Rough Edges (9 page)

“It’s not like I want details, Mom. Can’t you just give me a yes or no? Has he kissed you yet or not?”

Allie groaned inwardly, scanning the sidewalk for any sight of Paige. She needed a quick way out.

“Just answer and I promise to stop bugging you about it,” Jillian insisted. “The first kiss is a big deal so I’m going to keep on nagging until –”

“Yes, okay?” Allie blurted. “We are two grown adults and I’ve been working there for a month and a half. We’ve been dating – well lunch dates anyway – for nearly a month, so yes. We’ve kissed, alright?”

The rear door creaked open. Allie looked over her shoulder to see Paige settling into the backseat. She was fiddling with her phone, a bored expression on her face. If she’d heard what Allie just said she was doing a good job of hiding it. Jillian on the other hand was hollering into the receiver.

“I
knew
it,” she cheered.

“Look, I’ll be there in a second. Are you headed this way?” Allie merged into the slow-moving traffic.

“Yep. I can see the car from here,” Jillian said.

Allie took that as goodbye and disconnected the call. “So, how was school?”

Paige grunted in reply.

Looking through the rearview mirror, Allie tried again. “Do you have any homework?”

Paige shrugged. “Eh.”

“Well, I’ve got a list of your upcoming assignments here if you want to look over it and add anything new.”

“I don’t.”

A deep sigh passed through Allie’s lips. Even the simplest of conversations were a challenge with Paige lately. “Who are you texting?”

“Dad.”

“Is he finally texting you back?” She might have found another way to phrase the question but in that moment, Allie lacked the desire to try.

Paige didn’t answer right away, the sounds of her thumbs tapping the screen replacing the silence. “He says I might be able to come stay with him in Rapid City.”

Her grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Did he?”

“Yeah.”

Was it wrong for Allie to resent the excitement she heard in her daughter’s voice? She wanted Paige to be happy, after all, but it wasn’t fair. The one who’d chosen to stay put and raise her – as if Allie would’ve considered otherwise –
she’s
the one who’s uptight and annoying and ruining her life. Yet the guy who took off and left them, rarely bothering to call or even text –
he’s
the one who wins her heart. It was too much to take.

“So can I?” she asked.

Allie licked her lips, wishing she hadn’t asked. The truth was Paige had no idea Terrance was living with his girlfriend. She didn’t even know there
was
a girlfriend.

“Mom,” she prompted, “will you let me go to South Dakota if Dad’s ready to take me?”

“Umm…” It wasn’t like Terrance would ever really let her come out. And Paige was in desperate need of an attitude makeover. “I guess I’d consider it if I saw an improvement in your attitude,” she said. “And you’d need to show me you can keep on top of your grades too. Your dad won’t pay much attention to that type of thing so you’d have to show some initiative.”

“I can do that.” There was that excitement in Paige’s voice again; it made Allie cringe.

She eyed her through the rearview. “It’s important to remember that even if you hold up your end of things, there’s no guarantee your dad will, you know?” 

Looking satisfied, Paige set her eyes back on the phone.

Allie shook her head, wishing Terrance wouldn’t make promises he couldn’t keep. She and Terrance had agreed to let the kids choose where they stayed, but it was understood that Terrance had no desire to have them living with him. Several times she’d wished he would’ve stuck around to have normal visitation. Weekends, holidays, that type of thing. But not this. She never wanted him to try and take them away from her completely.

The sight of Jillian a ways up the hill pulled her mind to another matter – the conversation she’d just had with her a moment ago. Allie came to a stop alongside the curb, observing the wide grin plastered on Jillian’s face. There was no need to ask Nancy Drew to keep things quiet. Jillian knew better than anyone that Paige preferred to keep out of the-know where Allie and Braden were concerned.

Yet just before her older sister reached the car, Paige spoke up, making it clear she knew just what was going on. “So, you finally made out with the carpenter, huh?”

Allie spread a layer of gloss over her lips before glancing at the clock.

“I can’t believe you’re making us meet your boyfriend,” Paige said for the millionth time. And though Allie didn’t love the sound of her whining, she had to admit it was a step up for Paige. Not long ago she’d have more likely torn out of the house and not come back until the evening was through. As it was, she hadn’t even put up a fuss about having to send her friends home earlier than she’d planned.

“You’re going to like him,” she said. “Braden’s an awesome guy.” Allie stepped away from the counter and into the master bedroom where Paige dove dramatically onto the bed – face first. The action startled Phoebe, causing her to scurry off the bed.

Paige let out a muffled groan. “Ugh. People don’t even say that word anymore, Mom.”

Allie chuckled, hunching down to run her fingers through Phoebe’s soft, gray fur. “Oh yeah? What do they say, then?”

That got Paige to lift her head. Static pulled at the strands of her black hair, causing the blonde roots to stand out more than ever. “Anything but awesome,”

Allie picked up the cat, carried her over to the bed. “Dope?”

“No!” Paige sounded horrified.

“Groovy?”

“Ewe, that’s even worse.” But a hint of a smile showed on her lips. “Just say cool, okay? Cool works.”

“Cool.” Allie smiled, easing onto the bed. The cat padded her way off Allie’s lap and snugged up to Paige with a loud purr. Paige rolled onto her side and began to pet her. “Phoebe’s sneaky,” she said after rubbing her down for a while. “I never set out to pet her, but she still gets a rubdown out of me like, every time.”

“I know,” Allie said with a laugh, glad to be having such a normal conversation with her. “You know, I was wondering,” she said, “Do you want me to take you to get your hair done for your birthday?”

Paige flinched away like she’d been slapped in the face, shooting Allie a nasty glare. “I’m not bleaching my hair back. I don’t care how much you hate it, I’m not.”

“I didn’t mean go blonde again. I meant touch-up your roots.”

But Paige had already climbed off the bed, was halfway to the door. “Yeah right. Tell me when your man’s here. I’ll be in my room.”

Allie shook her head as she leaned over toward the nightstand. After sifting through the lists she had tucked in the drawer, she pulled out the one she was looking for – Possible Birthday Gifts for Paige. She scratched out
trip to the salon
and replaced it with
black hair dye
before shoving it back in the drawer. She tapped her fingers along the side table next, pondering her exchange with Paige. They’d fallen into a pattern: Couple steps forward, followed by a giant leap back. Still, even with the setbacks Allie could tell she’d made headway.

She thought back on what Paige had said in the car last week. That Terrance wanted her to come live with him. She hadn’t brought up the subject since then, which Allie was glad about; hopefully Terrance’s offer had only been a fleeting bit of weakness on his part. Him missing the girls and all that. Knowing Terrance, it would never be enough for him to make the kind of sacrifices necessary to follow through with it.

She eyed the clock, alarmed to see it was time to pull the lasagna out of the oven. She inhaled the rich, tangy aroma while making her way to the kitchen. Allie had been nervous about this night the entire week. About how it would go. Since the divorce was final, it had taken only two words to describe Allie:
divorced mom
. The term ‘divorced’ was directly connected to Terrance, which was ironic considering it meant she was no longer with the guy. The title ‘mom’ she owed to Jilly and Paige. And while Allie couldn’t think of a better title to hold, she secretly longed for something more. Something that could unbury the person she used to be. Her romance with Braden had started doing that very thing. Around him, she felt energetic and young. Sometimes nervous and shy. But above it all, she felt like her old self again. Braden gave her an escape from the frequently uptight, often obsessed, entirely over-worried woman she’d become. It was like Allie had turned into two separate beings. And tonight, the two would be forced to merge. Morph into some entirely new species, and learn to function.

And how would the girls respond to Braden? Of course Jillian would be kind and inviting. But would Paige ever really give him a chance? And what about Braden? Would he become overwhelmed after meeting the girls? Realize what he’s getting himself into and bow out before he got any deeper? Especially if Paige was set on spoiling things.

Allie sighed. If she was being honest with herself, that was her biggest concern. She very much wanted Braden to be part of their lives. Knew he could be a good fit for their family. But if things didn’t work out between Braden and Paige, it might be too difficult to move forward. If they could only hit it off – the way Paige did with her Grandpa Emerson – there’d be nothing to stop them from furthering the relationship. A shaky breath made its way through her pursed lips. Now was the moment of truth.

~+~

An orange glow lit the evening sky as Braden passed Allie’s house for the second time. She’d told him to come at six-thirty, and it was already just past that, but he couldn’t help the feeling of dread that kept him from pulling into her drive. If he could only pinpoint exactly what had him so anxious, perhaps he could squelch it and move on.

The quiet road stretched on for miles. Miles he couldn’t venture into just then, not if he was going to show up on time. With an irritated groan Braden slowed the truck, pulled off to the side of the road, and spun the thing around.

As pretty as the sunset was – the stretch of it spreading across the horizon – it made Allie’s home look all the more intimidating. There it stood in some heavenly glow, graced by the very light of God. And here he was about to walk on in and … what?

A bout of nausea rolled through his gut as he eased into her driveway. He’d done this one time before after accepting an invitation years ago. Braden had driven out there to have dinner with Allie, Terrance, and the girls, and then chickened out – headed straight back home. Calling to say he was too sick to come. Perhaps he should do the same thing now.

Just as the idea gained merit, a car zoomed into the driveway alongside his truck. The garage door creaked open, and there went one of the daughters, had to be the oldest, pulling Allie’s car into the garage. And just who was in the passenger seat? Was she dating already? He guessed if she was old enough to drive she was old enough to date, but the mere thought triggered a protective side he hadn’t even known was there.

Well, there was no backing out now. Guess he’d have to go through with it. Whatever
it
might bring. Another grunt escaped him as he pushed open the truck door and climbed out.

Jillian came strolling out of the garage, a wide smile on her face as she eyed him. “Hi,” she said. Boy did she look like her mother. Soft strands of hair fell from a high-set ponytail atop her head. Her smile belonged to Allie. Her cheekbones too. And that posture, the straight set of her shoulders reminded him of her mother as well.

“Hello there.” He gave her a single nod, watching as the guy in the garage tucked his hands into his pockets.

“You must be Braden. I’m Jillian.” She spun around and motioned to the kid behind her. “And this is my friend, Porter.”

She offered her hand first. Porter, as she’d called him, sauntered over and did the same before adjusting the bill of his baseball cap from front to back.

“Nice to meet you two,” Braden said.

Jillian smiled. “You too. Paige and my mom are inside.” She waved for him to follow, speaking as she led the way. “I just went and picked up Porter. He works at my Granddaddy’s ranch. He’s been helping out a whole lot since my dad left, and now he’s my Uncle Logan’s right hand man.”

Braden nodded. “Good to see a kid who knows how to work. That’ll do you a lot of good.”

“Yes, sir.” The kid spun the cap again, pulling it over his brow with one final tug as they stepped inside. A savory aroma stirred in the air as they entered. Braden pulled in a hearty breath, suddenly very glad he’d come.

“Hey, Jillian?” Allie’s voice came from somewhere in the home. “Would you and Porter mind setting the table? I’m not sure where Paige ran off to but Braden will be here any minute.”

Jillian spun around to give him a smile. “Actually,” she said to her mom, “he’s here already. I brought him in with me.”

A few steps more and Allie came into view. Braden pulled in a sharp breath. There she stood in the center of the kitchen. If her home appeared to sit at heaven’s gate, she was an angel at its door if he ever saw one. An apron draped over her body, hair pulled into a braid on the side of her head. A kindness in her eyes that nearly made her glow.

Her gaze ran the length of him as the corners of her lips turned gradually up. “I’m glad you could make it.”

Braden suddenly wished he had a hat on his head to toy with, the way Porter did. He settled for roughing a hand through his hair instead. “Me too.”

The younger daughter, Paige, wandered in just as Allie brought the food to the table, their cat, Phoebe, at her heels. On more than one occasion, Allie had warned him that Paige’s look was rather severe – black dyed hair with lots of eyeliner to match. What they used to call Goth back in high school. He’d been expecting something more drastic. Paige had an obviously pretty face, unhindered by the black of her hair or the excess makeup around her eyes. She had soft features, pale skin, and a hidden smirk that made Braden smile. According to Allie, Paige struggled with the idea of her dating her dad’s old friend. Part of him couldn’t blame her. 

Just as Paige began lowering herself across from Jillian, Allie spoke up. “Oh, no hon. Scoot down one.” She patted the back of the chair across from Porter before dashing back toward the kitchen.

Paige shrugged. “Okay.” Her eyes settled on Braden next, her face falling flat. “You must be Brody. Or is it Bobby?” The smug look creeping over her face told him she’d butchered his name on purpose.

Braden extended his hand with a grin. “It’s Braden,” he said. “And you must be… Phoebe, is it?”

The eye roll he earned felt like a reward. Or perhaps it was the brief showing of that dimple in her cheek. Her eyes shot to the cat as she strutted over to her dish and began to crunch her food. “Yeah,” Paige said, glancing at Braden once more, “I’m Phoebe.”

As Braden saw it, that was the rebellious girl’s snarky way of saying touché; he’d take it.

“Well,” he said, glancing from Paige to Jillian, “I’m happy to finally meet you. Your mother has had a lot of great things to say about you both.” He felt dumb for leaving Porter out of the equation but couldn’t exactly take back what he’d said. Besides, this kid wasn’t even part of the family. But then neither was Braden. In fact, from the looks of things, Porter had been around for a while. Had an in with Allie’s father, even. Braden was the outsider here. The thought had him running another hand through his hair.

“You can have a seat right here,” Allie said, motioning to the empty chair. And what was this? He’d be sitting right next to Paige? Allie took a seat at the table’s end, putting her just to his left. He noticed the opposite end of the table had been pushed right up to the wall, no chair to speak of. Had that been Terrance’s place at one point? Braden recalled how difficult it had been to see his father’s empty chair after he passed – a painful reminder of just who was missing from every meal. Had Terrance’s chair been removed for a similar reason?

That question rolled around his mind as the group dished up. By the time he’d filled his plate, other inquiries arose: Just how close had Terrance been to the girls? Would he take them fishing at the lake? Spend time bonding with them as a good father should? Or had he let them down over the years, the way he’d fallen short where Allie was concerned. But the loudest question of all had more to do with his future with Allie: was it possible that the girls might welcome him into their lives?

With Paige at his side and Jillian sitting directly across, the room seemed to answer his question with a stifled sense of silence. A strained sort of tension that had him feeling like an intruder. He glanced over at Allie to see her scanning the table.

“Seems like we’re missing something,” she said with a puckered brow.

Jillian shot up from her chair. “Oh, it’s the corn. I’ll grab it.” She sped over to the microwave, retrieved a glass dish and brought it back to the table. “So you know what I was remembering the other day?” she said, looking at her mom first, and then Braden.

“What’s that, sweetie?”

“Braden,” Jillian answered. “I remember when he came into our art class and showed us all how to carve pictures into this plank of wood.” She glanced at him next, a broad smile on her face. “You had these neat tools you let us use. Remember?”

He did remember. He had scanned over a list of the students, recognized Terrance’s last name on the slip, and noted the familiar features on Jillian’s face the moment she’d walked into the class. Braden gave her a grin. “Yes, I remember. I still get calls from Mr. Bates once or twice a year, asking me to help with some project or other.”

“Well that was a really neat one,” she said. “I mean, I don’t love art the way Paige does, but I really liked that assignment.”

He nodded with satisfaction. “Glad to hear it.”

“That reminds me,” Allie said, straightening in her seat. “Paige has a project coming up soon in art and she was wanting to maybe do that same thing.”

Braden looked over at Paige. Her face had gone about ten shades of red.

“I don’t know if I’m going to do that or not,” she said, looking pointedly at her mom. “I was just thinking about it.”

“Isn’t your whole class doing it?” Jillian asked.

Paige shook her head and set down her fork. “Bates is doing it different this year. He told us we could choose between that and a couple of others. Three stupid cheerleaders picked the photography project, and suddenly the rest of the mindless drones in my class had to do the exact same thing.”