“Yes!” Stacey cried. She was currently styling her hair for the day, so her eyes caught mine in the mirror. “Where is he taking you?”
There weren’t a lot of options in Mason Creek. We had Wren’s Café, the Deli, Sauce it Up, which was Italian, and about five items on the menu at Pony Up. Not exactly the food mecca Chicago was, but I was getting used to it.
“I’m not sure. I figured either Sauce it Up or Pony Up. I guess I should ask so I know what to wear,” I replied, although pretty much everywhere in town was pretty casual.
“You know if you share dessert, the calories don’t count … just a little tip,” Stacey said with a wave of her flat iron.
I chuckled and said, “I’ll try and remember that.”
I took my phone out of my pocket and shot off a text to Mitch, figuring he’d get it at some point during the day when he had a break.
My parents can watch Hope on Saturday. What time and where should we meet?
I knew he’d said it was a date, but I didn’t want to be presumptuous over exactly how datey it was, so I figured I’d give the option of us meeting at the restaurant, rather than assuming he’d pick me up like he had when we were younger.
I was about to put my phone away when it vibrated in my hand.
Awesome, can’t wait. I will pick you up at five if that works. There’s a place in Billings I’d like to take you to, and it takes about an hour to get there.
My tummy tickled with delight, and I told the girls, “He’s taking me to Billings,” which earned some awws and ohhs.
Five works. Dressy?
“I wonder if he’s taking you to Jake’s Downtown, oh, or Stacked?” Anna mused.
“I’ve heard Walkers is really good,” Cheryl added.
“I like that he’s taking you to Billings for your first real date and not somewhere in town. It shows he wants it to be special,” Stacey said, a dreamy look on her face.
Yeah. Not formal but dressed up. I’ll be wearing slacks and a jacket, but no tie.
That made me smile to myself. Mitch had always abhorred wearing ties. The only time I’d ever seen him in one was for his father’s funeral senior year and he’d taken it off as soon as the service was done.
It was comforting to know some things didn’t change.
Thanks. I’ll see you Saturday at five then.
“Hey, guys, I don’t have a client in for another hour, so I’m going to run to One More Chapter to grab a book for Hope. Does anyone need anything while I’m out?” I asked as I grabbed my purse.
“I’m good.”
“Me, too.”
“I wouldn’t mind a scone or a muffin,” Stacey said with a shrug.
“You got it,” I said, giving a small wave before reaching for the door.
It was a beautiful day, so I decided to walk around the square to the bookstore. I passed the bank and police station and then crossed the street. The smells from the deli were already permeating the air, causing my stomach to growl, so I hurried passed it and Sauce it Up, before turning to go into One More Chapter.
“Welcome to One More Chapter,” Laken, the owner, called out, looking up from the book she was reading with a smile.
“Good morning, Laken,” I called back. “I’m just here to grab something for Hope.”
She nodded and said, “Let me know if you have any questions.”
I said I would and made my way over toward the bright-green circle rug where Laken hosted kid’s reading hours, which was where the children’s section was located.
Hope loved coming to the bookstore, especially for the reading hours, and she thought Laken was the coolest.
I crouched down and looked through the covers until I found an Angelina Ballerina book and a cute book called Katie and the North Star. Once I was done, I got up and took them to the register to check out.
“Hope’s still into dancing, huh?” Laken asked as she scanned the back of the book.
“Yes. She had a blast at the festival, dancing the day away. I’m going to get her started in dance classes in the fall.”
“I’m sure she’ll love it.”
We said our goodbyes and I headed back toward Town Square and the salon.
As I walked, I looked around and allowed myself to really take it all in, and I realized how happy I was now that Hope and I were back in Mason Creek and had really immersed ourselves in the community.
I loved Chicago, but it’s so good to be home.
16
Mitch
I pulled up along the curb outside Faith’s parents’ house and looked over at it through my passenger window.
I felt seventeen again. I’d spent most of my teenaged years parked in this very spot, whether I was picking Faith up, dropping her off, or spending time inside. I knew this home as well as I’d known my own childhood home.
It’s funny. Thinking of how much time I’d spent there and the fact that I hadn’t stepped foot back inside in over a decade.
With a deep breath, I pushed my door open and got out of the truck.
I was kind of nervous, which was funny. As if I were going to meet a girl I liked’s parents for the first time. I could remember the nerves, and frankly the terror, I’d experienced the first time I’d met Faith’s. I hadn’t driven that time, because I’d only had a permit, so I’d ridden my bike over to “study” and they were both waiting to meet me at the door.
I’d seen them around and Mrs. Evans had always been kind, but Mr. Evans was an imposing figure.
I walked up the sidewalk and paused before knocking on the door.
After a few moments, the door opened and there he was, Mr. Evans.
Had he gotten smaller?
“Mitchell, good to see you again, son,” he said jovially, sticking out his hand and pumping mine enthusiastically when I accepted his shake. “Come in, come in.”
“Thanks, nice to see you, too, Mr. Evans.”
“Call me Richard, please. We’re all adults now.”
I blinked in surprise but repeated, “Richard.”
He led me through the house, talking excitedly in a way I didn’t even know he could.
“I heard what happened at the auction and I have to say, I’m pleased. Very pleased. It was smart to let your intentions be known and stake your claim in front of the town like that. Plus, I’m sure it made Faith feel like the belle of the ball, what with you practically clearing out your bank account to bid on her.”
“On her basket,” I corrected.
He waved my correction off as we stepped into his office.
When he crossed to his decanter and poured two glasses of bourbon before handing me one, you could have knocked me over with a feather.
It was like being accepted into his inner sanctuary. Insane.
“Now, just to be clear, that didn’t actually wipe out your bank account, right? I have to assume a smart man like yourself, living well within your means, would have more socked away than a measly thousand, am I right?”
I lifted my glass toward him in thanks before taking a sip.
“I do all right, Richard. No need to worry,” I promised.
“That’s my guy,” he said, tipping his glass toward me.
His guy? Had I slipped and hit my head on the way in? Was I in an alternate universe? What was even happening?
Just then, Faith stuck her head in and smiled.
“There you are … I’m ready to go if you are. I know you said it’s a bit of a drive to get there.”
“Yes, uh, thanks for this, Richard, but we’ve got to get on the road.”
It felt sacrilegious putting down a glass missing only a sip of bourbon, but I didn’t want to down it before getting in the car and driving Faith to Billings, so I hoped her father wasn’t offended by my not drinking it.
I crossed to Faith, taking in the long dress made up of clingy blue material, which complemented her eyes and accentuated her curves. Her hair and makeup were flawless as usual, heck, she’d always been perfectly made up, ev
en as a teen, and she looked excited to see me, which pleased me to no end.
“You look gorgeous,” I told her, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
“Thanks, so do you,” she said airily.
“You two have a wonderful evening,” her dad said from behind us.
“Thanks, Dad.”
We walked toward the door, but before we opened it to leave, I asked, “Is Hope here? I’d like to say hi.”
“Actually, she and my mom went to go pick up some items at the grocery store for tonight. But I love that you asked.”
We said goodbye to her father and once we got to my truck, I opened her door and held out a hand to help her get up into it, before shutting the door behind her and rounding it to get in. I noticed her dad still standing on the porch watching us, a pleased grin on his face, so I gave him a wave and got inside.
“Ready?” I asked her.
“Yes, let’s go before my dad climbs in with us.”
We both laughed as I pulled away from the curb and I was relieved at how easy things were between us.
“I’ve got a surprise for you in the glove box,” I said, holding back a grin.
She opened it and took out the cassette tape that was inside.
“Oh my gosh, did you really save this?” Faith asked, turning it over to look at the list of songs, which were familiar since it was written in her handwriting.
“Put it in,” I suggested.
“Wait … I don’t know what’s crazier. That you have the mix tape I made for you junior year or that your truck has a cassette player.”
“Hey, don’t judge,” I joked.
She opened the plastic case, took out the tape, and slid it in the slot. Seconds later, I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas came on.
Faith looked over at me with the same joyous expression she used to give me when this song came on and we both started singing.
17
Faith
We entered Walkers, with its booths in tones of mustard yellow and browns, and barbed wire chandeliers. There was local art on the walls and what looked like stained-glass windows reaching up toward the ceiling.
The feel was lively, yet sophisticated, and the plates of sizzling food being walked past us made my mouth water.
We sat down, me on the booth side and Mitch across from me in a chair.
“This place looks great. Have you been here before?” I asked as I picked up my menu.
“Yeah, it’s actually my mom’s favorite to come to for Mother’s Day and her birthday, so I’ve been here a few times.”
“Welcome to Walkers, I’m Ann. Can I get you started with something to drink, maybe an appetizer?”
I looked down at the wine selection and said, “Can I have the Brooks Runaway Pinot Noir, please?”
“And I’d like the 41 Peaks IPA,” Mitch said, before looking at me and asking, “Did any of the apps catch your eye? The shishito peppers and the burrata are both delicious. Actually, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.”
I looked at the descriptions of the items he’d suggested and said, “The burrata sounds interesting.”
“We’ll take that as well,” he told Ann.
“I’ll get those right in for you,” she said and left us to make our dinner selection choices.
“Everything sounds so good,” I sighed as I read over the menu.
“They get everything locally, from the farms and ranches, so everything is fresh, and home grown, which I love.”
“That’s awesome. Have you ever tried Casey’s Korean Beef Bowl?” I asked him.
“I pretty much stick to the steak, but I’ve honestly never heard any complaints about the food,” he replied easily.
“I think I’ll try it then.”
Ann came back with our drinks and dropped fresh bread on the table, then took our orders and promised the burrata would be right out.
“So, what have you been up to since I left?” I asked, leaning forward to give him my undivided attention.
He chuckled and said, “Well, that’s a lot of ground to cover, but I can give you the highlights … I already mentioned my living situation over the years. As far as work, I started out helping out with odd jobs around town, which eventually led to me buying my own equipment and making a name for myself as a painter. The business just sort of grew organically, and I’ve even branched outside of Mason Creek, as far as Billings.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. I know you always wanted to work for yourself and I’m glad it happened. What about … relationships? Ever get close to getting married?” I asked.
I was so curious to know the answer, even if I wasn’t a hundred percent sure I wanted to hear it. The thought of Mitch with anyone else made my heart hurt.
“I dated off and on, but no, nothing serious. Certainly no one I even came close to proposing to.” He glanced at me, his expression thoughtful and asked, “What about you? I know you were married, obviously, but before you said you weren’t ready to talk about it…”
I looked around and said, “I wouldn’t really feel comfortable going into detail here, in a public setting, but I will later. For now, I’ll just say, I met Jed when I was getting adjusted to living in Chicago, taking meds, and starting therapy. I was a little lost and scared and he completely took advantage of that. My therapist would say he targeted me and then groomed me, and it worked. I was completely under his thumb and caught up in a vicious relationship. But once Hope started getting a little older, she was all I needed to wake up and see the cycle I was in and how dangerous it was, so we left. I got a restraining order and eventually a divorce. When he died, I found out his life insurance was in my name and he’d left everything he owned, which wasn’t much, to Hope. About a year after he died, I decided it was time to move home and raise Hope in a place where she could be safe and surrounded by family and friends. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
“So, he was violent … with you?” Mitch asked and I could tell he was trying to keep the scowl off his face and the anger out of his voice. Like he knew I didn’t need that kind of reaction when I was talking about something that made me feel so vulnerable.
I nodded.
“I’m sure that didn’t help with your panic attacks and anxiety,” he surmised.
“No, it was definitely a bad period in my life, because he expected perfection from me, but there was actually nothing I could do to please him. He just used my anxieties against me and actually seemed to get off on triggering the attacks.”
“Jesus, Faith,” Mitch said, clutching his fists on the table before lowering his hands to his lap. “And how about now? Since you’ve been back, are you still having them?”
“The medication and being home has helped. At first I was afraid it wouldn’t, that those old pressures would come back, but they haven’t. I did have an attack that night at Pony Up,” I admitted, not wanting to keep anything from him or lie to him anymore.
“Because of me?” he asked, looking pained.
I reached my hand out over the table and waited until he placed his over it.
“Not because of you, no. Because of the situation. When we touched and started to dance, all of these feelings and emotions came up reminding me of the past. Of our past. And I could tell by the look in your eyes that I’d hurt you, disappointed you, and it was like we were kids again and those feelings of not being perfect and the pressure I felt bubbled up to the surface.”
“I hate that. You know I’d never hurt you and I don’t need you to be perfect, Faith. I just need you to be you.”
“I know, Mitch. I do. I knew you’d never hurt me or manipulate me like Jed, and I no longer put that pressure on myself or expect perfection, it was just unexpected. And it wasn’t a bad one, I was able to get myself through it pretty quickly.”
“Is there anything I can do to make sure it doesn’t happen again?” he asked, and my heart lifted.
“Just keep being yourself, and maybe have a little patience wi
th me.”
“I can do that.”
18
Mitch
I had so many more questions. A million of them actually. But she’d already said she didn’t want to go into detail in the middle of the restaurant, which I completely understood, and I’d probably already prodded her into telling me more than she’d intended.
But I swear, I wish Jed wasn’t already dead, so I could kill him myself.
I pushed all the questions from my mind and decided to change the subject and focus on having a nice dinner with the woman I knew I wanted to see a hell of a lot more of.
Once the burrata came and Faith had taken a few bites, I asked, “So … what do you think?”
“I’ve really never had anything like it,” she said, her eyes wide. “You wouldn’t expect these ingredients to go together, but they really do. I mean, cornbread with honey butter, peach preserves, and pickled chilis? The chef is an artist.”
I grinned, pleased she was enjoying one of my favorite restaurants in Montana.
“I’ve been missing all of the restaurants I used to go to in Chicago, but this place is right up there with them. Who knew I only had to travel a little outside of town to get food like this?”
“There are some other places I’ll take to you that I’m sure you’ll enjoy, but I wanted to impress you, so I figured we’d start here,” I admitted, not the least bit embarrassed for her to know it.
“Well, I’m definitely impressed,” she said happily, taking another bite.
“Good.”
Once the starter was done, along with the first round of drinks, Faith ordered another glass of wine while we waited for our entrees to arrive. I opted to switch to water, since it was a long way home, and I was driving precious cargo.
“How is your mom doing? I’ve only seen her in passing and haven’t had the opportunity to do much more than say hello,” Faith asked just as our food arrived.
Perfect Summer: Mason Creek, book 7 Page 6