Dedication
I want to dedicate this to my husband who has been my biggest supporter.
Acknowledgements
First I want to acknowledge my husband. You have been my biggest supporter and backed me from the start. You have been the one who has never doubted me and only pushed me forward. You are the one who instilled the confidence in me when I had doubts. You are the one who told me not to give up. Thanks for being there and putting up with me while in "author mode". You are my rock!
I want to acknowledge the beta readers (Brittainy, Melissa, Amanda, Regina, Glenna, Francesca, Catherine) that helped me. You know who you are and I’m very thankful for your feedback.
I would like to thank the editor who was a huge help.
I also want to acknowledge the cover artist at Cover It Designs who worked diligently on the cover and put up with my OCD while I switched gears concerning the synopsis.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Three
Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Five
Chapter Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Seven
Chapter Twenty Eight
Chapter Twenty Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty One
Chapter Thirty Two
Chapter Thirty Three
Chapter Thirty Four
Chapter Thirty Five
Chapter Thirty Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty Eight
Chapter Thirty Nine
Chapter Forty
Pierson
Epilogue
Chapter One
Maura
"Maura are you ready?" Ruby asks knocking on my bedroom door. Ruby and I have been roommates for about a year and best friends since the ninth grade. After college, we decided to rent a house together.
I give myself a once over in the mirror. My blond hair is hanging down my shoulders with soft curls at the ends. My makeup is done and I have on a pair of skinny jeans with a loose red top that hangs off one shoulder and black knee high boots.
"Okay I'm coming out," I say hesitantly. I know Ruby is getting antsy.
"Oh you look great Maura. It’s been awhile since we last went out." She puts her arm around my shoulder. She and I have been busy securing our employment after college and getting our place together. I just recently opened a catering business and have been busy with booking events. She manages a nail salon not far from my catering office. Finally we have a moment to go out before the summer craziness starts.
"Single and ready to mingle," I say cheerfully. With Ruby’s long copper hair in a ponytail, dark makeup, shiny silver top, dark wash jeans and silver high heels, my best friend is the stark contrast to me. She is easy to get along with and talks to just about everyone she meets. Her family is well off and well respected within the community. Her parents have been like a family to me since my parents died two years ago.
We arrive at club Aurora. The place is hopping and the energy immediately puts me in party mode. Ruby motions me to follow her as she spots two of her co-workers she had invited to meet up with. They are sitting at the VIP table my friend thought to secure ahead of time. Ruby thinks of everything. Clara is a tiny brunette with green eyes and Lena is a brown hair, brown eyed girl with curves and height that work to her advantage.
"It’s so nice to see you both again," I scream over the crowd.
"Likewise," Lena says. We order a round of drinks. The club opened up about six months ago and Ruby and I have been dying to come here. The dance floor is the center of attraction with the bar off to the left of it.
Glancing toward the bar, I think I see a familiar face. Though I'm too far away to clearly see, my heart starts beating rapidly. It can't be him. I'm obviously seeing things.
"Maura, come on," Ruby says dragging me onto the dance floor. The music is fast and has my heart pounding. We start swinging our hips and pumping our arms in the air when Trevor approaches. He is quite good looking. He has light blond hair that is a little long on the top, light blue eyes, and a really nice build and is about six foot tall. Swaying my body to the beat of the sounds emanating through the speakers, I let the music wash over me. As I become one with the melody, I start to believe I didn’t see who I think I saw moments ago. No, Pierson couldn't possibly be here. I had just imagined it.
The five of us are dancing when suddenly Ruby's face turns ashen. "Ruby what’s wrong? You look like you've just seen a ghost." Seconds pass without an answer so I snap my fingers in her face. "Hello, earth to Ruby."
"Okay Maura, don't freak out but I think I just saw Pierson." My stomach suddenly twists into knots. I ask, "The Pierson Hammer?" just to be sure I heard her right.
Pierson is the one guy I dated in high school. He was three and a half years of my life. After high school he joined the marines, but said he didn't want that life for me. I was severely heartbroken when he ended things and left without another word because I had truly believed that Pierson was my one true love. I knew I would never find another even close to him. I finally moved on when I went to college that fall.
I turn the direction Ruby is looking. “Yep that is definitely Pierson.” Though I only see him from the back, his tall, broad shoulders are impossible to miss. He even has the same short haircut, and there is no mistaken the tattoo on his upper arm.
"Well stop fucking staring. We have to go. Now!" I scream at Ruby just before informing the others that we have to go. I pull Ruby through the crowd and to the exit door as fast as I can.
"Do you think he saw us?" I ask nervously as we jump in the car.
"No, I don't think so," Ruby replies.
"What the hell? Why is he back?" I ask not really wanting an answer. Ruby just throws her hands up and shakes her head.
"Nevermind, let's not talk about it. I can't deal with this right now.
Shit! Shit! Shit! Pierson fucking Hammer is back in town. It’s been what, five years since I last saw him? He looked the same yet different, more grown. His brown hair looked a little longer. Just long enough to run my hand through it. I am clearly buzzed from the drinks and in shock over seeing him. I finally get my life together and get my head in a good place, and then BAM! Pierson magically reappears, fucking everything up for me. This is just great. I fall silent on the ride home as I think back to my former life with Pierson.
We met at a high school dance. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when he approached me during a slow song and asked me to dance with him. I had a huge crush on him, but never thought I'd have a chance with him and he told me he had felt the same way. We had a special connection, the kind that is difficult to explain unless you experience it for yourself. He was kind, romantic, funny, and we could talk for hours at a time. Of course my parents didn't approve of the relationship, but instead of driving us a part, they must have figured it wouldn't last. After a year together we decided we wanted to be each other's first. It happened one night when his mom was out of town. His dad was stationed in Germany so he wasn’t around much. He wanted it to be special
for the both of us, so he decorated his room with candles and soft music playing in the background. It was a little uncomfortable because we didn't know what we were doing, but we were happy about doing it together.
He had always dreamed of being a marine, as most of the men in his family including his father had been in the marines. I just wasn't prepared for him to go away, and he ended things. I guess he didn't want to feel like he had to drag me along.
My head is pounding and my heart hurts just thinking about it. Every night I dream about those green eyes piercing into mine with such intensity that I can’t look away. Neither one of us will break the trance. He is mesmerizing. It's only when I try to blink him away that the dream ends and his eyes disappear.
Chapter Two
The next morning I wake up in a groggy state of mind. Surely we did not see Pierson Hammer last night. It was a dream, I think to myself. Padding out to the kitchen I catch Ruby before she heads to work.
"Please tell me last night didn't happen."
"Oh, you mean seeing Pierson? That definitely happened," Ruby says sipping her coffee. A smile appears across her face. She knows what this means. I feel hot and sweaty as panic sets in.
"I know you’re a control freak and all, but you have to realize there is nothing you can do about it. He is here. This is a small town. You’re bound to run into him eventually. So you might as well get the idea of hiding from him out of your head." Ruby knows me so well. "Just go about your day as usual." And out the door she goes, like this is no big deal. It is a big deal, to me.
I repeat Ruby's mantra and go about my day as usual. Hopefully I won't bump into Pierson. Seeing him at Aurora brought back memories, ones I tried to forget. I'm wondering why he is back in town. Last time I saw him, he was shipping off to basic camp. I heard that he eventually went to the war zone. I was upset that he didn't want to try the long distance thing while he was away. He could have visited during the holidays or when he had leave, but he didn't want me to miss out on the college experience. I was upset that he didn't let me make the decision myself. Luckily Ruby was there to help pick up the pieces. Thank goodness for Ruby.
Getting ready for work I take a shower and put on a light short sleeve blouse and black work pants. I dread leaving the house. Paranoid about bumping into Pierson, I scan my surroundings as I walk to work. Wanting to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary my eyes dart in every direction as I finally approach my destination. Arriving at Green Room Catering, I’m thankful there was no unexpected bump-ins.
The day is long and I can't shake seeing Pierson last night. Around lunch time I receive a text from Ruby. Well? Have you seen him or heard anything?
I reply. No you’re the one working in a nail salon aka gossip haven. Thought maybe you'd hear something through the grapevine.
No, nothing here. I did hear Old Man Don was out streaking through town last night.
Eww, I didn’t need that mental picture. I'll see you later. I shake my head at the thought.
The rest of the day goes by slowly. I'm practically out the door when I almost bump right into Pierson's mom. "Hello Holly. It's nice to see you."
"Hi Maura," Holly says cheerfully as she hugs me. "I just wanted to stop by to see if you were available Sunday."
I take a moment and look over my planner. "I’m usually closed on Sundays. Did you have another luncheon that needed catering?"
"Oh no sweetie. I'm not sure if you’re aware of it, but Pierson is home and I think he is planning on staying, so I am organizing a welcome home gathering at the lake."
"Oh that is wonderful," I manage to say.
"The whole town will probably be there and I'm having everyone bring something along, like food and such. Would you be able to provide the tent, the food warmers and maybe some tables and chairs?"
"Absolutely, I'd be happy to do it." Pierson's mom digs in her handbag for her checkbook.
"That won't be necessary. I'd be happy to do it at no cost. Please, it's the least I could do."
I sincerely mean it when I say that. Holly has been like family to me, even when Pierson and I were not together. She was there when my parents died two years ago. She helped me organize the funeral, the flower arrangements, and everything in between.
Losing my parents at twenty one years old was the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. They were killed in an automobile accident during winter. The road had been slippery, and my dad lost control of the car. You don't realize how much you take for granted until it is ripped away. In my short twenty three years I have grown up fast. I had no choice since I only had myself to depend upon. I don't even know how I made it through school. Lucky for me I had the world’s greatest friend helping me through it. I leaned on her a lot for support, probably more than I should have, but she was there and never complained. She knows I would do the same for her. Though I have never gotten over their death, I have managed to move on with my life. There are still days when I miss them so much it hurts. It’s those days that I question how they could be taken from me. I try to honor their memory by living my life in a way that would have made them proud.
"I'll see you tomorrow then," she says with a hug.
The sun is setting as I walk home. Ruby and I live in front of a seven acre lake. Parents bring their kids to feed the ducks and geese. The Memorial Clock Tower, a huge brick monstrosity, sits at the end of the area and looms over the few benches on the water’s edge. A gazebo on the opposite side is a local favorite spot for weddings. The picturesque town of Allenbury Springs is the kind of town you want to raise your kids in. It’s quiet and everyone knows everyone, which means everyone knows your business. There is only one grocery store and gas station, as well as a few specialty shops that you wouldn't find in bigger cities.
Once inside I enter the kitchen. Ruby is fixing salads for dinner. I plop down on a stool at the island counter. "I had a visitor today. Pierson's mom stopped by.”
"And?" Ruby asks.
"She's hosting a welcome home party for him and the whole town is invited. She's having it at the lake this Sunday," I say, pointing that direction.
"Oh my god, you offered to help out? Didn't you?" I nod.
"Well if there is anything I can do to help, just let me know." I give her a half smile and try my best to eat the salad.
“So he is back for good?” Ruby quizzes.
“His mom said he is. We’ll see.” I tell her, picking at the salad.
We sit in silence for the remainder of the meal.
I just can’t believe the nerve Pierson has to show his face after all these years.
Chapter Three
Unable to get Pierson off my mind, I have a “toss and turn” kind of night. I know I will have to see him eventually. It's just been so long. I wonder if he the same boy I fell in love with? Did the war change him? Did he meet someone special while he was away? That thought pains me. He was my first love, actually my first everything. It would destroy me if he did come home with someone new in his life.
Saturday morning I head to work early just to make sure I don't run into anyone. I have two catering gigs scheduled. One is for an uppity lady named Delia who lives in the next town over. She's hosting a benefit at her home. Her kitchen is to die for with its stainless steel appliances and huge center island.
Since it's a small benefit, I only take one employee with me, Sara. Though she's still in high school, she has proven to be reliable help. Her bubbly personality is just what I needed to help me deal with Delia.
My other employee, Sam is at the office getting things together for tomorrow. He's been with me for about a year. Now that he's out of college for the summer, he is able to work full time.
Sara and I finish up the first benefit and head back to the office to get ready for the next catering gig. It's for an elderly lady hosting a birthday for her husband of fifty years. Back at the office I let Sam and Sara take care of things while I hang back to do some paperwork.
Ruby stops by at lunch time. "He
re I brought you some lunch. How's your day going?" She hands me a brown bag and I know exactly what is inside. It is my favorite turkey wrap from the cafe down the street.
"I'm starving, thanks. So far my day is going good. I've already finished one catering job, and Sara and Sam are handling Marietta's husband's birthday bash as we speak."
"Damn, I was hoping to check out that fine specimen employee of yours," she grins. Sam is quite delicious to look at. It's no wonder Sam shakes his head at her every time she comes around.
"I knew you had another agenda besides bringing me lunch," I laugh.
"Well if you don't tap that, I will. So, have you seen the mysterious Pierson yet?"
"No I have not. I'm sure I will see him at the party tomorrow. Hopefully I don’t see him sooner."
"Well, I have to get back. See you later." I wave as she exits.
Enjoying a quiet moment to myself, I kick my feet up on the edge of my desk, close my eyes and savor the flavors of my wrap. My peace is interrupted by a familiar voice. My eyes pop open in disbelief.
"Nice place you got here." I practically choke on my food at the sound of Pierson's voice.
"Are you okay?" he asks half laughing. I hold up my hand signaling that I'll be fine and take a drink of my soda. I'm speechless and can't get my thoughts straight.
"Um thanks," is all I can muster. My heart is pounding and my stomach is doing flip flops. I'm thankful that I'm sitting down as I take in Pierson's good looks. The boy who left for the marines has returned a full grown man with a nice firm build and broad shoulders. His eyes look greener than I remember and his lips seem fuller. The scent of vanilla and sandalwood sends my senses reeling, completing the total bad ass, tattooed, bad boy image.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in. It's so nice to see you after all these years," I say. My knees are wobbly as I get up to give him a hug. His arms wrap tight around my body, helping to secure my shaky legs. I could get lost in his embrace for the rest of my lifetime. I know getting involved with him would not be wise, but it's no surprise my mind is mush when he's near. Silently commanding my legs to support my weight, I step out of his embrace in hopes of putting some distance between us.
Coming Back to You Page 1
