Praying for Time

by Carlene Thompson

  Vanessa laid the bags on the bed and Roxy began pulling out jeans and sweaters. ‘They’re perfect!’ She held up a lacy bra. ‘And these are beautiful! It sounds dumb, but I used to think I’d never wear a lace bra again and that made me cry.’

  Roxanne slipped out of her hospital gown and began sorting through the clothes. Vanessa didn’t stare but she couldn’t help seeing Roxy’s thin legs and arms marked with healing scratches and fading bruises. In record time Roxanne was dressed in jeans and the sky-blue sweater. Everything was a bit loose on her but the shoes fit perfectly. ‘A few good meals and the clothes will be just right. Thanks, Nessa. I don’t suppose you brought any make-up.’

  ‘I forgot. But I have some pink lipstick.’

  ‘I can rub some lipstick on my cheeks. I’m white as a ghost. And they have this piece of white gauze and white tape on my forehead to cover the stitches. I don’t want Grace to see it. Do you happen to have a flesh-colored bandage?’

  ‘No. But she probably won’t notice. Don’t worry about it. You look great.’

  Roxanne grinned. ‘You really are a convincing actress. Let’s say I look better than I did when I got home.’

  Vanessa opened the last bag. ‘I also got you a wool jacket with a scarf and hood. I have to warn you there are news people out front. I let the hospital administrator know and he agreed to let us go out the emergency entrance. The car is close by.’

  ‘Oh thanks, Nessa. I haven’t looked at newspapers or the internet since I’ve been here. I haven’t watched any news shows on TV.’

  Thank goodness, Vanessa thought, although Roxanne’s mood obviously expressed that she didn’t know anything about the murder last night.

  ‘That’s good. You can catch up on the news when you get home.’

  ‘I know. But when it comes to people seeing me leave the hospital, I feel …’ Roxy frowned, ‘embarrassed by what happened to me. Humiliated. I know everyone can imagine what I went through. But all I want now is privacy. Privacy and my family.’ She looked at Vanessa and gave her a beautiful smile. ‘Please take me home.’

  ELEVEN

  In spite of having left via the hospital emergency exit, they’d picked up a couple of paparazzi – one group in a van and another in a car. As Vanessa sped up the hill to Everly House, she used the remote control to open the double garage doors. She made a quick turn into the shelter and closed the doors behind her.

  ‘That was slick!’ Roxanne laughed. ‘How long do you think they’ll sit outside waiting for us?’

  ‘I’d say in twenty minutes they’ll realize we’ve entered the house through the garage. Of course they could always wait to catch sight of you at a front window.’

  ‘Can’t Pete chase them away?’

  ‘Pete wrenched his knee the night we had the intruder in the lighthouse tower. He’s still not very mobile.’

  ‘No one told me he was hurt!’

  ‘We didn’t want to upset you. Anyway, I called earlier and asked Audrey to close the drapes so no one can spy on us.’

  ‘Vanessa, you amaze me. But after all, you’ve become a big television star nearly overnight. You’ve had to learn press-dodging tricks in a hurry.’

  ‘I’m not as famous as you seem to think. The show hasn’t even finished its first season.’ She smiled. ‘Ready to go inside?’

  ‘More ready than you can imagine.’

  They opened the door leading from the garage into what they called the mudroom, with the washer, dryer, ironing board, racks for freshly washed clothes, pegs for coats and shelves for outside shoes. Vanessa and Roxanne took off their coats and hung them up, then hurried into the kitchen where Cara and Sammy sat at the table playing a game. They both looked up blankly, then Cara cried, ‘Aunt Roxy!’

  ‘That’s right! How did you know? You’ve never met me!’

  ‘Mommy told me you were coming home today and that you’re blonde and beautiful! Isn’t she blonde and beautiful, Sammy? This is Sammy Sherwin. Sammy, this is my Aunt Roxanne Everly.’

  Roxanne went to Cara and hugged her tightly. ‘Oh, you’re a beautiful one!’ She pulled away and looked at her face. ‘I’ve not known you almost all of your life.’ Her gaze turned to Sammy. ‘And what a handsome friend you have! Sammy, I’ve heard you’re a wonderful boy!’

  Sammy’s face turned bright red. ‘Thank you, Miss Everly.’

  ‘It’s Roxy. I’m so pleased to meet you.’

  ‘Me too. You, I mean.’ Sammy turned even redder. ‘Welcome home.’

  ‘Roxanne?’ A scratchy voice called from beyond the kitchen. ‘Roxanne, is that you?’

  Roxanne ran from the kitchen to the living room and then into the library. She stood at the door a moment, looking at Grace lying in her hospital bed wearing a blue bed jacket. ‘Grace! Oh, Grandmother!’ Roxy rushed to Grace, sat down gently on the edge of the bed, and embraced the frail woman. ‘I never thought I’d see you again.’

  Roxy’s tone surprised Vanessa. She sounded almost desperate for her grandmother’s joy and tenderness, a major change from her attitude when she was fifteen.

  ‘Did you miss me?’ Grace asked coolly.

  Roxy pulled back, her blue eyes searching Grace’s solemn face. ‘Did I miss you? Of course! Every day. Every single day.’

  ‘And you were missed, child. This house turned into a dark place without you. But you know that, don’t you?’

  Vanessa was taken aback by her grandmother’s detached voice and lack of facial expression. Roxanne’s smile faded. She looked bewildered and definitely disappointed.

  ‘Certainly your grandmother is overjoyed to see you,’ Audrey intervened. ‘How could she not be? It’s a miracle, Roxy.’ She smiled regretfully. ‘It’s also past Grace’s nap time. She’s almost too tired to talk.’

  ‘I’m not,’ Grace returned querulously. ‘If I could have a rum and Coke, I’d be fine!’

  Audrey nodded. ‘In honor of the occasion, you’ll get exactly what you want, Grace. A rum and Coke coming right up!’

  Vanessa followed her to the kitchen. ‘What’s wrong with Grace?’

  ‘She’s been cantankerous all day. I don’t think she feels well but she won’t admit it.’

  ‘Are you really going to give her rum and Coke?’

  ‘What difference does it make? She absolutely refused her noon medicine and I’ll only put a dab of rum in her drink. Maybe she needs to think she’s in charge for a while.’

  ‘Does she know about the murder last night?’

  Audrey put a bit of rum in a glass, poured in Coke and dropped in three ice cubes, then stirred. ‘I don’t think so. She’s dozed through most of the television news shows. The children don’t know either, but I have to tell Derek when he comes to pick up Sammy. He may not want his son to stay here after he knows that you …’

  ‘That I what? Murdered Zane Felder?’

  ‘Found him. And lower your voice. The kids will hear. Let’s get back to Grace and Roxanne.’

  ‘Wait. Audrey, I have to tell you something.’ Audrey paused. ‘Nia Sherwin is back in town. She was at the party last night. Today I stopped for a snack at the café and she sat down with me. She wanted to come here to visit Sammy.’

  Audrey’s expression froze. ‘She was at the party with Derek?’

  ‘Not with Derek. Sort of following him around.’

  ‘Oh. Well, she is Sammy’s mother. She must want to see him.’ Her voice sounded robotic. ‘It’s really none of my business.’

  ‘Audrey, it’s me you’re talking to. You’re interested in Derek. And he’s interested in you. It certainly is your business.’

  ‘Audrey!’ Grace nearly screeched. ‘My drink!’

  ‘Geez. She is in a mood,’ Vanessa said. ‘I thought she’d be so happy that Roxy’s home.’

  ‘So did I. I’m concerned about her,’ Audrey muttered as they hurried into the library to find Grace scowling and Roxy still sat beside her. She looked hurt. ‘Here we go!’ Audrey handed Grace the glass. ‘This will make you fe
el like a new woman, Grace!’

  ‘Thank heavens.’ Grace took a slurp and spilled some down her chin. ‘Goddammit!’

  Grace never cursed. They all gaped at her for a moment before Roxy grabbed a tissue and dabbed her grandmother’s chin. ‘There. All better.’

  ‘How embarrassing,’ Grace said angrily. ‘I can’t even drink properly!’ She turned to Roxanne. ‘Did you expect to see your grandmother in this condition?’

  Vanessa could tell Roxy was groping for a tactful answer. ‘Anyone can spill their drink when they’re drinking lying down. I spilled plenty when I was in the hospital. It’s not a big deal.’

  ‘I didn’t offer anyone else anything to drink,’ Audrey declared. ‘Roxanne?’

  ‘Oh, a Coke.’

  ‘OK. Vanessa?’

  ‘I think I could use a rum and Coke, too,’ Vanessa said. She followed Audrey to the kitchen again. As they passed the dining-room table where the kids were working a puzzle, she asked the kids, ‘In the mood for Cokes?’

  ‘Sure,’ Cara said. ‘Unless Sammy wants milk.’

  ‘I do not want milk.’ Sammy sounded offended as if Cara had insulted his manhood. ‘I’ll have a Coke, too. Please.’

  ‘I know you won’t be having a rum and Coke, being on duty and all,’ Vanessa said to Audrey when they reached the kitchen, ‘although don’t be insulted if I say you look like you could use one.’

  ‘I would like to have a very strong margarita. What a day! You found a dead body less than twenty-four hours ago, Brody Montgomery is probably roaming around town off his meds, Roxy is home after eight years, Grace is acting strange, Nia is back.’ She looked upward. ‘God, why?’ Vanessa couldn’t help laughing. ‘I’m glad you think it’s all funny, Nessa,’ Audrey snapped.

  ‘Oh, I don’t. Believe me, I don’t. I think I’m hysterical. Honestly.’ Suddenly tears rose in Vanessa’s eyes. ‘I’ve been on auto-pilot since we found Zane – running around, shopping in the rain, putting on a happy face for Roxy, having an unwanted conversation with nosy Nia Sherwin – but inside’ – she let out a tiny sob –‘I’m s-shaking …’

  Audrey pulled her into a hug. ‘Calm down, honey. I’m going to call Christian tonight and ask him to come over. I’m worried about Grace. I’m worried about you. For now I’m fixing you a very strong rum and Coke.’ She made Vanessa’s drink and gave her the glass. ‘Drink this. And then maybe you’ll need another, but right now let’s get back to Grace and Roxy.’

  To Vanessa’s relief, Grace was smiling at Roxanne, who looked more sure of herself. ‘Your hair is still long and that lovely shade of blonde although you look at bit pale, dear,’ Grace commented. ‘Vanessa, don’t you think Roxanne looks pale?’

  ‘She just needs a good dinner and a night’s sleep in her old bedroom.’ She looked at Roxy. ‘You do want to stay in your old room, don’t you?’

  ‘Sure I do. Could we go up now? I’d like to see it.’

  ‘Certainly. Let’s take our drinks and leave the clothes until later.’

  In a minute they stood in the pink creation that had been Roxanne’s bedroom since she was five. She gazed around, then burst into laughter. ‘Exactly how many shades of pink are in this room?’

  ‘Six. I’ve counted. Mom let you have as much pink as you wanted.’

  ‘Even the carpet is pink. Hot pink! And the magenta-colored tassels on the valances are too much!’

  ‘Do you hate it now?’

  ‘I love it! I wouldn’t change a thing.’ Roxanne walked over to her white dresser and opened the jewelry box. Inside a ballerina began turning and the sounds of ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ tinkled through the room. ‘You don’t know how many times I danced to that until I got a CD player.’

  ‘I was so glad when you got that player. I was sick of “Waltz of the Flowers”.’

  Queenie stood at the doorway, looking at Roxanne. She bent and held out her hand. ‘Come here, beautiful girl!’

  The dog cast a look at Vanessa as if asking permission. Vanessa nodded her head and gestured toward Roxy.

  In a moment Roxanne was rubbing the collie’s face. ‘She’s a lovely dog, Nessa. You said she was a gift from the cast of your show?’

  ‘Yes. They knew I loved dogs and a few of them thought I’d done a good job this year and deserved an award. Frankly, I’d rather have her than an Emmy.’

  ‘Sure about that?’

  ‘Well, I’d like to have both, but I’m certainly not counting on an Emmy, especially considering the staggering talent of some of my castmates.’

  Queenie walked over and gently touched Roxanne’s guitar with her nose. ‘Have you missed playing?’ Vanessa asked.

  ‘Yes. I should have taken my practicing more seriously.’

  ‘You were good.’

  Roxanne picked up the guitar, tuned it, and stumbled halfway through the introduction to ‘Tears in Heaven’. She stopped and laughed. ‘Oh yeah, I was one of the greats, Nessa!’

  ‘Don’t be so hard on yourself. I doubt if you’ve had much time to practice the last few years.’ Roxanne’s smile disappeared. Her expression went stony. ‘Oh, Roxy, I’m sorry! What an insensitive thing to say. Please forgive me.’

  Roxanne gave her a tight smile. ‘It’s OK. You’re right. I haven’t held a guitar since I left here.’ She set the guitar aside. ‘Tell me about Grace. Is her health worse than you let me know or did she not want to see me?’

  ‘Roxanne, of course she wanted to see you. When she found out you were back, she said it was a miracle, and Grace doesn’t believe in miracles, if you remember. She’s having a bad day with the Alzheimer’s and the broken hip that isn’t healing as quickly as we’d hoped. I think she’s in pain but she won’t admit to weakness. And she’s mad at herself for being sick and having to depend on other people. You know how independent she’s always been.’

  ‘I used to resent her. Mommy would let me have and do anything I wanted, but not Grace. I was glad she went to Paris after Grandfather died. I hated it when she came home. I’ve told you before, I was a spoiled brat and I know it.’ Roxanne smiled slightly. ‘She cramped my style. But now I appreciate the woman she was – is. I don’t want to see her weak and sick.’

  ‘She’ll bounce back. All it took was a little bit of rum to improve her mood this afternoon!’

  ‘Yes, it did, but she can’t drink rum all the time.’

  ‘If Christian comes tonight, he’ll know what to do about her.’

  Roxanne grinned. ‘What do you mean if he comes? I’ll bet nothing could keep him away if you’re here.’

  ‘We didn’t expect to see you so early,’ Audrey said when she opened the front door to Derek. ‘It’s only four o’clock.’

  His smile was weak. ‘May I come in and talk to you privately? It’s about Sam.’

  He knows about Vanessa finding Zane Felder and he also knows about Brody Montgomery being in the area. He doesn’t want Sammy to come here anymore, Audrey thought. She couldn’t blame him.

  ‘Certainly. I was getting ready to start dinner. Would you mind joining me in the kitchen?’

  Grace was dozing, the children were playing a video game, and Vanessa was upstairs with Roxanne. Audrey led Derek into the kitchen without having to say a word to anyone. The many white cabinets brightened the dreary day. The caramel-colored oak floor gleamed and a yellow table runner decorated the rectangular antique pine island.

  ‘This is very nice,’ Derek said appreciatively as he sat down on one of the stools at the island.

  ‘Grace remodeled it three years ago. The appliances were ancient. Ellen Everly didn’t do much cooking and they haven’t had a full-time cook for a long time.’

  ‘Maybe full-time cooks are a thing of the past.’

  Audrey pulled a covered platter of chicken breasts from the refrigerator. ‘We’re having chicken with bacon and cheese. The kids love it.’ Audrey turned on the oven and began rinsing the chicken breasts. ‘You wanted to talk to me about Sammy?’

  ‘Yes.’ Audrey
heard the reluctance in his voice. ‘Something totally unexpected has happened. Nia has come home.’

  ‘Oh. She wants to get back together?’

  ‘With me? Absolutely not. She’s still with the movie producer she left me for, but according to her, she misses Sam desperately and wants him back in her life.’

  Audrey stopped rinsing, turned and looked at him. ‘You mean she’s just now missing him desperately?’

  ‘Funny how that happens, isn’t it?’ Derek asked bitterly. ‘One day you pack your bags and leave, for three years you never even try to see your son, you send him a Christmas and a birthday card. One year the birthday card was six weeks late.’

  ‘Maybe you’ll have to give her visitation rights.’

  ‘I wouldn’t want to do that much but even if I did, it wouldn’t satisfy her. She wants full custody.’

  Audrey gaped at Derek. ‘That’s ridiculous!’

  ‘That’s what I told her but she didn’t seem to take me seriously.’

  ‘Vanessa told me she saw Nia at the party last night and again today in the café. Apparently she was talking about how she missed Sammy and how much she wanted to see him. She knew he was here, and all but invited herself for a visit.’

  ‘That’s my problem. She’s determined to see him and I don’t want her to – not even for an hour. Her leaving without so much as a goodbye to Sam nearly broke his heart. He cried every night for months. His schoolwork suffered for two years. The school counselor asked to see me because Sam’s behavior had changed so much – he was withdrawn, silent, barely looking at the other students. He’d been a popular kid. He gradually got better, but he didn’t act like his old self until he made friends with Cara this year.’ Audrey saw the misery and fear in Derek’s eyes. ‘I can’t let her do that to him again. I won’t!’

  The fine lines in his forehead looked deeper and his face was taut.

  ‘You’ve seen her this afternoon, haven’t you?’