by Leah Atwood
She wouldn’t be the first to end a relationship because she can’t handle the public scrutiny, his niggling conscience whispered. He’d never experienced it, but he had friends who had.
“Sophie’s different,” he argued aloud.
Is she?
“Yes, and this is ridiculous, having an imaginary argument.”
Luckily, he came to Dani’s house before he completely lost his mind.
His cousin was on her porch waiting for him. “Okay there, Bryce? You’re looking a little frazzled.”
“Just being me.”
“I could go so many places with that,” she teased. A muffled laugh escaped. “Seriously though, are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine once I stop making everything harder than it needs to be.”
“But that’s what makes you Bryce Landry. When you care about something, you give it your all. That and obsess over every little detail and contingency.”
“No, I don’t,” he objected. “There’s a difference between focus and obsession.”
“Do you remember the summer we were thirteen?”
He bit on his bottom lip, trying to remember that specific summer. A lazy smile spread over his face. “SOS, summer of Sara.”
“Exactly. That was the first year you were really into girls and you had a crush on my friend Sara.”
“She was a cute brunette. I’ve always had a weakness for them.”
Dani crossed her arms, calling his bluff. “And besides Sara and Sophie, what other brunettes have you ever gone for? All the pictures show you with blondes on your arm.”
“Fine, I’ve only had a weakness for the ones who really mattered.” He grinned and wagged his brows, the easy banter with his cousin relaxing him.
Rolling her eyes, Dani pressed on with her point. “Remember my parents took us to Chicot for a weekend toward the end of summer and Sara came with us?”
“Yes, vaguely.” That was a lifetime ago, it seemed.
“Here’s what I remember from that weekend. You packed two different bottles of insect repellant because you were worried about Sara getting bit by bugs.”
Details of that weekend came back to him. “She’d never gone camping. I wanted her to enjoy the experience.”
“And when we rode our bikes around the campground and she didn’t have one, what did you do?”
“Let her borrow mine, but I’d twisted my ankle, and it hurt too bad to ride anymore.”
“You weren’t fooling anyone, Bryce. Your ankle was no more hurt than my hair was true blonde.”
“Oh.”
“My point is, that yes, sometimes, a lot of times, you make things more difficult than need be, but you do it out of love. You have a big heart and that’s not a bad thing.”
“I’m no saint, Dani. From where I stand, looking in the mirror, I’m a screw-up who’s made more than his share of mistakes.”
“Haven’t we all? We’re all sinners in need of redemption. Did you know Sara’s parents were going through a divorce that summer?”
“No.”
“She didn’t have an easy life. The kindness you showed her stuck with her for life.”
“You still talk to her?”
“Quite often, actually.”
“What’s she been up to?”
“She’s going through a rough patch right now. She married some soldier at eighteen to escape her mom. He’s the kind to give soldiers a bad name and wasn’t a good guy at all. Anyway, Sara had three kids by the time she was twenty-four and was a single mom at twenty-six. Her husband was kicked out with a dishonorable discharge and left her for a girl barely out of high school.”
He sucked in a breath. Life had thrown her some lemons. “No family to help?”
“Not really. Her dad moved to Texas after the divorce and her mom, let’s just say, isn’t what you’d called responsible.”
“How’s she holding up?”
“Every day’s a struggle, trying to get through school all while holding down a job to support her kids.”
“You never know how life is going to turn out, do you?”
“No, so stop spending so much time worrying about what could happen and regretting the past.”
“Gotcha.”
“Can City Boy still hitch up a boat trailer or will I have to show you how it’s done?”
“You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”
“And don’t you ever forget where you’re from,” Dani threatened in a playful manner. “I’d hate to be the one to stick a pin in your ego to deflate it.”
He stuck his tongue out like when they were kids. “Just wait till you’re a famous chef one day.”
“Nah, I’m content here. There’s only room for one celebrity in this family.”
Hopping in the truck, he left the door open to look out as he backed up. Unable to forget what Dani told him about Sara, he had an idea. First, he had to finish hitching the boat trailer to the truck. Dani watched him, arms crossed in amusement, as he tried to line up with the hitch for the third time. So it had been awhile since he’d towed anything.
Finally— mission accomplished.
“Hey Dani, do you have an address for Sara?”
“Yes, why?”
Opening the glove box, he rooted for a checkbook and pen. He ripped off the top check, addressed it to Dani, signed his name and handed the rectangular paper to his cousin. “Fill it out for whatever she’ll need for living expenses until she gets through school, plus a little extra for cushion.”
“That’s not why I told you about her.”
“I know.”
“You can’t rescue everyone.”
“And here I thought I was Superman.”
A smile crept to Dani’s mouth. “You know what I meant.”
“Look, I’m not trying to rescue anyone. If she asks who the money is from, tell her a woman named Shelly got wind of her situation and understands the plight of a single mother. This is for Shelly, to honor her memory. For all the years she provided for Gracie without my help.”
“I’ll talk to Sara, try to get an idea of how much would help. Once I know, I’ll tell you the amount.”
“Thanks.”
“When will you be back down again?”
“In two weeks, but only to pick up Gracie and head to Florida for a few days. Shelly’s parents want to spend some time with her before school starts.”
“Try to stop by if you can. And leave the boat at Gramps’ tonight. He and dad will be taking it out tomorrow, so there’s no point in bringing it back here since I’ll be at work. Gramps’ house is closer to Dad anyway.”
“Sounds good. Thanks again for letting me take it today.”
“Anytime.”
Chapter 17
“I can’t believe we got stuck for over an hour just outside the park’s exit.” Sophie took a bite of her grilled chicken sandwich.
“Some luck, right? At least no one was hurt.” Bryce sat across the table from her, a gigantic burger on his plate.
“What did Gram say when you told her we’d miss dinner?” Thanks to a truck whose cargo came unsecured, they’d been forced to wait while thousands of oranges were cleared from the road. By the time the mess was cleaned up, Bryce had suggested grabbing a bite to eat since they’d be home well after dinnertime.
“She asked me to bring home some orange juice,” he deadpanned.
Almost spitting out the water she’d just sipped, Sophie covered her mouth with a napkin. “No, she didn’t.”
Bryce broke his straight face. “Gram’s humor only gets better with age.”
“This has been the most fun day I can remember in recent history.” She popped another fry in her mouth.
“I know. Man, I’d forgotten how much I love being out on the water.” Bryce took a drink of sweet tea. “When I get some downtime, I might look into getting my own little runabout. Or maybe a jet ski.”
She finished chewing a bite of food. “M
y vote would be a runabout.”
“How come?”
“Brings back memories of childhood. We used to go out almost every weekend before Mia was born.”
“And not after?”
“A few times during Mia’s first summer, I think. I was still pretty young, so I don’t remember everything exactly, but Dad’s company was going through a rough spell and had to do temporary layoffs. He had to sell the boat. At the time, I was so mad at Mia. I thought Dad got rid of the boat because of her.” She laughed at the memory. “I even asked Mom to take her back to the hospital.”
“At least you got the sibling. Most kids beg for a dog—I begged for a brother.”
“Sometimes, I wish Mia and I weren’t so far apart in age, but I’m glad I have her for a sister. Even with the age gap, we’re close, but I feel we missed out on a lot of sisterly-type things.”
“Like what?”
“Girl things, you know. Talk about boys, do makeup, that kind of thing.”
Bryce eyed her oddly. “I thought you were a bookworm and not into boys?”
“I wasn’t boy-crazy, but that’s not to say I didn’t have a crush or two.” Tommy Delaney for starters. She’d admired him from afar in freshman English class and then again in Brit Lit her sophomore year.
“Uh oh.” Bryce’s muttered words brought her back to the present. “I think I just lost you to the memory of one of those crushes.” His eyes lit up with a mischievous glint.
Caught red-handed. With a melodramatic sigh, she told him, “The first time I ever lost my heart was when Tommy Delaney stood in front of the class and recited the first lines of Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales in Middle English.”
“Well, if that’s all it takes to win your heart, here you go.” In the middle of the small, fortunately uncrowded, diner, Bryce stood from his seat. Taking a deep breath, he shook his hand outs, preparing for a speech. He glanced around before giving her a wink and a smile, then began reciting.
“Whan that aprill with his shoures soote
The droghte of march hath perced to the roote
And bathed every veyne in swich licour
Of which vertu engendred is the flour—
Whan zephirus eek with his sweete breeth
Inspired hath in every holt and heath”
The few patrons in the restaurant gave him a round of applause when he stopped.
“That’s all I’ve got,” he said, sitting down in his seat.
She threw her head back in laughter. “I can’t believe you just did that.” Her cheeks hurt from laughing so hard.
“Did it at least work?” The impish smile didn’t leave his face, but a seriousness appeared in his eyes.
What did she say? The day he left several weeks ago, she’d come to terms with the fact that she loved him. After lunch with her mom, she’d spent lots of time in prayer, taking her advice into consideration as well. Realizing her mom was right, she’d accepted that love had no timetables. Yet, this wasn’t the place.
Opting to keep the tone light, she referred back to the first day they’d met. “You had me from watch out.”
“When your phone rang that day, and I heard my voice singing, I really thought Gracie was going to say something and give me away. I know I probably should have told you right then who I was, but I didn’t think I’d see you again, even though I wanted to.”
“Had you told me then, I probably would have died of embarrassment and run off. By the time you did tell me, it was too late to turn back.”
“In that case, I’m glad I waited.”
A squeal sounded through the dining room seconds before a twenty-something woman appeared at their table, fanning her chest and bouncing with excitement. “I can’t believe it. You’re Bryce Landry. Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it’s you.” The eager fan shoved something in front of him. “Will you sign my napkin?”
“Sure.” Bryce took the proffered pen and scribbled his name.
“Thank you so much. I love your music,” the girl gushed, oblivious to Sophie.
Sitting back in her seat, she watched the scene unfold with amusement. Her first exposure to Bryce in his role as celebrity wasn’t so bad. She bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing at the scene the girl was making.
“That’s our cue,” he mouthed to her as the fan continued her accolades. Taking a few bills from his wallet, he politely excused himself and threw the money on the table.
They silently communicated their escape and, following his lead, she ran out to his truck before anyone else recognized him.
“So much for laying low,” he muttered.
“But the impromptu recitation was so incredibly worth the interruption.” Laughter gurgled up from her stomach again. The memory was too funny. “You were born to perform.”
Bryce joined in with her laughter. “That one was all for you, sweetheart.”
“Tommy Delaney doesn’t hold a candle to you.”
Glancing over briefly as he drove down the interstate, the corners up his mouth twisted upward. “Good to know.”
An accident further down the road was causing delays, the problem with driving on the highway. Red brake lights could be seen for a mile ahead.
“It’ll be dark by the time we get home.” She looked out the window, noticing the sun beginning to descend.
“Do you mind calling Gram and telling her we’re going to be even later?”
Gram’s number was already stored in her phone. During Bryce’s absence, they’d talked several times beyond making plans for Gracie. “Sure. What time should I tell her?”
“We’re only forty-five minutes away without traffic, but I don’t know how long this will take to clear up. Tell her about an hour and a half to be safe.”
“Hi Gram, it’s Sophie.”
“Did you guys find your way out of the orange booby trap yet?”
“Yes, ma’am. We stopped to eat, but now there’s a back-up due to an accident. Bryce thinks we’ll still be another hour and a half.”
“Could you ask him if he wants me to keep Gracie up until he’s home, please. Her eyes are struggling to stay open now.”
Traffic had come to a complete standstill. Covering the phone with her hand, she turned to Bryce. “Should she should put Gracie to bed now or wait?”
“Let me talk to her for a minute.” Bryce took over the conversation. “Hi Gram, it’s me now.” He frowned during a pause. “If she’s that tired, put her to bed.” His head shook, and the frown turned around. “I’ll ask.” Turning back to her, “Gracie was really looking forward to you reading her a story. She wants to know if you’ll tell her one over the phone.”
“Sure.” She was becoming attached to Gracie—the little girl was easy to love, so full of life.
“She said yes, Gram. Can you put her on the phone now? Thanks.” Sophie watched Bryce’s face change as he waited for Gracie to come on the line. “Hi, Sweet Pea. There were some delays and Daddy’s getting home later than he thought.” His face softened. “Yes, I’ll still give you lovies when I get home, even if you’re asleep.” He paused, listening. “Good night, Gracie. I love you. Here’s Miss Sophie.”
Taking the phone back from Bryce, she heard a sleepy Gracie telling her hello. “I’m going to tell you one of my favorite books from when I was a kid. It’s about a bear in a toy store who loses his button.”
“I know that one. Daddy likes it too.”
For the next several minutes, she recited the story, almost verbatim. It had been one of her favorites as a child. At the end of the story, Gram came back on the phone, a tenderness in her voice. “Gracie is out. Tell Bryce to drive safely and take your time.”
After agreeing, she hung up and slipped the phone back into her purse then relayed the news.
“She must have been tired.” Bryce was relaxed in the driver’s seat, still waiting for traffic to flow again.
“It’s been a busy few days. I feel like dinner with my parents was a week ago, not two days.” Yesterday, she’d
spent the entire afternoon and evening after church at Bryce’s grandparents’ house and then was gone all day today.
“It’s been a good few days, though.”
Nodding agreement, she stared out the window, her attention drawn to the twilight sky. A narrow band of harvest gold touched the horizon, topped by the deep purple hues of an English violet, which faded into the star-illuminated night. This was usually her favorite time of the day, the time she’d sit outside and reflect if she were home, but tonight she felt unsettled, even after the great day she’d had.
Finally, brake lights disappeared and the cars began to move. Despite the hour and all the time they’d spent together, she didn’t want this day to end. Several weeks would pass before she’d see Bryce again. The next time he’d be in Oden Bridge, she’d be in Arkansas helping her parents move. The time after that, she would only get to see him briefly on his return trip from bringing Gracie home after visiting Shelly’s parents. Then school would be starting and she’d be working full-time again. Plus Caroline was releasing the statement today.
They’d faced their relationship with optimism by acknowledging their different lives but not letting them dictate the direction they moved in. Yet she couldn’t shake the feeling the reality of their different worlds was about to stare them in the face and put their relationship to the test.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
“Just thinking about how everything is changing.” Since the beginning of summer, so much of her life had changed.
“Nothing stays the same, sweetheart. Life’s dynamic, always changing.”
“I know. It’s only that it seems everything’s coming at me at once. My parents moving, us.” She sighed. “I wish we could live in our little bubble a little longer.”
Bryce clenched his teeth, tensing up at her words, but still, he switched hands on the steering wheel so he could reach over and hold her hand. The contact gave her back some reassurance. Why did something as simple as holding his hand make her think everything would be okay? Was that what love did?