Ruby brings me a mug of coffee. "You need help covering that?"
"Actually it's not too bad," I say lowering the scarf.
"You're right, it looked much worse yesterday."
"I think I will go into the office today. I will probably just hide out in the back and work on my dessert bar recipes."
"If you need me, you know where I will be, and please be careful."
"Thanks, and I will," I tell her gratefully before hugging her again.
Stepping out onto the porch, my eyes immediately land on a beautiful bouquet of roses. I pick them up, inhale their fragrant scent and read the attached note.
Maura, I know these will not make up for what I did. But I wanted to apologize again and I hope maybe you can forgive me even though I know I don't deserve it. I cannot bear the hurt that I've caused you and yet I cannot live without you. I’m going to begin counseling as soon as possible in hopes of working through the nightmares. Again, I’m sorry and hope you can forgive me. I Love You, Pierson
As I carry the flowers to the office, Ruby walks alongside me shaking her head. Once we reach my office, I wave goodbye and off she goes.
I meet with Sam and Sara to go over the bookings and let them know that they will be handling today's gigs by themselves. With the tasks delegated to my employees, I get to work on the Dessert Bar for the auction. I take the roses to the back and place them in a vase with water. They are beautiful but I do not want to look at them, so I carry them back to the front and place them on the consulting desk. With one last glance, I feel my chest tighten at the thought of Pierson's nightmares and all he's been through. We've both been through more than our fair share of tragedy. I shake my mind clear and walk away. I have work to do.
Getting to work on the checklist for the auction, I gather my ingredients and start baking for a test run.
When the baking and decorating are finished I have cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, small lava cakes, cookies and some oohey gooey brownies. Satisfied with my creations, I center them on a platter and text Ruby to come to the office after work. She will die over these.
Hours later she arrives.
"Well what do you think?" I ask as she savors the flavors of my awesome desserts. Her eyes are closed and she looks like she is in complete heaven.
"Really? You have to ask?" She says pointing to the now clean platter. I can't help but smile when she begins licking her fingers. "I just might have to make sure I'm your highest bidder at the auction," she tells me. "Now if I can just find the nearest treadmill."
I had thought to organize a sample platter for Sam and Sara before Ruby arrived so that they could contribute their thoughts as well. Tasting the desserts, they are speechless. With the universal thumbs up signal, the two of them continue devouring the treats. My momentary happiness is cut short when I glance at the roses. Maybe it was a bad idea to keep them in the first place.
Chapter Seventeen
Ruby and I decide to forgo dinner since she and I both indulged in too many sweets. Inside my room I take off my scarf to inspect my neck. It doesn’t look nearly as bad now. I mean if you look closely you can tell, but otherwise not so bad. My heart is severely bruised though. I can only imagine how Pierson feels. I really hope counseling works for him. Those nightmares must be vicious.
I'm in the living room drinking tea and talking to Ruby when I get a text message.
I wanted see how you’re doing. Again I’m so sorry and I will keep apologizing for the rest of my lifetime if that’s what it takes. I feel like shit and it’s killing me not seeing you and being around you. You mean so much to me. I’m getting help and talking with a counselor about the nightmares. I had my first session today.
Against my better judgment I text him back.
I’m glad you’re seeking help. I hope it helps you with the PTSD. I miss you. I just need a little space and some time to think.
“You miss him don’t you?” Ruby asks.
“Yes. I feel like we have been apart for so long, but right now I do need some space. He has to get the help he needs. I miss him terribly.”
Ruby looks at me with sympathy.
“Want to go to the mall?” She asks in an effort to perk me up.
“Sure. I haven’t been in a while and my wardrobe could stand to have a few more items in it,” I say with enthusiasm.
Ruby drives us to the closest mall in the next town and we head straight to our favorite store. It doesn’t take long for us to find the perfect items to add to our wardrobe. Honestly I love every single thing in the store, but my bank card would not. I grab a pair of skinny jeans, two summery tops and a tank. Ruby picks out a few tops and a short, sexy dress. Next stop is the shoe store. I pick out a pair of sexy heels and Ruby decides on a pair of wedge sandals. Next we grab a latte from a popular coffee store chain and sit down to people watch.
“Thanks for being there for me and not judging me. I know you have been spending time with me when you should be with Trevor.”
“You know what? As much as I like Trevor, you are my sister and I’m here for you no matter what. Boys can wait,” she grins. “Plus, Trevor understands.”
Tired from our shopping extravaganza, we decide to call it an evening and grab a bite to eat before heading home. Whipped from the day’s events, I head straight to bed.
*****
The next few days pass without word from Pierson. My routine is back to normal and I put my focus on the upcoming auction and the daily gigs. Sam and Sara take on extra responsibilities and it seems as if they love the catering business. Sam professed he is changing his major to culinary arts and starts in the fall. Sara will be doing the same when she graduates in a year. I’m happy for them and their future in the business.
As I’m checking my email, I hear the doorbell ding. It’s Bethany, the town's event coordinator.
“Hi Bethany,” I say as she walks in.
“Hey, I hate to spring this on you last minute but would you be able to handle the raffle ticket sales prior to the auction? Something came up with Aria and she couldn’t do it.”
“Sure, I’d be happy to help out.”
“Great. I’ll see you next week then,” she says rushing out the door.
In the back, I get the food ready for the wedding we are catering. It is taking place at the lake under a tent. Since my office is right around the corner, the food will be easy to transport to the location.
Next, we have a birthday for two ladies that are celebrating together with a group of their friends. The older ladies enjoy harassing Sam and getting him to blush. Of course Sara has the same effect on the older men. I get a kick out of it.
Even with the business of the day, I can’t help but think about Pierson every so often. It is nearly impossible to put him out of my mind. I struggle with my feelings and find myself debating on whether or not to call or see him. I want to but know I shouldn’t. I decide give it a few more days.
Chapter Eighteen
Two days later I hear from Pierson. I slip out of bed and listen to the voice mail. It has been almost a week since I last saw him. My heart is breaks a little more with each day we're apart. But knowing he is tormented and knowing I don’t feel completely safe around him right now, it is best that we give ourselves time to adapt.
"Maura, I was hoping you would answer when I called. I guess you still need your space. I hope you’re having a good week. I just wanted to check in and let you know I’m not giving up on us. I miss you so much and hope you can forgive me. Maybe you can meet me for a quick dinner tomorrow night. I will be at Angelo’s at eight if you want to meet up. If you don’t show, I will understand. Bye."
I find Ruby in her room getting ready for work. I sit on her bed “Pierson called.”
“And?” she asks.
I tell her about the voice mail. “Do you think I should meet him?”
“Well, he did suggest a public setting. That is a plus. It’s up to you though. I think you should at least hear him out and you can say w
hat you need to say,” she offers.
“I guess it won't hurt to meet him and hear what he has to say,” I sigh, feeling apprehensive.
The next day approaches and I am super nervous. I don’t know what I will say to him and I don’t know what he will say that he hasn’t already. The auction is two days away and I should be focusing on that, but Pierson tugs at my heart and I can’t ignore him any longer. The mark on my neck has completely disappeared and I have come to terms with Pierson’s illness. He is not the same boy I fell in love with all those years ago, but a part of that boy still exists inside him somewhere.
As I make my way the restaurant entrance, I make one last plea to myself. Now is the chance to either run away or to run full speed ahead. I go with the latter and walk inside. I immediately spot Pierson.
“Thanks for meeting me.” He stands as I approach the table and gestures for me to sit.
“Sure.” Seeing him makes my heart swell. I missed him so much.
“How have you been?” He asks with a sorrowful look on his face.
“I have been managing. What about you?”
“The same,” he says somberly.
The waiter appears and we order our drinks and food.
“I want to apologize again and say I would never hurt you intentionally. I ran out of my meds and never got them refilled. I know that is no excuse, but that is part of the reason why that happened. I don’t know what else I can say to make this right between us. I miss you like crazy and I don’t want to lose you.” The sincerity of his words, give me hope.
“I know you never meant to hurt me. It just scared me that it happened. I will have you know that you left a mark and I had to wear Ruby’s scarves for a few days to hide the mark.”
“Fuck. I am so sorry, Maura. I don’t blame you if you if you never want to see me again.” His brows are furrowed and I can tell he is agonizing over the hurt he has caused me. “I hate myself for doing that to you. Knowing I hurt you like that kills me.”
I struggle internally with my thoughts, wondering if I can trust him enough to get past this. I just don’t know what the future holds.
“Pierson, please stop apologizing. It was an accident. I know that. I just needed some time away from you to get my head clear and so you could do what you needed to do. I miss you too, but I just couldn’t face you. I didn’t realize your PTSD was out of control like that.”
“Like I said, I was off my meds. I didn’t even realize it until after that happened. I know what I did frightened you and you have every right to be cautious around me, but I do believe my meds are working again. I still have nightmares but they are not nearly as bad as they were. Please believe me.”
When the food arrives we continue to talk in between bites.
“I think I’m willing to start seeing you again but we have to take things slow. No more over nights for a while.”
“I think it's a good idea to take it slow. I never want to chance putting you in danger again. I’m glad you’re giving me another chance.” He smiles weakly. “I have been going to counseling three evenings a week now.”
“I’m happy you took the initiative to begin that. It means a lot and I’m sure it will help us both move forward in the long run,” I tell him positively.
Throughout the meal the conversation turns lighter and we enjoy each other’s company. After the meal we agree to meet up again in a few days.
“I’ll see you later. Okay?” He hugs me so tightly I can barely breathe, but I don't care. I hug him back with just as much enthusiasm. I don’t want this moment to pass too quickly. We hold each other for a few minutes before he breaks the embrace.
“Want me to walk you home? It’s starting to get dark out,” he offers.
“I’ll be fine. It will give me some time to myself to think.”
“Okay, at least text me when you get home so I know you’re safe.”
“I will.” I wave, and turn and walk away.
Chapter Nineteen
On my way home, I can't help but think about our dinner. I’m genuinely happy that Pierson is taking the precautions he needs and is back on his meds. I think taking things slow is the right thing to do. I don’t want to live a life without him in it. He is my other half. I know that. I have always known that, but I will not allow him to hurt me again. I just wish there was more I could do to help him through this.
When I arrive home, I glance out at the peaceful serenity of the lake and wonder if Pierson and I will ever find our own peaceful serenity. I remain hopeful. Walking inside, I find Ruby lounging on the couch with the phone to her ear. I’m assuming it is Trevor on the other end. I quickly send Pierson a text letting him know I made it home safely.
“So how did it go?” She asks after saying goodnight to Trevor.
“It went well. He apologized again and said he would never intentionally hurt me and I let him know he left a mark. We had a good heart to heart and agreed to takes things slow.”
“I’m glad you two talked it out. I’m sure you both are glad to get things out and in the open. But just so we're clear, I won’t stand for him hurting you again,” she says pointing her finger at me.
“I know, and believe me I won’t stand for it either," I reply as I head off to my room for the night.
While in bed, I think about the auction. It’s a few days away and I am nervous. Maybe Ruby will be the highest bidder then it won’t be so bad. I smile remembering her comments about the desserts.
The next morning I wake up in a frantic state thinking it is Sunday, the day of the auction, but quickly realize I have another day. After showering and dressing I grab a coffee from the kitchen and see that Ruby is already gone. The air outside is thick and muggy and will not do my hair any favors. In the distance I can hear kids playing at the swimming pool. I’d rather be headed that direction.
Inside the cool air of the office, I pull my hair up in a ponytail. Going over my emails I see one from Bethany requesting that I arrive at the charity auction three hours before it starts so I can mark people off the RSVP list and sell raffle tickets before the event.
The day drags slowly as I anticipate tomorrow’s auction. Luckily it is Saturday and not much else needs to be done.
Sitting at my computer my phone vibrates in my pants pocket.
Just wanted to check in and let you know that I miss you and hope your day is going well. Want to get together tomorrow sometime? Maybe you can meet me for a bite?
I have an engagement to attend to. Want to meet later in the evening? Say around seven or eight. Maybe we can meet at the lake and go from there? By the way I miss you as well.
Now I have two things to worry about tomorrow, though seeing Pierson will make the day worth it. I miss him every day that I don’t see him.
My phone vibrates again.
Sounds like a great plan. I will see you tomorrow.
I close up the office and head home. It is still light outside and I can hear the children laughing and playing at the pool. What I wouldn’t give to be that age again and live carefree and in the moment. Arriving home, I find Ruby in her room.
“Knock, knock,” I say, knocking on her door. Peaking inside I spot her laying on her bed reading a book.
“Hey, how did your day go?” She asks, sitting up crossing her legs Indian style.
“Good, nervous about the auction. I heard from Pierson and we agreed to meet out by the lake after the auction.”
“Well that is good then. I know you will be just fine at the auction,” she reassures me.
“What are you doing home anyway? Shouldn’t you be out with Trevor?” I ask.
“Actually, we are going out in about an hour so I had time to get in a little reading.”
“Have fun!” I exclaim, as I walk towards my bedroom.
Chapter Twenty
Pierson's POV
I take a moment to compose myself before stepping up to the community center where the auction is being held. I know that Maura is not expecting me. He
ll, I wasn't even aware of the benefit until someone in town told me about it in passing. I plan on outbidding anyone and everyone for Maura's services. That's more time I can spend with her. Walking through the entrance I catch Maura's eye.
"What are you doing here?"
"A little birdie told me what all the commotion was about so I thought I would check it out for myself."
"Well you aren't on the RSVP list," she says after looking the list over.
"I am now," I say, flashing her a grin and a wink. Walking inside I notice there are a lot of benefactors here. They better not plan on outbidding me. That will not happen.
I feel eyes burning through the back of my head. As I turn around my eyes meet Ruby’s. She reaches her arms up to give me a hug and I bend down to meet her.
"You better not plan on hurting my girl anymore," she points at me but is smiling.
"You know I could never apologize enough for what I did."
Embracing me once more she welcomes me back home. We haven't officially had a chance to talk. She knows it pains me to know I hurt Maura so badly.
"Even so, I will kill you if you do it again."
I believe her. We both have a laugh. Ever since I first got with Maura, Ruby has been a part of the package and she can be a handful at times, but that's just her being her. As we look around at the services being offered, each service has a card explaining the details. I see Maura's and pick it up. She is offering a dessert bar for any event the auction winner choses. I smirk, thinking of all the ways of using the dessert bar. This could get interesting.
"Hey! Paws off big boy. I plan on bidding on this one myself." Ruby snatches the card out of my hand and places it back in its placeholder.
Just who does she think she is? "Ha! Don’t bet your bottom dollar honey, you won’t win this." I tell her.
Ruby scrunches her face and stomps her foot in a pretense of being pissed. "Come on. Work with me here," I plead, giving her my biggest grin.
Coming Back to You Page 6