Chapter Twenty-Six
Taylor
Milton looked like a new man sitting across from me in the big comfy chair. He sat one of the colorful throw cushions in his lap and squeezed it as he told me the good news. “I have my flight booked,” he beamed.
His hair was clean and slicked back from his face, his clothes pressed, and he even looked like he’d gotten some sun from the glistening of his skin. “I’m really glad,” I sighed, feeling a relief that he was going to be okay.
“I owe it all to you,” he gushed, his eyes filling with the wet tears he tried to hide. “Thank you,” he smiled, pulling back his emotion.
I couldn’t speak. I knew if I did, my voice would crack and tears would fall from my eyes. I’d grown so attached to this man in such a short time. He was the link to all of the guilt I felt about my own father. He was helping me just as much as I was helping him, if not more.
“So, when do you leave?” I finally managed to speak clearly.
“Next week. I’ll visit my son for a week, and then my daughter for a week,” he grinned.
“You should stay longer,” I encouraged.
“I can’t be away from the island that long,” he said softly. I knew he meant he couldn’t be away from his wife that long. He visited her every week, leaving fresh flowers on her gravestone that he picked wild. He took very good care of her, even when he couldn’t take care of himself.
We talked a little longer than usual, but he was my last patient of the day, and I wasn’t in any hurry to leave. I was enjoying listening to him talk about his grandkids, and how much he enjoyed talking to them through Skype.
As I was walking him out, I reminded him of the shopping arrangement. I was surprised, but he’d actually written out a list of items he needed. It was short, but I knew he was leaving next week, so I didn’t fight him on it. “I’ll be by later this evening,” I promised, taking the list from his wrinkled hand. I fought back the urge to reach out and hug the old man, knowing it wasn’t exactly the professional thing to do.
I stood by the front doors, watching him walk to his car. His stride was stronger, his back straighter, and something had definitely changed within him.
“Taylor, can I have a minute?” Mitchell stuck his head out from his office.
Chills ran up my spine as I walked towards him. What have I done now?
“Have a seat,” he offered, motioning to the hard chair in front of his desk. I smiled, took the seat, and looked around his plain, cold office.
“Did you have a good week?” he asked, trying to sound interested even though I knew he wasn’t. I hadn’t been here long, and already taking a week off. I was waiting for him to lower the boom. Give it to me, Mitchell; I can handle it.
“It was an amazing week,” I smiled, trying not to let him induce fear into my soul. I was feeling good, and that’s how I wanted to stay. He wasn’t going to ruin my great mood, my feeling of accomplishment.
“I’m glad you took the time for yourself. I know this job is overwhelming at times. I hope I haven’t overloaded you too quickly,” he sighed.
“No, not at all. I’m actually enjoying the workload,” I explained, suddenly panicked with guilt.
“I was just concerned. I know you took on an extra day with Milton, and on top of everything else…” he paused.
“No. I took the week to visit a family friend. Getting to his place is a full day hike,” I smiled. I wasn’t going to let him push Milton’s days back to twice a week, not using my week off as an excuse. I wasn’t overwhelmed at work; if anything, I was content. I loved my job and my patients.
“Milton seemed to be a lot happier,” he admitted.
My heartbeat slowed to normal, and my palms released the sweat forming on them as my panic reduced. “Yes. He’s a changed man,” I beamed.
“He spoke very highly of you. He said you helped him get organized at his house, and that you’re doing his shopping for him,” Mitchell questioned.
I couldn’t tell by his tone if he was irritated or impressed. “That’s not exactly orthodox treatment,” his eyebrows rose high on his forehead as he pushed his glasses down to his nose. His stare was intense, leaving me helpless against the anxiety that arose within my soul.
“I understand, but I felt it was necessary,” I stated firmly.
“I agree,” he said, and then leaned back in his chair. My heart raced. “I believe that those extra steps you’ve taken with him brought not only trust that was needed, but confidence that had been lacking for some time now. I’ve spent several years with Milton, and I’ve never seen him this happy, this confident,” he boasted.
My eyes were locked onto his, still in disbelief that he was praising me, not reprimanding me for my nontraditional methods of treatment. “People often don’t realize that life on the island, especially a small one like this, is much different than in a big city. People are different, and they should be treated differently. That’s why I was so excited to get you here, someone who’s lived on the island, who understands the close bond of the people here. I have to say, I’m impressed,” he gushed, his eyes beaming with pride.
“Thank you,” I smiled. I’d never been praised so highly while in New York. Maybe the island was where I belonged. It was in my blood. I had roots here. I was one of these people.
“I’m prepared to make you a full partner once your six-month period is complete. I didn’t want to wait to tell you. I thought you should know now, so you have the time to decide if you plan to stay,” he smiled brightly.
When I came here, I had planned on going back to New York, when I wasn’t certain. But, a full partnership, that meant a commitment to stay here forever. “I really appreciate that. Thank you very much, Mitchell,” I replied.
“No, thank you. This island is lucky to have you,” he beamed.
Wow. This was a huge offer. I was too stunned to determine what I wanted right at that moment. So many things flew through my mind. Milton was here, and I knew there’d be plenty more like him that would need my help. Xander was up the mountain, someone that I could always call on if I needed anything, and Elijah. Oh, Elijah. He was leaving, going back to Miami most likely, and soon. Was I prepared to stay put on this island and not chase him to the States?
“It’s a lot to think about,” Mitchell pointed out. “I don’t need your answer now, but whenever you know, please inform me of your decision,” Mitchell concluded, standing from his chair and extending his long arm towards me. I took his hand, shook it firmly, and agreed to tell him once I made my decision. What will I decide? What should I decide?
I left Mitchell’s office feeling both proud and confused. I wasn’t prepared to plan out my future in stone just yet, but I did love it here on the island. I cleaned up my office and locked up. I sat in my car for a few minutes, trying to decide what to do when Milton’s list on my passenger seat caught my eye. I would take it one day at a time; that’s what I would do. Elijah hadn’t made a decision yet about his child, so I could think about this for a few days or weeks if I needed.
I pulled my car from the small parking lot and headed into town. Madison’s bakery was pulling me towards it, not only for the sweet treats inside, but for my good friend’s advice.
I pulled into the parking lot in front of the bakery. There was a line wrapped around the building, and I could see Madison through the window, smiling and greeting guests as they entered one by one. What the hell was going on?
I walked up to the storefront, taking notice of the long line. I waved to Madison through the window as she walked by. I watched as she waved in my direction, and then handed a basket to one of the girls working inside. “What is all this?” I asked as she stepped out. She looked exhausted; proud and happy, but exhausted.
“I’m giving away free samples of my new savory dessert,” she boasted, pushing a small round donut towards me.
My eyes widened as I took the treat. It looked like a donut hole but was covered in a thick, creamy icing. The aroma was different, but appealing. “What is it?” I asked before placing it in my mouth.
“Just try it,” Madison laughed.
I took a bite, recognizing the flavor, but never in a donut before. “Oh wow,” I exclaimed with my mouth still full.
“You like it?” she asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.
“Yes,” I swallowed my first bite. It was a donut ball with fried chicken inside, a maple syrup glaze with bacon bits sprinkled on top. “It’s probably the second best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth,” I giggled, thinking about Elijah as I spoke. Madison’s eyes narrowed, and her lips curled into a smile. She knew what I was talking about. I didn’t have to say it, she just knew.
She laughed as she let out a soft sigh. “How was your week in the wilderness?”
“It was amazing,” I gasped, unable to express to her just how amazing it truly was. “Elijah is one of the most impressive men I’ve ever met,” I sighed.
“Sounds like you’re falling for him,” she teased.
I didn’t respond with anything except a smile. “Oh my God, you are!” she exclaimed.
My cheeks burnt with the redness I knew flooded them. It was true. I was falling for Elijah. Now what?
“He’s leaving soon,” I groaned, trying to convince myself as much as Madison that I wasn’t being naïve.
“Did you get a chance to ask about your brother?” she questioned, thankfully changing the topic.
“No. I’m not sure I really need to know now. I got to see how close a bond those men shared, and I’m certain it is a topic neither of them would care to discuss. Knowing all the details may be too hard for me. Just knowing he was with people who loved him, that’s enough,” I replied.
“Good,” Madison responded, looking over her shoulder at the crowd gathering inside. “I have to get back in there.”
I reached out and gave her a hug before she disappeared back into the bakery. I wanted to ask her opinion about my partnership, but I knew she’d just tell me to stay. There wasn't any way I wanted to tell her I thought about following Elijah to the states, or that I was begging for him to stay and be a father to little Bailey. There was so much she didn’t know. I hated the fact I couldn’t share all of my secrets with her. Elijah’s secrets.
I left my car in the parking lot near the bakery and walked across the street to the market. I scoured each aisle for the items on Milton’s list, all pretty basic. He loved the small boxes of juice, and the single serving milks I’d bought, so he added them to the list. A few of the snacks I’d purchased him last week, some more fruit, and garbage bags were all that were left on the list. I wondered if he’d skimped on a few items because of cost, or if he truly didn’t need them. I’d look when I got there, just to make sure he was getting everything he needed.
The cashier was busy chomping on her gum and talking to the manager. It was obvious they were attracted to one another, and I tried not to giggle as I placed my items onto the belt. Something about love, it was just in the air. I felt it, and these two felt it; it was contagious.
“Is this all?” the woman asked, quickly turning from her flirting and to my groceries. I nodded as she scanned each item and placed it in a large paper bag. I handed her a fifty, took the change, and headed out the door with my two bags for Milton’s just as Kellie walked in with Bailey clinging to her hand. The little girl was wearing a swimsuit, and her hair was in tight braids on either side of her head. Kellie looked directly at me as I nearly ran into her. “Hey, Kellie, right?” I stammered.
“Yes, and you are?” she asked in the same snotty, high-pitched voice she had in high school.
“Taylor Madden,” I replied, clearing my throat before I spoke. She made me nervous, in school, and now, especially now.
“Oh, Tommy’s little sister,” she sneered with a fake smile forced onto her face.
“Yes,” I agreed, even though I was only a grade below her and Tommy, hardly a little sister.
“I didn’t think you lived her anymore,” Kellie smiled.
“I just moved back,” I replied. I said that as if it were a statement signifying I’d moved back for good. Had I?
My eyes locked with the little girls. They were dark, like Elijah’s, and her lips curled into a crooked smile that resembled his. “Nice seeing you,” Kellie said, a lie, I was certain. She pulled on the little girl's hand and directed her into the store. She turned and looked over her shoulder at me as they walked away, a smile smeared on her face. Wow, she really does look like Elijah’s daughter. How could he walk away from her?
I pulled myself from the trance I was in and walked out the front door and across the street. I wanted to grab Madison, tell her about the little girl, about how there’s a chance Elijah might stay, but she was still busy with the crowd of people lined outside her store. I slid the groceries into the backseat and slid in behind the driver’s seat. I pulled myself together, calming my racing heart, and headed towards Milton’s house.
It was a nice surprise to find Milton sitting on his front porch, and not barricaded inside. “You need help?” he called out to me, standing from his rocking chair.
“No. You gave me a short list,” I called back, and then pulled the two bags from the backseat.
Milton opened the door for me and let me walk inside first. The place smelled great, nicely aired out, free of garbage, and no more rotting food in the fridge. I looked around as I made my way to the kitchen. It appeared that he’d been doing a great job keeping the place clean. I’d expected to stay and pick up for him, but it looked like he was managing just fine. “The place looks good,” I praised him, placing the bags on the counter.
“I feel like a new man,” he gushed. He looked like one too.
“Can I help you with laundry or anything?” I asked.
He shook his head proudly. “I’ve got everything done. I even weeded the flower bed out back,” he boasted.
I couldn’t have been prouder of him at that moment. I pulled the items from the bags and started putting them away, taking notice of what he had left, and what he didn’t. His freezer still had a couple of the frozen meals in the door and half a box of ice cream sandwiches. The fridge was pretty empty before I stocked it back with the drinks and the fruit. “You sure there isn’t anything else you’d like to have?” I questioned.
“I’ll have a longer list when I get back. Don’t you worry about me. I just don’t want to leave anything that will spoil when I leave, and I hate waste,” he smiled.
I handed him the receipt from my trip and changed the garbage bag out while he gathered his wallet. He tried to offer me extra for doing the shopping, but I wouldn’t take it. “This isn’t a job or a chore. Trust me, I enjoy doing this, and it helps me as much as it helps you,” I smiled.
His eyes were warm and kind as he smiled in my direction. “Okay,” he yielded.
“I’ll see you Wednesday,” I said, patting him on the shoulder as I made my way back to my car. I was impressed that he’d come so far so quickly, but a part of me felt a sadness that he might no longer need me.
I waved to the old man on the porch as I drove off. I wondered what Elijah was up to, and if he’d mind me just stopping by. It felt strange spending so much time with him, and now being apart. I picked up my phone and dialed his number before I had to decide on going home, or going to his house, his dad’s house. I knew he’d be there working, not at the hotel. He’d missed out on an entire week of work.
“Hey,” I said cheerfully as he answered.
“Hey there,” he replied.
“You busy working on the house?” I questioned, ready to turn towards his street.
“I am,” he admitted. “I’ve got a ton to catch up on,” he added.
“Would you like some help?” I offered. I wasn’t great with my hands, but I knew any help was help.
“Not tonight. I think I’m going to finish up the floors and head back to the hotel, call it an early night,” he said, his tone flat and cold.
I turned my car around, and headed back towards my house, hating that sinking feeling in my chest. “I understand. It was a long week,” I comforted.
“It was a long day,” he sighed.
“Did something happen?” I asked.
“I saw Bailey,” he said softly.
My heart raced. Does that mean he is staying? He isn’t leaving the island after all?
“How did that go?” I questioned carefully.
“I called Kellie, asked to see her, to talk to her. Bailey was with her on the beach,” he explained.
A tinge of jealousy emerged knowing that he was on the beach with Kellie, that he’d called her. “I’ve got a lot to think about. I didn’t give her an answer yet. I told her I would by the end of the week,” he concluded.
“You don’t know what you want to do?” I asked.
“Not a clue. Everything’s so confusing,” he sighed.
I knew it had to be. I felt bad for him and wanted so badly to reach out and hug him. “I’ll leave you alone so you can get your stuff done. Call me if you need to talk,” I hung up, feeling a mixture of emotions flow through my heart.
What if he was considering making things work with Kellie, and that was why he wanted the distance from me? My heart ached at the thought, but I knew it might be the best thing for Bailey. She deserved both her mother and her father in her life. I’d missed having my mother around, and I knew Elijah did as well. Maybe this is a sign that I need to back off, give him some space to make the best decision for not only him, but for Bailey as well.