Beginning Again (Sweet Pleasures Series Book 3) Read online

  She is from a rich family, and her dad is a powerful man. I'm the local mechanics son. I finally catch a glimpse of her. She looks over at me at the same time, and smiles. I smile back and walk over to where she is sitting. Her friend gets up, walking away, leaving us alone. I sit next to her, and we talk most of the night.

  I wake up, hearing dad yelling at Lucy. I rub the sleep from my eyes, sad that my dream is over. It was a nice dream, about the first night Izzy and I talked. After that night we were inseparable.

  I drag myself out of bed, only because the smell of coffee, is calling me. I walk slowly to the kitchen, and grab a mug. I look around to see that dad is outside, with Lucy. I walk to the door wall and step onto the patio.

  "Good Morning. I hope we didn't wake you up."

  "No, you're fine dad."

  I sit at the table, setting my cup down. Lucy comes over and drops her ball at my feet. I pick it up and throw it as far as I can.

  "Are you okay, son?"

  "Yeah. I dreamt about Izzy last night, that's all."

  I look down at the ground, not wanting to see my dad's eyes. Not sure how to handle things with her. I rub my hands over my face and through my hair.

  "It will work out, you wait and see."

  "How can you be so sure? I can't even get her to talk to me."

  I finally look over at dad, and see his emotions in his eyes. He is worried about me, and I hate that. He has his health to worry about, he shouldn't have to worry for me. I think maybe I shouldn't have unloaded my problems on him.

  "Stop it. I can see your feelings all over your face. I'm your father, I would worry no matter what."

  I chuckle, "You're right."

  "I know, I'm right."

  We laugh together, I grab my coffee and take a sip. I look up to the sky and see that it's going to be nice. Dad doesn't have his first doctor's appointment until tomorrow.

  "How about we BBQ tonight? I can go get some chicken breast, and fresh veggies."

  "That sounds good."

  "I'll take Lucy with me, it's a nice day for a walk."

  "She will love that. I can take my nap, while you're gone."

  I get up and grab both our mugs to refill. Once in the house, I grab the granola. I made it for dad, because it's healthy and full of protein that he needs. I walk back outside and set everything on the table.

  "Thanks."

  I nod and watch dad open the bag. He munch’s on some, as Lucy comes to get her share. As I sit there, I realize how much I miss this. I have lived on my own for so long, I got used to it. It's nice to wake up and have someone to talk to. Someone to fill the silence that I'm so often surrounded by.

  I park the truck at Week's Meat Market. I decide to walk Lucy first and then I can grab all my groceries. Lucy is crying to get out, knowing we are going for a walk.

  I put the leash on her and get her out of the truck. As I walk along 32 mile road, up to Main Street. We turn left down Main and walk along the shops. Anne's coffee shop is on the opposite side of town, and I think I should have stopped by, maybe on the way back.

  I look through the windows of the furniture store, and the hobby shop. Past Ken's Country Kitchen, Chaps, the salon and the dress shop. I forgot how nice it is in a small town. Not that I live in a huge town, but this is home. I grew up here and I hadn't realized how much I miss it.

  I walk to the end of the street, where the town clock sits on the corner. The Time, is right on the corner as well. I see that there is a For Sale sign in the window. It sad to see anything closed, but they were the biggest competition for Sweet Pleasures. They were a coffee shop/restaurant. I thought they would be okay, because they served food, where Sweet Pleasures served bakery items.

  It's a really awesome house they converted into the restaurant. I hope that someone buys it and can do something with it. I turn left down the side street, towards the park. I figure, I can let Lucy run in one of the ball fields.

  As we walk into the park, I notice the differences from when I was a kid. They built a community center, next to the pavilions. They added a pathway through the playground, for kids to use chalk. The pool is past the playground, then the basketball court.

  The baseball fields are on the other side of the parking lot. The parking lot, is between the ball fields and the playground. I decide to walk down the path, through the playground to the ball park.

  Lucy gets excited as the kids come over to say hello. I make her sit and let her get all the attention she wants. I look around and that's when I see her. Izzy is walking up with her, and then she sees that it's me.

  I smile at them, "Hi."

  "Hi. Grace wanted to pet your dog."

  I can tell that she is uncomfortable with the situation and doesn't want to be here. I nod at her and Grace let's go of her hand. She kneels down and talks to Lucy. I look back up to Izzy and she is staring at Grace and Lucy. I can see her eyes getting teary and I hate to see her this way. I walk closer to her and stand next to her. I still have a tight hold of Lucy's leash, in case she gets to excited.

  "Grace loves dogs."

  "I can tell. Lucy loves her back."

  "Well she is a beautiful dog, and so well mannered."

  "Yeah, my dad has trained her well."

  I look over to Grace, "I was going to take Lucy to the ball field and throw the ball around for her. You want to come?"

  She looks over at Izzy, "Can I?"

  Izzy sighs, "Sure."

  Grace walks along the side of Lucy, as we walk behind. We don't talk, as we are walking. I look over at Izzy and she is trying to hide the sad look on her face. We look like a family, and we could’ve been.

  As we walk to the ball park, I can't help but think of what could have been. I peek over at Jack, and I see the sadness on his face. I'm sure he is thinking the same thing. But we can't turn back time, and we were never meant to be.

  We walk into the park and I watch as Jack kneels down to Lucy. He is talking to the dog and Grace, and he hands off the ball to her. I can't help to think, how great of a father he would’ve been.

  He walks back to me smiling. We watch Grace throwing the ball, without talking. I can't stand the silence anymore, wondering why he is only standing there.

  "How's your dad?"

  "Better, thanks."

  "That's good."

  He turns to me, "Look I hate to do this in front of Grace. But can we talk?"

  "About what? I don't know what you feel we have to talk about."

  He turns and looks back at Grace and Lucy. "I have right, Izzy."

  "A right to what, Jack?"

  "Can't we talk about it? I tried talking to you back then. I called, wrote letters. I heard nothing from you."

  "You never tried to talk to me."

  "Is that what your father told you," he spits back at me. I could hear the anger in his voice.

  I remember back to what my father said to me. Everything hits me like a ton of bricks. I feel the world falling out from under my feet.

  "Yes he did," I whisper.

  "Of course he did. He would do anything to keep me from you and our baby. Why didn't you call me?"

  "I couldn't. My dad took my phone out of my room. Then he took me to Florida, to my grandparents. They watched my every move. I thought if we could talk, you would change your mind. But..." I trail off, not wanting to remember what happened.

  "But what? It doesn't matter, it only matters what we do now."

  "What can we do now?"

  "Let's make things right," he says with pleading in his eyes.

  He looks over at Grace and back to me. I realize what he is talking about and fear takes over me. This can't be happening.

  "She's not yours Jack," I all but yell at him. I see the hurt in his eyes, and I hate that I put it there.

  "How can you say that to me!" he yells.

  He puts his hand over his face and through his hair. The pain on his face is too much for me to see. I walk over to Grace, and grab her hand.

 
; "We have to go sweetie."

  "No, not yet. Please, can I stay and play with Lucy."

  Jack walks over and puts the leash on Lucy. He looks down at Grace, and I see tears in his eyes.

  "I'm sorry honey, but Lucy and I have to go. But thanks for playing with her."

  He smiles at her, then turns and walks away. I feel a tear roll down my face as I watch him walk away.

  Chapter 10

  I tossed and turned most of the night. I was glad that I had a dreamless night, at least none that I remember. I can't handle dreaming about that time. I already can't get Jack out of mind, and what could have been.

  I get up, only because I have to work today. I look to see, that I have over slept. I hurry to get in the shower.

  As I stand under the water, it doesn't help soothe me as it usually does. I keep going over in my head about my father. He lied to me all this time, saying Jack didn't want to see me anymore. I should have known that he was lying.

  I make up my mind that I will pay a visit to my parents’ house. I need to hear it from his mouth. So much would be different, if he didn't lie and I didn't believe him.

  My relationship with my father has never been the same. The moment he left me at my grandparents, it changed. I already blamed him for what happened to me.

  Dad and I talked almost all night. I told him what happened between Izzy and me. He listened to me talk for hours and gave me advice when I asked for it. He comforted me when I cried and reassured me it will be okay.

  How can he think that? I know I should think positive, but it's hard to be. I know that I can take her to court, but I'm sure her father will be her lawyer. He is a very good lawyer.

  I'm sure that I was never put on the birth certificate. Plus, where have I been the past eight years. I've had no contact with her. I will look like an awful father in court.

  I shake myself from my thoughts, I have to get ready. Dad has a doctor's appointment this morning with the heart doctor. Monday we have an appointment to see the surgeon, to make sure he is healing well.

  I left him in the living room ready, waiting in his chair with Lucy at his feet. He had a small breakfast and was watching the news.

  I step out of the bathroom, across the hall to my room. I get dressed and run a comb through my hair. I walk back out, down the hall and into the kitchen. I grab a mug and pour coffee into it, stirring in cream and sugar.

  I walk into the living room and sit on the couch across from dad. We sit in silence for a while, watching the news. Lucy lays on top of dad's legs, snoring away. I chuckle to myself and think how great it is that they have each other.

  I finish my coffee and look at the time.

  "We better get going, dad."

  "Hmm, oh okay."

  He looks tired, I'm sure it's because of last night. I should’ve went to bed, so he could sleep. Especially since he has to see the doctor today.

  I walk into the kitchen and set my mug into the sink. I turn off the coffee pot, grabbing my wallet and keys from the counter. I watch as dad, nudges Lucy off the chair. She doesn't seem too happy about being woken up. She stretches and makes herself comfy on the couch.

  Dad walks slowly towards me and grabs the counter to steady himself.

  "You okay, dad?"

  "Sure. Just tired," he smiles at me in reassurance.

  I nod and we walk out to the garage, locking the door behind me. As dad walks around to the passenger side, he puts his hand on his other baby. My dad has always loved Corvette's, he got his first one at the age of fifteen.

  Under the tarp is his 1963 split window Stingray, black with red interior. It's a sweet ass ride. Maybe I can get him to take it out with me, before I leave.

  "So when's the last time you took that baby out?"

  He chuckles, "It's been a couple of weeks. Maybe we can take a ride later."

  "Hell yeah."

  We both laugh. I hit the button to open the garage door and put the truck in gear. We pull out of the driveway and down the dirt road. I turn on the radio to 104.3 the Oldies but Goodies, station. We enjoy the music, as "Cats in the Cradle" plays through the speakers.

  I think to myself, how much like my father I really am. I love old cars, my own pickup truck being almost twenty years old. The truck we are in, is from the 70's. When you're a mechanic and can fix them, then why have new.

  I can do some repairs on my own, but not as much as I would like. Maybe one of these days I can buy that 1968 Charger, I have always wanted. If I lived back here, dad and I could fix it up together.

  Damn, how can being home for a week, make me want to come back? I have been gone all this time, and this is the first time I've felt this. Maybe its how our relationship has changed so much.

  We pull into the doctor's office parking lot. I find a close spot and park the truck. I walk behind him, to make sure that he gets in the building okay.

  I take a seat, as dad signs in at the window. He turns and sits down next to me. We wait patiently for him to be called back. I grab a magazine and mindlessly flip through it. I throw it back down on the end table, when dad is called back.

  I follow him as he follows the nurse to the back. She has him step on the scale and then takes us to a room. The nurse ask a series of questions, and types in all of dad's responses into the computer.

  I sit quietly in the corner, waiting for the doctor to come in. The nurse finishes up with everything she needs to do and leaves the room.

  The door opens and the doctor walks in, carrying his computer. He is looking at the screen, as he talks, when I realize who it is.

  "Hello, Mr. Bowman. I'm Dr. John Stein," he says as he looks up at my dad, then over at me. "Jack?"

  "Hi, this is my dad."

  "Of course, yes."

  Dad looks over at me confused, then back to the doctor. Dad shakes the doctor’s hand.

  "Good morning doc," dad says in greeting.

  "Let's take a look at you, okay?"

  "Sure," dad replies.

  Of all the doctors, he had to be the one to walk through the door. I sit quietly in the corner, waiting for him to finish his exam. The more I watch him, the angrier I get. I'm having a hard time sitting still. All I can think about is that this guy has taken my place.

  Dad keeps looking over at me and then a knowing look comes over him. I think he finally figured out who Dr. Stein is. I try to sit still, as I listen to everything that is being said. John gives him information on his new diet and goes over it with him.

  I only hear bits and pieces of the conversation. I really hope dad is paying attention to it all. Because I am sure that Anne will want to know all about it and I won't be able to tell her crap.

  I realize that the room is quiet. I look up and John is typing into the computer. He looks over at me.

  "Do you have any questions?"

  "He is going to be okay, right?"

  "I don't see any reason why he won't. He is healing well. Make sure that he follows his diet and gets exercise."

  I nod my head, "Thank you."

  I put my hand out and shake his. He turns to dad and shakes his as well. "If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call the office. Take care of yourself, Tom. I will see you back in two weeks."

  "Thanks doc," dad replies.

  I can't believe I still haven't heard from Jack in all this time. Grandma and Grandpa, watch me like a hawks. I'm not allowed to use the phone, or go anywhere without them. I wonder if I could talk to him, he would change his mind about me and the baby.

  I put my hands on my stomach, I'm just starting to show. "Don't worry baby, we will be okay no matter what. But I will talk to your daddy and we will hopefully be a family." I wipe the tear that falls down my cheek.

  I have money that I stashed away, that either my parents or grandparents know about. I have a plan to drive to Michigan State and find Jack. I don't want him to know that I'm coming, so he can't talk me out of it.

  I feel awful, but I'm going to take my grandparents one
car. They have two cars, but they only drive the Cadillac. Grandpa always has two cars, in case they ever need it. It's in the back garage and they won't notice it missing right away.

  I wait until almost two in the morning. This way I know for sure they are asleep and I will have at least six hours or more of driving in before they notice I am gone.

  I grab my bag that I have packed, then tip toe down the hall. I go into the kitchen and grab the key to the car out of the junk drawer.

  I walk to the backdoor, open it and step outside. I quietly close the door behind me and run to the back garage. Once I get to the garage, I open the door. The garage opens to the alley, behind the property. This is used mostly for the gardener to store all his things, along with the lawn mowers.

  I toss my bag on the passenger seat. I start the car and quickly back out of the garage. I jump out close the garage door, then get back in the car. My heart is pounding so fast, I swear it's going to come out of my chest. I get to the end of the alley, checking the rearview mirror to see if there is anyone there.

  I feel better that I don't see anyone. I pull out and head towards the expressway. I need to get to I75, which will take me all the way to Michigan. I drive, constantly checking the rearview mirror. I'm not sure who I think is following me, but I'll feel better once I'm on the expressway.

  I look to see that I better fill the tank, before I get too far. I pull into a gas station. Once inside, I get myself a drink and some snacks for the drive. I walk up to the counter and pay for everything. The clerk doesn't pay me any mind, which I am grateful for. I was worried being out this late, and drawing attention to myself.

  As I get onto the expressway, it starts to rain. It only a sprinkle for a while, then it becomes a downpour. I clutch the steering wheel with both hands and lean forward to hopefully see well. I hate driving in weather like this, but I need to get out of Florida before I can stop.

  My knuckles hurt from holding the steering wheel so hard. My eyes hurt as well, from the strain of concentrating on the road. I see a sign ahead that says "Georgia - 30 miles". I'm relieved to know I'm almost there.