Page 47 of The Wedding Driver
“Monday afternoon.”
“I can do that,” Foster said.
“Thank you. Now it’s your turn.” Maxwell tilted his head. “What the hell did you do to my grandbaby?”
Foster sucked in a deep breath. The rich pine from the trees filled his lungs. The sun dipped behind one of the big, puffy white clouds as it started to settle behind the mountains. The blue sky turned an orange-purple color. He took a few long moments to think about his answer. He’d spent the last few hours searching for Victoria and contemplating life, love, and family.
No one had seen Victoria since the night he’d found her with the cut on her leg. She’d come back to the alley, collected what few things she had, and disappeared. That wasn’t totally unlike her, but she usually communicated with other homeless people where she was headed.
Not this time. Or at least they weren’t telling him.
Every time she did something like this, he worried it would be the last time he’d see her alive. He knew that day would come and he didn’t know what that would mean for his life. In some ways, Victoria gave him purpose.
And pain.
“I screwed up,” Foster said. “I allowed my fears and my past to rule my decisions and pushed her away. Perhaps for good.”
“When was the last time you spoke with her? Have you tried to mend things?”
“Nope. Because I didn’t realize that I wanted to push through my issues until earlier today. But there’s still a huge risk I could break her heart.”
“That’s true with any relationship,” Maxwell said. “There are no guarantees in life. But if you don’t risk it all, then you might as well crawl under a rock now.”
“If that’s true, why aren’t you going to fight? Why are you giving up?” Foster knew that was a low blow.
“I’ve gone to two different specialists. Both have told me the same thing. My chances to live more than a few months are about ten percent. The treatments will suck the life out of me. I’d spend most of my time in hospitals and that doesn’t sound fun. I’d rather enjoy what little time I have left living and enjoying my family.” He tapped Foster’s knee. “And maybe seeing some of my favorite people find the happiness that’s been lacking in their lives.”
“I know where you’re going with that, and I care about Tonya. I really do. I want to call her and see if maybe she’ll forgive my rash decision to cool it down, but my reason is a big one and she might not be so willing to give me a second chance.”
“All you can do is ask.” Maxwell pointed toward the path. “Might as well do it now.”
“You sneaky old man.”
Maxwell smiled. “I have my moments. Now help me to my feet so the two of you can chat.”
Foster handed Maxwell his cane. He took a step back, giving him and Tonya a little space. Now all he had to do was find the right words and hope she gave him a second chance. “Should he walk up to your parent’s house alone?”
“My dad is on his way down to get him.” Tonya planted her hands on her hips. “Sorry he manipulated you into meeting me.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad he did. I want to talk with you.”
“I see.” She folded her arms. “Did you find Victoria? How is she?”
“I have no idea. I have a feeling it’s going to be a month or so before she shows up again.”
“Doesn’t that concern you?”
“Of course it does, but I don’t want to talk about her.” Foster took Tonya’s hand and tugged her toward the waterfront.
“Okay.” She strolled down the path and up the stairs to the sundeck. Although, the sun was totally gone now and the stars had started to appear in the sky.
“We don’t have to humor my grandfather,” she said. “He means well, but you and I have said our piece.”
Heartburn filled his chest, along with a large dose of fear. She had every right to tell him that it was best for her if they continued on their separate paths. He would respect it if that’s what she wanted. “If he hadn’t tricked us, I would have called you asking if we could get together.” He tapped the switch for the lights, setting them to dim.
“Why?” She sat down on the lounge chair, bending her knees slightly.
He eased onto the edge, resting his hand on her ankle. “My emotions have been turned upside down and I understand that’s no excuse for hurting you—”
