Page 53 of Starting Over

She asked for my phone, and I handed it over without thinking. Maybe this small town had more of an impact on me than I thought.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me,” she said. Typing her number into my phone, I heard a ding across the room.

“Thank you.”

I chose not to look back when the mayor walked back to the table she shared with Declan. It wasn’t easy. Forcing him out of my thoughts, I ate my lunch, surprised when I finished the whole thing.

I wouldn’t think about the fact that my appetite returned when I learned the mayor wasn’t involved with Declan.

With my head held high, I stood from my stool and walked to his table. I didn’t miss the way his eyes perused me from head to toe. Stopping at the table, I focused on the mayor.

“It was nice talking with you, Mayor. I hope we can do it again.”

“You can count on it. In fact, some of the other ladies in town have a book club that meets once a month. I’ll text you the time and place.”

“That sounds fun.” Her smile was so genuine, it gave me the courage to turn and look at Declan.

With a tip of my head, I said, “Sheriff.”

“Maureen.” His voice was like gravel across my skin. I knew he didn’t want me here, and I got it. But I was staying, and he needed to get used to it.

Walking out the door, I had a choice to make. Go back to my house and work, or talk to King and let him know I wouldn’t be staying at the clubhouse anymore.

Pulling into the clubhouse a few minutes later, I took a deep breath and pushed my shoulders back. I could do this. Sure, he had been avoiding me, but I didn’t really think I was the one he was mad at.

When I walked into his office and he turned his cold eyes to me, I realized I was wrong. I stood in the doorway, unsure if I would be welcomed.

“Hi,” I said quietly.

“What can I do for you, Maureen?” he asked, turning back to his paperwork.

“I wanted to let you know, I finished my bedroom at the house, so I will be moving my stuff over there today and sleeping there from now on.”

“Ok.”

That was all he said. He didn’t look up. He didn’t acknowledge me in any other way. Slowly, I moved into his office, sitting in one of the two chairs placed in front of his desk.

I sat there quietly, waiting for him to notice I was there. After what felt like ten minutes of silence, I gave in and asked, “Are you upset with me, King?”

He continued what he was doing for another moment before answering. Tossing his pen on his desk, he leaned back in his chair and looked at me.

“Do you know why my parents left Boston?”

Shaking my head, I answered, “No. I was only ten. One day, Declan was at school with Duane and I, and the next day, he was gone.”

“Do you know if my mother was pregnant before they moved?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t. After they moved away, I never heard anything more about Declan or your parents.”

I could see the questions in his eyes. I wasn’t sure what he was asking. People moved, there was nothing strange about that.

“How are your parents?” I asked.

“Dead.”

My hands flew to my mouth, trying to cover the gasp that escaped beyond my control. He was so cold when he said it.

“I’m so sorry. When did they...”

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