Chapter 8

 

Although Keith’s original motive for hanging around Susan’s house was Susan herself, now he was as drawn to Scott as he was to the boy’s mother. There was just something so great about the kid.

Thing is, he was so smart and so interested in everything. Oh, yeah, he occasionally needed correction of his grammar, but that was only because he was so exuberant. Keith remembered how Rose had constantly corrected him when he was a kid. In addition to being smart, Scott was also well-mannered and had a good sense of humor. Teaching him about carpentry had been a real pleasure and took Keith back to the days his father had taught him how to build things.

The boy was exactly the son Keith would have wished to have if he’d had kids of his own.

On the day the tree house was finally finished—exactly one week to the day after they’d begun building it—Keith knew he was going to really miss seeing Scott every day.

He couldn’t help thinking about what it would be like to be a permanent part of Susan and Scott’s life. And once the thought took root, there was no getting rid of it. After all, Susan was a widow. A young widow. She’d be bound to marry again someday, so why couldn&rrsquo;t Keith be a candidate? The idea wasn’t that far-fetched, was it?

Sure, ten years ago, it would have been impossible, but the situation today was nothing like it had been before. Paul was gone, and nothing would change that fact. So once a decent interval had passed, there was no reason Keith couldn’t openly court Susan, was there?

Maybe Keith didn’t have a chance, but he’d never know unless he tried. And if he did have a chance with her...wouldn’t that be the best possible way to make up to Paul for what he’d done to him all those years ago? Wouldn’t taking care of Paul’s family, being a father to Scott, be the way to atone?

So when the last nail was driven into the tree house, and Keith and Scott had high-fived and inspected the finished structure with great mutual satisfaction, Keith said, “We have to celebrate.”

“Yeah!” Scott grinned.

“Let’s go call your mom and see if she wants to go out for pizza or something.”

“But I’ve already got dinner started,” Susan said when Keith told her what they wanted to do.

“Aw, Mom...” Scott said. “It’s a celebration!”

She looked at the casserole she’d been about to put into the oven. “Well...”

“C’mon, Susan,” Keith said. “The casserole will keep.”

She bit her lip. “I guess I could save this for tomorrow night.”

“All right," Scott said.

“But you’re filthy. You can’t go anywhere looking like that.”

Keith grinned. Scott had dirt everywhere, including his clothes. Of course, Keith didn’t look much better. “Tell you what,” he said to Scott. “I’ll go home and get cleaned up and while I’m gone, you can get cleaned up. I’ll be back to get you and  your mom in an hour.” He could tell Susan was still hesitant, but he didn’t intend to give her an out.

She looked at Scott again. Sighed. Finally said a reluctant, “Okay.”

Keith left before she could find another objection. He whistled all the way home.

* * *

Just how did she get roped into these things? Susan wondered as she changed into a nicer shorts outfit. Oh, quit pretending you don’t want to go. You wanted to say yes the moment Keith made the suggestion. You have zero willpower when it comes to Keith. It’s been that way from the day you met him.

Susan plopped down onto the side of her bed. Suddenly she was frightened. This situation with Keith was impossible. Yes, she was mightily attracted to him. And yes, she liked being with him. She liked being with him a lot. And under normal circumstances, she would be flattered and happy that he seemed to feel the same way.

But these weren’t normal circumstances. And, as far as Keith was concerned, they never would be. No matter how she wished she could deny it, Keith was Scott’s birth father. And there was no way she could have a relationship with him without telling him the truth. And that could never happen.

Once more, she ran through all the reasons in her head. First and foremost, there was Scott and his feelings about Paul. How could she ever tell him the man he’d adored was not his father at all? And secondly, there was Laverne. Even if Susan could eventually tell Scott the truth, learning that she was not the boy’s grandmother would destroy Laverne.

Impossible. Completely impossible.

So what on earth was she doing?

Being with Keith was playing with fire. Tempting fate. Being dangerously stupid. All those things.

If only he had stayed in Alaska. If only he were going back to Alaska.

Well, he wasn’t. He was going to be there in Rainbow’s End where she would simply have to learn to deal with it.

Sighing again—seems like all she ever did nowadays was sigh—she got up and finished dressing.

* * *

“You certainly look happy tonight.”

Keith grinned at his mother, who was stirring a pot of stew. “I’m feeling good because we finished the tree house today, and it looks great.”

His mother set her spoon down and wiped her hands on her apron. She looked at him thoughtfully. “I know you, Keith. It’s more than that, isn’t it?”

Keith hesitated, but only for a moment. Truth was, he wanted to confide in someone. And who safer than his mother? “Maybe.” He smiled self-consciously. “All right. Yeah, it is more than that. I really like being with Scott and Susan.”

She smiled happily. “That’s what I thought.” Walking over to him, she gave him a hug. “God bless you. I hope it works out.”

“Then you approve?”

“What’s not to approve of? Susan’s a lovely girl, and Scott’s a dear.” Her expression turned thoughtful again. “Does Susan feel the same way?”

“I don’t know. It’s too soon to say anything to her. Paul hasn’t been gone that long.”

“I’m glad you realize that. It’s important not to rush her.”

He nodded. “Listen, Mom, don’t say anything to anyone else, okay? You’re the only one who knows about this.”

“What do you take me for? A blabbermouth?” she said with mock injury. “Besides, I don’t want to jinx you. I’m having a hard enough time getting you boys married off.”

Keith laughed. They said goodbye and Keith left. As he drove back to Susan’s, he thought about his mother’s admonition not to rush Susan. He knew she was right. And yet, if he were ever to have a chance with Susan, he knew he would have to talk to her about what had happened between them all those years ago. They couldn’t just pretend it hadn’t happened, the way they’d been doing.

Sooner or later, the truth had to be faced. Suddenly, Keith made a decision. He would talk to her tonight.

* * *

The first person Susan saw when they entered the pizza place was Evangeline Tucker, who just happened to be the biggest gossip in Rainbow’s End, as well as Laverne’s next-door-neighbor.

“Susan!” Evangeline said, “It’s so good to see you.” Her bright, curious eyes moved to Keith, giving him a thorough once-over.

Susan’s heart sank. Tomorrow everyone in Rainbow’s End would know Susan and Scott had been out with Keith. Tongues would wag and speculation would run high. A situation that was already difficult and complicated would become even more difficult and complicated.

Because she couldn’t avoid it, Susan introduced Keith and Evangeline.

“Oh,” Evangeline said, “you’re the prodigal son that I’ve been hearing about. Welcome home.”

Keith laughed. “I guess I am a bit of a black sheep, at least according to my father, who can’t understand why anyone would ever want to leave Rainbow’s End.”

“How long are you staying?”

“I think I’m back for good.”

“Well, that’s good news! We can never have enough handsome, eligible bachelors around, can we, Susan?” Evangeline’s glance was coy and knowing as it slid toward her.

Susan shifted uncomfortably. “That’s true,” she managed to say lightly.

“Mom, I’m hungry,” Scott announced after politely saying hello.

Thank God for small favors and small boys, Susan thought as they said goodbye to Evangeline and headed toward a booth at the other end of the restaurant. A few minutes later, she was relieved to see the woman and her husband leaving. She could feel herself relaxing once she was no longer the object of Evangeline’s scrutiny.

After ordering their pizza, half with pepperoni to please Scott and half with mushrooms and black olives to please Susan—Keith said he would eat some of both—Scott asked if he could go play video games in the other room where the ringing and clanging of machines was in full throttle.

“Just until the pizza is ready,” Susan said, who didn’t approve of the games, with their concentration on violence and destruction.

Keith insisted on giving Scott money for the machines. “This is my treat tonight.”

“We should be treating you.” But Susan’s protest was half-hearted, because her mind was still on Evangeline and the trouble the chance meeting might precipitate. What if she said something to Laverne? Chances are she would. In fact, it wouldn’t have surprised Susan if Evangeline called Laverne the minute she got home. Normally, Susan wouldn’t have cared in the least, but considering the way Laverne acted that day Keith had dinner with them, Susan couldn’t help wishing that just this once Evangeline would keep her mouth shut.

Scott dashed off happily. Once he was gone, Keith leaned back in the booth. He studied her thoughtfully. “Thanks for coming tonight, Susan. I know you didn’t want to.”

Susan could feel herself blushing. She was grateful the lights were dim in this part of the restaurant. “What do you mean?”

His eyes held hers for a long moment. “Since I’ve been back,” he finally said, leaning forward again, “we’ve been pretending nothing ever happened between us, but we both know something did. Don’t you think it’s time we talked about it?”

Susan’s heart was beating so hard she was sure Keith could hear it. “I...” she began, then couldn’t think what to say.

Keith reached across the table and put his hand over hers. She swallowed. For long seconds, they simply looked into each other’s eyes. Then, so softly she had to lean forward to hear him, he said, ‘‘I hope you’ve forgiven me for the way I treated you, Susan.”

“Th-there’s nothing to forgive,” she said, finally finding her voice. ‘‘We were kids. We made a mistake.”

“That’s no excuse. I shouldn’t have run out on you that way. I want you to know I’ve always regretted it.”

Slowly, she nodded.

“Did you ever tell Paul?”

“Tell Paul? Oh, my God, no! I could never have told him. He...” She took a deep breath, pulling her hand away in the process. “It would have caused him such needless pain.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t do that.” And then, even though it was one of the hardest things she’d ever done, she made a deprecating gesture. “Why hurt him that way when what we did, it didn’t mean anything, not really. It...it was just sex.”

He frowned, and for a moment, she thought he was going to contradict her. But just as quickly, the frown disappeared, and he nodded in agreement. “You’re right. I’m glad you didn’t tell him. At least I don’t have to have that on my conscience, too.”

“He...he did wonder why you left Rainbow’s End so abruptly. And I always wondered if the reason had to do with me and...what happened between us.”

“That was part of it.”

He started to say more, but just then their number was called. “I guess our pizza’s ready.”

“Yes.”

“I’d better get it.”

She nodded.

“I’m glad we talked, though.”

“Yes. Me, too.”

He slid out of the booth.

“While you get the pizza, I’ll get Scott,” she said. For the rest of the time they were in the restaurant, they kept the conversation casual and light, talking mostly about Susan’s job and Keith’s unsuccessful hunt for a place to live.

“Glenn’s offered to share his apartment with me. Glenn’s my younger brother,” he explained.

“Yes, I remember.”

He shrugged. “I’ve gotten spoiled living on my own, though.”

“I would have thought it would be fairly easy to find an apartment. There are a lot of new ones that have been built over the past year.”

“Yeah, I know. Callahan Construction has built most of them. But I don’t want an apartment. I’m looking for a small house.”

“No wonder you’re having a problem. Houses to rent are almost impossible to find. And from what I’m told, they’re expensive.”

“Tell me about it.”

“What about a town house? There are some really nice ones over on the south end of town, near the college. I pass them every day on my way to work, and I’ve often thought, if I were single, that’s where I’d live.”

“You are single.”

“Well, yes,” she said, flustered. “But...oh, you know what I mean.”

His smile was gentle. “Yes, I know what you mean.”

“Anyway, those town houses are really nice.”

“Actually, I’m considering them. Sheila moved into one not long ago.”

“Your sister?”

“Yes. Do you know her?”

“I know who she is. We met once." She almost said that Sheila had been at Paul’s funeral, but she wasn’t ready to talk about the funeral. Not now and not here. "She’s gorgeous.”

“Yeah. Kind of surprised me to see just how gorgeous. I can’t believe she’s not married yet.”

“Girls don’t get married quite so young nowadays.”

“You got married young.”

“Yes, but—” Appalled, she broke off. She’d almost said, yes, but I had a reason.

“But what?”

“But I was pretty mature for my age.” Too late she realized she’d offered their youth as an excuse for what had happened between them ten years ago.

He didn’t seem to notice the contradiction, though, answering, “Yeah, taking care of your mother and all, you had to grow up faster than most.”

Susan put her hands in her lap to cover the fact that they were shaking from her nearly fatal slip of the tongue. She was going to have to be extra careful from now on, she realized, on her guard at all times.

Thank goodness they were nearly through with their pizza. After that near catastrophe, Susan wanted nothing more than to escape to the safety of her home.

The three of them were quiet on the short drive—Keith and Susan lost in their own thoughts, and Scott finally tired out. When they reached Susan’s house, Keith cut the ignition.

“You don’t have to get out,” Susan said when he reached for his door handle.

“I’ll just make sure you get inside safely.”

He walked them to the back door and waited until she’d unlocked it and turned on the light.

“Tonight was fun,” Susan said. “Thanks for asking us.”

“Yeah,” Scott echoed. “Thanks, Keith.”

Keith ruffled Scott’s hair, but his eyes were on her. “It was my pleasure.”

“Well, good night, then,” she said.

“G-night,” Scott said.

“Good night.” Keith seemed about to say something else, then just raised his hand in farewell.

As she watched him walk through the gate, Susan wondered if she’d see him again. And even though she knew it would be best for everyone concerned if she didn’t, she couldn’t help hoping she would.

* * *

Susan wasn’t surprised when her mother-in-law called her the following evening. After a few minutes of casual chitchat, Laverne said, “Evangeline Tucker told me she saw you and Scott at the pizza parlor last night.”

“Yes.”

“With Keith Callahan.”

“Yes, with Keith.”

For a long moment, there was silence. Then, in a strained voice, Laverne said, “You know, Susan, Paul hasn’t even been dead a year. It’s really much too soon for you to be seeing other men.”

Stung by the criticism, Susan’s own voice was stiff when she answered. “I’m not seeing Keith, Mom. He’s just a friend. Last night wasn’t a date. He simply invited us to have pizza because he and Scott were celebrating the completion of the tree house.”

“What tree house?”

Too late, Susan realized she hadn’t told Laverne about the project. She’d meant to, but when she’d called her the other day, Laverne hadn’t been home, and then Susan had gotten busy and forgotten to call again. Taking a deep breath, she explained.

“I see,” Laverne said when Susan finished.

“I think it’s very nice of him to take an interest in Scott.” She knew she sounded defensive, but she couldn’t help it. Laverne’s attitude was hurtful. It was one thing for Laverne not to care for Keith, quite another to insinuate that Susan had done something wrong by being seen with him.

Silence reigned for long moments. Then Laverne sighed, the sound carrying clearly over the wire. And when she spoke, her tone was apologetic. “Susan, dear, I’m sorry. What I said before...it was out of line, but...but it just hurt me to think of you out with s-someone else.” Her voice broke.

All Susan’s anger evaporated. Pity and love softened her voice. “It’s okay, Mom. I understand how you feel, and I’m not mad. But really, there’s nothing for you to be concerned about, because Keith and I...we really are just friends.”

After they hung up, Susan wondered if Laverne was going to be this way from now on. What if Susan did eventually start dating? Was Laverne going to find fault with any man she might see? Or was it just Keith she objected to?

Susan sighed. Why did life have to be so complicated?

You could uncomplicate this situation easily. Just stop seeing Keith. You already know the relationship can’t go anywhere, so why upset Laverne?

When she came right down to it, Laverne’s call had given Susan the perfect out. The next time Keith suggested they do something together, Susan could tell him the truth—that it bothered Laverne to see him with Susan and Scott—and that Laverne’s feelings were important to her, so it would be best all round if they stopped seeing each other.

But the thought of not seeing Keith anymore hurt. Wasn’t it enough of a penance that she could never be with him in the way she wanted to, and that she could never acknowledge him as the father of her child? Surely there was no harm in being his friend and in allowing Scott to have Keith in his life.

Was there?

* * *

Keith signed the lease on one of the town houses in the same complex where Sheila lived the Saturday after the night he’d taken Susan and Scott out for pizza. It was more than he’d wanted to pay for rent, but he’d saved quite a bit of money over the years in Alaska, so he guessed it wouldn’t kill him to use a little of it toward rent, even though he hoped to buy a place before long, and he’d need that money then. Despite these misgivings, he was anxious to move in, and even though the lease didn’t start until the first of September, which was Tuesday, the manager said he could move in anytime.

So after finalizing the deal and paying his deposit and first month’s rent, Keith drove to San Antonio and headed for one of the big furniture stores. In short order, he bought a couch, a coffee table, a recliner, a lamp, a bed and dresser, plus a kitchen table and chairs. The store promised delivery first thing Monday.

Pleased with his day’s work, he drove back to Rainbow’s End, arriving home at five-thirty.

“Oh, good,” his mother said when he walked in. “You’re home in time to go with us.”

“Go with you where?”

“The men’s club at church is having their annual spaghetti supper and auction tonight. We’re all going. Do you already have plans?"

"Not really. Are you leaving now?”

“Pretty soon. It starts at six.”

Why not? He didn’t have anything better to do tonight. He had flirted with the idea of calling Susan. But it was really too late in the day for that. Maybe he’d give her a call tomorrow. “Okay. I’ll go. Just let me wash up a little first.”

Holy Family was the parish where Keith’s parents had been married and he and his siblings had been baptized and made their first holy communion and confirmation. Walking into the parish hall where the spaghetti supper and auction were being held was like old home week, because Keith knew most of the people there.

“There’s Patrick and Jan and the kids,” Rose said, pointing to a long table on the far side of the room. She started in their direction, followed by Keith and his father.

“Keith!”

Keith turned at the sound of his name. A beaming Scott was heading in his direction, followed more slowly by Susan. Keith felt a quick leap of pleasure, which he didn’t try to hide. “Hey, sport,” he said, giving Scott’s shoulder a quick squeeze. “Good to see you. How’s the tree house holding up?”

“It’s great!” Scott said. “My friends think it’s really cool. Hey, Mom. Look. It’s Keith.”

“Yes, I see.” Susan smiled at Keith. “Hi.” Looking beyond Keith, she said, “Hello, Mrs. Callahan. Mr. Callahan.”

“Susan, how nice to see you,” Rose said. “Are you here by yourself?”

“Yes, but...”

“In that case, we’d love to have you sit with us.”

“Oh, no, I don’t want—”

“Now I’m not going to take no for an answer,” Rose said. Her eyes met Keith’s briefly.

“Well,” Susan said. “If you really want us...but I was looking to see if my neighbor Zoe—”

“This will give us an opportunity to get caught up,” Rose interrupted, putting her arm around Susan’s shoulders. “And if you see your neighbor come in, she can sit with us, too.”

Things couldn’t have worked out better if he’d planned them, Keith thought as they all headed toward the table where several of his brothers were already seated. Maybe fate was trying to tell him something.