Susannah reached over and hugged her. “In time you will. We all will. Right now it’s all too new and you’re allowed to grieve, sweetheart. Don’t feel bad about that.”
They stayed like that until there was a loud knock on the car window. Breaking apart, Mallory spotted her cousin Mason and smiled. As much as he used to annoy her, right now he was the perfect distraction.
“Come on,” Susannah said. “Let’s go inside and get you something to eat.”
Climbing out of the car, Mallory thanked her cousin who was holding the door for her. “Hey, you,” she said, hugging him. “How are you?”
Hugging her back before releasing her, Mason gave her a small smile. “You know, getting by. This week has been…” He stopped and let out a long breath.
“I know.” She studied him and realized he’d changed so much in the last couple of years. He still towered over her, but his looks finally changed from that of a boy to a man–which really shouldn’t surprise her. He was only a year younger than Mallory, but gone was her younger cousin and in his place was a very respectful – and beefed up - looking man. Not that he had much choice than to look respectful. Mallory knew her aunt and uncle expected a lot from their only son and he clearly took it to heart.
“I brought your luggage in earlier when Aunt Susannah first got back. You’re in Parker’s room since she’s not home yet,” he said, walking beside her up to the house. Mallory noted her mother had already gone inside and she held Mason back before going in.
“Can I ask you something?”
His brows furrowed slightly. “Sure.”
She hesitated for a minute. “Do you think I should have gone to stay at a hotel or maybe at your townhouse where everyone was during the storm? I don’t want to be a burden or in the way here.”
Mason laughed and his sandy brown hair blew slightly in the wind. “Mal, are you crazy? Why would you even ask such a thing? You know my mother gets off on playing the hostess–even when the circumstances are a little rough like they are now. You’d think she was throwing a cotillion rather than having the family over to plan a damn funeral.”
That did sound exactly like her aunt, but she still felt a little out of place being here. Maybe it was because whenever she had come to visit during all those summers, she had always stayed at Pops’ house. The idea of not being there while being so close by left her feeling slightly unsettled.
“There’s plenty of room and we have a guarantee that the power will be back on by tomorrow–if not later today. And I think my sisters are both going to be back in the next couple of days but even when they do, there’s still going to be plenty of room for you.” He hugged her again briefly. “We’re all happy that you’re here so stop worrying.”
“I know Sam’s coming in tomorrow too…”
“Oh, right,” Mason said, his expression changing slightly. “There’s room for him too. I think he’ll end up on the sleeper sofa down in the den, but it’s still kind of private. Plus, it will be good to have someone else here to help me with the cleanup. I swear, my folks haven’t given me a break since we got back yesterday.”
Laughing, Mallory playfully punched him in the arm. “That’s what you get for being the big, strong one in the family!”
He rolled his eyes. “Right. More like that’s what I get for not being smart like my sisters and getting the hell out of town before the storm hit.” He laughed, but she had a feeling he wasn’t really joking.
“Are you planning on settling here in Magnolia now that you’re done with college or are you going to move?”
He shrugged. “I do love it here and I know I need to find a place of my own, but…” He shrugged and gave her a lopsided grin. “Can’t beat the free rent, free meals, and laundry service.”
Mallory couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh my gosh…you sound just like Sam. Always looking for the easy way out.”
Mason’s grin grew. “Yeah, but he moved far away from home once he was through with college so clearly he doesn’t think like that anymore.”
“You’d be surprised,” she murmured.
“Come on, let’s get inside before everyone starts wondering what we’re plotting and planning out here.”
She laughed but thought the comment was odd. Looking over her shoulder at him as they walked up to the door, she asked, “What could anyone think we’d be plotting?”
Mason shrugged and gave her a small nudge into the house, but Mallory could have sworn she heard him murmur, “Escaping.”
“I know I’m asking a lot, Jerry, but I need you to make this happen,” Jake said firmly, ready to rip his own hair out of his head.
“Do you have any idea how many places are in worse condition and require immediate attention?” Jerry replied with just enough snap to his voice to let Jake know he was equally frustrated. “I’ve had more phone calls from friends and relatives asking for favors so they can get back into their homes. If I helped each and every one of them…”
And then he knew he had to play just a little dirty if he was going to get what he wanted. “Zeke Coleman gave you a start in this business twenty years ago, Jerry. Remember that? And I happen to know that during those twenty years, you’ve done your fair share of messing around and nearly losing your job. Yet Zeke always gave you a second, third, and even fourth chance. Hell, he paid for rehab for you or have you forgotten that?”
There was silence for a minute and then Jerry cursed. “Yeah. He did.”
“The house is a historical landmark in this town and even though Zeke will never walk through those doors again, his family will. It would mean a lot to them–and me–if you would go over there today and check it out to make sure it’s safe for them to go in to.”
“There’s a tree down on the front corner, Jake! You said it yourself!”
“It’s the addition and it has no bearing on the main structure. Clear the main structure–or at least make sure it’s safe for Susannah and her family to get in there.”
“And if it’s not? I’m not going to lie, Jake.”
That would be a first, he thought, but kept it to himself. “I’m not asking you to lie. I’m asking you to go and check it out so if it is safe, I can call Susannah and let her know she can move back in. And if it’s not, I’ll know what I’m looking at for getting a crew in there ASAP.”
“Didn’t you used to date Susannah’s daughter?”
“Not the point, Jerry,” he snapped. “This is about doing Zeke a solid and looking after his family the same way he looked after yours. Are we clear?”
“Yeah. I’m actually not far from there now. I can meet you in about twenty minutes.”
“Good. Thanks.” When he hung up, Jake flung his phone on the sofa beside him with disgust. He hated calling in favors and worse, hated anyone questioning his motives. The fact was that he was doing this for Zeke. The sooner the house was back in shape, the better he’d feel.
I’m doing this so Zeke can rest in peace and know his family was being taken care of.
Jake placed a hand over his heart and rubbed his chest. The pain was so raw, so fresh, and he didn’t know if he’d ever get past it. The only thing saving his sanity right now was the fact that there was so much to do–so much of Magnolia Sound that was going to need to be rebuilt–that he knew he wouldn’t have time to mourn.
Hell, it was going to be a matter of survival–working himself into exhaustion so he could simply come home at the end of the day and crash.
Good luck with that, he thought. Zeke touched every single thing in this town. He might not have continued to own everything here, but he owned enough that he left one hell of a legacy. It would be impossible to drive through town and not think of his old friend.
In the last several years, Zeke had handed off so much of his daily operations to competent managers–Jake being one of them–but he’d be lying if he wasn’t curious about how things were going to move forward without the input of the man who started it all. He had no doubt that arrangements had
been made and in the coming weeks everyone would know where they stood, but Jake wondered if the construction company was going to stay as-is with a new CEO in Zeke’s place or if it was going to be sold, along with so many other businesses here in town.
His hand moved from his chest to his temple as a headache began to take root. There was so much to think about and it didn’t matter how much there was to do because right there in the back of his mind was what happened earlier with Mallory.
“You just had to go and kiss her, didn’t you,” he chided himself. It was a reckless move and he knew he should regret doing it, but he couldn’t. They had been dancing around each other for too damn long and he was sick of it. Yeah, things ended badly and yeah, he was mostly to blame for that, but the bottom line was that they were both guilty parties in it. It wasn’t all his fault and it wasn’t all hers, so why couldn’t they sit down and talk about it? Or just talk in general! Why did that one summer have to mean they could never be friends again?
Sighing, he rested his head back against the sofa cushions and closed his eyes. Hell, he could still taste her on his lips and feel her pressed against him. It was freaking maddening. Six damn years! When was it going to end?
Probably when you stop obsessing about her and kissing her, you idiot.
Yeah, there was that.
In the four years he was away at school, Jake certainly hadn’t lived like a monk, but he hadn’t gotten serious with anyone either. And when he finally came home, life had gotten complicated with his parents wanting to retire, him buying the house, and settling back into life here in Magnolia. Getting updates on Mallory from Zeke hadn’t been hard, but he never expected her to skip any of her annual visits the way she did this year. And he’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a twinge of guilt knowing he was more than likely the reason she didn’t come home–because without a doubt she was going to beat herself up for not coming and seeing her great-grandfather before he died.
Something they’d have to deal with eventually…
His phone ringing brought him out of his reverie and he couldn’t help but smile when he saw his father’s number on the screen. “Hey, Dad,” he said, thankful for a bit of a distraction.
“Hey, I was just calling to check on you and see how you’re doing. Has the cleanup started around town yet?” Jonah Summerford asked.
“Not much yet, but the flood waters have finally receded and roads are getting cleared of debris so I’m sure in the next day or two we’ll hit it full force.”
“I hate the thought of all that destruction. In all the years we lived there…” He paused. “Well, you know.”
“It could have been a lot worse, Dad. For all that we lost around here, I still consider us lucky. Other spots up and down the coast have much more to deal with. And luckily, it can all be rebuilt.”
“The structures can, sure. But the people…”
Jake didn’t have to ask what his father meant. “Yeah, that one’s never going to go away,” he said quietly. “I don’t think there are many spots in this town that don’t have a connection to Zeke and it’s going to be a long time before we’ll get over his loss.”
“I’m not sure if any of us will ever get over it,” his father said solemnly. “Only once in a lifetime do you meet someone like Ezekiel Coleman and I know his legacy will go on long after most of us are gone.”
“Amen to that.”
“How’s his family doing? Have you talked to Susannah? I know she’s been living with him and I’m sure this has to be particularly hard on her.”
Jake relayed all the family news – including the fact that Mallory was back and they were supposed to start making funeral plans.
“And how do you feel about that?”
“Dad, I knew there was going to be a funeral.”
“Not that. Mallory. How did that go?”
There was no way he was going to share what had happened earlier. “It’s fine,” he lied. “It’s not like I didn’t expect her to be here and…we have seen each other a time or two over the years, so…”
“Uh-huh.”
“What? What’s with the uh-huh?”
“I’m just wondering how long it’s going to take before you realize you made a huge mistake where Mallory is concerned.”
So not the conversation he wanted to have right now.
“Dad…”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah…I know. That’s not why I called and I know you have a million other things on your mind. I really just wanted to call and make sure you’re doing okay. Your mother and I worry. That’s all.”
Jake felt himself sag with relief. “Thanks, Dad. I’m doing okay. Sometimes it all just hits me and then…”
“I know.”
They were silent for a moment before Jonah asked, “Do you want us to come home for the funeral?”
Jake hadn’t really even considered that. His folks were always close with the Coleman’s and it made sense that they’d want to be here to pay their respects, but…
“That’s completely up to you, Dad. I don’t have any of the details and things here in town are crazy, but you know you’re always welcome here. My house is your house,” he said with a small chuckle. “Literally and figuratively.”
Jonah laughed too. “Well, we’ve been talking about it and didn’t want to add to the chaos there. We’re going to send flowers and reach out to the family, but if you want us there, we’ll be on the next flight.”
And there wasn’t a doubt in Jake’s mind that they would. However…
“I think sending flowers would be real nice, Dad. You know Zeke wouldn’t want you to go out of your way or inconvenience yourself.”
Jonah laughed again. “I know. That’s what I keep telling myself, but I can’t help but feel a little guilty. Plus, if we came home, we’d get to see you.”
“There’s so much to be done around here that I’m not sure we’d even get to spend any time together. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing and my to-do list is a mile long. All the work that lies ahead will keep me focused and I’m actually looking forward to getting started.” Which reminded him… “I’m meeting an engineer over at Zeke’s place. I’m hoping to get clearance for Susannah to move back in. He’s going to be there any minute, so…”
“Don’t let me keep you,” Jonah said. “Go and do what you need to do. We’re thinking of you and if there’s anything you need, just ask.”
“I appreciate that and I’ll talk to you soon.”
Once Jake hung up, he rested his head back, closed his eyes, and wished he could just sleep for a day or two. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. Forcing himself to get up, he went into the kitchen and made himself a quick sandwich before he had to go over and meet up with Jerry. With any luck, they would find the old house stable enough for Susannah to move back in and then make a plan for doing the repairs on the addition and the deck. It wouldn’t be quick and it wouldn’t be soon, but right now it was going to be his main priority.
Throwing the sandwich together, he took a bite and frowned. He’d kill for a real meal. For days this is all he’d been eating and while he was thankful for it, he was just ready to eat something that you couldn’t place between two slices of bread. A nice steak or perhaps some fish would be his goal for tomorrow–something he could grill and eat hot. His mind wandered to all the things he was going to cook once all the power was back on and things began to return to normal.
Unfortunately, none of those thoughts were helping him choke down his meal any easier, so rather than obsess about food, he grabbed his tablet and began making notes on what he was going to ask Jerry about as they walked around Zeke’s place. With any luck, he could call Susannah and have her back in the house by dinnertime or at the latest, tomorrow morning.
He remembered Mallory mentioning how they were having a family meeting tonight to discuss Zeke’s funeral, so maybe he’d text Susannah rather than calling to make sure he didn’t interrupt anything important.
Then he thought ab
out calling Mallory instead. It was a legitimate excuse for a call–letting her know she could get back into Zeke’s house–but…to what end? What was he hoping to get out of calling her?
Okay, the answer was fairly obvious–more of what happened today. But beyond that, he had to think about what was practical. There was so much going on right now and once again, the timing wasn’t good for them. She was here for a short period of time right now and then she would go back to her home and job up in New York and he would still be here with more work than he knew what to do with. So again, why was he looking to pursue anything?
Good question.
Finishing his sandwich, he quickly cleaned up the kitchen, grabbed his phone and tablet, and headed for the door. And only one answer came to mind…
Because I need to get her out of my system…
Mallory looked down at the phone in her hands and blinked.
Jake: Main house passed inspection. You can move back in tonight.
She was sitting at her aunt’s massive dining room table surrounded by most of her family and she hated to interrupt the conversation to tell them about Jake’s message.
Her uncle was sitting at the head of the table and was currently talking about the conversation he had earlier with the funeral home. Mallory couldn’t make herself focus on it. It was too much. She hated thinking of Pops being somewhere like that–even though she knew it was exactly the way things needed to be. He was cold and alone and the thought of it broke her heart.
Beside her, her mother glanced over. “Everything okay?” Mallory held up the phone and showed her Jake’s text. With a small smile, she said, “It’s wonderful news.”
“What is?” Aunt Georgia asked, clearly not listening to her husband either.
“Oh, um…Jake Summerford just sent word that he had inspectors out at the house and the main structure passed inspection. Mallory and I can move back over tonight if we want.”
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