Perfect Night (Mason Creek)

“I know. Thank you for not asking how I was doing.” Her voice cracked. “Because I don’t know how I’m doing.”

Mom rested her hand on Emma’s. “Some things don’t need to be said. You just know. I want you to know, that we’re here for you. We can never take the place of your parents. But we can still love you like you were ours. If you ever need anything, you just let us know.”

They were barely whispered words, but Mom heard Emma thank her again. Then she was hugging Emma who sagged in her arms. I couldn’t imagine the pain she was going through. Guilt would have killed me if either of my parents had passed on while I was in LA.

A lot of eyes were red rimmed when we finally headed out. I left Emma to her thoughts on the drive back as she stared off into the distance.

Once we turned on the road around the town square Emma said, “You can drop me off at the bar. My car is there, and I need to close the registers soon.”

“Can’t Jack do that?” I asked.

“I haven’t decided yet. Until then, it will be me.” I pulled into an almost empty lot and she faced me before getting out. “I feel guilty about eating at your parents.”

“Don’t. Mom loved having you.”

“It’s just I have a fridge full of funeral food. I know everyone meant well and I’m thankful they took the time. But the idea of eating it makes me sick.”

“It makes it real,” I offered.

“Yeah. It’s not like I don’t know he’s gone. I don’t want the reminder. Not yet.”

“I can take you to a shelter for homeless kids you can give it to.”

She perked up. “Really?”

“I think so. I can certainly find out.”

“Thanks, Aiden.”

“Anytime.”

She leaned across the seat divide and planted a sweet kiss on my cheek. I had the urge to turn and kiss her like I’d wanted to for years. I didn’t. I could never be that selfish. Not with her. Time would tell if there was ever that perfect moment for me to make that move. She hesitated and I couldn’t read into that moment.

“Goodnight,” I said.

“Goodnight,” she replied and got out.

I watched as she keyed in a code and entered the side entrance of the building. I sat there a second longer after the door closed fighting the instinct to follow and ask what had been going through that pretty little head of hers.

Just as I was about to pull out, Jack stormed out the door. He paced back and forth before pulling out his phone, punching in numbers and putting it up to his ear.

What was he up to? I needed to have another talk with Jack.

Chapter 7

Emma

The air was crisp, and my lungs constricted on each inhale of the brisk air. I pushed and ran harder like my life depended on it. In reality, I was working through all I’d learned.

According to the books and bank statements, Dad was doing okay. Nothing that would ever make him rich, but he wasn’t in dire straits either. He was getting by like most folks in town. There hadn’t been an influx of cash like maybe he’d taken out a loan. There was nothing I could find that would make him a target of sinister means, but I couldn’t shake the feeling he’d been murdered.

I would have stopped by Java Jitters to see Jessie, but Aiden called and was coming by to drive me to a homeless shelter several towns away that was willing to take the food. I’d already transferred the food into disposable containers so I could return the countless platters and dishes the good folks of Mason Creek had delivered their comfort food on.

As I circled the town square, I thought about all the times I’d wanted to leave Mason Creek. Now I found myself contemplating staying. That would be the end of my relationship with Evan because he wasn’t a small-town guy. I wasn’t sure I wanted him to stay even if he was.

I turned onto my street and spotted Aiden’s truck at the front of my house. I checked my watch, and I wasn’t late. I slowed as I got close. He’d gotten out and was leaning on the cab when I came to a stop.

“Hey stranger. Funny meeting you here in a place like this,” I teased, glancing at my watch.

“I know I’m early. I brought you coffee.” He held out a Java Jitter’s cup. “Jessie says hi.”

“Thanks.” I took it. “I like your hat by the way.” He’d worn another baseball cap. I didn’t allow myself to hope he’d worn it for me. “I’m going to grab a quick shower. I wasn’t expecting you so early.”

“No problem.”

I liked the idea of him being there. The house felt too big allowing loneliness to take hold. As we walked in, I asked, “Sheriff doesn’t mind you being late?”