Hollywood Heir (Westerly Billionaire #4)(44)

Sage teared up again. “I’m sure you have enough troubles on your own without listening to mine.”

“That’s the thing—I don’t. My wife passed away a year ago. I retired early to take care of her, and my life became all about Rita. I’ve been lost without her. I don’t regret one moment with her, but I don’t know who I am now. When my dog died last week, I started to wonder what the hell I was still doing here. I was pretty damn close to finding the nearest bridge and jumping off. Just to get the waiting over with. I asked for some kind of sign that I shouldn’t—anything. And you and your friend walked over. I don’t believe in miracles, but I’m still here, and I feel like someone heard me. So, if you need a friend today, I’d love to go plant shopping with you.”

Sage wiped her tears away and took a deep, steadying breath. “I’d like that.”

They made arrangements to meet thirty minutes from then. Sage quickly freshened up her makeup without looking herself in the eye. She was a tangle of emotions—some good, some bad.

She hadn’t expected to enjoy her day with him, but John Kirby was an incredibly sweet man who turned out to be a really good listener. He was an opportunity for a fresh perspective. As they picked out plants for his home, she told him about Wayne. Not everything. She didn’t tell him who he was, but she did say that he’d lied to her.

He didn’t tell her she shouldn’t ever see him again or that she shouldn’t have trusted Wayne. He nodded in understanding.

Reeling from Wayne’s deception, Sage confessed the true nature of her own business. She had no idea how he would take it, but he seemed more curious than upset.

“So, do you actually know anything about plants?”

“Oh yes. I have a degree in ethnobotany.”

“But the real reason you offer to help people with their plants is because it gives you a way into their lives while you help them?”

“Yes.”

“Do you ever tell them that?”

“No.”

“Then why tell me?”

“Because I don’t want to lie to you. Not today. Not when I’ve just discovered how much it can hurt to learn that something isn’t true.”

He picked up a small flowered plant. “Lies come in all sizes, and some hurt no one at all. I used to tell my wife she was beautiful every day—even at the end, when she was only a shadow of the person she’d been. Was that a lie? She was beautiful to me, and she needed to hear those words. I talked to some of your old clients. They all said that bringing plants into their homes was a catalyst to a happier time in their lives. Your lie didn’t hurt them.”

“I hope not.” Sage hugged the potted plant she was holding closer. “I’m so sorry about your wife.”

They went to the stall owner. John paid for the plants they were holding. “Funny thing is, I feel like she’s with me today and smiling. I’ve been so sad for so long. It has only been since meeting you that I’ve begun to feel like I might be ready to start over. Maybe get a new job, although I don’t need one. I’m ready to start caring about something again. Does that sound crazy?”

“No, it sounds beautiful.”

They placed the plants in the trunk of his car. “How did you plan to help me?”

Sage tucked her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. “I was going to play matchmaker.”

His eyes lit up. “Really? Who did you have in mind?”

Sage described Bella’s neighbor’s dogs, and how she was eccentric but in a beautifully fun way that Sage had hoped would make him smile.

“She dresses them up? Seriously?”

“You should see how adorable they look. Her grandchildren think it’s hilarious. All the pictures on her walls feature them laughing and holding them.”

“And how were you going to get us together?”

“My friend is her neighbor. We were going to introduce you.”

“That’s it?”

“When it’s right, that’s all it takes.”

He nodded. “I’d like to meet her.”

“You would?” Sage’s eye popped.

“I’ve never seen a dog in a dress, and it sounds pretty damn amusing. I want reasons to laugh again.”

“You will find them,” Sage said, “and if you’re serious, I’ll set up that introduction.”

“I am. Would you like a ride back to your place?” he asked.

“No, I like to walk.”

“Sage.”

“Yes?”

“Good luck with your man.”

“He’s not mine. He’s not even who I thought he was.”

Her client shrugged. “He looked at you the way I used to look at my wife. That’s not easy to find. Maybe he deserves a second chance. Maybe he doesn’t. But I hope you find what you’re looking for as well.”

Sage gave in to an impulse and hugged him. “Thank you. Tell me if you have a problem with any of your new friends.” She pointed to the trunk.

He stepped back and chuckled. “I will. After I settle them in, I think I’ll go shopping for a new suit. I hear I might have an occasion to wear one soon.”

Sage smiled. “I’ll call you when we have something set up.”