Chapter 27 – Rae
“Main house or Theo’s place?” Luigi asked as he turned onto the Grimaldi estate.
At the mention of my uncle, my knees began to bounce. By now, Theo would have read my note. It was late in the evening, and he’d had all day to stew about me leaving.
I did not expect a warm welcome. But that was part of the cost to stay and fight. To make matters worse, part of me still wasn’t on board with that plan.
“Theo’s,” I breathed.
Luigi deposited me at the door. He didn’t help with my suitcase, but he leaned out the window to say, “Anytime y’all want to eat some good old American grub, call me.”
I slammed his trunk. “Your accent is still terrible.”
“I’ll work on that.” He shot me a wink and peeled out the service drive.
I trudged into the kitchen of the servant’s cottage.
Where my uncle was sitting at the kitchen table, nursing a tumbler of bourbon. I smelt the oaky goodness before my brain registered that he was holding my letter.
Our eyes met across the room, and my gut twisted tight.
“Uncle Theo, I—”
What did I say? How did I explain the tear-stained paper? My sudden reappearance? If there was ever a time for prayer, this would be it.
“Magnolia,” he breathed and sat straighter. “I’m glad you’re back.”
My heart seized up. “You are?”
Uncle Theo smiled sadly. He rose and opened his arms. “Come here.”
The hours of much-needed sleep weren’t enough to keep the emotions at bay.
Moisture flooded my vision, and I sniffed loudly.
I was at a loss how to handle his strange behavior.
Thankfully, instinct took over, and my feet moved of their own accord.
His arms wrapped tightly around me, pulling me in for a hard, meaningful hug.
“Sweet child, hush,” he murmured into my hair. “There’s no need for that.”
“But—but—there is,” I choked out.
Theo shook his head. “Your letter said enough.”
“Oh, Lord,” I moaned.
“Sit down.” He pushed me gently into the seat next to his. I let him. “Your mom bailed when things got tough. I don’t need to know what you aren’t telling me.”
I blinked away the tears. He wasn’t mad? How was that possible!
“But you always have a place here, Magnolia. Always.” He threw back his drink. “I just hope you’ll hear me, because the saints know she never did.”
My uncle was serious. I threw his generosity in his face, and yet he was sitting there, forgiving me and welcoming me back.
I didn’t deserve it. Especially….
“Here.” I gulped and pulled the wad of cash from my pocket. “I took some of this from your nightstand. If you—if you want to rethink that offer, I’ll understand.”
Theo plucked the wad of cash, stroked it with his thumb, then tossed it on the table near me.
“Keep it,” he said softly.
Right then and there, I decided I was done running. My past was sure to catch up with me here, since the phone could be traced to Boston. But in the face of my uncle’s kindness, I resolved to fight it rather than run and hide.
“No, I can’t,” I breathed, pushing the money toward him.
Theo shook his head. “I have more money than I know what to do with. And you’re welcome to whatever you want.”
“Uncle Theo,” I groaned. “I don’t deserve this.”
His smile was terribly sad. “I couldn’t help your mama; she never let me. But you’re here. And I want to help you. So—” he pushed the money back and tapped a hard finger on it. “Take the cash.”
“I don’t need it,” I insisted. “I’m not running.”
“Not right now you’re not, but I know the temptation will be strong for a while yet.
You’ll fight it, and having the money will help you know it’s an option.
But it’s one I hope you don’t take.” Theo rose and pulled his uniform jacket over his shoulder.
“I’m headed up to the main house. If you’d like to help with dinner service, I’d be grateful.
Maddie can’t hold a platter still to save her life. ”
I laughed. “Let me go change quick, then I’ll be right there.”
Theo nodded and moved to the door. I shot from my seat. This time, my hug was hard and filled with a strange emotion. One that normal people felt. Love. Theo patted my back, holding me tight for a blissful second.
“Ti volgio bene, cara mia,” he whispered.
“Same,” I croaked. That was one phrase I knew by heart. And I meant it with every fiber of my black soul. “Same, Zio.”