“He probably just wants to confirm he doesn’t want to see me again.”
Then again, when Zebb and I parted that glorious summer, we never said goodbye. There were no lingering kisses or hanging-on phone calls days after our final night. We each stepped into a new life. Summer had ended.
When I think about it, he also hasn’t said goodbye after each meeting with him. Not the night of the reunion or the morning he brought me the poinsettia. Not the night of the football game or after the party.
He hasn’t officially said goodbye ever and it seems par for the course of my life.
My mother never said goodbye either. She simply walked away.
When I don’t pick up the phone on ring number eight, Amelia reaches for it. Thankfully, I’m faster and breathlessly answer with hello.
“Eva?”
Shouldn’t he know it’s me?He called me.
“Hey . . . Zebb.” Any attempt to sound casual is wasted as my voice cracks.
“I’m sorry I haven’t called.”
Uh-huh. I roll my eyes knowing he can’t see me. I’ve had some doozy brush offs over the years. If pickup lines are bad, empty apologies and the weak excuse I expect next are the worst.
“Tam’s fever was a little more than a fever and she was in the hospital overnight.”
Guilt slams into me like a reindeer, head lowered and horns down. “Oh my God, is she okay?”
Amelia’s head pops up and I motion with my fingers that I’ll step outside a minute to complete this call.
“Where are you? It sounds loud.”
I’ve just passed under a speaker piping out Christmas music. “I’m out with a friend.” I should share that it’s a girl and not a date but I’m still a little salty. Even if Tam was sick, Zebb could have called me. “Tell me what’s wrong with Tam.”
“She gets these fevers every once in a while. Just out of the blue. Like an episode of sorts. Most of the time they just pass but this one wasn’t gone in twenty-four hours, and I panicked. They ran tests and kept her overnight but nothing.” He exhales. “Every time . . . it’s just fucking scary.”
When I consider that Zebb lost Tam’s mother in childbirth, something practically unheard of in the modern age, and consider that Tam is alternately-abled, I can understand his fear. He doesn’t want to lose his daughter.
“I’m so sorry that happened. But she’s okay, now, right?”
“Feisty as ever. She’s been running around practicing to be an angel and even wanted to wear the wings you left her to make a snow angel tonight.”
Snow has been falling all day. It’s piling up and adds to the holiday scenery. It’s also wreaking havoc on traffic. As I stand outside, a taxi blares its horn at another car where the tires are spinning on the wet pavement.
“Are you outside now?” Zebb asks.
“Stepped out to take your call.”
He’s quiet for a second and I can’t stand the tension.
“I’m glad you called. Thanks for telling me about Tam. I’m glad she’s better.”
“I should have called sooner.”
Ya think?However, I bite my sarcastic tongue. I get it. He doesn’t trust me. Just like he didn’t want to tell me he has a daughter or had a woman he once loved.
“If the offer for the Doll and Me tea is still available, Tam would really like to attend with you.”
“With me?” I choke. A good choke. Like I’m overwhelmed by the sudden possibility.
“Marnie can meet you at Ashford’s, if that works. I couldn’t get my shift traded, but I think my sister really wanted to attend anyway. She’s a teacher where Tam goes to school and handles pick up or drop off for me when I can’t do it. She and Tam are close. Tam is beyond excited to see you again.”