Loving Care by Gail Gaymer Martin Read Free Book Online Page A

me.” He tilted his head toward his father.
    She nodded and turned away before he saw the tears that sprang to her eyes.
     
    Patrick rose from the picnic bench. “How about a drink, Dad. A soda or some coffee?”
    “Decaf if they have it,” Joe said, turning back to speak with an old Chamber of Commerce crony.
    “Keep an eye on Sean.”
    His father nodded, and Patrick turned away and headed for the refreshments. As he neared the area, he faltered. Christie stood across an expanse of grass beside Jemma Somerville. He hadn’t expected Christie at the Chamber of Commerce picnic, but why not? She owned a local business.
    He took a step toward her, then halted. Should he or shouldn’t he? The last time he’d tried to be amiable, Christie had seemed uneasy. That’s the last way he wanted to make her feel.
    Instead of approaching her, he poured the coffee, picked up his soft drink, then returned to his father.
    From the corner of his eye, he watched Christie move among the members, stopping to visit, her face unstressed, her smile sincere. Patrick wished they could return to that comfortable friendship they’d had once. She had been a good wife until his own fears had waylaid their marriage. Then she’d turned cold and aloof.
    He knew Christie strove for excellence. She wanted things done well or not at all. Their marriage had failed. Her perfect world had ripped and fluttered to the ground like a balloon scraped through gnarled tree limbs. Patrick had let her down.
    Forcing his thoughts aside, he smiled at Sean who was watching him from beside his grandfather. Patrick slid the paper coffee cup onto the table. “Here you go, Dad.”
    His father nodded, returning to his conversation, while Patrick popped the top of the soda and took a swig. His gaze shifted back to Christie before he searched in his small cooler for Sean’s milk and plastic cup.
    Handing his son the drink, Patrick felt a hand on his shoulder. Christie? His heart dipped and rose before he turned.
    “Patrick, when did you get back in town?”
    His eyes and ears struggled to accept reality. “Jason Briggs, how in the world are you?” Patrick stuck out his hand, pleased to see his old high-school friend.
    “Couldn’t be better. I own Briggs Commercial Design over on Capital. Drop by some time, and I’ll show you around.” He released Patrick’s hand. “So what brings you back home?”
    Patrick motioned to his father. “Dad’s been ill, and I’m back to run the hardware.”
    Jason’s smile faded when he looked at Joe Hanuman. “Sorry. Wish you were coming home on better terms.”
    “It’s life,” Patrick said, shrugging.
    “Did you notice Christie’s here? I saw her across the way.” Jason gestured with his elbow.
    Did he notice? That’s all he could think about.“We’ve talked since I’ve been back.” Wondering how long it had been since he’d spoken with Jason, Patrick motioned toward Sean. “This is my son.”
    Jason smiled at the boy, then eyed the others at the table with a puzzled look.
    Patrick answered his unspoken question. “My wife died a couple of years ago so I’m doing my best.”
    “Whoa, man. You’ve had your hands full.” Jason grasped Patrick’s shoulder and gave it a shake. “Sorry to hear that. I heard you’d married again.” He studied Sean a moment, then tilted his head toward Christie. “She’s never remarried, you know. Any hope of—”
    “None at all.” The unfinished question whirred in Patrick’s head. If only… He let the words fade. If only nothing. Christie’s feeble attempts to be civil had underscored his response. Congeniality, even friendship were doubtful at this point.
    His brisk response seemed to knock the wind out of Jason. He’d been an usher at their wedding, and Patrick wished he’d been more subtle. Jason had known Christie and him when they were young and happy.
    Jason’s look eased, and he grasped Patrick’s forearm. “Listen. Let’s get together one of these days.