Page 17 of Beyond Reach

sp; Chanda’s stomach dropped.

“Chanda, this is Papa Colm.” Everyone in Garner’s family called his dad Papa Colm ever since the first grandbaby was born. “Give us the name of your hotel, dear, and we’ll pick you up. We have no hard feelings toward you. Everyone makes choices for their own lives. If you prefer, we can give you the name of the restaurant where we’ll eat and hope to see you there shortly. That’s fair, right?”

‘Calm’ was the right name for an oncologist. Papa Colm was always easygoing. At the same time, he knew how to make his displeasure known without raising his voice. He could also be stubborn.

Chanda didn’t see how she could get away without being nagged to death. “Alright, I’ll meet you there.”

She ended the call as soon as she could and drove back to her hotel. A quick shower and change of clothes made her feel ready to face Garner’s parents. Of course they’d seen her at the church, but she’d worn shorts to the rehearsal and guaranteed, Garner’s parents would want to meet at a fancy restaurant where she would feel out of place.

Half-hour later, she drove into the restaurant’s parking lot and spotted the Porsche Garner’s dad drove. She recognized it because the plate reflected on his job as a doctor. Marcella had bragged before she arrived in town that Papa Colm recently bought the vehicle as if she’d purchased it for him.

Chanda squared her shoulders and bolstered her defenses mentally as she headed into the restaurant. The second she stepped away from the door, Mrs. Driscoll waved a hand from across the room. It was such an odd experience since the older woman didn’t actually call out to capture her attention.

“Mr. and Mrs. Driscoll, I’m sorry I didn’t get to speak much with you at the church. How have you been?”

Garner’s dad drew her close for a hug. “It’s Papa Colm. I know you haven’t forgotten, Chanda.”

“Um, no, sir.” She decided not to remind him that the nickname was one only family used.

“Chanda.” Mrs. Driscoll kissed her cheek, and the three of them sat down.

When Chanda’s drink arrived, she quickly sipped the chilled beverage, feeling a little overwarm. She wiped a bit of moisture off her forehead. Mrs. Driscoll waved a hand in her face and removed her sweater. “It’s warm in here, isn’t it? You should take your jacket off, Chanda. There’s no dress code.”

Papa Colm snapped his fingers. “I’ll get them to turn down the air right away.”

“It’s fine. I’m comfortable,” Chanda lied.

“Nonsense. You’re sweating.” The man didn’t mince words, even though his tone remained kind. “Is there something you’re hiding?”

Chanda choked on the sweet tea.

He pointed at her wrists and glanced at his wife. The woman nodded in agreement.

“We saw what happened with your uncle. I don’t condone violence toward a woman. Ever.”

So he condones violence otherwise?

“Let me see your wrist.”

“It’s fine.” Her voice grew tight. “I can take care of myself, sir. I appreciate your concern.”

“If you could take care of yourself, Chanda, my son wouldn’t have had to come to your rescue.”

She pushed the glass away. “Is this why you called me here, to harass me about Garner helping me? If so, you’d be better served by confronting him. I didn’t ask for his help. I haven’t asked for anyone’s help. I’ve been on my own for twelve years, and I’m good.”

She bit her tongue. The last thing she wanted was to disrespect these people. They had their views, but they were nice. Recalling the past, she never once thought they looked down on her because she was black. They never seemed to prefer their son date someone of his own race. Back then, they accepted her with open arms.

“And that’s where you were wrong,” Papa Colm asserted.

“Excuse me?”

Mrs. Driscoll tapped his arm. “Don’t be so harsh, Colm.”

“It’s true. You young people get notions. You don’t understand family. I’m going to be honest. I was angry and hurt for my son when you left without explanation. I had a lot of soul searching to do over the years. I came to the conclusion that you are young, and young people are…” He shook his head as if he had no words.

“You’re a different generation,” Mrs. Driscoll finished. “We don’t always understand how each other thinks, but it broke my heart when you left Garner.”

Chanda started to say what happened between her and Garner was none of their business but let it go.

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