Saving Gracie (18 page)

CHAPTER 27

GRACE

After Adam’s return from Chicago the Beijing project increased his workload, if that was possible. On the rare nights he didn’t stay late at the office he worked in the study till all hours. Their conversations had been cordial. Brief, but cordial. So far, no mention of another Chicago trip…or Lindsay Durham. She hated to admit she’d stooped to searching his pockets and sniffing the collar of his shirts. Nothing. Either she was hallucinating about his possible affair or he hid his tracks well.

Hannah and Jennifer, typical teenage girls, spent every waking moment together before school started, and Josh…well, Josh remained unfazed about starting middle school. He found no need to worry a single minute before he had to, if at all.

When her classes started she’d be free on Thursdays for volunteering. Time had somehow eased a smidgen of restlessness regarding the Cherry situation which, in itself, didn’t sit well. An unfortunate, but true fact…most people find ways to smooth over rough spots in their lives over time. However, no amount of time would smooth over anything for Cherry. Grace had taken the counselor’s advice and hadn’t attempted to visit over the summer. Although tempered, the parking lot incident with Cherry’s mother had burned a hole in Grace’s heart.

~~~

A few years back Grace had created a night-before-school-starts tradition. She’d prepare the family’s favorite meal to mark the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. Tonight’s specialty— spaghetti and meatballs. Actually, the suggestion
and
recipe belonged to her mom, but she claimed both as hers. Adam conceded and came home on time, although his briefcase bulged with work to finish later.

Light-hearted chatter and signing filled the air around the kitchen table. Grace reflected on her own childhood first-day-of-school memories, dread and shyness. She had new clothes, shoes, a lunch box—everything her mother decided she needed to begin a new year…everything except confidence. Grace closed her eyes for a brief moment, thankful her kids hadn’t inherited her insecurities.

The discussion turned to Labor Day. Her in-laws would be visiting over the three-day weekend. Adam mentioned company Astros tickets.

“
Anybody interested?
” he asked.

Josh jumped to his feet, pumped his fists in the air, and did his
Rocky
victory dance.

“
I think he’s happy
,” Hannah said.

“
Wrong sport
.” Adam signed, a forced smile on his face.

Grace picked up on the tightness around Adam’s mouth. Exhaustion, maybe? The other woman?

“Don’t go there,” #2 whispered.

Josh plopped back down and stuffed near-whole meatballs down his throat.

Grace blinked hard and stared at her son. Adam and Hannah stopped eating to watch the spectacle.

“
Slow down. Chew
.” Adam’s voice had lost its hint of a smile and now bordered slight irritation.

Josh winced, either from swallowing the large wad of food or his dad’s unusually stern tone. He slammed down water from his glass. “
I need to count my money. Can I get a jersey? Number seven? I’ve been saving my allowance. Please?
” Josh said, foregoing the courtesy of signing while talking.

“
Biggio?
” Hannah fingerspelled.

Grace shrugged.

Adam nodded.

“
Finished!
” Josh cleaned his plate and remembered his manners as efficiently as beating the buzzer in a calf-roping competition.

Grace continued to stare, her fork suspended mid-air, while Josh scooted around the kitchen, through the family room and up the stairs. “
What was that?
” she asked.

“
R2D2 on crack?
” Hannah signed.

Both set of adult eyes rounded at their daughter.

Hannah smiled, obviously pleased with her joke and then shrugged. “
Just kidding
.” She stood, took her dishes to the sink, and followed her brother upstairs.

Grace watched Adam make the move to the kitchen. She remained seated, willing the day not to end. The fall semester always zoomed by like a rock catapulted through a sling shot.

“I forgot how much he likes going to the games,” she said.

“Yeah.” Adam’s tone was as bland as grits without salt.

“Thought you were gonna have to Heimlich that last meatball.” Grace took her last swig of iced tea. “Do you think we should take him to some more before the season ends?”

She waited for a response. None came.

“Adam?”

“Hmm?”

Grace repeated the question.

“Uh…yeah, probably.”

She had moved to the counter beside him to spoon leftovers into a plastic container and froze at the “uh…yeah, probably” remark. She stole a glance at him standing at the sink, his lips stretched tight across his face, his shoulders hunched. It’s
ba-ck
. The words floated around inside her in a little girl
Poltergeist
voice. She only prayed the malevolent abductor, it, didn’t have a name. Like Jennifer Aniston…or Lindsay.

She wanted her closet. “Are you…mad?” she asked, softly.

“No, of course not.”

Adam’s answer shot out way too quick for any comfort or reassurance. “Then…what?” She couldn’t believe she actually asked.

“Nothing.” Pause. “Just tired.”

Grace’s eyes narrowed, a meatball-size knot in her stomach. “Okay, I’ll finish up. You go rest.”

Adam dried his hands, needing no further encouragement. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll lay down for a while before I get back to work.” He stifled a yawn, kissed her forehead and left the kitchen.

Their eyes never met.

A fake yawn, she thought. She wiped down the counters, then repeated the maneuver. Her thoughts registered completely off the Richter scale. Ugly visions of a naked, kissing beach scene starring Adam and Jennifer clouded her head. No, wait…they didn’t have beaches in Chicago. Do they? She felt sick.
She
cornered the market on bizarre behavior, not Adam. He couldn’t have a turn—especially with Jennifer.

After wearing the kitchen sponge to a nub with the obsessive counter-wiping, she checked the bedroom. Empty. She tiptoed in the shadows of the hall past the study. Adam sat at the computer, staring at the monitor, shoulders still hunched. His right hand maneuvered the mouse, his left hand holding his cell phone to his ear.

Her pulse hammered through her body. She smelled fear as violently as a vampire thirsts for blood. She held the look on his face in her mind to examine. Sadness? Worry? Something secret. Something wrong. Something very wrong.

~~~

Two weeks later. Oh yea. Oh yea. Oh yea…her first day of class. She woke with the low-level nausea she hadn’t experienced since volunteering for summer camp.

Adam had left for the office at a ridiculously early hour. Grace woke the kids and headed for the kitchen. On the table she found a note in Adam’s familiar scrawl:

~Play nice with the other boys and girls~

At least he remembered, she thought. She made breakfast for the kids and sipped herbal tea while they ate. Her stomach couldn’t handle coffee this morning. Although walking around campus with a Starbuck’s concoction could look cool. She’d have to rethink a drive-by on her way to class.

Waving the kids off to the bus, she headed to the closet. Decision time. What does a forty-year-old woman wear on her first day of school?

“Anything she damn well pleases,” came the reply.

She should have known #2 wouldn’t miss
this
opportunity.

“Besides, who cares?” #2 said.

“I do, if it’s any of your business.” Grace found strength in her own sarcasm.

“Of course, it’s my business. I’m you. You’re me. I’m you. So, let’s git’er done.”

Grace shook her head. She didn’t need this today. “Look, I don’t know if you think this is helpful or what, but I’m nervous. Okay?”

“Really? Hadn’t noticed.”

Without
too
much arguing, the two decided on black Capri pants and a tailored button-down white blouse. #2 voted for a tighter-fitting top showing more cleavage. Grace put her foot down—probably a first. #2 backed off.

~~~

After her second class, Grace found her way back to the car and did a sit-down happy dance. “I did it…I did it…I did it!”

She survived the first day without a hitch, if she didn’t count being late; or the Caramel Macchiato splash down her front; or the sweaty armpit stains on her white blouse. Who knew she’d have to park five buildings away from her first class?

Okay, so maybe day one didn’t go without a hitch. But no one seemed to notice
or care
she had decided to return to school at forty, an age where acne breakouts were no longer life altering.

“So, how does it feel to be the only one in your class with clear skin?” #2 hounded.

“Don’t knock it.”

“It’s a com-pli-ment,” said #2.

“Really.” Grace meant the retort as a question, but was thankful it sounded snarky.

“That so hard to believe?”

“Yeah.” Grace felt a smirk creep to her face. She liked being the snark-er for a change.

“Okay. I’ve been thinking.”

Grace waited a moment. “About?”

“Calling a truce,” #2 said.

Suspicious, Grace kept quiet.

“You don’t seem to need me as much. What do you say we come to, oh, I don’t know…an agreement or something.”

“What sort of agreement?” Grace didn’t feel she could trust #2 any more than she could toss a semi across a parking lot.

“How about….” #2 paused, “I only speak up if—or when—the little pansy-ass starts running the show.”

“Spoken like a real lady,” Grace said. “You sure you’re ready to go that far?”

Silence and then, “Ah…sure. Why not?” She drew out the word sure with unnecessary sarcasm.

Grace contemplated, willing to give it a shot. “Okay, but I have something to add.”

“Like what?”

“Shut up. I’m not as nice as I used to be.”

“No shit.” #2 almost sound offended.

“You are also permitted to speak up to encourage and/or support.”

More silence from #2.

“Well?”

“I’m thinking.” Another pause from the alter ego. “Encourage or support. Encourage or support.” #2 dragged out the moment. “Okay, I think I can handle that.”

“So, it’s a deal?” Grace wondered if #2 should have her own name. Multiple personalities do, don’t they?

“Deal. Wanna shake?” #2 asked.

“Funny.”

CHAPTER 28

QUINLAN AND ANGELA

A commanding voice broke the silence. “Edward!”

Quinlan, glancing down, saw a striking woman with blonde curly hair and broad shoulders. She wore a gleaming white pants suit with a wide braided gold belt securely wrapped around her narrow waist.

My ground patrol? Quinlan wondered.

The woman’s glare was directed upward to the travel escort hanging precariously from the tall pine tree; her hands were firmly planted at her waist.

“Yes ma’am?” Eddie answered in a Steve Urkel voice.

“I see you’ve made your usual graceful landing,” the beautiful blonde-haired woman said, clearly irritated. “What is it Edward, third time this month?”

“Fourth,” Urkel corrected.

The woman shaded her eyes, surveying his silhouette against the midday sun. A clump of pine needles stuck out from behind one of his ears. Several twigs wedged up a pants leg.

“Unbelievable,” she muttered. “You think he’d learn.”

Quinlan hung with her legs dangling freely from her parachute harness. Very unlady-like.

“Release!” sounded the command from below.

The straps of the monstrous blue ghost parachute melted away. With the ease and grace of Mary Poppins’ floating umbrella, Quinlan glided to her final descent. Her feet met the ground, bringing her face to face with yet another woman dressed in all white. Unlike Mary with her dark hair and regal beauty queen-ish manner, this woman had bouncy curls and a beach volleyball physique. Although different in stature, both women screamed respect and authority.

“Welcome.” The woman extended her hand. Her smile dimpled. “I’m Angela, your ground patrol. Survive the landing okay?”

“I guess.” Patting her hair, Quinlan found a lingering strand of moss which she pulled free, then straightened her sparkly Catwoman glasses. “Everything….” she said, checking for torn clothing or missing body parts, “seems to be here.”

“Nice glasses.” Angela said.

Quinlan, self-conscious, touched the rim of the glittery eyewear. “Thank you.”

“Follow me please.” Angela sprinted away from the landing area. Quinlan double-timed her steps to keep up.

“Excuse me?” the Urkel voice yelled.

Angela stopped and turned. “What is it, Edward?”

“Can I get down now?” the whiney voice asked.

Angela thought for a moment. “Before you’re released, I want you to spend some time revisiting how your calculations can get so—how should I say—screwed up.” Angela wheeled around and continued her brisk pace. “Then we’ll talk,” she yelled over her shoulder.              

“Are you really going to leave him hanging there?” Quinlan’s heart pounded trying to keep pace with Angela.

“Oh, he’ll be fine.” Angela waved in dismissal. “I’ve delayed his release command for fifteen minutes. That should be long enough.” Angela shook her head. “Trainees….”

Angela reminded Quinlan of a 70’s Cover Girl with her fair complexion, clear blue eyes and playful strawberry blonde loose curls around her shoulders. A wicked smile hung around her lips. She walked with shoulders back, oozing confidence.

“So, have you been to my café?” Angela asked.

“Excuse…me?” Quinlan puffed, struggling to catch her breath.

“My café. You know, the one at Starlight and Second?”

Quinlan’s heart tha-thumped even harder. “You’re
that
Angela?”

“In the flesh.” Angela shot a sideways smile. “Well, not literally. Actually, it’s not really mine. We’re not owners there, you know. I just supplied the recipes so they named it after me.”

“Those are
your
recipes?” Quinlan felt like she’d just met Julia Child incarnate. “Even the white chocolate cheesecake?”

“Yep. All mine.” Angela stopped. “Is that your favorite?”

“That or the…Tiramisu,” Quinlan gasped. “Or the caramel cream puff.” Obvious to the casual observer, her serious winded condition may have been a direct result of how well versed she’d become on the luscious desserts. “My sister adores your baklava. And…the chocolate macaroons.” She couldn’t wait to tell Meghan she’d met
the
Angela. “We go there…every Saturday afternoon.” Quinlan rephrased. “I mean…we used to.”

Angela’s Cover Girl’s power walk led them to the station building, which looked like the top half of a Roman cathedral planted in green grass. Angela showed Quinlan how to press the gold card on the sensory panel mounted next to the towering leaded-glass doors.

Commotion filtered the massive lobby. A self-playing grand piano off to one side pounded an upbeat rendition of
Stardust
. Several small groups of people loitered around, smiling, shaking hands and engaging in conversation. Others waited patiently for elevators and greeted those exiting when the doors opened. Creating a bustle of activity, the people in the lobby seemed genuinely happy, not hurried or the least bit stressed.

Angela steered her toward the front desk. Quinlan couldn’t help but notice a giant Mr. Clean-looking black man sweeping the highly polished floor, clothed in a sky blue jumpsuit.

“May I see your ID, please?” asked the female at the front desk.

Quinlan broke her gaze away from Mr. Clean and produced the bracelet, which was scanned and returned to her.

“Wait here.” Angela turned and left Quinlan’s side.  

Studying her surroundings, she squinted. The walls and floors were finished in a greenish-brown patina gloss, making it difficult to distinguish where floors ended and walls began. An
Alice in Wonderland
optical illusion, on top of Quinlan’s astigmatism, further distorted her vision. She blinked hard, recognizing the high probability of running into a wall. How embarrassing. She grabbed her notepad.

Caution –walls/floors—station building

She folded her arms and felt a twig poking out of her sleeve. She quickly worked it free, feeling terribly disheveled and conspicuous. Quinlan blew out relief when Angela returned.

“Okay, Edward made it back with your bag. At least he got that right.” Angela’s lip’s pulled back tightly. “It’ll be a miracle if he gets his green parachute. This is his third go-round as escort trainee.”

Quinlan secretly pulled for Eddie. The young man needed some guidance. Maybe she could offer some suggestions. For starters, like how to hold a conversation.

“Next, you report to the auditorium.” Angela smiled. “Initial orientation, nothing to worry about. General rules, that sort of thing.”

Another orientation? Dread. “How long will that take?”

Angela raised an eyebrow. “You have plans?”

“Uh…no. Of course not.” Tons, Quinlan thought.

“Let’s see, that’ll take about an hour and then,” Angela checked her clipboard, “you’ll be done for the day. Also, now that you’re here, you’ll be operating on Earth time.”

With the end of the first day finally in sight, Quinlan released the breath she felt she’d been holding for hours.

~~~

The auditorium nearly full, Quinlan took a seat toward the back. People of all ages filled the rows in front of her. An enormous screen covering the entire stage lowered from behind red velvet swags. The lights dimmed to twilight and the taped orientation began.

After the session ended, Quinlan slipped out the nearest door and found Angela talking to handsome Mr. Clean with the spotless light blue jumpsuit.

“There you are.” Angela said. “How was it?”

Quinlan opened her mouth to speak but Angela waved before she could answer.

“Never mind. We’ll talk later. I want you to meet Thomas.” She swung her gaze toward the man standing beside her. “He’s our ground patrol supervisor.”

Quinlan’s mouth fell open. She immediately slammed it shut.

Thomas, the exquisitely tall, distinguished-looking black man, sported a shiny head and a diamond stud in his left ear. He extended a Shaq-size hand. “You thought I worked in maintenance, right?” his laugh boomed. “Happens all the time.”

He’d noticed her too!
Quinlan placed her hand in his. “Oh no, not at all,” she lied. Warm fingers closed around hers, radiating heat up her arm and through her body. A sugary smell filled the air around her. She’d never seen a jumpsuit pulled off quite so elegantly. Another mental note.

Handsome man in jumpsuit attire–possible supervisor

“Thomas, this is Quinlan. She’s the special case….” Angela coughed. “Excuse me…I mean, assignment I told you about.” She flashed eyes at Thomas.

“It’s a pleasure.” Thomas held her hand a second longer before releasing, his smile mesmerizing. “Let me know, Ms. Quinlan, if there’s anything I can do for you.”

“Thank you,” Quinlan mumbled, her hand suspended in air where Thomas had left it. Wow. Such a gentleman, Quinlan thought. And so…handsome.

“Time to go.” Angela grabbed Quinlan’s elbow, breaking her eye-lock on Mr. Clean. “Later, Thomas.”

Thomas nodded.

“It was a pleasure—” Quinlan started until Angela yanked harder on her elbow.

“C’mon, I said we’ve got to go,” Angela said. “Thomas has that effect on women. Smells like lemon drops, right?”

“Cotton candy.”

Angela released her hold on Quinlan and jumped into her brisk pace. “Okay, forget about Thomas for a minute. Tell me what you learned.”

“Let’s see.” Quinlan shook the sugary sweet smell from her head and reached for her notepad. “We assist, guard, protect, comfort, support and intercede.”

“For the purpose of?”

“Personal growth and development,” Quinlan answered.

“And, under no circumstances, do we….”

“I know I wrote that down somewhere.” Quinlan fumbled through her notes.

Angela halted, causing Quinlan to plow into the woman in white. “Here it is.” She looked up into icy blue eyes that could cut through steel.

“Go on,” Angela said.

“We’re not allowed to interfere with free-will and lessons or challenges to be….” she flipped to the next page, “learned.”

“Study that one tonight.”

“Well, I thought I’d go over most of my notes—” Quinlan flipped back through the pages of her notepad.

Angela planted her hands on Quinlan’s shoulders. “I said, study that one!”

“Okay.” Quinlan drew out the word, pouting. She felt five. Geez.

~~~

After delivering Quinlan to her new living quarters, Angela pulled a cell phone from her pocket and punched numbers.

“She’s here. Just wanted to let you know,” Angela said.

“And the trip?” Mary asked.

“Pretty uneventful. Except for the landing, of course.”

“Her escort?”

“Edward.” Angela smirked and shook her head.

“Ah yes, Edward.”

“Uh-huh. Third time this month…fourth, according to him.” Angela chuckled. “I think our Mr. Friendly Skies escort needs to repeat landing procedures.”

“You may be right.”

“He’s going to set a record at this rate.” Angela stood with her hand on her hip.

“Now Angela—”

“I know. We’re not keeping track.”

“Do work on your patience with him,” Mary requested.

“I’ll try,” Angela said. “Hey, liked the flashy eyeglasses.”

“As you know, the glasses are standard procedure. The bling was Maggie’s idea.”

“Nice touch.” Angela stifled a yawn, realizing Quinlan had zapped her energy supply.

“Keep me posted,” Mary said.

“I will.” Angela paused. “Say hi to George and Maggie.”