Falling Through Shooting Stars Read online

  Carrie gave her wife an understanding smile. She had grown comfortable with these events and familiar with Julia’s frequent disappearances. For most of the attendees, these evenings provided an opportunity to network and to socialize. For Julia, these evenings were fraught with details and debacles. “No worries,” Carrie winked. “Everything all set now, I assume?”

  “One can hope,” Julia answered.

  “So; where is your guest of honor?” Carrie inquired.

  “You’ll have to forgive my wife,” Julia began to explain to John Fortin. “It seems she is a bit taken with your best friend.”

  Fortin laughed. “Katie has that affect on people,” he said. “Last I saw, Mayor Bremer had her cornered near the fountain.” The group turned its attention simultaneously to the right, and Julia immediately captured sight of the affable morning show host as she entertained the mayor’s questions.

  Katie smiled broadly at the mayor’s propensity to ask her a question and quickly answer it himself. She suspected he had already knocked back his fair share of whatever was gracing the glass in his hand. He reminded her a bit of an animated character in a Saturday morning cartoon. She found herself torn between her amusement at his comical mannerisms and her need to disengage and circulate. Feeling the weight of a distant stare, she shifted her gaze momentarily. She smiled when her eyes met the matching arched brows of her best friend a clearly amused executive director.

  “Perhaps, I should save her,” John Fortin said to his companions.

  “No,” Julia stopped him gently. “Let me. He’ll rope you right in; trust me.”

  “If you say so,” John replied as Julia retrieved a glass of white wine from Carrie’s hand with a wink and walked away.

  “She’s right,” Carrie said. “Daniel Bremer is almost as entertaining as he is annoying.”

  “No love affair with Boston’s Mayor?” John teased his friend. “Think she can pull it off?”

  Carrie looked off into the distance as her wife weaved through several groups effortlessly to reach her intended destination. “He is no match for Julia,” she laughed. “And, before you ask; I would bet the farm on that.”

  Julia was finding it difficult not to stare at Katie as she approached. Katie had a presence that Julia found difficult to describe. It wasn’t Katie’s physical appearance that made her alluring, although as Julia drew closer she could not prevent her gaze from sweeping over the tall redhead. Sensing the presence drawing closer, Katie turned. Julia thought for a split second she might have stopped moving. Katie offered her a genuine smile that Julia immediately recognized as a silent thank you. Katie’s green dress painted the twinkle of mirth in her eyes a cerulean similar to the ocean; not quite blue with just a hint of underlying green. Tentatively, Julia sidled up beside her new acquaintance. “Well, I see you have met our illustrious leader, Katie.” The mayor beamed at Julia.

  “Yes, I have. Your mayor here is a man of many interests,” Katie offered. “Although, I suspect he has actually been gunning for my husband’s expertise in Boston.”

  “Can’t blame a man for trying,” the mayor answered. “We’ve got some terrific news outlets here. A new closer for next season….”

  “Oh, Daniel,” Julia bumped the mayor lightly. “Come clean with Ms. Brennan.” Katie quirked an eyebrow at the pair. “Dangerous truths,” Julia leaned into Katie and whispered.

  “Don’t you tell her my secrets, Julia Riley,” Mayor Bremer mock scolded. “I’ll start thinking those rumors that you want my office are true.”

  Julia’s full-throated laugh traveled through Katie in an unexpected way. She watched in rapt fascination as Julia’s lips turned into what seemed to be an ever-widening smile. “Now, Daniel,” Julia narrowed her gaze playfully. “Be careful, or I will give Ms. Brennan the full scoop. And, nothing could cause a mutiny in Boston like a…”

  “Uncle,” the mayor called out with a shake of his head. “You win; this time, Riley.”

  “Well, I am sorry to break up your campaigning, Daniel, but I need to borrow our guest for a few moments,” Julia looked at Katie.

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mayor,” Katie said genuinely.

  “Likewise, Ms. Brennan,” he returned her pleasantries.

  Julia gently guided Katie away from the mayor. “So?” Katie whispered under her breath as both women acknowledged the groups they passed by silently.

  “Yes?” Julia asked.

  “Mutiny?”

  “Ah, yes,” Julia nodded. She leaned closer to Katie, bumping shoulders lightly. “Closet Yankee fan. No greater threat for a Bostonian Democrat.”

  Katie burst out laughing. “You are a bit touched; aren’t you?”

  “As bad as a high school cheerleader after her prom,” Julia said earnestly.

  “Sure you don’t have any political aspirations, Ms. Riley?”

  “Why? Think I’d be successful?” Julia asked.

  “No greater threat for a political opponent than a horny cheerleader,” Katie replied.

  Julia stopped their forward progression to regard the woman beside her. “Can I quote you on that?” Julia asked.

  “Only if you run.”

  Julia accepted the customary hug from the keynote speaker, ready to vacate the spotlight for Katie. “You’re a tough act to follow,” Katie whispered in Julia’s ear.

  Julia chuckled. “Not for you, Ms. Brennan. Trust me on this,” she assured, pulling out of the friendly embrace with a wink.

  “What did she say?” Carrie asked her wife as Julia returned to the table, and Katie stepped to the podium.

  Julia shook her head in amusement. “Nothing.”

  Their table had enjoyed surprisingly lively and often candid conversation throughout dinner. Julia had expected Katie Brennan to be engaging and intelligent. What surprised her was Katie’s wit and candor, which Julia found refreshing. John Fortin seemed more like the class clown in Katie’s presence than he did a well-known lawyer and philanthropist. She could see the wheels in her friend Dan’s head spinning. The group had fallen into colorful banter that was far from the usual atmosphere during these events. Julia looked up at the stage and smiled as Katie began her remarks. She snickered when she heard Katie turn on a familiar New England accent.

  “Aft-ah marrying a Yankee, my moth-ah will be thrilled to he-ah that Ms. Riley got me to taste the local chowd-ah. Might even get to pahk my cah in the yahd this Christmas.” The room erupted into laughter and cheers as Katie took a mock bow. “I have not forgotten my roots,” she continued. “That’s one of the reasons I jumped at the opportunity to help with this project. I’ve had the opportunity to travel, explore, and meet all kinds of people in our world. Everywhere I have gone, the story is the same. People simply want their best opportunity. They want the best opportunities for their children, and they want to be accepted for who they are. Being raised by two school teachers instilled in me a deep passion for education. I believe that the only way we can bridge these gaps; the gaps that divide us by gender, by race, by our language, our age, religion, or whom we love; the element we require if we hope to erect enduring bridges that foster equality is education. It starts in our homes; in our local communities. Boston will always be my home.”

  Julia sat transfixed as she listed to Katie’s speech. The words were not only powerful, there was a sincerity behind them that left Julia nearly breathless. She listened carefully as Katie laid out the project with a command of the stage and the topic that surprised Julia. At times, she found herself losing the words as she studied the subject behind them. The sensation of warm breath in her ear roused her from her silent pondering. “Great speech. See? I told you,” Carrie whispered.

  “Yes, you did,” Julia conceded and stood to join in the applause as Katie made her way back to the table, passing the microphone to Dan.

  “You owe me a chow-dah,” Katie whispered to Julia.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “Well, I am a journalist. Suppose someone fact checks my remarks,” Katie responded evenly.

  Julia nodded. “You sure? Lots of great burger joints where we are going tomorrow.”

  “Consider it your contribution to my journalistic integrity.”

  “Chowder?” Julia chuckled.

  “Hey…far less has sunk a career,” Katie answered with a dire tone as she took her seat.

  “I’ll see what I can conjure,” Julia winked.

  Julia reached the kitchen still sleepy-eyed. The previous evening’s festivities had rolled on much later than expected after John Fortin suggested that Julia and Carrie join him and Katie for a casual drink in the bar. One drink had quickly evolved into several as the foursome became lost in conversation. “How does she do this every morning?” Julia grumbled.

  “How does who do what?” Carrie asked from behind her. “You leaving already?”

  “Katie and yes,” Julia yawned.

  “It’s not even six,” Carrie observed.

  “Yes, I know,” Julia groaned. “John has a flight at ten. He roped me into picking up Katie for an early breakfast.”

  “Oh,” Carrie began as she came up behind her wife. “So, you are literally having coffee with Katie,” she laughed.

  “If I don’t have coffee soon, it will be nap time with Julia, not coffee with Katie. Long day in front of me,” Julia said with a light rub to her forehead and a wince.

  “Aw, babe. I think you might have had one too many glasses of wine last night,” Carrie observed.

  “Mm. Bad influences. All three of you.”

  Carrie giggled. “I’m not sure how I crept into that equation.”
r />   Julia pulled Carrie to her and squinted in contemplation. “You are smitten with a certain news personality and did not want the night to end,” she smiled.

  “Smitten?” Carrie began to laugh. “Jules, you are starting to sound like my grandma. The only person I am smitten over is you; you lunatic.”

  “It’s the hair,” Julia said with a kiss to Carrie’s cheek.

  Carrie placed Julia’s keys in her hand and shook her head. “Yes, babe. That is exactly what it is. Go on. Don’t forget the kids are all going to Michael’s today to do their Christmas.”

  “Isn’t he on call?” Julia asked, mentally reviewing her ex-husband’s schedule.

  “Not until tonight.”

  “How is it you know more about my ex-husband’s schedule than I do?” Julia asked lightheartedly.

  “I talk to him more. Have to have someone to compare notes with,” Carrie quipped.

  “Must be a short conversation,” Julia returned. “Not sure when I will be back.”

  “No worries. I have a few things to do at the studio. Then I am going to finish my shopping. I’ll see you when I see you.” Carried scooted a still yawning Julia out the door. “Have a good day.”

  “Yeah…”

  “Jules…”

  “I know…gotta go. Wouldn’t want to be late for coffee with Katie and the queen.”

  “The what?” Carrie called after her wife. Julia just waved back with a smile. “Oh, Jules. Behave yourself,” she mumbled as she retreated back into the house.

  The day was progressing much more smoothly than Julia had anticipated. She had enjoyed breakfast with Katie and John, and had found both of them in a similar condition from the previous evening’s festivities. In truth, her head was still aching a bit. She looked on from across the room as Katie now conversed with a group of teenagers at one of the local churches. It was one of several stops to groups who would benefit from the Brighton Center’s resources. The cameras rolled, and Katie seemed to effortlessly engage the teens in dialogue about their personal experiences. Julia listened as Katie guided the discussion carefully to navigate what could often become mucky waters. Katie kept the group on the topic at hand; relating their personal experiences as to why they believed a center such as Brighton would benefit them. Sometimes, just dealing with Jake gave Julia a headache. She suppressed a chuckle as she mused over the hangover Katie was sporting. Almost as if on cue, Katie reached her feet and accepted the handshakes and hugs of her young friends.

  “Something funny, Riley?” Katie asked, coming even with Julia.

  “No. I was just wondering how you managed an hour with those kids without a bottle of Excedrin.”

  Katie nodded with a smile. “Practice.”

  “Have a hangover often?” Julia asked with a wink.

  “Only from sleep deprivation,” Katie answered. “Let me know when they make a cure for that.”

  “It’s called sleep,” Julia replied. She led Katie through the small crowd that had gathered outside the church, and stepped back momentarily to allow Katie to sign a few autographs and shake some more hands. Just watching Katie made Julia tired. Katie seemed to have endless energy. Julia began to consider asking if she could borrow some, or even purchase it. She started laughing.

  “See? Something is funny,” Katie said.

  “No. I was just wondering what you would charge me for some of that stamina you seem to possess.”

  “Under the eight pounds of makeup you see before you, lies a bedraggled old woman,” Katie answered as she stepped into the car.

  Julia hopped into the driver’s seat and shook her head. Katie, she had learned in a few short hours, could be almost as self-deprecating as she tended to be. She looked over at Katie and shook her head in amusement again. There was no way that Katie had spent that much time or effort on her appearance. She was a natural beauty. That was evident. Julia pursed her lips and considered her new friend seriously.

  “What?” Katie asked.

  “I’m just wondering who is hiding under there? Maleficent or Ursula? I don’t see any tentacles…” A soft slap to her arm made Julia jump.

  “Drive, Riley.”

  Julia turned the key in the ignition as both women softly snickered. She groaned when she felt the buzz of her phone. “Michael?” she answered curiously. Her ex-husband was well aware of her plans for the day. Instantly, she felt a wave of panic. All of her children were with Michael today. It had become an annual event that she was grateful for. Michael Riley had deemed himself Uncle Michael immediately. Julia knew that he loved her daughters almost as much as she and Carrie did. They were Jake’s sisters, and Michael wanted them to feel part of each other fully. It was unlike him to interrupt their day, or Julia’s for that matter, unless something was wrong.

  “Michael? What is it?”

  “Jules,” he let out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry. I tried Carrie. She must have her phone off.”

  “What’s going on?” Julia asked. Katie glanced over and instantly saw the tension on Julia’s face. “Are the kids okay?” Katie instinctively put her hand on Julia’s arm as a show of support.

  “The kids are fine. I am on my way in. Bad accident on Interstate Ninety. Seven cars, multiple traumas.” Julia sighed in relief; a relief she felt a bit guilty for. Someone would be getting a dreaded call; that was not lost on her. Michael continued, “I’m taking them with me. They can hit the cafeteria until one of you gets here. Maybe you can get Carrie…”

  “I’ll try. Just tell them one of us will be there soon. Does Jake have his phone?” She heard Michael repeat her question and her son’s answer.

  “He has it. Jules, I am sorry.”

  Julia smiled at her ex-husband’s genuine concern. She was about to scold him for his apology when Katie’s phone rang. “Listen, don’t worry about it, Michael. Someone needs you more than those three right now. They get that.”

  Michael Riley sighed and locked the door to his home. He turned as Jake teased his youngest sister and laughed. “I know. I just wish…”

  “Go on,” Julia told him. She glanced over at Katie and realized that her new friend had gone completely pale. “I have to go,” she said into her phone.

  “Okay? Everything okay, Jules? You…”

  “I don’t know. One of us will be there. I gotta go,” she said as she hung up the call.

  “I understand,” Katie’s voice said in a hoarse whisper.

  “Katie?” Julia called over. Katie put her phone in her lap, closed her eyes, and exhaled a shaky breath. “Katie,” Julia reached across and took hold of Katie’s hand. “What’s wrong?”

  Katie shook her head lightly and turned very slowly toward Julia. “It’s Bill. Something….seven cars…I don’t know. They said they were taking him to…”

  Julia felt her body begin to tremble. She knew exactly where they would be taking Katie’s husband. “It will be okay,” Julia assured. “I know where he’s headed.”

  “How do you? Julia…I…”

  Julia offered Katie a comforting grin and a squeeze of her hand. “Don’t worry about anything; okay? I’ll take care of making the needed calls when we get there.” Katie nodded dumbly. “Katie,” Julia called over. “It really will be okay.” Katie offered Julia a weak smile. Julia started the car forward and mentally slapped herself. It was the right thing to say. It was the natural thing to say, but Julia found herself oddly wishing she had not offered such an assurance. She’d lived with a trauma surgeon in her life for many years. One thing Julia did know, there were never any guarantees.

  3

  Julia’s Journal:

  The funny thing about falling in love is that you don’t get to decide when, and you don’t get to choose who. It’s exactly like being born. One minute, you are nice and comfortable and safe; you know everything around you. It is like a beautiful, solitary cocoon. Then, in one instant, there is a rush of air, and everything is bright; your heart is racing, and some stranger’s eyes are looking into yours. You aren’t exactly sure who they are. You can’t be certain of anything; only that you are a part of them, and they are a part of you. Shivers travel along your spine, and all you desire at that moment is to be held close so that you can feel warm again. You struggle to name what you feel. You can’t force the stranger to reach for you or pull you close. You just have to trust that somehow they will; because the truth is; falling in love hurts. It is exactly like being born.