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“No.”
“It’s really high.”
His mouth twitched. “As long as you have the actual number.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Why are you here?”
“I’m your contractor. Wade King. You really are tired.”
“I remember your name. You’re Zeke’s brother. You work together?”
“Yes. King Construction. No relation.”
“What?”
“King Construction. The Kings of California?” His tone was helpful. “They’re a big deal in— Never mind. Zeke and I work on all the jobs together. We’ll be in and out here, but I’m going to take point.” He pulled on his backpack. “I have the plans with me. Are you up to looking at them? I know you met with Zeke right after you made your offer, but I want to confirm everything before we get started with the demolition on Monday.”
“Can I have hot water and no bats?”
He flashed her a grin that made her knees go weak. “Sure. I’ll take care of both before I leave.”
“Then I’m happy to look at plans.”
* * *
Shortly after ten, Andi stood under a spray of hot water and decided that she was never going to ask for anything or complain, ever again. Her shower was heaven. She rinsed the lather out of her hair, then reached for her birthday-cake-scented shower wash and squeezed a generous dollop into her palm. The sugary fragrance surrounded her, chasing away the last of her exhaustion. As long as she had hot water and coffee, she could be a happy person.
Twenty minutes later, she had dressed in clean clothes and combed out her wet hair. She followed the sound of cursing to the third floor and stood watching as her very hunky contractor discovered she hadn’t been lying about the bats.
“See?”
“This is not a good time to be smug,” he told her, waving what looked like a butterfly net toward a dark corner of the space she’d claimed as her living room.
“Sure it is. You didn’t believe me. Oh, and I wasn’t kidding about the rabies, either. Don’t let them bite you.”
He gave her a quick glance. “Not getting bitten was the plan.”
Something dark swooped from the rafter. Wade swung the net and snagged the shadow before it could retreat behind the large armoire against the wall. Andi had to admit she was torn between his impressive eye-hand coordination and the ripple of muscles she’d seen under his worn T-shirt.
The bat fluttered in the net. Wade held the opening against the wall, so it couldn’t get out.
“Grab this, please.”
She took the handle while he pulled on gloves. “You’re not going to kill it, are you?”
“No. I’m going to take it out to the trees and let it go. I could only find this one, so once it’s gone, you should be fine.”
“Good.” She shivered. “I hope it doesn’t attack you.”
One eyebrow rose. “Me, too.”
She watched from the window. Wade appeared on her patchy lawn and walked toward a grove of trees. Seconds later, something fluttered in the leaves and he was heading back for the house.
Impressive, she thought, wishing she’d called after the first night. She could have been bat-free that much sooner.
She poured them each a cup of coffee, then settled at the small table. Wade joined her and pulled the plans out of his backpack.
They were close enough that she could inhale the clean smell of soap and fabric softener. His dark eyes were made up of a thousand shades of brown with tiny flecks of gold. Her gaze settled on his mouth as she wondered if he was a good kisser. Not that she would be able to judge. She’d been kissing Matt for a decade and look where that had gotten her.
“Here’s the plan for the main floor.”
He pushed the paper toward her and oriented it so the front door was closest to her. She leaned in and traced the various rooms. Waiting area, front reception desk, back office, lunch room, three treatment rooms, supply space.
He talked about windows and light, the materials they would use. Decisions would have to be made on paint colors and fixtures.
“We did the remodeling at Doc Harrington’s office a few years back,” he told her. “Have you met him?”
“Yes. I’ll be working there until my office is done. I start Monday.”
“Look around when you get a chance. We did some custom built-ins the nurses love. We can do them for you, too.”
She looked at Wade. “The most important thing to remember is that I’m dealing with children. I want them to be comfortable. Bad enough if they’re sick—the environment shouldn’t scare them, too. So bright, friendly colors.”
He leaned back and grinned. “Now you sound like my sister-in-law.” He motioned to the house next door. “Boston.”
“Oh, right. Because Zeke is her husband. I met her earlier this past week. She’s nice.”
“She is. And an artist. Maybe the two of you can talk about what makes one color more friendly than another.”
She studied him, aware that his eyes had crinkled in amusement. “You’re mocking me.”
“Some. We’ve got a little time until we’re ready for paint.”
“I’ll be sure to get my decision made in the next couple of weeks.”
They talked logistics—what walls would be torn down, how messy everything would be. Wade assured her she could live in the house through all the construction, and she nearly believed him. She confirmed delivery dates for various pieces of equipment and gave him a list of the fixtures and appliances she’d already picked out.
“I’ll give you an update most evenings,” he told her. “I’m generally the last guy out at the end of the day.”
“A boss who works,” she murmured. “Impressive. But aren’t the long hours hard on your family?”
“They’re used to it.”
She sighed silently. So much for subtly trying to get information on whether or not he was married. The average sixteen-year-old had more dating experience than her. All she wanted to know was if Wade was as good as he looked. Oh, and if he was married, of course.
Not that she wanted a relationship. Or anything else. She’d moved to the island with the idea that she would spend the rest of her life celibate. Eventually she wouldn’t miss being with a man. After all, how could she long for what she’d never really had? She and Matt had never had what could be called a wild sex life, although right now something other than lights-out, every other Saturday night, sounded kind of fun. Not that she was going to say that out loud. Or even think it. That part of her life was over. She’d moved on. Like to a higher spiritual plane.
“Andi?”
She blinked and realized Wade was staring at her. “Hmm?”
“You okay?”
“I’m fine. A little punchy from my nights with a bat.”
“A challenge for anyone.” He rose. “Come on. I’ll show you where I was thinking we should put the kitchen.”
Sadly, that was the most exciting invitation she’d had in recent memory.
* * *
Sunday morning, Deanna paused at the top of the stairs. She could hear the laughter and conversation coming from the kitchen. It was always this way. No matter his work schedule, Colin made sure he was home on Sunday. He got up early and made breakfast for the whole family. Sometimes it was omelets and other times pancakes. Once he’d made scones from scratch.
The girls joined him, sitting at the stools by the counter, talking about their weeks. Madison and Lucy helped with the preparation, and Audrey kept track of the twins.
Deanna had never been a fan of the Sunday ritual. She didn’t like Colin cooking. He always made such a mess. The man used every pot and pan they owned. There were splatters and spills, dishes piled in the sink. But what she disliked most was the way the morning felt like all of them against her. Despite the fact that she was the mother and the one who cooked every other meal, she’d never felt comfortable in her own kitchen on Sunday morning.
Now she hovered, not sure whether to join them or not. She and Colin had been avoiding each other for the past two days. He’d slept on the couch, a fact that annoyed her. She’d so wanted to be the one to kick him out of their bedroom, but he hadn’t given her the chance. Now he was acting as if nothing else had changed.
She supposed for him it hadn’t. He’d delivered his ultimatum and then had walked away, abandoning her.
She rubbed her fingers together, aware of her dry skin, the cracked knuckles. She was washing her hands too much. Worse, it wasn’t helping. The familiar ritual provided no comfort at all.
Shame crawled over her. Shame for being weak, shame for not being in control of her family and her husband. If people knew, they would laugh at her. She wouldn’t belong anywhere.
That wasn’t going to happen, she told herself. She was strong and determined. She’d survived more difficult circumstances than this. Somehow she and Colin would come to terms. They always had in the past. He was in one of his moods. He would get over it. As for the girls, she was their mother and nothing would change that.
She raised her chin and started down the stairs. As she approached the kitchen, the voices got louder. There was a burst of laughter. Deanna faked a smile, then walked in through the wide doorway.
Colin stood at the stove. The twins and Audrey were at the counter. Lucy was pouring juice and Madison stood by her dad.
As one they all turned to look at her. The three younger girls’ happy faces took on an expression of guilt. Lucy looked as if she wanted to crawl into a cupboard while Madison glared at her. Colin was impossible to read.
Silence pushed out the laughter. Deanna glanced from one daughter to the other, not seeing any sign of welcome. Her fingers curled into her palms as she told herself to stand her ground. Colin turned his attention back to the stove and flipped several pancakes.
“These are almost done,” he said.
“I’ll get the syrup,” Madison told him.
Deanna stood in the doorway, invisible and unwanted, as memories of previous Sunday mornings crowded her vision. It was always like this, she thought, shocked by the realization. The silence when she walked into the room. The obvious signs that she should simply go away. That she didn’t belong.
Tears burned. She blinked them away, turned on her heel and walked out. In the hallway, she paused, not sure where she should go. Her chest tightened and she hurried up the stairs. Once in her bedroom, she carefully closed and locked the door, then retreated to the bathroom, where she turned on the hot water and reached for the soap.
* * *
Sunday afternoon Andi sat on her battered and slightly dangerous front porch. She was careful to avoid loose boards and splinters, but the day was too beautiful to stay inside. Plus, she’d run out of things to do in her tiny living space. She was unpacked, bat-free and waiting until she started work in the morning.
Boston rounded the corner of her house, saw her and waved. Andi waved back.
“How’s it going?” Boston asked, her hair flashing with purple highlights in the sun.
“Good.” Andi stood and walked down the stairs. “I’m settled. Construction starts tomorrow.”
Boston shook her head. “Enjoy this last day of normal, then. I know demolition is important, but it’s hard to watch.”
“Fortunately I’ll be gone most of the day. I’m working with Dr. Harrington temporarily. It gives me a chance to meet potential patients.”
“He won’t mind you poaching from his practice?”
Andi grinned. “Not at all. He’s told me he’s pleased to have a pediatrician in the area.” She glanced around and then lowered her voice. “I think he’s tired of dealing with the little kids and babies. They tend to have more emergencies. Ear infections, that sort of thing.”
Boston nodded, even as her gaze slid away. “Right.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Wade mentioned something about a bat. Is it gone?”
“It seems to be.” Andi studied her neighbor. She would swear something had just happened, but she had no idea what. Before she could figure out a way to ask, the front door of the house on the other side opened and an attractive blond woman stepped out onto her porch.
“Your other neighbor,” Boston murmured. “Deanna Phillips. She’s the one with five girls. I should probably introduce you.”
Andi was about to agree when Deanna raised her hand to her cheek and swiped her skin. They were too far away to see actual tears, but the movement was unmistakable.
“Another time might be better,” Andi said, turning away.
Boston nodded, her eyebrows drawing together. “Deanna’s always so together. I can’t imagine her crying. That would require a break in her perfect facade.” She grimaced. “Sorry. That came out bitchier than I meant it to.”
“No problem,” Andi said, realizing life on their little street might not be as calm and simple as she’d first imagined.
Chapter Five
MONDAY MORNING ANDI parked behind the low one-story building and got out of her car. Deep in her stomach, butterflies flew in formation. She knew that physiologically she could detail an explanation of synapses and adrenaline, along with other chemicals brought on by anticipation of a potentially uncomfortable event, but butterflies were a better visual.
She’d dressed carefully for her first day of work. A tailored blouse tucked into black trousers. Low-heeled, comfortable shoes. She’d pulled her long, curly hair back into a braid and added a light touch of mascara. She’d debated over lip gloss, but that had seemed too fancy for a workday, so she’d settled on a clear lip balm and had called herself presentable.
She collected her purse, medical bag and the white coat with “Dr. Andi” stenciled on the pocket. Some of her patients found the white coat intimidating, so she’d had a bright pink caterpillar embroidered on the pocket, as well. The combination of the nearly fluorescent color and purple high-heeled shoes on the bug had the desired effect. She went from scary to funny in a glance. A relaxed patient usually made for a better outcome, and Andi was all about helping her kids.
She walked around to the main entrance and went inside.
The waiting area had been done in a soft beige. There were plenty of sofas and chairs, lots of magazines and a view of the strip mall across the street. Typical medical office, she thought, crossing to the reception desk.
The woman sitting there was in her mid-fifties, with flame-red hair. She was tall, even sitting down, with flashy rings on several fingers and the longest lashes Andi had ever seen. She doubted they were any more natural than her hair color. But her smile was warm and Andi remembered her being friendly.
“Hi, Laura,” Andi said.
The other woman looked up and then jumped to her feet. “You’re here. We’re all so excited you’re starting today. You already have appointments, if you can believe it. When word got out a pediatrician was moving to the island, we started getting calls. Families are so excited.”
Laura motioned for her to come back. Andi walked through the door in the reception area and found herself in a long hallway.
The medical offices had once been a sprawling private residence. Bedrooms had been converted to examination rooms and offices.
“Everyone should be here already, so you can meet the staff. Dr. Harrington said he wanted to spend a few minutes with you before you get started.”
