Page 53 of The Healing Garden

“I’ll talk to Carly and let you know what she says,” she said, even though she dreaded the conversation with her daughter. Maybe it would be all right, though. Years had passed, and soon enough Carly would be an adult and would have to eventually figure out her relationship with her father.

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Bobby said in a perfectly polite tone. His gaze moved over her for a few seconds. “It was great to see you, Anita. I’m glad you’re doing well.”

He hadn’t even asked her how she was doing and didn’t ask her anything personal. She wasn’t surprised, and she didn’t want to tell him anything personal either. He’d always been that way—only focused on his own interests and needs. She supposed that in high school she was charmed by his daredevil personality. He was good-looking, and half the girls in school had a crush on him. So Anita had been flattered when he picked her out of the crowd.

A short time into their marriage, she realized he was really only interested in her when she made him look good or complimented him. He’d been attracted to her artsy personality since it was so opposite of his own upbringing, and he probably knew it would drive his parents crazy. Which it had.

Having a baby and wife at home had been too restricting. Too boring. He’d started to prioritize his friends over her, and that’s when things between them crumbled. She grew up, and he didn’t. That he’d married another woman with a kid was kind of ironic. Except Gloria lived the fast life too. Apparently she was all right with nannies and babysitters—not to further a career or go on a couple’s vacation with her husband, but to live a full nightlife as if she didn’t have a kid who needed a parent.

Anita knew she shouldn’t judge, but she supposed she was anyway. Especially because it was that type of mindset that had broken up her marriage. Or at least in part. If it weren’t for Carly missing out on a father, she would have been happy to have her relationship with Bobby over. Their dating in high school was fun and exciting, but for her, that didn’t translate to the rigors of adult life and responsibility.

Still...as Bobby walked away, she could see how much he’d changed. Physically especially. They all aged at some point, Anita decided. They all matured, and hopefully for the better. Maybe he would follow through with Carly. Maybe they could have a new beginning.

Turning back to the produce section, she stood for a few moments, unseeing. Emotions warred in her chest, and she couldn’t remember what she was planning on fixing for dinner. Then she remembered the corn. She loaded up on a few ears. She could do something normal like fixing dinner. And tonight, after Wyatt left, she would have a talk with Carly.

Somehow the rest of the afternoon passed, and it was time for Wyatt to arrive at her house. He was on time, and she found herself analyzing him as he came up the walk, carrying a box. She liked him, she knew that. Was this how it was with Bobby when she first met him? No, she told herself. Bobby had been a flashy personality—popular at school. Wyatt was subdued, serious, solid. Bobby wore his heart on his sleeve, whereas Wyatt showed his heart through his actions, his concern.

“Stop comparing them,” Anita scolded herself in a fierce whisper.

She opened the door for Wyatt, and he carried in the box.

“Wow, it is a lot of stuff,” she said.

“Yeah, I was surprised too.” He paused in the entryway, his eyes locking on her. “How’s your week going?”

“All right.” She knew it was just a casual question, but Wyatt always seemed to see her. To listen to her. To want to know more. “How was your week?”

“Better now.” He lifted the box a couple of inches. “Should I put this on the kitchen table?”

“Yes, sure.” She shut the door and followed him into the kitchen, where he set the box down.

He began pulling out folders. “Smells good in here.”

“Oh.” Anita moved to the other side of the table. “I have some meat marinating, so you’re probably smelling the sauce. It’s pretty strong.”

“Ah.” He fished out another folder.

“And you’re welcome to stay for dinner,” she said. “Carly will probably ask you.”

Wyatt set down the folder he held, the edge of his mouth lifting. “You don’t have to feed me.”

She gave a small shrug. “I don’t mind. The more the merrier.”

“I should have brought something. Dessert, at least.”

“It’s fine. I’m actually making a new recipe. Something I’ve wanted to try for a while. And the portion is too much for two people.”

Wyatt’s brows raised. “I’m happy to be your taste tester anytime.”

Anita might be blushing, even though she knew he wasn’t teasing her that way.

“Hey, is everything all right?” he asked suddenly. “If tonight’s not a good time, we can reschedule.”

“Oh yeah, things are fine.”

“Are you all right?” he pressed. “You seem . . . stressed?”

She folded her arms because her hands felt shaky, and her heart was beating too hard. Would it be terrible to tell Wyatt what happened today? Maybe it would be good to have an outsider’s opinion. It wasn’t something she’d discuss with any of her neighbors or clients. “I ran into Carly’s dad today. We haven’t seen or heard from him in years. He’s back in town staying at his parents’.”