Come to Me Free

by Leah Atwood

  He stood up, dragging his feet to retrieve the hooded sweatshirt draped carelessly across a chair in the room’s corner. He pulled it over his head. By sun’s full ascent, the extra layer wouldn’t be needed. Raking a hand through his bedraggled hair, he attempted taming the mess then grabbed his phone from the night stand and went down the two flights of stairs.

  A sliding glass door led to a large deck overlooking the lower Sierras. Rob opened the door and went outside. A cool breeze blowing from the west was a welcome relief to the extreme heat they’d been in the last several weeks. He settled into a patio chair and stared out at the sequoia- and pine-covered peaks jutting upward toward the horizon—a familiar landscape he’d seen on a regular basis growing up when his family would often spend weekends camping.

  Sand River was only a few hours’ drive to the south. A hop, skip, and a jump away from the forested lands to the dry, dusty desert. He could take a drive over and go visit his family. The guys would understand if he explained. They’d hand him his keys and push him out the door, despite the fact it was their only free day of the tour and they were spending it at the home of an old friend.

  Family came first. That was their new mantra. It was why Sophie and Grace were here with Bryce, and why Elle, Shannon and Lilah were here with Adam.

  Who was he kidding? He wasn’t going to make the trip. It was a nice thought, but he wasn’t ready, wasn’t sure if he ever would be. Later, when he could carve out some more time alone, he’d make his weekly call to his mom. Their scheduled chats were his concession to guilt for not being present, though they did little to mitigate his conscience.

  But there existed feelings worse than guilt for running away, and they would consume him if he returned to Sand River. Traveling in the same state was bad enough, but there was no way around it. This trip has been especially bad, much worse than previous ones. Maybe it was due to the time of year.

  He was so weary of the heaviness that lingered.

  Footsteps sounded inside. A second later, the door slid open, and Bryce walked out, stretching his arms. “You’re up early.”

  Rob smirked, slipping into character. “It’s the only way to get some peace and quiet.”

  “Beautiful out there, isn’t it?” Arms bent and braced beyond his neck, Bryce stared out at the landscape. “God’s masterpiece for us to see.”

  A noncommittal sound came out of Rob’s mouth that he hoped didn’t sound too much like a snort. There was a time he’d also believed…

  “Yeah, I know, you don’t do the God thing.” Bryce lowered his hands and walked to the railing. “But stare out there long enough and tell me you honestly don’t believe some higher being created all this.” His arm swept the panorama.

  “It’s too early in the morning for philosophical conversations. I’m going to make some coffee.” He stood and took a step toward the door.

  “There’s already some brewing. Should be ready in a minute or two.”

  “Thanks.” Rob went inside and perched against the counter. When the coffee was done brewing, he grabbed a mug from the stack beside the pot and poured a cup. He took a seat at the breakfast bar.

  Last night, after seeing that Dani had accepted his friend request, he’d summoned up the courage to send her a message. He’d tried not to give it much thought, just a simple “hi, how are you doing” type thing. Promptly after sending the quick note, he’d turned off his phone so that he wouldn’t check for a reply with a compulsive curiosity.

  Now, it got the better of him, despite his resolve to not check until tonight. He powered up the device, setting it in front of him. A few seconds later, his notifications from the night came through. There was only one he cared about, the message he’d been hoping would come. Dani had responded already. The time stamp caught his eye—he should have waited up last night. Hers had come not long after he’d sent his.

  The smile didn’t leave his face as he read through. Like his, she’d kept it short and simple, not surprising since their friendship was still new. At least she didn’t hate him and was willing to move past how he’d acted. Thanks to Gram and her slyness. He owed her a world of thanks because he was quite certain he’d never have gone to Dani’s house of his own accord.

  A weightlessness he hadn’t experienced since before the wedding worked its way into him. He’d never hear the end of it if anyone knew why he, Rob Jackson, was grinning like a simpleton. Staring at his phone, he thought of his reply then started typing.

  Gracie’s been a champ. She’s become the belle of the ball, so to say. Well, her, Shannon, and Lilah. We work with tough men, and they all turn to putty when the girls are around, not even flinching when Bryce demanded they clean up their language around the kids. Some days I can tell Gracie is getting bored, but Sophie is really good at keeping her entertained.

  I’d be happy to pass on a hug. Today is a rare day off and we’re at a friend’s house in the mountains. The timing is perfect. In a few hours, we’re all going down to the lake for a day of fun. Bryce rented paddle boats for the whole group, so that should be interesting. Have you ever been on one? I have, but not since I was a child. My sister and I would always share one, and inevitably, would get yelled at for going out of bounds.

  He paused his typing and reread the last line. His finger moved to the back key, ready to delete it. Did he really want to write anything that would invite further questions?

  Isn’t that the point? True, but… No buts. You wanted a friend, right?

  These internal debates were getting old. He left the sentence as it was and finished the message with a generic talk to you soon.

  A large hand slapped him on the back. “Rob, my man, what’s up?”

  When Rob turned his head and saw Ben Marlow, the cabin’s owner and host for the day, he stood and took his friend into a one armed hug, pounding a fist on his back before stepping away. “Not much my friend. Was starting to think we’d come all this way to not cross paths.”

  “Sorry about that, bro. I had a recording session last night that went longer than expected. Did Lucille get all of you settled?”

  “Yes, she did. Your wife’s a class act hostess.”

  “I’d have to agree.” Ben looked around. “Where is everyone? I thought they’d be up by now.”

  “Bryce was out on the deck several minutes ago. The others should be down soon.” Rob went to the coffee pot and poured another cup.

  Ben followed, getting his own cup. “How’ve you been? I heard you’ve been pretty subdued this tour.”

  “What do you mean?” Rob’s eyebrows furrowed.

  “A little bird told me you’ve only been out once on the road this time.”

  “Yeah, so?”

  This time, it was Ben who raised his brows. “That doesn’t sound like the Rob Jackson I remember.”

  “People change.” He shrugged and cast a half smirk. “Or maybe I just needed a break.” His phone vibrated, and he made the mistake of automatically reaching for it, checking to see if Dani had responded already.

  Arms crossed, Ben looked at him with a knowing glint of humor. “Someone’s awfully eager to see who’s sending him a message so early in the morning.”

  A clamor of noise coming down the steps drew the attention away from Rob. Ben went to greet the rest of his guests, leaving Rob to read the message from Dani in relative peace.

  I’ve only been out in a paddle boat once. NEVER AGAIN!

  Do I sense a story? He typed the reply quickly and sent it.

  Shouldering past the influx of people in the kitchen, he escaped to the deck, once again taking a seat in a chair. Bryce must have gone back inside. It wasn’t long before his phone buzzed again.

  Let’s just say, if I’m going to come up close and personal with an alligator, it better be in a boat with an engine that can quickly distance me from aforementioned creature. I won’t go out on a canoe for the same reason. Love being on the water, terrified of alligators. You can tell me they won’t attack unless provoked until
you’re blue in the face, but it won’t change my mind about them.

  He laughed at the mental image of an alligator leaping out of the water and into a paddleboat, but in his vision, it was a slapstick cartoon. It was a reasonable fear, he assumed—he didn’t know much about gators or what made them attack, but she didn’t strike him as the type to let irrational fear dictate her actions.

  Would you go on one in a lake without the gators? Was he inviting her in abstract terms? Possibly.

  If the circumstances were right.

  Adam stuck his head out from the partially opened door. “Hey, Rob, you coming? We’re heading to the little café down the street for breakfast.”

  “Be right there.”

  Maybe one day you can tell me what those circumstances are. He hit the button to send it then typed another. We’re all going out to eat in a few minutes. Will you be around later?

  Hard to say. I’m cleaning now and work tonight. Enjoy your breakfast.

  He hated to end the conversation while they were chatting in real time. The last few minutes, he’d been happy, genuinely happy. Talking to Dani gave him ideas he had no business entertaining. He’d found an unlikely friend in her, and he wasn’t going to mess that up, even if his heart was nudging him to want more.

  “We’re leaving. Now.” This time it was Jay prodding him. “Unless you want to walk.”

  Standing, he shoved his phone into his pocket without replying to Dani’s last message. “Let me grab my wallet, and I’ll be right there.”

  ROB LOUNGED ON the lake’s beach, and all traces of this morning’s chill were gone. He leaned back, almost to a full recline, bending his arms behind him to support his upper body. Granules of sand were stuck to his legs, but he’d given up brushing them off hours ago. For every grain he removed, five more attached themselves.

  All things considered, he’d enjoyed himself today, having the most fun he’d had in a while. By default, he hadn’t talked to Dani since their chat this morning. When he’d returned from breakfast, he hadn’t been able to find his phone and hadn’t searched too hard. He figured he’d find it later so, much like last night, he wouldn’t be tempted to check constantly for replies.

  Jay strode over and claimed a spot on the blanket that had been spread out. “Ben mentioned having a bonfire at the house tonight. You game?”

  “Sure.” Lack of sleep, combined with the sun’s rays, gave his voice a lazy drawl.

  “Everyone else is going back to the cabin now. I’m down with staying here a little longer if that works for you.”

  Rob looked out to the crystalline blue lake. Clouds of cotton reflected in the water, and the sun was beginning to lower, sending its light through the branches of trees. Most families and beach patrons had left, or were in the process of packing up their belongings. The setting was the definition of tranquility. “I’m in no hurry.”

  “I figured as much, so Caroline already planned to ride back with Adam and Elle.”

  “Is it true, she’s leaving the tour next week?” He’d heard whispers, but the action seemed so anti-Caroline, who’d always accompanied them on tour, as their manager and now Jay’s fiancée.

  “Yes.” The corners of Jay’s mouth turned upward into a smile. “Can you keep a secret?”

  Was that a trick question? He had an arsenal of them. “As long as you’re not about to confess to a crime and make me an abettor.”

  Jay laughed. “Nothing like that. Caroline and I set a date.”

  Another wedding. Just what he needed. “When’s the big day?”

  “Twelfth of September.”

  “I’ll mark it in the calendar,” Rob said, proud of himself for keeping the sarcasm from his voice.

  “That’s why Caroline’s going back to Nashville early, to do all the planning. We weren’t going to tell anyone yet, so we’d stay focused on the tour, but I have a feeling she’s already told Elle and Sophie.” Jay took off a flip-flop from one foot and dumped out the sand before replacing it. He looked down at the blanket, clearing his throat. “I know you don’t really like weddings, but it would mean a lot if you’d stand up with me.”

  Rob hesitated, longer than he should have. “Of course.”

  “I should tell you something else.” Jay’s face set in straight lines.

  “What’s that?”

  “Dani’s going to come to Nashville and cater it.”

  He swallowed hard. There was no way he could attend another wedding with Dani present and keep his sanity. “That’s nice,” he ground out.

  Jay broke out in laughter. “I’m just teasing you, but the look on your face is priceless. Man, you really do have it bad for her.”

  “Whatever. Remind me again why we’re friends?”

  Ignoring him, Jay continued. “By the way, your phone is in Caroline’s rental. You left it by the register at the café this morning.”

  “You didn’t think to tell me this hours ago?”

  “Where’s the fun in that?” The devilish grin Jay sported, hinted at more.

  Wanting to groan, but refusing to give his friend the satisfaction, Rob braced himself. “Your nose is looking a little red. You wouldn’t have been sticking it where it doesn’t belong, now would you have?”

  No shame evident, Jay shrugged. “It’s not my fault you had your messages open when I went to see whose phone it was.”

  “Doesn’t mean you had to read it.”

  “Contrary to your low opinion of me, I respect boundaries. I saw it was from Dani and closed it out right away, once I knew it was your phone.” He brushed at an insect that landed on his arm. “If you want me to know what’s going on with you and her, I’m sure you’ll tell me.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Doesn’t mean I can’t still give you a hard time.”

  “You’re a pain.” Rob scooped up a handful of sand and tossed it at Jay.

  Taking the sand in stride, Jay smirked. “But I’m still one of your best friends so you’re stuck with me.”

  “You can be replaced,” Rob shot back, but for all the faults of his friends, he knew it wasn’t true. They might not know everything about him, and they got under his skin more often than not lately, but they were true blue friends, through thick and thin.

  Chapter 8

  “I’m living on the edge.” Dani laughed and handed Gram a clean plate to dry.

  “It’s about time you start living, missy. All work and no play doesn’t constitute a life.” Gram’s wrinkled hands worked a dishrag over the plate, wicking away the moisture.

  “I don’t work all the time.” She’d taken the day off for Gina and Greg’s welcoming party that had ended a half hour ago. This was the second Saturday she’d taken off this summer. Last year, she hadn’t taken any.

  Gram set the dish down and shook a finger. “One day, child…” She trailed off, leaving Dani wondering what she was going to say.

  Dani’s mom walked into the room, her arms full of large bowls and platters. “This is the last of them.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Dani took the dishes and set them in the soapy water. “I know what I am getting Gram for Christmas.”

  “A grandson-in-law?”

  Lately, it seemed like Gram was pushing her to find a man and get married, which was odd because Gram had always been her biggest supporter.

  “Dani will settle down when she’s ready.” Her mom spoke to Gram, but gave Dani a squeeze on the shoulder.

  “Exactly.” Dani could have hugged her. “You know how I feel about devoting my time to Bayou Bits.”

  “Well, I’m not getting any younger and using your career as an excuse is a flimsy cover. Look at your cousin. If Bryce can manage his career on top of a family, surely you can, too.” Gram’s staunch determination should have annoyed Dani, but it worried her.

  Was Gram starting to think about her own mortality? Dani shook her head, unable to think of a world without her grandmother. “I’m not Bryce. If someone comes along with whom I feel a strong enough a
ttachment, then I’ll consider dating. Otherwise, I don’t need the distraction.”

  Images of Rob flitted through her mind. The one person she’d experienced that with wasn’t boyfriend potential, but she was happy with their friendship. Which reminded her, she’d never replied to his last text. At some point last week, they’d switched from the messenger platform to texting. Thank goodness for the unlimited phone service.

  “All I’m going to say is that God didn’t intend for us to be alone.”

  “That’s enough.” Dani’s mom placed a gentle hand on Gram’s shoulder. “It’s also better to be alone than married to the wrong person.”

  Exchanging glances, Dani saw the same worry reflected in her mom’s eyes. So, it wasn’t her imagination—Gram was definitely acting out of character.

  “You make a good point, Robyn.” Gram turned to Dani. “What is this great gift if not a grandson-in-law?”

  “A dishwasher.”

  Gram crinkled her eyes. “Pshaw. I’ve lived seventy years without one, there’s no need to start now. Washing dishes is good for the soul.”

  “Is that why I always had to wash them?” Dani asked her mom, a teasing lilt in her voice.

  Her mom smiled and nodded. “That’s what Gram always told me, and I liked the sound of it.”

  The house phone, hanging on the kitchen wall, rang and Gram went to answer it. She was silent at first, her ear pressed to the receiver, and listening intently. “Okay, thanks for calling. I’ll let everyone know and please, keep us updated.” She hung the phone back on its holder, the spiral cord twisted. A broad grin reached to both ears. “Looks like we had the welcoming party just in time.”

  “The baby?” Dani asked.

  “Yes, that was Gina’s mom. Gina’s water broke on the way home from the party, and they just checked in at the hospital.”

  Dani’s mom clapped her hands. “What a wonderful way to end this day.”

  “Should I back out of the singles class barbecue tonight? I want to be at the hospital when the baby comes.”

  “No, sweetheart. Go have your fun. First babies usually take their time making an appearance, and Gina’s mom is with her for support.” Bumping her hip, Dani’s mom scooted her away from the sink. “I’ll finish cleaning up, there’s not much left.”