Derailed

by Gina Watson

  They turned into a driveway that had become overrun with brush and shrubbery. Slowly Everett steered the car down the lane.

  “Oh, wow! This place is amazing.”

  “The oaks are over three hundred years old.”

  “Look at them. Their boughs touch the ground.”

  When the house came into view she gasped. “It’s Gone With The Wind’s Tara gone wild.”

  “A little worse for the wear.”

  “So it just sits empty?”

  “Actually no, my hermit cousin lives here.”

  “He’s a hermit?”

  “It’s been over ten years since he’s set foot off the grounds and he has a life-threatening fear of people.”

  “Awe, that’s sad. Is he old?”

  “No, I think he hit thirty a few years back.”

  “Won’t he be upset about our presence here?”

  “As his lawyer, I have special privileges.”

  “Ah,” Fiona nodded. “I’d love to sit on that bench there”—she pointed to a lovely, albeit weathered, iron bench in a plush green garden.

  “Let’s do it.” Everett killed the engine.

  “We should offer your cousin some dessert.”

  Everett nodded. “We can try.”

  “Not we, just you. Here”—Fiona pulled the dish from the backseat—”take it to him and offer him a dish as a thank you for letting me sit and draw. Let him know I won’t go farther than the bench.”

  “Okay, I’ll give it a shot.”

  ***

  Everett walked up to the door he’d been to earlier and used the same lion head knocker. Unlike earlier, it took no time for Ashton to answer the knock.

  “Who’s she?” He tilted his chin in the general direction of the bench where Fiona sat.

  “She’s a friend of mine who needed to sketch some old oaks. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Oh, I don’t think that you do.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “Just leave.” Ashton turned to close the door, but Everett wedged it with his designer eight-hundred-dollar Italian leather shoe, wincing more from the thought of scuffing than pain.

  “She made a blueberry crumble. I’d like to leave a portion with you.”

  “I don’t want any.”

  “Look Ashton, I really like this girl and want to impress her. I think it would go a long way if I were able to leave you some of the dessert she made from scratch. It’s a little thing really. Can’t you see your way through it?”

  He followed Ashton to the kitchen. “Just dump it in the sink, I won’t eat it.”

  Everett would do no such thing. He grabbed a coffee mug that sat on the counter seemingly clean, or clean enough for his plans. He scooped a medium sized helping into the cup as Ashton scowled at him.

  “Did you get your freezer situation sorted out?”

  “I repaired it, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “That’s got to make you feel productive.”

  “Are you finished?” he asked with a raised brow.

  “Yeah, I’m done.”

  “Please see yourself out.”

  As he walked to the front door Everett thought Louisiana was already wearing itself thin. He didn’t have to accept the assignment—he’d only done it because Ashton was family. Well that was a lie. He’d also had Fiona in mind. Okay, mostly Fiona in mind, but the Ashton thing had helped solidify his decision.

  He opened the front door and walked across the porch. Fiona didn’t belong in Baton Rouge. She was charming and trendy and she enjoyed culture and the arts. She belonged in a big city like Boston. He wondered what she was doing in Louisiana. She didn’t have the accent or even the demeanor of a southerner. Suddenly he felt a strong desire to know her history.

  Where did she hail from and how did she find herself in Baton Rouge?

  He placed the dish in the car and walked over to join her on the bench. Her expert hand gave life to the strokes of charcoal on the page. The shading was brilliant and gave the illusion of a cloudy day to her landscape. He wanted to tell her how intricate he thought the detail was, but he didn’t want to break her concentration so he waited.

  A breeze picked up and the hairs on his neck stood on end—the clouds rolling in made the scenery more than a little creepy. His first reaction to the clouds was disappointment because it meant the swim with Fiona was out. Then a better scenario took root in his head. They could curl up in his room and watch a movie.

  They sat on the bench for close to an hour. When she was finished she looked up and smiled at him. “You’re a very patient man, aren’t you?”

  “I don’t like to brag Ms. Miller, but I don’t think you’d meet many men more patient than me.”

  She giggled and asked, “What do you think?”

  “I think it’s breathtaking. I would get this tattooed on myself.”

  “No, this isn’t right for you, but I’ve already thought of a great tattoo idea for you. I thought I might sketch it out.”

  “Really? What?”

  “I can’t tell you. You’ll have to wait for the drawing.”

  “When will you draw it then?”

  “As it comes to me.”

  “I can’t work with that timeframe.”

  “You don’t have a choice.”

  “Hmm…I guess I see your point.”

  “Tell me something… would you actually get a tattoo?”

  “I could probably be easily persuaded.”

  “I didn’t think you would get tatted.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t know. You seem so”—her head cocked in thought—”textbook.”

  Everett frowned. Tonight he’d show her just how un-textbook he could be.

  “I’ve upset you again.”

  “Hmm.”

  “You pout when you get upset.”

  “I don’t pout.” Thunder rolled in the distance. “If you don’t want that sketchbook to get ruined, we’d better get into the car.”

  ***

  Fiona had been to the David estate before, but it looked different under the clouds. She watched the pool take the rain—fountains of splashing spouts as the heavy drops pelted its normally smooth surface.

  “Do you want to watch a movie?”

  “Sure.”

  “The new Kennedy Hicks movie is available for download.”

  “The sad drama film about the guy who goes to war and loses touch with his fiancée?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “No offense, but I don’t want to watch that nonsense.”

  “Don’t you like Kennedy Hicks?”

  “Not my favorite.”

  “What movie do you propose?”

  “Anything sci-fi or action.”

  “Okay.”

  She followed him to his room that was neat and tidy—textbook. Nothing out of place and nothing that revealed his character.

  “Are your parents home?”

  “They went shopping for furniture with Parker and Bailey, so I think we have the house to ourselves for the moment.”

  He propped up pillows on the bed and they made microwave popcorn. The credits had just rolled when Fiona felt her phone vibrate in the pocket of her jeans. It was Mr. Roy.

  Fiona answered it as she leapt from the bed.

  “Mr. Roy”

  “Fiona, we’re at Baton Rouge General.”

  “Oh, my God.” Her hand went to her mouth and shook as tears fell from her eyes.

  “They say Ryder’s going to be okay, but he’s got a concussion. I’m sorry. The waves picked up in the storm and he fell from the boat, hitting his head in the process.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  She hung up the phone and slid into her shoes, frantically wiping away the tears.

  “Fiona?”

  “I need to borrow your car.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Can I borrow your car or not?”

  “Of course. I’d also be glad to drive you wher
ever you need to go. You seem pretty upset.”

  “I have to get to the hospital.”

  They rode in silence. Everett didn’t pressure her about the circumstances of the hospital visit. She appreciated that because she didn’t think she’d be able to speak about Ryder without having a total breakdown. As it was she was barely able to hold it together. Focusing on the passing cars helped her calm her nerves.

  When the Beemer pulled onto the road leading up to the hospital Everett asked, “I assume you need emergency?”

  Fiona nodded, “Yes.”

  When Everett pulled the car into the emergency unloading bay, Fiona bounded out. Without looking back she thanked him for the ride. She skidded through the doors and walked down the hall in the direction of a sign that read: triage nurse.

  As she turned the corner her eyes landed on a scene that was reminiscent of Black Friday shopping. Wall-to-wall chaos prevented her from identifying where she needed to be.

  Approaching the only person in a lab coat Fiona said, “Excuse me, I’m looking for my son.”

  “I’ll be with you in a minute ma’am,” answered the nurse without looking up from the computer.

  “Fiona!” She turned in the direction of her name. Mr. Roy waved to identify himself in the sea of people. To get to him, Fiona zigzagged around the crowd.

  “Fiona, I’m so sorry. The waves picked up and the boat—”

  “Where is he?”

  “They just took him back.”

  “You didn’t go with him?”

  Fiona left the crowded waiting area to walk back to the examination area. Curtained-off examination rooms emitted screams and moans. “Oh God, Ryder,” she whispered as her body shook and tears streamed down her cheeks.

  “Fiona!”

  “Everett.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “I can’t find my son. He was brought in with a concussion.”

  Everett scanned the crowd and then yelled, “Jackson!”

  A handsome doctor approached and greeted Everett by name.

  “Can you help us find someone? Fiona’s son was brought in.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Ryder Jay Miller,” Fiona answered.

  “I’m treating him now. He’s going to be fine. Great kid.”

  Fiona tried to contain her cries but couldn’t, and whimpered as the nice doctor spoke about her son. Everett held her, his touch comforting.

  Doctor Olivier led them to an exam room at the end of the line and that’s when she heard Ryder’s sweet voice.

  “Doctor Olivier, my friend Elijah caught a sting ray. It was huge. Did you know if it stings you in the right place it can kill you?”

  “Sounds like a nasty beast. I believe I have someone here that you know.” Dr. Olivier pushed the curtain aside to reveal Fiona and Everett.

  “Mom!” Ryder shrieked.

  “Oh my God, Ryder.” She ran to him, pulling his head to her breast. “You broke your arm?”

  “Yeah, I’m sorry.”

  “Oh Ryder, I’m sorry too. Are you okay?” She pulled him back by the shoulders to assess the rest of him.

  “Dr. Olivier says I have to take a test for my brain.”

  “What?” Fiona looked around to connect eyes with the doctor.

  “I’ve scheduled him for an MRI. Machine will be free in about forty-five minutes so we’re just sitting tight. Tell your mom the game, Ryder.”

  “I can’t fall asleep or I lose. If I stay awake I win two Sacagawea dollars. It’s been kind of hard—I’m really tired because I hit my head.”

  “He has a grade two concussion. I’ve scheduled the test to get a look at his noggin.” Dr. Olivier winked at Ryder. “It’s purely precautionary.”

  Ryder’s eyes burned into Everett. Smiling he asked, “Are you a doctor too?”

  “No, I’m a friend of your mother’s.”

  “Mom doesn’t have guy friends.”

  “I um …” Everett looked at Fiona for help.

  “Ryder, this is Everett. He is my friend.”

  “Oh? Where did you meet?”

  “I met him through Maura.”

  Ryder cocked his head in thought. Fiona’s son was highly precocious and she knew the grand inquisition was coming, so she took a chair next to the bed where he sat. Everett followed her lead and sat on a stool.

  “Are you Maura’s boyfriend?”

  “Nope, that’s my brother, Julian.”

  “How many brothers do you have?”

  “I have two brothers and two sisters.”

  “Do you have a father?”

  “I do.”

  “And a mother?”

  “Yep.”

  “Dr. Olivier is like me—no dad. Except he doesn’t have a mother either.”

  Everett grimaced. “Dr. Olivier has an adopted family.”

  “Oh, well I only asked him about his birth mother and father.” Dr. Olivier’s brow rose.

  Fiona glanced at Dr. Olivier, “I apologize, he’s obsessed with familial order.”

  “On the contrary, the pentagon could hire him to extract international government secrets.” Dr. Olivier said playfully.

  Ryder concentrated on Everett. “Whose boyfriend are you?”

  Fiona stood. “Ryder, don’t be rude.”

  “Sorry, mister.”

  “That’s okay.”

  “I’m going to go check the status of the MRI machine.” Dr. Olivier left the examination room, leaving the awkward trio staring at one another.

  “So, are you and my mom going to get together?”

  “Ryder! We don’t ask questions like that.”

  “Can I ask what work he does?”

  “Yes.”

  Everett smiled, seemingly unshocked at her son’s invasive questions. “I’m a lawyer.”

  “Cool. Are you like the lawyer on Batman?”

  “No that’s a criminal attorney. I practice estate law.”

  Ryder crinkled his nose. “Estate law?”

  “Yeah, I manage people’s estates and write wills and trusts.”

  “What’s an estate?”

  “It’s like your house and car and anything else you may own.”

  “Are you helping my mom with her estate?”

  “I would love to help your mom with her estate.” He chuckled and Fiona punched him in the arm.

  “Mom! That wasn’t very nice.”

  “You’re absolutely right Ryder, your mother is being mean.”

  “Mom, don’t be mean.”

  “Okay.” Despite wanting not to, Fiona smiled. It was comforting not being the only adult left in the room to worry about her son. She would focus on that for right now and ignore the nagging voice in her head that said this budding relationship was not a good idea. Already she could see emergence of the attachment that Ryder longed to form with any adult male.

  Chapter 4

  As Everett sat in the emergency room with Fiona and her son whom she’d never mentioned, he longed to know the story behind little Ryder Jay Miller. He wouldn’t pry. If Fiona had wanted him to know about her son, she would have said something before. After all, she’d had plenty of occasions to do so.

  A lot of the pieces of the Fiona puzzle had fallen into place. Her rant about responsibilities and her commitment phobia all made perfect sense. He could understand her not wanting to get involved on an emotional level and her lack of a relationship for over ten years. She sacrificed her needs in order to put Ryder’s needs first. It was commendable, and what an excellent mother she was. However, Everett’s experience with sacrifice was that there were two sides to every coin. One day her lack of attention to her own needs would catch up with her and implode all over the gains she’d made. It was just a theory really, but he firmly believed that deprivation could be both good and bad.

  Jackson had entered the room and announced that they could head up to the MRI suite. Everett didn’t know if he should go or stay. One glance at Fiona with a look of doom on her face and
he had his answer—he’d stay to support her and Ryder.

  They followed Jackson and all the while Everett kept his arm around Fiona. He’d tried to move to give her some space, but she moved with him. He caught Ryder watching their exchange with a blank face. He missed nothing and would make of it what anyone would—they were in a relationship.

  In the MRI suite Fiona and Everett watched from behind glass as Dr. Olivier strapped Ryder into a huge, futuristic-looking pod. Everett hadn’t spent much time around hospitals. The look of the beast of a machine was frightening to him and he knew if he were anchored to that machine he’d be nervous. He thought Ryder to be quite brave. And what a precocious little fella he was.

  Fiona looked on with rapt attention. She didn’t blink as she watched her son being fed to the machine. “I don’t know what I would do if I were to lose him.”

  “He’s a great kid.”

  “Thanks.”

  “This was his first fishing trip. I didn’t want to let him go, but I realize there are things he needs that I can’t provide.”

  Her honestly seized his heart. Fiona was convicted about rearing her son as a single mom.

  “I should have been there with him. He could have died.” Her voice turned rough by the end of her message and he heard her sniffle.

  Everett pulled her into his chest and rubbed her back in a comforting caress. She rested her cheek on his chest.

  “Thanks for staying with me.”

  “I wouldn’t think of leaving you.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about him sooner. As I said before, I don’t know what I’m doing in a relationship.”

  “I get it.”

  Fiona pulled away when Jackson came into the booth and punched a few buttons on an intense-looking computer screen. Images of Ryder’s brain emerged.

  When they received the “all clear” from Jackson, Everett was relieved the little guy’s brain was unharmed. They were given a prescription for pain medication, just in case Ryder became restless.

  As Everett drove them home he wondered about the conventions of dating a single mother.

  “Wow, what kind of car is this? It’s fancy.”

  “This is a BMW. It belongs to the company I work for.”

  “They gave it to you?”

  “No, they just let me drive it while I’m here.”

  “Do you live in Baton Rouge?”

  “I do.”