“Depends on how you score on the prelim tests and how hard you’re willing to work.”
“Good enough. See you next week.”
Simon went to the computer and filled out form after form. After sending them he rose and stretched. “That’s done.”
Matt handed him a mug of coffee. “What now?”
“Back to the city and take care of a number of things while I wait for news of the flight.”
“What about living space here? Planning to move in with Dana?”
Simon shook his head. “Have a huge fence to tear down. Years ago when I took off I never looked back. The other evening at the funeral home was our first meeting since graduation night.”
Matt arched a brow. “Good luck there.”
“Right.” Simon frowned. “All in time. Need to pull my life together first.”
“You will.”
“About living space here. I’ll need an apartment on a monthly lease if possible.”
“I may know of a couple in a new complex. I’ll make a call tomorrow and even put down the security deposit to hold one. One bedroom or a studio?
“One bedroom.” Simon finished the coffee and walked to the door with Matt. “Thanks. See you in seven to nine weeks.”
“Optimist.”
“Hardly. Just setting a goal.”
When he reached the apartment in the city he ordered a pizza and called Dana. He ate while telling her all about his plans. “Won’t see you for awhile.”
“Guess Matt’s offer pleased you.”
“Sure did. I’ll be leaving in a week or less to start the training program. Could be as long as three months but I intend to shorten the time.”
She laughed. “That’s you. Always in a rush. Will you come back before you leave?”
“I’ll try but I make no promises. Expect a call every night. I’ve a lot to do. Pack the apartment, find a storage place, find a bank with a branch in Fern Lake.”
“I’m glad things are working for you.”
“Hey, I’m not going to vanish this time. We’ll have a lot to discuss when I return. Talk to you tomorrow.”
“Promise.”
“Yes. Bye.”
Simon hung up and grabbed another slice. If he went to see her now, the affair would become a forest fire.
* * *
Simon’s nightly calls gave Dana hope for the future. She sympathized with his many projects involved in settling his affairs in the city. The time grew closer for him to leave.
Five days after he left, Dana pushed the stroller into the family room. Simon’s voice sounded from the answering machine. She snatched the receiver. “I’m here.” His deep laughter made her smile.
“I’m glad I don’t have to leave a message. I’m at the airport waiting for a page. How’s Jenny and how are you?”
“She’s growing. Still waking at two and six but I manage an afternoon nap. I’ve seven clients. Soon I’ll be able to sell this house.”
“That’s great. What I want to tell you is I’ll be busy for the next six to eight weeks.”
“Didn’t you say three months?”
“I intend to push the pace so if I don’t call know it’s because I’m busy.”
“I’ll miss our talks.”
“So will I. If you need me for anything, tell Matt. He’ll know how to get a message to me.”
“I’ll try not to bother you.” She didn’t mention that hang-up calls that had begun several days ago. He might postpone his trip. As long as she knew he was returning she would be fine.
“Damn, I just heard my name paged. Got to go.”
“Good luck.”
“You, too. Kiss Jenny for me.”
Dana smiled. He cared. Maybe he didn’t love her but she had hope for the future.
* * *
A week of a series of hang-ups had Dana wondering if she should change her phone number and become unlisted. The calls had stopped and she relaxed.
One afternoon during the second week of Simon’s absence, she returned from a walk with Jenny. The message light on the answering machine blinked. She hit the button and after the first few words, her body shook.
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten.” The voice belonged to Patricia. “Just because you had a girl doesn’t mean I don’t want Randy’s child.”
The message ended. Panic made Dana erase the message. Jenny was hers. Randy had denied being the father. Should she call Matt to have him reach Simon? She couldn’t disrupt his future. Could she leave Fern Lake and seek refuge elsewhere? Patricia had no right to Jenny but who knew when alcohol ruled her former sister-in-law’s life what she would do.
By the end of the third week after the last call from Simon there had been no further calls from Patricia. The nightly calls had begun again. Dana wished Simon would call. She’d begun to think his unexpected appearance in her life meant nothing.
On the day of her six week check-up, Dana woke thinking about Simon. What was he doing and when would he return? Would he want to see her?
She rose and showered. Then she dressed her daughter for the day in one of the outfits May had sent. Moments after eating breakfast, the doorbell rang.
Madge entered the foyer. “Hard to believe six weeks have passed.”
Dana grabbed her purse. “I’d better go. If she wakes and seems hungry, there’s a bottle of breast milk in the fridge. Just warm it to room temp.”
Madge’s dandelion curls bounced. “We’ll manage. I owe you this and more. I’m so glad I have today off.”
“You’ve been great.”
Madge followed her to the door. “My cousin is coming this weekend. I could bring him over. He’s a great guy and is looking to relocate.”
Dana shook her head. “Not ready for a social life.” She looked away. Not when Simon was ever in her thoughts even though hope had faded to a wisp.
“He’ll visit again.”
“I’ll see where I am then.” Dana waved and went to her car.
An hour after reaching the doctor’s office she left with an okay to resume all activities. She arrived home in time to feed Jenny before she ate the lunch Madge had prepared.
Madge filled glasses with iced tea. “What are you going to do now?”
“Call a realtor and list this house. Hunt for a smaller place. I’ve been looking on line and have found at least four possibilities.”
“What kind of house?”
“Smaller than this one.” Dana laughed. “There are rooms here no one has ever used and they’re unfurnished. I’m leery about the pool when Jenny starts walking. Actually there’s no place for a child to play.”
“I’ve noticed that.” Marge put a scoop of chicken salad on a piece of bread. “What will you do with all the furniture?”
“Take what will fit the house I buy. Won’t be much. Randy liked big and splashy. I’ll sell most of it. Already had a few offers.”
Madge lifted her sandwich. “I’m off next Saturday if you need a sitter.” She paused. “Don’t know what’s going on at the nursing home. Rob and his father got into a shouting match. Shame the door was closed.”
Dana leaned forward. “Off the record.”
“Do you know something?”
Dana shook her head. “Just know May was worried about something the day I went to the funeral home. Also when she stopped by last week.”
“If you learn anything, let me know. Don’t want to be out of a job.”
“Will do.” Dana finished her sandwich. “Don’t want to rush you but it’s back to work for me.”
* * *
Two weeks later Dana sent off the last bills of the week. The doorbell rang. Her heart pounded. Had Simon finished his course? Would she open the door and be swept into his arms? She had so much to tell him. About the hang-up calls and the call from Patricia. Randy’s sister hadn’t called again but Dana thought she’d seen the red car in the neighborhood several times.
She opened the door. May held a package in her arms. Disappointment fi
lled Dana’s thoughts. “Come in.”
May handed Dana the bag she held. “A dress for Jenny. I just couldn’t resist.”
Dana took the gift. “You don’t have to bring something for her every time you visit.”
“Buying her new things pleases me. Can I see my granddaughter?”
“Of course. She’s sleeping in the cradle.”
May entered the family room and stood beside the cradle. “She looks so much like you. I see little of my son.”
“In looks but she’s more active than the stories I remember my mother telling me about my infancy.” Why had May come? This was her second visit this week.
“Simon’s back.” May made a face. “We spent yesterday running from lawyer to the bank and back. He’s now a partner in Matt Gray’s firm.”
Dana’s smile faded. Why hadn’t he called? “I guess he’ll be living in town.”
May nodded. “His furniture was delivered this morning. Matt found him an apartment in that new complex.”
Dana didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t coming. She had lived since the night Jenny had been born with dreams blown away by reality. “I wish him luck."
May patted her hand. “He’ll come to see you. Just give him time to settle.”
Jenny woke. Dana changed her daughter. This was her family. Though she wanted Simon, she needed no one but the baby. She carried the infant to the couch and reached for the shawl. “It’s feeding time.”
“How I envy you,” May said. “Robert refused to let me nurse Rob for longer than six weeks. The twins were premature and remained in the hospital for two months.” She walked to the doorway into the foyer. “I’ll see myself out. As for Simon, be patient.”
Dana but her lower lip. She wouldn’t cry. She wouldn’t be angry. If he came she’d act as a friend.
The doorbell rang.
Chapter 7
Simon stared at the stunned expression on Dana’s face. Didn’t she believe he would return? He groaned. How could she? They hadn’t spoken since he’d boarded the jet for the training facility. He hadn’t let her know he’d landed safely. The moment he’d entered the complex he’d become so focused on carving days from the schedule he’d put the rest of his life on hold. Other than a call to his aunt about the money, he hadn’t even spoken to Matt until he boarded a plane for his return. Yesterday when he’d landed at the small airport outside town, Matt had been waiting. They’d begun and ended the partnership process, gone to see the apartment and he’d crashed at Matt’s house.
“I’m a jackass.” He raked his hair with one hand. “Can I come in?” He needed to explain. He needed to hold her and convince her he was in town to stay and to become part of her family. Would she listen?
She stepped aside. “Sure.”
Simon wondered what caused the frown. He guessed she felt wary about trusting him. Her green eyes reflected sadness. Not what he’d hoped to see. What could he say to turn her thoughts in the direction he wanted?
He clasped her hand. “I should have called but I was busy trimming days to get back here. Worked eighteen hour days fell into bed and crashed. The next day I began the routine again.”
She nodded. “I’ve also been busy. My billing service has grown. So has Jenny.”
What wasn’t she telling him? Surely he could talk her doubts away. He followed her to the family room and headed for the cradle. Jenny was beautiful. Her hair had grown and darkened a bit. She opened her eyes. Hazel, not the true green of her mother’s. He touched her hand. “Hello, you’re pretty.”
“I agree, but I’m her mother.”
Had there been a tremor in Dana’s voice? Should he ask what was wrong or wait for her to tell him? He opened the bag he held and removed a white bear wearing a tutu, a match to the pink one he’d bought weeks ago.
“Found this in the airport gift shop. I was right. It’s a duplicate of the other.”
Dana laughed. “A lucky find. She has the start of a collection.”
Her laughter contrasted with the lack of merriment in her eyes. “If I find a hundred I’ll buy them.”
“There’ll be no room for her,” Dana said.
“You have a point.” He stepped away from the cradle. “How are you?”
“Back to normal except for a few pounds to lose.”
“How did you spend the past few weeks?”
“Caring for Jenny, building the business and looking for a new house. And you?”
“Physical training, weaponry and learning a lot about computers. The physical was fun. The computers not so much.”
Simon drew a deep breath laden with roses and her. Did she regret what had nearly happened the last time he’d been here? He’d pushed. Thank heavens he’d pulled back. Still, he’d acted like the Simon of old. He’d taken off. He’d ignored an important person. He’d even taken a few minutes to talk to Aunt May. Had he blown his chance with Dana? This time he wasn’t leaving. He had to find a way to make things right.
“I spent yesterday signing partnership papers with Matt.”
Though Dana smiled her eyes remained sad. “May told me when she stopped by a short time ago.”
“Did she tell you how long the process took?”
“She did and that you have an apartment in town.”
Simon’s hands clenched. What else had his aunt said? Was something other than his neglect troubling Dana? Years ago she’d held problems inside. Though he wanted to ask he wouldn’t push. She wasn’t one to lean on anyone. Learning what he wanted to know would take time and patience. Time he had but patience was his weakness.
She met his gaze. “Thanks for telling Matt about my ventures. His wife is a client and she’s referred two of her colleagues.”
“Glad to be of assistance.”
He wouldn’t tell her yet about his ultimate goal. “Matt found the apartment for me and the movers arrived this morning. Could you spend the afternoon helping me settle in?”
“I’ll see if Madge is available to watch Jenny.”
“You can bring her. The apartment is clean and just filled with boxes. They’re even in the right rooms.”
Dana nodded. “Then we’ll come. Her infant seat is in my car. I’ll need to pack the diaper bag.”
“We’ll need to take your car. Matt dropped me off.”
Lines furrowed Dana’s brow. “Why?”
“I need to buy a car on Monday.”
“You don’t have one.”
“Living in the city with public transportation made one unnecessary, especially with parking expenses. Buses and cabs worked.”
While Dana packed the diaper bag, Simon pulled the car from the garage. He carried Jenny outside and fastened her into the car seat. When Dana left the house, he gulped a breath and wondered where the five pounds she’d said she needed were located. She seemed as slim as ever, though her breasts were fuller. He slid into the passenger’s seat and wished his jeans weren’t so tight. His cock ached, His hands fisted. There would be no kisses or caresses until he was sure Dana would join him in the quest for pleasure.
Was she able to have sex? Jenny had been born two months ago. He knew there were restrictions about pregnancy and sex. None of his friends on the force had been married and the topic had never arisen. He could ask Matt but he’d feel like a fool. There had to be a way to learn. He couldn’t ask Dana. Even thinking about voicing the question made his face feel hot.
* * *
Dana followed Simon and the infant carrier from the covered parking space at the apartment complex. He opened the door of his apartment and waited until she stepped inside. Beyond the foyer the room opened to reveal the living room where stacked boxes filled a corner near the window. A dark brown leather couch stood beneath the windows across from a wall where shelves surrounded a huge television. A leather recliner completed the furnishings.
“No coffee table?” she asked.
“Broke the glass top and a new one is being made. Where do you want to start? Here or in the kitchen?”
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“Here. The person using the kitchen should be the one to stow the utensils, cookware and staples. You’ll need to be able to find what you need.”
She glanced beyond the half-walls framing the entrance to an efficient kitchen large enough for a table and chairs. The white appliances gleamed.
Simon grinned. “You’ll have the easy part.”
“Not necessarily. Any special way you want the books organized?”
He shrugged. “Just put them on the shelves for now. I’ll decide later.”
Dana opened the first of a half dozen boxes. She placed books on the shelf. The wide variety of non-fiction surprised her. Of fiction there were few mostly mysteries and suspense stories.
In the second box she came upon a small wooden chest. Curiosity stung. She opened the lid. Tears filled her eyes when she saw the boutonnière from their prom. A scene flashed in her thoughts. She and Simon had danced so close only the full skirt of her gown had parted their bodies. She lifted a small duck she’d won at the fireman’s fair. She’d presented the yellow toy to him. The program from graduation caught her attention. With a quick movement she opened the booklet and read what she’d written.
With all my love, Dana.
Several hours later they had argued. Simon had walked away. She’d meant those words when she’d written them. How did she feel now?
Her hand tightened on the box. She had loved him. She might still feel the same but could she move past the day he’d walked away? Or the days she’s waited to hear from him? The hurt form the past acted like a damper on the embers of love.
With a sigh she set the box filled with memories on a shelf. Only with time and honesty could the burning hurts be soothed. She returned to opening boxes and shelving the contents on shelves or setting pictures and diplomas aside for Simon to hang.
“I’m done here.” She broke down the last box and added it to the pile. “Where now?”
Simon stepped from the kitchen. “Looks great. You’re quick. There’s the bathroom plus the linen cupboard and the bedroom.”
She wasn’t ready for the intimacy of the bedroom. “I’ll take the bathroom." Towels, hygiene equipment and linens would keep her from thinking about sex.
Rekindled Dreams (Moon Child) Page 6