Remember Me (17 page)

Seth squeezed Brandon’s shoulder. “Tired, but okay. You want to come see?”

“I do.” Brandon surprised himself. He’d never had any interest in kids, and made a studied effort to stay away from them. In the wake of the crash, he’d begun to feel a need to draw closer to his family.

He followed Seth into the room with its subdued lighting. Tessa’s vibrant hair tumbled around her shoulders. There were shadows of exhaustion beneath her eyes, but a smile on her lips that made even Brandon pause. Beautiful. Just then, a tiny fist reached into the air.

“Good Lord,” he murmured. “She’s so tiny.”

Seth had already moved to their side, sitting now in the chair pulled close to the bed so he could lean in to watch his daughter’s face. Tessa patted the other side of the bed. “Come on, Uncle Brandon. Take a look at your niece.”

He started to tiptoe toward the bed, and then thought how stupid that was. Shaking off the feeling, he stepped over to the bed. The baby was sleeping, which disappointed him a bit, but he supposed she needed rest, like Tessa, after working so hard to get into this world. Everything about the baby was delicate. He didn’t envy his older brother. Brandon feared he wouldn’t have the nerve to handle anything quite so fragile-looking.

“She’s beautiful. Have you decided on a name?”

Seth glanced at him. “We’re still debating. I want to make sure she doesn’t get hung with one of the Barlow-Barrett monikers like poor Preston did.”

Brandon nodded. “I’m with you there, bro. It doesn’t seem fair to saddle such a delicate being with a ten-ton name.” He gathered Tessa’s hand in his. “I’ll grab a cab and head home.” He tossed the keys to Seth. “I know you’ll stay, but if you decide to go home and grab a shower, you’ll have your SUV.”

By the time Brandon got to his house, fatigue and a vague feeling of depression dragged at him. He was happy for Tessa and Seth. Just like he was happy for Anna and Chris. He poured himself a glass of bourbon and took it over to the couch, realizing he was limping again. It seemed that would be his reminder of a trip gone terribly wrong.

* * * *

Lucy was feeling better than she had in recent memory. She’d gone running that morning, then returned home to work at the wheel. She turned out several more pieces, which she set aside so they could dry enough before being removed to a drying rack, and began glazing the pieces Mason had asked her to finish. When the phone rang in the middle of it, Lucy almost didn’t answer it, but wiped her hands on a rag and dashed into the kitchen at the last minute.

“Lucy, it’s Tiffany. How you doin’, sugar?”

“Great, Tiff, and I mean that. I can’t thank Roberto enough. In fact, tell him I’ll be there Friday night to dance, but I’m getting there early to talk to him.”

“You aren’t gonna quit, are you?”

Lucy laughed. “Not for right now, but the time is coming. Did you call just to see how I was doing?”

“No. Remember Tessa?”

“Of course.”

“She and her husband had a baby yesterday.”

“Oh! That’s fantastic. A boy or a girl?”

“A little girl. They’re not going home until tomorrow. You should drop by and see them. I know she’d like you to. Her married name is Barlow. Tessa Barlow.”

For a moment, the similarity to Barlow-Barrett had made her stomach clench, but when the second name didn’t get tacked on, Lucy relaxed. “What hospital?”

Lucy took all the information, deciding she would leave early for Angelina’s house and stop in to see Tessa and her baby on the way. She hated to spend the additional money, but cabs would be the best way to go, though she’d have to call one to come pick her up from Angelina’s house. Lucy dressed in casual attire. It was a warm day, so she opted for capris and sandals. With her hair in a braid and only a touch of makeup, she was sure no one would ever associate her with her alter ego. Heaven knew, the last thing she’d ever want was to embarrass Tessa in front of her husband.

As soon as she walked into the front lobby, Lucy’s breath caught. Between her brief brush with the hospital in Falcon’s Head and the occasions she’d visited her grandmother, Lucy had made it her business to stay far away from doctors and hospitals. When she stepped up to the information desk, an older woman looked at her and smiled.

“May I help you?”

“I came to visit a friend. She’s on the maternity ward.”

“What’s her name and I’ll look up her room number.”

A couple of minutes later, Lucy was in the elevator headed up. She clutched the gift bag she held, hoping her gift wouldn’t embarrass her friend. Wrapped inside was a small pot she’d made a couple of years earlier. Its hand carvings and vibrant glaze would look good in a child’s nursery. The floor nurse smiled and directed her to Tessa’s room.

The door was ajar a fraction. From behind it, she heard the quiet murmur of voices and soft laughter. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and hesitated, then tapped on the door.

“Come in,” Tessa called. Lucy pushed away a flash of nerves. It had been a few months since she’d worked with Tessa at Flamingo Road. In fact, it was through Lucy Tessa had gotten a job there as a waitress. Roberto had kept her on even after her pregnancy had become obvious, moving her into his business office. Once she hooked up with her baby’s father, though, she’d handed in her resignation.

Pushing the door open enough to step through it, Lucy paused, her gaze drawn to Tessa. She was dwarfed by the big hospital bed, and the even bigger man sitting with his back to her. For an instant, Lucy’s heart had skipped a beat at the sight of his golden head and broad shoulders. Brandon? Just then the man turned and Lucy almost dropped the bag holding her gift. No. Not Brandon, but the similarity in their looks was unmistakable.

“Lucy!” Tessa’s voice overflowed with surprise. “Oh! What are you doing here? Did Tiffany come too?”

Ignoring the suddenly narrowed tawny eyes of the man sitting with her friend, Lucy shook her head. “No. She has a kid home sick. I told her I would stop by.” The man still regarded her in an intent way that made her want to squirm. She stepped to the bed. “I can’t stay long. I have another appointment, but I wanted to bring you a gift.”

Tessa took the bag and lifted out the small pot. “Oh, Lucy! This is beautiful. Is it something you made? Look, Seth. Isn’t this lovely?”

“Indeed.” He held out his hand. “Seth Barlow-Barrett.” He introduced himself as if trying to gauge her reaction.

With no other option, she took his hand. “Lucy Cameron.”

He smiled. “Pleased to meet you, Lucy. I’m going to step out to get some coffee. That will give you and Tessa some time to talk.”

Lucy’s heart was beating so hard she felt it flutter in her throat. She fought the panic. She couldn’t run out. Tessa was her friend. But, oh merciful heaven, there could be no doubt her husband was related to Brandon. They bore an amazing resemblance to each other. She watched him walk out the door with the sneaking suspicion he knew who she was. Panic threatened again. She was putting all this behind her.

“Lucy?” Tessa questioned. “Is something wrong?”

She released her breath and forced a smile. The last thing she wanted to do was to worry her friend. “No. Gosh. It’s so good to see you again. You look amazing for someone who just gave birth less than twenty-four hours ago.”

Tessa laughed. “And you look amazing, period. As always.” She glanced at the pot. “This is beautiful. Does this mean you’re still pursuing pottery?”

“Yes. I’m going to be doing more pottery and less dancing. Roberto is the one who gave me a nudge to go after what I want.”

Tessa arched a brow. “His best dancer?”

Lucy shrugged, not wanting to go into it too much. “Yeah. It’s a good move for me.” She glanced at the bassinet in the corner of the room. “May I?”

“Sure. Take a look at her. Emily Rose.”

Lucy studied the tiny, sleeping infant with her delicate features and perfect doll-sized fingers. “That’s such a feminine name. It suits her. She’s like a fragile little blossom.”

“Thank you. And thanks for coming by too. You helped me at a time when my world had crashed, Lucy.”

She turned in surprise. “We’re friends.” She looked around the room at the stuffed animals and flowers. “Life has worked out well for you. Are you happy?”

“Ecstatic.” Tessa’s pale blue eyes watched her. “What about you? What’s wrong?”

She wanted to tell her but couldn’t upset her. Not right now. “Changes. You know how it is. Deciding to pursue the pottery. It will be different. Change always makes me nervous.” She rubbed her hands along her upper arms. “Look, I can’t stay long. I just wanted to drop by and wish you well.” In fact, she needed to get away and soon. With each passing minute, she became more and more paranoid, as if a whole group of Barlow-Barretts would show up and trap her.

“I’d love for you to stay longer…”

“No. I–I have to go. I’ll call you. I’m working with a gallery on a showing.”

“That’s great! You will invite me, right?”

Lucy smiled. “I wouldn’t dream of not inviting you.” She leaned over and kissed Tessa on the cheek. “I’ll be in touch, I promise.”

She turned and fled the room. Starting toward the elevators, she saw the doors open and Seth came out. What shocked her was Brandon following right on his heels. He had a cane and he looked thinner than she remembered. For an instant she was frozen, just long enough for both men to see her. Brandon’s gaze met hers with nothing more than the blank stare of a stranger for a fraction of an instant, and then she saw awareness dawn.

She wasn’t ready for this, and all the reasons why she shouldn’t be a part of his life flooded through her in a horrible rush. Lucy spun away, found the staircase and fled. As she pounded down the stairs, she heard the door open behind her. Heard him call her name, but she didn’t stop, not until she sat, panting, in the backseat of a cab.

* * * *

“Lucy! Wait.” The slap of her soles on the stairs picked up pace. “Damn it! Wait, Lucy.” He stared in impotent frustration at the yawning staircase before him. He still didn’t trust his ankle enough to follow her, not at the speed with which she’d taken off. With another muttered curse, he slapped his hand against the wall in frustration.

He hadn’t been able to believe it when Seth had called him. He’d already been on his way over. After he hung up, the only thing he could think was how the hell Tessa knew the very woman he’d been trying to find. When the elevator doors had opened, he’d seen Seth go rigid. Then his brother stepped out of the way, and he’d seen her. For an instant, he’d wondered who she was. Then it had flooded in like the time had never been missing.

And she’d run from him.

Stepping back from the stairway, Brandon let the door shut and turned. He met Seth’s gaze and found his brother regarding him with sympathy. He knew Tessa and Seth had gone through some rough times, knew his brother was one of the few people who did understand how he felt right now.

“Come talk to Tessa,” Seth told him. “I don’t know how the hell they know each other, but maybe she can tell you how you can find her.”

Brandon ground his teeth. Every instinct told him to pursue her, but how damn stupid was that? She was long gone and he had no idea where or how to find her. “Okay,” he responded at last to Seth’s suggestion.

“You missed my friend Lucy,” Tessa said before her smile faded. “What’s wrong? Has something happened to your father?”

Seth sat in the chair next to her bed, but Brandon couldn’t be still. He paced the room until he limped over to the window and parted the blinds so he could see outside. She was out there somewhere. All this time, she’d been within reach. He nearly growled in frustration.

“Nothing’s wrong with my father. He’s still as big a son-of-a-bitch as ever,” Seth reassured his wife. “Tess–how long have you known Lucy?”

Brandon turned his head away from the window to watch his sister-in-law. She looked at Seth in confusion. “Since last summer. I met her at the Y. She helped me get that job after your father fired me.”

“She helped you get the job at the strip club?” Something inside Brandon twisted with pain. Then familiarity niggled him. He remembered going there the night of their sister’s fiance’s bachelor party. “Does she work there?”

Tessa looked from Seth to Brandon. Something in his expression must have alerted her. “She’s the one, isn’t she? She’s the woman from the plane crash. But that’s impossible. Lucy never takes vacations. It was a running joke at Flamingo Road.”

“It was her first vacation,” Brandon stated. He cleared his throat. “It was the first time she’d flown.” He already knew, in his heart, he already knew, but he still had to ask. “What does she do at Flamingo Road?”

Tessa looked uncomfortable. Her gaze shifted from him to Seth to the small, decorative pot sitting in her lap. Brandon’s chest tightened. The pot combined vibrant glazes with cleverly carved designs. Had Lucy made it? He raised his eyes and met Tessa’s pale gaze. “She’s the headline dancer. Jasmine LeFleur. Brandon, is she the woman who was on the plane? I thought you couldn’t remember. How can you be sure?”

“I wasn’t until I saw her just now. It’s come back.” God, he needed to think, wanted to be someplace on his own where he could take in the shock of remembering along with the shock of finding out who Lucy was. He swallowed, trying to fight down the bile rising in his throat. It wasn’t because of what she did. That wasn’t it at all. What made him sick was she had known who he was, known he was so close, but she had chosen not to find him.