Page 96 of Lose You to Find Me

“Offered to mow it for them,” I hear from somewhere nearby.

I turn to see an older man by the fence of the property next to the Copelins’. “Sorry, what was that?”

Leon Applebee points his cane to the lawn. “I offered to mow it for them before winter hit. Raine told me they’d handle it. Damn near killed me to see them try during the summer. Funny as hell though. The missus, Janet, nearly ran over the garbage cans when she hit the gas a little too hard on the riding mower. After that, she seemed too traumatized to try again.”

The image makes my lips curl in amusement. “You’re Leon, right?” I walk over and raise my hand. “Raine mentioned the project you helped her with. She likes you.”

He shakes my hand. “The kid grew on me. Her and her dog, even if he has a licking problem. Surprised to see you here.”

My eyes go to the house behind me to make sure nobody came to the door. Then I turn back to the man currently eyeing me. “I heard Raine was under the weather, so I brought her something.”

His eyes go down to the bag, which I lift for proof. “You got pastries in there?”

Lips twitching, I nod. “Yes, sir.”

“You gonna share any with me?”

I chuckle and open the bag. “I’ve got a blueberry muffin up for grabs. My dad won’t eat it, so it might as well go to somebody who will.”

He reaches in and takes out the food in question before looking back up at me. “I was real sad to hear about your father. Anytime my late wife put something on the honey-do list, I’d make my way down to the hardware store to pick up supplies for it.”

Warmth settles into my chest. “We appreciate your business.”

His chin dips once. “But I will say, I’m partial to the girl in that house behind you. She’s got a real good heart, even if it’s a little misplaced sometimes. I’d hate to see anything bad happen to her when she’s got so much love to give.”

I’m not surprised they formed a bond. Raine has always been good at doing that with people.

“I’ve got connections, you know,” he adds, bushy brows arching. “I know people who could take care of you if need be. Blueberry muffins can only keep you safe for so long, boyo.”

This took a turn. “Good to know…”

He gestures toward the house. “Better go. Those girls don’t like to be kept waiting.”

When I turn, I see Janet at the door watching me and Leon. I wave off the elderly man before walking over to the woman who’s trying not to look completely uncomfortable with my presence.

“I come in peace,” I offer, lifting the bag of goodies toward her. “Bea sent me with Raine’s favorite, and there are extras in there if you want any. If she’ll see me, that is.”

Raine’s mother glances behind her before stepping outside and shutting the door. It doesn’t give me much optimism, especially when she crosses her arms on her chest and lets out a heavy sigh like her daughter does when she’s stressed.

“I never did say how sorry I am about what’s going on with your father,” she begins, hesitant eyes meeting mine. “I haven’t treated you very fairly, and neither did my husband.Ex-husband. You and your family have always been nothing but kind, especially to Raine. I didn’t always like that, but I am grateful she’s had you.”

Straightening, I watch as she shifts on her feet, probably feeling as uncomfortable as I am right now. “My family would do anything for Raine. No matter what happened. I would too.”

She glances down at the ground, but not before I see the slightest glaze to her eyes that shows how much she cares, even if she has a hard time saying it. It’s the first time I’ve seen genuine emotion that isn’t anger from her. It’s progress, even if we’re never going to be close. It means she’s willing to try.

For her daughter.

“She’s vulnerable right now, Caleb” is what I hear next from her. “And I’m trying my best to be there for her, but you may be what she needs more right now. That’s not easy for me to admit. I’m her mother.”

Her glassy eyes move toward mine.

“But you’re her…everything.”

I blink.

Repeat those words to myself.

Then blink again.

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