No Ordinary Summer

by Linda Barrett

  “It was really weird coaching the game yesterday without Josh,” she said, “and both kids would have loved watching the Pilgrim Cove July Fourth parade.”

  “It may have been weird, but you know the whole team asked about him. Wanted to make sure he’d be at the next game. Josh has made friends here, Shelley. And you were concerned about that in the beginning.”

  She nodded. “It’s hard to make friends when you’re surly,” she whispered.

  “I think the parents were grateful we showed up to coach!” Dan’s teasing grin showed he was kidding, and Shelley punched him lightly on the arm.

  “I take my responsibilities seriously!” she said.

  “I hadn’t noticed,” he replied dryly.

  She stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the mouth. “I take my kissing seriously, too.” Suddenly, Dan’s grip tightened, his lips reclaiming hers, demanding a response. She complied happily.

  He finally lifted his head. “Now, kissing, I definitely noticed.”

  She leaned against him, enjoying how his arms automatically encircled her, enjoying the scent of salt and ocean in the air. “Hmm. This is nice.”

  “Sure is,” he whispered. “Make the most of it. Won’t be so peaceful on the way home.”

  She glanced up at him, her stomach tightening. “Are the kids becoming annoying, Dan? Are you tired of them being around?”

  A look of surprise preceded a flash of pain before he blinked it away. “Tell you what, Shel,” he said quietly, “we’re both going to pretend you never asked that question.”

  She had her answer, but she’d hurt him. He was a sensitive man. More sensitive than that big strong body and finely honed brain would lead a person to believe.

  “My watch says nine forty-five and we’re meeting them under the arch at the Boston Harbor Hotel at ten-thirty. We’ve got plenty of time,” she said, deliberately changing the subject.

  “Good,” replied Dan. “I started the day without a cup of coffee. Need to fix that.”

  By ten-thirty, Shelley’s eyes felt strained from constant searching. It was her own fault. Carl and the children weren’t even due until now, but she’d begun to look for them as soon as Dan and she had arrived.

  “Uh, what’s the time on your watch, Dan?”

  “Ten thirty-five.”

  Same as hers. She smiled briefly. “Just checking.”

  “Just wearing yourself out. For nothing.”

  She looked at him then, curious.

  “Putting everything else aside,” began Dan, “he’s had a big weekend himself. He could have easily overslept this morning.”

  “But the kids wouldn’t have.” She started to smile. “They’re early birds who make a lot of noise in the morning. Especially before they’ve eaten breakfast.”

  “Well, they could have gotten caught in traffic….”

  “Early on a Sunday morning?” She shook her head. “I don’t think so. No, this is just Carl trying to make me nuts.” She pulled out her cell phone. “However, I’m not totally at his mercy.”

  “Shelley,” said Dan.

  Something in the tone of his voice made her respond quickly. “What?”

  He nodded toward the hotel’s entrance. “Look over there.”

  She did. Took a moment to focus on the three figures walking toward them. A too familiar blond woman, with Josh and Emily trailing behind her.

  “I don’t like this at all,” Shelley muttered, waving her arm at the trio. She started to walk briskly in their direction, but then stopped and braced herself. The children had spotted her and were running straight at her, their overnight bags dropping to the ground.

  “I’m right here,” said Dan, over her shoulder. “I’ll catch you as you catch them.”

  And then Emily was in her arms, and she was surrounded by cries of “Mommy, Mommy.” Josh hugged her around the waist.

  “My Daniel p’fessor!” shouted Emily, reaching over Shelley’s shoulder.

  Shelley felt Dan take Emily, and she leaned forward to kiss Josh a dozen times. When she looked up, Carl’s associate stood waiting, the kids’ bags hanging from the ends of her long fingers.

  “Carl’s in the middle of a strategy session, and I have to get right back,” said the woman. Her eyes studied Shelley, the children and Daniel. “But it’s probably better this way,” she added. “For everyone.”

  Shelley met the woman’s gaze. “I couldn’t agree with you more.” She took the bags from the blonde, gave them to the children and returned her attention to the woman. No time like the present to start their campaign. “I’ll walk you back to the hotel,” she said.

  The attorney nodded, a quizzical expression on her face.

  Shelley turned to Dan, who seemed to be having a sudden coughing problem. He caught her eye and nodded. “I’ll be right back,” she said to the children, happy to note Josh standing comfortably at Dan’s side.

  She glanced at the woman. “Alicia, is it?” she asked, as they started walking.

  “That’s right.”

  “I’m going to hand you the opportunity of a lifetime,” began Shelley, glad to note she had the woman’s full attention.

  “How would you like to capture Boston’s most eligible bachelor and candidate for United States Congress?”

  The blonde stopped in her tracks. “We’ve been exclusive for some time now,” she replied. “With you out of the picture, we’ll be setting a date.”

  The woman had fallen in love with the image. Or maybe she and Carl were two of a kind. “Then I should have taped the conversations Carl and I had recently,” said Shelley, pausing in her stride. “He still has me in his mind, Alicia, and you and he are not a done deal yet.”

  Shelley waited until the information registered, then continued in a conversational tone. “I see it as a cooperative effort, and we’ll have to get—what’s his name?—the campaign manager involved and every other person of influence who surrounds Carl.”

  “Go on,” said the other woman.

  “Urge Carl to run his campaign as a fabulous single dad who has a great relationship with his ex-wife. And I mean ex!”

  Alicia smiled. “I guess you really do.”

  “Count on it,” said Shelley. “But there is one more thing.”

  The smile disappeared, and the woman looked wary.

  “The joint-custody agreement I have with him remains in place. No changes. Just remind him how well it’s been working for the past two years.”

  “I’ll do what I can,” said Alicia. “That much I can promise.” Her forehead wrinkled. “On the other hand, those kids were fabulous at the seniors’ center and photogenic, as well. Carl seems to have a bug up his…uh…backside about them. And he really wants to win.”

  Shelley’s heart sank; her mind raced. Was all this effort for nothing after all? “And you, Alicia?” She examined the woman slowly from head to toe. “You’re a professional woman. An attorney like Carl. But somehow, I see you winding up being responsible for the children’s day-to-day care. Not what you bargained for, is it?”

  “Me? I’m allergic to kids! I don’t even think I have a biological clock.” A look of comic horror crossed her face as she stared at Shelley. “In fact, I don’t think they’ve had breakfast today.”

  “Well, then, you should do your best to persuade Carl to leave the custody agreement as it is.”

  Shelley walked back to Dan, shaking her head in disbelief. She’d done what she could with her new ally, and she’d tell Dan everything later and get his feedback. But in the meantime, she had two hungry kids to feed.

  TEN DAYS LATER, Shelley knew that Alicia couldn’t control Carl, either. A subpoena arrived midmorning, delivered in person by a court officer to Shelley Anderson at Sea View House, Beach Street, Pilgrim Cove, Massachusetts. Shelley was alone with the children, Ellen and Phil having returned to Boston after the holiday weekend. Daniel was at the university. As she signed for the delivery, her hand was steady and her signature bold.

  Better
to face the monster, than worry about it. She smiled at the officer. “Thanks,” she said, wanting to laugh at his startled expression. “Guess you don’t hear that very often.”

  “Never can tell what’s going to happen when I make my rounds,” he replied. “You know what they say about millions of stories in the naked city…”

  “And mine is just one of them.”

  He nodded and waved, but Shelley stood in the doorway for a moment, mulling the words. Just one of many? Yes. But she had the power to influence the outcome of this particular story. To affect her children’s future. To affect her own future. In the story of her life, she was the major player, and she wasn’t going to waste the opportunity.

  She slit the envelope open and read. Two weeks. The last day of July. That’s when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had ordered her to appear in family court. She’d already met with Dan’s colleagues from Harvard, had provided them with copies of everything she had, as well as answered a myriad of questions, and was available as needed. She’d agreed that Daniel was not to be part of her defense team, since he might well be named in the complaint. She’d done all she could do, and she was ready.

  She reached for the phone and called Dan’s cell number. But as soon as she heard the voice she loved, she could barely speak. “The subpoena came.” That was all she could manage.

  “Good,” said Daniel. “Let’s get it over with.”

  She took a deep breath. “Right. Exactly my thoughts. And I was so strong a minute ago. But when I heard your voice…”

  “I know, sweetheart.” A comfortable silence filled the air for a moment. “I’ll be home in a couple of hours,” said Daniel. “Or I’ll come right now.”

  “No, no. I’m fine.” Pulling Dan away from his own work wouldn’t change a thing. “In fact, the kids have a game at four today, so you’ll be back a little earlier anyway.”

  “Where are they now?” Dan asked.

  Shelley grinned. “Josh is still working out the team’s statistics. That was a great idea you had giving each kid a math assignment. Let’s hope they all come up with the same numbers!”

  Dan chuckled. “I bet they do. And what’s my petunia doing?”

  “Emily is making you a picture of Jessie’s paw prints.”

  His chuckle grew into sheer laughter. “I never know what to expect when I hear from you.”

  “That’s where the fun comes in,” said Shelley.

  “It certainly does.”

  She disconnected after saying goodbye and realized the next two weeks would pass both quickly and slowly according to her level of anxiety. In the meantime, she had another call to make. She’d ask Laura Parker to look after Emily and Josh on court day.

  The Parker answering machine picked up the message and it wasn’t until the baseball game that afternoon that Shelley was able to speak with Laura herself.

  “I was in Boston today recording Cinderella,” said Laura. “It’s the third story I’ve done on the project for Sunrise Books and so far it seems to be going very well.” She raised both hands with her second and third fingers crossed.

  “Congratulations. I hear you’re a talented storyteller.”

  “You do?”

  “Sure. Emily said so. Said you act out all the parts when you tell stories at the library.”

  “Well, Emily’s a sweetie.”

  “I’m glad you think so, Laura, because I need a favor—if you’re free that day.”

  As Shelley spoke, she watched Laura’s warm blue eyes become pinpoints of light. Her calm, happy expression became indignant.

  “Of course I’ll watch the children. Casey will be thrilled. And if I could be in two places at once, I’d march into that courtroom and tell that judge a thing or two about what a great mother you are!”

  Tears stung Shelley’s eyes. “Thanks. Thanks so much. It’s good to hear nice things from people other than my parents!”

  “Hey, girl. Look around you.” Laura stretched her arm to include the Pilgrim Cove spectators at the game. “You’ve got a lot of friends right here who think you’re terrific. The professor, too.”

  Shelley followed Laura’s instructions and nodded. She’d gotten to know most of the parents during the previous weeks, and they had become very supportive.

  But Laura hadn’t finished yet. “And when this travesty is all over,” she said, “and everything’s back to normal, we’ll celebrate at the Lobster Pot. And that’s a promise!”

  It was a promise Shelley couldn’t wait to keep.

  SHELLEY FILLED the next few days with activities she’d pictured in her mind when she made the decision to spend the summer with her children in Pilgrim Cove. Morning errands, of course, but afternoon swims and baseball practices, all interspersed with visits to Neptune’s Park or breakfast at the diner with the ROMEOs. Sometimes she and the children strolled along the boardwalk eating fresh saltwater taffy or homemade fudge.

  Life would have been perfect but for the looming court date. All things considered, however, Shelley thought she was handling her situation well.

  What she didn’t handle well was not making love with Daniel anymore. Her parents were back in Boston at their jobs, and without them as built-in, trustworthy baby-sitters, nightly walks on the beach with Jessie were taken family-style. No blanket!

  “So why don’t you invite your folks for the weekends?” suggested Dan impatiently as he kissed her on the back porch five days before the hearing.

  “I did. They’re coming tomorrow,” mumbled Shelley between kisses.

  “Thank God!”

  She giggled, and the tension was broken. She snuggled against his broad chest, her arms around his waist, and closed her eyes, just listening to the strong, steady beat of his heart. Life was getting better and better, and after next Wednesday, it should be right on track again. Hopefully.

  “Want to join us for an early breakfast at the diner tomorrow?” asked Shelley. “I’ve got to buy some extra groceries afterward.”

  “And my car needs an oil change. After we eat, I’ll drop you at the supermarket while I go to Cavelli’s garage.”

  Shelley nodded. “Perfect.” Normal, ordinary conversation and routines. The kind that families everywhere had.

  AS USUAL, the diner had a large breakfast crowd on Saturday morning, but as Shelley and Dan were being shown to their own booth, Bart Quinn waved them over and insisted on adding chairs to the ROMEOs’ corner table. Shelley counted five Retired Old Men Eating Out that morning. In addition to Bart, there were Lou Goodman, Rick O’Brien, Sam Parker and Mike Lyons.

  “Well, if it isn’t the world-famous Parker Plumbing second baseman!” said Bart, shaking Josh’s hand. “That team is the best.”

  “Sure is,” agreed Sam. “Considering our grandkids are on it!”

  “Mom?” asked Josh, a genuine question in his voice. “Am I world-famous?”

  Shelley grinned while the men roared with laughter. “How about we start with Pilgrim Cove Little League famous?” she asked her son.

  Josh nodded and Shelley ruffled his hair just as Dee O’Brien rushed over to them.

  Dee was not smiling. She passed Shelley and Dan without a word, went directly to Lou Goodman and took his hand. “Your wife just called, Lou. Multiple tornadoes have touched down in the part of Kansas where your daughter lives, and Pearl can’t get Rachel on the phone. The lines must be down.”

  All color drained from the librarian’s face. “I hope that’s the reason,” he said. “I’ve got to go.”

  “Wait a minute. I have a cell phone,” said Shelley, reaching into her purse. “Use this to call Mrs. Goodman before you go.”

  But the man’s hands were trembling too much to coordinate the effort, so Shelley dialed instead, then handed the phone to Lou.

  “The last two hours,” he repeated, “just as people were waking up…but sirens did ring a warning…Pearl, doesn’t Rachel have a cell phone like the one I’m using? Call that number. Maybe it’ll work. I’m coming right home.�
��

  He returned the phone to Shelley, distress still on his face. “My daughter—she was coming here next week on vacation. Every summer, she comes back to Pilgrim Cove for a little while. And we just saw her last month on our way to California. She looked wonderful.”

  “And she still does,” insisted Bart. “She’ll be here this summer, too.” But his mouth trembled when he finished speaking. “Come on, I’ll drive you home.”

  “I’ll go, too,” said Rick O’Brien. “You drive his car, Bart, and I’ll follow in mine. We’ll see what’s happening, then return here.”

  The three men left. Sam Parker and Mike Lyons looked at each other. “It’s going to be a long morning,” said Sam.

  “Yes,” replied Mike. “But I’m not leaving till we know what’s going on.”

  Sam nodded. “Ever notice how life runs smooth for a time and then, pow! It bites you. Sometimes twice in a row or more.”

  Shelley agreed with that statement and listened as the men expanded on their observations. She heard Dan place the breakfast order, as well as his conversation with the children, which included Dorothy and Kansas and tornadoes. Actually, Josh and Emily did most of the talking. Dan’s contribution was something like “What happened next?”

  Just as they were finishing breakfast, Bart and Rick returned—smiling. “Rachel’s fine,” said Bart. “Smart lass. She used her cell phone to call Lou and Pearl’s neighbors since Pearl tied up the line in their house.”

  “And get this,” added Rick with a flourish of his hands. “She’s a hero. Seems she couldn’t sleep and was up when the sirens went off. She ran from door to door waking the neighbors. Everyone made it to the cellar. Rachel knew what to do. She kept her head.”

  “That’s because we raise great kids in Pilgrim Cove,” said Bart.

  Shelley smiled at the men and at her own children. “And we have great summer kids, too.”

  “That’s an absolute fact.” Dan punched Josh lightly on the shoulder and stroked Emily’s soft cheek with his forefinger. “The summer kids are super.”

  The four ROMEOs glanced at each other. Finally, Bart said, “We’ll be wishing you the good luck of the Irish on Wednesday. You hear? And we’ll be saying a prayer, as well.”