He shook his head to clear the thought. “Look, let’s not get carried away, alright? I really don’t want to rush things. I want time to date her—get to know her. Let me have a chance to woo her a little bit before you rush in with the wedding talk.”
“Woo?” Gran squinted.
He shrugged. “You know what I mean. I don’t want to mess this up. So let’s go back in and keep the conversation light. Ask her about her roommate—she can talk about her friends for hours.”
Gran sighed. “Oh, all right. But you do promise to visit often?”
“At least once a week.”
She nodded and took his arm. “Let’s go in and have a nice visit.”
“Sounds great, Margaret.” He winked at her before they walked out of the kitchen and down the long hallway to the dining room. Drew heard Piper talking to someone and laughing. He and Gran exchanged glances and rounded the corner to find Piper with Toodles, Gran’s teacup poodle, on her lap.
Piper looked up and smiled when they entered. “I’ve found a friend,” she said.
Drew’s mouth dropped open. Toodles didn’t like anyone except Gran. He’d tried for years to get the prissy little dog to warm to him, bribing her with treats and anything else he could think of. He expected Toodles to run to Gran as she always did, but she stayed right where she was, resting her head on her paws while Piper stroked her back.
Gran gave Drew another look and nudged his side. He ignored the nudge and swallowed. It was obvious they were sharing the same thought: Piper belonged in this family.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Margaret is about the sweetest thing I’ve ever met,” Piper said as they drove away from Briarwood. “She really is like a cuddly teddy bear.” She’d never known her own grandparents. Her parents had come from the vicious cycle of drugs and alcohol abuse and had been estranged from their parents before she was born. If her grandparents were alive, they’d never tried to make contact. Margaret was everything Piper envisioned a doting grandmother to be. She turned to Drew. “Is she a friend of your parents or grandparents?”
“Both,” Drew answered, keeping his eyes on the road. “She really likes you.” He took her hand, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles.
“I like her, too.” Piper relaxed back into her seat. Now that her stomach was full from the delicious brunch and the stress of meeting Margaret was over, fatigue crept in. Her eyelids drooped. She needed to catch up on some sleep.
Drew glanced at her. “You can recline the seat if you want.”
Piper straightened, forcing back a yawn. “I’m fine.”
His jaw twitched, and he was silent for several beats. “Piper, you can’t keep working like this. You’re running yourself ragged.”
“I’m fine. Really.”
He blew out a breath. “Maybe for now. But how long can you keep up this schedule before it takes its toll?”
She stared out the window. It had been such a pleasant morning. She didn’t want to ruin it by thinking about work. “I’m young. I can handle it.” Again, this statement was met with several moments of silence.
“How about we take a few days off and go somewhere—maybe New York? I could show you the sights, find you a good spa where you could relax.” He squeezed her hand. “It would be my treat.”
She stared at him to see if he was serious. His expression said he was. She shook her head. “That sounds amazing, but you just started your job, and so did I. We can’t ask for time off already.”
He glanced at her sideways. “It’s just a job. There are more important things in life than money.”
She flinched. He’d made that statement before. She didn’t want to have this conversation, but Savannah was right. It was time. “It’s not important until you don’t have enough,” she hedged.
He frowned and he dropped her hand, gripping the steering wheel. “Okay, but how much is enough? Josh pays you well—well enough to pay for your housing, your food, nice clothes, your car payment. What more do you need?”
She folded her arms. “I told you, something came up. If I don’t work both jobs, I won’t have enough.”
“What?” he demanded. “What came up?” She worked her bottom lip and he sighed. “I want to be understanding, and I’ve tried to be patient,” he paused and ran a hand through his dark hair, “but I’m not sure I can be with someone who doesn’t trust me enough to confide in me.”
His words stung, but she knew his frustration was validated. Her throat burned and she swallowed. “I’m sorry, Drew. I know it isn’t fair that I haven’t confided in you.” She looked down at her hands, taking a deep breath. “The truth is, my dad is in the hospital.”
He turned to her and his eyes softened, filled with pity. “I’m so sorry.” He glanced back to the road, pulling into a nearby parking lot and putting the car in park so he could face her. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Is he going to be okay?”
“I don’t know.” Emotion thickened her throat and she shrugged. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to think of me differently.”
His forehead creased. “Why would I think of you differently because your dad is in the hospital?”
Okay. This is it. She cleared her throat, her heart beating out a nervous staccato in her chest. “Growing up, things were kind of—rough.” She looked away, unable to meet his gaze. “There wasn’t always food on the table. I didn’t get to do things a lot of other kids my age got to do. There were times when it was just about getting by—survival, I guess you could say.” She lifted a shoulder. “I’m not telling you this for pity, but I need you to understand.” She finally met his gaze. His eyes were tight. She looked away again.
“I promised myself that when I grew up, my kids would never go hungry. They would get to take piano or soccer, or whatever lessons they were interested in. We would have enough. I would make sure of that. I learned how to support myself, and that I didn’t need to depend on anyone else for help.” Her voice caught and she covered her mouth, taking a deep breath through her nose before lowering her hand.
Drew gave her hand a squeeze and Piper straightened her shoulders, strengthened by his touch. “My dad has cirrhosis,” she continued. “He’s in the hospital because he’s an alcoholic and his liver is shutting down.” She bit her lip, avoiding his gaze. “My mom has had bouts of alcoholism too. They weren’t really—available—much when I was growing up. That’s why I’m so close to my friends. They were more family to me than my parents were.” She swallowed again, the lump in her throat feeling like a golf ball.
“Piper.” He said it so softly, his tone holding sadness and apology and sympathy all in one.
It was more than she could take, and a tear slipped down her cheek. She huffed a laugh and flicked it away, still not looking at him. “It’s okay. Honestly. Those are just the cards I was dealt. But my mom reached out to me, asking if I could help with some of the medical bills.” She looked up to the roof of the car to keep more tears from spilling. “I went to see them in the hospital and it was actually really positive. Both of my parents are sober. And we were able to make amends—at least for now.”
Without a word, Drew pulled her into a hug. She buried her face in his shoulder and clung to him, letting her tears fall. They were tears of sadness for what her dad was dealing with—and tears of exhaustion. The truth was, these long hours were taking a toll. But she didn’t have a choice.
“I’m so sorry.” He held her and let her cry, stroking her hair and flooding her with that blanket of security again. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through,” he said softly, “but I’m here for you now. We’ll get through this.”
She sniffed and pulled back, overwhelmed by his support. “Thank you, Drew,” she whispered. His smell combined with his touch overcame her senses. She tipped her face up and kissed him. He kissed her back, gently, tenderly, his lips a soft caress. He put his hands to the sides of her face, wiping away her tears with his thumbs.
She sighed and pulled
him closer, drinking him in. His kiss travelled down her chin and then to her neck before he found her lips again. Piper’s heart broke open and she pulled him closer, exploring and memorizing every detail so she could relive this moment—this out-of-her-head explosion that rocked through her body each time he kissed her. She pictured herself old and gray and still savoring this memory. Because deep down she knew she would never love anyone again. Not the way she loved Drew.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Drew walked Piper to her front door, expecting her to invite him in the way she always did. He wanted a chance to apologize for being such a jerk earlier. He couldn’t believe he’d forced her into telling him something so personal. He’d caused her pain, and what right did he have to demand her trust when he himself was holding back some pretty hefty truths? Granted, they were truths he hoped would someday work to her advantage, but they were still currently secrets all the same.
She turned to him when they reached the landing, her face pinched. “Drew . . . we need to talk.”
He gave a half-smile. “Uh oh. Conversations that start that way usually don’t end well.” When she didn’t smile back his heart sank. He took her hand. “Piper, I’m so sorry about before. I had no right to force you into telling me about your family. I was a jerk, and you didn’t deserve that.”
She shook her head. “No, that’s not it. I should have told you sooner.” She pulled her hand away, fidgeting her purse strap the way she did when she was nervous. “I guess one reason I put it off is because I knew it would lead to this conversation.” She bit her lip and wouldn’t meet his eyes.
His heart pounded. Was he losing her? He stayed silent, afraid to speak. Afraid to breathe.
She swallowed. “The thing is, my parents need me right now. Seeing my dad so sick made me realize how little time I might have with him.” She crossed her arms, focusing on the pavement at their feet. “Between their needs and my two jobs, I don’t feel like I have anything left over to give.” She closed her eyes. “As much as it kills me to say this, I think I need to take a step back and focus on taking care of them—at least for now.”
Drew slowly released the breath he’d been holding. He’d been expecting so much worse.
She peeked up at him through her lashes, her green eyes filled with apology. “I know we’ve just started our relationship, so I understand if you don’t want to wait for me to get things sorted out. It’s just . . . this is something I have to do right now.”
He folded his arms to keep from grabbing her in a hug. That wasn’t what she needed in that moment. She was asking him for space, and as hard as it was, he would give it to her. He rocked back on his heels, hooking his thumbs into the back pockets of his jeans.
“I understand,” he said, forcing a weak smile. “Your priorities are exactly where they should be. You don’t need any other distractions right now.” He reached out and traced the side of her cheek. Her eyes glistened as they searched his. He dropped his hand. If she cried, he would never be able to do this. He looked away and cleared his throat. “I’d better get going. It’s late, and you have a long day ahead.”
She paused. “Oh. Okay.”
He winced at the disappointment lining her face. He had to leave. Now.
“Good bye, Piper,” he said, still not meeting her eyes as he turned to walk down the steps.
“Bye.” Her voice held so much sadness.
Drew’s heart lurched. It took every ounce of willpower he had to keep walking toward his car, away from Piper. Away from this extraordinary woman who’d captured him completely. But sometimes it was the thing you loved the most that you had to be willing to set free.
Chapter Thirty
“Good morning, Mr. Graydon’s office,” Piper forced a bright tone as she answered the call. Everything about her was forced these past few days. Sometimes breathing felt like a chore now that Drew wasn’t in her life. He hadn’t called or even texted since their conversation on her porch. She had no one to blame but herself. She’d asked him for space, and without a hint of protest, he’d given her exactly what she’d asked for. She just didn’t realize how painful that space would be. It felt like someone had ripped out her heart and left a gaping hole in her chest.
“I’d like to speak to Mr. Graydon, please.”
Her throat squeezed and she fought to keep her voice even. “Drew?”
“Hi, Piper.” He paused, then added, “It’s good to hear your voice again.”
She closed her eyes, the hole in her heart growing a little wider at his formal tone. “It’s good to hear from you too.” I miss you so much. She blinked several times. He had her number. If he’d wanted to have a personal conversation he would have called her cell. She had to remain professional. “May I ask what the call is about?”
He hesitated. “I’d like to speak to Josh about something real estate related. It’s for Margaret.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I thought Tom handled her real estate?”
“Tom lives in New York. She asked me to help her with something here since I’m local,” he explained.
She bit her lip. It made sense. Disappointment surged through her that he wasn’t making up an excuse to talk to her—followed by anger at herself for the disappointment. This was all on her, and she had to accept the pain like a big girl.
“I’ll transfer you,” she said.
“Thanks.”
She paused, her hand hovering over the phone, hoping he would say something more. But she was met with silence. Heart aching, she transferred the call, listening while it rang in Josh’s office. Josh picked up after three rings.
“Hey, it’s good to hear from you,” she heard him say. She was surprised at the familiarity in his tone. He didn’t know Drew had been Piper’s boyfriend, so why did it sound like he knew him so well? She chewed on the end of the pencil in her hand.
“Piper, did you file that paperwork on the Reynolds’ property?” Elsie asked, appearing around the corner.
Piper shook herself from her thoughts. “Yes. Do you need it?”
“That would be great.” Elsie leaned against the counter, watching Piper with a smile. “The apprentice is becoming the master. You’re going to be just fine on your own. Better than fine, in fact.”
Piper found the file and slid the drawer closed. “I’ve had an excellent teacher. But I’m really going to miss working with you.” She handed the folder to Elsie, who gave her a little nod.
“Me too. I’ll come in often to see how things are going. But I have to admit, I’m looking forward to spending more time with Molly.”
Piper smiled. “It will be time well spent. She’s lucky to have you for a grandmother.” Her heart pinched when she thought of Margaret. It had been so nice to feel what it would be like to have a grandmother in her life—even if it was only for a few hours.
Elsie leaned forward, touching Piper’s arm. “Is everything alright, hon?”
Piper forced her smile brighter. “Things are great.”
She squinted, unconvinced. “Are you sure? You’ve seemed a little down these past few days. Is it your dad?”
Piper had told Josh and Elsie about her dad’s situation in the hospital. She needed them to know in case there was an emergency and she had to leave abruptly. She’d been visiting him almost every day, fitting in the time between both her jobs. He hadn’t looked great yesterday, and it worried her. “Yes. I’m sorry. I’ve been a bit preoccupied thinking about him.” She hadn’t told them about her relationship with Drew, so there was no need to explain the breakup. She felt bad that Elsie noticed something was wrong. She had to pull herself together.
“I’m so sorry.” Elsie’s eyes tightened. “Maybe I should stay on a few more days, in case you need to take time off to be with him.”
“No,” Piper shook her head, “that’s sweet of you, but I’ll be fine. He’s stable for now, and I don’t want you to put off your long-awaited retirement for me.”
Elsie hesitated. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.” Piper smiled and then drew her in for a hug. “But thank you so much for offering. It means a lot.”
“Aw, look at my two ladies,” Josh spoke from behind them.
Piper pulled away from the hug, giving Elsie another smile before turning to Josh. He stood in the doorway to his office, his head leaning against the frame. “It’s not going to be the same without you, Elsie.”
Elsie waved a hand. “No, it won’t. You’ll finally change the music in here from the elevator music you hate to something more hip.” She winked and it looked exactly like a wink Josh would give.
Piper pictured herself here in twenty years, winking the Josh wink and listening to elevator music. She gave an internal sigh. There were worse fates.
Josh snorted. “We wouldn’t dream of changing your music, would we Piper?” He glanced at her, his eyes warm.
She shook her head. “No way.”
He lifted his hands, looking back at Elsie. “See? It’s settled. We’ll leave the music in honor of you, Elsie.”
Elsie gave a little bow. “I’m honored.”
They laughed, and Piper waited for an opening that would seem natural before casually asking, “Did that last call go through?”
He straightened and slid his hands into his pockets. His stance reminded her of Drew and another shot of pain stabbed her chest.
“Yes. I have a client interested in buying some property. Will you pull up all of the available mountain acreage and let me know what you find? We’re looking for property with several acres and a view—something that would accommodate a large structure. Another substantial sale.” He winked.
Lucky You (Pine Ridge Romance Book 1) Page 14