Legacy by M.A. Foster

September

_____________________________

Katie

Knock, knock, knock.

Tossing the rag on the counter, I pick up my phone and pause the music before hurrying to the front door. It’s Vanessa’s official move-in day.

Flicking the lock, I pull the door open. Coach Abbott, Vanessa’s father, is standing there wearing a grin.

“Katie!” he greets excitedly, pulling me into a hug and spinning me around. “How the hell are you?”

“I’m good,” I say through a giggle.

Grabbing my hand, he pulls me through the foyer and shoves something against my palm. “Thank you for taking her in,” he whispers. “Drinks are on me.”

“You don’t have to do that.” I attempt to return his money. “She’s my best friend.”

“Hello,” a female calls from the doorway. “John.”

“In here,” Coach Abbott calls out. Then to me, he says, “Take it.”

A moment later, Kelly appears carrying an armful of clothes.

“You remember Kelly?” he asks.

“Yes,” I reply as I tuck the cash into my pocket. “Hi, Kelly.”

“Hi, Katie.” She nods to the clothes in her arms. “Would you mind showing me where these go?”

“Of course.” I gesture for her to follow me.

“John, go help your daughter,” she calls over her shoulder as she follows me into the guest room.

“You can just set them on the bed, and I’ll help hang them up,” I offer.

“Thank you.” Dropping the clothes on the bed, she hooks her fingers through a few hangers. “Vanessa doesn’t have much,” she adds as she carries them into the walk-in closet. I grab a handful and step into the closet beside her. “Everything she owns fits inside her SUV, and I think the majority of it is clothes.” She lets out a light laugh, but there’s an edge to it. “Poor Vanessa. How much heartbreak can a woman endure before she becomes a bitter, man-hating bitch?”

I snort. “I'm sure growing up with a father like Coach Abbott, she knows good men still exist in this world. Although, I think he set the bar pretty high.”

“He sure did,” Kelly agrees.

Vanessa’s mom died when she was a kid, and her dad raised her. He always put her first, and never brought another woman around until Kelly. She’s very sweet, and I know Vanessa adores her. Not to mention, she and Coach Abbot make a pretty hot couple. I bite back a grin, remembering that day at breakfast and how horrified Vanessa was after hearing her dad and Kelly having sex.

“Hey,” Vanessa greets as she walks into the room dragging two suitcases behind her. “Thanks for hanging those up. Dad’s coming with the rest.”

“Incoming.” Coach storms into the room and dumps the remaining pile of clothes on the bed. “Come on, Vannie. One more trip and we’re all done.”

Kelly and I finish hanging up Vanessa’s clothes while she and her father finish unloading her car. Then Coach and Kelly take off, and I leave Vanessa to sort out her stuff while I finish cleaning my kitchen.

* * *

“Katie!” Vanessa screams from the back patio.

Walking to the door, I slide it open. “What’s up?”

She points to Rocky, who’s perched on the cushion beside her. “What the fuck?”

I snort as I step out onto the patio. “That’s Rocky. Don’t worry, he’s harmless. He just wants a treat.”

“I’m not giving him shit. What if he bites me and gives me rabies?”

“He doesn’t have rabies,” I tell her as I move over to the pail. “I’ve had him since he was a baby.” I click my tongue, and Rocky hops off the sofa and over to me.

“He’s your pet?”

“Yeah.” I grin. “I’ve had him for about a year now. He’s pretty self-sufficient. Like a cat but way cooler.” I point to the small hollowed-out oak tree in the corner of the patio. “It’s fake, but he doesn’t know the difference. He eats fruit, nuts, and a variety of seeds. He’s all stocked up.”

Her brows pinch. “Who’s gonna feed him when you’re gone?”

I smile, amused by the expression on her face. “You are.”

She presses her lips together. “Fine,” she hisses, “but he better not bite me or his little furry ass is getting tossed in the bay.”

“He will not bite you. Just don’t leave any food out here. He’s not wild, so if he eats something he shouldn’t, it could make him sick.”

“Okay.” She gestures to my jacuzzi pool. “What about that? He won’t fall in there, will he?”

“He’s fallen in there a few times, and I had to cage him when I wasn’t home, but he’s aware of it now. That's another thing. If you leave for a long period of time, you can cage him inside the tree. Just make sure he has food.”

I don’t miss the flash of panic in her eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ll show you everything before I leave. You and Rocky will be friends by the time I’m ready to go. I promise everything will be fine.”

“All right.” She drops her head back against the cushion. “We should go out.”

“Dinner and drinks, or dancing?”

She rolls her head to the side and grins. “All of the above.”

* * *

Wide awake, I stare into the darkness as the smell of fresh-brewed coffee drifts up from the kitchen. I’m leaving for London today. I hardly slept at all, but between the nerves and excitement churning in my gut, I feel wired. Reaching over to the nightstand, I check the time on my phone and see it’s already 5:00 a.m.

Tossing the covers back, I slide out of bed and shuffle to the bathroom. Standing in front of the mirror, I glance at the six-inch scar that runs down my arm just below my shoulder stopping just above my elbow. An everyday reminder of the worst day of my life. I blow out a breath as I twist my long black hair into a messy bun on top of my head before brushing my teeth and washing my face. Quietly, I make my way downstairs to the kitchen and flip on the pendant light hanging over the small island. Opening the refrigerator, I grab the half-and-half, setting it on the counter, then pull two mugs from the cabinet.

I’m on my second cup by the time Vanessa strolls into the kitchen dressed in her scrubs. She’s been working at the medical center for several weeks now.

“What are you doing up so early?” she asks as she makes her way over to the coffee machine. A smile stretches across her face when she sees I’ve made one for her. The mug says “Blow Me, I’m Hot.”

“I wanted to see you before you left for work.”

“Aww. I’ll miss you, too, love.” She blows me an air kiss, and I breathe a soft laugh. “What?” She purses her lips, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she leans with her backside against the counter. “It’s a term of endearment. What time does your flight leave?”

“Three.” I draw in a deep breath and clear my throat. “I know what today is, and I’m sad I won’t be here for you.”

Today is her mother’s birthday.

She drops her gaze and sighs before turning to set her mug on the counter.

Turning, I set my mug on the counter beside me before pulling her into a hug.

“I miss her,” she groans into my shoulder, her voice muffled.

“I know.” I rub a soothing hand down her back. “Are you going to the cemetery today?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I have time before my flight leaves. Meet me on your lunch break and we’ll go together.”

She lifts her head. “Really?”

She pulls back, but I keep a grip on her upper arms. “I was planning on going anyway.”

“No roses,” she reminds me.

I don’t know why Vanessa hates roses, but I gather it has something to do with her mother. Which I always found odd, considering her mother’s name was Rose. I remember one time we’d all gone out to dinner, and in the center of the table was a single white rose. Vanessa’s whole body shuddered before she asked the waiter to take it away.

“Lilies it is,” I say, unsure whether lilies are in season.

“Thank you for being my friend.”

“The fabulous foursome forever, right, love?” I do my best British accent and reach for her hand. “Do me a favor.”

“What’s that?”

“Go out tonight.” She rolls her eyes and pulls away. “I mean it, Vanessa. It’s Friday. Call Gabbi and have a girls’ night out. Ask Mia to go, too.” Mia is Vanessa’s coworker and new friend. Vanessa and I went out for taco Tuesday, and she invited Mia along. I instantly liked her, and I could see why she and Vanessa had become fast friends. “She’s become a good friend to you,” I add. “I think it would be good to surround yourself with friends. Especially since I won’t be here.”

Her lips pull to the side as she seems to consider it. “I’ll think about it.”

“No thinking about it. You’re going. Do I need to call Gabbi?”

“Fine,” she drawls. “I’ll go, but on one condition.”

“What?”

“Promise me you’ll have fun in London.”

Just knowing I’ll be in London at this time tomorrow makes me smile. “I plan to.”

“Not your kind of fun but real fun.” She points at me. “Live-in-the-moment kind of fun. You’re going to London, Katie. Go out and do some sightseeing. Go to a pub and eat fish and chips. Have a real English breakfast, and for the sake of your poor neglected vagina, find a hot Englishman and fuck his brains out.”

“I’m not making any promises, but I’ll think about it.”

“Fair enough.” She nods. “I gotta get to work. I’ll meet you at the cemetery at noon.”

“I’ll be there,” I call out as she heads for the door.

Finishing my coffee, I dump the rest of Vanessa’s into the sink before washing and putting the mugs away. Then I head upstairs to shower and finish packing.

* * *

Peeking through the glass, I spot Hazel at the back of the cafe behind the counter unloading a box. I knock softly on the glass, and her head jerks up. A smile stretches across her face, and she waves before she rounds the counter and heads toward the door. I step to the side as she flicks the locks and pushes the door open.

“Good morning,” she chirps.

“Good morning,” I reply as I step inside the cafe. “I just wanted to check on you and make sure you’re happy with everything.”

“I’m more than happy.”

I can’t help the proud grin as I scan the space. Bistro tables are arranged on one side of the room, and on the other side is a sitting area with three small velvet love seats in a deep purple arranged in a U shape, a small wooden coffee table situated between them.

I follow her to the back counter, where the register is set up, another counter behind it lined with high-end coffee machines. A large clock, flanked by two chalkboards, hangs on the brick wall over the counter.

“Are you ready for your opening?”

Hazel nods, her thumbnail pinched between her teeth. “I’m so nervous.”

I reach for her hand and gently pull it from her mouth. “Don’t be.” I gesture around the shop. “This place looks fantastic.”

“Thanks to you. Seriously, Katie, thank you so much.”

“It was my pleasure.” Reaching into my bag, I pull out the small box and hold it out to Hazel. “I got you a little something.”

She flicks her wrist, shaking her head. “You’ve already done so much.”

“I thought this was cute. Open it.”

She lifts the lid off the box and pulls out the little jar tucked inside. The label reads “Jar of Good Luck.” Inside are rolled-up colorful papers, each one containing an inspirational message.

“This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“I thought you’d like it. You can put it on your desk or anywhere you want. Keep it for yourself or share it with your employees, or even your customers. Maybe refill it with your own inspirational messages.” I wink.

“Thank you.” She gives me a quick hug before pulling away. We make our way back to the entrance. “You’re leaving for London today, right?”

I nod. “I’m just finishing up some errands, and then I’m heading to the airport.”

“Have a safe trip. Please come see me when you get back.”

“You know I will.” I push through the door.

“And don’t forget my jam,” she calls out.

I laugh and wave over my shoulder. “I won’t.”

* * *

Isteer through the gates of Heritage Gardens Cemetery and park at the curb behind a black BMW. Pushing the driver door open, I drag in a deep cleansing breath of fresh air, then blow it out, attempting to ease the anxiety squeezing my chest. The first year after I lost Bennett, I came to the cemetery almost every other day. Then I landed the job with Van Doren Designs, and I was grateful for the distraction. Not only was I keeping myself busy, but I was doing what I loved. I cut back my visits to birthdays, weekends, and holidays. Then Gabbi and I started our Sunday brunches. So now I visit on Sundays, birthdays, and holidays. Gabbi and Vanessa both offered to come and change out Bennett’s flowers while I’m in London.

My phone rings, and I pick it up from the console to see that same damn Oregon number flashing on the screen. I assumed the last couple of times they called, they would leave a message. They didn’t. Clearly it’s not important, and I don’t have time for this today. Sending the call to voice mail, I toss my phone back into the console, then reach over to the passenger seat, grabbing the bottled water, small blanket, and two bouquets of sunflowers I picked up from Adeline. I promised Vanessa lilies, but I doubt she’ll care as long as they’re not roses.

Climbing out of my Jeep, I use my hip to close the door, locking it with the key fob before shoving it into the pocket of my yoga pants. I make my way up the path until I reach my designated spot, laying the blanket on the ground beside Bennett’s headstone. I bend down and adjust the blanket, then drop to my knees. Reaching over, I pull out the daisies from last week and replace them with the sunflowers. I twist the cap off the bottled water and add it to the vase.

Saving the other half of the bottle for Vanessa, I look down at my watch, seeing it’s five minutes till noon.

“You’re probably wondering why I’m here on a Friday. I have to go out of town for a little while, but your Aunt Gabbi and Aunt Vanessa promised to visit you while I’m gone.”

Pulling my knees to my chest, I wrap my arms around my shins and lower my head.

“She’s awake.”

“I’ll go get the nurse.”

I rolled my head to the side to see Vanessa perched on the edge of the bed.

“Hey,” she said softly.

Her eyes were red and swollen. She looked like she hadn’t slept in weeks.

I couldn’t speak, but she saw the question in my eyes. “Where is he?”

Vanessa’s pained expression said it all.

He was gone.

“Hi,” a little voice says, pulling me from a painful memory.

Startled, I lift my head and turn, coming face-to-face with an adorable little girl with bright green eyes and her black hair in pigtails. “H-Hi.”

“Oh my gosh, Willow.” I look over her shoulder to see a pretty redhead rushing toward us. She looks completely mortified. “I’m so sorry,” she says apologetically.

“It’s okay.” I force a tight smile as I swipe the tears from under my eyes and run my hands over my pants.

The little girl, Willow, throws her arm out to the side and then drops it, smacking the side of her thigh. “I juss wanna’d to give hers a fowler for her angel,” she argues.

A laugh bubbles in my chest. Oh, she’s cute and sassy.

The redhead cringes. “Do you mind?”

I shake my head and smile. “Not at all.”

Willow extends her tiny hand, holding a hot pink daisy. “Here.”

“Thank you, Willow.” I bring the daisy to my nose and pretend to smell it.

Smiling, she nods slowly as her eyes move over my face. She blinks, and with the most serious expression on her face, she says, “Yous look like my angel mommy.”

Brows pinched, I dart my gaze up to the redhead, whose eyes are as round as saucers. She slaps a hand to her chest and mouths, “I’m so sorry,” before taking Willow by the hand. “It’s time to go, Willow. Say goodbye.”

“Bye,” Willow whispers as the redhead tugs gently on her hand and leads her to the BMW parked at the curb.

Turning my attention back to Bennett’s headstone, I tuck the bright pink daisy from Willow into the vase.

“Hey,” Vanessa says as she squats down beside me. “Sorry I’m late. I got held up with a patient.”

I look over at her and smile. “No worries.”

I consider telling her about the strange encounter with Willow, but everything about that exchange feels too raw and personal for both of us.

I pick up the extra bouquet and hold it out to Vanessa. “I hope you don’t mind sunflowers.”

“They’re perfect.”