Chapter 10
Jack
I finish chatting with Nadine about the barbecue at their house today and try not to slam the phone down. Evidently Laine will be there, and if I can’t be in the same room with her without causing a scene or behaving badly, I’m not to come.
Good grief. I had a perfectly decent interview with her this week, and do I get any credit for that? No. Everyone is still bent out of shape about me trading seats with Kent Johns at the library gala. I had business with his sister about Abdo, and I’m certain the evening was more pleasant for everyone that way. But as usual, no one sees it from my perspective where Laine is concerned.
I sigh. I have to admit, the article she wrote after our interview on Monday was top notch. She sent it over to Linda, and Linda was kind enough to let me review it. I didn’t really have anything to change. It will be released tomorrow, in Sunday’s paper, and Linda said they told her it would be on the front page of the Lifestyle section. The Sun asked the hospital for pictures, which prompted Linda to use that as an excuse to take new photos of me with some weird photographer. Good thing I don’t have my usual hospital schedule right now, because preparing for that shoot and then getting it done ate up most of my week. This story had better generate the positive press and awareness everyone hopes it will. That’s the only thing that will make all this worth it.
Later that afternoon, after checking on Abdo, I stop by the liquor store and pick up some local beers on my way to Michael and Nadine’s. My favorite is Yellow Dog’s Chase My Tale Pale Ale, but I pick up several other varieties as well. Who knows how many people will be there? I hope it isn’t just Michael, Nadine, Laine, and me. That would be awkward.
When I arrive at their place in the Kitsilano neighborhood, I hear lots of voices and laughter so I immediately feel a little better. Plus, I recognize Steve’s Acura NSX and Davis’s Porsche Cayenne. I walk into their craftsman home and realize this is the first time I’ve been here since they finished the renovations. Nadine grew up close to here, and they wanted to stay close by for her dad and his girlfriend.
Nadine cheers when she sees me. “You made it.”
“I’m not afraid of Laine,” I assure her.
Nadine holds up her hand. “There are plenty of people here. Have fun. Be nice.”
I ignore that. “I love the house,” I tell her instead, admiring the warm, beautiful built-in cabinetry and woodwork, as well as all the natural light.
Nadine looks over her living room with pride. “I didn’t think we were ever going to move in. Everything we chose was on back order. I swear, I’m never moving again.”
Michael comes up and wraps his arm around her. “You never have to sell this house. We’ll just buy something else and start all over.”
Nadine rolls her eyes. “You all grew up very differently than I did.” She picks up a tray of charcuterie and hands it to me. “Can you take this out by the pool?”
I nod. “Sure.”
Michael grabs the cases of beer. “Nice. This will be perfect.”
“What are you putting on the grill?”
“I’ve been smoking a chicken with applewood, which is Nadine’s favorite, and also my favorite, brisket.”
My stomach growls. “I love it.”
We walk outside, and I’m surprised to see my dad and his girlfriend, Stephanie. I also notice Laine talking to Michael’s parents.
I wave at my dad. “What brings you here?”
“Farzad invited me,” he says.
That’s Michael’s father. Being the second-generation of friends among these families, this often happens. “Great.”
Dad leans in. “What is Laine doing here?”
“She’s friends with Nadine and all my friends.”
He makes a face. “They don’t see her for what she is.” He looks over at Stephanie, and she nods.
The irony of this moment is almost more than I can manage with a straight face. “Dad…” I warn.
“It’s true,” he protests. “I’m glad you’re no longer seeing her.”
“Yes, you’ve mentioned that. Anyway,” I say, forcefully changing the subject, “in tomorrow’s Sun , Laine has an article about me and the boy I brought back from Sudan.”
He shakes his head. “I’m telling you, she’s trying to get you back. Returning the ring was just her way of pulling you in.”
He’s impossible. “And if she hadn’t returned the ring, you’d be telling me it was because she’s chasing my money.” I need to get out of here before I say something that will cause a scene. How can Dad be so blind to his own situation?
I politely excuse myself, and as I’m walking over to Steve and Eliza, I find Julia and Chip Martin at the appies table. They greet me with a hug.
“We’re so glad you’re back safe and sound. I hardly got to talk to you at the library gala,” Julia says as she holds on to me tightly.
“I’m glad to be home.”
She reaches for my arm. “Are you back to your regular surgical schedule?”
“Not yet,” I say. “For now, I’m focusing on the boy I brought back from Sudan. I’m consulting in the emergency room some, but I should be back to seeing patients and doing surgeries in June, about a month earlier than planned.”
“Why not any earlier?”
“Well, I’m not supposed to be here, so I don’t have patients coming in, and they’ve already made the surgery schedule. I probably could have pushed for sooner, but I’m enjoying just focusing on the one patient and the occasional emergency.”
“Paisley tells me Laine interviewed you for an article that’s going to be in the Sun, ” Chip says.
I nod. “She did. I don’t know what happened at the Herald , but she’s freelancing now.” And you should hire her since you own the Sun, I add silently.
He shakes his head. “The Herald is now just running articles from the Associated Press and reworked press releases. The news business has become an online game, and they’re winning, particularly with their gossip sites.”
That doesn’t make any sense. “What?”
“There’s no money in the truth. Sensationalized stories are what attract attention. People take advantage of it all the time when they put up half-truths and innuendo commentary.”
I shake my head. “That’s a sad state for our world.”
Chip sighs and nods just as Davis walks up and hands me a beer. “Who’s your dad’s new nurse?” he asks.
I look at him, puzzled. “He doesn’t have a nurse.”
Davis turns crimson. “Who’s the woman he’s with?”
I smile. “Oh, you haven’t met Stephanie? That’s Dad’s new girlfriend. She complained about the dentist she worked for being too handsy, so he demanded she quit and move in.”
Julia begins to cough, and Davis and I turn to see if she’s choking. She’s not. Julia never has anything bad to say about anyone, but I can tell she does not like Stephanie. I’m glad I’m not the only one.
“Excuse me. I need to find some water,” she says. Chip follows her as she heads inside.
“I’m sorry,” Davis says. “You know our moms were close.”
I lean in. “It’s ridiculous. Even today, he’s still telling me Laine was after my money, but he’s too blind to see that Stephanie is settling in nicely with his. I don’t care, though. She can spend it all if it makes him happy.”
Davis eyes me carefully. “Did you think Laine was after your money?”
I shake my head and take a sip of my beer. “No. Anything we spent money on was my suggestion, and she regularly offered to pay for things. I never saw her that way at all.”
“Then what do you care what your dad thinks?”
I look at him. “You’re right. I shouldn’t care.”
Paisley walks up with Laine behind her. “What are you two talking about?”
“Nothing too exciting,” I reply.
Davis turns to his wife. “She’s not the nurse. She’s his girlfriend.”
Paisley’s shoulders fall. “Well, it’s his choice.”
I nod. “Dad’s been lost since my mom died. I guess I’m glad he has someone in his life.”
“That’s a healthy way to look at it.” Paisley pats my arm.
Michael announces that dinner is ready, and everyone turns toward a group of tables set up in the yard. Davis lets Paisley and Laine go first, but even then, I hang back. Stephanie takes a seat at a table, and I watch my dad make two plates for them. I don’t think he ever did that for my mother. I’m not sure she would have wanted him to. I shake my head.
Nadine appears next to me. “Are you looking for an excuse to leave?”
I shake my head. “Not really. And if I left, it wouldn’t be because of what you think.”
“What do I think?”
“Because of Laine. I’d leave because of that.” I nod toward my dad, who’s now snuggling in next to Stephanie.
Nadine puts her hand on my arm. “I struggled when my dad and his nurse fell for each other. She’d worked for my mom when she started with our family.”
“But they’re happy now?”
She smiles. “They are. But it doesn’t mean I don’t miss my parents together.”
I nod. That’s exactly right. “I’m still grieving my mother.”
“I think I always will.” She gives me a side hug. “I see an open spot next to Laine.”
“I didn’t miss that.”
“If it’s a problem, I’ll go sit with her.”
“No. It will be fine. She interviewed me earlier this week for an article that should come out tomorrow.”
“I heard. I can’t wait to read it.” She smiles, and it seems I’m not in the doghouse—at least not yet.
I fill my plate with food and take my seat. “I don’t think I’ve eaten this well in months.”
“It’s so good,” Laine agrees. “You’ll love the cheesy potatoes.” She clamps her mouth shut.
I take a bite. “You’re right. They’re fantastic.”
Nadine and Michael take the seats across the table from us.
“Who made the potatoes?” I ask. “They’re incredible.”
She looks at Laine. “She did.”
“They’re Nadine’s mother’s recipe,” Laine says. “I just followed her instructions.”
“How did you get that?” I ask.
“I asked her what I could bring, and she sent it over. It wasn’t hard—frozen tater tots, cream, lots of cheese, and some garlic and onion powder. I think they’re going to become my favorite comfort food.”
As we eat, we talk about movies we’re watching, how the Tigers football team is doing, and the Vancouver Bears hockey draft coming up. We have a great time. With all my closest friends around, I find I’m not so bothered by having Laine here as well.
“Laine, when does your article come out?” Julia asks from down the table.
“It will go live on the Vancouver Sun ’s website at midnight, and it runs in tomorrow’s paper.”
“You’ll go to the printer and pick up a copy?” Paisley asks.
“I’ll screenshot the article and save the link tonight, and then at four-thirty I’m going to head over to the printer and get a copy right off the presses.”
“How are you going to get there?” I ask.
She shrugs. “I usually grab a cab or walk. It’s only a few kilometers from my place.”
“Isn’t the printer off East Hastings?” I ask. I seem to remember we went there for something once.
“It’s still there,” Julia says.
I look around the table, and everyone is staring at me. “I guess you should be safe then.”
Laine picks up her glass of water. “I will be. I’m excited to see how it’s received. The features editor will send me a report on Monday, and depending on how it does, they’ll decide if we should proceed with the next article.”
“What do you have planned?” Paisley asks.
“Right now, I’m thinking it will be about Sudanese refugees, and particularly the boy who came here with Jack. I’ve spoken with a few people in town who’ve escaped what’s going on in Sudan.”
I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out how to find some community for Abdo. “How did you find these people?” I blurt.
Laine shrugs. “I went to Harambe Ethiopian restaurant, had a splendid meal, and asked them who I should talk to. Through an interpreter, I spoke with a young couple. The husband worked for an oil and gas company and speaks decent English, but the interpreter helped.”
“How did they get here?” Eliza asks.
“They walked for three days to get to Ethiopia, where they found someone who would sponsor them to emigrate. I don’t want to tell you too much, but I think you’ll enjoy the piece.”
“Have you talked to Elise?” I ask.
“Elise? Who’s Elise?” Michael asks.
“Elise Banner. You probably remember her from school. She’s the Minister of Foreign Affairs now.”
Michael nods. “Sure. I think I remember her.”
But Laine shakes her head. “No, I haven’t heard back from her since our initial conversation. She’s not returning my calls.”
“It’s not a big deal if she doesn’t want to cover Abdo’s surgery, but it would get Ruston off my ass at the hospital.”
“Jack,” Julia says in her mom tone.
“I have an idea on that,” Laine offers. “We can talk later. I need to speak with someone else before we push too hard.”
I nod. “Let me know.”
Toward the end of the night, I hear my dad make a Viagra joke, and all the older guys laugh. I feel like that kind of humor is a new thing with him. But maybe he’s just living his best life right now. I lean over to Davis. “Does it bother you that they joke about having sex?”
Davis makes a terrible face. “I’d prefer to think my parents sleep in two separate beds, like Lucy and Ricky Ricardo did.”
I suppress a snort. Glad I’m not the only one.
When I see Laine putting on her coat, I find myself walking over. “Can I give you a ride home?” Where did that come from?
“That’s okay. The one fifty-two bus will get me home in twenty minutes. I’m good.”
“I don’t mind.”
She studies me a moment and then looks around. “I guess.”
I’m not sure why I offered to drive her. This is probably too overzealous, but it felt nice to just have everyone getting along like old times today. I guess I want to keep that feeling going. I say goodbye to my friends and their parents and scoot out as quickly as possible. I’m done watching Stephanie flirt with my dad.
I look around for Laine and don’t find her, so I go on outside. She’s waiting for me where all the cars are parked.
“I didn’t want to make a big deal of us leaving together,” she says.
“Why is that?”
“No reason to give people something to talk about.”
I nod and open the passenger door for her. Ugh . I didn’t think about that. My friends are going to have a field day with this, thinking they’ve finally convinced me to get back with Laine. That’s not what this is at all.
The traffic for a Saturday night isn’t too bad, and the drive is pleasant. “Are you really planning to go to the printer so early in the morning?” I ask.
She nods. “This is a big article for me. I want to see what it looks like first thing.”
“Are you nervous about it?”
She looks out the window and shrugs. “Yes.”
“What do you have to be nervous about?” I take a left on Burrard Street.
Laine sighs. “I’m always nervous, especially as a freelancer. I worry that this could be the last article I ever write. I worry that people won’t be interested. I worry that the editor changed something important. I worry something I wrote will inadvertently cause a rift with my friends…”
Ooh . I see her point on that last one. When people meet Laine, she seems assertive and strong. And she is, but life has dealt her some pretty big blows. Each time she’s gotten up and gone on. Not many people see that vulnerability. But suddenly, I can’t avoid it. And it makes me want to reach over and hold her, tell her everything is going to work out. I don’t know where that’s coming from at all. I’ve been so angry at her for so long. I guess it was easy to ignore all this while I was away in Sudan.
I pull up in front of her building, and once again my mouth seems to move on its own. “Why don’t I give you a ride to the printer in the morning? I’d love to see the article too. What time should I pick you up?”
She looks at me strangely. “That’s really not necessary. If I decide not to walk, I can always call a cab.”
“No, really. I want to see the article.”
She’s quiet for a long moment, and I think she’s going to refuse. But then something in her face changes. “They roll off the printer starting around four thirty in the morning. There isn’t much traffic at that time, so it’s an easy shot from here. How about four twenty? I’ll be here on the sidewalk waiting for you.”
I eye the shady guy on the corner that keeps looking at us. “No. I’ll be here at four-fifteen, and I’ll call you to come down.”
“That’s not nec—”
“Please don’t wait on the sidewalk for me.”
She sighs. “Fine. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
She gets out of the car, and I watch as she opens her building’s front door. She looks back at me and waves. I smile and wave back.
What the heck am I doing?