No Ordinary Summer

by Linda Barrett

  Dan laughed. “They say timing is everything, and I guess sometimes it really is. Anyway, look at Josh. He’s happy.”

  Shelley looked. “He’s happy, but he would have been ecstatic about fifteen minutes ago.”

  “Salvage what you can, Shelley. Just like your son did.” Dan walked to the fence behind home plate. “Now let’s see if Casey can bring Josh home.”

  Shelley heard Dan’s soft encouragement to the little boy at bat as she gazed once more toward her own son. Carl still stood at the fence near third, his lips moving as though he were coaching Josh about running home. In the dugout with her team, Shelley sighed in exasperation. No other parent was near the field at all.

  Casey swung at the first pitch. The bat whistled by the ball for a strike.

  “Easy does it, Casey. Take your time.”

  Shelley loved the sound of Dan’s voice, calm and reassuring to the kids. To her, as well!

  Casey let two pitches go by. Two balls.

  “Good eye, Case. Good eye.”

  Then he connected for a ground ball picked up by the shortstop and thrown home just as Josh’s feet touched the plate.

  Parker Plumbing had scored their first run. Casey did a jig at first base, but Josh just stood up and brushed himself off. His eyes sought out Shelley as she left the dugout with his teammates for a quick congratulatory high five.

  “I did what you said, Mom.” His serious expression after his grand feat startled Shelley.

  “Did I say to hit a triple?” she asked with a laugh.

  He shook his head. “No. But I did my job. No matter what.”

  Darn her tears! She grabbed her son around his waist and hugged him till he squirmed. “Yes. Yes, you did. I’m proud of you.” And now the game he loved had lost its glow. Relegated to a job.

  Josh pushed away from her and looked at his father. “Hi, Dad.”

  “Great slide into third, Josh. Great judgment.”

  The boy shrugged, started walking to the dugout and then turned back, a tiny gleam of hope in his eye. “Did you…uh…see my hit?”

  And that was Josh’s challenge to his father. Carl’s answer would mean the difference between joy and job. Carl’s glance implored Shelley. She could help him…throw him enough information to catch on and remain a hero. She turned to her son, examined his expression. He was eager, yet braced for the truth. His little-boy expectations had started to evaporate. She studied the tableau of three—she, Josh and Carl—poised at a turning point. It was time to move forward.

  Shelley met Carl’s gaze and lifted her shoulders in a tiny shrug. He was on his own.

  Down, but not out, Carl’s save was almost good enough. “I heard the bat crack the ball but was just approaching the field. Too far away to see the hit. From the noise, I knew something exciting had happened, and I wasn’t surprised to discover it was you. You’re a hell of a player, Joshua.”

  Josh nodded and continued into the dugout.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “YOU COULD HAVE GIVEN me some help with Josh.” Carl’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Shelley.

  “The only people needing my help right now are the twelve kids on my team,” replied Shelley. “Go sit on the bleachers, Carl, with the other parents. Your daughter is there with my folks. She’ll give you what you want.”

  As Shelley joined Daniel and her team, she saw Emily run to Carl, saw Carl scoop her up and swing her around. The child looked content, and Shelley sighed with relief, happy to be able to focus only on the game. Happy to be partnering with Daniel. They worked well together with the children.

  The game ended after seven innings for these youngest players, and Parker Plumbing took the honors with a one-run lead. The two teams walked onto the field, each player giving a high five to the members of the opposite team. Soon parents were swarming the dugout area picking up their children and congratulating the coaches on their win.

  “We all had a great time,” replied Shelley over and over again.

  “I guess a woman can be a coach!” said one father with a grin on his face.

  Shelley laughed and nodded at Katie Sullivan and Sara Fielding. “And they can also play the game.”

  “Thanks, Professor,” said another parent.

  “No problem,” said Dan. “Thanks for coming.”

  Matt and Laura Parker approached them. “You guys are terrific,” said Laura, her arm around Casey. “The coaches and the kids.” Casey nodded in agreement, his head bobbing fast.

  “And now I can feel less guilty about defecting this summer,” said Matt.

  “But it was for a good cause,” said Shelley, smiling at Laura. “Marriage and a family, not to mention the new house. A lot of changes.”

  “A lot of new beginnings,” said Laura. “New friends, too.” She squeezed Shelley’s hand before leaving with her husband, and Shelley was warmed by the gesture of friendship.

  With the Parkers’ departure, the dugout was suddenly empty. Too empty.

  “Where’s Josh?” Shelley stepped into the sunshine and looked toward the stands. “Well, well. I was wondering when they’d show up.”

  “Who, honey?”

  “Look over there,” she replied, pointing to the bleachers. “Photographer and reporter. Carl took our bait for a photo op and now he’s getting what he wants. Pictures of him and the kids for the Boston papers.” She felt Daniel’s presence beside her as he scanned the area.

  “They might be from the Pilgrim Cove Gazette, and see him as a story—celebrity visiting town,” said Daniel, packing away the equipment into the big duffel bags.

  “Not a snowball’s chance. Besides, the Gazette staff has already been here and I know them now. Uh-uh. These guys came with Carl. They’re focusing only on him.”

  Dan shrugged. “So he’ll get a headline like Candidate Watches Kids At Little League Baseball Game. He wants to win the election, Shelley. It’s reasonable.”

  “Reasonable would have been getting here on time for Josh,” she grumbled.

  “Well, he knows that now.”

  “I hope so. My son will forgive and forget and think his dad is wonderful if Carl comes through next time. And frankly, I hope he does. Even if Carl’s an idiot to me, Josh wants to believe his dad is great.”

  Dan lowered the bag to the ground and turned to her. His left hand rested on her shoulder. He stroked her cheek gently with his right. “If his dad doesn’t come through, Josh will look around at other men in his life. I’ll be there, Shel. And I’ll try not to let him down.”

  The world around her faded. Shelley remained quiet for a moment, and stared at the man who’d captured her heart. Daniel, who was offering his love and life not only to her, but also to those whom she loved. “You couldn’t let him down,” she whispered. “You’re a good man through and through. An honorable man.”

  “I’m no saint!” Dan was quick to reply, his complexion turning ruddy.

  Shelley grinned at his discomfort and left the dugout just as Carl came striding toward her, the children right behind him.

  “I’m on a schedule, Shelley,” he said. “Are the kids good to go?”

  “After Josh takes a shower, they’ll be ready.”

  Carl glanced at his watch, then at his son. “Make it fast, Josh, but get yourself clean. More pictures later.” He motioned to the two men with press badges. “These are stringers for the Globe. Since my candidacy is so recent, I need as much coverage as I can get.” His gaze veered toward Dan, his expression challenging.

  “Makes sense,” said Dan, shifting the duffel bag on his shoulder and glancing around the dugout. “New team’s claiming this place. Let’s get going.”

  Shelley’s gaze lingered on the man who was trying to keep the peace. Knowing his efforts were for her sake filled her with warmth.

  “You can all have a glass of iced tea at the house while Josh cleans up,” she offered the group of men.

  “Thanks,” replied the photographer with a grin, “but we’re taking a boat ride back
to town. Not often we can catch a breeze on the water while at work.” He looked at his buddy, who was scribbling in a notebook.

  “He’s got a point,” said the writer.

  Carl grunted. “You’re not on vacation! I’ll see you at four o’clock at the veterans’ home. Then we’ll hit Grand Acres Seniors’ Center. Channel 2 will be covering that visit, too.”

  Shelley swallowed hard, and glanced at the kids. “That’s quite a pace.”

  “You get used to it,” replied Carl. He looked at the newsmen. “Come on. I’ll take you to the dock.”

  “Just a sec,” said the reporter, looking at Shelley. “Are you part of this campaign, Mrs. Anderson?”

  Startled, Shelley couldn’t reply quickly.

  “That’s still under discussion,” said Carl.

  “No,” said Shelley, now realizing the intent of the conversation. “No, it’s not.” She turned to the reporter, forcing a smile and hoping she’d sound articulate. “Give me a break, guys. If you’ve done your homework, you know the candidate and I have been divorced for over a year. The children will be with him from time to time, and Carl will certainly get my vote in the booth, but as to active campaigning…no.”

  She turned toward Carl. “We’ll meet you back at Sea View House.”

  A curt nod was his only response and Shelley sighed. How could such a bright man be so stupid? Or was stubborn the better word?

  Five minutes later, Shelley sat next to Dan in his SUV, eyes closed, head resting against the seat. Josh and Emily were in the back. Daniel turned the key in the ignition, but he didn’t shift into gear. Instead he reached for her hand and gently squeezed it. “You’re stronger than you think, Shel, and you’re not alone.”

  “I know,” she whispered. “I love you standing near me. I love us being together.” There was more she wanted to tell him, more she wanted to ask him. But not with the children in the car.

  As soon as Dan parked in the driveway, Shelley hopped out, ready to hustle the kids and prepare some sandwiches and soft drinks before they left. The less time she and Carl spent together, the better for everyone.

  DAN WATCHED Shelley race into the house. The woman was as nervous as a mouse being stalked by a cat. She’d wanted him to join them for a light lunch, but maybe she’d be better off without him in Carl’s face right now. Maybe the kids would be better off, too. Regardless, he needed a shower himself and could take a few minutes to decide.

  Ten minutes later, he slid his kitchen door open, and he and Jess walked onto his deck. If Shelley was outside, he’d double-check the need for his presence with her family group. Voices traveled up to him immediately, however, and his decision was made as soon as he heard Carl’s voice. “Where’s lover man, Shelley? Or should I say boy? Lover boy.”

  “Have some iced tea, Carl,” she replied, her words steady. “Have a sandwich. Then take the kids and go on your campaign.” Dan cheered silently at her reply. She hadn’t risen to the bait.

  But leaving her alone for a long time would accomplish nothing. “Come on, Jess,” Daniel whispered, leading the dog back into the apartment. “You’re staying up here today. Can’t have you in the midst of anything.”

  He jogged down the outside staircase, making sure his tread was heavy enough to cue Shelley and company that he was on his way. And the first thing he saw when he arrived on the porch was her radiant smile. “Hi, Shelley.” It was so natural to walk to her side and give her a small hug. So he did. Then turned to the other man. “Anderson,” he greeted.

  The candidate ignored him. “Where is that boy?” Carl’s impatient voice sliced the momentary calm. “He knows I’m in a hurry.” He glanced at his watch and started pacing.

  Shelley’s exasperated glance told its own story. “My dad’s helping him, Carl. He’ll be right out. And don’t take your frustration out on Josh.”

  “Josh?” he repeated, turning to Shelley. “It’s you. I wouldn’t be having this problem if we were all back under one roof! I wouldn’t have to run back and forth to see him play.”

  Next to him, Dan felt Shelley stiffen and take a step forward. “Easy, easy,” he whispered.

  She nodded, but her eyes glowed hot. Her voice, however, was cool. “Commuting is your problem, Carl. You should have thought about your children, if not me, a long time ago. Before you started running around.”

  “Me?” Carl’s voice rose, incredulity coloring his tone. “You’re talking about me? At least I’m not shacking up in front of the kids like you are! How convenient he lives upstairs.”

  Shacking up. The insult exploded in Dan’s brain. His mind emptied of everything but those two words, and he found himself walking toward the other man as if in a trance. As if he were someone else. But it was his blood pumping with adrenaline, his heart pounding like thunder, his hands balled into fists. He uncurled his fingers to tap Carl’s shoulder. His face in Anderson’s face.

  “You’re going to apologize to Shelley, and you’re going to do it now,” he said in a low voice. They were of a height, and the hate in Carl’s eyes was easy to see. The cunning, too.

  Carl pivoted to throw a punch, using the momentum of his turn to add power.

  Dan blocked with his forearm and pushed.

  “It’s none of your business what goes on between Shelley and me,” Carl said between clenched teeth, taking a step backward.

  Like a bee buzzing in the background, Shelley’s voice came through to him, high pitched and indistinct. She’d soon understand that she didn’t have to worry. Daniel wasn’t going to hurt the candidate, just scare him.

  He pushed again, not very hard. But Carl lost his step and had to recover. Dan studied Carl’s face. Yes, indeed. His expression was changing. The candidate had gotten the message.

  “As I was saying,” began Dan in a calm voice, “you’re going to apologize to the lady. And you’re going to be polite from now on. And if your schedule’s tight, you’re going to take responsibility for it.” He glared at the other man. “Be happy I’m not still eighteen, solving this in the dirt where it belongs. Although,” he added, as he felt a grin of pure pleasure cross his face, “the idea is very tempting. Very, very tempting.”

  Carl’s complexion paled.

  “That’s right, Mr. Candidate. A picture of you in a brawl on the front page sure won’t help your campaign, will it? I, fortunately, don’t have a campaign to worry about.”

  The man’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.

  “And now,” Dan continued, “before your children join us, I’m going to step aside while you apologize to Shelley and speak to her with respect. You’re also going to cool off. And if you can’t do that, you’re going to leave—without the children.”

  Carl’s eyes narrowed.

  “Fear of endangerment in a moving vehicle,” said Dan. “A lot of us witnessed your temper today. Potential road rage makes Shelley nervous.”

  Dan stepped back, arms at his sides, giving the candidate room to move around, and signaling the end of the one-on-one episode.

  Carl looked at his former wife. “You’re not safe with him, Shelley. I think he might be crazy.”

  “Crazy like a fox, maybe,” replied Shelley, laughing between her words. “Meet Professor Daniel Stone, Ph.D., J.D., esteemed member of the Harvard Law School faculty. Your alma mater, Carl. Author of books you have in your own law library. And…a very honorable man.” She glanced at Dan and shook her head. “A man just full of surprises.”

  Daniel watched Carl absorb the information. The man’s eyes narrowed and he nodded, as though recalling the facts on Dan’s résumé. At their first meeting, when Carl had surprised Shelley with a visit, he’d obviously assumed Daniel was frittering away the summer, and Dan hadn’t corrected that assumption. Wasn’t the guy’s business.

  Since then, however, the private investigator would have mentioned Dan’s profession to Carl. At the moment, Carl needed to be reminded that the playing field had been leveled. For Shelley’s sake. For the children’s sak
es. Personally, Dan didn’t care if Anderson thought Dan dug ditches for a living.

  “Why Harvard?” asked Anderson. “Don’t they have good schools in California?”

  “They do. But Harvard gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Just as I made you an offer you’d be foolish to refuse.” He stared at the man. “Shelley’s still waiting.”

  IF NOTHING ELSE, thought Dan, from his position at the porch railing, his actions today had distracted Carl from his preoccupation with his schedule. If the man’s apology to Shelley had been perfunctory, which was probably the case, at least he’d calmed down enough for her to feel comfortable with letting the children drive with him.

  Josh and Emily, overnight bags packed, were finishing their sandwiches at the porch table and chatting to their dad, who sat between them. Their grandparents were also having lunch.

  “This is good, Mommy,” said Emily about her tuna fish sandwich.

  “I think you were very hungry,” replied Shelley. “Watching a baseball game can knock you out!”

  Emily grinned, reached for her drink and knocked it over. Grape juice dribbled everywhere, including on Emily’s lap.

  “Uh-oh,” said Emily, as Shelley blotted the liquid away. “I’m all wet.”

  “You’ll dry off in the car,” said her father.

  Dan watched the scene play out, and found himself hoping Carl would do the right thing

  “But I’m all purple! And it’s wet and yucky.” Emily’s voice started to quiver, and Carl rolled his eyes.

  “Okay, okay. Put extra clothes in her bag, would you, Shelley?”

  “Sure. And both of you use the bathroom, right now, so Daddy doesn’t have to stop.”

  “Thank you,” said Carl.

  Shelley and the kids disappeared inside, followed by the Duffys. And Dan released a sigh of relief.

  His sigh must have been more audible than he’d thought because Carl glared at him.

  “I don’t hit my children, so you can stop staring at me.”

  Daniel chuckled. “I know that. Despite Shelley’s efforts, your kids wouldn’t have turned out so well if you’d been a real bastard. But I’d be careful if I were you. You’re on a slippery slope with Josh.” He paused for effect. “And that’s an objective assessment from someone with a reputation for objectivity.”