“Yeah, the battery’s dead,” he mutters. “I’ll go get a new one quickly.”
“You don’t have to. I don’t use the car much. I’ll get it done when I need to drive somewhere. Getting a new one will be a waste of money.”
I can see Jordan isn’t happy with leaving the car like this, but he doesn’t say anything.
The doorbell rings, and my head snaps up.
“Are you expecting anyone?” Jordan asks.
“No. It’s probably Jill or Holly.” We leave the garage, and when I open the front door, Maggie Johnson smiles at me. She’s in her late sixties, her gray hair caught in a neat bun. She’s one of the sweetest people I know.
Holding up a pie, she says, “It’s cherry. I made too many for the inn and thought you’d like one.”
Maggie owns Sugar River Inn, and since the actor Easton Rowe stayed there and signed her wall, the place has become a favorite destination for his fans. I know she’s made time in her busy day to check in on me because it’s the one-year anniversary, and it warms my heart.
“Hi, Maggie,” Jordan greets her from behind me.
“Hi, Jordan. It’s so good to see you.”
I take the pie and smile. “Thanks, Maggie. It’s really kind of you.”
She gives us a compassionate look. “How are you both holding up?”
I turn sideways so Jordan can move closer, and let him answer, “We’re doing okay. Thanks for the pie. How’s business?”
“I don’t know if I’m coming or going. I have to hire more staff, but that’s a problem for tomorrow.”
Old me would’ve offered to help, but I can’t bring myself to say the words. Instead, I stand with the pie in my hands and a strained smile around my lips.
“I have to get back to the inn,” Maggie says, her eyes softening even more when she looks at me. “Don’t hesitate to call on me if you need anything.”
I nod. “Thanks, Maggie.”
“Don’t be a stranger around these parts,” she tells Jordan before walking to her car.
While Jordan shuts the front door, I go to the kitchen and place the pie on the counter. “You should take it with you.”
“You don’t want any?” he asks.
“I had a slice of apple pie at the diner yesterday,” I lie because I have no appetite. It will also make Jordan think that I’m not holed up in this house and at least going into town.
“Do you want to go grab some lunch?” he asks.
I shake my head. “With it being the anniversary, half the town is probably going to stop by to drop off food.”
“True. At least you won’t have to worry about making meals for the next week.” Jordan’s eyes meet mine, and for a long moment, we stare at each other before he murmurs, “I wish I could make things better for you.”
I wish we could visit without me dragging you back down with my grief and trauma.
“You do.” I force a smile to my face so it will ease his worry. “I’m okay. Don’t worry about me.”
Jordan closes the distance between us and envelops me in a tight hug. “I love you, Kelcie.”
My chin begins to quiver, and my sight blurs with unshed tears. “I love you too.”
Chapter 5
Levi