Page 28 of Beyond Reach

Chanda’s cell phone rang. She cracked an eye opened and squinted at the bedside clock. The red numbers danced, and she couldn’t make them out. Fumbling, she managed to get a hold of her phone, but nothing on the screen came through either. Well, it had to be someone she knew calling in the middle of the night.

She yawned and punched the button. “’llo?”

“Chanda.”

All sleepiness dissipated. She sat up in bed. “Garner? Is everything okay? What time is it?”

“Two.” He sounded contrite. “I’m sorry to call you this late but…”

She slid to the edge of the bed, knowing why he called. Thoughts of what she had shared with him kept him from resting. Her heart went out to him. “It’s okay. I don’t mind. Um, is Marcella there?”

Why the heck did you ask that?

“No.”

They were both silent. She should tell him to call Marcella for comfort, but said instead, “It’s hard to talk to anyone about this. No one who hasn’t been there understands.”

“Yes.”

“I mean I’m not saying miscarriage isn’t common. Unfortunately, it is. It’s just that—”

“I know.”

She hesitated. “Is that café still open, the one we used to go to?”

“It’s changed hands several times, but yes. Shall we meet there?”

Worry stirred her from the bed and forced her to pace. “I don’t want to do something I shouldn’t, Garner.”

“We’re only talking. I want to know what you started to tell me earlier. More importantly, it’s getting you down. You’re hurting yourself, and I’m sure it’s not your fault. Give me the chance to shoot you some logic.”

She chuckled. “Okay, that sounds fair.”

They arranged the time, and Chanda jumped into the shower even though she showered before going to bed. After rifling through the clothes she brought with her, she convinced herself that this wasn’t a date and she needed to get moving.

A half hour later, she pulled up to Bean and Gone Coffee. Through the shop’s window, she spotted Garner already waiting. He sat at a table alone and cupped a mug of what she assumed was coffee.

He’d missed a button on his shirt, and he must have forgotten to comb his hair after tossing and turning in bed. So much for her pride or any errant thought that he would try to look his best as much as she did.

“Hey.” She sat down across from him. “You alright?”

He smiled and her heart skipped a beat. It turned out to have lain dormant all those years. One smile from him brought it back to life.

“I’ll be fine. You’re what’s important here.”

She shook her head. “No way. You’re not doing that thing you do, Garner. Taking care of others and forgetting yourself. I’m fine. I’ve been good for years.”

“Have you? If so, I’m glad. I didn’t order coffee for you because I wasn’t sure if your tastes have changed.”

“You mean matured.” She snorted. “Yeah, it’s not all-sweet-all-the-time anymore. Well, not in liquid anyway. As evidenced by my hips.”

Unlike his best friend, Garner didn’t toss out an empty compliment. He didn’t assure her she looked good although she was at least thirty pounds heavier than the last time she saw him.

At least.

She ordered a coffee with cream and sugar, sure she would regret it later. “As to how the accident was my fault…”

“Wait.” He laid a hand over hers.

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