Where All Things Hide

By Natalie Davis and David R. Odell

When Jonathan Michael Ames turned around and saw her standing there after all the years that she had been gone he thought his prayers had been answer. He wanted to believe all the hard times the lonely times were behind him. All he thought about was the good times that they had shared. It was as if it had been yesterday and all those lonely years were just a bad dream. All he could see was that wonderful smile and those beautiful eyes that held his heart.
Pauline April Stevens was home and there he was. Once they saw one another it felt as if they had never been apart. She was on the run from her recent past. A past that was dark as well as not far behind her. Her safe place and those people she cared about most were about to be threatened. Things would be changed in ways no one could ever have imagined. She had come back to get away from the fear that had been with her every day over the last few years.
Pauline as well as all her friends were about to learn a hard lesson about unfinished business. You may think you know how people will react but that is because you have never really seen them angry before. Stephen was already angry he had lost one of his play things. Jonathan was going to get angry. When that happened it was going to be right out there for everyone to see. Then there was Pauline. No one was going to see her anger until it was too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483627618

Natalie Davis

Natalie Davis is a truck driver as well as a heavy-equipment operator in Virginia. David Odell lives in Ohio; his father was a truck driver for more than thirty years. David spent a lot of time with his father and the drivers he worked with.

Book preview

NOTHING IS PERFECT

Jonathan Michael Ames sat in a truck stop about ten hour’s drive from his home. He had hoped to get home a day earlier than he was going to. The rules of the business said he needed some down time. He didn’t feel like he needed down time but you only push so far then you get off the road. He had pushed the limit a bit but there was no reason to take chances a little sleep would be all he needed then he could get back on the road.

His mother was home on the farm with his three year old daughter. There was no wife waiting for him she had left him right after their daughter was born. He couldn’t say he missed her she had never been much of a wife that was for sure. It might not be a very nice thing to say about the mother of his child but if he hated anyone he hated her. She had never been much of a wife; she hadn’t even tried to be a mother.

Jon got up paid for his food then went out to his truck to try and get some sleep. Once he was in his bunk he usually went right to sleep but not tonight. Tonight he was thinking of what he didn’t have and what his daughter needed. He didn’t have the right woman in his life. The thought made him smile because right now he didn’t have any woman in his life.

He needed to find the right woman for himself so that his daughter would have a mother. There had been someone once but she had been gone for several years and she wasn’t coming back. There were other women maybe even the right one for him. All he had to do was find her how hard could that be? It seemed it was hard enough he had been looking for just over three years. With any luck at all he should be able to find the right woman before his daughter graduated high school.

That was his last thought before he fell asleep.

CHAPTER ONE

Jonathan Michael Ames drove his eighteen-wheeler into the company yard, and found an open spot at the loading dock. He backed his trailer into the dock then dropped the trailer and unhooked his tractor. Pulling away from the trailer he pulled up to the fuel pumps and filled his tanks. Once this was done he drove over by the office parking in his usual spot with the seven cabs that were already parked there. Gathering up his paperwork as well as his coffee cup he climbed out of the cab then walked to the office.

Placing his paperwork on Cora’s desk he smiled at her. Hi good looking how are you today?

Cora put her cigarette out in the ashtray on her desk. Never mind all that. I just made you a fresh pot of coffee.

Jon walked over to the table where the coffee pot was set up and poured himself a cup. You okay?

Cora shot him a look that told him it was time to go. What do you think?

Sorry is there anything that I can do to help? Jon asked.

Cora looked up at him wondering why a man who was not her husband would ask her that question. Jon, you are lucky I am happily married most of the time or I would be chasing you all over town.

Jon smiled. I don’t run that fast.

Tell Walt I would like him home early tonight. Cora said.

I will send him home as soon as the game is over. Why don’t you join us? Jon asked even though he knew she would not do it.

I would love to but my Mom has had my kids all day and she needs a break. Cora said with a smile. You are a good woman Cora, Walt is lucky to have you. Jon said as he walked up to her desk.

No need to butter me up, I have your check right here. She said as she handed it to him.

He took the envelope from her putting it in his shirt pocket without looking in it. We will have to find a nice place for families to eat and go there just as soon as I find me a good woman to make a family with. He said with a smile and a wave as he went out of the office.

Jon walked to his truck and took his gear out of the cab then locked it up. Walking over to his pickup he placed his things on the passenger seat then set his cup in the cup holder between the seats. Sitting in the pickup he thought about his friends who were waiting for him at the bar, Tim, Walt, Ray and Mike. They were all married and they had wives and kids at home waiting for them. He did not have a wife. He lived with his Mom or she lived with him whichever way you wanted to see it. He had been married but that had not worked out. Well that was enough to make him need a drink. He lit a cigarette then started his pickup and headed for the bar. Now he was in a drinking mood, not that it ever took much to put him in one. Well there was nothing wrong with that.

Jonathan walked into the Brockport Tavern his four friends from work were already there. It had been a long week and now it was time to relax. He was going to have a few drinks with the boys and then they would go to Ernie’s, a sports bar restaurant where they would watch the ball game on the big screen television. This was what they did almost every Friday night since before they were legally old enough to be there. All their old friends used to gather around a couple of tables drinking and laughing in a time when everything had seemed possible to them. Those days were gone and a lot of things had changed. Some for the better and some changes had not been so good.

Jon watched the bartender Roger Westin as he talked to a woman at the other end of the bar. He had not had a date in longer than he cared to think about but that did not bother him. It was his friend Tim who seemed to worry about his love life more than he did. Tonight the tavern seemed more crowded than usual yet Tim still had managed to find them a table. Jon had been at the bar getting a pitcher of beer for the five of them. When he got to the table they started talking about the new girl behind the bar and her flaming red hair as well as some of her other attributes. Her name was Rae something or other. Her name was not what they were interested in. The fact that Roger was talking to another girl instead of the one he was working with did not seem to bother anyone. It was just another Friday night like all the rest. It would take a few beers to make it forgettable; they had already started in on making it happen.

You would think that after thirty plus years a man would be smart enough to see trouble and avoid it. This was not the case this time. He might have done so if she did not look so much like someone he used to know. The eyes, the curves, the hair, the smell mixed with smoke and beer, all seemed familiar. They had been friends more or less. It had been a while since he saw her last and a lot of women were starting to look like her from the back. He lit a cigarette and shook his head. He had been alone to long, he thought. He could have sworn he saw her the Friday before, standing at the bar talking to Eugene Brooks the owner of the place. One minute she had been there and the next she was gone. He smiled, he was going to have to find a woman and get on with his life before he forgot how too.

Right then he got a glimpse of her face, it really was her!! She looked better than he remembered. Her hair was lighter and she seemed to have changed in other ways, good ways he thought. She was sitting with three women he knew who worked at the docks. She did not see him at first, so he had a chance to watch her as she sat with her friends. He thought about going over to her table even though it had been a long time, they had never been that close he told himself. He was sure that she would not remember him. After all, he had changed too. He was older and he had a beard and shorter hair and of course there was his drinking hat, his Dad’s old driving hat.

The thought was a lie. They had been close of course even so they had been going slow because they did not want to make a mistake. They had not wanted to lose what they had or maybe they were just afraid it would not last. Whatever the reason while their friends were getting married, they were attending the weddings together. All those years going to school, parties, church and school dances. They put all that time into building something they thought was special only to lose it anyway. Too much thought and not enough action, which had been their problem he thought as he smiled.

He turned back to his friends and tried to think about anything but her. His friends wanted to leave as the place was too crowded and they were getting hungry anyway. The idea was to go to Ernie’s restaurant where they could sit and eat a good meal while still being able to drink as much beer as they could hold, or until their money ran out. The plan was to get good and drunk, just like every other Friday night. Something to eat while they watched the ball game on TV was a plus. He glanced at the table where she was sitting but she was gone. Maybe it had not even been her after all. It had been a long time and people change. The best thing to do was get going while they still had enough money to pay for the food.

Were you looking for anyone special?

I thought I saw… He started to say as he turned in his seat and looked up. She was standing behind him with a smile on her face. I was looking for you.

Really… ?

Yes, I wanted to make sure you had not seen me.

No luck with that. She told him with a smile.

What are you doing here? I thought you were still living at home in California.

She was still smiling. I moved.

So I see. He said. Married? She asked.

Once, it did not last. What about you?

I was asked but have not tried it yet. How was it for you? She asked still smiling.

I was as happy as I could have expected to be at first but she was never happy with me.

Found her a boyfriend?

Put an s on that and you have her story. One day I was a husband the next a third wheel and by the time it was over I was one of eighteen. Which is where I stopped counting then moved out and on. Nothing made me as happy as the day I became a single man again. He told her.

She tilted her head in that way she had. The one that made him think she knew him better than he did himself. It was funny how she could still make him feel that way after eight years. He startled himself when he realized just how much time had really gone by. It had been almost three and a half years since he left Gina and her host of boyfriends. Too bad he had not been the only casualty of the disaster that had been his marriage. He smiled as he thought of sweet Adrianna, the only good thing that had happened to him in the eight years since he had last seen Pauline. He thanked God that Adrianna was only three years old and barely able to remember her mother. He hoped that the wonderful woman that had raised him would be able to undo whatever damage had been done until he could sort out his life and his place as her father.

Well I certainly hope that smile is because of a good memory and not something you are up to! Pauline laughed bringing Jonathan out of his reverie.

Oh I will never tell. He said laughing in return.

And there it was, that awkward silence they always seemed to fall into since just before Pauline had left town to move back with her ailing parents. They had been friends mainly because they had friends in common and some of the same ideals and interests. There had been a possibility of something more but fate had stepped in as usual and torn them in different directions. She had left and he had remained in Madison, a small town on the coast of Oregon, driving the rig that he had bought after his dad passed away. It was mainly short hauls these days, from the docks to the fish factories up and down the western seaboard, never more than three days away.

So what are you doing back here? He asked, trying to break the awkwardness.

I came back here because I used to be happy here. Of course the lack of work in California might have something to do with it. She quickly added. You still have your house here?

You better believe it! Jonathan snorted with a smile. I was smart enough to keep that in my name. At least I did not make that mistake! I did lose some of the land but that is another story. Where are you staying? Are you working?

Yes, I am thank goodness. When Mom passed and dad needed more care than I could provide, I started working in construction to pay for the nursing home and his care. But now that he is gone too and the construction business isn’t so good in good old sunny California, I came back here and begged Hector for a job. He was good enough to give me a chance running the forklift down on the docks.

Pauline waited for the look of amazement to leave Jonathan’s face, knowing he found it amusing that she had asked her old adversary for a job. After all, she had almost cost Jonathan his job with Hector in the old days when they hung with the same crowd, out all night, drinking and goofing around town.

How long have you been here? Jonathan managed after a moment’s hesitation.

About two weeks. I have been down on the eastern side of the dock from where you work, so we haven’t crossed paths. The only reason I saw you today is that I live upstairs, just moved in the day before last. Till then it was the Motel Seven down on Ashford. Not the best place in town, but cheap which was what I could afford. She laughed knowing this was another bomb dropped. She had always disliked the Brockport Tavern, mainly because everyone knew everyone else’s business. And what they did not know, they liked to make up as they went.

Just then the gang of guys that Jonathan had managed to forget existed, started trying to get his attention.

Hey, man, I thought we were going to hit Ernie’s for the game tonight and I need food! Hollered Tim, Jonathan’s oldest but not necessarily best friend.

It is okay, Jon, it really is. Some things never change. Pauline laughed, with that disturbing head tilt again. We will run into each other again, soon I am sure!

You can count on it. Tomorrow morning, coffee then breakfast? Jonathan asked, before he could stop himself.

I will hold you to it. Just don’t make it too early. I don’t want to have to feel sorry for you after tonight’s game when you are still hung over! Pauline just had to throw at him. You know where I live! was all she could say as Tim and company finally succeeded in dragging Jonathan out the door.

The five men got in the car and drove over to Ernie’s place, a restaurant with a wide screen TV as well as the biggest and best steaks in town. The beer was on tap and ice cold. The waitresses were hot and their uniforms were short skirts and tight blouses with plunging neck lines. When they ordered, they ordered the beer at the same time they ordered their food. April brought the drinks in that good looking outfit that they called a uniform, low cut white blouse and a short black skirt. All the waitresses wore the same thing and they were all built to wear them. April should not have been working there as she was married and had two kids, but her husband was between jobs. He always was it seemed.

They started talking trucks while they were waiting for the food and though the first story might have been true everything after that was a lie. Calling them lies, though it might be honest, was not really what they were. After all they were entertaining themselves. These boys could tell tales with the best of them. If you listened to them they could do everything with a truck but make it sit up and bark, though they would tell you it could be done if you asked them. Jonathan was one of the best. He could tell some of the biggest tales and even though you knew he was telling you a wild tale you wanted to believe him because he did it with a straight face and he made it sound so realistic.

By the time the game started the food was gone and the talk of trucks had turned to talk about the umpire who should not have left his glasses in the locker room. The game was not going well, and had not been right from the first pitch. There was a lot of talk about the umpire’s family history, none of which was anything his mother would want to hear. There was talk about all the money wasted on a pitcher who could not find the plate. The first baseman was all thumbs and there was an outfielder that was not able to see any better than the umpire.

Jonathan was sitting at the table smoking a cigarette looking into his glass of beer. She was back!! He had always hoped she would come back but he had never really expected that, after all she was the responsible type. Family, jobs, and she was not a quitter. He had tried to call her a few times over the eight years that she had been gone but for one reason or another he never managed to get a hold of her. He should have tried harder but if she had wanted to talk to him she would have called him back. That was something else after all. His phone number had never changed!

Hey Jon, where are you? Never mind, I know where your mind is at. You have not seen her for eight years, you talk to her for a couple of minutes and she turns your brain to silly putty. Tim said then lights a cigarette.

Jonathan did the same as he stalled for time trying to find the right words to say to get Tim off his back. What do you mean? Is all that came out of his mouth, which did not help.

You are awfully stupid for a smart man when it comes to her.

Tim, we barely had time to talk before you dragged me out of there. Jon said then took another drag off his cigarette then sipped his beer. It was warm and flat.

If I had known you were going to get like this I would have left you there with her. You should at least have gotten her phone number instead of just sitting there with your mouth open.

I got her address and a breakfast date while I was sitting there with my mouth open. You never could have gotten that much. Jon told his friend as he put his cigarette out.

Breakfast, you are taking her to breakfast? Tim asked.

Yeah, what is the big deal? Jon asked as he forced himself to finish the warm beer, even though he did not want it he could not let Tim know that.

You never take a woman to breakfast unless you take your Mom or your Daughter.

That is not true. Pauline and I used to go to breakfast all the time. Jon said with a smile.

Yeah, back when you two were trying to figure out what you wanted from one another. Since she left, breakfast has been reserved for family. Tim said with an odd look in his eyes.

I did not know that you were watching me that close. Jon said with a smile.

Tim pointed to the empty glass in front of Jon. You want another I’m buying?

Sure. Jon said holding his empty glass.

Okay, just as soon as you drink the two I already bought you which are right there in front of you. Tim said with that smug look on his face that Jon really hated.

I think it would be best if I go home now as I have to be up early.

How are you going to get home? Tim asked.

I am going to get a cab.

A cab, you really are out of it tonight. Go home! You have no business being here as your mind is already at breakfast. Tim told him.

Well it is the most important meal of the day. Jon said with a smile then got up and left leaving Tim sitting there with his mouth open.

Jon went home but he did not sleep as his mind was way too busy for sleep. Tim was right he had things to take care of these days. He had a daughter now and she was his princess. Adrianna was his little girl, the only good thing that had come out of his marriage. Gina never wanted a baby but for some reason known only to her she had agreed to have the baby. She had complained every day but had done everything the doctor told her to for nine months. When Adie was born she went right back to her old ways before she was released from the hospital. She left him with a daughter to care for on his own.

His Mom had been there right from the start teaching him all the things he needed to know. They were a team the three of them. She was there for them and they were there for her. There was room in the cab of his rig for three. What was he going to do with a fourth? What part of his family was he going to push out of the cab to make room for Pauline? There was no room in his life for her.

Tim was right. But despite the fact that Tim might be right about something for once in his life, Jon also knew it was a useless battle. Pauline was back, his brain was silly putty once again and there wasn’t a thing he could do to change it. If he was really going to be honest with himself, did he really want to? Even though she had never returned his calls he knew there was a reason for it. If nothing else, he had to find out that reason. Even if it meant hearing something he was not ready for or just plain afraid to hear.

Pauline never pulled her punches. It was something Jonathan admired about her from the start. Deadly honest to a fault, that girl is, Jon thought, smiling to himself again as he rolled over and tried to sleep. It was three in the morning and breakfast was going to come very soon if he followed his routine of up at the crack of dawn. Wonder what she will throw at me this time? He chuckled as sleep finally started to creep in.

The next morning dawned cold and dreary, with a steady rain that had been falling most of the night. With a creak of the bedroom door, Adrianna peeked in at her Father, still fast asleep. It was late for him. Coffee was already in the pot downstairs, sausage and biscuits already out of the oven. Adrianna’s granny, Gloria had heard Jon try to creep in at two-thirty that morning and knew he had a late night, so she had let him sleep in. She knew he was going to be unhappy about it, but knowing he needed it all the same. Jonathan worked so hard to keep her and his precious Daughter living comfortably. He had thrown himself into his driving when Gina skipped town after being released from the hospital, leaving him with all the bills and a Daughter to boot.

Gloria wasn’t unhappy when Gina left. She had never thought much of her. But she had tried to hold her tongue for Jon’s sake. He had loved Gina in spite of her troubles with drugs and her love of men other than her husband. There had only been one other woman that Jon had even a passing interest in and she too had disappeared from his life, but for different reasons.

Gloria remembered Pauline with fondness, in spite of the way things had gone. She was a good girl, responsible and honest, too honest at times. Gloria wished it had been her that Jon had married instead of Gina, but it had not worked out that way. Friends with benefits, Jon had called their relationship, whatever that had meant. Gloria knew better than to ask.

Now Pauline was back. Gloria had seen her two days before in the grocery. Pauline hadn’t seen her though. She had made sure of that. It was a shock to see Pauline, so Gloria had ducked out of sight, not an easy feat for a woman her age. Also, with her bad eyes, Gloria had wanted to make sure that it was Pauline that she had seen. She wondered if Jon had seen her yet. Gloria’s bet was no, Jon had not mentioned it, and she knew he would have. She knew Jon remembered her liking Pauline, and her worry over the years about what had happened to her.

A sudden shriek and a giggle brought Gloria out of her thoughts as she heard her granddaughter pounce on her unsuspecting Father upstairs. So much for sleeping in. she thought with a laugh. Adrianna could get away with anything with her Dad, even