Waiting for Willa

by Kristen Proby

  “There’s a Dad Day?” Max asks.

  “Yeah, Grandpa usually goes with me.”

  Oh, my heart. How did I miss that my boy needs a father so badly? Was I just hopeful that my love would be enough for him?

  “But you can’t marry her if you’re just gonna get divorced,” Alex says as if he’s thought this all through. “Because I don’t think it would be good if someone else leaves.”

  “Who else left?” Max asks.

  “Dad.”

  I have to walk away from the door. I can’t hold the sobs back anymore, and I don’t want Alex to know that his sweet words made me cry.

  By the time Max comes out to the living room fifteen minutes later, I’ve controlled the tears and turned on the TV to the home and garden station, watching a couple trying to find the perfect mountain cabin tour homes in North Carolina.

  “That took a while,” I say when Max walks into the room, looking far more exhausted than he did when he left.

  “He apologized,” he says as he sits next to me and takes my hand in his, kissing my knuckles. “And he’s a talker.”

  “That he is.” I laugh, remembering the few minutes that I heard. But I don’t bring it up. It was a private conversation between Max and Alex. “I’m glad he apologized.”

  “He was worried that because we had an argument, I wouldn’t want to come around anymore.”

  “What did you tell him?” I turn toward him and plant my elbow on the back of the couch, leaning on it and watching Max’s handsome face as he thinks the past thirty minutes over.

  “That it doesn’t work that way. People argue, but it doesn’t mean they leave.”

  “How many stories did he make you read?”

  “No stories.”

  “I’m sorry, did you tuck Alexander Cary Monroe into bed?”

  Max laughs and nods. “Yeah, but we had too much to talk about. It ate up all of story time.”

  “Sounds like it was a serious conversation.”

  “Pretty serious. Guy stuff,” he adds, making me grin. “I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you, and that would be unfortunate because I’ve grown rather fond of you.”

  “Well, then, we can’t have that, can we?” I lean in and kiss his cheek. “Did Alex mention that Cary’s parents are coming to town next weekend?”

  “He did, actually. Do they come often?”

  “Every few months. They miss us. It’s always good to see them.”

  “I think that’s great.”

  “I’m nervous to tell them about you,” I admit. “Not because I think they’ll be angry or ugly about it. They’re not like that. I just don’t want… I don’t know.”

  “You don’t want to hurt them,” Max finishes for me. “And that makes you a wonderful person, Willa Elizabeth.”

  “You’re the second person to use my full name today.”

  “Who was the other?”

  “My mom.”

  “Uh-oh, were you in trouble?”

  “Maybe.” I giggle, the weight of the day finally rolling off my shoulders. “Or maybe she was just making sure to drive her point home.”

  “Like me,” he says, leaning in to kiss my forehead, then down to my nose. “You’re the best there is, Willa Elizabeth.”

  “You can just call me Wills.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  ~Willa~

  “THEY’RE HERE!”

  Alex is jumping about the living room, Rocky on his heels, barking and dancing, sure that his master is trying to play with him.

  It’s chaos.

  I don’t hate it.

  “Well, go open the door for them, silly.”

  I’m in the kitchen, tossing a salad and just as excited as Alex to see Jean and Dan Monroe.

  “Hello, darling,” Jean says, folding Alex in her ample arms, holding him close. Jean is a grandma, through and through. Gray hair, a round figure, and the happiest face on the planet. She makes you just want to curl up beside her and listen to her tell stories.

  Dan walks right up to me and kisses my cheek. “How are you, sweet girl?”

  “I’m great,” I reply with a smile. Dan’s face has more lines than it did when his son passed away, but his hair is still as dark as can be. He’s a big man. Brawny. He looks like he could lift a car off the ground.

  He’s also the most gentle man I know.

  “I need to hug my girl,” Jean says, holding out her arms for me and hugging me close. “You’re gorgeous as ever.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Mom, they brought presents,” Alex exclaims in delight. “And it’s not even my birthday anymore.”

  “Imagine that.” I narrow my eyes on Jean, but she just smiles innocently.

  “It’s my job as a grandmother to spoil my grandchild.” She sniffs and turns to watch Alex tear into his gifts.

  “A new video game!” He rushes over to show me. “Look, it’s the one I pointed out to you after Christmas.”

  “I see that.”

  “Can I play it after dinner?”

  “No.”

  The whole room goes quiet. Alex looks down in a pout, and Jean and Dan both frown.

  “Why ever not?” Jean asks.

  “Alex is being punished for lying, and for manipulating a situation.” Alex’s cheeks turn red. “Part of that punishment is no video games for a week. So, I’ll take this for now and put it with the others, and you can play it when you get your privileges back.”

  “Not fair,” he grumbles.

  “What did you say?” I ask, annoyed that he thinks he can get away with acting like this because his grandparents are here.

  “Thank you,” he says. He’s smart enough to know when he’s on my last nerve.

  “Well, I think we’ll hold onto the other gifts until the end of the week,” Dan says sternly and steers Alex into the dining room where the table is set.

  I sigh and reach for the hot pot of chili and carry it to the dining room, then return for the cornbread and salad, but Jean has already grabbed them and is following me.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” she asks.

  “I want to talk about a few things,” I reply.

  “We’ll have plenty of time after dinner.” She sets the food down and pats my shoulder. “It sounds like Alex coming with us for the week is happening at a good time.”

  I just smile and sit across from her, giving her the signal that we’ll discuss it later. Alex keeps us all entertained during dinner, filling Jean and Dan in on school, his friends, and going to watch movies in Max’s movie theater. Rocky lays at Alex’s feet, not whining or bothering anyone through dinner.

  “How did you get him to stop begging?” I ask Alex, surprised.

  “I watched YouTube videos on dog training,” he explains. “Before I got grounded from my electronics. Maybe you should give me my iPad back so I can keep training him.”

  “He’ll still be trainable next week,” I reply.

  “But, Mom—” I cock a brow, and Alex stops arguing. He sighs deeply and rests his head in his hand. “Okay. I’ll stop.”

  “How is the shop?” Dan asks, changing the subject.

  “Busy,” I reply happily. “We just had a big sale on the winter inventory, and I’m happy to report that most of it sold, giving me plenty of room for the spring stuff I have arriving next week.”

  “I can’t believe it’s almost the middle of March,” Jean says, shaking her head. “I’ll have to stop into the shop to see what you have left.”

  “I actually held a few things back for you because I knew you’d be here this week. I think you’ll like them. If you don’t, I can still sell them.”

  “You always know just what to choose for me,” Jean says with a proud smile. “Thank you, dear.”

  “My pleasure.” I specifically order pieces for Jean and my mom, and several other older ladies in the community who enjoy fashion and want higher-end options. I take pride in having something for everyone in my store, no matter their age o
r size.

  All girls deserve to feel good in the clothes they wear.

  “Is your mom still working there part-time?” Dan asks.

  “Yes, she helps cover for me. I finally hired two new girls, and they’re catching on quickly, so that helps, too.”

  “I’m so glad it’s going well,” Jean says as she finishes her chili, then carries her bowl to the kitchen.

  “Papa, do you want to watch Captain America with me after dinner?” Alex asks. Evening movies or TV shows are one thing I didn’t take away from him this week.

  After all, I don’t want to punish myself, as well.

  “Of course, I do,” Dan says.

  After we’ve all finished our meals, I clear the table as Dan and Alex take Rocky outside for a quick walk.

  “Talk to me,” Jean says when I join her at the sink, rinsing bowls.

  “I didn’t think he would be so difficult at nine,” I confess. “I didn’t expect to suddenly have to deal with fibbing and pouting and manipulation. I was expecting it at sixteen. I’m not ready.”

  “Ah, the joys of parenthood,” she says with a sigh. She no longer has the sadness in her eyes when she thinks of being a mom and losing her only child so suddenly. “He’s a smart boy, and he knows what he wants.”

  “Yes, and apparently, that includes going skiing,” I say and watch Jean’s eyes widen. “Exactly. I’ve told him no over and over again this winter, but he managed to convince Max that I would be okay with it the other day, and they went.”

  “Oh, my,” Jean says, frowning.

  “I was livid. First at Max, and then at Alex when I learned what he pulled.”

  “I don’t blame you,” Jean says, shaking her head. “Why are you so adamant that Alex not ski?”

  I stare at her a moment, shocked that she would even ask that. “What do you mean? I don’t want him up there because of Cary.”

  Jean sighs. “I can understand that, but you can’t wrap him in bubble wrap and chain him in his room. Whether it’s on the ski hill or in front of your house, he could get hurt.”

  “Wow, I can’t believe you think he should ski.”

  “I think you should let him do what you’re comfortable with,” she qualifies. “And if you’re not okay with him on skis, then stick to your guns. Alex needs to learn that he will be told no in this life, and no means no.”

  “Yeah.” I rub my forehead with my fingertips, a headache coming on. “Are you sure you’re okay with taking him for the week? With the behavior stuff going on, and a puppy?”

  “Of course,” Jean says, patting my shoulder. “We’ve been excited to spend the week with our grandson, and the puppy will be just fine with us, too. I think you need a little break.”

  “That makes me feel guilty,” I admit. “That I need a break from my own kid.”

  “It’s normal,” she says with a laugh. “He’s wonderful, and a handful. Don’t feel guilty. You’ll be excited to see him when the week is over.”

  “Yes, I will.” I take another deep breath and prepare myself for the next part of the conversation. “I have something else to tell you.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “I’ve been dating Max.” I say it in a rush, wanting to get it out as fast as possible, and cringe as I wait for her response.

  “Oh, that? I know.” She grins and pats my hand.

  “You know?”

  “He was here for Alex’s party, Alex talks about him all the time, and I do have conversations with your mother, Willa.”

  I blink at her, surprised because she looks perfectly calm. “And you don’t mind?”

  “Why on earth would I mind?” She frowns, then gives me a look as if a light bulb illuminates over her head. “Did you think this would be a thing?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Willa, it’s been nine years. Neither Dan nor I expect you to live as a nun. You’re young and beautiful and wonderful. You deserve to move on. You need to move on.”

  Tears threaten. I feel relief and happiness and still so much love from Jean.

  “You’re both so wonderful to me.”

  “You’re like a daughter to us, and that’ll never change. Do you remember not long before you married Cary and I asked you what would happen if Max came back to town?”

  “Of course. I told you that it wouldn’t matter. I loved Cary.”

  “I believed you. I still believe you. I hope that isn’t one of the reasons you were nervous to tell me about this exciting new time in your life.”

  I bite my lip.

  “Darling, life goes on. It took a while for Dan and me to heal, but we have. And so have you. It’s time for you to truly live your life, not just for your son, but for yourself, too. Cary would want that. And I’ve always liked Max.”

  I laugh and wipe a tear from my cheek. “Me, too.”

  “I just hope that if this turns into something permanent, Dan and I still have a place here.”

  “Oh, Jean.” I reach for her and wrap my arms tightly around her. “Always. You are an important part of our family. We love you and Dan so much.”

  “Well, then,” she says, sniffling at tears of her own, “that’s settled.”

  ***

  “Okay, he has enough clothes for a month, but you can always call me if you need more.”

  “We have a washer and dryer,” Dan reminds me with a smile. They never sold their home in Cunningham Falls. Instead, they rent it out as a vacation rental when they’re not in town, and live in it when they are. It’s worked out wonderfully for them. “And you’re across town.”

  Jeans sends Dan a look, but before I can ask what it means, Alex hugs me around the waist fiercely.

  “Have a good week, Mom,” he says. “Don’t worry about a thing.”

  I squat next to him and brush his hair off his forehead. I’ll need to take him for a haircut next week. “Remember what we talked about, Bubba. I need you to be on your very best behavior.”

  “I will,” he says. “I promise. You don’t have to worry.”

  “I’ll call every evening before you go to bed to check in, and if you need anything at all, just have Nana or Papa call me, okay?”

  “Yep,” he says with a nod. “Love you, Mom.”

  Then he’s off with Rocky, running into the house he knows as a second home.

  “Thanks again,” I say. “Please call if he gets to be too much.”

  “Pfft,” Jean says. “He can’t dish out anything we can’t handle. Now you go and rest a bit.”

  “Okay.” I hug them both. “See you soon. I’ll call tonight.”

  They wave me off, and I climb into Max’s car and pull away from their house, headed to yoga.

  I quickly call Tom at the garage to check on my car. This is just getting ridiculous.

  “Hey, Willa,” he says, far too cheerfully. I’m about to get bad news.

  “It’s not ready,” I guess.

  “Can’t say that it is,” he confirms. “They sent us the wrong parts again, so I have a call in for the right ones.”

  “Tom, should I just have it towed somewhere else? If you’re too busy for it, just say so.”

  “Nah, Willa. I’m sorry it’s been a huge fiasco. I’m going to fix it for just the cost of the parts. I won’t charge you for labor. Give me one more week to resolve it, okay?”

  I sigh. “Okay. But, seriously, just be honest if it’s not something you can do.”

  “Deal,” he says, then talks to someone in his shop. “Oops, better go, Willa. I’ll be in touch.”

  He hangs up, and I shake my head. I’ve grown used to the Rover. I actually love it, but I’ll never admit that to Max. Knowing him, he’d sign the title over to me.

  He’s generous and sweet. But I don’t need his car. I already feel bad that I’ve had it as long as I have. It did turn out to be helpful, though. A car rental would have been expensive, and my mom couldn’t have been without her vehicle this long.

  I’ll have to do something extra nice to thank Max for loa
ning it to me.

  I pull into a space in front of the yoga studio, pull my mat out of the backseat, and walk inside. I’m a little early, so only Fallon is here.

  “Hi, Willa,” she says with a welcoming smile. Fallon is petite and slender and strong from all of the yoga, with long, dark hair and brown eyes. She has a tiny, dark mole next to her eye that makes her look exotic.

  “Good morning,” I reply and spread out my mat in my usual spot at the back of the class, then walk up to join her. “How are you?”

  “I actually overslept this morning for the first time in a very long time,” she admits.

  “You must have needed the sleep.”

  “I suppose so,” she says with a shrug. “I scored some really great deals at your sale this week.”

  “Oh, I’m so glad. What did you pick up?”

  She tells me about her new tops and shoes, and just when she’s finished, Jenna walks in.

  “I overslept,” Jenna says in a rush.

  “So did I,” Fallon says with a frown. “I wonder what phase the moon is in?”

  “Whatever it is, it’s making me sleep,” Jenna says with a yawn, then smiles at me. “But I made it.”

  “Good. You look really cute for just rolling out of bed.”

  “Christian tried to keep me there, but I wasn’t about to miss yoga with my bestie,” she says, smiling smugly.

  “Wow, I’m proud of you,” I reply. A couple of other women arrive, but the group is small today. “I wonder if everyone is sleeping in?”

  “Could be,” Jenna says, then shoots me a weird smile like she has a secret.

  “What’s up with you?” I ask as we stand on our mats.

  “Nothing.” She scoffs. That’s a clear sign she’s telling me a fib.

  “I don’t buy it.”

  “There is literally nothing going on,” she says, stretching her arms above her head. “What’s going on with you?”

  I narrow my eyes at her. “Why does your voice sound like that?”

  “Like what?”

  “Like Mickey Mouse?”

  She shrugs. “Maybe I’m coming down with something.”

  I watch her for a moment more, then turn my attention to Fallon. We’re quiet today as we move from pose to pose, breathing and centering. One of the things I love most about Fallon’s class is that she incorporates guided meditation, which makes me feel completely grounded by the time class is over.