Still the One Read online

  “What do you mean—”

  “I’ve disappointed my mom so many times. I’m a regular expert at not living up to her expectations. I don’t want to mess this up, too.”

  “Listen to me, Lainey, because I’m only going to say this once. You’ll do great.”

  “Will you help me? I know it’s awkward, but I’ve gone through the files from last year. You worked on every piece. I’m not sure I can do it without you.”

  He could tell how much it took out of her to ask for help. It was not her nature. Lainey was a giver. That’s how it had been for him. When they’d been together all those years ago, he didn’t have anything to offer her. But she hadn’t cared. She’d saved his miserable life and he’d ruined hers. He couldn’t turn his back on her.

  “Of course I’ll help.” He dragged in a breath through his mouth, trying to clear his lungs.

  “Thank you,” she whispered. She pulled her hand away and stepped back. “Mama’s using the clinic conference room as her base of operations, right?”

  “Yep.”

  “I’ll be there in the morning. Good night, Ethan.”

  He waited until she was safely in the SUV before he turned for his door. As far as he knew, no one in Brevia locked up their houses at night. He let himself into the darkened trailer and without turning on the lights, set the plate on the coffee table and sank onto the couch. Josie, the clinic’s resident cat, nudged her head against his arm.

  He owed Lainey his help, he reasoned. He’d played a big part in the decisions that led to her estrangement from her mother. He knew Vera, like most of the town, had condemned Lainey for going after him. But their attraction had been mutual. She may have had a crush on him before he noticed her, but she never would’ve acted on her feelings if he hadn’t made the first move.

  Ten years later, most of the longtime residents of Brevia still blamed her for breaking up small town “Ken & Barbie.” Blamed her for that and so much more. His relationship with Julia had been nothing compared to what he’d felt for Lainey. Everyone wanted to help Vera, but Ethan could make it easier by giving Lainey his public support.

  He wondered what it would cost him in the end.

  * * *

  Lainey recognized the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. Each new assignment, whether photographing elephants on their annual migration across the Gobi Desert or grizzlies at the spring salmon runs in Alaska, brought her the same familiar flutter. Would she be good enough, the little wings flapping in her midsection teased? Would she get the right shot?

  Invariably, the worry subsided once she picked up her camera. Looking at the world through the lens remained her personal brand of meditation. She saw her surroundings in ways the naked eye missed. Just the feel of the camera’s weight in her hands, her finger on the shutter, relaxed her. Made her feel safe.

  This morning Lainey didn’t have a camera to hide behind. As she walked through the clinic’s entrance, her equipment offered no protection from the stares and whispers sure to come.

  She felt better after talking with Ethan last night, which set her off balance in another way. Baking brownies was one thing, but what had possessed her to deliver them? In the end he’d promised to support her, a fact that gave her more confidence today.

  Several people sat in the waiting area as she stepped toward the reception desk.

  “Is Dr. Daniels around?” she asked the young woman seated at a computer on the other side of a large counter.

  “He got called out to the Johnsons’ farm,” the girl said, her eyes on the computer screen. “An emergency with a mare. Is there someone else who can help?” She pushed a few keys on the computer and looked up.

  Lainey saw recognition dawn in the girl’s eyes. Her small shoulders stiffened and her eyes narrowed. “What do you want with him anyway?” she asked, suspicion laced in her tone.

  Lainey’s hackles rose and she took a deep breath. “I don’t think we’ve met.” She extended a hand. “I’m Lainey Morgan, Vera’s daughter.”

  The girl reluctantly shook Lainey’s hand. “I know who you are.”

  The butterflies in Lainey’s stomach multiplied into a full army. Get a grip, she told herself. This girl’s censure was the tip of the iceberg. She expected much worse from the committee members in this morning’s meeting. She’d managed to hide out at the hospital or her mother’s house since she’d been in town, only venturing to the grocery store under the cover of darkness. Today she’d finally be exposed to the light and the bright glare of angry feelings that came with it.

  Squaring her shoulders, she offered the girl her brightest smile. “What’s your name?”

  “Brandy Lott. I’m a temp because the regular receptionist has to do office management stuff over at the shelter. We’re short-staffed with Vera gone.”

  “I’m sure everyone is grateful to have you here.”

  A hesitant look lit Brandy’s kohl-rimmed blue eyes. “I don’t know. The phones get really busy. I’ve only been here a week. I still drop lots of calls.”

  “Happens to everyone.”

  Brandy looked hopeful. “You really think so?”

  Lainey nodded. She didn’t think so but was determined to make an ally of this girl. “We’re in the same boat. I’ve got to plan my mom’s big event, and I’m totally at a loss. Since you’re on the front lines, I’d appreciate any suggestions you have.” She paused. “And if there’s anything you need, I’m happy to help.”

  The girl peered over the top of the tall counter toward the lobby. “Actually,” she said in a hushed tone, “I had a Big Gulp on the way in. Could you watch the phones while I run to the bathroom?”

  Lainey hadn’t been behind the reception desk since she’d graduated from high school. “I guess,” she answered slowly.

  Brandy grinned. “Thanks. I’ll be quick as a lick.”

  Lainey eased around the side of the counter and through the door that led to the front office.

  Brandy stood and pointed at a complex-looking phone system. “Just hit the button when the light blinks.”

  Lainey didn’t have time to ask what she should say to the caller. Brandy disappeared through the doorway that led to the back of the clinic.

  Within seconds, a green light next to the ‘one’ button began to blink and a muted ring broke the quiet.

  With a groan, Lainey picked up the receiver and pressed the flashing light. “All Creatures Animal Hospital. May I help you?” The phone system may have changed but the words rolled off her tongue easily. She’d answered the clinic’s phone every summer and Saturday mornings for most of her teen years.

  She forced her attention back to the task at hand and realized the other end of the phone remained silent.

  “Hello? May I help you?”

  “Lainey?”

  Unexpected heat rushed to her cheeks. “Ethan?”

  “Lainey,” he repeated, his voice rough. “Why are you answering the phone?”

  “I got here early. Brandy’s in the bathroom.”

  She heard a muttered curse through the line. “The meeting isn’t for another forty-five minutes.”

  “I know.” She sighed. “I wanted time to get my bearings and prepare before the old battle-axes show up.”

  He laughed, and her resident butterflies took flight again for different reasons.

  “Are you nervous?”

  “Of course not,” she said quickly.

  Silence.

  “Maybe a little,” she amended. “You’re going to be here, right?”

  “That’s why I’m calling.” His voice was quiet. “The situation with the mare is more serious than I thought.”

  “Oh.” Her stomach sank.

  “You’ll do great. Remember the old trick—imagine Mrs. Vassler and her cronies in their skivvies. It�
�s the great equalizer.”

  Lainey smiled a bit. It was the same advice he’d given her ten years ago before an oral presentation she’d had in one of her art history courses. Back then all she’d wanted was to get through her classes so she could spend time with Ethan. She could not have cared less about how she did on a speech.

  This morning mattered. This time she cared about getting it right.

  She glanced at the desk. “I need to go. Lines two and three are flashing.”

  “Be sure to—”

  She didn’t hear what he said as she slammed down the receiver and picked it up again. She put line two on hold just as an older man leaned over the counter.

  “I need to check in,” he told her.

  She held up one finger then pressed line two, putting them on hold, as well. She looked over her shoulder to see Brandy at the edge of the reception area, Stephanie Rand at her elbow.

  “Help,” she mouthed silently.

  She stood and stepped away as the two women hustled forward. Brandy picked up the phone as Steph spoke to the man across the counter.

  A moment later Steph turned and jerked her head toward the back of the clinic. Lainey followed her into the hall.

  “What are you doing out there?” Steph whispered.

  Lainey blew out a breath. “I have no idea. Brandy had to go to the bathroom,” she said by way of an explanation.

  “This place isn’t a game, Lainey,” Steph answered, her voice tight. “It’s a much bigger operation than when your dad ran it.”

  “I’m sorry.” Lainey pressed against the wall and put her hands on her knees, letting her head loll forward. Adrenaline and nerves pumped through her body, making her tingle. “I was trying to be nice. To make friends. It would be great if one person in this town didn’t turn up their nose the minute I walked into the room.”

  Steph’s tone softened. “Does that really happen?”

  Lainey nodded, finding it difficult to speak.

  “I don’t think it’s personal.”

  Lainey glanced up. “Are you kidding? How is that possible?”

  “Everyone wants to protect Ethan. He’s a huge part of this community. As much as your dad was back in the day.”

  Lainey straightened. “It’s not a big deal, I guess. I want to have a look around before the meeting.”

  “I’ll introduce you to the staff. Most of them are new to the area.”

  “So they won’t hate me on sight?”

  “You’re kind of a legend around here.”

  Lainey groaned.

  “Let’s see what we can do to make you some new friends.”

  A half hour later, Lainey stood in an empty conference room, her mind reeling. Growing up, she’d spent so much time at the clinic, but what she’d seen today bore little resemblance to the animal hospital she remembered. She’d met the three other vets who worked with Ethan as well as several technicians.

  Everyone had been friendly, and the energy that radiated from the entire building went beyond positive. Even the animals kenneled in back seemed okay with being in their cages. Two different labs with various computers and high-tech surgical equipment took up most of the building’s rear. Each of the six exam rooms, including the one she’d been in with Pita, were enlarged and renovated from her days at the clinic.

  “Here you go.”

  Lainey turned as Steph walked into the room and handed her a cup of steaming coffee.

  “Thanks.” She cradled the mug between her palms and took a sip. “I can’t get over how things have changed. I knew the clinic had expanded and about the addition of the shelter. Seeing it firsthand...” She shook her head. “It’s amazing.”

  Steph nodded. “Ethan had a vision.”

  Lainey propped one hip on the conference table. “I never understood why he stayed. The whole reason he switched from med school to the vet program was because of the baby. Less time in school and my parents could help. Once that burden lifted I figured he’d be long gone.”

  “He felt a big responsibility to your mom and dad.”

  “What?” Lainey’s brows furrowed. “Why?”

  Steph held up her hands, palms open at Lainey’s outraged response. “I could be wrong. He was pretty much the reason both you and your sister took off for good that summer. You always loved it here, and Julia might have stuck around after she came back from the big city. Who knows? But I think he wanted to make amends for breaking up your family.”

  Lainey brought her fingers to her lips. “So Juls and I moved on, and he got stuck paying for all our mistakes.”

  “I don’t think he felt stuck. Not everyone was as hell-bent on getting away from Brevia as you and your sister.”

  Lainey gave a sad laugh. “All I ever wanted was to spend my life here. I never imagined leaving until the moment I pulled out of the church parking lot.”

  “You never looked back,” Steph countered.

  “At what? All my dreams died that day at the hospital.” She swallowed against the emotions rising in her throat.

  “What about new dreams?”

  Lainey forced herself to inhale. “Mine don’t involve this town.”

  “Or Ethan?”

  Lainey straightened the pile of papers that sat on the table next to her. “I need to pull it together before this meeting,” she said as she stood, reaching into her purse for a tissue to wipe her running nose.

  Steph’s arms wrapped around her. She turned and hugged her old friend.

  “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “You may be the only one.”

  Steph gave Lainey’s arms a tight squeeze. “A bunch of us are going to Cowboys Saturday night. Why don’t you come?”

  Lainey remembered the neon sign outside the bar she’d seen on her way into town. “Cowboys. Seriously?”

  “There’s line dancing.” Steph grinned. “You own boots?”

  “I actually live in the Southwest. Of course I own boots.”

  “Eight-thirty then.”

  Lainey grimaced. “Steph, I don’t—”

  A high-pitched “hello” interrupted her.

  Five women ranging in age from thirty-five to a hundred and twenty filed in.

  “That’s my cue,” Steph said quickly and walked out of the room, nodding greetings as she left.

  “Good morning, Melanie,” one of the older women said as she stepped forward.

  “How are you, Mrs. Vassler?”

  Ida Vassler looked at the group taking seats around the room and then to Lainey again. She’d been a fixture in Brevia since Lainey could remember. Her husband had owned the car dealership out on Route Four, and according to local legend, had left Ida more money than God when he’d died. Money she’d used to wield control over a variety of civic activities—Vera’s adoption fair included.

  “Frankly, my dear,” Ida said in a stage whisper loud enough for the whole room to hear, “I’m a little worried.”

  Lainey took a step back and did a mental eye roll. “Really?”

  “I’m not sure you have what it takes to make your mother’s event a success.”

  “Well...I...” Lainey began but the older woman kept speaking.

  “In these tough times, I don’t know if I want to put my money behind an event that isn’t going to be top-notch.” Ida patted Lainey’s hand and gave her an insincere smile. “You understand I’m sure.”

  For the briefest moment, Lainey wanted to run from the room, flee this one-horse town like she’d done a decade earlier. But she wasn’t that scared young girl anymore and no one, especially not a leathery old biddy, could scare her off.

  Heat flooded her cheeks, but she returned Ida’s smile. “It’s sad that you’d let your animosity toward me get in the way of helping animals who need it.
” She squeezed Ida’s ample arm. “Mama will be so disappointed.”

  A buzz broke out in the room. Ida’s heavily rouged cheeks turned an unfortunate shade of purple.

  “Why you little—”

  “I hope I’m not late,” a low voice rang out through the commotion.

  Ethan’s large body filled the doorway. He met her heated gaze and nodded slightly. Relief shot through her.

  He lifted a flat box into the air. “I picked up the muffins you asked for, Lainey.”

  “Thanks.” She hadn’t said a thing about muffins.

  He walked forward, greeting each of the women in the room by name, the epitome of aw-shucks Southern charm. His accent sounded thicker than normal, his vowels a slow caress.

  “I’m not sure I can eat even one.” Reaching around Ida, he enveloped Lainey in a quick, friendly hug. “I had a couple of your brownies this morning. They’ve pretty much spoiled me for anything else.” He winked at her. “Was that your mama’s recipe?”

  “Betty Crocker,” Lainey whispered.

  He threw his head back and laughed—a deep, rich sound that made her think of warm syrup sliding over a stack of pancakes. Lainey gazed around the room at the starry-eyed looks of every single woman.

  Ida’s eyes widened as she chewed on the inside of her cheek.

  “Did I miss anything?” Ethan asked as he stepped away.

  Her skin tingled from where she’d pressed against him, but Lainey forced a relaxed tone. “Mrs. Vassler may not sponsor the adoption fair. Tough economic times, you know.”

  “Right.” Ethan nodded. “How’s that guesthouse coming on your property, Miz Vassler?”

  “Just fine, Ethan.” Ida spoke through clenched teeth.

  Lainey made her smile sympathetic. “Luckily, I spoke to a friend of mine at National Geographic last night. They want to do a feature on the event for their kids’ magazine. I’m sure I could get them to offer a sponsorship.”

  Ethan let out a low whistle. “Your mother would sure appreciate that kind of exposure.”

  “But...wait...I didn’t say...” Ida sputtered.

  “Why don’t you sit down, Mrs. Vassler,” Lainey said sweetly. “We’ll discuss this during the meeting.”