Free Slow Ride (Riding with Honor) by Rebecca Avery Page B

nurses, Joan, who seemed to go above and beyond her job requirements stopped over by her and peered in at Melody.
    “Have you seen Tommy?” Dana choked out.
    “He was in here earlier this morning…gave us this miracle CD he recorded.  I’m not sure what he does for a living but I think he missed his calling…Lord girl but you are one lucky woman,” she said, smiling and fanning her hand in front of her face.
    “Anyways, he said Miss Gretchen’s birthday was this weekend and he needed to get ready for her party and wasn’t sure if and when he would be back in today.  I’m glad one of you was able to come though as I’m sure Melody is too.  You want to hold her?” Joan finished.
    “Yes, please ,” she replied, sitting in the rocking chair.
    She hung around for about an hour and was able to give Melody her afternoon bottle.  Looking at her she could see the baby’s face was finally starting to look pinkish rather than the dull gray color that was so alarming to see. 
    After realizing she was stalling in hopes that Tommy would show up, she finally let the nurse put Melody back in the incubator and left.
    Deciding to try one last time to make this right before being forced to wait until Monday, she called the shop where he worked.
    “Bobby’s Custom Chop Shop, this is Lilly.  Can I help you?”
    “Umm…is Tommy there?” she asked.
    “No , I’m sorry… Tommy took the day off today and won’t be in.  Is there something I can help you with or one of the other guys…?” she asked.
    Inhaling a breath of courage she said , “This is Dana Atkinson, we met the other night.  I…umm… Tommy came to talk to me earlier and…he left…angry…and I was trying to find him.  Do you know where he’s at?”
    “No , I’m sorry I don’t,” she said with a slight pause. “I know this is none of my business but…he called earlier and told Bobby he wouldn’t be in today…that there was something he needed to do.  I know it doesn’t have anything to do with Gretchen since I will be picking her up later and keeping her overnight.”
    “ I also don’t think it has anything to do with Melody since he usually comes back to work after he visits her.  I’m going to go out on a limb here and tell you that from what I’ve seen…Tommy doesn’t go after women… they chase after him .  So if he took off work to talk to you…I’d say that speaks volumes,” Lilly said.
    “I’m starting to see that but I…” her words died in her throat.
    After a long pause Lilly said , “I tell you what… Gretchen would just die if you could come to her party tomorrow.  She really looks up to you.  I’m taking her to get our nails and hair done at a salon downtown after the party.  Maybe you will both have cooled off by then and could talk while we’re gone…if you don’t catch up to him before then.”
    “I don’t know…I’ll think about it ,” she offered.
    Lilly gave her the time and address for the party before ending the call.  She headed to a small hobby shop she’d seen and found a beginner’s model of a motorcycle that had Gretchen’s name all over it .  After her purchase she headed home to her apartment and the memories it now held for her.
    As evening rolled around she was going crazy with hoping he would call or stop by.  She called the NICU and checked on Melody and savored the fact that her weight had stopped fluctuating and was holding steady at over two pounds. 
    Having no more patience, she tried Tommy’s cell phone.  Talking to him over the phone wasn’t what she wanted…face to face was what she needed… but desperation forced her hand.  It was getting late and she was out of options.
    No answer.  Damn!

Chapter Seven
     
    She should just go to the damn birthday party…corner him and tell him about himself.  She was already showered and dressed with gift in hand.  Yes, she’d screwed up but he’d left without a backwards glance… no call…no second chance…no