Page 77 of Steadfast

“Oakleigh, I’m sorry I took that picture with those girls,” Crew started in without any hesitation or prompting. “I didn’t know it was all going to be twisted like that.”

“That’s social media for you,” Oakleigh replied with a regretful shake of her head. “Maeve really gave you a hard time about it, huh?”

“That’s an understatement.”His eyebrows lifted as he recounted the harsh scolding he had received on Oakleigh’s behalf on the flight home.

She attempted to suppress her smile, wishing she could have heard just a little of it for her own satisfaction. Pressing against Crew’s muscular chest, she left mud on his soft, blue button-up shirt. She gave his strong bicep a reassuring squeeze.

“I trust you. I love you. I’m so glad you’re home.”

Crew exhaled in relief, looking almost as though he could cry. He cleared his throat as he swept her muddy hair away from her face. “I guess I just have one question, then?”

“Yes?” she raised an eyebrow.

His eyes were bright with laughter as he looked at her from head to toe. “Is there any inch of you that’s not covered in mud?” He chuckled as he received a sharp elbow and an eye roll. “We’re okay?”

“Yeah,” she nodded. “We’re okay.”

Maeve closed her eyes, thanking God for at least one resolution in the midst of the chaotic turmoil that had chased the peace from her home. She took her opportunity and stepped around the corner. “Crew, go on up,” she instructed. “I need to speak to Oakleigh now.”

He nodded, giving Oakleigh one last squeeze before making his way upstairs.

Oakleigh crossed her arms. Still avoiding eye contact with Maeve, she looked instead at the sopping wet hardwood floor beneath her feet. “What do you want to know?”

Maeve gave her a knowing glance and allowed Oakleigh to gather her courage.

Oakleigh’s tone was barely above a whisper when she began to explain. “You asked me to lead by listening and, well, I probably didn’t do a great job at that.” She told Maeve about the fierce argument, how the girls had gone missing after Lil’ Slim got loose, and the miscommunication that escalated the predicament into a disaster. Her voice quivered as she swiped her nose with the back of her muddy wrist.

Maeve had heard enough. “Oakleigh, go get cleaned up and get some rest.”

“You’re not, like, super angry with me?” she asked.

“I’m not mad,” Maeve answered.

Finally lifting her eyes, she scanned Maeve for the truth. “Because Paisley hates me, and so does my mom, and I don’t think I can handle it if you hate me too.”

“I don’t hate you, Oakleigh,” Maeve answered truthfully, “I’m frustrated and disappointed, but I don’t hate you.”

Oakleigh glanced up at the wood beams on the ceiling, drawing back the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. “That’s worse, though, isn’t it?”

“Go to bed,” Maeve instructed. “Get some rest, and we’ll discuss it in the morning.”

Oakleigh pulled in a deep breath as she headed to the stairs.

“And Oakleigh,” Maeve stopped her, “steer clear of your mom. I’ll handle things from here on out.”

Maeve leaned hard on the railing. With a quick shake of her head, she considered the statement she had foolishly made just the day before.

Twenty-four hours. Just twenty-four hours.

Chapter 24

Big Headache

Maeve stood on the balcony overlooking the wind torn pasture. The air was crisp in the aftermath of the storm. She leaned her elbows on the railing and watched the sun rise above the dark clouds now empty of rain. She swirled the coffee in her ceramic mug. Her mental checklist seemed a mile long, filled with all that needed to be accomplished to get everything back on track.

Sawyer stepped beside her with a coffee cup in hand.

“Break it to me gently,” Maeve sighed. “What’s the damage?”