“You can let go now,” Cael grunted.
“Yeah, right. Thanks.” Gerry lowered his arms and stepped away from Cael, feeling a bit foolish.
“Hey, Cael, Addie, great to see you again.” Gerry turned abruptly at the sound of the unfamiliar voice to see a man in his late thirties with fire-red hair that hung down in ringlets over his ears and spiraled down the back of his neck like little curlicue noodles.
“Red … hey, man, this is Gerry. Gerry, this is Dr. Flynn—otherwise known as Red—our resident doc around here, specializing in all that is unusual.”
“And some of the norm. Nice to meet you.” Red held out his hand and Gerry shook it. “So, to what do I owe this unexpected visit? But then, all your visits are unexpected lately. You haven’t been around for a while.” He grinned at Addie. “I take it our newest prodigy here has been keeping you busy.”
“More than.” Cael beamed with pride and Gerry had to admit, the guy was really in love with Addie. Gerry couldn’t help but feel a bit prideful himself.
“Maia is pregnant,” Addie blurted out. “With twins!”
Red’s eyes became huge and he rubbed his forefinger over his eyebrow. “I see.” He frowned and then said, “This is a surprise. I didn’t know Maia was involved with anyone.”
Gerry’s guard rose. Something in the guy’s tone made him think there was more to this doctor than he’d first thought. “You know Maia?”
“Of course, though I haven’t seen her for years. Who’s the lucky father?”
“I am.” Gerry wanted to make that perfectly clear. Maia had never mentioned Dr. Flynn, aka Red, before and Gerry wondered why. He wasn’t sure how long it had been since Maia and Red had seen each other, but there was definitely a spark in Red’s eye at the mention of her name. Gerry didn’t like the jealous streak that crawled up his spine. He’d believed he knew everyone that Maia knew, but then realized that was a ridiculous thought.
“Then congratulations,” Red said, smiling.
Cael, somehow understanding Gerry’s green streak, patted Red on the shoulder. “Red had a special bond with Ristéard, experimented with Ristéard’s healing powers. You know Ristéard, like Addison, was able to heal others but never himself. Then Red combined his ability to generate heat through his hands with Ristéard’s healing gift, allowing Ristéard to heal himself, just as Red helped Addison after that episode with Eidolon when she had to have stitches. Remember?”
Gerry nodded.
“Well, Red removed her stitches and then helped her heal her neck.”
“Yeah, see? No scar.” Addie pointed to the spot on her neck.
Gerry had wondered about Addie’s stitches at the time, but once they’d all revealed their abilities to each other after Addie and Cael destroyed Eidolon, he’d pretty much forgotten all about that episode. Now that he thought about it again, he shuddered, realizing how horrible it must have been for her. Though, he really didn’t know too many of the details, he’d heard from Maia, that Addie recently confessed the part about Eidolon violating her and if he knew Cael as well as he thought he did, it had to have been tough for him to overcome as well.
“It looks good, Addison,” Red said, jolting Gerry out of his state of absorption in that horrible event. “So, as I asked, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
“We were hoping to borrow your sonogram machine for the duration of Maia’s pregnancy,” Cael said.
Red nodded. “I see.”
The man wasn’t very articulate, Gerry thought. “Maia’s a bit apprehensive. The twins are identical, um, monoamniotic apparently, and there are some possible complications with the cords associated with those types of pregnancies. We thought it would help ease her concerns if we could monitor them on a daily basis. But the cost of …”
“Say no more. You can have the machine for as long as you need it, but do you know how to operate one?”
“Not exactly.”
Well, it’s not too difficult. I can give you a little instruction—point out a few things to look for. Of course, you’d need to have a bit more extensive training in order to decipher most things. But for the purpose of just looking at the babies and the cords, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem.”
They all walked over to the sonogram machine and watched as Red gave them some brief descriptions of what the dials did and how the machine operated.
“Once you get it set up, I can come over in a few days and show you exactly what to look for, but in the meantime, you can play around with it and see how the picture changes and possibly make out the heartbeats. If there is anything more I can do … well, I’d be happy to. I have a background in obstetrics, so I’d be happy to assist in the birth. I know bringing twins into this world can be scary, particularly twins with parents like us. There might be a need for Addison’s assistance too, and I don’t think that would fly very well with a normal obstetrician; I mean one who doesn’t know about our abilities.”
Gerry couldn’t hide his incredulous expression when he registered Red’s comments. “How did you know I had any powers?”
Red went on. “Sorry, you don’t know, I guess.”
“Know what?”
Red went on. “Your soul ... our souls possess a magnetic energy that stimulates others like us, exciting a pleasure gland we all have.”
“Right!” Addie jumped in with excitement. “Cael explained this to me a while back. Haven’t you ever gotten that feeling of jubilation racing through your blood when you are around others with abilities?”
“I never paid much attention to it, not knowing I was supposed to.”
“We’re born with our own special energy, but it’s stronger for some than for others. I take it you haven’t done any research on our people?” Red asked.
“I haven’t, no. I just live, don’t worry too much about the mechanics of things.”
“Well, we won’t hold that against you,” Red said, chuckling.
“This machine is a beaut.” Gerry stroked his hand over it, wanting to change the subject back to why they were there and get a move on. Time was ticking and the bar and grill would be in full swing soon with customers wanting some lunch.
“I won’t need it over the next several months … and as I said, anything to help Maia. Let her know I’ll be available for the delivery. Can you handle this, Cael?”
“Um, I don’t think I can carry it and teleport all three of us at the same time. I’ll take the machine to your house first, Gerry, and then come back for the two of you.”
“Okay. Can you materialize in the nursery and lock the door? I don’t want Maia to see it yet.” Gerry glanced at his watch. “She’s most likely out for her walk right now, so she shouldn’t be home. I want to surprise her. Can you can take me there and help me set it up after you take Addie to the bar?”
“I want to see her expression when she sees it,” Addie moaned.
“Sorry, sweet thing, I need you at the bar. It’s almost opening time. Chances are I won’t be showing it to Maia until this evening anyway. You can come over later if you want.” Gerry rocked back on his heels and stuck his hands in his pockets.
Addie nodded.
“Okay, then.” Cael kissed Addie goodbye—a long, drawn-out kiss.
Gerry cleared his throat, indicating his impatience. “Ah, there’s a time and place for that,” he protested.
Cael slowly pulled away from Addison, and making no apologies, he grabbed the machine and vanished.
Gerry stood frowning at Addie who looked at him with a blissful grin on her face. Shrugging, she said, “I can’t help it; he won’t leave without kissing me first. And besides, I like it.”
***
The meeting with Gerry’s friends in the band would take place in the main dining room of the Cliff Hanger. Actually, it was the only dining room other than the deck outside, which wasn’t an option since it was late January and a bit brisk, even with the eight-foot high Plexiglas barrier and heaters. Being afternoon, the bar was relati
vely empty except for one last straggling couple who had come in for a late lunch and were just about ready to leave.
Leaving Darcy in charge of the bar, Gerry pulled two tables together so everyone could sit around them. While Addie made coffee, Gerry and Maia sat, discussing the best place for the stage while they waited for his friends to arrive.
The front door opened and three men entered. Gerry rose and rushed over to greet them, hugging and slapping each of them on their backs.
“Christ, it’s been a long time. Come, meet the family,” Gerry said, gesturing toward the table where Maia sat. They were all laughing as Gerry led them over and when they reached Maia, they stopped laughing and gaped.
“This is Maia, my woman.” Maia smiled but secretly winced inside at the rather undefined title of “woman,” but then, what else would Gerry call her? She certainly wasn’t his wife and “girlfriend” sounded a bit too casual under the circumstances.
“Maia, this is Murphy Dunn,” Gerry said, tilting his head toward a man with curly light-brown hair hanging slightly over his ears. “This is Finn Graham,” nodding at the man in the middle, who sported a neatly trimmed goatee with equally trimmed short dark hair, “and this is Aiden McKnight,” he said.
Aiden smiled. He had a strong jaw and the slight hint of a cleft in his chin was quite charming and went well with the rugged look of his stubbled beard.
They all murmured a version of “pleased to meet you,” extending their hands to Maia who took them one at a time before each one sat.
“How the hell are you guys?” Gerry asked, sounding extremely pleased to see them all again.
“Ah, you know, up and up. Nice bar,” Murphy said, pushing a curly strand of hair out of his eyes.
“Christ, Gerry, you’ve done alright for yourself, now haven’t you?” Aiden said, running his hand through a thick mass of dark hair and glancing around the place.
“Better than alright. Maia’s pregnant with my babies.”
“Babies?” Finn smiled. “I knew about the one, but two?”
“Yeah, we found out yesterday. We’re having identical twins.”
“Identical. Well that is a spot of good news,” Finn said.
“Congratulations,” Aiden said and shot a genuine smile toward Maia.
“Hey, yeah, congrats, man,” Murphy added.
Addie came over carrying a pot of coffee and six mugs and Aiden stood up instantly when he saw her.
“Aiden, Finn, Murphy, this is Addie. She’s Maia’s niece and my bartender.”
Aiden immediately offered his hand to Addie. “I’m Aiden.”
Addie shook the extended hand as Aiden flashed that killer smile of his before sitting back down. “So, tell us, Gerry, how does a bloke like you rate the pleasure of being surrounded by two gorgeous women?” Aiden asked, his eyes still fixed on Addie.
“She’s also spoken for,” Gerry said, pointing to Addie and knowing his buddy’s sexual appetite, he added, “so get your bloody, filthy mind out of the gutter, or her boyfriend will beat you to a pulp.”
After that warning, Murphy warily extended his hand out to Addie. “Hi, I’m Murphy.”
“Finn.” Finn said, repeating Murphy’s action.
“Well, now that everyone knows each other, let’s talk.”
But before Gerry could utter another word, the front door opened again and in walked a beautiful woman with flowing auburn hair. She shoved the heavy door closed against the wind and instantly shrugged off her faux fur coat, tossing it over her arm and heading toward the table. Her skimpy pink dress hugged hips that were too curvy and was short enough to show off legs that stretched to Timbuktu. Maia disliked her instantly and Addie squeezed her hand indicating she felt the same.
Everyone turned as the woman walked right up to Gerry, throwing her arms around his neck and planting her pink glossy lips over his.
“Hello, Gerry,” she purred. Not like a kitten, more like a vicious tiger enjoying its nightly kill. She ran one long slender finger down his cheekbone and across his lips, her voice turned heavy and sultry. “How’ve you been, baby?”
***
Gerry removed her arms from around his neck, “Hello, Reenie,” he said and scowled at Murphy and Finn, hoping for some sort of explanation. Careen Faraday was a thorn in his side, a vixen from his past. A past he never thought he’d need to deal with again.
“Ah, Gerry, didn’t Finn mention Careen is our lead singer?” Aiden asked, and by the tone of the question, Gerry knew Aiden had honestly thought Gerry knew.
“No … no, he didn’t,” Gerry said, shooting a look of death toward Finn.
Aiden jabbed Finn in the ribs. “Stupid idiot.”
“I could’ve sworn I told you. Guess I forgot.” Finn shrugged.
“No, don’t blame Finn, it was my idea. I wanted to surprise you, baby,” Careen pouted pleadingly. “And I can see I did.”
Careen glanced around at all the sober looking faces staring back at her. “Hello gentlemen, and I use the term lightly,” she said, looking at Aiden. Then glancing further around the table, she added, “and ladies, ” saying “ladies” like Maia and Addie had suddenly just magically appeared out of nowhere. “Gerry, this place of yours,” she gestured, making a wide circle with her arm, “looks to be in dire need of some livening up.”
Gerry glanced at Maia, whose eyes transuded curiosity and shock, never leaving Careen’s face.
“Careen, I’d like you to meet my …” It suddenly dawned on Gerry; he didn’t know what to call Maia. Girlfriend? Mother of his unborn children? Christ, she was more than either one of those. When he introduced her to Aiden and Murphy he’d called her his woman, but now with Careen it seemed he needed something more. Something more permanent, something so Careen would know he wasn’t available for one of her little romps between the sheets that he’d indulged in with her in the past—the very-long-time-ago past.
“Girlfriend,” Gerry finally settled on, “and Addie, her niece and one of my bartenders. This is Careen Faraday.”
“They’re having twins,” Aiden said, with a flare of warm heartedness as if he were talking about his own children. That sort of tickled Gerry as he’d always had a special bond with Aiden and was damn proud that the guy was excited about his babies. Aiden and Gerry spent almost every waking hour together when they were kids.
Careen shot Aiden a frown then stared at Gerry and whispered, “No.”
***
Addie watched the woman—who’d barely given her or Maia a second glance—throw her coat over a chair before sitting. She secretly admitted being more than a little relieved Cael hadn’t shown up yet. Maybe if luck stayed on her side, he wouldn’t. She didn’t like this Careen, didn’t trust her from the get-go.
“Well, Gerry, we should have a toast. This is a bar, right? What’s a girl gotta do to get a generous two fingers of whiskey?” Careen said, fingering a medallion hanging from a gold chain around her neck. It was a very expensive looking gold pendant with little diamonds positioned in a circle around a larger round ruby. “Oh God, is that coffee?” Careen grabbed the pot and poured herself a cup. “It’s fucking frigid in this God-forsaken state. How the hell do you people stand it? How about a little shot to go in here?”
“I guess that means you won’t be staying here very long then,” Addie said.
Careen looked at Addie, her forehead creasing as her perfectly shaped eyebrows nearly met above her pale blue eyes. “Addie … is it?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, Addie,” spitting out “Addie” with as much repugnance as Addie thought humanly possible, “you seem like a sweet young girl and most likely a competent bartender. How about you run along now and fetch that whiskey, will you? My blood is begging for something stronger than just coffee.”
Aiden puckered up his lips as if he were going to whistle, making that dimple sink even deeper into his chin, then leaned back in his chair. Addie took that as a sign that something strange was going on.
Addie op
ened her mouth to speak again, but Gerry, after clearing his voice, said, “Let’s get on with this bloody meeting before the bar starts filling up with paying customers.”
Addie, never one to let an insult slip by with some sort of retaliation, decided this would be a great opportunity to practice one of her abilities. She concentrated and made the coffee cup Careen held tip just enough for the hot liquid to trickle down the front of Careen’s pink mini-dress and onto her bare thighs.
“Ouch! Damn it!” Careen screeched and jumped out of her chair, almost knocking it over. The cup slipped from her fingers and the remaining coffee spilled down the front of her dress before the cup hit the floor, shattering into bits and pieces. “How the hell did that happen? My dress is ruined.”
Maia squeezed Addie’s hand under the table.
“You really should be more careful with hot coffee, especially with those bare legs. I’ll go get some rags and that whiskey you so sorely seem to need.” Addie got up and walked to the bar, grinning the entire way.
Careen’s face flushed a soft pink color. “I … I’m never this clumsy. Where is the bathroom?” Careen asked before Addie made it back with the rags and the whiskey.
“This way. I’ll help you get that coffee stain out.” Maia glanced at Gerry, giving him a questioning look as she took on the role of a consoling friend, leading a whining and complaining Careen to the restroom.
***
Gerry looked at Aiden—having spent many days as young lads cavorting around back in Glasgow, they shared many fond memories of brawling and drunken revelry. There hadn’t been a lad back home willing to go up against the likes of either one of them. Yes, Gerry knew Aiden well, and vice-versa, so he figured Aiden knew he’d be steamed. Steamed was a mild description for Gerry’s sudden nasty mood. Finn and Gerry had had their differences in the past, and usually involving Careen. But this? It was plain stupid of Finn not to mention anything about Careen when they’d spoken on the phone. Once again, Gerry began to doubt the friendship he and Finn had and the rise of past and current anger boiled at the surface of his brain.
Reflections Page 5