Deleted

by Tess Thompson

  “I don’t know, though,” Honor said. “I grew up in foster care, so you know, there were some bad men who did some bad things. So, I have issues. Zane deserved better than what I did. He deserves better.”

  Maggie’s heart thudded heavy in her chest. She knew what Honor meant by bad men. God only knew what Honor had gone through. “It’s understandable to have issues. Maybe give yourself a break? No one’s perfect.”

  “Maybe. Hugh was the first man I ever met who was nice to me without wanting anything,” Honor said. “I’ll always love him for that.”

  “I worked here at the bar all through high school,” Maggie said. “Hugh was a huge influence in my life too.”

  Honor’s eyes misted. “I go to see him every week, if you’d ever like to tag along. He won’t know you, unless he’s having a rare good day.”

  “I’d really like that,” Maggie said.

  The exercise band on Kara’s wrist buzzed. “It’s a text from Brody,” Kara said. “He’s on his way. Maggie, you’re staying for dinner, right?”

  “Jackson already invited me. However, he didn’t tell me it was Honor’s birthday.”

  “Men often leave the most important stuff out.” Honor finished the rest of her wine and gestured for the bartender to bring another. “Please stay, Maggie. It’s going to be a super fun night.”

  “Thanks. I will.” The back of Maggie’s throat ached, touched by her new friends’ kindness and acceptance.

  “What’re your plans for the future?” Kara asked. “If you don’t mind my asking.”

  “I’m not totally sure,” Maggie said.

  Kara gazed at her with watchful eyes. “We’re hoping Jackson doesn’t get hurt all over again.”

  “I’ve been in love with Jackson since I was six years old,” Maggie said. “The last thing I’d ever do is hurt him. All these years, I’ve never loved anyone else.”

  To Maggie’s surprise, both Honor and Kara’s eyes glistened with tears.

  “Wow, dude. See, that’s epic.” Honor held up her bare arms for them to see. “Goosebumps.”

  “I didn’t believe in soulmates until I met Brody,” Kara said. “I keep thinking about all the years you guys had to be apart. It feels so unfair.”

  “My dad’s a vengeful man,” Maggie said.

  Honor tapped the counter with her fingertips. “But maybe you needed that time apart to do the things you needed to do. You had to go to New York and chase your dream. If you hadn’t, who knows who you would be now.”

  “I suppose,” Maggie said.

  “Maybe you guys weren’t ready yet and now you are,” Honor said. “Seasons and all that.”

  Kara stared at Honor. “You’re getting sentimental and philosophical in your old age.”

  Honor flushed. “Well, you know…you and Brody are like so…inspiring. Or, disgusting, depending on how you look at it.”

  Kara wrapped her arm around Honor’s shoulders. “Let’s go with inspiring.”

  Honor swirled wine around and around her glass. “Do you guys ever feel like you were brought to a place and to certain people for a reason? Like there’s more than just coincidence?”

  “All the time,” Kara said. “Look at me—coming here and getting a job with Brody. What are the odds that I’d find the love of my life in a place I’d never even heard of before I decided to move west?”

  Kara went on to explain to Maggie that she’d relocated to Cliffside Bay from Philadelphia after a bad breakup. “It was meant for me to come here at the exact time I did. The first night I arrived, I came in this bar and sat in the very same spot you’re sitting now. Zane was so kind to me and suggested an agency to talk with about a job. Next thing I knew, I was working for Brody.”

  “And they fell in love in like two seconds,” Honor said. “It was awesome.”

  Kara nodded in obvious agreement. “It sounds so obvious to me now, but I had to learn to let go of the past so that I could embrace the future. You can’t let your dad’s hatred ruin your chance for a new beginning.”

  “And, a second chance,” Honor said. “This town gave me one.” She told Maggie how she’d inherited a house from a great-aunt. “Apparently, she could leave me a house, but not take me in when I needed a family. Whatever. At least she brought me here where I belong.”

  Kara raised her glass. “To second acts.”

  “To epic love stories,” Honor said.

  “To new friendships in an old town,” Maggie said.

  The ladies clinked glasses as Zane reappeared. He ran his hands through his hair and grinned at Maggie. “Don’t be mad, but I just told our band to take the night off.”

  “Why would that make me mad?” Maggie asked.

  “Because that means you have to play tonight,” Zane said.

  “What? No. I can’t. Not tonight,” Maggie said.

  “But I have to have music on my birthday.” Honor smiled with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

  Zane’s forehead furrowed as he looked at Honor. “It’s your birthday? I totally forgot.”

  “No big deal,” Honor said.

  He flushed and rubbed his forehead. Maggie knew that expression. He felt bad that he’d forgotten. He cares about this girl.

  “Come on, Mags. You have to do it.” Zane put his hands together like a prayer. “Please.”

  Maggie shook her head. “No. The crowd expects a rock band. Not a singer with an acoustic guitar.”

  “I have a piano too,” Zane said, pointing to the other end of the restaurant.

  “I’m not a good fit,” Maggie said.

  “You have more of a coffee house sound, am I right?” Kara asked.

  “Right,” Maggie said. “Not what a summer crowd in a bar wants.”

  “Who’s to say?” Honor asked. “I happen to love that kind of music.”

  “You do?” Zane asked. “I would’ve figured you for a metal band.”

  “Really? Do I look like a sixty-year-old chasing her youth?” Honor asked.

  “The youth part, maybe,” Zane said.

  “Don’t be rude.” Maggie slapped his hand.

  Zane smirked as he rubbed his hand. “I’m just kidding.”

  “It’s fine. I refuse to rise to the bait on my birthday,” Honor said.

  Kara turned to Maggie. “Come on. You have to do it. Jackson and Zane told us how good you are.”

  “Please, Maggie,” Honor said. “It’ll be a treat on my birthday.”

  Maggie looked from one woman to the other. “If I’m terrible you only have yourselves to blame.”

  “We’ll take that risk,” Zane said. “Any day of the week.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jackson

  * * *

  JACKSON WATCHED AS Maggie and Zane set up the stage for her performance. A guitar hung from a strap around Maggie’s neck. She strummed a few cords before tuning one of the strings. Zane’s bartender adjusted the sound coming from the speakers.

  Maggie had run upstairs to change clothes after Honor’s birthday dinner, coming down in a black cotton dress that clung to her slender figure, paired with wedge sandals. Her hair hung loosely around her shoulders and she’d made up her eyes and lips. For the first time since her return, he saw a glimpse of the glamorous girl who lived in the most sophisticated city in the world.

  Was Cliffside Bay too small for her now? Could she be happy here?

  Brody and Kara sat across from him. Honor was at the head of the table. Kyle had brought a birthday tiara, which Honor wore like it was made for her.

  Kyle came back from the bar with several pitchers of beer and took the seat next to him.

  “I’m actually nervous for her,” Jackson said.

  “She’ll be fantastic,” Kyle said as he poured beers.

  Honor rose from her seat and came around the table to stand next to Jackson. She squeezed his shoulders. “I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks, kid.” Jackson smiled up at her.

  “Listen, you cannot blow this.” Honor
scooted around the chair to peer into his eyes and speak in her best know it all voice. “I mean, this is so meant to be. Just like Kara and Brody. You’ve got to go big or go home. This is epic stuff we’re talking about. Not modern guy plays it cool. You’ve got to Brody it up and pull out the romantic gesture of the century.”

  “I’ll take that into consideration,” Jackson said. No one could lay it all out there like Honor Sullivan.

  “Holy God, every guy in this place looks like they want to eat you for dinner, birthday girl. Have a seat next to me, so I can protect you,” Kyle said with a brotherly tug on her arm. “All the men have suddenly turned into the Big Bad Wolf and you’re Red Riding Hood. Could it be because your bottom’s barely hidden? Girl, seriously, how am I supposed to stop a bar fight with you in those shorts?”

  One time, Violet had said Honor possessed the body of a pole dancer, the face of America’s sweetheart, and the brain of Warren Buffet, which had made them all laugh because it was true. Don’t judge a book by its pretty cover. The girl under that adorable outside was as clever as they came.

  If only Zane would get over himself and admit that he was madly in love with her—if only Honor would get over herself and admit that she was madly in love with him—all would be well. Sadly, they were in a marathon game of chicken.

  He would not do that with Maggie. Never again would he make that mistake. Pride didn’t keep you warm at night.

  “Oh, man,” Kyle said, staring into his phone. “I just got a text. They accepted our offer. We’re proud owners of Grey Gardens.”

  Jackson took in a deep breath. “No way.”

  “Yes way. Now we just have to fix that dump up,” Kyle said. “I have a feeling you might need it for a certain redhead.”

  “Kyle!” Kara said.

  “What?” Kyle jumped.

  “You’ll jinx it,” Kara said.

  “No way,” Brody said. “It’s meant to be. Nothing’s an accident.” He gestured upward. “The big guy’s got a plan.” He and Kara looked into each other’s eyes and smiled. “You just never know when a miracle’s about to happen.”

  “You two are nauseating,” Kyle said, grinning.

  “Seriously,” Honor said. “But Brody’s totally right. Meant to be.”

  “I think she’s ready to start,” Kara said as she gestured toward the stage.

  Maggie scooted onto a bar stool set in the middle of the stage area and smiled out at the crowded restaurant. Zane grabbed the microphone from the stand. Like obedient school children, the crowd hushed.

  “Evening, everyone. Thanks for coming out tonight. We love having local bands play here, but this particular singer has a very special place in our hearts.” Zane halted and stared at the floor, obviously composing himself, before looking back up to the crowd. “This is Maggie Keene, visiting from New York City. Our hometown star has returned to share her talent with us tonight. Please give her a warm welcome. We’d like her to stay for a while.” Zane put the microphone back on the stand. Maggie smiled up at him and mouthed a word of thanks.

  The sound of clapping hands and a few whistles filled the room.

  Maggie adjusted the guitar on her lap. “Hey there. Glad to be here. Thanks for sharing your night with us. So, I might as well get this out in the open for the locals in the audience tonight. You’ve most likely heard the gossip. Surprise, I’m not dead.”

  Cheers and more clapping.

  “For anyone new to town, I’ll quickly fill you in. I came home and found my own tombstone. Awkward, right? Especially when you’ve been alive and well in New York City for the past twelve years. For any of you who hated me in high school, sorry, but I’m back.”

  The audience laughed.

  “No one could ever hate you, Maggie,” said someone from the back.

  “Welcome home, Maggie,” said another—female this time.

  Jackson gazed at her in amazement. When had she become so funny? She was loose and easy up there, with no traces of the shy girl she once was. His Maggie had blossomed into a true performer. How could the idiots in New York not see that she was a star?

  “You guys are too kind. Anyway, enough about that. I’m going to start with a classic James Taylor song, “Carolina in My Mind.” Years ago, I lost someone who took me in and loved me like her own when she didn’t have to. This was her favorite.”

  The crowd went silent as Maggie’s crystalline voice floated into the room, pure and sweet. Behind him, someone gasped as she held a long note. Jackson’s throat ached. His mom’s favorite song about her home state.

  “Goosebumps,” Honor whispered.

  Maggie’s formal training was obvious by the roundness of her vowels and the resonate, effortless quality of her voice. Yet, her interpretation of this classic folk song was perfect in its simplicity and approachability. She had been talented when they were young, but her craft had risen to a higher level, obviously honed over years of work. All traces of her former breathiness had disappeared.

  If needed, he knew she could belt out a show tune in a musical, but he suspected she preferred this music. At least she had when they were young. From what he could hear now, she still did.

  For the next few hours, she sang a variety of new and old popular music, rock ballads, and folk songs. The crowd appeared to love her, if their loud applause was any indication. Couples danced, including Brody and Kara.

  Zane joined them at the table after the first few songs. Jackson caught him stealing glances at Honor. She appeared oblivious. He suspected she wasn’t.

  At the end of the first set, Maggie met Jackson’s gaze. Do one of your songs, he mouthed to her.

  She smiled and shook her head.

  “Do it,” he whispered.

  “So, there’s a certain someone in the audience who I admitted a little secret to earlier,” Maggie said into the microphone. “And now he’s coercing me into sharing it with you all too.”

  “Out with it.” Honor stood and held her beer up as if to toast.

  Maggie smiled. “I’ve written a few songs, nothing special, really. But I’ll sing one now, and then I’ll take a little break.”

  She picked a few notes on the guitar before leaning close to the microphone to sing the opening lines.

  We danced under the purple sky…

  It was after midnight when Jackson walked Maggie up the stairs to Zane’s apartment. They’d said goodbye to the birthday girl and the rest of the gang and left Zane behind to finish a few tasks in the bar. Maggie flipped the light on as they entered the living room.

  “You blew everyone away tonight,” he said. “When did you get so funny?”

  “Was I funny?”

  “At times, yes. You just seemed so natural up there.”

  She shrugged as if it were nothing. “I feed off the crowd, especially ones like this. I sing at a bar in my neighborhood sometimes, and the audience is not nearly so encouraging. Mostly they’re drunk.”

  “We don’t get your kind of talent that often,” he said. “People appreciate it here.”

  “Maybe I was always destined to be a big fish in a small pond and not a real star.”

  “You will always be a star to me.” He caressed her neck with his thumb. “And, the most beautiful woman in the world.”

  She tilted her face to look up at him. “You always made me feel like a star.”

  “You are. You just are. And, your original song was beautiful. I knew they would be.” He fixed his gaze on her small, pink mouth. “I don’t care what those idiots in New York told you. You’re as talented as anyone out there. You proved that tonight.” He placed his hands in her hair. The strands slipped like silk through his fingers.

  She trembled as his arms wrapped around her waist. “Are we foolish?”

  “Foolish?”

  “To think we can start again?” she asked.

  “Foolish would be to think we couldn’t,” he said. “When we were young, do you remember how Miss Rita and some of our teachers at high school used to te
ll us that it was ridiculous to think we would stay together through college—that people just didn’t do that?”

  “I remember.”

  “And do you remember how it sometimes caused us to fight?”

  “Yes,” she said.

  “Until one of us reminded the other that we weren’t like other people.”

  “We were Jackson and Maggie,” she said.

  “The moment I forgot that is when I messed up. I let those ideas get in my head. I started to believe they were right. You’d go to New York and fall in love with some big actor or something instead of remembering. We were Maggie and Jackson.”

  “We belonged together.”

  “Soulmates,” he said. “We’ve known it since we were six years old.”

  “When you beat the crap out of Tyler.”

  He pulled her close to him and breathed in the scent of her hair. “We’re the lucky ones, Maggie. To have this thing between us that’s not understandable to other people. It’s us.”

  “I have something to tell you. It’s a little embarrassing.”

  “Go ahead. I won’t tease you,” he said.

  “I haven’t been with anyone since you.”

  “You mean, that way?”

  “Yes.”

  His heart pounded harder. “I can’t say I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m surprised. Was there a reason?”

  “Other than no one compared to you? No.”

  “Bird, you’ve always been my sweetheart, and you always will be.” He leaned closer, breathing in her scent. When his lips met hers, she sighed and pressed herself against him. He kissed her gently at first, until she opened her mouth to let him capture her bottom lip between his. The world fell away, and it was only this moment, this woman. His one and only. She’d come back to him at last.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Maggie

  * * *

  MAGGIE WOKE THE next morning and rolled over to see Jackson in a similar spot as when they’d fallen asleep, curled on his side with a throw blanket clutched close to his chin. She took in every detail of his face. If she didn’t see him with her own two eyes, she would have thought she’d dreamt the entire past two days.