Page 90 of When the Smoke Clears

Chapter 32

Stephanie

I’vebeenintownfor nearly a week before I hear from Maci. Aside from her original call to notify me of the incident at Mother’s, this is the first she’s reached out. Even considering my call to her about leaving, it’s still more than the entire last year.

She wants to “talk” and asked that we meet at the lake. She likely assumes I didn’t care enough to ask why we couldn’t just meet at Mother’s. I’m not dense. I didn’t ask where the incident happened with Alan’s son, but the backyard looked thoroughly trampled when I arrived.

The lake itself isn’t much to write home about. It has a minuscule public park and two boat docks. Thankfully, one has a secondary green space with a bench overlooking the water, where I wait patiently for Maci to arrive.

It’s not long before she drops down unceremoniously on the other end of the bench. “Hi.”

“Maci.” I don’t recognize the warmth that fills my voice. Her breath catches. I really have been terrible at showing any affection.

Her nostrils flare and she swallows before responding. “How are you?” The words are timid.

“It’s peaceful here.” I gesture softly with my chin toward the lake, letting my focus linger on its rippling waters. It reminds me of a story I read as a child about the ripple effect. There’s a name for it that eludes me as we sit, but it explores a fictional story about something random and seemingly isolated that occurs, and the ramifications of that tiny incident on a grand scale. Something has caused a ripple in our lives as well, and I believe the ramifications will be more than we could have imagined.

“Bull Creek?”

“The lake.” I take in her lovely face. Those piercing green eyes like her father’s that haunted me daily. She saw right through me. But I’m there, too. In the strong jawline and cupid’s bow of her upper lip paired with the thin lower lip. “Don’t you agree?”

Her eyes trail out to the water. The sun is low in the sky and the water sparkles with its reflection. “Yes. It’s quiet, serene.”

An unfamiliar, genuine smile takes over my face. Lake water doesn’t have the same cleansing scent as the salty ocean, but I inhale deeply anyway and shift on the rickety bench, twisting to face Maci better. “I’m glad you chose this place. What’s going on?”

“I’m glad you like it here.” Her face tightens as she steels herself to talk to me. “The funeral for Colt was last week.”

My lips purse.

“Did Alan mention it?”

“No. He arrived as you and I were getting off the phone when I called to tell you I was leaving. Overall, he acted normal. He was a little more tense the morning I left. I believe it was the day of the funeral. He hasn’t called since I’ve been gone.” I lift my chin.

“Did you tell him you were leaving?”

“No,” I scoff.

Her eyes narrow. “Does he know you’ve left?”

I swallow. “I don’t know how he wouldn’t. I’ve never left without warning before. I’m not sure what to make of the no contact.” I leave out the part about the cameras that I shut off.

“Why wouldn’t he call?” Maci studies me intently.

I redirect the conversation. “Did something happen?”

She crosses her arms tightly over her chest. “Yes, something happened.” Her tone is measured, but anger burns beneath the surface. She’s always been this way, almost dancing with the energy writhing inside. “There’s a lot we need to discuss, and for once I need you to be open and honest with me.”

Turning back to the water, I exhale heavily. She’s right, and I want to. I want to fix all that’s broken. I also know it’s going to be a long, hard road.

“I’m sorry that you looked at me every day and saw my father, but I didn’t do that to you. You did. I wish you could’ve loved me through it.” Her hurt words spill out. “I’m sorry that your second husband hated me through no fault of my own. Somehow, I learned to create boundaries, whether or not you two wanted that. I loved you despite my anger. I wish you’d just love me back.”

Her admission and coupled accusation stings. “I’ve always loved you, Maci.”

“Well, find a new way to show it. Because it doesn’t feel like it.” She wipes at her wet face. “Anyway, there’s a lot you need to know. I met Alan’s ex-wife, Melissa.”

Alan only spoke of Melissa a handful of times, while we were dating. She sounded like a troubled woman who needed professional help.

“I can only imagine what you think of her if all you know of her is through Alan’s anecdotes. But we need to look past that. Melissa said that Alan had another marriage.”

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