Magnolia Storms

by Janet W. Ferguson

  “Oh my goodness. What about Mama?” Terror carved across Dahlia’s face, and moisture filled her eyes.

  Like looking in a mirror.

  Another note to self. Ten was not really grown up. Limit scary information. “It’ll probably weaken to a tropical storm, sweetie. Most of them do.” A fact Cammie had been reminding her of for years. “And if it doesn’t, we’ll take your mama north with us.” Maggie held out one arm to Dahlia. “Come here.”

  Reluctantly, Dahlia folded into the crook of Maggie’s shoulder.

  “It’ll be all right. We’ll pray for your mom to get well and for the storm to dissipate.”

  Glassy brown eyes stared up at her. “Do you believe prayer will work? Do you believe in miracles?”

  “I do believe God can perform miracles.” Though many times He chose to answer prayers another way. Why, she still couldn’t understand.

  The door chimed, alerting them of a new customer. Maggie closed the computer and pushed it under the counter to greet the lady dressed in a trendy pair of riding boots. “Hi. Need help, or just looking around today?”

  “Maggie Marovich. How are you?” The woman, probably in her late fifties, looked familiar.

  “Okay, I guess.” Maggie smiled, trying to wipe the confusion from her face. “How about you?”

  “You don’t remember me, do you?” The woman stepped closer. “It’s okay. It’s been a while. I’m Sylvie Daigle, one of your mother’s friends. She and I taught at the school together.”

  “Oh, right.” Now it was coming back. “I remember. You had that cool tire swing in your yard.” Funny, the things one remembered from childhood.

  “The one and only.” Her features softened.

  Maggie steeled herself. Here comes the sympathy.

  “I loved your mother. She was a sweetie.” Her lips tightened. “Both your parents...amazing people.”

  “They were.” Maggie nodded and tried to pretend she was totally comfortable with the conversation. Mrs. Daigle meant well. “Good people.” Would the woman go shop now, or was there more?

  “I’m surprised to see you here. Where’s Cammie?”

  Nope. Not shopping yet. “In the hospital.” May as well spit it all out. “A delivery truck backed into her. Injured her spine.”

  “Oh, no. You’re kidding.”

  Why would anyone joke about something like that? Maggie tried not to scowl.

  Sylvie rushed closer and pulled Maggie into a tight hug. “You girls have had a time of it. I bet you need to be at the hospital but you’re having to cover her store. Maybe I can help out.”

  With those words, Maggie allowed herself to sink into the embrace. “You’d do that?”

  “It’d have to be after Thanksgiving because of family and volunteer obligations, but sure. I’m retired now, and I’ve helped before when Dahlia had a program or was sick. In fact, I’d love to have a store like this myself.”

  She could buy this exact store if only Cammie would go for it.

  “If you’re worried, ask Cammie about me if she’s able to...” Sylvie seemed at a loss for how to finish.

  Maggie released her and nodded. “She’s able. I’ll talk to her about after the holidays then. Can I get a number to reach you?”

  “Sure.” Leaning over the counter, she grabbed a pen and paper and jotted it down. “I’ll look forward to your call.”

  Sylvie seemed sincere. Cammie might have an opinion about the idea of paying extra help for an extended period. Not might. Her sister always had an opinion. But this could be their ticket out of here, possibly permanently. They only had to make it through the next few days. And the storm.

  THE BOX HAD TO BE BENT to fit in Josh’s truck, but he’d gotten the creation back to its original state. He and J.D. played ships for well over an hour, which got him wondering why he ever spent good money on toys. He should just collect different sizes of boxes and make things with his son.

  Josh glanced out the front door. The sunlight was starting to dwindle. It got dark so early without daylight savings time. “How about we go out for dinner?”

  “No, sir.” J.D. shook his head.

  A polite answer, since he’d phrased it as a question. Which he shouldn’t have.

  “We could take Maggie with us to thank her for making your box. I mean boat.” Did he really offer to take Maggie out when his goal was to spend less time with her?

  But the idea seemed to capture his son’s attention. And his own.

  J.D. stepped out of the boat. “Okay. And Dahlia and Aunt Ruth?”

  “Yes, sir.” At least his son was being thoughtful.

  “How about we make them captain cereal for dinner?”

  Oh, how he’d get Maggie back for that one. The sweetened corn cereal sure was delicious, but it was hard enough getting healthy nutrients in J.D.’s mouth. “That’s a special breakfast. We need meat, vegetables, fruit. Good stuff.”

  “But captain cereal could be a special supper.”

  “Not gonna happen, kiddo. Think of something else.”

  “Pizza. It can have meat and pineapple. That’s healthy.”

  A chuckle rumbled through Josh’s chest. “Can’t argue with that logic. I know a great place. Let’s go get them before they make other plans.”

  Running full speed, J.D. aimed at Josh. “Aye, aye, sir! I’m ready!”

  Josh caught his son and swung him around. Whether for the pizza or seeing Maggie, he could relate to the excitement. His heart thrummed as he grabbed his keys and headed out the door.

  He should’ve been more careful, though. Maggie might blow the whole idea out of the water.

  Darkness already shrouded the parking lot in front of the store. A group of teen boys lingered outside. An uneasy twitch settled over Josh. He stepped out and pointed a one-fingered salute. “What’s up? I think they’re about to close.”

  The tallest boy’s head pivoted, caught by surprise. “We’re just passing by.” He turned to the other two. “Let’s go.”

  Josh leveled his gaze on them. “If you want something at this store, ask for Josh. I’m here most of the time. I’ll take care of you.” His tone was sharper than his words. He hoped they got the message to stay away from his Marovich girls. Once the boys disappeared around the corner, Josh opened J.D.’s door.

  “Daddy, what took you so long?”

  “Sorry, mate.” He pressed a kiss on the top of J.D.’s head before unbuckling and lifting him out. “Taking care of a little business.”

  “Miss Maggie’s business?”

  “Yep.” He owed her that much. And more, really. She’d needed him years ago. Needed him to help her pick up the pieces of her life. Needed him to help her get through her hopelessness and grief. Instead he’d followed his dream. He should’ve at least waited another year...gone to college with her, helped her and her family get settled. Instead, he’d followed the academy’s rules about only leaving for a death in the immediate family.

  The door chimed as he entered. Maggie stood inches away, hugging her purse. “What?” Her brows danced and scrunched. “What are you doing here? Again?”

  Oh boy. What was he doing here? “Tell her, J.D.” Throwing it off on a kid. How pathetic.

  “Miss Maggie, we are thanking you with pizza.” J.D. nailed his part.

  “Thanking me?” Blinking joined the brow movement.

  Maybe not quite clear enough, though. Josh nodded. “For the box-boat. We’re taking you all to the pizza place down the street.”

  Maggie’s brown eyes stared at him. Somewhere between simmering suspicion and gratitude, if that were possible.

  “Unless, you’ve already planned out your dinner?” He doubted she had, but she’d probably rather he didn’t assume anything.

  Still no answer.

  Ruth and Dahlia strolled out of the back, flipping off lights as they came.

  “Hey, Josh. Hey, J.D.” Saved by Dahlia, perhaps. The girl grinned at J.D. “What are y’all doing here?”

  J.D. strug
gled to slip down from Josh’s arms. “We’re all going to eat pizza.” Once his feet hit the floor, he held his arms up for Maggie to hold him. “Right, Miss Maggie?”

  Lifting him to her chest, she rolled a glance at Josh. “Seems that way, pumpkin.”

  Chapter 11

  MAGGIE WRAPPED HER arms around herself as they entered the rustic pizzeria. As much as she hated to admit it, having Josh show up had settled her nerves. Before he’d arrived, she’d been watching those same three boys who’d come in earlier. They’d been milling around outside as dark shadows covered the sidewalk. It was probably nothing, though. Ocean Springs had been safe when she’d lived here.

  Maggie held in a groan as they piled into a booth. Historic photos of the Mississippi Coast hung from what looked like salvaged brick, along with more nautical décor. No wonder Josh liked the place. Why would they have a nautical theme in a pizza place?

  J.D. snuggled close beside her while they waited for the waitress to deliver his booster seat. Dahlia squeezed in on her other side. Thank goodness. She didn’t want to sit that close to Josh. Although, the view was almost as hard with him and Aunt Ruth across the table. Would people think they were a family again? Like her own family growing up. The elusive life she’d always wanted, the life that had always stayed just out of reach. Sometimes she felt like she was rowing against breakers and trying to reach an island shore. No matter how close it seemed, the waves always pushed her away.

  A band warmed up as they looked at the menus. Maggie glanced up to check out the musicians. Three graying men must’ve been following a dream after a recent retirement. They began a seventies tune, confirming her guess. The aromas of yeast and garlic and craft brews circulated, bringing her attention back to the menu. She scanned the variety of pizzas. Way too many options for her tired brain. “What do y’all want, Dahlia, Aunt Ruth?”

  “I only want pepperoni and cheese,” Dahlia chimed right in. “None of that weird stuff.”

  Easy enough. “Okay, Aunt Ruth?”

  No answer. Her aunt stared at the band.

  Maggie reached out and tapped Aunt Ruth’s hand. “Do you want to share something?”

  “I can’t hear you.” She pointed at the stage. “The music.”

  Smiling, Josh leaned near to Aunt Ruth’s ear and asked in his deep baritone, “What can we order you?”

  “Oh, that tickles, Josh. You don’t have to get that close.” She rubbed her ear and cheek as if shooing away an insect.

  Josh’s eyes saucered, along with his mouth.

  A chuckle fought its way out of Maggie’s lips, despite her best attempts not to even glance Josh’s direction.

  “I’ll share whatever everyone else wants.” Aunt Ruth still rubbed her ear.

  “I’ll share with you, too, Miss Maggie.” Blinking innocently, J.D. tugged on Maggie’s sleeve. And her heart. “I have to eat healthy, though. Pineapple and meat pizza.”

  How sweet. And heart-melting. “Then we’ll get a large pepperoni and a large ham and pineapple.”

  Josh motioned to the waitress, who neared. “We’re ready. All on one ticket.”

  “You don’t need to buy.” Maggie waved him off. “You helped me, too, today.” As much as she hated to say it, she needed Josh’s help now.

  She’d needed it after her father died, but he hadn’t been there for her.

  “This here dinner is from J.D.” Josh’s nose crinkled up like a little kid’s. “He insists.” He placed the order for them all.

  Always being cute and funny. She really needed to put her guard up because Josh seemed to be laying on the charm.

  The band played louder, pounding out a strange version of Hotel California with... Were those wind chimes and a cowbell? She’d noticed the wind chimes in the last song, but the sound had sort of fit that tune. Sort of. Shifting her attention to the stage, Maggie took in the performers. The guy on percussion had an array of strange instruments. Maracas, a gong, bongos, and was that a gourd? The day kept getting weirder.

  The long song took more unexpected turns and twists, an Eagles medley of sorts, but finally ended by the time they’d finished their pizza. Another peppier tune she didn’t recognize began, probably even more ancient, with even more cowbell, if that were possible.

  “You and Josh should dance.” Dahlia giggled. “This old-school music is from back when you were young, right?”

  Hardly. “I’m not that old.” Maggie let her gaze slip to Josh. The stinker’s mouth quirked up into a grin, showing more teeth than a horse begging for a carrot. “I’m not in the mood to dance.”

  “I’ll dance.” Her aunt scooted out of the bench. “I can still kick up my heels.”

  For all that was right in the world, couldn’t they pay the bill and go home? “Please keep your heels on the ground. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt.”

  “You worry too much, Magnolia.” Aunt Ruth gestured broadly. “We have to live life while we have it. You should’ve seen me and Wilbourn dance the night away at the Fais-Do-Do way back when.”

  “What’s the Fais-Do-Do?” J.D. scratched the back of his neck.

  “Oh, it’s a fun Cajun festival. Your daddy can take you to one the weekend of the Blessing of the Fleet. They hold it at Point Cadet.” Aunt Ruth held a wrinkled hand toward Josh. “How about a dance?”

  “Of course.” If his eyes and mouth were saucers last time, now they were platters. “Let’s go.”

  Josh and Aunt Ruth danced the entire song. Her aunt had always loved to cut a rug, but who knew the elderly woman still had that much energy? Too bad Aunt Ruth and Uncle Wilbourn had never had children. She would’ve been a fun mom. The thought swamped Maggie’s spirits. Would she be childless, too? At the rate she was going, chances were good she’d never marry or have kids. Would Dahlia care for her when she was elderly like Cammie had Aunt Ruth?

  Arm in arm, Josh and Aunt Ruth returned to the table as a Jimmy Buffet tune began.

  “Your dad loved some Jimmy Buffet,” Josh yelled over the growing volume. “Do you still have any of his old albums?”

  Didn’t Josh know everything they’d owned had been destroyed in the storm? A pulsing current of adrenaline and anger rushed through Maggie’s veins. How could he forget? “No.” She pressed the answer through clenched teeth.

  “I wasn’t thinking...” His features softened. “I’ve been collecting the records your father liked for years. I’d love for you to have them.”

  A bit of steam receded. She could’ve done that herself if she’d wanted to. The memories were still too painful. But it was sort of nice that Josh had offered. Shaking her head, she shrugged. “You keep them.”

  “Remember when we used to sing karaoke to Cheeseburger in Paradise?” His lips formed a lopsided grin.

  “We were terrible.” Although, every time the stupid song played, she relived the fun memories.

  “Oh!” Dahlia elbowed Maggie. “Do it. I want to hear y’all. I’m sure the band will know it. They’re playing other Jimmy Buffet tunes.”

  Rubbing the place where her niece’s sharp elbow had dug in, Maggie turned to stare at the girl. “You know his songs? Aren’t they too ancient for you?”

  “Me and Mama play them in the car and sing. They’re fun. She has them on her phone.” Dahlia’s lips twitched at the mention of Cammie. “Please? You and Josh sing.”

  “Hey, I’m on board.” Josh slipped out of the bench again. “Unless you’re scared, Magnolia?”

  Her real name, the way he’d always dared her, and wasn’t he always on board? That was the problem. Of course she was scared, but she wouldn’t show him that. Her emotions hadn’t ever changed a thing about what the man did, once his mind was set. “Fine, but I’m warning you. It’s not gonna be pretty.” And it would likely further her undoing.

  WHAT WAS HE DOING ABOUT to parade toward the stage to ask the band to play this song? Josh gave Maggie a wide berth as she climbed out of the bench. His heart had lurched when he’d made the faux pas asking about her
father’s albums. What an idiot he was. Now he’d acted like reliving this memory wouldn’t gut the both of them. He kept veering off course in his attempts to help the Marovich women.

  “Shake a leg, if we’re doing this. Don’t stand there staring at me.” Brows raised, Maggie waited beside him. “I’m not doing the asking, you are.”

  Josh took quick steps toward the stage. Had he been staring? Again? Her dark curls were to blame. Or maybe her eyes, unfathomable pools, dark as a cloudy night on the sea. Or the memories he’d stowed away deep in every part of his very being. Why hadn’t he done what she’d asked way back when? Maybe neither of them would be in such a squall.

  The lead singer paused to take a sip of water between songs, the perfect timing to ask. He nodded at Josh. “Hey, man. You got a request?”

  “An odd one. Can we sing Cheeseburger in Paradise with y’all?”

  Lines crinkled the corners of the musician’s temples. “Not that odd. You’d be surprised the requests we get.” He waved them toward the microphone and gave instructions to the rest of the band. “Rock on.”

  The cowbell clanked a beat, and the keyboard player banged out the tune. Josh stifled a laugh, raised his brows at Maggie, and started singing.

  Her mouth quivered in an awkward attempt not to smile. This might be fun after all.

  She joined in quietly, but as they moved into the chorus, her voice grew strong. Dahlia and J.D. ran to the dance floor. They jumped around, swinging their arms and singing at the top of their lungs right along with them.

  A loud laugh erupted from Maggie. She doubled over, holding her stomach. Man, that laugh sounded as good as the whoosh of the wake running behind his boat on smooth seas. Maybe the locked-away memories should be aired out in the sun now and then.

  The last chord of the song ended, and people at tables clapped and cheered. Well, most were laughing.

  The lead guitarist nodded. “You wanna sing another, or do y’all have a dance request?”

  Before he could stop himself Josh blurted out, “Down Around Biloxi,” and he held out his hand to Maggie.