by Sharon Coady
“I’m glad. But if you hadn’t, we could have always made more trips into town and enjoyed some alone time.”
“Do you want me to return some?” He knew she would say no but enjoyed playing with her.
“Of course not! Do you think I’m crazy?”
“I’m joking.”
“So am I.” Leaning over, she kissed him on his cheek.
After finishing their breakfast, they headed back to the cottage. John took her hand as they walked to the door. Just as they stepped onto the porch, the door flew open and Heather raced to Leona.
“You didn’t have your phone! Oh Leona, your mom called. Something happened and she wants you to go home now.”
“What do you mean something happened? What happened?” she asked, tugging her hand away from his and racing into the house. “Where’s my phone?”
Sebastian grabbed it off the counter and handed it to her. “I’m sorry, Leona. Heather called her because your phone was ringing off the hook.” He glanced at John, his brow furrowed.
Johnny hurried to her and pulled her against him to offer her comfort while she returned her mother’s call.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” The color drained from her face as her mom talked to her. “I’ll get the next flight out. Yes, I promise.”
“What’s wrong, Leo?” he asked, cupping her face. “What happened?”
“Something’s wrong with Daddy. I have to go home.”
“What’s wrong with him? Did your mother say?”
“Something about his heart, she wasn’t real sure about what the doctor said. I have to go pack, Johnny. Heather, can you call the airport and book me the next flight out? I promise I’ll pay you back.”
“Sure. Go pack, we’ll take care of everything else.”
John turned to Heather as soon as Leo was out of the room. “What did she tell you?”
“The same thing she just said.”
“Did you call anyone back home and talk about them playing the club or say anything about us?”
“No! I promised you guys I wouldn’t.” Recognition dawned on her face. “You don’t think she found out, do you? She wouldn’t do that to Leona, would she? Surely, her mother wouldn’t stoop that low.”
“Yeah, I think she would.”
Chapter Eighteen
As they drove to the airport, Leona’s mind raced with all the different scenarios she could encounter. She would never forgive herself if anything happened to her father while she was here, putting herself first. What was she thinking?
Johnny pulled her closer. “I’m sure everything is fine. Your mom is probably overreacting, and you’ll be back by Friday.”
“That’s what you’re worried about, when I don’t even know what’s wrong with my daddy?”
“Leo, if something is seriously wrong with him, I can talk with Hark and try to work things out. If your mom is overreacting and you don’t show up, you’re in breach of your contract and that won’t be good.”
She pulled away and looked him in the eyes. “I don’t think my mother would call me unless something was really wrong with him.”
He took her face in his hands. “I know your mother. She wants to control every aspect of your life. I really think this is just a ploy, a way to get you back under her thumb.” He held her gaze for a moment before she looked away.
“She doesn’t know about anything I’m doing right now.” She turned her head. “Unless you called her, Heather.”
Heather shook her head, eyes wide.
“You didn’t, and I didn’t, so that really leaves me no choice but to believe her.”
“I just think that maybe you should call your dad and get his take on what the doctor said before you race down there.”
“Johnny, I have to go. What if something is really wrong, and I don’t make it on time? I would never be able to forgive myself. He’s been there for me through everything.” She looked away from him, feeling defeated. Her mother was controlling, it was true. But she just couldn’t take the chance of waiting around when her father could have a very serious condition. She didn’t want to lose valuable time with him that he may not have. “I can’t think about this stupid club contract right now until I make sure he’s okay. When I find out what’s going on then we can go from there, or I can high tail it back. Besides, singing is just a dream not a real career.”
“But it could be one and breaking a contract could really bite you in the butt later on down the road.”
“Johnny, you have to understand and let me do this. Please, stop making me feel guilty for leaving. Don’t you think I feel bad enough as it is?” she asked quietly.
“Leo, your mother has made it her goal in life to keep you from your dreams and to keep you away from me. I am not trying to push you into anything, and I’m not trying to make you feel bad. I just want you to consider calling your dad first before you fly down.”
Leona sighed heavily and looked back out the window. She knew he had a point, but she was too afraid of what might happen if she wasted time. As they pulled up to the airport drop off, she clicked her seat belt and grabbed the door handle.
Heather unhooked her seatbelt and turned around. “Leona, safe flight and we’ll be here when or if you get back.”
“Thanks, Heather.”
Heather smiled sadly as Leona turned to look at Johnny. Seeing the hurt and angry expression on his face did nothing to make her feel better. But she had to. She had to know what was going on at home. In her mind, the only way to find out was in person. Taking a deep breath, she hopped out of the car without another glance back. If he loved her, he would understand.
~~~
John watched her walk away; he couldn’t move, let alone go after her. He should have known it was a foolish dream—to think she could avoid her mother. The woman had Leo so far under her thumb that she jumped at her mother’s beck and call.
“John, are you okay?”
He felt her hand on his shoulder and turned to find Heather staring at him, a frown of concern on her face.
“Nothing is ever going to change.” He ran his fingers through his hair and cleared his throat. “I thought I had finally gotten through to her. It was a pipe dream, Heather.”
“She’ll be back. She has to make sure her dad is okay.”
“But the thing is, I have a sinking feeling it is another one of her games to get Leo home. I know you didn’t say anything, I could tell from your face, but I think someone did.”
Sebastian’s brow furrowed as he groaned. “I think it was Hope. She was so excited about the news. She made a comment about telling her mom. I didn’t know you didn’t want anything said. I’m sorry, John.”
“Hope? Crap, I never thought to say anything to her. Her mom is a close friend with Leo’s mom.” He sighed. “It really doesn’t matter who did it or why, it was only a matter of time until her mom had her back under her thumb. I’m done. When we get back to the cottage, I’m packing up and heading back to Boston. One of you can call me if she isn’t go back by Friday, and I’ll try calling Hark to smooth things over. Shit, I should have stayed the hell out of it.”
“John, don’t give up like that. She’s coming back, I just know it.”
“Go back to the cabin so I can pack.” He sat back, closed his eyes, and leaned his head against the seat. Memories, of all the years wanting her and loving her, flashed through his mind. He was always off to the side, just out of reach, her mom always getting her attention away from him every time he started to get a little too close. Well, now she had driven the final wedge. He knew he couldn’t go back to just being friends with her.
As soon as they parked, John jumped out of the car and went to the loft to pack. He could hear the others whispering in the kitchen. Hope started crying. He knew he should go down and say something, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. All he wanted was to be as far away from here as possible. He started shaking and had to sit down. Damn, don’t let anyone come up to talk to me. He just wanted
to get out of here without losing any more pride than he’d already lost. He packed slowly to give himself time to pull it together.
“John, are you all right? I’m so sorry, I didn’t know. Can I come up?” Hope’s voice sounded like she was crying.
“No, I’ll be down in a minute.” Shit, he didn’t want to talk to her right now. He was never a good liar, and he knew it would show on his face. She was such a sweet girl, and in his heart, he knew she didn’t do it to hurt him. He glanced around to make sure he had everything and made his way down the ladder to find everyone in the living room, staring at him.
Hope’s face was scarlet and her lower lip trembled. “Oh John, I’m so sorry.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t worry about it.” He sat his duffle bag on the floor and pulled her into his arms. “It was inevitable. Her mom cries wolf and she runs. I should have seen it coming.” He looked over at Alastair, his mouth set in a thin line.
Alastair raised his brow. “Are you really just going to leave, John?”
“I can’t stay here. Maybe it looks like I’m running, but damn it, I’ve been sitting around waiting on her most of my life. I thought we were finally in the same place, that she finally understood she could have her own life. One phone call and she runs home just like I asked her not to do. I can’t do it anymore. Alastair, if she isn’t back by Thursday, let me know so I can contact Hark and try to work something out.”
“She’ll be back unless something is wrong with her dad. Don’t you want to wait to make sure? It’s not like she’s running from you, you get that don’t you?”
“Nope. If something was seriously wrong with her dad, don’t you think Hope or Heather’s mom would have called them? For that matter, don’t you think your mother would have called? This is her mom controlling her again, mark my word. If you guys find out differently, I’ll call her and apologize.” He turned to Sebastian. “Do you mind driving me to the rental car agency? I should be able to rent something.”
“Sure, we’ll take you,” Heather volunteered. “You ready?”
John nodded. “Good luck, guys.” He hugged Alastair and Hope. “I’ll talk to you soon. I hope she makes it back and you guys knock them off their feet.”
Chapter Nineteen
Leona stared out the window of the plane. Her fingers drummed on the armrest of her seat, keeping beat with the song playing on her headset. She wondered for the hundredth time since the plane had taken off, if Johnny was right. She knew her mother had issues, but even she wouldn’t stoop that low. At least, I really hope not.
She closed her eyes and tried to push those thoughts from her mind and listen to the music that usually soothed her. She would be in Abilene soon, and everything would be cleared up. Her mind drifted back to the few wonderful days she’d had with Johnny. She did love him, and she loved every second with him and hoped he realized that.
What am I going to do if I get home and it was a ploy for her to get me back in town? What will I say to her?
Pulling her phone out of her purse, she turned it on and text after text came rolling in. Fingers shaking, she opened the first one from Heather. You know we always have your best interest at heart. I’m praying your dad is fine. Please, keep me informed. She hit delete and read through some of the others, glad that they seemed to understand her need to go home.
She kept hoping there would be one from Johnny, but they were from Heather, Alastair, and Hope. When she opened Alastair’s, her heart fluttered. John is gone. Three little words that stabbed her in her heart; three little words that felt like they were going to destroy her. She texted back. What do you mean he’s gone? She hit send and prayed it would go through.
Looking out the window, Leona was surprised to see they were circling the Abilene airport. She would be home soon and would know the truth about her father. Turning off her phone, she gathered up her small bag and purse. She had left most of her things at the cottage, hoping to go back if her dad was okay. She wasn’t going to let Alastair down if she could help it.
After picking up the rental car, she drove home through the town she loved. It wasn’t too big and everyone was friendly, especially as you got further out into their side of the town. Dread filled her as she turned into the driveway of their ranch. There were only a few lights on and no cars other than her family’s vehicles. That’s weird. Wouldn’t there be more people, like her parents’ friends, if something was really wrong?
She parked, turned off the car, walked up the steps onto the front porch. As she reached for the doorknob, her mother opened the door and pulled her into a big hug.
“Thank God, you’re here. I was so worried you wouldn’t come.”
“Why wouldn’t I come? What’s wrong with Daddy? Where is he?” She twisted out of her mother’s arms.
Her mother winced. “He’s in the living room. It was just a scare. He’s fine. Don’t say anything to him about it. You know how he is.”
“Mom, exactly what happened?” She narrowed her eyes, getting a sinking feeling in her chest.
“Look, go see your dad. I’ll fix you something to eat, and we will talk in a bit. Go on, he’ll be surprised to see you.” Her mother hurried toward the kitchen.
Leona walked into the living room to see her father sitting in his chair watching TV, looking perfectly fine.
“Hi, Daddy.” She rushed to give him a big hug. “I’m so happy you’re okay.”
“Leona! What a nice surprise. I thought you were on vacation with Heather.” His brow furrowed, and a frown replaced his smile. “What are you doing here?”
She took a deep breath, sadness filling her. “I got a phone call, well a bunch of phone calls from Mom this morning saying I needed to come home because something happened to you.” Letting go of his hand, she sat on the chair beside him. “What’s going on?”
Her father shook his head as his jaw clenched and unclenched. “Your mother is obviously up to her same shit again. Damn it. She has been acting weird since Hope’s mom called her last night. So why don’t you tell me what that’s about.”
“Alastair and I signed a contract to do four shows for a club near the place we’re staying. Johnny drew it up for us.”
Her father motioned for her to keep going.
“Um, Johnny and I are together, and I guess Hope told her mom about that as well.”
Recognition dawned on his face. “So she found out you’re performing, which is your dream, and you and John finally realized you love each other and decided to act on it.”
Leona’s mouth opened then closed. She blinked and opened her mouth again, only to close it once more.
“I’ve known you and John had feelings for each other for a long time. You hid it pretty well but he didn’t. That woman pisses me off, always meddling in your life.”
“Daddy, nothing happened to you?”
“I had a doctor’s appointment, and he said I need to start watching what I eat because my cholesterol levels are up.” He shook his head. “Louise!”
Her mother came into the room with her mouth set in a thin line. “James, do not yell like that, it isn’t good for you.” She set the tray down with the drinks and sandwiches. “Leona, I made your favorite, chicken salad.”
“I’m not hungry. I’m calling the airlines to see how soon I can get a flight back and finish my vacation.”
“You’re going to turn around and leave with everything that’s going on? Why would you do that” Her mother nodded slightly toward Leona’s dad.
“Because there isn’t a damn thing going on that she needs to be here for. That’s why.”
Leona stood and faced her mother. “Why did you call me to come home? Daddy said nothing is wrong with him.”
Her mom’s eyes clouded as she paled. “What do you mean nothing is wrong with him? You think I lied to you?”
“I know you lied. Daddy told me Hope’s mom called you last night.” She crossed her arms over her chest, waiting to hear her mother’s explanation.
“Look young lady, I’ve been on you for years to keep your nose to the grindstone and get a good education and career. This pipe dream of singing is just that, a dream. And John Montgomery isn’t good enough for you. Do you want to end up like your aunt?”
“Aunt Jeanette could be happy if she stopped having a pity party for herself every damn day of her life. Look at the beautiful kids she has. She needs to stop being so selfish and enjoy them, instead of feeling as if they are a burden on her. As for singing, it is my dream and I plan on making it happen. And explain to me exactly why Johnny is not good enough for me.”
“Because he’s a man.”
Leona’s dad flew out of his chair as if he’d been stung by a wasp. He turned on Louise. “He’s a man? What does that mean?”
“Just sit down, James. No one is talking to you.” She turned on Leona, her face red and hatred clouding her eyes. “I don’t like him, I never have. He’s always sniffing around, trying to fill your head with crap, encouraging the whole singing bit.”
Leona’s father moved between them. “I asked you a question, Louise. What the hell does ‘he’s a man’ mean?” His hands were clenched at his side. “There isn’t a damn thing wrong with that young man. He is a hard worker, he comes from a damn good family, and he is in love with our daughter. She couldn’t do any better than John Montgomery. Isn’t that what someone who loves you does, Louise? They encourage you to find your dreams, to live up to your potential, and to be happy. I’m sorry if you feel I wasn’t good enough to do that for you,” he bellowed.
“Everyone was right about you,” Leona said as she took her father’s hand. Tears ran down her face. “They knew what you were doing.”
Her mother turned crimson. “They knew what?”
“They knew you were lying to get me home. I’m done, Mom. Daddy’s right. You aren’t going to fill my head with crap and keep me from living my life any longer. I won’t be made to feel guilty for doing it either. Tell Aunt Jeanette to grow up, and she can take care of her boys herself from now on. You stay out of my life.” She turned to her dad hugged him. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I can’t stay. I have to go fix things, if it’s not too late.”