Crashing Into Tess (17 page)

8
Angel Flyin’ Too Close To The Ground

Alice offered to stick around to help unpack. When Tess
gave her the cashmere twin set, she exclaimed, “This is an
absolutely gorgeous green!”

“Hey, you’ve been my anchor though all of this, it’s the
least I could do. I really appreciate it, Alice. I thought the
bottle green color would look great with your eyes.”

“Oh, it will. Thank you! Are you going back for

Thanksgiving?”
“My sister is there with my dad this week, and after that
my mom can manage. But I might go home for the holiday.
I guess it depends on Jake.”
The apartment felt empty without Rhiannon, so when
Alice suggested they grab a burger at Green Forks, it was
easy to say yes. “Why not call Jake, let him know you’re
back?” Alice suggested. Determined to be strong, Tess
answered, “No way, he knows how to find me.”
She’d brushed her teeth and climbed between cold
sheets when her cell buzzed.
“Hey, Tess.”
“How are you, Jake?”.
Jake cleared his throat. “We’re fine, here. How’s your
dad?”
“Doing well, considering. The heart attack slowed him
down, but he’s coming along.”
“Tilda and I looked after Rhiannon. Cassie’s really
excited about these puppies.”
She remembered how she’d been at Cassie’s age,
fascinated by tiny newborn animals, the miracle of birth.
“Did she get the books on puppies I sent?”
“She loves them. They’re in her backpack all the time. I
can bring Rhiannon downtown tomorrow. Would you want
to go with Cassie and I to the library after school?”
“Sure, I’d love to. And maybe we can pop over to the
clinic to ultrasound Rhiannon. I promised Cassie we
would.”
“That would be great, Cassie’s asking about you. She
wants see you. I’ve been thinking about you an awful lot,
too, but I wanted to give you some space, while you were
home.”
He’d left her hanging, and his casual excuse annoyed
her. He’d disappointed her by not trusting her, by not
believing in her, but she was looking forward to seeing
them.
Just breathe, Tess, and don’t obsess. Things will work
out, somehow.

From:
[email protected]
To:
[email protected]
Date: Wednesday, November 7, 7:28 am

Subject: How’s my little girl?
Dearest Tessie,

I know I’ve said this, but thank you again for all of your
loving attention here, daughter. I appreciate that your
mother and I can count on you when the chips are down.
I’m sorry I caused such a stir. Let me know how things go
with the cowboy.

Love you,
Your Dad

To:
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Date: Thursday, November 8, 8:26 PM

Subject: Your Grown Up Big Girl
Daddy,

I’m glad you are feeling better. I’ve been wondering
how your physical therapy is going. I hope you are not
trying to do any legal work yet, but something tells me you
might be???????

As far as the cowboy, it’s very confusing. You and mom
created such a safe world for Sam and I growing up, and I
am only beginning to appreciate the wonder of that. Cassie
is such a sweet little girl, but I can tell how much her
parent’s divorce confuses and upsets her.

I met her at the library today, with her dad. We picked
out books on puppies and she helped me ultrasound
Rhiannon here at the apartment. You should have seen her
face when I showed her all those little puppies on the
screen!

Cassie makes me feel like I can work miracles, Dad.
That’s how I felt about you when I was her age. There were
so many years in my life when grown ups could fix
everything. That sure was nice.

When I came here, I wanted to be grown up and on my
own. I never imagined how much it would change me.
Thanks for teaching me so much about how to live, Dad. I
do mean that.

Your devoted daughter,
Tess.

Friday night after dinner, Alice opened the package of
Mamma Boccini’s mocha cheesecake while Tess brewed
decaf.

“So when is Rhiannon due to whelp?” Alice asked,
putting two slices on dessert plates.
“Three weeks from yesterday, or thereabouts. Her
ultrasound looks good. Cassie and I found six puppies.
Crazy enough, Thanksgiving Day is her due date, eight
weeks exactly.”
“Wow, so you’ll be in Philadelphia?”
Tess poured decaf in the little white cups with the
pickaxe and gold pan with matching saucers, and set a cup
and saucer in front of Alice.“I can’t decide. My dad’s doing
much better now, and I can always go home for Christmas.
I think I’d like to be here for the puppies, especially since
Cassie is so excited about it. Jake’s got homes for two of
them, and Cassie will keep one.”
“And clients at the office have spoken for three more,”
Alice said, her fork cutting smoothly through the mocha
cheesecake. “Yum, chocolate cookie crust.”
“Yup, Doc said the Cramers want a male, to surprise
their little boy for Christmas,” Tess answered, before
tasting her first bite.
“How are you going to pull that off?”
“They’ll be four weeks old by then, started on solid
food. They can have him for the day, and bring him back to
the litter afterward.”
“That’s great, all of them are spoken for, right?”
“They are,” Tess said, her voice a little lackluster.
This
is it, I’ve got to get this off my chest.
She took a deep
breath.
“
Alice, Bea mentioned she and Doc will be in
Florida for Thanksgiving next year. Doc hasn’t said
anything to me yet, though.”
“He doesn’t want to pressure you, especially with your
dad’s health. And he knows how things are with Jake.”
“I wish I knew how things were with Jake.”
“Tomorrow night’s the Jackalope. Guess you’ll find
out.”
“Oh, right, Jackalope.”
“Everybody from town will be there. You’re sure to see
him and Cassie too. Doc and Bea are real excited about
introducing you to everyone. I’ll be in the back helping Bea
with the food, but you get to stay out front with Doc.
Rotary’s hosting, and Doc and Bea are on the Leadership
Council, so it’s kind of a big deal for them.”
Tess thought about the almost parental pride on Doc
seemed to take in her, his constant, approving support, and
felt horribly guilty.
Still, Alice asked you to tell her, and you
promised you would.
“Alice, a Surgical Teaching Fellowship will be
advertised at New Bolton soon, to start next fall,” she
offered in a rush, “My mentor there, Dr. Marguerite
Sanders, has invited me to apply.”
“Really? That’s impressive, Tess. You should do it,
keep your options open.” Alice finished the last bite of her
cheesecake, not missing a beat.
“It could lead to a full time teaching position there, too.
I promised not to leave you in the lurch at the clinic, Alice,
and I won’t. If I get it, you and Doc will have plenty of
time to find a replacement for me. I’d have almost a year in
with Doc by the time I’d leave.”
“I hate to think of you leaving, Tess, but you have to do
what’s best for you.”
“Everyone’s been so awesome, and I love the practice,
you know that, Alice. I was up for anything when I got
here, but my friends from home are all having babies. They
have settled lives. I need to be thinking long term, too.”
Tess gulped her decaf. Her voice a little desperate, she
said, “Truthfully, it felt so right when things were going
well with Jake, but now they’re not. Cassie and I had a
blast together with Rhiannon and the ultrasound, but Jake
didn’t have much to say. He’s not interested in me
anymore. It kind of makes me crazy, and I’m not sure I
should stick around. We’d be crossing paths all the time,
and sucking it up would make me nuts. Doc needs someone
he can count on to stay and take over the practice, and I’m
not certain I can commit to that.”
“Where could you find another Jake?” Alice asked
gently.
“Probably nowhere,” Tess conceded, setting her cup in
its saucer. “But I couldn’t stand the torment of being close
by, and doing without him.
“Well, I’m glad your back, and the New Bolton thing
sounds great, even though it would take you away from
us,” Alice said, quiet understanding in her voice. “Don’t
overlook Colorado State, either, there must be some great
opportunities up in Fort Collins. I’m sure Doc has contacts
he can steer you to there, if you’re interested. Just take your
time, and give it all some thought, Tess. There’s no rush,
we can start advertising for a new vet anytime, and don’t
give up on Jake yet. Rustle up one of your knockout dresses
for the Jackalope tomorrow, and slay him with your
amazing charms.”
She mustered a smile. “Thanks, Alice.”

From:
[email protected]
To:
[email protected]
Date: Friday, November 9 8:37 PM

Subject: My, How you’ve grown!

Daughter Tess,
Your sister mentioned the New Bolton opportunity.
Don’t be angry with her, please dear, she’s worried about
you. I won’t say anything to Mother, you don’t need the
added pressure. You know we’d love to have you back. I
imagine that you are feeling torn. These choices are likely
to shape the rest of your life, so take some time making up
your mind. I’m thinking of you and I’m here if you want to
talk. Whatever you decide, know that I’ll be behind you.
As far as me, rehab is going well, though I never
expected to spend quite so much time on the treadmill. It
makes me loopy.
Archibald Lawsone has been dropping by afternoons, to
help me get caught up on my cases. Your sister has been a
big help, too. She cooked dinner tonight, three courses, do
you believe it?
I’m so proud of my girls. You and Samantha and your
mother have always been the light of my life.
Love. Love, Love You Always, Dad.

From:
[email protected]
To:
[email protected]
Date: Friday, November 9, 7:42 PM

Subject: What’s cooking, hot stuff?

Sam,
You’ve spilled the New Bolton beans AND you’re cooking
dinner? What has come over you?

Love, Tess
PS: Remember to take the brownies out of the box before
you put them in the oven.

To:
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Date: Friday, November 10, 10:36 PM

Subject: HAH!

Tessie,
Not apologizing for New Bolton bean spill: I’m worried
about you. So is Dad. We want what’s best for you. FYI
made heart healthy boneless chicken breasts broiled TO
PERFECTION tonight, with salad, rice AND steamed
broccoli! Granted, boredom here has driven me into the
kitchen, but anything is possible when one puts her mind to
it, so watch out! Archie liked dinner, and I’m planning
Thanksgiving. Mom’s got her hands full at the office, but
Grandma will help. Shall we expect you?

Love, Big Sister Sam
PS. Did you know you can substitute applesauce for the veg
oil in brownie recipes? I’m making new discoveries daily.
To:
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Subject: Do Tell!
Date: 6:48 am, Saturday, November 10
Sam,

So Archie liked dinner . . . What about dessert?? Did you
serve something “starchy”? Yesterday was spay and neuter
day at the clinic . . . Don’t let that put a damper on your
after dinner plans, though!

Love, Snip ‘n Clip Tessie

Tess went into the clinic extra early Saturday morning
to start kennel work before Alice arrived. Alice bustled in
at five to eight, circles under her eyes. “Lotts and I didn’t
leave the bar until three this morning. I was not looking
forward to a room full of messy, hungry puppies and kitties.
Thank you so much for covering, Dr. Bamberger.”

Tess smiled at Alice. “It was the least I could do, Al.”
After work, Tess took Rhiannon for a walk. Her sweet
collie-retriever’s belly was filling out, her tawny coat
glossy and sleek from brushing. Rhiannon was eating more
and slowing down now, happy return to the apartment to
curl up on her bed in front of the wood stove and snooze.
Feeling restless, Tess dropped by the thrift shop to help
Gertrude sort and label new items. At the bottom of a big
box, she found a pair of dusty cowgirl boots; brown, with a
low heel and pointy toe, their tall shafts embossed with
decorative stitched vines and tiny pink flowers. “What a
find! They’re just like the boots Meryl Streep wore in
Silkwood, Gertrude!” Pulling them on, Tess stood in front
of the mirror, admiring her reflection.
Gertrude peered out from behind the register. “That
film with Kurt Russell and Cher, the sad one, where she
didn’t have her kids? You’re right, they sure are,” she
agreed. “Do they fit?”
“They’re a size too big, but I can wear socks with
them.”
“Yup. You’ll clomp around, soundin’ like a real cowgirl,
Tess. $5.99, and they’re all yours!” Gertrude smiled.
The new inventory kept them busy all afternoon, and
Tess didn’t leave the thrift store until closing time. Eager to
get home to Rhiannon, she opened her truck door and
tossed the boots on the seat. As she climbed in, a Green
Junction Police cruiser slipped into the spot next to her.
Ron’s bulky stomach filled the driver’s seat.
Uh-oh.
The cruiser’s door swung open. Ron stood up with
authority, pulling his pants up over his belly. “Nice day,
today.”
“Sure is,” Tess smiled, slightly creeped out. He eased
his bulk around the back of cruiser, slipping his reflective
aviator frames up on his head as he moved towards Tess.
She saw a revolver under his unzipped black jacket, in a
holster strapped to his chest.
“How’ve you been, since the accident, Tess?” Ron
asked, meeting her eyes.
He wasn’t concerned at the Rancher’s Alliance
presentation, and that was weeks ago.
“I was fine just a few
days afterward, Ron. You know that. It was nothing,
really.”
“You got hit hard, Tess, you were knocked out for
awhile, lost some blood. It was some gash on your head.
You musta been pretty out of it, that night.” Ron nodded,
trying to catch her eye.
Tess met Ron’s swarthy face dead on. “Not so out of it
that I wouldn’t have noticed if Jake had been drinking,
Ron.”
She saw his Adam's apple jump as he swallowed
nervously. “Tess, you can’t be certain Jake wasn’t drinking.
I know the facts,” Ron said, putting the cheap frames back
over his eyes.
“This isn’t really something I want to discuss, Ron. I’ll
see you later, okay?”
“I’ll see you girls at the Jackalope later,” he said evenly,
fat lips thinning into a wide smile.
“We’ll be there!” Tess said brightly, completely
revolted.
Doesn’t he know when to give it up?
“You have a nice day, Tess,” Ron said, turning back to
the cruiser.
“You too, Ron.” Relieved to be free of him, she climbed
into her truck and slammed the door.
He didn’t really send
those dance tickets to the office, did he? How can I possibly
spend a whole evening with him?
At home, Tess polished her new boots and searched her
closet. She found an apple green, long-sleeved, empire
waisted lambswool and angora knit dress her mother had
sent, and took it to the mirror. Its swingy knit skirt hit right
above the knee.
Simple and friendly, like a first grade
teacher, and it will work with my new boots. I might even
kind of blend in.
Pulling on dark green tights, Tess rehearsed the faces of
all the people she’d met at the clinic, matching faces with
pets, trying to remember names.
I don’t want to forget
anyone.
She put knee socks on, then the boots.
I’m going to
flub names, and I’m starving. I could eat a whole antelope
myself right now. At least the boots look like they belong in
Green Junction. It sure feels like I don’t.