Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest! I would also like to thank everyone who previewed the chapters for me.
Chapter 11 – It’s Been A Long Time Wednesday Afternoon…(Day 59) It had been four years since Debbie had set foot in the Kit Kat Club, and it had been just as long since she’d found it necessary to open that window into her long ago past. Now here she was again, hoping to talk to an old friend during a break in rehearsals. Upon her arrival at the club, she had sent a note to Divina Devore, asking to see her. Now that she was here, she wasn’t completely sure that this was such a good idea. Debbie couldn’t believe that she had let Jennifer talk her in to this. It had been four years since she’d confirmed the truth to Danny/Divina; maybe it was just best to let sleeping dogs lie. But somehow, she knew that probably wasn’t possible. Her thoughts were interrupted, as she noticed the woman, standing by her side; Debbie also noticed that the room was now quiet. Rehearsals were now over. The young woman introduced herself and indicated that Divina was ready to see her now. Debbie followed her guide to a dressing room, one equipped with a star on the door. For the first time since her arrival, Debbie couldn’t resist a smile. Her guide gently knocked on the door, and then an oh so familiar voice said, “Enter.” Debbie entered and made herself comfortable in the only uncluttered chair. A voice from the dressing room said, “I wondered if you were going to come and see me.” Debbie had to laugh, “Sure, like you were just to going to breeze into town, and I was going to miss the chance to get all your style tips,” she teased. Her comments were greeted with a very broad laugh from Divina in response. “So are you going to come out here so I can give you a hug, or have you fucking gotten shy in your old age,” Debbie continued to tease. “ Well, the last time I saw you, I was still in my make up,” Divina said with a laugh. “This time I thought I would let you see the real me,” she added. “Well, I’m waiting!” “Oh, very well!” Danny Devore emerged, dressed casually in slacks and sweater. He looked very handsome, and Debbie understood why she fell in love with him all those years ago. He walked over and wrapped her in a hug to rival her own, and Debbie remembered where she had learned to hug like that. When the hug ended, Danny took a few steps back and said, “Let me take a look at you, my Divina,” he said, with a slight dip at the end with his arms crossed at his chest; it was a familiar gesture between them. Debbie blushed as she too, took a step back, “I remember that you use to call me that…but it was such a long time ago.” “Nonsense, you haven’t changed a bit!” Danny said, taking a good look at his her. “You still look as handsome as ever…you still have all your hair!” Debbie teased. “Yeah, it’s all there…for which I’m eternally grateful to my parents for sharing their genes with me,” he added, running his fingers through his hair. “It’s really good to see you.” “You too…” “There’s a restaurant just around the corner. Will you let me buy you a cup of coffee and a pastry?” “Sounds like a plan. So you still remember all my weaknesses?” she teased as she reached for her purse. “Some things are worth remembering,” he responded, walking towards the door and opening it for her, “For old times sake,” he teased once more. “Now if this isn’t a fucking Hallmark moment,” she said, as she walked through the opened door. Then both of them started laughing. They were still laughing as they exited the club. They walked the short distance to the restaurant. Debbie immediately noticed that this was an upscale restaurant, very different from the club…very different from the Diner. The restaurant wasn’t crowded, so they settled into one of the booths. They both ordered coffee, and Danny gently coaxed Debbie to join him in a very fattening dessert. “Sunshine should be here,” she said with a smile. “Just wait until I tell him about this.” “Sunshine?” “Someone who’s like a son to me. I’ve watched out for him since he was 17. He has the greatest metabolism. He eats stuff like this all the time without gaining weight,” she said with a laugh, “But he’s got the cutest bubble butt.” “Why Debbie…I didn’t know that you still noticed such things,” Danny teased. “Now don’t you start …” “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist! So quickly, tell me all the news! I heard that Vic died.” “Yes, and I miss him terribly.” “I see by the ring on your finger that there’s someone special. I’m really glad for you.” “Yes, he’s a cop.” “A cop? Now how does he deal with crazies on Liberty Avenue?” “It’s taken a while, but now he takes it all in stride. But most of all he loves me, big mouth and all.” “That’s great.” “How about you? Anyone special?” “I’ve been married to my work, you know that. It doesn’t make it easy for anything else. But over the years I’ve made great friends. We love and care about each other like family. Now that my traveling days are just about over, I feel that everything is about to change.” “What do you mean?” “It’s time for me to settle down. It’s time to see what else there is to life beside the smell of greasepaint and the roar of the crowd.” “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of retiring?” “Would that be so surprising?” “You’re going to retire…and do what?” “I’m thinking of settling here in Pittsburgh. After all, it is my home.” “Danny, you could settle anywhere in the world…why here? Why in a place that you were so eager to get away from?” “It’s time. I have family ties here that need to be mended.” “But, you’ve been gone a lifetime! Why now!” “The timing works for me now.” There was a long silence between them. Finally Danny had to ask, “How’s Michael?” Debbie responded with a long sigh. Danny immediately noticed the change in her demeanor. “Is that why you’re back?” Debbie asked haltingly. “Because of Michael?” “Why would you think that?” “I just wondered…” “Why? Because four years ago, I found out that I had a grown son that I never knew existed?” “It would make sense.” Danny chose to gently change the subject rather than answer her question directly. “How are things between you and Michael? The last time we talked, you were worried that he would never speak to you again,” Danny reminded her. “Fortunately that didn’t happen. I don’t know what you told him, but there haven’t been any further questions about you since you left town back then.” “I’m glad. I never wanted to do anything to change things between you and him.” “What exactly did you tell Michael? I know he must have asked, if you were his father. What did you say?” “It was a long time ago, Debbie. Let’s leave it at that. Anyway, it no longer matters now that things between the two of you are okay. I never wanted my reappearance to interfere, you know that?” “I know,” Debbie said softly. “You haven’t told me how Michael is?” Danny reminded her. “He’s basically fine. A lot of things have been happening for him in the last few weeks that he isn’t dealing with any of it particularly well. I always hope that things will work out, but this time I’m not so sure.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” Danny said with genuine concern. “I simply remember that he was a fine young man. Like I told you before, you did a wonderful job raising him. You should be very proud of what you accomplished.” “I am. He’s the best thing that I’ve ever done. We’re very close…at least we were. Right now, he’s not very happy with me.” “I find that hard to believe.” “Time has a way of healing some things,” Debbie said wistfully. “But not all…” “You don’t believe that!” Danny challenged. “At this moment, I’m not sure what I believe.” “That doesn’t sound like you. You’ve always been so sure of yourself. So optimistic…” “This time…well…” “Talk to me. You know, I’m still a good listener.” “Another time, maybe. Are you planning to see Michael?” “No, I’m not sure we have anything to say to each other. He wasn’t exactly happy with me when we parted four years ago.” “This is still a small town. Your paths are bound to cross. Then what are you going to do? How do you plan on handling that?” “I kept your secret. Michael still has a father that he can be proud of…just as you’ve always wanted. My presence here, or lack there of, isn’t going to matter one way or another. I’m not here to cause any trouble.” “But your being in town is going to raise the issues all over again,” Debbie challenged, hoping to get Danny to change his plans. “I’m sorry to hear that,” Danny said softly. “But what do you want me to do about it? I’m going to be living here. You and Michael are both just going to have to come to terms with it.” “Are you prepared to deal with the questions again?” “Debbie, you’re asking the wrong person. I’m prepared to deal with whatever. The question is, are you ready to deal with things coming up again?” Danny asked, but then he smiled, “But then, I imagine that you can deal with anything.” Debbie took a deep breath. “My son is in trouble. His life isn’t going quite the way he hoped. There is this big hole in his soul for the father he never knew.” “That’s to be expected since he never knew his father. He’s believed all these years that his father died in the War. That has to create a certain sadness for him.” “Danny, we both know that Michael’s father didn’t die in the war! We both know that Michael’s father is sitting across the table from me! I gave him a dead father he could be proud of…when he could have had a living, breathing father to love him. I have a fucking lot to answer for,” Debbie challenged, with the full recognition hitting her of what she’d done. Danny sensed her distress. “You did what you thought was best because of who I am. You made choices for both of us without consulting me. I wish that you had told me, but you did what you thought was best. But we’re all bound to eventually have to deal with the consequences of your actions. I’ll do what I can to help…” he said lovingly, trying to calm her fears. Debbie quickly pulled herself together. “That’s what I needed to hear,” she said finally. “What do you mean?” “That you’re willing to help.” “What did you expect?” “I wasn’t sure...now I know.” “What do you want me to do?” Debbie simply smiled. “That’s a discussion for another time, maybe,” she said mysteriously. “But for now, it’s time for me to go. How can I reach you?” she asked instead. “Reach me? What are you talking about?” “You said that you’re going to be here in town. How do I reach you?” Debbie insisted, asking the obvious and wondering why Danny was suddenly so dense to get it. There was something familiar in that moment, and then she understood. She felt like she was making a point to Michael…and he just didn’t get it. Then she simply smiled. Danny took out a card and wrote on the back. “Here are my phone numbers. I’ve been shopping for a house. Evidently, I’m very picky. I haven’t found anything yet that quite suits my needs. It doesn’t matter, I still have time.” “You’re looking for a house? Do you have an agent? I know a really good one. Her name is Jennifer Taylor. Let me give you her number,” Debbie insisted without taking a breath and immediately fumbling in her purse. Danny broke into a laugh. “Debbie, that really isn’t necessary. Jennifer and I already met a few weeks ago, and you’re right, she’s a very good realtor.” “Oh, I see…” “Yes. As you said, this is really a small town, isn’t it?” “Yes it is. Well, I have to go. It’s almost time for my shift at the Diner to begin. I guess I’ll see you around then.” “So it seems,” Danny said with a smile. “You take care.” Debbie said goodbye, leaving Danny at the restaurant.