Both of them shook their heads. Maia clearly had her favorite dish and Frannie played it safe with a salad.
“All right, ladies. I’ll be right back with your drinks.” And she was. Sweet tea for Maia. Water for Frannie.
She settled back and said, “Thanks for suggesting this.”
Maia said, “I’m glad you could come. By the way, Brian told me Juli’s painting looks fabulous in the dining room.”
Fabulous. She couldn’t imagine that word making it past Brian’s lips.
“It does. In fact, it may be hanging on the wall of my uncle’s house, but I’m not leaving it behind when I leave.”
“How is Mr. Denman?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. The doctor thinks he’ll keep improving, but no way of knowing how much. According to his doctor, he’s responding well to physical therapy. I haven’t seen that myself, but he did speak a little the last time I visited.” She sat back while the waitress refilled her tea glass. “Thank you.” The waitress moved on and she turned back to Maia. “Only time will tell.”
Maia picked up her glass and napkin. The condensation had built up on the outside of the glass. Maia put the napkin under the base and then folded the rest of the napkin up the sides. Instantly, it was damp and Maia gave it a bit of a twist effectively securing the napkin to the glass.
“You didn’t know him when you were growing up? You didn’t live that far apart.”
“Different kinds of distance, I guess. I met him only about a year ago when he contacted me.” The words sounded odd. She tried to explain. “He and Dad were in touch, at least by phone and letter.” She shrugged. “I recall my dad mentioning him, but he never came to our house that I know of.”
“Wow.” Maia went silent for a minute as she stirred her soup. “Maybe he didn’t get along with your mom. Oops. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry.”
Frannie let it go unanswered. “Your family is close?”
“Very. That doesn’t mean we don’t have our differences and sometimes we argue or get angry, but we keep trying.”
“You have a large family?”
“Yeah. There’s more than a few of us.” She laughed.
“Not so many of us. I always wanted siblings, lots of cousins and aunts and uncles. But it was just us two. Me and Laurel. Then Uncle Will.”
“That makes it all the sadder that you didn’t have your uncle in your life earlier. Family is special, something to treasure.” She shook her head. “Were you young when your father died?”
“A teenager.”
“How sad.”
“My father and I were very close. When he died, my mother and I were—” Was she really going to take this next step? It felt like a giant leap. “She’s actually my adoptive mother. When he died, Laurel and I were left with only each other. We’ve always had a difficult relationship.”
“I’m sorry. I can see I’ve forced you to relive sad memories.”
She shrugged. “I have good memories mixed in. Not everyone can say that.”
Maia looked embarrassed. “I seem nosey, I know.”
“You can ask anything you want.” She almost added, and it’s nice to have someone friendly to share a meal and conversation with. Instead, she said, “Talking about family and relationships, you and Brian seem so different. You are upbeat and cheerful. He’s so grumpy. You are so petite and friendly while he’s tall and well, just plain grumpy. Is that how he usually is? Or is it me he’s grumpy with?”
Maia focused on picking up crumbs from the tablecloth. After a moment, she sighed. “No, it’s not you. Brian has been through a lot in the last couple of years.”
“His daughter, Megan, is sweet. I said the wrong thing the other day and upset her. I didn’t know her parents were divorced.”
“Megan is a doll when she’s not having an attitude. I can’t blame her. The breakup was difficult. That’s part of Brian’s sadness.”
Brian’s sadness. So, he hadn’t wanted the breakup.
Maia continued, “When things started going downhill, it went fast and ugly. He’s getting better. Better every day.” She sat up straighter and smiled. “He’ll be fine. Healing takes time, both the physical healing and that of the heart.” She touched her chest.
“That sounds poetic, Maia.”
This time her smile was sad. “No poet here.”
Frannie studied her face. “But lots of family. You’re lucky.”
“Everything comes with both the good and not-so-good.”
She laughed. “Listen to you. You won’t even say the word ‘bad’.”
****
Why was Maia so interested in her? Frannie enjoyed her company, and Maia seemed to feel the same. Still, Maia had plenty of friends. Why seek out someone she barely knew?
As she washed her hands in the ladies room sink and checked her hair in the mirror, it struck her that maybe there was a bona fide reason for Maia’s interest. After all, Brian had gone through a divorce and had some rough times and now he was working for her and they were spending time together. Maybe Maia thought they might be developing feelings for each other. Brian on a rebound? Lonely, awkward Frannie? She laughed out loud.
A woman exited the other stall. “You okay?”
“I am.” She giggled some more. In the mirror, she saw a different face. A lighter face, with shiny eyes and upturned lips. She needed more laughter in her life.
Maia was sweet to worry about her brother. As she left the ladies room, she was tempted to tell her she didn’t need to worry, that Brian had no romantic interest in her, not even much of a friendly interest. In fact, his interest apparently centered on his suspicions of her plans regarding Will’s property.
But she didn’t say it because Maia was kind and if Frannie had had a brother or sister to worry about, she might’ve cross-examined the new person in their life too. Now that she understood Maia’s motivation, she was almost effusive as she thanked her for a fun lunch.
“I know so few people around here, this was especially nice. I’m glad you suggested it.”
Maia patted her arm. “It was a good idea, wasn’t it? What if Mr. Denman hadn’t ordered those paintings? I’ll make sure you have the chance to meet some of the other year-round residents. There’s lots of folks worth knowing.”
Frannie almost had to bite her lip to keep from laughing again. Maia was so transparent. She wanted to find someone else for Frannie, so her brother would be safe. Maia was so sweet she couldn’t hold it against her.
Maia gave her a quick hug. “So, if you need anything at all, you let me know.”
Chapter Twelve
Maia, again. He kicked the stand down, reached up and removed his helmet. Maia was upstairs in her apartment. Waiting.
What would it be this time? Your family misses you? You’re not far away, but you might as well be a thousand miles distant.
Or would it be her speech about getting custody of Megan?
One topic he knew she wouldn’t bring up was give Diane another chance. She says she’s changed and you owe it to yourselves and your daughter to try. No, she would never go there again.
It was already getting dark and there was no shelter here on the street. The cold wind swept through like the idea of spring or summer was fiction. No point in sitting here freezing his butt off.
She was there at the door, the interior lights shining bright behind her. She opened it wide and smiled like the loving sister she was. Always ready to forgive. But he didn’t necessarily feel forgiving.
“Brian.” She threw her arms around him, saying, “I’m so glad to see you.”
“It’s cold out here.”
“Come inside.” She pulled him in and shut the door. She kept talking as she led him up the stairs to her flat. “Thanks for coming over. No Megan? So Diane came back?”
“This time.” He dropped his jacket, gloves and helmet on a chair. He hadn’t been over in a while. Maia’s small flat was neat and homey, but arranged with perfection. An offshoot
of her gallery touch.
“Hungry? I’ll make you a sandwich.” She was already halfway to the kitchen.
“No. I can’t stay.”
“Meatloaf. Cold meatloaf. I made it the way you like it, with onions and garlic. A meatloaf sandwich. On sourdough bread. Your favorite.” A hint of a smile, her dark eyes earnest.
“Sure.”
She pulled out the kitchen chair and gently pushed him down, sister-style.
“I’ll have it ready in a minute.” She leaned into the fridge and emerged with mayonnaise, mustard and a jar of dill pickles. “Coffee or soda?”
“Maia, I can’t stay.”
“Then stay as long as you can.” She said it without turning around, as if keeping her back turned would force him to stay. “Don’t say anything. Please listen. I’ve apologized before and I will again, if it will make any difference. I admit I should’ve minded my own business. I should’ve trusted your judgment regarding Diane and your own life.” She turned to face him, knife in hand. She pointed it at him. “And I’ll say it as many times as I need to.”
“It’s done. It’s over. Let it go.”
She whispered, “When you do.” As she placed the plate on the table she said, “Guess who I had lunch with today.”
“Just tell me.”
Her tone dropped. “You know how rude that sounds, right?”
He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. Not only frustration with her, but also with himself. It wouldn’t cost him anything to be civil.
“Yes. Sorry.”
“Is your leg hurting?”
He almost bit back at her again, but took a deep breath instead. After a moment, he replied, “Cold weather.”
“Have you talked to the doctor? I’m sure there are options.”
“Physical therapy and drugs. I’ve done PT and I don’t want the drugs.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t ride that bike.”
“I’ll decide what I can manage.”
She nodded and spoke in a very level voice. “I can’t help being concerned.”
It was Brian’s turn to nod.
“So, lunch. I wanted to tell you about it. And you needn’t worry that I’m messing in your life despite having lunch with your client.”
The change of subject was almost a relief. “Client?”
“Yes, your painting client. Frannie Denman.”
“Fran Denman? Why did you have lunch with her?”
“A number of reasons, and you can relax. The reasons have nothing to do with you.”
“Okay.”
“She’s a client of the gallery. Not only as Mr. Denman’s niece and representative, but on her own accord. She purchased a painting.”
“I know.”
“It’s one of Juli’s.”
He watched his sister’s face. He knew she wanted to tell him something despite his unwillingness to hear it. Gossip, interfering in other people’s lives, it all did damage. He knew that personally. For Maia, though, it was different. She wasn’t given to malicious gossip. But once she’d taken you into her ‘fold’ she felt very proprietorial, even protective, and did what was necessary—necessary as she saw it. He almost felt pity for her. It was a wonder she hadn’t been hurt by them more often than she had. She needed a better life of her own so she could leave other people to tend to their own business.
“Okay.”
“Did you know Juli was abandoned by her mother when she was young?”
“No. Yes. She was a foster kid, right?”
“Has Frannie talked about her family? She was adopted, you know.”
Brian hit the table, but softly. “Really, Maia? Is that why you took her out to lunch? To satisfy your curiosity?” He started to rise.
She reached out and touched his arm. “No. I told you. She’s new and doesn’t know anyone.” Maia rushed into the next words as Brian turned away. “She and Juli have a lot in common. I was thinking they should get to know each other… Please don’t go yet. I’ll drop the subject. Can we start over and talk about something else?”
“Sure.” But he was angry, too angry and he regretted the words before the last one left his lips. “Let’s talk about why you have no love life of your own because you’re so busy butting into everyone else’s.”
Wounded, that was the only word he could think of when he looked at her face. The words might be true, but that didn’t mean he should say it to her like that, and it wasn’t totally true. Not the way he’d made it sound.
“Not fair, Brian.”
Her face had screwed up into that crying look. Even the trembling lips couldn’t dampen her dimples. The top of her head came only to his shoulders and he felt like a bully. True words or not. Meant or not.
He put his arms around her. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
She whispered, “And what about you, Brian?”
He shook his head. “Different situation. I tried and it didn’t work for me. I’m done with this thing you women call love.”
****
Brian stepped back as Diane left his apartment, pulling the door closed behind her. He grabbed the doorknob and fought the urge to chase after her in the winter rain. It had started that morning and was on and off, but the air was damp and bitter. Instead, turned to look at his daughter who was seated on the couch. As he watched, she scooted back, pulled her legs up beneath her and clutched her backpack tightly.
“Where’s she going? What did she mean when she said a few days?”
Megan shook her head. She didn’t speak and pulled at the strings of her backpack.
Only a backpack on her lap. He looked past her at his apartment. Two small rooms. And Megan was still sitting there, and now she was staring at him.
“A backpack. Is that all you brought with you?”
“My suitcase, too.”
“Where is it?”
“It was in the car.” She shrugged. “I guess I left it there.”
Brian went outside. His daughter’s child-size pink roller bag lay in the gravel, half in a puddle. He picked it up and brushed it off, but that didn’t help where the water had already soaked through. Back inside, he set the suitcase on the living room floor.
“Get the wet things out and hang them in the bathroom.”
She didn’t acknowledge him, but did take the suitcase by its handle and roll it into the next room.
Now what?
He wasn’t set up to take care of her. On the days when he had her, he picked her up and they went places and did stuff and then he took her back home. When she was on vacation, she spent time at his parent’s home, but that wouldn’t work this time because it was the middle of the school week and his parents lived north of Beaufort. Different county, different school district.
Diane wasn’t his idea of a good mother, but the courts were okay with her, so he had to be.
He stood at the window and stared across the yard. In truth, he had options. They didn’t have to stay in this cramped apartment. It was enough for him but cramped when a ten-year-old girl was added.
Megan could make do with the couch. It would only be a few days.
Meeting her at the bus stop wouldn’t be a problem. If he wanted to paint longer, Fran wouldn’t mind if Megan came along. But what about today? He’d been about to leave when Diane changed his day.
Fran answered her phone right away.
He kept his back turned toward the bedroom and spoke in a low voice. “Megan’s with me for a few days. No school today. Do you mind if she comes along?”
“She’s always welcome.”
“Thanks. Sorry for the inconvenience.”
When he turned around, there she was. If her eyes had blades, he would’ve been headless.
“What?”
“I don’t need a babysitter. I’m ten. I’m old enough to stay by myself.”
“It’s not about having a babysitter. It’s about courtesy, and having the courtesy to ask instead of barging in.”
“I wish
Mom was here.”
He almost responded, so do I, and then caught himself. “Life is what you make of it. You can spend your time wishing for what isn’t, or find the good in what you have.” He tried not to see the small, sparsely furnished apartment and tried not to imagine how long Diane might be gone this time.
****
Done for the day, he was putting the lid back on the can when Fran spoke from behind him.
“Does she do this often?”
Her voice was low. Megan was in the living room with the TV on.
“Diane, you mean?”
“Yes. Does she leave Megan without making arrangements with you in advance?”
“Nah. She might drop her off because she’s got an appointment or a date, but that’s only for a few hours and she usually gives me notice. Lately, it’s been getting erratic.”
Fran stayed by the doorway and peeked up the hallway. Reassured, she said, “It’s not my business, but have you considered whether that home environment might not be the best for your daughter? Maybe your ex-wife has problems that she needs to take care of before she can concentrate on being a mom?”
“My place is small. A day here or there is fine, but I’m not set up for the practical side of fulltime fatherhood.”
She breathed. “Aren’t you already? A fulltime father?”
He was embarrassed. “I wasn’t welcome. Diane didn’t like me coming around, but I did. I’m always there when it’s my day.” He stacked the cans on the side of the room with the folded up plastic sheeting. “Look. I’m not claiming to be perfect. My situation isn’t unique. I’ll work it out.”
“I don’t doubt you will. I’m happy to help in the meantime.”
Chapter Thirteen
The day before, Maia called and said, “Come as my friend.”
“I don’t know anyone. A party and strangers….”
The invitation was to a get-together at Juli and Luke’s house. Nothing fancy, Maia said. Not dressy. Jeans were fine. A few friends….
A last minute invitation. A late addition. She didn’t want to be that person.
Maia added, “Think about it. Don’t say no yet.”
Minutes after they disconnected, the phone rang again.
Beach Winds Page 11
