1 Chapter 19
"Ms. Russell? Are you okay?"
Whitney's brown eyes met Amy's in the reflection of the mirror. She dabbed her clammy brow with a paper towel before answering her. "I'm fine, Amy. Just not my day."
Amy opened the bathroom stall and went in.
Thank you, Whitney thought silently. Amy was the ringleader of office gossip. And she was always looking to pick up some new, juicy tidbit.
"I know exactly how you feel," Amy chattered.
Whitney rolled her eyes when the door banged against the wall. On second thought.
"It's just not been my week. Billie's babysitter has been MIA all week. My mother had to keep her. And you know how me and my mother get along," Amy said sarcastically.
Whitney sighed. "Yes. You've told me. Many times," she muttered under her breath.
"And the ex.Curt swears up and down the child support check got lost in the mail. From Castleton! I told him I'd come get it.kids are expensive, you know.and he got all suspicious-like. Offered to go find it himself. I ain't no dummy. The jerk never sent it in the first place."
"That's too bad," Whitney said boredly. Really.she didn't mean to be rude. But she had more important, personal matters to worry about. Like whether her best friend would EVER forgive her once she learned the truth.
"Yeah.Curt's another deadbeat. Like the world needs another one of them," Amy rolled her eyes.
Water rushed from the tap.
The soap swirling down the drain reminded Whitney of her own life. How pathetic.
"Then my mom calls me. Tells me my little sister.Melissa.has done gone and got herself pregnant. Blames it all on me. Can you believe that? Says I'm a bad influence. I have news for her. I waited and got pregnant AFTER high school. And Curt and me were engaged. Lot different if you ask me," Amy babbled.
"Everyone's situation is different," Whitney said softly. Slipping her purse on her shoulder.
Amy pulled her wand of mascara out and put another coat on. "I love this stuff!" she gushed. "You know.Ms. Russell.you're so pretty. But you'd be gorgeous if you jazzed yourself up a little bit. Here. Try some of my lipstick. It'll definitely grab a man's attention," she bubbled.
Whitney quietly eased the door open and stepped out without a word. That's something she definitely didn't want. Besides.trouble had a way of sneaking up on her by itself.
"Well.it hasn't caught Mr. Right's attention yet. But who knows? My Mr. Wrong may be just what you're looking for. Ms. Russell? Ms. Russell. That's odd. Where DID she go?"
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"I can't do it," Matthew whined.
Theresa patiently loosened the knots in Matthew's shoelaces. "Yes, you can. I know it's frustrating now. But you'll get the hang of it. I promise," she smiled. Ruffling Matthew's dark hair affectionately.
"Uncle Luis taught us how to tie our shoelaces," Paloma said wistfully.
"Why didn't Grandma? Or your papa?"
"Papa.Papa wasn't around, Matthew. Grandma had to work a lot so she could take care of us kids."
"Not around like my daddy?" Matthew whispered. Staring at his feet.
"Matthew. Look at me," Theresa requested.
Matthew sniffled. And swiped at a tear that clung to his lashes.
Paloma's brown eyes shot daggers at Ethan's smiling face tacked on the refrigerator.
"No, Matthew. Not like your daddy. Your daddy's just real busy right now. He won't ever leave you. You know that. He loves you too much."
"I know," Matthew cried. "Do you still love Daddy, Mommy?"
Theresa closed her eyes and took her son in her arms. "Yes. I still love your daddy."
"I'm happy to hear that. Because I still love you too."
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"Don't you have something better to do with your time besides bug me?" Gwen huffed.
Hank grinned. "Nope," he answered. Stuffing his hands in his pockets.
Icy blue eyes glared back at him.
"I thought we'd grab lunch together. Raincheck. Remember? You slammed the door in my face. Ringing any bells? This is the perfect way to make it up to me."
"And who says I want to make it up to you?" Gwen snarled.
"Aww. Look at me," Hank teased. Giving her his best impression of a whipped puppy.
Despite herself, Gwen felt the corners of her lips turning up. She turned her nose up in the air. "Shoo! Go away."
Hank chuckled. And followed after her.
The water lapped at the pier.
"Watch out!"
Gwen gasped when he pulled her out of the way.
"What do you think you're doing? Get your hands off me."
"Okay," Hank conceded. "Next time you're about to get flattened by a runaway roller blader.don't ask me for help."
Gwen's mouth hung open as she watched him stroll ahead of her.
"Mmm. Mmm. Good. Doesn't that smell great? Today's the perfect day to take in lunch at the Lobster Shack," he sighed. "Too bad you won't be joining me." He started counting silently.1.2.3!
"Will you leave me alone?'
His brown eyes twinkled as he turned to face her. "Sure thing. And besides.a guy has to eat. Company's good. Eating alone is a drag."
"You promise?"
Hank crossed his fingers in his pockets. "I promise. Come on," he urged. "What are you waiting for?"
Why did she feel like she would live to regret this? Oh.that's right. Because this was Hank. That's why. With him.nothing was ever simple. Promised, her ass.
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"Oh Ivy! That's a magnificent ring! Who's the lucky guy?"
Kay's fork paused mid-air.
Jessica glanced at Sam nervously.
Ivy winced when Noah kicked her shin underneath the table.
Sam shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Grace smiled. And brushed her hand against his thigh.
"You wouldn't know him, Grace," Ivy finally answered. Her hurt blue-green eyes locked with Sam's.
"Try me. I know a lot of people. The Bed and Breakfast and the store."
"Trust me. You wouldn't know this man. Not at all."
Kay set her fork back down beside her plate. Ha! What a whopper! "I always knew she had what it takes to be a pathological liar," she hissed to Noah.
"Tell me about it."
Grace's hand crept higher.
Sam jumped up abruptly when he knocked his glass of wine over.
"Dad," Jessica teased. "What happened? I didn't know you were such a klutz."
"Yeah. Well.I'm not the man I used to be."
What's that supposed to mean, Kay wondered. Anger simmering. What she wouldn't give to wipe that smug smile off Poison Ivy's face.
"Aww. But you're still MY Sam."
Take that, Kay smirked.
Grace took the napkin from Sam's hands and wrapped her hands around his neck. "All mine," she repeated.
"Gr."
She cut him off with her rough kiss.
"Grace," he gasped. "What the hell's got into you?"
"But Sam.I."
"Whoa! Would you look at that? I've never seen anyone move so fast."
"Do you think she got the message?" Noah grinned.
The waiter's tray flew out of his hands as Ivy shoved by.
"Loud and clear," Kay answered. "Loud and clear."
"Dad? Where are you going?"
Grace held a hand to her bruised lips and smiled. "Don't worry, Jessica. He'll be back. Your father'll be back."
Kay's dark eyes narrowed at her mother's laugh.
"Kay? Kay? What is it?"
Kay shook her head. "Nothing. It's nothing."
Lies. But how could she tell the truth when she didn't know it?
That steely blue gaze was NOT her mother's.
Cold was the only way to describe it.
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The car door slammed shut.
Jerking Danielle from her restless slumber.
"Danielle? Sheridan?"
"Daddy! You're home!"
Luis grinned at her. Sweeping her off her feet into his arms. "When did you get so big?" he grunted.
Danielle's blue eyes sparkled.
Her giggle was music to Luis's ears. "Grandma says blink an eye, and you'll miss it."
"Grandma's very wise," Luis agreed. Setting his daughter back on her feet. "Where's your mom?"
"Sleeping."
"And Grandma?"
"Home," Pilar answered. Her arms laden with bags of groceries.
Luis relieved her of burden with a smile and a kiss to the cheek. "Staying for dinner again? Not that I'm not happy to see so much of my wonderful mother.but Mama.you don't have to do all this. We're fine. We'll be fine."
"I know I don't have to do this, Mijo," Pilar smiled tenderly. "But I want to do this. I want to take care of you and Danielle and Sheridan. You're my family."
"Thank you, Mama," Luis whispered.
"Now take those groceries in the kitchen-both of you. I'll be right back."
Danielle's giggles as Luis chased her into the kitchen echoed in the hushed house by the sea.
The door to Sheridan's bedroom creaked as she slipped inside.
Sunlight splayed across Sheridan's peaceful face.
Pilar could tell it was the calm AFTER the storm. "Oh, Mija," she sighed. Tracing the tear tracks down her cheeks with sorrowful eyes. "I wish that I could take away your pain."
So much pain in such a short life.
The breeze from the ocean made Pilar shiver, and she pulled the crisp, white sheets over Sheridan's shoulders before she turned to leave.
"Yay!
Pilar closed her eyes and leaned her head against cool wood. Her hand poised at the knob.
Water splashed onto the tile floor.
Andrew's childish laughter beckoned her.
"Nana! Nana! Miss you," he cried.
She could feel the moisture from his soapy little body seep into her clothes. Onto her skin.
The yellow rubber duck squeaked under her feet, and her eyes shot open.
The bathroom was empty.
But.
"No.no."
Her heartbeat accelerated as she followed the sound.
"Dios mio."
Tiny wet footprints led to Sheridan's room.
"Mama! Nana get me!"
Brown eyes sparkled mischievously. Brushing just a hint of tiny kisses along Sheridan's jaw. "Wake up, Mama. Mama." he giggled.
"Mmm. Andrew? What is it, Baby?" Sheridan murmured.
"Mama? Is everything okay?"
Luis's concerned brown eyes stared back at her.
Danielle clung to her father's hand. "Andrew," she whispered.
"You.you see him, too?"
Danielle's chin quivered as she nodded her head.
"Andrew? Mama.Danielle.what are you talking about? You don't see him. You can't. Andrew's dead, Danielle. He's dead. He's never coming back," Luis said gently. Grasping Danielle's shoulders and making her look at him. "Never," he choked. "You can't see him because he isn't here."
"But Daddy," Danielle cried. "He IS here. He is."
"Mama.stop this nonsense. Tell her. Tell her it isn't true."
"Daddy!"
Pilar squeezed her eyes shut. "I can't. I can't, Mijo."
Luis let go of Danielle and stalked down the hall. Flinging the one closest open. "See? His room. Empty."
Danielle sobbed as she took it all in.
His toys were just as he'd left them. Untouched since that awful day. It was like a shrine.
"Do you see him now?"
"Luis! Mijo! Stop it. Just stop it. I see him too."
"Don't you hear yourself, Mama? My wife is losing her mind because.because of this belief. She sees him, too. Only he isn't there."
"Andrew? Andrew? What is it, Baby? Don't cry. Mama's here."
"Hear that? Look at her," Luis cried desperately.
Sheridan's arms were empty.
Andrew was gone.
Pilar wondered.
"But he was, Daddy," Danielle asserted. "He WAS."
Sheridan welcomed her daughter into her arms.
"Don't cry, Mommy. Please don't be so sad."
Luis couldn't bear the sadness in those blue eyes.
"Why don't you see him, Luis? Why don't you see him?"
"I don't know," he answered.
He didn't know anything anymore.
"Ms. Russell? Are you okay?"
Whitney's brown eyes met Amy's in the reflection of the mirror. She dabbed her clammy brow with a paper towel before answering her. "I'm fine, Amy. Just not my day."
Amy opened the bathroom stall and went in.
Thank you, Whitney thought silently. Amy was the ringleader of office gossip. And she was always looking to pick up some new, juicy tidbit.
"I know exactly how you feel," Amy chattered.
Whitney rolled her eyes when the door banged against the wall. On second thought.
"It's just not been my week. Billie's babysitter has been MIA all week. My mother had to keep her. And you know how me and my mother get along," Amy said sarcastically.
Whitney sighed. "Yes. You've told me. Many times," she muttered under her breath.
"And the ex.Curt swears up and down the child support check got lost in the mail. From Castleton! I told him I'd come get it.kids are expensive, you know.and he got all suspicious-like. Offered to go find it himself. I ain't no dummy. The jerk never sent it in the first place."
"That's too bad," Whitney said boredly. Really.she didn't mean to be rude. But she had more important, personal matters to worry about. Like whether her best friend would EVER forgive her once she learned the truth.
"Yeah.Curt's another deadbeat. Like the world needs another one of them," Amy rolled her eyes.
Water rushed from the tap.
The soap swirling down the drain reminded Whitney of her own life. How pathetic.
"Then my mom calls me. Tells me my little sister.Melissa.has done gone and got herself pregnant. Blames it all on me. Can you believe that? Says I'm a bad influence. I have news for her. I waited and got pregnant AFTER high school. And Curt and me were engaged. Lot different if you ask me," Amy babbled.
"Everyone's situation is different," Whitney said softly. Slipping her purse on her shoulder.
Amy pulled her wand of mascara out and put another coat on. "I love this stuff!" she gushed. "You know.Ms. Russell.you're so pretty. But you'd be gorgeous if you jazzed yourself up a little bit. Here. Try some of my lipstick. It'll definitely grab a man's attention," she bubbled.
Whitney quietly eased the door open and stepped out without a word. That's something she definitely didn't want. Besides.trouble had a way of sneaking up on her by itself.
"Well.it hasn't caught Mr. Right's attention yet. But who knows? My Mr. Wrong may be just what you're looking for. Ms. Russell? Ms. Russell. That's odd. Where DID she go?"
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"I can't do it," Matthew whined.
Theresa patiently loosened the knots in Matthew's shoelaces. "Yes, you can. I know it's frustrating now. But you'll get the hang of it. I promise," she smiled. Ruffling Matthew's dark hair affectionately.
"Uncle Luis taught us how to tie our shoelaces," Paloma said wistfully.
"Why didn't Grandma? Or your papa?"
"Papa.Papa wasn't around, Matthew. Grandma had to work a lot so she could take care of us kids."
"Not around like my daddy?" Matthew whispered. Staring at his feet.
"Matthew. Look at me," Theresa requested.
Matthew sniffled. And swiped at a tear that clung to his lashes.
Paloma's brown eyes shot daggers at Ethan's smiling face tacked on the refrigerator.
"No, Matthew. Not like your daddy. Your daddy's just real busy right now. He won't ever leave you. You know that. He loves you too much."
"I know," Matthew cried. "Do you still love Daddy, Mommy?"
Theresa closed her eyes and took her son in her arms. "Yes. I still love your daddy."
"I'm happy to hear that. Because I still love you too."
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"Don't you have something better to do with your time besides bug me?" Gwen huffed.
Hank grinned. "Nope," he answered. Stuffing his hands in his pockets.
Icy blue eyes glared back at him.
"I thought we'd grab lunch together. Raincheck. Remember? You slammed the door in my face. Ringing any bells? This is the perfect way to make it up to me."
"And who says I want to make it up to you?" Gwen snarled.
"Aww. Look at me," Hank teased. Giving her his best impression of a whipped puppy.
Despite herself, Gwen felt the corners of her lips turning up. She turned her nose up in the air. "Shoo! Go away."
Hank chuckled. And followed after her.
The water lapped at the pier.
"Watch out!"
Gwen gasped when he pulled her out of the way.
"What do you think you're doing? Get your hands off me."
"Okay," Hank conceded. "Next time you're about to get flattened by a runaway roller blader.don't ask me for help."
Gwen's mouth hung open as she watched him stroll ahead of her.
"Mmm. Mmm. Good. Doesn't that smell great? Today's the perfect day to take in lunch at the Lobster Shack," he sighed. "Too bad you won't be joining me." He started counting silently.1.2.3!
"Will you leave me alone?'
His brown eyes twinkled as he turned to face her. "Sure thing. And besides.a guy has to eat. Company's good. Eating alone is a drag."
"You promise?"
Hank crossed his fingers in his pockets. "I promise. Come on," he urged. "What are you waiting for?"
Why did she feel like she would live to regret this? Oh.that's right. Because this was Hank. That's why. With him.nothing was ever simple. Promised, her ass.
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"Oh Ivy! That's a magnificent ring! Who's the lucky guy?"
Kay's fork paused mid-air.
Jessica glanced at Sam nervously.
Ivy winced when Noah kicked her shin underneath the table.
Sam shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Grace smiled. And brushed her hand against his thigh.
"You wouldn't know him, Grace," Ivy finally answered. Her hurt blue-green eyes locked with Sam's.
"Try me. I know a lot of people. The Bed and Breakfast and the store."
"Trust me. You wouldn't know this man. Not at all."
Kay set her fork back down beside her plate. Ha! What a whopper! "I always knew she had what it takes to be a pathological liar," she hissed to Noah.
"Tell me about it."
Grace's hand crept higher.
Sam jumped up abruptly when he knocked his glass of wine over.
"Dad," Jessica teased. "What happened? I didn't know you were such a klutz."
"Yeah. Well.I'm not the man I used to be."
What's that supposed to mean, Kay wondered. Anger simmering. What she wouldn't give to wipe that smug smile off Poison Ivy's face.
"Aww. But you're still MY Sam."
Take that, Kay smirked.
Grace took the napkin from Sam's hands and wrapped her hands around his neck. "All mine," she repeated.
"Gr."
She cut him off with her rough kiss.
"Grace," he gasped. "What the hell's got into you?"
"But Sam.I."
"Whoa! Would you look at that? I've never seen anyone move so fast."
"Do you think she got the message?" Noah grinned.
The waiter's tray flew out of his hands as Ivy shoved by.
"Loud and clear," Kay answered. "Loud and clear."
"Dad? Where are you going?"
Grace held a hand to her bruised lips and smiled. "Don't worry, Jessica. He'll be back. Your father'll be back."
Kay's dark eyes narrowed at her mother's laugh.
"Kay? Kay? What is it?"
Kay shook her head. "Nothing. It's nothing."
Lies. But how could she tell the truth when she didn't know it?
That steely blue gaze was NOT her mother's.
Cold was the only way to describe it.
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The car door slammed shut.
Jerking Danielle from her restless slumber.
"Danielle? Sheridan?"
"Daddy! You're home!"
Luis grinned at her. Sweeping her off her feet into his arms. "When did you get so big?" he grunted.
Danielle's blue eyes sparkled.
Her giggle was music to Luis's ears. "Grandma says blink an eye, and you'll miss it."
"Grandma's very wise," Luis agreed. Setting his daughter back on her feet. "Where's your mom?"
"Sleeping."
"And Grandma?"
"Home," Pilar answered. Her arms laden with bags of groceries.
Luis relieved her of burden with a smile and a kiss to the cheek. "Staying for dinner again? Not that I'm not happy to see so much of my wonderful mother.but Mama.you don't have to do all this. We're fine. We'll be fine."
"I know I don't have to do this, Mijo," Pilar smiled tenderly. "But I want to do this. I want to take care of you and Danielle and Sheridan. You're my family."
"Thank you, Mama," Luis whispered.
"Now take those groceries in the kitchen-both of you. I'll be right back."
Danielle's giggles as Luis chased her into the kitchen echoed in the hushed house by the sea.
The door to Sheridan's bedroom creaked as she slipped inside.
Sunlight splayed across Sheridan's peaceful face.
Pilar could tell it was the calm AFTER the storm. "Oh, Mija," she sighed. Tracing the tear tracks down her cheeks with sorrowful eyes. "I wish that I could take away your pain."
So much pain in such a short life.
The breeze from the ocean made Pilar shiver, and she pulled the crisp, white sheets over Sheridan's shoulders before she turned to leave.
"Yay!
Pilar closed her eyes and leaned her head against cool wood. Her hand poised at the knob.
Water splashed onto the tile floor.
Andrew's childish laughter beckoned her.
"Nana! Nana! Miss you," he cried.
She could feel the moisture from his soapy little body seep into her clothes. Onto her skin.
The yellow rubber duck squeaked under her feet, and her eyes shot open.
The bathroom was empty.
But.
"No.no."
Her heartbeat accelerated as she followed the sound.
"Dios mio."
Tiny wet footprints led to Sheridan's room.
"Mama! Nana get me!"
Brown eyes sparkled mischievously. Brushing just a hint of tiny kisses along Sheridan's jaw. "Wake up, Mama. Mama." he giggled.
"Mmm. Andrew? What is it, Baby?" Sheridan murmured.
"Mama? Is everything okay?"
Luis's concerned brown eyes stared back at her.
Danielle clung to her father's hand. "Andrew," she whispered.
"You.you see him, too?"
Danielle's chin quivered as she nodded her head.
"Andrew? Mama.Danielle.what are you talking about? You don't see him. You can't. Andrew's dead, Danielle. He's dead. He's never coming back," Luis said gently. Grasping Danielle's shoulders and making her look at him. "Never," he choked. "You can't see him because he isn't here."
"But Daddy," Danielle cried. "He IS here. He is."
"Mama.stop this nonsense. Tell her. Tell her it isn't true."
"Daddy!"
Pilar squeezed her eyes shut. "I can't. I can't, Mijo."
Luis let go of Danielle and stalked down the hall. Flinging the one closest open. "See? His room. Empty."
Danielle sobbed as she took it all in.
His toys were just as he'd left them. Untouched since that awful day. It was like a shrine.
"Do you see him now?"
"Luis! Mijo! Stop it. Just stop it. I see him too."
"Don't you hear yourself, Mama? My wife is losing her mind because.because of this belief. She sees him, too. Only he isn't there."
"Andrew? Andrew? What is it, Baby? Don't cry. Mama's here."
"Hear that? Look at her," Luis cried desperately.
Sheridan's arms were empty.
Andrew was gone.
Pilar wondered.
"But he was, Daddy," Danielle asserted. "He WAS."
Sheridan welcomed her daughter into her arms.
"Don't cry, Mommy. Please don't be so sad."
Luis couldn't bear the sadness in those blue eyes.
"Why don't you see him, Luis? Why don't you see him?"
"I don't know," he answered.
He didn't know anything anymore.