She bit down on her lip, staring at her hands twisted together in her lap.
He reached into his pant pocket, took out the marriage license, and ripped it in half. “Do what’s best for your child, Gloria. Pray about it, and I know you’ll find the answer.” He should have taken this same advice—given to him by Nick.
Shoulders slumped, he turned back toward the truck.
“Jason, wait.”
He looked over his shoulder to see her behind him on the walkway, eyes swollen in a pale face. “I do love you. Isn’t there any way…?”
He shook his head. “No, there isn’t. I’m sorry, Gloria.”
The misery on her face mirrored his own. For a few brief moments, Jason allowed himself to grieve the loss of a child he hadn’t wanted in the first place.
28
Maxi fastened the cape around Madam Rothman’s thin neck, thankful that at least one of her former clients had remained loyal.
She’d been back at work in New York for less than forty-eight hours and was still waiting for the thrill to return. She put it down to the lingering depression over losing Jason. Once her heart healed, her interest in her work would return. It had to.
“So what are we doing today? Highlights? Lowlights?” Maxi did her best to hide the dull ache in her chest behind a cheerful manner, however, she really didn’t have to worry that her customers would notice anything amiss. Most of them were too self-absorbed to even consider she had a life outside the salon.
The aristocratic woman met Maxi’s gaze in the mirror. “No time for that, darling. Mr. Rothman and I have a soirée to attend. I need a fabulous upswing to match my new Vera Wang gown.”
“No problem.” Maxi tried to muster some enthusiasm. When had making rich, aging women look good become boring to her? An unbidden image of Dora Lee’s enthusiastic face sprang to mind. With a sigh, she pushed the thought away and picked up a comb.
While Maxi worked her magic on Madam Rothman’s silver tresses, Philippe entered the main salon. He stopped to speak with Sierra at her station. Maxi’s gaze moved across the room and caught Cherise’s curious look. Her eyebrows rose in a question as if to say ‘What’s up?’ Maxi shrugged and continued her work before she earned another tongue lashing from Madame Rothman.
A few seconds later, Philippe crossed the room on a path toward her. Maxi’s palms dampened as he approached. Had he come to let her know he’d made his decision?
“Bonjour, Madam Rothman. You look stunning as usual.” Philippe flashed a wide smile at the woman in the chair, who actually blushed like a schoolgirl, despite the fact that she was at least fifteen years his senior.
“Why, thank you, Philippe.”
He turned his attention then to Maxi. “When you’re finished with your lovely client, I’d like a word with you in my office.”
His expression gave nothing away.
“Of course.”
“Bon.” He bowed slightly and turned to march across the room.
“Is it me or is this something out of the ordinary?” Madam Rothman’s shrewd eyes pierced Maxi’s in the mirror.
She shrugged and picked up the hair spray. “Guess I’ll find out soon enough.”
“I hope you’re not in trouble. Heaven knows Philippe has had enough complaints from customers about your long absence. But don’t worry. I doubt he’d fire you.”
Maxi ignored the woman’s steely stare in the glass. Her attempt to pry some nugget of gossip from her wasn’t going to work.
Ten minutes later, Maxi said good-bye to Lillian Rothman, pocketed her tip and mentally prepared for her meeting with Philippe.
“What’s going on?” Cherise’s conspiratorial whisper over her shoulder made Maxi smile.
“I’ll find out in a few minutes. I have a summons from the boss.” She hoped joking would ease her building tension.
Cherise’s wild perfume surrounded her as she gave Maxi a quick hug. “Good luck, sweetie. You deserve this promotion.”
“Thanks. But don’t celebrate yet.”
Five minutes later, Maxi sat alone in Philippe’s luxurious office awaiting his return after his personal assistant had shown her in. Instinct told her Philippe had made his decision and was about to reveal the new partner. She should be filled with anticipation, her nerves dancing with delicious delight. Instead, she sat in complete silence, feeling as wooden as the piece of artwork on Philippe’s desk.
Today, the usually bright room was bathed in somber grayness. Rain dripped down the big picture window, obscuring the usual magnificent view, disguising it as one dark canvas. The weather matched her mood. Over the last few days, she’d done a lot of thinking about her conversation with Nick. She had to admit, she wasn’t proud of her recent behavior. Striking out at Sierra and Gloria in anger had not been the right way to handle things. There was a difference between standing up for herself and wreaking retribution. Lashing out in anger made her no better than those who had hurt her.
She took a calming breath and vowed no matter how this scenario played out, she would accept her fate as part of God’s plan. The events of the past several weeks made her realize she needed to turn control of her life over to a wiser force than she. To a God who knew what was best for her and loved her despite all her mistakes.
“Bonjour, Maxi. Comment ça va?” Philippe flew in like a proverbial tornado.
“Hello, Philippe.” She mustered a brief smile. “Where’s Sierra?”
“I will see her later. I want to speak to each of you alone.” His sly grin told her he suspected a cat fight to erupt at the news he was about to impart.
Maxi didn’t care. She’d rather hear the verdict without the smug Sierra present.
Philippe took his chair behind the chrome desk and opened a folder. He cleared his throat and looked over at Maxi.
Why wasn’t her heart pounding? Her palms sweating? This partnership symbolized the realization of her childhood dreams. Everything she’d hoped for since those turbulent teen years. Yet she felt completely detached as she waited for Philippe to reveal his choice, almost as if she were watching someone else’s life unfold.
“As you might have surmised, we have made our choice for the partnership.” He took a quick sip from a glass of water. “This has been a difficult decision. You both are strong, creative stylists with unique talents. You both bring many assets to our company.” He paused and steepled his fingers together. He studied her for a moment as if wishing to draw out the drama. Then a huge smile broke out over his face. “I will not keep you in suspense. After much debate, I am pleased to tell you we’ve decided to offer the partnership to you, Maxi.”
Her heart jolted in her chest. Her mouth fell open. Then she clamped it shut. She’d won the partnership despite all Sierra’s tricks.
“Congratulations, Maxi. I have every confidence you will be a valuable asset to the Baronne team.” Philippe stood and held out his hand across the desk.
She rose, still hardly believing what she’d heard, and shook his hand. Her knees quaked as a myriad of emotions washed over her. She’d actually done it. She’d shown her father she was worth something after all.
Except he wasn’t here to see it.
She pulled her hand back and realized Philippe was waiting for her to say something.
“Thank you so much, Philippe. Your confidence means a great deal to me.”
“It is well-deserved, chérie. Please sit. We have paperwork to fill out.”
She sank onto her chair, willing herself to feel the joy she should feel at this most pivotal point in her life. Philippe opened a folder and shuffled some papers inside. As he did, the photo of Dora Lee peeked out at her. The beaming face of her new friend created a spasm of homesickness in Maxi’s stomach. She pressed a hand to her midsection as if to settle the inner churning.
Why did she suddenly feel like she’d sold out on everyone who cared about her?
She thought about the years ahead, pandering to the likes of Madam Rothman, and a wave of nausea hit
her. Perspiration streaked down her spine. This did not feel right at all. Almost without realizing it, she reached out and picked up the headshot of Dora Lee and then the one of Lily. She thought about the women she could help at the shelter, women who would really appreciate her input. Hot tears welled behind her eyes as a moment of clarity struck.
She’d achieved the goal she’d pursued with relentless zeal for the past two years, and now, she knew it wasn’t what she needed anymore. She’d changed over the past few weeks, and her goals had changed as well. Her stomach roiled at the magnitude of the words she was about to utter.
She laid the photos down and looked up. “I want to thank you, Philippe. It has been such an honor to work here and mentor under your expertise.” A slight frown appeared between his dark brows, and she released a slow breath. “Unfortunately, I must decline the offer.”
She expected disappointment, hurt even. However, the anger that distorted his handsome features caught her by surprise.
“You dare turn down this opportunity after I have put so much faith in you? After you bring a lawyer here to fight your case?” Red blotches stained his cheeks.
She swallowed and gripped the arms of her chair. “Over the past few weeks, I’ve come to see that I belong in Rainbow Falls. It has nothing to do with your salon or how kind you’ve been to me.”
“Kind? I have taken you from nothing and created the stylist you are today. Without me, you would be lucky to work at the Quick Clip on the corner.”
Maxi absorbed his scorn, understanding its cause. She’d wounded his pride, and to a man like Philippe, his pride was everything.
“I’m truly sorry for disappointing you. I will always value my time at Baronne’s. I hope, in return, you can respect my decision.”
He pressed his mouth into a thin line. After several long seconds of silence, he blew out a breath. “There is nothing I can do to change your mind?”
“I’m afraid not.”
She rose from her chair and held out her hand to him. It hung suspended in mid-air over his desk for a moment before he rose and shook it. The anger had lessened, but a certain coldness had set in. “I suppose I have no choice then. Good-bye, Maxi. I hope you will be happy back in your little town.”
Happy? She doubted she’d be happy for a very long time to come—time she needed to get over Jason and heal from the disappointments of her past. “Thank you, Philippe. Give Sierra my congratulations.”
Surprisingly, she meant it. One good thing had come out of all this—she’d somehow managed to let go of the anger that had simmered under her skin all these years. With Nick’s help, she could now welcome God’s hand in guiding her future. “I wish all of you nothing but the best.”
She released his hand and walked with calm certainty out of his office.
****
The closer Jason came to home, the bigger his grin became as realization finally dawned.
He didn’t have to marry Gloria Johnson. The relief spilled over him like a tidal wave crashing to shore. The large boulder of guilt rolled off his shoulders, replaced by a bubble of joy rising through his chest.
He had to tell Maxi.
Jason hadn’t been around much in a couple of days, afraid he’d run into her. Now he longed for the sight of her. The screen door banged shut behind him as he rushed into the house.
“Try not to rattle the windows.” His mother looked up from her recipe book on the kitchen table with a scowl.
Jason only grinned harder and bent to kiss her cheek. “Hey, Ma. Any idea where Maxi is?”
Her mouth tightened. “She’s gone back to New York. What do you expect with you marrying that Johnson girl?”
Maxi had gone back. He paused for a moment, letting the thought settle. Hadn’t expected her to leave again so soon. No matter. A slight setback but nothing he couldn’t handle. He opened the fridge door and pulled out a soda. “How long does it take to drive to New York from here?”
His mother slammed the recipe book shut and pulled her bifocals off her nose. “Why are you so happy? What’s going on here?”
Jason popped the lid and took a quick swig of his drink, relishing the rush of carbonation in his mouth. Then he set the can on the table. His smile felt like it would crack his face in half. “I’m not marrying Gloria. The baby’s not mine after all.”
His mother let out one long whoop and jumped up, knocking over her chair. She threw herself into Jason’s arms. He laughed out loud as he hugged her back.
“Alleluia. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“I didn’t know you were so religious, Ma.” He winked at her.
“I am now.” She hugged him again. “You have no idea how relieved I am.”
“Oh, I think I have some idea.”
She gave him a playful swat, and he laughed again. It felt so good to be able to do that.
“What’s all the celebrating about?” Neither one of them had noticed Bernice wheel quietly into the open kitchen doorway. “Lord knows we could use something to celebrate right now.” She looked from one to the other, an expectant expression on her face.
Jason knelt down in front of her chair and took her hands in his. “Mrs. North, I’m going to marry your daughter.”
“Oh, my.” She blinked as she tried to take his words in, and then a brilliant smile broke forth, creating a wreath of wrinkles around her eyes. “Can it be true?”
Jason grinned back. “Oh, yeah. Now the only thing I have to do is convince Maxi.”
29
Maxi placed the treasured graduation photo of Jason inside the last box, closed the flaps and sealed it shut. It was a symbolic gesture, she knew, for packing away the past and preparing for the future, but it felt good nonetheless. She laid the roll of tape aside, and straightened to look around her New York apartment. All the furniture was staying, so other than the tiny mountain of boxes in the corner, the place would remain unchanged. She would miss this apartment, with its high ceilings and impossibly large windows overlooking the bustling street below.
She wiped perspiration off her damp forehead and peered down at her old gray sweats. A shower would be the next order of business. She’d been packing since she’d gotten up, and it was well past two o’clock. The image in the hallway mirror as she passed made her wince. Not a spec of makeup and her hair reminded her of a disheveled peacock. If Philippe could see her now, he’d most certainly rescind his offer.
She laughed aloud at the thought and headed through to the galley kitchen to get a drink. Despite the residual ache in her heart over losing Jason, she felt an unusual sense of freedom. It had taken achieving her life-long dream to make her realize it wasn’t what she wanted after all. That and coming to terms with Drew’s death after all these years. She finally understood she’d been running away from her father’s disapproval as well as her own guilt.
Turning down the partnership had lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. She now looked forward to going home for good. Working with Peg at the Cut ’N Curl if she’d have her, and helping more women like Dora Lee at the shelter. That was where she’d found her joy and her true purpose in life. If she were honest, she never really belonged in New York. It would always be a place she loved to visit, but she couldn’t live here. Not anymore.
She opened the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water, and then frowned at the loud knock on her door. She checked her watch. The landlord wasn’t supposed to pick up the key and inspect the apartment until four o’clock. Oh well, he’d have to take her as is, sweat pants and all.
She peered through the little peephole just to make sure. Couldn’t be too careful in the city. She blinked to clear her vision, and her muscles seized up like a victim of paralysis.
Jason?
Her unopened bottle of water slipped through her fingers and bounced off the hardwood floor. All the air seemed to evaporate from her lungs. She jumped away from the door as though Jack the Ripper stood on the other side.
Another
knock, louder this time, echoed through the space.
What on earth was he doing here? And why did he have to come when she looked her worst? In a panic, she finger combed her hair and tucked her baggy T-shirt into her pants.
“Maxi. It’s Jason. I need to talk to you.”
The refrigerator motor knocked and sputtered in the kitchen, matching the knocking of her heart in her chest. She wet her dry lips, took a deep breath, and opened the door a crack. “Jason? What are you doing in New York?”
He stood smiling at her in the dim hallway light, his hair windblown over his forehead. The familiar scent of his aftershave, his old battered leather jacket, and worn blue jeans all combined to overwhelm her with longing. He looked so good she wanted to cry.
“I’ve just driven fourteen hours to get here. Can I come in at least?”
Unable to speak, she stood aside to let him in.
He paused for a moment, then strode on through to the living room. His presence filled the space as he stood taking it in. Never did she dream Jason would show up here and be standing larger than life in her apartment.
He let out a low whistle. “Not bad.” Then he noticed the boxes stacked in the corner and turned with a frown. “You moving?”
Shock made her mute. She couldn’t bear to tell him the truth—that she’d given up her job and was coming home to Rainbow Falls with her tail between her legs, her big dreams nothing but an illusion. She ran her tongue over her lips and tried to pull herself together. “Why are you here, Jason? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your wedding?”
His expression turned serious. “Can we sit down? There are a few things I need to tell you.”
He reached for her hand, but she snatched it away. Instead she crossed the room and perched on the end of the stuffed armchair. Bracing herself for whatever Jason had to say, she folded her arms over her chest like a shield. Most likely he’d come to ease his guilt, to ask for forgiveness or some such thing. She wished he’d just say his piece and leave her alone.
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