by Tea DeLuca
“What the hell did you do, Mark? I talked to Maggie just three days ago, and she was so happy. I thought you two were finally on track. Today she shows up at my door hysterically crying. I have half a mind to march into your office and beat the shit out of you.”
“Don’t do that,” he said. His office didn’t need another show. “I can straighten this out if she’d just listen to me.”
“She said you have a child. Do you? How could I not know? More importantly, how could Maggie not know?”
“It’s a long story, but yes, I have a daughter, Gayle.”
“And why does our girl think there’s another woman in your life, some doctor?”
“Because she doesn’t understand that Melissa doesn’t mean anything to me.”
“Yet, you’re taking her to Italy?”
“My idiot sister’s wedding.”
The line went quiet, but after a few minutes Gayle sighed softly. “You really screwed this up, Mark. She’s devastated. I don’t know if you can fix this.”
He didn’t want to hear that. “I can, and I will if I can find her. She moved out of the apartment and changed her number.”
“Wow. Maybe her parents know where she is.”
Maybe. He hadn’t thought of that. She needed to be there to help her mother with her dad. How much would Mags have told them?
“Mark, find her and fix this.”
“I will, Gayle. Thanks.” He pulled out his yellow legal pad and the list of automotive garages he had formulated from the computer last night. If she had turned to Craig that was the fastest way to find her. He’d leave her parents as a last resort. He didn’t want to upset her father and explain what had happened. Of the ten garages on his list, he eliminated the three that were in town. He was pretty sure Craig’s garage was further out on the fringe of Charleston. He eliminated the five that listed the owner, none of them Craig. That left two with generic names that could be the cowboy’s garage. “Trish, reschedule my last appointment. I’m leaving for the day,” he instructed his secretary. He could swear she snickered as she agreed. Damn, he’d never live this down.
He drove toward home as he called the first garage. The phone went to voice mail and didn’t mention any specifics regarding the owner of the garage. The next call to the second garage didn’t get him any further. The young woman who answered the phone said that the garage had a number of owners, and she wasn’t sure of their first names. He’d try the closer one first after he dropped off Rufus.
The garage decorated in red, white, and blue was impressive with five bays and several cars lined up for service. He parked out of the way and walked the drive to the busiest bay. A young kid, maybe sixteen or seventeen, approached him with an arrogant look on his face. He didn’t like him.
“Need service, sir?” he asked.
Okay, maybe he had misjudged the kid. “Looking for Craig.”
“My dad. He’s inside, but …”
“It’s okay, Ryan,” Craig appeared, wiping his hands. “I’m sure the man isn’t here for service.”
“No.” Mark hated that he had to ask Craig for anything. “I’m looking for Mags.”
“Misplace her?” he asked smugly. He rested an affectionate hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “Chevy’s done, son. Pull it out and pull the Grand Am in.”
“Where is she, Craig?” Mark asked impatiently.
“I wish I knew. I haven’t seen her, and apparently, she changed her phone number. You the reason for that?”
“That’s none of your business. I thought you might know where she went. She moved out of the apartment, too.”
He genuinely looked surprised. “Didn’t know that either. I guess Magnolia will contact one of us when she’s ready.” He smiled slowly. “That would probably be me.”
This wasn’t getting him anywhere. The asshole didn’t know anything.
“I better not find out you hurt her, Mark.”
Mark looked over at Ryan, glaring at him and registered Craig’s empty threat. He’d like nothing better than to level him right now. “Don’t get your hopes up, buddy. She’s still mine.”
He pulled out of the lot just as his phone registered a text from Stacy.
Dropping Liddy off in an hour. Is that good?
Yes, of course. Headed home now.
He had managed to change Liddy’s ticket to Italy. He was not letting her travel by plane to Europe without him. Melissa didn’t know, and he didn’t care. He was taking her tonight, because Stacy was leaving on an earlier flight. He sent a text to Perry and begged him to keep Rufus for a few days. When he agreed, he returned to the apartment and packed up the dog. It would be better if Liddy didn’t see her just yet. She wouldn’t want to leave her, but it would be a big surprise for his little girl when they returned.
And he still intended to find Mags. He’d drive out to her parents early tomorrow with Liddy in tow. Maybe they would soften a little over his daughter and tell him where Mags was. He was exhausted and hated the idea of this trip. Why couldn’t his sister have gotten married in the family church in Charleston, just like he almost did? And maybe that was exactly the reason why she picked a place thousands of miles away.
Chapter 47
Mags studied the older woman, pouring over her computer screen. She never made the visits and the paperwork easy.
“I don’t believe you have an appointment today, Ms. Blossom.”
“I’m not here to see the doctor,” she said for the third time. “I want my medical records.”
“If you just want to see another doctor in our practice, you don’t need to take your records.”
Mags bit back the sarcasm. No kidding. “No, I’m seeing someone outside your practice.”
The woman looked annoyed. “Please write the name of the doctor and his address, and we’ll forward your records.”
This shouldn’t be this hard. “No, I haven’t chosen another doctor yet. I just want my file. Is there a form I need to fill out?” The woman looked downright confused. Didn’t anyone ever request her records?
“Yes, of course, there’s a form, but I don’t know…I’m sure it’s here. Oh, yes, here it is.”
The form was simple enough except for the line that read—Why are you requesting your records? She left it blank and handed it back to the woman. “Have a seat and someone will take care of this.”
She knew that voice. She’d be here a while. She was exhausted. Maybe she shouldn’t have barged into Mark’s office with the dog and confronted him. Then she fell apart and turned to the only one who’d really understand—Gayle. She had blurted out the entire story till drained she had come here for her records. Finally, a pretty nurse called her inside to one of the waiting rooms.
“Dr. Stratton will be in, in a moment.”
“No, I don’t need to see her. I just want my records.”
Melissa patted the arm of the nurse. “Thank you, Jill.” Then she closed the door. “Sit down, Magnolia.”
Mags continued to stand uncomfortably in front of her. She couldn’t shake the picture of her and Mark in the park. “My records?”
Melissa held a thick manila folder. “Yes, what has happened, Magnolia? Are you unhappy with the care I’ve given you?”
No, that wasn’t fair. The doctor had gotten her through the worst time of her life and given her excellent care. “No, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but I’m changing doctors.”
“I can’t advise that, honey. Perhaps you’d like to see one of my colleagues here. That way if he has questions…”
“No, thank you. I want someone outside this office.”
Melissa studied her carefully. “I could refer you to someone.”
“No, thank you.” Mags pressed her hands against the table to steady herself.
“Can I send your file to your new doctor?”
“I haven’t chosen one yet. Can I have my file?” Bordering on hysteria, she had to leave. Why was she making this so complicated?
Melissa kept
her hand on the folder. “Magnolia, what has happened here? Does this have something to do with our chance meeting in the park? You behaved very strangely.”
Mark hadn’t told her. Why wasn’t she surprised? “I was just…had to go home.” She held out her hand, and Melissa gave her the file. “Thank you. I won’t take up anymore of your time.”
“Magnolia, wait.” Stepping in front of her, Mags had no choice but to stop. “You realize it is very important for you to follow up with a doctor, any doctor, right?”
She nodded. “I will.”
“And you must be close to the end of your script. I’m writing you a refill till your new doctor can …”
“I don’t need it,” Mags blurted out. She hadn’t intended to say it, wasn’t even sure she meant it, but she had to leave. “I’m not taking it anymore.”
“Wait, wait. You can’t just stop taking the meds.”
“Yes, I can.” Maybe it was the only thing she could control. “I want a life again. I don’t want to worry about what I drink or if I took my meds this morning. Thanks again for everything.”
She left the office before anyone could stop her, but Dr. Stratton followed her down the corridor to the elevator. “If you need anything, call me.” Mags felt her heart soften till… “I’ll be in Italy for the next week, but I can still be reached.”
Her back stiffened. Mark and Melissa in Italy. “I’ll be fine.” Thankfully, the elevator doors closed. Once down she walked briskly, battling the tears, and ducked into a small diner. Coffee, hot even with the heat, to jolt her into reality. Melissa’s Mark, together in Rome, the eternal city where love is etched into its very walls. Where a couple could bring home the memories of days amid the ruins of the old and the promise of the new. Torture, painful. She set her coffee aside and reached for her phone.
Does Ryan have a game tomorrow night? I’d like to come. She couldn’t sit around and think about Melissa and Mark.
He’d love for you to come, honey. Pick you up?
Moved. Meet you there.
Are you all right?
Would she ever get to a place in her life when people would stop asking her how she was? Fine. See you tomorrow. It was a start, a baby step, toward a life.
Chapter 48
“Daddy, I’m stuck.” Mark laughed at his daughter, tangled up in her unicorn shirt.
“Let’s pull this down. There. Better?”
“You’re the best daddy.”
He pulled her closer. He was going to need her to get through the next five days. He lifted her suitcase and placed it with his in the hall. “Got everything, pumpkin?”
“Puppy,” she screamed, running back into the bedroom. He thought he had packed the dog hours ago.
“Liddy, let’s put puppy in your bag so we don’t lose her.”
“No,” she said firmly. “I want to hold her.”
Mark sighed. He didn’t want to think about a night in Rome with a screaming child, because she left the damn dog somewhere. “All right, but you have to be very careful not to lose her.”
“I won’t.” She hugged the dog tighter to her chest. “Where are we going, Daddy?”
He loaded the bags in the car and buckled her in the car seat. “Remember the lady from the store? We’re going to say hello to her mommy and daddy.”
“Can we see her doggie?” Liddy bounced in her seat.
“Doggie might not be there, honey.”
“Why?”
He sighed. This was the new Liddy with a million different questions. He drove the familiar road past the ice cream parlor and the convenience store. He always liked the view as he drove into the hills to the small Blossom home. Hopefully, Bea and Pete would help him out. He knocked on the door, Liddy’s hand in his, and the dog grasped in her other hand.
“Mark, what are you doing here?” She glanced quickly at the child then over her shoulder into the house.
“I hoped I could talk to you for a minute. I’m looking for Mags.”
“She’s a beautiful child, Mark.”
“My daughter, Liddy.” Bea was not easily surprised and nodded thoughtfully. She stepped out on the porch, pulling the door closed behind her.
“Mark, Maggie’s been very upset. I’m not sure what’s going on, but it might not be a good idea talking to her right now.”
“I made that mistake once and won’t make it again. She has to listen to me.”
She glanced again at the child who decided to sit on the porch rocker. “Does Maggie know about the child?”
“Bea, she knows a lot of things that she doesn’t understand. I don’t have a lot of time. I have a flight soon, but I can’t leave without seeing her. Can you tell me where she went?”
Damn, would these two ever get it right? “She’s in the back with her father.”
Mark’s eyes widened. She came home. “Let me try, please.”
Bea nodded. “Want me to keep the little one with me?”
“No, thanks. I hope Mags will keep calm with Liddy around and give me a chance.”
She nodded again and opened the door. “Through the kitchen. I’m sure you remember.”
He stepped back in time to the highly polished chrome appliances that circled the small wooden table and chairs. Everything in bright yellow that complimented the floral curtains on the windows. He pushed back the door wall. Mags sat in shorts and a summery top on the picnic table with her back to the door. She was watching Pete, digging in the flower beds with his pots all around him. Liddy at his side, Bea stepping out behind him, his chest ached for the family they could have been. No, would be somehow.
“Mark? Good to see you.” Her father noticed him first. Mags’ shoulders tensed, her body rigid as she clasped her hands in front of her. “And who is this pretty girl?”
Liddy crossed the yard to Mags and smiled into her heart. “Where’s your dog?”
She swallowed hard and brushed her hair back. Over her shoulder she saw Mark who had moved a few steps closer. “Perry,” he whispered. “Till I get back.”
She turned her attention back to the child who eagerly waited. “Rufus isn’t here right now, honey, but I promise in a few days, you’ll be seeing a lot of her just like she’s your dog.”
“Up.”
Without a thought, Mags lifted the child to her lap. “That’s my mom and dad,” she pointed out. “They’re planting flowers. Reds, pinks, and purples.”
“Can I help?”
“Maybe. You can ask them if they need any help.”
Mark watched her every move. She was a natural mother, gentle and protective. Why had he worried about Liddy’s heart? She rose to leave.
“Maggie, we need to talk.”
“I thought we did. There’s nothing left to say, Mark.”
“Bull, we need to talk about Liddy and us.”
“Mark, Liddy’s thirsty. Can I take her inside for some lemonade?”
Even that seemed right. Bea and Pete slipping into the role of grandparents. “Sure. Be good, honey.”
Liddy raced to the door with Mags’ parents, and Mark turned back to her. “Look, there’s so much I want to say to you, but I have to make my flight soon. I don’t want to go.”
“Right. It’s the vacation of a lifetime. You and Melissa will have a wonderful time.”
“No.” He tipped her chin to meet his eyes. “This is not a vacation with Melissa. It’s an obligation for my sister. You have to believe that, baby. I’m not letting go of us again.”
“We should never have tried to go back in time, Mark. We…I never should have approached you in that restaurant. Just walk away,” she echoed his words. “If we accidentally run into each other, do us both a favor and walk away.”
“No.” He grabbed her shoulders fiercely and held her firmly in place. “Neither of us is walking or running this time. I’m so glad you had the balls to slip into the booth across from me that night. Everything I had carefully hidden in my heart raged to the surface. Mags, please, don’t throw us away.”
/>
“Daddy look.” Liddy was fast approaching with both hands wrapped tightly around a paper cup. “Lemonade.”
“Mags, don’t run. Wait for me to come back and promise me we’ll sit down and talk. You decide where. I’ll go wherever you want but sit with me and listen. Please.”
“I can’t make promises, Mark. I’m not sure I even believe in…”
“Yes, you can, and I’ll prove it.” His hand circled her neck.
“Mark, don’t.”
“I have to. Mrs. Winslow said so.” His lips brushed hers.
“Who’s Mrs. Winslow?”
“The appointment you barged in on? She said I should kiss you till you forget why you’re mad at me.” He made the connection before she protested, before her hands could push against his chest, and before Liddy would squeal when she spilled her lemonade. He poured all his love in one demanding, soul-searching kiss. “Wait, Maggie.” He could hardly breathe. “I’ll make this right when I come back. I promise I will.”
He picked up his daughter and waved to her parents as he headed in the kitchen.
“What are you doing, Daddy?”
Mags’ new phone sat on the counter. He smiled at his little girl. “Taking out a little insurance policy.” He called his phone from hers. Now, he had her number.
He loaded Liddy back in the car and sped toward the airport, her taste still on his lips and tongue. Never getting away, he whispered, never.
Nearly an hour later her mother found her in her room, her cheeks stained with tears. “Mags, is this Liddy’s? I found it on the kitchen floor. She must have dropped it when she took her lemonade.”
“Oh, no, no. She’ll have a meltdown when she knows it’s missing.” Mags brushed at her cheeks.
“I’m sure Mark can buy her another toy.”
“No, you don’t understand how much Liddy loves this dog.” She grabbed her purse and her keys. “I have to get this to her.”