The Memory of You (Sanctuary Sound #1)(47)
He frowned. Something about the edge in her voice tickled his intuition. There was more to it. Either she knew it and didn’t want to share it with him, or she didn’t really remember where she went during these lapses. “The best way to get people to stop asking about it is to follow up with your doctor.”
She’d always had a tendency to procrastinate doing unpleasant things, so it didn’t surprise him when she said, “I’m busy.”
“Bullshit.” Even in the darkness, he could see her clearly. Powerful and confident as ever—rejecting any whiff of weakness. “Are you scared they might find something wrong?” Maybe epilepsy, or something worse.
“No. Between the concussions, all the work stress, and now Peyton’s condition, it’s no wonder I’m having trouble. Maybe it will get better, or worse, but no medicine or surgery can fix those things. Once life settles, I bet it gets better. Why bother with doctors?”
“Because you don’t know what you’re talking about.” He ran his hand through his hair to keep from shaking some sense into her. “Maybe you’re right, or maybe it’s something else. Something that can be fixed.”
She shrugged. “Anything’s possible, I guess.”
“Steffi.” He squeezed her shoulders. “Find out.”
She stared up at him, her eyes shining like the surface of the water beside them, and her annoyed expression transformed to a smile. “Thanks.”
“For what?” He let her go, even though part of him had thought to pull her closer.
“For caring.” She gestured toward the path back to the Weber home and hefted herself to the top of the seawall. “A few weeks ago you wouldn’t have.”
He followed behind her in silence. She’d spoken the truth. And yet, even more surprising than that was discovering he could forgive her and be a friend. Forgiveness might be freeing if he weren’t starting to look at her like he used to. If he weren’t, once again, feeling like his heart only found its rhythm when it synchronized with hers.
Despite his resistance, the town, the memories, his daughter’s fascination, and his mother’s meddling had affected him. Out of the blue, he mumbled, “Maybe there’s hope for Peyton and Claire, after all.”
Steffi looked over her shoulder as they emerged from the path into the Weber backyard, and flashed a quick grin. “Thank God I won’t have to call you Eeyore. I was going to hate that.”
Chapter Ten
Steffi paid Brian, one of Benny’s hardware store employees, in cash for helping her install the windows for the Quinn project. He’d been great in a pinch—and hadn’t flashed any plumber’s butt—but now she owed Benny a favor for giving Brian the half day off to help her. She needed her own crew going forward or she’d be doing her brother’s laundry for a decade. She waved goodbye as Brian pulled the beet-red Lockwood Hardware van away from the curb. Then she returned to the back of the house to finish up for the day.
The bright, crisp late-afternoon weather invited her to tip her face toward the sun and close her eyes. Life had been rather unpleasant and lonely at times. Now that was changing—becoming more vibrant like the gold-and-orange leaves overhead. Everything looked more beautiful.
When she opened her eyes, she saw Molly and Mick through the newly installed windows.
“I love the way this room is shaping up,” Molly called out as they came through the French doors, the sunlight glinting off her large silver earrings. As always, she moved with efficiency, looking smart in her black corduroys and layered cream-colored shirts. Steffi would never be that chic.
“You’ve got some skills, girlie.” Mick nodded before stalking off to the garage.
“I’m glad you’re both pleased, because there’s no turning back now.” Steffi smiled at Molly. The space was coming together, but she still had a lot to do. This room would always be part of the house and the Quinns’ lives. No matter what became of her and Ryan and where they ended up, he’d think of her anytime he wandered into this space. She’d leave something permanent behind, and that made her smile.
Mick emerged from the garage with his golf clubs and opened his trunk, tossing them in the back. He offered them a quick wave before pulling out of the driveway. His gout must’ve improved considerably.
“Thank God he’s finally getting out of the house. World’s worst patient,” Molly said. “Anyhow, I was worried that this room would darken the kitchen, but it’s so sunny. Once you break the wall into the hallway, I think it will actually brighten the dining and living room, too.”
“I agree.” Steffi grabbed her sponge and rubbing alcohol and began removing the black-and-yellow stickers from the windows. “This extra space will come in handy with Ryan and Emmy living here.”
Molly crossed her arms, grimacing. “It can’t be easy for my son to live with his parents at his age.”
“He appreciates your help, but it’ll be nice when he and Val settle things so he can move forward.” She put a little elbow grease into her work.
“Val.” Molly rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “His biggest mistake.”
Molly’s obvious dislike of Val pleased Steffi. It meant Molly wouldn’t encourage Ryan to fix his marriage or discourage him from starting a new relationship.