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A lump forms in my throat, and I swallow hard, trying to find my voice. My hands go to her back, soothing up and down until her cries soften and turn to short hiccups. My first instinct is to coddle her, dry her tears, and tell her all is forgiven and forgotten. It’s a slippery slope because whatever I say or do in this situation could go back to Connie and mean hell for Pierce.
I think about Jill and Mom; what would they say? How would they handle this? What would Pierce want me to say?
“I hate to see you sad, Maya. It breaks your dad’s heart when you’re hurting.”
“He hates me, too.
“He could never hate you. He loves you and Cole more than anything in the world.”
“Not anymore. I messed up everything. Dad is mad, Cole won’t quit telling me it’s my fault you don’t come around, and we’re not even allowed to go to Grandma and Grandpa’s unless it’s Dad’s week. All because of me.”
“Maya, you need to talk to your dad about these things.”
She peers up at me, her eyes bloodshot and filled with sadness. “He loves you. If you forgive me, he will too.”
“His job as a parent is to love and protect you and Cole, always making sure you are taken care of. I imagine it’s the hardest job in the world. You’re confusing his forgiveness with his concern. There’s a huge difference.”
“You don’t think he’s mad at me?”
“No, I don’t think he’s capable of the kind of love he feels for you and anger at the same time. It’s impossible for him.”
“Even though he stayed mad with you all those years and still loved you.”
My stomach seizes with the verbal sucker punch, and there’s an almost inaudible growl from somewhere behind me.
“My circumstances are worlds apart from his adoration for you. Pierce Kendrick may be gruff and have the temper of a wet cat, but he will always love you, even when you mess up. That I can promise.”
She seems to process this, color creeping back to her pale cheeks and her eyes clearing. “It’s going to be okay?”
“Of course, it’s going to be all right.”
“Do you know my mom, Darby?”
This is the slippery slope I was trying to avoid. “I don’t know her now, but I knew her years ago.”
“She’s… Well, she’s…”
“Maya, anything you want to say about your mom should go to your dad. I’m not the person to talk to.”
“No, what I’m trying to say is she loves Dad. She’s always told us that, and I never understood why he didn’t love her back. But I get it now. It’s because of you. I overheard Grandma telling Uncle Miller that you being back is the answer to her prayers. She said that the love story was coming full circle. I’m not sure what that part means, but Dad is his happiest when you’re around. I’m sorry I almost messed that up.”
“Oh, Maya.” I yank her back to me. “Everyone messes up. The important thing is to learn from our mistakes. It’s a hard lesson, and if I can give you one piece of advice, it is that when you are unsure of what’s the truth and what’s not, go to an adult you trust. You may not like the answers, but it’s part of growing up.”
She nods, squeezing me tight. “I can do that, Darby.”
“Okay. How about we use the restroom before your dad sends a search party?”
She grins, heading to a stall. The lock clicks, and I backstep around the corner to find Pierce, leaning against the wall.
“This is the ladies’ restroom,” I hiss.
“I fucking love you,” he whispers back.
“Get out of here.” I toss my hand in the direction of the door.
“You’re spending the night.”
“We will see. Now, get out of here!”
“I swear to God, if you try to say no, I’ll haul you out of here kicking and screaming. No one will be surprised, and your mom will send the video to Scottie to post on Instagram.”
“You forget I’m an expert at sneaking out the back.”
I realize my mistake immediately when his eyes grow dark and his voice comes out strained. “You’ll never get away from me again. What you just did for my daughter adds to the million reasons my stupid ass will go to the ends of the earth to bring you back to me. You’re a part of us now, and I’m not fucking letting you forget it.”
A toilet flushes, and I shove him, giving him a hard stare to leave before going back to the lavatory area. Maya comes out, her face almost free of splotches, and washes her hands. She looks at me through the mirror and giggles in a little girl pitch. “You should probably use the bathroom. It would stink if Dad throws you over his shoulders and you still have to pee.”
