by Leah Atwood
“Something new and reliable.” He pointed through the glass showroom wall toward his truck in the parking lot. “I’ve had her since I was sixteen. Hate getting rid of her, but she’s ready to retire.”
“I understand. Are you looking for another truck?”
He nodded. “I’d like a crew cab this time, something with a tow package.” It wasn’t a feature he needed now, but he’d thought about buying a travel trailer in the future—one of those things he’d always wanted but was never able to afford until now. “The two-tone green and gold 250 on the front line caught my eye.”
“She’s a beauty. Let me grab the keys, and we can take a look.” Pete ventured into an office, returning a minute later with a set of keys. “Follow me.”
Dominic learned more about trucks than he knew existed. Had he not ridden with Bryce a few times, he would have had no idea of the many features newer trucks had. Not wanting to make a choice without considering alternatives, he looked at several different models. Each time he returned to his initial green and gold choice.
When he asked what the bottom line price was, he choked at the answer. It was more than he’d made on his last three tax returns. He had to remind himself that he could easily afford to pay that for a vehicle now, which seemed a foreign concept. “Can you give me a few minutes?”
“Sure thing.” Pete gestured toward the showroom. “I’ll be in my office, third door on the right. If you’re not ready to commit today, just let me know. I won’t be offended.”
“Thanks, Pete.”
After the older man had walked away, Dominic made a call to Bryce, who knew more about vehicles than he did. Bryce verified the price was a steal, the truck model a solid choice. When they hung up, Dominic made his decision. An hour later, he left the dealership, the proud owner of a brand new truck.
The diversion had been nice while it lasted, but the second he pulled into his apartment complex, an onslaught of betrayal torpedoed him again. He’d leave and drive around for a while, but Maisy was due any minute.
Maybe he was overreacting. Maybe there was a good explanation. He didn’t know, wished he’d never found out.
He parked the truck in a far corner where someone would be less likely to park next to him. Once out, he hit the lock button on the keyless entry remote and trudged to his apartment. Maisy walked up the steps while he was unlocking the door.
She didn’t look so well. Dark circles hung under her eyes, and she had a pallid appearance, very similar to the morning he’d found her sleeping in her car.
“Good timing,” he muttered under his breath.
“Still upset?” Her top teeth grazed her bottom lip.
“What do you think?” Pushing the door open, he motioned her in, then closed the door behind them when they were both inside. “Can I get you a drink?”
“No, thanks.” Both of her hands gripped the handle of her purse.
“You can relax, I’m not going to bite.”
“Could have fooled me.” She sat down at the kitchen table.
He claimed a spot opposite of her. “Tell me what happened. From the beginning, please.”
Her eyes closed and she took a deep breath. When she opened them, he saw mountains of pain. A twinge of remorse for his boorish attitude pestered his conscience.
“When Nana got sick and it was obvious she couldn’t live on her own after accidentally setting her kitchen on fire, I overheard your family having an argument one night.” A pink blush crawled up Maisy’s neck. “Your mom refused to do anything, but you and Roxy were worried to death.”
“I remember that night.” The memories made his muscles coil more than they already were. “Mom said we’d all be better off if Nana accidentally killed herself because then she wouldn’t be a burden. I promise I’d never strike a woman, but I came close that night.”
“I know.” She licked her lips. “After a few weeks passed with you and Roxy not able to find assistance, I begged my dad to help.”
“I can’t imagine how you convinced him. He hated me, couldn’t stand his precious daughter mingling with the boy from the wrong side of the tracks.”
Another deep breath. “He agreed easily, which should have raised a red flag, but I was too happy and relieved to think much of it.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?’
“Do you have to ask?” Her gaze narrowed on him. “If you have one weakness, it’s your pride. You cling to it like that’s all you have to offer. But you were only seventeen, and Nana wasn’t your obligation.”
“Neither was she your father’s.” He pressed his palms against the tables. “I would have found a way.”
“At what cost, Dominic?” She clenched her fists. “You would have sacrificed everything, and I couldn’t let you do that. Don’t you see? That’s why I had to leave you.” Her face went white as a sheet.
“What do you mean that’s why you had to leave?” The vein on his neck popped out.
“Dad didn’t just promise to cut me off. He threatened to pull Nana’s funds if I didn’t leave you. What was I supposed to do?” Her hands flew up to a questioning position. “Your family didn’t have the money for her care. If I would have had access to my trust fund, then, I would have used that, but I couldn’t touch it until my last birthday.”
“Did it ever occur to you that you should have told me? I would have found a way.” He ran a hand through his hair, gripped the ends.
“How? By giving up your dreams and doing what? Sumner isn’t cheap.”
“There are other homes.” Pushing his chair back, he stood.
“Not with their level of care and not close enough to allow regular visitation. It would have killed Nana to go far away and have no one visit.”
He rubbed his temples. “You still should have told me the truth. We were a team, Maisy.”
“I did what I thought was best for everyone at the time. Can’t you try to understand?” Her bottom lip quivered and moisture sheened in her eyes.
“I understand that you had no faith in me, that you never believed in me.” He turned his back to her.
Coming up behind him, she placed a tentative hand on his shoulder. “That’s not it at all. I did believe in you and that’s why I couldn’t let you walk away from your dream.”
Jerking his shoulder, he shrugged away. “Telling me I’d never be able to support you was a fine way to show that.”
“I’ve told you before, I wish I’d never said that. At the time, I thought it would be easier for you if you hated me.” A sob pushed through her lips. “How can I make this right? Tell me and I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“I’m not sure there’s anything you can do.” He turned slowly, looking at her. “The funny thing is, before all this happened today, I had plans to propose tonight.” He clamped his eyes shut. “Go, Maisy. Just go.”
“Domin—“
“Please.” He choked on the lump in this throat.
He didn’t open his eyes until he heard the click of the door closing.
Chapter 20
September was Maisy’s favorite month, but this year it barely registered. She busied herself with work, voluntarily staying long hours. Days off became tedious, and she faced two of them in a row starting Sunday while the center was closed for maintenance.
Her official shift for the day had ended two hours ago, but she’d stayed to complete the requisition forms due by next week. She’d timed it so she could leave straight from the center to have dinner with Sophie and Elle.
The days were shorter—darkness was already pushing out the blue skies when she walked to her car. Brought on by anxiety, her chest tightened the closer she came to Sophie’s house.
“This is ridiculous,” she muttered. “It’s not like there’s a chance of running into him.”
Him. She couldn’t even say his name, it hurt so much. Three weeks had passed since he’d found out the truth. Twenty-three days since her heart had been torn in half when he’d told her to leave. She’d tried calli
ng once the next day, but he didn’t answer. A week later, she tried again. Caroline suggested giving him space and time, so that was what she was doing, but it didn’t mean she had to like it. She only knew he was out of town through Elle and the others. Caroline had booked the band as the headliners at a musical festival in Kentucky. They’d left yesterday, Caroline included.
At least the girls stood beside her. They hadn’t let the distance between her and Dominic affect their friendship. If anything, it strengthened their relationships because Maisy relied on them for support, and the bond was cemented. Each one of them believed Dominic would come around after some time.
Maisy wasn’t so sure. They hadn’t seen the wounded look he gave her, nor heard his injured words. She’d prayed. And waited. And prayed some more. She didn’t know what else to do.
Sophie’s house came into view from the long driveway. Maisy steered her car to the left and parked beside Elle. The last time she’d been here, Dominic had been downstairs, practicing with the guys. Later the day, an awkward situation had ensued when they had taken a break to eat and the girls had been in the kitchen making cupcakes for Shannon’s birthday.
The strain had been too much and she’d left. As much as she hated missing the party for Elle’s daughter the day after that incident, she was glad for the excuse of having to work. Dominic and her being in the same room together filled the air with palpable tension, and she wouldn’t subject a birthday party to that disaster.
She inhaled, gathered her wits, and stepped out from the neutral zone of her car.
The house door opened before she reached it. Sophie came out wearing jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. “I’m so glad you decided to come. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“I didn’t know anyone else would be here.” She looked down at her work outfit, a pair of khakis and black button down shirt with the center’s name embroidered at the top. “I would have changed.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Sophie tugged her arm. “Come in and meet her. She’s in the living room with Elle and the kids.”
Giggles and gurgles led the way, and Maisy smiled. Despite the conflict with Dominic, her life in Tennessee was a pleasant one. Gracie and Shannon ran up and gave her a hug. Lilah hung back, still unsure of her.
On the recliner, an elderly woman sat rocking Ethan. She glanced up, making eye contact. Her warm smile immediately resonated with Maisy and reminded her of Nana. “You must be Maisy. Lovely name.”
“Thank you.”
“Maisy, I’d like you to meet Gram, Bryce’s grandmother.” Sophie grinned, and her affection for the woman shone through. “She’ll be staying with us for a few weeks until I can find another nanny.”
“It’s very nice to meet you.” Maisy walked to the recliner and shook Gram’s hand, then turned her head, lifted a brow and looked at Sophie. “Another nanny?”
“The husband of the woman we hired was transferred to Boston, so she had to quit almost before she began.” Sophie sighed. “If Gram hadn’t stepped in, I think I’d have quit my job.” She took Ethan from Gram and nuzzled his nose. “It’s so hard leaving this adorable little man every day.”
Gram stood and patted Sophie’s shoulder. “He’ll be in good hands.”
Later in the evening, after dinner, Shannon and Gracie conspired to have a sleepover. Elle and Sophie agreed with a little persuasion and went upstairs to ready the kids for bed.
“Come sit and keep me company.” Gram sat on the black leather couch and patted the cushion beside her.
Obliging, Maisy sat. “The chicken stew you made was delicious. The taste was unique—what was it?”
“A Cajun secret.” Gram winked. “Not really, but the broth is made with a roux, which is what gives it that distinctive flavor.”
“I think Dani has sent some recipes that call for a roux.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Gram settled into her seat. “Are you from Tennessee?”
“No, ma’am. North Carolina.”
“I’ve never been, but I’ve heard it’s a beautiful state.”
“It is. I’m from the coast and partial to that region, but all areas are very nice.”
Gram looked up, as though trying to bring forth a memory. “North Carolina. I think that’s where Rob’s replacement—Dominic, I believe—is from.”
His name made her wince. “He is,” she said at the tail-end of a gulp.
“Oh, dear.” Extra lines crinkled around Gram’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you knew him.”
“It’s okay.” She forced a smile. “He’s the reason I moved to Nashville, but we’re having a falling out.” Heat touched her cheeks, embarrassed for opening her mouth.
“I’m a good listener if you’d like to talk.” Gram nodded toward the stairs. “I know my great-granddaughter and she’ll keep Sophie and Elle busy reading stories for a while so we have time.”
“You remind me of Nana.” What was meant to be a silent thought slipped out unintended.
“Your grandmother?”
“Dominic’s.” It was the first time she’d said his name out loud since they’d fought.
“You care deeply for him, yes?”
That single question was all it took for Maisy to spill the whole story, starting at the beginning of how they met. Rivulets of tears ran down her cheeks when she finished. At some point, Elle and Sophie had returned and held her in a sisterly embrace.
“What do I do?”
Sophie inched over and sat on the other side of her. Elle moved to the recliner. Gram looped an arm through Maisy’s and laid an age-spotted hand atop hers. “First, let’s pray.” She reached out with her other hand for Elle’s. Elle leaned forward and reached for Sophie’s. Sophie took Maisy’s second hand, and they formed a circle.
Gram squeezed her hand as she prayed. “Dear Father, we come to you on behalf of our dear friend, Maisy. Her heart is hurting, and we ask for your intercession. Give both her and Dominic the strength and wisdom to untangle from this conflict. In your name, Amen.”
A burden lifted from Maisy. Her faith was new and real to her, but trusting in God hadn’t been her first instinct. The prayer shifted her focus, reminding her it was in his hands. “Thank you, each of you.”
“That’s what friends are for.” Sophie gave her a final press before letting go.
Elle looked her in the eyes. “And no matter what happens with Dominic, we’ll always be your friends.”
“What if he can’t forgive me?” It was her biggest fear, the one that kept her from sleeping, that made her stomach knot.
They all looked at Gram, deferring to her wisdom. “Child, I’ve seen many things in my seventy plus years. If I were a betting woman, I’d wager it’s not forgiveness that your young man grapples with.”
“Then what?”
“Pride, a bruised ego.”
Maisy pursed her lips. “He is very proud. I might have said as much to him.”
Gram flattened her hand to the air. “Aren’t we all at some point? From what you have told me about Dominic, I can understand why he’s vulnerable to what happened, but he also sounds like a man with a solid head on his shoulders.”
“Do you think I made the wrong decision?” More often than not lately, she believed she had.
“I can’t answer that for you.” Gram shook her head. “But I will say that in any relationship, honesty and communication are essential.”
“And I failed miserably at that, even if my intentions were right.” Her shortcomings stared her in her face.
“Unfortunately, we usually learn life lessons the hard way.”
“If only my father never had…” She cut short her lament, realizing the blame game wouldn’t help the situation at all.
A look of understanding spread over Gram’s face. “One of the best things you could ever do for yourself is to learn to forgive.”
“You don’t know my father.”
“Not personally, but my son, Bryce’s father, is very much like
the man you described as your father.” Waves of sadness rolled on Gram’s tired face.
How could someone with a personality similar to Dad’s come from such a sweet lady? Maisy’s heart went out to her.
“It’s not easy.” Sophie spoke from experience. “Bryce’s father was very demanding and it caused a lot of ugly clashes. That was before I knew Bryce, but there were lasting effects that interfered with me and him, even. It took a very conscious effort on both of their parts, but they are slowly restoring their relationship, and Bryce is a better person for it.”
Increasingly uncomfortable, Maisy pulled her hand free from Gram and rubbed it on her pants. “Thanks for all the advice, but it’s getting late. I really should be leaving.”
“Take care, dear.” Gram pressed a matronly kiss against her cheek.
Maisy stood to take her leave. “Thanks for having me over, Soph. Good night, Elle.”
Chapter 21
“That was fun.” Inside the tour bus, Dominic stuffed a dirty shirt in his duffel bag.
“It was. Good crowd this weekend.” Bryce sat at the table. He kicked up his feet, propped them on the chair in front of him. “I’ll take a few days away over weeks any day.”
“Yeah.” The noncommittal utterance spoke more than he cared to say. He wouldn’t mind going away for a few weeks. Sure beat going home and thinking about Maisy. He zipped his bag. A few more hours and they’d be home.
Bryce took a swig of soda. “You’ll have to talk to her eventually.”
Dominic sat on the couch, looked out a window of the tour bus and watched the scenery whirl by as Adam drove them home. After several seconds, he turned around. “I know.”
“Then what’s the problem? You’ve been miserable for weeks.” Squeezing his empty soda can, Bryce crushed the aluminum. “We thought this weekend might help, but you’ve been even more brooding.”
His brows knitted. “We?”
Pinning him with a stare that dared him to get mad, Bryce didn’t budge. “Yes, we. Me, Adam, Jay. Sophie, Elle, Caroline.”
