Page 8 of One Southern Summer

But that was impossible.

Their marriage had ended. Her last text message to Pax indicating she and the kids had left Raleigh went unanswered. He and Trey were allegedly on a book tour, promoting Pax’s new memoir.

“Mama?”

Addison’s voice on the other side of the door made Avery’s stomach twist. She quickly swiped at the moisture on her cheeks.

“Mama? I need you.”

The simple plea tightened Avery’s throat again. She refused to give in this time. Pushing to her feet, she put the towel back then turned on the water and forced herself to confront her reflection in the oval gold-framed mirror hanging above the pedestal sink. Red-rimmed eyes, splotchy skin and frazzled curls springing from her head like errant corkscrews greeted her.

“Ma-ma.” Tiny knuckles rapped clumsily on the door. “Come. Out.”

She needs you.Squeezing her eyes shut against the poignant reminder, Avery splashed cool water on her hot skin. Teaching her daughter to be brave and resilient meant opening that door instead of cowering alone. She turned off the water, dried her face then pasted on a smile and opened the door.

“Hey, sweetie.”

Relief flooded Addison’s blue eyes. She flung herself at Avery. Scooping her into her arms, Avery planted exaggerated kisses on Addison’s cheeks until her deep belly laugh echoed off the walls.

Harper and Julene stood in the hallway, their expressions guarded.

“Mommy needed a minute.”She kept her smile in place, both for her sisters and for Addison. Now more than ever she carried a desperate longing to be understood. To know that her family believed in her. At least until she had the confidence to believe in herself.

“I love you, Mama.” Addison planted slobbery kisses on Avery’s cheek. She still smelled of pancake syrup and her favorite strawberries and cream bubble bath. Her precious words soothed Avery’s fragile heart.

“I love you too, sweet pea.”

“And I also love Daddy. When is he coming?”

And just like that the tender moment vanished.

“Come on, let’s go to lunch.” Harper gently passed Hayes to Julene. “My treat.”

“But I can’t leave my kids.” Avery winced as Addison twisted her fingers in her hair.

“Why not?” Harper stared at her like she’d sprouted a third eye. “Mama’s having a ball with them, and Julene is here to help.”

Julene swayed side to side, smiling down at Hayes as she settled him in her arms. “I don’t know, holding this sweet fella is a miserable assignment.”

Avery hesitated. Her sister did love babies. She’d have to be back to feed Hayes soon, though. He wasn’t great at taking a bottle. Add that to her list of obstacles to conquer before she went back to work.

“When was the last time you enjoyed a kid-free outing?” Harper asked.

“I can’t recall.” The allure of adult conversation and a menu that didn’t feature chicken fingers or macaroni and cheese won her over. “All right, but only if we stop by the boutique on Main Street. They’re hiring part-time salespeople and I want to apply.”

Another pointed glance pinged between Julene and Harper.

“That’s not the first place I’d go if I needed a job,” Julene murmured.

Avery kissed Addison’s head then set her on her feet. She ran back to the kitchen.

“I’ve worked retail before.” Avery propped her hands on her hips. A short stint at the general store in high school wasn’t the same as an upscale women’s clothing store, but she’d figure it out. Why did her sisters have strong opinions about where she worked?

“It’s not about experience.” Harper cupped Avery’s shoulder and gently guided her toward the guest room down the hall. “Go put on a cute dress.”

Avery glanced at her pink cotton T-shirt and denim skirt. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

Harper’s bangle bracelets jangled together as she smoothed a strand of hair behind her ear. “If you’re applying to work at that boutique you need to look fashionable.”

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