November Foxtrot (Rhythm of the Heart Book 2) (7 page)

The days moved by at a snail's pace. Things were still tense between them all as Layla spent more and more time out. Grams tried to make up for the tension by baking up a storm and feeding Zoe. “We have to get that baby big and healthy!” she’d say as she pulled another tray of cookies from the oven.

Christmas was less than two weeks away, and Calvin would be arriving in less than a week. They decorated the house, venturing out into the woods together to cut down a small fir tree. Pops attached it to the back of his grass cutter and drug it up the path. Once they got it inside, Grams shifted it relentlessly into a tree holder and turned it at least ten times before she was satisfied with the front of the tree.

“Can you just let the poor tree be still?” Pops quipped. “Lord have mercy.”

“Hush! It has to look just right! This is the first Christmas Calvin has been home in a long time, and I want it to be perfect. Switch the TV over to one of those Christmas music channels and let's get in the Christmas spirit.”

They spent hours decorating the tree. Layla begrudgingly came from her room and strung popcorn on a string. Her mouth was twisted into a grimace and she refused to meet anyone's eyes. Her hand strayed frequently to her buzzing phone and only then did she smile or show any emotion. Grams sighed and kept on layering ornaments on each branch.

Zoe sat quietly on the couch, stringing popcorn on her garland with memories flowing through her. The last real Christmas they'd actually had was the year before Momma had died. Back when Daddy had been...well, her Daddy. Thinking of the way he had callously dropped her, ripped through her and she nibbled at her bottom lip, the aching pressure of her teeth against the flesh giving her time to breathe through the pain of the memories.

She swallowed down the pain and focused completely on stringing the popcorn. Poke and push. Poke and push. The needle jabbed her finger and she hissed, sticking the injured digit into her mouth. “I have to go out and get some air,” she choked and stood quickly, the bowl of popcorn tumbling off her lap.

Grams eyed her. “You okay?”

“Yeah, yeah,” she lied, her hand already on the door knob. “Sorry,” she whispered, bolting out the door into the crisp air outside. Her arms wound around her waist and she curled into herself as the tears poured.

Damn you, Daddy. Why did you have to do this to me? I miss my mom...God, she would be so excited about this baby coming...You should be too. But you're not here. You're God knows where.
She wrestled with her thoughts and wiped at her eyes, taking slow, cleansing breaths.

A hand touched her arm and she turned to see Layla standing beside her. “Hey, you okay?”

Zoe shrugged. “I'm fine.”

“No, you're not. You're out here bawling. D'you miss your momma and daddy?” Layla wrapped her arms around herself and whispered, “You're not the only one, if you do.”

“Yeah, I do miss them,” Zoe whispered back. “A whole lot more than I thought I would.”

“Yeah. It does get a little easier, you know.” Layla stared out at the trees and then raised her hand to wipe at her eye quickly. “I'm sorry.”

“Sorry?” Zoe glanced in her direction.

“Yeah. For being a bitch. I was wrong.” She choked out a bitter laugh. “I know – I know. Mark it down on the calendar. Layla admitted she was wrong.”

Zoe blew out a breath. “It's okay. If I had a brother, I'd probably be just as protective.”

Layla nodded. “I just want him to be happy.” Her dark eyes met Zoe's own. “That's all my momma would want for him.”

Zoe's stomach clenched. “I know. It's all my momma would want for me too.”

“Yeah. And if you make him happy, I can get over myself.”

“Okay,” Zoe nodded.

“Well. That's all I wanted to say. Let's just stand here for a few and dry our eyes before we go back in. I don't want to hear about it from Grams.”

Zoe chuckled. “All right.”

They stood in the cool afternoon and Zoe closed her eyes.
At least we fixed that part. Sort of like waving olive branches at each other and not quite hitting each other. It's a temporary peace.
Layla left her a few minutes later and she kept standing, her eyes closed until she felt ready to go back inside.

As she walked in the door, Grams smiled. “You okay?”

Zoe nodded. “Yeah.” And for the first time in a very long time, she meant it.

They spent the rest of the evening finishing off the tree and watching a
Christmas Story
. Zoe found herself smiling as she curled up around one of the pillows and rested her palm against her belly. Her little girl rolled and fluttered, reminding her that she was never alone...and never would be again.

Later, she shifted on the couch and frowned as something poked her hip. Layla's phone was wedged under her and she pulled it out. Layla lay on the end of the couch with her eyes closed and her breath was steady. The phone buzzed in her hand and she clapped a hand over her mouth to muffle the shriek that threatened to pour forth. Tim's name flashed across the screen with the words, “You coming to see me?”

Her brow raised and she fought the urge to see how deep their relationship was via text. Layla had just offered the branch of peace, and even though she was under age, it was by mere months. Tim was a good guy, he'd been there for her more times than she could count.
Who am I to stop them?

The phone buzzed again and she smirked as she read, “I love you, Lil Bear.”

Oh god, 'lil bear!
She sat the phone beside Layla's knee and shifted off the couch.
Let them be in love. What's the harm?

Zoe stood with trepidation in the Mobile airport, her heart in her throat as she waited for Calvin's plane to land. Grams stood with her, and she found her softly wrinkled hand and held it. Grams patted her arm. “It'll be fine, honey.”

Zoe nodded. “Yeah, I know.” Her throat tightened with worry anyway.
What if he isn't interested in me anymore? Or thinks I'm fat and pregnant...Damn Grams' cookies!

She shifted her sweatshirt again, wishing fervently that she'd actually purchased some maternity clothes. No, here she stood getting ready to see her new husband in skin tight yoga pants and a sweatshirt. Not even a nice sweatshirt, either. It was her old high school one, with a bleach spot on the boob.

“The plane has landed,” Grams whispered excitedly.

“Why are you whispering, Grams?” Zoe chuckled.

“I don't know.” Grams giggled back. “Just excited to see my boy.”

“I know. I wish Pops and Layla could have come too.”

“Ah, they can see him when we get there. Is that his head?” She pointed to a bobbing brown head in the crowd that was moving slowly toward them.

“Possibly, I can't tell...” Zoe squinted and stared harder.

“You two looking for me?” A voice came from behind them and they turned in unison. Grams shrieked in joy and launched into Calvin's arms.

“Damn you, boy! Sneaking up on me, gonna give me a heart attack!” Calvin squeezed Grams tight and glanced over her shoulder at Zoe. His smile widened.

“Hey, beautiful.”

“Hi, Calvin,” she whispered.

Grams released him then and stepped back. Zoe simply stood in shock at seeing him again.
Damn, the man looks good,
she swallowed and blinked.

“Do I get a hug?” He opened his arms wide and took a step forward, leaving her to make up the distance.

He smiled again and Zoe leapt forward into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face into his shoulder. The rough material of his uniform scratched at her cheek, but she didn't care. Calvin was here, and he was okay.

“I missed you,” she finally struggled out around the lump in her throat.

“I missed you.” He squeezed her tighter. “You look beautiful.”

“You lie.”

“I don't care what you're wearing. You could be wearing a dirty towel and I'd think you were beautiful, Zoe.” His hand came to her hair and he leaned back. “Do I get a kiss?”

She flushed hot and glanced at Grams, who had turned away from them with a smirk on her face. “Yeah, you get a kiss.”

His lips gently brushed against hers and she pressed in closer. Their lips melded and she groaned softly at the stroke of his lips against hers. He pulled back and she took a slow breath.

“You two done? Am I gonna have to get the hose?” Grams chuckled. “Let's get out of here, you two. There's time for necking later. Calvin, you getting a car or you riding with me?”

Calvin chuckled. “I should get a car, don't you think?” He eyed the counter and smiled. “I'll get a car and meet you two outside, okay?”

Zoe nodded and Grams headed off to the parking lot. She followed behind her and couldn't wipe the silly smile from her face. Grams crawled up in the truck and started it up. “You gonna ride with Calvin?”

“Yeah, probably.”

“You two don't get all hung up necking somewhere, y'hear? Get on home so the boy can eat.” She put the truck in drive and puttered out of the parking lot. Zoe sat down on the plastic bench outside the airport and waited patiently for Calvin. He came along a few moments later with a man that could only be described as eighties throw up. His hair was a masterpiece of jerry curl and his head could possibly be used to fry up some potato chips, maybe grow the potatoes, too.

She fought against the little smirk on her lips and stood, walking up to Calvin and catching his hand. He glanced down and winked and she felt warm and oozy inside, much like a lava cake, love pouring out of every crack.

The man took a set of keys and walked off to presumably get a car. She leaned over to Calvin and whispered, “What the hell?”

“Ah, yes, he's an interesting character, isn't he?” Calvin murmured as he pulled her into his arms. “So, my beautiful, pregnant wife, how are you feeling?”

Zoe grinned up at him and shrugged. “I'm fine.”

“Feel up to that make out session later?” he winked.

“Hmm, maybe.”

“I was thinking of staying at a hotel while I'm here.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, not really into making love to my wife in my grandparents’ house. Nothing says awkward, quite like that.” He squeezed her in tighter and smiled.

“Oh, I see.”

“I mean, as long as said wife would be okay with said plan.”

Zoe pursed her lips and pretended to think for a moment. “I think I could be okay with that.”

“You think? Well I might have to just make love to you until you're sure.” His lips brushed softly against the side of her neck and a trail of goose bumps popped up along the sensitive skin.

“Oh?” Her voice squeaked out breathy and fast.

“Oh,” he replied smoothly.

At that moment the spell was broken as the man came back with the car. Calvin opened the passenger door for her and ushered her inside, tossing his bag in the back and hurriedly taking the keys from him. He slid into his seat and pulled out onto the street.

“You hungry?”

“Always these days, but Grams said we have to get home so she can feed you.”

Calvin chuckled and shook his head. “I bet she's starting a feast.”

“Well,” Zoe started, “I think she's happy the prodigal son is home for Christmas.” Her smile faded and her teeth worried at her bottom lip. “Wish you didn't have to leave again.”

He sighed softly. “Me too. But it's only for a bit longer, Zoe.” His fingers drummed against the steering wheel. “I wish I could give you more than this. You deserve an extraordinary life...”

Zoe glanced at him solemnly and chose her words carefully. “No, Calvin. I want an ordinary life, with an extraordinary love. Little moments like this, being with you. I don't need anything else, nor do I want it.”

“Damn, woman, you're amazing.” A soft smile touched his lips. “Shame I didn't notice it many years ago.”

“Would we have appreciated each other? Who knows,
Calvin? Our relationship from the start has been turbulence. I wonder if we'll have peace at some point.”

“Yeah, Zoe, we will. I promise.” His hand caught hers and their fingers tangled together. “I'll do everything I can to give it to you.”

They pulled into the drive a short while later and Calvin smiled again. “God, it's good to be home.”

“I felt the same way when I got here. It's just good to be back.” She opened her door and slid out of the car as Layla bounded out of the house.

“
CALVIN
!” She shrieked at the tops of her lungs and threw herself into his arms. “It's so good to see you!”

“It's good to see you too, little sis. You behaving yourself?” He squeezed her into his side.

Layla paused for a second before nodding enthusiastically. “Yeah. I'm being good.” Her eyes darted back to Zoe and then back away, guarding herself.

Zoe sighed and followed them into the house, standing back as everyone hugged Calvin at once. Loneliness tugged at a tiny piece of her heart and she shoved it down, letting Calvin have his moment. As if sensing what she felt, he glanced up and backed up a tiny bit from the arms that encircled him. “Get Zoe and the baby in here.”

Their warm eyes sought her face and the love she saw there filled her up to bursting. She stepped into the embrace and happiness spilled over the top of her proverbial cup. It swirled through some of her saddest parts and shifted the broken pieces back into their place. She was cracked, but newly mended and no longer broken. She had family and a home.

After a few seconds, they broke apart and Grams busied herself around the old, yellow stove. “Dinner's about ready, y'all. Go on and sit. I'll have it up in a second.”

Calvin pulled a chair out for her and she sat down between him and Pops, who winked at her and smiled. Dinner was spent in a blur, mostly chatter between Calvin and everyone else. Zoe picked at her food, suddenly nervous about being alone with him again. It had been months. She looked different. Her worry ate her up alive as dinner progressed.

The chicken and dumplings didn't quite slide down her throat like normal, instead they stuck in some area between her mouth and heart, which pounded furiously behind her hoodie. She jumped as Calvin's elbow nudged her. “You okay?” he whispered.

“Fine.” She shoved another dumpling in her mouth.

“You're not talking much.”

“Eating,” she garbled out around the doughy mouthful.

“Okay...” Calvin smiled, his eyes watching her as she stuffed another piece of food in her mouth.

Once dinner was done, Grams shooed them into the living room. Layla disappeared into her bedroom, phone in hand and a soft smile on her face. Zoe curled under Calvin's arm and they watched
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
together, with Grams finally coming in from the kitchen, wiping her hands carefully on a plaid dishtowel.

Her eyes flicked open sometime later to a whisper soft kiss on her lips. Calvin smiled down at her. “Sleepy?”

“What? Is the movie over?” She shifted up to sitting and rubbed at her eyes.

“Yeah, Grams and Pops went to bed. I'm gonna go say goodbye to Layla and we can head back to Mobile if you feel up to it?” he smiled and gently stroked the top of her hand, his eyes begging for her to say yes.

She blushed and nodded. “Yeah, I'm up to it.”

“Okay!” he said with enthusiasm, jumping off the couch and moving quickly down the hall. Zoe stood and walked into his bedroom, gathering a few toiletries and some clothes into her duffel bag. The sound of his knocking on Layla's door grew louder and she stuck her head into the hall.

“Is she asleep?”

Calvin frowned. “I'm knocking loud enough to wake the dead here.”

Grams stuck her head out into the hallway at that moment. “What's going on?”

“Layla isn't answering the door.” He pounded his fist against the wood again and bellowed, “Layla!”

Grams sighed. “She's out with
HIM
, again.”

Calvin turned with a raised eyebrow. “Him, who? She knows better than sneaking out.”

Grams glanced back at Zoe. “You wanna tell him?”

“Tell me what?” His dark eyebrow rose another fraction of an inch.

Zoe swallowed.
So much for that peace...
“Layla and Tim are messing around.”

“
TIM
! My best friend, Tim. That Tim?” Calvin exploded, his fist connecting with her door again and with a sickening crack, busting a hole into the maple. He winced and shook his fingers. “That's going to be his face. Zoe. Get in the car, we're going to find the girl.”

Grams shook her head. “Good luck. Zoe and I went once and we couldn't find her.”

“Ah, but you don't know where Tim and I took our girlfriends during high school, Grams. I do.” Calvin stormed down the hall, grabbing Zoe's hand as he went and dragging her behind him.

She stumbled along behind him. “Calvin!” She panted. “Slow down. Fat. Pregnant.”

“Shit, Zoe. I'm sorry,” he mumbled as they made it to the front door. “I'm just so mad I can't see straight. Tim is my best friend... Layla is my little sister.”

“I know.” She followed him to the car and crawled in before closing the door. Her fingers fumbled with the buckle, snapping it closed as he backed out of the drive.

He was silent on the drive, his fingertips drumming incessantly on the steering wheel as he tore through the middle of town. As they drove to the beach, Zoe piped up again. “We drove out this way.”

“I bet. But you didn't look where I'm going,” he replied tersely.

Her fingers knotted together in her lap and she stared out the window, hating what she knew was coming. Layla would never forgive her. Calvin drove slowly along the beach road, reaching forward to turn off his lights and drive strictly by the moonlight that illuminated the stone pathway. Her eyes swept the sand, looking for any source of life and finding none.

After a few more moments of driving, Calvin cut the engine and glanced her direction. “Stay here. I'll be back.” The muscles in his jaw played and she shook her head.

“Like hell. You'll kill Tim.” She reached down to unbuckle her seat belt.

“The bastard fucking deserves it. Stay here.” His hand caught hers and jammed the buckle back in the slot. “I mean it.”

“Calvin... I -”

“Zoe, just save it, please. If you had told me when you found out, we wouldn't be in this place now. This is your fault.” His words slapped her harder than any hand ever could have.

“Grams knew too, Calvin. Layla is nearly eighteen. If they're happy, what's the harm?” She blinked quickly against the tears that threatened to fall.