The Girl Most Likely To... (18 page)

Riley picked up a piece of quartz from the dirt, admired its shine, and then tossed it into the woods. Aidan isn't talking to her and Kat won't return my calls, so I don't think she'd have any way of knowing.

Hmm. Matt shoved his hands in his jeans pockets. Sure is a dud of a way to reunite a family.

How so?

Well, the motherKatwon't talk to the father, who is you, the son won't talk to the mother, and the mother not only won't talk to her own daddy, but doesn't want her son to have anything to do with his grandfather, which is probably good, because the grandfather doesn't even know he has a grandson.

Sounds like your average American family to me, Riley said dryly.

Matt laughed. All I'm saying is that y'all wouldn't get booked on /Montel/ for one of those tear-jerky reunion shows.

We'll survive somehow.

Matt kept his observations to himself for the next few minutes, and Riley concentrated on taking in the familiar beauty around him. The colors were unusually concentrated this fall, probably because of the ideal mix of rain and sun they'd had in late summer. Riley did love this place. Though the Monongahela Mountains of West Virginia were in his blood, a day didn't go by when he didn't see the ironythat all he'd ever wanted as a kid was to get out of Persuasion, yet here he was, to stay.

He often wondered how differently his life would have unfolded if he hadn't gotten Kat pregnant, right here on the quarry road almost twenty years ago to the day, on a blanket spread out no more than a hundred yards from where he now hiked.

Back then, Riley had truly believed in the beach house and the Colorado ski retreat, the two kids he and Kat would have together, and the happiness that would come to them in due time. But on that October night, his need to be inside Kat was so blinding that it obliterated everything in its pathreason, dreams, and even Big Daddy's dire warnings. And in the following months, as they explored every corner of the sexual wonderland they'd created together, the desire to be with Kat only grew richer, deeper, more concentrated. He loved her. That was a given. But once the mind-blowing pleasure of sex was introduced into the mix, Riley was a drowning mandone forand damn happy about it.

It was understandable that he'd never forgotten the rush of those first sexual experiences. What was inexplicable was that he'd gotten another taste of Kat just a couple weeks ago and it was as if time had stood still. His heart ignited at the sound of her voice. He wanted her more than ever. It was as if she'd branded his body and spirit with her own all those years ago and he'd always belonged to her, as if no matter where he'd been or what he'd done in his life, he'd only been waiting for Kat to reappear.

I've got to get her back, Matt.

Matt didn't say a word in response, just kept his steps in sync with Riley's.

I think I might still love her.

Matt swiveled his head around and glared at Riley. He opened his mouth to speak.

Hold on before you start in on me, Riley warned. I'm serious. I think I still love her. She fucked me over goodOK, I get thatbut from where she sits, I fucked her over, too.

That's some twisted thinking right there.

Not really. The same afternoon Kat disappeared, she told me to meet her right hereRiley pointed to the ground beneath his feetjust to tell me she was pregnant. But she couldn't even get the words out before I broke up with her.

Matt stopped walking. How long have you known that?

Riley stopped, too. She told me when she was here.

And you believe her?

Why wouldn't I? She believed me when I told her I went looking for her and Aidan as soon as I knew.

Matt shook his head slowly, looking down at his feet as he dragged the toe of his boot through the rusty dirt. You slept with her at Cherry Hill, didn't you? When he looked up, his eyes were pleading. Why, Bro?

Why the hell would you go and do that?

I couldn't help myself.

Matt laughed loud enough to elicit a sympathy howl from Loretta, who bounded up from the creek like she was missing out on something. Man, half the women in Randolph County are trying on a daily basis to give you a little sumthin-sumthin' and all you do is turn your nose up at the offers. But Kat comes back to town for a day and you suddenly can't help yourself? What the fuck?

It was Riley's turn to laugh, which inspired Loretta to double her efforts. You're way off-base, Matt! he shouted.

OK, three-quarters of the women, then! Matt yelled back. But I'm telling you, there's plenty of no-strings-attached pussy out there for the taking. And you don't have to deal with crazy women like Carrie and Kat to get you some.

Riley didn't bother to hide how disgusted he was at Matt's last comment, and began walking again, this time at a faster clip.

I was out of line, Matt mumbled as he caught up with Riley. I know Carrie didn't start out totally psycho. I'm sorry for saying that.

Apology accepted.

But I still don't understand your obsession with Kat Cavanaugh.

Someday you'll know what I'm talking about, little brother. Riley gave Matt a friendly slap on the back. Someday there will be a woman who gets under your skin, and I mean all the way, and you won't want to hold back a thingyou'll want to give her everything you are and everything you have.

Matt shot Riley a doubtful look.

It happened real early in my case. I knew who Kat was to me by the time I was twelve.

Oh, please.

It's true. Riley looked out into the woods, studying the rich spectacle that was the Monongahela Forest in autumnthe sunshine yellow of the Kentucky coffee tree, the dogwood's crimson, the post oak's pale brown.

His gaze landed on the fused trunks of two old hemlocks growing near the walking path, and he wondered what extreme conditions were responsible for that twist of nature. Was it a single violent summer storm? Months of windy conditions? A mud slide? Whatever the cause, the two deeply furrowed trunks had created a single foothold in the earth, to be undone only with their death.

Remember Mom's funeral?

Matt seemed surprised by Riley's question but nodded. Sure, as much as I can remember anything from when I was eight.

Remember how Kat stood up in front of everyone and read that poem?

Matt shook his head. All I remember is Big Daddy telling me to stop my blubbering.

Riley nodded. Well, Kat got up there with a voice as strong and clear as a church bell and read a poem by Shelley. It was beautifulabout how the dead live on in our memoryand the whole church went quiet when she read it. /How delicate she looked/, Riley remembered. Her small body was overpowered by the mountains of flowers behind her and she pulled the microphone down to reach her mouth. I stared at her hands. She wasn't shaking one bit. And when she was done, she looked right into my eyes and I was so proud of her, so in love with her, even in my sadness. And I knew that she was the girl who would share my life with me, the one who would always have my back. There was no question in my mind.

Right.

We've been linked from childhood on up and we're still that way, even though we've spent more time apart than we ever did together.

Matt produced a doubtful grunt.

Anyway, Kat's definitely not crazyshe just has a few issues to resolve.

Matt stifled a laugh.

But you're right on the money about Carrie, man. She's been showing up unannounced again.

Matt swiveled his head around in surprise. When?

At the office the day you told me you'd found Kat, and then later that night. She came to the house.

Why didn't you tell me?

Riley laughed. There have been more important things going on.

What did she want?

Riley shrugged. She gave me some bull about the clinic getting renewed attention in the legislature, and then gave another one of her Oscar-caliber performances, begging me to give her another chance. I'm telling you, she's totally crossed the line.

Matt nodded decisively. We can have a protective order in twenty-four hours.

Riley chuckled. Thanks, Chief, but Carrie isn't a physical threat. She's just living in a fantasy world. She really thinks that after all this time and after everything she's done, I would still consider getting back with her.

Matt shook his head. That's ridiculous.

Unbelievable.

Yet that's exactly what you want to do with Kat.

Riley jerked his head in surprise at his brother's challenge. He was starting to regret inviting Matt to join him on his hike.

The last year has been tough on you, man; that's all I'm saying. Matt placed a hand on Riley's arm. I sure hope you know what you're doing.

Riley had no idea what he was doing. He didn't know what to say, what to do, or how any of it was going to feel. But he was doing it anyway. He was about to meet his son.

It was a pleasant Friday evening, and the Inner Harbor rocked with tourists and the after-work happy-hour types. Because he didn't spend a lot of time in the city, Riley paid careful attention to how he navigated the crowds, dodging, squeezing by, and mumbling his hellos when it would seem rude not to, considering that someone's face had just come within inches of his own.

The scene felt damn-near overpowering to Riley, which made him to smile to himselfhe was such a country boy. The noise level was jarring. Two kinds of live music and at least three languages battled it out for the open airspace, and the shrill beeps of car horns were nearly drowned out by the lower, deeper complaints of sightseeing boats. His nose detected the competing scents of dozens of restaurants and taverns, but there was only one spot that would catch his fancy tonighta seafood place called City Lights, where Aidan had suggested they meet.

Riley looked down at his watch and laughed at himself. Matt had been righthe'd left from the nearby hotel with so much time to spare that he'd arrived a full half hour early, even walking at a leisurely pace.

So be it. Riley had been dreaming of this day for an entire year. He would finally get an opportunity to show his kid that he cared. This was no time to be even a minute late.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw the sign for the restaurant, then almost immediately spotted an end of a bench overlooking the water.

Riley sat down, acknowledging with a nod the elderly African-American gentleman already headquartered there.

Fine evening, the man said.

Yes, it is.

Visiting the city?

Yes, sir. I live in West Virginia.

The old man nodded with approval. Now that's a beautiful state. Some of the prettiest scenery anywhere.

Yes, sir.

What brings you here? Business?

As the words formed on Riley's tongue, he felt his face expand in a silly grin. He probably looked like a goof. Actually, he said to the man, pausing to savor what would come next, I'm in town to meet my son for a bite to eat. He's a student at Johns Hopkinsa biology major.

The old man lifted his chin. One of the world's best schools. You must be real proud of him.

Riley looked out over the water, thinking to himself that he was proud of Aidan for being smart and disciplined enough to make it into Hopkins, surely. But Riley was most proud that his son had the courage to be here tonight, to meet him.

I /am/ proud.

You know, I'm eighty-two years old, and I have to say that a job is just a job, but being a father is the best thing a man can do with his life.

With that, he broke out into a goofy grin himself, revealing a shockingly white set of dentures. He slowly rose to his feet. You enjoy that meal.

Riley stood to shake the man's hand and wished him well. As Riley watched his bent form make slow progress across the crowded plaza, something caught his attention. It had to be the shape of the chin, the set of the dark eyes. There could be no mistake.

It was Aidan.

He stood on the steps in front of the restaurant, leaning against the railing, one hand in his jeans pocket. Aidan was tall and lanky and looked nervous as hell as his eyes bored right into Riley's. Riley began walking, his mind blank and his pulse wild. His steps quickened, and he broke into a jog.

It took just a moment to reach Aidan, because he had raced down the steps and started running, too. They stopped in the middle of the crowd, their eyes the same level, their shoulders the same breadth. Riley wanted to shout and cry and throw his arms around his kid, but the last thing he wanted to do was scare Aidan.

So Riley extended his hand. Aidan, he said.

Aidan swung his hand around and gripped Riley's, giving it a series of emphatic pumps. You're early, Aidan said, still pumping.

Riley laughed. I think I'm about twenty years late.

Aidan smiled, but his bravado didn't last. He threw himself into Riley's arms and crushed him with a hug. God, I'm glad you finally made it, Aidan said.

Kat poked her head into the upstairs bathroom, watching as one of the workmen pulled up the faded pink tiles from the floor. She clearly recalled all the hours she'd spent staring at those tiles while on her knees, the morning sickness stretching into the afternoons and then the evenings.

Phyllis would stand on the other side of the door, asking after her, offering hot tea or a cold washcloth. As the days went by, Kat began to let her guard down, and she told herself that maybe there really were people in the world who were just decent and caring, and that maybe this Phyllis woman and her brother, Cliff, were two of them.

In those first months, Phyllis cooked for Kat, took her shopping for clothes that would cover her growing lump, and made sure she got plenty of rest. Cliff stopped by when he came through town, and he'd always bring Kat a little somethinga music box, some teen magazines, and a big box of chocolates for Valentine's Day. He called her Sunshine, because her hair and eyes were gold like the sun, he said. Kat always felt a little spoiled by Cliff, and wondered if that was the way it was supposed to have been with her real dad. She adored Cliff for that.