Pink Slips and Glass Slippers (36 page)

“Miss Ingram, I wish you could live at our house.”

The words struck Brooke and Chase like a lightning bolt. Both remained silent, searching for the right response. It marked the first time Parker alluded to the situation and neither adult knew what to say.

Finally, Brooke said, “I get to see you every day at Angel’s Academy—I’m so lucky.”

Dropping off Brooke felt like a funeral procession. All three had glum looks. Chase waited until Brooke’s car started—secretly hoping it wouldn’t. After turning over on the first try, father and son waved, then drove away.

Parker said, “I really like Miss Ingram.”

“Me too son…”

After a somber drive home, Oksana greeted them at the door holding the wildly wagging Duke. Oksana’s hugs and Duke’s licks erased Parker’s sadness. Chase tucked Parker in as Duke sprawled on his bed with his chin on Chase’s knee—home. Alone in his bedroom, Chase realized he never called in—or turned on his cell. It could wait. He had a more important thing to do before calling it a night...

“I just wanted to call to tuck you in.”

“Aw, that’s sweet of you. Did you and Parker already say your special prayers?”

“We did. He really likes you—he told me so right after we drove off. I told him I really like you too.”

Brooke giggled, then said, “I’m lying here with NC, thinking of how much fun I had today—with both of you.”

“NC’s one lucky dog…But, so am I. I can’t thank you enough for everything you did. If you weren’t there, I would have never found Parker.”

“We did make a pretty good team…”

“Goodnight Brooke. I…I miss you. Sweet dreams.”

Hanging up, Chase’s heart pounded like a school boy with a crush. He said his own special prayers…

***

Though exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally, Brooke couldn’t sleep. She replayed the previous four days. Though most would perceive a whirlwind, she felt lucidity. Glancing at the breakfast picture of the three of them, her heart glowed. A week ago, she despised him. Or, did she? Brooke pondered the dichotomy of love…Then a flash hit.

Brooke jumped up and searched for the letter. She remembered he said it was in a large manila envelope. It didn’t take long—she had tossed it on a collection of magazines she hated to toss but would never read.

She returned to bed and carefully opened the envelope. Sliding out the letters, she inhaled and beamed. Brooke detached the handwritten note from the paper clip, and as she read, she could hear his sexy voice. Brooke even loved his penmanship—as if he used a quill pen. Everything he had said over the last four days rang true in his letter. Then, she scanned the accompanying typed document with glowing eyes. I wish I had opened this sooner…

Then, she read the final paragraph—and time stood still:

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. Our night together was the most magical I’ve ever felt. You truly are an amazing person. I should have never let you leave. I tried to return your slip, but must confess I couldn’t bear to. What happened between us felt so right. Maybe God intervened this way so we could be together. I know we belong together. Please call me.

Love, Chase

Brooke read it over and over, and giggled about the infamous pink slip—or slipup. She set his note beside her bed and hugged NC picturing Chase. She slept with warmth in her heart.

***

Strolling into Starbucks, Chase surveyed the area—no Brooke. He didn’t expect to see her, but still hoped. He had missed his favorite coffee place—and Brooke. Marcus delivered the usual amusing greeting and two steaming quad Espresso’s. Halfway to his convertible, thunder crashed, followed by a sudden downpour. He sprinted, nearly spilling his coffees, and raised the car top.
Shit
.

Now saturated, he contemplated returning home to change. Chase powered on his cell, hoping it still worked, then the voicemail alert beeped. After hearing the first two messages, he raced to the office—where a worse storm brewed.

Arriving first, he spotted the pink note on his desk—from Ruth: “Urgent. Mr. Stoddard needs to talk to you. He called three times. I saw the news. I hope you’re okay.”

The news?

Chase darted to Ruth’s cubicle and grabbed the two newspapers. The headline in the local paper made his knees buckle; then, the Wall Street Journal’s blurb on the front page struck like a gunshot wound.

So caught up in finding Parker, he didn’t even consider the ramifications of the Heather outing. Scanning each article, the words seared like bullets—
arrested, addicted, divorce, CEO’s wife, Stabilitas,
and
suicide attempt.

Fearing the next day’s articles would read
former
CEO, he hiked the lonesome trek to Henry’s office.

***

“I’ve been dying to call you.”

“What happened?”

“Where do I begin?”

Shane sighed, then said, “Good news or bad news?”

“Amazing news!”

Shane almost said,
Is that really you Brooke?
Instead, he eased back and listened to her recount the past five days in rapid fire. He couldn’t remember her ever sounding this enthusiastic. She told him he would have been proud of the advice she provided. Brooke continued; Shane sensed his client had graduated. Feeling a strong sense of accomplishment, Shane actually patted himself on the back.

When Brooke paused to breathe, she asked, “What do you think?”

“I think you’re in love.”

Brooke stared at the bedside table holding Chase’s letter, then said, “I’m not sure you can call it love after four days.”

“You’ve known Chase for much longer than four days. And, I’ve known you for a long time. You should listen to your own voice—you’re head over heels in love…”

“I…I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s a good thing. You’ve been so busy suffocating yourself, let alone your relationships, that when true love hits, it feels foreign to you.”

“That didn’t sound encouraging…”

“Nonsense. You’ve made a giant quantum leap. Stop the analysis paralysis and start living your bliss.”

“But, it’s so soon…”

“There you go again. Don’t you dare short circuit your emotions. Be your bliss.”

***

“What the fuck has happened to you?”

“Henry, settle down—”

“Settle down? The board’s crawling up my ass and you want me to settle down?”

“Listen, I can explain everyth—”

“There’s nothing to explain. It’s all over the fucking papers!”

“I’ve been meaning to tell you about Heather, but you wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me.” Henry puffed his chest out, standing toe to toe with Chase. Chase had him by four inches, but feared the old man could kick his ass. Chase stepped back, then said, “All my life, I’ve wanted to be the perfect husband, father, and CEO. Then, the wife I thought I knew turned into a monster.”

“C’mon, Heather’s hardly a monster. She’s a stunning model.”

“To you, and to everyone else. But, once Parker was born, she changed. She hated her life, hated me, and hated herself enough to commit suicide.”

“The press is having a field day linking
Stabilitas
with her suicide attempt. I tried calling you all day yesterday—where were you?”

“Rescuing Parker. She kidnapped him.”

“Oh, and
tortured him
by taking him to
Disney
?” Henry crossed his arms over his chest.

Chase frowned, “Cut the sarcasm for a minute. I sent her to rehab. I tried everything. Then, she disappears and ends up with this creep. He pulled a freaking gun on me.”

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done? I trusted you. You were like a son to me. Now, this?”

“You know what? For the last three years, I’ve been living a lie. When my wife turned into a suicidal drug addict and took off, I went into survival mode. I didn’t dare mention divorce to
this
company. I did the best I could raising a son on my own and trying to do this damn job. You have no idea what that’s like.”

Henry shook his head like a grandfather clock, then said, “I can’t protect you on this one.”

Chase gulped, “Are you firing me?”

“You don’t leave me any choice. Read the papers. Hell, you fired yourself.”

As the words settled in, Chase’s angst lifted into a strange serenity. He had anticipated this for so long that when it hit, he felt relief—when the bullied stands up to discover the bully’s a coward.

Chase inhaled, then said, “I’ll make this easy for you…”

After Chase finished, Henry grinned like the Grinch. Marching away, Chase hoped Friday would be the last time he saw that face.

***

Sondra, Betsy Stanton’s daughter covered for Brooke on Monday and, according to the glowing report from the kids, did a superb job. Still there when Brooke arrived Tuesday, Sondra made a great impression—just like her mother.

Later in the morning, Show and Tell featured NC. Brooke brought him, but had asked Parker to leave her name out of the story so the other kids wouldn’t get jealous. He asked her what “jealous” meant in such a cute little boy way. Then, as she explained, his focused brown eyes made her melt.

Miss Ingram eased back and enjoyed Parker’s animated storytelling. He had a knack, a confidence in front of his peers. Popular and charming—just like his father. She worried about how the weekend’s events would affect him, but he showed no signs of sadness. Brooke felt akin to Parker, remembering what it was like to grow up without a mother—but with a terrific father.

Reading
Cinderella
, Miss Ingram felt a funny sensation. She paused and spotted Chase against the back wall. Blushing, she botched the next line. Brooke glanced at the bag, and giggled at the glass slippers she planned to model at the story’s end.

After the kids left, Chase and Parker remained. Marsha had the afternoon off. The three stood silently for a few seconds. Chase sent Parker to go grab NC, then whispered in Brooke’s ear, “I hardly recognized you in those glass slippers—with your clothes on…”

“I see Prince Charming hasn’t lost his sassiness.”

“Want a ride in my red chariot?”

Parker lumbered over with NC in his arms. He said, “Can Miss Ingram come over?”

Chase raised his eyebrows at Brooke. She eyed both of them, then said, “Hey, did you guys plan this?”

Parker giggled, which triggered Chase’s hearty laugh—Brooke had her answer.

Parker hugged NC in the back seat and said, “Daddy, can you turn on silly songs. I told Miss Ingram I can sing ‘em.”

Chase said, “Did you guys plan this?” Giggles from Parker and Brooke.

Flipping on Parker Tunes, father and son sang every song—to the absolute delight of Brooke. Is there anything he can’t do? The ride home seemed shorter; Chase noticed his palms were sweaty. Aside from Oksana, he hadn’t had a female to his house since Heather. He hoped Duke would behave. And, he hoped Brooke liked authentic Ukrainian fare.

Pulling into the driveway, Brooke’s eyes widened, “Sheesh, nice house.”

Chase said, “You’ll have to pardon the mess—and watch out for the dog. He gets a little hyper when we come home.”

“You mean Duke? A dukie gets hyper around a girl?”

“Very funny…”

The garage door opened. Oksana gripped Duke’s collar as they parked. Brooke rubbed her neck, thinking, she looks familiar—where have I seen her?

They exited the BMW and Oksana struggled to hold Duke. Chase said, “You can let him go. Come here Duke.” Oksana released Duke, then sighed. Brooke stared—I have definitely seen her…then, it dawned on her.

Chase clutched Duke, whose front paws set on his shoulders, then said, “Oksana, say hello to Brooke.”

Oksana wiped her hand on her apron and extended it toward Brooke.
She’s the nanny
?

Inside, Chase said, “Would you like a quick tour?”

“Sure.” Brooke fixed her gaze on Oksana.

Parker said, “C’mon Miss Ingram, I’ll show you my room,” then dashed up the stairs. Brooke and Chase followed, well behind Parker. Passing the master bedroom, Chase winked at Brooke. She ignored him.

With hyper voice, Parker showed Brooke his toys, books, and played her a few Raffi tunes. He treated Brooke like a friend over to play. Chase learned which things ranked at the top of Parker’s world. Parker said, “I got lots of Lego’s for my birthday. You wanna build another castle with me?”

Brooke smiled, Chase raised an eyebrow.

Before Brooke could answer, Chase said, “Not right now. We have to eat dinner soon. Parker, you need to pick up your room first.”

Chase and Brooke strolled away with Parker saying, “How about after dinner?”

Brooke said, “Nice try,” from the hallway and giggled.

Chase led Brooke into the master bedroom and planted a dramatic kiss. Brooke pulled back and frowned. Chase asked, “What’s wrong?”

Brooke inhaled a deep breath, then released slowly. “Remember how you said you’d always be truthful with me?”

“Yes, and I meant it…”

Brooke sighed, peering deeply into his eyes, then said, “Is Oksana more than just a nanny to you?”

“She cooks, cleans, does it all really. But, I think I know what you’re asking—is she a mother to Parker? No. He sees you as—”

“That’s not what I’m asking.”

“I don’t understand…” Chase rubbed the back of his neck.

“I’m going to ask you a direct question and if you don’t want to answer it, fine.” Chase raised his eyebrows, asking, “What’s this about?”

“Are you sleeping with Oksana?”

The question knocked Chase back a step. He scrunched his brows and glared at Brooke, then said, “That’s ridiculous.”

Brooke crossed her arms across her chest, then said, “About a month ago, at Noon, I saw you walking arm in arm into a hotel with Oksana.”

“That’s impossible. You have me confused with someone else.”

“Nope. I was close by. It was definitely you and then, when I saw Oksana today, it registered. You carried a lingerie bag and she wore a low cut dress. You two were laughing as you entered the Renaissance at North Hills—”