Everyone directed their attention to me. I didn’t cave under pressure, not easily. Besides, over the years they had become my friends too, not just Micke’s friends.
“Watch your tone, Bonnie,” Judd said to her as she glared.
“Things haven’t been great for a while. Regardless of whatever she said while she was here, they haven’t,” she continued.
I knew that already. “For all the things I am, a mind reader isn’t one of them. If you think I’m not upset that Mickie left…”
“I’m not saying that!” She gestured wildly. “And I’m not annoyed at you, or saying that her happiness should land solely on your shoulders. I hate that she’s out there proving her independence or whatever while we’re all together. Can’t you just go get her?”
“Are you saying you’d like me to go kidnap Mikayla? Honey, I’m not sure that would fly.” I rubbed my hand across my mouth.It had been a promise carefully wrapped in a threat before she left. I’d go and grab my girl in a heartbeat if she’d let me.
Nash leaned forward. “It’s only illegal if it’s not consensual.”
We all laughed, breaking up the seriousness of the moment.
“Good point, but the situation is more complicated than show up at her apartment, announce that she’s coming home and force her to pack.”
There was a collective pause in our conversation, as the others nodded.
“No, it’s not that simple, Sam. But even if she’s working, you could go stay with her for a few days. Doc Weaver returned. I know he’s getting ready to retire, but that’s not happening right now.” Knox added his two cents, and I appreciated it.
“I couldn’t convince her to stay after two weeks, I’m not sure a surprise visit will do anything other than make the distance seem unbearable when I leave,” I offered lamely.
“It’s better than both of you being miserable,” Bonnie offered. “I don’t want to make you feel worse, but she sounds how you look…at least she did when I talked to her last night.”
Perhaps I wasn’t hiding my sadness as well as I thought. “I’ll see what I can do. Don’t let me bring the mood down,” I said, pushing the chair out and getting to my feet.
“Thanks for your help today, Sam. We appreciate you,” Maisie said quietly.
“No problem, honey. The place looks great. I can’t wait to hear about your success.” And with that, I gave a hasty goodbye and left the shop. They’d given me food for thought.
Hey, beautiful girl.I texted Mickie as I walked out.
Hi handsome. She replied immediately.
Just wanted to tell you I was thinking about you.
Me too.
I love you.
Love you more.
My heart lifted a bit from one interaction. Heading home, I thought about how to craft a plan before my girl sank any deeper. She needed me as much as I needed her.
Chapter Fourteen
Mikayla
I should’ve taken two trips to get my groceries inside. But the elevator was broken again. One trip it was. Balancing two paper grocery bags against my chest, my purse wedged under one arm, I headed for the stairwell.
I’m fine. Everything is fine.
But nothing was okay. Almond milk was leaking through the paper bag enough to make it slick. I’d selected the one carton that wasn’t properly sealed. Of course I had. My keys were in the wrong pocket. My arms were aching. One bag shifted and bumped my thigh, jostling the container of cut fruit. I was trying to eat better. Sleep better. Be better.
All things Sam had encouraged me to do while I was home.
Visiting. Just visiting.
