The Doctor and the War Widow

by Russell, Viola

  “Still in Vermont. That’s what I meant about more than visiting. Julie and I just aren’t making it.” He shrugged. “I guess it’s good we didn’t have kids.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Harley placed a hand on his arm when she handed him his cup. “But . . .” She hesitated before adding, “You never seemed very happy.”

  “Well, you’re right about that. We never were. I thought I’d make her happy by moving to Vermont, but it didn’t work. Besides, I’m too much of a Southerner to be happy in twenty feet of snow.” Pete shrugged and moved with Harley to the kitchen table.

  “You also had a good job here. I was surprised you left it.”

  “No kidding. That’s what my dad said.” Pete took a sip of coffee. “I’m lucky the Tourism Commission is taking me back.”

  Harley gazed at him over her cup. “I can see Julie’s point. Lots of people were freaked out by what happed here during Katrina.”

  Pete put down his cup and looked at his hands. He was quiet for a long time. “It had nothing to do with Katrina, not really.”

  Dread crept up Harley’s spine like a murderer wielding a knife. Her heart raced. She evaded his stare and moved to the coffee pot for a refill. “Would you like another cup?”

  “Look at me, Harley.” Pete’s gaze bore into her.

  “Don’t.” She stirred the coffee, moved to the refrigerator, and poured the milk.

  “A few months back, Julie admitted that she knew what had happened.” He moved to her, took the jug of milk from her hand, and placed it back into the refrigerator.

  Harley winced as if struck. “It only happened once. We were both so sad over John.” Her whole body grew warm with embarrassment as she remembered Pete crying with her one year after John’s death. He then took her in his arms and kissed her. Suddenly, she hadn’t possessed a mind at all. She was all body and raging emotion, responding with fire. After the encounter, they had parted, embarrassed. What had united them was only loss, not love, and not even genuine desire. The whole encounter was an embarrassment Harley wished had never happened.

  Pete nodded and closed the refrigerator. “I know you’ll never forget John. Hell, neither will I. Look, I thought we were discreet, too, but she said she knew. Called me a cheating SOB. I knew it was over between us when I didn’t give a damn.”

  “You really don’t care that the marriage is over?” Harley cast a wide stare in his direction. Her face was so hot that she wondered if a scarlet letter A was emblazoned on her forehead. Jesus, she’d stepped into a Hawthorne novel.

  “No, you didn’t screw up my life. I didn’t want her. She was possessive and bossy. We tried to make it work like good Catholics, but I couldn’t live a lie any longer. Funny, John actually warned be about her before we got married. He said she’d make any man depressed.” He smiled broadly, and Harley returned it. The man really was handsome. “Besides, I missed warm weather and New Orleans food.” Pete ran a hand over his chin. “Look, I wondered if you and I—”

  Harley gaped, open-mouthed. She clamped her mouth shut but finally managed to stammer, “Look-Look, Pete, you’re a great guy, and I don’t want to hurt you, but that time was embarrassing to both of us.” She stared at a blackbird chirping outside her kitchen window perched in a magnolia tree. It chirped inharmoniously and picked at a branch of the tree. She truly thought that her mother communicated to her through birds, and Harley’s gut told her this bird wasn’t some demonic spirit. Its presence was benign, mystical even. Okay, what message was Eden giving her? Oh, Pete was handsome. He held a job and loved his family. According to John, he was a straight arrow, and Harley had never known him to do anything indiscreet except for that one emotional time with her. Nor could she blame him for that. She had to exhibit some self-control, too. Besides, she’d never liked Julie. The woman hadn’t liked any of her husband’s friends, one of those women who wanted to isolate her partner. Ironically, Harley wouldn’t be any better for Pete right now. She’d moved on and wanted someone else—how much she wanted that man surprised even Harley herself. She had to put an end to any illusions before they had a chance to take root and grow.

  Harley sighed. She knew the answer to Pete’s question, but suddenly, he took her in his arms. Harley refused to meet his gaze, but he cupped her face in his hands and covered her mouth tenderly with his own. His breath feathered against Harley’s soft flesh. Almost involuntarily, Harley let her arms encircle his neck. His arms were hard against her body, and Harley’s heart raced. Harley remembered the carefree days of her youth while clasped within Pete’s arms. Memories of long ago concerts, parties, and dances invaded her consciousness. Harley could lose herself in the comfort of his strong yet comforting arms, but the same seductive safety of the man forced her to pull away. She pushed free of him with her palms and struggled to catch her breath. For all the man’s physical appeal, Pete wasn’t John, and he wasn’t Abisi. The only excitement Pete brought her was a link to a past Harley realized she couldn’t rekindle. He was a friend and a vital part of her past, but he couldn’t be her future.

  Pete hadn’t excited her like John did, and he didn’t make her heart race like Abisi now did. Any desire she had felt for him was transitory. “I’m sorry. I’m seeing someone.”

  Pete flushed crimson and cleared his throat. “I’m happy for you. I’m really sorry I did that. I was out of bounds. We can still be friends, right? You and John were important to me.”

  “No, don’t feel bad. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Harley smiled at him and shrugged. “Sure. I’d like to still be friends.”

  Pete remained for two hours, looking at Harley’s photo albums and recounting old times. She walked him to the front door, and they embraced. She didn’t notice her lover’s car parked down the street.

  At the same time that Pete Vaughn was knocking on Harley’s door, Abisi was answering the phone in his office. He was working a morning shift and planned on visiting Harley later in the evening. Abisi wished she’d responded to his declaration of love. His chest ached dully when he thought of her non-answer, but her agreeing to go to London with him buoyed his spirits. The phone rang shrilly at his side. He recorded some information into the computer and then responded to the persistent ringing.

  “Your little whore has a man in her house. You aren’t the only one, Doctor. Wake up. That scheming little bitch is using you.” The voice sounded muffled, hoarse. He wondered if someone was holding a handkerchief over his or her face. He couldn’t be sure if the voice was that of a woman or a man. Abisi rose from his chair as if doing so could bring him closer to his tormentor. “Oh, and have you told her the whole truth about your precious son?” The voice sounded like the hiss of a snake.

  Abisi exhaled like a man receiving a blow to the gut. This bastard could only be referring to Harley. His beloved Harley was no whore, but she hadn’t told him she loved him. That alone haunted him, echoing in the back of his brain. “Who is this?” His voice roared into the receiver as if it were a living organism that could absorb his anger. He’d love to have his hands around this person’s neck. Memories of Jordan flooded his consciousness. He staggered like a drunk and sat down heavily. Only strangling the rumormonger would assuage his anger. A throbbing ache ran through his stomach and into his chest.

  Abisi slammed the phone onto the hook. Twenty minutes until he was free. Throwing his lab coat over his chair, Abisi collected his bag and charged through the door. He prayed to a God he no longer believed in to prove him wrong. He hoped against hope that no one would be at her house.

  About twenty minutes later, he parked the car a discreet distance from Harley’s house, but the evidence was undeniable. A strange sedan sat in the driveway behind the car he’d bought Harley. He gnashed his teeth in despair. Sorrow clasped his chest in a death grip. How could she lie in his arms and then in another man’s? No, he was wrong. She was with a friend. He realized he’
d met very few of her friends and associates. Yes, that was it. She only had a visitor.

  Abisi cut the engine and waited in the humid New Orleans afternoon. In less than an hour, a man emerged with Harley. She was smiling up at the blond stranger and laughed at something he’d said. They embraced, and the man trotted down the porch steps. When Harley turned to go into her house, Abisi turned the ignition and drove slowly past the house. He hadn’t cried in years. Not even when he’d lost Maureen. She’d left him long before her death, but Harley’s betrayal, the betrayal of a woman he’d trusted and believed honorable, was a bullet to the heart.

  Chapter 8

  Harley was surprised when she didn’t hear from Abisi that evening. He didn’t return calls to his cell or to his home. His unexplained absence hurt Harley more than she wanted to admit. Her insides felt hollow.

  “Hey, isn’t Mike out of town this weekend?” Harley phoned Donna, relieved when her friend answered on only the second ring.

  “Yeah, he is. What’s up? I thought you’d be with what’s-his-name.”

  “Want dinner?” Harley was suddenly suppressing tears.

  “Sure, why not?” Donna paused. “Is something wrong, Harley? You don’t sound right.”

  “Christ, I know this sounds juvenile, but I can’t get him on the phone. We were supposed to have dinner, and he’s not answering me. Shit, I don’t know what’s wrong. Things were great, and he calls me constantly. Hell, I sound like a teenager with a crush, and I hate this.” Harley squeezed her eyes shut. She wouldn’t cry for someone who treated her shabbily. “I don’t need this. I’m twelve chapters into Grace O’Malley. Why is a man complicating my life? Things were going so well. Hell, he bought me a car—”

  “What?”

  “He even asked me to go to London with him when his daughter ties the knot.”

  “Look, it sounds like he’s interested as hell. I’ll pick you up, and we’ll talk over dinner. The man is an emergency room doctor. He’s probably helping some sick kid or gunshot victim. You’re seeing a doctor, Dearie. Get used to it. See you in twenty minutes.” Donna rang off.

  Less than thirty minutes later, Harley and Donna were sitting in Juan’s Flying Burrito munching on chips and salsa. Donna took a sip of her margarita and pressed, “Tell me what happened today. Leave out no details.”

  “Well, precious little happened. I was cleaning the house and Pete Vaughn dropped by.”

  “Oh, no, don’t tell me.” Donna was the only person to whom Harley had ever admitted her one indiscretion.

  “No, it wasn’t like that.” Harley gave Donna an abbreviated version of what had transpired with Pete. She waved her hand dismissively. “See, nothing terrible happened.”

  “Yeah, but what if your boyfriend found out?” Donna cut into a taco.

  Harley frowned. Anger suddenly raced through her veins. “If that’s true, why didn’t he just ask me? Damn him!”

  Donna shrugged and sighed. “Men are a strange species. Besides, the guy probably has his own issues and insecurities. Maybe his past relationships weren’t just peachy. You’ve indicated as much. Confront him.”

  As Harley and Donna pulled up to her house, Harley noticed Abisi’s car parked in front of her house. A striking young woman leapt from the car as Donna’s vehicle entered the driveway. Harley stepped from the car and gazed as the other woman approached with purpose. Instinctively, Harley knew who she was. Jessica was maybe twenty-five and quite beautiful. Abisi’s daughter had her father’s dark hair and eyes. Very fair skin and sculpted features. She was clearly a product of her handsome Egyptian father and her English rose mother. “Has something happened to your father?” Harley’s insides turned to liquid. Her own fear surprised her.

  “So, you know who I am!” Abisis’s stunning daughter stared at her defiantly. “How could you use my father?”

  “What in hell do you mean?” Harley stared at Jessica.

  “He was working and got a call about you entertaining some man.” Jessica’s eyes flashed.

  “What?” Dread clutched Harley’s insides.

  “Don’t deny it. Someone called him. He drove here and saw you.” Jessica pushed her long hair from her face. “I caught a red-eye flight because he sounded so upset.”

  “Look, your father didn’t see what he thought he did.” Donna stood beside Harley, staring down the irate woman.

  Harley’s dread and regret quickly melted into anger. How dare he judge her and send his daughter to treat her like shit? Abisi clearly wasn’t man enough to confront her himself. “Don’t waste your breath, D. What I have to say is for the ears of one person only.” With that, she marched down the street. Donna and Jessica stared after her.

  Abisi only lived a few streets from Harley. She was fit and could walk miles and was pounding on his door within minutes. He flung the door open and stood before her in cut off shorts and sandals. It was the first time she’d seen him with his shirt not tucked into his pants. His face was drawn. She pushed past him. “You come into my life, turn it upside down, and then send your daughter to abuse me.”

  “What are you—?” He broke off and stared at her, obviously clueless.

  “Jessica was waiting for me when I came home from dinner with Donna.” Harley fought the hot tears welling behind her eyes. She moved within inches of him. “Oh, by the way, we were supposed to have dinner, remember?”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know Jessica was going to confront you.” Abisi swallowed. “I’m sorry if you were inconvenienced.”

  Harley moved her arms like a windmill. “Inconvenienced? Your prissy daughter shows up and accuses me of cheating on you. She accuses me of having another lover and then lets me know you were spying on me. I’d say inconvenienced doesn’t cover what I’m feeling.”

  His voice was hoarse. “Harley, someone called me and said—”

  “Yes, I know what was said. You really need to keep Kimberly out of your life. The woman’s trouble and can’t let go of what you had or she thinks you had.” Harley moved within a few inches of his face. How could he mistrust her?

  Abisi regained his composure. She saw anger flash in his eyes. “It doesn’t matter who told me anything. I saw that man take you in his arms.”

  “It does matter. Your bitch girlfriend wants to sabotage us, and she’s succeeded.” Harley shook her head and laughed bitterly. “That man was John’s oldest friend. He dropped in to say hello. What you witnessed was two old friends having a visit. Pete was our best man, for God’s sakes.” She wasn’t going to reveal her one moment of indiscretion with Pete. Nothing in her life was his business any longer, but her voice broke. “Why couldn’t you just trust me?”

  Abisi deflated like a burst balloon. “I’m sorry, Harley. It’s just that I’ve fallen in love with you, God help me. When I thought you were seeing another man—” He paused and took a breath. “I was mad with jealousy.”

  “So you sicced your daughter on me.” Harley laughed bitterly but said no more, not wanting to risk tears. She could taste her anger like a malevolent poison.

  “I didn’t know Jessica was going to see you. I swear it, but she loves me. When she called earlier, she could hear how upset I was.” Abisi held on to her shoulders and peered into her face.

  Harley averted her gaze. “You told me you loved me. Why weren’t you man enough to come to me when you were angry?” She pushed his hands away. “You know what? I think I am in love with you, but I’d been through so much in the past year I wasn’t ready to say it. When Jessica showed up in your car, I was terrified something had happened to you. That’s all I could think of. Then, she dumps on me like I’m some whore. Like I’m the same as that psycho Kimberly.”

  “My darling, I’m sorry.” He reached out to her.

  Harley slapped his hands away. The tears she’d long suppressed sprang to the sur
face. “I’ll bring the car here tomorrow. I don’t want it. I don’t want anything from you.”

  “No, please, Harley.” Abisi grasped her arm as she turned away.

  Harley stared at him. Her voice was a low hiss. “It’s over. I don’t want to see you again. I’ve never felt so betrayed or so cheap.”

  “Dad, are you okay?” Jessica stood frozen on the porch. Her gaze shifted between them.

  Harley brushed past her and said dryly, “Nice meeting you.” Only when she was on her way down the street did she completely give way to tears. When she saw Donna’s car, Harley dashed to her friend’s waiting arms.

  Later that night, Abisi pounded on Kimberly’s door. Fury cascaded through his chest like hot streaks of lightning. This bitch had ruined his hopes for happiness and stability. She’d abused him during their relationship, and now, she was making sure he found no peace with anyone else. Visions of Harley flashed before his eyes as he stood at the door. Harley walking Nico, Harley making a vegetarian salad in her kitchen, Harley brushing her hair as the sun beamed on her. She’d looked like an angel. Shades of crimson flashed before his eyes when he thought he would never hold her again. She’d made her feelings clear. He was upset with Jessica for arguing with Harley, but Jessica had his best interests at heart. Jessica was contrite enough, and the whole incident had revealed his true tormentor. He pounded on the door again. Her beauty no longer will sway me, he thought. He kept repeating this like a mantra. Finally, the door swung open and he clasped it quickly in case Kimberly had any inclination to slam it in his face.

  To his surprise, Kimberly greeted him as if nothing had happened. She held a drink in her hand and flashed an intoxicating smile. “What a nice surprise! Do you want to come in? I have a bottle of that red wine you like.” She moved closer to him and ran a finger lightly over his chin. She was so close that he could smell the lavender scent she soaked in during a bath. The light emanating from the house framed her in a luminous glow. The woman looked like an angelic being. She purred like a cat when she spoke. “I know you’d come to your senses. What can a prim little schoolteacher give you that I can’t?”