14

 

Maxi took a second look at the image on the screen and lowered the camera. Dora Lee peered at her from her spot on the couch in the living room of the shelter where Maxi had finished capturing the girl’s makeover.

“Well, what do you think?” Dora Lee bit her lip.

“They’re gorgeous.” Maxi grinned, unable to believe her eyes. Dora Lee’s before and after photos just might be her ticket to swaying Philippe’s decision on the partnership at Baronne’s.

She handed the camera to Dora Lee who took one look and promptly burst into tears.

“I’m pretty again.” She threw her arms around Maxi in a ferocious hug. “It’s been so long since I’ve felt good about myself.”

Laughter bubbled up and erupted as Maxi hugged her back. She’d taken a frumpy young mother in sweats and transformed her into a goddess any modeling agency would die to have on board. This was Maxi’s gift to share with the world—the ability to take the ordinary and turn it into the extraordinary. And no one appreciated it more than Dora Lee.

Leslie, the timid woman who had answered the door the other day, smiled for the first time. “Pretty? You’re stunning.”

Maxi wished she could perform the same miracle for Leslie. Unfortunately, the lacerations on Leslie’s face needed time to heal. Maxi had tried hard to ignore the injuries to Leslie’s face and arms, not wanting her anger to be misconstrued by the fearful woman. Maxi couldn’t do anything to lessen the scars, but she had helped the woman feel better with a small makeover.

Leslie’s chemically straightened hair had long since outgrown its style. With a new cut, she immediately seemed to gain more confidence. Helping these women made Maxi feel like a true fairy godmother.

“How can I ever thank you?” Dora Lee asked.

“By letting me use these photos for my portfolio.”

“You really think they’re good?”

“They’re better than good. They could be the key to a huge promotion.” Maxi grinned at the girl. She might only be a few years older than Dora Lee, but Maxi felt like her mentor.

“You’ve only had one lesson, but I can tell already you have an aptitude for hair. You should be able to make a career for yourself with the proper instruction.”

Dora Lee frowned. “I don’t know how I’d manage that. Daycare on top of tuition is more than I can afford.”

Leslie looked up from tending to her young son on the floor. “Some community colleges offer free daycare to students. You could check into it.”

Dora Lee brightened. “This has all happened so fast. I haven’t had time to think straight.”

“What did your boyfriend do to you, Dora Lee?” The question slipped out before Maxi could check herself. The haunted expression on Dora Lee’s face made her wish she could learn to keep her mouth shut. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer that.”

“It’s OK. The therapist says I should talk about it.” Dora Lee stood to pick up some kids’ books from the floor. “It started with shouting, insults, and names. Then it escalated until one day he broke my arm. Dennis was always careful not to hit my face. He made sure the bruises could be covered by clothes.” She straightened and placed the books on the shelf, her expression hard. “I took it because I had no job and nowhere to go. But the day he hit my baby was the last straw.” She placed her hands on her hips, her stance combative. “I got a restraining order and came here.”

Maxi looked up from packing her gear. “Do you worry he might find you?”

A shadow flickered over her delicate features. “Yes.” She handed one of the styling brushes to Maxi with trembling fingers. “Until I find a new place to live, there’s not much I can do. Except pray.”

Maxi hoped prayers would be enough to keep this woman and her son safe.

Half an hour later, Maxi hummed as she drove out of the driveway at Logan House. For the first time in a week, she felt a glow of optimism spread through her. She left with the promise to return in the next couple of days to provide Dora Lee with some more tips that might help her when she started school for her cosmetology degree. Helping Dora Lee made Maxi feel alive inside, rekindling her enthusiasm for her craft.

Maxi’s good mood led her right to Lily’s driveway. She couldn’t wait to report on Dora Lee’s progress and to share her newfound enthusiasm with her best friend. She hopped out of her car, smiling at nothing in particular. When she noticed Jason’s truck on the road, the smile morphed into a frown. It had been several days since she’d seen him. She’d hoped he would’ve gotten over his snit by now. Instead, he seemed determined to avoid her at all costs.

Maxi slammed her car door shut and strode up the walkway toward the house. She would not let Jason and his irrational mood swings ruin this happy moment for her.

Then she heard the shouting.

Loud male voices erupted from somewhere outside. Were some of the neighbors fighting? She continued up the steps until one voice stopped her cold.

Jason.

Chills raced down both arms. She couldn’t ever remember Jason raising his voice like that before. Instinctively, she followed the sound around the side of the house and into the backyard. Her feet faltered at the vision before her. Jason stood in his work jeans on the back patio, hands clenched at his side, his face a picture of rage and hatred. A gray-haired man with a neatly trimmed moustache seemed to be the object of Jason’s anger.

“If you’d let me explain,” the man said, “maybe you could understand…”

Jason lunged forward as if to strike the man but checked himself before any physical contact. “I told you. I don’t care what you have to say. Get out of here now and don’t ever bother me or my mother again.”

Maxi’s mouth fell open in disbelief. No matter what this man had done, he didn’t deserve such rude treatment. Jason’s behavior was completely out of character.

She edged closer to the scene. The two men were so intent on each other, they didn’t even notice her.

“I’m not the only one at fault, you know. Your mother played a part in this as well.”

Maxi swore she could see steam blowing out of Jason’s nostrils. He looked exactly like an enraged bull ready to charge its victim.

“Don’t you dare say one word about my mother,” he spat. “Get out of here now before I do something we’ll both regret.”

The man held his ground for a moment, standing toe-to-toe with Jason. Then his shoulders sagged, and he stepped back. “Fine. But I’m not leaving town until you hear my side of the story.”

Maxi was grateful not to be the recipient of the glare Jason gave him. It sent shivers down her spine—even at ten feet away. The stranger turned and headed right toward her, allowing Maxi a good look at his face. Who was this person that had Jason so riled up?

He gave Maxi a brief nod as he passed her and made his way around the side of the house. Maxi started as understanding broke through her confusion. Jason’s rage made sudden sense. Only one man could cause this type of reaction.

Maxi’s heart squeezed with the pain Jason must be feeling as she watched the hurt and anger he’d repressed all these years now erupt like a flash fire. Jason grabbed a hammer from his tool chest and hurled it across the lawn. It hit the ground with such force that grass and dirt hurtled in all directions.

She shook a little at the violence evident in him, but despite her trepidation, she couldn’t leave him alone. He needed her—whether he’d admit it or not.

With quiet resolve, she took a few tentative steps toward him.

 

****

 

The hammer hit the earth, spewing debris in its wake, but the action did nothing to relieve the emotion coursing through Jason’s body. His arms and legs quaked with the force of his rage. He wanted to destroy something, rip something to shreds. Drive his car through a fence, or over a cliff. Better yet, he’d like to drive Clint Hanley over a cliff.

“Jason.” Maxi’s soft voice penetrated the red haze around his brain.

“Go away, Maxi.” The last thing he needed was her to be anywhere near him in this state. He felt naked, his emotions stripped raw.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

The stubborn words only increased his irritation.

“That was your father, wasn’t it?”

He turned so fast he nearly tripped over her. “How did you know that?”

Did anyone else in town know? He would not be the subject of small town gossip.

“You have his eyes.”

Instead of helping, the quiet sympathy on her face only made him angrier. “This is none of your business. Just leave it alone.” At the hurt brewing in her eyes, he felt like he’d kicked a puppy, but he was beyond caring. He wanted to maim everyone, make the world feel the way he did.

“Would you like me to get a beer?”

The unusual question jarred him out of his thoughts. “What did you say?”

“Do you want to get a beer?”

“You know I don’t drink anymore.”

She shrugged. “It’s what they do in the movies when someone’s upset. How about a coffee then? Or an ice cream sundae. I know from personal experience it helps take the edge off.”

“Ice cream.” Despite the anger, he barked out a harsh laugh. As if ice cream could help this situation.

“Don’t laugh at me.” Maxi’s thin brows shot together in a frown. “You don’t know if you don’t try it.”

“Believe me. Ice cream can’t fix this.” He walked over to retrieve his hammer and brought it back to his box. He scrubbed a hand over his face. He doubted he’d get any more work done today. How Clint had tracked him down at Nick’s house he’d never know.

“How about a ride out to Rainbow Falls? It’s a good place for talking or thinking.”

He looked over at her, his heart rate starting to come down a notch. Maybe it was a better option than hurtling off a cliff. He released a long breath. “Fine, but you’d better drive.”

 

****

 

Maxi glanced over at Jason’s stony face as he sat rigid in the passenger seat of her father’s old Toyota. She was glad he’d agreed to come with her, but now that they were getting close to the falls, she had no idea what to do. Surprisingly, she found a silent prayer on her lips.

Lord, Jason’s dealing with a lot of pain right now. Please help me find the right words to comfort him. And if possible, help him let go of the anger and hatred he’s harboring against his father.

She pulled the car into the small parking lot and turned off the engine.

“Come on. Let’s walk.”

They got out of the car, and she led the way toward the sound of falling water. Robot-like, he followed her.

“So what’s your dad doing back here after all these years?” she asked when she couldn’t stand the silence anymore.

“I have no idea. Other than trying to mess with me and my mom.” His scowl left a ridge in his forehead.

“Must’ve been quite a shock.”

He didn’t reply.

Dumb, Maxi, dumb. Think of something to say. “Why don’t you tell me what’s going on in your head?”

He glanced over at her. “I think that was pretty evident before.”

“Yeah. I was glad you didn’t grab that hammer ’til after he took off.” She was gratified to see a faint twitch to his lips. They walked on. “He obviously wants to talk to you about why he left.”

“And I don’t want to hear it. His excuses don’t mean a thing.” He reached down to pick up a pinecone and threw it into the air. It hit the water and skipped a few feet before sinking.

They continued to a spot where a fallen log served as a bench overlooking the cascade created by the waterfall. The soothing rush of water always made Maxi feel better.

“Let’s sit down.”

“I’ll stand, thanks.” He moved to the edge of the river bank.

She pushed her hands into the pockets of her cotton pants and followed, considering her next words with care before she spoke. “Maybe your father realized what a terrible thing he did and wants to make amends.” She thought of her own father and how she’d always wished he would come to her, apologize for the hurt and anger he’d heaped on her, and ask for her forgiveness. She would’ve given anything for that.

“It’s too late for apologies. Twenty years too late.” The terseness in his voice made her wince.

“It takes some people longer than others to ask for forgiveness, if that’s what he’s here for. Some people never get there.” She swallowed hard. “What if your father died and you never got the chance to reach some sort of peace between you? Wouldn’t you regret it for the rest of your life? I know I do.” Hot tears burned the back of her eyes. Whether she wanted to face it or not, this was the tragedy of Charlie’s death. That she would never get to hear him say he was sorry. That she would never get to tell him how much she regretted her part in Drew’s death.

She felt Jason watching her as she struggled to contain her emotions. This was not about her. She’d lost her chance to reconcile with her father. Maybe her job right now was to help Jason figure out how to reconcile with his.

Jason closed his eyes and exhaled loudly, rocking on his heels. “We’re quite the messed up pair, aren’t we?”

“Yes, we are.” She glanced at him staring out over the water and hoped her next point wasn’t hitting too low below the belt. “Doesn’t your newfound faith include a tall order of forgiveness?”

A nerve jumped in his jaw. Coins jangled in his pocket as he fiddled with them. A soft breeze blew the hair over his forehead, and her heart ached with tenderness. She longed to gather him close, to hold him and ease his pain. But she didn’t dare, afraid her actions would reveal too much.

She startled when he reached out to grasp her hand. Then in one quick movement, he drew her to him. At first, she stiffened at the close contact but soon allowed herself to relax into his arms, giving him the comfort he needed.

“How do I let go of all this hatred inside?” he whispered into her hair.

The feel of his warm breath on her cheek made her pulse quicken. “I’m not sure. But maybe hearing his side of the story will help you decide if you can.”

He sighed deeply, his chest expanding under her. “I’ll think about it. That’s all I can do right now.”

“It’s a start.” She pulled back to look at him. The pain on his face made her want to weep. “You’re entitled to your feelings, Jason, no matter what they are. If you can’t change them, then accept it and move on.”

Wow, that sounded insanely mature. Maybe she should take her own advice. Apply it to her own mixed-up life.

“Thanks.” He gave a thin smile. “That helps.”

“I’m glad.”

Their eyes locked, and for one heart-stopping moment, Maxi couldn’t breathe. The intensity of Jason’s gaze held her riveted until he slowly lowered his mouth to hers. Currents of electricity raced through her veins as their lips joined. Like a flash fire, the heat flared between them. He wrapped strong arms around her, pulling her feet off the ground, while his mouth devoured hers.

When they finally pulled apart, Maxi rested her head on Jason’s chest, trying to get her breathing under control. Regret and sorrow choked her airways. She hadn’t brought him here for this reason.

“This isn’t a good idea,” she whispered. “I’m going back to New York soon. I don’t want to start something we can’t finish.”

She felt the walls go up around him. Literally, his chest muscles solidified, one by one, until he set her away from him. The look in his eye was unfathomable. His mouth, soft on hers a moment ago, hardened into a solid line. “You’re right. Let’s forget this ever happened.”

And he stalked off toward the car, leaving her heart shattered into tiny fragments.