Matters of the Heart

by Helen Colella

  “And what time was that, Mr. Dalton?” Officer Morrow interrupted.

  “Shortly after midnight. Why?”

  Neither answered.

  “Go on,” one of them said.

  He continued with his story. “I remember thinking the car was approaching faster than it should be going for that road and that time of night when visibility could be questioned.”

  “I gather you were wearing a seatbelt?”

  He nodded. “I think that and the airbags are what saved me from serious injury. I remember pulling as far to the right as possible. Next thing I knew, something hit me with such a force, it pushed the truck down the embankment. The truck rolled a few times. When everything settled, I check myself out, grabbed my cell phone and a flashlight, then squeezed out of the driver’s window. I climbed up the hill to see what happened, found the dead deer, the wrecked car, and called for help. Next thing I know, I’m waking up here—” He swept his hand around the room, “—staring at my sister and her husband.”

  “Mr. Dalton, you mentioned you were on your way home after work. What do you do for a living?”

  “I own and operate Star Restaurant Supplies.”

  “Are you accustomed to working this late every night?”

  “Not really. Maybe twice a month when I stay to tally my sales and enter them into the computer.” He cleared his throat. “IRS expects well-kept records, know what I mean?”

  The officers nodded.

  “Did you go right home after work, or did you stop and have something to eat or drink last night?” one asked.

  “No stopping anywhere. I put in a long day, dog-tired. As for a drink, if you mean alcohol, I rarely touch the stuff.” He raised his right hand as if taking a vow. “Holidays, celebrations, or when I’m out to dinner. Nothing beyond that.”

  “Well, Mr. Dalton, that’s all the questions we have for you. Your story seems to confirm our preliminary investigation.” Officer Tyler closed his notebook.

  “Officer,” Nick began. “How old was the girl, and what was she doing out at that hour?”

  “Seventeen. Looks like a runaway. Constant family disputes. Maybe some violence involved.” Officer Morrow extended his hand. “Appreciate your cooperation. You can pick up a copy of our report for your insurance company in a day or two. You’re going to need it.”

  “My truck?” Even though he knew the answer by the look on their faces, he asked, “Totaled?”

  Both officers nodded, confirming his suspicions, then turned to leave.

  He followed, stood watching them meander down the hallway, and then leaned against the doorjamb frame mulling over the young girl’s death. So sad. The family must be devastated. How lucky am I to have walked away with only a few scratches and some aches and pains that would heal in no time? A deep sigh of relief followed.

  After a few minutes, the ding of the elevator interrupted his thoughts. He glanced up, hoping to be greeted by his family. Instead, he caught sight of a young woman coming down the hall carrying a small bouquet of daisies. It was her!

  Awe-struck, he stepped back into his room, out of sight. The girl of his dreams headed in his direction, and he was acting like a lovesick teenager spying on his heart’s desire. “Stop playing cat and mouse, Nick. Get it together, turn on the old charm, and let the cards fall as they may.” He straightened his pajama top, rubbed his palms together to calm his nerves, and took that larger-than-life step out into the hall.

  As he made his grand entrance into the hall, he heard, “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Room 440. How are you this morning?”

  His temperature rose, dousing him in heat. His knees grew weak. He struggled to find his words. “It’s now or never,” he told himself. Better take advantage of this encounter or risk never seeing her again. How could she resist? He laughed to himself, knowing how bleak his love life had been for the past year or so. He had such bad luck with women. Seemed none of those he’d dated had ever been able to hold his interest for very long. But this one, he had a feeling was different. She definitely caught his interest and aroused his curiosity, to say the least. And man, did she look good.

  “I’m just fine now that you’re here.” He reached out, pretending to accept the flowers, then joked, “For me?”

  Her smile conveyed warmth.

  “Happy to see you up and about.” She plucked one of the daisies from her bouquet and handed it him. “I’m afraid this will have to do. The rest are for my grandfather.”

  “Thank you, Peter’s granddaughter.”

  She was lovelier than he remembered from the night before. He couldn’t let her get away without knowing something about her—preferably her phone number, and plans for a date.

  “You know my grandfather?”

  “No, I’m sorry to say I don’t.” Keep it together, Nick. “I just happened to hear the nurse call him by name earlier when I went to visit him.”

  A perplexed expression covered her face. “Why would you visit him if you don’t know him?”

  Caught. He shifted his stance to gain a few seconds to come up with an answer. I should just fess up and tell her the truth.

  Pointing to herself, she asked, “Moi?”

  He couldn’t help notice the soft pink coloring on her cheeks. She was pleased.

  “Y-yes,” he stammered. “Your sudden appearance last night and me falling asleep before I got to ask you who you were left me quite unsettled. I couldn’t decide if you were real or just a dream. So this morning, I took it upon myself to find out.”

  “Now it’s my turn to say thank you. And I’m flattered.”

  “Let’s just see how flattered you are. Game?”

  Amused with his tenacity, she nodded. “Just what do you have in mind?”

  “How about you give me your phone number, and we see what develops from there?”

  “You don’t waste any time, do you?”

  He caught the slight movement in the corners of her mouth. She was fighting back a smile. I do believe the lovely lady is interested.

  “I don’t like to mince words and play games. When something or someone has caught my attention, I try to act immediately. And frankly, you intrigue me.”

  She frowned.

  “I don’t know your name or anything about you.” She made a move to walk away. “Why should I give you my phone number?”

  Before he could respond, he spotted his sister and brother-in-law walk off the elevator, both visibly upset. “Here comes my family. It looks as if something’s horribly wrong.”

  This girl couldn’t get away. Think fast, Nick.

  “Okay, here goes….” He inhaled, took that first step, and continued, “My name is Nick Dalton. I work in Denver and live in Evergreen. I’ve been in an automobile accident. I have to get a new truck. I’m single. I have a four-year-old chocolate lab named Maxine.” He rattled off his personal history as quickly as he could, all without taking a breath. Then added with a sheepish smile, “And I’m really a nice guy.” He paused. “How’s that for a starter?”

  “Wow,” she said. “That sure was a mouthful.”

  Nick felt the chemistry between them. His first impulse was to tell her he was the man of her dreams, but it wasn’t the right time or place. Though someday, I will tell you. someday soon, Bank Girl. Someday soon.

  Nick grinned. “Now why don’t you give me a brief bio before I have to deal with this?” He pointed to his family. “Then we’ll be well on our way to a new and wonderful relationship.”

  “Nick,” Jeff called out. “We have to talk.”

  “Oh, Nick….” Monica broke down in sobs and leaned into Jeff for support.

  “What’s happened?”

  The couple exchanged a glance.

  “Wait one second.” He turned back to Amanda, reached into the pocket of the pajamas, and pulled out his wallet. “I’m sorry we can’t continue our conversation, but this seems to be urgent. My sister isn’t a crier, but from the look of her, she’s on the verge of collapse.”

&nbs
p; He rummaged through his billfold until he’d found his business card. He then handed it to her. “Call me when you get a chance.”

  “I’m supposed to believe a total stranger who says he’s a nice guy yet expects me to call him? Really?”

  His heart sank. Her remark sure indicated a possible aversion toward him. He took a deep breath and added, “I’m not being a wise guy, honest. It’s just that I don’t know your name or anything about you, and….” He paused and again pointed to his family. “What’s going on here is definitely something I have to take care of right away. But in the meantime, think about it. If you decide you want to follow up, and I hope you do, please give me a call.”

  Without examining the card, she stuck it in her purse. “Okay, Mr. Nice Guy, I’ll think about it.” Then, before she sauntered down the corridor, she said, “My name is Amanda Conifer. I live in both Denver and Crestview. Currently work for my grandfather. No pets, but I love dogs. I’m single and unattached. I like to think I’m the kind of girl you’d bring home to meet your parents.” She smiled. “Or maybe your sister and family.”

  “Thanks, Amanda Conifer,” he called out after her, his heart bursting with pleasure. “I wish I had more time, but I’ve got to deal with this.” Nick backed up toward his family. “Think about it?”

  She waved without turning around to look at him. “We’ll see,” she added.

  “Good luck with your grandfather. I hope he recovers quickly.”

  After he’d congratulated himself for a job well done, he spun around to join Monica and Jeff. His euphoria instantly disappeared. Their grave expressions indicated trouble of major proportion. He braced himself for the bad news.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Amused and amazed by his candor, Amanda’s thoughts whirled with wonder. Seemed there was such a thing as divine intervention. Weak-kneed, slightly feverish, and struggling to breathe, she stopped outside the door of her grandfather’s room and braced herself against the wall. Inhale. Exhale.

  Over and over, she instructed herself, trying to undo her confusion. She couldn’t believe someone could have such an impact on her, especially since she’d just met him. His refreshing approach had rekindled her belief that nice guys do exist in the world of business sharks, pseudo intellects and social snobs. And his no-nonsense approach of telling people what’s on his mind certainly worked for her. She liked everything about him. I think I’ll take the chance and follow up. Besides, what were the odds of him being another Michael Tremont?

  She took a deep breath, shut her eyes for a brief moment, and thought maybe Poppy’s once-forever moment did exist.

  “I’ll deal with you later, Nick Dalton. Right now, my grandfather comes first.”

  She pushed open the door and smiled. To her relief, her grandfather was sitting up, talking on the phone. Although he still appeared pale and weak, the doctor’s prognosis seemed to be right on target, and the healing had begun.

  Poppy waved her in and patted the side of the bed.

  “Thanks for calling.” He hung up the phone, smiled, and extended his arms, offering a hug. “Here she is, my favorite granddaughter.”

  “I’m your only granddaughter.”

  “And the only one I’d ever want.”

  Waving her small bouquet of daisies, she greeted him with a hug and a kiss. “I hope you feel as good as you look.”

  “I’m doing okay. But since I can’t see what I look like, I guess I’ll just take that as a compliment.”

  “Of course you will. That’s just what it was.” She found an empty cup by the sink and filled it with water, stuck the flowers in, and set it on his nightstand.

  “Looks like this will have to do, okay?”

  “Perfect. Thank you.”

  These were her grandparent’s favorite flowers. She never tired of the many times he reminisced about how he’d grown them for her grandmother’s wedding bouquet and why he placed small vases filled with them on the tables at restaurant, all year round. “It’s my way of letting her know I think about her every day.”

  She had always hoped she would someday meet someone who loved her as much as Poppy loved his long-departed wife. His once-forever. She let her thoughts wander for a brief second. Who knew, maybe Nick Dalton would turn out to be her once-forever. She shook her head and refocused on Poppy.

  “Was that Charlie on the phone?”

  “No, he called earlier to check in and let me know he’ll be here after lunch.” Pete released a heavy sigh.

  “Okay, what’s wrong? Are your health problems more serious than the doctor first thought?”

  “No, it’s nothing like that, but it’s not pleasant.”

  “I don’t like the sound of this. The only thing I can think of that would upset me is speaking about you-know-who, the one whose name is forbidden to be spoken in the Russo/Conifer house.”

  Poppy nodded.

  “I know, Mandy, so brace yourself.” He paused before he dropped the bomb. “The phone call was none other than Michael Tremont.”

  Her body stiffened. “The nerve of that guy. What did he want now?”

  “Give me his best wishes for my speedy recovery and a hello to you, of course.”

  She jumped to her feet then paced alongside the bed. “That infuriates me. What part of no, stay away and restraining order doesn’t he understand?”

  “It was a quick call, Mandy. I didn’t disclose any information about you or me.”

  “How did he find out you were hospitalized?” She sat back down on the edge of the bed, from where she held Poppy’s hand.

  “Restaurant gossip spreads quickly.”

  She leaned over and kissed his forehead. “That’s true. Yet, of all the people to call, why him?”

  “Let’s change the subject.”

  “I can do that. But first, I’ll make you more comfortable.” She fluffed his pillows and straightened his covers. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of his puzzling stare. “What does that look mean?”

  He raised his eyebrows in a playful manner. “I can’t help notice you’re wearing that ‘I’ve got a secret look’ you don when you try to hide something from me.”

  “Excuse me,” she retorted with a look of disbelief. “I’ve never deliberately tried to hide anything from you.”

  He chuckled with that all-knowing, yet loving attitude she had so frequently experienced. “Young lady, are you going to have me drag up events from your earlier years when you were caught, shall we say, omitting some of the facts, or are you going to tell me what it is you’re trying to keep from me now?”

  A brief coughing spell interrupted his half of the conversation. As soon as the moment had passed and he’d composed himself, he preempted his further query and her anticipated denial with his most charming smile, one he knew she couldn’t resist. Then he added, “Come on now, fess up and tell your old grandfather exactly what’s going on.”

  Amanda’s mouth opened in total amazement. How did he do it? He could read her like no one else. “You think you’re pretty clever, don’t you?”

  His hardy laugh echoed through the room.

  She stood with her hands on her hips, shaking her head. If she said it was nothing, he’d know she wasn’t being truthful. So she had better ‘fess up.

  “W-well, if you must know,” she stammered. “You’re right about something happening.” She exhaled quickly. “However, I’m not sure I want to tell you.”

  Her “however” comment resulted in an eruption of robust laughter.

  “Poppy, stop that. You’ll only make yourself have another coughing spell.” She pretended to be angry.

  He nonchalantly motioned to the chair in the corner. “Pull that closer to the bed and don’t leave out a word.”

  She followed his lead. “Wait ’til you hear.”

  Her grandfather beamed with delight.

  “I know I’m being irrational and feeling foolish, but does it matter?” She didn’t wait for him to respond instead she reached into her
purse, pulled out “the” business card, and handed it to him. Then with great enthusiasm, she proceeded to relate, with explicit details, the story of how she’d met Nick Dalton—from the bank to the hospital.

  Poppy listened, totally absorbed with her explanation. He’d never seen her so excited about any young man before.

  “That’s quite a story.” He twirled the business card through his fingers while she spun her tale. “Nick Dalton,” he repeated the name then waved the card at her. “I’ve met this young man at Jack Haliway’s office, about two years ago.”

  “You and Uncle Jack know him and never introduced us?” Jokingly, she shook her index finger at him. “I’m going to speak to him about this,” she said and laughed.

  “Jack handled some legal matters for his company. From what I gathered at the time, this young man of yours is quite a businessman.” He handed her the card and gave a knowing wink. “Don’t lose this. It may come in handy.”

  “He’s not my young man, Poppy. I just met him.” She read the card again. “Star Restaurant Supplies. Ever do business here?”

  “As a matter of fact, Star gave us a good deal on the walk-in about two years ago.”

  He paused to gather his thoughts.

  She snapped the card. “From Mr. Nick Dalton, himself?”

  Poppy shook his head. “Sorry to disappoint you, Mandy. Dealt over the phone, but they sent someone up from Denver to get exact measurements.” He paused. “I just don’t remember who it was.”

  “Oh, you’d remember him, Poppy.” She stood and walked around the room, then turned to face him. “Why are you grinning like a Cheshire cat?”

  “No reason in particular.”

  “Am I amusing you?” she asked, feigning annoyance.

  His smile spread. “Why, yes, you are.”

  She waved the business card. “You find this entertaining?”

  “Not the card, Amanda. Your interest in this young man.” He took several deep breaths then added, “I guess anyone connected with the restaurant business has special qualities. Right?”

  “From my experience with restaurant men, you in particular, I’d have to agree.” Then without realizing it, she blurted out, “And yes, he definitely does interest me.” She blushed and added, “In a big way.”