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  “He doesn’t know,” Naomi said softly.

  “Which makes it that much worse.”

  “I never want to be the type of woman who holds her man back because she’s afraid of the future. We had fun together.”

  “He loves you, Naomi.”

  “Sometimes, that’s not enough.” She didn’t have the heart to argue with his mother that her son didn’t love her.

  “Will you wait for him to return from Haiti?”

  “I can’t.” She had no desire to look like a forlorn house pet waiting for attention.

  “When will you leave?”

  “In a few days.”

  “My son is a fool.”

  “He believes in what he’s doing.”

  “Please stay in touch.”

  “Sure thing, Frannie.”

  Naomi headed back upstairs and started making her calls. She called her sorors to update them and alert them that she’d be home soon. Then she called Brent to explain that she was returning home. Everyone sounded disappointed, but the more people she told, the easier her story became.

  Now the final thing to do was to call the airline. She waited on hold listening to the various choices and the buttons she had to push.

  Fifteen minutes later, she had a window seat in the front part of the plane. Now she could say that she was definitely returning home.

  Her heart ached for having to take that step. As she pulled out her suitcase to begin packing, the tears fell hot and poignant. Love wasn’t supposed to hurt. She’d worked hard to make sure that she remained levelheaded and not sappy over any man. However, Zack wasn’t any man.

  As she packed souvenirs that she’d bought, each knickknack brought back tender memories of time shared with Zack. She’d cut her losses and hold on to the happy times.

  Zack drank a strong cup of black coffee, no milk, no sugar. He didn’t bother to sleep, knowing that his mind wouldn’t shut off. He sat in the deli watching other patrons come and go.

  “Lost your way?”

  Zack looked over his shoulder and immediately broke into a grin. “Hey, Brent, following me?”

  “I stopped by your house this morning. Figured since you didn’t return my call, I’d have to track you. You were supposed to contact me when you got back from the photography shoot.”

  “All kinds of hell broke loose. Parents freaked.”

  “And Naomi?”

  “She’s fine.”

  “You don’t think that she deserves an explanation?”

  “I told her what was happening.”

  “Did you share how she could be a part of one of the most important moments of your life?”

  “I didn’t think that she’d be interested.”

  “I think that it was more about not releasing control. Once a control freak, always one.”

  “I see the conversation is deteriorating. I suppose my father has your ear and would rather that you talked me into staying and erasing the development from my memory.”

  “You sound paranoid. Get over yourself. I’m your friend and will always be your friend. It also means that I will not sit on the side and let you stomp over people.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Zack said wryly.

  Brent sighed. “The reason that I stopped by was to offer my private plane.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  “I want you to chase the demons and hopefully don’t have them turn on you.”

  “When have you gotten so philosophical? It’s not like you’re leading by example. Where’s the woman in your life, since you’re so full of advice, or just full of it?”

  Brent moved his hands off the table as the waitress set down his mug of steaming coffee. He looked out the window, his jaw worked.

  Zack wished he could withdraw the question and erase the manner in which he asked. There was no mistaking the pain that resonated off Brent’s features.

  “It’ll be three years since Marjorie died. I wished you’d met her. She was crossing the road and a drunk driver with his third DUI murdered her. Took her life like that.” He snapped his finger. “My life changed. How I think. How I feel. What I want. Every day is a struggle against the bitterness. I want his family, the drunk driver’s, to feel one small part of the pain I feel.”

  “Brent, I wish I’d known.”

  “I shut myself off from everyone when I was successful. Didn’t really reach out to my old friends until after everything went down. For that I’m sorry.” He sipped his coffee, then said, “But this is why I know what I’m talking about. I pray for a miracle to turn back the clock, at least to give me the opportunity to say what’s in my heart and not to hold back.”

  “I hope that one day you can move on. Having someone in your life is important. Kind of keeps you sane.”

  “And that’s my message to you.” Brent pointed at him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Zack hadn’t gotten over Brent’s heart-wrenching story. The timing of when Brent reentered his life was after his wife’s death. He wished that he’d known so that he could have offered solace.

  Now Brent’s message stuck in his head with the replay button pressed down. He had a lot of thinking to do. What better place to go and think than in church? Plus Reba had told him that his mother was working here this afternoon.

  He headed down the short hallway looking into the various offices. She assisted the office manager with a variety of duties. Then he heard her voice and laughter before he turned into the doorway.

  “Zack, what are you doing here?” his mother teased. “You do know that it’s not Sunday.”

  “Yes, Mom, you’re very funny.” He waited for her to invite him into the office.

  “Stella, could you answer the phone? I need a few minutes with Zack.”

  She walked with him until she found an empty storage closet.

  “Mom, about Haiti—”

  “Listen, Zack, your father went into overprotective mode for my sake. I acted like a deer in the headlights, not knowing which way to go with your news. But this is your life. We shared our love and home with you as a family should do. How can I turn my back on you now? This is a time when you will need us the most.”

  Zack hugged his mom. “I’m going to look pretty strange crying on my mother’s head in the supply closet.”

  “We’ll make up a really good story for the gos-sipers.”

  He looked into the eyes of the woman who’d raised him. “I love you, Mom.”

  “I know, Son. I love you with all my heart.” She touched his cheek. “You’ve got to tell Chantelle too. You all are close and she’d be hurt that you didn’t tell her.”

  “Yeah, but she’ll probably be madder that she can’t go with me,” he joked.

  “Please do not let that child skip classes to go with you. If anyone should go it should be Naomi.”

  “You too?” He sighed and shook his head.

  “Your father said the same thing?”

  “No. Brent.”

  “Smart boy.” Her thoughtful look crossed her face. “Another one who needs to settle down with a nice girl like—”

  “I know, like Naomi. You’ve never gone crazy over anyone that I’ve brought home before.”

  “You’re right. Some of those didn’t deserve to be brought home. But Naomi touched me from the first time I saw her. She risked her life for my daughter. And her grandmother is good people.” She held his face with a firm grip. “Seriously, Zack, don’t let fear screw up your life.”

  Zack nodded. Easier said.

  He left his mother, promising to call her every day when he left. Talking to her set aside a lot of the doubts over his actions. His mother had never been shy about talking to him on any subject. Her strength came through when he listened to her retell the stories of how she and his father struggled in the beginning of their marriage.

  Money was tight and not always there. The pressure to have a family right away sometimes tore them apart. But remembering why they fell in love always br
ought them back together. He didn’t have to go far from home for life lessons.

  Without calling ahead, he drove across the city to the downtown business district. His father’s company was in a high-rise building that also housed a major financial services company, a branch of a Fortune 100 computer firm and the regional office of a bank. His father’s mega success had earned him a place among the rich and powerful in the Seattle area.

  Zack parked in the spot that was once his. The parking space still carried his name with the open invitation from his father to rejoin the company. He turned off the engine.

  Although he had suffered a few setbacks, Zack refused to quit and give up on himself. Knowing that the empty pieces of his life were about to be filled, he felt empowered. His determined footsteps echoed off the concrete walls in the underground parking lot.

  “Good morning, Zack.”

  “Hi, Mrs. Vaughn, I’m here to see my dad.”

  “He’s in a meeting, but it should be over shortly. You can wait here, if you don’t mind.”

  Zack agreed. He made small talk with the office receptionist, catching up on her life with her third husband and blended family. No matter how much drama her life seemed to attract, she always had a sunny disposition that was infectious. Shortly thereafter, he was laughing at one of her stories.

  The entry door leading to the interior of the office opened. His father’s executive assistant appeared in the doorway. She held the door opened for a man who had his back to him but seemed familiar.

  “Ah, Zack, you’re here to see your father?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Percy.” Zack approached the door. His eyes remained on the man, who slowly turned. “Mr. Lassiter, what are you doing here?”

  “Welcoming new opportunities.” He smiled and walked past him. With a pinched, heavily lined face like his, Lassiter looked even more sinister when he smiled.

  Zack wanted to follow him to the elevator and inquire further, but Mrs. Percy waited for him. He shook off his disquiet and allowed Mrs. Percy to escort him to see his father.

  “I’m glad you stopped by. Your mother has worn my ear with a proper scolding or two.”

  “Dad, why was Lassiter here?” Zack opted to jump right in. “Plus, he looked quite pleased with himself.”

  “I had to offer something to get him to back off your deal.”

  “That’s like getting in bed with the enemy.”

  “I can use Lassiter’s influence on the low-income projects that I’m about to bid. Since we’re at the same age group and similar background, I was able to appeal to his—charitable side,” he said slyly.

  “I wouldn’t trust him.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m a crafty one, too.”

  “Scary is more like it.” Zack flopped down on the leather couch. He opened one of the bottled waters that his father always kept handy. “I stopped by for a specific reason.”

  “Go on.” His father joined him with his own bottled water.

  “I’m tidying the mess I made with my news. I’ll be leaving for Haiti by tomorrow now that Brent will loan me his plane.”

  Paul paused. “I was hoping that you’d rethought your decision.”

  Zack didn’t expect his father’s position to remain adamantly opposed to his plans. Frankly, he expected the same reception that his mother gave him.

  “I guess that I was wrong in thinking you’d come to your senses.” His father continued to look at him.

  The scene reminded him of the numerous times he’d had to have a father-and-son chat, usually after progress reports and final report cards were issued. That disapproving look that could make him feel small and guilty.

  Zack shook off any sense of wrongdoing. “Dad, listen to me. I may have done a few stupid things in my life. I may have misread situations. I may not know everything, but I don’t want to fight about this. I don’t want the family split apart because I’m doing this. Why are you so against it?”

  “I believe that adoptions are private arrangements. And like attorney-client, doctor-patient relationships, what was done, the reasons for it and all related matters, should stay behind closed doors,” Paul said forcefully before speaking in a softer tone. “Nothing is ever as simple as we think. To believe that you can make such an announcement, then shoot off and plunk yourself down in someone’s life with no thought as to the consequence for each step is self-indulgent.”

  Zack stared at his father, who rarely got so animated.

  “I don’t know how to convince you that I need to do this,” Zack argued. “Privacy and confidential concerns are necessary, but I’m also part of the arrangement. I don’t know if this woman will want to meet me. Maybe she has moved on with her life and I’m an unpleasant memory. But a part of me is very optimistic of the outcome. The first five years of my life is a part of who I am. I grew up thinking that it had to be swept under the rug and that I was supposed to turn my back on my past. I want to know her for all the right reasons.”

  His father rubbed his forehead, a sure sign that he was frustrated and highly irritable. “Well, I don’t care what you find or think you need to know. I am your father. You are my son.” He took a long drink from the water bottle.

  Zack didn’t know how to respond. There had never been a situation between his father and him that wasn’t resolved. Either he capitulated or he was able to swing his father to his point of view. This new situation created a strange tension. “I want your approval.”

  “Like my blessing?”

  Zack nodded.

  “You’ll go even if I don’t give it.”

  Zack nodded.

  His father sighed. “Okay. I’m here if you need me.”

  Zack believed what his father said. Now it made more sense. His father liked being in the position to catch him when he faltered. Through his life and with his company, his father always stepped up to right any wrongs, whether they were his fault or not. For once, his father couldn’t help make things right.

  “As soon as you return, you have to come over for a family dinner.”

  “Yes, sir.” Zack leaned back in the couch. Now he could relax and enjoy his visit with his dad. “Are you free for lunch?”

  “Let me check. I’ll reschedule, if I have to. I have another subject to bring up.”

  “Yes?”

  “Naomi.”

  Zack nodded. He couldn’t get away from the mounds of advice.

  The early afternoon slipped in with Zack feeling very satisfied. Lunch with his father had been like old times, with much laughter and his father’s old-fashioned ideas on life and love. Though he teased his father, he shared his view that love required commitment.

  One more stop and then he could call it a day. He headed to the city council office. His visit was unannounced, but he would rely on his name to get him into the council members’ offices to meet with their staff.

  His father had done the legwork of finding out about the origins of the audit. With his connection, he’d also managed to get the council to close the investigation without any conditions.

  He felt nothing but gratitude for his father’s actions, but he needed to show his face. He was his company. If he wanted to be successful in this town, he needed to do the meet and greet necessary to form alliances.

  After the requisite information was collected by the receptionist, he waited for the legislative assistant of the chairman’s office.

  “Zack, come in. Good to see you.”

  “Mr. Peters, I’m glad to see you,” he greeted the councilman. “I won’t keep you.”

  “Actually, I’m glad you stopped in. I had the pleasure of talking with your father not too long ago.”

  “Yes, he told me.” Zack tried to read if there were any hidden messages in the councilman’s words.

  “Unfortunately, I’m heading out to a meeting. Care to walk with me to my car?”

  “Not a problem.” Actually, the abbreviated visit worked for Zack, since he only wanted to shore up his connection with the council. The
hard work of schmoozing would continue in earnest when he returned from Haiti.

  “You know we have put the project up for rebid.”

  “Yes. Not happy about it.”

  “Too much controversy, otherwise. You can still submit a bid.”

  “I’ll have to think about it. I’m sure there will be other projects on the horizon that will be of interest.” Zack considered the possibility of collaborating with his father. Their combined knowledge and skills had strong potential. Excitement stirred within him.

  They’d finally arrived at the car. Zack was parked on the next level up. He didn’t need to see anyone else. Now he could go to Haiti without too much hanging over his head.

  Even before the complete thought formed, he knew how untrue it was.

  He had to talk to Naomi.

  He reached for the cell phone and punched in the number. At the first ring, he ended the call. His mother’s admonishment rang in his head. This situation didn’t call for anything other than a face-to-face. Would she see him?

  He dialed another number. He might need a bit of help.

  “Reba, could I ask a favor?”

  “Sure.”

  “Is Naomi there?”

  “No. She stepped out earlier today and hasn’t returned.”

  “Could you call me when she does return? It’s important.”

  “Zack, I don’t know if she’ll return.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She had her suitcase with her. She told me that she wasn’t leaving as yet.”

  “Does my mother know?” Zack couldn’t imagine that Naomi would leave without telling his mother, and his mother had given no indication that she knew Naomi had left for good.

  “No. She doesn’t know.”

  “Well, don’t alarm her. I’ll come over for a little while in case Naomi comes in.”

  “Sure.”

  He hung up and drove a little faster to get to his parents’ home. Although things had gotten tense between them, he’d never imagined that Naomi would leave without saying goodbye.

  A touch of fear sent worrying thoughts that maybe he’d pushed their relationship to a limit that she couldn’t handle. There was so much he wanted to say. Now he prayed that he’d have the chance to say what was on his mind.