Chapter 25
HENRY
When I came over to drop off Maisie’s keys, I didn’t expect to be sitting down for a family lunch. I’ve already eaten but I’d be an idiotic man to say no to more time with Maisie.
I won’t lie, though, that sitting here across from her, with her mom next to me, has me feeling anxious. I’m usually very confident but right now, I’m tongue tied, making sure I say the right thing and don’t embarrass myself.
This isn’t her mom’s first impression of me but it is the first time we’ve actually sat down to have a conversation that wasn’t at Ruby’s Diner or Lakeside Grounds.
“How’s the Dew Drop Inn coming along?” Elaine asks as I do my best not to reach over the table to fix the hair falling into Maisie’s face.
“So far so good,” I respond and take a drink of water. “There’s a lot of work to be done but we’ve kept a tight schedule and have done a lot in the last month. It should be done come the end of August.”
Being here in the Winslow’s home makes me miss being back home and the closeness I had with my parents.
Of course we’re still close and talk as often as possible but it’s not the same as living under the same roof and being able to have these daily conversations about life and work.
It’s the little things like this that I took for granted in my childhood.
“I’m so happy it went to someone from here and not some hoity-toity business man with a stick up their ass.” She huffs as she picks up her glass of water.
“Dang, Mom,” Maisie giggles and it sends butterflies throughout my body, “tell us how you really feel.”
“Ever since Grandma died, I’ve had way too many men who think they can run the diner better than we can ask how much we’re selling it for,” she exhales. “I’m so over rich business owners thinking they can take over small towns like ours.”
“I can’t imagine a place like this being modernized, it would lose its charm,” I chime in.
“These people don’t care about charm when it can put money in their pockets.” Elaine rolls her eyes, clearly a sore subject.
“What’s your favorite memory living in Ruby Lake?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation in a more positive light. I’m surprised to see Maisie looking at me since she’s avoided eye contact this whole time, and even more surprised when she mouths a “thank you” to me.
“Just like Maisie here,” she looks over at her daughter with a genuine smile, “I’ve lived here my whole life. But I think my favorite part was watching her grow up and do all the things I did as a kid.”
“She’s forgetting the memory of throwing me in the lake to prove that I could swim.” The glare she gives her mom is lethal. “Mind you, I could not swim.”
“But we put you in swimming lessons right after that!”
“Against my will!” The bickering back and forth reminds me of Miles and I, they’re also just two best friends who just happen to be family.
“You two are funny." I wipe my face with a napkin.
“I know Miles has lived here since he was a boy. You and your family visited, right?” Elaine asks.
“Nearly every summer! I actually went to the diner a lot as a kid, I even remember the candy store that used to be in town.” I chuckle.
“Miles and I used to pocket salt water taffy and one day a cop happened to be off duty there and saw us stealing. Safe to say that I’ve never stolen, or eaten salt water taffy, since. ”
A laugh leaves Maisie’s mouth and an instant grin appears on my face. I love being the reason behind her laughter.
“I’ll ask my mom if she has any pictures, I’m sure she does. She took pictures of everything growing up,” I say. “There has to be one at the diner somewhere.”
“You guys and your pictures,” Maisie teases, clearly more relaxed and comfortable now.
“My mom always had her film camera, and I love looking at all the things she would capture from my childhood.” I think back on all the times I would huff and puff over having to smile for a photo when the whole time she just wanted to have these moments to reminisce on.
“That’s really sweet actually.” She looks at me in awe. “Mom, yours was a film camera too, right?”
“Sure was. I saved up all my tips to buy one when I found out I was pregnant so I could keep the memories of you growing up.”
“We should take more pictures as we complete your list.” I look at Maisie making a mental note to do so.
“List?” Elaine looks between the both of us in question. “What are you talking about?”
My eyes grow wide as I look to Maisie who has her mouth full of food so I think quick. “It’s a list of places to check out around here, she showed me a couple places.”
“Like our driveway with you driving her home at late hours of the—”
“Mom! I’m an adult and can do adult things.” Maisie clears her throat.
“Like adult things with—” Maisie cuts her off with a lethal glare. “Henry, I’m just messing with you. Wren told me about the list the other night.”
Maisie rolls her eyes playfully, and I let out a breath and then change the subject. “Is there anything you guys need me to bring for the party? Any special requests from the birthday girl?”
“Just bring yourself! Miles is still more than welcome to come.”
“I’ll try to drag him out, but no promises unless that’s your dying wish.”
“My only wish is that you’re there, and if you don't show up, I know where you work,” she threatens with a finger pointed in my direction. I should feel intimidated but it just makes me laugh which then causes herself and Maisie to join in.
It should scare me how comfortable I feel here, how easy it’s been to talk to Elaine. Being here is starting to feel like home but Maisie deserves more than a boy who will leave at the end of summer. She deserves more than me, but I will be the best she’ll ever have at least for the next few weeks.
“I think it’s about time for me to head out.” I stand and grab my dish, reaching across the table for Elaine and Maisie’s plates.
“No, no, Henry. We can clean up.” Elaine tries to shoo me away but my mother raised me to help clean up no matter whose roof I’m under.
“Please let me at least rinse the dishes,” I request, hoping she can’t say no. “It’s the least I can do.”
“You’re a keeper, boy. I got it though.” She leans in to whisper, “I know she’s got tough skin, but don’t let her scare you away.”
I lean in and whisper back the truest thing I’ve said in a while: “I don’t think she could if she tried.”
I give both Elaine and Maisie a hug as I leave—I also give a quick kiss to the top of Maisie’s head and leave before she can say anything.
The drive back home was quiet with the radio turned low but I couldn’t stop replaying the words Elaine said to me.
Don’t let her scare you away.
I get home and put the truck in park, hopping out and making my way inside. My mind is a jumbled mess right now with emotions but I try my best to shake them when I open the front door.
Miles is lying on the couch watching some documentary on TV.
“Hey, are you doing anything tomorrow?” I ask as I set my keys on the table and take off my shoes.
“Just this,” he replies but doesn’t make a move.
“Don’t forget, Ms. Winslow, from the diner, is having a birthday party and extended the invite if you’d like to join.
” I take off my shoes waiting for an answer that’s yet to come.
I make my way to the other couch and lie down to see whatever documentary he’s watching.
“No sweat if you don’t want to, you’ve been working a lot lately. ”
“It’s not that. I don’t get invited to anything in town, ever.” His face is blank of emotion but I know deep inside there’s something going on. “It's just a surprise, is all.”
“You don’t get invited, or you stay inside your bubble and don’t allow for people to invite you anywhere?”
“Not sure when you turned into a therapist but just know I won’t be paying you for your time.” He takes a sip of his drink he has in his hand, eyes staying on the TV. “What time are you leaving?”
“Probably around 6:30 PM, it’s just down the street near the diner. I’ll probably stay for an hour or so and head back.”
“Okay.” He ponders his response. “I’ll go, but for an hour. Tops.”