Must Love Flowers(70)

“You don’t need to do that,” Maggie said.

“No, she doesn’t,” Nick said flatly. His fists were clenched at his sides. “You’re making a huge mistake, Maggie, a huge mistake.”

“Maybe so, but it’s mine to make.”

Nick remained dissatisfied. “We both know your father hasn’t got it in him to stop drinking. He’s weak.”

Hands akimbo, Maggie glared at Nick. “You’ve never met my father.”

“I…”

“How quick you are to judge him. He might be everything you claim, but you know what, he’s my father, and I refuse to abandon him.”

Nick stuffed his hands into his pockets, and took a step back, as if emotionally distancing himself from Maggie. “I can’t stand by and watch you do this. I…I won’t be able to see you give your life to someone who has done nothing to deserve it. Your father is an alcoholic. He’ll drink because he won’t be able to stop himself, despite all your efforts. I care too much about you to see that happen and remain silent.”

For a long moment Maggie froze, as if she needed time to assimilate Nick’s words. She swallowed hard, and with tears shining in her eyes, she slowly nodded. “I care for you, too, and I think we had something good happening between us, but I can’t turn my back on my only family, no matter what you think or say.”

“And I can’t stand by and watch someone use you. I can’t do it, Maggie. I just can’t.”

She frowned, as if she had trouble understanding what he was saying. “What does that mean?”

“It means if you decide to move back in with your father, we’re through.”

Joan wanted to groan, knowing Nick spoke impulsively and would soon regret those words.

Maggie blinked several times, squared her shoulders, and slowly nodded. “You have to do what you feel is best, Nick. I…understand. I guess this is good-bye, then.”

“It is. Good-bye, Maggie,” he muttered, and left the room as if escaping a burning building.

Joan followed her son down the stairs. “Nick, stop…”

“Not now, Mom,” he called over his shoulder as he barreled out the front door.

Before Joan could stop him, her son was gone. She heard the truck’s engine rev loudly as he drove away.

No more than ten minutes later, Maggie started loading up her car. When she finished, she returned to the house where Joan stood waiting.

“I don’t have the words to thank you for all you’ve done for me,” Maggie whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Joan hugged her close. “I wanted to say the same thing. You’re welcome back anytime; just say the word and I’ll come get you if needed.”

Before she drove off, Maggie picked up Edison. “Gonna miss you, little one.”

“Please say you’ll stop by and visit often,” Joan urged. It was important that Maggie understand how deeply Joan had come to care for her.

Tears brimmed in Maggie’s eyes as she nodded and hugged Joan once more. “I will; I promise.”

After Maggie left, the house felt empty and silent.

The pie she’d baked that afternoon sat forlornly on top of the stove. Joan had no desire to try a slice. Freezing it seemed the best option.

Her hands trembled as she struggled to wrap the pie in foil. Losing her temper, she tossed the box onto the countertop and covered her face with both hands.

She’d only started to compose herself when her phone rang. Caller ID told her it was Mary Lou.

“Hello,” she said, doing her best to keep her voice even.

“Joan? You okay?”

“Mostly yes, why do you ask?” As frustrated, empty, and miserable as she felt, she didn’t want to go into details. The sooner she got off the phone, the better it would be. She didn’t want to drag Mary Lou into her troubles.

“You weren’t at group this evening.”

Looking toward the clock, Joan noticed the time and was shocked. With daylight savings time, it didn’t get dark until nearly nine. “It…slipped my mind.” She pressed her hand to her forehead. She’d been looking forward to this week’s session. Every group discussion had helped her see some aspect of her life in a new light. She’d come to appreciate each member. That she had forgotten the meeting entirely was evidence that she was more upset than she realized.

“It is Wednesday, isn’t it?”

Mary Lou chuckled. “Last time I looked.”

“I’m sorry I missed…I’ll be there next week for sure.”

“Everyone asked about you.”

Hearing that should have warmed her heart. Instead, it upset her even more. She could really have used this meeting and the friends she’d made there to help her deal with Maggie moving away.

“It’s nice to be missed.” Somehow she managed to get out the words.

A short silence followed, as if Mary Lou wasn’t sure whether she should speak or not. “You said the meeting slipped your mind?”

“It did…” She wasn’t able to say anything more for the lump in her throat.

Again, a short hesitation. “Okay, girlfriend, what’s going on?”

When Joan talked to her sister, she’d been able to keep her feelings under control. With her friend, it was the exact opposite. She felt the emotion building up inside her until it was all she could do to keep from sobbing.