The clerk laughs. “I used to live there. Cold is an understatement. What are you doing there?”
“We’re going to Stowe to snowboard,” Eden chimes in.
“You won’t find much here to help you, but I can give you a list of places that definitely cater to the weather of New England.”
“That would be great,” I tell her.
She motions for me to follow her to the register where she starts writing things down on a pad of paper. She rips it off and hands it to me. There are at least ten websites for us to find what we need.
“Thank you.”
“Burton is the top choice. Best snowboards and gear, pretty much everything you’ll need. North Face too. Even though they’re from California, their colder stuff is in the Northeast. L.L. Bean has amazing flannel jeans. I used to live in them.”
“You’re a lifesaver.”
She smiles. “But I would be remiss if I didn’t show you what we have here. Let’s check out a few of my winter favorites.”
The three of us follow the clerk around the store, once again adding items we may or may not need. If we’re not careful, we’re going to end up taking so much stuff we’ll need a caravan to transport everything.
After we check out, Jimmy runs our purchases to the car and meets us in the food court which isn’t my favorite place, but it’s convenient, fast, and I’m starving. I just hope that once Jimmy sits down, he’ll be able to eat before the fans start clamoring for pictures.
Famous last words.
4
Josie
I’m standing outside, admiring my holiday window display, when I hear the sound of a tire rubbing against the curb. It’s not the first time I’ve heard this, and it definitely won’t be the last, but it’s caught my attention none the less because Liam is giving Betty Paige driving lessons. I think every student driver, at one time or another, has hit the curb outside of my shop. I turn and look into the windshield and laugh at Liam’s wide-eyed expression and Paige’s scrunched up face.
As soon as Paige turns the ignition off, she and Liam are out of the car and rushing toward me. Both are speaking a mile a minute, and I can only pick up on a few things. I hear words like best day ever, I can’t do this, I can’t wait to go again, and I need a beer, which definitely came from Liam. I put my hands up; a silent way of asking them to stop.
“Breathe,” I tell them. I step forward and kiss Liam. Betty Paige pretends to gag. But she smiles when I pull her into my arms and kiss her on top of her head. I inhale deeply, loving the scent of her shampoo. She’s growing up too fast, and I’m desperately trying to hang on to every bit of her that I can.
“Come on into the deli. It’s quiet right now. I’ll bring us some pie.” Liam holds the door for Paige and me. We walk through the flower shop and into the deli, where my assistant manager, Trudy, waves to Liam and Paige. Trudy started working for me after she moved to Beaumont from the big city. She had retired and was bored most days and would often find herself sitting in the deli, reading a book. When I placed the “Now Hiring” sign in the window, she applied and has been a lifesaver ever since. Trudy not only runs the deli but the flower shop as well, giving me more freedom to travel with Liam and be home when Paige needs me. Not that she needs me often. She’s a thirty-year-old in a teenager’s body. “Needing” Mom or Dad is so uncool right now.
I cut three slices of pie and put each piece on a separate plate—pumpkin for me, apple for Paige, and blueberry for Liam. Paige and Liam get a scoop of ice cream after I heat theirs in the microwave. When I get to their table, they’re engrossed an in-depth discussion with fingers moving all over the table. To me, it looks like they’ve set up an obstacle course with the salt and pepper shakers and the condiment bottles. When I approach, they sit up and each reach for their pie.
“Do you want anything to drink?” I ask before sitting down.
“I’ll get whatever you need,” Trudy says from behind me. “Sit down, enjoy your pie.” I smile and do as she says.
“We’re lucky to have her,” Liam says before he takes his first bite. “Damn, this is so good.” His eyes close as he finishes eating. That’s the other thing about Trudy; she can bake circles around me.
“Did you speak to Jenna and Katelyn?” Liam asks.
“I did. Everyone is coming. Just waiting to hear from Noah.”
“Can Mack come?” Betty Paige asks. I freeze while Liam chokes.
“Honey, I’m sure Mack wants to spend Christmas with his family.”
“And I’m not spending my holidays with Nick,” Liam barks out. As if we didn’t already know this. I swear, this feud is going to be the death of me. More so, if anything does happen between Mack and Paige, Liam is liable to . . . well, I don’t know. There are too many scenarios and possibilities. Liam accepted Nick into Noah’s life because he had no choice. I wasn’t going to ask my son to forget about the man who helped raise him. Liam gets that. But he’s determined to put his foot down where any relationship between Mack and his daughter is concerned.
“Daddy,” Paige whines.
“The answer is no, Paige.”
“That’s so unfair. Noah gets to bring Peyton.”
I stifle a laugh at her argument. She uses it anytime Liam tells her no. He sets his fork down and makes a steeple with his fingers. These two butt heads like there’s no tomorrow.
“Betty Paige, Peyton is your brother’s wife. Of course, he can bring her. Mack, is your friend, who would rather—and I’m just guessing here—spend Christmas with his parents and sister.”
She sighs heavily. “Maybe Mack can come after Christmas?”
Liam glances at me, and I shrug. Honestly, we love Mack. He’s a great kid and excels at whatever he does. Despite Nick and Liam's issues, there isn’t another boy Liam would rather see his daughter start dating when she’s allowed to date—which isn’t for another forty years or so.
“If you ask your mother nicely, maybe she’ll reach out to Mack’s parents and see if we can arrange something.”
Paige’s eyes go wide, and her mouth drops open. Before she even asks, I set my hand on hers and nod. “I’ll ask Nick and Aubrey. If they say yes, you can invite Mack.”
“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you.” She bounces up from her seat and tackles me with a hug. She goes over to Liam next and whispers, “Don’t worry, Daddy. You’re still my number one guy.”
When she goes back to her chair, I hand Liam a napkin. “Your eyes are sweating.”
He clears his throat and excuses himself. Trudy returns with our drinks. A vanilla milkshake for Paige, a chocolate one for Liam, and coffee for me.
“I made Dad cry,” Paige says.
I nod as I take a sip of my coffee. “You gotta give your dad a break sometimes. He doesn’t want you to grow up.”
“Is it because he missed so much time with Noah?”
Shrugging, I sigh and set my mug down. “One of the reasons, but mostly because you’re his baby. Growing up is hard on parents. One day, you’re this tiny little thing we carry around, and then you’re a walking, talking, sassing teenager. It’s like we blink and boom, you’re a big kid.”
Liam returns, clear-eyed, and with a smile on his face. He sits down, glances at the milkshake Trudy brought him, and starts drinking. Betty Paige and I watch with rapt attention as he sucks on the straw.
“He’s going to give himself a brain freeze,” she says quietly.
“He deserves it if he’s going to drink like that.”
Liam gets to the end of the glass and sets it down. He lets out what is undoubtedly a satisfying “ah” and looks at us.
“Feel better?” I ask.
He rubs his stomach and winks. If we were at home, he’d let out a burp, and I’d yell at him for being rude. Thankfully, we’re in public, and even though we own the deli, Liam would never do anything to embarrass me.
“Much,” he says, going back to his pie. “Okay, let’s talk vacation. When are we leaving?”
“Friday morning. Paige is going to miss school. I figured with everyone else coming, we can fly on a commercial airline and let Harrison and Jimmy use the jet.”
Liam nods. “I’ll touch base with the guys later and check-in. Did you ask my mom?”
“I did, but she’s going on a cruise with her friends, and I told her not to worry about us, we’ll celebrate when she gets back. She was worried we’d be upset that she made plans.”
Liam shakes his head. “Not at all. I’m happy she’s found people to socialize with.”
The relationship Liam has with his mother, Bianca, is good, but sometimes odd. She’s a part of our lives and is very close to Noah and Betty Paige. I talk to her occasionally, but we’re not close and never will be. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over the way she treated Noah and me in those first ten years. Liam knows how I feel and doesn’t push me to have some miraculous change of heart. She’s good to the kids now, and that’s all I can ask for.
“And you said you haven’t spoken to Noah yet?”
I shake my head. “I left him a message. I’m hoping he’ll call back tonight.”
“Does the reservation matter on headcount?”
“No, we have the whole house, and there’s enough space for everyone. The house is at the base of the mountain, not far from the lodge, and there’s a hot tub on the deck.”
“Oh, can I bring my bikini?” Paige blurts out.
“No,” Liam says sternly. “Especially if you’re inviting Mack.”
Paige huffs and then starts to pout. I want to change the subject away from Mack, so I ask, “How was driving?”
Our daughter perks right up. “It was great. Dad let me drive all the way to Allentown and back. I wanted to stop at the museum and see all of his football pictures, but he said no.”
“No, huh? It seems like that’s your favorite word today.” I touch his knee with mine.
“What can I say?” Liam throws his hands up in the air. “No is my favorite word, especially when it comes to you.” He reaches across the table and taps his finger against Paige’s nose. “Driving went well,” Liam adds. “Paige is very aware of her surroundings, and with more practice, she’ll pass her test easily.”
“Think I can learn how to drive the motorcycle?”
This time it’s me who blurts out, “No, absolutely not.”
“Why not? Noah learned.”
“Not at fifteen he didn’t,” I counter.
“Well, that’s just unfair.” Paige crosses her arms over her chest and looks down at the table. After a few minutes, her head rises slowly, and she does everything to hide her smile, but it’s no use. “I’m just kidding. I don’t ever want to learn.”
“Oh, phew,” I say. “We’ll leave all the motorcycle stuff to your dad and uncles.”
“Although, I think Eden knows how to drive her dad’s,” Paige says.
“JD is reckless,” Liam states. “Don’t ever do anything he tells you, suggests, or otherwise.”
I slap Liam lightly on his arm. “Stop, he’s one of your best friends.”
Liam winks. “I’m only kidding, except for the part where I say don’t do anything he tells you to, especially when we’re on vacation. Your Uncle JD has never skied a day in his life. You have more experience than he does.”
“Does that mean I can take him on the black diamond slope?”
My eyes widen, and I’m sure Liam’s do as well. “Please don’t kill your uncle, Paige. Your dad needs him for their next album and tour.”
Betty Paige sighs dramatically and holds her hand out over the table. She wiggles her fingers and then eyes her palm. Liam sighs dramatically and then reaches into his pocket. He drops the car keys into our teenaged daughter’s hand. “We’re going right home,” he tells her. Something tells me she has a detour planned, whether he likes it or not.
Liam kisses me, and I tell him I’ll see him at home for dinner. Tonight, he’s cooking, and it’s always a surprise. When he and Paige have left, I clean the table and head toward the back of the deli to wash the dishes. A few minutes later, Trudy comes in.
“You have such a lovely family,” she says. She doesn’t talk much about hers, even though I’ve asked plenty of times. She never mentions if she has kids or even grandchildren.
“Thanks, Trudy. Are you sure you don’t mind working over the holidays?”
“We’ll have some of the college kids back. We’ll be fine.”
I smile softly and thank her. I go back to the flower shop and start picking up the mess I’ve left from decorating the front windows. I’m putting a box away when I accidentally knock another one over. Papers fall out onto the floor. I squat down and pick up the first one I see, only to fall back onto my rear.
In my hand, I hold the original order Mason placed when he started ordering flowers for Katelyn, in his handwriting. I don’t know if the tears come first, the ache in my heart, or the swelling in my throat, but the memory of Mason washes over me. I can’t help but think what my life would be like if he hadn’t died.
Where would I be?
Who would I be with?
Would Liam have ever come back?
Soon, it’ll be twenty years since Mason left us, and yet sometimes it feels like just yesterday.
5
Liam
The sound of a beer bottle crashing into the bed of my truck doesn’t have the same effect as it used to. The shattering of glass from the water tower used to be synonymous with football and friends, with bonfires and girlfriends. Now, I sit up here alone. When Harrison and JD lived in Beaumont, they’d come and hang out with me, crack open a few, and we’d chill. We’d come when I knew teenagers wouldn’t be here celebrating on a Friday night after a victory. I know this place holds more in my heart than it does my bandmates, but they were kind enough to indulge in my need to visit it.
The city and I are in a legal battle over this place. About eight months ago, they announced their intent to tear the tower down, clean the field, and construct an office building. I offered to buy it because I know how important this place is to the kids. It’s become a rite of passage for the teens of Beaumont. And this place means something to me. It’s hard to put a price on nostalgia and memories, but I’ve definitely tried. The city has rejected each offer, and they have left me no choice but to attempt to have this place considered a landmark. Not far from where I sit, there’s a bulldozer, waiting for the green light, and across town, there’s a judge who will make his ruling after the first of the year.
Sitting here, on this rickety walkway with my legs hanging off the side, I can’t help but think about the last time I sat up here with Mason. It was a couple of nights before I left for college. I was angry with him. I had my choice of colleges, scholarships from every big school out there, but I chose to go where Mason wanted to play. I wasn’t done being his quarterback and wanted another four years with him. At the last minute, he decided to go to school with Katelyn and Josie, leaving me high and dry. For the first time in my life, I hated my best friend.
Mason found me here, drinking away my pain and anger, having a self-induced pity party. I told him to fuck off and go to hell. Those were the last words I ever said to my best friend, and they still haunt me every day.
The half-empty beer bottle dangles from my fingertips from some twenty feet or so in the air. I’m about to let it drop when headlights shine in my direction. My solo act is over. I stand and gather my things when I hear my name. I strain to see who is coming, it’s just a shadow, but as he gets closer, I groan loudly, hoping he can hear me.
“What do you want, Ashford?” Josie tells me I need to get over my dislike for Nick. She’s right, but it’s not something I can stomach. I loathe this man for no other reason than he made a move on Josie in high school and then took my place in Noah’s life. Granted, I gave up my right to be in Noah’s life when I walked out on Josie, not to mention my former manager Sam had a hand in making sure I’d never know about my son.
Nick doesn’t
answer but instead climbs the ladder and sits down. I can be a total dick and leave, or I can think about Noah, and how he’d feel if he found out I left. Noah always wins. I sit back down but make a huge exaggerated show about it. It’s childish, but I have yet to grow up when it comes to Nick Ashford.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Instead of answering, he pops the tops on two beers and hands one to me. He takes a long pull from the bottle and then clears his throat. “Josie called. She said Mack is welcome to come to Vermont after Christmas.”
“He is,” I tell him, even though it’s against my better judgment. Again, I have to consider Noah, and Mack and Noah are close.
“That’s good. Mack will like that.” Nick clears his throat again.
I know I’m going to regret this later, but I ask, “Is everything okay?”
Nick slowly shakes his head. He takes another drink of his beer and then lets the bottle drop to the bed of my truck. “Aubrey is going to South Africa, and she’s taking Amelia with her.”
“Well, if Mack needs to go with you guys, Noah and Paige will understand.”
My sworn enemy turns and looks at me. It may be dark out, but there is no mistaking turmoil on someone’s face. “I didn’t tell Josie when she called, but uh . . .” He pauses and clears his throat again. “Aubrey is moving.”
“Oh.”
“I haven’t told Noah yet, either. I guess it’s odd that I’m telling you of all people, but . . . yeah. My wife wants to move back to Cape Town. I’ve known this for a while but sort of brushed it under the rug. Mack is excelling in Beaumont and probably has a chance at a scholarship or two. She wants to take it all away, and I can’t have that.” Nick inhales deeply and then sighs. “I never thought I would be in this position to have to choose my child over my wife, but here I am.”
“And Amelia decided to go with Aubrey?”
Nick nods. “A girl needs her mother. Amelia knows she can come back anytime she wants.”
A Beaumont Family Christmas (The Beaumont Series) Page 3
