Perfect Excuse (Mason Creek Book 11) Read online

  I hate when he’s right.

  Joe returns to our end of the bar with two fresh beers. He sets them in front of us and walks away without a word. I turn my attention back to Grayson. “What are you doing here, anyway? Where are my girls?”

  “I heard you were here, drowning your sorrows a little too enthusiastically, and knew I’d better get over here to check on you myself. Your girls are spending a little quality time with their nana and pop because I have plans of my own later.”

  Now I know Joe is a snitch. He called Grayson when he disappeared on me.

  “I’m glad to hear that, man. You deserve to be happy again, and my girls deserve to see their dad in love. They need to see how a man should love a woman so they’ll never settle for less.” His daughters are like my own kids, and I want the best for them the same as I do for my best friend.

  “If you and Liv would move past your hang-ups and just talk to each other, your girls would have two male role models in their lives. If anything ever happened to me, I’d expect you to step in and be their father. Fix the issues in your marriage, Ryder. It’s time to take your head out of your ass and realize what you have right in front of you. She could be snatched away without notice, and there won’t be a damn thing you can do about it then.” He takes a long drink of his beer, knowing I can’t argue with him after what he went through when he lost his wife.

  “Isn’t it time for you to go get ready for your date?” With my forearms resting on the bar, I glare at him—until he laughs in my face. What are best friends for, right?

  “Yes, it is. Let me give you a ride home first though. I’m not sure I trust leaving you here alone. Cyndi just walked in and she’s watching you like a hawk, ready to swoop in and snatch up her prey. She’s waiting for me to leave.” He finishes his drink, drops a couple of bills on the bar and stands.

  “Go. Don’t worry about me. She isn’t even a temptation. I won’t drive since I walked here, anyway. Have fun tonight.” I wave him off when he hesitates to leave, and he reluctantly walks away.

  After I settle my tab, I begin my trek back to my quiet and lonely condo. I’ve never told anyone what I shared with Grayson. Maybe if I’d told Liv, she and I would be in a very different place today. My confession could’ve encouraged her to share more with me. Having my full support behind her artistic ability certainly would’ve changed our course.

  But admitting my shortcomings as a man has been harder than I can express.

  When I reach my building, I can’t make myself go inside. It’s summer in Montana, and we don’t get a lot of warm nights here. Instead, I keep walking and cross the old wooden bridge, heading out of town. Then I turn right, behind the Mason Creek welcome sign, and walk along the shore of the lake. Memories rush back to me of all the good times we’ve had here on this water, hitting me like a tsunami.

  The town lights twinkle in the darkness. The surrounding area is rural, so there aren’t many distractions from the atmosphere the town has worked hard to maintain. Everyone knows most everyone else around here, and they gossip like a bunch of busy bees working, but these same people would help you out of a jam in a heartbeat. The sense of community here is strong.

  I don’t recall feeling that sheltered and protected sense when we were off at college. Also, I can’t imagine Grayson raising those precious little girls anywhere else. My wanting to leave here comes down to two undeniable reasons—my pride and my privacy. Everyone I know being privy to my medical problem isn’t something I can live with, and it’ll get out sooner or later. Having to look my customers in the eye afterward would send me right over the edge. I’d know exactly what their whispers were about.

  Is there another way around this conundrum? Everyone in our circle knows how much Liv wants children. Grayson mentioned other ways of getting that done, but I’ve already looked into it. Besides the cost, there’s no guarantee in vitro fertilization will even work. Months of disappointment will only add to the stress we’re already under.

  The light wind causes small ripples on the water, pulling me under the mesmerizing effect. The reflection of the twinkling lights dances on the waves, lulling me into a contentment I haven’t felt in a long time. I find a good place to sit on the bank, be alone with my thoughts, and figure out my next move. My head says I should listen to Grayson and just have a talk with Liv. We both need to lay all our cards on the table and see what kind of hand we’ve been dealt before it’s too late.

  Liv wasn’t kidding when she said she’d been busy planning the ‘Draw the Shades’ fashion show. When I walked into Java Jitters for my morning cup of high-octane fuel, the fliers were everywhere. Over the last few weeks, I’ve kept my head down and focused on my business. I’ve been going in early and leaving late, minimizing the time I spend alone in my condo.

  I’ve also skipped the last four marriage counseling sessions in favor of doing anything that didn’t involve facing Liv yet. One look at me, and she’ll be able to read my mind because I can’t think of anything else. She’ll know something else drives my reaction, and there’ll be no getting out of talking about it then. I’m just not ready yet. I’m not in the right frame of mind to be rational about it.

  “Hey, Ryder.” Jessie steps up to the register as I walk in. “You want the usual today?”

  “Yeah. No need to change a good thing, right?” I quip.

  “Oh, I don’t know about that. Variety is the spice of life, they say. Maybe you need some new coffee spice to perk you up.” She smiles genuinely, so I know there’s no hidden jab in her words. Promoting her products only makes her a good business owner.

  “You’re right. Surprise me with whatever you want me to have today. Let’s spice things up a little.” I chuckle at the thought of a new coffee changing my life.

  “Are you going to Liv’s ‘Draw the Shades’ event this weekend? Sounds like it’ll be a lot of fun.” She passes the cup across the counter to me as I hand her the cash.

  “I don’t think she has anything that’ll fit me.” Not only did I not know about it until today, but that’s not quite my scene, anyway.

  “You haven’t heard then? She added some men’s pieces to her collection. A few of our local legends will model her new designs. She’s sure to have a packed house. Everyone has been talking about it for days.” Jessie nods toward the cup in my hand. “What do you think?”

  I’ve been listening intently to the conversation about Liv including male models in her show, so I haven’t even tried the new concoction yet. One sip, and I’m hooked. “This is delicious. What is it?”

  “Cinnamon dolce. It’s been around for years. You really should get out more often, Ryder.” She laughs good-naturedly.

  “Pick out something new for tomorrow morning. Surprise me.” I hold up my cup in a cheers gesture as I leave.

  Before I reach the jewelry store, my phone vibrates with a text. When I look at the screen, I’m surprised to see Liv’s name.

  We have a meeting with Judge Nelson today at 10 am at the courthouse.

  With only ten minutes to spare, I change course and hurry to make it on time. I step into the courtroom just before the judge makes his entrance. When we’re all seated, he calls Allie up to question her.

  “Did you meet with Ryder and Liv King, as directed?” He looks at me when he asks her the question.

  “Olivia King attended as mandated, but Ryder missed several sessions.” After Allie tells on me, I refuse to meet the judge’s glare.

  “Were you able to make a determination in the allotted time?” His normally gruff voice takes on a new depth of bass.

  “Yes, your honor, I’ve made a determination. In our sessions, I witnessed several passionate arguments regarding issues in their marriage. At other times, they agreed on vital topics and even seemed excited to be with each other. My interaction with them revealed they share a deep love for each other, rooted in an ongoing connection that’s not easily broken.

  “This insight tells me they both still care very deeply.
Couples who are truly ready for a divorce and who no longer love each other don’t care enough to fight. They’re more willing to avoid any confrontation simply to remove themselves from the equation. It is my professional opinion that Mr. and Mrs. King remain deeply in love with each other, despite their significantly stubborn personalities.”

  “Thank you, Allie. I’m inclined to agree with you, especially if the rumors around town are true. At any rate, they haven’t satisfied the court’s requirement for waiving the six-month separation. The count resets as of today. Perhaps you two can work out the custody arrangement within your extended time.”

  The slamming of his gavel was probably unnecessary, but it made his point quite eloquently. As we turn to leave, Liv whisks a tear away from her eye, ducks her head, and quickly leaves the room.

  I may have pushed her away a little too hard this time.

  Chapter 15

  Olivia

  “Annie, my phone is possessed or something. It keeps giving me sales notifications on the same item.” My phone vibrates again. “Maybe I need to restart it.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with your phone, Liv. Since Entranced made their giveaway announcement, we can’t keep up with the demand. Jasmine and I have already contacted the manufacturer, but you may want to give them a call to follow up. I think they’ll need to plan some overtime soon.” The chime over the door rings when a customer walks in, drawing Annie’s attention. “But don’t think this gets you out of telling us what happened in court last time you went. You’ve been very closed-mouthed about it.”

  Court. Don’t remind me.

  Ryder walked out on me after Tate’s last column spilled my biggest secret. Hearing Allie say we’re still deeply in love and connected to each other hurt more than I ever knew possible. We’re obviously not since our last joint session ended in disaster and he hasn’t been back since.

  Going to marriage counseling alone is humiliating.

  Before starting the sessions, we gave him an extra few minutes each time to join us. But he never showed, so Allie and I focused on me and why I hid my sketch business from everyone. She helped me understand it was a defense mechanism. If no one knew I created the clothing pieces, they couldn’t use the accomplishment that made me proudest to hurt me. Keeping it from Ryder wasn’t intentional. I simply found it easier to keep it from everyone or no one at all.

  Had he shared in my excitement, he would’ve wanted to share it with others. If he’d been embarrassed by me, he would’ve crushed me and my livelihood.

  I had no way out—until I was outed by the magazine. Then it became a chance of a lifetime I couldn’t turn down. The magazine surprised me with the announcement of their giveaway before the feature article has been released. My best guess is that marketing ploy helps them sell more copies of the upcoming issue as much as it’s helped increase my sales. But giving me advance notice of their plans would’ve been nice.

  Annie’s right about contacting the manufacturer though. At the rate the orders are coming in, we’ll be buried under merchandise invoices before much longer. After speaking with my contact and explaining the entire situation, I think we have everything worked out to meet the new demand.

  This is simultaneously the most exciting, stressful, happy, and sad time of my life. I need girl time with my bestie, but I can’t afford to step away from the madness right now. As if she sensed my turmoil, my phone lights up with her name.

  “Did my Faith radar go off?” I answer with a chuckle.

  “It sure did. I heard you call for me all the way over here. How are you doing, sweetie?” I can hear the concern in her voice. There’s no use in trying to hide anything from her.

  “I’m overwhelmed, if you want the truth. This should be the best time of my life, but my heart isn’t fully in it.” I drop my head in my hand, then Kiwi lights on my shoulder. “At least Kiwi still loves me. She’s been especially affectionate this week.”

  “Has she said any other crazy phrases?”

  “No. But I figured out where she was getting them. I caught Hattie teaching her naughty words and giving Kiwi treats for saying them. I’ve had to ban Hattie from the back doors to both my and Ryder’s stores. We leave the doors open and only use the screens when she’s in her cage, and Hattie was making good use of that time.”

  “That woman is always up to something Have you talked to Ryder since the big blowup?”

  “No, not a word. Even when we swap Kiwi for our week with her, he sends someone else in his place.” Now is as good a time as any to fill her in on my new six-month waiting period before our divorce is final—and what Allie said about our relationship.

  “Ouch. I’m so sorry, honey. What can I do to help?” The pain in her voice for me nearly does me in, but I’ve done well with not breaking down so far and I’m not about to start now.

  “All I can do is take it one day at a time. I don’t know of anything else to do. Drinking doesn’t help. I’ve tried.” I laugh, but it’s true. Nothing helps.

  “We need our own therapy session. I’m fairly certain you’re still in denial and need a come-to-Faith meeting. I’m coming over tonight and Hope will be with me.” She doesn’t leave any room to argue the point, and I love her for it.

  “You know where to find me. You and my baby girl are always welcome to come over anytime you want.”

  We disconnect after setting our plans in stone, and I resume handling all the preparations for my upcoming event. When I look up again, the first thought that enters my mind is, who did I piss off in a previous life to deserve this today?

  “Hello, Olivia. We’re sorry to bother you at work, but we don’t want to waste another minute if we can help it.” His eyes plead with me.

  “Mom. Dad.”

  What the hell do they want? Did I just say that out loud?

  “What can I do for you?”

  Mom hesitates to speak and looks around nervously, so I escort them to my office in the back.

  “Your father and I want to apologize for what happened when you came to visit last month. We were caught off guard by the articles at first, but then by your questions and accusations. Now that we’ve had time to think about it and reflect on everything, we realize how badly we handled that conversation. We love you so much, and we’re insanely proud of you. We’ve never regretted having you, sweetheart, but I understand our actions didn’t always show that. We’re so sorry, and we want to fix what we’ve done wrong. We didn’t know how to be parents, and you suffered because of our inadequacies.”

  They literally could knock me over with a feather. They’re the last people I expected to see in my store. My parents are here, apologizing for years of passive neglect and asking for another chance to make it right.

  “We had a long talk with Jeannine about our shortcomings and how it affected you over the years. We’re obviously late in recognizing where we failed you. But Olivia, you were never a mistake. We have never regretted one minute of having you as a daughter. Give your old man a chance to make up for a lifetime of regret, precious.”

  Precious… a long-forgotten memory tickles the back of my mind. Daddy used to call me that when I was a small child. Holding me in his arms. Picking me up and carrying me around the backyard with him. Where have these memories been?

  “Of course.” I shrug my shoulders and bite the inside of my cheek to stall the emotions building inside. “You’re my parents. What child doesn’t want to be loved by their mom and dad?”

  “You were always so fiercely independent and didn’t want any help with anything. We didn’t think you much wanted us around. We tried to give you enough space to be your own person, but we never meant to make you feel alone or abandoned.” The tears streaming down Mom’s face reveal more to me than her words. I’ve only seen her cry once in my life, and that was when her mother died.

  “I’m still stubborn and independent, but I’m willing to bend on occasion.” They encircle me in a group hug, and I feel the walls I’ve built around my hea
rt start to crack a little more. My emotions have been getting the best of me lately.

  “We’re staying in town now instead of traveling so much. We’d love to have you over for dinner. Every night if you’d like.” Mom’s awkwardness is endearing. At least she’s trying, and I’m grateful for that.

  “Dinner sounds great. I haven’t had a decent home-cooked meal in so long. Jeannine spoiled us with her cooking because nothing else measures up now. Maybe you’d like to come to my lingerie show. The number of RSVPs I’ve received back is incredible. It’ll be a big night.” I’m not sure how they’ll react to it, but I’m extending the olive branch, anyway.

  “That sounds amazing. You’ll have to tell me all about it. I’m afraid I’m a little out of the loop when it comes to local events.”

  I grab one of the fliers and hand it to her, then I explain the premise of it, including that it was mostly Ryder’s idea. Then I go on to explain what Entranced is doing to help my business, and how much of an impact it’s already having on my sales.

  “I still can’t believe you designed these pieces all along.” My dad looks both surprised and impressed. “You are a talented young lady. I wish you’d confided in me years ago. We have so many friends in the business world who would’ve loved to invest in this endeavor.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I wanted to do this on my own. Riding someone else’s coattails isn’t exactly my style.” I smile, showing my gratitude, but there’s a certain pride that comes with earning the recognition on my own.

  “We won’t keep you any longer, then. You’re welcome home any time you want to come over, and I will definitely be here for your big event. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Mom kisses my cheek as she hugs me again, then Dad joins in.

  Our relationship may feel strange for a while as we test the waters of our new normal, but I believe we’ll find our way. It’s incredible what a heartfelt apology can accomplish. Had they not initiated this reconciliation by showing up in my shop unannounced, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to correct our past mistakes and move forward together. My stubbornness wouldn’t have allowed me to be the one to bend first.