Summer in bliss, p.9
Summer in Bliss, page 9
Dash got quiet for a minute. He decided it was time to tell his daughter the truth. “Hey Al, do you remember when you asked me what ESD stood for on Hope’s harness?”
Cocking her head, she answered. “Yes, but you told me already.”
“Well, I didn’t tell you everything because I didn’t want you to worry. But, I see how much you care about Mia and Hope so I think you’re ready to hear the whole truth.”
She stared intently as he went on. “You see, ESD stands for Emotional Support Dog. That’s what Hope is for Mia. The scar you saw on Mia’s leg was from a really bad thing that happened to her. And after her leg healed, Mia would sometimes get upset if something reminded her about the painful memory. Her doctor told her a dog like Hope would help calm her. Some dogs are trained to recognize things that upset their owners so they can calm them down.”
Allie was quiet for a few seconds. “I knew there was something special about Hope. She’s a really smart dog. But I’m sad that Mia got hurt bad.” She looked at her plate. “Maybe we can help keep her from getting upset too. I don’t want her to feel sad.”
He squeezed her hand. “I feel the same way sweetie. And I think Mia knows we care about her. She doesn’t like to talk about her leg though so we won’t mention it unless she does, okay?”
The girl nodded. “Okay, daddy.”
After dinner, Allie helped him clear the table. He cleaned up the kitchen and rinsed dishes while she loaded the dishwasher before setting out for Mia’s.
Minutes later, Dash knocked on their neighbor’s door as Hope barked, wagging her tail.
“Hey guys.” Mia smiled, opening the door and letting them pass by.
“Hi Mia!” Allie threw her arms around her.
“Hey sweetie.” She returned the hug before the girl squeezed Hope and the two ran into the living room to play.
Turning to face her, he grinned, “Hey.” But as soon as she turned, the grin turned into a frown when Mark’s e-mail crossed his mind once more.
She walked to the island with Dash trailing behind her. “So, I have the computer and tablets here, and I poured us a glass of iced tea.”
“Always the perfect hostess.” He winked while noticing the stools next to each other instead of across.
Mia followed his gaze. Clearing her throat, she explained, “I just thought it’d be easier to go over everything if we’re side by side.”
“No, no, it’s perfectly fine, and a good idea.” A flush ran across his face.
He waited for her to sit down before settling beside her as she began, “Unfortunately, the information Inspector Martinez sent me didn’t shed any new light on the cause of the fire. You can look at it if you want, or I can forward it to you.”
The cause of the fire. I can’t tell her. I can’t be the one to rip her heart out. He exhaled. “Uh, yeah, just forward it to me.” At least he’d be able to see the part that caused her meltdown.
Twisting to face Mia, he asked, “So…you were going to tell me what happened to Grant. I kind of thought he might be here.”
She smirked. “Let’s just say it came to an amicable end. It had never been more than a work relationship.”
Pulling her shoulders back, continued, “We both needed someone to go to work parties with, and dinner now and then. Our careers came first. We understood that and neither of us wanted anything serious—but for the last month, I’ve realized my priorities have drastically shifted. I wasn’t sure I’d ever say this, but I want more.” Her eyes fluttered down and back up. “I want to see if I can have that white picket fence, if it even exists.”
Dash’s heart did a somersault, but Mark’s e-mail killed the feeling. When she finds out, she’s going to hate me—she’ll blame me for digging up her past.
“I’m sure you’ll find it. And it does exist. Mia, you deserve to find a man that will worship the ground you walk on.” She flashed a sweet smile as he went on, “So don’t settle for anything less.”
Mia pinched her lips together and looked at the computer. “Well, thank you Dash. That’s sweet of you to say, and it’s good advice. Now, tell me what you have from your friend. Did he get back to you?”
His palms turned sweaty and his heart sank. He didn’t know if he could go through with telling her—after all, Mark had to finish his review.
Staring at the notebook in front of him, he rubbed the back of his neck and cleared his throat. “He did send me an e-mail.”
“So what did it say?” Her brows raised as she looked anxious, lifting her glass and sipping the cold beverage.
“Well…he wasn’t able to finish going over it. His boss pulled him away to review an upcoming court case. He said he’d finish it as soon as he could.” Averting his eyes to the notebook again, he felt some relief knowing he didn’t flat out lie to her. Most of what he said was true.
“Did he say anything? Dash, there’s something you’re not telling me. I’m pretty good at reading people so you might as well fess up.”
“Mia, it’s best to wait until he has a chance to review all the facts. He needs to analyze every minute detail without assumptions.”
Glaring at him, she huffed, “Tell me what you know. I want to hear it.”
He stood, walking deeper into the kitchen with his hands on his hips. Her footsteps followed him. “It’s that bad?”
When she yanked his arm, he whipped around and spilled it all, “He said the—the trash can with the match inside was at the hot point of the fire.”
“What does that mean?”
As he started to walk away, she blocked his path. “You’re not going anywhere. Tell me what the hot point is. I need to know.”
“It’s— Mia, at least sit down.”
Gritting her teeth, she demanded, “Tell me now!”
“It’s where the fire started.” Dash said. He could see devastation in her eyes. He didn’t mean to tell her, but she wouldn’t let it go. What have I done?
Chapter 17
MIa
Mia felt the color drain from her face as her legs weakened. Dash reached for her arms, but she swatted him away before grabbing the island and sliding to the floor, resting against the cool, hard surface. This can’t be real.
Her body shook as she struggled with the reality of his words. Mia’s teeth chattered as he dropped onto the floor next to her. It was my fault.
He caressed her back with one hand while running the other across his face. Seconds later she stammered, “I—it was—all—m—my fault.”
Tipping his head to the ceiling, he closed his eyes briefly before leaning into her. “You don’t know that for sure. We only have part of the facts, Mia. Let’s wait for Mark to finish his report.”
Frustrated, she told him, “This is—why I’ve had—a gnawing feeling in—my gut from the time I—woke up this morning. S—something didn’t seem—right.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I—never should—have let you t—talk me into this.” Her emotions threatened to take control as she began sobbing.
Dash held her as her body shook, her tears flowing freely. He pulled her against his chest, and they remained cuddled together for what seemed like forever.
Burying her face into his shirt to help muffle the sound, Mia was glad she put the television on in the living room for Allie, which helped block out her crying.
She pushed herself away from Dash, feeling numb, mentally and physically. He asked her, “Do you want something to drink?” Drained, she could barely shake her head. “Tell me what you need, Mia. I want to help.”
As she stared ahead stoically, she told him, “You’ve—done enough. Go home.”
He pulled his head back, eyes wide. “You shouldn’t be alone. You’re upset, Mia. Why don’t we sit at the table and I’ll make you some hot tea or coffee. It might relax you.”
Motionless, she repeated, “Go home. I don’t want you here.”
Dash felt his heart crack at her words, but all he could do was keep a straight face and sigh. “Mia—” Before he could finish, a knock came on the door and Hope barked.
Feeling him staring at her, she said, “Get rid of them, and go home.”
Footsteps sounded from the living room. He stood up as Allie spoke. “Daddy, someone’s knocking on the door. Do you want me to get it?”
“No honey, I’ll get it.”
Trekking to the front door, he saw a stranger on the other side.
Dash opened the door. “Hi, can I help you?”
The man peered inside behind Dash, when suddenly Hope ran to him wagging her tail and whining.
“I’m Tyler, Mia’s brother. You must be Dash, the neighbor.” He ruffed up Hope’s head and smiled at him.
“Um, yeah, I’m the neighbor. It’s uh, nice to meet you.” He stretched his hand out to shake Tyler’s hand.
“Is my sister here?”
He stepped closer, whispering, “She just found out some news and she’s pretty upset.”
Tyler let himself in. “Where is she?”
Allie stared at the two of them before Dash spoke, “Hey Allie, gather your stuff. We’re going to be leaving in a few minutes.”
“Okay.”
“She’s sitting in the kitchen on the other side of the bar.”
Hiking across the room, he squatted and pulled Mia into his arms. “Hey, I’m here sis. You’re safe. Tell me what happened.”
“I think it’s best if I leave you two alone.” Tyler nodded.
He walked to the door. “You ready kiddo?”
“Where’s Mia? Can I say goodbye?” Hope jogged into the kitchen to see where her owner was.
“It’s not a good time, Allie. She’s still a bit under the weather, but her brother, Tyler, is here now. He’ll make sure she rests.”
Pausing, she watched Hope wag her tail. “Are you sure she’ll be okay? Does she need a doctor?”
“She’ll be fine, and no, she doesn’t need a doctor. After she rests some more, she’ll be good as new.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” He opened the door as they walked out.
Tyler muttered. “Come on, sis. Let’s get off this floor and go into the living room.”
He pushed himself up, easing Mia to her feet. “Put your arm around me and take it slow.”
Complying, they made their way to the sofa, where he guided her to sit beside him. “Can you tell me what happened?”
Drained and numb, she told him, “The fire was my fault. I—“ She drew a long breath. Easing it out, she focused on the breathing instead of the struggle going on inside.
“I’m responsible for putting myself in the hospital and destroying an old woman’s home and life’s possessions. All of them lost because I was tired and careless. I put the match in the trash can after lighting the fire, Tyler.”
Tears trickled down her face. “I don’t believe it! I don’t care how tired you were, you’d never do that. Mia, you’re a dot your i’s and cross your t’s kind of person—to a fault. Did Dash tell you that’s what happened?”
“An Arson Investigator, who’s a friend of his, is doing him a favor and reviewing the evidence. Based on his findings, he’s writing his own report.”
Slapping the back of the couch, Tyler uttered, “Well, I don’t put much faith in his abilities if that’s what he came up with.” Anger filled his face.
“This guy’s credentials are impeccable, Tyler. He’s considered an expert in his field and has won many high profile cases. Trust me, I vetted him after Dash told me he wanted to ask him for help.”
He shook his head. “Something isn’t right here. Maybe Dash misunderstood him.”
“Mark, his friend, e-mailed him part of his findings. He told Dash he’d have to finish reviewing it later. Mark’s boss pulled him away for a case that was going to court in the next few days.”
“Then I want to read this partial report. We’re going to see Dash tomorrow and get to the bottom of this.”
“Dash told me to wait for the final report, but I had to know. So…I forced him to tell me what he had read so far even though he didn’t want to.”
Tyler let out a big sigh. “Oh, Mia. Sometimes we’re our own worst enemies. Can’t you see the man was trying to protect your feelings?”
She covering her face with her hands. “I see that now. You of all people know how long I’ve been waiting to find out the truth. I felt so close to it, and in the moment I had to know.”
Mia stared at him. “Tyler, I feel so bad. I completely lost it and Dash consoled me through it all. And then I told him to leave. I was angry at him for making me face my fears. I told him to go and leave me alone.”
He rubbed her arm. “I’m sure he understood that it was your emotions in the moment talking. He’ll be fine.”
“You should’ve seen the look he gave me.” She closed her eyes picturing it. “I—I might as well have slapped him across the face, Tyler. He’s never going to want to see me again.”
Chapter 18
Dash
“I don’t want you here.” Those five words shot straight through his heart, shattering it into a million pieces.
As Allie took her nightly bath, Dash showered and put on his lounge pants with plenty of time to think about the night’s events.
Saying her prayers, his sweet girl asked God to let Mia feel better by tomorrow so that they could have more fun together. Her compassion for their neighbor warmed his heart, but it was short lived and as he remembered crushing her with his words.
“Daddy, are you going to read me a story?” Allie asked. It was something he did every night since her mother died, but he blinked several times trying to pull himself out of the funk he was in.
Already in bed, Allie eyed him. “Sorry honey. Of course I’m going to read you a story.”
Before he could pick up the book, his daughter pushed herself up and threw her arms around his neck. “She’ll be okay, daddy. You’ll see.” He laid his head against hers before she hopped down and handed him the book.
After the story, he tucked her in and strolled downstairs. With elbows on the kitchen table, Dash steepled his fingers, resting his head against them. He pressed his eyes closed as his chest ached. Why is this hitting me so hard? It’s not like she’s my girlfriend.
He groaned, “Why did I push her to find the answers she wasn’t ready for? I deserve to have my heart shattered after inflicting pain on that sweet woman.”
Turning wide eyed, his sweaty palms framed his cheeks. “Oh my gosh. I feel it…that exhilarating thing I never imagined I’d feel again. I ache to be close to her all the darn time. And…I feel like I’m home after a painfully long time away—I’m in love with Mia!”
Elation filled every inch of him…until what felt like a bag of bricks dropped on his head. “The woman who stole my heart hates me.”
The brisk night breeze blew through the open window. Dash couldn’t sit any longer—jumping from what felt like a hot seat, he paced around the island, his mind clearer.
Maybe Mark finished the report. What if there’s some good news after all? He opened his laptop and logged onto his e-mail, glancing over the inbox. Nothing.
Feeling like a schmuck, he decided to call James. He needed to vent to someone or he was going to explode.
“Heyyy. How’s the beach life going?” His buddy sounded way too cheery for Dash’s mood.
He huffed. “Things were good up until about two hours ago when I lit the fuse to a keg of dynamite that blew up in my face.”
“Dang, Dash. What happened?”
Repeating the heart wrenching details, he felt even worse—if that was even possible. But he poured more gas on the existing inferno, “After I showered, I was going over things in my head and I realized something.”
“Okay, don’t leave me hanging here.”
“I’m in love with her! And, not just a little—I love everything about her, like how she picks a fight with me then has me in stitches before it’s over. And—and hearing her talk is like hearing my favorite song...I can’t get enough of it.” He sighed. “But, I ruined it before I even realized how I felt.”
“Whoa, you have it bad buddy. I haven’t heard you talk like this for a very long time. She probably needs time to cool off and think things through.”
“No, you didn’t see the contempt in those gorgeous eyes of hers. I wouldn’t be surprised if she never wanted to see me again.”
Exhaling through the phone, James suggested, “Well, keep checking your e-mail for the rest of the report. Hopefully Mark will send it before you see Mia again.”
“Yeah, and I’ll be praying it’s good news and not what she fears it will be.”
“Have faith, Dash. I hope everything works out with her. Keep me posted, alright?”
“Sure thing. Later bro.” Ending the call, he closed the windows and hiked up the stairs to get a good night’s sleep. He needed to talk to Mia tomorrow—if she’d hear him out.
Following a restless night, Dash strode to the kitchen and made his coffee as the sun peaked from the horizon. He gathered ingredients for blueberry pancakes and set them by the stove.
Drinking coffee from his bar stool and looking out at the sky blue water, the only thing on his mind was a redheaded beauty he’d fallen madly in love with.
If by some miracle Mia forgave him, could he convince her to go on a real date? It was crazy to think that he had fallen for her and they hadn’t even been on a date yet. Well, not officially anyway.
He’d felt a familiarity with Mia from the first time he looked in her eyes, and after spending so much of their vacation together—Dash realized that it simply wouldn’t have been the same without Mia and Hope.
A short while later, the pitter patter of some not-so-small feet on the steps pulled him out of his head. “Good morning Wiggles.”
“Hi daddy. What’s for breakfast?” Allie giggled, glancing around the kitchen. “Yummy, blueberry pancakes.”
“You’re way too observant.” Dash carried his cup to the coffee maker and made his second mug full. “You want to help me?”
