After Shock- Ellie's Chance

by Vikki McCombie

  Tears flooded her eyes. For the first time in her life, she didn’t need to stand alone. She still didn’t understand everything yet, but she’d felt something greater than she. Drawn by an unidentifiable force, she climbed the stairs to her room, heart matching each step. When she entered her room, she went straight to her nightstand and retrieved the book from the drawer.

  Taking a seat in her rocker, she opened it at the first page and began to read. She read until she could no longer fight off sleep and dropped off clasping the book to her chest. She’d accepted…it held the answers that could open her eyes to a bright new world.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Jason opened bleary eyes at the sound of his alarm going off. Could it already be five in the morning? It felt like he’d just closed his eyes. Of course, he’d only made it to bed shortly before 1 AM.

  After Jason had arrived home the previous night, he found Kelly in tears. She’d been unable to locate Mr. Snuggles, the bear she slept with every night. It was the stuffed animal she and her mom had made together at a craft store, the last outing they’d had before Marsha had grown too weak for such activities. It had been her nightly companion ever since they’d made it that day. It had become even more precious to her since Marsha’s death.

  He’d turned the house topsy-turvy looking for the bear. At his wit’s end, he’d upturned the laundry basket, praying the maid service had tossed it in there with his daughter’s dirty clothes. The bedding and clothes had fallen out, and the bear had tumbled on the tile floor as well.

  Kelly had grabbed it, hugging it close to her chest, sobbing harder than she had in the last two years since her mother’s death. After he’d dried her tears and rocked her to sleep as he had when Marsha had first died, he carried her to her bed and tucked her in. Oscar jumped up and curled beside her.

  His alarm jarred him awake. He groaned then rolled to the edge and sat on the side of the bed. Stretching, he stood, then stumbled into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Stepping in, he let the water cascade over his head, hoping it would revive him.

  He felt every one of his forty-four years. He’d always believed he was in great shape for his age, but the days of sleeping three or four hours and not feeling it were long past. At last the hot water did the trick.

  While he scrubbed his body, he went over the previous evening. The Spirit of Norfolk cruise had been a great idea. He’d have to thank his yeoman. He’d been the one to suggest it. Of course, while he and Ellie enjoyed drinking coffee last night, he’d made the mistake of probing too much.

  He’d never dreamed Zach hadn’t known his father, and that the man had never known his son. He’d allowed what he believed he would have felt if he’d been that man to stiffen his response, and it had almost destroyed the evening.

  Ellie must have sensed his feelings because she’d apologized when she’d had no reason to. It had been all on him. He now realized his feelings for Ellie were already deeper than he’d supposed. After he’d smoothed things over, and she’d walked him to the door, he’d been unable to resist when the overhead lighting fell on her gorgeous hair, it had her locks shimmering. He’d had to kiss her.

  When he’d pulled her close and lowered his mouth to hers, overwhelming sensations had coursed through him. Her sweet lips had intoxicated him, and he’d come close to throwing all his principles and beliefs out the window. Thankfully, he’d been able to stop before he’d broken his vow to remain celibate unless he found someone he could love enough to marry.

  The water turned cool, and it quickly threw him into the here and now. He turned the water off, grabbed a towel and dried his body, then wrapped it around his waist. After a quick shave, he made his way to the kitchen. Brian leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee. Jason grabbed his favorite cup from the drying rack and poured some of the hot brew into his mug.

  He took a sip. Ah, just how he liked it. He glanced at Brian. “Thanks for making the coffee. I’m running late this morning.”

  “Not that late,” he told him. “We don’t need to leave for the game for another hour. If we leave at seven, we can still be in Richmond by nine. The game doesn’t start until ten. Who’s watching Kelly?”

  Jason swallowed another sip of coffee, then answered, “I’m taking her to Lynda’s. Kelly really had a rough night. I hate to wake her up so early. Maybe I’ll just carry her to the truck in her pajamas and let her sleep on the way to Lynda’s house. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t found Mr. Snuggles.”

  Brian looked at him. “I feel bad about bailing on you last night. I should have stayed up and helped you search.”

  “Nah, I told you to go on to bed. You needed to be alert for the game this morning. This is a big one for you today. Coach said there may be scouts at the game, didn’t he?” He looked at his son over the edge of his mug. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to Annapolis? It’s my alma mater, you know.”

  He almost doubled over with laughter as he took in his son’s “deer in the headlights” expression. “Sorry, Dad, but I don’t want a career in the Navy. I know you love it, but it’s not for me.”

  “Okay, okay. I guess I’ll have to be disappointed. I’ll learn to live with whatever you choose and be good with it.” He playfully punched his son’s arm and laughed. “I was just trying to get a rise out of you.”

  “You had me worried there for a moment.” Brian met his gaze. “Dad, you know I’d never want to hurt you, don’t you?”

  “I know, son. All kidding aside. I’m proud of you for making your own choices. It’s your life, and I want you to be happy with the career you choose.” He sat his cup on the counter. “How about I whip up some pancakes, all right?”

  “Sounds good to me.” Together they had the breakfast on the table in short order. After they’d eaten and loaded the dishwasher, Brian went to get his gear while Jason carried Kelly to his truck.

  After dropping his daughter off, they made good time and arrived in Richmond well before the game. They joined Zach and John.

  The three young men shared a bro hug. Zach asked, “You ready to kill this team?”

  “You got that,” Brian retorted. “You know there might be a scout here, right?”

  “Yeah. Do you know what school he’s from?” Zach asked.

  Jason enjoyed listening to his son with his friends. He’d worried Brian would find the move difficult since he’d had to leave his friends behind for his senior year. It relieved him to see his son making new friends so easily.

  “Nah, no idea.” Brian turned to John. “How about you, do you know?”

  John shrugged. “Nope.”

  Zach straightened. “Well, it doesn’t matter. He’s here to watch our team, and let’s show him what we can do.”

  The boys grabbed their soccer balls and started warming up as they waited for the rest of the team to arrive. Everyone played hard and won 4-0. Brian had stopped every attempt made be the other team and Zach had scored four of the goals.

  When the final whistle blew, the players hoisted Brian and Zach on their shoulders and jogged around the field. Jason had to blink several times and swallow hard. It was a proud moment, and one he wouldn’t forget. The Richmond team had been undefeated.

  He wished Ellie had been there to see their boys. He’d videoed the high points and sent them to her via text. He hadn’t received a response, but it could have been because she hadn’t seen them yet. At least he hoped that was the case.

  A scout had been there, but the man didn’t speak to Brian or Zach. Both the boys were bitterly disappointed, especially after they’d played better than they ever had before. Jason assured them that wasn’t unusual this early in the season. At this point the scouts were observing, just looking at the talent.

  Since John’s mom wanted to visit her sister after the game, Jason invited Zach to ride back with them. When they arrived at his house, Ellie’s vehicle wasn’t in the driveway, so they didn’t linger. That was probably for the best. He’d be able to see her t
he next day at church. They went to Lynda’s to pick up Kelly, and they stayed a while to watch a football game with Russ and Mark.

  On the way home, they called ahead and went by Gino’s to pick up a pizza. He checked his phone while he waited for them to box their pie, and at last, he saw a return text from Ellie.

  Ellie: Wow, thanks 4 the videos. A shutout, and against the number 1 team.

  Jason: Awesome 2 watch. Both boys played their best game. R U still at work?

  Ellie: Just left and saw your text. Thanks again 4 sending the videos.

  Jason: YUR welcome. Coming tomorrow?

  Ellie: Yes, see U in the morning. LOL!

  Jason: Look forward 2 it.

  She didn’t send another response, and he didn’t see any more dots. He spent the rest of the evening watching TV and turned in early since none of them had gotten enough sleep the night before.

  When they arrived at church the following morning, he saw Lynda and Russ and slid into their pew. Then Veronica and Jefferson arrived and joined them. Jason kept watching the door, looking for Ellie and Zach. He saw Cam walk in with Emilee, Josh, and little Katie, but still no Ellie.

  Had she changed her mind? Zach would be so disappointed. Finally, he gave up watching for them and turned toward the front of the church. The organist played for several minutes, then the bells began ringing, signaling the start of the service.

  Someone slipped into the pew directly behind them. Brian jostled him when he turned to the row behind them. “You almost didn’t make it.”

  “My mom cut it too close, as usual.” He heard the frustration in Zach’s voice and grinned. Bottom line they’d made it. The organist began the processional, and they stood to sing the hymn. He wanted to look behind him at Ellie, but he resisted. He hoped she wouldn’t have any trouble following along, since she wasn’t sitting with anyone who could help her.

  All through the service, he fought the temptation to look at her. It bothered him that his focus was on her and not on the minister. At last he caught a glimpse of her when he returned to their pew after communion.

  When the service ended, he turned around to face her. “Glad you made it.”

  She met his gaze and sighed. “We almost didn’t. There was a fender bender a block away from here, and we had to wait for the police to direct the traffic around the accident.” She looked at her son. “That’s why we were late, not because I cut it too close.”

  Lynda spoke up. “Thank goodness you weren’t involved in the crash. You still made it before the processional started. We’re meeting at our house for lunch. I hope you’ll join us.”

  Ellie’s brows drew together. Clearly something wasn’t sitting well with her. “I wish we could, but I have to work this afternoon. Several of my employees called in sick, and as much as I don’t want to go, I have no choice.”

  “I’m sorry you have to go in, but we understand. At least you were still able to come this morning. Will you be coming on Wednesday?” she asked.

  “Are you kidding?” She looked at her son. “Zach would have a fit if we didn’t go. I’d miss it as well, so yes, we’ll be there.”

  Lynda grinned. “Wonderful. Do you have time to stay for coffee and refreshments, or do you need to leave right away?”

  Zach interjected, “She promised we could at least stay for a little while, didn’t you, Mom?”

  “I did say we could, but not for long. I have to take you home before I head to work.”

  Ellie tucked a strand of her long blonde hair behind her ear, and Jason shoved his hand in his pocket to keep from touching the curl. He’d always been a goner when it came to long hair, and Ellie’s mass of curls were impossible to resist.

  Pulling his eyes away from her hair, he asked, “Would it help if I dropped Zach off?” He hoped she’d agree. That way he’d have more time with her before she had to leave.

  Her gorgeous blue eyes widened. “Are you sure? I hate to impose.”

  “If Zach’s going with Jason, would you mind if he came to our house for lunch?” Lynda asked.

  Jason waited for Ellie’s answer to Lynda’s offer, but before she would reply, Zach declared, “That’d be great, Mrs. Winston, thanks.” He turned to his mom. “Please say yes. That way you won’t have to worry about feeding me.”

  “Oh, you’re a big boy. I’m sure you could manage to find something to eat on your own.” She looked at Lynda. “If you’re sure you want him, then I suppose that will be fine as long as Jason’s okay with it.”

  “Of course.” He smiled at her. “I’m just sorry you can’t join us. How late will you need to work?”

  She released a deep sigh. “Until at least six. That will cover the heaviest part of our check-ins. Thanks for both of your offers. I know Zach appreciates it.”

  “I sure do. Thanks Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Winston,” Zach replied.

  Cam tapped his mom’s shoulder. “Come on. All your pumpkin strudel will be gone if we don’t get to the fellowship hall.”

  Lynda rolled her eyes. “You don’t need to worry. I have another one at my house, but I do think we should head there now.”

  Zach and Brian took off with the other kids following behind them. Jason turned to Ellie. “We don’t want to miss out on Lynda’s strudel. Hers is always fantastic, and pumpkin flavored has to be her best yet. Let’s join the kids.”

  They made their way to the door leading to the fellowship hall as Ellie stated, “I hope they have some veggies and possibly cheese and crackers in addition to her strudel. This will have to hold me until I get off work.”

  They entered and went to the table to make their selections. After filling their plates, they joined the others. Jason enjoyed their conversation, but it had been too short. Once they finished their snacks, he offered to walk her to her SUV to have more time with her.

  When they reached her vehicle, he held the door for her as she slipped behind the wheel. “Thanks for taking Zach to Lynda’s. He was so disappointed when I received the call from my assistant manager. I rarely work on Sunday.”

  “I’m happy to help, just wish you’d been able to come with us.” He pushed her door closed, and she lowered the window so they could finish talking.

  “Me too. I was looking forward to spending the afternoon with everyone. Well, I need to get to work. Just drop Zach off at my house after you leave Lynda’s.”

  As much as he wanted to delay her departure, he didn’t want her to be late. “I will. I guess I’ll see you on Wednesday?”

  “Definitely.” She started the engine and glanced toward the time displayed on her command screen. “Sorry, but I have to leave now if I’m going to get there by two. See you Wednesday.”

  He stepped away and waved as she pulled from her parking spot, turned onto the street and drove out of sight. He slowly turned and returned to the others. At least he’d had a few minutes with her. Maybe he’d text her that evening, just to see how her afternoon went.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Ellie arrived at work and barely had time to put her purse in her office before she went to the front reception area. With only two employees at the desk, she had to work one of the check-in stations. For the next four hours, she checked in one guest after another.

  It had been a while since she’d handled guest arrivals. She actually enjoyed talking to the happy guests arriving for their vacations though. So many times, she only interacted with the ones who had problems, or their business travelers who had different needs.

  By six o’clock, the rush had passed, and she could leave knowing her manager on duty could handle the rest of the night. After wishing her evening staff farewell, she made her way to her vehicle and headed home. By the time she reached the house, she was starving. The cheese and crackers she’d eaten at church were long gone, and her stomach was grumbling in protest.

  After pulling into the garage and lowering the door, she climbed from her SUV and entered the kitchen. She found Zach at the table eating a sandwich. “Hey, Mom. Hope it all went
well at work.”

  She pulled off her suit jacket and hung it on one of the kitchen chairs. “It was busy. I didn’t even manage a break. We had more vacationing guests because fall break has begun for some of the schools in the vicinity and beyond.”

  “Yeah, mine doesn’t start until next week,” he replied. “Are you hungry?”

  Her belly rumbled loud enough for Zach to hear, and they laughed. “Obviously.”

  Zach took a swig of milk, then wiped his mouth. At least he used a napkin. “Lynda sent you food. She figured you’d be tired and wouldn’t want to cook. Her chicken and dumplings are amazing. The container’s in the fridge.”

  “That was so nice of her. I’m so tired I probably would have just thrown together a cold sandwich. A hot meal sounds great.” She opened the refrigerator and pulled the covered bowl out. After removing the foil, she placed it in the microwave and set the timer for two minutes, and when it beeped, she removed the food.

  She took a bite of the chicken smothered in gravy. The blended seasonings of garlic and thyme had her taste buds voicing their pleasure. She stifled a groan. The chicken was so tender, it melted in her mouth. Zach was right. Lynda’s chicken and dumplings were beyond amazing. Unable to resist, she ate the entire bowl.

  She leaned against her chair, replete. “Wow. Everything she makes tastes fantastic. That strudel she brought to church was the best I’ve ever tasted.”

  “Yeah, and she sent you a piece home for dessert.” Zach pushed his chair from the table and grabbed a small white pastry bag on the counter and placed it in front of her, then groaned. “I have loads of homework. I knew I’d regret not doing it Friday before I went to John’s.”

  She raised a brow. “Don’t know about you, but I try to avoid procrastination. It will always come back to haunt me.” She carried the bowl to the sink and rinsed it off before placing it in the dishwasher. “How long will your homework take? I’d hoped to watch some TV with you before going to bed.”