“You think she’s bothered by it?”
“Sorry, wrong word. I mean nothing fazes Hope. She keeps her head straight when things go wrong on flips. She’s so articulate and precise when it comes to the houses, but this, I think this has rattled her.”
“Why would you think that?” I pop a grape into my mouth as I wait for Charlie to respond.
“I don’t know. Call it brotherly intuition. She’s not her normal self.”
“Do you think Elle and I can do anything to help her?”
“I think the thing that’s bothering Hope the most is intentionally being the center of attention. She’s not a fan of that.”
“You did say that. So, there’s a festival on next Saturday, and then their wedding is two weeks after that. I’ve got all the food under control, because apparently, she wants brisket, salads and bread rolls. But I need to talk to her about the cake.”
“I wish I could help.” He shrugs. “But I have no idea what they want. River tries to help her, but she’s going batshit crazy.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Did you just say your sister is going batshit crazy?”
“Uh-huh.” He takes another bite. “But I’ll deny it if you repeat that to her. If I’m being honest, she scares me a little.”
I start laughing and choke a bit on what I’m eating. “Good to know. Basically, if I need something done, I’ll go to your sister and ask her to get you to do it.”
“Or you could just ask me.”
“That’s no fun.” I flick my hand at Charlie. He grabs it, pulls me over to him, and lays me on top of him. He stares up at me as he plays with my hair. “Charlie?”
“Yeah?” He watches my lips, then flicks his gaze back up to my eyes.
“I want to kiss you, but I’m scared.”
“What are you scared of?”
“That everything will change once we kiss.”
“Everything will change when we kiss, Pop Rock.” He keeps playing with my hair. “It’ll change because you want it to, and it’ll change because I…” he stops himself. “…because I want it to, too.”
“Charlie?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ve only ever kissed one man once. He was the one who took my virginity, and he never talked to me again after that.”
“That sucks, but I’m not him,” Charlie justifies.
“No, you’re not.” He doesn’t try to force me to do anything I’m not ready for. I lower my head; our lips are nearly touching. His warm breath bathes on my lips. “I’m going to kiss you, Charlie.” Jesus, I’m so nervous. My blood is pulsing heavily through my veins, and my heartrate is racing.
“About time, Pop Rock.”
But he still doesn’t move. He’s waiting for me to take my time, and make all the moves. He’s giving me space, but his hands are gripping my hips to remind me I belong here, with him. I lower my head farther, and our mouths finally meet. I part my lips waiting for his kiss. Charlie entwines his hand up through my hair, and keeps me firmly attached to his mouth. Expertly, and with extreme gentleness he darts his tongue out, licking my top lip before carefully asking for silent permission to fully kiss me.
Other than the man who took my virginity, this is my first kiss. A kiss with someone who I think I’m falling in love with.
Please Charlie, don’t hurt me.
But, I don’t think he will.
“Are you sure you’re okay to go, Aunt May? It’s just another festival. We can stay home.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m already ready.”
Aunt May has been working really hard to help herself, and most days she’s really tired from all the rehabilitation she’s doing. She’s still using the walker, but I suspect if Aunt May keeps going on this path, she’ll be able to graduate to a walking stick soon. Sadly though, I think she’ll continue to need some sort of walking aid for some time to come. “Okay, if you say so.”
“You’ll need to help fold the walker up when we get to your car.”
“Of course.” Aunt May is already heading toward the front door. “I think you secretly love these festivals, and crave the attention.”
“Never made a secret of that in the past, Tabby. I love them.”
She definitely makes me laugh. I cover the platter of food I’ve prepared, and head out the front door, where Aunt May is still making her way to my car. She opens the passenger door, and sits, waiting for me to help fold her walker away.
In no time, we’re on our way toward the town center. “Is the boy not coming with us?”
I know she’s talking about Charlie, but he and I have been really weird this last week. “I kissed him,” I say as I drive.
“About time.”
“Yeah, but it feels different now.”
“Why? He’s been over every night for dinner, he’s at the house all the time if he’s not at work. You two went out for dinner last night. What’s different?”
“My head is playing tricks on me.”
“Ah, I see. So, it’s not really different, it’s just your insecurities rearing their ugly head again. Right?”
“Yeah. And he’s just been so busy all week. The slab went down for the family retreat at the B&B, and with Hope and River’s wedding in two weeks, so they’re working harder to get the houses down on Oak Tree Parade finished so Hope and River can relax on their honeymoon.”
“Nothing you’ve said is a cause for concern. So, what’s the problem?”
I open my mouth to give Aunt May a lame excuse that even I don’t believe. “I suppose I never paid any attention to my parents’ relationship growing up.” I hold my hand up to adjust what I’m saying. “I know Dad’s really stepped up now, because he didn’t realize how bad it was for me. The reality is, I wasn’t a significant enough part of their lives to warrant their attention, and the only time I saw them in the same room was at dinner. But now there’s Charlie, who puts me first every single time and never pressures me to do or be anything I’m not. I’m so scared this is all going to come crashing down.” I sigh. “I was never abused or beaten, but I was rejected, and I think that hurts the same.”
“It’ll come crashing down if that’s what you’re looking for, Tabby. Live in the moment, it’s the only one we’re sure to have.”
“I think I love him.”
“Pffft. Really? Think you love him?”
“What do you mean?”
“The moment that boy came into our lives, you fell for him so hard. You’ve changed, Tabby, and it’s all thanks to Charlie for pushing you to open up and be more than what you’ve ever been before.”
“You think I’ve changed?”
“Nope. I know you’ve changed. You’re a wonderful woman. Embrace it. If Charlie makes you feel something, grab hold of him, and for the love of God, don’t let him go.” I smile, secretly happy Aunt May adores Charlie. “How many times have you kissed him?”
“Just the once. He told me he wouldn’t have sex with me until I kissed him. I kissed him, and he still won’t have sex with me.” Aunt May bursts into laughter. “I know, I’m telling you things I really shouldn’t.”
“Oh come on. I’m not a prude, I’ve had my fair share of fun with men, and some women.”
My mouth falls open, and my eyes widen as I slowly turn to look at her before returning my gaze to the road. “You’ve been with women?”
“It was the seventies. Threesomes were a thing.”
“You’ve had a threesome?”
“Threesomes,” she corrects with pride.
I make a fist and hold it out to Aunt May. She looks at it, then realizes I’m waiting for her to fist bump me. When she does, I say, “You rock, Aunt May!”
“Ah.” She flicks her hand at me again. “You know, just because I didn’t marry the man I love, it doesn’t mean I didn’t have my fair share of fun. I still love him with everything I have, but I made a vow to myself to enjoy the life I was given until he and I meet again.” Aww, how beautiful.
We get to t
he town center, and I find Lex, one of Jake’s deputies standing to the side where the street has been blocked off. I wind down my window and beckon Lex over. “Hey, Lex, can you let me through so I can get Aunt May as close as possible?”
“Hey, Tabitha. Hi Gran.” Lex waves. “Yeah, sure. Jake’s saved a spot for you outside of Elle’s café. Just park the car there.”
“Thank you, Lex,” Aunt May calls. He tips his head, then jogs ahead so he can move the barricade and allow us through.
I’m careful to drive slowly, and not hit anyone, but thankfully everyone sees my car and steps out of the way. As Lex described, Jake’s out in front of Elle’s café, and he directs me where to park. When I turn the car off, he’s by Aunt May’s door, opening it for her. “Gran, you’re looking really good. Hey, Tabitha.”
“Hey. Her walker is in the trunk.” I pop the trunk from inside, and Jake retrieves the walker. He unfolds it, and rolls it to Aunt May.
“Thank you, Jacob.” Aunt May is getting better at being self-sufficient, though I do think it’ll take her longer to be able to move freely.
She walks over to her usual spot, and I take the platter I’ve made and place it on the table, along with the other dishes people have been bringing. “Do you want a coffee?”
“Yes, darling.”
Before I enter Elle’s café, I look around for Charlie, but can’t see him. “Hi Elle,” I call when I get inside.
“Tabitha, how are you?”
“I’m okay. Need a hand with anything?”
“I think I’m okay.” She looks outside. “Ah, May’s here. Does she want a coffee?”
“Yeah.” I grab a mug, and pour her a coffee. “Have you seen Charlie anywhere?”
“Nope. I saw River earlier, but then he had to go back to Oak Tree Parade, he said they’ve had some kind of problem, and will likely be a bit late coming to tonight’s festival.”
“Problem? Did he say what?”
“Nah, but he was picking up supplies for the worksite. He said they let the rest of the contractors off for the day.”
“I hope they don’t work through the whole thing. I want Charlie to meet Dad.”
“Oh my God, are your parents here?”
“Only my dad. He’ll be here soon. I saw him at the B&B earlier, and he was actually really excited to be in Hope River.”
“Your mom’s not going to come?” The tension in my neck must be on my face to, because Elle doesn’t pursue the topic. “At least your dad made the effort. That’s super cool. I’ve never seen your father here.”
“I think you’ll be seeing a lot more of him now. Anyway, I’ll take this out to Aunt May, and then I’ll come in to help you.”
“I’m nearly done, I’ll be out there soon myself. Just go, enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks, Elle.” When I get outside, I see Dad’s already here, sitting, and talking with Aunt May. “Dad!” I squeal as I rush over, place the mug down in front of Aunt May and walk into his arms. I burst into tears. “I’m so happy you’re here. Oh my God!”
He hugs me so tightly; I love this feeling. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He kisses me on the cheek. I don’t want to let him go, but I know I have to. I step back, and slide my hands down his arms to squeeze his big, warm hands. “So, this is what these festivals are about? Food, and getting together?”
“You look so different, Dad. You’re more… I don’t know. It’s like you’re not so…”
“Uptight? Agitated?”
“First, you’re not wearing a suit. My God, I didn’t even know you owned jeans and a polo shirt.” Dad throws his head back and laughs. “And you look happier. I love having you here.” My cheeks are hurting because I’m smiling so much.
Dad looks over my shoulder to Aunt May, then back to me. “There’s something I need to tell you, Tabitha.”
His smile drops, and so does mine. “Are you okay? You’re not sick, are you?”
“No, nothing like that.” He licks his lips before saying, “There’s no other way to tell you this, but to come out with it. I left your mother.” I look away, down the road, trying to form some kind thought. “Are you okay?” he asks.
“I’m not sure what to think or how to feel. I can’t say that I’m devastated, because I never had a connection to Mom. But I can’t say I’m happy either, because she is my mother after all.” I sit back in the seat, and look up at the dusky sky. Hues of orange, pink and blue all melt perfectly together. “Are you happy with your decision, Dad?”
“I’ve never been happier.”
“Then who am I to feel anything but happy for you? If you’re happy, I’m happy for you.”
“It was a loveless marriage, Tabitha, you know that. Your mother only wanted to be in it for the prestige of the name, and the money that came with it. And looking back, I don’t think we ever really loved each other. The marriage was nothing more than a convenience, for both of us.”
“That’s not a reason to stay, so I’m happy for you. Still, it must have been hard to do.”
“I’ve lost too many years with you, and the last time you came home, you made me see all my faults, and all of your mother’s. I’m choosing to move on and be as big a part of your life as you’ll allow me to be.”
“Dad.” I move forward, and hug him.
“Now, where’s this Charlie character?”
“He’s at work. But he should be here soon. Let me send him a text.” I take my phone out of my pocket, and see that Charlie texted me only a few minutes ago. Running late, but I’ll be there in about half an hour. “Oh, he says he’ll be here in about half an hour or so.”
“I wanted to say thank you, Cole, for arranging all the nurses and therapists to help me,” my aunt says.
“It’s my pleasure, May. Is there anything else I can do?”
“Use that check book of yours to make a generous donation to the hospital. They did a lot for me when I was in there after my stroke.”
“Six or seven figures?” he asks seriously. Aunt May narrows her eyes at Dad. “Seven it is.”
“That’ll go a long way in a small town like Hope River. And who knows, maybe one day, your daughter will need them.”
“Why would she need them?” Dad swings in his chair to look at me. “Are you sick? Do you need treatment? I’ll fly you anywhere, what’s wrong?”
I chuckle. “Nothing’s wrong at all.”
“I mean one day; your daughter may need the hospital to have a child of her own.”
“What?” Dad and I both snap our gazes over to Aunt May. “I’m not pregnant!” I nearly yell to Dad.
That caught Elle’s attention, who’s heading out of her café with a tray of food. She comes to a full stop, her eyes bulge out of her head, and her face reddens. “Who’s pregnant?” she squeaks.
“Oh my God! No one. Pretend you didn’t hear anything, please,” I beg.
“It’s loud out here, I heard nothing. Not a single thing.” She looks at my Dad and slightly tilts her head to the side, then shrugs.
“Dad, this is Elle, she owns the café, and sometimes she helps us at the B&B. Elle, this is my Dad, Cole.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Elle.” Dad stands and offers his hand. “Are you and my daughter friends?”
Oh shit. Are we? I’ve successfully managed to push so many people away. Does Elle consider me a friend? I’d like to think we are. “We are friends. But, it’s a relatively new friendship, and one I’ve been hoping to have for a long time.” That’s her way of confirming what’s going through my mind.
“Then it certainly is a pleasure. Does your café serve good coffee?”
“Only the best in Hope River,” Aunt May answers for Elle.
“Would you mind if I have one?” Dad reaches into his pocket and pulls out a wad of cash. He has to learn not to flash money around like that. I know he’s safe in Hope River, but there’s some shady spots in the towns surrounding here, and I’d hate for him to get mugged over a few hundred dollars.
“Money is no good when there’s a festival. But, if you come back tomorrow morning, I’ll need to charge you double,” Elle jokes.
“It’s a deal.”
“Dad, Elle makes the best pancakes.”
“Better than yours?” Dad asks.
“Better than mine.”
“Well, save me two servings for the morning. I love my pancakes.”
“Tabitha, Gran, how are you?” Hope says as she sits down opposite me. “Oh, hello. Who are you?” Hope blatantly asks Dad.
“Hope, this is my dad, Cole. Dad, this is Hope, who’s Charlie’s sister. Speaking of which, where is Charlie?” I ask Hope as I look around, hoping to see him close by.
“He was finishing something, and said he shouldn’t be too long.” She stands and offers her hand to Dad. “It’s nice to meet you, Cole. How long are you in town for?”
“Only a few days. You’re the house flipper, right?”
“That’s me.” Hope beams.
“You’re the owner of the B&B I’m staying in.”
“Which room did Tabitha put you in?”
“May’s Room. It’s absolutely beautiful. You certainly have a talent for doing what you do. Tabitha showed me the photo of the original building when you bought it, and I couldn’t believe the transformation.” Hope pulls her shoulders back. “What are you working on now?”
“I don’t know if Tabitha told you, but we converted the old gym over in Faith Haven into a homeless shelter, and at the moment we’ve got five abandoned row houses on Oak Tree Parade that the county has given us to renovate. And of course, there’s the family retreat out in the back of the B&B. Not to mention, some smaller projects here and there.”
“And she’s getting married in a few weeks,” I say. “Speaking of which, we need to get together so we can discuss the wedding cake.”
“Yes, wedding cakes. Okay, that’s on my list.” She pulls her phone out, and makes a note.
“Do you have time to sleep?” Dad asks Hope.
“There’s plenty of time to sleep later. For now, there’s a lot of work to be done.”
“You’re a very determined young lady,” Dad compliments Hope.
“Thank you.”
River arrives, and drags the chair out next to Hope. “Hey Tabitha, Gran.” He looks over at Dad, and I run through a quick introduction again. “How you feeling, Gran?”
Healing Hearts: A friends with benefits, small town romance (Hope River Book 3) Page 19