The Accidental Encore

Chapter One

Allie Graves pried her lids open slowly as tears began leaking around the edges of her eyes. She lifted her hand when she felt something dripping down her face and was relieved to discover the liquid in question was the diet coke she’d just bought, not blood. The beat from the song on the radio had her reaching for the volume button to dim the sound. The airbag lay like a limp balloon in her lap.

“Hey, lady?” a voice called from outside her closed window. She looked over as if in a dream and, with the press of a button, rolled the window down. “You okay?” the stranger asked.

Was she okay? She wiggled her toes, lifted her knees, and made the mistake of nodding. Her head felt like it was going to explode. The burning in her eyes lessened as the cool autumn air floated into her car. “How bad is it?” she asked.

“Your car?” The guy walked around to the front bumper and scrunched up his face before returning to her window and leaning down so they were eye to eye. “It’s gonna need some work.”

Great.

“But not as much as the guy you hit.”

“What?” She tried to undo her seat belt and exit the car. She’d hit someone. Oh, God. What if he didn’t survive? What if she’d critically injured another driver? The man held her door in place when she attempted to get out.

“You’d better stay put.” He pointed with his head toward a black pickup truck with a dent in the driver side door. A man with blood running down the side of his face kicked the tire and scowled in her direction. “He’s out, and he’s mad as hell.”

“But he hit me,” Allie whimpered. “My light was green.” She shoved her door open, ready to explain, when her world began to tip.

“Whoa, lady,” was the last thing she heard before everything went black.

* * *

Craig Archer limped toward the bimbo who’d t-boned his car and noted with disgust that she’d collapsed into the arms of the guy who’d helped him out of his truck. Figured. Damn woman driver didn’t know a red light from green. And he’d just had his truck washed.

The man eased her onto the street and hovered over her, blocking Craig’s view. It was just as well she passed out. He would have made her cry. Everything about the scene brought back memories, too fast and too painful to acknowledge. So instead of concern for her well being, Craig loathed the woman for bringing his worst nightmare to life in living color.

Had Julie or Becca understood their fate before they hit the pole? Did they have time to feel scared? Or had it happened as the police explained to him and Mark, quick and deadly, without warning, without a chance to evade? He shook away the memories as the uniformed cop approached, eyeing the cut on Craig’s temple.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“That’s a nasty cut you’ve got there.” He pointed to Craig’s forehead with a ballpoint pen. “Why don’t you have a seat on the curb? Ambulance will be here in just a minute.”

“I’m fine,” Craig repeated. No way was he going to the hospital for some stupid scratch.

“Can you tell me what happened?” the officer asked as he clicked his pen and opened a palm-sized folder.

“She hit me. Ran the damn red light and plowed right into my truck.”

“So your light was green?”

“Green as your partner over there hyperventilating by the lady.”

The officer glanced over his shoulder and noted the rookie wiping sweaty hands on his pants as he interviewed the bystander. “She told that guy her light was green.”

“Then you might want to do a Breathalyzer or a vision test when she comes to.”

The officer looked back at Craig. “Can anyone here corroborate your story?”

“During Atlanta rush hour?” Craig snorted. “We’re lucky no one’s weaving through the scene.”

“What about that guy?” the officer asked, pointing to the man who’d helped him after the crash.

“I don’t know where he came from.”

The officer let out a sigh and pointed with his pen to the curb. “Have a seat, Mr.?”

“Archer.”

“Have a seat, Mr. Archer. I’ll be right back.”

Craig watched him saunter toward the other party, speak to the man who’d helped both him and the lady, and then listen to the rookie. He kneaded the back of his neck and hoped like hell the man saw the light because the last thing he wanted was a drawn out legal battle on top of the annoyance of having to have his truck repaired.

The lady came to just as the ambulance arrived. She tried to stand up, but the EMTs brought out the stretcher and forced her to lie down. He wondered if she’d passed out for show or if she was really injured. She didn’t look any worse for wear. Her shoulder length blonde hair and face were covered in white powder from the airbag and her clothes seemed splashed with some kind of liquid. She’d have to replace her bumper, maybe a side panel or two, nothing like the damage to his truck. Stupid woman.

The officer walked back after they’d loaded her into the ambulance. “She’s going to the hospital to get checked out. We’ll run some tests while she’s there, but she insists her light was green.”

“Figures.”

“The guy works at the drycleaner. He didn’t see a thing.”

“So it’s my word against hers?”

The officer tapped his pen against his leg. “Appears that way. I’ll need to see your license and registration.”

Craig stood up. “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

“And you’re going to get your head looked at.”

“It’s fine,” Craig muttered.

“Fine or not, we’ll just have a look. There’s another EMT on the—just pulling up now. We can do it here or at the hospital.”

Too bad Craig hadn’t gotten the rookie. “Here. I’m not going to the hospital.”

“And I’ll need to do some tests on you as well, Mr. Archer.” At Craig’s pointed stare, the officer grinned. “As much for your sake as mine.”

“You won’t find anything.”

“Good. I don’t want to have to bring you in. This report is going to be headache enough.”

Craig handed the officer his license and the truck’s registration. “How are you going to write this up?”

The officer scribbled on a pad. “Depends on what we find. Since you’re both saying the light was green, we’ll have to do an investigation.”

“So I won’t be able to file a claim until after the investigation?”

“You can file, Mr. Archer, but the police report won’t be ready until the investigation is complete.”

Great. Just what he didn’t need.

Stupid woman.

Chapter Two

Leah Archer opened her front door and scowled at the man limping up the walk. “What happened to you?” she asked. He growled something she couldn’t understand and pushed past her into the house. “And where’s your truck?” She shut the door and turned to face her uncle.

“Where’s your dad?” he asked.

Leah pointed to the ceiling. “Packing.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Are you going to answer my questions?”

“You going to quit unless I do?”

“Nope,” she said. She loved annoying her Uncle Craig, mostly because it didn’t take much work at all. She followed him into the den and watched him ease onto the couch.

“I got in a wreck, which is why I have a Band-Aid on my forehead and why I’m limping. The truck’s in the shop.”

“Does dad know you were in a wreck?”

They both turned when her dad appeared at the base of the stairs. “You were in a wreck?” Mark asked.

Uncle Craig looked at Leah and lifted one brow. She loved it when he did that. “He does now.”

Mark rushed into the room and stood peering down at Craig. “Are you hurt?”

Uncle Craig snorted. “I got a scratch on my head and banged my knee pretty good, but other than that, I’m fine. Wish I could say the same for my truck.”

“Is it totaled?”

“No, but the whole damn side has to be replaced.”

“What happened?” Leah asked as she took a seat next to her uncle. Her dad stared at his brother, his face pinched with worry. Leah couldn’t stand to see her dad upset. Craig must have noticed her dad’s reaction because he shrugged his shoulders as if the whole thing were no big deal.

“Woman driver ran a red light and speared me.” He looked at Leah and smiled. “Your gender has serious issues behind the wheel.”

“My gender takes great offense to your attitude.”

“Take offense all you want, sweetheart, it doesn’t change the facts.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” her dad asked. His hands were clenched into fists and his face looked pale.

Craig smiled so big even his dimples showed. He hardly ever showed his dimples. “I’m fine, Mark. So when are you heading out?”

Leah hopped up and grabbed her dad’s hand. “Their flight leaves in four hours,” she said. She’d been counting down since she’d woken up that morning. Two weeks with her uncle sounded like paradise after the last few days. “You’d better light a fire under Carolyn, Dad. You know how you hate to be late to the airport.”

Her dad stared at Craig for another minute before twisting to face his daughter. “The fire’s been lit. She’s almost ready.”

“You’ve had this trip planned for almost a year. I don’t know why she’s running behind.”

Dad pulled on her ponytail and ruffled her bangs like he’d done since forever. “Because that’s what women do, honey. They primp.”

“She’s got to be tired of primping after all that fuss last weekend at the wedding.” Her dad and Carolyn’s wedding had been one long torturous day from beginning to end. Carolyn had even insisted Leah wear makeup.

“Apparently it doesn’t wear off,” her dad explained. “At least it never did with your mother.”

Leah felt the ache, right in the center of her chest, as she always did when her dad mentioned her mother. The ache had gotten stronger since the wedding and all the changes that day brought to their lives. She hated feeling betrayed by her dad, especially when he was so happy, but she couldn’t help the way she felt.

“So,” her dad said to Craig. “You sure you’re up for two weeks with this one?”

Uncle Craig narrowed his eyes at Leah and winked. “How much trouble can she get into while she’s making me dinner and doing my laundry?”

Her dad looked at her and gave his usual crooked-smile. “You’d be surprised how much trouble a twelve-year old girl can cause.”

Uncle Craig stood up. “You’re just too soft, Mark. I’ve got duct tape and handcuffs and I’m not afraid to use them.” He poked Leah in the stomach and tickled her under her armpits.

“Where are your bags?” Mark asked.

“In the tin can rental out in the drive,” Craig said. “Come on, squirt. You can bring my bags in and show me to my room.”

Leah grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the door. “This is going to be so much fun, Uncle Craig!” She stopped suddenly and looked up into his deep blue eyes. “Where’s Blackjack?”

“He’s back at my place. We’ll pick him up later.”

Leah stood on her tiptoes to whisper in Craig’s ear. “Did you leave him at home because of Carolyn?”

Uncle Craig shrugged. “She’ll have plenty of time to get to know Blackjack when they’re back from Hawaii.”

* * *

“You sure you’re up for this?” Mark asked Craig. Mark had the same frazzled look he’d had on his wedding day.

“Why do you keep asking me that?”

Mark shoved his hands in the pockets of his khakis. “When I asked you to watch Leah, you weren’t hurt.”

“I’m not hurt.”

“You’re limping.” Mark lifted his eyes to Craig’s forehead. “And I’d bet that scratch came with one hell of a headache.”

“Lighten up, Mom, I’m fine.” But he could tell Mark was far from convinced. Because Craig understood Mark’s fear, he took the time to explain. “It was a fender bender, nothing more. Besides, I might actually get Leah to wait on me if she thinks I’m injured.”

Mark laughed. “Whatever works. These days, she’s all over the map. One minute she’s my little girl, the next it’s like an alien has possessed her body. I’m hoping Carolyn can help decipher these mood swings once we’re back from our honeymoon.”

“Alien possessions? Now you tell me.”

Mark lifted his hands in the air. “Hey, you told me not to call Mom.”

“I can handle your daughter. Besides, Mom’s up to her eyeballs helping Aunt Ginny after her foot surgery.”

Carolyn came into the kitchen and wrapped her hand possessively around Mark’s arm. “I think I’m ready,” she said.

Craig surveyed his new sister-in-law. She was so different from carefree, down-to-earth Becca. But then, Craig barely knew Carolyn. Though she and Mark had dated for over three years, the long distance relationship hadn’t offered much opportunity for them to bond. He knew Mark looked happy, if not a little drained by the honeymoon details.

“I don’t know what all your fuss is about. From what I remember of my honeymoon,” Craig said, “all you need is a bed and some time alone.”

“Then we’re both more than ready,” Mark said and kissed his blushing bride’s cheek.

Craig felt…weird about his brother moving on with his life. He didn’t blame him. He’d never blame Mark for moving forward, both for him and for Leah. He only wished he could do the same.

“So,” Mark said as he picked up a handwritten piece of paper from the kitchen table. “Here’s Leah’s schedule. Everything is on here, school, piano, lacrosse, chores, friends, phone numbers, everything. Consider this your Bible.”

“I got this, bro. I’ve been watching her for years and she’s still in one piece. Go, have a great time, and don’t worry about a thing.”

“I’m calling every day, just to check in,” Mark said, and Craig pushed him toward the door. Their bags were lined up like soldiers. “If you need immediate backup, call the neighbors listed on the back of the sheet.”

“Mark,” Craig said through gritted teeth. “Just go. We’ll be fine.”

Leah, who’d been so eager for them to leave just minutes before, launched herself into her dad’s arms. “I love you, Daddy. Please be careful.”

Mark lifted her off her toes and hugged her hard, his eyes closed. Craig knew Mark loved Leah more than anything in the world. From the look on Carolyn’s face, she knew it, too.

“Listen to Uncle Craig, honey.” Mark plopped Leah back on the ground and picked up the largest of Carolyn’s bags. “And be good.”

“I will, Dad.” Leah looked at Carolyn. “Have a nice time.”

“Thank you,” her woefully unprepared stepmother said before following Mark to the car.

After they pulled out of the driveway and Craig closed the door, he turned to face Leah. “Well, kiddo. It’s just you and me for fourteen days. What do you want to do first?”

“Let’s go get Blackjack,” she suggested. “I’ve got to practice piano and he loves it when I play.”

Chapter Three

Allie took a deep breath before answering the knock on her door and steeled herself for the scream.

“Oh my Gosh!” Melissa gasped. “Okay, okay.” She nodded her head. “I’m glad you warned me.” She pushed past Allie and walked into the den, flipping on the overhead light. “Come stand under the light so I can see.”

Allie closed the door and faced her oldest friend. “How bad is it?”

“Well…” Melissa grabbed Allie’s chin and swiveled her face back and forth under the recessed spotlights. “You look like you were punched in the face. Hard.”

“I was punched in the face. By me.”

“I didn’t think airbags did that kind of damage,” Melissa said.

“They don’t. I was taking a sip of diet coke when the airbag deployed. I’m lucky I didn’t chip a tooth.”

Melissa narrowed her eyes. “I thought you gave up soda?”

“God, Mel. Only you would hone in on that detail at a time like this.”

“If you’d been that diligent with me about chocolate, I’d look a hell of a lot better in these jeans right now.”

Patience, Allie reminded herself. She needed an honest opinion, and no one was more qualified than Melissa. “Can we focus on me for just a second, please? I’ve got clients to see tomorrow and I need to know what reaction to expect. Remember, I’m talking about children. I don’t want to scare them or their parents, whose checks pay my mortgage.”

“With a little makeup, they might not notice the bruising, but I’m not sure about the swelling.”

“I knew it.” Allie sat on the couch and flung her arm over her eyes. “I look like the elephant man.”

Melissa laughed. “Allie, please. The elephant man never looked as good as you.” Melissa sat next to Allie and patted her leg. “Just tell the kids you were in a car accident. What’s the big deal?”

“I look like a freak!”

“Says the girl voted most beautiful in high school,” Melissa mumbled loud enough for Allie to hear and feel the sting. “Welcome to my world.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Allie, you’re stunningly beautiful, even with a bruised and battered cheek.”

“Says the happily married mother of one.”

“Touché.” Melissa pulled Allie’s hands into her own. “Look, are you okay? Did this accident do any real damage?”

“No. I was sore for a few days, but I’m better now. It’s faded a lot in the last few days. I was just hoping I’d look normal by Friday.”

Melissa cocked her head and blinked once, very slowly. Here comes the lecture, Allie thought. “Oh, I get it now. You’ve got a date.”

“I was feeling sorry for myself and signed up for a new site. Lovefinders.com.”

“Oh, Allie,” Melissa chided in her mom voice. “I thought you were done with online dating.”

“I was. Until I got this.” Allie reached for the embossed envelope she’d tucked under a magazine on the coffee table. “Sharon Fowler is getting married.”

“So?” Melissa shrugged and tossed the invitation aside. “You’ve gone to weddings alone.”

Allie threw her hands in the air. “Sharon Fowler found a man to marry her, and I can’t even get a date? Sharon Fowler?”

“Okay, I understand what you’re getting at, but I thought you hated the whole online dating routine.”

“I do hate it, but what are my choices? I work alone all day. I work with children at night. And all my friends are married or in serious relationships.”

Melissa pursed her lips and stared at the ceiling. “I was just reading this article about how alumni associations are a great way to meet men.”

“I don’t think any Bowden alumni live in Atlanta or even the state of Georgia.” Allie got up to pace around her den. “You know as well as I do that I’ve tried it all. Social clubs, church singles groups, night school, wine tastings. I’m not alone because I haven’t tried. Where are all the single men in this town?” She stopped and faced Melissa. “And I don’t mean to sound like a bitch when you’re listening to me whine, but seriously, Mel, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Look, Al, calm down. I’m sorry. You’re right. I don’t know what it’s like out there now. But I hate to see you get all worked up over this. You were doing so great before, enjoying work and really getting comfortable in your own skin. I’m so proud of the progress you’ve made, and I hate to see you backslide like this.”

Allie rubbed her throbbing head. “I know. Between the wreck and this invite, I’ve hit rock bottom.”

“I thought you said you didn’t have any injuries from the accident.”

“I don’t, but my car is in the shop for weeks and the guy who hit me is disputing my account. He insists my light was red and I know it was green. You know what a conscientious driver I am.”

“So what does that mean?” Melissa asked.

Allie sat down and let out a frustrated sigh. “It means my life sucks, all the way around.”

* * *

“You’re late,” Leah said after slamming the door of the rental car. “I told you this morning practice ended at five.”

It was like talking to a pint-sized version of Mark. “I know, and I’m sorry. I got hung up on the job.”

Blackjack barked from the backseat in welcome. Leah reached back and gave him a quick pat. “Hung up how?”

Craig took a deep breath and turned out of the school parking lot into traffic. He’d gotten too used to living alone and not answering to anyone. “You know I’m working on that house in town? Well, when the windows I ordered were delivered, two of them were the wrong size, and by the time I got the bozos at the store to realize it was their fault, I barely had time to lock the place down.”

Leah huffed out a breath and rapped her fingers on her leg. “This is why I need a cell phone. If I had a phone, you could have just texted me that you were running late and I wouldn’t have worried.”

“Did you really think I wasn’t coming?”

“No, but that’s not the point.”

As she dove into all the reasons why a twelve-year-old girl should have a cell phone, Craig zoned out and snuck glances at his niece. How had she gotten so big? It seemed like just yesterday he and Mark were scrambling to figure out how to raise a four-year-old whose mother and aunt had died in a car crash. And look at her. Those long legs and budding breasts. Jesus—Leah had breasts. When the hell had that happened?

“Are you listening to me, Uncle Craig?”

“Huh? Uh, yeah. You said you’d be safer with a phone.”

“Exactly. So will you talk to dad?”

“I’m pretty sure he knows you want a phone.” And he felt pretty sure Mark wanted to keep her as far away from becoming a teenager as possible. Unfortunately, from the looks of her, there wasn’t a damn thing they could do to stop it. “So, what’s on the agenda for tonight?” he asked. “Any homework?”

She sighed. “Math, as usual, and a little bit of Spanish.”

“You’re taking Spanish?”

She smiled, and for a moment, Craig thought he was talking to Becca. “Si, senior. Esta noche tengo piano.”

“Say what?”

“I said, tonight I have piano.”

“Oh. Okay.” He turned onto Mark’s street. “Do we have time for dinner first?”

Leah looked at the clock on the dash of the crappy rental. “Nope. According to Dad’s notes, tonight’s lasagna, so it’s got to cook for an hour.”

“I’m starving,” Craig said. “How about we do something crazy and veer off the schedule? We can have lasagna tomorrow and tonight I’ll whip us up a couple of sandwiches.”

“Can’t,” Leah said. “Dad always makes enough for Ms. Allie.”

“Who’s Ms. Allie?”

“My piano teacher.” She rolled her eyes. “Jeez, did you even read Dad’s instructions?”

“Your piano teacher stays for dinner?”

“Not always, but we’re her last lesson of the day, so Dad always makes enough in case she wants to stay.”

Interesting. Homey dinners with the piano teacher was a side of Mark that Craig hadn’t expected. “Okay, I guess we’re having lasagna.”