She stepped in glanced around the space and smiled. “I see nothing has changed.” He couldn’t ignore the significant disgusted undertone.
“A lot has changed really.” He closed the door, squeezing the doorknob a little too tight
“If you say so.” She made a sweep of her gaze downward then brought it back up and smiled. “You’re looking good, Creed.”
If she was expecting a return compliment, he couldn’t find one.
She stepped forward and gave him a sounding kiss on the cheek. “Oh no. I left lipstick.” She wiped it off.
“Mom? Is that you? Is that really you?”
The excited voice from the staircase made Creed and Melody both look.
“There’s my sweet daughter,” Melody said with a smile.
Livvy raced down the stairs and practically jumped into her mother’s arms like she did when she was a toddler. “Why? How? I didn’t know you were coming,” Livvy said once she unwrapped herself from Melody.
“It’s a surprise. I guess I should have called first.” She gave Creed a side glance. “But I had the urge to come and see you and so I came. Just like that.”
“I’m glad you did. How long will you be staying?” Livvy’s words were rushed.
“I’m not sure yet. I guess it depends on if I can find accommodations. This town has never been visitor friendly.” She rolled her eyes.
Livvy looked at Creed with a pleading gaze. “Dad?”
“What?” He already knew what was going to happen before it did.
“She can stay here, right?” Livvy encouraged.
“I’m sure your mom would be more comfortable staying somewhere else.” Creed rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling Livvy’s gaze grow warmer.
“I wouldn’t want to impose,” Melody said innocently. “I’m sure your dad doesn’t want his privacy intruded upon.”
And there it was. Melody’s famous manipulation tactic. To make herself more the victim and him more the monster. That’s how it had been throughout their marriage, and since. He’d give her one thing, her acting skills had gotten better.
“He doesn’t have privacy. And he works all the time anyway,” Livvy said. “You have to stay here. I want you close while you’re here.”
Melody pulled Livvy in for a tight hug and looked up at Creed. “I’m sorry. I’m probably inconveniencing you but if it wouldn’t be too much do you mind if I stay? After all, this was once my home too.”
“Problem is, we don’t have much space. The couch is lumpy. If we had the room, maybe, but…”
“She can sleep in my room. See, it’s settled. You’re staying,” Livvy congealed.
“Great! I’m looking forward to spending time with my girl. Creed, would you be a doll and grab my bags from the back of the service car? And don’t forget to tip the driver.”
If it wasn’t for upsetting his daughter, he would have told Melody to go away, but he wanted to keep the peace. So, he went to gather her things.
Outside, he greeted the driver who seemed agitated that he had been waiting. Creed offered him an apology and a large tip that brightened his mood.
The man in the suit grabbed the bags out of the trunk.
Creed looked down at the pile of suitcases. How long was Melody planning on staying? She’d never been one to pack light.
Inhaling the fresh air and rubbing his forehead, his thoughts jetted to Mindy. Shit! What would she think of Melody being here?
He reached for his phone from his back pocket and texted her.
Mindy. Are you busy? I need to speak to you when you have a chance.
He hit ‘send’.
Grabbing the luggage, he carried them to the porch, working up a sweat in the process. He burst through the front door, mumbling, “What the hell do you have in here, Mel? Rocks?” When he didn’t get an answer, he looked and found his mother staring at him, her gaze narrowed and her nose slightly wrinkled.
“So, I just found out that we’ll be having an overnight guest.” The squeak in Abby’s voice reminded him how much she disliked Melody.
He gave her an apologetic grin. “Yeah, I just found out myself. Where are they?”
“Oh I’m sure Melody is making herself at home.” His mother rubbed her forehead in irritation. “What is she doing here?”
“She said she’s visiting.”
Disbelief covered Abby’s face. “Visiting? Nothing is ever so simple.”
He dropped the heavy bags. “What was I supposed to do? Livvy would have hated me if I sent her away.”
“Yeah, true. But don’t ask me to be nice to her.” She turned and stomped out of the room.
~~~~~
Mindy could hear Jane and Jonsey’s laughter coming from the back yard and she couldn’t help but smile too. They were laying in the hammock discussing their favorite movies. Mindy hadn’t seen her daughter this happy in a long time. Over dinner she’d learned a lot about Jonesy and his desire to become a chemist and his plans after graduation.
Reaching for her phone, Mindy checked her messages. Creed had left her a message earlier.
She started to type a return message. Erased it. Started another. Then erased it too.
What could she say?
His daughter was here in Cooper’s Hawk.
There was no excuse now why Mindy didn’t tell him the truth.
Over the last few days she’d done a lot of thinking and pondering. She cared for him—no, loved him. Had never stopped. If there was ever a chance for a future together her only choice was to be completely honest with him about everything, and that meant telling him that he was Jane’s father. It would come as a shock, but hopefully, eventually, he’d understand and forgive her.
She started to call him when she heard a soft knock on the door.
Placing her phone on the table, she went to the door and pulled back the thin curtain. Mindy’s breath caught.
