Haley's Hangdog Holiday Read online

  “We need to get something out of the butler’s pantry, but the light burned out. We can’t find it in the dark, and no one can find a flashlight.”

  “There should be a flashlight in the utility room.”

  “That’s what Ms. Lisa told us, but we couldn’t find it.”

  Gavin sighed, standing up and throwing his napkin in his chair. “I’m sorry, Haley. I’ll be right back.”

  It wasn’t going to be good news anyway.

  HALEY WAS SECRETLY relieved at her reprieve. Maybe that’s God’s way of telling me it’s okay to wait until next week to tell him. Quickly gobbling down her shrimp cocktail and mini-quiche, she stood up, looking for a place to stow her empty plate.

  A waiter snatched it from her fingers before she’d gone two steps, and then she spotted Noelle across the room, chatting with her husband. As Haley made her way toward the handsome couple, Noelle saw her and waved, kissing David’s cheek before practically running to greet Haley.

  “Haley, I’m dying to talk to you.”

  “Me too,” Haley agreed, looking apprehensively at the throng of people. “But can we go someplace more private?”

  “Absolutely! Come this way.”

  Haley followed Noelle into a quiet hallway away from the crowd.

  “We can talk here, and no one will hear us. And I’m facing the ballroom, so I can see if anyone is coming.”

  Haley nodded, though she still checked over her shoulder to be sure Gavin wasn’t within earshot. “I’ve been looking forward to talking to you.”

  “Hurry up and tell me what happened. I’ve been praying like crazy! I should’ve given you my cell phone number.”

  Haley reached out and gave her hand a grateful squeeze. “Thanks so much for your prayers and advice, Noelle. It really gave me courage. I was about ready to back out and reschedule for after Christmas, but I’m glad I went on Thursday.”

  “Did you like your new doctor? What was his name? Bentley? Bradley?”

  “Brady.”

  “Dr. Brady. How was your appointment?”

  “You can’t believe how sweet he was. He talked to me and really listened. And he didn’t make me feel stupid for being afraid.”

  “That’s great. And what did Dr. Brady say about your symptoms? When do you get your test results?”

  “He wants to see me again next week, so I guess I’ll know more then.”

  “Are you very anxious, waiting for the results?” Noelle’s eyes were puddling, and Haley knew she was worried for her, even though she put on a cheerful front.

  “You know how nervous I was on Thursday? Well now, after talking to him, I’m not anxious at all. I mean, I know it makes no sense. I have every reason to be afraid, but I’m not.”

  “Like Jesus is holding your hand in the middle of the waves?”

  “Exactly! He’s so wonderful. I know He loves me, and He won’t desert me no matter what happens.”

  Haley knew, in that moment, she could face whatever happened. Not that she wasn’t worried or afraid, but her worries didn’t hold any power over her.

  “It’s such a miracle that you happened to make an appointment at my dental office on Thursday. I feel like God was orchestrating the whole thing—you telling me about your cancer and me getting to encourage you and pray with you. And of course, God leading you to Dr. Brady. Sounds like he’s just what you needed.”

  “I agree! He’s amazing! He even prayed with me before I left.”

  “That gives me chills! I can’t believe Dr. Brady is a believer!”

  “I feel like maybe that’s the whole reason God brought me to Denver, just so I could find him.”

  “You don’t think God may have also brought you to Denver because of my brother? That maybe you were supposed to be together all along? It’s obvious you both still love each other.”

  “I’ll admit I wish we could just live happily ever after.” Although I’m still not convinced that’s what’s best for Gavin.

  “I take it you haven’t talked to him yet.”

  “Gavin? No I haven’t told him anything.”

  “Why not? What are you waiting for?”

  “I was about to tell him just now, but something came up.”

  A loud crash sounded, and both girls jumped, crying out.

  The door opened behind Noelle, and in the darkened doorway appeared a face, glistening with tears, deep brown eyes narrowed in anger. “I think it’s a little late to worry about that!”

  “Gavin!”

  HAVING LOCATED THE sparkling water in the dark butler’s pantry, Gavin turned the flashlight off and slipped it in his pocket, using the dim light filtering through the semi-opaque glass in the doorway to navigate his way out. But as he approached the door, his arms laden with a case of water bottles, he heard muffled voices outside, which he recognized as Haley and Noelle. Though he couldn’t understand what his sister was saying, he caught the gist of the conversation from Haley, who must have been facing the door.

  Are you kidding me? Haley really did have an Internet date scheduled for Thursday afternoon. She decided to go, and it sounds like I have my sister to thank for it!

  Oh, so the jerk’s name is Brady. What? She just met this guy and she’s gushing over how sweet he is. And a good listener? One date—any guy can pretend to listen for one date!

  And now she’s planning to see him again next week. Gavin had an insane urge to throw the entire case of sparkling water against the wall. He stayed quiet, though, trying unsuccessfully to understand his sister’s muffled response.

  She’s not nervous about being with this guy? She ought to be scared to death! She doesn’t even know this him—he could be an axe murderer! Why isn’t Noelle talking sense into her?

  Haley’s next comment made his stomach squeeze into a knot. He loves her? He won’t desert her? How could Haley possibly think this Brady loves her? They just met! There were tears running down his face and dripping on his shirt, but he didn’t care.

  And she thinks God brought her to Denver for this guy? Just because he prayed with her? He’s probably not even a real believer. Just talking about faith to get past her defenses.

  Oh, God—please help me! She wants happily ever after with Brady. That’s what she wanted to tell me a few minutes ago. That’s why she looked so unhappy. And the only thing she feels bad about is that she hasn’t told me yet.

  Gavin went numb with the realization. A moment later, the case of sparkling water slipped from his fingers. Bottles crashed to the floor, water splashing on his legs, the sound of breaking glass causing a lull in the noise from the crowd. He pushed the door open and stepped out over the mess, vainly hoping he’d imagined the whole conversation. But there she stood, her eyes widening, a look of horror on her face.

  “I think it’s a little late to worry about that!” He didn’t even try to hide his fury. Or his hurt.

  “Gavin!”

  Without waiting for her response, he pushed past the guilty pair and strode toward the ballroom.

  “Gavin Holiday, you come back here!” Though his sister used her mother voice, Gavin didn’t even slow down. On wooden legs, he moved through the merry throng, bumping people aside on his way to the front entry hall.

  “Gavin!”

  Haley’s anguished voice called out behind him, but he didn’t stop. What could she possibly say now, that I would want to hear.

  Outside, under the portico, the valet jumped to find his keys.

  “Shall I get your car, Mr. Holiday?”

  “Gavin, wait!” Haley’s voice called from the entryway door.

  Gavin snatched the keys from the startled boy’s hand. “I’ll get it myself.”

  “Are you sure, sir? The snow’s really coming down now.”

  “Don’t worry, he snapped, stepping into the blowing snow. “I’ll be fine.” I can’t feel a thing anyway.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Haley didn’t even realize she was crying until she felt the frosty biting air on her
wet face. A shiver rippled down her spine as she slid onto the cold leather car seat, struggling in the cramped space to undo the straps on her shoes and slide her icy toes into her winter boots. Maybe she should have taken the time to go back for her coat, but she didn’t want to give Gavin too much of a head start. The young valet seemed quite upset that no one was letting him fetch their cars. But Haley had spotted hers down the curve and didn’t want to wait, so she’d tromped out to the car in her high heels, collecting snow inside her shoes with every step.

  Okay, not my brightest moment. But I’ll warm up soon enough.

  She started the car and drove away, hoping to catch Gavin on the cell phone. She wanted to meet him somewhere so she could explain everything, since he’d apparently overheard her entire conversation with Noelle. He would probably still be furious, but he needed to know the whole story.

  I should have taken Tad’s advice and told Gavin the truth a long time ago.

  With the phone synced to her car, she tried to reach Gavin, but his number went straight to voicemail. She left a message. “Gavin, please call me. We need to talk. I promise to tell you everything, if you’ll just call me.”

  I guess he has it turned off. I’ll just drive to his house, since it’s close to Gammy’s anyway.

  The drive took longer than expected, because the blowing snow caused a glare in her headlights. She called Gavin’s cell phone multiple times, always leaving a message begging him to call her. Arriving at his home, she found all the windows dark, with no tracks in the snow on the driveway. Nevertheless, she tromped her way up to the front door and banged on it, answered only by Daisy’s frantic howls.

  “Sorry, Daisy. I can’t get inside to pet you,” she called through the door. “Calm down, and go back to sleep!”

  Back in the warm car, she drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. Where could he be? He must be at Red Rocks Park—where else would he go? I don’t want to go up there by myself, but I could take Bo with me.

  She called Gavin’s cell phone and was once again greeted with his voicemail invitation to leave a message.

  “Gavin, you weren’t at your house, so I’m driving up to Red Rocks to see if you’re there. Please call me.”

  Swinging by her house to grab Bojangles, Haley rushed in the back door, calling his name. She hurried through the kitchen, snatching Bo’s leash, and headed toward the front family room. But the scene that greeted her stopped her dead in her tracks. The Christmas tree was lying on the floor, surrounded by shards of glass from shattered ornaments. Sitting on the couch, looking very guilty, was Bojangles.

  “No! Bo, I hate you! I’m taking you to the pound tomorrow!” She fell back against the wall, sliding to sit on the floor, burying her face in her hands. “Everything is ruined! Gavin’ will never speak to me again. Tad won’t be home for Christmas. My cancer may be back. And now Gammy’s ornaments are broken. I might as well give up.”

  Then she felt something soft and warm stroking the back of her hand. Peeking through her fingers, she saw Bo’s tongue, up close and personal.

  “Ew, Bo! Don’t lick me!” She jerked away.

  The licking ceased, but Bo remained, regarding her with a droopy hangdog face, as remorseful as she’d ever seen him.

  Her anger dissolved like sugar in hot water, leaving her feeling defeated. “It’s okay, Bo. I’m not really going to take you to the pound. But I’m giving up on chasing after Gavin. I missed my chance to tell him the truth, and now he’s furious. There’s no use trying to explain.”

  Bo answered with a deafening bark, his repentant eyes still fixed on hers.

  “You think I should keep looking for him?”

  This time Bo’s reply was a long crooning bay.

  “Let’s go then, she said, groping for the leash she’d dropped a few seconds earlier. “But we need to hurry, or we’ll miss him again.”

  At first she thought his remorse had converted him to an obedient dog as he followed her without protest to the door. But then he lay down, once again refusing to go outside in the snow.

  “That’s it, Bo! You’re going whether you want to or not!”

  Haley scooped him up in her arms, grunting with effort as she toted him out to the car. Dropping him by the passenger side, she was relieved when he made a yellow puddle in the snow.

  Finally he went! At least he won’t pee in the car. Something finally went well, tonight. Maybe that’s a good sign.

  Sixty seconds later, she and Bo were on their way to Red Rocks Park.

  GAVIN DROVE AIMLESSLY around Denver, dialoguing with Haley in his mind. “You’re a complete idiot! How could you go on one blind date with a guy and decide you love him?”

  He found himself at Holiday, Inc. and idled his car in the empty parking lot until a security guard stopped by to question him. Gavin rolled his window down.

  “Oh, hello, Mr. Holiday. I wasn’t expectin’ to see you here. Isn’t tonight the big Christmas gala?”

  “Hi, Frank. Yeah, I was at the party, but I had to leave... to run an errand.”

  Leaning against the door, the guard peered inside. “I see you got your tuxedo on. Why’re you here? Is there somethin’ I can do for ya, so you can get back to your party?”

  “I don’t know...”

  “Is somethin’ wrong? You look like somebody kicked your dog.”

  Gavin rubbed his temples. “Tell me something, Frank... are you married?”

  Frank held up his hand and wiggled his ring finger. “I sure am. I always say I had twenty great years of marriage.” He winked. “O’ course, I been married for twenty-three.”

  Frank guffawed, slapping his thigh. “Get it?”

  “I get it,” Gavin said, with a chuckle. “So how did you know she was the one? Did the two of you just meet and somehow you knew? Like magic?”

  “Me and Marsha? Heck, no. We grew up next door to each other and fought like cats and dogs. I always had a crush on her, but I think she really used to hate me.”

  “What happened? How did you end up together?”

  “That’s a funny story. You see, one day in high school, I decided to play a practical joke on her. I sent her some flowers and signed my name on the outside o’ the card. I knew she hated me, so I figured she’d pick the flowers up and toss ‘em in the trash. But I’d used some gloves and wound some poison ivy around the stems—you know—with the leaves all plucked off. I thought it was the funniest idea I ever had.”

  “What happened?”

  He scratched his head. “That was the darndest thing! When she got those flowers, she came to my house holdin’ ’em in her hands. I went to the door and there she stood, cryin’ and sayin’ how sweet I was and how she was sorry she’d been so mean. Then she threw her arms around me. Well, I’m not stupid, you know.” He pointed at his chest with his thumb. “So I kissed the heck out of her. And wow could that girl ever kiss! And all the time she was rubbing her poison ivy hands all over my neck without knowin’ what was comin’. But I knew exactly what was gonna happen, and I let her do it anyway.”

  “Was it bad?”

  “Awful!” He laughed. “Worse case o’ poison ivy I ever got. Big blisters all over my neck and face and ears.” Leaning in close, he added in a low voice, “And a few spots on my chest, too.” He broke into laughter again. “But man oh man, it was worth it! And she got it mostly on her hands, but a few other places, too. I confessed and told her to wash her hands, but it was too late by then.”

  “And she forgave you for doing that?”

  “Well, not right away. She was madder ’n a hornet at first. But kissin’ seemed to go a long ways toward helpin’ her forget. And now, I give her an ivy plant every year for our anniversary—only not the poison kind.”

  Gavin smiled. “Thanks, Frank. That’s a great story. Congratulations to you and Marsha for your twenty great years of marriage. And give Marsha my condolences for the other three, because I’m sure that’s your fault.”

  Frank must’ve thought that was the
funniest thing he’d ever heard because he could hardly stop laughing, even after a coughing fit. When he finally calmed down he got a serious look on his face. “Mr. Holiday? Can I give you a little advice?”

  “Sure Frank. What is it?”

  “I’m assumin’ that sour look you’re wearin’ is about some girl, right? Some girl you’re in love with? But you’ve had a little spat? Or maybe even a big one?”

  “I guess that’s pretty accurate.”

  “You just need to remember... if the good Lord wants the two o’ you to be together, there’s no use fightin’ it. It doesn’t matter who put the poison ivy on the flowers, you just need to kiss and make up. A few little blisters are no big deal in the grand scheme o’ things.”

  “What if there’s another guy involved?”

  “Is he bigger ’n you?”

  “I don’t know—I doubt it.”

  “Are you goin’ to let some wimpy little dude take your girl?”

  Gavin thought about Frank’s question, and ground his teeth together. “No... no, I’m not!”

  HALEY NAVIGATED THE short drive up to Red Rocks with no real difficulty, though she erred on the side of caution. Arriving to find the parking lot empty, her heart fell into her stomach.

  “He’s not here, Bo. I don’t know where he could be. Maybe this is a sign from God. If He wanted me to talk to Gavin, He’d help me find him, right?”

  Bo made a long baying sound, too loud for the confines of a small car.

  “Shush, Bo! You’re hurting my ears.”

  Bo continued his howl, scratching at the window.

  “What? You need to go to the bathroom? You just went twenty minutes ago. Can’t you wait until we get back?”

  Bo sent out a few more demanding barks, and Haley gave up.

  “Fine. I’ll let you out. But you’re wearing a leash. I’m not going to take a chance on you running away.”

  She attached the leash and grabbed her running jacket and headlamp from the back seat. Climbing out of the car, the chill wind reminded her she was still wearing a cocktail dress. Bo scrambled out behind her, pulling at the leash.