“What about Landon?” Autumn asks so innocently.
“Yes, he’s a mixed bag. I see him being so patient, loving, and a good role model with the boys, and he’s always such a gentleman to me, but I think he is struggling to move on. He is stuck in that last part of his grief—acceptance. I know, because I’ve been there.” Reaching out, I take Mom’s hand in mine and give it a squeeze, which has her smiling. “Oh, I’m fine, honey. I lost your dad a long time ago, and I just live with my happy memories now.”
I never had the chance to know my father; he died before I was adopted by my mom. They were on an adoption waiting list for a baby when he was killed in a workplace accident. But luckily, my mother was still considered a good candidate to adopt me on her own. Especially since my father was a fireman and it was the Safe Haven baby box at his firehouse where I was surrendered just six months after he died. It was almost like he had placed me there from up above, to give my mom a reason to move on without him. So, ever since then, it’s just been me andher against the world. She has never complained, and although it has been hard on her, she is proud that I chose to become a firefighter to honor the father I never met. And I’m just thankful that his firehouse gave my birth mother a safe place to leave a baby she didn’t feel she could raise, and I respect her for that choice. One day maybe I’ll know her story, but until then, I’m blessed with the life I have.
I need to change the topic before Autumn keeps hounding Mom for more information about Landon.
“There is nothing like a home-cooked meal by your mom to make you feel loved.” Standing from the table, I kiss Mom on the top of the head and collect all the empty plates.
“I must admit I do love when you are home too. I get to pull out some of my favorite recipes that just aren’t the same to cook for one.” She sits back in her chair, smiling brightly across at me.
“I’m always available to come to dinner, Alice, as your substitute daughter.” We all start laughing at Autumn.
“Like your social life can fit in dinner with this old lady. Go out and live your life, sweetheart. Speaking of going out, I hope you two have plans for tonight to test out those new outfits you showed me.” Mom looks between the two of us as we voice our different answers.
“No,” I reply with the simple answer.
“Hell yeah, we are going to check out Landon’s bar.” Autumn stands, swaying her hips like she is dancing.
“What a great idea,” Mom declares.
“When was this discussed? I don’t remember ever mentioning any desire to visit Landon at work. You have already embarrassed me twice in front of him. Why would I ever give you the chance of doing it again for a third time?” I put my hands on my hips but know I’m in trouble when Mom steps beside Autumn.
“I think it’s a great idea. I’m sure Landon will love to see you and show you around. He might even give you a free cocktail to say thanks for last night. I’ll message him and tell him you’re coming in.” She looks sideways at Autumn and gives her a not-so-subtle wink.
“Stop encouraging her, Mom,” I chastise her, but it makes no difference because Mom pulls her phone from her pocket anyway.
“Don’t you dare.” I lunge at her, trying to grab the phone out of her hand, but Autumn beats me to it.
“Ughh, I’m not going to win this argument, am I?”
“No,” they both sing at me in unison.
“Fine,” I huff, which has Autumn clapping and jumping up and down.
“Look out, town, here we come! The girls are back!” Autumn exclaims, putting her arm around my shoulders. And right there is why I’m scared. The memories of our wild nights out in the city during our early twenties are not something I want to repeat. I’m not sure my liver would cope with that anymore.
“You must promise me, though, that you will behave. Especially in front of Landon,” I urge her, even if I already know it’s no use, because after the first drink, all bets will be off.
“Of course. I can’t believe you even have to question me,” Autumn sarcastically replies, and both Mom and I burst out laughing.
“Uh-huh,” I reply as she drags me to my bedroom so we can start getting dressed up.
So much for my peaceful, relaxing vacation.
For the second night in a row, sleep is not happening anytime soon.
LANDON
“We can’t possibly fit any more people in here tonight. The place is rocking,” Charlene says loudly next to me as we both reach for clean glasses to make our next orders.
Emile and Jasper are still off sick, but working the bar tonight is probably a good thing for me; it will keep me distracted and stop me from worrying about how to solve my problem.
“Yeah, helps keep the doors open and pays your wages, but I’ve got to admit it makes me happy to see people love it at as much as I do,” I answer while looking at my screen to see what drink order I need to prepare next.
“Oh, and here I thought it was my amazing personality that kept them coming back night after night.” She chuckles and hurries off down the bar with her order.
“In your dreams,” I yell after her, even though I know I’d be lost without her. She’s right, the customers love her, and she had my back when Lucinda died. She is a damn hard worker and kept the bar going while I picked up my life.
