The Date Nobody Wanted

ONE

Some nights, she really missed her dead husband. 

Rianna Callahan-Duncan rolled over in her king-sized bed and moaned. She was doing it again.  Reaching for a body that wasn’t there. Three o’clock in the morning, and she couldn’t sleep. Staring at the ceiling hadn’t helped either. She really missed snuggling up to her husband’s strong muscular body and him singing her to sleep.  But, thanks to the government, that was no longer an option.

Some days, she cursed the Office of Strategic Services, the secret intelligence organization that wasn’t there. She also hated the fact that her brothers were all members of that same intelligence community.  Most of all, she really hated the fact that her husband made her a widow at age 39.

It had been eight long months since her oldest brother, Brad, brought her the bad news of Ian’s demise in some third world country. Ian had been killed by enemy gunfire along with several other agents.  She hated he often went on those assignments and held her breath until he returned. This time she wasn’t so lucky.  Her college sweetheart had died in the harsh desert. Her heart was breaking, each day worse that the last. And in true Callahan fashion, her family had surrounded her with love and support, making the unbearable bearable. 

Staring at the ceiling, Ria, as she was called by just about everyone, sighed.  Yes, the love of her life was gone, but it was time to move on with her life.  She had two young daughters, Alannah and Aislin, to think about. Thanks to Ian being a master planner, they were more than okay financially.  Their two-story home was paid in full, same for her BMW SUV and Ian’s Mercedes.  If she never worked again, she’d be just fine. 

This is time to find yourself, her mother said after one of Ria’s ‘poor me’ episodes.  Amelia Callahan, was the queen of tough love, and this was no different.  Yes, Ian is gone, but you’re still here.  Those girls have already lost their father. You have to be strong for them. Go find yourself.  Take a class, get a hobby, go visit your grandparents in Ireland, or Philadelphia.  Do something. Don’t just sit there and let the grief over take your life.

Several months later, her mother’s words still rang in her ears.  She needed to do something but what? Her girls came first.  They’d been patient while their mother was in lala land, but now it was time for her to bond with her babies.  The weekend was approaching, she had to think of something spectacular.  She knew just the person or persons that could help her.  Her sisters-in-law. Between, Mira, Rain, Josie, and Erica, surely one of them had something in their bag of tricks.

The next morning, after she dropped her children off at school, she headed to her childhood home.  She parked in front of her mother’s house and noticed the cars in the driveway, indicating her sisters-in-law were already there.  Ria, took a deep breath, knowing this was going to be an emotionally charged visit, and slid out of her SUV.

She entered the house quietly, but Harper, her eighteen-month old niece, gave her away. Tee-Tee, she shrieked as she wiggled out of her mother’s arms and headed straight for Ria. 

Ria laughed and picked up the toddler.  Well, hello to you too, Harper.  She kissed the chubby baby on her cheek.  You smell wonderful.  She inhaled the scent of freshly washed child as they walked to the oversized breakfast table. 

Amelia Callahan believed in family. Every Friday the women of the family would meet with their kids in tow for coffee and a chat.  Ria took a seat next to Mira, who was married to Patrick, her younger brother.  Where’s the kids?  She asked of her missing nieces and nephews.

Her mother placed a cup of tea in front of her.  In the den with your father. I thought we’d need space to talk today.

Ria shook her head.  Her mother would never change.  She always seemed to know what she needed before she did.  How did you know I was coming over today?  She hadn’t attended a Friday get together since Ian had died.

If you hadn’t, I was coming for you.  Amelia sat on the other side of Ria.  Baby, you know I loved Ian like a son, but honey, he’s gone.  You’ve got to keep living.  And I had enough of you acting like a hermit. 

Rain chimed in.  Yes, we’d been put on notice and we were gonna come kidnap you today.  Rain was not the calm thinker of the group.  You know I’m always down for a little fun.

Then you married the wrong Callahan, Ria countered.  She reached for the sugar container.  I guess it’s too much to ask for Splenda.  She darted a glance in her mother’s direction. The woman had recently retired from a thirty-year nursing career, and didn’t believe in food substitutes of any kind. 

Yep.  Her mother rose and resumed her task of making breakfast.  Sean is perfect for Rain. They’re perfect for each other.

You got that right, Mom. Rain sipped her tea.  Sean is my world.

Ria nodded.  Their match couldn’t be more perfect.  Rain was an artsy type and Sean was highly conservative.  Since their marriage two years ago, her brother had a permanent smile on his face. I couldn’t ask for a better woman for him and Braeden.  Is he still calling you Mommy? 

Rain’s round face split into a wide grin. Yes.  I’ve given up on trying to get him to call me Rain.  I just didn’t want him to get confused if his mother came to visit.

Ria understood.  Her brother had been married briefly to a movie star and it was torture for everyone.  The only good thing out of that devil’s match was her nephew, Braeden. She gave up all her rights to Braeden and ran back to Hollywood three years ago.  I doubt if she’d ever come back here.

Me either.  Rain’s attention was now focused on the large platter Amelia placed on the table.  This looks delicious, Mom, Rain said. The platter held scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and hash browns. 

Thank you, dear.  Amelia sat down at the table.  Now, let’s get down to business.  She nodded at Ria. 

She knew she was on the hotspot.  Well, yes, Mom, you’re right.  I think I’m ready to return to the land of the living.  But this visit is for my girls.  I need something to make all this up to them.  She reached for some scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.  They’ve put up with my mood swings and crying jags, so I need something spectacular to show them how much that meant to me. 

Josie chimed in.  How about a girly night?  You know one of those places where you play dress up?

Ria laughed as she reached for her tea.  Have you seen my girls?  Totally tomboys. They have their girly moments, but not lately.

Her mother spoke up.  How about starting with a movie night at home with their favorite foods, then tomorrow make it all about them. I think the most important thing you can do right now, is show them how much you love them.  Movie night with just you, would be a great start.

Ria mulled over her mother’s words.  Hadn’t Alannah said the exact thing that morning?  Her daughters just wanted their mother back.

***

Jason Carter wasn’t feeling it.

Being the youngest history professor at the University of Virginia at the tender age of thirty-five, he was just was not feeling it.  His female counterparts felt the need to continually set him up on blind dates, but he didn’t want to date, wasn’t looking for a woman and surely, not have a relationship.

He sat in his office, preparing for his next class and trying to come up with a good enough reason to turn down his secretary’s daughter’s invitation to a party.  Why wouldn’t everyone just leave him the hell alone?  His cell phone rang and he noticed his sister’s number in the display.  Please, he hoped.  Please....

Hey, Izzy.  What’s up?  His younger sister, Izabella Carter-Callahan, was also a new mother. He’d hope there was a babysitting opportunity.

Nothing.  What are you doing later?  It’s Friday, you know.

Yes, I know.  I have two more classes, then I’m done for the day. 

Oh, so no plans for tonight? She paused.  No date?

Come on, Iz.  Not you too.  I like my life.  I’m not looking for a mate.  I tried marriage and it didn’t work.  I’m glad its work for you and Lizzy.  I’m just going to be the unmarried Carter.

Your wife discovered she was a lesbian.  No one is blaming you, Jason.  Chelsey didn't know she was gay when you guys got married.  I believe she did love you.

That he had no doubt.  That’s why she left me for a woman, right?

Bitter, party of one, Izzy said.  Everyone deserves some happiness.  That was very brave of her to admit that to you.  Would you rather she’d have an affair behind your back?

I know you’re right, but I’m so not into sharing.  Still hurts, though, he said softly.  Had it only been a year since Chelsey dropped the lesbian bomb on him?  When was the pain ever going to stop?  This was what I got for attending college in England.  The one woman I fall in love with had a thing for women.

Stop it, Jason, Izzy said.  I told you no more pity parties.  You were in love and you went for it.  It didn’t work, and she returned to England, so it’s not like you have to have to run into her.

He knew his younger sister was leaving out some big details.  That was Izzy.  Always trying to make him feel better about the mistake he’d made.  I know you guys still keep in contact, Iz.

How do you know?

Besides Chelsey being your friend on social media? The last time I babysat Bethany, I noticed she’d sent a baby gift.

Sorry, I’d meant to put that box away, but Cam was rushing me out of the house.  It was our first date since Bethany was born.

I know.  It’s all good.  Even though I gave him the blues when you guys started dating, Cam has turned out to be a really cool brother-in-law.  Actually, Tristan, too.  He liked both his brothers-in-law. 

I’m so glad you approve.  There is another reason for my call, she hedged. 

He knew it was coming.  What is it?

Tristan has tickets to a play in Manhattan for tonight.  Lizzy and I were hoping you could watch Beth, PJ, and Tatum.

All three?  Are you serious?

We’ll be back tomorrow evening.  One of Tristan’s friends is flying us to New York this afternoon.  I know it’s last minute, but I figured you were a pretty safe bet and wouldn’t have any plans for the night.

He knew not to take the harsh comment personally.  The truth was the truth.  He was a homebody and he seldom went out.  Where’s Mom and Dad? Tristan’s parents?

They’re going with us.

He was pretty much sunk and he knew it.  All right.  I’ll come by your place about four.

You’re such a great brother.

Just bring me back a souvenir.  Jason ended the call.  Not only would he get to babysit his infant niece, but he had the perfect reason to get out of the party. 

He glanced at his clock and realized he had a class starting in fifteen minutes across the large campus.  Good thing he wore his tennis shoes today.  He might have to do some running to get to class on time.  He grabbed his Ipad and headed out of his office. 

Professor Carter, you have a phone call on line one.  It’s your mother, Eunice Black, the department secretary, announced as he walked passed her desk.  The mature woman shoved the desk phone toward him.  Daring him to refuse. 

He had to take the call.  Maybe, just maybe, his mother would be quick.  Thanks, Eunice. He pulled the phone to his ear.  Hey, Mom.  I’m on my way to class, he hinted.

I know, dear.  I just wanted to see if Izzy had talked to you yet.

Yes, Mom, I know about the trip to New York.  I told her I’d come over today and pick up the kids.  Have a wonderful time at the play.

I will, honey. Are you sure you can manage with all the kids?

Yes, Mom.  I can handle three kids.  I teach college classes.

His mother laughed.  Okay, professor.  His mother ended the call. 

He chuckled as he handed the phone back to Eunice. 

I see you’re babysitting tonight, she said softly. 

Yes, please give your daughter my regrets.  I’m babysitting my nieces and nephew tonight.  My sisters, and my parents are going to see a play tonight in New York.

How nice for them.  She replaced the phone in its cradle.  I’m sure your mother will love it.

Yes, I’m sure.  He left the office without another word. 

TWO

Sure it was a good plan, Ria thought as she brushed her teeth the next morning, but plans seldom came to fruition in her life.  She’d planned on making it a movie night for the girls,