Heart of Gold (15 page)

“No, ma'am.”

“I'm going to run a background check, because that's how I roll, but if what you've told me is true, welcome to Henry Adams, Gemma Dahl.”

Gemma's lip began quivering, and the tears rolled down her perfectly made-up face. “Bless you. Oh my goodness. You've no idea how happy that makes me. Thank you,” she whispered emotionally. “Wyatt really likes the school. I can't wait to tell him.”

“Come by the Power Plant in the morning, and we'll get all the paper work signed.”

“I will.” For a moment she looked into Bernadine's eyes. “God bless you, Ms. Brown.”

“Call me Bernadine, and you're welcome.”

Alone again, Bernadine didn't angst over whether she'd done the right thing or not. No child should have to stare gangbangers in the face every day. Wyatt would be safe in Henry Adams, and in the end that was all that really mattered. Pleased, she went back to work.

It was well after nine at night when Bernadine finally made it home. Crystal had left the store earlier with Eli and the other kids, and was seated in the kitchen finishing up her homework when Bernadine came in the door.

“Aunt Diane's been crying.”

Bernadine put her purse on the counter. “Why?”

Crystal shrugged. “When I came home, she was out on the deck, and her eyes were all red and puffy. I asked her if she was okay, but she started crying and ran to her room.”

Bernadine exhaled a heavy sigh. There was no telling what might be going on. “Is she in her room now?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, thanks. Let me go see what's up.”

“Good luck.”

Bernadine knocked softly on the closed door. “Diane?”

“Go away!”

Because Bernadine wasn't going to beg her to open up she walked away. But before she got halfway down the hallway, she heard the door open, so she stopped and turned back. Diane looked a mess. Her face was splotchy and her eyes were just as Crystal described. Bernadine waited for her to speak.

“I called Harmon a little while ago.”

“How is he?”

“That bastard's on his way to Las Vegas to get married!”

The news took Bernadine so totally by surprise, all she could say was, “Wow. Really?”

“How could he do this to me?”

Bernadine longed to answer that question with the truth, but reminded herself that she was striving to be kind, not right. Still, parts of her cheered Harmon. After being so unhappy for so many years, he'd earned the right to a new life. “Did he say who the woman is?”

“Yes. Pat. His hygienist.”

Whoa!
She shook her head as if in empathy. “I'm so sorry.”

“No, you're not! Nobody feels sorry for me. Not you, not my kids, and definitely not Harmon.”

“Regardless of our differences, I don't like seeing you in pain, Diane.”

“It's Diana, dammit! How many times do I have to tell you?” She began sobbing uncontrollably, went back into her room, and slammed the door.

Bernadine folded her arms and stood there for a moment, thinking that sadly, her sister was correct. No one felt sorry for her, and until she made some changes in her attitude, it would continue to be that way. Deciding she wasn't going to let what was left of the evening be ruined, she walked back to the kitchen and looked in on Crystal before heading up to her room for a shower and a pair of comfy sweats.

She was lying in bed reading when her phone sounded. Picking it up, she was surprised to see her brother-in-law's name on the caller ID. “Hey, Harmon.”

“Hey, Dina. How are you?”

“I'm fine. How about you?”

“Okay. Diane tell you?”

“Yes, she said you're getting married?”

“Yeah. Just wanted you to know that I never cheated on her. Pat's been an employee for over twenty years, and although I thought very highly of her, she and I never ever were anything but professional.”

“You don't have to justify anything to me, Harmon.”

“I know, but I wanted to state my case. I don't want you to think badly of me.”

“Never. You put up with my sister with such grace and patience, you're a saint in my eyes. This new marriage is kind of sudden, though.”

“I know, but
carpe diem
.”

Bernadine supposed he was right.
Seize the day.

“So, how's Diana taking it?”

“Crying and playing the victim. She swore the divorce was just you having a midlife crisis and that you'd come crawling back to her with your tail between your legs. Guess not, huh?”

“No. I've had it. Too old for all her drama and craziness.”

“Understandable.”

“How's she treating you?”

“Badly, but I'm a big girl. I'm making her get a job, though—she needs to be able to take care of herself.”

“Good for you.”

“We're having an all-family gathering here in town for Thanksgiving, and I'll be inviting the kids. Don't expect you to make an appearance, though.”

“No. Pat and I are moving to Florida. We may try and resurrect my practice down there. We'll have to see. I'm sure the kids will be glad to see you, though. They love you a lot.”

“I love them too, and I'm wishing you and your bride well. The two of you are always welcome if you feel the need to visit, and I hope you'll stay in touch.”

“Will do. Thanks for making this call so easy.”

“No problem. She put you through hell, Harmon, so go on with your life and be happy.”

“Always did love you, Bernadine. You're the best.”

“Talk to you soon.”

“Bye.”

And the call ended. Was she surprised that he'd married again so quickly? Yes. Was she mad at him? No. As she'd noted earlier, he deserved some happiness, and she hoped his second marriage would give him that and more.

“So, Mom. How do you know when you like a boy?”

Roni was sitting on the edge of Zoey's bed. They were saying their good-nights. “Depends on the girl. Why? Are you liking someone?”

She nodded. “This new kid. His name's Wyatt Dahl.”

“Is he nice?”

“Yes.”

Roni found the dreamy voice amusing. “You're not really old enough to have gentleman callers right now.”

“I know, but can he come over and watch NASCAR?”

“I suppose so, as long as it's downstairs in the living room. Can't have boys in your bedroom. Does he like NASCAR?”

She shrugged. “I don't know. He wants to be a cartographer, though. That's somebody who makes maps.”

“Ah. I see.”

“And he's really smart.”

Roni was then treated to a telling of the geography competition. She was impressed. “He beat Brain?”

“Yes,” she replied with awe in her eyes and voice. “We were like, Whoa!”

“Where's he from?”

“Chicago. Said he was the only White kid in his class. Said he was okay with it, though. Should I be worried about that?”

Roni wasn't sure she knew how to answer what lay beneath the surface of the question. “Does your being of a different race bother you?”

“No,” she said easily. “Megan said I was going to be messed up for the rest of my life living in Henry Adams with a bunch of African Americans, but nobody likes Megan.”

“I'm not liking her myself. But you need to know that there are some people who'll be upset because you and your parents don't match.”

“That's stupid.”

“I know, but some people don't like that we don't.”

Zoey went quiet for a moment as if mulling that over. “Mr. James and Rocky don't match either.”

“No, but there's an old saying: ‘Love is blind.' It applies to them, and to me, you, and your dad. We love you to pieces, never doubt that. Okay?”

She nodded. “Are you and Dad going to be happy again?”

Roni paused and viewed the concern in her daughter's eyes. “We will. Don't worry. Sometimes adults are like kids. We have issues, and then we work them out. Sort of like you and Devon right now.”

Zoey blew out a breath. “Devon.”

Roni smiled. “It'll get better. Just give it some time.”

“He's making Amari crazy.”

“That's what little brothers do. I wanted to bury both mine in the backyard every day when we were growing up. Made me nuts.”

Roni sensed Zoey's mind was elsewhere. It reminded her a bit of what she'd sensed that morning at breakfast. “You okay, honey?”

“Yeah. Just been thinking about a lot of stuff.”

“Like what?”

“Kid stuff.” She changed the subject. “So you think I can ask Wyatt if he wants to come over and watch NASCAR?”

“If his parents are okay with it, so am I.”

“He lives with his grandmother. His mom was a soldier. She died in Afghanistan. He said she stepped on an IED. I didn't know what that was until I looked it up.”

“That's very sad. Does he have any brothers or sisters?”

“He didn't say, but I think it's just him and his grandma. Amari told him my mom died too and Devon said something stupid, but Brain smacked him down. I like having big brothers.”

“Amari and Brain are great at their job.”

She went quiet again, then asked, “Do you miss your mom?”

“I do. Very much still. I don't think we ever stop missing them.”

“Me either. Your mom was a singer, right?”

“Yep, and Daddy a drummer. They toured all over the world.”

“Did you miss them when they were touring?”

“Of course, but my brothers and I stayed with my grandparents when we were real young, and my gram was just so cool. She'd let us stay up late as we wanted on Friday nights. Always had ice cream in the fridge. Then once we got to be about your age, our parents would take us with them when they toured during the summers.”

“I liked doing the tour with you.”

“And it was awesome having you with me.”

“The Eiffel Tower was sick. Especially at night.”

Roni laughed. “I thought so too the first time I saw it. I was eleven. We used the word
cool
in those days, not
sick
.”

Zoey didn't respond at first, but when she looked up, Roni swore she saw pain. She asked gently, “Do you want to tell me what's going on, Zoey? I can't help if you don't.”

“Just wondering. What if Wyatt doesn't like me back?”

Roni knew that wasn't the truth, but she didn't press. “Are you planning on asking him to marry you?”

“No!” She laughed.

“Then how about you concentrate on being his friend? You'll have plenty of time to worry about rocking his world when it's appropriate. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Now get some sleep. School in the morning, and then the big reception for the store tomorrow afternoon.”

“Do I have to go to that?”

“Not if you don't want to.”

“Good. I'd rather come home instead.”

“Okay, but no sneaking TV while I'm gone, because I'll know, trust me. And let's hold off on inviting Wyatt over until after you talk to your dad about the weights.”

The head dropped.

“If you can't do the time, don't do the crime,” Roni pointed out knowingly.

“Do you think he'll be really mad?”

“Has he ever been really mad at you, ever?”

No response.

“He might get upset like he did the time you jumped on Devon and whipped his butt, but I doubt he'll banish you to the tower.”

That brought out a smile.

Roni placed a kiss on Zoey's cheek. “Sleep tight, cupcake.”

“Love you, Mom.”

“Love you more.”

Before leaving the room, Roni looked back at the child who held her heart. Something was going on. She just wished she knew what.

As Zoey lay in the quiet darkness, she was comforted by the soft glow of her night-lights. Then she asked herself, What ten-year-old sleeps with a stuffed tiger and night-lights? She supposed that made her a baby, but deep inside she knew she wasn't ready to part with either. She turned her mind to something more pleasant. Would Wyatt really move to town? If so, that meant she'd get to see him all the time—at the Dog, the Friday-night movies, maybe even church. She wondered what he'd think when she saw her walking in the procession, proudly holding her torch. She also wondered if he'd like OG and Tamar. Thinking of Tamar brought out the real reason she didn't want to attend the reception. She hadn't been out to check on Mr. Patterson in a few days, and she didn't know if anyone else had either, so while her mom and everyone else was at the reception, she planned to take a quick ride out to his house. She decided that leaving him a couple slices of cake was a good idea, too. He probably never got cake. Getting herself back home without getting caught was also a good idea. She snuggled closer to Tiger Tamar and closed her eyes. As she drifted off to sleep, the last conscious thought was the sound of her mother's voice:
If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.

C H A P T E R

12

A
t school the following morning, Zoey and the boys parked their bikes in the racks out front. As they walked toward the doors, Amari called to her, “Hey, Zoey, hold up. Brain and I need to talk to you for a minute.”

Uncertain as to what this might be about, she slowed. Devon did too, which made his brother ask, “Is your name Zoey?”

Devon's face soured.

“Just go and let us handle our business, okay?”

It was clear Devon wanted in on whatever was about to transpire, but in the face of their twin glares, he sneered and continued on his way.

Once he was gone, she looked between Amari and Brain and asked, “What's up?”

“Crystal texted us last night about you thinking you're going back to foster care,” Amari explained.