Silly tears formed once again, and she pushed them back. What was wrong with her? She hardly ever cried.
Peg came out from the kitchen to wrap her in a tight hug. “I’m so sorry about your house, honey.”
In the comfort of Peg’s ample arms, Maxi breathed a great sigh. Here with this woman’s unconditional love and support, Maxi could believe everything would be OK.
Peg pulled back to smooth a hand over her cheek. “I thank God you weren’t hurt. You must have some amazing guardian angels watching out for you, girl.”
Maxi frowned. She didn’t see it that way at all. Instead, it seemed like she was cursed.
“How else do you think my boy arrived right in the nick of time to save you?” Peg raised one ginger eyebrow above her bifocals. “You believe what you want. I know the angels were looking out for you.”
Peg put her arm around Maxi’s shoulders and steered her into the kitchen where a big pot of some great smelling food simmered. Maxi hadn’t really eaten since the previous day. She was ravenous.
“Sit down. I’ll get you some stew. Jason can join us when he gets back.”
Peg had sent him to get milk and bread at the corner store. Maxi was glad for a few moments without him to allow her system to settle. Jason obviously regretted their kiss. He hadn’t been able to look her in the eye since. She gave an inward sigh. It would be better if they both forgot it had ever happened. Especially since they’d be living under the same roof for an indefinite period of time. The last thing she needed in her life was another complication.
Peg set a plate of steaming beef stew and a basket of hot biscuits in front of her, and Maxi gave herself over to the pleasure of a home-cooked meal. Peg poured her a large glass of juice and then sat down across the small table with her own plate.
“Thank you so much for taking us in,” Maxi said between bites.
“Pishposh. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Bernice can have the spare room, and I’ve fixed Jason’s up for you.”
Maxi swallowed a groan. Sleep in Jason’s bed? What had she done to deserve this kind of torture? “I don’t want to put Jason out. I can sleep on the couch.”
Peg paused, her fork in mid-air. “Jason wouldn’t hear of it. He’s very much a gentleman, if I do say so myself.” She grinned the smile of a proud mother. “Besides, we have a perfectly good spare bed in the basement. He’s already moved his things down there.”
Sometimes Maxi envied Peg and Jason their close relationship. Since Jason’s father left, it had been the two of them against the world. Jason was devoted to his mother, enduring endless ridicule from his friends for still living at home. Only Maxi knew he couldn’t bear to think of his mother all alone—that the scars of his father’s abandonment ran far deeper than he would ever admit.
Jason returned just as Maxi finished her cherry pie and tea. His presence in the small kitchen seemed to suck the very air out of the room. A hum of tension returned to her veins as she struggled to let on that everything was normal.
Peg stood at the sink washing the dishes. Jason grabbed a plate from the cupboard and ladled the stew out for himself. He sat down, still not looking at her, and attacked his plate. She grappled for something ordinary to say, but there was nothing ordinary about this situation.
She finished her drink and rose to take her cup to the sink. “That was wonderful, Peg. Best food I’ve had since…”
“Since New York?”
“Since my mom’s cooking. She hasn’t felt up to it…lately.” Maxi picked up a towel to dry the dishes.
“Give her some time. She’ll come around.” Peg nodded toward the living room. “You go and relax. You’re still recovering from your ordeal.”
Maxi shook her head. “If I’m going to impose on you, I’m at least going to do my share of the work.”
A chair scraped the floor. Jason thrust his plate, already empty, into the sink and took the towel from her hands. “Go and sit down.”
Strained emotions vibrated between them, and for once she obeyed without arguing.
“I’ll go call the hospital and check on Mama.”
Back in the living room, Maxi retrieved her purse and took out her phone. She spoke briefly with her mother, reassured that she seemed to be faring well. She was about to put the phone away when it rang in her hands.
Lily’s concerned voice came through. “Hey, I just heard about the fire. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.
“Where are you now?”
“At Peg’s. She’s offered to put Mama and me up until the house is fixed.”
There was a chuckle on the other end. “This is an interesting twist.”
“Let it go, Lily,” she hissed in a low voice. “It’s very temporary.” She pushed all thoughts of the kiss out of her mind just in case Lily had some latent psychic ability.
Lily only laughed louder. “I can’t wait to see how this pans out.” She turned serious again. “You sure you’re OK? I can come over if you want.”
“No. I’ll see you soon.”
“OK. Call if you need anything.”
“I will.”
Maxi clicked her phone off. Sudden exhaustion hit her like a two-ton truck. The onslaught of emotion earlier in the day must’ve taken a lot more out of her than she realized. She looked at her watch to see if it was too early to retire for the night. She didn’t want Peg and Jason to think she was avoiding them.
“You look beat.” She jumped at Jason’s voice behind the sofa. “If you want to turn in, go ahead.”
He sat down, not beside her on the couch, but across the room in an armchair.
Her shoulders sagged. She didn’t have the energy for this tonight. “I think I will. Thanks—for everything.”
His eyes met hers for the first time since he’d kissed her. He nodded once, picked up the remote for the television, and clicked on the screen.
****
Jason left the house before 7:00 AM the next day. He wanted to go by the North house before he headed over to work at the Logans’. He was leaving early to avoid seeing Maxi, but he didn’t care. He needed the space to get over what had happened between them.
The mess he’d created, more like.
What on earth had possessed him to kiss her? He’d gone and done what he always swore he’d never do—he’d crossed the fragile line of friendship by violating the unwritten code. You didn’t kiss your female friends. His one moment of insanity could have cost him everything. Cost him Maxi’s friendship—a friendship they’d just started working their way back to.
He smacked his hand on the steering wheel. A spurt of pain shot up his arm. A romantic relationship with Maxi was not an option. He’d vowed long ago that he would never marry or have children. He wouldn’t risk turning out like his father, causing some other poor woman and child the type of anguish he and his mother had endured. That’s why he kept his romantic dalliances to short intervals with women who were not interested in a serious relationship.
The one exception had been Susie Marshall, but once she started hinting at an engagement ring, he’d broken all ties with her. He’d made a big mistake with Susie, allowing his emotions to override his resolve. In the process, he’d hurt a girl he cared a great deal about.
No wonder he’d turned to Gloria Johnson—a girl no one ever got serious about. But after his disastrous interlude with Gloria, when his life and his morals had seemed to be careening out of control, Jason had sought counseling from Nick Logan. With Nick’s help, Jason had come to a new level of commitment in his faith and had taken a personal oath not to ever play with the affections of a woman again.
Jason scrubbed a hand over the stubble on his chin. He doubted he’d ever change his mind about marriage and children, yet deep down where it mattered, he feared Maxi could be the one woman to make him disregard his resolution, and he wasn’t about to let that happen. Maxi deserved a husband and children, something he wasn’t prepared to offer, even if it meant living his life alone.
> No. Getting romantically involved with Maxi was a terrible idea on many levels.
After taking a few measurements upstairs at the North house, Jason headed over to Nick and Lily’s. They were usually up by seven, so he wasn’t worried about arriving too early.
Nick smiled as he let him in. “Here’s our hero.” He clapped Jason on the back.
Jason scowled. “I’m no hero. I did what anyone else would do in the situation.”
Nick only grinned. “OK, Mr. Modesty. There’s coffee in the kitchen if you’re interested.”
Lily, clad in a bulky bathrobe, turned toward him as he entered. She walked straight over, wrapped her arms around him, and squeezed. Stunned, Jason stood as rigid as a statue.
“Thank you for saving my best friend’s life.”
Sheesh, if he’d known people would make this kind of fuss, he’d have disappeared before the paramedics arrived. “You’re welcome. Can I get a cup of coffee now?”
She unwound herself and wiped her eyes. “Sorry. Pregnancy’s making me weepy.”
She went to the cupboard and got him a mug, which he took to the coffeemaker.
“Are you going to be home today?” he asked. “Because the work I’m doing will be noisy.”
Lily lowered herself gingerly to a chair that sat at an awkward distance from the table to allow for her belly. “Nick won’t let me help at the shelter. Maybe I’ll go visit Maxi, make sure she’s all right.”
“I think she’d like that. It’d take her mind off things.”
Like me kissing her socks off.
“How long do you think the repairs at her place will take?”
He took a swig of coffee before answering, knowing whatever he said would be repeated verbatim to Maxi. “Probably a few weeks.”
Lily sighed. “This is going to mess up Maxi’s plans for the partnership.” She looked at him. “If you need to take time off here to concentrate on the farmhouse, I’m sure Nick won’t mind. Anything to help Maxi get back to New York as soon as she can.”
Nick came in, fighting with the top button of his shirt under his clerical collar, saving Jason from having to respond. He didn’t want to think about Maxi leaving yet.
Nick walked up behind Lily and put his hands on her shoulders. “You sure you’re feeling OK?”
She smiled at him. “I’m fine. Just huge.”
He frowned as if he didn’t believe her. “I can cancel this conference today and stay home.”
“I’ve got three more weeks to go. You can’t stay home every day ’til then.” Lily reached over to pat his hand. “I’ll be fine.”
Nick looked at Jason. “I’ve got to go into Bismarck today. You’ll be around, won’t you?”
“Most of the day. Don’t worry. We’ll make sure she’s covered.” Jason smirked at Lily’s glare and drained his cup.
“I don’t need a babysitter,” she announced to the room in general.
Nick bent to kiss her. “I know you don’t, but can you humor a nervous father-to-be?”
Her face softened and the mutinous glare disappeared. “I guess so.”
“If you need me, I’ll have my cell on.”
Jason discreetly left the room so the two could say a more private good-bye.
****
Maxi waited in Peg’s salon for Lily to arrive. It felt like old times, setting up her former workstation in preparation for her next client. She remembered one of the first days Lily had worked there as a receptionist. Maxi had persuaded Lily to let her work on her gorgeous long tresses. Today, she hoped to try something a bit edgier on Lily. She was so beautiful, anything would look good on her, and Maxi would have another masterpiece for her portfolio.
It felt good to be doing something constructive instead of dwelling on her problems. Later, she would head into Kingsville to visit her mom in the hospital, maybe take her some of her favorite chocolates.
The door jangled announcing Lily’s arrival. Maxi walked over to greet her and startled when Lily grabbed her for a hard hug.
“I can’t believe I could’ve lost my best friend.” Her large brown eyes brimmed with tears.
Maxi waved off Lily’s display of emotion. “It’ll take more than a little smoke to kill me off. I may be small, but I’m tough.”
Lily laughed through her tears. “You don’t need to remind me.” She looked around the shop. “Where’s Peg?”
“She had a break for an hour, so she went home. We have the place to ourselves for now.”
“Just like old times.” Lily smiled as Maxi led her to the chair. “Remember the first time you did my hair?”
Maxi laughed. “I was thinking about that before you got here. This time I’m much more experienced. I’m going to do a modern city do on you.”
“As long as there’s no cutting involved.”
“I promise.” Maxi began to brush out Lily’s long, dark locks. She had the type of hair most women would kill for. Thick and wavy with natural highlights.
“I see you haven’t got your spikes today,” Lily said as Maxi worked.
Instead of her usual porcupine style, Maxi’d worn it tucked behind her ears. The bangs remained a little spiky, just for effect. Of course, the standard large hoop earrings were still the highlight of her look. “I thought I’d try something different for a change. Besides, I couldn’t find any hair gel at the Hanleys’ this morning.”
Lily laughed as Maxi twisted long strips of her hair into interesting loops on top of her head. “I’m glad you called. Jason’s working at the house, making a lot of noise. I needed an escape.”
“Glad I could help.” Maxi didn’t want to think about Jason at the moment.
She worked with feverish intensity until she captured the look she wanted. Then with Lily’s permission, she added an interesting flare of makeup and got out her digital camera for the photos.
“Make sure you don’t get my belly in there,” Lily demanded as she posed.
Maxi laughed. “We could start a whole new line of haute couture for pregnant women.”
They were still laughing when the bell jangled at the front of the store.
“I’ll see who it is. You take a break,” Maxi ordered.
She headed toward the front of the shop, camera in hand, only to stop cold when she saw who had entered. Gloria Johnson, of all people, stood at the reception desk, her bleached blonde hair pulled into a high ponytail. She wore a low-cut, black top. The hem of the shirt didn’t quite meet her belly button or the top of her low-rise jeans. A dragonfly tattoo peeked out from beneath her right sleeve. A strong tide of long-dormant dislike rose in waves through Maxi’s frame. As far as she could tell, nothing much had changed about Gloria. Maxi tried to keep a neutral expression on her face as she approached her.
“Can I help you?”
Through her obviously fake lashes, Gloria looked Maxi up and down. “I didn’t know you were still in town. Slumming, are we?”
Maxi struggled to put a leash on her temper. “Hello, Gloria. Do you have an appointment?”
“No, but I’d like a manicure. And there doesn’t seem to be a line.”
“Sorry, it’s the manicurist’s day off.” Out of old habit, Maxi bent to flick the pages of the appointment book. “I can book you in for Tuesday if you like.”
Gloria looked down her nose at Maxi. “Can’t you do it? You don’t look busy.”
Maxi raised her head from the book and stiffened her shoulders. “I don’t work here. I’m just keeping an eye on things for Peg ’til she gets back.”
Gloria threw a look over at Lily, who was likely watching the exchange from the back. “Still trying to impress Jason and his mother, I see. Don’t waste your energy. Take it from someone who knows. He’s not worth it.”
Maxi’s hands curled into tight fists. How dare she talk about Jason that way? A string of oaths escaped before she could check herself.
“I can see New York’s sophistication hasn’t rubbed off on you.” Gloria sneered. “Don’t bother with an a
ppointment. I’ll come back another time—when the stench clears.”
She turned and stalked out the front door, letting it slam behind her. With great deliberation, Maxi unclenched her hands and took a deep breath. She’d like nothing better than to smack the smug smile off Gloria’s overly made-up face.
“Is it me, or do you two have a history of some sort?”
Lily’s voice behind her made Maxi start. She blew out the breath she’d been holding. “Sorry about that. I shouldn’t have let her get to me.” She paused. “I keep forgetting you’ve only lived here a few years. You missed the great high school escapades.”
“You want to talk about it? I don’t have any ice cream, but I think there’s soda in the lunch room.”
Maxi grinned, remembering the time she’d been upset about Jason and Susie Marshall, and Lily had cheered her up with chocolate sundaes. “Soda will do fine. Thanks.”
“So what’s with this Gloria person?” Lily asked a few minutes later as she handed Maxi a cola from the fridge in the break room.
Maxi popped the top of her can and joined Lily at the scarred metal lunch table. “We went to school together, but never got along. She was in the popular crowd. You know, a new boyfriend every few weeks, until she ran out of eligible males. I don’t know what the guys saw in her.”
“Blonde, built, and available. Say no more.” Lily sipped her orange soda. “I take it Jason was one of her conquests.”
Maxi frowned. “Not back then. But apparently he broke up with her a few months ago.” She was amazed how much the thought of Jason and Gloria together made her see red. “I can’t believe he’d go out with her after all the mean things she did to me in high school.”
“Like what?”
Maxi flinched. The pain of Gloria’s last stunt still stung, and she didn’t relish reliving it. “Let’s just say I was the butt of her very public jokes.”
“Why does she hate you so much?”
Trust Lily to get right to the nitty-gritty. Maxi sighed. “For one thing, I caught her cheating on an exam and snitched on her. And two, she wanted Jason. In the worst way.” Maxi took a long gulp of soda and fought the tension curling up her spine. “At the time, he wasn’t interested. Jason and I were best friends, but everyone assumed there was more to it. Gloria was flat out jealous.”
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