A Turn in the Road - Debbie Macomber [83]
“We went to see some friends of his.”
“Oh.”
“Maybe we could all go to dinner tonight,” Bethanne said.
Annie didn’t show much enthusiasm. “We’re leaving in the morning, right?”
“Yes, and according to your grandmother’s schedule, we’re headed for New Orleans.”
“That sounds great.”
“Max says it’s a real party town. Should be lots of fun.”
“More fun than Vegas?”
“A different kind of fun,” Max said. “I wish I could go, but I’m headed somewhere else.”
Annie didn’t look at all disappointed. She glanced at the doors and suddenly her face lit up. “Grandma!” she shouted, jumping to her feet.
Bethanne turned to see Ruth and Rooster walking into the hotel. “Rooster and I had the most wonderful day,” Ruth said, hurrying toward them.
“Two shows, one right after the other, and both of them exceptional.” Rooster looked delighted.
“I’m ready to get out of Missouri,” Annie announced to anyone who cared to listen.
“What about dinner?” Bethanne asked once again. “All of us together. Max and Rooster are leaving tomorrow, and so are we.”
“Count me out on dinner,” Ruth said. “I’m exhausted and we’ve got a full day coming up.”
“I’ll go with Grandma,” Annie said, as if she was glad of an excuse to escape. “We’ll just get room service.”
“You two are on your own,” Rooster said as the three of them strolled over to the elevator a few minutes later.
Max looked at Bethanne. “Maybe we should say our goodbyes now, as well.”
“How about a glass of wine?” she suggested instead.
He hesitated, then nodded slowly.
They found a vacant table in the lounge, and Bethanne studied the wine list. For the first time it felt awkward between them, as though they both feared what would happen next. In the morning they’d go their separate ways, and after that—she didn’t know.
They each ordered a glass of red wine, an Australian shiraz, which was promptly delivered.
Bethanne gazed down at her wine, hardly noticing its rich ruby color.
“I have to be in California next week. I don’t have a choice about that,” Max said.
“I know.”
Max’s hand closed over hers. “My brother’s handled the business ever since Kate died. It’s time I went back.”
“You’re really going home?”
Max gave her a lopsided grin. “Luke was beginning to think I was never going to return. A lot has changed in the past three years—in the business, in his life, in mine. I’m ready now, only I didn’t realize it until a few days ago. Until…you.”
She met his gaze and held it.
“You’ll go on to Florida, and we’ll connect again later this summer. If that’s what you decide.”
Bethanne started to say that was too long to wait.
He shook his head. “No, you need to be with Ruth and Annie, with your son and his bride. With Grant.”
Bethanne opened her mouth to protest, but again he stopped her.
“Make no mistake, I’d welcome the opportunity to explore where this relationship will take us, but I have things I need to attend to and so do you.” His expression was determined. Unwavering. “While you’re in Florida, you and Grant will have the chance to work this out—or not. Until you do, I’ll stay out of your life. I’ll abide by whatever decision you make.”
“What if…what if Grant and I don’t get back together?”
“Then let me know.”
“You’ll come to Seattle?”
“I’ll come wherever you are. Anyplace. Anytime. All you have to do is contact me.”
It sounded risky to Bethanne, scary, especially when she wasn’t sure of her own mind. She wanted Max to convince her they were meant to be together. He hadn’t. She wanted him to fight for her. He wouldn’t. The decision was hers.
“I don’t like this,” she confessed.
“Bethanne, we’re both high on emotion.” His hand cupped her cheek as if he felt the need to touch her, to hold on to her as long as he could.
They finished their wine, then returned to the front porch and sat in the swing, Max’s arm possessively around her. She rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. She wanted to keep these feelings with her forever.
Part of her wanted to argue with him, say she’d already made up her mind. Only she hadn’t. Not really. Twenty