by Tara Randel
“Yes. I had to turn them down, of course, but it was nice.”
Her grandmother’s eyes lit up. “Have you considered staying?”
“Funny, Dane asked me the same question. After he witnessed my skills, he thinks I’d be successful.”
Dorinda leaned her elbows on the table, her face filled with expectancy. “What did you tell him?”
“I have some good things going on in L.A., Grandmother. I can’t think about starting my own business now.”
“But you wouldn’t rule it out?”
“Maybe,” she hedged.
“If he suggested you stay, Dane must still have feelings for you.”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions. He needs to replace his event coordinator. I’m more a means to an end.”
Dorinda grinned slyly. “Sometimes life gives you a second chance.”
“In our case, we closed the door on what could have been years ago. Start a new relationship now? I don’t know if it would be for the best.”
“There’s one way to find out.” Dorinda heaved a heartfelt sigh. “What I wouldn’t give to have your grandfather back. You can do just about anything for the one you love.”
“I don’t know if love is enough in our case.”
“Are you saying you love Dane?”
Nealy took her time answering. No matter how many days or how many events passed, she’d never gotten over Dane. The strong, heart-stopping love from her teens hadn’t lost its luster. Yes, he made her heart race and she found herself thinking about him often. But love meant trust. She’d accepted his apology, but deep down, would she always be afraid he’d shatter her world again? “I don’t think I ever stopped loving him. But we were so young. We’re adults now. We have different expectations.”
“Love is love, Nealy.”
“You make it sound so simple.”
“Sometimes we let too many things get in the way.” Her grandmother reached over to place a hand over Nealy’s. “How does he make you feel?”
“Other than confused?” She laughed. “He is sorry for the whole annulment thing. As much as I can’t deny I’m still attracted to him, he’s made it pretty clear he doesn’t want to get married again, which I can understand. I found out about his folks and how they’ve soured his outlook on marriage.”
“A messy situation for Dane.”
“Which leads us back to square one, having no idea what to do about us.”
“So take some more time off. Stay in Cypress Pointe until you figure it out.”
“We’re going to get an answer from Ashlee James soon. If she signs on, working for her will be a sure thing, Grandmother. Waiting around to figure out things with Dane? Not so much.”
“You know, Dane does have a good point about you staying here. If you started an event planning business in Cypress Pointe, we could co-own Cuppa Joe. You wouldn’t have to work here, just oversee the shop. Hire employees, accountants, whomever you need. Keep it in the family.”
A flicker of hope flared in her grandmother’s eyes. The idea was not out of the blue, Nealy had thought of it herself this week. But give up her chance at managing a huge account? It was what she’d been sacrificing for ever since she’d opted for this career. And what about Sam? In light of her rekindled attraction to Dane, it made it impossible to stay in a relationship with Sam. She owed Sam a face-to-face when she ended things.
“Grandmother, as much as I’d love to share Cuppa Joe with you, I can’t make such a huge promise. I have commitments to fulfill.”
“You’re still determined to head to L.A.?”
“In the back of my mind I’ve always thought I might return to Cypress Pointe one day.” She frowned. “But now? I don’t know, Grandmother. All this proximity to Dane brought back good memories and to be honest, he still makes my heart race. I could take a chance, sure, but he didn’t want to be married back then. Doesn’t want to be married now.” She shrugged. “I can’t give my heart to him again if he won’t commit. Staying in L.A. is the smart thing to do. I’m sorry, Grandmother.”
Dorinda sighed. “Don’t be. You have your life. And I want to have some freedom to live mine before I join your grandfather.” She met Nealy’s gaze. “So you’ve made your decision, then?”
“Yes.”
“Then so have I.”
Nealy cocked her head, waiting to hear the words she’d been dreading since her grandmother came through the door. “I’m going to put Cuppa Joe up for sale.”
* * *
DANE STRODE INTO the hospital E.R. on the tails of a phone call from Uncle Hank. His father had been rushed here, but beyond that, Hank didn’t have any more information.
His uncle loitered near the door, his expression grave.
“How bad is it?”
“Your father is with the doctor now. All signs point to a heart attack.”
Dane ran his palm over the back of his neck. “Is he having medical problems he didn’t tell me about?”
“You know your father. Keeps things close to the vest.”
Dane scanned the waiting room. “Is Mom with him?”
“I haven’t seen her. From what I understand, they were together when your father started having chest pains. She called 911.”
A deep ache centered in Dane’s chest. The one he always got when dealing with his parents. Today, in this place, his distress magnified.
“Thanks for meeting me here, Uncle Hank.”
“He’s my brother. We’re family.”
True, but Uncle Hank had been more of a father to Dane than his own biological one. He’d always be thankful for his uncle’s support throughout his life, but more so now in the midst of this emergency.
A woman dressed in scrubs, a stethoscope draped around her neck, approached them. “Are you Mr. Peterson?”
“We both are, but this is the patient’s son.” Hank nodded at Dane. “Why don’t you go see him?”
The woman smiled at Dane. “Follow me.”
Heading down the corridor, Dane blocked out the medicinal smell, a patient’s groans and the prevailing sense of foreboding.
“Here you are.”
With trepidation, Dane entered the room. His father, skin pasty and eyes closed, lay on white sheets, covered with a white blanket. A tube hooked him to an IV. The thought of losing his dad, no matter the status of their relationship, hit him full force. Dane went to his father’s bedside. “Dad,” he said softly, so he wouldn’t startle him.
His father’s eyes fluttered open. “Dane.”
Dane pulled a rolling stool to the side of the bed and sat down. “How are you feeling?”
“They gave me something for the pain.”
“Good.” Dane took a steadying breath. “What happened?”
“Your mother lit into me and we got into a fight. Started getting chest pains.”
Dane controlled the fear mixed with anger. “Has this happened before?”
His father looked away. “Time or two.”
Dane shook his head.
His father looked back. “Where is your mother?”
“I just got here. I don’t know where she is.”
“Just like Evelyn. Stir things up and leave me in the cold.”
Dane didn’t respond. Here his father lay in a hospital bed with an unknown prognosis, and all he could do was crab about his mother? No wonder he had chest pains.
“Love ain’t worth it, son,” his father grumbled. The same words Dane had heard repeated forever. “You’ll end up here, just like me, heartsick and angry.” He moved the pillow more comfortably behind his head. “This is all her fault. She should be here.”
Did the man listen to himself? One minute he blamed his wife for making him sick, the next he wanted her with him. How screwed up was tha
t? Look where the years of unhappiness had gotten his father. Hooked up to a beeping machine, pining over a woman who caused him misery and pain. Dane studied his father, a man who had aged before his time because of bad decisions in a dysfunctional marriage. What did it say about Dane if he ever wound up duplicating his father’s actions?
“You go get her and bring her here,” he demanded.
“Dad, I don’t think—”
“Right now.”
At his father’s command, something in Dane snapped. Years of being his parents’ go-between came to a head. This had to be the worst time to disagree with his father, but he’d had enough. “No.”
His father eyed him. “No?”
“Look, Dad, I don’t wish you any ill will, but I can’t.”
“You’re my son. You’ll do what I say.”
“Yeah, I’m your son. Not a referee.” The man never saw the difficult spot he always put Dane in. Or the fact that his tunnel vision about his wife had brought him to this place. “You and Mom always involve me in your problems. And I let you.”
“So what, you’re just gonna leave me here?” His father tried to raise himself from the bed, his face showing strain from the slight physical action. “I need you, son.”
The guilt card. Effective every time.
“Dad, calm down. We’ll sort all this out.” Dane put a hand on the bed railing. “You’re in good hands here. The staff will make sure you feel better in no time. Maybe put you on medicine to help your heart, but right now you need to rest. Talking about Mom will make you worse.”
“I need her.”
Bottom line. They needed each other. Dane felt tortured. All these years his parents’ problems piled up and the unthinkable happened. A heart attack. This time, there was nothing he could do to make things better for his father. How could he refuse this one request when he looked so awful?
Fatigue overwhelmed him. “I’ll call her. Try to convince her to come be with you.”
Relieved, his father sank back into the bed. A nurse came in to take his vitals, casting Dane a questioning glance before checking her distressed patient.
“I’m going to step out for a few minutes.”
“Call her,” his father said, his voice weak.
Dane escaped from the room. Worry tightened like a vise around his chest. He’d call his mother as his father requested, stay until the doctor gave his diagnosis and treatment options. Once his father was on his feet, Dane would explain he was finished. No more trying to keep his parents exhausting relationship together. No more holding the family together. They had to work out the situation for themselves. If they didn’t want to change, how could he make them?
He couldn’t, but he could change his future. Nealy coming to town had made him rethink his life. Ever since the annulment, he’d run from the thought of marriage, partly because of his parents’ example, but more so because he’d let Nealy down. Then, he hadn’t been able to deal with his own family, let alone a new wife. What had made him think he could take care of her?
Now, all these years later, she was back in town, the beautiful, spirited woman he’d never stopped loving. What-ifs turned into possibilities. Did he have the courage to take a chance on the woman he loved? He refused to end up like his father, sick and disillusioned. No. He wanted a lifetime of happiness and love. Only Nealy would do.
He stalked into the waiting room. Uncle Hank rose from a chair. “How is he?”
“They gave him something for the pain but he looks bad. And here’s the kicker. He can’t stop asking about Mom. Wants me to run out and drag her over here.”
Hank winced. “Let’s go get a cup of coffee. Give you a few minutes to get yourself together.”
They walked in silence to the hospital cafeteria. Dane took a seat while his uncle purchased two coffees. He joined Dane, pushing the steaming cup across the table.
Dane took a bracing sip. “Thanks.”
“What did the doctor say?”
“He wasn’t in the room. I told Dad I’d come back and we’d face this together.”
They sat in silence for a few more moments. The smell of food made Dane’s stomach swirl. He looked at his uncle, desperation dragging him down. “I don’t want to end up like him,” Dane said.
Hank blew out a troubled breath. “I get it, son.”
“Do you? Do you really?”
Hank leaned forward, his face serious. “Yes. I do.”
“It’s like his heart is broken but he won’t take the steps to heal himself.” Dane rested his elbows on the table, coffee cup between his hands. “Someone has to end this cycle.”
“I agree.”
“I always thought that meant not marrying. All these years I’d convinced myself getting an annulment was the right thing to do for Nealy. I’m coming to realize I might have done it for me.”
“Doing the right thing is never easy, no matter the reason.”
“But now I’m wondering, was it the right thing at all?” he said and glanced down at his coffee then back to his uncle. “Since Nealy has been in town, I can’t stop thinking about her, about what we could have together. The spark is still there, yet we both dance around it because of my actions all those years ago.” He leaned in closer. “I know I broke her heart. I understand why she’s wary. But the more I’ve thought about it, I see the way to not end up like my parents is to marry the right woman. Go after her with everything I’ve got. Tell her I love her every day. I want to show my kids true love is mutual admiration, genuine affection and deep love.”
“Like your Aunt Sonia and I.”
“Exactly.” He paused. “Sorry I never emulated your example.”
“Your parents always had a strong hold on you. Set up your worldview.” Hank shook his head. “You’re right, though. You can’t keep getting in the middle, not at the expense of your future happiness. They made their decisions. Now you make your own.”
Dane couldn’t break away from his uncle’s gaze. “You and Aunt Sonia always showed me love at its best. Why did it take me so long to figure it out?”
“You buried the truth of your feelings to keep yourself safe.”
“Once Nealy came back it all made sense. Walking away didn’t solve my problems, instead it made things worse.” He blew out a breath. “I want to win Nealy back. Prove to her we can make a relationship work.”
“I saw this coming, you know. Dreaded it, in fact.” His uncle’s lips curved in a lopsided grin. “Tried everything I could to keep you away from Nealy.”
Dane arched a brow. “You were pretty obvious.”
“I had your best interests at heart, son.”
The sentiment, as well as being called son by a man who truly loved him, touched Dane. “You’ve always looked out for me, Uncle Hank. I appreciate it more than you know.”
Hank cleared his throat. “I’ve only wanted the best for you.”
“Then can we agree the best is Nealy?”
“I think we can,” Hank agreed. “Question is, can you convince her?”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THURSDAY MORNING, NEALY arrived at the coffee shop early, thinking she’d be the first family member to arrive, only to find Davey starting a pot of coffee.
“Thanks for opening the shop,” she said as she stowed her purse under the counter.
He shrugged.
“Something wrong?”
“Great-Gram is going to sell the shop, isn’t she?”
Okay, shaky ground here. How much did she tell him? “She has some ideas.”
“She wouldn’t have called a family meeting if she hadn’t already made up her mind.”
“I think you should hear the news from Grandmother.”
“Uh-huh.”
Davey stomped down the hallway and disapp
eared out the back door.
Nealy bit her lip. The disappointment on Davey’s face mirrored her own. She’d had time to think about her grandmother’s decision. She didn’t want to let go, but she had no choice. She understood the older woman’s need to retire. It still hurt, though.
The door opened and her grandmother came in. “You’re here early, dear.”
“I’ve gotten used to rising at the crack of dawn to make coffee.” Nealy kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “Are you sure you want to hold the meeting here? What about your customers?”
“They won’t be surprised. And they won’t be my customers for long.”
“Ed’s not going to like the change.”
“Ed doesn’t like anything.”
Nealy grinned. Leave it to Grandmother to get right to the point.
They waited on customers and chatted until Nealy noticed Davey hadn’t returned. “I’ll be right back,” she called over her shoulder.
Opening the back door, she peeked outside, her nephew nowhere in sight. She stepped into the alleyway and spied Davey sitting on a stack of crates, deep in conversation with a blonde girl. Should she interrupt? Davey glanced in her direction then spoke to the girl. She nodded and rose, walking to the back door of Rascal’s Candy Shoppe located a few doors down from Cuppa Joe. Davey didn’t move, so Nealy went to him.
“The meeting is about to start soon.”
“I know.” His glum expression turned to a pleading gaze. Nealy’s heart shifted.
“You could stay,” he said in a quiet tone. “You could work here. You and Dane have been hanging out. Maybe you two could get together.”
And maybe pigs could fly. “I already have a job. And while Dane and I have history, I’m not sure staying in Cypress Pointe is good for either of us.”
“You could quit your job. Take over Cuppa Joe. I’d help you.”
She sighed. “I’m not ready to leave L.A. Besides, Grandmother is making a sound decision. Why not sell the place to someone who will love it as much as we do?”
“If we love the place so much, why won’t anyone in the family take over for Great-Gram?”
Why, indeed. “It’s complicated.”