Chapter 34

Chapter Thirty-Four

Caroline

S omething is wet. I jerk awake and find a damp spot in my lap. "Rezy!" Eww.

Calvin doesn't stir. He is either knocked out or passed out. Not sure which. Glad I know him well enough to be sure he's no alcoholic.

I carefully stand up and glance out the window. The ambient light from the streetlamp tells me several more inches have fallen while we slept. I glance at the clock. It's shortly after nine p.m.

I go upstairs, grabbing my phone on the way. I shower, grateful for the abundance of hot water and steam rising from the radiators. I dig into my suitcase and pull out the flannel pjs. For some reason, they feel like the best option right now. If Evie could see me now, her jaw would hit the floor. Flannel is not my go-to fabric. But the roomy, plaid green top and pull-tie pants are arguably as soft as a baby blanket.

Not that I've been around babies much. Since I married after my child-bearing years, I never gave much thought to parenting. That's not to say I don't like children. I've dedicated much of my time to Bernard's charity for kids with special needs. And Evie's and Sam's kids are terrific. But it wasn't in the cards for me and I'm fine with it.

I open my mail app and scroll through the emails that arrived before the storm—ones I hadn't had a chance to read yet. I do so despite knowing how my doctor feels about avoiding stressful situations. But he's passed out on the sofa.

Three emails from Sam. The first one is a long list of issues and questions regarding The Shining Stars Gala. Several of these things can be found in the notes I sent her. I was sure she was capable of managing this. But I can't blame her. Sam has been overwhelmed with her own life and warned me as much.

Still, I believed it was a win-win for her to take the helm on the project. It would keep me from dealing with Bernard's kids while allowing me to manage my stress levels during the lawsuit. In turn, Sam would find distraction from her challenges while earning a hefty paycheck. Perhaps I railroaded her.

I draft a response that will be sent when the WiFi returns. I offer to let her off the hook, that I can find someone who has the time to deal with the high-end event. The truth is, if I can't locate a replacement, I'll have no choice but to cancel. I will not run things this year. It's too much for me right now.

I let out a lungful of air, releasing the anxiety creeping up in my chest. I set down the phone and take a look in the mirror. The pjs top hits my mid-thigh and I wonder if it was part of the joke to whoever gave it to me. It's huge. I shed the pants. Maybe Calvin will think it's sexy.

When did things flip from buddies to something more? I know we're headed for dangerous waters. But if we do get pulled into the maelstrom, one thing is certain. I'm going to ride the wave as long as I possibly can.

I open the door to the bedroom and hear music but it's different than before. Another Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song. Yet, this one isn't coming off vinyl. It's live.

Teach your children well

It reminds me of the odd comment Calvin made downstairs about being a dad. Clearly, the musings of a guy with a high blood alcohol level.

The chords, both upbeat and melancholic, reach me. Calvin is awake, beckoning to me with his guitar. I quickly dab on some lipstick and mascara, make up my mind to leave the pjs pants on the bed, and hurry to the stairs. I'm ready for my private concert.