Page 25 of Shadowed Rubies
“I agree,” I said solemnly. Seeing my opening, I said, “Speaking of Dani…”
Before I could go on, Molly interjected, “Very smooth, big brother.”
I grinned over her gentle ribbing, but didn’t let it interrupt my chance to talk to her about my seemingly-doomed love life. “I think I’ve royally screwed up things with her.”
“Good,” Molly quipped, surprising me. “Did it ever cross your mind how awful it will be for me if you end up with Dani, and I have to see Dean and his happy little family all the time?”
I had thought about that, but I had assumed that Molly would learn to deal with it, in order for me to have a chance at happiness with Dani. “Oh, well, I…”
Uncertain how to continue, I let the sentence hang there. It seemed that two of the most important women in my life were not on board with me having a romantic relationship with Dani. Unfortunately, one of those females was the woman in question. I ran a hand through my hair, wondering if I should just give up on pursuing Dani. Perhaps being with her was an unattainable dream.
It still surprised me, though, that Molly would let her own hurt feelings and pride get in the way of my potential happiness. Proving that she was the pesky kid sister I’d always known and loved, she said, “I’m just kidding, ya’ big lug. What can I do to help you win her heart?”
28
Dani
After a long night of tossing and turning, I came to one conclusion… I would never be happy if I didn’t at least try to find out if there was a chance that Max could choose me. Wondering what had turned him off from pursuing a relationship with me would live on in the back of my mind forever.
Taking a page out of my bold best friend’s book, I decided to deal with it directly, rather than hiding behind my pride. Meg wouldn’t stand for someone brushing her off, and I wouldn’t, either. If Max wanted to give me the most passionate, life-affirming kisses of my life, before dumping me on my front porch like nothing happened, then he was at least going to have to give me an explanation. I deserved that.
My conviction wavered as I walked toward the fire station. I’d bundled up in my parka, scarf, and gloves thinking that the bitter cold would get my circulation going. Instead, my feet began to go numb as I walked, and all I could think about was how Max had warmed me up last night.How could he not want to do that again? It’s all I can think about.
I was going to put my heart on the line and tell him how I really felt. I wouldn’t beg, but I had to know if he had any of the same feelings for me as I did for him. It had certainly seemed like he did, until he removed himself from our shared blanket, dressed, and escorted me straight home.
Although I wasn’t normally one to be bold or direct, I convinced myself as I walked that it was better to know the truth, even if it was bad news. Besides, my mother was starting to get back on her feet after my father’s death. My brother had a new life with his fiancé and their baby. My best friend was now engaged and attaining her dream career. Everyone else’s lives were right on track. It was about time for me to head back to Boston to get back to my job and start living myreallife.
No one needed me here, anymore––except possibly Max. If his actions at the end of last evening were indicative of his true feelings, then my decision to leave here would be easy. I’d stay long enough to help Mom get through the holidays, then I would return to the city and relentlessly pursue my goal of opening a high-end private practice.
I’d been walking fast to help ward off the cold, but now that the fire station was in sight, I slowed my pace. Despite how much I wanted answers from Max, right now, I still had hope. There was a very good chance that after I spoke with him, that hope would be obliterated.
The older woman staring blankly at the sidewalk as she scurried by caught my attention. “Mimi?”
When she turned to look at me, I was stunned by how much she had aged in the few days since the fire. Losing her business that had been almost her entire life had obviously taken a serious toll on her health.
“Oh, hi, Danica. I’ve been meaning to call to see if you need anything, since you lost so many of your belongings in the fire.”
“I’m fine,” I assured her, as I pulled her into a hug. Her shoulders felt surprisingly frail in my embrace. Since she didn’t seem inclined to say anything further, I chattered to fill the void. “I didn’t really have much in the apartment anyway because most of my stuff is still down in Boston. To get by, I’ve just been borrowing my Mom’s clothes.”
After glancing down at my frumpy, ruffled shirt, Mimi asked, “How is your mother doing, dear? I’ve been meaning to stop by to check in on her.”
“It’s okay… She knows you have a lot on your plate right now,” I assured her with a warm smile.
Suddenly it dawned on me that these two lovely women had each recently suffered significant losses in their lives. They’d never been close friends, but it seemed like they could be helpful to each other through these difficult times. Latching on to that, I suggested to Mimi, “Why don’t you go see Mom? I think she would really appreciate it. Maybe the two of you could go on a trip together after the holidays, or something like that.”
“Maybe,” Mimi said, but I could tell she wasn’t going to give the idea any real consideration.
Unsure what else to say, I patted Mimi’s back and said, “If I can do anything to help, please let me know.”
Mimi nodded absently before continuing down the sidewalk. I was certain she probably heard the lame platitude numerous times each day, but what was someone supposed to do to help someone get over the loss of the business that had been their entire life for so many years? They didn’t teach us that in medical school.
Continuing on my path to see Max, I dug in my pocket for a handful of almonds from the plastic bag I’d refilled this morning. They helped keep my blood sugar levels even, and I needed something to munch on to help alleviate the nervous energy churning in my stomach.
I reached the door to the firehouse before I finished my almonds, so I stood outside chomping on them. It was tempting to turn around and go home, but I’d come this far, so I might as well see this through.
Swallowing the last of my salty snack, I took a deep breath and went inside. The last time I was here, the men were gathered around the rig, but this time the garage was empty. Exploring further into the station, I heard the sound of deep voices coming from an office. I followed the noise and walked into an office with several men gathered around a computer screen.
I started to announce myself, but then one of them said, “There’s a picture of her in a bathing suit when she was a lifeguard at the town pool.”
