Lost and found, p.11
Lost & Found, page 11
***
Eliza took a seat next to Fern Keetoowah-Marquez, Georgie’s assistant, near the stage, and the other woman gave her a bright smile. “Hey, lady! Are you ready to see our little slice of Hollywood?”
“I can’t wait. I heard they take this stuff seriously around here,” Eliza remarked giving the other woman a hug. “How’s work going?”
She watched as Camille gave Georgie a hug and ran to take her place with the other kids in her assigned group. She found a spot between two, twin redheaded girls that eagerly gave her a hug. She recognized them from the engagement party as Chelsea’s nieces. The three girls had gotten along well. Fern’s kids, Joana and Aiden, acknowledged Camille with a wave from another group.
“I’m doing really well. We just finished next year’s spring collection and plan to debut it in Paris,” Fern replied proudly. “Max is insisting that Georgie model each piece for him.”
“I’m sure he is,” Eliza remarked with a laugh at her overzealous brother-in-law.
“Will you be here for Halloween? The kids are already strategizing their trick-or-treating routes. It would be great if Camille could join them.”
Fall was Eliza and Camille’s favorite time of the year and she knew from past conversations with Georgina that her daughter would enjoy the town’s various seasonal activities. “She would really like that, thank you.”
Their attention was diverted as Georgina took the center of the dance floor. Eliza felt a burst of pride as she watched her sister speak with the older kids and show them a few dance moves. Who would have thought city girl and lingerie designer Georgie would have wound up loving small-town life so much?
Her sister had never wanted to settle down and commit to a man until she met Max. Their upbringing had been rough and left her distrustful of relationships, but Max had out-waited her patiently. She had also developed a passion for Cinnamon Farms. She loved feeding the animals and helping with the crops. Yes, she had made big changes to her life, but according to her, she was still a sucker for Nordstrom’s and spa days.
“Oh good; they found each other!” Eliza turned to look at the woman who had just sat down in the seat next to her. She was a petite woman with shoulder-length red waves and blue eyes. Two dimples revealed themselves when she flashed Eliza a huge grin, which she returned. This woman had mischief written all over her. She also exuded a warm, friendly personality.
“After the Easter party, the girls kept going on and on about a new friend they had met. Unfortunately, I was out of town and wasn’t able to attend so I had no idea who they were talking about. I’m Fiona Reyes and those are my girls Sosie and Paisley. Love your scarf, by the way.” Smiling, she held out her hand, which Eliza shook. Then she leaned around her. “Hey, Fern! Interested in doing a playdate Monday after school?”
Eliza smiled again at her boundless enthusiasm. “Thank you, I’m Eliza and that’s my daughter Camille.”
Fiona’s brown eyes widened. “Are you Georgie’s sister?! I just love her and what she’s doing with this dance studio. She and my sister–in-law Chelsea were best friends forever growing up. How long are you in town for? You should definitely bring Camille for the playdate! Am I being too pushy? My husband Adam says I come on like gangbusters,” she finished with an enthusiastic grin.
Eliza was dazed by what a chatterbox the woman was. “We actually have plans Monday afternoon, but thank you for the invite.”
Their attention was diverted to the stage as music started playing and the children attempted to copy Georgina and her other instructor’s moves. Eliza watched Camille laughing as she kept close to Joana, Aiden, Sosie, and Paisley. It seemed the kids were already fast friends. Even from her seat, she could see the twins were mini replicas of their mother and had big personalities. When rehearsal was finished, the women waited patiently while the children were assigned roles.
“The girls and I were going to go get hot chocolate and a snack. We’d love it if both of you could join us,” Fiona invited as she stood up. “The more the merrier!”
Fern accepted the offer and excused herself to speak with Georgie. Eliza was just about to reply when she saw Wade. Everything seemed to fade away as their eyes met and held one another captive. His were filled with dislike for her which she readily returned. He was in police uniform and Eliza thought it was just criminal the way he filled out the olive green uniform. Wade wasn’t classically handsome. He was sex on two legs, and as she looked away from him, she noticed more than one pair of female eyes on him. For a moment, she felt an irrational wave of jealousy, which was stupid because they were nothing to each other.
It was now time to get the hell up out of here. Reaching in her purse, she pulled one of her business cards out. “That’s very kind of you, Fiona, but we actually have plans already. Maybe another time?” Shit; he was now three feet away. “Here’s my card with my cell number on it. Just call me if you’re free then or another time. Again, it was really great to meet you.”
She handed Fiona the card and tried to step away, but it was not to be.
“Sounds great; let me write down my number,” Fiona said and rummaged around in her purse for a pen. Eliza was trapped. Wade stopped next to Fiona, his eyes never leaving Eliza’s face. Her cheeks flushed as he gave her a lazy once over. When he spoke, his voice sent tingles through her body and she willed herself to stand still.
“Afternoon, ladies,” he drawled. Eliza nodded because she didn’t trust herself to speak. Damn him for having the power to affect her like this after so many years.
Fiona, who was still rummaging, had yet to look up as she spoke. “Really, Wade; the last minute? You better have a damn good reason, or I will throw you to those little she-wolves with a clear conscience.”
Finally finding a pen, she looked up after passing Eliza her number and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “It’s good to see you, hon. You look tired. Come get some hot cocoa with us. Have you met Eliza? She’s Georgie’s sister. Her daughter Camille and the twins are on their way to becoming besties. Eliza, this is my big brother Wade. He’s single and has no kids. He loves to do the YMCA dance with his nieces. All his teeth are real, and he will eat just about anything you put in front of him. Word of warning: he does leave the toilet seat up.”
Wade closed his eyes. When he opened them, he looked at his little sister. His expression said he couldn’t decide if he should strangle her or hug her. The hug won out as he muttered, “Adam shouldn’t ever let you leave the house. To answer your question, Eliza and I have met.”
Eliza was stunned. Holy shit! Fiona was Wade’s sister! Upon looking at the two of them together, she noticed they did have the same deep-set blue eyes, but where Fiona’s exuded friendliness, his were filled with hostility. Toward her. It was definitely time to go. Smiling stiffly, she turned to leave but the girls were there suddenly. Eliza looked down at Camille’s flushed face and was filled with love. “Did you have a good time, baby?”
Wade couldn’t stop staring at Camille. She was his daughter, and he didn’t need a goddamn paper to make the shit more real. He could feel it in his soul. Anger rolled over him again and in his heart, he knew Rossini was behind this deception. How that bastard had to be laughing in his grave…
Camille flashed a huge grin as she exchanged looks with her friends. “It was awesome! We practice again next Saturday. Mommy, can Sosie, Paisley, Joana, and Aiden come to our house sometimes, puhleassseee?” her daughter begged.
It was the first time in her life that she’d ever sounded like a child and how could Eliza resist that???
Everyone laughed as her friends chimed in with an adorable, “Puhleassse!”
Eliza looked at Fiona with a questioning look. “Would that be alright by you?”
Fiona shrugged and smiled. “Sure! I’ll take any break that I can from these two!”
She could feel Wade staring at her and wondered what he was thinking.
He watched as his sister continued to talk to her. Twice now, she had attempted to leave, but Fiona kept talking. Knowing what it was like to have that chatterbox in his ear made him almost feel sorry for her. Almost.But it wasn’t about her. He just wanted to stare at Camille as he noticed the similarities between Camille and him. Her eyebrows and tiny ears were shaped exactly like his.
His heart expanded suddenly, becoming too big for his chest and love rushed in filling his entire being. He needed space to breathe and take it all in. He had a daughter. Wade blinked back tears as she laughed that wonderful deep chortle in response to something the twins said. In his peripherals, he saw Fiona’s mouth drop open as she stared at Camille in amazement then a wary Eliza before finally turning to him.
“Wade…what…the…” And for the first time in their life, Fiona was at a loss for words, but Wade couldn’t even enjoy it.
He was too busy feeling smug as he watched Eliza look uneasily from Camille to a stunned Fiona and then to meet his gaze, her wide eyes filled with trepidation.
“Told you,” he said and smiled a not so pleasant smile.
Chapter Twelve
Eliza stared at the results of the paternity test, scarcely able to believe what she was looking at. It confirmed that Wade Holloway was indeed Camille’s father. But how could that be? She needed answers and face-to-face ones at that. But first, she had to confront Wade. To make him understand that she still wasn’t sure how this could have happened. She placed the letter in her purse and left her aunt and uncle’s home and drove to The Comfort Table the café owned by Nate and Val.
Once again, Eliza was struck with appreciation for this small town. All of the shops and boutiques were mom and pop stores, not big box chains. The residents obviously took pride in them; there was no litter or graffiti to be found anywhere and the beautiful trees lining Main Street and town square were pruned and neatly trimmed. With the changing season, their leaves were bursts of color in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
A Baymoor institution, The Comfort Table was a farm-to-table communal concept that was dearly loved by the town’s residents. As Eliza pulled into a parking spot, she wasn’t surprised to see the café was jam packed. What did surprise her was the line spilling onto the sidewalk, filled with patrons talking and laughing as they waited patiently for a table. She recalled Uncle Nate had left the house bright and early because today was braised short rib pie day.
“You and Camille come by for some pie!” Nate ordered as he kissed her cheek. “I’d stay to have breakfast with you, but I need to babysit Raymond. He doesn’t think every person deserves to eat his mama’s pie.”
“You mean he’d refused to serve someone?” Eliza asked incredulously. “That’s horrible! Someone needs to say something to him!”
“Hence the reason I’m going down there so early,” her uncle said in an exasperated tone. “The man knows his food and is very passionate about it. Word to the wise, if you are ever in an argument with him, DON’T look into his glass eye.”
“Good to know,” she murmured with amusement as he left.
Clearly, short rib pie day was a big deal. She made her way past enthusiastic employees passing out complimentary slices of cinnamon swirl banana bread, and followed the tantalizing aroma of something savory, and entered the cafe.
Inside, it was organized chaos and all the long, wooden picnic-style tables were filled to capacity. She looked behind the counters but did not see any family members.
“Eliza!” Georgina’s voice reached her and she finally located her sister seated with Max, Graham, and Wade.
Their eyes met and she knew from the triumph in his that he, too, had received the paternity test results. He smiled coldly at her and she stiffened as she realized he intended to be difficult about their situation.
Wade tried to keep his expression impassive, but it was hard to do, given how tumultuous his feelings were. Eliza’s eyes were filled with unhappiness, and he willed himself to be gracious in his victory, even though he was filled with irrational anger that she’d clearly hoped for different results. He had a daughter. A beautiful little girl, who was healthy, kind, smart, and loved baseball. The relief and joy he’d felt receiving confirmation that he was indeed Camille’s father had brought him to his knees, and he’d cried like a baby.
“Hello, everyone,” she said stiffly and her lips pushed up into what she thought was a smile.
“What’s wrong with your face?” Georgie asked with alarm, and Eliza scowled at her.
“There’s nothing wrong with my face!” she grimaced and pushed her brother’s shoulder. “Please scoot down.”
Everyone looked from her to the empty space across from Wade and then back at her.
“Come have a seat, Eliza,” he invited silkily. “You should know I don’t bite…not unless you ask me to.”
Face hot with embarrassment, Eliza plopped down in the empty space as Graham muttered, “TMI, dude.”
“Happy now?” she asked sweetly and Wade chuckled at her discomfort.
“Extremely so. Aren’t you going to congratulate me? I’m a daddy!” he said mockingly as everyone at the table turned to look at them. “And you were so sure that I wasn’t the proud papa. I’d offer you a cigar, but I’m fresh out of them. As soon as I get some more, you’ll be the first to receive one.”
“As soon as you get some you can take them and shove them up your smug ass!” She quietly fumed as she glared at him. “I still have doubts and planned to stop by your office when I left here,” she replied. “I’m going back to Boston in the morning to see the doctor in charge of the insemination and to put the house on the market.”
“Only you would refer to that big ass mausoleum as a ‘house’,” Georgie teased, trying to lighten the mood. “Do you want some company? Fern can handle the shop.”
“You really gonna let me sleep alone?” Max feigned sadly and nuzzled her neck.
“DUDE…again, TMI,” Graham emphasized with a pained expression.
“Oh, Graham, stop it! We’re married. You don’t think we sleep in bunk beds do you?” Georgina teased him.
“I’m going with you,” Wade announced. “I’ve got a couple of days off, and I have a few questions of my own.”
“You weren’t invited,” Eliza said brusquely.
“That’s why I invited myself. You’re planning on moving here, correct? Or were you just pretending to give false hope again?” Wade challenged. “I intend to see my daughter every day, Eliza. The sooner you wrap your head around that fact, the better off we’ll all be. She belongs here with her friends and family, not in some pretty birdcage hidden away like someone else I know.”
“You don’t know shit about my life, and I’ll thank you to remember that. I have been her mother for her entire life, and I know what’s best for her,” Eliza spat icily. “You think I’m worried about you poppin’ off at the mouth? Please try me. I’d bury your lawyer in paperwork.”
“I’m sure you could do that with your sugar daddy’s money,” Wade retorted unpleasantly. “There’s certainly plenty of it, and you’ve certainly earned the right to spend it-”
“ENOUGH.” Graham’s voice was low and grating. “I realize the situation is new to the both of you on top of your history together, but you have to move past this for Camille’s sake. She didn’t ask for or deserve any of this. Look at the how the two of you are acting and in a public place no less! Pull your heads out of your asses and put your egos aside. You guys will have to work through your issues and resolve them for your daughter’s sake.”
Eliza and Wade glared at each other mutinously and Georgina sighed in exasperation. “Somebody needs to be the bigger person here. The big sister I know wouldn’t run from a problem-”
For better or worse and whether they liked it or not, they were a family now.
“Be ready to go at seven a.m.” Eliza stood up abruptly and walked away without another word.
Wade watched her go, hating the way his eyes were drawn to her swaying hips and long, toned legs.
“What be wrong wit yo’ pie, peanut head? It ain’t to yo liking?” The crusty, grizzly voice belonged to none other than Raymond Beauvoir, the Comfort Table’s executive chef. Wade looked up to find him hovering directly over him, glaring at his full plate.
“It’s just fine, Templeton,” Wade replied and hastily shoved a huge spoonful into his mouth. He was no one’s fool and knew that if he didn’t eat and be appreciative of his food, the old bastard wouldn’t serve him another meal for at least a month. “Absolutely delicious. I sure wish I knew what the secret ingredient was.”
Raymond cackled and it sounded like a bear coming out of hibernation. “Well, you can wish in one hand and crap in the other and then squeeze them hands tightly together. Then you’ll have yo’ answer on how much I gives a damn about yo’ wishes!”
“Watch your mouth before I take you out back and Windex that glass eye of yours really good,” Wade warned sourly as he stood up and grabbed his sheriff’s hat. “I’ll see you guys around.”
He exited the café and headed toward his patrol car, deep in thought about Eliza and Camille. Wade didn’t even realize Georgina was following him until she stopped right in front of him.
“I was calling you!” she huffed and smacked his arm. “What the hell is wrong with you, makin’ me chase after you in these heels?! I don’t even chase after my own man, dammit!”
“Sorry, Georgie; what can I do for you?” Wade asked with a sheepish grin.
“It’s about my sister,” she said seriously. “I don’t like to interfere in other people’s business, but I’m going to offer you some advice. Despite what’s going on now between you two, I can still see you’re attracted to her. If you have feelings for her, don’t give up on her. She’s doing the best that she can based on what she knew. My siblings and I have been through a lot, but Eliza had it the worst.”
Wade was aware through Max about some of the abuse Georgie had endured as a child, but Eliza had never mentioned anything in the short time they were together. The thought of her enduring anything…
