Harbor Street (Cedar Cove #5)(87)

He walked away without looking at her again.

She had a sick feeling in her stomach. But as much as she wanted to run after Anson, she couldn’t.

That evening, Allison could barely eat dinner. As soon as the meal was over, she escaped inside her room. Twice now, Anson had come to her bedroom window and she hoped he would again. They needed to talk.

Sitting on her bed, writing in her journal, Allison poured out everything that was in her heart. She was terrified for Anson and angry about what had happened. She wanted to help him. If she spoke to her father, he might be angry that they’d broken their word. And Anson didn’t want him to find out he’d been fired….

At nine her mother tapped on her door.

“Come in,” Allison said. She thrust her journal under a pillow and sat cross-legged.

Rosie Cox walked into the room and sat on the end of the bed. She touched Allison’s shoulder. “You’ve been very quiet this evening. Is something bothering you?”

Allison nodded and stared down at her pale-pink comforter. “It’s Anson,” she whispered.

“Are you sad because you two can’t see each other yet?”

She nodded rather than confess that she’d seen him and, more than that, spoken to him. All at once Anson’s burden became too much for her and silent tears began to course down her face.

Her mother held her close, murmuring soothing words, and Allison remembered that Anson had said some kids were dealt a better hand in life than others. He was right; she had been. Until she’d gotten to know Anson, she hadn’t realized how lucky she was to have two parents who loved her.

Her mother gently stroked her hair. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

“You’ll be upset with me.”

“I’ll risk that,” her mother whispered softly.

“Anson and I talked.” She waited a moment, fearing a reaction. Her mother didn’t comment, so Allison continued. “He got laid off from his job. Mr. Gunderson thinks Anson took some money, but he didn’t! He wouldn’t. He tried so hard to do everything right, and now he’s been treated unfairly. He’s so hurt and angry.” She swallowed hard. “I’m afraid of what he’s going to do.”

Her mother didn’t say anything for a long time. “Do you want your father to talk to him?”

“I don’t know. I suggested talking to Dad, but Anson wouldn’t hear of it. I tried to tell him everything’ll work out.” She lifted her head and looked at her mother. “He laughed at me. He said that wouldn’t happen for him. He won’t ask Dad for help because he doesn’t want Dad to be disappointed in him. Mom, he didn’t do it!”

“I’m so sorry,” her mother whispered.

“I don’t know how to help him.”

Her mother sighed. “Unfortunately I don’t either.”

“We have to do something. You can ground me, take away my computer privileges, not let me drive, do anything you want. I don’t care how you punish me—I’m talking to Anson.” Allison was willing to make any sacrifice. “He needs me, and he needs you and Dad, too.”

“Allison…”

“I’m serious. I…I love him. Go ahead and laugh if you want, but I mean it with every fiber of my being.”

Her mother sighed. She didn’t say Allison was being melodramatic, as she often did. Instead, she drew Allison close. “I know you have feelings for this young man. I’ll talk to your father and see if there’s anything we can do.”

Allison felt hope suddenly rise in her.

“I’m not making any promises,” her mother added.

Allison understood. But now, at least, Anson had someone who’d stand up for him.

Forty-Four

Olivia, who’d finished court for the day, sat at her desk, finishing up some paperwork. She squinted at the computer screen and decided it was time to update the prescription for her reading glasses.

Jack phoned to tell her he was home from the office; he was working eight-hour days, with no overtime. He’d promised to make dinner, which should be interesting. He almost always got to the house before her these days and had taken an unexpected interest in cooking. He favored salads with lots of fresh vegetables and an occasional surprise such as dried cranberries or chopped pecans.

Grace and Cliff were married now and Olivia was delighted for her dearest friend. They’d snuck away without even hinting that they intended to elope. When she’d first heard the news, Olivia had been disappointed. Had she known, she would have found a way to join Grace in San Francisco. But given time, Olivia saw the wisdom of Grace and Cliff’s decision.

Her friend had moved in with Cliff, bringing Buttercup and Sherlock, who seemed to be adjusting nicely to their new quarters.

As she began to read her next brief, a knock sounded at her office door. It was Deputy Mike Lusk. “There’s a man asking to see you, name of David Rhodes. Says he’s your stepbrother. Should I bring him over?”

Olivia hesitated briefly, then said, “Please. Show him in.”

The deputy nodded. “I’ll wait outside until you’re through.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

Soon, an attractive man, probably in his midforties, was escorted into her chambers. He smiled widely when he saw her. “Judge Olivia Griffin?” he asked, extending his hand.