Unexpected

Chapter 29 - Fifty Bucks

After Nick left, Sara cried for Lily, Christine and poor Daphne, who lost her little sister. When she was out of tears, the memory of being with Nick hit her in full force.

She had thought of nothing but her physical needs, not her lack of experience or her mistakes. Alone, she was afraid that her impulsiveness would send Nick running in the other direction. Would he want an experienced partner? She needed to open up to him about her past. She would have to share her deepest secrets, if she ever wanted a chance to have a real relationship with him. He may decide he wanted someone different, but it was a risk she had to take.

Clare was there waiting for her, the minute she arrived at work. Sara said, "I guess you know."

"Yes, Tim called me last night. I was afraid that you didn't know."

"I found out last night too." She didn't offer any details.

"I was afraid that my brother wouldn't think to let you know. Are you okay? It's so sad."

"It's beyond sad, but I'm okay. I guess." Sara fought the tears that were on the verge of bursting through.

"Do you have someone to lean on?"

"Yeah, I do," she answered, just as Nick came in, late again.

Clare turned to Nick. "Oh Nicky! Was it awful?"

Sara watched as they hugged. Their embrace was of brother and sister, two people who have known each other their whole lives. When she and Nick embraced, it was very different. She longed for his arms to be around her too. All she could do was work and hope to keep her mind busy.

She caught him alone in his office before lunch. He asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah." She wasn't certain if it was true.

"I was afraid that I scared you. I lost control... the emotions... you..."

"I seem to remember you weren't alone. I wasn't discouraging you," she whispered.

He looked at her with dark eyes as if he were trying to see inside her head. Before he could respond, Chloe called, "Dr. B, you're next patient is ready, oh and Sara, yours too."

Nick said loud enough for Chloe to hear, "Okay. Sara, I'm glad you're okay. I know you and Lily were close friends."

"Thank you, doctor." She left his office and said to Chloe, "Sad day, huh?"

Chloe answered, "The worst."

Chloe didn't know she interrupted a very intimate conversation.

Lily's funeral was set, and the practice would allow anyone who wanted, to attend. Some staff who didn't know Lily would stay to answer phones. With Tim, Nick and Sara attending all appointments would only be scheduled for the afternoon. The staff was busy rescheduling the non-urgent appointments. Sara suspected that it would take days to catch up.

Tim insisted Sara ride with him and Nick to the funeral. "Julie will meet us. She has food to deliver for the reception."

"That sounds like Jules," Nick said.

Sara sat in the backseat with the two brothers up front. No one spoke, each deep in thought.

She felt uncomfortable sitting with the Burke family in the church. She tried to sit with Chloe, but Clare grabbed her hand and said, "Join us."

She ended up next to Nick, with Clare and her husband, Tim and Julie, and Dr. and Mrs. Burke all seated in the one pew. During the funeral, Nick slipped his hand under the sweater which Sara had placed between them and brushed her hand. She moved her fingers underneath so their fingers touched. There was a certain thrill to their secret. Although it was comforting, Sara felt guilty for enjoying Nick's touch during the sad and solemn occasion. Down the pew, each married couple was holding hands, including the parents.

After the funeral, there was a reception in the church hall. Burial was to be private for only family. Sara had a moment alone with Christine who hugged her and wouldn't let her go. As others approached, she kept introducing Sara as Lily's special friend. Sara felt awkward because in her mind Christine was treating her more special than she was.

Across the room, Nick was talking with his parents and some other guests. He looked very handsome in his dark suit. Did he wear that suit to his wife's funeral? Was he thinking of that day, today? It wasn't her place to ask him, but what was her place?

As she thought of Nick, Julie smiled warmly. Julie had been busy putting out food with a few others on the hospitality committee. It was a small close knit town and Sara wondered if she would stay long enough to feel a part of it.

She stayed by Christine's side until Tim approached. "Come on. We have patients waiting."

After a hasty hug, she followed the three siblings to the car. Clare was riding back to the office with them. Clare automatically climbed into the passenger seat so Nick sat in the back.

Clare started right in on Tim. "You owe me fifty bucks."

"What! Why?" Tim protested.

"I saw those tears glistening in your eyes."

"Tears! That was the dust. They should clean that church!"

Nick said, "That was not dust."

"You lose!" Clare boasted.

Sara smiled at the exchange. Clare spoke most of the ride about Lily, the ceremony and the people who attended. Sara was glad Clare was too busy talking to look back, because Nick was holding her hand. Sara needed the warmth of his hand.

He let go just before they reached the office when Claire said, "You two are quiet back there."

Nick replied, "Couldn't get a word in with you going on and on."

Sara didn't have time to think about Lily. They had a steady stream of patients the entire afternoon. She didn't pause until they escorted the last patient out. Sighing, she looked at Tim who looked as exhausted as she felt.

As if her day couldn't get any worse, her car wouldn't start. Tim and Nick were leaving together.

"Hey Betty, it sounds like the battery."

"I'll get a tow." She sighed. Dealing with her car was the last thing she wanted to do.

Tim said, "Don't be silly. It's just a battery. We can give you a jump, right Nick?"

"I can't stay. Daycare, but Tim can handle it."

She watched Nick drive off, as Tim hooked up the cables. She turned the key when he told her and her car came to life.

"You'll want to get a new battery. Either of us can change it out for you. I'll follow you home to make sure you're alright."

"How about I give you a beer and you tell me what I want to hear?"

"I'm not following."

"You promised you'd tell me about Betty. I think I deserve it after such a sad day."

"Oh alright, I suppose it's the least I can do for you after the day you've had."

Sara smiled as she put her car in gear and drove home.