North Star

by Angeline M. Bishop

  Chapter 11

  Caresse slowly opened her eyes, wondering why her body felt so sore and restricted. She lowered her gaze and realized that she was tangled up in her sundress and bedcovers. And once she remembered the accident and the intense massage she’d had yesterday, the reasons for the sore muscles made sense.

  She walked gingerly toward her bathroom to shower and wash her hair. As the hot water cascaded over her body, her muscles relaxed, and flashes of the intimacy she’d shared with Graham drifted to her mind. She remembered how she became incensed when Graham had tried to walk away from her last night. You’d think he was the last man on earth. That’s what I get for trying to date after a two-year, self-imposed hiatus. And I couldn’t date an average guy. Oh no, I had to fall for a businessman who could drape me in jewels and high-fashion clothes. Arguing with him to stay was so foolish.

  Caresse started to smile at the thought of Yvette scolding her for feeling guilty about desiring Graham. She’d say, “Carè, would you rather him be in another woman’s bed? A guy needs to know he excites you. It lets him know you have desires.” And she’d be right. Hell, she was always right. A heaviness centered in Caresse’s chest as she leaned against the wall and let the water wash over her.

  Seeing Yvette after surgery had alarmed her. Her friend’s swollen face, the bandages, tubes, and machines made everything surreal. “Why did this happen?” Caresse whispered as her tears mixed with the water. She had to get back to the hospital to see how she was. Yvette had been the sister she never had. Yvette stood up to Keith when she wanted to end her marriage, helped her get her children into a select private school, and she gave her a compassionate ear whenever she wanted to vent about work or men.

  Caresse turned off the water and grabbed her terrycloth robe. She had to get to the hospital. She’ll wake up, and when she does, I’ll be there.

  Graham entered the Mason Community Center and was greeted by Mr. Mason, Yvette’s father. It was remarkable how the framed photograph in the lobby caught his likeness. Age hadn’t diminished his strength or his firm hand shake. “Mr. Mason? I’m Graham Sheridan. I was wondering if—”

  “You’re the man writing an article on the center and dating Caresse, right?”

  Graham was a little taken with the directness, but a smile came to his face when he thought about his first conversations with Yvette. Apparently her straight-forwardness came from her father. “Yes, sir, that’s correct.”

  “Of course I’m correct. I heard the news from Yvette the moment you showed some interest. In light of the current situation, I’m sure you can see how important that article will be to the center. As Yvette recovers, the public needs to know the center is safe and still open for business.”

  “Speaking of safety, sir, has the investigation brought any news?”

  “No, but Rick’s on the case. That’s a good boy right there. I thought Yvette should have dated him, but she thought he was too much of a party guy in school. Sold him short, you ask me,” Mr. Mason said as he motioned for Graham to follow him toward the auditorium.

  There was an eerie silence as they neared the yellow police tape that sealed the demonstration room. Mr. Mason made a sharp turn down another hallway to enter the dance studio. “The Mason Ball will go on. Yvette wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a tradition, and as long as a Mason heads this center, it will go on with, or without, your publicity, Mr. Sheridan.”

  “I hope Psyche will be a part of that tradition, sir.”

  “That’s good to know. Between Caresse, Detective Rick, and you, I’m sure the Ball will be a success.”

  “Caresse, sir?”

  “She’s been working with the youth for months, choreographing a dance performance to kick off the Mason Ball. Yvette said Caresse dropped her last CD stereo, so tell her I brought her a new one.” Mr. Mason tapped the new Sony CD player on the shelf.

  “I will. I came by to let you know the Psyche staff will get the article finished, and I’ll do everything in my power to help Rick bring the culprits behind the accident to justice.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Sheridan. Yvette told me to expect nothing less than the best from you, so don’t let me down.”

  The summer heat fanned Laila’s face as she adjusted her shades and buried her face deeper in the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar. She didn’t want to be at the shore, but Latrell couldn’t spend another moment in her condo watching her re-decorate every room that inspired her.

  Latrell interrupted her thoughts as he lowered himself on the chaise lounger beside her. Extending a perfect Butter Pecan ice cream cone under her nose, he teased, “It’s got your name written all over it.”

  Laila playfully struggled to pry the cone from his reluctant fingers. Latrell pretended to grieve the loss as he licked Rocky Road ice cream from his own cone. “Remember when Mom and Dad would take us for ice cream after church every Sunday?”

  Laila’s smile broadened at the memory. “You always wanted an extra scoop of ice cream, but Mommy knew it would only end up on your dress suit.”

  “It wouldn’t have. You people have no faith in my abilities. I have great balance. I wouldn’t be a real life cowboy if I didn’t.”

  Laila wiped ice cream drippings from Latrell’s chest and then threw the towel at him. “Balancing on a horse has nothing to do with keeping food off of your body.” Her features became more animated as she attempted to mother him. Latrell retaliated by closing her magazine. “Hey, I was in the middle of looking at their fashion spread.”

  “Looks more like stealing ideas from the competition to me. You need to take a vacation.”

  “I will, but not because of Malcolm. I can’t let him run me out of town. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

  They ate their ice cream and began watching three little children making sandcastles a few yards away. The way they worked together made them smile and delight in their attempts. Although Latrell’s eyes were covered by sunglasses, she knew he was pleased to see her happy today. It was still very hard for her, but once she got out of bed each morning, the moments of sadness were delayed until nightfall.

  “You’re doing great, La La. I can see your confidence and power returning.”

  “Really? What the hell do you know about my confidence and power.”

  “You got to be kidding me? This question is coming from the same girl that dumped her boyfriend before her sweet sixteenth birthday party in order to dance with any boy that asked her. Please! Confidence is your middle name.”

  Laila laughed at the memory as Latrell continued. “And don’t get me started on power. There were too many times I’ve kept you from killing boys that pulled your ponytails. You spunky little thing.”

  “Yeah, I had that fire.”

  “That Sheridan fire. What does Dad say? ‘It’s a flame that ignites passion, burns enemies, and you can always see it in our eyes.’”

  “Yeah, Mom said when she first saw Dad look at her with that fire in his eyes, it almost scared her senseless. If they weren’t in public, she’d have sworn he’d tear her clothes off.”

  “Mom said that?”

  “Yeah, you remember when Mom used to tell us how they first met.”

  “No, I tuned out that sappy stuff. But maybe I should have listened. A look that could let a woman know you want her naked is a very unique skill.” Latrell reached for his cell phone. “I better call Dad and ask him how that works.”

  Laila grabbed the phone and ran toward the water.

  “La La, you better not!” Latrell yelled as he raced after her and hauled her over his shoulder. Her laughter rang in the air as he threatened to spin her around if she didn’t release the phone.

  In the distance, Malcolm watched from the Seaside Heights boardwalk. He didn’t recognize the man that had accompanied Laila to the beach, but he wondered who had stepped in and caused her to stop calling his number. Their oblivious affection began to incense him.

  Caresse lathered scented lotion on Yvette’s arms and legs
as she waited for Mrs. Mason to return from the cafeteria. Yvette was always a fan of Carol’s Daughter skin and hair care products, so Caresse decided to bring her favorite scent to ease her dry skin.

  “How is she doing?”

  “No change, Mrs. Mason. But I’m sure she’ll wake up soon.”

  “Me, too, dear. And when she does, she’ll be glad you cared enough to make her comfortable. She hates having dry skin. I guess you could say we’re alike in that aspect.” Mrs. Mason hummed as she placed some lotion in her hands and rubbed her daughter’s face and neck.

  For awhile, they worked together in silence to finish the tasks as reverently as possible. When they repositioned the sheets over Yvette’s body, Caresse entered Mrs. Mason’s extended arms. “There, there, Carè. You have to have faith that God is handling this. Yvette is in his care. She will awake up soon, but not a minute before her body has had a chance to rest and repair itself.”

  “I know. I know. I kinda miss hearing her voice. I feel like I should be doing something more, but I feel so lost.”

  Mrs. Mason motioned Caresse to sit in the chair beside her. “When I feel like that, I pray. It makes me feel better, and it always helps me handle what lies ahead. Do you want to pray with me?”

  “Of course, we need God’s hands in this.”

  Rick had missed Graham at the Psyche headquarters so he was on his way to the hospital to check on Yvette’s progress. As he walked from the lobby to the parking lot, he noticed his sister, Infinity, flirting with the night guard. Rick flashed his badge to the guard and motioned his sister over.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I could ask you the same question, Ricky, but we’re both adults, and I’m a big girl and can come and go as I pleased.” She extended her right leg and looked down. “See, little brother, no ankle bracelet.”

  “Very funny. If you’re looking for Graham, don’t bother. He doesn’t want to see you.”

  Infinity pouted and pinched his chin. “Men can say what they want, but their eyes always speak the truth. One look at me in this outfit, and he’ll be crawling away from the little girl he’s seeing.”

  “How do you know about her?”

  She glanced at the guard behind her. “I have my sources, just like you, little brother. So what are you up tonight?”

  “I intended to update Graham on a pending investigation, but he’s not in. I wanted to ease his mind.”

  “Ease his mind? What happened? Did his new girlfriend get hurt?”

  “Could you reel in your fangs for a minute? She really is a nice lady, Infinity.”

  “Graham doesn’t need nice lady. He needs a powerful woman.” She threw back her head and placed her hands on her hips. “Power attracts power. If you weren’t such a flatfoot, you’d know that.”

  “That may be true, but you had your chance and you blew it. Go home, Infinity, and leave him alone,” Rick said as he walked back to his car.

  “I didn’t blow anything! Graham’s stubborn, but he’ll come back!” she responded sharply, then eyed his retreat with cold distain.

  Caresse sat quietly in Yvette’s hospital room, watching the monitors regulating different organs of her body. Her friend’s bandaged head and arm didn’t take away from the arresting beauty and strength of her face.

  Caresse leaned forward in her chair and in a controlled voice said, “Vet, I’m here.” She placed her cheek on their joined hands and gazed up at her best friend with worried eyes. “Your mother has gone to your home to get some of your favorite CDs. She remembered that music can bring people out of coma, so she wants to try that.”

  Caresse smiled to herself briefly. “I told her to bring Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, and Mariah Carey because you always play those ladies when you are ready to conquer the world. And I know you’re ready. It’s a little difficult to open your eyes.” Her faint smile suddenly faltered.

  The quietness of the hospital room unnerved her. The flowers and tokens of love covering the side tables were a welcome sight, but she ached for Yvette to see them. Especially the beautiful red roses from Rick with a big Vermont Teddy Bear dressed like a cop. He said if she didn’t open her eyes when he was there, he wanted to make sure she saw a cop that cared.

  “Yvette, you’re my sister and best friend, please get better so you can help me figure out what the heck I’m doing with Graham. I know you think he’s the best thing for me, but his intensity scares me and thrills me at the same time.”

  She wasn’t sure if her words could be heard over the soft hum of the machines monitoring Yvette’s vitals, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak any louder. “I need to know what you think because you know my radar with men is a bit defective.” A hot tear rolled down her cheek and spilled onto their intertwined fingers.

  Caresse tried to bite her lip to control the sobs, but heaviness settled in her chest and tightened her throat. Suddenly sobs racked her body as she buried her head on their hands. Caresse remembered how Yvette had helped her find her voice and confidence after her divorce. Their friendship had restored her spirit and healed her soul when she wanted to wallow in depression.

  “You know my track record, Sis. I have so many scars, it’s a wonder that I’m not in a hospital bed, too. Please open your eyes, Vet. Please. I need to know you’re okay.” She swallowed hard as her heartbeat pounded in her ears. “I can’t be okay if you aren’t. Don’t you understand how much I need you?”

  The alarm of the heart monitor suddenly shrieked, causing Caresse to raise her head. “Yvette? Yvette!”

  Caresse rushed into the hallway and yelled, “Help! Nurse, something’s wrong!”

  She rushed back to Yvette’s side and shuddered inwardly at the thought of death. The room flooded with doctors and nurses assessing Yvette’s condition.

  “Step back, Miss,” a nurse demanded as she led her away from Yvette’s bedside. As the doctors tried to resuscitate her friend, Caresse felt an acute sense of loss.

  “Will she be okay?” Caresse cried as she pressed her clinched hands to her chest.

  The nurse quickly removed her from the room. “We’re doing all we can, but you must wait outside until we have her stabilized.”

  Fear tugged at Caresse as she watched the nurse return to the room. Please God, she started to silently pray as her gray eyes darkened with pain.

  “Caresse?”

  Tears blinding her eyes, she turned toward the approaching man calling her name. “Graham?”

  “What’s happened? What’s going on?” He gathered her in his arms and let her bury her flushed face against his shoulder.

  “I don’t know. I was talking to her and the machine went off.” A sensation of intense sickness swept over her and her legs gave way.

  Graham held her up and helped her toward the waiting room. “Don’t give up, Caresse. The doctors are doing everything they can.”

  A few minutes later, the doctor entered the waiting room. “Ms. Aldana?”

  Caresse and Graham rose and met the doctor’s somber gaze. His expression was grim as he placed his hands in his white lab coat.

  “It seems the machine that regulates Ms. Mason’s condition alerted us to a change in her respiration. The medical team is working diligently to stabilize her since she’s awake and breathing on her own now.”

  At that moment, Caresse couldn’t comprehend all of the words that followed. She knew the doctor was explaining what had to happen next, but all she could do was close her eyes and bury her head into Graham’s chest. It was too much. But she’s awake.

  “The nurse will be in shortly to speak to you regarding the visiting hours.” The doctor turned and went back through the visitor’s lounge doors.

  A short while later, Mr. and Mrs. Mason arrived at the hospital and received the news from Graham. The happiness of Mrs. Mason warmed Caresse’s heart as she watch the parents rush to sit with their daughter. Mrs. Mason covered her face with trembling hands and sat near the window.

  Sighing heavily, Gra
ham returned to Caresse’s side and gathered her into his arms. “I’m taking you home,” he whispered as he walked her toward the elevator.

  Chapter 12

  Caresse’s head pounded, no doubt due to her prolonged crying. She tossed two Advil tablets down her throat and waited for them to take effect. She watched as Graham maneuvered his car through rush hour traffic on Route 37. Every now and again, he glanced over to check on her, but she didn’t feel like forcing a smile to appease him. She was tired, and at this very moment, she didn’t care if weariness was sketched on her face. Last week, her best friend was teasing her about running errands before class and now she was in the hospital. She couldn’t find a reason for it. It just was.

  Caresse bit her bottom lip to keep it from trembling. Graham noticed and grabbed her hand. “What do you say I take you to my house and cook you dinner?” There was a gentle compassion to his voice that soothed her.

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “You have to eat to keep up your strength. The Masons will need you more than ever.”

  Caresse nodded as she glanced out the window. She was glad he wasn’t taking her home quite yet. She needed something to take her mind off her friend’s battle to survive.

  As the car pulled into Graham’s driveway, Caresse lowered the rearview visor and saw her swollen eyes. She touched the puffy lids and studied herself disapprovingly. As if sensing her thoughts, Graham squeezed her hand and said, “A couple of rough days won’t erase your beauty, sweetheart.”

  Caresse smiled weakly and closed the mirror. They exited the car and headed inside.

  Caresse sat on the couch and closed her eyes as Graham returned a few phone calls. She could hear Graham pacing as he talked to his assistant about scheduling an early Monday morning meeting with his top editors and writers. She couldn’t make out the reason, but Graham was adamant that it must happen immediately.