Blossom Street Brides (Blossom Street #10)(97)

“No, it isn’t necessary. Your mother already knows what kind of man your father is.”

“And now I know, too. I can’t believe I was so blind; I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”

“We all do foolish things,” Bethanne said in a comforting way, eager to forgive her daughter.

“Can I have my old job back?” Annie pleaded.

“Yes, oh, yes. I’ve missed you so much … everyone has.”

“I’ve missed you, too.”

Mother and daughter hugged again, and then, to his amazement, Annie let one arm loose and stretched it out toward Max.

Chapter Thirty-five

Lauren’s phone chirped, and even knowing Rooster had left his cell behind, she grabbed it, hoping, praying it was her husband. Hope did indeed spring eternal.

“Hello?” She made her greeting a question, a plea, desperately wanting to hear from Rooster.

“Lauren, it’s Elisa.”

Her optimism was dashed against the sharp-edged rocks of reality. “Oh, hi,” she said, doing her best to recover and hide her disappointment.

“I take it you haven’t heard from Rooster.”

“Not a peep.”

“You’ve been waiting for him how long now?”

“A week today.” Although it felt like a year. Each day dragged by with a slowness that was nothing short of cruel. Lauren had done everything she could think to keep busy. She’d cleaned his house, rearranged furniture, baked cookies, shopped for groceries, finished knitting the baby blanket for her sister, and then, in a spirit of confidence, knit another for her and Rooster’s child if she were ever to become pregnant.

“He hasn’t been in touch with anyone?”

Silly question. “No.”

“Not even with Max?”

“No.” Lauren had to believe Max wouldn’t keep anything from her. If Rooster had been in contact and Max had lied about it, then he was a good actor. He seemed as concerned about his friend as Lauren was.

“Surely Rooster won’t stay away much longer.”

That certainly was Lauren’s wish. “Who can say? Max told me after he lost his wife and daughter he took off on his motorcycle for something like three years.”

“Three years? You don’t think Rooster will be gone that long, do you?”

“I … I don’t know.” All Lauren could do was hope and pray that he would feel her love and that would draw him back. Each night she lay in bed, sleepless and filled with anxiety, willing Rooster to head home. Home to her. Home to the life they would build together.

Lauren had so much she wanted to say. So much she longed to tell him. First and foremost, it was important that he know how much she loved him and wanted to make their marriage work. It’d taken her this long to find a man she wanted to spend her life with, and she refused to give up without giving their relationship every opportunity to succeed.

Elisa hesitated. “I hate to ask this, I really do, but Garry and I need to know how long you intend to wait for Rooster. Will you remain in California and find work there? Basically, I’m asking if Garry and I should hire another sales associate.”

Lauren wished she had an answer, but she simply didn’t know.

Elisa must have sensed her uncertainty, because she added, “If you decide you’ll remain in Santa Rosa another week or so, Garry and I will hold your position.”

“Another week?” Lauren felt incapable of making a simple decision.

“I don’t want to sway you one way or the other,” Elisa added. “I’ve learned my lesson, and I apologize again for not keeping my opinions to myself.”

“You’re my friend, Elisa, and friends speak their minds.”

“Perhaps, but with you and with Katie, I really blew it.”

Hearing her friend’s humble apology boosted Lauren’s spirits.

“All Garry and I need is some guidance regarding your plans.”

Lauren knew she couldn’t continue to stay in California. Eventually, she would need to return to Seattle. She had financial responsibilities, and she needed her job to meet those obligations. “I’ll talk to Max and get back to you.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for your call.” Elisa and Garry had been more than patient. It would be a disservice to them to keep them dangling much longer.

Monday morning, when Lauren knew Max would be at work, she took Rooster’s car and visited her husband’s best friend. They’d touched base a couple of times over the last seven days, but Max claimed he had nothing to tell her. Lauren believed him. Max was concerned, too.

His assistant, a grandmotherly woman, showed her into Max’s office. He was staring at his computer screen and frowning when she came into the room. He glanced up, saw her, and blinked.

“Lauren.” He stood, walked around his desk, and gave her a brief hug. “Have you heard from Rooster?”

“No. You?”

Max shook his head. “I don’t think we need to worry. Not yet.”

“I came because I need your advice.”

“Sit down.” Max gestured toward the chair for her to take a seat. Still standing, he leaned his backside against the edge of his desk, stretched out his legs, and crossed his ankles. “Now, what can I do for you?”