The Baby Thief (5 page)

Eric reached across the table and touched her hand. When his blue-gray eyes caught hers, Jenna’s heart tap danced. “Forget the recorder. I carry it out of habit. I’m here to see you. I tried calling you a couple of times today.”

“I took the phone off the hook.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

An awkward silence followed. Eric said, “I’m going to grab a coffee. Don’t go away. He was back in a moment with a cup of house blend. “How are you feeling today? he asked. “You were pretty upset last night.”

“I don’t know. I think I’m still numb.” Jenna had trouble expressing her anxiety. “It almost seems like one of those vivid dreams where you wake up shaky, exhausted, and not sure what really happened.”

“I’ve had a few of those.” Eric held her hand. “Do you have someone you can stay with for awhile?”

“I’m fine.” Jenna wished she had the courage to pull her hand away. As much as she liked the attention, she couldn’t let herself believe it was sincere. As soon as he got his interview, he’d be out of here, and she’d never see him again. She might as well get it over with.

“You were fantastic, you know.” His cheeks flushed. “I mean at the restaurant. Saving that man’s life.” His colored deepened. “You were great later too.” He cleared his throat and slumped down in the booth. “I need to shut up now. Tell me about yourself.”

“What do you want to know?”

“When and where you were born, what your childhood was like, everything.”

Jenna’s chest tightened, then she blurted out, “September 17th, Astoria, Oregon. Single mom, only child, overweight and unhappy.”

“Why unhappy?”

“I just told you. No father, no siblings. I felt empty and lonely as far back as I can remember. I tried filling the void with food, which made me fat, which meant I didn’t have many friends either. It’s a pathetic but unoriginal story.”

“What was your mom like?”

“She did the best she could.”

“Is she still in Astoria?”

“Florence.”

“Do you see her?”

“Once a month or so. That’s why I chose Eugene.” Jenna shifted uncomfortably. She and her mother had never been close and she didn’t know why. “You’re giving me the third degree.”

“I know. It’s a habit.” Eric sat back in his chair. “I still plan to write a story about the robbery. I hope you’re okay with that.”

Jenna shrugged, not sure how she felt.

He gave her a sly smile. “Why don’t you want to talk about your mother?”

“Now you sound like a shrink. ‘Why don’t you tell me about your childhood and the terrible things your mother did to you.’”

The smile went out of Eric’s eyes. “I never had a real father either, and I’ve been mad at my mom for most of my life.” He stared down at his coffee for a few seconds, then looked up. “But I had a whole truckload of little brothers to love and hate and horse around with, so in that sense I’m lucky.”

“You are lucky. I hated being an only child. It was so lonely and boring. I have to be careful about saying that because so many people only have one child these days. I can understand why, but I feel sorry for the kids. It’s the pits.”

“I’ll have to take your word for it. Being the oldest, I often wished I didn’t have any brothers. I spent most of my tender years as an unpaid babysitter.” Eric drained his coffee. “By the way, where did you learn CPR?”

“At the restaurant.” Jenna cleared her throat reminded herself not to think about Arthur and the wet, sucking hole in his chest. “Public service employees have to take CPR classes every three years. I used to think it was excessive, but after last night, I don’t think it’s often enough. I swear I forgot everything I learned, and I’ve taken the class at least three times.”

“You looked like you knew exactly what you were doing: calm, confident, in control.”

“I fake it well.” Jenna laughed. “I have to. The restaurant is crazy busy every Friday and Saturday night. Someone has to be calm in the midst of the chaos.”

“I couldn’t handle it. I’m patient with kids, but with adults…” Eric paused and shook his head. “I expect them to have it together or stay away from me.”

“Doesn’t the newspaper business drive you crazy then?”

“It did. The layoff was really a blessing. I now have minimum exposure to the public and its criminally ugly side.”

“I think I’m getting to that point myself.” Surprised by the intensity of her feeling, Jenna wondered how long she’d been resenting her job. In a moment she knew—since she’d decided to have a baby. Subconsciously, she’d known her management hours would take up too much of her time and personal energy for her to be a good mother to a newborn. The robbery had been the final straw. She wanted out. “I think I’m going to quit my job.”

“Seriously?” Eric frowned. “Maybe you should take some time off first, see how it feels. Go lie on the beach and soak up sun for a while.”

“I might do that. But in the long run, I have to find a way to make money at home so I can be a good parent.” Oh dear, why had she said that?

Eric’s forehead furrowed. “What haven’t you told me? Are you married? Do you have kids I don’t know about?”

Jenna tried not to laugh. “Of course not. But don’t you think you should have asked me that last night?”

“I should have, but you didn’t give me much of an opportunity.”

Her cheeks were suddenly warm. “I’m not usually like that.”

“That’s good. We didn’t use any protection, and I feel kind of uncomfortable about that.”

It was not typical of her either. Jenna was more concerned about AIDS than getting pregnant, but she suspected Eric was talking about birth control. She respected his willingness to talk about it and decided to be completely honest with him.

“I wouldn’t mind being pregnant.”

Eric looked confused, then angry. Jenna realized what he must be thinking and held up her hands. “That’s not what last night was all about. You have to believe me. I just decided to tell you–” Jenna stopped and took a deep breath. This was harder than she thought it would be, but if they were going to have any kind of relationship, he needed to know upfront.

“I want to have a baby. I’m thirty-two years old and can’t see any reason to wait. In fact, I’m thinking about being artificially inseminated, but I have to wait for another blood test to come back.” She didn’t like to think about the first one that said she carried a marker for cystic fibrosis. It had to be a mistake. She’d gone to an independent lab in Portland to have another test done.

Eric looked a bit stunned. “You get more amazing by the minute.”

“You mean crazy.”

“No. In fact, I admire your determination. I wish I had the same options you do.”

“You mean you want kids?”

“Very much.”

Was Eric just saying what he thought she wanted to hear? “So what kind of dad would you be?” She smiled to let him know he didn’t have to take it too seriously.

“I’m not sure, but I know I’d be there. No working late at night or stopping at the bar for a few hours on the way home.” Eric’s voice trembled. “Why have a kid if you’re not willing to be a big part of his life?”

“I know what you mean.” Jenna wanted to jump up and hug him. He was either completely full of shit or one in a million. They were both quiet for a minute. Jenna’s cheeks blazed as she thought of the possibilities. Physically he seemed perfect: six-two, not much body fat, lots of hair, and good looking. He was kind and sensitive, a generous lover, and even had a sexy little mole on his jaw.

It had been a long time since she’d been really attracted to someone. She’d had lots of dates and a few short-term relationships, but something was always wrong. Lack of common interests or annoying little habits. No matter what seemed wrong, the real problem was always lack of spark.

Now the sparks were flying. Jenna’s stomach tightened. She’d probably never see him again. He was just toying with her, trying to get as much material as he could for his story. Oh God, he wouldn’t put all that personal stuff about her in the paper, would he?

They both started to speak at once, then stopped and smiled. Eric motioned for her to go ahead, but a food server stopped at the booth and asked if they wanted a pastry. Jenna waited while he ordered a cinnamon roll.

After the food server left, Eric grimaced. “I’m sorry. Did you want one too?”

“No thanks. I lost twenty pounds last year and have no intention of gaining it back.” Damn! What was wrong with her? Was she trying to scare him off?
Why not just show him her high school picture and be done with it?

“I think that’s great. Did you join a diet group?”

“I joined a gym, but it wasn’t enough. I finally had to give up all the crap in my diet, the stuff I love the most, like chocolate and potato chips and cream cheese.”

“I don’t think I could.” Eric suddenly looked sheepish. “Here comes my order. Should I send it back? I feel bad about eating it in front of you.”

Jenna smiled. Eric was pretty decent for a guy. “It’s okay. But thanks for asking.”

The food server came and went and Eric dug into his roll. “How often do you workout?” he asked, his mouth full.

“Every day.”

Eric raised his eyebrows. “That’s impressive.” He put down the pastry and licked frosting off his thumb. Jenna’s heart skipped a beat. It took her a moment to realize he was talking again. “What motivated you? I mean, to do it on your own?”

Jenna hesitated. Why should it be hard to admit she was looking for a husband? Especially after telling him she wanted a baby.

His eyes pleaded with her to trust him and she let out her breath. “The truth is, I’ve wanted a family for a long time. I originally planned to do it right, you know, with a husband and all. But I was getting older and the dates were getting fewer, so it was time for drastic measures. Making myself more attractive seemed like a necessity.”

Eric leaned across the table, took her chin in his hand, and kissed her full on the mouth. Jenna’s heart stopped. She closed her eyes and everything disappeared but the feel of Eric’s lips on hers. He was so tender, yet so gloriously male. Where had he come from? When Jenna opened her eyes, Eric was looking at her with an expression bordering on reverence.

“You’re the most attractive woman I’ve ever met.”

The man was either a first-class bullshitter or certifiably nuts. Either way, she had to be careful, or she’d fall in love with him the next time he kissed her.

“I have to go now.” Jenna grabbed her purse, ready to bolt. She had to get out of here. Eric was too intense, too good to be true. He had to be hiding a really major flaw, and she didn’t want to discover it after it was too late.

“Why so soon?”

“I run every Wednesday with a friend of mine. We’re training for the River Run.”

“Oh, no.” Eric rolled his eyes in mock horror. “You’re one of those running fanatics this town breeds like rabbits. More than a hundred people showed up for the event last year!”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“You make the rest of us look bad.” Eric shook his head, laughing. “What is it with you people? I know exercise is supposed to be good for you, but thirteen miles? Why?”

“It’s fun.”

“Fun is winning seventy-five bucks in a poker game.”

Jenna shrugged. “I like being in good shape, knowing I could hike thirty miles out of the woods or run fifteen miles if my life depended on it.”

“Hey, don’t be offended. I’m jealous. I’ve always wanted to be athletic, but I don’t seem to have the motivation. I admire you more all the time.”

She blushed and got to her feet. “Like I said, I have to go.”

“When can I see you again?”

“Good question. I work most weekend nights. Call me.”

Jenna almost ran from the restaurant. She felt bad about leaving Eric hanging like that, but she wasn’t prepared for the way she felt. Or the way he felt, or claimed to feel. It was too much, happening too soon. She didn’t trust herself right now. The robbery had upset her more than she realized and she wasn’t herself yet. This was not a good week to start a serious relationship.

Jenna unlocked her bike and peddled furiously toward home. The wind stung her face, making her eyes water. She missed him already.

Chapter 6

Saturday, Oct. 28, 7:10 a.m.

Jenna woke with a sense of dread. She’d been having bad dreams all week, but this one was the worst. A man with a gun had chased her into a dark tunnel, pushing her deeper and deeper into a maze until she was lost, trapped by sheer rock walls. Jenna forced herself to block out the lingering images and concentrate on the day ahead—the River Run, an event she’d been excited about for weeks. The thought failed to brighten her mood. She rolled over and looked out the window. Early dawn, dishwater gray sky. Depressed, she lay in bed until 8:30, getting up at the last minute to dress for the event.

Jenna’s anxiety escalated as she made coffee. It would probably rain the whole thirteen miles. Or worse yet, one of her knees would go out and she’d be crippled, unable to run for weeks. She could picture hundreds of people hanging around the park: runners, spectators, street people, and who else? Jenna tried to shake it off. There wouldn’t be any armed men in the park, she told herself. Who would want to rob a bunch of skinny fanatics in neon spandex?

Jenna stepped outside and retrieved the newspaper. Since the robbery, she’d had a tough time leaving the apartment. Martin Stoltz, Geronimo’s owner, had told her to take a few days off, but almost a week had passed and she still hadn’t been back to the restaurant. She hadn’t really been anywhere since meeting Eric at the coffee shop, except once to the gym. For the first time in her life, Jenna now carried a little can of hot pepper spray her apartment manager had pressed on her. As a tall, muscular woman, Jenna had never worried much about being attacked. Now she felt like a victim and she hated it.

She hadn’t figured out what to do about Eric either. For now, she’d asked him not to call her, claiming she needed time to herself. The truth was, she was scared. Loving and losing someone like Eric would be more than she could take. Jenna felt paralyzed. She was afraid to let their relationship move forward, yet she couldn’t let Eric go.