Mixed Reality (Indigo Love Spectrum), page 18
“Why don’t you take something?” Melissa popped her forehead. “Duh? You can’t.”
“Right. Now that I’m officially pregnant, I can’t take those medications. But I’m sure it’s nothing a ginger ale or a little bicarbonate won’t cure.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She looked at her watch. “I have enough time to take a nap before I lay the baby news on Doug.”
They walked out of the school to Melissa’s car.
“I don’t know how he’s going to take it,” Elle said as she got in.
“He’s going to be overjoyed,” Melissa said as she got in and put her seatbelt on.
“With the senate appointment and this fiasco with Rory going on, I hope you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right.” Melissa smiled as she started the car.
I hope so, Elle thought.
* * *
After Melissa dropped her off, Elle went to the kitchen, cakes boxes in hand.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Brennan. What’s all this?” Frieda smiled.
“Hi, Frieda. Hopefully this is dessert for the next couple of nights, but you never know with my sons.”
Frieda laughed as she took the boxes from Elle and placed them on the counter. “Mrs. Brennan, the senior Mrs. Brennan is here to see you.”
“Oh? How long has she been here?”
“She’s hasn’t been here long. Twenty minutes at the most. She’s in the living room having coffee.”
“Thanks.” Elle took her coat off. “Frieda, my stomach’s a little upset. Would you mind getting me a ginger ale or something?”
“Sure. I’ll bring you a glass of ginger ale. Would you like ice?”
“Yes, please.”
“Coming right up,” she said and smiled.
Elle headed for the living room. Just like she did before she’d seen Mr. Brennan, she made a quick mirror check before she entered the living room. So much for my nap, she sighed.
“Hello, Mrs. Brennan,” Elle said as she entered the room.
“Hello, my dear.” Mrs. Brennan stood up and the two women embraced.
Elle looked over at the tea service Frieda had put on the table. “Would you like another cup?”
“No, dear. I’m good.” She sat down. “I’m sorry for just dropping in on you like this.”
“That’s not a problem, Mrs. Brennan.” Elle smiled sweetly as she sat down.
“With everything going on, I was concerned and I wanted to see how you’re holding up.”
“Thank you. So far I’m none the worse for wear.”
“I could kill that Angela.” She shook her head. “I didn’t like her when Rory first brought her around, there was something about her I didn’t like.”
Elle was a little taken aback by her candor. “Well, that’s water under the bridge now,” Elle said.
“It’s more like sludge at this point. How has Doug been with you since this happened? I know he’s been a bit preoccupied with this Senate business.”
“Good. He’s been fine.”
“Listen, Elle, I’ve been married to a Brennan far longer than you and I know how they get when it comes to politics.”
“He’s been busy doing damage control. It’s almost like he…” She stopped.
“He believes what’s in the papers, right?”
“Yes.” Elle sank a bit in the chair. “To be honest I haven’t helped myself much.”
“What do you mean?”
“Rory and I went to Bronx Children’s Clinic together after Thanksgiving and I neglected to mention it to Doug. He heard about it from a reporter.”
“Well, did you tell him Rory was there to talk about pro bono work with Dr. Campbell?”
“How did you know?”
“Rory mentioned it. Didn’t you explain that to Doug?”
“I was going to until he started acting like I’d done something wrong.”
“Dear, you should have told him about Rory and how this whole situation is making you feel.”
“You’re right.” Elle nodded. “I tried to tell him, but I clammed up.”
“Listen, sweetheart, I understand how you feel, but the Brennan men can be awfully thick skulled. Sometimes you have to use a velvet glove and a big stick to get them to pay attention. Take it from me.”
Frieda walked in with the ginger ale. “Excuse me, ladies. Here you go.” She handed Elle the glass.
“Thank you.”
“Can I get you anything else?”
“No.” Elle sipped the soda. “This is great.”
“Would you like another cup of coffee, Mrs. Brennan?”
“No. Thank you.” She looked at her watch. “I have to be going soon.”
“Very good, ma’am.” Frieda cleared the coffee service and returned to the kitchen.
“Are you feeling all right, Elle?”
“I’m fine. It’ just a little upset stomach, that’s all.”
“You should get some rest and tell my son how you feel. Trust me, that will help alleviate your upset stomach.”
That and getting through the first trimester.
“I will. I promise,” Elle said.
Mrs. Brennan stood up. “Well, I’d better be going.”
Elle rose, put her glass down and walked her to the door. “Please give Mr. Brennan my love.”“I will.” Mrs. Brennan hesitated a moment. Then she lightly touched Elle’s cheek. “You should get some rest, sweetie. You look a little tired,” she said.
“I’m going to lie down for a while before dinner.”
“Good.” She kissed her on her cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay.” Elle watched from behind the door as photographers snapped photos of Mrs. Brennan as she got into a waiting car. She held her stomach as she closed the door.
“Here you go, Mrs. Brennan.” Frieda handed her the glass.
“Oh, thank you.” She quickly took a long sip.
“I’ll get dinner going while you get some rest.”
“You’re a lifesaver, Frieda.”
Frieda disappeared into the kitchen while Elle slowly made her way upstairs to her bedroom. Once she got there she flopped onto the bed. Eventually she managed to pull the covers up. I’ll just rest for a while. I’ll talk to Doug when he gets home. The minute her head touched the pillow she was asleep.
* * *
About a half hour later, Elle was awakened by a gentle tap on her shoulder. “Yes?”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Brennan, but there is a Mr. McNeal on the phone for Mr. Brennan.”
“Mr. McNeal? He didn’t want to leave a message?”
“No. I can try to get rid of him.”
“That’s okay, Frieda. I’ll talk to him.”
“Okay.” She left the room.
Elle sat up in bed then composed herself before she picked up. “Hello?”
“Oh, I’m sorry if I woke you, Mrs. Brennan.”
“It’s fine. What can I do for you, Mr. McNeal?”
“Please call me Seth. Since I’m going to be working with your husband, I thought I’d call to introduce myself.”
“I’m sorry. You’re working with my husband on what?”
“His senatorial appointment.”
Finally a light went on over Elle’s head. “You’re Seth McNeal. You specialize in political public relations.”
“I wouldn’t say that’s all I do. I really concentrate on taking polls and analyzing data.”
“I see.”
“Oh, dear, this is the first you’re hearing about me, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but that’s not your fault.”
“I’m so sorry. To be honest he hasn’t exactly hired me yet, this is all just preliminary stuff.”
“Don’t worry about it. Doug has been so busy lately he probably hasn’t had the chance to tell me.” She yawned.
“You sound tired. I should let you go. Again, I am so sorry for the intrusion.”
“Thank you. Have a good day.”
“You, too.” He hung up.
Why didn’t Doug tell me he took a meeting with a big gun like him? Poll analyzing, my ass, she fumed. Suddenly her stomach pained her again. I’d better relax before this gets any worse. She lay back down, and before long she’d drifted off again.
* * *
“Elle?”
She opened her eyes. “What time is it?”
Doug looked at his watch. “It’s only eight o’clock. You were out like a light. Are you feeling okay?”
“I was tired.”
“Obviously.” He sat down, took off his shoes and loosened his tie.
“I did wake up for a phone call, though.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes. Seth McNeal called to introduce himself to me.”
Doug slumped in the chair. “I meant to tell you about him. Uncle Rob recommended him as the best pollster he knows.”
“I know the name Seth McNeal, and that’s not all he specializes in. He’s the guy who sets up all those infamous mea culpa press conferences when politicians are caught dipping more than just their hands in the cookie jar. Meanwhile their humiliated spouses do their best not to look like deer in headlights.”
“You don’t think that’s the reason I contacted him, do you?”
“Well you didn’t bother to tell me about it at all, so I don’t know what to think? Maybe you want Rory and me to go in front of the press and confess our friendship.”
“That’s not fair.
“Well you have been all worked up about that silly clinic thing.”
“Silly clinic thing? My poll numbers have been steadily dropping ever since this whole divorce drama broke. A divorce drama that has nothing to do with me.”
“It has nothing to do with me, either, Doug.”
“I didn’t mean for it to sound that way.”
“The hell you didn’t.” Elle jumped out of bed, headed for the bathroom and slammed the door.
“Damn!”
Elle turned the water on in the sink so Doug wouldn’t hear her crying.
“Come on, Elle. Open the door. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” He stood and listened at the door for a few minutes in the hope that she’d open it, but she didn’t. Dejected, Doug left the room. Maybe she needs a little space.
When he returned an hour later, Elle was curled up in bed fast asleep. Her crying had tired her already spent body out. She and Doug would for the first time in years go to bed upset, and while they both slept it was far from restful.
Chapter 15
With Doug and the boys out of the house extra early, Elle went down to the kitchen for a cup of peppermint tea to settle her stomach. Ever since The Post ran the photo of Rory and the mystery woman, her stomach, like her life, was in an uproar. She peeked out the window at the reporters still camped out by the front door.
They’re like dogs camped around a butcher shop just waiting for any little scrap of meat. I wonder what would happen if I rang a bell. She shook her head in disgust and groaned as she sat down at the kitchen table.
“Mrs. Brennan? Are you all right?”
“I’m okay, Frieda. My stomach is a little upset, that’s all.”
“Would you like some dry toast or crackers?”
“No, thank you. Tea is fine for now.”
“Okay. Let me know if you change your mind.”
“I will.”
In all the years I’ve been with Doug, I’ve never been so angry with him. Maybe it was partly my fault. I should have come clean about the clinic and today we’d be celebrating our impending arrival. She glanced down at her stomach. Suddenly Kyle walked in with the assistant principal, Mr. Gibbs. Kyle looked a little disheveled.
“Kyle? Oh, my God. What happened?” She immediately went over to examine him more closely.
“I’m sorry, Mom.”
“What are you sorry about? What’s going on?”
Kyle was quiet.
“You’re not going to tell your mother, Kyle?”
The boy didn’t say anything.
“Kyle and another student got into a scuffle this morning.”
“You were in a fight?”
Kyle looked away. “I’m sorry, Mom.”
“Why on earth were you fighting at school?”
“I really don’t want to talk about it, Mom.”
“You might not want to talk about it now, but we are going to talk. Go to your room. I’ll be up in a minute.”
Kyle turned to Mr. Gibbs. “Thanks for the ride home, Mr. Gibbs.”
“That’s quite all right, Kyle.”
Kyle left the kitchen.
“Mr. Gibbs, Kyle’s in the math and chess club. He doesn’t have a violent bone in his body. What happened?”
“According to the other students the other kid was giving him a hard time about the…”
“You can say it. He was getting teased about me.”
“I’m afraid so. Kids can be cruel, even at this age.”
“So can adults.”
“True. Under the circumstances I thought it best to bring him home.”
“Has he been suspended?”
“No. Kyle’s a good kid with no discipline problems. He’s just going through a bad time, as I’m sure you all are.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked at his watch. “I’d better get back to the school.”
Elle shook his hand. “Thanks again.”
“I’ll see myself out the back.”
Frieda walked in. “That’s okay. Frieda, can you walk Mr. Gibbs out the back?”
“Sure. Follow me.”
He followed her out of the kitchen.
Elle rubbed her forehead. Kyle was in a fight over this garbage. I told Doug it wasn’t enough to handle the situation for the sake of his political career and to save face for the Senate appointment. She sighed. Oh, my poor child had to defend his mother’s honor. She went upstairs.
When she got to Kyle’s room the door was open and he was sitting on his bed.
“Kyle?” She sat next to him.
“Yes, Mom. I know you’re disappointed in me.”
She stroked his hair. “I’m not disappointed. Just tell me what happened.”
“I really don’t want to talk about it.”
“I already know it has something to do with the stuff in the papers. You can tell me.”
“I don’t want to repeat it.”
“Listen, Kyle, I understand that, but you’ve been teased before and you never let it get you to the point of fighting. So you might as well tell me, because I’m not leaving until you do.”
He let out a heavy sigh. “This kid asked me…” He hesitated.
“What kid?”
“Shane Whitmore.”
Figures it would be Morgan’s son. “Go on. Tell me what he said.”
“He asked me if Kevin and I will have to call Uncle Rory Uncle Daddy now.”
Elle’s heart sunk, but she didn’t let on. “I know that wasn’t a nice thing to say, but they are just words. You can’t let them bother you.”
“How can you say that, Mom? Aunt Angela and her lawyer are putting these lies in the paper, and you and Dad aren’t doing anything about it.”
“Your father thinks it’s best to work on it through the proper channels.”
“Well, it’s not working. When is it going to stop, Mom? It’s Christmas time and it doesn’t feel like it at all.” His eyes welled up.
Elle put her arms around him. “You’re right. This should be a happy time. I’m going to take care of it. Don’t worry.”
“How?”
“You leave that to me.” She brushed his hair back and kissed his forehead. “Do you feel better?”
“Yes.”
“I know it’s early, but do you have any homework?”
He nodded.
“Just relax and watch television, go on the computer or play one of your games. You can do your homework later.”
Kyle looked shocked. “What did you say?”
“I won’t tell if you don’t.” She winked.
“Thanks, Mom.” He hugged her.
“You’re welcome, baby.” She kissed him again and got up. “I’ll see you in a little while.”
“Where are you going?”
“I have to run some errands. I’ll be back.”
“Okay.” Kyle flipped his laptop open.
Elle walked out of his room and downstairs to the foyer. “Frieda?”
“Yes, Mrs. Brennan?”
Elle got her coat from the hall closet. “I’m going out for a little while. Kyle’s upstairs in his room.” She put her coat on.
“Would you like me to have the car brought around?”
“No. I’m going to drive.” She grabbed her bag. “I’ll have my cell on if anyone needs to reach me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Elle went through the back to the garage and got in her car. Doug’s way isn’t working. She put the car in reverse and pulled away. It’s time for Momma to lay down the law.
* * *
Doug was returning to his office after an announcement and photo op with the Department of Transportation Commissioner for the city’s pothole blitz. Though he usually preferred not to dirty his custom shoes, shoveling tar helped to release some of the stress he’d been feeling over the last week.
Alice wasn’t at her desk. He looked at his watch. “She must have left for lunch,” he mused as he continued to his office. When he opened the door he saw his father sitting there.
“Dad?”
“Hello, son.” He got up and the two shook hands.
“Have a seat, Dad. This is a surprise. What brings you here?” Doug took his coat off and sat down behind his desk.
‘”I came by to see how things were going.”
“It’s been a little rough, but I talked to Jim and it seems that he still wants me to be the appointee in spite of the scandal and negative articles.”
“I wasn’t talking about the senate appointment. I was talking about your family.”
“They’re hanging tough, Dad.”
“You know your mother went by to see Elle. Didn’t she tell you?”
“No, but I’m not surprised after the other night.”
“I assume it had to do with Rory.”
“What else is there these days, Dad? Every time I turn around there’s something new.”
“What do you mean?”
Doug hesitated for a moment. “Do you know Kent Barlow?”
“Right. Now that I’m officially pregnant, I can’t take those medications. But I’m sure it’s nothing a ginger ale or a little bicarbonate won’t cure.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She looked at her watch. “I have enough time to take a nap before I lay the baby news on Doug.”
They walked out of the school to Melissa’s car.
“I don’t know how he’s going to take it,” Elle said as she got in.
“He’s going to be overjoyed,” Melissa said as she got in and put her seatbelt on.
“With the senate appointment and this fiasco with Rory going on, I hope you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right.” Melissa smiled as she started the car.
I hope so, Elle thought.
* * *
After Melissa dropped her off, Elle went to the kitchen, cakes boxes in hand.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Brennan. What’s all this?” Frieda smiled.
“Hi, Frieda. Hopefully this is dessert for the next couple of nights, but you never know with my sons.”
Frieda laughed as she took the boxes from Elle and placed them on the counter. “Mrs. Brennan, the senior Mrs. Brennan is here to see you.”
“Oh? How long has she been here?”
“She’s hasn’t been here long. Twenty minutes at the most. She’s in the living room having coffee.”
“Thanks.” Elle took her coat off. “Frieda, my stomach’s a little upset. Would you mind getting me a ginger ale or something?”
“Sure. I’ll bring you a glass of ginger ale. Would you like ice?”
“Yes, please.”
“Coming right up,” she said and smiled.
Elle headed for the living room. Just like she did before she’d seen Mr. Brennan, she made a quick mirror check before she entered the living room. So much for my nap, she sighed.
“Hello, Mrs. Brennan,” Elle said as she entered the room.
“Hello, my dear.” Mrs. Brennan stood up and the two women embraced.
Elle looked over at the tea service Frieda had put on the table. “Would you like another cup?”
“No, dear. I’m good.” She sat down. “I’m sorry for just dropping in on you like this.”
“That’s not a problem, Mrs. Brennan.” Elle smiled sweetly as she sat down.
“With everything going on, I was concerned and I wanted to see how you’re holding up.”
“Thank you. So far I’m none the worse for wear.”
“I could kill that Angela.” She shook her head. “I didn’t like her when Rory first brought her around, there was something about her I didn’t like.”
Elle was a little taken aback by her candor. “Well, that’s water under the bridge now,” Elle said.
“It’s more like sludge at this point. How has Doug been with you since this happened? I know he’s been a bit preoccupied with this Senate business.”
“Good. He’s been fine.”
“Listen, Elle, I’ve been married to a Brennan far longer than you and I know how they get when it comes to politics.”
“He’s been busy doing damage control. It’s almost like he…” She stopped.
“He believes what’s in the papers, right?”
“Yes.” Elle sank a bit in the chair. “To be honest I haven’t helped myself much.”
“What do you mean?”
“Rory and I went to Bronx Children’s Clinic together after Thanksgiving and I neglected to mention it to Doug. He heard about it from a reporter.”
“Well, did you tell him Rory was there to talk about pro bono work with Dr. Campbell?”
“How did you know?”
“Rory mentioned it. Didn’t you explain that to Doug?”
“I was going to until he started acting like I’d done something wrong.”
“Dear, you should have told him about Rory and how this whole situation is making you feel.”
“You’re right.” Elle nodded. “I tried to tell him, but I clammed up.”
“Listen, sweetheart, I understand how you feel, but the Brennan men can be awfully thick skulled. Sometimes you have to use a velvet glove and a big stick to get them to pay attention. Take it from me.”
Frieda walked in with the ginger ale. “Excuse me, ladies. Here you go.” She handed Elle the glass.
“Thank you.”
“Can I get you anything else?”
“No.” Elle sipped the soda. “This is great.”
“Would you like another cup of coffee, Mrs. Brennan?”
“No. Thank you.” She looked at her watch. “I have to be going soon.”
“Very good, ma’am.” Frieda cleared the coffee service and returned to the kitchen.
“Are you feeling all right, Elle?”
“I’m fine. It’ just a little upset stomach, that’s all.”
“You should get some rest and tell my son how you feel. Trust me, that will help alleviate your upset stomach.”
That and getting through the first trimester.
“I will. I promise,” Elle said.
Mrs. Brennan stood up. “Well, I’d better be going.”
Elle rose, put her glass down and walked her to the door. “Please give Mr. Brennan my love.”“I will.” Mrs. Brennan hesitated a moment. Then she lightly touched Elle’s cheek. “You should get some rest, sweetie. You look a little tired,” she said.
“I’m going to lie down for a while before dinner.”
“Good.” She kissed her on her cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay.” Elle watched from behind the door as photographers snapped photos of Mrs. Brennan as she got into a waiting car. She held her stomach as she closed the door.
“Here you go, Mrs. Brennan.” Frieda handed her the glass.
“Oh, thank you.” She quickly took a long sip.
“I’ll get dinner going while you get some rest.”
“You’re a lifesaver, Frieda.”
Frieda disappeared into the kitchen while Elle slowly made her way upstairs to her bedroom. Once she got there she flopped onto the bed. Eventually she managed to pull the covers up. I’ll just rest for a while. I’ll talk to Doug when he gets home. The minute her head touched the pillow she was asleep.
* * *
About a half hour later, Elle was awakened by a gentle tap on her shoulder. “Yes?”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Brennan, but there is a Mr. McNeal on the phone for Mr. Brennan.”
“Mr. McNeal? He didn’t want to leave a message?”
“No. I can try to get rid of him.”
“That’s okay, Frieda. I’ll talk to him.”
“Okay.” She left the room.
Elle sat up in bed then composed herself before she picked up. “Hello?”
“Oh, I’m sorry if I woke you, Mrs. Brennan.”
“It’s fine. What can I do for you, Mr. McNeal?”
“Please call me Seth. Since I’m going to be working with your husband, I thought I’d call to introduce myself.”
“I’m sorry. You’re working with my husband on what?”
“His senatorial appointment.”
Finally a light went on over Elle’s head. “You’re Seth McNeal. You specialize in political public relations.”
“I wouldn’t say that’s all I do. I really concentrate on taking polls and analyzing data.”
“I see.”
“Oh, dear, this is the first you’re hearing about me, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but that’s not your fault.”
“I’m so sorry. To be honest he hasn’t exactly hired me yet, this is all just preliminary stuff.”
“Don’t worry about it. Doug has been so busy lately he probably hasn’t had the chance to tell me.” She yawned.
“You sound tired. I should let you go. Again, I am so sorry for the intrusion.”
“Thank you. Have a good day.”
“You, too.” He hung up.
Why didn’t Doug tell me he took a meeting with a big gun like him? Poll analyzing, my ass, she fumed. Suddenly her stomach pained her again. I’d better relax before this gets any worse. She lay back down, and before long she’d drifted off again.
* * *
“Elle?”
She opened her eyes. “What time is it?”
Doug looked at his watch. “It’s only eight o’clock. You were out like a light. Are you feeling okay?”
“I was tired.”
“Obviously.” He sat down, took off his shoes and loosened his tie.
“I did wake up for a phone call, though.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes. Seth McNeal called to introduce himself to me.”
Doug slumped in the chair. “I meant to tell you about him. Uncle Rob recommended him as the best pollster he knows.”
“I know the name Seth McNeal, and that’s not all he specializes in. He’s the guy who sets up all those infamous mea culpa press conferences when politicians are caught dipping more than just their hands in the cookie jar. Meanwhile their humiliated spouses do their best not to look like deer in headlights.”
“You don’t think that’s the reason I contacted him, do you?”
“Well you didn’t bother to tell me about it at all, so I don’t know what to think? Maybe you want Rory and me to go in front of the press and confess our friendship.”
“That’s not fair.
“Well you have been all worked up about that silly clinic thing.”
“Silly clinic thing? My poll numbers have been steadily dropping ever since this whole divorce drama broke. A divorce drama that has nothing to do with me.”
“It has nothing to do with me, either, Doug.”
“I didn’t mean for it to sound that way.”
“The hell you didn’t.” Elle jumped out of bed, headed for the bathroom and slammed the door.
“Damn!”
Elle turned the water on in the sink so Doug wouldn’t hear her crying.
“Come on, Elle. Open the door. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” He stood and listened at the door for a few minutes in the hope that she’d open it, but she didn’t. Dejected, Doug left the room. Maybe she needs a little space.
When he returned an hour later, Elle was curled up in bed fast asleep. Her crying had tired her already spent body out. She and Doug would for the first time in years go to bed upset, and while they both slept it was far from restful.
Chapter 15
With Doug and the boys out of the house extra early, Elle went down to the kitchen for a cup of peppermint tea to settle her stomach. Ever since The Post ran the photo of Rory and the mystery woman, her stomach, like her life, was in an uproar. She peeked out the window at the reporters still camped out by the front door.
They’re like dogs camped around a butcher shop just waiting for any little scrap of meat. I wonder what would happen if I rang a bell. She shook her head in disgust and groaned as she sat down at the kitchen table.
“Mrs. Brennan? Are you all right?”
“I’m okay, Frieda. My stomach is a little upset, that’s all.”
“Would you like some dry toast or crackers?”
“No, thank you. Tea is fine for now.”
“Okay. Let me know if you change your mind.”
“I will.”
In all the years I’ve been with Doug, I’ve never been so angry with him. Maybe it was partly my fault. I should have come clean about the clinic and today we’d be celebrating our impending arrival. She glanced down at her stomach. Suddenly Kyle walked in with the assistant principal, Mr. Gibbs. Kyle looked a little disheveled.
“Kyle? Oh, my God. What happened?” She immediately went over to examine him more closely.
“I’m sorry, Mom.”
“What are you sorry about? What’s going on?”
Kyle was quiet.
“You’re not going to tell your mother, Kyle?”
The boy didn’t say anything.
“Kyle and another student got into a scuffle this morning.”
“You were in a fight?”
Kyle looked away. “I’m sorry, Mom.”
“Why on earth were you fighting at school?”
“I really don’t want to talk about it, Mom.”
“You might not want to talk about it now, but we are going to talk. Go to your room. I’ll be up in a minute.”
Kyle turned to Mr. Gibbs. “Thanks for the ride home, Mr. Gibbs.”
“That’s quite all right, Kyle.”
Kyle left the kitchen.
“Mr. Gibbs, Kyle’s in the math and chess club. He doesn’t have a violent bone in his body. What happened?”
“According to the other students the other kid was giving him a hard time about the…”
“You can say it. He was getting teased about me.”
“I’m afraid so. Kids can be cruel, even at this age.”
“So can adults.”
“True. Under the circumstances I thought it best to bring him home.”
“Has he been suspended?”
“No. Kyle’s a good kid with no discipline problems. He’s just going through a bad time, as I’m sure you all are.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked at his watch. “I’d better get back to the school.”
Elle shook his hand. “Thanks again.”
“I’ll see myself out the back.”
Frieda walked in. “That’s okay. Frieda, can you walk Mr. Gibbs out the back?”
“Sure. Follow me.”
He followed her out of the kitchen.
Elle rubbed her forehead. Kyle was in a fight over this garbage. I told Doug it wasn’t enough to handle the situation for the sake of his political career and to save face for the Senate appointment. She sighed. Oh, my poor child had to defend his mother’s honor. She went upstairs.
When she got to Kyle’s room the door was open and he was sitting on his bed.
“Kyle?” She sat next to him.
“Yes, Mom. I know you’re disappointed in me.”
She stroked his hair. “I’m not disappointed. Just tell me what happened.”
“I really don’t want to talk about it.”
“I already know it has something to do with the stuff in the papers. You can tell me.”
“I don’t want to repeat it.”
“Listen, Kyle, I understand that, but you’ve been teased before and you never let it get you to the point of fighting. So you might as well tell me, because I’m not leaving until you do.”
He let out a heavy sigh. “This kid asked me…” He hesitated.
“What kid?”
“Shane Whitmore.”
Figures it would be Morgan’s son. “Go on. Tell me what he said.”
“He asked me if Kevin and I will have to call Uncle Rory Uncle Daddy now.”
Elle’s heart sunk, but she didn’t let on. “I know that wasn’t a nice thing to say, but they are just words. You can’t let them bother you.”
“How can you say that, Mom? Aunt Angela and her lawyer are putting these lies in the paper, and you and Dad aren’t doing anything about it.”
“Your father thinks it’s best to work on it through the proper channels.”
“Well, it’s not working. When is it going to stop, Mom? It’s Christmas time and it doesn’t feel like it at all.” His eyes welled up.
Elle put her arms around him. “You’re right. This should be a happy time. I’m going to take care of it. Don’t worry.”
“How?”
“You leave that to me.” She brushed his hair back and kissed his forehead. “Do you feel better?”
“Yes.”
“I know it’s early, but do you have any homework?”
He nodded.
“Just relax and watch television, go on the computer or play one of your games. You can do your homework later.”
Kyle looked shocked. “What did you say?”
“I won’t tell if you don’t.” She winked.
“Thanks, Mom.” He hugged her.
“You’re welcome, baby.” She kissed him again and got up. “I’ll see you in a little while.”
“Where are you going?”
“I have to run some errands. I’ll be back.”
“Okay.” Kyle flipped his laptop open.
Elle walked out of his room and downstairs to the foyer. “Frieda?”
“Yes, Mrs. Brennan?”
Elle got her coat from the hall closet. “I’m going out for a little while. Kyle’s upstairs in his room.” She put her coat on.
“Would you like me to have the car brought around?”
“No. I’m going to drive.” She grabbed her bag. “I’ll have my cell on if anyone needs to reach me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Elle went through the back to the garage and got in her car. Doug’s way isn’t working. She put the car in reverse and pulled away. It’s time for Momma to lay down the law.
* * *
Doug was returning to his office after an announcement and photo op with the Department of Transportation Commissioner for the city’s pothole blitz. Though he usually preferred not to dirty his custom shoes, shoveling tar helped to release some of the stress he’d been feeling over the last week.
Alice wasn’t at her desk. He looked at his watch. “She must have left for lunch,” he mused as he continued to his office. When he opened the door he saw his father sitting there.
“Dad?”
“Hello, son.” He got up and the two shook hands.
“Have a seat, Dad. This is a surprise. What brings you here?” Doug took his coat off and sat down behind his desk.
‘”I came by to see how things were going.”
“It’s been a little rough, but I talked to Jim and it seems that he still wants me to be the appointee in spite of the scandal and negative articles.”
“I wasn’t talking about the senate appointment. I was talking about your family.”
“They’re hanging tough, Dad.”
“You know your mother went by to see Elle. Didn’t she tell you?”
“No, but I’m not surprised after the other night.”
“I assume it had to do with Rory.”
“What else is there these days, Dad? Every time I turn around there’s something new.”
“What do you mean?”
Doug hesitated for a moment. “Do you know Kent Barlow?”
