Chapter Twenty-Five
BECCA JOGGED ALONG the boardwalk, Jazz at her side. She was tired and her back hurt from her being hunched over her computer, but the report was done. She’d stayed up late three nights, had done more research than she ever had before and had rewritten two sections twice, which should have seriously pissed her off. Instead, she felt a weird sense of accomplishment. As if she’d done something really important.
She wanted to tell herself it was just a dumb report to get a decent grade so that Lucas would help her get the last of her driving hours, but something told her that wasn’t really the case. She’d done a great job. She’d worked hard and she was proud of herself. It wasn’t a feeling she was used to.
Maybe this was what Lucas had been talking about all along—how she had to step up and do the right thing, even if it was hard or boring or whatever. She still missed her friends, still wanted her mom to pay more attention to her, but other than that, she had to admit, she was pretty happy. Ashton was amazing and she loved spending time with him. He always listened and he totally got her. As for the sex thing, it was possible he’d been right. She liked what they were doing.
Beside her, Jazz kept up easily. They left the boardwalk and headed back toward the residential area. Becca slowed to a walk and Jazz did the same.
“We are busy, aren’t we?” she said aloud. Jazz glanced at her, as if agreeing. “You’re such a smart dog. We should do something with that.”
They turned at the corner and Becca was surprised to find that she’d automatically walked toward Jordan’s. She stood in front of the familiar two-story house for nearly a minute before marching up to the front door and ringing the bell. Jordan answered, then frowned.
“What do you want?”
“You were wrong,” Becca told her. “I was your friend and I told you the truth because I care about you. I was protecting you from something bad and you punished me for that. Our friendship had value and you threw it away for a stupid guy. One day you’re going to regret that.”
She turned on her heel and walked away. Jazz kept pace. When they reached the corner, Becca began to run again.
Back home, she gave Jazz fresh water, then began researching online. The steps to getting Jazz certified as a therapy dog were straightforward. She had to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and pass a Therapy Dog Temperament test. Becca found a local volunteer organization in Santa Monica that offered both kinds of tests.
“I’m pretty sure you’re going to be able to pass easily,” Becca told her dog. “Oh, look. I have to take a one-day class to be your handler.” She grinned. “Wouldn’t you know it? I’ll have to go to classes more than you. Why am I not surprised?”
She thought about the old people where her grandmother lived. It would be scary to go there, but they seemed to like Jazz and it would be something for her dog to look forward to.
Becca printed the application she had to fill out and noted the date of the next handler class before doing a search on dog agility. She watched a couple of videos on YouTube.
“You could so do that,” she murmured. “Want to see?”
Jazz didn’t raise her head.
“I get it. Dogs don’t watch videos.” She typed on her keyboard and found a local park class that taught basic agility. The registration fee made her swallow hard, but that was nothing when compared with what she found when she went looking for the equipment.
“Jazz, there’s only one way this is going to work. You’re going to have to get a job in television or as a model.”
* * *
Stacey sat in her car for a second. She had to rally so she could walk the last ten feet from the garage to the house. For some reason, she’d been exhausted for a couple of days. Maybe Joule was having her prebirth growth spurt and that was using up all of Stacey’s resources. Maybe it was her last-minute push to get as much work done as she could before she went into labor. Whatever the reason, all she wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep for days. She was so tired she didn’t even want to bother with dinner.
But she would, she thought as she got out of the car and walked into the house. Because her baby needed the nutrition and it was what she should be doing. If only her ankles weren’t so swollen and her back didn’t hurt.
She found Ashton on the family room floor with the puppies crawling all over him and Bay watching from a safe distance. The mother dog looked as tired as she felt. Having a baby, or raising puppies, wasn’t easy.
“Hey,” Ashton said, barely glancing up from the game. “How was your day?”
“Good. And yours?”
“Fine. Somebody called in sick, so I got a couple of extra hours today. Woohoo.”
She smiled as she set down her backpack and pulled out her phone, then set it on the entry table. “Did you get your last assignment in?”
The question was more about conversation than concern—Ashton always did what he was supposed to. She only checked up on him because she wanted to make sure he knew she and Kit were interested in him and the articles she’d read said it was important. From her point of view, Ashton was more than capable of taking care of himself. She hoped that over the summer their relationship could evolve such that she was able to make him feel loved and welcome without having to ask stupid questions.
He didn’t bother looking up from the television. “I’ll do it later.”
She was halfway to the kitchen, but came to a stop. “It’s due this week. You said you’d have it done by now. You have to finish the class to graduate. If you don’t graduate, you won’t be able to go to MIT.”
He looked at her. “Relax, Stace. I’ve got it handled.”
She wanted to correct him. Having it handled would mean having it done. Unease joined exhaustion and she honestly didn’t know what to say to him.
Bay glanced at her as if following the conversation. Stacey wanted to ask the dog for advice, but that was ridiculous. Ashton was a mature teenager and he would do the right thing. She was sure of it.
Only the unease followed her into the kitchen as she began to prepare dinner. Kit had his support group that night. He’d made friends with several of the men and they met early to have dinner together. As always, he’d left her an easy dish that only had to be reheated.
She put the lasagna in the oven to warm and assembled a salad, then headed to her bedroom where she changed into maternity yoga pants and a T-shirt before walking back into the kitchen.
Bay joined her. After stroking the dog for several minutes, Stacey fixed her dinner and set her bowl in the corner of the eat-in kitchen. Bay began to eat.
One of her puppies trotted up and began sniffing at the food, then turned his attention to his mother’s ankle and began to chew. Bay stopped eating long enough to make a low sound in her throat. The puppy ignored her and continued to chomp on her foot. Bay growled louder. The puppy immediately stopped and began to back away.
“That’s telling him,” Stacey said as she scooped up the puppy. “Did you hear that? You should listen to your mom. She knows what she’s talking about.”
The puppy licked her nose.
Stacey was about to set him on the ground, when she got what had just happened. The puppy had done something wrong. Bay had issued a warning, then a sterner instruction, and the puppy had listened. She and Ashton were completely different, but still... It might work.
She walked into the family room and turned off the television.
Ashton frowned. “Why’d you do that?”
“You told me you would finish your last assignment several days ago. You said you had less than thirty minutes of work to do. Dinner’s going to take about that long. Please get it done now, before dinner.”
His mouth straightened and his eyes narrowed. He stood and took a step toward her in an obvious attempt to intimidate her with his size. Honestly, the males of every species were just so predictable.
“You’re telling me what to do? For real?”
She was tired, huge, swollen and only a couple of weeks away from giving birth. She didn’t have the patience for any of this.
“No, Ashton. For fake. You told me you would do the work and you didn’t, so I’m asking you to do it now. Unless you’re comfortable lying to me and if that’s the case, we have a bigger problem. Go finish the damn homework now so we can get on with our evening.”
He hesitated as if considering his options. She had no idea what she would do if he flat-out refused to do his homework. If only Kit were here—he would have handled the situation so much better.
“Fine,” Ashton grumbled. “I’ll go do it now. Then can I watch the game while we have dinner?”
“Sure.”
He started for his bedroom, then stopped and returned to her. After taking the puppy from her, he shocked her by pulling her into a hug.
“Sorry,” he said as he released her. “You’re right. I’ve been a butt. I really will go do it and finish out my class.”
“Thank you.”
Still carrying the puppy, he retreated to his room. She sank onto the sofa and covered her face with her hands. There was no way she was ever going to figure out parenting. It was hard and unpredictable and she just plain didn’t want to. But based on the size of her belly, it was too late for second thoughts.
* * *
Harper moved her fingers as quickly as she could. The pattern was familiar and guilt fueled her speed.
“Mom, you’re really intense.”
“I know. I can’t help it. I’m a terrible sister. Lightning is going to strike me for sure.” She glanced at her daughter, then returned her attention to her knitting. “You might want to sit across the room in what would be considered the safety zone.”
“You know Aunt Stacey doesn’t care, right? She’s not into all that baby stuff.”
“Maybe not, but I have an obligation.”
One that had gotten lost in the past couple of months. Her sister was due in less than two weeks and Harper hadn’t made her anything. Yes, she’d been there for the shopping for the baby furniture and after Kit and Ashton had painted the room, she’d helped with the setup and she already had a week’s worth of casseroles in the freezer to take over after the birth, but still.
“I ignored decorating for Memorial Day and now it’s all going to hell.”
“How’s this?”
Becca held up a small cap done in a pale yellow. Harper had already crocheted most of the tiny flowers she would sew onto the cap. On the table were the completed pink tiger hat she’d made, along with a summer dress that would match Becca’s cap. She was going to do a quick blanket and maybe a bunny hat and hope that was enough to keep her from a fiery end.
“It’s perfect,” Harper told her daughter. “Thank you so much for helping out.”
“You’re welcome.”
Harper realized she couldn’t remember the last time she and her daughter had done something together other than eat. They didn’t hang out much anymore. Or ever. Some of it was because Becca was older now and had more going on in her life and some of it was Harper being busy trying to keep her business and the family afloat.
She thought about all the time she and Becca had spent together over the years. Craft projects and afternoons making cookies or quick breads. How sad those opportunities had drifted away.
“How are your driving lessons coming?” she asked, hoping to start a conversation. “Lucas mentioned you were doing well.”
Becca made a face. “I’m kind of mad at him right now.”
Harper’s heart froze at the horrifying possibility of her daughter knowing about her affair. Would Becca—
“But maybe he was right,” her daughter continued, then looked at Harper and smiled. “I had to do a makeup paper for my history class and I wasn’t done with it, so he wouldn’t go driving with me the last time. I was so pissed, but then I kind of realized he was only trying to help me be more responsible and mature.”
“That is so unfair,” Harper said before she could stop herself. “If I’d done that to you, you wouldn’t have spoken to me for a week!”
She immediately wanted to call back the words. Why was she screwing up a perfectly nice moment with the truth?
Becca stunned her by grinning and saying, “You’re right. I would have been mad and pouted. But at least you have coupons you can use to make me behave.”
Harper didn’t know what to say to that so she cautiously asked, “Where are you on the report now?”
“It’s done. I’m going to turn it in tomorrow. I spent a lot of time on it and I’m really happy with how it came out.” She made a face. “I thought history was boring so I didn’t pay attention. Lucas told me that I can’t just participate in the fun parts of life. He asked if I thought you enjoyed all the stuff you do for me, and while I want to say that you have to like it because I’m your kid, I guess cleaning the toilet is never fun.”
“It’s not my favorite,” Harper admitted, wondering what else Lucas had discussed. Not that she didn’t trust him, but talk about being close-lipped. The man had depths. It was kind of nice to know he was more than a pretty face who was good in bed.
“According to the emails I’ve gotten from your teachers, you’re doing well in your other classes,” Harper said.
“It’s been a good semester. I’m supposed to focus on my precollege classes for next year, but I really don’t know what I want to study or be. I don’t know why we have to decide so early and college is expensive.”
“Don’t worry about the money. We’ll figure it out.” She’d been saving as much of the child support as she could and she would bully Terence into helping. Plus, with the new renter and the business growing, thanks to Dean, there was a little left over every month.
“It’s hard to know what you want to do with your life at seventeen,” she added. “These days, it seems like everyone has three or four careers.”
“That makes my decision confusing,” Becca admitted. “All the articles they make us read talk about using our passions as a guide, but I’m not sure I have any.” She finished the last row on the hat and cut the yarn, then took a needle and wove the strand into the pattern so it was secure and undetectable.
“Mom, I want to get Jazz certified as a therapy dog and take her to where Grandma lives. There’s a memory unit and a skilled nursing facility. I’ve talked to the manager there and once Jazz has passed her tests, she said I can bring her by. I promise it won’t get in the way of my hours working for Dean. I’m going to need a senior project next year anyway and I thought it could be about working with old people.” She wrinkled her nose. “I think Jazz would like it a lot and it’s easier to get your project approved if it involves volunteering.”
Harper stared at her daughter. “I think that’s a great idea. What made you think of it?”
“When I went to see Grandma the first time, I got lost and ended up there. It was scary because they were old and some were really sick, but Jazz didn’t mind.”
Harper had the sense of having missed a big portion of her daughter growing up. When had Becca become so caring and thoughtful? She’d been that way as a little girl, but over time, she’d turned into a teenager. Was she morphing back into who she’d been?
“I’d like to come along when you go,” Harper told her. “If that’s okay.”
“Sure. We can go see Grandma and stock up on cookies and brownies.”
“Because she’s still making them nearly every day.”
Harper knew her mother would never admit it, but she was enjoying her new life at the retirement community. She’d made friends, there was lots to do, plus she got to complain about her children. What could be better? Stacey had pointed out there were lots of single men there, but despite joking about it before, Harper couldn’t deal with the thought of her mother dating. Yes, Bunny was relatively young, and yes, Harper didn’t feel that her mother had to live alone for the rest of her life, but honestly, she could not wrap her mind around her mother having sex. No doubt that was exactly how Becca would feel if she knew about Lucas. Not that anyone was going to tell her.
“Dean suggested I make videos of my training with Jazz,” Becca said, starting another hat. “When I have them edited, he said I should show them to the trainer to see if she wants to hire you guys to update her website.”
“Dean’s quite the idea man. Are you going to be okay working for him?”
Becca rolled her eyes. “Oh, Mom, you know I couldn’t ever work for you. We’d fight all the time. You’re so bossy.”
“Hey!”
Her daughter grinned. “Well, you are, but it’s okay. I’m very happy with my job. Thank you for letting Dean hire me. I promise to do my best.”
“I know you will, honey.” She finished the tiny flower she would sew onto the hat Becca had completed. “When we’re done with this, want to go out for dinner?”
Her daughter’s eyes widened. “You mean eat food someone else prepared? Are you sure that’s okay?”
“Stop it. We can bring Ashton along, if you’d like.” Harper did her best not to smirk. “I haven’t spent much time with your new boyfriend. I’m sure there are a lot of questions I should be asking him.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“I absolutely will, but I’ll try very hard not to embarrass you...too much.”
Becca groaned and reached for her phone. “Let me see if he’s around,” she said, already typing in the message. “But no pictures from when I was little. You have to swear.”
“Cross my heart.”
Becca was still smiling as she sent off her text. Harper watched her and felt her heart fill with more love than she could have ever imagined. This young woman was the best part of her. How could Terence have so little to do with her? Before the wedding, he’d never been around and once he got back from his honeymoon, she doubted things would get much better.
She was going to have to talk to him, again, and somehow convince him that his daughter was important and if he didn’t think so, he had to see that she needed him. If that didn’t work, she was pretty sure Lucas knew a guy willing to beat up Terence for a price.