“Just put the cookies where I tell you to.” Penny led him into the building and Alicia took a second to breathe, standing in the parking lot behind the store she’d come to love. She tried to convince herself her confused feelings were just anxiety about the store opening, but she couldn’t avoid the truth. She felt betrayed and sad about Liam leaving. It had come out of the blue, so suddenly. Why hadn’t he told her?
But then they were just friends, and they’d barely known each other long enough to count as good friends. And she was the widow of his best friend, meaning he most likely pitied her, which really wasn’t a good basis for friendship or anything else.
After several minutes reasoning with herself about the ties and duties of friendship, Alicia turned to the door with new resolution. But as she did, she remembered how his hand had lingered on her hair, his eyes full of regret as he pulled away from the kiss they’d shared.
Maybe their relationship was based less on his friendship with her dead husband than she had tried to convince herself.
* * *
In her worst fantasies, Alicia had imagined nobody coming to her “grand” reopening. She’d pictured Jim and Millie sitting glumly by the front door of an empty building, realizing nobody cared about them or their store in spite of the countless fliers and business cards she’d left around town and the ad she’d taken out in the local paper.
In fact, by the time Jim and Millie arrived at midmorning, the store was crowded. Not a huge crowd, but a steady stream of people driving up, taking advantage of the coffee and cookies. John manned the cash register cheerfully, chatting with the patrons who purchased books, and Alicia barely had time to exchange a few words with him between helping other customers. When she spotted Jim and Millie, she hurried over to welcome them.
“It’s going so well,” she said, hardly able to contain her gratitude. “I can’t believe how supportive everyone has been.”
Millie reached for her hand. “You’ve done a wonderful job, dear.”
Alicia turned to Jim, anxious to see how he felt about the changes she’d made to his store. She watched as he scanned the interior, pausing on the reading areas she’d artfully arranged and the new signs and paint. Her nerves building, she held her breath, waiting for the verdict. His opinion meant so much to her. She wanted to know if he still felt at home in his store.
The expression of love and pride in his eyes when he turned back to her spoke volumes. He shook his head, holding out his arms to her, and she fought back the tears of happiness as he enfolded her in a hug. “Thank you,” was all he said.
After she’d ensconced her father-in-law in an easy chair by the front door where he greeted everyone who walked in or out, Alicia returned to work. Millie and Penny wandered the aisles keeping coffee cups full and Liam came and went, handing out fliers on the sidewalk and even escorting a few curious visitors in the front door.
During a short lull of activity, Alicia looked around and found him standing by the front door talking to Jim and Millie. As she hesitated, uncertain whether to join them or give them a moment, another patron approached and asked to see some of the rare books. Alicia turned to help him, but her curiosity got the better of her and she stole a glance over her shoulder in time to see Millie embrace Liam. The sight warmed Alicia from the inside. Knowing from experience how much Millie could mean to the “strays” she gathered, Alicia was certain she had some notion of what Liam must be feeling.
As midafternoon rolled around and the sun got warmer, business slowed. Millie dragged an exhausted-looking Jim away from his spot by the door and Penny made sure the coffee was warm before heading home with a promise to check in on Amy, Gemma and Jason. Alicia sent John to lunch and took up his spot behind the counter. As she perched on the stool, she spotted Liam, the only other person in the store, wandering through the aisle marked Science.
“I should have asked you to help me gather books for that aisle,” she said. “Not sure you’ll find much of interest.”
“Actually, you’ve done pretty well. I’ve got quite a few of those.” He came over to lean on the counter. “Pretty good first day, huh?”
“It’s been great.” Alicia closed her eyes for a second, concentrating on breathing. She opened her eyes again to find him studying her. “I can’t believe I was so worried about this. This town is really wonderful.”
“Hillsborough looks out for its own, that’s true.” Liam nodded. “I’m sure Lulu’s introduced you to some of the other business owners down here. It’s a pretty tight-knit group. Every one of them are good people.”
“I guess you know that because you’re a business owner too?” Alicia put her elbows on the counter across from him.
“I know it because I’ve known some of them my whole life. Used to run in and out of some of the stores when I was a kid. I still try to shop here when I can. Of course, the topography of the place has changed a lot, but the basic atmosphere is the same.” He paused, frowning. “Have you eaten anything? You look exhausted.”
As if in response to his question, her stomach growled and they both laughed. “I guess I am hungry.” Alicia shrugged. “I grabbed a cookie and a cup of coffee, but I probably left them sitting somewhere when I got called away.”
“Well, that’ll never do.” He straightened. “I’ll get you a sandwich.”
“You don’t have to do that.” Alicia put a hand on his arm. “Really, you’ve done so much already.” She hesitated, then added, looking at where her hand touched his arm, “I’m not sure what we’re all going to do without you around.”
The store seemed very quiet. He put a hand over hers and closed his fingers gently. “Penny told you.”
Alicia shrugged and tried to pull her hand from his suddenly firm grip. “Not that it’s any of my business or anything. We’ll miss you is all.” She looked up at him and the intense look in his eyes caught her off guard. Her heart beat a little faster and she looked away.
“I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have to.” His grip loosened but she found she’d lost the desire to reclaim her hand. “But I’ll miss you too.” He took a deep breath and let it out. “You have to know I care about you. Hell, I’ve only known you a few weeks and so much has happened between us. Maybe it’s a good thing I have to go. I might do something stupid if I didn’t.”
She bit her lip and wished she had some reply, but nothing came to mind. He continued, “When you kissed me the other day, I just about lost it. If you were anybody else…if you weren’t—”
“If I weren’t Ty’s wife.” Alicia raised her gaze to meet his as she finished his sentence and saw the regret and agreement in his eyes. “But I am. Or at least, I was.” Liam’s thumb caressed the back of her hand, pausing at the fourth finger that still bore Ty’s rings.
The bells tinkled at the door and they turned, still holding hands, to see Sandra standing in the doorway, avidly taking in the scene in front of her. Alicia’s cheeks burned. Liam dropped her hand and stepped back. “I’ll, um, be right back with that sandwich.”
“Don’t leave on my account, Liam.” Sandra stepped inside and held the door for him.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back.” He looked apologetically at Alicia, who gave him a half wave.
“What can I do for you, Sandra?” She turned her attention to the other woman, businesslike in her forced politeness.
“Well, I’d ask where the romance is, but that was pretty obvious when I walked in.” Sandra placed her elbows on the counter, her arms crossed at the wrists, and looked a little like a cat basking in the sun.
A cat or a saber-toothed tiger. Alicia sighed. “The romance section is in the back right corner. The serial romances are on the far wall, organized alphabetically by the name of the series.” She turned away. “Call me if you need anything.” She gathered a handful of the morning’s receipts and started punching numbers into a calculato
r.
“I heard Liam was helping you out.” Sandra’s voice purred over her shoulder. “I wasn’t sure—until now—what all he was helping you with.”
Alicia sighed and set the receipts down. She turned slowly, determined to settle whatever gossip Sandra had formulated. Her eyes were drawn to the ever-present cell phone in Sandra’s hand. “Sandra, what the hell? Don’t you have anything better to do with your life? You’re an intelligent woman, you’ve got a beautiful kid and you’re attractive. You obviously have a lot of friends or you couldn’t do the damage you do. So why the gossip? What’s wrong with you?”
Sandra’s eyebrows shot toward her hairline and she straightened, drawing herself up. She gave every impression of being shocked and injured. “Well, I—I can’t believe you’d say such things to me. I came in here to show some support in your little endeavor and you attack me this way? Is it my fault you and Liam Addison can’t keep your hands off each other?”
“That is not the truth, not that it matters.” Alicia tried hard to hold herself back, determined not to sink to Sandra’s level. “What’s important is why you want to ruin my life. Is it because you had hoped you and Liam would have a relationship after you got divorced?”
This time the point-blank question seemed to stun the other woman. “I—” She took a deep breath and shook her head. “I’m not trying to ruin anybody’s life and I had a relationship with Liam.” She leaned over the counter, lowering her voice as if to convey a confidence. “And it was hot and he was great.” She straightened again. “To be honest, I don’t think he ever got over me.”
“Excellent.” Alicia tried not to wonder if Sandra was right. “Well, you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re hoping for gossip grist from me or Liam, Sandra. I’m going to be nothing but a respectable widow and Liam won’t be as accessible in Chapel Hill.”
“Liam’s going back to Chapel Hill?” Sandra looked thoughtful. She glanced out the front window, obviously distracted. “Well, dear, good luck with your little store. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you, although perhaps not that much.”
Alicia watched in amazement as Sandra waved over her shoulder and walked airily out the front door. She sighed and shrugged, but as she turned back to the receipts, she felt certain Sandra would be spending a lot of time in Chapel Hill over the rest of the summer. Perhaps she’d succeed in rekindling some of whatever she and Liam had once enjoyed.
…Maybe it’s a good thing I have to go. I might do something stupid if I didn’t… Alicia shook herself free from the memory of the longing in his voice and hoped getting away wouldn’t put Liam in a position to do something even more stupid.
Not that it was any of her business, anyway.
Chapter Eleven
The night before Liam left, he arranged to buy everyone pizza at Alicia’s, insisting she invite Penny, Amy and Mark, as well as Jim and Millie. Millie came, though Jim didn’t feel well and stayed home. After dinner, Gemma grabbed Liam’s hand and dragged him into the yard to teach her to throw a Frisbee.
Most of the party moved outside then, but as Alicia came out of the bedroom after putting Jason down for the night, she found Millie standing by the front window watching Mark, Penny, Amy and Liam take turns throwing the Frisbee as gently as possible to Gemma and then encouraging her as she flung it enthusiastically and not very accurately back at them. Just as she reached her mother-in-law’s side, Mark managed to catch one of Gemma’s less wild efforts and the front yard broke into cheering. Liam grabbed Gemma and hoisted her onto his shoulders to take a victory lap around the yard.
“He really cares about her.” Millie’s voice startled Alicia. She’d almost forgotten her mother-in-law had been there first.
“Yes, he does. And Gemma absolutely loves him. She’s really going to miss him.”
“It’s nice having him in our lives again. I should probably thank you for that. It’s almost like having a little bit of Ty back.” Millie watched the merry bunch outside with a thoughtful expression. “I remember Liam and Ty tossing the Frisbee with Jim out there.” She sighed, looking down at her hands. “He wanted to come tonight. He would have, but the doctor said he should get some rest. I should really get back to him. I don’t want him to be alone.”
The anxiety in her mother-in-law’s voice made Alicia reach out to her. “Is everything okay, Millie?”
“Oh, of course it is, dear. You know me. I’m a worrier.” Millie smiled. “Still, I’d best go.”
“Do you want a ride home? I’ll drive you. Penny will stay with the kids.”
“Nonsense. Stay and enjoy your company.” Millie squeezed her hand. “I’m fine. It’s not even dark yet.”
Alicia walked her mother-in-law to her car. Gemma ran over to them. “Gramma, where are you going?”
“Home, sweetie, to check on your grandpa.” Millie bent and held out her arms. “Give your old grandma a hug and kiss good-night.”
Gemma enthusiastically followed orders as Liam jogged up. “Can I give you a ride home, Millie?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Millie straightened and hugged him too. “I have no intention of breaking up the party. You stay and enjoy the evening. And don’t forget to come see me when you get back in town. You’ve been a stranger too long.”
“That’s a promise I’ll be more than happy to keep.” Liam kissed her cheek and stepped back.
Millie got into the car but before she could close the door, Alicia touched her hand. “Call me if you need anything.” Millie nodded and gave her hand a reassuring pat. Alicia stepped back, watching with uncertain anxiety as the car pulled away.
“Hey.” Liam spoke from close behind her and she turned. “You okay?”
“Fine.” At his doubtful look, she shrugged. “A little worried about Millie is all. And Jim. He’s not doing as well as she’d like.”
He frowned, taking her hand. He opened his mouth to say something when Mark’s voice cut across their conversation. “Hey, guys. We’re going to take off.”
Alicia swung around to see Mark coming across the lawn. Penny followed with a little frown that made Alicia think maybe leaving had been more Mark’s idea than hers, until she noticed Penny’s frown was directed at Liam. He was watching Amy carry Gemma into the house with an almost wistful air. Gemma laid her head against the older girl’s shoulder with a sweet look of surrender. Liam seemed to shake off his mood and he turned to Penny and Mark.
“Do you have to go?” She asked the question automatically as Mark and Liam exchanged handshakes. As the words exited her mouth she knew she didn’t mean them. She wanted to be alone with Liam for these last few minutes. She allowed herself to imagine his arms around her…
“We don’t really have to—”
“We do.” Mark put an arm around his wife’s waist, silencing her. “We have some—stuff—to do.”
Penny glared at her husband, but in the end, she allowed him to lead her away. A few minutes later, as Alicia and Liam picked up the Frisbee and several other yard toys, Amy came out of the house. “Gemma’s all dressed and ready for bed. I didn’t give her a bath, but I did wash her up for you. She’ll be out in no time.”
“Thanks, Amy.” Impulsively, Alicia kissed the girl’s cheek. “You’re such a sweetheart.”
Amy glanced at Liam. “She wanted you to come tuck her in.” She smiled. “I remember you tucking me in too.”
Liam shook his head, an echo of his earlier wistfulness in his face. “Doesn’t seem that long ago, either.” He gave Amy a one-armed hug and a kiss on the cheek. “See you in a few weeks.”
Amy nodded and waved as she followed her mother and stepfather down the street. Alicia sat on the front steps after Liam entered the house. A grizzled old man with a beautiful German Shepherd on a leash walked past, raising his hand in greeting. She waved back, glad of the cover the gathering dusk afforded. She fel
t inexplicably depressed and weary. A few moments later, she heard the door open behind her and Liam came out, pausing just a moment before sitting beside her.
“She’s pretty much asleep already.” He propped his elbows on his knees. “I should probably go and let you guys get some rest.” He made no move to rise.
Crickets and katydids sang in the trees and frogs croaked in the pond, life making itself known in the trees and grass surrounding them. For the first time since she’d moved to Hillsborough, the prevalence of the tiny bugs, animals and amphibians was more intoxicating than frightening, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the night. When she opened them again, he was looking at her. “I have to go,” he said.
He didn’t mean right then. He meant his return to Chapel Hill. Whatever it was he had to return for, she felt certain it wasn’t voluntary. She nodded. “I know.”
“I don’t want to leave you.” The longing in his voice underscored the absolute truth of his words. “And if you need me…”
She nodded. “Our timing has been really off, hasn’t it?” She was glad it was too dark for him to read the little nuances of emotion that would give her away.
“Yeah.” He laced his fingers through hers and, as if emboldened by the darkness, scooted closer to her. She lay her head on his shoulder with a sigh, and they sat that way for several minutes. She was going to miss him a lot, but she had no desire to linger on that thought any longer than necessary.
After a few minutes, he stood slowly, pulling her up with him. They walked down the driveway together, hands still linked. At the bottom of the drive, he paused, turned and took her other hand. “Remember, if you need me, all you have to do is call.”
“Thank you.” She looked up, and he kissed her very gently on the lips before walking away.
* * *
The next day went slowly. Liam was gone, so when she was at the bookstore, Alicia couldn’t hope he might stop by. Nonetheless, she found herself looking hopefully at the door when the bell jingled. By midafternoon she’d managed to stop herself from turning around every time the door opened, so Penny startled her when she rounded the row of shelves Alicia was straightening. “Hey!” Alicia said. “I wasn’t expecting to see you today.”
Where the Heart Lies Page 15
