This Time Forever Read online

  “I’m sure hoping you’re here to pick me up,” a voice said.

  Rebekka was startled to see the figure of a lean, blond-haired man standing in front of her. “Samuel!” He was just as tall and handsome as she remembered.

  “Hello, Rebekka with two Ks. You were hundreds of miles away.” He chuckled. “Let me guess—France?”

  She smiled.“My brother became engaged recently. But I’ll be going back for the wedding next spring.”

  “Maybe I’ll arrange to be in France at the same time. You could show me around.” He sounded so hopeful and friendly that Rebekka laughed and nodded. “Sure, but I don’t know if I really want to go to the Eiffel Tower again.”

  “Been there—three times, actually. So I think I’d settle for the Louvre, a cathedral, and maybe a palace or two.”

  “Now that I could arrange.” She stood, noticing how tall he was. When she looked at him straight on, her eyes were level with the top of his broad chest. To return his gaze, she had to tilt her head back and go past the firm mouth to the green eyes.

  He was watching her intently, a half-smile on his lips, and Rebekka felt herself flush. What was wrong with her? One moment she was pining over Marc, and the next flushing at the stare of another man. Not to mention checking him out.

  The drive to Hospitals’ Choice Incorporated in Orem was comfortable. Besides being handsome and nice, Samuel was knowledgeable about the world and current events, and they carried on an interesting and lively conversation that made the trip seem short and pleasant. By the time they arrived at their destination, they were chatting like old friends.

  Hospitals’ Choice Incorporated consisted of a small suite of offices in a large building filled with other small companies. The space was rented for the time being, but Rebekka was aware of plans to build at a later date.

  Damon and Jesse had barely finished their previous meeting with the administrators of several hospitals, and they came to meet Samuel with outstretched hands and sincere smiles. “We’re so glad you could make it,” Damon said.

  “I was intrigued by the offer.” Samuel glanced at Rebekka. “It was the first time that my giving a business card to a beautiful woman on a plane led to a business opportunity. Frankly, I was just trying to steal Rebekka away from whomever she works for now.” He grinned. “That’s you guys, I guess.”

  “Actually, Bekka’s been kind enough to help me out with my children.” Damon indicated a chair for Samuel and sat on another. Rebekka sat next to Samuel. “But now that they’re back in school, we’ve been hoping she’d agree to work on the foreign side of our Hospitals’ Choice program. It isn’t every day that you find someone so skilled in two languages.”

  “That’s what I thought when I first met her.” Samuel was looking at her again, and Rebekka pretended to cough into her hand to break the hold he seemed to have on her eyes. She knew without a doubt that he was flirting, and her heart raced at the thought of being the pursued instead of the one doing the pursuing. It was definitely a nice change. If only Marc could see her now.

  * * * * *

  Tanner got a ride home from school with a neighbor, hefting a backpack full of books. It had been an awesome day, completely awesome. His teachers were cool, his friends all had similar schedules, and Amanda, a girl who was almost as beautiful as Rebekka, shared not one, but two of his classes. She was thin and short with long blond hair and bright emerald eyes. Of course, she didn’t have Rebekka’s soft voice or French accent. Or Rebekka’s maturity. That made all the difference in the world.

  He began looking for Rebekka the minute he walked in the house, before remembering that she was at his dad’s office. Why was she there, anyway? He vaguely remembered something about a meeting and the way she’d flushed when talking to his father. What did that mean? He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.

  He went into the kitchen for a snack, taking it into the game room. Almost immediately, Mrs. Mertz, the housekeeper, appeared carrying a cloth and window spray. She had short, gray-streaked blond hair and was tall and chubby but very agile. He had seen her climb a ladder to clean the lights, and lean over the stair railing to wipe up a stray spot of dirt. “Don’t be getting crumbs all over,” she told him. “I just vacuumed in here.”

  “Okay,” he said, though it didn’t make sense—her cleaning and then expecting him not to get it dirty. If he kept it clean, she’d be out of a job, wouldn’t she?

  She gave him a bland smile before shuffling past the pool table to the double sliding glass doors, which she began cleaning inside and out. Tanner, having nothing better to do, watched. As she left, he put his plate on the end table by the lamp and reached for his latest Star Wars book. Crumbs fell from his lap onto the marbled carpet. Oops. He looked at them guiltily before remembering that he was actually helping Mrs. Mertz by giving her job security. Obviously she needed the job, since she’d decided not to return to Alaska as she originally planned.

  He heard his name being called, and looked up to see his friends Randy and Eric peering through the glass doors, their hands and noses spoiling the freshly cleaned surface. Mrs. Mertz would have a fit about that, he knew, despite the addition to her job security.

  “What’s up?” he asked as he let the guys in.

  Randy sprawled his thin, gangly form over a padded easy chair. He had small hazel eyes and thick bleached hair that hung straight in a blunt cut an inch or two below his ears.“Nothing. You?”

  “Same. I was just waiting for Rebekka to get home.”

  “Ah, Rebekka,” Randy said, his eyes glinting.

  “Rebekka,” Eric repeated in a reverent whisper, his short-cropped red curls bobbing as he nodded knowingly. He was about average height, an inch or two shorter than Tanner, and his face was covered with freckles. His large blue eyes were framed by thick, curly lashes that were the envy of his two older sisters.

  “You got homework?” Tanner asked them.

  “Nope.” Eric picked up a cue and walked over to the pool table. “Never get any the first day.”

  Randy picked up another cue and chalked the end. “So where’s Rebekka?”

  “Some meeting with my dad.”

  Eric took a shot at the balls, but missed. He set aside his stick. “Want to swim?”

  The indoor and outdoor pools were both filled, but they were locked. Rebekka had the key, and Tanner and Belle had to have her permission and supervision to swim. Tanner knew better than to jump the gate; they would find out somehow. Besides, he’d promised. “Maybe when Rebekka comes back.”

  Eric frowned and reclaimed his cue. “I have a class with Amanda.”

  Tanner smirked. “I have two classes with her.”

  “No way.” Eric botched the shot again.

  Randy sent a ball into the pocket. “Cool.”

  Tanner stood up to join them. When he played, he always won. He’d been practicing since he was Belle’s age.

  Belle’s age. Where was Belle?

  He froze. “What time is it?”

  “Almost three. Why?” Eric took another shot and sent Randy’s ball into the pocket. “Dang it!”

  Tanner relaxed. “I was supposed to watch Belle, but she doesn’t get out of school until three-thirty or so.”

  “Who’s picking her up?” Randy asked. “I mean, if Rebekka ain’t here.”

  Tanner thought back to the conversation that morning. What had Rebekka said? Did she say anything about who would get Belle? What if nobody did? “Rebekka probably asked someone.”

  Randy leaned on his cue. “Sometimes they forget. Once when I was in kindergarten, my mom forgot me. She went shopping and just forgot. They had to call my dad at work. Boy, was he mad.”

  “Rebekka wouldn’t forget.” But suddenly Tanner wasn’t sure. “I’ll just call my dad and find out.” He crossed to the phone lying on the end table next to his discarded plate and dialed his father’s cell phone number. Instead of his dad, the answering service picked up. “No, I don’t want to leave a message.” Tann
er hung up and called the office number. Again he got the answering service. Not even the secretary appeared to be in. “Dad must be in a meeting.” A vision of Belle in tears at her school filled Tanner’s mind. “I know, I’ll call Brionney.”

  “Who?”

  “A friend of my dad’s. She’s got a kid that goes to school with Belle.”

  The Hergarters didn’t answer their phone either, and Tanner’s worry increased. Belle was a pain much of the time, but she was his sister and his responsibility.

  “You could go get her.” Randy’s small eyes glinted.

  “I can’t walk that far. She’s going to school in American Fork.”

  Randy grinned. “I know.”

  Eric laughed and slapped Tanner on the back. “Randy means your car, man. Use your car. It’s an emergency. You can’t leave Belle alone at school.”

  Tanner stared as his two friends chuckled and nudged each other. The idea made sense. He had to make sure Belle was all right. “Okay, let’s go. But just to the school. I know the way, I think.”

  “I know the way.” Randy threw his stick on the pool table. “It’s by Albertson’s.”

  “Got any money?” Eric asked, leading the way to the garage. “We could stop for some stuff.”

  “I don’t know.” Tanner was beginning to feel uncomfortable about his decision.

  Randy pushed back the blond locks that fell in his eyes. “I got some money, and so does Tanner, don’t ya? But what time does your sister get out? Smith’s is only a little farther, and if we stop there we could get a video. My sister works there, and she has a membership.”

  “Good idea!” Eric bounded into the backseat of the Bug. “Cool. This is so cool. I wish I had one of these.”

  Randy took the passenger seat. “Yeah, shows us how it works, Tanner buddy.”

  Tanner swaggered a little as he walked around the car and opened the door with an exaggerated motion. Being behind the wheel felt great.

  “You do know how to drive, don’t you?” quipped Randy.

  “Just watch.” Tanner backed out of the long drive quickly and smoothly, purposely screeching the tires when he came to an abrupt stop.

  His friends hooted with joy. “Go!” they shouted.

  A sense of elation flooded Tanner’s body. He was free and going strong. What’s more, he was helping Belle. Even his father would see the reason in that.

  “Let’s drive by Amanda’s house,” Eric suggested. “I know where she lives.” Tanner wanted to know too, so he agreed.

  They found Amanda and her brother Mitch outside in their front yard. “We’re going to the store,” Eric shouted. “Want to come?” They laughed and hooted when the two came running.

  “I didn’t know you had a car,” Amanda said to Tanner.

  “Like it?”

  “Yeah.” Amanda slid in the back with Eric and her brother. Tanner could feel her looking at him.

  By the time they left Smith’s, Tanner was feeling confident. Driving was easy and his friends were having fun. He especially enjoyed being with Amanda. She was one good-looking girl! The way she acted, she liked him, too.

  They were nearing the intersection by Albertson’s when the light turned red. Tanner stopped reluctantly, glancing at the clock on the dash. It was almost three-thirty. Did Belle get out at three-thirty or three-fifteen? He suddenly couldn’t remember, but he’d better hurry. He put on his left blinker. Across the intersection, an old gold station wagon sat waiting for the green light, noticeably vibrating as though it might fall apart at any moment. Tanner could make out a lady and a boy in the car. He was glad he didn’t have to drive in that embarrassing piece of junk.

  Randy was fiddling with the radio. The music was up loud and the beat flowed through Tanner, making him want to move his feet. He began to sing with the music and tap his hand against the steering wheel. He’d never felt so great.

  “Change the channel!” shouted Eric. He leaned up and stretched an arm over the seat, trying to reach the buttons. “There’s a better station—”

  “Leave it alone!” Randy grabbed Eric’s arm.

  The light turned green, but as it did, a truck barreled through the intersection. The lady in the station wagon seemed frozen, as though she was too afraid to move. Tanner revved the engine.

  “Just go,” Randy urged, still struggling with Eric over the radio. “She’s in shock or something.”

  Tanner started forward, sure he could turn left before the lady in the station wagon awoke from whatever dream she was in. He glanced back at Amanda, saw her watching him. She winked. Her eyes were the color of emeralds.

  When he looked back at the road, he saw the station wagon coming much too quickly toward him. He’d read the situation completely wrong. He tried to stop to let the gold car pass but accidentally pushed on the gas instead. Helplessly, he slammed into the other car. The music was so loud that the rending sounds of the crash seemed to be playing a weak accompaniment. He caught a brief glimpse of the right front side of his Bug buckling as the impact threw his head back against the seat.

  The music still blared. He looked around at his friends. Their eyes were wide and they looked scared, but they seemed to be all right. But he was in big trouble. BIG TROUBLE. A sick feeling formed in his stomach. Now what?

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Mickelle’s heart was hammering so hard that she almost couldn’t breathe. Her vision dimmed, and she felt blood rushing from her head. A panic attack. But she couldn’t give in to it now. She had to make sure Bryan was all right. She turned toward him, willing her eyes to see.

  “Bryan.” Her voice sounded anxious in the sudden stillness.

  “I’m okay, Mom.”

  She heard the click of the seat belt and then felt his hand on hers. The fogginess in her vision cleared, and his face came into view. “Are you hurt?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “He just came at me. We had the right of way.”

  “We’re blocking the intersection,” he said, surveying the situation. “Look, they’re backing the Bug over to the side. Does our car still work?”

  Mickelle tried to start the engine, afraid someone would ram into them again. On the third try the engine managed to stay running. She put the car into gear and inched forward carefully. A horrible grinding noise filled the air as the station wagon lurched across the intersection and to the side of the road in front of Hopper’s Footwear.

  When she tried to get out of the car, her door wouldn’t open. She had to bring her feet up and push hard on the door before it finally gave way with a screech and grinding of metal.

  Bryan exited his door and ran around to her side. “Look, Mom. The metal’s pushed up against the tire,” he observed excitedly. “That’s what was making the noise when you drove.”

  The whole metal panel around the tire had also shifted, which was why she hadn’t been able to open the door. Mickelle tugged on the metal touching the tire with her hand, but it didn’t budge. At this rate, she was not going to be able to drive home, and she certainly couldn’t pay for a tow truck.

  When she gave up, Bryan tried without success.

  Trying to breathe evenly to stave off another panic attack, Mickelle glanced at the Bug, where a crowd of teenagers were gathered, surveying the damage. One disappeared inside the car.

  An employee hurried out of Hopper’s, his face and eyes bright with suppressed excitement. “I’ve called the police,” he said. “They should be here soon. But I’d keep an eye on those kids. They look like they’re going to take off.”

  Bryan started toward the teens, his fists clenched and his face growing red with anger. Mickelle caught up to him. “Easy, Bryan. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” She was relieved to see him nod. His temper since Riley’s death had been quick and volatile, but lately she’d noticed a reduction in its intensity. He was trying to maintain control as he dealt with his father’s death, and he had in large measure succeeded.

  “Are you all right?” she asked
the teens, who watched her warily. There were five in all, four boys and a thin girl with long blond hair and pretty green eyes. Mickelle thought they all looked about sixteen.

  “Yeah,” was the mumbled response.

  “Well, that’s the important thing—that everyone is okay.” She paused a minute and asked, “Who was driving?” The kids pointed to a brown-haired boy of average build and height who stared sadly at his crushed red Bug. The entire front end on the passenger side had buckled like an aluminium can stepped on by a heavy man wearing hiking boots. Mickelle glanced back at her gold station wagon. On the driver’s side the front had been pushed in, but not crunched. For all its cosmetic drawbacks, the Snail was rather sturdy.

  The boy touched the smooth paint above the ruined metal on his car. His eyes were wide, and he looked as if he wanted to cry. A sudden wave of pity rose in Mickelle’s heart. He was just a child, really, and he needed someone to give him support.

  Mickelle approached. “That’s a lot of damage,” she ventured.

  He nodded, his jaw tightening. “Just got her painted. I fixed her all up inside, too. My dad helped me—when he could.” He glanced at his friends and swallowed hard. The blonde girl touched his arm, but he didn’t seem to notice.

  A police car pulled up at the scene, and two policemen emerged. Mickelle recognized one of them as the young officer who had pulled her over that morning. “You again?” she asked.

  He permitted himself a small grin. “It’s a relatively small town.” His voice lowered. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. Thank you.”

  “Look, here’s a sheet to fill out about the accident. You start in on it while we talk to the kid.”

  Mickelle nodded. For some reason, seeing someone she knew, even as remotely as Officer Lowder, made her relax. She also became acutely aware of her old jeans and rumpled shirt. The black must make her look even more washed out than usual.

  She was nearly finished with the sheet when Bryan appeared at her elbow. “Mom, that kid doesn’t have insurance. I heard the cop say so. He doesn’t even have a driver’s license. He’s only fifteen.”