Gunning For Angels (Fallen Angels Book 1) (38 page)

There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere.

–Jane Austen

Alone in her hospital room, Enid sat waiting for the doctor to give her the official heave-ho. She felt like her butt was becoming welded to the wheelchair and she was itching to leave. All morning, Jack had been patiently waiting with her, which had surprised her.

Twenty minutes ago, he’d gone to the cafeteria to get coffee, and she was beginning to get scared that he wasn’t coming back. His patience had set her nerves on edge – like he was playing nice before he ditched her again. 

Ever since she woke up from the surgery, he’d been nice.

Too nice.

The nurses had insisted that she not stand or walk until she started physical therapy, but she felt an overwhelming urge to get out of the wheelchair and go looking for Jack.

She wheeled herself to the side of the bed and, gripping the rail, she stood. She was startled at how shaky her legs felt but she smiled in triumph. She took a step toward the door and felt her legs falter. She grabbed the table and, forgetting it was on wheels, she and the table hurtled forward.

She rammed into something solid and warm. Strong arms encircled her and eased her back to the bed.

“Enid Iglowski. You are fucking dangerous.”

She looked up.

Chip was shaking his head in exasperation. “Alone in a room – you still manage to find trouble.”

Enid flinched, thinking about the last time she saw him – running up the street after she hijacked his car. She thought of him kissing Eve and felt a stab of jealousy.

Was he still in love with Eve?

Enid cleared her throat and said, “Um, Chip.”

“Um, Enid,” he said, imitating her.

She looked at him, unsure.

Is he making fun of me?

He was smiling. Not just any smile but the most beautiful smile ever. Like the first time she ever saw him.

Enid said, “I’m sorry I hijacked your car.”

“But you’re not sorry you wrecked it?”

“That too,” she said.

Chip said, “That was a mean trick you played, kid.”

H
er heart sank at the word “kid.”

Chip said, “Dad says you saved his life. I guess I should be the one thanking you.”

Enid said, “Are you still in love with Eve?” 

“Have you ever pulled a punch in your life, kiddo?”

Enid reached up and said, “Help me up.”

“I just helped you not fall down. Shouldn’t you stay put?”

Enid said, “You want to thank me? Help me stand up.”

Chip
helped her stand and, as he turned to get the wheelchair, she grabbed his arm. 

He turned to her with a questioning look.

Before she could think better of it, Enid threw herself into his arms and kissed him.

Horrified, Chip’s arms flew out to the side as if he was denying any involvement.

Enid held him fast, determined that if she had one stolen kiss – she was going to make it count.

After what seemed like eons, Enid pulled away. She was surprised to see that his eyes were closed and his face dreamy. His hands were gently resting on her hips.

When did that happen?

Chip
opened his eyes and looked at her as if for the first time.

“Enid,” he said softly.

She smiled, kissed him again. When she was done, she pulled away.

“Jesus,” he said in a wondering voice.

Enid grinned and said, “Don’t get any ideas, kid.”

His eyes widened.

She laughed, feeling suddenly carefree.

Chip
leaned in to kiss her and she stopped him and said, “When I’m older – if you try hard enough – I might give you a chance.” She grinned mischievously into his startled face, “Maybe.”

Jack walked in carrying his coffee. He stopped, frowning. “What’s going on?”

Enid pushed Chip away and sat on the bed, “It’s about time – I’m starving! Let’s get out of here.”

Chip stepped out of the way as Jack got the wheelchair and helped Enid into it.

Jack said, “We got the go-ahead to leave.”

“Cool beans,” Enid said.

Chip said, “Enid, I – ”

Jack pushed her out the d
oor and, not able to resist, Enid looked back at Chip – and winked.

Enid decided that the only thin
g more beautiful to her than Chip’s beautiful face – was the startled expression that splashed across his beautiful face when she winked at him.

Two days later, Jack and Enid stood in front of Laura’s house. A rental car
was loaded with luggage and Laura had Faith buckled into the baby seat when she turned to face them. The early morning sun shone on her pale face as she smiled shyly. “Thanks again for seeing me off.”

Enid said, “Are you going to be okay? I mean – with the baby and all?”

Laura said, “I thought about flying but I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I have a family in Oklahoma. They wanted to fly out but I talked them into letting me drive there. I guess it’s my way of giving myself more time.”

Jack nodded at the baby. “When she’s older – what are you going to tell her? The truth?”

Laura said, “If you were her father – would you?”

Jack frowned, unsure.

Laura reached into her purse and pulled out a photograph, held it out to him. “Maybe you want this. Maybe you don’t.”

Jack took the photo but didn’t look at it.

Enid leaned in to see it. It was a black-and-white photo of Eve. Her eyes looked out from the photograph, dark with mystery.

Jack put the photo into his shirt
pocket, unseen. He said to Laura, “If you need help, I hope you know you can call me. I can’t promise anything – but I can try.”

Laura smiled her thanks and got behind the wheel. They said goodbye and Jack and Enid stepped back, watching as the car headed up the street.

Enid said, “Are you going to put me on a plane and send me back to Florida?”

Jack winced. He ran his hand through his hair and walked to his car.

Enid didn’t move. “Sixteen,” she said.

Jack stopped, turned.

Enid said, “I turned sixteen on February second.”

“Happy belated birthday,” Jack said.

Enid stared at him, unsure.

Jack hooked his thumb to the car. “I need to deposit the insurance check – for the house. You want to come?”

Enid remained silent, waiting for him to say that he was sending her back to Florida.

Jack said, “I’m going to rebuild. The house, I mean.”

Enid said, “The same?”

“No, something new. Better. You want to help?”

Enid looked at him in surprise.

Jack turned and walked to the car, “I hear Flo
rida is humid this time of year.”

Enid frowned, catching up to him. “Yeah, my hair gets out of control.”

Jack said, “You could hang out in Phoenix for a while.”

Enid held her breath, too scared to speak.

Jack said, “When the summer is over, if you like it here and your mom agrees, there’s a good high school up the street from the house.”

Enid bit her lip, feeling tears burn behind her eyes.

Jack said, “If you want to.”

Enid nodded, feeling like her heart was going to burst.

“Cool. Then it’s a done deal?” Jack said. “No pressure. We still have to clear it with your mom and I can’t promise anything – ”

The next thing she knew, Enid’s was face was buried in his shirt and she was crying like she was six years old.

“I’ll be all right,” Jack said, stroking her hair. “I’m sorry. I’m going to try to be a better dad to you.”

Enid pulled back, embarrassed and red-faced but feeling as if the world was bright and shiny. 

Jack said, “You gonna give me your okay, or keep me hanging?”

Enid nodded. “I’ll try too. To be better.”

“Then it’s a party,” Jack said, pointing her toward the passenger side of the car as he got behind the wheel.

Enid
hopped into the car. Wiping away the last of her tears, she laughed aloud.