He looked out the window and the beckoning forest beyond, then walked into the bar area. His gaze swept over the rows of bottles on the shelves, the clusters of tables, the dart boards and pool tables, the scarred old bar he’d spent hours polishing. How proud he’d been the day he’d gained ownership of the place. It had been rundown, but he’d brought it back to life with his own sweat and hard work. He still had plans for improvements…if he stayed.
Should he give this up? Move to Chicago to be with Lucy and his son? Did he love her enough to abandon his dreams so she could live hers?
His bear shuffled uncertainly. Our spirits will wither in the city, yet the needs of a mate and cub must come before our own.
Lou paused in the foyer of the apartment building and yawned.
She used to be able to breeze through a day’s work but that was before Caleb had come into her life. His demands ensured she was often short of sleep, yet she wouldn’t trade him for anything. The way his eyes brightened when she entered the room, his gaze following her every move always made her smile. His love was unquestioning and he’d brought a warmth and light to her life that had been missing for a long time.
“You tired, Lou?” Jimmy spoke to her from the door of his apartment.
“A bit.”
“You ever need a babysitter, I’m your man.” He pointed at his chest. “I had three kids and I changed their diapers.”
“Three? I didn’t know that.” She’d never considered Jimmy having ever been a family man.
“Yeah. My wife and I split when the kids were little. They’re all grown with families of their own now.” His eyes grew distant for a minute before he blinked and gave a rueful smile. “Been a long time since I’ve seen them.”
“Thanks for the offer, Jimmy. I’ll keep you in mind.”
He nodded and then handed her something from behind his back. “Here. I picked this up on the way home from the store the other day. Thought the baby might like it.”
She took the plastic bag and looked inside to see a little yellow duck, and smiled imagining gruff old Jimmy standing in a store looking at baby things. “He’ll love this. Thank you, Jimmy! It was so kind of you.” She gave him a peck on the cheek.
“Yeah, well, a kid needs toys.” He cleared his throat, a flush showing on his sallow face. “I gotta go feed my fish now.” He turned and shuffled back into his apartment.
Lou shook her head and, tucking the toy in with the groceries she’d picked up on the way home, began to climb the stairs. It was surprising how many people had stepped forward to help her, even Jimmy! Not that she’d take him up on his offer, despite his assurances, but it was still kind of him.
She’d just returned to work at the King’s Plate, and Ashton had been a real sweetheart ensuring her hours were such that Roxi could babysit. Everything was falling into place and yet…it wasn’t.
Thoughts of Armand filled her mind. It was so easy to picture him holding the baby, to imagine the three of them strolling down the streets of Stump River showing the baby to everyone or cuddling together in bed while the baby slept in a crib nearby.
She was still lost in her thoughts when she reached the top of the stairs. About to unlock the door, Roxi opened it for her. The girl seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to knowing food was arriving.
“You’re back!”
“You sound happy to see me. Was Caleb giving you a hard time? Or were you hungry?”
“Hungry!” Roxi took the shopping bag, reached in and pulled out the duck. “Um, this might be tough chewing, even for me.”
She laughed and explained while Roxi pulled out a box of cereal and began to munch.
“And how is Caleb?”
“Adorable as always.” She spoke through mouthfuls.
She smiled and peeked into the living room where her son was lying on a blanket on the floor. When he saw her, he began to coo, his little legs kicking in the air.
“Hello, big boy.” She scooped him up and kissed his belly while he laughed and then snuggled him close, breathing in the scent of baby. “Momma missed you.”
She bounced him on her hip, dividing her time between baby talk and chatting with Roxi who was getting ready for work. “Are you going to be home tomorrow night to watch the baby while I go to the centre? Because if not, Jimmy volunteered to babysit.”
Roxi popped her head out of the bathroom, a foamy toothbrush in her hand. “Jimmy! You wouldn’t, would you?”
“He said he’s changed diapers before.”
“Lulu, if you’re trying to guarantee I’ll be home, that will do it!”
“I wasn’t trying to scare you…at least not much.” She winked at Caleb before continuing. “Where is this catering job this afternoon?”
The sound of Roxi rinsing and spitting preceded her answer. “It’s a wedding reception at a private home.”
“You’re not going to try to crack open their safe or pick pockets or anything are you?”
“I’ve told you and told you. I don’t do any of that illegal crap. I just look and listen and pick up any bits of paper left lying about. It’s not my fault if hired help is considered invisible.” She left the bathroom and headed towards her bedroom. “Besides, I sort of know these people, so it wouldn’t be nice to snoop on their wedding day.”
Lou nodded and whispered to Caleb. “See? Auntie Roxi does have some scruples.”
“I heard that!”
“Sorry.”
A minute later she wandered into the living room looking quite smart in black pants and a white shirt. “Have you seen my black flats?”
“Try under your bed.” She shifted her grip on Caleb who was grabbing at her glasses. “You and your daddy, neither of you like my glasses.”
“You know, he’s way ahead in his milestones.” Roxi left and then returned a minute later wearing her shoes. “I was reading up on it today and grabbing glasses at his age is advanced.”
Roxi was reading up about baby milestones? She schooled her features to keep the shock from her face. “Really? That’s interesting.”
“He looks a lot like Armand, don’t you think? Especially with all that dark, curly hair.” Roxi stopped beside her to admire the baby.
“Yes, he does.” She studied her son, unable to stop smiling as he grinned back at her. “You know, I’ve been thinking…”
“About what?”
“That maybe I should…” She paused and took a deep breath, “consider a trip. To Canada.”
“Canada? You mean to see Armand?”
She nodded. “A baby needs a father. I know lots of kids don’t have one and do fine but I want to at least give it a try for Caleb’s sake.”
“Getting back together just because there’s a baby is never a good idea.” Roxi folded her arms and shook her head. “Using the baby as glue to keep you together puts a lot of stress on a kid. That’s what my parents did and look at how I turned out. You don’t want that for Caleb, do you?”
“There’s nothing wrong with you.”
“Aww, that’s nice of you.”
“Well, except for your…hobby.” She softened the comment with a smile.
Roxi laughed as intended, then sobered. “I mean it. If you’re getting back together with Armand, that’s awesome. I think you two are great together, but make sure it’s for the right reasons.”
“Okay…Mother.”
“Hey, your head is full of baby stuff. I need to make sure you’re thinking clearly.”
“I know. Thanks for caring.”
“Anything for my Lulu. Maybe I should go to Canada with you. I could be your nanny and take care of Caleb while you and Armand get…reacquainted.” She gave a meaningful wink and then checked the time. “I’ve gotta run. We can talk about this later.”
Roxi grabbed her purse and Lou locked the door behind her, then settled down on the sofa and considered her future.
“What do you think, sweetie? Should we go to Canada to see your daddy?”
Caleb gurgled
and she took that as a yes.
“He’d love to meet you and, to tell you the truth, I’d like to see him again, too. I’ve missed him.”
She stared down at Caleb, his features reminding her so much of Armand. When she’d first started her new life in Chicago she’d missed Armand —his smile, his laughter, knowing he was there to take care of her—but she’d forced those thoughts from her mind assuming there was no going back. After the mugging, the impossible had become possible again; she’d just been too slow to take advantage of it. Her mind had been fixated on a perfect life in a big a city and she hadn’t been willing to consider any other future. At least not until now.
If she went back to Canada, it wouldn’t be like she was giving up on her dream completely. It had just evolved and changed, sort of like she had. She wasn’t the same Lucy who had left. She’d gone to college, learned to manage public transit, had made new friends and even outwitted industrial spies! If she could do all that, then she could certainly find a way to continue her education back in Stump River and apply the skills she’d already acquired. Maybe she could become a school counselor, or create a website offering online help to people who lived far away from services…
Chapter 33
Roxi entered the apartment humming softly to herself. The wedding she’d been working at had ended hours ago but one of the guests had caught her eye. One thing led to another and she’d spent the rest of the night talking to him.
Matthias.
Matthias Bendov.
Damn, he was hot. Tall, built, gorgeous blond hair, blue eyes and a great smile. Plus, he’d taken her to an all-you-can-eat buffet when she’d said she was hungry. Things were definitely off to a good start.
So far, the only thing against him was that he was a shifter, a bear to be specific. It shouldn’t have surprised her. The wedding had been between a witch and a Lycan, the guests an eclectic mixture. And there were worse things than being a shifter, she supposed.
He worked in construction—hence the muscles—and also helped out at Club Mystique as a bouncer. She’d never noticed him there; either she’d not been at the club on the days he worked, or he’d been hired after she’d sworn off going to Mystique. Whatever the case—
“You’re late.”
She gave a start of surprise, so engrossed in her thoughts she’d not noticed Lulu sitting in the living room.
“Yeah. I went out with a guy after the wedding.”
“What guy?”
“His name’s Matthias, or Matt. The groom introduced me to him of all things.”
“And you like him.”
“Matt?” She shrugged. “He’s okay.”
“Right. That’s why you came in humming.”
“So, I’m in a good mood. Is that a crime?”
“No.” Lulu smiled and took a sip from her cup. “I’m glad you had a good evening.”
“And what about you?” She kicked off her shoes and wandered into the living room.
“Me? It was a thrilling night. I fed Caleb. Burped Caleb. Changed Caleb. Bathed Caleb.”
“And you loved every minute of it.”
“Yep.” She sighed and set her cup down on the coffee table. “I was also doing a lot of thinking.”
“About what?”
“Me and Armand. And Caleb. And Canada. And my job and going to school and if I should stay or if I should go.”
“Come to any great decisions?”
“No. Well…some.”
“Such as?” She sat down on the other end of the sofa, stretching her legs out in front of her.
“When I was pregnant, I didn’t want Armand to think I was only looking for someone to help with the baby. And I didn’t want him to drag me back home. If I went, I wanted it to be my decision, not something forced on me. And going back there pregnant...well…it wouldn’t look good, you know?”
“Yeah, I understand.”
“And I was sure the only way I could get my degree and have the job I wanted was to stay in Chicago.”
“You were so focused on one path, you couldn’t see there were others that might be just as good if not better.” She winked. “I read that in one of your text books, by the way.”
“You were reading my text books?”
“I was bored.” She shrugged. “Anyway, it’s like if you’re heading to the mall and have to take a detour—”
“And the detour leads you to this great restaurant—”
“With better food than the food court.” Roxi grinned. “I love it when we can finish each other’s sentences.”
Lulu smiled. “The point is, detours can be good.”
“Especially if there’s a guy like Armand waiting at the side of the road.”
“So I guess that means I should try going back…at least for a while.” She pressed her hands to her stomach. “I get butterflies just thinking about it.”
“Then just say you’re only going for a visit. It doesn’t have to be permanent.”
“Right.” She worried her lip. “I think I’m going to see if I can get a flight this weekend before I lose my nerve.”
“I’m sure Ashton will give you the time off. He’s an awesome boss.”
“Of course, Armand might not even want me back.” Lulu stared down at her hands.
“Not want you?” She shook her head. “Don’t be ridiculous. He adores you!”
“He adores his son. I get that from his texts. But as for his feelings for me…I’m not so sure.” She gave a rueful smile. “He came all the way to Chicago to check on me and I basically showed him the door. Most guys would say good riddance.”
“Then you’re lucky he’s not most guys.”
Lulu gave her a curious look. “You’re awfully full of sunshine and positive vibes.”
“My stomach is full. It puts me in a good mood.”
“This guy you met—Matt? Let me guess, he fed you?”
“Yep.”
She laughed. “He’s a keeper then.”
“For the time being.” She shrugged. “They always screw up after a while.”
“Well, I hope he lasts for at least several more meals. He can keep you company while I’m gone.”
“Thanks.”
“And on that note, I’m heading to bed.” Lulu stood up and yawned. “Caleb will be awake again and hungry in a few hours.”
“Night.”
“Night. Sleep well.”
After Lulu left the room, Roxi drew her feet up so she was hugging her knees. For all that she’d been encouraging and positive, she had her own reservations about Lulu’s visit to Canada. If Lulu went back, it was going to be permanent, she was sure of it. And that meant they might not see each other again.
The idea had her throat tightening which was stupid. She was happy for Lulu. And it wasn’t like she couldn’t find another roommate. It was just that things were nice and comfortable as they were. She and Lulu and Caleb were like a little family.
Everybody went on and on about how change was good for you but really, sometimes change sucked.
Armand watched as the realtor walked around the bar, peering into the washrooms, testing the floor for squeaks and giving the bar a jiggle to see if it was sturdy.
“I made sure all the repairs were properly done when I purchased the property.”
The realtor nodded, barely looking up from the notes he was making.
Knots of tension had been growing in his shoulders ever since he’d considered putting the bar up for sale. However, if he was going to live in Chicago, he needed to make plans. He had money, investments, some income from his part-ownership in the King’s Plate, but he couldn’t leave the bar unsupervised indefinitely. Ryne’s pack generously managed it on occasion; asking them to do so on a full-time basis would be expecting too much.
“All right. I’ve seen enough. I’ll write up a proposal and get back to you. If you agree, we can have a for sale sign on this place in a few days.” The realtor extended his hand to shake. “I’ll be honest with you. Gi
ven the location, you can’t expect top dollar. There aren’t a lot of buyers in the area. Buildings sit on the market for ages in these small towns.”
“I know.” He shook the man’s hand. “That’s why I thought I would start investigating the possibility of selling early.”
“Good idea.” The realtor nodded. “If I were you, I’d be prepared to accept the first offer you get, even if it’s low. Take what you can and get out or this could be an albatross around your neck.
He scowled as the man left, not appreciating his home being referred to as an albatross.
His bear grumbled as well. We worked hard to make this a good home and a gathering place for the town.
But they’d do what they had to do.
For the sake of our mate and cub, the bear agreed.
He went about his usual routine of preparing the bar so it was ready for customers that night. Everything he touched brought back memories, of course. The plumbing he’d cursed, the light fixtures he’d hung, the pool tables he’d purchased at an auction and then struggled to fit them in through the doors. Leaving would be like saying goodbye to a friend you had nursed back to health.
All good things came to an end, he reminded himself. And there were better things to come. He just needed to stay focused on Lucy and Caleb. As long as he had them, he would be happy.
The bar, the townspeople, even the forest are nothing if we are alone. His bear concurred.
However, being alone was not a problem that day. The realtor must have stopped at Ruth’s and let slip why he’d been in town because, before the day was out, rampant rumours were buzzing through the town and a stream of people kept appearing at the door of the Broken Antler, all hoping to get an inside scoop on what was happening.
It wasn’t until the third visitor that he became suspicious. It was Al from the diner, coming to ask what hours the bar was open while standing right beside the sign.
“Have the hours changed in all the years I’ve operated the bar?” He raised a brow.
Al shrugged. “Not that I can think of.”
“Then why are you asking?”
“Well,” Al cleared his throat. “Truth is, Ruth sent me. There was a realtor in the diner earlier today and…”
Veil of Lies Page 34