Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
M ornings had a way of coming earlier lately. Mia stifled a yawn as she waited on the dock of the ferry port. She’d spent the better part of the night before tossing and turning in her bed. Pretty much the past few nights, actually. After the town cleanup day, she’d made a bunch more calls to prospective business owners. Most of them had been positive and excited about the video chats. A few had pulled out of the project altogether.
Would she have enough to meet her quota? She pushed the doubt away. She couldn’t dwell on that right now.
Any minute now the ferry would dock. Matt had texted when they left the mainland about twenty minutes before. Mia’s mind flitted back to the conversation with her mom from earlier that day.
“So, you’re meeting up with Matt?” Mia’s mom had raised an eyebrow when Mia had dropped the kids off this morning. “I remember you talking about him. The cute, talented one, right? He took you out for pasta?”
She’d briefly thought he might be the one, but then she’d come home one weekend, and Troy had been there to remind her how much she loved him. The passion of that one weekend had resulted in Finn. She’d finished up her year of college and then come home that summer for good.
“Mom.” Mia cut her eyes to where Finn stood next to them on her mother’s porch. “Maybe this is a conversation for later?” She couldn’t stop the warmth spreading across her face.
“It’s okay to think that way again, Mia.” Her mom opened the door. “Finn, take Maggie inside. I’ll be right in.” After the kids had gone, she turned back to Mia. “I get that maybe you’re not ready for it yet, and that’s okay too. But you’re not betraying Troy by thinking about someone new. He would want you to be happy.”
Mia had backed down the porch stairs. “I guess. But right now, I have more important things to worry about.”
“Something to think about anyway.” Mom brushed a hair off her face.
Her mom was right though. Troy would want that for her. She would have wanted it for him, were their situations reversed.
Now, on the dock, a breeze washed over her. She shivered. Not wearing a jacket had seemed like a good idea before leaving the house. Clouds gathered and threatened to block out the sun. She glanced up at them. Light gray and billowing, they could bring a rainstorm or completely blow over. It was too soon to tell.
The ferry pulled into its spot with little fanfare. Soon, the crew had the aluminum gangplank lowered, and a few people straggled off.
Matt walked down the gangplank. Square jaw, blue eyes, tousled hair and all. In his gray sports coat and dark slacks, he looked more confident and put together than Mia remembered. Of course, back at Kendall College they had both been covered in paint and clay most of the time. The only time she’d seen him dressed up was on their one and only date.
Until today.
She waited for him to approach before stretching out a hand in greeting. His palm was warm and dry as he shook her hand.
“You look great,” he said, a crooked smile on his face.
She ran a hand down her arm. “I look like a single mother of two kids.” Sure, she’d taken extra care with her hair this morning, taming her dark hair into smooth curls, swiping on a bit of makeup, and rejecting three outfits before settling on the dark jeans, bright blue slouchy sweater, and black boots she now wore. But she still felt out of place in her body. She knew she looked different than the last time Matt had seen her. Back then she’d been more youthful, more free. Less bags under her eyes. Less baggage altogether.
“I’d say motherhood suits you.”
She’d forgotten Matt’s smooth compliments. The way they rang almost true. Like you could almost believe what he was saying. She’d also forgotten the intense way he had of looking directly into her eyes and making her feel like she was the only one in the room. Like he was doing now, with her hand still in his.
She pulled away. Tucked an errant hair behind her ear. “Is that all of your luggage?” She pointed to the small rolling bag resting next to Matt’s left knee.
He nodded. “I’m ready to get started on the tour.”
Mia led the way to the two bicycles she’d left nearby. “You can put your bag in the kiddie trailer on my bike.” She opened the flap for him then secured it again when his luggage was stowed. “Would you like the grand tour first, or would you prefer to freshen up at the Inn?” She knew Matt had booked a few nights at Island House Inn, virtually the only place on island for visitors to stay.
“I’d love to see your town. I’ve seen pictures, of course, and visited virtually by browsing YouTube videos, but there’s nothing like getting the feel of the place when you’re in person. Bikes, eh?” He ran a hand along the blue Schwinn she’d borrowed for him.
“No cars or motor vehicles on the island, I’m afraid,” she said, swinging a leg over her bike. “They used to have horses and carriages, but most of them are gone now. Word is they’ll be back next year, so long as the revitalization efforts go as expected.”
“Quaint.” They settled into a rhythm biking next to each other. “It’s beautiful here.”
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, but he was looking out over the harbor. “Jonathon Island and Lake Huron can be quite lovely when they want to be.” When storms weren’t tossing those waves onto shore in a maelstrom of fury, that is.
“I’ve been looking for a new place to be inspired. This could be it.” Matt grunted as he ran over a pothole.
They reached the intersection of Marina Way and Main Street. Mia took a left and headed into town. “Many of the buildings here are old.” Playing the part of tour guide made her see things through fresh eyes. These eclectic buildings could really be something if they had the right owner and a little TLC. “We’re hoping to fill each of these storefronts with the new revitalization initiative. There are fourteen we’re especially interested in filling before the middle of July.” Which was just five weeks away now. Her chest tightened, and she breathed deeply to release it. Everything was following her plan. She just had to keep working the plan and everything would be all right. “The place I envision for your studio is on the other end of town.”
“Will you be giving everyone a personalized tour?” Matt’s crooked grin made another appearance.
“Just you,” she said. “The town council and I have been meeting everyone else via video chat. Of course, they will all be here in two weeks for the meet and greet.” Mia steered her bike around another pothole. “They will all have a chance to see the island, but there will be too many for me to escort around personally.”
Matt nodded. “How many competitors do I have?”
Mia laughed. “I wouldn’t call them your competitors. You’re already a shoo-in for approval. There is one other artist on the list and a total of about twenty applicants who will be coming over.”
“Another artist? I hope that won’t be a problem.” A muscle jumped in Matt’s jaw.
“I don’t see why it would be. There is plenty of inspiration to go around.” Mia gestured vaguely toward the water. “Plus, he mainly works with sculptures. Pretty soon there will be plenty of tourists too.”
They biked the last few blocks without speaking, only the calling of the gulls and the chattering of the people they passed breaking the silence. Beside her, Matt’s head swiveled as he took in all of the shops. Thankfully, the cleanup day had Jonathon Island putting its best foot forward. As much as she loved her little town, she wasn’t sure if Matt would appreciate its charms.
“Here we are.” She kicked down her bike’s stand in front of the storefront she’d been trying not to think about since being there with Cody. Beside her, Matt did the same. “This is the one that would be great for an art space. It used to be a gallery.”
She led the way into the building, being careful to test the doorknob before pulling it shut behind them.
Matt’s head moved as if on a swivel. “I see what you mean. I can see an area for displaying my work over there.” He gestured to the golden wall. “And the lighting in the other half here is perfect for painting.”
“Are you still primarily using oils?” It had been the thing that drew them to each other initially. They’d both taken to staying late after their oil class and working on their projects. “I remember your style as bold and dynamic.”
Actually, now that she thought about it, in college his style was dramatic and edgy, not something you would come to a quaint island village to hone or inspire. Huh.
“I’ve changed it somewhat. Softened the edges. I like to think I’ve matured since college.” He lifted his chin.
“Trying to say something different now?” The fresh paint smell in the building had diminished.
“More like trying to actually sell my works.” He smiled at her, a half-smile that implied a bitterness beneath it. “I decided the world wanted something different than what I was trying to offer it. So, I changed my technique, started painting pastoral scenes, and then my work began selling.” He looked away. “I really do enjoy painting them, but they’re very different than college. Maybe someday I won’t feel like such a sellout.” He crossed his arms and looked back at her. “Anyway, how about you? What are you working on?”
It was her turn to not meet his eyes. “I’ve not been doing much art lately.” Okay. Try not doing any art at all. “With the kids…”
“I get that.” Matt nodded once, a sharp movement that indicated he understood. “Wait. No. Actually, I don’t get that. With your talent, you could go places.”
“I have to be realistic. Keeping food on the table for my kids, single parenting…Having two little kids doesn’t leave much time for creative pursuits.” But still, hearing him remember her work warmed her insides like a cinnamon mocha latte on a winter’s day.
“I envy you, you know.”
“Envy me?” She held back the sharp laugh.
“Absolutely. You have this quaint life in a small town where everyone knows everyone. You have family nearby, kids, the whole package.” He moved closer to her. “Plus, you’re beautiful and talented. I’d love to share a life like that with someone.”
Her breath caught. Did he mean the two of them? She opened her mouth to respond, but he raised a hand.
“Sorry,” he said. “I’m coming on too strong. I’d be lying if I said you weren’t part of the draw to Jonathon Island though. When you said you were single again…”
She started to speak again, but the jangle of the door opening startled both of them.
“Oh. I didn’t know anyone was in here.” Cody stood in the open doorway holding a toolbox. Sunshine burnished his hair to gold, and his customary flannel rolled to his elbows was shades of blue, picking out the color of his eyes. Mia’s fingers itched to pick up her watercolors and find the exact hue.
“Cody!” She took a step toward him, putting space between herself and Matt. “Come and meet my old college friend, Matt Goldfinch. He’s the owner of Goldfinch Gallery in Grand Rapids.”
Matt stepped forward too, standing next to her a few feet from Cody. “We were in several classes together. Our Mia was top of the class each time.”
Cody’s eyes flicked over Matt. They paused on his expensive shoes, his jacket, his hundred-dollar haircut. A muscle flexed in Cody’s jaw.
“Any friend of Mia’s.” Cody thrust his hand out to shake Matt’s.
“Thanks.” Matt nodded once. A beat later, he stuck out his hand and the men shook, their eyes boring holes in each other.
Probably time to break up this little love fest. “I’m showing Matt around town today.” She waved her hand in a circle to encompass the store. “I wanted him to get a feel for where his gallery might go.”
“This town is pretty great,” Matt said. “Lots of inspiration. This space is good too. It could work for me.” He put his hand on the small of Mia’s back.
Whoa, there. Sure, she had a remembered attraction to Matt, even had a small spark today. But this was too much too fast. “Care to walk with us?” she blurted to Cody as she scampered toward the door. “There’s more tour to give.”
Mia wasn’t sure how to interpret the look on Cody’s face, but his eyes matched the water in Lake Huron right before a storm. She needed him by her side for this one. Maybe he could help her decide if Matt was coming on too strong. Plus, Matt’s business could make or break her deal with the town. She didn’t know how to play this. She sent a plea through her eyes.
“I’ve got some time to spare.” Cody’s grunt did not inspire confidence, but at least he’d caught her message.
They visited a few more places, strolling up and down the main drag. Conversation flowed between Mia and Matt, Cody following behind. But with him as a buffer, Mia was able to relax.
“Mama!” A purple fuzzball propelled itself into her legs. Her daughter grinned up at her. “We walk.”
A few steps farther up the sidewalk, her mom held Finn’s hand. “Hello,” she called.
Finn tugged on his grandma. Mia could practically feel him saying “hurry up”.
“We were getting a little stir crazy.” Her mom looked like she’d stepped out of an L.L.Bean catalog in her jeans and French sailor top. “I thought a walk would do us some good.” In a lower voice she added, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt your business meeting.” She raised an eyebrow in Matt’s direction.
“It’s fine,” Mia said. She turned to the others. “Matt, I’d like you to meet my mom, Elise Jonathon, and this purple thing.” She hefted Maggie into her arms. “This is my daughter, and that handsome lad is my son, Finn.” Finn ducked under Cody’s arm and smiled at Matt. “Everyone, this is my friend, Matt.”
Matt shook her mom’s hand and then greeted both kids.
“Want to join us for a few minutes?” Mia raised an eyebrow at her mom.
“Sure. We’re game.” Elise set Maggie down to walk on her own for a while. The group moved up the street, Mia playing tour guide and pointing out various things to Matt. Cody swung Finn up onto his shoulders and sang a silly song with Maggie. After a while, the kids got restless.
“I’ll take them back to your place,” Elise said. “Take your time. See you later.”
They ended their walk back at the gallery space. Mia noticed Cody’s bike tucked next to the building. “Should we all ride over to Island House Inn? That way, Matt, you can drop off your bag.”
“I actually needed to do some work on the gallery,” Cody said.
Her heart spasmed. He couldn’t be going yet. “Cody, you’re welcome to come with us,” she blurted.
Cody glanced between Mia and Matt then nodded once. “Guess I wouldn’t mind a bit more fresh air.” After a silent ride back down Main Street, they pulled up to Island House, a modest, thirty-five room hotel. On the veranda wrapping around the front, rocking chairs waited for visitors.
Mia and Cody waited outside while Matt went to check in.
“Mia,” Cody said, voice so low she almost missed it. “Are you okay? You seem uncomfortable around Matt.”
“I guess I just don’t know how to act around him anymore.” She fidgeted with the gears on her bike. “I feel so small-town, and I want to impress him for the sake of Jonathon Island. I really think an art gallery would be good for tourism.”
“Just be yourself, that’s good enough.”
Cody’s words spread a warmth through her as Matt walked out of the hotel.
“Let’s bike up to the restaurant we passed earlier,” Matt said.
Mia found herself agreeing to his proposal.
As they biked back the way they had come, Matt outlined a possible timeline for moving on island.
Matt moving to town. That was a good thing, right?
* * *
When Mia had told him an old friend from college was the owner of Goldfinch Galleries, Cody had pictured someone…eccentric, maybe even ugly. And, yeah, that was probably wishful thinking, but Cody hadn’t expected this. Not a shoo-in for bachelor of the year.
Sure, Matt was nice enough, including Cody in the conversation, asking intelligent questions about the island, and even about Cody himself. Matt had even been nice to Mia’s kids, taking Maggie’s hand now and then and squatting down to talk to Finn man to man before they’d parted ways earlier. Mia had seemed uncomfortable with him at first, which was why Cody had stuck with them even though he had an insanely long list of to-dos for the day. Turned out she was acting that way because she had the wild notion that she wasn’t good enough for Matt.
Yeah. Something about Matt still rubbed Cody the wrong way.
Maybe it was the fact that he always seemed to be touching Mia. Holding her elbow when they stepped off a curb. A hand to her upper back as he held the door for her. Even brushing her shoulder as they laughed at some memory from school.
None of that should bother him. Matt was obviously perfect for Mia. They were interested in the same things, they laughed at the same things, they even shared their love of art.
Maybe it was for the best.
He was happy she was finding someone after the tragedy with Troy.
Really.
But that didn’t mean he had to have supper with the guy.
He tuned back in to the conversation happening next to him, in front of Kelley’s Bar & Grill.
“Cody, you should join us.” Matt extended a hand, gesturing for Cody to proceed them into Kelley’s. “Supper will be my treat.”
Cody shoved his hands deep into his jacket pockets. “Thanks anyway. I’m going to just head home.”
Beside him, Mia shook her head. Her curls bounced, and one escaped its place in her high ponytail. The tip of her nose turned pink from the cold air sweeping in after the sun went down. “Actually, Matt, I have to get home too. Thanks for the dinner offer, but my kids are probably driving my mom crazy right now. They are sticklers for evening routines, and me being there is part of that.”
“Let me walk you back,” Matt said.
Shoot. Cody had been about to offer that same thing.
“Don’t be silly. I live in the opposite direction of Island House,” Mia said. “Go in. Have a nice dinner. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“If you’re sure?” Matt raised an eyebrow. Mia nodded and Matt went into Kelley’s. Music spilled out behind him, cutting off abruptly as the door closed again.
“Goodnight, Cody. Thanks for coming with me today.” Mia gave him a short wave and spun on her heel before throwing her leg over her bike.
“Wait!”
Mia stopped and twisted back to him.
“I’ll go with you.”
“You don’t need to do that. I’m perfectly fine getting there on my own.” Her mouth turned up on one side. “It’s not like this island is a hotbed of crime. I can take care of myself.”
He wheeled his bike up next to her. “Okay, but I’m going that direction anyway, and it will look funny for me to bike a half a block behind you all the way through town.” Although, even that would be better than going home to the echo of his shed. Maybe it was time to look into moving in somewhere with a roommate. Or getting a cat.
She rolled her eyes then softened the response with a smile. “Fine.”
They biked in quiet togetherness, the sky purpling into twilight around them. Mia didn’t object when they turned up her street and he was still biking with her, so he took that as a good sign. Soon enough they arrived at her house.
“Do you want to come in for supper?” Mia laid her hand on the top of the fence. “It won’t be anything fancy, probably spaghetti for me and naked noodles for the kids.”
“Naked noodles?” His eyebrows raised.
“Finn calls them that. Noodles with just butter and shaky cheese. Since they aren’t ‘dressed’”—she put air quotes around the word—“without a sauce, they are naked.”
“I’m with Finn. I like butter and shaky cheese. I’m assuming, of course, that you mean parmesan?” He mimed shaking a canister of parmesan cheese.
She nodded. “If you’re lucky, we have the fancy kind from Kraft.”
“Ohhh, gourmet shaky cheese. I’m definitely in.” He followed her up the sidewalk and into the house.
Two steps inside the front door, he caught Finn who was skidding by on stocking feet. The boy’s hair stood on end, and he had a juice mustache. Cody reached out and ruffled his hair even more.
Finn looked up, his eyes shining with mischief. “You have to come and see the cars Grandma brought me.”
Cody shot Mia a look he hoped conveyed apology as he allowed himself to be led away by the kids. He gave Elise a quick smile as they passed in the short hallway. Mia’s mom was wiping her hands on a dish towel. The house smelled like fresh baked banana bread.
Cody and the kids went through to the dining room where Finn had a racetrack set up around the legs of the table. He sat on the floor next to the track while Finn pulled out a box of assorted cars and trucks. Finn chattered on about the makes and models of the small cars, but Cody found it hard to concentrate on him.
“So, that was Matt.” Elise must not know how much voices carried from the front door. “I wondered if I would get to meet him.”
“Mom.” Mia was softer, but he could still hear her. He tried to tune into the kids but darn it if his ears didn’t betray him by straining even harder to listen to the women’s conversation. “Don’t start. Okay? I knew Matt a whole lifetime ago.”
“Sure. Things are different now. But maybe that’s not a bad thing. You’re more available,” Elise said. “He’s definitely got it all in the looks department.”
“Mom!”
“I just mean, it’s been a long time since Troy died. You deserve to have some fun. Flirt, even.”
A choking noise sounded from the hallway. Cody recognized that as Mia’s disbelieving sputter. He’d heard it often enough when he and Troy got her riled up about something.
“I’m just saying have fun, without making everything so serious.”
Cody didn’t hear Mia’s response because Maggie chose that moment to sit down in his lap. She placed a slightly damp blue Mustang into his hand. All mystery about how the car became wet was solved when she raised a red fire truck to her mouth and started chewing it. He pulled her chubby hand down.
“That’s not a toy for your mouth, Mags,” he said. She tipped her head back and smiled up at him before running the fire truck along the wood floor.
“Mom, I have kids. I can’t have fun. Especially if it doesn’t work out. I don’t want to be stuck on this island with an ex-boyfriend. And the kids would be so confused.” Mia’s voice echoed down the hall.
Now it was Elise’s turn to be muffled.
Enough of this. Cody picked Maggie up off his lap and set her on her bottom on the floor. He stood to his feet. But before he could interrupt the women and, hopefully, stop this interminable conversation, Mia’s voice echoed again.
“He was super sweet with the kids. And, I can’t believe how much his talent has grown in the past few years. He showed me a bunch of his paintings on his phone.”
Cody stifled the growl that threatened from deep inside. He strode toward the front door, but a small hand in his stopped him in his tracks.
“Can we play Candyland?” Finn’s puppy dog look almost convinced him to say yes, but…
“Sorry, bud. I’m going to help your mother get supper ready. Want to help too?”
The two of them reached the front door as Elise walked out.
“See you later, Mrs. Jonathon,” Cody said.
“Bye, Grandma.” Finn grabbed her around her knees. Elise leaned down and gave him a swift kiss on the top of his head.
“I’ll see you guys later.”
Cody turned to Mia. “How can I help with supper?”
A few minutes later they were all in the kitchen, the kids setting the table, and Mia manning the pasta on the stove. Cody got some milk out of the fridge and then corralled Maggie when she tried to reach for the pan of hot garlic bread.
“Let’s go wash up. C’mon, Finn, you too.” Cody took the kids into the bathroom and helped them wash their hands.
Soon they were all sitting at the table saying grace. The kids’ chatter faded into the background as he stared at Mia. She brushed a hair back behind her ear, and he imagined the silky feel of it between his fingers.
She looked up and caught his eye. A slow smile crossed her face. “What?” she said.
He dropped his gaze. “Nothing. You just look so natural here. Mom to two great kids. Doing a great job working for Dani. I’m proud of you.”
She ducked her head. “Thanks.”
“So,” he said. “That was Matt.”
She paused, fork halfway to her mouth. “That was Matt.”
He couldn’t quite figure out her tone. “He seems nice.”
“He’s very talented. I couldn’t believe some of the pictures he showed me of the paintings he sold.”
“Nice and talented, then.” He shoved a forkful of pasta into his mouth, the noodles almost choking him. “He was glad to see you.” He couldn’t quite get a read on how Mia felt about the guy. He didn’t dare ask straight up again.
“Honestly, he was a little overwhelming.” She shot a glance at the kids, but they were busy making piles of pasta and not paying attention. “I loved seeing him again, but…”
“But what?” Calm down, buddy. She might be choosing another man over you again. But she might also feel something for this guy.
“I don’t know. He felt out of place here. Or maybe I just felt out of place. I’m so different than I was when Matt knew me before.” Her attention shifted to Maggie and the parmesan cheese she’d spilled on her lap, and Cody sensed that was all the conversation they were going to have on the matter.
One thing was clear. Mia was going to find someone to move on with eventually. The thought clawed at his stomach.
He just wanted her to move on with him.