by Melissa Good
Kerry didn’t answer, visibly holding back her emotions. Finally she cleared her throat. “You and he have taught me so much...” She had to stop, putting a hand to her mouth, then went on. “About what love is.”
Dar stepped closer and pulled Kerry’s head into her shoulder, sliding an arm around her back. “We taught you that?” she whispered in an amazed tone, as she stroked the soft hair. “C’mon. Let’s go home.” They started side by side down the long, almost empty concourse.
Outside, a rumble of man made thunder rolled overhead as a plane shot skyward, heading north.
HE WAS TWENTY minutes into the flight before he remembered, way too late, that he hated flying. He clutched the soft, blue blanket around his shoulders and slowly turned his head, regarding his surroundings with some surprise.
“Sir, can I get you something to drink?” The steward smiled kindly at him across the empty first class seat next to him.
“You got any warm milk?” he muttered, surprised at how cold it was in the plane.
“Sure.” The steward disappeared
Andrew peered out of the window at the darkness, then let his head fall back against the leather seat. Least there was room up here. He stretched his long legs out towards the bulkhead and tried not to think about exactly what he was doing.
“Here you go.” The steward put a napkin down at his elbow, and settled a steaming cup into the holder between the seats. “We’re working on a little snack right now. It’ll be out shortly.”
“Mhm.” Andrew decided on a grunt, as he picked up the cup and sucked gingerly at the warm milk. Tucked under his knees he could feel the soft warmth of the leather bag Kerry had given him, full of God only knew what stuff the sweet little kid had picked out.
Frankly, he was scared to look.
Andrew sighed. Hell. He was scared, period. But like in battle, now that he was committed to the action at hand, the fear was fading, replaced by an odd mix of fatalistic acceptance and anticipation.
After all this time, in less than three hours he’d walk off this damn plane, and she’d be there. She might not like what she found, but she’d be there, and he’d get to see her and…
He sipped at his milk shakily. The voice on that phone haunted him.
Hadn’t known whether to spank his kid, or kiss her for that. Andrew Eye of the Storm 147
found a tiny smile somewhere. Based on Dar’s expression when she’d come outside, she hadn’t known either. Well, better to act now, and apologize later, wasn’t that what I taught her? Got that whacked up side your head this time, boy.
Maybe it’d been the right thing. Hell, maybe that’s what he’d been hoping for when he went looking for his kid, trusting her judgement more than his own.
And wouldn’t it just kick her butt to know that?
“Sir, if you’d let me put this down for you?” The steward held out a piece of linen, and a tray.
Chow was not an option. Andrew started to protest, then just pulled the arm tray out, figuring it was better to let the damn thing go. He could ignore it until they got the picture and—
The smell of warm chocolate hit him.
He blinked. “What is that?”
“It’s a warm brownie, with some vanilla ice cream, and hot fudge drizzled over it,” the steward responded efficiently. “Here’s your silverware. If you need anything, give me a buzz.”
“This what you people consider a snack?” he rasped.
The man smiled. “No, sir. But it was requested by the young lady who came down the jetway with you.” He glanced over his shoulder.
“Everyone else is getting pasta salad.”
Why that little green eyed son of a biscuit. “Thanks.” He locked his jaw as that tiny, offhand but so characteristic bit of kindness caught him by surprise, and started him off again. He picked up his spoon and tasted a bit of the fudge, then rubbed his eyes.
Damn kids.
THE PHONE RANG, just as she was about to leave. Cecilia hesitated, then picked it up, checking the number and frowning. “Yes?”
“Ceci. Hello. How are you darling?” Elli’s voice sounded cheerful and pleasant as usual. “Don’t forget our card game tonight, hmm?”
Ceci looked at her watch. “I won’t be there,” she replied quietly.
“I’ve got something I need to do.”
“What? But darling you promised. When did this come up? We spoke yesterday.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” She paused. “I got a call earlier. It’s just something I have to take care of.”
“But—”
“Elli, goodbye.” Cecilia put the phone down and picked up her keys.
She smoothed the soft, blue fabric of her shirt down and gazed at herself in the mirror before she closed her eyes and went into the dark that brought exciting scents of night blooming flowers to her as she moved through the heavy air.
Strange. She’d never noticed them before.
The drive to the airport was a dream, of oncoming headlights and 148 Melissa Good street lamps, until she reached the parking lot and got out, her legs already shivering and weak.
She closed the door and leaned against it, waiting for her heart to settle. Then she straightened and went to the terminal. It was quiet inside, only a few flights still waiting to come in, and most of the shops and stands were closed.
Cecilia got herself a bottle of ice tea from the one snack shop open, found the gate, and settled into a chair right next to the window. Outside, she could see a long expanse of mostly deserted tarmac, only the occasional working truck speeding past, its lights blinking as it made its way around the landing areas.
After a minute, she got up, and went to the desk. “Excuse me.”
The clerk looked up. “Yes, ma’am?”
“Is this flight coming in on time?”
The clerk smiled. “Yes, ma’am. It’s ten minutes early, as a matter of fact.”
Ceci took in a breath, and released it. “I’m waiting for someone.
Could you possibly tell me if…if they’re on the plane?”
The clerk glanced around. “Ma’am, we’re not really supp—”
“It’s my husband.”
The terminal was almost empty. “Sure.” The clerk looked around again. “What’s his name?”
Her tongue felt numb. “Roberts.” She managed to force the sound out. “Andrew Roberts.”
A clattering of keystrokes, and the clerk scanned the monitor, the greenish reflection showing against his glasses. Then he smiled. “Yes, ma’am. He’s there. Seat 2A.”
Ceci held on to the counter, afraid she’d fall if she let go. “Thank you.” She waited a moment, then walked back to her seat, sank down into it, and leaned her head against the window. Her eyes focused on a spot nearby, where the nose of an airplane would surely soon come.
The only thing left to do now was wait.
HIS EARS POPPED. Andrew tore his eyes away from the passing clouds, outlined eerily against the running lights of the plane, and swallowed, recognizing the descent. Sure enough, a few minutes later the fasten seat belts light went on, and his breathing increased.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve begun our initial decent into the greater New Haven area. We estimate being on the ground in about fifteen minutes or so and another ten minutes for taxiing, so that puts us at the gate about ten minutes early. Please fasten your seat belts and enjoy the rest of your flight.”
Twenty-five minutes. Andrew closed his eyes and folded his arms across his chest. All these damn years, and it comes down to twenty-five damn minutes. He fastened his safety belt, and tried to take deep breaths—hard when his guts were tensing up as though he were thinking of jumping out Eye of the Storm 149
the damn plane before it landed.
He thought it would last forever, but before he realized it, the loud grinding noise of the gear being lowered sent shivers through him, and he looked outside to see the lights of the city flashing by past the plane’s long wings.
A thump,
then the engines reversed, whirling up to full speed in order to slow the big plane down. Andrew stared out the window, finding the terminal lights and fastening on them.
It took minutes of a slightly bouncy motion, then the plane turned its nose towards the welcoming bays of the terminal, and selected one, where dark figures stood, guiding it in with fluorescent wands.
And then the plane stopped.
Andrew unhooked his belt, reached between his knees, and pulled the soft leather bag up and into his lap. He waited a bit for his heart to stop racing, but it didn’t, so he pushed to his feet and held onto the seat back, hoping his knees wouldn’t give way and send him sprawling over the carpet.
He went on automatic then, as the airplane door opened inward, allowing a gust of damp, musty smelling air to enter. The steward gave him a smile as he walked past, turned the corner and headed up the jetway, his heartbeat pounding so hard he couldn’t even hear the conversations around him.
He could see the terminal ahead, through the door.
Just a few steps away.
Chapter
Seventeen
CECI STOOD, AS the plane bounced to a halt and the jetway extended, cupping its end around the doorway of the craft. She pressed her hands against the window and watched the airport staff get ready, then the aircraft door opened. She could see only a small square of light there, but her eyes never left that, as first uniformed bodies passed.
Then, for a split second an outline flashed through that single square of light, and her breathing stopped.
Just that one glimpse.
Just that one second.
And she knew.
Hand over hand she moved down the line of chairs until she was near the entrance, gripping a pillar just to hold herself up as she heard footsteps approaching.
And then, he was there.
Filling the doorway. A dark blue sweatshirt draping the tall, broad shouldered body, its hood framing a scarred face whose eyes flicked over the room, then found hers.
She was lost all over again. She never remembered walking those last few steps, only that his eyes never left hers, and she only stopped when her hands touched a warm, living body that had existed only in her dreams for seven long years.
A soft gasp left her lips. “Andy.”
The gentle blue eyes searching hers teared up. “Hey there, pretty lady.”
It was too much. Her knees buckled and he caught her, and she fell into an embrace whose feel and scent overwhelmed all of her defenses.
She was so small and so light. Andrew kept his eyes closed and just savored the feel of her against him, her heartbeat thrumming against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her and let his heart come home.
At last.
He realized, unknown moments later, that they were blocking the passage, as the other passengers had to edge around them, giving them looks ranging from amusement to annoyance. Ceci had her head buried in his chest and held onto him for dear life, her body racked with sobs, so he took the short route and simply lifted her up, cradling her as he Eye of the Storm 151
walked over to a secluded area that was quiet and empty.
Then he sat down and dropped his head down until he could breathe in her scent. Her hands stroked his chest through the fabric and he pulled her closer, letting his sense of time drift away as he felt his face tense into a strange and unpracticed expression.
A smile.
KERRY WAS JUST finishing putting up some coffee in the kitchen when the phone rang. She reached over and snagged it from the worktable. “Hello?”
“Hey, Ker.”
She blinked in surprise. “Hey, Angie. What’s up?” She’d last spoken to her sister on the weekend and she hardly expected another call so soon.
A pensive sigh. “Nothing good.”
“Yeah?” Kerry wiped her hands off and walked into the living room, which was empty since Dar was in the study working on part of her inbox. “You feeling okay? It’s not the baby, is it?” She turned the volume down on the television and sat down on the loveseat, leaning back and propping one leg up against the side of the couch.
“No. It’s more about the hearings.”
Oh. Kerry leaned her head against her fist. “Yeah. I’m not looking forward to that.”
There was an awkward pause. “No. I…listen, Ker? You’re my sister and I love you. You know that, right?”
She took a breath. “Yeah. Same here.”
“Right. Well, Dad put the word out… He doesn’t want anyone talking to you during the whole thing.” Angie hesitated. “And Richard came down on me pretty hard about it. I—”
“So you’ll be going along with it,” Kerry finished quietly, swallowing a lump in her throat.
“Kerry, you don’t have to live here with him.” Her sister sighed unhappily. “It’s just…like for show. It’s not like I mean it. You know me better than that.”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Kerry...”
She rubbed her eyes. Too much stress tonight. “Sorry, Angie. It’s really all right. I understand.” She exhaled. “We just have a lot going on here.
I’m a little strung.”
A short silence. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. We just…um...” Kerry shifted the phone a little and patted Chino, who had jumped up next to her and laid down. “You remember I told you about Dar’s parents?”
“Mmm. Yeah, yeah. I do. That was really sad and kind of awful.”
“Uh huh. Well, we got them back together tonight.”
“Really?” Angie’s voice perked up. “My god, Ker. That’s wonderful.
152 Melissa Good Wow.” A muffled sound came through the receiver and Angie sighed.
“Gotta go. I just wanted to give you some warning. Don’t hold it against me, okay?”
“I won’t,” Kerry responded quietly. “How’s Mike?”
“Dad pulled him out of school. He’s got him working in his office.
I…he’s been really quiet lately.”
“Tell him I said hi, if you see him, okay?”
A pause. “Okay.” Angie cleared her throat. “Goodbye.”
Kerry thumbed the button and let the phone fall to her lap. She looked up as soft footfalls sounded from the study and Dar appeared, scrubbing her fingers through disheveled dark hair. The taller woman ambled over and perched on the back of the couch. “Trouble?” Dar gauged her expression.
“Sort of.” Kerry let her head rest against the cool leather, and stroked Chino’s soft fur. “That was my sister.”
“Yeah?”
The green eyes took on an almost gray hue. “She was just giving me fair warning. I’m…being shunned during the hearings.” Kerry was surprised at how much that hurt. “Even by her.”
Dar snorted in surprise, making Chino jump. “And here I liked her.”
“I don’t blame her, Dar. She’s…I mean, she’s got to deal with them all the time. I don’t.” Long fingers scratched her neck comfortingly and she closed her tired eyes. “It stings, though.”
The phone rang again, startling both of them, and this time Dar slipped the receiver out of Kerry’s hands and answered it. “Hello?”
“Hey, Dardar.”
Her father sounded exhausted, but peaceful. A wave of relief crashed over her. “Hi.”
“Damn plane made it,” Andrew rasped.
“So I gathered. Mom there?”
A long silence. “Yeah.”
Dar nodded to herself. “You okay?” She found fingers laced with hers and she turned to see Kerry’s anxious gaze on her.
Even longer silence. “I’m all right,” Andrew finally muttered. “We’re gonna…” He stopped speaking for a few heartbeats.
Must be the “we.” Dar tensed her lips.
“Get going. I um…listen, is Kerry there?”
“Sure. She’s right here.” Dar gave her puzzled lover a faint shrug.
“Wouldya…just tell her I said thanks,” her father muttered. �
�I owe her one.”
Dar’s brows knit. “All right. I’ll tell her. Listen, if you need anything, you call, okay? Thanks for letting us know you got there in one piece.”
“Wouldn’t say that,” Andrew muttered. “’Night.”
Dar put the phone down slowly and smiled at her lover. “He said to say thank you.”
“To me?” Kerry looked confused, then her expression cleared. “Oh.”
“Oh?” Dar stretched out along the back of the loveseat, jungle cat Eye of the Storm 153
style.
“I um…arranged for some ice cream. I figured he wouldn’t like a vinaigrette pasta salad just going on what I know about his daughter.”
Dar smiled. “He said he owes you one.” She curled a hand over Kerry’s shoulder. “Thanks. That was incredibly thoughtful of you, Ker.”
Kerry glanced down, then back up, and squared her shoulders.
“Hey. You guys are the only family I’ve got. Gotta make sure you’re taken care of.” She managed to hold her composure until Dar’s lips tensed and she lifted a hand to touch Kerry’s cheek. Then she turned and rested her head against her lover’s chest. “Oh god, Dar. I never even talk to them. Why does this hurt so much?”
“’Cause you love them,” was the quiet, truthful response. “And having that turned away does hurt.”
They rested quietly together, with only the soft whisper of the television behind them. Then Kerry shifted slightly. “Dar?”
“Mmm?”
“I think I understand why your dad was afraid to go home.” Kerry rubbed her thumb against the short, fine hairs on Dar’s arm. Her eyes slowly lifted to meet the serious blue ones above her. “It’s a very scary, very vulnerable feeling.”
“I know.” Dar leaned forward and touched foreheads with her. “But I knew my father was going to be all right.”
Kerry could almost taste her, she was that close. “You did?”
“Yeah.” Dar’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Because my mother feels about him the way I feel about you.”
“Oh.” Kerry smiled as the ache in her guts eased. She closed her eyes as Dar tilted her head and they kissed.
Guess that’s all right, then.
THERE WAS A faint rumble of thunder overhead as they left the airport, moving from the bland fluorescent glare out into a stark landscape outlined briefly in periodic lightning. Andrew shifted his overnight bag and blinked, feeling unsure and awkward, not really convinced he was here or that the whole thing was happening.