Coming Home Again (A Coming Home Again Novel Book 1) (24 page)

“Absolutely. If you would do me the
honor of taking a photo with me for our famous clients wall, I’ll send her one
today as a bonus,” he offered.

“You have yourself a deal,” she
promised as my stomach decided to speak loudly. “My poor sister has been on a
starvation diet for the past three days. Please get her a slice of your best
before she passes out on me,” she teased as she bumped her sharp hip into my
cushioned one.

“And for you?” he asked.

“Oh, I’m allergic to sugar, but a shot
of espresso would be great.” She continued to coo, and the guy sucked it up
like a life source.

After all the paperwork for the order
was completed and the photo was taken, we sat outside to enjoy our treats. We
finally unwound a bit and had a real girl’s conversation. Julia told me all
about the fashion world and I filled her in on Lucas’s proposal. She seemed so
happy for me, and I was truly happy for all of her success. If anyone deserved
some kind of reward in this life, it was my sister for what she had bravely
endured.

I had asked about Greyson Stone, and
she said they were on speaking terms and had been for most of the year. I
encouraged her to stay close to him, and she merely rolled her eyes at my
suggestion. When I asked what was wrong with that idea, she wrinkled her nose
and proclaimed him still too nice for her likings. I guessed he was still
giving her a hard time about her
lifestyle,
as she had put it. I was just glad he was still around.

I returned to Bay Creek not quite the
same as I had been when I left. I mean, who could possibly not be marked in
some fashion from such an episode.
I was
almost an accessory to murder…
You know I warned you, but I’m sure if you
didn’t skip it, you now understand the importance of it being included. Maybe
some of you cheered. I guarantee some of you cringed. It’s a vindication of
some sort that most victims are never given. No matter—the emotional scars
never completely go away. Wounds inflicted by such a crime can never be wiped
clean.

I numbly went back to the routine of
working at the restaurant or market and hiding out at Miss May’s after that
trip, and I have never breathed a word of those bizarre events to no one,
except to you, that is.

Jean had shown up at closing one night
near the end of July that summer, finding me and some employees sitting in the
dining area with my dad and John Paul. We were all enjoying ice cream sundaes
the dessert lady had surprised us with. My mother had a bewildered look on her
face as she slumped in a chair by me.

“What’s wrong?” Dad asked as he made
his way to her side.

“I just received some horrible news.”
She paused. “Did anyone realize that Evan Grey has been in prison?” she asked.
I nearly choked on my ice cream.

No one answered, so she continued.
“Anyway, he was found beaten to death in his cell today.” She spoke gravely,
wiping a tear off her cheek.

Before I knew what came over me, I
broke out into a fit of giggles. All I could think of was
Ding Dong the
Devil is finally DEAD!
All eyes looked my way in confusion. Jean was
absolutely fuming over my strange behavior.

“A human has lost his life, and you
find that funny?” she whispered through clinched teeth as she revved back and
slapped me across my face. She had caught me off guard and I didn’t brace
myself for the blow, so my head ended up slamming into the back of my chair.

Embarrassed, I stood to leave. “There was
absolutely nothing human about Evan Grey,” I said, leaving everyone in silence,
which it seems I do quite well with my sharp tongue.

Maybe I shouldn’t have laughed. I know
that was inappropriate. I should have felt vindicated with him rotting in a prison
cell. But just knowing he was still in the world, I never felt safe. With his
death, I finally had the certainty that he could never physically hurt Julia or
me ever again. I don’t expect you to understand if you’ve not lived through
such a thing. I’m not a coldhearted person who doesn’t value human life. I just
don’t value a devil’s life. I don’t apologize that I find comfort with his
death. The fear and scars Evan Grey inflicted on me have affected every part of
my life and have crippled me from living a true life.

I thought his death would clean the
slate and rectify all the wrongs. Turns out, I was deluded. The physical
freedom did very little for me emotionally. I am still a prisoner surrounded by
nightmares and panic attacks, and the issues with physical touch have been
debilitating at times. All of this has held me captive, and Evan’s death did
not release me from any of it. I’ve not been able to figure out how to
completely free myself from the chains of abuse.

Chapter Sixteen

Morning arrives with a mournful
realization that today I will have to say a final goodbye to my dad. There is
already a small crowd gathered, all dressed in black, when we pull into Jean’s
driveway. The mood is more somber than the past few days. Jean actually speaks
to us as we enter the living room. She takes Lucas’s arm and introduces him to
her company, and I’m totally floored by her kindness. That is my mother. She
always knows how to treat others better than me. I’m relieved to see her be so
welcoming to my husband though.

Jean, John Paul, Lucas and I quietly
ride in a black stretch limo to the chapel. No one speaks a word on the short
drive. As we pull up in front of the chapel, another limo pulls in as well.
Julia Rose exits the back, wearing a pair of oversized sunshades and a black
slip dress that drapes over her frame. Her six-inch stilettos and a large
brimmed hat rub me wrong. She’s in full-blown starlet mode. She definitely does
not fit in with the small beach town anymore, and her ensemble screams it. Jean
seems so relieved to see my sister has finally made it. Julia joins us before
we enter the chapel, and Jean embraces her in a hug that obviously lasts too
long for Julia’s liking. After giving John Paul and me a quick peck on the
cheek, Julia takes John Paul’s arm and we walk in together as a family. We
share the front pew, and Julia keeps her glasses and gawky hat in place the
entire time. It is the first time we gather in almost a decade. Regret and
shame is how I feel at this sad fact.

The service is heart wrenching as most
funerals are, but more so for me today. It’s my turn to remember my loved one
and to let him go. The large auditorium is overflowing with mourners. Many of
my dad’s employees have put together a touching tribute to him, filled with
sayings my dad was popular for sharing. They also recount many memorable
stories and pictures that represent my Dad‘s remarkable life. There is one
picture where he and I are behind the counter at the market together. It
captures me as a teenager with fluffy bangs, and my dad seems so young. Tears
sting my eyes as I look through memories.

John Paul shares a short eulogy for the
family. As he stands stoically in front of the congregation in his dark-grey
suit, my heart swells with respect for him. I can only imagine the strength it
is taking for him to stand there in front of us all and speak.

John Paul scans over his company and
stands a bit straighter when he glances at my dad’s casket before he begins.
“Our father was a passionate man who loved our mother with every inch of his
heart. He is the love of my mother’s life and has always been a man that his
children could look up to. Dad always put his all into anything he did. He was
a good provider and a wonderful boss. His two businesses are landmarks to his
dedication. He has set a good example that I know I should live my life by. We
love him and we will truly miss him. We appreciate all of you for taking part
in our father’s life. I’m proud to say that his legacy will live on with my
sister Savannah’s help. She will see to it by taking over ownership of the
restaurant as well as the market. This was our father’s wish. He knew she would
take care of them just as he would. I hope that very soon, we will all be able
to gather back at the two establishments that our father dedicated his life to.
This will be the best way that we can all honor him. Thank you.” John Paul
concludes in a shaky voice and eases back to the pew beside me, but he won’t
look at me.

People give me knowing glances the rest
of the service as if they knew all along that I would take over the businesses.
It is all I can do not to knock John Paul over the head for announcing my dad’s
wishes. I’ve not even decided if I want to take them over yet. Now what am I
going to do? Lucas keeps giving my hand a slight squeeze as if letting me know
it will all be okay. Julia is the only one that actually looks shocked by the
news. She was always the favorite and maybe she thought she would inherit the
family businesses one day. The child in me wants to stick my tongue out at her
when she gives me her look of disbelief. I don’t recall anything else shared
during the service that follows my brother’s announcement.

We somberly move to the graveyard and
lay my dad to rest beside Bradley. During the finalization of the service, I
keep my focus on my cousin’s tombstone. The blue pearl granite headstone with
intricate carvings of ocean waves is most fitting for him. My dad saw to that
detail. The inscription states:
Whispering
through the ocean’s waves and the song of the mighty surf, I am with you
always.

The mourners eventually depart to give
the family some time alone. We arrange some of the plants around both
gravesites and stare numbly for a while. It’s over too quickly, yet dragged out
long enough.

To my mother’s disappointment, Julia
says her goodbyes to us at the gravesite. “I know you’re not already leaving,
sweetheart. You just got here.” You can hear the hurt in Jean’s voice.

“I know, but I’m in the middle of
shooting extra scenes for my next movie. There’s no way I can cancel. My plane
leaves in an hour.” She gives everyone a quick hug and climbs into the back of
the waiting limo. Before she closes the door, she flashes our mother a big
smile and says, “Maybe I can get back this way soon.” Everyone knows that won’t
be happening.

Sensing something is up with my sister,
I hurry towards the limo. “I’m going to make Julia give me a ride back to the
house,” I shout over my shoulder before climbing in. As I close the door, I
turn to confirm my suspicions. My sister sits here shaking and big patches of
hives are popping up all over her. “What’s wrong, Julia?”

“I guess I’m still allergic to the
South,” she mutters as she pulls her oversized hat and sunglasses off,
revealing herself as a hot mess.

“Excuse me sir, please head two blocks
to the right. We need to make a stop at Bay Creek Pharmacy,” I say to the limo
driver. He gives his head a quick nod and gets us there in a flash. I run in,
grab Benadryl and instant ice packs, and hurry back to the limo. I give Julia
two pills with a bottle of water and then work on placing ice packs on the
nastier whelps.

“Is your flight really about to leave?”
Julia shakes her head no to my question. “Sir, could you just drive us around
the beach for a while?” I ask as I work on removing my sister’s shoes. Once I
get her more comfortable, I undo the straps on my own shoes and slip them off.
I grab myself a bottle of water, stretch out beside her, and try to relax too.
We ride in silence for a while. Every now and then, I move the ice packs to
another location. Eventually, her skin begins to resemble her normal
complexion, so I decide to give her a hard time.

“You know you stole my line of being
allergic to the South. I have copyrights and everything. I think I should sue you,
Miss Hotshot Actress. I mean, shouldn’t you have sent me a check by now,
compensating me for leading you down the path of fame and fortune?” We both
giggle at my ridiculousness, which is exactly what I’m going for. After this
difficult day, a laugh is much needed.

“I thought I could handle this.” She
pauses to give her head a disappointed shake. “Dad deserved better than this
from me.” She motions to the mess of herself. “I’ve been trying to get up
enough courage to come here for the past three days.” We sit in silence for a
while before she continues. She is staring out the window vacantly. “I see
ghosts all over this place.”

“Me too,” I quietly agree. I push the
button to raise the partition between us and the driver, feeling the need for
some privacy. “The demons just won’t stop dancing,” I murmur as I gaze out of
the heavily tinted window too.

“I am absolutely shocked that you are
moving back,” Julia declares. “I thought you were out for good too.”

“I haven’t agreed to take the
businesses, yet. Our brother got a little ahead of himself today. I have Lucas
and his career to consider. It’s not just all about me.” I hesitate with
self-doubt. I look over at Julia and ask, “Are you shocked that Dad would leave
them to me?”

“No. Absolutely not. You can run them
with your eyes closed. I just couldn’t get over you being brave enough to move
back.” Julia shrugs her thin shoulder.

This is a relief to me to have my big
sister’s approval. Confidence is not my strong suit. We ride around for a
while, when a groggy-eyed Julia turns to me. The Benadryl is kicking in for
sure.

“Dad and Jean came to New York for a
visit about a month ago,” she mutters in a fatigued voice.

Confusion and jealously hit me all at
once. “Really? Why?” I ask.

“They wanted a New York
vacation—hitting some Broadway shows and shopping. Dad called to get some
recommendations as to where to stay and I suggested my apartment. He was so
excited that he immediately agreed without even consulting your mother.” She
grins at that thought. “They stayed for a week. You’ll be proud that I made
sure to feed them regularly. I also didn’t involve them in any extracurricular
crime.” She snorts, causing us both to chuckle.

“I’m glad you and John Paul both have
had some recent time with Dad. I just regret that I didn’t.” I slump back in
the seat and tears wet my cheeks once again. I’m still not used to this emotion
finally bubbling out.

“He told me he was planning to visit
you next. He planned to beg you to move back and run the businesses. He didn’t
think John Paul could handle it all. He knew you were meant to do it and just
needed to convince you of it.” Julia pats me on my knee. I try to shake the
regret off. I know there’s nothing I can do about some things now.

Eventually the limo driver heads back
to Jean’s house. I hold my sister’s hand the rest of the ride. I’m proud that I
am finally able to find comfort in someone’s touch now. My Lucas has finally
gotten that through to me. I wish my sister felt comfortable enough to stay a
while, but I understand I cannot chase her demons away for her. I just hate the
thought of letting her go again.

“You think it would be alright with you
if I send John Paul up to visit you for a few weeks after the dust settles
around here?” I ask.

Julia chews on the idea for a few
minutes before answering. “You know, I think that’s a great idea. I think it
would do him some good,” she says with a lazy grin. “I’ll make all the
arrangements and let you know when to haul him to the airport.”

“Just make sure I get him back to me in
one piece.”

“Sure. We’ll behave—”

I interrupt her when my memory recalls
a particular someone who wanted her to behave. I’ve not thought of him in
years, but cannot help but ask her about him now. “So… Greyson Stone?”

She rolls her eyes and looks out the
window. “No… Greyson Stone.” She sounds somber on the subject. Maybe even
remorseful for some reason.

“Why not?”

She looks back over me and shakes her
head. “The guy just dropped off the side of the earth last year, and I can’t
get ahold of him. His phone number no longer works, and the modeling agency
won’t give out any personal information.” She shrugs. “It’s like he has
disappeared in thin air.”

“I hope he is okay,” I say.

Julia’s perfectly manicured brows pinch
together with her own concern as she nods her head in agreement. “He’s such a
pain, but I really do miss him.”

“I think you need to find him and hold
on for dear life.” I nudge her in the side.

“He’s too good for me. Besides, I
can’t
find him. Trust me. I’ve tried.
I’ve lost contact with his parents, so I don’t even know how to get in touch
with them anymore, either.” Julia gives me a sad smile before directing her
gaze back out the window. She misses him—it’s obvious.

Once we arrive back to the house, I
slide my shoes back on and I give Julia a long hug before letting her escape.
As I watch the long limo drive away, sadness seeps through me. Not knowing when
I will see her again always leaves me feeling so empty. I want her back. I want
that thorny bush severed at the roots.

I reluctantly make my way into the
crowded house. The buzz spreads through the group of mourners that I will be
reopening the restaurant and market soon.

“We’re all so glad that you are going
to continue your dad’s legacy.” I hear this or something on the same lines of
it for the rest of the day. I’m amazed at how many tell me that they always
knew I would one day be the owner. I myself never had a clue. I’m still not so
sure what in the heck I’m supposed to do.

I find Lucas sitting on the porch swing
with a plate mounded full of the southern specialty, chicken bog with a side of
butterbeans. He is so handsome sitting there with his tie undone and his suit
jacket draped behind him on the swing. He looks young and boyish with his curly
hair dancing lightly in the breeze as he shovels large forkfuls of food into
his mouth. I stand here for a leisurely spell to admire this treasure of a man
I have been blessed with.

“Nice looking plate,” I say as I
eventually take a seat beside him.

“It’s scrumptious,” he says as he
shoves another forkful of the bog conglomeration of chicken, smoked sausage,
rice, and secret ingredients into his mouth. “So, when exactly are you
reopening?” Lucas asks this with such ease that I don’t know whether he is
picking on me or being serious.