“So you had dreamt that he was leaving town.”
“Exactly.”
“Wilde, what I’m hearing is that you can remember something that happened when you were two years old. However, I distinctly remember you being adopted when you were three. Can you explain that to me?”
“I remember my grandma. She died; that’s why I was put in a foster home.”
“Okay, I see.”
Grace jotted that in his file.
“What else do you remember beside the red bike, hiding in the laundry basket, and banging on the piano with wooden spoons?” They both chuckled. Grace loved his funny stories.
“When I was in high school, I kept having dreams that my buddy’s girlfriend, Laura, was surrounded by fire. Then it happened.” He shivered. “The dreams started about two weeks before her house burnt down.”
“Was she in the house?” Grace thought of her client Becky. She, too, was in a house fire.
“They were all sleeping. Laura’s whole family died. After that happened, I would try and stay awake as long as I could, just so I wouldn’t have to dream. I started filling my head with lyrics.” Wilde scraped the callus on his palm.
“Ever get a song stuck in your head, Grace? It reminds me of the Gravitron ride at Magic Mountain.” His finger demonstrated a circular motion. “It keeps you from falling into an abyss.” He stretched his legs. “Basically,” he said, leaning back and clasping his hands behind his head, “I don’t sleep that well.”
“Have you ever taken any kind of medication to help you sleep?” Grace was curious.
“Drugs? Don’t want to pollute my body. My mom gives me this herbal tea to drink. It tastes like wet hay and smells nasty. It does help me relax. But again, I have no control over what I dream. Writing a different ending did appear to change the scenario, I think I told you that, but it’s this feeling. I can’t seem to shake it.”
“And you think you’re going to die?”
“Yes, I do.”
“And how is this going to happen?”
“I see myself looking up, dirt is coming at me. I feel like I’m in a grave.” He began to snicker. “Of course, I also saw money come down raining on me, and that came true. That was cool. I bought myself a new bass drum.” He scrunched his nose and giggled like a little boy.
Grace smiled and waited until his laughter stopped before interjecting.
“It’s almost time to quit, Wilde. I would like to ask, do you feel that you’re depressed? I know that we have discussed this before, but I am asking again. I’m concerned.”
“I’m not going to kill myself…at least not deliberately! No, it’s not like that. I have no control over fate.”
Fate? Grace heard gun shots firing in her head. She blinked away images of Candy slumped against the steering wheel of her car and a short little man, his arms cuffed behind his back. Candy– Gone. Garret– Gone. Fate.
***
“What’s wrong?” Sal asked.
“Nothing.” Grace lied. She placed Wilde’s file in front of Sal, humming the Cats theme song. “I’m excited about our double date. Tell me more about this dentist I will not be sleeping with.”
“I’d sleep with him if John would let me,” Sal declared. “He’s darling. Wait ‘til ya see him. You’re gonna change that little mind of yours.”
“Oh, I see! Now my mind is little?”
“When it comes to men, it’s itty-bitty.” Sal demonstrated inch by inch with her fingers.
“How can you say that? I turned thirty-one with Jess. I almost got killed with Garret. I got drunk with Paul. I think I’m on a roll!” Sal burst out laughing. Grace did an about face and walked away before Sal could see her rise wasn’t genuine.
Grace closed the door and laid her head on her desk. She wanted to cry. A soft knock interrupted a potential meltdown.
Sal poked her head in the door. “Ya need this?” She handed Grace a tissue and sat down. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me. I know things have been rough for you because of Garret and all.”
“Don’t be sorry. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have you to push me in the pudding every now and then. I’m trying.”
“I know you are.” Sal patted Grace’s shoulder. “Can we talk about me now?”
“Sure.”
“Do you think I’m worth a lobster dinner tonight?” Sal asked.
Grace moved to her red chair. She sat tall, cleared her throat and replied, “Do you think you’re worth a lobster dinner tonight?”
“Hell yeah. Thanks!” Sal got up and walked out. “Put it on my bill,” she called out behind her.
CHAPTER 9
THE DENTIST
A t four-thirty, Grace showered and began getting ready for her blind date. She bunched her hair at the crown of her head and inserted a rhinestone comb. Stray ringlets coiled in front of her earlobes and down around the nape of her neck. She slipped her new black dress over her hips and began to zip the side. When she checked her reflection in the full-length mirror behind the bathroom door, she saw something move.
She spun around.
There was nothing behind her.
She swore she saw something. When she moved closer to study her reflection, she noticed the window over her tub was open.
“Sneaky!” she yelled, trembling.
The dog barked and came barreling up the stairs, wagging her tail. When she saw Grace, the dog looked at her perplexed.
Grace relaxed. If there were something to fear, Sneaky would’ve sensed it.
“That’s weird.” Grace closed the window. “Must’ve left it open this morning.” She didn’t remember. Geez, was I that drunk?
Sneaky whined in commiseration, her tongue reached to lick Grace’s hand but refrained. It was against Grace’s rules to lick. Grace could tell the dog was struggling with how to get close to her. Ever let anyone get close to you, Grace? Dr. Meltz’s question troubled her mind.
She sank to her knees and hugged her dog long and hard. When she stood, she realized too late that she was covered in dog hair.
She searched for a lint brush. The one she found added even more lint to her dress. The sticky had been used too many times to be effective. Not good. She removed her dress and rummaged through her closet. She chose a skirt that she hadn’t worn in years. It wasn’t as sophisticated as the black dress, but it would have to do. At this point, she had little time to obsess. She was due at Sal’s in ten minutes.
She reviewed her choice in the mirror. Hopefully, the lime satin Godet skirt hugging her curves wouldn’t send the wrong signal to her blind date. She covered her crème camisole with a delicate crocheted cardigan. The Y necklace she chose looked better with the black dress, and this outfit definitely needed higher heels. Too bad, short guy. The black dress and flat shoes didn’t work out, so check your ego at the door. It was all about me, my dog, and a good hug. She slid into a pair of three-inch pumps.
She started to walk out the door but returned to the bathroom window. She reached across the tub and rechecked the lock.
Just in case.
***
“You’re late!” Sal hissed.
“Sorry, wardrobe problems.”
“What? Did the dog eat your dress?”
“Actually, something like that,” she said, pushing past Sal to greet John and her date.
“Grace, this is Warren,” John said. “Best veneer guy you’ll ever meet.” Grace smiled politely and shook Warren’s hand.
“C’mere Buns. Show Grace your teeth,” John boasted.
Buns happily obliged.
“Hi, Auntie Grace!” Buns said, beaming. Sal’s sister lived in Chevy Chase, Maryland, but Grace had always been a surrogate aunt to the boys.
“Lookin’ good, kiddo,” Grace lifted the boy’s chin. “I think you’re getting taller, too.” Grace hadn’t seen John or the boys since the older sons left for college. Grace strode across the room and hugged the twins one by one.
“All right guys it’s ti
me to go. Give Mom a kiss,” John said. “The information is on the fridge, I have my cell.” He checked his pocket. “Call if the party gets out of hand. And remember, you treat those girls with respect!”
“John!” Sal slapped him affectionately. She grabbed the twins around the waist and kissed each one on the cheek. “Nobody in the house when we’re gone. Them’s the rules!” She tousled their hair. “And you mister—” She went eye to eye with Buns: “You get that bedroom cleaned before we get home. You’ll feel so much better when it’s done. And don’t forget to change your sheets. I could plant tomatoes in there!” Buns sniffed his armpits.
“At least I don’t stink, Mom.”
“I know, you’re my little flower.” Sal kissed his cheek and messed his hair, her eyes sparkling.
There is so much love in this house. Grace wondered if she would ever have a family like Sal’s. A wave of nostalgia hit her hard. Garret. Her heart sank.
When Warren opened the door for Grace, she realized Sal wasn’t lying; he was extremely handsome but way too short. Grace felt like an Amazon.
John and Sal got into the back seat of the dentist’s luxurious Cadillac. Grace was grateful she didn’t have to sit close to Warren.
It’s going to be an interesting evening, she thought.
Sal and John carried the conversation all the way to the theater. When they arrived, Warren barely had the car in park before he scrambled to the passenger door to let Grace out. Before she reached her full standing height, he gazed into her eyes.
“Madame,” he said.
Grace stood up, towering over his head.
“Thanks, Warren. I’m looking forward to the play. And you?”
“I’ve seen Cats three times,” he said. Sal didn’t mention the lisp!
“Wonderful, you can sing along,” Grace said snidely. She was out of her comfort zone with this man already, and they hadn’t even reached the concession stand.
The two couples were escorted to their forth-row seats. Sal gushed with excitement over being able to see the costumes in detail. She pointed to the ornate ceiling and the rigging above the stage. Sal’s excitement became infectious, and John acted like a big kid. His large frame next to Sal’s made them all seem mismatched. John, being the sensitive guy that he was, switched places with his wife, so Warren wouldn’t look dwarfed between them.
When the house lights went down, Sal gave Grace’s arm a pinch. She rolled her eyes in Warren’s direction and wiggled her eyebrows. Her way of asking what Grace thought of him. Grace pretended not to understand. Sal gave up when the music began.
When Jellylorum walked on stage, the audience applauded. Warren whistled in Grace’s ear. She gave him a look. His enthusiasm waned.
Grace, you’re acting like a bitch, she chastised herself. He’s short! That’s not a crime. He’s probably a sweetheart once you get to know him! She missed the first stanza of the opening song. Fat chance he’ll get to know me. She wanted to flee. Can’t. Sal was her best friend. Warren was John’s friend. She sighed loudly and turned her attention to the stage.
As the show progressed, Grace became involved with the storyline. She liked Deuteronomy, the cat that lived nine lives and buried nine wives. Her eyes misted over as Grizabella, the glamor cat, sang Memories. Grace could relate to the cat’s sadness. Warren sensed her mood and patted her hand. When she looked up at him, he, too, had a tear in his eye. Great, she thought.
Grace didn’t want to be miserable. She reached over and pinched Sal’s arm. Sal slapped her hand, her eyes still forward. Grace chuckled to herself. John caught on to the mischief and bumped Sal’s shoulder. Warren was left out.
During the intermission, Sal and Grace visited the ladies room.
“So, what do you think? Isn’t he cute?”
“Sal, he’s not my type.”
“What’s a type? He’s darling. Wait until you get to know him.” Sal was glowing. “He doesn’t live that far from you, ya know. You could take walks, hang out.”
“What did you tell him about me?”
“I told him I had a friend who lives nearby. I showed him a picture of you. He thinks you’re a goddess.”
“Sorry to burst your bubble, but he is not the one.” Grace put her arm around her best friend’s shoulder, “Nice try.”
“Could you at least humor me through dinner? I’m craving lobster. I don’t want to have to take you home because you can’t behave.”
“Yes, Mom.” Grace tossed her paper towel into the trash. She pulled open the door knowing Sal was weaker than she let on. “He is very cute,” Grace said, wanting to please. “You were right about that.” Sal smiled with satisfaction. Grace felt better.
After the play, the foursome jabbered about the performance as they walked to Sophia’s Restaurant. Warren had become less annoying to Grace by this time, and everyone was jovial. When they arrived at the restaurant and John opened the door for the ladies, the last person Grace expected to bump into was Jess. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “I—”
“Grace! What a pleasant surprise,” he said, sarcastically.
“I’m with friends,” Grace tried to explain. “We’ve just come from the theater.” Grace grabbed Sal’s arm. John and Warren stood nearby.
“Hi, Sal,” Jess said. “John,” he added, extending his hand. He and John had shaken before he turned to Warren. “I’m sorry. We haven’t met.” After an introduction, Jess took the hand of the tall redhead who was waiting patiently by his side and presented her like a trophy. “This is Harlow Banks, the finest female lawyer in the state.”
The redhead ran her fingers up Jess’s lapel, resting her hand it on his shoulder.
Sal interjected, “John, honey, would you please get our table? Excuse us, Jess, I’m famished. Low blood sugar.” She fanned her face. “It was nice seeing you.” Sal led the men into the restaurant, leaving Grace alone.
In a tone that could have frozen Arizona, Grace said, “Very nice to meet you, Ms. Banks. Jess, nice to see you.”
“Enjoy your dinner…with your…eh, friends.” Jess’s eyes were sharp, piercing. The redhead clutched Jess’s arm, giving Grace the once over before she and Jess exited the restaurant.
“Wow, small world,” Sal said.
“We picked a good place to dine. Jess Bartell only eats at five star restaurants,” Grace replied.
“When did lawyers start looking like movie stars?” Warren asked.
“He’s a friend,” Grace offered.
“No, I meant the redhead,” he replied.
Sal gave Grace a kick under the table.
“I thought she looked rather trashy,” Sal said to Warren.
“Yeah, I know,” Warren grinned.
Sal exchanged looks with John. Warren’s comment didn’t sit well with either one. “Shall we order?” Sal asked coolly.
Conversation lagged. The encounter with Jess and Warren’s comment dampened everyone’s spirits until the food arrived. The meals were placed in front of each of them as if they were royalty. Sal was so enthused about her lobster; she giggled and clapped her hands. John delighted in his wife’s happiness. Grace reminded herself that she owed it to Sal to behave and lightened up.
Warren attempted to educate them on the effects enzymes have on tooth enamel, but John kept cracking jokes. Before long, they were all laughing and enjoying the evening. Coffee and dessert were pleasant. One thing was for certain, as much as Warren detested tooth decay, he loved sweets. Grace fought temptation not to stab his hand after he practically inhaled his crème brulee and began sampling her cheesecake by the forkful.
When the foursome arrived back at Sal and John’s, Warren opened the car door for Grace. His eyes slid up and down her legs as he helped her out of the car. She took his hand to be polite, but when she noticed he was licking his lips, she pulled away. “Sal, John, Warren, I had a lovely evening, but I must be going.”
“Me too,” said Warren.
“Good! Get out of here then,” John said, grabbing Sal around h
er middle. “I have room for more dessert!”
Sal giggled. John gathered her in his arms and carried her to the front door. Sal squealed with laughter.
“Goodnight, Warren. Thank you for dinner,” Grace said.
“When would you like me to call you?” Warren asked.
“Never,” she replied.
Grace didn’t give Warren a chance to retaliate. She walked swiftly to her car.
“Bitch,” Warren called out.
Grace started her motor. She fastened her seatbelt and checked her rearview mirror. She could see Warren in his car, pounding his fists on his steering wheel. It looked like he was mouthing, “Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!” Grace pressed the button for the door-lock and pulled away.
***
Jess left three messages on Grace’s phone after leaving Sophia’s Restaurant. Grace listened while she poured kibble in Sneaky’s bowl and fed her fish.
“Hey, Grace. It’s me. That was awkward, running into you like that. Call me.”
“Me again, Grace. That, um, Harlow, she isn’t my girlfriend or anything like that. Just wanted to tell you that. I’ll wait for your call.”
“Grace? Call me, dammit. Please, I need to talk to you about tonight.”
She hit the erase button and headed upstairs for bed.
***
Grace’s silhouette appeared in the bathroom window. The window was closed. She didn’t hear the twigs snap or the heavy breathing coming from the bushes in her back yard. The heavy breathing stopped. More twigs snapped.
Footsteps disappeared into the night.
CHAPTER 10
THE GREY DOOR
K eys clanked on the counter. The room was silent except for the refrigerator motor that had begun to hum. Jess listened. The scratching sounds were soft at first, then louder and harder. He smiled to himself, hearing the soft cries. He opened the bedroom door.
“There you are, pretty kitty.”
The cat stepped over the blonde hair cascading over the blood-streaked face.
The Grey Door Page 10