2. Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Lilly
B etween the flight from New York to Tennessee and the current car ride, I had been sitting for close to three hours, and my ass was numb. I needed to get out and get some exercise, but right now, I was a passenger in my best friend Rose’s car.
Rose picked up my daughter, Madeline, and me from the Nashville airport, and we were heading home to Orlinda Valley. The quiet between us filled the cab with more debilitating stress than a lack of oxygen. Okay, maybe not that bad, but still, when you didn’t like quiet, the least bit made you think the worst. The only sound was from the hum of the road and Madeline’s soft breathing in the back seat. She was out cold.
Last night, I’d called Rose, my best friend since birth, and told her Madeline and I were coming home. Our flight got into Nashville at one-thirty in the afternoon, and I needed someone to pick us up at the airport.
And here she was.
“So.” I had to break the silence. If I waited on Rose to ask questions, I would be waiting for eons. She was never one to pry and always said when I was ready to talk I would, and she was always right. “Thank you for picking us up.”
“Lilly, of course, I would pick you up without question. I told you years ago, when you were ready to get out of there, just call.” She glanced quickly at me with a small, understanding smile. “You finally did, and here I am.” She gestured with her head to the back seat. “She is so much more precious in person. Those brown eyes are . . . wow.”
“Thank you,” I answered as I leaned my head on the cool glass of the window and watched the somewhat familiar Tennessee landscape fly by. The familiarity of the openness and rolling hills calmed my throbbing pulse. “Don’t you want to know why we’re home now?”
She shook her head and kept her eyes on the road. “You had a shitty marriage and, for some reason, when your divorce was final, you—a small-town girl from Tennessee—thought you’d try to make it on your own in the big city.” She shrugged. “I’m guessing the doubt Kristy and I heard in your voice the past four months finally strangled you and made you cry uncle.”
I chuckled a little at her answer. Rose was the sweetest friend and didn’t believe in telling lies. She had a way of putting you in your place without cursing or putting anyone down. Our friend Kristy and I always said we were lucky because everyone needed a Rose. “I can’t say you’re wrong. I needed to get some space between Anthony and me. He was toxic even when we weren’t married, and still never had time for Madeline.”
“Not a surprise,” Rose acknowledged. “I’m glad you’re home.”
I squeezed Rose’s hand and leaned my head back against the window as Rose flipped on the turn signal and took the ramp to Orlinda Valley.
“Can you believe I left ten years ago and have only been back once?”
Rose nodded. “I’ve lived here without you. Trust me, I know how long it’s been since Anthony pulled you away from us.”
“God, he was a dick.” I turned quickly to make sure Madeline was still sleeping in the back seat and didn’t hear me trash talk her father. Even though it was the truth, I didn’t have to say so to her.
“We’ll be pulling into the hair salon soon, so you better spill things. Once your mom sees you, we won’t be able to talk. Why did you decide to come home now?”
“Well, lots of reasons. Nothing that will surprise anyone. One,” I held up a finger. “New York City is too expensive, and two,” I held up another finger. “Since I finally have the chance to raise Madeline wherever I choose, I want to raise her in the country in Tennessee, not the concrete world of the city. Oh, but there’s something else.”
“What? That all sounds about right and like you said, not a surprise.”
“Yeah well, no one knows I’m coming home. Not even Momma.” I glanced at the car’s clock. It was just after three. “She may not even be at the salon this late.” One thing about Momma, when my older brother Lance and I were little, she worked early on Saturdays. She wanted to be home when we woke up.
Rose glanced my way. “What?” Her eyes went wide. “You didn’t tell her you were coming home? No way, Lil.”
“They added on to the school. It’s about time.” I looked out the window at Orlinda Valley High School as we passed by.
“Lilly.” Rose hissed my name in the way she did when I irritated her. Some people never change. That’s why I called her. After all these years, she was the one friend I knew I could count on. “Don’t you dare change the subject. Why didn’t you tell your mom you were coming home?”
“I don’t know.” I avoided eye contact. “It was stupid of me, but everything happened so quickly. I had a job at a law firm—a pretty shitty one, but it was a job. Anyway, they had to make some cuts, and last week I was let go. I found myself with a choice to make. Find a new job in the city or use this as a sign it’s time to take my daughter home. Anthony never used his visitation. He always had something else more important going on, anyway. So, I asked him to allow me to take her home. He agreed and even bought our tickets. It was like he couldn’t wait to get rid of us. I know I should have called Momma, but there was never any love lost between her and Anthony, and I didn’t want to hear I told you so, so my friend Gianna helped me pack what we could take on the plane and drove us to the airport.”
“Well, God bless Gianna.” Rose stopped at a stop light, the only one in the small town, and glanced at me. “Everyone will be so happy to see you, and we’re all glad you finally left that dweeb.”
I cocked a brow. Dweeb was harsh language for Rose.
“Anyway, I guess I’m taking you to your mom’s house. Your mom isn’t here.”
I glanced out at the square as we passed the small parking lot where the small house, which was Shear Perfection Hair Salon, sat along with a short strip mall. My mother and her business partner, Diane, owned the salon and the property adjacent to it. The strip mall housed a small boutique, a walk-in sandwich shop slash coffee shop, and a gym. The coffee shop was new. “Is the coffee good?” I loved fancy coffee. Coffee shops on every corner were one thing I’d miss about New York.
“Yep, pretty good. You want to stop?”
An Irish cream latte with extra whip sounded great, but I was anxious to get home. “No. I think I need to get to my mom’s.”
Rose shrugged and kept driving.
I watched as the town passed before my eyes. Even though it had changed, it was just enough the same and, surprisingly, still felt like home. Deep down, some things never change. Hopefully, other people will see that, too. My mind wandered to a long-ago summer, kisses under the moonlight, and a handsome dark-haired man.
Rose took a left at the elementary school, and just past the Baptist church was my mom’s road. She pulled into the asphalt driveway and stopped in front of the garage next to a black Ford F-150.
The house looked the same. Momma and Charles, my stepfather, had rose bushes neatly trimmed which lined the front and the walkway. They were well-shaped, and the mulch looked new. There were pansies hanging in pots on the front porch with two black rockers. The biggest change I noticed was the shutters. They used to be black and falling apart, but now they were stained wood and brand new.
My pulse raced and nerves caused my stomach to churn. I was suddenly afraid I might puke. Why was I so nervous about coming home? I knew my mother would welcome us with open arms, and Charles would be just as happy to see I left my crappy situation.
“You got this, Lilly.” Rose leaned over and squeezed my hand.
“Thanks.” I smiled and gave her hand a squeeze in return. “You sure you don’t want to come in and say hi? I don’t think I want to go in there alone.”
“I can’t. I need to get home. Nolan and I are taking the kids to his parents for the night. We’ll be at Jerry’s Pub later. Maybe you can come by.”
Last time I was home, it was for the funeral of the husband of one of my mom’s best friends, and I didn’t have a chance to do anything. Before then, Jerry’s was a nasty hole-in-the-wall. “Jerry’s Pub looked so different when we drove past. I might.”
“Yeah, it’s come a long way since you were home last. It’s a great place to go and enjoy the night. I’d love to hang out with you and be able to have a legal drink together.”
“Damn. We’ve never gone out since we’ve been legal. I have been away for too long.”
“Yeah, well, that doesn’t matter anymore. Now go and see your mom. Remember, you aren’t alone.” She nodded toward the back seat. “You have Madeline. She’ll take most the attention off you.”
I chuckled. “True.” I gave Rose a hard hug. “You really are the best. I can’t thank you for this enough.” I sniffed back the tears, which were ready to escape.
“Don’t you dare start crying. I’m glad you’re home. Now our girls can grow up together, and everything can be just like we always wanted.” She gave me a reassuring hug with an extra squeeze.
Rose’s daughter, Lena, was five years old. Madeline would have a friend, and they’d start kindergarten together in August.
“If you need anything, remember, I’m here for you. I’m expecting you to fill me in on everything. Maybe tonight over a drink or two,” she said.
I answered her squeeze with a smile. “I promise, you’ll hear all of it. The bad, the really bad, and the extremely ugly. Soon. And I can’t wait for our girls to meet each other.” I turned around and gently shook Madeline awake. “Hey, squirt. We’re at Gramma’s.”
I climbed out before I lost my nerve and helped a sleepy Madeline out of the back before I grabbed our suitcases. We waved as Rose started to back out of the driveway.
Madeline yanked on my arm.
I crouched next to her as her large brown eyes took in her new surroundings. “So, what do you think?” I asked as I raked my fingers through her shoulder-length straight brown hair. What would a city girl think of the small-town life and the cows hanging out in the pasture next door?
“It smells different.” Madeline wrinkled her nose. “What’s that smell, Mommy?”
I stood and breathed deeply. Fresh country air filled my lungs. Green grass, trees, and yes, the musty smell of cattle.
My heart fluttered at the memories those scents created. A childhood filled with late nights catching lightning bugs with a yard full of friends. Riding my bike to the elementary school to play on the playground. Or walking the mile to town to meet up at Orlinda Valley Pharmacy for a milkshake. Madeline would now have the same experiences. The stress which had infiltrated my bones and muscles seemed to evaporate instantly. “That’s the country, squirt,” I answered as I pulled our suitcases to the front door. She followed close behind.
“Well, it smells funny.”
I laughed a light, hearty laugh. I couldn’t remember the last time a laugh felt that good. This was a little girl who was used to the smells of the city: car exhaust, smog, and pollution. “I guess it does, but you’ll get used to it. Now let’s go surprise Gramma.”
I stood on the front porch and stared at the door for a split second, trying to decide if I should ring the bell or just open it. It had been five long years since I had graced these steps.
But suddenly the choice was made for me as the front door was jerked open.
I was greeted with a loud scream from the house. First out of fear, probably because my mother wasn’t expecting anyone to be standing so close to her door, then a scream of recognition hit my ears. “Lilly. Maddy. What the . . .”
“Gramma!” Madeline stepped around me and flew into her grandmother’s arms.
“Oh, my,” Momma said as she wrapped Madeline in a hug and buried her face in her hair.
I stood there and watched as tears fell down my mother’s face. It had been too long, but at least our weekly FaceTime calls ensured Madeline knew her grandmother well and loved her.
My mother pulled away from Madeline and looked at me, her brows raised in question.
She might have been fifty-seven, but she sure didn’t look it. Her hair was still a beautiful dirty blonde and cut in a cute cut just above her shoulders. The lines around her eyes from her smiling just made her look even more amazing. I felt the shield I put up on my emotions finally start to crumble, and the tears I had been holding in for years finally spilled down my cheeks. “Momma.”
“Baby girl.” Kaye held her arms wide.
I stepped through the door, grasped my mother in a desperate hug, buried my face in the familiar scent of her shampoo and Bergamot essential oil, and the sobs came.
My body shook as my shield went from a crumble to all-out disintegration. My mother didn’t flinch. She did what she did best.
She held me and made it better.
“What’s going on here?” Charles’s voice filled the room. “Maddy. Lilly?”
I took some deep breaths, got control of myself, wiped my face with my hands, and sniffled as a laugh escaped me. “Hi, Charles.”
Charles yelled over his shoulder. “Guys, you need to come here.” Then he turned to me. “Lilly, this is a surprise.” He wrapped me in a hug, then picked up Madeline which caused her to giggle.
I looked over, and Lance was there.
“Sis. What the hell?” He squeezed the breath out of me, then held me at arm’s length. I had to tip my head up to see him. He was always tall, and even now at thirty-six, he still had his college football build. The typical high school PE teacher and football coach. His dark blond hair was always kept longer on top as a kid and still was, and his brown eyes gleamed with excitement.
I laughed despite the tears which spilled down my face. “We’re home.”
“Like, for good?” he asked, brows up. I nodded. He let out a whoop of joy and threw Madeline over his shoulder and the house was instantly filled with her laughter.
“Welcome home then,” said Charles. “It’s about time.” He placed his arm over my shoulders and led me into the kitchen behind my mom, Lance, and Madeline.
My heart was full. This was exactly what I should have done. If there was any doubt still lurking anywhere inside me, seeing my family stopped it cold.
“Well, Hey there, Lilly-Pad.”
My breath caught in my chest as Jamison appeared out of nowhere. He wore jeans and a T-shirt that hugged tight to his muscular chest. The term of endearment he used—my nickname from decades ago—made me weak in the knees. Before I could fully wrap my head around him being there, he wrapped his arms around me in a strong hug, and his scent was just as I remembered—clean and fresh, like he had just stepped out of the shower, with a touch of cedarwood. His cologne always had a magnetic effect on me, and I couldn’t deny that I still enjoyed it, right down to my core.
“Welcome home.” He kissed my cheek. He was almost as tall as Lance at six-two, and with my arms wrapped around his midsection, I could tell he was as well built as I remembered.
I pulled away and gave him a small smile. “Thanks,” I answered as my eyes raked over him. His hair was dark brown and cut short and tight around the ears, and his eyes were a soft blue. Damn, he was handsome. I don’t know why that surprised me. He was always the best-looking guy in Orlinda Valley. And when he smiled, butterflies took over my stomach.
After all these years, I still had it bad for Jamison McKendry.
What the hell?