by Amy Cox
“He won’t be back. Phillip doesn’t love me Nate, he never did. I won’t live that way and now he knows that.”
“OK, so now that you are alright. I will leave you to my donuts and I will see to Ms. Ruthie.” Nate says as he kisses her sweetly then he is gone.
‘Drea turns and starts punching out donuts and cranks up the fryer. Placing six on a plate, she boxes up the rest and sits the plate on the table just as Nate walks in.
“Grams load you down?” ‘Drea asks as she pours coffee.
“She sure has been busy. Sit with me...” He says pulling her into his lap, “We will set up everything up and then I am going to cook you dinner, tonight.”
‘Drea bites her lip to stifle her laugh. “You want to cook for me?”
Nate kisses the tip of her nose, “Oh ye of little faith. Yes, I can cook.”
“Well Nathan Kyle, there are still many things I do not know about you.” ‘Drea purrs as she watches Nate eat his donuts.
Nate frowns, “It’s all hype Sugar... not much to tell.”
‘Drea new better than that, but she would let it go for now, at least. It is important for her to know him, but it isn’t like he is telling these things to everyone else. He really won’t open up to anyone and yet he is to her, little by little. Picking at her donuts she arches a brow at him, “So what are you cooking?”
“Homemade pizza. Does that work for you?” He asks as he swallows the last donut in one bite.
“Absolutely, one thing I loved about New York was the pizza.”
After an hour of setting up the apples, jars and displays, Nate excuses himself to go into town for groceries and to change. After ‘Drea cleans the kitchen up for him, she sets the table similar to the night before, with candles. Needing to change and get ready, she leaves the door unlocked and a note:
Gone to shower and change.
The kitchen is all yours, see you shortly.
‘Drea
She nearly skips through the orchard on her way to house. After changing into a green camisole and a jean skirt, she brushes her hair out into long black waves. Once she retouches her make-up ‘Drea slips into flip-flops and heads back to the store to meet Nate.
The door to the kitchen is open and she over hears Nate and...is that Grams talking? “Ms. Ruthie you know I do...” Nate says.
Does what? ‘Drea wonders, as she stands still out of view, listening.
“If so, she should know about your past Nathan. She would understand. How would you expect her to share a bed with you and not know about your nightmares?”
“’Drea has been through enough.” Nate snaps.
“Yes she has been through a lot, but don’t use that hogwash on me Nathan. It is about give and take, she told you things I am sure.” Ruthie says back shaky.
“And that’s why I can’t, why... I want to protect her Ms. Ruthie. I couldn’t bear to hurt her.” He says sounding broken.
“You can’t protect and shelter her, she runs from that. I lost her for ten years. Nathan, I won’t lose her again.” Ruthie says choking on a sob.
Damn it! It is a conspiracy. It wasn’t as hard for her knowing Nate wasn’t letting her in yet, but he talked to Grams... What the hell! Pissed beyond all points, she stops up into the kitchen. First, Phillip and his completely idiotic ass comes walking back into her life begging for her to come back to soothe his Daddy, then you have these two Judases! Her life is out of control and she is putting her flip-flopped foot down right now! Nate whips around and his face pales, clearly knowing she heard everything.
“Well don’t stop on my account, you were only talkin’ about me.” ‘Drea says scowling at them both.
“I think I will leave you two, I’ll leave the door unlocked Andrea Ruth.”
“Thank you Grams.” ‘Drea replies, not taking her eyes off Nate.
Nate frowns down at his hands. “Sure you can manage Ms Ruthie?”
“Nate...” ‘Drea starts, interrupting whatever answer her Grams was going to give by shutting the door behind her. “What is this?”
Nate meets her gaze and sighs. “Listen ‘Drea there are things about me, things that I don’t discuss.”
“Obviously.” She scowls, “Unless you count Grams.” ‘Drea grabs a beer and takes a long draw. “No problem talkin’ to her huh?”
“Only just because I needed to be sure you could handle it.” He starts.
Throwing her hands up in exasperation ‘Drea groans, “You didn’t feel that you could trust me to handle it? Damn you Nate, no secrets, no games. Remember?”
Closing the distance between them, Nate grabs her wrists. “Don’t!” She yells, jerking away, infuriated. He kept things from her and she knew it, but because he saw her as weak? She left here years ago for similar reasons; to escape the pain of losing her Momma and the pity everyone felt for her. It was etched on all their faces and it made her sick to meet anyone’s eyes. She would be damned if he would treat her as a child, as she was weak!
“’Drea, please just let me explain.” Nate pleads as he reaches for her again, “You owe me that at least.”
If looks could kill he knew he would be dead already. She paces around the island, “I don’t owe you anything.” ‘Drea says as she stalks out of the kitchen and into the orchard away from him.
Nate’s body is shaking, he can’t lose her. He knew tonight was the night he was going to tell her everything and she was going to understand. She was going to know he loved her and that he would beg her never to leave. He never thought he would fall in love, but the moment he saw her, he was a goner. Turning off the oven he bolts from the kitchen and into the orchard after her.
‘Drea is running she lost her flip-flops in the trees somewhere and she could care less, just slowed her down. How could he keep things from her but tell Grams? How could he think he could hide from her? Swatting the angry tears from her face, she stops at the tree in the center of the orchard dropping to her knees. To the two stones she has never seen, two grave markers. ‘Drea traces the name: Franklin Westwood. “Grand-dad, what was I thinking coming back here? I can’t do this.” She sobs. “I came here to lick my wounds of my unhappy life, not gut myself again and again.” Scooting over she traces the name: Cassandra Westwood. Flopping onto her side she runs her hands in the grass of the space between the graves and cries.
Nate stands just outside the clearing, as he hears ‘Drea cry into the night. His heart nearly ripping from his chest. She wants to leave. Suddenly, his chest is too tight he can’t breathe. He knows if she leaves she will take his heart and his only shot at happiness with her forever. He had been a selfish bastard to shelter her, to think she was breakable. She was the strongest, bravest woman he had ever known. She had been through so much and watched her own mother die, helpless to stop it. He coddled her like a child and he was wrong, she held him together, she made him want to be better, stronger, she made him want to be hers. He ached to be hers.
Walking over to her he curls up behind her on the grass, she lay silently sobbing as he pulls her into his chest. “Ssh Sugar, I am sorry. I am so sorry.”He whispers running a hand down her hair soothing her. “’Drea look at me baby please.” He pleads.
‘Drea look up at him, her green eyes tear stained and dark. He swipes at the tears with his thumbs and sits them both up. “’Drea, I left home at nineteen, things were not great at home. My Mom was struggling financially and I knew I needed to go. My dad had died of a heart attack and she had never worked so she had a rough go finding work. So I enlisted.”
“Yes, I-“‘Drea starts but Nate puts his finger to her lip.
“Please let me get this out Sugar.” He says looking pained.
She nods as he takes her hands, “I went into the National Guard, I specialized in Search and Rescue...and well Recovery. I watched people die ‘Drea, so many more than I could count. My team said that I would get used to it, after time it wouldn’t bother me anymore. Can you believe it ‘Drea...get used to it...” He says with a pain
ed chuckle. “After a while though, the lives I did save, couldn’t even erase the faces of those I watched die. I got out, but I live with it every day. It haunts me ‘Drea every damn day.”
Tears fill ‘Drea’s eyes again, “Oh Nate.”
Shaking his head he continues, “When I came here, no one accepted me ‘Drea, except Ruthie. Then you came and turned me inside out. I wanted to tell you, ‘Drea I did. I watched strangers die Sugar, but you watched your Momma die. It was selfish of me to think you wouldn’t be able to handle it. That you couldn’t understand.”
‘Drea cups his face in her hands and kisses him. “Oh Nate, I am so sorry. Of course I understand, it took me ten years to even talk about Momma. I am sorry, I overreacted.”
Everything in Nate’s body relaxes, “Oh Sugar I thought I lost you.” ‘Drea shakes her head and smiles shyly. Nate kisses her over and over again, “No secrets and no games, ‘Drea never again.” Hoisting her up in his arms, ‘Drea curls into his chest as he carries her back to the kitchen in the store.
The next morning, ‘Drea wakes to her alarm at 4:45am. After dressing in jeans and an old sweatshirt of her Grand-dad’s that says ‘Westwood Orchards’ on it, she wanders into the kitchen for coffee. “Mornin’ Grams.” She murmurs into her mug as she sits at the table.
“Andrea Ruth.” Ruthie nods. “Is everything settled between Nathan and you?”
“Yes Ma’am.” ‘Drea sighs, “I over-reacted Grams.”
Ruthie chuckles, “Love will make you do that, Sugar.”
‘Drea gasps, sputtering coffee, “I never said I-“
“You don’t have to, it is all over your face, and his as well.” Ruthie says with a knowing wink.
“I went to see Momma and Grand-dad last night Grams.” ‘Drea says changing the subject.
“Oh, did you?” Ruthie asks, knowing that ‘Drea had never been there since her Cassandra’s funeral. ‘Drea nods.
“I should have done it long ago, Grams. I was being selfish and cowardly. I blamed myself for so long and I-“‘Drea says on a sob.
Ruthie jerks her eyes up. “Andrea Ruth! How dare you take the blame for something that was in God’s design. You shouldn’t have lived with all that built up in you all these years Sugar.”
“I know that now Grams. Now come on we have a store to open.”
“Yes, we do Sugar.” Ruthie says as they walk out the door and head up to the orchard in ‘Drea’s car.
Part Six:
Phillip’s Last Stand.
‘Drea loads the display cases with cakes, pies, donuts, and cobblers. Displays of Ms. Ruthie’s canning and jellies are set out, along with baskets of fruit from the orchard. A knock on the door, startles them all. “We aren’t open yet.” ‘Nate yells as he hauls a box in, turning he nearly drops it as there in the doorway stands Phillip.
“I see you wanted to see how handy I am.” Nate growls sitting the box down.
“Actually,” He starts as he holds his hands up in silent surrender. “I came here to talk to Andrea.” He says looking at her, “Pet, can we...” He starts then jumps as the laugh roars out of Ms. Ruthie’s throat.
“Pet? Oh I know you didn’t call my Grand-daughter, your damn pet.” She roars.
“Grams, I can handle this.” ‘Drea says ushering Phillip out the door, to his car.”
“Listen, Phillip you have exactly ten seconds to say whatever it is you have to say and get the hell out of here before those two...” She gestures to the door where Nate and Ruthie stand watching like hawks. “Well, they know how to hide the bodies...if you understand.”
He nods, “Listen Pet, Um I mean Andrea. I am sorry. I never knew what I had until you were gone. I need you, I want you. Please come back, run the restaurant, be mine.”
“Phillip. I can’t, I want more.” She whispers.
He gawks at her like she has grown two heads, “More? God Pet I would give you the world, anything, everything.” He pulls her into his arms and crushes his lips to hers.
Nate and Ruthie are yelling and cursing from the doorway, as ‘Drea pushes Phillip away. “Phillip, I’m not in love with you. My Grandparents had love, passion and...magic. God Phillip that is what I want... I want to love, I want to ache for the man I love... and that’s-“
Phillip sighs, “That’s not me.” ‘Drea nods smiling sweetly. “So it is the handy man then. You are in love with him?”
‘Drea nods, “Yes, Nate...his name is Nate and yes Phillip I love him.”
Phillip sighs, “I guess that’s that then. I can’t fight for your heart when you already gave it away, Pet. I am so sorry for the way I treated you Andrea, I took you for granted. I didn’t value you for the amazing person you are and that is my loss. I am so glad you didn’t let my mistakes damage you. I will always love you Andrea and just know that if he better be good to you Andrea.”
“Phillip, I forgive you. You were no happier than I and well I have let it all go.” She says and he smiles at her fondly, kisses her again and gets into his car and leaves.
Nate stands in bewilderment... He kissed her twice...Twice... She nodded and smiled at him sweetly. What the hell? Was she going back with him? Shaking it off he goes back to hauling the boxes and stocking shelves. The store was opening and there were already people looking around. He would deal with his broken heart later.
There was not a second to spare, between serving customers, boxing up items and carrying to the cars, they were all busy. It seemed like the whole town maybe the whole county had showed up to see the Orchard back and thriving. Nate caught gazes of ‘Drea, she looked blissfully happy. He couldn’t help but be a little sad at that. He gave this woman his heart and she didn’t even know it yet. She could leave without knowing it. Would it change her mind if she did know?
By noon, the entire store is cleared out, Nate switches the sign to closed and ‘Drea sinks to the floor. “We did it Grams!”
“Oh Sugar, your Grand-dad would be so proud of you.” Ruthie says as she sits in a chair.
“Of us, Grams.” ‘Drea says as she stands dusting off her jeans. “Grams, can you get back up to the house alright? There is something I want to do...”
“Even an old woman can take a hint. I will see you both for supper?”
“Yes, Ma’am.” They reply in unison.
Part Seven:
Finality.
Nate sits in the passenger seat of ‘Drea’s car as they wind up the old mountain road. What was he thinking? After Grams had left, ‘Drea had said they needed to talk and that needed to drive so he all but agreed. He knew what was coming, bracing for the heartache he blows out a breath. “Where are we going? You haven’t left the orchard since you have been home.”
“That’s right.” ‘Drea says glancing at him with a smile, “We are going somewhere special, Nate.”
‘Drea drives up the old road methodically, her head spinning. It hadn’t taken so long for her to realize that she had fallen in love with Nate. Phillip’s visit just made her sure. She wanted to desperately to tell him before, last night in fact. Nate had secrets though, deep secrets that haunted him just as hers did. Now that they were all out in the open, she wouldn’t run anymore. ‘Drea had to tell him, had to know for sure and if he ran ‘Drea might crumble.
Pulling up on a shoulder, Nate’s eyes grow wide; there is nothing but a broken guard rail. ‘Drea shuts off the engine, walks over and sits on the edge of the broken rail. As Nate sits next to her, she leans on his shoulder. “After ten years, you would think they would just fix the damn rail.” She says shaking her head in disbelief.
“Jesus, ‘Drea this is where—“
She nods as he pulls her into his arms. “I wanted a new beginning; I had to come here to close this chapter first.” She says, tears filling her voice. Nate’s heart breaks for her as he runs a hand up and down her back. “I miss her so much Nate, damn it I miss her so much.”
“Oh Baby.” Nate whispers, kissing her hair.
“I didn’t let myself remembe
r. It hurt too much. This whole time it was holding me back. I’m ready to move on now Nate.”
All of a sudden his gut tightened. She is leaving. Nate feels sick, oh after all he had hoped for she was moving on. Without him. ‘Drea kisses him, stopping his thoughts.
“Yeah.” He says shaking his head to clear his thoughts. “Well, I guess now that the orchard is making money again you will be—“
‘Drea looks up at him wide-eyed, “You think I am leaving?” Nate’s eyes widen to match hers and she continues, “Nate, I brought you here because this is where my world stopped ten years ago. It is time to let it start turning again. Today, was the best day of my life. This is what I was meant to do.”
Nate shakes his head...confused, “What about Phillip?”
‘Drea laughs, “Oh Nate, Grams and you should learn to eavesdrop better. We talked and there is nothing there. We said our goodbyes and that is that. I am not in love with him I told him that. The orchard is magical Nate, I have always thought so. It may sound dumb...”
“No it doesn’t ‘Drea. There is so much love there.” Nate says stroking her hair away from her face.
“I found myself again Nate. For ten years I ran from who I was. I am a Westwood. I am bossy, determined, I dream, believe in magical orchard, that dessert can solve all problems, and in anger I lose my ‘gs’.” Nate smiles. Taking a deep breath, she blurts “And, I love you Nate.”
Nate’s eyes fly open wide. “What was that?”
‘Drea giggles, “I love you Nathan Kyle. I never expected to find all the missing pieces of my heart, but you put them all back in place.”
Nate takes in all she has said and smiles, “Oh Sugar, you surprise me every day. I need you ‘Drea, I love you. You push the darkness back with your beauty Andrea. From the moment I saw you lying in the grass looking up at the clouds, hell I may have loved you even then.” He stands pulling her into his arms, spinning her. “You know we will have it all, don’t you Sugar? We can marry in the orchard, walk there every night, raise a family, and keep Ms. Ruthie on her toes.”
