Enduring Act (The Survivor's duet Book 2)

by Heather D'Agostino

  “She’s still married,” I growled.

  “Not for long. She filed the papers two weeks ago.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

  My eyes swung to his, “and you know this how?”

  “She told me.” He shrugged. “Probably would have told you too if you stuck around one of those times you’ve seen us.”

  I sighed. Cal was right. Every time I’ve seen them around town, I’ve rushed away in the other direction. Brooke had a horrible experience and I feel like I should leave her alone if she wants my brother. “I guess we can grab a beer later, but I have to get back to work.” I pointed at the door of the room I was waiting to enter.

  “I’ll meet you at Bottom’s Up around seven. Does that work?” Cal started to back up.

  “Sure.” I waved to him before entering the room. I really needed to finish my rounds if I wanted to have a chance of getting out of here on time.

  ooooooooo

  “Dr. Blake?” I’d just seen my last patient for the day and of course Donna picks now to tell me whatever’s been going on.

  “Yes.” I sighed as I leaned against the nurse’s station. I needed to look annoyed, but I was actually a little amused.

  “You know, Thanksgiving is coming up in a week.” Donna smiled but I could tell there was more here.

  “Un huh.” I nodded.

  “Well, we always cook a big meal at the house and we never eat it all. I was wondering if you were off that day.” She grinned even bigger.

  “I actually am.” I shifted on my feet. We rotate holidays here, and it was my year to have this one off.

  “I was thinking maybe you could join us. I’m sure Brooke would be pleased.” She leaned over on the counter as if she was sharing something with a girlfriend.

  “Why do you say that?” I mused. It seemed like Donna was trying to play matchmaker, but I didn’t think she’d be that obvious or devious.

  “I have my ways.” She tipped her head. “So, what’d ya say. Lunch? Around two?”

  “I will do my best.” I laughed. “Now you just need to keep something bad from happening and calling me in here,” I joked as I handed off the last of the patient files, and turned to leave.

  “Where you off to tonight?” Donna called out.

  “Drinks with my brother.” I waved without turning around.

  “Invite him for Thanksgiving too. The more the merrier,” she yelled, causing my shoulders to slump. Why oh why did my brother have to be included in this too?

  ooooooooo

  Brooke

  It’s been pretty quiet the last few weeks. I’ve only left the house a handful of times. Ava’s had doctor’s appointments, and then sometimes I just enjoy getting out for a walk. I’ve run into Cal a few times, but all we’ve talked about is how my case is proceeding. Warren’s been served all the papers, and now it’s just a waiting game.

  Thanksgiving is coming up, and Donna says it’s a big deal here at the house. All the women cook and eat together. She says it’s a step forward celebrating a holiday about family. Most of us have come from a broken family/relationship. It helps to be around people who understand, but always ones who will help build new memories.

  Donna told me she had a special guest coming to lunch. I have no idea who she means, but all I can think about is that Roni is supposed to come by tonight with news. She called this morning, and said she needed to talk to me, but wanted to do it in person.

  I’ve been pacing the office for the last hour since I hung up the phone. I have no idea what could be so big that I need to see her in person, but it has me chewing my nails and wearing the carpet thin.

  “You ok?” Donna rounded the corner. She’s been working the early shift this week.

  “Sure. I guess. Not really.” I shrugged as I paced some more.

  “Why don’t you sit?” Donna pointed to my chair.

  “I don’t think that will make it better.” I sighed. “Time needs to speed up, at least for this afternoon,” I muttered.

  “Don’t wish time away. That little girl will grow up fast enough,” Donna lamented.

  “I know. I just need to know what Roni has to tell me.” I flung my arms out in exasperation.

  “Why don’t you come help me with dinner. It’ll make the time pass faster, and give you something to do.” Donna smiled as she left the office.

  ooooooooo

  Dinner was consumed rather quickly tonight. We had burgers, a house favorite. Most of the women had gone to their rooms after eating, but I was watching out the front window. It was strange; I used to do this when I lived with Warren, and now I found myself doing it here.

  Headlights shown through the curtains just as I was getting ready to give up. I assumed that Roni had something come up, and needed to reschedule. I watched out the window, and she climbed out of her car. She trotted up the steps, but before she could knock, I swung the door open.

  “You’re fast. I almost knocked on your face.” Roni smiled.

  “Come in.” I moved out of the way. I was trying not to sound too eager, but I was dying to know what the news was.

  “He signed away his rights.” She thrust a folder in my direction. “Ava is yours, and he can’t take her away.”

  “Are you serious?” I clasped my hand over my mouth as I sat down on the couch. “But the assistance? He contested it? He said she was his dependent?” I was so confused.

  “I don’t know. These were delivered today by courier. Signed and sealed. He doesn’t want rights to her. You can get your assistance now, and he can’t stop it.” I was so overcome, I flung myself into her arms. “See why I didn’t want to tell you this over the phone?” She laughed lightly.

  “Yes!” I nodded vigorously. “What about the divorce?”

  “That’s going to take a little while. He’s refusing to sign at the moment,” she grumbled.

  “What? Why?” my forehead crinkled in confusion.

  “No idea. Some of these men are complete assholes. They fight until they either run out of time, or money. Fortunately, your time apart counts toward separation.”

  “Warren has plenty of money,” I murmured. “What now?”

  “I’m going to call his attorney in the morning and see why he’s refusing. It could be that he just wants something you have.” She shrugged.

  “Like what? My clothes? I don’t have anything!” I raised my voice in frustration.

  “I get it, I do. I’ll see why he’s holding out and let you know. We may not get an answer though, so don’t hold your breath,” she warned.

  “Ok.” I punched the cushion beside me. Warren was doing this to be a douche. He didn’t want to be married to me. This was his last form of control. He knew that as long as he didn’t give in, I wouldn’t get what I wanted.

  “Try to look at the positive, Brooke. You’ve got full custody of your daughter. He gave her to you with no strings. He can’t take her away, and if you find someone later on down the road, she’ll be able to be adopted.” Roni put her arm around my shoulder and hugged me.

  “You’re right.” I nodded. “I need to stay positive. He’s done enough. This won’t last. If I don’t give in, he’ll get tired of it and let it go too.”

  “Yes. Think like that. These things take time, and I’m going to get it moving as fast as I can, but that still may be slower than you want.” She started to stand as Donna walked in.

  “Everything ok in here?” Donna leaned against the doorway.

  “As good as they can be, I guess. He gave up his rights to Ava.” I smiled.

  “That’s great. I mean, not really, great, but this way you don’t have to fight that.” She offered a sad smile. “No child should have to grow up with only one parent, but it can be done.”

  “I’m pretty sure she’d only have one parent even if he was involved. Warren’s too selfish to be a dad,” I grumbled. “He was a sperm donor at most.”

  Both Donna and Roni laughed. “You’re right. I didn’t want to be the one to say it, bu
t you’re right.” Roni laughed harder.

  “Are you doing anything for the holiday?” Donna smiled.

  “Probably working. There’s an opening for partner in the firm. There are three of us who want it.” She sighed.

  “You should come over if you can.” I shifted on my feet. “Donna says it’s going to be a real feast.”

  “I’m sure it will be. You haven’t had one of Donna’s famous Thanksgiving lunches.” Roni grinned. “I’ve gotta head out, but I’ll keep you posted on the dirtbag. Try and stay positive.”

  “I will. Thanks.” I held my hand out for Roni to shake, but instead she wrapped me in a hug.

  “You’re doing it, Brooke. You’re surviving. Pretty soon it’ll be more than that… you’ll be living.” Roni whispered the words before releasing me.

  I mashed my lips together to keep from crying. She was right. I was surviving. I was spending every day convincing myself that I could do this. I could raise my daughter on my own. I could live without Warren breathing down my neck. I could be me. I was stronger than I knew. I could endure the storm to dance in the rainbow.

  Chapter 11

  Brooke

  “Brooke?” I could hear Amy whisper shouting down the hallway.

  “What?” I stuck my head out the door just in time for her to barge in, pushing me back in the process. “Is something wrong?” My forehead wrinkled as I watched her. I’d been getting Ava dressed, and Amy was now plastered to my door as if she was trying to keep someone out.

  “Wrong? I don’t know. I mean, I do know, but it’s not the wrong you think it is. Am I making sense?” Her head tipped to the side as her lips pursed in concentration. “It doesn’t seem like I am.”

  “No, you’re not.” I laughed lightly. “Should I be worried?”

  “I don’t think so.” She shook her head slightly as she left her spot by the door and came over to the bed. “You have a visitor.” She grinned. “A male visitor.”

  My back straightened as I thought about the possibility of one of Warren’s friends coming to deliver a message for him. It would be just like him to do that. I quickly finished snapping up Ava’s onesie and tucked her close to my chest.

  “I can watch her for you, if you want.” Amy reached for Ava.

  “Ok,” I slowly released my daughter. Everyone has been great about helping out, but it’s hard. I love her so much, and I want to be with her all the time.

  Amy sat down on the bed and began talking to Ava as I slowly opened my door. I inched down the hallway like a small child would, trying to peer into the living room without being seen. I heard laughter as I grew closer, and my anxiety eased. “I don’t know what’s taking so long. Amy might have gotten sidetracked. Let me go look,” Donna’s voice sounded.

  She rounded the corner and almost bumped into me. “Oh, there you are. You have a guest.” She motioned to the living room and then scooted around me.

  I hadn’t heard anyone else so I was more confused than ever, but sped up hoping to solve this mystery. When I crossed the threshold, there he was sitting on the couch. He stood and held out his hand. “I’m sorry for not calling you first, but I realized today that I don’t have a number for you.”

  “Oh.” I shook his hand. “Did you need something, Blake?” When I pulled my hand back, I wrapped my arms around my middle. I suddenly felt exposed and was really lost on why he’d be here.

  “No.” He ran his hands through his hair as if he was frustrated or something. I knew the signs. I’d seen them with Warren. “I’m messing this up. I’m sorry.” He tugged at the sides before standing up and stepping closer. “My shift ended, and I wasn’t ready to go home yet. I thought you might like to join me for a cup of coffee.”

  I could feel the shock that must have been all over my face. “Coffee? Um, we have coffee here, and I have Ava to take care of. I just… I don’t know,” I stammered.

  “That’s ok.” His head dropped in defeat. “It was just an idea. Maybe another time.” He turned to leave, but Donna came scurrying into the room.

  “I’ll watch Ava for you. You should go,” she urged and gave me a look that said I better listen.

  “Are you sure?” My voice shook.

  “’Course I’m sure.” She pointed to my coat. “Bundle up. It’s cold out.”

  I glanced between Blake and Donna. “If you’re sure it’s ok.”

  “It’s fine,” Donna insisted. She moved closer and whispered in my ear. “It’s just coffee. It’s a good place to start. Trust your instincts. Think about what we’ve discussed in group.”

  “Right.” I nodded. She was right. It was JUST coffee. I reached for my coat on the hook by the door, but Blake was faster. He held it out for me to slip into, and then opened the door and held it for me. I stood there stiff for a moment as it all sank in. I’d never had someone so chivalrous before. Warren usually just plowed ahead and left me to fend for myself.

  It took a minute to move, and Blake looked perplexed as he watched me. “I won’t keep her out late.” He smiled at Donna, and then closed the door behind us. We walked down the steps and turned right on the sidewalk. The sun was setting, and the sky was a beautiful shade of purple. Winter was coming fast, and the air had a bite to it. I pulled my coat tighter as I shivered against the breeze.

  “I’m sorry for just showing up like that.” Blake smiled softly as he glanced over at me. “I know I probably caught you by surprise, but I thought you might need a friend.” He shrugged.

  “A friend?” I glanced up at him and then back at my feet.

  “Yeah. I mean, I know you have all the girls, but some things you need a guy’s perspective on, ya know?” He laughed lightly. “I know you’re not ready for more, Brooke.” His voice trailed off as we approached a crosswalk. It was as if he could read my mind. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t sure I ever would be.

  “Thanks.” I offered a sad smile. “For understanding. I think something might be wrong with me.”

  “Wrong? Like what?” He reached for my hand as the light turned green and we stepped out on to the street to cross.

  “I didn’t see the signs. I thought he was a good guy. I was so wrong.” I sighed.

  “Guys like him are good at hiding it. At first, they don’t think there’s anything wrong with them, and when they figure out there is, they learn to hide it. I promise you that there is nothing wrong with you. He taught you to hide it too. He used that fear you had to force you into submission.”

  “Donna told us in group that we have to learn to take chances. I just don’t know if I’ll ever be ready for that. I know that I’m not ready now,” I lamented. We’d reached the coffee shop at this point, and Blake held the door open as we stepped into the warmth. This was the same place where I’d run into Cal when I’d seen Warren outside. That was the last time I’d seen him, but I’d be a fool to think that it wouldn’t happen again.

  As we made our way to the counter, Blake stepped behind me. “I understand, Brooke. I do. I don’t want to push you into anything you’re not ready for. I just want to be your friend.”

  My shoulders relaxed as a calm feeling began to settle over me. It was something about Blake that did this. He didn’t have to do or say anything. When we were near each other, I just felt safe. It was an odd feeling for me, and something I couldn’t explain. As the line moved up, we stood there not speaking. By the time we reached the counter, I knew what I wanted.

  “Caramel swirl with cream.” I glanced back at Blake.

  “House blend, black.” He smiled.

  “Eight seventy-five.” The barista pulled two cups out and marked our order on the side. Blake paid, and then we moved to the end of the counter to wait.

  “How do you drink black coffee?” I made a yuck face.

  “I could ask you the same thing about the sweet stuff.” His face twisted and I couldn’t help but laugh. It was simple, but that’s what I needed it to be. I needed the small things to work before the big ones ever could. Things like coffee and
conversation were a big step for me. I wanted to believe that this could go somewhere, but I wasn’t ready for that. The fact that Blake understood this made it so much easier.

  “Wanna grab a seat over there?” He motioned to some small tables in the back corner.

  “Sure.” I turned and let him lead us. When we reached the table closest to the corner, Blake pulled out a chair for me. “Thank you.” I set my coffee on the table and waited for him to sit across from me.

  He scanned the coffee shop before sitting, and shrugged out of his coat. Other than when he helped me move, I’d never seen Blake not in doctor gear. Now, it was different. He sat there in a burgundy sweater with a light blue shirt peeking out of the collar. The sleeves were rolled slightly, and he was wearing navy pants. His sandy hair was tousled from his hands running through it. If I wasn’t so messed up, I might have a hard time staying away from him. His blue eyes sparkled when he smiled; as he sat there just watching me, I could tell that this friendship was going to be an important one.

  ooooooooo

  Blake

  I couldn’t help but stare at her. She was beautiful. It’s that kind of beauty that’s natural. Brooke could wear a paper bag dress with no makeup and her hair a mess and she’d still be beautiful. I’d seen her at her worst. Now she was slowly becoming the woman who she was always meant to be, and every time I saw her, I wished for just five minutes in a room with her husband.

  “How’s Ava been doing since you brought her home?” I knew talking about Ava was a safe topic. It was something that she didn’t clam up about.

  She smiled and glanced up from where she’d been staring at her cup. “She’s been doing great. She’s sleeping more, and eating like crazy. It’s hard for me to leave her to do anything. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I have to send her to daycare.”

  “That’s great. Don’t rush things. Enjoy your time now. You’ve got plenty of it. Donna loves having you as an office manager. She talks about it all the time at the hospital.” I laughed lightly as I remembered Donna going on and on the other day about what a lifesaver Brooke has been. She told a story about how she couldn’t find a bill that needed to be paid, only to find out that Brooke had already mailed it.