiled then, and took another pull from her beer.

  “Why is that? Do you have aspirations in the corporate world? With your organization skills, someone would snatch you right up.”

  “Yes and no. I graduated with my bachelor’s in business administration from UC San Diego two years ago.”

  Emory sat up a little straighter, seemingly puzzled. “Really? I had no idea. I guess I just assumed—”

  “That because I’m Hispanic and work for a cleaning agency I have virtually no education?” Sarah raised her left eyebrow expectantly.

  Emory paled a little.

  “It’s not a big deal. I’m only teasing you. Though I’m sorry to ruin the stereotype. The truth is my mother owns the agency I work for, and I’ve been working alongside her since I was a teenager. Typically, I handle the books, the marketing, and the outside vendors. Occasionally, during busy seasons like this one, I pick up a job or two to help out.”

  “What made you decide to go to school?”

  “I wanted to learn how to better develop the business. I think we have the potential to grow into something much bigger than what we are right now and I have a lot of ideas. I just have to convince my mother to hear me out. Baby steps.”

  Emory regarded her skeptically. “The thought is noble, Sarah, and I don’t mean to pry here, but you have to think about yourself and what’s best for you. You could take your business degree, go out into the corporate world, and ascend the ranks, create a successful career of your own. Your mother will survive without you.”

  Sarah shook her head, smiling. “My family is everything to me, and the business is where my heart is. I plan to have a very important career, but it will be with Immaculate Home.”

  Emory didn’t seem conv
inced. “I guess if that’s what makes you happy. What does your husband think?”

  “Not married,” Sarah stated matter-of-factly. “Grace’s father and I divorced when I was twenty-one. We were married for exactly eighty-six days. She was still a baby when I kicked him out. Not long after, he got into some trouble, and lucky for me, we haven’t heard from him since. It’s just Grace and me.”

  “Then that’s all the more reason for you to aim high.”

  “And that’s exactly what I’m doing. I have a list of changes for Immaculate Home that I think could take us to the next level. You’re an entrepreneur yourself. Surely you understand what it’s like to have a vision.”

  Emory bowed her head in submission. “Of course I do. I hope it all works out. In fact, I’m sure it will.”

  It was completely dark an hour later when they finally brought their conversation to a close and headed in separate directions. It had been a welcome evening for Sarah, if not an unexpected one. She and Emory were from two entirely different worlds and with that seemed to come a freedom to speak candidly. Sarah felt more and more comfortable as the conversation went on. Then again, that second beer hadn’t hurt matters either.

  As they walked out to their cars together, Emory hesitated before looking sideways at Sarah. “Tonight was kind of unscheduled, huh?”

  Sarah smiled and leaned against her car. “A little. But I enjoyed seeing you relax some.” She gestured to the journals Emory carried with her. “Do you plan to read all of them?”

  Emory thought for a moment. “I think I need to. It’ll be hard, and it may be something I have to do little by little, but I need to know the real her.” Emory started to go before turning back. “I should say thank you. You know, for being there for me tonight.”