Unforgettable by Linda Barrett (story reading .TXT) 📖

were made or broken. Dreams were shattered on a whim.

“Taking advantage of an opportunity is totally logical,” Jen said. “I’ve seen in business that some people actually fear success and turn their backs on it. But you’re not one of them. You work harder than ten people. I-I think you were born to do this. Your stories are wonderful. So, I’m okay with your ‘fickle business.’”

If she were any other woman, he’d totally buy in. But she was Jennifer Delaney, whose best friend was a calculator. “Who are you kidding?” he asked. “You like to plan. You balance your checkbook. You budget to the last dollar. My plans fluctuate. You can’t trust them from month to month, season to season. My income fluctuates, too. Unless something fantastical happens, I’ll never be successful the way your brother-in-law is. And that’s the truth.”

“Even Mike has no guarantee from season to season,” said Jen. “Injuries can happen. He’s getting older. Did you know that Lisa used to cover her eyes during a game — for at least half the time? She’d be happy if he ran a pharmacy like his brother! He was a science major in college, in addition to playing football.”

Doug whistled softly. “I never knew any of that. He’s living every boy’s dream.”

“He’s living his own dream,” she said, “just like you.” She turned in her seat, her fingers tapping against her leg. “I’ve been thinking hard, Doug. I’ve looked, listened and tried to consider every angle I could. In the end, after this year passes and with being in such demand, I think you’re going to have to be where the action is.”

Silence filled the car. “Maybe. Maybe not,” he replied, keeping his tone even. He would not accept a déjà vu experience from her. “What are you trying to tell me?”

“Living in New York is expensive, but living in two places is outrageous. So how are we planning to be in two cities at once?”

He loved the sweet sound of “we.” The woman could make his head spin, put her nose where it didn’t belong, and frustrate him almost to death, but she was on his side.

“Did you hear what you said, my sweet Henny-Penny?” he asked. “Are you with me all the way this time? All the way into the future?”

##

Behind her computer the next morning, Jen took a deep breath and began her day. A normal day. Checking her appointment list, planning strategies for her clients and settling into and enjoying her familiar routine. The weekend’s events had to take a back seat now, which was almost too bad. She could still see Doug’s smile in her mind’s eye after she’d answered his question.

“Knock, knock,” rang out a familiar voice. “I can’t wait another second longer. How was New York? And don’t tell me I’ll be losing another friend.”

Jen waved at Alexis, standing in the doorway. “A whirlwind. We were constantly on the go. But don’t worry about losing me! Doug knows Boston’s my home. If you’re free for lunch, I can fill you in.”

“You’ve got it.” Alexis waved and was gone.

The phone rang. Jen saw Lisa’s name on the readout. “Hey, I only have a minute. How are the babes?”

“Come for dinner tonight and see for yourself. I’m feeling a lot better now.”

“Wonderful, Lis. See you later.”

If her meals became focal points, she’d gain ten pounds in no time. Shaking her head and grinning to herself, Jen tried once again to review her first client’s portfolio.

Her next phone call came an hour later, just after her first client had left but before her next one arrived. This time the display showed the name of her supervisor. She picked up the receiver and inked in a meeting at the end of the day before texting Lisa about being late that night. And then wondered what to expect from her boss. She was curious, but not too worried. She and the department head had a good, respectful relationship.

Instinct prevented her from mentioning her appointment to Alexis when they ate lunch. Instead, she just raved about Radio City and seeing Doug’s play. “It really is wonderful, Lex. And I’m not the only one raving about Doug. You should have heard the audience’s applause.”

“Oh, I did,” replied her friend with a straight face. “And I never left Boston!”

Jen hooted with laughter. “I have it bad, huh?”

Alexis remained quiet for a moment, then tilted her head and peered at her. “Yeah, I think you do have it bad, but is that good? Doug’s a nice guy, Jen. We all like him. And I know it’s not my business, but you’ve got some history together. I saw your reaction when he showed up out of the blue. What was it? Only five or six weeks ago? It’s happening kind of fast, don’t you think?”

Jen stomach tensed. She broke eye contact and looked away. “I know his soul,” she said softy, “and that’s enough.”

Silence beat against her ears for a moment.

“Then I’m sorry,” said Alexis. “You’re my friend and I care about you. I just don’t want you to be hurt again.”

Fair enough. “Don’t worry about me. I even know how he earns a living in that crazy, creative business.”

“Okay, then! That’s great. I hope he’s managed to save some of those royalties.”

Suddenly, the practical, formidable, and financially astute Jennifer Delaney realized she’d never even asked him.

##

“Brianna looks wonderful! I bet she gained a whole pound over the weekend.” Jen reached for the baby, happy to see Lisa’s beaming expression and Mike’s welcome smile, and bubbling inside with good news to share with them.

“Glad to see you, Jenny,” said Mike. “We could use another adult around here, even for a short visit.”

“Mike! I’m doing fine now,” protested his wife.

“We’ll let Jenny be the judge,” he said, turning toward Jen. “Finally, Lisa’s agreed to your idea of a night nurse coming in for a while, and we’ve made some calls. We’ll have help starting tomorrow night for however long it takes our little girl to stop getting her timing mixed up!”

Jen looked harder at her sister. Underneath the smile and the makeup, dark circles hid around her eyes. “You need to get back to yourself, Lis, and nothing does that as well as a good night’s sleep.”

“You sound like a TV ad for sleeping pills or something,” grumbled Lisa.

Maybe she did. So what? “Just telling you the truth. Besides, Bobby needs a mom who can run around with him, don’t you, sweetheart?”

“Yup. But I got you and Daddy. He runs fast, but he can’t catch me.” The little boy took off down the hall, with Mike pacing himself in pursuit.

“He’s a good dad,” said Jen. “But the action never really stops, does it?” Her glance traveled down to the baby, and she leaned in and inhaled. “Ooh, that baby aroma. Brianna smells so good.”

“When you’ve got the right end.” Lisa smiled quickly before sinking into a kitchen chair. “I’ve ordered pizza. Not a great dinner, but that’s what we’re having.”

“No complaints,” said Jen. “I just wanted to visit.”

“I’m glad you’re here. I-I am a bit concerned. Mike’s pre-season is around the corner, and then, a new NFL season starts the beginning of September. He’ll be gone half the time, and Brianna’s so much harder than Bobby was. It takes almost an entire hour to feed her. I get scared just thinking about it all. And then my career. But I need to get back to work or I’ll have to start building a practice all over again. I don’t know how I’ll handle everything.”

Jennifer shivered, then breathed deeply. Her strong sister needed some help. Jen’s weekend with Doug seemed like a million years ago. And the recent conversation with her boss that had netted a promotion for her… was not something to bring up now.

Lisa reached for her hand, and Jen met her gaze. “I wish — oh, how I wish Mom and Dad were still here.”

Jen’s eyes closed. Tears threatened, but she swallowed them. Was there a time limit on grief? Commiseration was not what Lisa needed right now.

“We all do, Lisa. But they’re not. So, listen to me.” Maybe her tone of voice did the trick, but her sister remained quiet, waiting.

“I hate to say this,” Jen began, “but sometimes you’re your own worst enemy. I’m glad the nurse will be here tomorrow, but with all the demands on you, you’ll need more help. Mike’s parents can’t live with you. They still work, and besides, they have lives of their own.” She took a breath and slowly said, “You can’t fight the idea anymore. You need to hire a nanny. A good one this time.”

Lisa’s horrified expression said it all. “Another one who won’t work out? Nannies, schmannies! Besides, I - I’m not a society lady! We don’t come from that world, no matter how much my husband earns. Mom raised five by herself. And I’m having trouble with two.”

With the baby in one arm, Jen wrapped her other around her sibling. “You’re not thinking straight, and you don’t have to do anything right now except get some sleep. All those hormones are going wacky inside you. That’s what all this is.” Jen hoped her babble was on target.

“Maybe you’re right,” said Lisa, seemingly in control once more. “Mike says the same thing. And I still have some time. In another two months, Brianna will have figured out night from day, and we’ll all get some sleep.” She smiled a genuine smile, and Jen relaxed.

“We’ll start with the nurse, and then we’ll see,” continued Lisa. “I’m so glad you live nearby, Jen. What would I do without my backup quarterback?”

Jen forced a wide smile. For the very first time in her life, being so needed by her family left her with a sinking feeling.

##

“I would have told her about our weekend, but really, she had all she could do to keep from crying while I was there.” Jen lay back on her pillows, phone to her ear, glad to share her evening with Doug.

“Phew! I have absolutely no experience with this stuff,” he said. “I guess you just have to punt. See what I mean about our imperfect world? Always a mixed bag.”

“The good, the bad and the ugly. I suppose so.”

“Only suppose? Your promotion is fantastic, Jen. Team Leader, soon to be Branch Manager. Fantastic! Too bad you couldn’t share your good news with your family.”

“Yes, but everyone at work will know when the memo goes out tomorrow. I’m a little nervous. I hope there’s no backlash from the other consultants.”

“They’ll get over it. There’s competition in every field. Enjoy the win.”

She felt herself smile. “You’re right. And now you’re riding shotgun for me.”

“Always. I’m not going anywhere.”

“You’re going everywhere! At least your plays are. Six cities?” she teased.

“I’m signing a good deal with the Silverman brothers.”

“Did you ask for a share of box office? Even a small percentage?”

“Jen-ni-fer…” a slight warning note lined his voice.

“Just looking out for you,” she said, “so get used to it. I did more research, and I take care of my peeps.”

“And who takes care of you?”

That question hit with a force she couldn’t have anticipated. The Delaneys took care of each other. Always had. But the foundation was shifting. Lisa and Mike were a unit, and the go-to people for her sibs. Jennifer was on her own. Independent, competent. Available to help when needed, but at day’s end, alone in her apartment. She scanned the room, her gaze swerving downward. Alone in her bed, too. So who did take care of her?

“To be