Momentous Kisses: Love in Sandy Beach (9 page)

With some trepidation, Allison attended the barbecue at her parents’ house. Her mother seemed to sense that she was hiding something, but Allison did her best to evade getting cornered.

Reese stood by her word and was her ally in this, constantly interrupting their mother’s attempt to start an inquisition and turning her attention to something more pressing. If the reason weren’t so serious, she’d have enjoyed the cat-and-mouse game.

It was the last day at home for her second oldest brother Chase, before he left for yet another kitesurfing contest. He was one of the top competitors in this up-and-coming sport, and Reese managed to use that to their advantage. Between the two of them they kept Chase talking for most of the evening.

Their father Mitch had been a competitive sailor in his younger years, and joined the conversation. He loved to talk about his competitive years and about sports in general. Chase and Mitch soon had everyone – most importantly Allison’s mother – listening.

When the conversation about sports dwindled, Reese turned everyone’s attention to the lake and the tourists, a topic that was both loved and hated by all Sandy Beach residents.

By the time Grant and Samantha arrived, Bridget had given up her attempts to interrogate her youngest daughter and instead focused on them.

“So, what are your plans?”

Samantha exchanged a glance with Grant and then answered for them both, “Well, Bridget, Grant and I have talked about things and I’ll continue my modeling career for a few more years.

“We both want kids, but I don’t fancy the added pressure of having to worry about getting my figure back after a pregnancy. Besides, I want time to spend with our children and I don’t think I can do that while I’m still modeling.”

Allison noticed the not-too-happy face of her mother.

Grant nodded. “Yes, I’m planning to relocate to New York. There’s always a need for a demolition expert in the Big Apple, so I’m not worried about finding work.” He kissed Sam on the cheek and added with a mischievous grin, “Or I sit back and assume the role of trophy husband to my super-successful model girlfriend.”

Everyone in the room laughed out loud, except for Mom, who wasn’t finished with her inquisition yet.

“So when are we going to see you again?” she asked in true mother fashion.

“Don’t worry, mom. We’re planning a six-week-long vacation in Sandy Beach during the summer and another two weeks at Christmas,” Grant said.

Samantha chimed in, “Of course we’ll be driving the two days to get here because Grant doesn’t like to fly.”

Bridget sighed, “Of course.”

To herself: “I really hope you decide to have kids sooner rather than later. I want my grandkids while I’m still young enough to enjoy them.”

Everyone broke out into laughter, because she’d spoken out loud that last thought.

Allison almost choked on her food when she heard her mother’s wish, grateful when Reese diverted the attention from her by teasing Mom about being in such a hurry to become a grandma.
If only she knew!

The next morning Allison was scheduled to work at the souvenir shop again, but she was terribly sick. Now that she knew what was wrong with her, she understood why they called it “morning sickness,” and could only breathe slowly and hope her queasiness went away soon.

She forced herself to go to work, because after having more than a week off, she couldn’t call in sick. She worked through the morning trying to deny the fact she was pregnant, but her morning sickness was a constant reminder.

Her time in the land of denial would end soon. This wasn’t an issue that just went away. Sooner or later, she’d have to deal with it, just not now. And she needed to figure out a way to break it to her family. Preferably before she started to show.

Sure, her mother eagerly awaited grandkids, but Allison was sure she hadn’t meant from her youngest daughter – who was still single.

Russell needed answers. He called Grant, because Allison still didn’t answer her phone.

“Hello?”

“Grant, it’s Russell Barkin.”

“Russell, what a surprise. How are you?”

“I’m fine. And you? Your party was great, thanks again for inviting me.”

“No worries, you’re almost family,” Grant responded and Russell ducked his head.
If only he knew.

“Hey, I was wondering if you knew how to get ahold of Allison?”

“That’s strange. Did you need anything in particular? Maybe I can help?”

You sure can. Haul her ass back to Chicago and make her answer to me.

“Sorry, no. My clinic is interested in purchasing some of her paintings.”

“Did you try her cellphone?” Grant asked.

“I did, but she doesn’t answer it. Perhaps she’s sick?”

“That’s strange. I saw her yesterday at my parents’ house. She was fine. You might keep trying, and as soon as I see her, I’ll mention you’re trying to get in touch with her.”

“That would be great. Sorry to bother you.”

“No problem. Take care.”

Russell hung up the phone, no wiser than before.  He decided to go for a run to clear his head. While running, he decided he had to see her. That insecurity was driving him crazy. He needed to hear from her own lips why she’d taken off in such a hurry.

Two days later, he’d finally cleared his schedule and could drive up to Sandy Beach. It was still early morning when he arrived at her apartment. At least her car was parked in front of the house; he might be lucky enough to meet her.

When she opened the door she took one panicked look at him and tried to shut the door in his face. “Go away.”

But Russell was faster. He put his foot into the door and pushed his way inside. “I think I deserve an explanation.” That didn’t work out the way he had planned it. He softened his voice: “Ally, please, talk to me.”

“I don’t owe you an explanation.”

“Yes, you do. You’re the one who showed up at my doorstep with that crazy relationship test idea.”

“I told you, it was a mistake,” she said, starting to cry and breaking his heart once again.

He wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and console her, but when he stepped towards her, she backed away, wrapping her arms around her middle in a self-protective gesture.

“Look, let’s sit down and talk about this,” he suggested.

Allison stomped her foot. “No. I want you to leave. I didn’t invite you here and I want you gone.”

“I’m not leaving without knowing what happened. Why did you leave? I thought we were doing great?”

“You act like I owe you an explanation. I don’t. Leave us alone.”

Russell heard the blood rushing in his ears and felt a familiar pain creeping up into his head. He stared at her in disbelief. How could she refuse to talk about whatever was bothering her? He noticed the anger in her eyes fighting with a welling-up of sadness. Holy hell, what was wrong with that woman? Before he could lose control over his rising rage, he shook his head and stormed back out the door.

He quickly drove out of town, wanting to get back to Chicago and on with his life. Allison had made her point. She wasn’t interested in him any longer, and he’d be damned if he’d fight her when she wasn’t even willing to discuss what was wrong.

Halfway back to Chicago the drizzle intensified; he saw a flash of lightning ahead and counted the seconds until he heard the thunder. Five seconds. He calculated the distance to the storm center; it was still one mile away.

But within minutes it was raining cats and dogs, and the deafening claps of thunder followed the lightning almost immediately. The windshield wipers couldn’t keep up with the downpour and Russell could barely see the middle line.

He pulled over to the side of the road and waited for the thunderstorm to lighten up. Caught in the eye of the storm, his mind took a journey back to the dark place where he’d been for such a long time after his parents’ death. Toni, Joyce, and most of all Allison had helped him to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but now the entrance was blocked again. It seemed like his life had crumbled into pieces – once again.

He didn’t know why he wasn't allowed to be happy; he just knew that every time in his life where he’d glimpsed happiness, things had taken a drastic change for the worse.

The first time had been when he got notice he’d been accepted to medical school. His parents had died in an accident that very same week.

The second time had come just as he finished his undergraduate degree. He’d been forced to kick out his sister. It had been the only way he saw to save her from tumbling into a full-blown depression, but nevertheless, it had torn his heart into pieces. Or what had been left of his heart.

The third time was a few years later when he’d opened up enough to find a woman he wanted to have a relationship with. Sandrine. He clenched his teeth against the painful memories. They’d met at a medical congress and had kept things low-key, but when they’d finally decided to make their relationship official, she’d been diagnosed with a brain tumor and had died within weeks.

He’d never mentioned Sandrine. To anyone. It was the final straw that had sent him running from anything that resembled a relationship. It was better not to get attached. No love – no pain.

Now he had another example to add to the list. Against his better judgment he’d allowed himself to fall in love with Allison and sure enough, she’d left him.
One more proof I am not supposed to be happy in this life.

Her image flashed through her mind. Her strawberry blond curls, her cheerful giggle. The bliss and laughter she’d brought into his life. Now all of this was gone and the world felt like a dark and lonely place again.
And I don’t even have a job anymore.

Anger threatened to take over. Anger not only at Allison, but also at himself and life in general. He clenched his jaw and vowed to forget her – to forget love – and if that meant he had to get away from his newfound family so be it. The Armstrongs would just have to understand. Besides, who was to say they wouldn’t leave him next?

The next day, Dex told him he’d found another doctor to buy out his part of the clinic. The deal could be finalized by the end of the month. “You’ll receive approximately twenty million dollars when all’s said and done. That should be enough money to keep you out of trouble.”

Wow. That had been a lot faster than Russell had anticipated. He’d soon leave the non-fulfilling job in his clinic and have another twenty million dollars to put in the bank.  But even the thought of the money didn’t cheer him up; he wanted to get away from everything and everyone for a while.

He needed to get away from Chicago and any chance he might run into Allison again. She’d made it perfectly clear she never wanted to see him again, and he’d like nothing better than to make that happen. For both of them.

As he sat at his desk, his gaze fell on his graduation picture from medical school. Beside him stood Cole, who was now the managing director for the US branch of Doctors Without Borders. It was an amazing program, providing medical assistance to Third World countries.

He wasn’t sure if that was his answer, but if he could work for them a while, it might help take his mind off his pain and give his life purpose once again.

Before he could have second thoughts he called Cole. After a few words of small talk he cut right to the chase and asked his buddy if it might be possible to work for them for a while.

“Russell, that would be fantastic. I never thought you were game for that. You run a very successful private clinic.”

Not anymore.
“I might for a limited time, though.”

“Sounds great. A good plastic surgeon is hard to come by, but one with your reputation almost never happens.

“I’m in Chicago for a medical congress this week, as a matter of fact. Do you want to get together for a beer and I’ll tell you more?”

“Sure. Where are you staying?”

Cole named a hotel and Russell agreed to meet him there later that night for a drink.

After catching up, Cole explained to him the details about working with his organization. They’d pay all his expenses, but he wouldn’t receive a salary for his services. Russell didn’t care. He wanted to get away. As soon as possible.

“We have an opening in Angola for a three-month deployment. Many of the victims are survivors of landmine accidents and they are in desperate need of surgery. I think your skills would be a perfect match,” Cole said.

Russell nodded.
Angola? Is that in Africa? Who cares?

In the hotel bar, Cole handed him a temporary contract to take home and read over. “Read it carefully, and let’s meet at the end of the week when you’ve made your decision.”

Russell glanced over the contract, not really reading it. He was looking for an escape and Cole was offering it up on a silver platter. He took the pen lying on the table,  scrawled his signature across the bottom of the contract, and handed it to a very surprised Cole. “When do I leave?”

Allison patiently listened to all of the sisterly advice directed her way.

“You need to go see a doctor,” Reese told her.

“I’m not going to go see Dr. Sanders,” Allison answered.

Sandy Beach was small town and while she normally loved living here, now she was scared. An unwanted pregnancy wasn’t what she wanted to hear being discussed by everyone and their dog. Dr. Sanders was the only obstetrician in town – and a close friend of her father.

“Ally, you need to go see him about that morning sickness. I’m sure they have things you can take to help get rid of it. And what do you have against Dr. Sanders?”

“How do I know he won’t accidentally leak something to Mom or Dad?”

“Ever heard of patient confidentiality?” Reese countered immediately.

“Of course I have, but… And also I have known him since I was ten. He’s bound to ask a lot of questions I don’t want to answer.”
I’m sure he’d be more than willing to share his opinion of being single and pregnant. No, thank you.

“You need to go,” Reese insisted.

“Fine. I’ll drive into the city and see someone at the community hospital. Happy?”

“Very. Call me and let me know what he says, will ya?”

Allison sighed, “Sure.”

Two days later, she had the day off and drove to Chicago bright and early. On the way, she thought about the last time she’d made this drive. Then she’d been full of hope and love.

What had changed? Nothing. Everything
.

She was still convinced her decision was for the best when she arrived at the hospital. There she sat in the waiting room to see the resident obstetrician, Dr. Bartel.

Allison tried to distract herself by reading a magazine, but her thoughts kept whirling around at full speed. When she was finally called into the exam room, her hands broke out in a cold sweat and her heart was racing.

The female doctor confirmed Allison was pregnant and explained that morning sickness during the first trimester was perfectly normal, as was her fatigue.

“You might try homeopathic medicines, add ginger to your diet, and drink lots of water with a bit of honey. There’s not much more I’m aware of that helps without going to pharmaceuticals.”

“I’d rather not take any type of medications if it can be avoided,” Allison said.

“Exactly what I would do. But you need to get a handle on the nausea and drink more fluids. If you get any worse, you’ll have to be admitted so we can administer IV fluids to keep you hydrated.”

“I’ll do better and I’ll push more water.”

Dr. Bartel nodded and then asked her questions about her medical history. After a few minutes of explanations, the doctor nodded and said, “I want to see you again four weeks from now, and we’ll schedule an ultrasound at that time.”

Allison agreed and rushed out, relieved to be done with the exam. On the way out of the door she bumped into a person rushing down the hall.

“Sorry,” the person mumbled, grabbing her elbows and setting her to rights.

Allison looked up, and her heart stood still. She stared right into the steel blue eyes of Russell.