9. Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Sutton
A fter the funeral, I head to Terrence’s to let him know we plan to move forward. During the drive, my mind drifts to the events of the day. And more than I care to admit, to Maci.
The service went as expected, until the minister invited Maci up from the front pew. She was wearing a blue dress, unlike the rest of the family, and she blew a kiss to the photo of Ms. Ruthie on display after speaking. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.
She has a girl-next-door aura to her. The one with grit underneath the beauty. Without question, she was heartbroken—is heartbroken—but she stood surveying the turnout with pride.
Her words were affectionate and she described Ruthie more as a mother than a grandmother. It caused an ache in my chest that I found myself rubbing with my fist. Not just because of her grief, but because I know beneath her pleasant, gracious facade she’s also fiery and full of life.
You can learn as much about people by what they do as what they don’t. Not once did Maci interact with her mom. Their bone structure is so similar, there’s no denying the lineage, and yet they didn’t comfort each other or even acknowledge each other at any point that I saw. It hints at a crater between them .
I’ve only seen her toss her anger towards flowers. It leaves me wanting to know what she’s like when she lets loose.
Terrence is standing outside his truck near the first training ring I come to. He waves amicably as I park behind him.
“Afternoon.” He smiles widely, extending a hand to me.
“Hey, there.”
“What brings you over?” He eyes my sport coat as if to say it’s overdressed.
“I wanted to let you know that we’d love to discuss the property with you further. Think you can check your calendar and call me with a good time?”
He dips his head in a nod. “You bet. Glad to hear it, son.”
It doesn’t bother me how he speaks to me, having grown up in the South. As long as it’s not rude, I’m good.
We exchange a few more pleasantries and I confirm he has the house number before I head home.