Page 41 of Second Chance in Charlevoix
“Right. She’d come out and point to the rattan rockers. ‘Those chairs need to be rocked,’ ” she’d say.
“Your mother was a good woman. We all knew what she was talking about. We’d roll out of that hammock and sit in the chairs.”
“She was always looking out for us.” Remembering made her smile.
Turning to face her, Josh took her upper arms in gentle hands. “Right. And all those memories are kept locked up inside. They always will be.”
How lucky she was to have Josh McCall back in her life, helping her through this tough spot. “You’re right. My mind knows that but not my heart.” She gave the first floor a final sweep with her eyes. “Probably all this will be changed when I see it next.”
“Look, why don’t you do this.” Turning her around, he walked her slowly back to the front door. “Leave Sunnycrest in Seth’s hands. Don’t come over here during the work and try not to think about what might be happening. You’re set up in Seth’s house now. It’s a great location. Enjoy it.”
“You’re so smart. He does have that boat. I wonder if he ever takes it out.” By that time they were out onthe front porch. She locked the door. Although they rarely locked Sunnycrest, maybe it was time.
The evening air was soft and spring daffodils were in bloom. The hydrangeas her mother had planted around the screen porch and front yard wouldn’t have blooms for a while but their huge leaves were unfolding. “Can we go around to the back?” she asked. “Just for a second?”
“Sure. Of course.” Skirting the hydrangeas, they walked around back. Some old Adirondack chairs were there in no particular formation. “I’m going to spray paint these,” Sam was eager to get on with that project.
“That’s a great idea. What color?”
“Not sure yet, but I want it to look nice. Welcoming. Seth’s putting in a firepit.”
“That should keep the mosquitos and flies away.”
“Right and I’m going to plant a perennial garden.” She motioned to the areas that might be good for flower beds. “Seth said the guys would do the digging, which will be great. I can picture peonies here, along with iris in the spring. Maybe some pink echinacea in the summer.”
Shaking his head, Josh smiled. “I have no idea what you’re talking about but your enthusiasm is admirable. It’s been a long day. Are you hungry?”
“Sure. Someplace casual.” She was wearing jeans and a hoodie.
Soon they were seated in the Villager Pub, ordering wet burritos and two Arnold Palmers. Although she hadn’t felt hungry, everything smelled great and her appetite kicked in. Sliding onto the cushioned seat along the side wall, she felt the past rolling over her again. How many times had they sat here when they were in high school? Was Josh thinking the same thing? He turned around to take it all in and when he swung his eyes back to her, they held the past.
They were in high school again, and those hazel green eyes looked at her like she was the only woman in the place. He’d always been able to make her feel special and Sam felt like that love-struck teen again. She glanced around. The bar to one side and vintage photos framed on the opposite wall. The smell of broasted chicken and the lake across the street. Everything felt well-worn and familiar. “Doesn’t this take you back?”
Josh nodded. “Sure does. How about you?”
“The same. Thank goodness they haven’t changed too much.” The popular spot had been around for decades.
“Coming back to Charlevoix was the best decision I ever made.” She sank back with contentment.
“Because of your divorce?” Her hands were folded on the table and Josh rested one of his hands on hers.
“No, I think it’s more than that. Sure, I’m glad I’mnot running into Kurt and his new love. They should be having their baby this summer and I sure don’t want to be part of that. But Charlevoix is familiar to me in a different way. It’s always been a place where we could relax. A smaller community, warmer and easier.”
When his brows lifted a bit, she knew what he was thinking. Her parents’ accident.
“Oh, I know. That accident. But still, my folks loved being at Sunnycrest with us, along with Uncle Monty and Aunt Cate. Just having our aunt here brings my mom and dad back in so many ways.”
Sam thought Marlowe, Izzy and Aunt Cate felt the same way. Staying in Oak Brook outside of Chicago, she might always have felt like a failure. Sam and Kurt had so many friends there. Although they meant well, Sam didn’t want sympathy and she didn’t want to hear about the birth of Kurt and Marie’s baby, whenever that might be.
After the waiter had brought their Arnold Palmers, Sam asked questions about Mia and Hayden. No way did she want Josh to think she didn’t care about his children. But this topic was tricky. The truth was, the kids didn’t like her. A past dinner at his house hadn’t gone well. Mia had ignored her and Hayden spend the time playing video games
“They’re both doing fine, but now that you’ve asked, I’m in a fix.” Josh’s foreheadpuckered as he stabbed his straw into the ice cubes. “Mia’s been invited to a dance. The boy’s father will drive. Thank goodness I don’t have to worry about that yet. It’s an end-of-the-year dance and she wants a dress. A special dress.”
Had those been Mia’s words? “A special dress. That sounds normal and nice.”
Since Sam had no children, maybe she could live vicariously. Some day Holly would go to a dance. Sam sure hoped she wouldn’t mind having her aunts around when she left for the event.
Looking over at Josh, Sam wondered why he wasn’t more excited for his daughter.
