Chapter 43
HENRY
It’s been a couple weeks since I told Maisie I loved her, weeks of pure sunshine in my life that I know is mine.
Everyday that goes by, though, is another day closer to leaving, to not knowing what the future holds.
I spend today in a trance, practically just existing in my body and getting work done. I told Maisie I loved her and I still don’t know how I’m going to stay here. I’m afraid I’m going to do exactly what she was afraid of: leaving.
At the same time, I’m doing exactly what I’m scared of: failing.
Failing Maisie.
Is it selfish to not regret the time we spent together, even though if I never showed up—never came back to Ruby Lake—she wouldn’t have someone doing to her what her father did?
The questions circle my mind in a constant loop.
I won’t leave her forever but if I can’t find a job here I don’t know what else I can do to stay. I’ll have to leave for a period of time. I can’t ask Miles to stay and interrupt the life he built for himself. I need to figure out a future for myself so I can give Maisie a future she deserves.
There’s a knock at the door that startles me. Miles went a few towns over to meet with his lawyer and won’t be back for a bit, and Maisie is at work, so I’m not sure who could be knocking.
I get up from the paperwork I was organizing for Miles and see a figure outside of the lobby door. As I approach closer, I notice it’s Wren.
“You look like shit for someone who’s been getting laid,” she greets me when I open the door and she strides right past me.
“Always a pleasure seeing you, Wren.” I laugh and shut the door behind her.
“You guys really brought this place back to life,” she says looking around the lobby, “it looks amazing. You guys should be proud.”
“Thank you, that means a lot.” We’ve spent so much time here, it’s hard to see all that we’ve accomplished since we’re everyday. Hearing it from someone else really does mean a lot.
“You’re probably wondering why I’m here,” she states.
“Maisie told me to never question your motives,” I snort.
“Ugh, she knows me so well.” She clutches her chest, nodding in admiration. “Anyway, let’s get to why I’m here. You two are obviously grossly in love with one another and I’m here to beg you to stay in Ruby Lake.”
“Wren,” I start but she holds up her hand to stop me.
“Hear me out, okay?” To that, I nod in response.
“I have never, in all the years I’ve known Maisie, seen her so…
herself around anyone that isn’t me or her mom.
I’m sure you know she grew up without a dad which caused more internal issues than she lets out.
” She sighs, looking down at her feet. “She has a hard time letting people in with the fear that they’ll leave like her shit father did.
She is the most important person in my life.
” I don’t even notice she starts tearing up until I see her wipe at her eyes.
“Over the summer, I watched her allow you into hers when she never lets anyone in and I won’t let that go to waste.
I see the way you look at her, I see how much you care for her,” she continues.
“You two bring out so much light and joy in each other. I can’t let you leave knowing that what you two have is more than just a summer fling and a bucket list.”
“I don’t have a job after the Inn opens, I don’t have a place to stay.” I feel my own eyes start to gloss over. “I want to stay but I don’t know what my future looks like after this place is finished.”
“You can stay with me, Elaine, Kevin. They don’t know I’m offering up their roof but they love you.
You are loved by so many people here that will let you in if you allow them to, that’s just how Ruby Lake works.
” She sits on a nearby chair and I lean against the front desk wiping my eye with my sleeve.
“As for a job, you always have a place at the diner until you find something, we won’t let you suffer.
I know you have a degree and all that fancy college stuff but it’s a place to start.
The people in this town are family, we help one another and I want to help you. ”
“I couldn’t accept that…”
“Why not? You deserve to be happy too and clearly Maisie makes you happy, let me help you.”
“Is this what Maisie wants?”
“She must have fucked you stupid if you think she doesn’t want you here.” She huffs at the same time Miles walks through the door, looking at us with a questioning look as we’re deep in conversation.
“Hey,” he nods, “I didn’t know we had company or I would’ve brought you lunch.”
“Sorry,” she stands from her chair, “I was just about to leave.” She looks toward me. “Just think about what we talked about, okay? We’re here to help you.” She eyes us both as she heads toward the door. “You’re both family now,” she says and leaves without saying anything else.
“What was that about?” Miles looks at the door and then me, setting the takeout on the desk. “It seemed serious.”
“She wants me to stay.”
“Ah.” He nods in understanding. “Well, I actually wanted to talk to you about something similar.”