by Leah Atwood
“And my role is to give you a break. The back-to-school lull won’t last long. You know once routines are established again, business will boom again and we’ll both be needed. Take the time off while you can.”
“Do you really think it’s slow because of school starting back?” The numbers had been dismal for three weeks since the school year began. There’d been downturns before at this time of year, but nothing so drastic.
“Positive. This year’s going to be worse because the regional economy took such a hit this summer with the oil industry, but Bayou Bits is going to be fine.” Angela pointed to a certificate of appreciation from Oden Bridge High School. “You’re well established in the community. As long as there are hungry people, you will have customers.”
“Thanks for the pep talk.” Dani smiled. “Need me to bring anything when I come back?”
“I take it you’re not going to follow my advice, but no, I’m good.” Angela left the office.
Dani spent the next thirty minutes entering the invoices into her accounting program and wrote out checks for payments. When she finished, she grabbed her belongings and went outside. She glanced at her watch, 10:45.
Right on time, Jeff pulled in, parking in front of her. He slid out of his Camaro. “Good morning, beautiful.” He went to the passenger door and held it open for her.
“Good morning,” she answered, trying not to grimace at his greeting. Maybe she just wasn’t the lovey-dovey type who thought couples had to greet each other like that, or maybe she was overreacting, looking for any excuse not to like him. It wasn’t even that she didn’t care for him because she did, but only as a friend. She bent down, sitting in the pliant leather seat.
Jeff closed the door, then circled the front of his car and got back in the driver’s seat. “I know it’s early, but do you mind eating first? The branch manager is at a meeting and won’t be done until noon.”
“A light lunch will be fine.” Meanwhile, the heaviness of the beignet lingered in her stomach.
He looked at her before taking off. “It’s not, is it?”
“I’m sorry.” She frowned.
“No, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for not making sure of Mrs. Moreaux’s schedule. How about a cup of coffee, and we’ll do lunch another day?”
“That sounds better.”
“There’s a nice little coffee shop in the historic district. Have you been to it?” His legs shifted as he put the car in gear.
“No, but I don’t get that way too often.” Did she tell Angela she’d changed the special for the night? She replayed their conversations. No, but then she remembered writing it in the notes for the day.
“Everything okay? You looked lost in thought.”
“Thinking about work and if I relayed something to Angela.” She took out her phone and sent her a text, just in case.
Jeff laughed. “We’re a pair, aren’t we?”
“Of workaholics? So I’ve been told.” She nodded, also chuckling. “Angela told me I shouldn’t come back today.”
“Are you?”
“What do you think?” She gave him a smile, but it didn’t reflect her mood.
“Of course. One day we’ll relax, but we know we have to give it our all now.”
“Exactly,” she mumbled without conviction.
“Guess what.” Jeff glanced over, his eyes bright with excitement. “Dad gave the approval for the ATM updates. I’ve been after him for two years, and he finally agreed.”
“That’s great. I know you’ve been pushing for them.” Goodness, she knew. After all, he brought them up almost every time they were together, lamenting that even though he was in charge, his father still had veto power over major changes and expenditures.
“Dad has a great business sense, but he doesn’t understand how quickly the world of technology changes.” He turned the left blinker on. “There’s a dire need to keep up in order to maintain competitiveness, especially with rumors of Acadiana Regional Bank scouting locations for a branch in Oden Bridge.”
“Do you think the town council will allow such a large chain to come in? Last year, they passed the economic development plan declaring that permits for new businesses would be issued only to those applications deemed appropriate to maintain the small town atmosphere.” She’d attended a few of the meetings voicing her support of the plan.
Jeff maneuvered the car from the turn lane onto another road. “Hard to say. Any company is allowed to plead a case. ARB has their roots in small town lending, so they could easily play that up, even though they’re statewide now and even have some branches in Texas and Arkansas.”
“How will that affect you?” She put her phone away, focusing on the conversation, now that it involved the community.
“If they come, it’s inevitable that we’ll lose some customers to them. They’re much larger and able to offer some services we’re not able to at this time.” His phone rang, and he reached for it, but then decided not to answer. “ARB has solid leadership, and even though they’re the competition, I know many of their execs and they are good, honest people. Obviously, I want my customers to stay with us and will do what I can to keep their loyalty, but I know they’ll be in good hands regardless.”
Dani sighed. He’d just proven again what a good man he was, truly caring about his clients. Why couldn’t she feel more for him? The conversation continued with ease until they came into Opelousas. Jeff parallel parked on a busy street, expertly maneuvering his car into a tight spot.
“We’re here. Hang tight and I’ll come around. The spots are narrow and cars on the road come real close.” He came around and opened the door for her once the road was clear of moving vehicles. Placing his hand on her back, he led her into the coffee shop.
She walked to the counter, waiting her turn in line. Three people in front of them gave their orders before the barista took theirs—a café au lait for her and straight coffee for Jeff. After their drinks were made, they took them and sat at a table by the window.
“How’s Erik?” Jeff took a sip. “Did Gina end up taking him to urgent care last night?”
She was touched that he’d asked about Gina’s infant son. She mentioned he’d been extra fussy yesterday. “No. It seems like her mom and Gram were right when they said it was probably natural tummy problems. She gave him some gas drops and by nightfall he was a happy baby again.”
“That’s good.” He reached for the sugar dispenser and poured a small stream into his drink. “My sister’s baby was very colicky. I remember the first few months being very rough for her.”
“So far, Erik’s been a good baby. I try to go see him every few days, and give Gina a little break since her mom went home.” Blowing on her own drink, she brought the cup to her lips.
“Are you planning on helping at the church’s field day next Saturday?”
“What field day?” Her knee bumped the table by accident, and Jeff steadied his cup when some of his coffee sloshed out.
“I think Brother John will announce it this Sunday, but the building and grounds committee is asking for everyone to come together for a day and spruce up the property.”
“I thought they usually plan that for the spring, but I can put in a few hours in the morning.”
“Great. And they decided to add one for fall this year because the one in May was cancelled because of the bad storm that came through.” A silence fell between them.
“We can ride together,” she offered, when the quiet felt abnormal.
“I’m not sure that will work. There was a staff meeting scheduled for that morning before I knew of the work day.” Jeff paused, looking up as though solving a math sentence written on the air, then frowned. “By the time I finish with that and get to your house, you’ll probably be on your way to the restaurant.”
“Not a big deal.” It probably hadn’t been the best idea anyway, seeing as how they lived on opposite ends of town and she’d be leaving for work early in the day.
“Can I pick yo
u up for church this Sunday?” He gave her puppy dog eyes, and she felt bad that he felt he’d disappointed her.
Reaching over, she put her hand over his. “I’d like that.”
Her phone rang and her dad’s number appeared on the screen. It wasn’t unusual for her parents to call during the day, so she ignored it and would call back after leaving the coffee shop. If it was important, he’d leave a message.
Jeff moved his hand from hers to check his watch. “Are you finished? Mrs. Moreaux should be back in her office now.”
She took a final sip and swallowed. “I’m ready.” Her phone rang again. This time Angela, who never called unless it was important, was calling. “Hi, Ang. What’s up?”
“Are you on your way back yet?” There was a definite false pretense of calm to her tone.
“No, but I will be soon. What’s wrong?” She ran through a laundry list of items that could have gone awry.
“I’ll explain when you get here, but I think you should get here ASAP.” Angela’s voice was undoubtedly strained now.
“Just tell me.” It couldn’t be good, not to have Angela’s steadiness wavering.
Angela spoke in a smoother tone this time. “It’s not something to discuss over the phone. Everything will hold until you get here.” She hung up before Dani could say another word.
“Something is wrong at the restaurant.” Already, she was moving to the trashcan to throw away her cup.
“What is it?” Jeff threw his trash in after hers.
“I don’t know. Angela won’t say.” A ball lodged in her throat, imagining all the possibilities. She hated unknowns.
“I’ll drop the forms off and get right out. I’m sure it’s nothing major.” He patted her shoulder in a pacifying manner.
It didn’t work—her stomach remained in knots. “I hope not.”
True to his words, Jeff was in and out of the bank, and then got her back to Oden Bridge in record time. “Want me to wait around?”
“No, go back to work. I’ll handle whatever it is.” One hand was already on the door handle.
“Okay. I’ll call you tonight.”
Before he could get out to come around, she was already halfway to the restaurant’s door. She rushed into the kitchen. “Angela, where are you? What’s going on?” Everything in the kitchen looked fine, eliminating many of the possibilities she’d considered.
Her assistant walked into the kitchen with a long face. “Let’s go to the office. Mr. Gil is waiting for you.”
Dad? Dani crinkled her eyes, confused. She took long steps to reach the office. Her father sat in a chair, his mouth drawn tight and eyes red.
She licked her lips. “Dad, what’s going on?”
He came to her, and his Adam’s apple bobbed when he swallowed hard. Whatever he had to say, she knew it wasn’t going to be easy. “I have to tell you some bad news.”
Tears brimmed in her eyes. Tell me already, she wanted to scream. Unthinking, she reached out and grabbed her dad’s arm. “What?”
Her dad swallowed again and his eyes went glassy. “Gramps had a heart attack.”
No, not Gramps. “How is he? Is he going to be okay?” The questions spilled out.
“I’m sorry, honey.” Her dad paused and took a deep breath. “He didn’t make it.”
The floor came closer as her knees turned to jelly and wouldn’t support her. Her dad slipped his arms around her, embracing her in a hug, offering comfort that only a parent knew how to give. The tears came in waves, soaking her father’s shirt, but he didn’t complain, only continued to hold her.
“When?” she asked, the sobs subsided enough to speak.
“Earlier this morning. Gram said he wasn’t feeling well, but insisted on doing some work outside. When he didn’t come in for breakfast, she went to check on him and found him on the shed floor.” He wiped at his eyes, and Dani saw he had spilled a tear as well. Gramps and he were closer than any other son and father-in-law she’d ever known. “She called nine-one-one, and they got him to the hospital, but it was too late. Apparently, his heart’s been bad for some time.”
Moving from the safety of her dad’s arms, she sat down in the chair behind her desk. She stared at the blank computer screen, lost in grief. “Where’s Mom?”
“At the hospital with Gram.” He handed her a tissue when she started crying again.
“How is… I mean, is she doing okay?” The question was impossible to word—of course she wasn’t.
“Gram is holding up. I suspect she knew it was coming and made her peace with it.” He sighed, and Dani noticed he looked like he had aged by ten years since she’d seen him yesterday. “Your mom is having a more difficult time. I’m going back to her after I leave here.”
“Can I ride with you?” She wanted to be surrounded by family but didn’t trust herself to drive.
He gave her a sad smile. “You know you can.”
“Give me five minutes to situate everything here.” She shuffled some papers, not knowing what she was doing.
“What can I help you do?” Coming behind the desk, he stood by her.
When he put his arm around her, she fell apart again. Gramps couldn’t really be gone. She was supposed to have lunch with him and Gram yesterday after church, but she’d rescheduled. There was no rain check now. Why hadn’t she gone? Why’d she put the restaurant first when the paperwork could have waited till today? She’d give anything to go back twenty-four hours and change her decision.
Her dad rubbed her back in circular motions until she calmed down again. “He knew you loved him, honey. Gramps was so proud of you, chasing your dream and making Bayou Bits a success.”
Had she spoken out loud, or did her dad know what she needed to hear. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you, too.” His voice was choked with emotion, and she was overwhelmed with gratefulness for his presence in her life.
Angela, who had discreetly disappeared, returned and knocked on the door. “I’m sorry about your grandfather.”
Dani nodded, afraid to speak again.
“I have everything covered here today, so don’t worry about the restaurant. If you need me to step in the next few days, I will, but if you want to close, I understand.” She came closer to the desk, her eyes full of compassion. “Whatever you need to do, you have my support.”
“Thank you.” Her hands trembled. “I’m going with Dad to the hospital. I’ll call you tonight with my decision.” She gathered her purse and stood with shaky legs. For the first time, she walked out without leaving a single note of instruction or reminders.
Chapter 11
“What do you think?” Rob held his breath as he sat in the basement studio of Bryce’s house, waiting for an answer.
Bryce took his time, his head still angled down to read the paper. Finally, he looked up. “You’re a genius. The lyrics, the composition—I can’t believe you’ve been hiding this talent all these years.”
A long sigh of relief expelled from his chest. “You like it?”
“I love it. Are you sure about this?”
“It’s time.” Gulping, he swallowed what felt like his heart in his throat.
He’d done it. He finished the song he’d started writing before Carrie was killed. It was going to be a gift to her, and he’d planned to sing it at their wedding that never happened. For years, he’d struggled to find the right words to complete the song, knowing he had to, but not wanting to shut that door.
That’s what it felt like he was doing, closing a chapter of his life. Since the fateful night of the tour over a month ago, changes were happening. He’d reclaimed his life. One day at a time, the decade-old fog was lifting. He’d been attending church on a regular basis, finding his way back to a faith he realized was impossible to outrun. Did he still have questions? Yes, but he was starting to accept he didn’t need all the answers. It was a long, strenuous process that was continuous in nature, but he didn’t give up.
“I’ll call Caroline next week and
get a contract worked out for sale of rights.” Bryce looked at the paper again, humming the melody.
“You misunderstood.” Rob shook his head. “It’s not for sale.”
“Huh?” Bryce’s eyebrows formed a V shape. “I guess I did confuse your intent.”
“I’m not selling it.” Smiling, he winked. “I’m giving it to you.”
“I can’t accept that.” Hands up, Bryce protested the gift. “Do you know how much you stand to lose, giving this away?”
He shrugged. “It’s not as though any of us are hurting for cash, and even so, I’ll still make money once we record it.” This one was special, it was for Carrie. It was his way of honoring her memory and making a profit on it wasn’t his priority. “You have the vocals to give it justice, that’s what matters.”
“How many songs have you written altogether?”
“Over fifty.” He cracked his knuckles.
“Man, why didn’t you tell me this when we were looking through songs for the last album?” Bryce grinned. “Between my songs and yours, we could have knocked it out of this world.”
“Because platinum wasn’t good enough?” He smiled back. They both knew how fortunate their careers had been.
“True. Do you have plans for the rest?”
“I’ve set up a meeting with our label execs next month to pitch some of them. There’s a few songs I have certain artists in mind for. And then there’s some I thought we could record.”
The blaring ringtone on Bryce’s phone interrupted them.
“That’s odd.” Bryce’s eyebrows wrinkled after taking a glance at the screen. “I wonder why my father’s calling. Excuse me a minute.” He stood and walked to the opposite side of the room.
A few seconds later, Rob heard a gasp and looked over to see Bryce pinching the bridge of his nose with one hand, and the hand holding his phone was shaking. He nodded his head occasionally and grunted, “okay,” a few times. The call ended with Bryce saying, “I love you,” presumably to his father. That was odd—even though it was improving, Bryce and his dad didn’t have that kind of relationship.
