Page 61 of No Place Like Home
“So, a person you care about had a secret, but they didn’t commit a crime or even change who they are. And you’re riled up?” She snorted. “You should get to work on my pothole, boy.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Seems like a bit of concrete would do the trick.”
Cade tossed the paperclip on his desk. “Mama D.”
“I’m kidding. Cade, honey, listen.” She tapped her cane on the ground for emphasis. “I’m giving you a hard time because I want you to see the need for grace. Your feelings obviously got hurt. And you’re disappointed. All of that is valid. But is this something that’s unforgiveable?”
He paused. “No.”
“Is it worth losing the friendship?”
“No.” The bigger problem was how he and Rosalyn kept skipping right over friendship and then trying to go back to it.
“Think back over the details.” Delia’s voice gentled. “Is it even as bad as you heard it the first time?”
I’m married. Yeah, it was pretty bad.
But then the details surfaced, like bubbles to the top of the bay. Rosalyn had been alone. Scared. Trapped. She hadn’t impulsively rushed down an aisle with the intent for anyone to get hurt.
She hadn’t even lied to him—outright, anyway. More like she’d withheld sensitive information. Which was fair, because she hadn’t owed Cade anything…until after the kiss. And she could have still kept her secret then but had done the right thing, even though she must have assumed he’d be upset.
All whileshewas the one whose entire life had derailed of late.
Maybe he’d been a jerk.
“I see the wheels turning. I’ll take that as my cue to leave.” Delia stood with a groan. “Never get old, darlin’.”
“Who’s old?” He stood and walked her to the door.
“You should be a politician with all that nonsense.”
Cade forced his smile to stay steady. Rosalyn wasn’t the only one with secrets. But no sense in diving into his upcoming campaign with Mama D. He’d managed to put it out of his mind for the weekend, his thoughts fully occupied with Rosalyn. But now…his chest tightened and he reached up to massage it. “Thanks for your wisdom.”
“Anytime, hon.” She hugged him before nudging his leg with her cane. “Now get to work on my pothole.”
His chest twinged again. “Yes, ma’am.” He stepped aside so Delia could leave.
“And Cade? Forgive that sweet girl.” Delia turned in the hallway and nodded her chin at him. “She seems like she’s been through more than we know.”
Cade froze, one hand on the doorknob. “How did you know who I was talking?—”
“This entire town underestimates me.” She rolled her eyes. “Remember now—do what it takes to make it well with your soul.”
There was nothing to say but another, “Yes, ma’am.” Not that he had a clue how to do that.
As Delia ambled away, Cade shut the door and sagged against it. The drooping potted plant near his window matched his own posture. When had he watered it last? The stack of papers on his desk looked twice as tall. His landline jangled, sending another zap of adrenaline through his veins.
His chest fluttered again.
No. He didn’t have time for an attack.
But reality piled up anyway. Rosalyn. Their kiss and his misplaced hope. His endless to-do lists. The pressure that none of his efforts would be enough. The scout that was coming…at this point, would he fall into a pothole and sue? How would they ever be impressed with a town that was sinking into the earth’s core?
But Magnolia Bayhadto impress this guy. Cade needed the attention put back on the town if he and his father stood a chance at keeping things running without detrimental changes like lay-offs and shop closings.
Well, heandhis father for now.
