She didn’t answer.
John helped me back up.
“It’s been a long time since a child has made me late for work,” I mumbled.
“I heard that,” Chloe said.
John smiled. “I promise, she’ll be fine and Bones will make it to the backyard.”
I turned toward the house then checked over my shoulder.
John shooed me away then crouched closer to his daughter. “Chloe, I’ll be in the house when you’re ready. Bones, come with me.”
Stopping on the top step, I glanced in his direction.
Bones trotted after him.
“Geez,” I whispered.
Chapter 34
Opening the door, I dropped my book bag on the floor with a huff, a familiar after-school routine. I kicked it into the closet then meandered to the kitchen where I immediately stubbed my toe on the leg of the table. Picking up Chloe’s letter, I speculated the contents, then set it back upon the counter.
“Nothing good can come from a full moon.”
Bones stretched while I opened the doors for him. Beckett’s ugly tile floor was cool beneath my aching feet. “There, out you go,” I told Bones.
The ceiling fan over the kitchen table sent welcome wisps of air through my stuffy kitchen. Opening the fridge door, I stuck my head inside. Cold air billowed out. Closing my eyes, I breathed it in. The cap of my water bottle clicked as I twisted it with rage. Cold drops squirted onto my shirt. What a long day! I leaned against the counter and swigged the chilled contents down. The plastic container crinkled as I chugged.
The letter Chloe gave me this morning beckoned to me from the counter. I picked it up, opened it, then sat down on the cool floor. She had drawn a picture of Voodoo on the envelope. It was eerily creepy. I took out the notebook paper and unfolded it. A shaggy fringe emerged, and I wondered why it never bothered students to rip that edge off because it drove me crazy. I sighed at the sight of her picture. It was a picture of me on a horse. I knew it was me because my name was jotted above with and arrow pointing to the woman. There were steep mountains in the background and a stream sketched in pencil. Underneath, Chloe’s words were written in newbie cursive, the kind that isn’t quite sure which way to slant. Setting the water bottle down on the floor next to me, I read her words.
Dear Maggie, I really hope you decide to come to Montana. I know you’re nervous, but so am I. I’m excited to go, but mostly sad that I won’t get to see you anymore.
The hair stood up on my arms, and my eyes began to well. What would I do without her? I took a deep breath and continued to read.
I know I’m a pain, but I figure you must feel the same way about me that I feel about you, cause you keep letting me in. Dad says most people would have changed the locks by now. I don’t think that would be very nice, but you aren’t like most people.
I felt my lip curl. The words blurred as my eyes brimmed with tears.
I also figure that anyone who can make friends with my mom is pretty special. And my dad, well, I remember the first time you met him. I thought his head was going to pop off. He was kind of mad. Do you remember? But he likes you now, too.
“How could I forget?” I whispered to no one as visions of strewn tomatoes all about my wrecked garden flooded back, no thanks to Voodoo flying over the fence and a little handy work from Bones.
Well, just think about it. It could be fun. Love, Chloe. P.S. I’m not going to beg cause that would be babyish. P.S.S. Thanks for being here for me. I love you.
I set the letter down on the floor then covered my eyes and pressed the palms of my hands into them trying to stop the leaks. She was going. Seriously, what would I do without her? I loved her, too, more and more with each passing day. I pulled my knees up to my chest and hugged them tight. My eyes burned, my palms clammy and swollen from the humidity.
Bones trotted in. He sat beside me with tilted head and slobbery chops.
“What?” I said. He let his front paws slide out from underneath him until his belly was on the floor. With a thud, he dropped down and rested his head on my thigh. I patted his thick noggin. “You’re not going to know what to do without her either. It’ll be pretty boring around here,” I lectured.
Bones groaned and let out a hot breath of air on my leg.
“Hey, what are you guys doing?” Chloe’s green eyes peered around the counter.
“You’re pretty quiet,” I said, swiping at the corner of my eyes.
“I’m trying to do better. It makes my dad happy.”
I grinned.
She came closer and bent down. She inspected my face with questioning eyes. Bones lifted his head. Drool dropped on Chloe’s letter.
“You don’t look so good,” Chloe said.
“Yeah, it’s been a rough day.” I sighed.
“You’re telling me,” she said, sitting down on the other side of Bones. “Did you read my letter?”
“Yeah.” I folded it back up. She stared at me as I slid it back in the envelope. “I like the picture of Voodoo. It’s a little creepy though.”
“His eyes didn’t come out right. Sorry, didn’t mean to weird you out. You’re not going to have nightmares, are you?”
I shook my head. “Wouldn’t be the first time,” I answered, trying to grin.
“You’re gonna think about it, right?” she inquired quietly.
I nodded. “How can I not?” I said. “It’s complicated.”
Chloe tilted her head to the side. Her wrinkled expression resembled Bones’ when I told him no. She fidgeted with the necklace her mom gave her in Chicago. Her nails were painted baby blue.
I started thinking, What if I like it so much I don’t want to come home? What if I get attached and your dad says goodbye?
“I’m sorry, Maggie,” she said.
I narrowed my gaze. “Why are you sorry?”
“I made you think. And by the looks of it, that wasn’t such a good idea.”
If she only knew. If only she understood my feelings for her dad, for her. “It’s okay. People gotta think sometime. Now is as good a time as any.”
“Maybe,” Chloe said, biting her thumbnail.
“When did you start biting your nails?” I asked, checking out my own nubs.
Chloe shrugged. “Don’t know. Mom wouldn’t like it.”
“Suppose not. Have you heard from your mom lately?” I asked, thinking about Fletcher Thompson. I hadn’t heard from him since I rejected his invitation to Los Angeles. Figured. My instincts proved me correct about his motives.
“No, not really.”
“Why were you in the bushes this morning?” I asked, picking up my water bottle for another swig, my eyes glued on Chloe as she got up to open the fridge. “You can have whatever you want,” I said, fingering the picture of Voodoo on the envelope. “You’re a good drawer in a weird kind of way.”
Chloe peered over her shoulder at me. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?” She stuck her head back in the refrigerator. “Can I have pop?”
“I don’t care. Will your dad get mad?”
“Boy, you really are in a poopy mood. I’ll just have water.”
Chloe shut the stainless steel door and sat back down on the floor with me. She unscrewed the cap and sipped her cold drink. “I don’t want to live next door to anyone else.”
I stared at her, her green eyes fierce, serious, and focused on mine. “Yeah, I doubt the new neighbors will be as good as you.”
Water drizzled down Chloe’s chin as she chugged. She wiped the droplets off her shirt with the back of her hand. “This is worse than I thought.”
I slumped down. “Ugh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. Dad says he has to find himself.”
I picked at the paper label on my water bottle until it ripped.
“I didn’t know he was lost,” she said. “I thought we were here, with you …”
Cracking a smile, I knew what she meant.
“What?”
/> “He’s not the only one who is lost.”.
“I got lost once in a store. I cried,” Chloe said.
“It’s kind of scary when you get lost.” I drained my water bottle and tossed it up into the sink then rubbed Bones’ back. He lifted his head, and his pink tongue lapped my forearm.
Chloe’s eyes stared through me. “Are you afraid, Maggie?” she asked, scooting closer.
“This is quite the conversation,” I said, shifting my weight, my rear end half-asleep.
“Glad says you’re afraid.”
I shot her a look. “She said that to you?”
Chloe nibbled at her thumbnail, again. “No, I just overheard her say it.”
“To whom?”
“Walter and Harry’s mom.”
Relief washed over me. I thought maybe Chloe repeated what Mom had said to her dad. I was safe with Judy. Breathing in, I held it for three seconds then exhaled. Chloe’s bright green eyes questioned me. “I don’t know.” But I knew.
“Are you afraid you can’t ride a horse, cause my dad and my grandpa will teach you,” she said, patting my hand, her innocent eyes rimmed with worry.
“It’s been a long time.” In the corner of my mind, I could see Bradley on a Palomino trotting down a dusty trail ahead of me.
“We can learn together,” she said.
A thin smile lightened the weight. “What do I have to lose?” My stomach turned over. Faint thuds of life beat in my chest knocking against the walls begging to escape.
Chloe touched my hair, and a shiver ran down my spine. I reached out to hug her and she fell into my arms like a rag doll. Her hair smelled of coconut, her soft hands on my neck taking me back to a time when I held Bradley at her age and somehow this didn’t seem too different, her breath hot on my neck. I closed my eyes and breathed her in.
“What is going on in here?” Mom stood with one hand on the counter peering down at us.
“Man, did the Indians teach you to walk or what?” I said. Mom’s eyes narrowed. “Sorry,” I said.
Chloe pulled away. “Why would Indians teach your mom to walk? Didn’t she have regular parents like you and me?” Chloe asked, touching my cheek.
“Yes, she had regular parents like you. Indians were just really good at walking quietly through the woods. I’m sure you’ll read about it someday. Oh, never mind.”
Mom held out her hand to Chloe.
Chloe grabbed it and stood up. “Great. Now, who is going to pry me off this floor? I think I’m stuck.” Chloe reached out to me and planted her feet then tugged.
“Thanks,” I said.
She bent down and grabbed her water bottle. Her head knocked the corner of the counter when she stood up.
“Ouch,” she yelped.
“Let me see,” I said, inspecting for blood, bones, or a bump. “How bad does it hurt, on a scale of one to ten?”
She wrinkled her nose, then squinted her eyes and felt her scalp. “About a three.”
“Not bad. I think you’ll live,” I said.
Mom stroked my hair, and her fingers grazed my temple. I flinched as she touched my scar. My eyes met hers.
“Does that hurt?” she asked.
“No. Just feels weird,” I answered. “My scar is sensitive sometimes.”
Mom smiled at me. “Oh, you girls sure do have hard heads, I do declare.”
I narrowed my eyes as she talked. I knew what she meant. “You’re funny,” I said quietly, waiting for Chloe to walk away.
“Sounded like you two were having a moment.”
I met Mom’s stare. “How much did you hear?”
“Enough,” she said, taking a deep breath, “enough to know that she needs you more than you know.”
I stepped closer. “That’s what’s making this so damn hard,” I said under my breath. Mom rolled her eyes at me. “Ha, that’s where I get it,” I said, pointing to her.
“Oh pish, and the only thing making this so damn hard is you. Would you get out of your own way already? It’s just a vacation. Get over yourself,” Mom said.
“Why is it my fault?” I asked. “And we both know it’s more than a vacation,” I reiterated. “I don’t want to get there and discover—” I crossed my arms.
“Discover? Discover that you really belong with that man and his daughter. Then what? You might actually have to do something about it or maybe you’re afraid that this could actually work out.”
I ignored the sarcasm then glanced over at Chloe who chased Bones around the yard. “So what? What if I don’t feel like getting my heart broken again. What if?” I stopped. As much as I longed to be with John, did I have the energy to cope with an eight-year-old? I loved Chloe, but that was a lot to sign on for.
Chapter 35
The screen door slammed behind me as I stormed out. I trotted down the front steps toward the sidewalk. John came around the back heading straight for me. His brow creased when I peered in his direction.
“She’s in the back with the dog. You sure, you don’t want a dog?” I asked.
“Bad day?”
“Um, let me think?” I sighed, crossed my arms, then answered, “Yeah.”
“What could possibly be that bad?” he asked.
“Really?” I started, my insides percolated with fury. “Let’s see. First, I find out what the real numbers are for next year’s salary. Thanks for the pay cut. Then I get a new student who destroys the chemistry of my class. It’s the end of May, for crying out loud. Who moves their child in May? And your daughter—” I stopped, John’s eyes earnest with concern. Trying to calm down, I took a deep breath. “Well, she made me think and I really don’t have the energy for that right now.” I closed my mouth, but the words kept on coming like tickertape inside my head. She made me care about her more than I wanted to. She told me she loved me and I love her back and I don’t want you guys to move. “And well, my mom is being my mom. It’s a little much.”
“I’ll go tell Chloe to stay with Glad. I was just going to take my bike out for a spin. You can come. A few bugs in your teeth will make you feel better. Maybe you should put on some jeans.”
“Don’t you want Chloe to go with you?” I asked.
“No,” John said. “I’d rather go with you. Besides, the fresh air will do you good.”
My black maxi skirt flitted in the breeze. “Yeah, guess I can’t sit side saddle on a Harley,” I rambled, fiddling with the material.
“Suppose not.” He took a breath. “But you can on a horse.”
My gaze met John’s, my emotions on high alert, my heart a little lighter urging me to take the challenge, and enjoy the adventure. John’s green eyes, like emeralds, bright, illuminating assurance.
“You look nice today,” he said.
“Thanks. Evaluation day, always a thrill,” I joked. He smiled. “In all honesty, it usually makes my eye twitch. I don’t know why, but it’s always so nerve-wracking. I hate it. I shouldn’t worry, I’ve done it a thousand times.”
“I’m sure you did great. You wouldn’t worry if you didn’t care.” John folded his arms across his chest and planted his feet.
“Suppose so.” I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Twenty-something children flashed behind my eyelids looking to me for the answers. “Just tired, I guess.”
“Think about Montana, girl. I’m telling you, once you get there, you won’t want to come home,” he said.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I replied. John’s eyes flashed. “Well, that’s the first time I said that out loud.”
“Well, then, I guess we’re making progress. Now go change,” he said. “You can think about riding that horse while you’re listening to the lake.”
“What are Montana lakes like?” I asked, lowering my gaze.
“I’m not going to say they’re like the Great Lakes. It’s a whole different world out there. Now go change.”
I imagined John’s world. I’d never been to Montana. I’d only read about it, but I’d had an image in
my mind of mountains, sharp blue skies, ranches, vast land, and mountains framing the landscapes. His fingers grazed mine. He squeezed my hand.
“You’ll figure it out,” he mumbled.
That’s what Winston said. I wished for the faith they harbored. Opening the screen door, John followed me inside.
Chloe darted through the kitchen to meet us. “Daddy, what are you doing here?”
“Maggie’s going to change her clothes and go for a ride with me on the Harley while Glad watches you, if that’s okay with Glad,” he answered, holding her chin.
Mom came out of the kitchen. “It’s fine with me. You two have fun.”
“Can I go, too?” Chloe asked.
“Afraid not, there’s only room for two.”
I stopped on the bottom stair and held the handrail watching their interaction.
Chloe’s face drooped. “Please, Dad. I haven’t seen you all day.”
“How about, I take you when Maggie and I get back?”
“Fine, but can I go first?” Chloe looked over to me.
“We won’t be long,” I reassured her. “I have to get back to make dinner.”
“I’ll start dinner,” Glad said.
Her thin grin made me cringe. What was on her agenda now? “You don’t have to, Mom. I can do it when we get back.”
She waved her hand in the air at me. “It’ll do me good to make my baby girl some dinner.”
“Great, can you make me some dinner, too?” Chloe asked. “You’re cooking is way better than my dad’s.”
John put his hands on his hips and stared at her through narrow slits. I teetered on the next stair to see the outcome.
“Sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean anything bad.”
“I think you hurt my feelings,” he said. “I’m getting better, aren’t I?”
“Well yeah, but Glad’s cooking is just different. That’s all I meant.” Chloe tucked her hair behind her ears and adjusted the glasses at the bridge of her nose.
John touched the silver heart on his daughter’s Tiffany necklace.
“Come on, Chloe, let’s hit the market,” Mom said, heading toward the kitchen. “I have to get my purse. We can put the top down. Bones can come, too,” she said, disappearing at the end of the foyer. Her voice trailed behind her.
Maggie's Fork in the Road (Montana Bound Series Book 2) Page 23
