Her trust tightened like a noose around his neck.
“I know you said that…we’re over.” Her voice cracked. “But I know you didn’t mean it. You just need space, and I can give you that, because I know you’ll come back to me. There’s so much love between us. We can make everything all right.”
No, we can’t. Sean deleted the voicemail. What part of “We’re not good for each other. I’m breaking up with you and moving away,” did she not understand?
There had never been love, only obligation.
And after a point, even obligation was not enough.
He gritted his teeth; tension clenched around his jaw and neck, but the memory of Debra’s smiles and laughter soothed the grinding edge of resentment. Tomorrow, the thought flashed through his mind as he drifted to sleep. I’ll see her tomorrow.
Chapter 5
Debra slid the change across the counter, and as the elderly woman stepped away, she raised her head to smile at her next customer. “Five black coffees?”
Sean grinned. “You know it.”
She grabbed a stack of cups to fill the order. “I know you have a coffeemaker at the station.”
“It’s not quite a good as your coffee.”
“If you all would stop buying cheap instant brew, you’d have great coffee.”
“Ah, but we firemen lack both funds and good taste where coffee’s concerned.” Sean laughed. “Or maybe I just like having an excuse to stop by the café. How’s Aidan doing?”
Debra looked at him. His expression was serious; his question had been intentional, and he was patiently waiting for an answer.
“Aidan’s doing fine,” Debra said. “Grunted his way through breakfast, like normal. He perked up though when he talked about you and Jewel.”
“Didn’t take it too hard, then?”
“No, and I’ll admit I’m surprised. I’d braced myself for several weeks of sulky fits, but so far, my fears are unfounded. Actually, I’d wondered if—” Her cellphone rang, and she glanced at it. Peter. Her shoulders stiffened.
“Go ahead and get it,” Sean said. “I’m the only one waiting, and I don’t mind.”
She hesitated, but his eyes were kind and his stance relaxed. “Okay, it’ll be quick, I promise.” She accepted the call. “Peter, I’m at work now. I can’t chat long.”
“Just wanted to let you know the check will be a couple of days late.”
It’s never been early. “Okay, fine. Thanks.”
“I’ll let you know when I put it in the mail.”
“All right. Will you be here next Sunday?”
“Probably not. I’ve got something happening here next weekend.”
“But you’ll be here on the 14th, right? It’s Aidan’s birthday and he’s having a party.”
“But it’s Valentine’s Day. You’re having a party for Aidan on Valentine’s Day?”
“It’s a Sunday and we talked about it two months ago. You agreed that it would be best to hold his party on the same day as your usual visits to make it more convenient for you.” Despite her best efforts, frustration crept into her voice. “Aidan’s looking forward to the party. All the invitations have gone out. He’s told everyone you’re going to be there.”
“What the—? Why would the kid do that?”
“You’re his father. Why shouldn’t he tell people that you’ll be at his party?”
“It’s silly to set expectations—”
“It’s not a silly expectation. Be there, Peter. He needs you there.” She disconnected the call and fought the urge to slam the phone down on the counter. Slowly, she counted up to ten. By four, she was ready to look up and meet Sean’s curious gaze with an apologetic smile. “Sorry, that was Aidan’s dad.”
“Aidan’s birthday is in two weeks?”
She nodded. “He turns eight.”
“Big deal for a little kid.”
“It’s also his first real party. Things have been a little tight for a while.” In fact, they still are. “But you know, a kid only turns eight once, and he wanted his friends over, so we’re having a small party for him.”
“Sounds great. I wanted to ask if it’s okay for me to come by this evening and bring Jewel over to see Aidan.”
“Is Jewel all right?”
“Well, yeah, but she misses him. I thought it might be easier on everyone if the transition’s not so…abrupt.”
Debra tilted her head. “Sean, you’re a terrible liar. Almost as bad as Aidan.”
“I’ve had more practice, although obviously not as much as I’d like. Either that or your mommy radar is remarkably honed.”
“Probably the latter. Aidan keeps me in shape. What deal did he strike with you?”
“He wants to see Jewel often.”
“Every day?”
“As much as we can both make it happen. Jewel’s down at the firehouse with me every day, and your place is on the way home, so stopping by won’t be a problem for me, unless you say so.”
“Oh, Sean. You adopted Jewel for Aidan’s sake, didn’t you?” Debra’s heart melted. How could it not when a virtual stranger had stepped into her precious son’s life and tried to make her child happy? “How did Aidan put you up to it?”
“He was walking by the firehouse with Jewel, and we stopped to chat. He said you’d told him to find a new home for Jewel. You know me and my weakness for dogs whose names start with J.” He shrugged and flashed a smile. “Meant to be.”
“No, it wasn’t just meant to be. You made it happen. Thank you.” Debra’s voice wobbled in spite of her best efforts to hold on to her composure. Compassion changed lives far more often than fate and destiny. “I’m grateful you reached out to him. Sometimes, he has trouble connecting with people, especially adults.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“I didn’t mean to complain. Holly did some great work with him before she left town. Before she started taking an interest in his progress, Aidan was the official troublemaker in Havre de Grace Elementary. Now, he’s only the occasional troublemaker.”
Sean laughed. “I was like that growing up. Too much energy and not enough places to spend them. Taking responsibility for a dog, even one not living with him, will help direct some of his energy.
