Hearts Ablaze (Forged in the City Book 1) Page 3

  “Did the school ever suspect or call DCS on her?” Ginny wrinkled her brow.

  “No, she never left marks that could be seen. And she was more verbally abusive than physically.” I leaned the side of my head against my hand. “I adored school. I was safe, warm, fed, and the teachers and most of the kids liked me. I didn’t cause trouble, never told anyone about Mom, and flew under the radar for the most part. As a little kid, I figured Mom was better than being taken away. As a teen, I knew I was just biding my time. My eighteenth birthday became my goal and I worked my ass off to be sure I graduated and stayed out of trouble so I could leave. The day of my birthday, I got up, packed up everything that was mine—and that was very little—left anything and everything she could have used to track me. Credit card she sent me to the store with, the junk phone she only let me have once I started driving her car so she could call or text to have me get cigarettes—left it all. I didn’t even take her car, left it sitting right where it was and hiked my ass to the nearest Army recruiting office and enlisted.”

  Ginny wept as I told my story. She squeezed my hand. “I’m so very sorry, child. My selfishness and preoccupation with traveling hurt you more than I will probably ever understand and I will never forgive myself.”

  “It’s in the past and can’t be changed now. The Army was good to me. We have each other now and I’d rather focus on the future than dwell on the nastiness of the past.” I meant the words I said, even though my heart hurt as I relived the hell that had been my childhood and teen years.

  “Tell me about your time in the Army. You’re no longer enlisted?”

  “I spent eight years serving. I was deployed about half of that time in the States and about half in South Korea.” I took a sip of water.

  “Oh dear, was Korea dangerous?”

  “No, not South Korea. We were there as a show of force to keep North Korea under control. Well, as under control as you can keep a country like that.” I had enjoyed my time in Korea and had learned a lot from their culture. I had been looking forward to another deployment to South Korea or even Germany before I fucked it up.

  “Why did you leave?” Ginny cocked her head. “From the way you talk about it, you seem to have really enjoyed your time of service. Thank you, by the way, for your service. It’s appreciated more than you know.”

  It never stopped being weird to have a person thank me for doing something I enjoyed, but I nodded graciously. “Army was having a mandatory fun day on base, wanted to increase morale. My squad was playing a very hyped-up game of basketball against another squad. Stakes were high.” I smiled wryly remembering how pumped up we’d been to dominate that stupid game. “I went up for a rebound, came down wrong just as another guy fell into me, tore my ACL. Grade two injury. I barely avoided surgery, but even after months of healing and physical therapy, the base docs determined I was medically unable to serve. Discharged. Just about two years ago.”

  Ginny’s face held so much guilt and compassion, I felt bad for telling her my story. “I’m so very sorry you were injured like that. There’s no way you can ever go back?”

  I shook my head. “Nah, I’m out for good.”

  “Does your knee still cause you pain?”

  “Sometimes. As long as I don’t get too physical on it, I’m okay. No football for me, no full-on basketball games. Stairs can hurt sometimes if it’s feeling stiff. Honestly, I just can’t do sports or more than a few squats. Other than that, I’m okay and can do pretty much anything I need to.” Almost as if my damn knee knew it was being talked about, it throbbed a bit before I shifted to a different position.

  “And what do you do now?”

  “Well, the Army was supposed to be my career. Planned to retire from the service. That plan got shot all to hell and I’ve been struggling to find a stable job since then.”

  “Oh dear, that’s terrible. What type of work are you looking for?” Ginny grabbed a notepad. “I have lots of friends and connections.”

  I smiled. “I’m sure you do.” Ginny having connections didn’t surprise me at all. “Honestly, I can’t do jobs with a lot of climbing or squatting, but other than that, I’m open to almost anything.”

  “Where do you live? Where are you looking?”

  “Well, I live far south of town, but now that I’m without a car and looking for a new place, I’m trying to find something in Indy.” I startled as my phone buzzed on the table. Todd. I grimaced. “Todd is here to get the keys. I’ll be right back.”

  “Nonsense, I’ll have one of the orderlies deliver the keys. You don’t need to interact with someone who is kicking you out.” Ginny held her hand out. “Unless you want to go talk to Todd?”

  I handed over the key. “Actually, no. He’s in a beat-up black van. Red-head is probably driving. Todd is likely standing outside the van vaping. He’s got long blond hair, kinda stringy, and he probably has smeared black eyeliner.”

  “Sounds like an interesting character.” Ginny stood. “I’ll be right back. Text Todd to let him know an orderly dressed in navy blue scrubs will be bringing the key.”

  I took a moment to use the restroom before Ginny returned. While it was amazing to be back with my aunt, I was feeling a little drained from rehashing the past. And I had a bad feeling that I was going to feel worse before I felt better. Ginny had told me nothing of the past ten years. I wondered what she needed to share with me.

  4

  Xander

  I woke from a dream about that damn nameless stranger feeding the fucking ducks. We didn’t even speak in the dream, but he was there with those stupid ducks and I woke because I watched him walk away without getting his name.

  Checking the time and groaning to see I’d only been asleep about two hours, I rolled from the bed and pulled on a pair of sweats along with a tank. I was restless and irritated, might as well check the shop and work out a bit. Probably the worst thing I could do for sleeping, but maybe it would ease my frustration.

  Once downstairs, I swept again. Cleaned some windows and mirrors, cleaned the public and private restrooms, and restocked paper towels. When the shop was free of absolutely anything I could possibly clean, with the exception of maybe clearing it out and waxing the floor, I went to the little weight room.

  Turning on the radio that only got a local pop station, I set to work on pull-ups. I was about twenty minutes in and focusing on biceps and triceps with the dumb bells when a voice behind me nearly gave me a heart attack.

  “You’re here late,” Bay stated blandly, but I heard the question in his voice.

  Putting down the weights, I held a hand on my chest. “Damn, man. You almost killed me.” I grabbed a towel and wiped my face. “Yeah, couldn’t sleep. Cleaned a bit and thought maybe some weights would help.”

  “What did you eat for dinner? Isn’t it like garbanzo beans or something that supposedly give you nightmares?” Bay hopped up and gripped the chin-up bar before doing ten in rapid succession.

  “Damn, man. I hope I’m as fit as you when I’m your age.” I whistled.

  Bay dropped and punched me. “I’m not that old.”

  I laughed. “Nah, I don’t think it was anything I ate. Bode always has good food at The Lizard. And it wasn’t a nightmare.”

  “Man, you’re gonna turn into bar food. You should come eat with Kyson and the kids and me.” Bay smiled. “Well, Cori isn’t eating much besides milk and pureed foods these days, maybe some soft fruits and veggies here and there, but the invite stands.”

  “Thanks. Don’t want to intrude.” I tossed the towel over my shoulder. I’d wash it before returning it to the weight room.

  “Kids would love it. And by kids, I mean Kyson and Arlo.” Bay chuckled. “So, what was it about?”

  “Huh?” I followed him to the dimly lit shop.

  Bay grabbed two waters and tossed one to me. “The not-a-nightmare?”

  “Oh, uh. Nothing.” I took a drink of the water.

  “Nothing? Weird, nothing doesn’t usually make
a person stutter and blush.” He winked.

  “Really, it’s nothing. Saw a guy feeding ducks at the park today. We chatted for about ten minutes and then I left. I think I’m irritated with myself for not getting his name—maybe because he’s looking for a job and I can’t tell him about any openings because I was dumb and didn’t get his info—but other than that, it’s nothing.” I took another drink and tried to sneak in a subject change. “Can I ask about your kids?”

  Bay smirked, but took the bait and nodded.

  “Arlo is eight? And Cori is almost one?”

  “Yep, I can’t believe he’s been with me for over four years now. And Cori was so tiny when we got her, and now she’s like a little person who is into everything and likely walking any time now. It’s crazy.” Bay’s eyes lit up like they did anytime he spoke of his family.

  “Can I ask how you came to be their parents?”

  Bay got a faraway look in his eyes. “Arlo was my sister’s son. She left him to me when she died. Kyson officially adopted him a few years ago.” Bay finished the last bit of his water. “Cori was through a private adoption. We believe her mother was very young, but other than that, we have no details beyond her health background. The mother and her family didn’t want anything to do with knowing us or keeping in contact with Cori. She’s named after my sister. Well, sort of. My sister was Coriander, but I’d never do that to a kid, so we went with Cori.”

  “Coriander? Wow, that’s unique.” I cocked my head. “Well, I guess Bay is pretty unique too.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll let you in on a secret. My sister’s full name was Coriander Clove and my full name is Caraway Bay. My mom was a hippie and decided on spice names for us.”

  “Yeah, I can see why you went with Bay and Cori,” I teased. “It’s really nice that you could give those kids a good home. Like Bode and Sage are doing with Oliver and Rosie. I hate to see any kids in the foster system.” I tossed my water bottle with a little more force than needed.

  “I remember you telling me you have not-so-great experience with foster care.” Bay eyed the trashcan where I’d thrown the bottle.

  “Yeah, definitely not-so-great. So, I love seeing kids get good homes and prove that not all foster parents are assholes.”

  Bay nodded. “Bode and Sage are really good with Oliver and Rosie. I hope it works out that they can adopt Rosie like they did with Oliver. That kid has blossomed since living with them.” Bay checked the time. “You going to stay down here?”

  “Yeah, gonna work on my bike for a bit. Maybe a shower will help me sleep.”

  “Want me to make you some warm milk?” Bay teased.

  “No, thanks, Caraway. I’m good.”

  Bay narrowed his eyes. “Don’t use that information for evil,” he warned.

  We said goodbye and I settled in to mess with my bike for an hour or so. I needed to get some sleep, but I was wide awake. And I couldn’t get that damn duck guy out my head.

  5

  Chase

  “Okay, where were we?” Ginny asked as she came back through the door. “We can chat for a while, go to the cafeteria for dinner, and spend the rest of the evening chatting.”

  I smiled. “Can’t believe what a day this has been. Came into town to look for a job and found my long lost, favorite aunt.” I shook my head. “I missed you so much, but I don’t think I realized until today just how much.”

  “First, I wasn’t lost.” Ginny swatted at my arm. “Second, I’m your only aunt so don’t try to butter me up with that favorite crap.”

  I laughed. “Maybe I have an aunt on my father’s side. Never know.”

  “Well, while that’s true, we both know your mother had no idea who your father even was, so I doubt you’ve suddenly come across another aunt vying for the favorite spot.”

  “Okay, true.” I glanced toward the tiny living room. “Would you be more comfortable in your chair?”

  Ginny huffed, but nodded and made her way to the recliner. “Now, don’t laugh at an old gal lowering herself into one of these.” She gripped the arms and began to sit.

  “Isn’t it one of those that lifts and lowers?”

  “Yeah, but I like to save my pride a bit. I only use it to help me get up. I’ve not lost the ability to sit down.” She grimaced as she finally settled in. “Not yet.”

  “So, Mom looked for me after I left?”

  Ginny pursed her lips and nodded.

  “Like looked for me or looked for her errand boy and emotional punching bag?” I knew the answer even before my aunt gave me a sorrowful glance.

  “Well, I think you’d been gone a couple months before she contacted me. Once I realized she was an addict and likely had been abusive to you, I vowed to never tell her where you were even if I ever actually found you.” Ginny rocked in her chair a bit. “I put out feelers with all my airline contacts, neighbors of your mom who knew you and might hear from you, local colleges, and hospitals. I had everyone I could think of keeping an eye out for you or your name. Like I said, I have a lot of connections. But not a single person ever came through for me. I don’t know why I never thought of the military. Maybe because I didn’t really have contacts there and had never heard you even mention wanting to enlist.”

  “I had no plans of joining the military until I was a teenager and a recruiter came to school. From that point on, I kept the plan a complete secret. Barely even allowed myself to think about it when I was at home for fear Mom would figure it out.” I grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch and took it to Ginny before sitting down and spreading a second blanket over my lap. “I went to the library and did research. Set up a separate email for any military correspondence with recruiters. Read materials only at the library because I was scared if Mom saw a magazine she’d have an inkling of my whereabouts after I left.”

  “I think you give that poor excuse for a mother more credit than she deserves, but I can understand your thinking.” Ginny tucked the afghan around her legs. “After you left, your mom got even worse than she’d been before. Smoked like a damn chimney, took every pill she could get her hands on, drank morning, noon, and night.” She paused.

  “Go on.”

  “Well, about two years or so after you left, your mom got pregnant. She swore up and down she didn’t remember having sex with anyone—which she probably didn’t—but she was determined to have the baby. It was like she wanted to prove something with the baby.”

  My heart nearly stopped. A baby? Oh my God, my mom had no business having me let alone another child. “What happened?” I assumed the very worst at all times if my mom was involved.

  “I moved in and kept her mostly sober and clean the entire pregnancy. I thought one of us was going to end up dead, but we survived. She never once stopped smoking. As much as I wanted her to be completely healthy for the baby, I figured keeping her from drinking and taking drugs was better than nothing. She still snuck a few things from time to time, but I usually sniffed it out pretty quickly and destroyed any alcohol, pills, pot, anything.”

  I rubbed a hand over my chest, my heart hurt. “Did the baby die?”

  Ginny’s eyes snapped to mine. “What? Heavens no, child. I contacted social services and told them of my sister’s drinking and drugs. I recorded and reported each time Kathryn had so much as a sip of wine or anything stronger than a Tylenol. I took pictures of all the alcohol and drug bottles I threw out when I first moved in and every time I found something she’d snuck in.”

  “That was really smart. She shouldn’t have any chance to hurt another child.”

  “Social services began doing drop-ins and Kathryn went tits-up as you can imagine. Freaked out, verbally abusive, threw things at one of the ladies once.” Ginny’s eyes got a far-away look. “They determined that there was enough evidence against her that the baby would only go home if I was in the home and a case would be opened in order to track Kathryn’s drinking and drug use.”

  “So, she got to keep the baby?” I knew the system was m
essed up, but I hated thinking of a sibling growing up with my mother.

  “Turns out, the day she went into labor, your mom had somehow found a way to drink nearly a bottle of wine and pop several pain killers. She swore it was the only way she’d get through the pain. Because of the case and my insistence—maybe even as standard procedure, I’m not sure—they did bloodwork at the hospital, found her under the influence, and assigned me as temporary guardian.”

  My eyes grew wide. “You have the baby?” I quickly did some math. “Well, not a baby now. What happened?”

  “We should go get dinner.”

  “No! You can’t leave me hanging like that. What happened?”

  Ginny used the remote to stand from the chair. “We’ll talk as we walk and eat.”

  Ten minutes later, I was nearly jumping out of my skin with worry and wonder, and Ginny had prepped herself for dinner. We headed toward the cafeteria.

  “After social services, the hospital, and I all spoke with your mom, she fairly easily signed away her rights.” Ginny hooked her arm in the crook of my elbow. “It almost seemed unfair. We hit her hard when she was at her weakest, but I couldn’t risk her being able to hurt that baby girl the way she hurt you.”

  “A girl? I have a sister?” The words caught in my throat.

  “Little girl was born with sass and spunk enough for all three of us and then some. She and I moved into a quaint little apartment and I became a mom. Never planned to be a parent. I was likely much too old, but I was all she had, so I did the best I could.”