Page 14 of Take My Name
Yes.
Maybe.
Not to force those papers on me, but to seeheragain? Even if we’re arguing, it’s better than nothing.
Staring at the manilla folder I swiped from her, I leave it on the coffee table, not sure what to do with it. I read the papers the first time they were delivered but didn’t bother the next four times she sent them.
I’ve thought about this day countless times. What it’d feel like seeing her again after all these years apart and if the spark between us would still be there.
She’s changed some, but overall, she’s still my Maze—headstrong, determined, fiery.
Her soft hazel eyes that complement her brown hair, which always looked lighter under the sun, and pouty lips I struggled to look away from, were all familiar. She’s changed in the way she dresses, but I don’t necessarily hate it. However, it surprised me.
Maisie was always ready to go on horseback rides, hiking, or swimming, which means she’d never wear skirts. Sundresses maybe, but mostly jean shorts and boots.
Grabbing my phone, I call my cousin before I do something I’ll regret—like get wasted and drunk dial her.
Landen lives two hours away on his own family’s ranch and retreat. Where our resort focuses more on relaxation and helping couples reconnect through outdoor and indoor activities, theirs is for family getaways and kid-friendly.
Being the same age, we grew up close, but I also get along with his four siblings. When we were kids, they’d visit every summer for a couple weeks and we’d camp out in tents or sleep in our trucks—causing trouble most of the time.
During spring break our senior year, he came with a group of friends to hang out for the week. Unfortunately for him, his ex-girlfriend tagged along and what was supposed to be their final night of fun turned tragic when Angela pushed their other friend off the fifty-foot cliff. We were taking turns jumping into the waterfall and when Talia wouldn’t jump, Angela took it upon herself to push her over the ledge.
When she didn’t swim up to the surface, we knew something was wrong.
Her body was found two hours later.
It rocked our community and everyone here at the ranch. Although I’d only met Talia that week, it still affected me knowing she died on our property.
I’ve swum in the Willow Falls Rivernearly my whole life.
It’s the same location I proposed to Maisie.
To make matters worse, Talia’s boyfriend ended his life from the immense guilt and grief he felt. Guilt for not protecting her from Angela, who kept pressuring Talia to jump, and grief for losing the love of his life.
Tucker was also Landen’s childhood best friend.
He lost a lot that summer and it affected him for years.
Fortunately, Angela was charged with voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
But then nine days ago, we found out Angela’s eligible for parole after only serving eleven years. The lawyers suggested everyone who testified against her and made character witness statements should write a letter to the parole board, so we’ve been making plans to write a joint statement. He and his other friends who were also there that summer are supposed to come up here soon, but now I’m not sure that’s going to happen.
“Which planet is outta sorts right now makin’ everyone extra crazy?” He picks up without a proper greeting and it throws me so off-guard, I stumble over my words.
“Um…Earth?”
He barks out a laugh. “Touché.”
“Should I even ask?”
“Just a rough day. So what’s goin’ on?”
“Maisie just showed up at my door,” I blurt without thinking. Though I don’t plan to tell him every detail since I’ve hardly talked about her to him in the past several years. If I do, the rest of my family and cousins will know within twenty-four hours. Landen loves to gossip.
“Excuse me?” He chokes through a coughing fit. “Maisie? Your ex-wife,Maisie?”
“Yep…” Now here’s the part he’s going to flip over. “Except, she ain’t my ex-wife. We’re still married.”
