The Inn at Misty Lake: Book Two in the Misty Lake Series (24 page)

Ryan’s eyes were huge, and as Riley watched, he began to move his lips and weave from side to side, clearly imagining joining in the on-going fight against evil. Riley almost felt like doing the same. It didn’t take much for Riley to make up his mind.

“How about we go inside and take a look around? I bet they have a bathroom, too.”

“Really?”

“Really. But the bathroom first.”

Riley got Ryan’s nod of approval on how he handled the bathroom trip the second time around. He congratulated himself for being a quick learner.

The store was filled with games, art supplies, and all sorts of toys, but Ryan only had eyes for the action figure display.

“Who’s your favorite?”

“Well, I like Spidey a lot, he’s cool cuz he can shoot webs.” Ryan mimicked blasting a web to the ceiling. “Capin Merica is cool, too. I like his shield. Did you know Hulk turns green when he gets mad?”

“I did,” Riley said with the appropriate amount of respect.

“Sometimes they used to be on TV but I don’t think they are anymore. Maybe it was only in Calforna.” He looked as if he were trying to work something out but quickly gave up and returned his attention to the scene in front of him.

Riley felt an inexplicable urge to buy him everything in sight, to make up for all the missed birthdays, Christmases, trips to the doctor or dentist as, he remembered, his mom would sometimes reward them with a small toy or treat after particularly harrowing visits. Easter was only a week away. He’d have to see what Lissa had planned and hoped she didn’t balk when he stuffed the biggest basket he could find with everything he thought Ryan would like.

“Do you have any of these guys?”

“I have Spidey, Santa brought him.”

“Why don’t you pick two more? Spidey can’t always fight the bad guys by himself.”

“You mean you’re gonna buy them? For me?”

“Yeah. Spidey definitely needs some helpers. Who do you want?”

Ryan was eyeing him suspiciously. “Are you my mom’s friend?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Did you ask her if I could get one?”

“No, but it will be okay.”

Ryan still looked unsure, but it didn’t take long for excitement to win out over doubt. He carefully considered, rejected, and reconsidered before settling on Thor and Captain America. He was bouncing with excitement as they began heading for the register. Riley stopped.

“You know, I’m thinking you probably need a couple of bad guys, too. Who are these guys going to fight?”

This time Riley didn’t have to do much convincing. “Okay!” Ryan almost shouted as he dumped Thor and Captain America into Riley’s arms and dashed back to check out possible villains.

In the end, they left with bad guys Loki and Ultron, good guys Thor and Captain America, as well as a Spider Cycle for the Spider-Man figure Ryan already had, and a Spider-Man glove that fit Ryan’s hand, shot webs, and made all sorts of sounds that, Riley figured, would drive Lissa crazy. Ryan seemed a little dazed. Riley wondered if he’d overdone it, decided he probably had, and then decided he didn’t care.

They returned to the park just in time for their scheduled meet-up with Lissa, but she was nowhere in sight. Riley didn’t mind. They took a seat at a picnic table and he began unboxing and assembling and soon the two were engaged in an epic battle between good and evil complete with a surprise attack from behind a garbage can, a close call when it looked as though Loki might be able to wield Thor’s hammer, and a dramatic rescue featuring Captain America leaping from the top of the picnic table to save the fine citizens of Misty Lake who were in danger of being vaporized…and who were being portrayed by a pile of pinecones. Riley hadn’t had so much fun in years.

Riley checked his watch and realized Lissa was over forty minutes late. He was just considering loading Ryan into his truck and taking him home as he’d noticed Ryan starting to yawn, but spotted Lissa idly wandering in their direction.

Ryan spotted her too, and any signs of tiredness vanished as he sprinted for her, his arms loaded down with his treasures. The look on Lissa’s face when she reached the picnic table was less than pleasant.

“What’s all this?” she asked, waving her hand at the pile of toys.

“Just some things we found at the toy store in town. Is there a problem?” Riley knew his tone was frosty, but it irked him to have to defend his actions where his son was concerned.

“Ryan, put your things down here and take another turn on the slide before we have to leave,” Lissa ordered.

Ryan looked between the two but did as his mother said.

“What are you trying to do? Swoop in and be some sort of hero? Buying him a pile of things that I couldn’t possibly afford?”

“A hero? No, I’m not trying to be a hero. And I wasn’t trying to show you up, if that’s what you’re implying. I haven’t been able to buy him a thing…ever. Consider this a start at making up for lost time.”

“It’s too much.”

“He said he doesn’t have many toys. I’m not judging or trying to change the way you’ve been parenting, I just wanted to buy my son a few things. I don’t think that should be a problem.”

“Fine. Just clear it with me the next time. There are things he needs more than a pile of toys.”

“What sort of things?”

“He’s a growing boy, Riley. He needs shoes, clothes, haircuts, he hasn’t been to the dentist in a while…it’s all expensive.”

Riley figured she was probably right, but at the moment his frustration and anger won out. “If I’d known about him years ago I would have helped, I would have done what I could to see that he had what he needed. As it is, I felt like buying something he wanted and that he’d enjoy…enjoy a hell of a lot more than a shirt or a trip to the dentist.”

Riley’s tone said it wasn’t the time to push. “Sorry, you’re right. Thanks for the toys, I know he’ll have fun with them.”

“About the other stuff, if there’s something he needs right now I can help with the expenses.”

“You gave me the check, that’s enough for now. Maybe we can try to work something out…I don’t know, some kind of arrangement?”

“Sure. Have you talked to Courtney about staying at her place for a little longer?”

“She’s okay with us hanging around for a while. We didn’t talk specifics, but she seems cool with us being there for now.”

“My parents would like to meet Ryan. Is that all right with you?”

Lissa tensed and was slow to answer. “I don’t know, he’s been through a lot already. Maybe we can give it a little time? Let him get more comfortable with you before we spring too many more people on him?”

Riley wanted to argue. Ryan seemed like a pretty well adjusted kid. He hadn’t balked in the least when Lissa left him at the park, and he had seemed plenty comfortable at the restaurant and the toy store, talking when spoken to. But giving him some time probably wasn’t the worst idea.

“Okay, we can take it slow. Next weekend is Easter. How about if I bring him over to my parents’ house for dinner? You’re welcome too, if you’d like,” he added.

“No, I’m not ready to meet your family.” She was emphatic. “I’ll let you introduce Ryan without me. It will probably be easier for your family that way, too. Easter will be fine.”

“I’d like to get him something…an Easter basket, some candy, toys, and, if you give me sizes, I can add in some of the things he needs.”

Lissa nodded. “Okay.” She looked over to the playground where Ryan was climbing the slide again. “We should probably get going, it’s been a long day and I’m guessing he’s tired.”

“There are some more things we need to discuss.” Riley was uncomfortable, but it was a talk they needed to have. “I don’t know any details of when and where he was born. When is his birthday? Do you have a copy of his birth certificate? I’d like some proof he’s really my son.”

A shiver shook Lissa and Riley eyed her warily, afraid she was going to crumble…or run.

“I don’t carry his birth certificate with me, but his birthday is May eighth. The math works. You may not remember dates, but I do. We were at a big bonfire out at the lake. The music was loud, there were people everywhere, but we just wanted to be alone. We snuck away far enough that we could barely hear the music, the moon was full and it was all so romantic, we had that crappy bottle of wine…” She gave a small laugh and turned away.

Riley didn’t remember it quite the same way but didn’t see the point in sharing his version just to hurt her. Lissa had a far away, almost dreamy look in her eyes and the hint of a smile on her lips. Her tension seemed to melt away and for a moment he could see the girl he remembered, the girl who had always smiled, the girl who had always seemed to have the world by the tail. But then she gave her head an almost imperceptible shake, turned to face him, and the moment passed. Her eyes, once again, had a haunted, defeated look and she seemed to shrink before him until she looked so frail Riley was again afraid she was going to collapse.

He didn’t want to push when she looked so fragile but couldn’t just let it go. “I’d like to have a copy of his birth certificate. Is it possible to have someone mail it? And I want a paternity test.”

“Riley!” she gasped.

“Look, Lissa, it’s something I need. You show up here out of the blue with a child and tell me he’s mine. It’s possible, yes, I’m not arguing that. But you need to understand it’s quite a shock. I can’t get past the fact that I hadn’t heard a word from you in years and now…this. I don’t think wanting some proof is too much to ask.”

She sighed heavily and leaned a hip against the picnic table. “I don’t know when I can get a copy of his birth certificate. It’s in a safe deposit box and my dad is the only other person authorized to access it. He’s out of the country, I think.”

“Then I’ll wait on that but I want to get the paternity test done. I did some checking, it’s a pretty simple procedure.”

“Ryan’s afraid of needles. I want to give him a little time to get settled before I spring a doctor visit on him.”

“There are no needles involved, it’s just a swab on the inside of the cheek.”

“It’s still a doctor’s office. He won’t like it. Just give him a little more time, we’ll take care of it soon.”

He didn’t know Lissa or Ryan well enough to know if he should believe her. What kid liked the doctor? But, if it was going to be a traumatic experience for him, it could wait a few days.

“A little time then, but not too long. I want everything verified before we tell Ryan I’m his father and I’d like to be able to do that as soon as possible.” Riley watched her sway and stagger. She needed to get some rest. “When can I see Ryan again?”

“Soon, whenever you want. Just call.”

Riley gave her a long look. “Are you sure you’re okay? Are you sick?”

“No, just tired. It’s been a long few days…few months, really. I need to go.” She scanned the park and called for Ryan.

“Do we have to go, Mommy?”

“Yes, you’ve had plenty of time to play.”

Ryan kicked at the dirt and mumbled to himself but didn’t argue.

“I’ll see you later, Ryan,” Riley said as he mussed the boy’s hair.

Ryan looked up and his forehead creased as he studied Riley. He seemed unsure of something. “Is my mom going to leave with you like she did—”

Lissa grabbed him by the arm and started pulling him away. “It’s time to go, Ryan. Right now. Grab your things.”

“Thanks for all the stuff.” Ryan waved as Lissa herded him towards the parking lot.

Riley waved back. As they drove away, Riley already missed the sound of Ryan’s voice, his laugh, his exuberance. And he worried about Lissa. If they’d had more than a few blocks to go, he would have insisted on driving. Lissa seemed in no condition to be behind the wheel. He told himself that when they spoke next he was going to demand some answers. She was hiding something from him and he was afraid if it was a health problem, it could mean a dangerous situation for Ryan. Making a quick decision, he jogged to his truck and took off after Lissa’s car. He was going to make sure they got to Courtney’s safely.

28

Later that evening, Riley strode purposefully to the door at Sam’s house, his arms loaded down with flowers and a huge, brightly wrapped box for Susan as well as a bag stuffed with dog toys and treats for Gusto. At this point, he wasn’t above using the dog to get to her. Susan hadn’t answered his calls or texts. He’d made up his mind he wasn’t going to take no for an answer any longer. They needed to talk.

“Oh, Riley,” Sam’s face fell when she saw Riley at the door. “Susan’s not here and I’m guessing that’s not all for me.”

“Where is she? I stopped by the inn, she’s not there.”

“She’s in Chicago.”

“Chicago?”

“Come in.” Sam took the box and led Riley into the kitchen. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“Why is she in Chicago?”

Sam went to the fridge and pulled out a beer for Riley then sat at the table and waved for him to do the same. “She left early this morning. She already had the weekend off and she called Emily to switch a couple of things around on the schedule so she could stay a few days.” Sam shrugged helplessly. “I think she just wanted to get away for a while, wanted to see her family.”

Riley’s head dropped. “I suppose she told you?”

Sam reached a hand out and covered his. “She did. I was here when she got home yesterday. She was pretty upset. We talked.”

“And?”

“And I don’t know. She was a little calmer by last night. We had a couple of margaritas, ate some of her favorite chips and salsa, and I tried to get her to enjoy her birthday, but she was distant. She didn’t really talk about it after…after she told me.”

“Have you heard from her? Did she make it to Chicago okay?”

“Yes, she called. She’s there, visiting with everyone. She sounded better.”

“I really want to talk to her, Sam. I need to fix this.” Riley got up and walked to the window. He stared at the lake, defeated.

“I know. It will do her good to be home for a few days. Once she’s back I think she’ll be ready to talk.” When Riley just continued to stare out the window, she added, “How about you? Do you want to talk?”

Riley turned to Sam. His eyes were wet and his voice was raspy. “I can’t lose her, Sam. I just can’t.”

Sam closed him in a hug. “You won’t. She loves you. She just needs some time to sort things out. I think she’s afraid she’s going to lose you.”

Riley drew back and raked his fingers through his hair. Sam took his hand and led him to the sofa. “This is really a mess and I don’t know how to fix it.”

“Tell me what’s going on. Where do things stand with you and the boy’s mother?”

Riley huffed and looked at the ceiling. “I wish I knew. She’s…I don’t know, strange, I guess. I think she may be sick—really sick—and that’s why she’s here now, after all this time. She doesn’t look well, she seems to have trouble concentrating. I haven’t gotten too many answers out of her and I don’t really know what her plans are.”

“Is she going to stay in Misty Lake, for a while at least, so you have a chance to get to know your son?”

“It sounds like it. She’s staying with a friend. I don’t know how long that will be possible and I don’t know what will happen after that. She’s made a few comments that make it seem as though she doesn’t have a lot of money and I think that’s a big concern for her right now. I’ve offered to help—have helped some.” He shrugged.

“What about your son? What’s he like?”

Riley’s whole demeanor changed with the change in subject. “He’s pretty great. He’s full of energy, he’s polite.” Riley thought back to the trip to the toy store. “He loves to play and he appreciates it when someone does something for him.”

“He sounds like a great kid. Susan said the same.”

“She did?” Riley was surprised…and pleased. He’d been afraid Susan’s opinion would change after finding out Riley was his father.

“She said a lot of the same things you just said. She was crazy about him.”

Riley nodded. “That doesn’t really fix the problem though, does it? There’s still the fact that, out of the blue, I have a son and my life is going to change drastically.”

“It will change, yes, but change doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”

“But in this case it’s a sudden thing. It’s not the direction things were headed…not the path I saw us taking. And we both know Susan. She’s a planner, she likes to have things under control, in order. She doesn’t particularly care for surprises.”

“You’re right about that, but don’t sell her short. She’s got a big heart. Right now, though, Susan is worried that maybe you’re in love with this woman, that you always have been, and now that she’s back, you’ll try to work things out.”

“That’s crazy. I told Susan it wasn’t like that.”

“Okay, but it’s not me you have to convince. Try to understand Susan’s point of view. Obviously you had some sort of relationship with…what’s her name? Melissa?”

“Yeah, Lissa.”

“Okay, Lissa. Obviously, at some point, there was something between you and Lissa. For a woman, it’s never easy to come face to face with a former girlfriend. In this case, it’s a lot harder. It’s a lot more complicated. Susan’s fear is that the feelings you once had will come back…maybe because of the child, but maybe they would have regardless. She has to get past that. She needs you to convince her it’s not going to happen.”

“But it’s not. I told her that.” Riley was frustrated. If that’s all it was then it should be simple. He told her, she should believe him.

“You have to try to think like Susan. Her confidence has been shaken, a lot of doubt is sneaking into her head. She didn’t expect that there was no one in your past, but she also didn’t expect to be blindsided by not only a former girlfriend, but a child, too.”

“Okay, I can do that. If she’ll talk to me, that is.”

“She’ll talk to you. Try her again tomorrow. I think a day at home will make a big difference.”

“I don’t know…”

“Have you talked to anyone else about this? Your family?”

“I talked to Mom and Dad last night. It was tough. But no one else.” He looked at Sam and mentally calculated. “I’ve been kind of out of it for the past twenty-four hours or so. Does everyone know? Does Jake know?”

“I didn’t tell him. I thought it should come from you.”

Riley didn’t know what he preferred…telling Jake and the rest of his family himself, or having Sam or his parents break the news and letting some of the initial shock wear off before he had to face them. It was all so much to deal with. He fell back into the sofa and threw his arms over his face.

Sam drew him into another hug. “It will get better.”

Jake walked in and found Sam and Riley embracing on the sofa. “Making a move on my fiancé, Riles?” He laughed until they both turned and he saw their faces. “Aw, crap. What happened?”