Bella's Christmas Rescue: A Holiday Novella Page 3

  When she finished she heard the front door and knew the pizza had arrived. She toweled off and put on the clean pajamas her grandmother set out for her. She combed her hair and blew it dry. The smell of pizza and garlic bread wafted in under the door setting her stomach to growling. She got her crutches from where they leaned against the wall and opened the bathroom door.

  Her grandmother was there setting the TV tray in front of the television for her. She’d fixed her a slice of pizza, some bread and a soda. Bella lay on the sofa waiting for her to sit down.

  Where was her grandmother’s plate?

  “Where’s your plate?”

  “I’m going out with Fern. We’re seeing that new romantic comedy. Marcia called while you were in the shower. I told her about your unfortunate accident. I had to convince her you didn’t want any visitors tonight but they’ll be by sometime tomorrow.”

  “Okay.”

  Rita came over and handed her some medicine and a glass of water. She took the pills. She handed her an icepack which Sarah gladly accepted. Her knee ached fiercely and she knew it would only get worse if she didn’t follow doctor’s orders. Next Rita opened her hall closet and brought an afghan over along with a bed pillow.

  “In case you decide to sleep out here.”

  “Thanks.”

  She kissed the top of her head.

  “Is there anything else dear?”

  “Nope. That’s it. Have fun tonight.”

  “I will. I’ll be back to check on you in the morning.”

  “I’ll be okay.”

  Sarah flipped through channel after channel. There was nothing to watch and whatever was in that medicine was making her drowsy. After finishing her food and drink she covered herself, elevating her knee and leg on two couch pillows. She turned off the television and fell asleep.

  Her throbbing knee woke her around six. The sharp pain was unbearable. She gimped her way to the kitchen where she spied some more pills and a note.

  Take these around five o’clock.

  No wonder my knee is hurting.

  She popped the pills in her mouth and went to the freezer to exchange the tepid ice pack for a cold one. She barely made it back to the couch where she slid into place. After icing her knee for forty-five minutes she decided she needed to eat something or she might throw up. She hobbled to the kitchen where she fixed herself a piece of dry toast and an apple.

  She was getting downright testy. She could barely take care of herself in her current condition. She had to cancel her ski trip. Her grandmother was taking care of her and it should be the other way around. The meds were upsetting her stomach. She glanced over at Bella who stared at her as if to say ‘I need to pee!’

  “Fat chance of that Bella. It’s just you and me girl. Neither of us gets to use the bathroom. I don’t even know how to accomplish that for myself- thanks to you. I can’t even bend my knee. Maybe I can learn to do it like a man.”

  A knock sounded at the door. She glanced at the clock. It could be Rita, but she had her own key. She would certainly have used it if it were her. There’s no way Marcia or any of her other friends were out and about this early. It was only seven thirty. Sarah used a computer chair on wheels to glide her way to the door. She fiddled with the lock and got it open on the fourth try.

  When she opened the door Jack stood there.

  “You need to replace that lock. It could be dangerous in case of a fire. You’d be trapped in here.”

  “Is this some sort of building inspection?”

  “No. This is a personal visit. You left your wallet in the ambulance.”

  He handed the wallet to her. She looked him over. He looked rested and wide awake. And just like before- he smelled amazing.

  “Did you just get off duty?”

  “I did. Twenty-four on. Seven thirty to seven thirty.”

  “You look so rested.”

  “We’re allowed to sleep as long as we’re not on a call.”

  “That’s good. I slept too but I don’t feel like it.”

  “Probably the meds. Why don’t you go lay down for a while. I’ll walk Bella for you.”

  “Be careful. You could end up laid up like me.”

  “I seriously doubt that.”

  He put on Bella’s leash and disappeared. Sarah raced to the bathroom- well not exactly raced. She brushed her hair and teeth. By the time she reached her bed he was there returning Bella. She heard him in the kitchen. He appeared in her doorway with an icepack, wearing an apron.

  He walked in and lifted the blanket placing the icepack on top of her knee, wrapped in a soft towel.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Playing EMT. Get some rest.”

  He walked out of her room and gently shut the door. She dozed for a bit and when she woke he was carrying in a try full of eggs, sausage and OJ. A rose was in a tall glass on the tray. He set her pill bottles on the bedside table.

  “You’ll need to take these. By the way Rita stopped by and said she called work for you.”

  “Work! I completely forgot work!”

  “Yep. You’re on restrictions for a few weeks. No work either. If you don’t mind Jeremy wants to borrow Bella for a few days. Take her jogging and such.”

  “Of course. That’d be great. I’m in no condition to be able to walk her.”

  “Apparently. You slept for a while. I’ve gotta run but I left my number in case you need anything- anything at all.”

  Sarah saw a note under the pill bottles on the nightstand. She was shocked to see it was after noon. She’d slept for over four hours. What had he done during that time? She looked back to the doorway and he was gone. She ate the meal he’d fixed her and she felt surprisingly better. She decided to stop taking whatever the meds were from the hospital and take her chances with a little ibuprofen and acetaminophen. She didn’t like how woozy she felt before.

  She made her way out to the kitchen and saw the bottom lock was locked but not the top. She went over to turn it. It worked perfectly.

  He fixed it.

  Her dishes were done and put away. Even her kitchen towels were neatly folded. She made her way back to the nightstand and picked up the note. She opened it and read.

  Dear Sarah,

  I’d like to get to know you better. Please have dinner with me tonight. I’d like nothing more.

  Jack

  Sarah would love to go on a date with him too- but on crutches? This wasn’t her idea of a dream date. She thought of her many outfit choices and none of them went nicely with crutches and a knee brace. Talk about romantic! She found his number on the back of the note and simply texted him yes…7pm?

  He quickly responded. It’s a date.

  Sarah’s stomach did a double flip. She felt a little queasy. She was unsure whether it was the lingering effects of the meds or Jack. A pounding came at her door. It could be none other than Marcia and Anastasiya.

  Sarah let them in and her tiny condo was immediately abuzz with activity. With them they had wine, cheese, baguettes and fresh fruit.

  “What’s up?”

  “We celebrating!” Marcia exclaimed.

  “What? My injury?”

  “No- of course not. Your date with the hot firefighter.”

  “EMT. And how did you know?”

  “Firefighter. EMT. Aren’t they the same thing?”

  “I’m not sure. How’d you find out?”

  “I come by earlier and he answered the door- in uniform!” Marcia uncorked the wine. “Yes. He is nice to look at my friend. Very nice.”

  “She is right. I was with her. I could not believe my eyes. I said to myself the girl has done it. She has gone and found herself a good looking one. He could be Russian with those eyes.”

  “Yes. We do not have men with those eyes in Brazil.”

  “I think he’s American.”

  “Same thing.” Marcia smiled.

  It was conversations like this one where their cultural differences made the conversation somew
hat hard to follow. Sarah didn’t see how being Russian and American could be anywhere near the same thing- but to a Brazilian maybe so. She had to laugh.

  “So we busied ourselves and came back. Your grandmother told us about the date. So excited. Too bad you’ll be on crutches. No fun for you.”

  “We are sad you can’t come with us to Park City- but who knows. Something good is baking here.”

  “Cooking. Something good is cooking here.” Anastasiya corrected.

  “Yes. That is what I said. Same thing.”

  Sarah enjoyed her lunch with friends and was relieved when they didn’t offer to choose an outfit for her- or worse buy one. They stayed until late afternoon and by the time they left she had little over two hours to get ready. Normally that would have been more than enough time, but considering her difficulties with mobility- well she’d need some extra time. The clothing choice would be the most difficult part. It would have to be shorts. There was no way she was getting a pair of jeans over her leg and if she did she may never get them off again.

  Finally she opted for a sundress. It was pink and white polka dot with spaghetti straps. Shorts would have been simpler but she had no idea what he had in mind. She wore her hair down and straight, simple necklace and matching earrings. With her makeup she went with an overall natural look with sheer gloss. She sprayed a light mist of perfume and walked through it- or hobbled as the case may be.

  She glanced around missing Bella. She’d only been gone one day and while she was sometimes mischievous on her walks she was a great dog. A few minutes later she knew he was at the door before he even knocked. She walked over and looked through the peep hole. She watched him curiously. He raised his hand to knock and then dropped it back down again. He hesitated. Then he did it again, knocking this time. He looked nervous- was that trepidation?

  It was then Sarah wondered what his exact situation had been? How had he wound up alone, raising his son on his own? She knew so little about this man. How much time was proper to wait before prying into personal details such as these?

  Sarah opened the door.

  Chapter Four

  Jack was dressed casually in jeans and a short sleeved, plaid button up. His dark brown hair curled wildly on top where he’d used gel or some type of styling product to calm it. One wayward curl hung on his forehead where it had escaped. He had on a pair of deck shoes. His tanned arms and face accentuated his sun kissed locks. She wondered what he did in his off time. It obviously involved something outdoors.

  He handed her a bouquet of pink carnations. She accepted them politely and returned to the kitchen to place them in some fresh water. She found a small clear vase under the kitchen sink and filled it halfway. She arranged the carnations and the smattering of Baby’s Breath that accompanied them. It was nice to receive flowers. Her recent dating experience involved dinner and her checking out the nearest escape exit. On one occasion she’d even been forced to call a cab. She took a deep breath and steadied her nerves. She said a silent prayer this date would end on a better note. While arranging the flowers she glanced over at Jack. He was unusually quiet.

  “So where are we going?”

  “I thought you’d like to dine in the best restaurant in town.”

  “I’m intrigued. I wonder if I’ve eaten there before.”

  “I doubt that.”

  He opened the door for her and held it while she exited cumbersomely with her crutches. She’d been on them less than twenty-four hours and already her arms were getting sore where they rubbed her armpits. She figured by the end of the week her armpits would be nearing raw. He walked slowly beside her to the elevator. After she climbed in he pressed G that would take them to the parking garage below.

  “How’s Bella?”

  “She’s doing better than expected.”

  “Better than expected?”

  “Jeremy’s training her for you. It’s winter break so he has the time. I offered him a new bike in exchange for turning her into a well-mannered, leash trained dog.”

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “Well I did actually. Rita didn’t want a repeat of yesterday’s events. While you were supposed to be skiing- she had visions of herself winding up in that same lake.”

  “So she suggested the training.”

  “Pretty much. I told her I couldn’t do it but offered Jeremy’s services. She offered to pay. I suggested he needed a new bike. It’s a done deal.”

  Sarah thought about asking about Jeremy’s mother and their situation, but thought better of it.

  “I can’t argue with that. Bella’s a strong dog.”

  “I know.” He smiled down at her leg.

  At a black Charger he opened the door and let her inside. After he closed it behind her she ran her hands over the nice leather interior. This was certainly a nice car for a poor firefighter, especially one who couldn’t afford to live in Celebration to hear him tell it. Certainly her 1995 Mazda wasn’t this nice- or new. There was more to this guy. A lot more. He sat behind the wheel and turned the ignition.

  She sat in silence. The car was pin neat and smelled good- like him. She looked in the backseat. Of course she realized most guys cleaned their cars for a date. His was no exception. The telltale signs of where the carpets were recently vacuumed were easily identifiable. The leather shined brightly in the garage lighting. When they pulled out and onto the highway she was surprised to see that they were getting onto the interstate.

  “How far away is this restaurant?”

  “A ways. Ever spend much time in Clearwater?”

  “I’ve been to the beach there. I’d say that’s about it. I’m a Boston girl.”

  “I figured by that accent.” He winked at her. “I was raised in Clearwater. I love everything about the Florida Gulf Coast. The beaches, boating- anything on the water.”

  “Explains the tan. Being a firefighter must suit you perfectly. Forty-eight hours off is just enough time for a quick get-away.”

  “You’re a quick study. And you’re right. I love to come over here and I needed a career that would allow for that.”

  Sarah certainly hoped he wasn’t another beach bum! At least this one had a good, full time job.

  “How long have you been a fireman slash EMT? Is it the same thing?”

  “Not the same thing, but in our Fire House everyone is trained in both. All units have to have Advanced Life Support or ALS. So we do both. I’ve been doing it for ten years. Before that Jeremy and I lived in Clearwater. We moved to Celebration when I was twenty-six.”

  “Why would you move? If you loved the beach lifestyle so much?”

  “Our parents passed away in a car accident. He was only six at the time. I looked for a community for us with sports and lots of kids. I found it in Celebration.”

  “So he’s your brother- not your son.”

  “Correct. Everybody assumes he is my son and because I’ve raised him I’m more like a father to him. He even calls me Dad. I don’t mind. I’ve grown to like it.”

  “A father and a big brother all in one. That’s pretty cool.”

  “I guess- except when you’re dating and women think you must be either a widower or a womanizer. I call it the two W’s. In the first case they pity you. In the second case they think you must be some jerk whose wife or girlfriend left him for a good reason.”

  Sarah was laughing at this point.

  “I’ve got to admit I was curious.”

  “Just curious? I should’ve let you stew on it a while longer. That usually backfires though- then I get accused of trying to hide the truth. I usually choose not to discuss it at all. If a woman is bothered by me having a teenaged boy to care for I figure it doesn’t matter. He’s always going to be a part of my life and that won’t change. Doesn’t make her a right fit.”

  “Sounds like it’s proven challenging for you.”

  “I do a lot of casual dating.”

  Sarah didn’t like the sounds of that. Was that a red flag?
<
br />   “Casual dating?”

  “Bad choice of words. I don’t introduce everyone to Jeremy. I don’t want anyone in his life unless I’m seriously interested in them. The few times I have been interested in someone beyond dinner and a night out, she finds out about Jeremy and it’s too much for her. You’re different. You knew him first. This is kind of dating in reverse for me.”

  For not having spoken much at first, Jack was really opening up to her. He was putting it all out there.

  “My story is a bit different.”

  “You mean you’re not raising a teenaged sister or anything? Been married before?”

  “You’ve been married?”

  Sarah’s question came out more startled sounding than she’d intended.

  “Nope. Just playin’with you. Came close once- but it didn’t work out.”

  “I’ve never been married either. I have dated a bit. A lot of first dates. I’m picky. I think that’s my problem.”

  “Picky. In what way?”

  “I don’t want to settle. I’m Christian. I want a regular church-goer. A family guy. I see dating as the way to meet the one- not as a way of passing the time. If someone’s not the one material- I just don’t move forward.”

  “And this one date is the only shot the guy gets?”

  “Sometimes.”

  “I’d better be careful then. I don’t want to ruin my one chance.” He smiled at her from the driver’s seat.

  He enjoyed teasing her and he seemed to get a kick out of her dating philosophy. Especially since his own self-professed viewpoints on ‘casual dating’. They were coming into this from two different ends of the dating spectrum. Her the ‘one date wonder’ and him the ‘expert in casual dating’. Could this relationship possibly grow into anything more?

  He changed interstates outside of Tampa and continued towards the beaches. He crossed a causeway and then a bridge. Eventually they pulled into a restaurant on the water called John’s Oysters and Seafood. He came around to her side of the car and opened the door for her. She climbed out. He took her hand and led her up the walkway towards the hostess stand. The restaurant was very casual with people wearing everything from swim trunks to jeans and t-shirts. At his approach the middle aged hostess, whose nametag read Linda, greeted them warmly.