Once Broken (22 page)

Gina repeated the descriptions of her father to her mother. The next time Jackie picked up Gina, she challenged Anna.

“Anna, I’m concerned about the stories Gina’s been telling me about how wonderful Tony is. I realize you love your son, and I hope he’s good to you. However, he’s not good to Gina. For starters, he’s abandoned her, twice. He doesn’t give her nice presents and he doesn’t make her laugh. When you tell her what a wonderful person he is, it only confuses her.”

“Dear, he’s my son. I can say whatever I want about him.”

“Yes, you can, Anna, to anyone but us. I’m begging you to be careful of what you say to Gina. Don’t you see? If you tell her he’s this wonderful, generous man who loves children and gives thoughtful presents, then Gina can only assume he doesn’t do the same for her because there’s something wrong with her. That’s not fair to her.”

Anna looked at Jackie with her steel-blue eyes. “Dear, it’s imperative that she knows who her father really is. She shouldn’t be subjected solely to your opinion. I will continue to tell her what she needs to hear.”

“Anna, it’s not what I tell her that influences her opinion of Tony. It’s his actions that speak to her loudly. She’s not stupid. She knows her father is supposed to give a crap. He’s supposed to want to see her. Call her. Be there on her birthday. Meet a teacher. His absence says more than anyone’s words can. My objective is to make sure her self-esteem doesn’t suffer for his abandonment. That should be your objective too.”

Anna realized she had pushed Jackie too far. She nodded. “I didn’t realize. I’ll be more careful, dear.” She resumed her knitting.

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” She walked into the dining room, calling to Gina who was in the back porch playing cards with Louie. “Let’s go sweetie. Get your stuff.” She waved. “Hi Louie.”

Gina ran to her mother holding up a Ziploc bag of Doritos for her mother’s inspection. “Hey Mama, I won big today!”

Jackie chuckled and threw Louie a glance. “Playing poker again, huh?” She put her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Give Nana a kiss.”

February 1989

Jackie learned from Anna that Tony had stopped seeing Carmella, and heard from Gina that he had begun stopping at his parents’ house while she was there.

“Mama, Tony was at Nana’s today.”

“Really? You saw him?”

“Yup. He sits on the couch and watches television with Louie.”

“Does he talk to you?”

“A little. He asks about school. But I don’t want to talk to him. So I say what I need to say so I’m not rude.”

Jackie couldn’t decipher Tony’s motives, partly because she was tired of trying to understand him and partly because she had fallen in love with someone else.

February 1989

S
ean Gallagher was a gentle man. They met at a local nightclub named Ducca’s. The thirty-something bar was comfortable and the music was a perfect volume to allow for conversation. She and Margie Marinos, a fellow lawyer and single mother, needed to get out of the house after weeks of long, cold winter nights. Margie’s daughter Laura was a year younger than Gina but the girls got along well. So the women hired a babysitter on Friday night to watch both kids at Margie’s house and set out for a change of scenery.

Margie had eagle eyes, a valuable trait in a good attorney. Though attractive, she was not beautiful. Her light-brown permed hair was cut above her shoulders and her brown eyes were ordinary. Her olive complexion marked her Greek descent. Her impeccable clothes and powerful air of confidence made her appealing to men.

Margie nudged Jackie. “That guy sitting next to you is drop-dead gorgeous. You should talk to him.”

“Uh, no thanks. I caught a glimpse of him on the way in. Men that beautiful can only be trouble. Besides, judging from how many times he’s gotten up to walk around, either his girlfriend stood him up or he has a severe bladder problem.”

The women laughed. “Maybe he’s trying to get your attention,” Margie said as she scanned the room for possibilities.

“Oh please, if that were the case, wouldn’t he speak to me?” Jackie swirled her glass of cabernet sauvignon. “I’m changing the subject. Have you seen
Stir Crazy
? I rented it the other night. It was a riot.”

“That was a great movie. What’s that guy’s name who stars in it?”

“Richard Pryor.”

“No, the other guy.”

“Oh, I can’t remember. I should remember. Darn, I know
…
uh…” While she struggled to retrieve the trivia, Margie continued to sum up the guy in the next seat.

She nudged her friend again. “Hey, come on. Talk to him!”

“Who?”

“That guy next to you.”

“Oh God. We’re back to him.
You
talk to him.”

“No, you’re sitting next to him.”

“We’ll change seats.”

“No, just talk to him.”

Jackie finally gave in. She turned to take another look at the guy, trying to be inconspicuous, but when she glanced at the side of his chair she saw electricity bolts between their arms. Stunned, she looked up. He was looking at her. The surge of attraction made her blush, and she blurted the first thing that came to mind. “Hey, do you know the name of the guy who was in
Stir Crazy
with Richard Pryor?”

He laughed. “Gene Wilder. Is that a line you use often?”

“Actually no. We’ve been talking about that movie, and
—
”

“I know. I was eavesdropping.” Her breath was taken away by his flawless smile. “What’s your name?”

“Jackie. Yours?” She gazed into the most captivating hazel eyes she’d ever seen.

“Sean. And, may I be candid enough to say that I’ve been trying to get your attention since you walked into this place?

“Really? Why didn’t you talk to me?” Jackie swirled her wine glass.

“I would’ve but you seemed unapproachable.”

“Interesting observation. You have a beautiful smile.” She blushed.

“I was thinking that same thing about you. Excuse the cliché, but do you come here often?”

“Never before.”

“Then it’s a particularly lucky night for me.”

Maybe.
Despite his striking good looks, Sean was shy and soft-spoken. His pale complexion and jet-black whiffle cut emphasized his chiseled cheekbones. His impressive physique was undeniable and to some women perhaps, irresistible. But it was his luminous smile that softened Jackie’s heart.

“You’re unassuming. I like that,” he said. A lull descended. As the DJ played REO Speedwagon’s “Keep on Loving You,” Sean said, “Would you like to dance?”

“Sure.” She motioned to Margie informing her that they were going to dance. Margie gave a nod of approval, and resumed her search for a potential companion for the evening. Margie’s confidence, coupled with an enticing look or a wink, was a man-magnet once her target was chosen.

Even slow dancing, sparks flew. With her head on his shoulder, his scent of Grey Flannel was intoxicating.

Sean whispered, “You smell great.”

She smiled. “I was thinking the same about you.”

Jackie wanted the dance to last forever. As they walked off the dance floor hand in hand, he said, “Want to get a table? You and your friend and me and my friend Jim?”

“Jim? I assumed you were alone.”

Sean smiled. “Jim’s been standing at the other side of the bar waiting for me to get your attention.”

“Really? She glanced across the bar spotting Jim. “A table sounds great. I’ll ask Margie.”

Unanimously approved, they moved to a table and enjoyed an evening of easy interaction. As they swayed to the last dance, Sean said, “Jackie, can I call you sometime?”

“I’d love that.”

Back at the table, she jotted her phone number on the back of a cocktail napkin. Sean walked her to Margie’s car where he bent to deliver an affectionate kiss. The foursome said good night. Shivering from the cold, Margie commented, “Well you got the pick of the night!”

“I’ll second that motion. But I don’t mean it superficially. He seems like such a sweet man.”

“Did you mention Gina?”

“I was so enthralled she never came up. Of course, he asked if I was ever married. I said no. Obviously, he’d conclude I don’t have a kid. I love Gina with all my heart and I know if Sean doesn’t accept her, then he’s not the one for me. But it’s so uncomfortable introducing her into a relationship. First, let’s see if he calls.”

*

Sean phoned the following day. “I hope I’m not being presumptuous by calling so soon, but I had such a great time last night. And when I see what I want, I go after it.”

“Oh no, it’s a delightful surprise!” They talked for some time, learning about each other’s lives. Jackie told Sean about her practice at The Rodman Law Group in Boston. Sean shared police officer stories.

Wrapping up the conversation, Sean asked, “Would you be free to have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

“Sure!” Her adrenaline soared.

“Great. I know a fantastic Thai restaurant. Do you like Thai?

“Love it.”

“Wonderful. I’ll pick you up at seven?”

When Jackie hung up the phone, her screech alarmed Gina. Dropping her Judy Blume book, Gina raced into the kitchen. “Mom! What’s the matter?”

“Oh nothing. Sorry I scared you.” With a huge grin, and hands clenched together at her heart, she continued, “I’ll tell you later honey. I’ve gotta call Margie. And Tara.”

“He called,” Jackie told Margie. “He wants to have dinner tomorrow night! Thai food. It’s been so long since I’ve been so excited about a date. It’s been so long since I’ve
had
a date.”

“That’s fantastic. What’ll you wear?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” She panicked with the realization.

“No worries. I’ve got a closet full of clothes. Why don’t you and Gina come for dinner tonight? We’ll have a fashion show.”

“Oh thanks! You have such fantastic clothes. Around five okay? I’ll bring wine.”

On her way to Margie’s house, Jackie told Gina all about Sean.

An elegant black knee-length dress and knee-high leather boots, complemented by a dripping silver necklace and diamond earrings, was the choice for a romantic dinner. Margie offered to have Gina stay the night.

*

The following evening, Jackie eagerly answered the door. Sean stood holding two dozen roses, one bouquet red and one multicolored. “Hi there.” His voice was soft and tender. “I didn’t know your favorite color rose, so I brought a spectrum.”

“How sweet!” She was more astounded by his striking looks than the beautiful array of roses. How can any real-life guy be this handsome? He could wear anything and look gorgeous but the black-and-white striped shirt, black pants, and leather jacket are staggering. Imagine how good he looks in his uniform. She sighed dreamily. With a gracious kiss, their evening began.

On the way to the restaurant, Sean said, “I hope I’ll need to know for future reference, what’s your favorite color rose, anyway?”

“Lavender, believe it or not.”

“That I’d never guess.” They both chuckled.

*

Thai Orchard had an authentic ambience complete with Asian art, Buddha shrines, and soft instrumental music. Sean ordered a bottle of Chardonnay and opened the menu. “How about chicken satay, seafood pad Thai, and shrimp cashew?” After ordering dinner, he turned his undivided attention to his date.

“So, Jackie Martin, I want to know everything about you. Of course, I know that’ll take longer than one evening, but let’s get started. Tell me about yourself.”

Sipping her wine, she responded, “I’ll start with highlights. I have two brothers; Vic is older, Paul’s younger. Our dad died when we were young which threw us for a loop. I was ten. It took me years to get over it and it’s debatable whether I have. I graduated law school in ’86 and started working at Rodman Law Group as a family lawyer. It can be challenging but I enjoy helping people being screwed by their spouse or significant other.”
How do I mention Gina.

“I’m a middle child too. I have six siblings; three sisters and three brothers. My sister Mary Ann was killed by a drunk driver when she was sixteen. I was twelve. I know how tragedy changes you forever. I don’t think you ever get over losing a loved one. You just learn to accept it and go on. I earned a criminal justice degree from Boston University and I’ve been a Boston cop for twelve years. Besides being a cop, I love sports and quiet nights with a beautiful woman.”

An effortless conversation ensued.

“Now that we’ve discussed the mundane and not so mundane tidbits of our lives, Jackie, tell me something risky. There’s got to be things hidden in your proverbial closet. Tell me one. Then, I’ll share one with you.”

Here’s my chance. If I don’t tell him now, telling him later will be far more difficult.
Gazing into her wine glass, she said, “Well, I have a ten-year-old daughter.” She raised her eyes to meet his.

He stared at her wanting to hear more. Jackie waited for acknowledgement. “That’s it,” she said.

“How can that be it? What’s her name? What’s she like? And most important, where’s her dad?” Pouring more wine into his glass, he motioned to Jackie offering a refill.

Passing her glass to him, she said, “Oh right! Her name’s Gina. She’s awesome, not just because she’s mine. As for her father, with the exception of a mandatory child-support check, he’s uninvolved.”

“And you were never married?”

“Right.”

“Ah, you were spared an ugly divorce.”

Jackie smiled. “Guess so.”

“You must have pictures of your pride and joy?”

“Sure do.” She took out her wallet. “Here’s her fifth-grade picture.”

“She’s beautiful like her mother. I look forward to meeting her.” He stared at Jackie as if to refocus. “So, you’re a single mother
and
you put yourself through law school. How did that work?”

“I got a lot of financial aid being a single mother, and I worked part-time. My family and Gina’s other grandparents offer great support.”

Sean raised an eyebrow. “Gina sees her father’s parents but dad’s uninvolved?”

“Yup. Weird, I know.” She sipped her wine.

“Being a single mother must be tough, huh?”

“Sure, but I’d do it all over again in an instant.” Jackie beamed with the pride she felt whenever she talked about Gina.