Madge threw off her mask and turned on the light. She couldn’t sleep now, the shame and horror of that moment washing over her like it had so many times in the past. That day had started so perfectly. All their trips had been wonderful, and she had believed that finally, after three decades, she had back the husband she’d fallen in love with. She should have known better, and his full confession didn’t change her mind—not then and not now.
But she faced a life alone now, and she wasn’t sure what to do. When her daughter was younger, they’d been inseparable, but that was mostly her doing. Madge had spent all of Harper’s elementary and middle school years volunteering—PTA, classroom mom, party and dance chaperone. When Harper started high school, Madge got a job as the school secretary and quit after Harper’s graduation. Three months later, Harper left for the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, leaving Madge by herself, along with occasionally being Don’s wife when he deigned to show up.
Where did all that effort leave her? By herself in a huge, empty house. She’d lost the will to engage with any of herfriends, including the Bosom Buddies. And Harper was as distant as ever. It was painfully clear she was more like her father. Ambitious, driven, and too consumed with herself to make time for her own mother.
Making her way to the living room, Madge sat on the edge of the couch but didn’t turn on the light. After the divorce everything would be different. She would have a new start and focus on herself for a change. If Harper wanted to be a part of her new life, that would be nice. But if she didn’t...
Madge swallowed. If she didn’t, that would be Harper’s loss.I’m moving on... with or without her.
Chapter6
Harper picked up the chai latte Anita placed on the table, her eyes never leaving her phone. “Shoot,” she muttered. If the Sunshine Café hadn’t been full of customers, she would have said a stronger word than that. Another sale lost, and this time through a text message.
I’m sorry, Ms.Wilson. I can’t meet with you later today. I’ve decided to put my plans on hold for the time being.
She set the latte back on the table, untouched. The cancellation didn’t make sense. Harper had cleared her Saturday afternoon to help this client—formerclient—who had seemed so excited to buy her first home. And now she was canceling... by text? Not even a voice mail?
She shook her head. This was the worst three months she’d ever had as a real-estate agent. Up until this year she’d always been in the black with her business, even during slim times. Now, with each passing day she inched toward red.Never mind buying #6. She’d be lucky if she made enough to cover her office rent this month.
“Earth to Harper.”
She glanced up to see Anita already seated across from her. When had she sat down? “Sorry.” She pressed the side button on her phone and set it next to the croissant that had also appeared in front of her.
“Everything okay?”
“Of course.” She sipped on the latte, savoring the sweetly spiced drink and taking a few seconds to hide her frayed emotions. “I love that hairstyle on you, by the way.”
“Thanks.” Anita’s amber-colored eyes shined as she touched the end of her side ponytail. Her old, cute pixie cut had completely grown out, and now her hair lay well past her shoulders. “It’s something different from a plain old ponytail.”
“It definitely suits you.” Harper smirked. “So would some fake eyelashes.”
“Don’t even go there.” Anita laughed.
Harper grinned, knowing how much her friend hated those things, along with any kind of fancy makeup. Anita had a naturally fresh complexion, so she didn’t need to worry about it. As for Harper, she’d worn foundation since she was in sixth grade, after her mother advised her to cover up her acne. Madge showed her how, and with some experimentation Harper had learned how to perfectly disguise every single blemish. Unfortunately, she still had to deal with a breakout here and there, even as an adult.
“I’m glad you’re able to stop by today,” Anita said. “It’s been a while since any of us have seen you.”
“Work has been crazy. Pretty much all I do anymore is eat, show houses, make cold calls, and sleep.” She pinched off a piece from one end of the croissant. She shouldn’t have ordered it, but right now she needed something to soothe her nerves, and the buttery, flaky carb was doing the trick.
Anita patted her arm. “We’re all missing you at Knots and Tangles. Riley also mentioned that your mom hasn’t met with the Bosom Buddies in months either.”
“That’s Madge for you.” She crammed the soft bread into her mouth, feeling a pinch of guilt that she still hadn’t called her mother back yet.Tonight, I’ll call her tonight.“How are things with you and Tanner? Still in newlywed heaven?”
“Yes,” Anita said with a long sigh. “We did get into a huge argument a few days ago...” A dreamy look entered her eyes.
“Let me guess. You kissed and made up, right?”
She blushed. “Yeah, we did.”
Harper laughed and took another bite of the croissant. “These are amazing,” she said around a mouthful. “Where did you get them?”
“Rosa made them,” she said, referring to her mother-in-law. “Now that she’s stepped back from working so much, she’s taken up baking, along with crochet. The woman can’t keep still.”
“Good for her.” But Harper had to admit she was a little envious. She’d had so much fun preparing supper for her and Rusty last Friday that she found herself longing to bake again. But when would she fit that into her schedule? She’d only stopped by the café for three reasons—she felt guiltyabout ignoring her friends, she was dying for a chai latte, and Rusty was supposed to meet her here in five minutes. He’d called her yesterday and left a message. When she phoned him back last night, he didn’t say what he wanted to talk about, but it sounded urgent.“Too much to explain on the phone,”he’d said, which led her to believe he had bad news about her Mercedes. Was it beyond hope? The last thing she needed was to have to buy a new car.
As she sipped her drink, she tried not to worry about her dream car and instead took notice of the fall decorations around the café. “Good grief. I forgot about the candy.”
“What?” Anita asked.
