The Touch

By Michael Embry

Blake Williams is a widower trying to raise three children. He has been careful to open his heart to another woman, fearful of the pain he might suffer again. His attention is focused on providing a loving home for his kids.

Carla Reeves is involved in an abusive relationship. She doesn’t know who to turn to for advice. She meets Blake by chance on several occasions and the relationship evolves into much more than casual interest in each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781597052801

Michael Embry

Michael Embry is the author of eight novels, three nonfiction sports books and a short-story collection. He was a reporter, sportswriter and editor for more than 30 years. He's now a full-time novelist. He lives in Frankfort, Ky., with his wife, Mary, and two Chorkies, Bailey and Belle.

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The Touch Title Page

Dedication

Chapters

Meet Michael Embry

Works From The Pen Of Michael Embry

The Touch

Michael Embry

A Wings ePress, Inc.

Mainstream

Copy Edited by: Rosalie Franklin

Senior Editor: Pat Evans

Executive Editor: Marilyn Kapp

Cover Artist: Pat Evans

All rights reserved

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Wings ePress Books

Copyright © 2010 by Michael Embry

ISBN 978-1-59705-280-1:

Published by Wings ePress, Inc. at Smashwords

Published In the United States Of America

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS 67114

Dedication

For my wife, Mary

One

Blake Williams took the large folder from Carla Reeves in the Grand City Medical Center records section and started flipping through the pages. His eyes darted up and down each page until he was finished. He had recently transferred his three children from private to the public schools and needed their shot records as part of their enrollment.

That should take care of it for you, Mr. Williams, Carla said with a bright smile. If you need anything else, just give us a call and we’ll track it down for you. But usually all the new school requires is a shot record for each child.

Blake closed the folder and tucked it under his left arm. He gave her a grateful look that everything was in order.

These kids have really had a lot of holes poked into them, he said, grinning. I don’t remember having this many shots and I was in the Army.

Well, there are all sorts of vaccines that we didn’t have when we were growing up, plus children get lots of booster shots, she said, her slender arms folded on the counter.

I guess you’re right, he said, slightly arching both eyebrows. And I must say that the kids have been relatively healthy. Well, thanks for your help. I don’t need to be taking up any more of your time. It wasn’t nearly as difficult as I thought it would be getting these records. I thought I’d be calling everywhere and running all over the place for them. You’ve been very helpful.

Since you live in town, it’s not that complicated to make transfers in school systems, Carla said, a smile curling on her full, red lips. If you were from out-of-state or moving in from another school district, it’d be a little more difficult. I’ve heard all kinds of horror stories from those folks.

Anyway, thanks again, he said, flashing a quick smile. Where do I pay for these?

We’ll bill you at your home address, Carla said. Have a good day.

Blake gave her a friendly half-wink as he turned and walked away. She watched him as he briskly went out the front entrance. He walked with an air of confidence.

Blake had been polite and courteous, which Carla readily noticed. Although she saw many people during the day, and forgot most of them, he had left a favorable and lingering impression. She enjoyed the pleasant small talk. She didn’t sense anything flirtatious about his behavior. Blake seemed like a genuinely friendly and nice guy. She smiled to herself, then went back to her desk and started leafing through some papers.

The following afternoon, Carla saw Blake in the supermarket. His daughter, Amy, a pert 14-year-old with sunshine blonde hair, was with him and doing most of the shopping. Blake was pushing the cart and following her while making suggestions along the way on what to buy. Amy made most of the decisions. They were enjoying themselves as occasional light laughter erupted between them.

Are you sure we need peanut butter? he asked. We just bought a big jar the last time we were here.

No, Dad, she said impatiently while keeping her eyes on the shelves. That was several weeks ago.

Okay, if you say so. Then don’t we need some jelly?

No. We got that last time.

How do you remember all these things?

Because I look through the pantry and refrigerator before we leave the house. And I’m not old like you and losing my memory, she said, glancing back at him with a teasing grin.

Funny, funny, he said. One of these days you’re going to be old like me.

Yeah, but I’ll still have my mind, she said with a giggle. And you’ll be real old by then.

Carla met them in the produce department. Blake was sorting through tomatoes, trying to find the biggest and ripest on the rack. Amy was checking the lettuce.

Hello, Mr. Williams, Carla said when she noticed that he saw her approaching.

Hi, Blake said, holding up a tomato in each hand. Aren’t these the nicest you’ve seen? This has really been a good season for them. He began tossing the tomato up and down with his right hand.

I agree, she said. I planted a few tomato plants behind the house and I don’t know what to do with all the tomatoes right now. I’ve given a lot of them away at work.

I wish I had done that, Blake said. We love tomatoes at our house but I simply didn’t have the time and energy to fool with planting them this spring. I regret it now.

Blake noticed Amy looking at Carla with an inquisitive look in her blue eyes.

I’d like you to meet my daughter, Amy, Blake said. Please forgive me but I don’t remember your name.

I’m Carla Reeves, she said with a smile. It’s nice to meet you, Amy.

Amy looked sheepish.

Hi, Amy said softly, trying to hide the braces that covered her upper teeth by lowering her lip.

I met Ms. Reeves at the medical center yesterday, Blake said. She works in the records section and got the shot records for me.

Oh, Amy said, this time puckering her lips without showing her teeth.

Well, I need to finish my shopping and get home, Carla said. It was nice seeing you again, Mr. Williams. And it was nice meeting you, Amy.

Good to see you, Blake said, studying her as she turned and walked away with her cart. She was wearing a blue blouse and khaki slacks that didn’t hide her shapely figure.

Dad?

Blake continued watching Carla until she pushed her cart down another aisle. A dreamy look covered his face.

Dad!

Startled for a moment, Blake turned quickly around to Amy.

Yes, sweetie, he said, feeling a blush come over his face. What is it?

Which head of lettuce should we get? she asked while holding them up in front of him I can’t decide.

They both look good. Either one will be fine.

Carla reached the checkout lane with a smile on her face that she couldn’t erase.

Did you find everything you needed? the checker said pleasantly as Carla gazed out the storefront window. Ma’am?

Carla casually turned and looked at the young woman ringing up her groceries and didn’t say anything. She was still smiling.

Did you find everything? the checker said again, a puzzled look on her face.

Carla finally realized that she was being spoken to, but hesitated for a moment before saying anything.

Uh, oh, yes, she said a little flustered. Thank you.

The checker smiled and slightly shook her head in amusement. Carla wrote a check while a young man bagged the groceries. After taking the receipt from the checker, she quickly looked back toward the aisles and left.

A few minutes later, Blake and Amy reached the same checkout line. They both took the items from the cart and put them on the checkout lane. While Amy moved passed the register, Blake reached into the cart and took out the remaining groceries.

Did you find everything? the checker said cheerfully to Blake.

After taking the last item from the cart, Blake stared aimlessly to the rear of the store.

Sir? the young woman said. Did you find everything?

Dad!

Blake turned around and faced the cashier with a blank look.

Oh, I’m sorry, he said. I didn’t hear you.

I was just asking if you found everything, the cashier said with a tight grin.

Oh, sure, he said. We found everything we needed. Right, Amy?

Yes, Dad, she said, shaking her head in disbelief. Amy looked at the cashier and they smiled at each other before looking back at Blake. He stood there with a comical grin as the checker continued ringing up the groceries.

During the next few weeks, Carla saw Blake at the mall, post office, fast-food restaurants and other public places. There were more smiles and cheerful greetings. Although it was simple pleasantries such as How are you?, Having a nice day? or It’s nice to see you again, they were becoming more at ease with each other. She always felt comfortable with him, beginning with the first meeting at the medical center, and his easy-going demeanor practically disarmed her. His bright and lively brown eyes gave full attention to her when they talked. There was something familiar about him, almost like being reunited with a long, lost friend.

~ * ~

For the past 15 years, Carla had been involved in a domineering relationship with Frank Mincer. He overwhelmed her in so many areas of her life. He decided what they would do, where they would go, and how they would do things. It got to the point that he disapproved of her speaking to other men when it was anything other than at work. She had gone along with his demands until Blake stumbled innocently into her life.

But in the weeks since meeting Blake, she started wearing bright colors and putting on jewelry, usually a string of pearls or a simple necklace. She had her hair cut off her shoulders to a layered look around her neck that had a playful bounce. Co-workers noticed the change in her, and complimented her on her looks. A few people wondered if she was pregnant because of a glow about her when she smiled. They would ask her what was going on in her life, but she couldn’t explain the change in her. Frank even picked up on her new appearance.

What’s come over you? he said when she came home from work one afternoon wearing a yellow pantsuit and ruffled white blouse. He was sitting on the recliner, reading the newspaper when she caught his attention.

What do you mean? she said with a shy smile.

I don’t know really, he said. Have you been looking at the Sears catalog or something? You just look different than you used to.

I never thought about it, she said. I got my hair cut but I didn’t do anything drastic. Do I look okay?

Yeah, he said. You look pretty good, I guess.

Thanks, she said as if waiting for him to say more about her appearance but knowing compliments from him were few and far between.

What’s for supper? he asked, picking up newspaper and taking his eyes off her. I’m starving to death.

What do you want?

I’ll take anything, he mumbled while turning a page of the newspaper.

How about if I order out for some pizza?

No. I’d prefer a home-cooked meal tonight. I had a busy day at work and I don’t feel like any junk food.

Would you like fried chicken?

Carla, just put something on the table! he said gruffly. I’ll leave it up to you. Is it too much for me to ask you to make a decision on what to eat?

No, she said, red-faced and little flustered. I just want to fix something you like.

I like about anything, he said in a perturbed tone. Why don’t you cut out this gibberish and go to the kitchen. You could have been halfway through fixing it if you weren’t standing here asking me these damn questions.

Excuse me, she said timidly before turning away and walking back to the bedroom to change her clothes. She slipped into a white T-shirt and cutoff jeans and went to the kitchen to prepare the dinner. She heard a click on the TV, then Frank began surfing through the channels. He wouldn’t stop until she said supper was ready.

The chicken had already thawed in the refrigerator so it didn’t take her long to get it breaded and into a skillet. She took out some frozen corn from the freezer and put it in the microwave, then boiled some water for instant mashed potatoes. While the chicken was simmering on the stove, she poured herself a large glass of iced tea.

You want some iced tea? she said while peeking into the living room.

That’d be nice, he said, keeping his eyes on the TV while flipping through the channels. She brought him the iced tea. He extended his arm and took it from her without saying anything.

How was your day? she said, sitting down on the corner of the overstuffed sofa.

I told you I was busy, he said.

My day wasn’t too bad.

Oh, he said, stopping on the Weather Channel to watch the local forecast.

We had somewhat of an....

Shhh! he said, frowning quickly at her. I need to see this.

Carla got up from the couch, a touch of sadness in her eyes, and went back to the kitchen to finish cooking the meal and set the table. A few minutes later, she had everything ready.

Supper’s ready, she said. Come and get it.

Hon, could you bring a tray out for me? Frank said as he sat in the recliner fully extended. I don’t feel like going into that hot kitchen.

Carla didn’t say anything. She picked up his plate, loaded it with food, and took it out on a tray to him. He handed her his glass of tea to be refilled, and she took it back to kitchen and took care of that and brought it back to him. He had already devoured a chicken leg.

How’s everything? she asked.

It’s okay, he said. I’m so hungry that anything would taste good.

Even pizza?

Are you trying to be funny? he said, giving her a disdainful look.

I was just kidding, honey, she said.

He didn’t reply.

She returned to the kitchen, put food on her plate, and turned off the lights. The sun was still out, casting a soft glow through the green curtains on the yellow walls. She sat quietly and ate her dinner.

What’s for dessert? Frank shouted above the sound from the television.

Two

Frank and Carla were quietly eating a late breakfast in a booth at Denny’s when Blake came in with his two sons. Frank’s back was to the entrance as Blake stood in the foyer waiting to be seated by the hostess. Carla glanced up and noticed him as he stood talking to his children. She shuffled over a little in her green vinyl seat to have Frank’s body block Blake’s view of her.

But it didn’t help as the waitress led Blake to a table in their section. As they were sitting down, Blake caught a glimpse of Carla. She had her head down, staring at her food, as if she was thinking that Blake wouldn’t see her if she didn’t see him. It didn’t work.

Hi! Blake said cheerfully. Good morning.

Carla and Frank both turned their heads and looked over at Blake, standing several feet away with a broad smile that revealed pearly white teeth.

Carla quickly smiled and returned the greeting. Frank squirmed uneasily as his eyes studied Blake for a moment and then darted to Carla. Her body began to tense up under the glowering stare.

How’s everything at the med center? Blake asked as Frank looked grimly at Carla.

Oh, everything is fine, Mr. Williams, Carla said, trying to end the conversation politely by not following it up with a comment.

Blake wouldn’t let it end. He walked over to their table, extending his hand to Frank.

I’m Blake Williams, he said.

Frank looked up, slowly wiped his hands on a napkin, and shook his hand. Carla noticed there was more than a smirk than a smile on Frank’s face.

Frank Mincer, he said gruffly.

Carla and I seem to meet everywhere, Blake said with a hearty laugh. It’s almost to the point where I think she’ll be anywhere I go in town. Right, Carla?

Carla nervously smiled and nodded. She knew what was going on inside Frank’s jealous head. There was a fire burning in his eyes. Her stomach was getting queasy.

So you see each other a lot? Frank said, arching his eyebrows. Coincidental?

Oh, yeah, Blake said, his eyes shining brightly. Nothing planned, but we cross paths all the time. It’s funny. I almost expected to see her here this morning and here she is. Don’t you feel the same way, Carla?

Uh, yes, sometimes, she said nervously. It seems that way, I guess. Coincidental.

Frank had a stern look on his face as he slowly picked up his cup of coffee and took a long sip while glaring at Carla.

I guess I’d better let you folks eat. I don’t want your food to get cold, Blake said almost apologetically. I’ve got two hungry boys over there waiting for me. It’s nice meeting you, Frank. I guess I’ll see you around, Carla.

It was good to see you, Mr. Williams, she said. I hope you have a nice day.

Frank, his mouth full of scrambled eggs, simply raised his left hand and nodded as Blake returned to his table. Then he glared again at Carla.

So you see him all the time, he said in a low but firm voice.

It’s nothing, Frank, she said. We just happen to run into each other at different places. Doesn’t that ever happen to you with people once in awhile? It’s purely coincidence. He’s a nice man. He’s got three children.

Frank didn’t pursue the conversation. He looked at her for a moment and took a bite of toast. They finished their breakfast without saying another word to each other. As they got up from their table, Frank acknowledged Blake with a quick tip of his head while Carla smiled with pursed lips.

Have a good day, Blake said, holding up his coffee cup.

You, too, buddy, Frank said as he turned and walked away.

I’ll see you around, Carla, Blake said. I’m sure of that.

Carla only smiled as she timidly followed Frank to the front counter. She didn’t look back although Blake watched them as Frank paid their bill and left. Frank opened the front door but stepped ahead of her as she grabbed the bar before it closed on her. Carla stayed two steps behind him across the parking lot. Frank got into his red Blazer first, then reached over and unlatched the passenger door for her to get in.

Who were those people? said Mark, Blake’s freckled 13-year-old son.

I met that woman several weeks ago, Blake said. That was her boyfriend with her. Her name is Carla and she works at the med center. I believe he said his name is Frank.

He didn’t look too nice, Dad said Sam, who was two years younger than Mark. He didn’t seem like a nice man.

I’m sure he’s okay, Blake said. I interrupted them while they were eating so I guess he didn’t like that.

That doesn’t seem like such a big deal, Mark said.

For some people it is, Blake said. How’s breakfast?

~ * ~

On the way home, Frank opened up again about men in Carla’s life. He was red-faced as a vein began to bulge in his left temple.

I don’t like you talking to strange men, he said, his voice growing louder with each word. You know how I feel about that. How many times do I have to tell you?

It’s nothing, Carla said softly. Why can’t you believe me? I hardly know him. He came into the office for some shot records several weeks ago. I’ve seen him a few times since then at places, like today. I just can’t ignore people. Why can’t you understand that?

I understand that I don’t like you talking to him, Frank said, glaring at her with fiery eyes. Don’t let it happen again. Understand?

I’ll try. There is only so much I can do.

You can quit encouraging these guys to talk to you, he said as his hands tightly gripped the steering wheel. A man won’t talk to a woman if she doesn’t lead him on. That’s what you’ve been doing with these men. You’ve been leading them on. I want you to stop it. Now.

Honey, I don’t encourage it, she said, her eyes welling with tears. Honestly. You should know that you’re the only man I love. Don’t you know that?

If you love me so much, then cut out this crap with the other men.

Not another word was spoken as he drove home.

~ * ~

Avoiding Blake wouldn’t be easy for Carla. Grand City wasn’t a large town, with only about 20,000 population, and the likelihood of meeting him at a store or restaurant was pretty good. It would be impossible to dodge him all the time unless she only went to work and stayed at home the remainder of the day.

Two days after the incident at Denny’s, Carla was in an espresso cafe at the Grand City Mall when Blake happened to walk by and noticed her sitting alone in the corner at a small black table for two. She was reading the back cover of a paperback novel.

May I join you? he said, standing next to her table.

She looked up, startled slightly, and smiled.

Of course, Mr. Williams, she said. "I’m just resting my feet for a few minutes. I stopped by the