by Nomi Summers
He’d spent the drive into the city playing her words over and over in his mind. How could he have been so foolish? How had he misread her feelings for him? Up until that moment, he was sure he would have Avery back forever. He was ready to move his life back to Arbor Shores as home base. He was already envisioning what their life would look like. They would run the resort together and he’d help her turn it green. He would fly to LA as needed to practice with the band, or the band would fly out to him. If he went on tour, Avery could fly to different cities to meet up with him. That is, if he decided to continue to tour and make music. He wasn’t quite sure that’s what he still wanted. At this point, all he wanted was to start over with Avery in Arbor Shores where he belonged. Or so he thought.
The loss he felt was far worse than any heartache he’d ever experienced. Naomi Wilde’s affair didn’t hold a candle to this pain. The only thing he was sure of is that he would never open his heart up again. Not ever.
Shane’s phone buzzed and he expected it to be his manager. Man, what now? He was getting on the plane. He didn’t feel like another lecture, so he ignored the buzzing in his pocket as he made his way to the jet. The buzzing continued, over and over, until he finally pulled the phone out of his back pocket.
A text from Hunter? What did his brother want? He never heard from Hunter, so he could only assume he was calling because word of the concert was likely spreading like wildfire. Oh man, the concert. A pang of guilt pulsed through him for leaving Avery and Meredith with no one to headline their Jamboree. They would surely lose the resort now, and Shane would have to deal with the press mess that would come from no-showing the event, but he had no choice. He couldn’t let Avery use him.
Another text came in from Hunter. Curiosity finally got the best from him, so he clicked on his name to read it:
Call me ASAP. It’s Dad.
Shane had just reached the stairs to the jet.
“I’m sorry, I need a minute,” he told the private attendant who was waiting to greet him.
He walked away from the roar of the engines and called Hunter. “Hey, it’s Shane. What happened?”
All he could hear was heavy breathing on the other end and sniffling that hinted at tears, and he was sure something was not right. Hunter was trying to speak, but he was choked up, and Shane knew something bad had happened.
“Hunter, talk to me, bro. What happened?”
“It’s Dad,” Hunter finally got the words out through shaky breath.
“What do you mean? What happened, Hunter?” Shane’s voice was stern. Instantly, the lifelong feud between him and his brother meant nothing. His brother was hurting, and something had happened to their father. He was sure of it.
“Dad had a heart attack, Shane,” he bellowed into the receiver. “The ambulance just took him. I’m with Valerie, and we’re on our way to the hospital.”
“Is he going to be okay?” Shane raised his voice, trying to get his younger brother to gain composure and talk.
“I don’t know.”
“Which hospital?”
“Traverse General.”
“I’ll be right there.”
The next several hours were a blur; a complete whirlwind. Shane arrived at the hospital to find Hunter and Valerie in the waiting room, both in tears.
When the doctor finally came out to share the news, they were told that Carter had survived but would need a triple bypass. They were all relieved that the doctors were able to save him, but he wasn’t in the clear just yet as he still needed major surgery.
They were able to track down one of the twins, Ethan, who played pro football but hadn’t started summer training yet. He was at home in Green Bay and was headed out on the next available flight. But they weren’t able to track down the other twin, Chase, the drifter of the Knox brothers. Chase was the wild child, the bad boy, who unlike Shane, Ethan, and Hunter, could never quite find his groove of what he wanted to do with his life, so he mostly traveled, never settling to put down permanent roots anywhere. His cell phone was turned off and went straight to voicemail. They’d left several messages, but they’d yet to be returned.
Shane was just glad he hadn’t gotten on that jet to New York. Hunter and Valerie needed him and it felt good that he could be there for them. He didn’t feel great about the way things had ended between him and his father the other night, and it was putting things into perspective about what was really important in life. Even though his father was tough on him and his brothers growing up, he was still their dad, and Shane didn’t want to see anything bad happen to him. He wasn’t quite ready to have a relationship with him, but he wanted to make sure he’d be okay before he left Arbor Shores again. If nothing else, at least for Hunter’s sake, who wasn’t taking it well.
The surgery was a success, but Carter would need to stay in the hospital and recover. Valerie wouldn’t leave Carter’s bedside, and it was showing Shane a different side of her that he’d never seen before. She really did love his father. Perhaps he’d misjudged her all these years.
Hunter and Shane went back to the Knox estate to shower and rest. Valerie had insisted the two boys go and wait for Ethan. Shane grabbed two beers out of the fridge and found Hunter sitting on the back veranda. He twisted off the caps, handed one to Hunter, and took a chair beside him. They both sat in silence for a bit. Shane could only assume Hunter was as mentally and emotionally drained as he was.
“Shane,” Hunter said, finally breaking the silence. “I want you to know…” His voice trailed off as he struggled to find the words. “I just wanted to say I’m glad you’re here.”
“Listen, Hunter.” Shane put his beer down and pushed both hands through his hair, struggling to find his own words. Verbal communication between the Knoxes had never been their strong suit. Growing up in this house, they were taught against it, so it was no wonder both boys were struggling to say what was on their mind. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around. You know I had my reasons, but none of that really matters right now. But I’m here now, and even though we haven’t always been close, you’re my brother and I want to make things right between us.”
“I’d like that.” Hunter looked over at Shane and gave him a small smile, likely the most he could muster up. “Hey, I almost forgot with everything that’s been going on that you have the concert at the resort on Saturday.”
Shane didn’t even want to think about it, much less talk about it. He’d made the decision that he wasn’t going to put on the concert but he still hadn’t told anyone.
“You know, I was pretty upset when Meredith turned down my offer,” Hunter admitted. “But all of that seems so trivial now.”
“Wait, Meredith turned it down?”
“Yep. Apparently, your concert sold out in less than two hours, and they filled not only the venue to capacity, but each room and cabin in the resort. You saved their resort, Shane. You must really love that girl.”
Shane felt like someone had reached into his chest, squeezed, and then twisted. He didn’t even know the concert had sold out. How could he? He’d left before speaking with Avery. A wave of guilt washed over him as he envisioned Avery and Meredith cancelling and refunding a full venue. They’d surely lose the resort now, and they’d already declined Hunter’s offer. With all that was going on with their father, Hunter wouldn’t likely be interested in it now. What would they do? The bank would probably foreclose or they’d have to take a lowball offer from a developer.
No, he refused to take on this guilt. He’d already made up his mind. He wasn’t doing the concert. He’d heard Avery. She was playing with his emotions so she could use him to save the resort. She didn’t care about him. Somewhere down the line she became heartless, just like Naomi. It just didn’t add up. That’s not the Avery he knew and not the one he thought he was falling back in love with.
“So, are you?” Hunter asked, knocking him from his thoughts.
“Huh?”
“Are you in love with Avery?”
Shane
tilted his head back and looked up at the sky, as if the answer to that very question was going to rain down upon him.
“Honestly, I thought I was falling for her again.”
“You thought?”
“Yeah.”
“And now?”
Shane paused and let out a long sigh. “Now, I’m thinking I don’t even know that girl anymore.”
“That’s too bad. You two really had something special once upon a time.”
“We were kids. People change.”
Avery had changed.
Chapter 17
Word of Carter’s heart attack spread rapidly through Arbor Shores, yet Avery was one of the last to find out since she had thrown herself into the project of finishing the cabins and had shut off all communication with the outside world.
“Avery Grace, I’ve been looking all over for you,” Meredith said, approaching the ladder Avery was standing on.
“I’ve been down here.”
“Have you stopped answering your phone?”
“I powered it off. What’s up?” She never skipped a beat and continued painting the trim. She’d been hoping she wouldn’t have to see her mother again today. She still hadn’t figured out what to tell her.
“I figured you were with Shane. How’s he holding up?”
“How’s he holding up?” She nearly dropped her paintbrush as she paused to stare at her mother in disbelief.
“He must be with Hunter. I’ve already sent flowers from us. I feel terrible for those boys. Any news on Carter?”
“Mom, what are you talking about?” Avery climbed down the ladder to meet her mother face-to-face.
“Carter Knox suffered a massive heart attack, Avery. How is it possible you haven’t heard? Haven’t you talked to Shane?”
“What? No! I hadn’t heard. Shane’s not here and I just figured ...” Ah, so now it all made sense. No wonder Shane had disappeared. He must’ve left to be with his family. Her heart sank to her stomach. How could she have been so foolish? Here she was drowning in her sorrows thinking Shane had abandoned her, when really, he’d been dealing with a family crisis across town. She had to get to him.
“Mom, I have to go find Shane.”
“Yes, go be with him, dear. He needs you now more than ever.”
Avery got in her car and headed toward Lakeview Estates. She felt a variety of emotions ranging from sadness for the Knox family, to even a bit of relief that she had misread the situation with Shane, and that he hadn’t left her after all. She’d had no idea that he was still in Arbor Shores. She’d been sure he was back in California by now, never to be heard from again. Now, she couldn’t help but feel massive guilt for the way she’d assumed he’d left, and for how she’d shut herself off from the world.
She pulled her car into Lakeview Estates and was met by the guard. News vans were lined on each side of the road, unable to enter. She wondered how she’d ever get through.
“Address and name, young lady?” the stout guard asked.
“Knox estate. I’m Avery Cooke.”
“Hold tight.” He disappeared into the shack and came back a few minutes later.
“Well, you must be family because you’re the only one who’s been permitted access all day. Sorry to hear about Carter. He’s a good man.” He nodded and then lifted the gate to let her through. A good man? Avery didn’t know if she’d go that far. She couldn’t help but remember what Shane had told her on the dock. Regardless, he was still Shane’s father. She couldn’t bear to think of what Shane must be feeling, having been gone from the family for so long. She hoped he wasn’t beating himself up with guilt.
She reached the front of the house, and Hunter met her at the door.
“Hunter, I’m so sorry to hear about your father.” She leaned in and hugged him, not knowing how he would respond considering their run-in at Ripples on Sunday. He embraced her and accepted it in a way that told her he’d needed it.
“Thank you, Avery. I buzzed you in, but Shane doesn’t know you’re here. He’s on a call with his publicist at the moment.”
“Oh, well, thank you. I thought I’d better come see how he’s doing. How both of you are doing, that is.”
“As good as can be expected, I suppose.” He held open the door, and she went inside. “You’ll find Shane out back on the veranda. I’ll give you two some privacy.”
“Thank you.”
“Hey, Avery?” Hunter called out to her as she made her way through the foyer.
“Yes?” She turned back to face him.
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for what I said to you the other day.”
“It’s okay, Hunter. There was truth to your words.”
“No, there wasn’t. I was just being hurtful. You do a nice job with the resort. Your father would be proud.” He gave her a sincere smile and looked down at his feet. What had come over him? This was the real Hunter she remembered, before he’d gotten into the business world. Maybe Carter’s heart attack had reminded him of what was important. Either way, she’d needed to hear that, and she was grateful for his words.
“Thank you. That means more to me than you’ll ever know.” She returned the smile and then made her way through the massive living area, and out the French doors off the backside of the house. It was surreal being back here. She hadn’t been in the Knox residence since she was a teenager, though it had changed quite a bit since then. She suspected that Valerie had redecorated after she moved in.
She cleared her throat and Shane turned, with his phone to his ear. “I have to go. I’ll call you back,” he said into the receiver and then tossed his cell onto the patio table. He crossed his arms over his chest and waited for Avery to speak.
Not knowing what to say, she quickly went to him and threw her arms around him. “I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I came as soon as I heard.”
“Why are you here, Avery?” His stance was stiff; he didn’t return her embrace.
She stepped back. “I-I just thought … I wanted to be here for you if you need me.”
“Why do you care what I need?”
Why was he being so cold? This wasn’t the same Shane that she’d been spending time with.
“Because I care about you.” She stepped forward and reached out her hand to place it on his arm, but he stepped back to avoid the contact.
“Don’t act like you care about me, Avery. This isn’t the time for games. I’m dealing with a lot here if you can’t tell. In fact, you should probably leave.”
She couldn’t believe his words. This was not at all what she’d expected; she wasn’t prepared to be pushed away. A lump formed in her throat. Maybe he was just eaten up with guilt. After losing her own father, she knew firsthand how hard a day like this must be on him. She was willing to cut him some slack, even if it wasn’t adding up.
“Okay, I’ll go. But please know that I’m here for you if you need me.” She turned to walk away, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Her feelings were hurt, but she would give him his space. She stopped and turned back to ask, “Can I at least leave you my number in case you need anything?”
“You know, Avery, I don’t think that will be necessary.”
What was going on? Was this the same man she thought she was falling for?
“Did I do something to upset you?” she asked. She wasn’t leaving without an explanation.
“I know you’re just using me to save your resort. You played me for a fool.”
“What are you talking about?” She moved toward him and stood before him with both hands on her hips. How dare he accuse her of such a thing.
“I heard you and your mom, Avery. I heard you say you were just playing nice because you’d do anything to save the resort.”
“What? No! You have it all wrong.” How could he have heard that conversation? She was in the office, alone with her mother. Panic raced through her chest. Why had she said that to her mom in the first place? How would she ever make Shane understand she hadn’t me
ant a word of it?
“I heard you with my own two ears. I was coming to find you in the office when I heard you tell your mom that you have absolutely no interest in me. So please, don’t come here and act like you care for me. This isn’t the time.”
“Shane, I just said that to my mom because I wasn’t prepared to answer questions about us, and I didn’t have time for her meddling.” She stepped even closer to him now, placing her hand on his arm. “You have to believe me.”
A long silence fell between them. “I don’t know what to believe.” He turned to face the woods. She placed her arms around his waist and laid her head on his back, embracing him in a final attempt to let him know her true feelings.
“You don’t have to believe me, but I’m telling you the truth. The truth is, I love you, Shane. I never stopped loving you, but I wasn’t ready to have that conversation with anyone. I wasn’t even ready to have it with myself. But after I found you gone, I thought you’d left me again. It hurt even worse than the first time. I thought for sure I’d never see you again. That’s when I knew I was one hundred percent head over heels in love with you.”
He turned to face her. His brow had softened. Did he believe her?
“Well, I did leave. You were right. I was at the airport when I received the call from Hunter.”
Now it was her turn to retreat. He had left her again, after all? “So, you did leave without saying goodbye?”
“After I heard what you said, I just wanted to be as far away from Arbor Shores as possible.”
Anger rose to the surface. Avery willed herself to calm down, but the words kept coming out. “Over a misunderstanding? Is that what you do every time something doesn’t go right in your life? You flee? You don’t even stick around to find out what’s going on, you just take off?”
“Your words hurt me, Avery. I was falling for you, too.” His voice was rough and lacking emotion. Could she trust him? Did she want to give him a shot again if every time they argued, he might leave her again?
“You can’t keep running away, Shane. You have to face things head-on. And you have to trust that when you do, I’ll be standing beside you. Or else, this isn’t going to work. I can’t deal with you leaving every time you get upset. I would always worry about you leaving me.”