Page 33 of Starting Over

Sam looked over at me with sympathy. I returned her gaze with a questioning one. She just shook her head as if to say,it isn’t you.So I left it alone.

Once everything was prepared and ready to be finished off tomorrow, we all gathered in the main room. I thought about just going up to my room, but decided maybe I should make an effort, if I was going to stay in Diamond Creek after all.

I sat at the bar, alone.

“Hello, darlin’.”

“Hey, King.”

“Why are you sitting here alone? The girls are all over there.” He tipped his head toward the couches. The young man behind the bar dropped off a glass of whiskey, setting it down in front of King,

“I just needed some time to myself.”

I wouldn’t tell him the truth.

I didn’t fit in here. The women were all considerably younger than me. The truth was, they were all young enough to be my daughters.

I didn’t fit in here, but I was stuck.

“How are things coming with the house?” King asked.

“Good. The bedroom is almost done. I just need to finish the floors, and then I can put together the furniture that is stacked up in the living room.”

“You know if you need any help—”

“Thank you. If I find myself unable to do something, you will be the first one I call,” I promised.

I looked across the room at the women and saw Grace watching us. Her eyes dancing between King and me.

I didn’t miss the frown that marred her beautiful face.

“There something going on with you two?” I asked, tipping my head in Grace’s direction.

“Nah.” He emptied his glass and lifted it toward the young man, who rushed to fill it.

“Why not? You obviously want her, and from the daggers she is sending over here, I’d say she wants you, too,” I pointed out.

Sam had pulled me aside and gave me the scoop on Grace and King.

“Is it the age thing?”

King gazed across the room at Grace. She sat in the middle, among the group of women. To anyone looking, he could have been watching any of them. But I saw the look in his eyes as they drank her in.

“The age gap isn’t a big deal. It’s ten years, but not an issue.”

“Then what is the issue?” I wondered.

“Her father.” He sighed, then stood up. “Don’t hide from everyone, Maureen. If you’re gonna live in Diamond Creek, you gotta get to know the people,” he said, knocking his knuckles on the bar twice before walking away.

I knew he was right. But there was always tomorrow.

I finished my drink and headed upstairs to bed.

Thanksgiving dawned bright and early. It was like my body knew what day it was. After almost thirty years of getting up at the crack of dawn to put the turkey in, I was awake, regardless of whether I wanted to be.

Knowing I wouldn’t get back to sleep, I climbed out of bed and stepped into the shower.

Once I was dressed, I went downstairs.

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