Michael took two of the bags from her and carried them up the stoop. She flashed him a smile, and he nodded back.
He’d get used to being here. Kids were resilient, weren’t they? Even kids who were on the cusp of being men, and angry at the world.
She’d had her fair share of anger, too. In the months since Niall had left, she’d spent evenings pouring over her finances and job postings, trying not to let the boys hear her sobs as she realized there was no way to make things work.
But she’d left that all behind. This was a new place to live, a new start, and she was determined they’d find their happiness here. And if Niall ever remembered he had a family, she’d be civil to him for the boys’ sake. Because they needed a father. Even one like him.
“Nobody’s answering,” Josh said, after rapping with the black iron door knocker five times. “Do you think he’s dead?”
“No, I think he’s probably at work. He runs a bar in town. Why don’t we head over there and check out the town square? He said there’s a diner. I’ll buy you both a shake.”
“I’ll just put these bags back in the trailer,” Michael said with a sigh.
Her eyes softened, because he was a good kid when he wanted to be. “Okay, then, let’s go.”
“Whoa, this place looks like it should be in a movie,” Josh said, as they walked from Sam’s house to the town square. All the buildings surrounding the lush green center were old, probably from the same era as Sam’s house. Mia looked around at the shop signs. Murphy’s Diner, Fairfax Realty, Laura’s Dress shop, and a bright pink sign advertising the I Can Make You Beautiful salon. Across the street was a church with a tall spire – The First Baptist Church where her grandmother had gotten married before moving to Kansas City. From the way the steps shone in the September sun, it was well attended and taken care of.
“It looks dead,” Michael said. “Where are all the cars?”
“It’s a small town. A lot of the residents around here can walk to the shops,” Mia told him. Then she pointed at a building in the corner. “Look, that must be Sam’s bar. Why don’t I head over there while you two grab a table in the diner? I’ll get the keys to the house and join you.”
“Sounds good.” Josh grinned. “I’m gonna have a chocolate shake. Do you think they have whipped cream here?”
“Of course they have whipped cream.” Michael ruffled his hair. “Come on, I’ll race you there.”
She watched as Josh took off first, closely persued by her eldest son, though she could tell by the way he was running that Michael was going to let his brother win. Josh reached the door and threw up his hands in victory, and Michael ruffled his hair again.
It was enough to make her heart melt. At least they had each other. That was one thing she’d always wanted growing up – a sibling. Joanna was the closest she’d had. And she’d been determined that Michael wouldn’t be an only child, even though Niall took some persuading. She’d been a college student when she’d gotten pregnant the first time. It hadn’t been planned at all. By the time they had Josh, six years later, their business was thriving and life was good.
And then it had ended with a divorce petition that was still going through the courts.
Pushing the thought out of her head, she walked over to the Moonlight Bar and opened the door, her fingers catching on the flier affixed to the black wood, advertising Karaoke Night every Tuesday.
Inside, the bar was half empty. A scattering of people were at tables, and two workmen were standing at the bar. Every single one of them turned around to look at Mia, who strode up to the counter and smiled at the grizzled man on the other side.
“What can I get you?” he asked, showing no sign of recognition.
Mia brushed a lock of blonde hair behind her ear. “I’m looking for Sam Soper.”
One of the workmen whistled. “You got yourself a younger woman, Sam?”
“She’s too hot for him,” the other man said. “Can’t be older than twenty-five.”
“Maybe still waters run deep.”
“Shut up,” Sam told them, then turned back to Mia. “I’m Sam.”
She kept the smile fixed to her lips. “I’m Mia Devlin. Your niece. We’ve just arrived in town.”
He gave her a nod. “You’ll be wanting the keys then.”
“If that’s okay. We’ve got a lot to unload and want to do it before dark.”
“I thought you were bringing your kids.” Sam frowned.
“They’re in the diner.” She inclined her head at the door. “I didn’t think you’d want kids in here.”
He shrugged. “They’re family. That’s allowed.”
“What did you say your name was again, sweetheart,” the man closest to her asked.
“Leave her alone, Mack. She’s too pretty for you,” Sam snapped at him. Then he turned back to Mia and slid the keys over to her. “My bedroom’s on the first floor. Your rooms are on the second and third. We share the kitchen and living space, but I’ll avoid them first thing. I’m here most of the time anyway.”
She curled her fingers around the keys. “We’re very grateful that we can stay. And we’re here to help, not to annoy you. I’m happy to cook for you, and Michael’s fourteen and strong. He can do work around the house and in the yard.”
“You said you’re looking for a job?”
Mia nodded. “I’ve sent some resumes out.” Not that many people around here were recruiting for a marketing executive. But right now, she’d take anything.
“I can probably give you a few shifts here while you’re looking.” Sam shrugged. “If you want them.”
“That would be great.” Her smile was genuine this time. Any money was welcome right now. She’d already had to put the
