For always, p.22
For Always, page 22
This was where Elaine Hunter found her. She’d skirted the thick shrubs which bordered two properties. “Oh, I’m interrupting. I saw the kids on the beach and assumed you could use the company. Wrong, huh?”
“Nope, I could use the break,” Heather said with a welcoming smile. “These figures are starting to run together.”
The two had known each other a short time, but once Heather had gotten over her initial jealousy of Elaine on the night of Cynthia’s disappearance, Heather discovered she liked her. Remembering how kind Elaine and her husband had been to Quinn during the time Cynthia was missing had warmed Heather’s heart.
“Come inside. I’ve got the air conditioner going and iced tea ready to pour,” she said, closing the laptop computer and putting her notes away.
“Sounds wonderful. Ninety-eight again today. Can you believe this Michigan weather?”
“Probably snow tomorrow.”
They both laughed at that.
“What are you working on?” Elaine gestured toward the textbooks and mounds of paper.
“My dissertation. I’ve been at it for over a year now. In fact, I’d hoped to finish it this summer. But I think I’m going to need more data to support my view,” Heather said with a sigh. “Looks like I won’t finish until the fall now.” She led the way into the kitchen.
“Doctoral candidate, hmmm. I’m impressed. What field?”
“Clinical psychology. Have a seat.” Heather indicated the dining area. “I’ll get the glasses.”
Once they were seated, Elaine said with a smile, “That sounds interesting. Are you planning to give up counseling?”
“No, at least not for a while. I enjoy working in the school system, and I especially enjoy working with teens. I hope to do both by eventually joining my mother’s practice as a part-time psychologist.”
“So what’s your paper about?” Elaine sipped her tea.
“Teen suicide. I’ve been volunteering at a teen suicide Crisis Prevention Center and learning a lot. Would you like a cinnamon roll? The girls made them this morning. They’ve suddenly developed an insane urge for cooking. Or should I say, I may be the one going insane before they’re finished.”
Elaine laughed. “I’ll try anything once.”
Heather raised an eyebrow in warning, but passed over the plate of goodies.
“These are really good!” Elaine said munching.
“Amazing, isn’t it?”
“Your nieces are delightful. They came over to help me weed the garden, a thankless chore if ever there was one. Anyway, I like them. It’s easy to spot the family resemblance. They’re so pretty. And their friendship has made a world of difference to Cynthia. I haven’t seen her this happy in years. And I suspect you have a lot to do with that.”
“Thank you. And for that compliment, you can have another cinnamon roll.” Heather beamed. “Somehow I have a hard time believing those three girls were interested in pulling weeds—more like big game hunting. Am I right?”
Elaine knew exactly what she meant. Her twin sons Kevin and Keith had invited their handsome college roommate up for a few weeks. “Probably.”
“Their motivation is named Gary. Are the girls making pests of themselves?”
“No, nothing like that.”
“I’ll speak to them.”
“Whatever for? There was a time when Cynthia was little that she practically lived in our house. She and my boys were always up to no good.” Her blue eyes reflected her amusement. “We’ve spent every summer up here since the children were in diapers. I’m afraid your nieces were disappointed today. The boys drove up to the Sault Sainte Marie with some college friends. They won’t return until this evening.” Elaine popped the last bit of roll into her mouth. “Are you finding any time to enjoy yourself?”
“Oh, yes. I’m having a wonderful time.”
“Have you heard about our annual barbecue? We have it over the Fourth of July weekend. You and the girls are coming, aren’t you?”
“Mmmm, Cynthia told us about it. The girls and I are looking forward to it. If you need help, let me know. I’d be glad to do whatever I can.”
“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. I just hope my husband is coming. Darnell is busy on a new case. It’s always a case. If he forgets that next weekend is the Fourth of July, I’ll be the one dragging him into court. Honestly! Is Quinn flying in?”
Heather, refilling their glasses, nearly dropped the pitcher. “I don’t know.” Somehow she managed to give Elaine her drink without mishap. “More lemon or sugar?”
“Both, thanks. Take my advice and don’t fall in love and marry an attorney. Oh, they make excellent providers, but on the whole they’re workaholics. My husband and his best friend, Quinn Montgomery, are the worst of the lot.” Elaine looked up, realizing Heather was extremely quiet. She saw the single tear slide down Heather’s cheek before she wiped it away.
“Heather? What did I say?”
“Nothing.” Heather had gotten up and moved to the patio door, her back to Elaine. She took slow calming breaths, hoping to get her emotions under control. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Her voice was muffled by the hand she pressed to her trembling mouth.
“It’s Quinn, isn’t it?”
“Your warning is a little late. I’ve already fallen in love with him.”
“I was only teasing,” Elaine hurried on to say. “Quinn is a very attractive man, a wonderful man.”
“But a man who has no room in his life for a new woman,” Heather said in frustration.
“Honey, life doesn’t always cooperate. Come on now, dry your face. If you like we can always discuss the price of pork chops,” Elaine said gently.
Heather joined her at the table with a somewhat wavering smile. “I didn’t mean to come apart on you. When you mentioned his name, the tears just came from nowhere.”
“We don’t have to talk about it.”
“It’s alright. I probably need to talk. I’ve been holding it in for so long.”
“Quinn knows how you feel?”
“Oh, yes. But there are complications. We’ve decided to put our relationship in cold storage for a while.”
“But why?”
“Cynthia...” Heather flushed, recounting the embarrassing morning Cynthia discovered she and Quinn were lovers.
“Surely Quinn hasn’t allowed Cynthia to control his personal life!”
“No. But she’s been through so much, and she needs him now.”
“Do you think therapy is helping?”
“Yes. Given time, I think Cynthia will be fine.”
“For that we’re all very, very thankful,” Elaine said. “Heather, Cynthia isn’t the only one who’s suffered since Peggy’s death.”
“Quinn.’’
“Yes,” Elaine said evenly. “He’s been through hell.”
“I see,” was all Heather could manage to say. She didn’t dare ask more. It was bad enough to fear that he was still in love with Peggy. It would be too much to hear the words—because then all her hopes for the future would be crushed. Yet Heather had to know. “Do you think he’s still in love with Cynthia’s mother?”
“How can I answer something like that? I don’t know. He and Peggy had a good marriage. And they loved Cynthia very much. Then Peggy died very suddenly,” Elaine said with sadness in her voice. “There’s something about her death that still bothers Quinn. I’m not sure what it is. He won’t talk about it.”
Yes, that sounded just like Quinn, Heather decided thoughtfully.
“I hope I haven’t discouraged you. Because I’m really glad about the two of you.”
“Oh, Elaine, I miss him so badly. Our only contact these days is the telephone. And since we’ve been here, I haven’t spoken to him at all.” Heather swallowed back tears. “I know I’m being silly, but I can’t bear not talking to him. It’s too much! But it’s all we have right now.” Heather brushed impatiently at the tears spilling down her cheeks.
“I’m so sorry. I had no idea you two were going through this kind of torment. It must be just awful.”
“No, it’s not awful. I’m just weepy today.” Heather took a deep breath. “I thoroughly agree with Quinn. Cynthia has to be his number one consideration. I want her well and happy just as he does.” Heather trembled with emotion as she whispered, “I know I shouldn’t expect anything of him right now. Quinn has enough to contend with. But a damn phone call! Why can’t he call me?”
“Give it time. I saw the way Quinn looked at you the night Cynthia disappeared. And I’ve heard the warmth in his voice whenever he mentions you. Heather, you’re important to him.”
But Heather wanted his love. That was what she really wanted, more than telephone calls, more than anything else in the world. She would be willing to wait forever if she just knew he loved her.
“It hasn’t been easy for you, Heather. I know that. Quinn has so much anger and bitterness inside of him that he can’t seem to let go of the past. Please, don’t give up on him.”
“As my great aunt, Naomi, always says, I feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place.”
“You’ve been so good for Cynthia. I think you’re good for Quinn, too. I, like you, happen to love the guy. So promise me you won’t make any decision just yet.”
Heather nodded.
“Good! Just kick back and relax. Enjoy your vacation.” Glancing at the kitchen clock, Elaine jumped up. “Got to go. I’m expecting a call from Darnell.” She gave Heather’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Talk to you soon.”
“No matter what happens between Quinn and myself, Elaine, I’m glad he has friends like you and Darnell.”
18
The girls were involved in a noisy game of Scrabble when the telephone rang that evening.
“I’ll get it,” Heather said, reaching for the instrument at her elbow. She’d been reading an article on teen suicide in a recent psychology journal. “Montgomery residence.”
“Hey, pretty girl.” Quinn’s voice was deep, arresting to her sensitive ear.
It took her a second to regain the use of her blocked vocal cords. “How are you, Quinn?”
“The question is, how are you? Still in one piece?”
“That’s debatable,” she said as casually as she could manage, considering her breath had been trapped in her lungs. “Would you care to switch places?”
“Not in this life!” His deep masculine laughter sent shivers of awareness through her nervous system. “Have everything you need? The house clean, refrigerator and cupboards stocked?”
“Perfect. You’ve a lovely home. It’s a shame you couldn’t make this trip with Cynthia. She would love for you to be here.”
“I somehow doubt that. The kid’s been beside herself with excitement. Something to do with teenage girls and boys, know what I mean?”
“All too well. Elaine sent Gary, her boys’ college roommate, over with a casserole and the girls have been whispering and giggling all evening. And I understand there’s a fifteen-and sixteen-year old brother and sister living a mile or so down the road.”
Quinn chuckled softly. “The Sanders kids. Have you been able to do any work on your paper?”
“Yes, but it’s going slower than I would like. That has nothing to do with the kids. More to do with research.”
“The kids aren’t taking all your time?”
“No, they’ve been very good about that. I manage to put together a few hours between lunch and dinner.” Heather looked up to see Cynthia watching her. “Cynthia’s right here. Just a minute, please.” She got up, putting down the phone. “Hurry, it’s long distance.”
“You’re cheating! That’s not a word, Angie!” Ericia screeched at her sister, sending her into a peal of laughter.
“How about popcorn?” Heather headed for the kitchen as the girls cheered their approval.
There was no point in pretending she was unaffected. For a moment she’d forgotten everything in the pleasure of hearing Quinn’s voice after so long. But one look at Cynthia had reminded her that the call was to his daughter. If Heather hadn’t answered the telephone, she wouldn’t have spoken to him at all. That realization hurt... badly.
Elaine had requested she give him time. Time for what? To hurt her even more? No, Heather wasn’t the self-sacrificing type. In the past, when a relationship wasn’t right for her, she had always had enough pride to walk away. That was what she had done when her engagement had gone sour. Why was it so different now?
Perhaps she was the one who was different. No, it was Quinn. She couldn’t turn her back on him. She cared about him too deeply. The simple truth was her heart belonged to him. It was too late to ask for it back.
But what was she supposed to think? Or didn’t he expect her to notice that he hadn’t called her in two blasted weeks! And there was no way she could call him. The only time she was alone was during the afternoon while he was probably in court. If only there was an extension in the loft where she slept.
Heather felt totally confused. It was driving her crazy wondering if Quinn was still in love with his late wife. She was no closer to finding an answer now than she’d been weeks ago. Maybe it was better if she didn’t know...
And there were Cynthia’s ambiguous emotions toward her. When Heather had been on the telephone, Cynthia had looked at her with a combination of curiosity, love, resentment, and a bit of jealousy. At the moment Heather didn’t feel sure about anything, except that she would be spending another night in Quinn’s bed, without him.
With Independence Day weekend fast approaching, the girls insisted they each needed a new outfit for the barbecue. On Thursday they drove into Traverse City to do the necessary shopping.
Later that night the girls decided to give each other an extensive beauty treatment. Heather had gone out for a walk along the beach, and when she returned she found each young face smeared with what looked to be a mixture of oatmeal, honey, and egg.
“Having fun?” Heather tried to keep a straight face, but failed.
“This is work,” Cynthia announced, adding more of the mixture to her unblemished face and neck and shoulders.
“Smells more like breakfast. What all did you put in there?” Heather turned up her nose at the unusual color.
“All natural ingredients. We’ve got eggs, oatmeal, honey, beer, garlic, and avocado blended in,” Ericia explained.
“Used your dad’s imported beer, did you Cynthia?” Heather asked with amusement.
“He won’t mind when he sees how gorgeous we are.”
“Would you like to try some?” Angela offered.
“I think I’ll pass this time. Have you tried putting it on a cookie sheet? It would probably taste great except for the beer and garlic.”
“Oh, Aunt Heather!” Ericia giggled.
“I’m going to bed. Oh! Put the kitchen and bathroom back the way you found them when you’re finished, please. See you beauties in the morning.”
Heather was halfway up the stairs when Cynthia ran after her. “I forgot to tell you. When Daddy called I reminded him of the Hunters’ barbecue on Saturday.” Cynthia beamed, unaware that Heather’s heart had stopped beating. “Gosh, I really miss him. I can’t wait for him to see how much my backhand has improved since Keith has been coaching me.”
Was Quinn coming? Could he find the time? He was involved with a very important legal defense. They had even seen him being interviewed on a national news broadcast earlier in the week. “Is he flying up?”
“He’s not sure. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed. He said he’d call tomorrow night, one way or the other.” Cynthia started to give her a kiss on the cheek but at the last second reconsidered. Instead she blew a kiss then dashed back into the bathroom to join the others at the mirror.
Heather was pleased with Cynthia’s increased poise and confidence. It was amazing how much she had grown in such a short few weeks.
Heather paused on the landing, considering the very real possibility of seeing Quinn soon. She had been furious with him the other night. Tonight she wasn’t angry. Tonight she felt lonely. She missed him desperately. She longed to show him, as a woman shows her man, how much she loved him and needed him. If he came, she could do none of those things. They wouldn’t have time alone together. She would have to ignore the urgent yearnings to be back in his arms.
As she sank in the nearby armchair in the unlit bedroom, Heather recalled their romantic dinner together and later their lovemaking. Her mind was flooded with remembered pleasure.
Later as she curled up in bed, holding his pillow close, Heather accepted that even if he did come to Traverse Bay this weekend, nothing would change. Her body might ache for his lovemaking, and she might crave his sensuous caresses—but they wouldn’t make love. Her breasts ached against the bodice of her nightgown as her heightened senses refused to forget the weight of his chest pressed against them or the wonder of wrapping her legs around his lean hips while feeling his hard masculinity deep within her, filling the emptiness and loving her as only he could.
Friday was the longest day on record. All evening long Heather’s eyes strayed to the silent telephone. The girls were engrossed in shaping and polishing their nails and didn’t notice her anxiety. The phone stayed silent. Quinn didn’t call.
“The others are all there, Aunt Heather. Hurry or we’ll be late.” Ericia watched as Heather put the cherry topping on the cheesecake.
“What she means is Gary’s there,” Angela said.
“Now look, you.” Ericia put her finger in her sister’s face. “I’ve had enough of your teasing.”
Heather had about enough, too. She hadn’t been able to sleep until dawn and felt like doing a bit of yelling herself. “Ericia, please—why don’t you go on ahead. I’ll be along in another couple of minutes. Cynthia, will you and Angela cover the salads with plastic wrap?”
“You’re going to change, aren’t you, Aunt Heather? I mean you’re going to wear a bathing suit like everyone else, aren’t you?” Ericia chewed on her lower lip as if she had just considered the possibility that Heather might not. The idea was apparently too horrible for words.
