Here With Me (22 page)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

When they walked into Mabel’s, Cathy rushed over and wrapped Claire in a bear hug.  It’d been the first time they’d been back to Mabel’s as a whole family, Cole included.  Mallory was excited to be back and after Cathy finally released her mother, they made their way to their usual table.  Grandma Jane was already waiting with a big smile.

“This is long overdue,” she said as Cole helped Claire into a chair. 

“I agree,” her mother said with a smile.

She’d been home from the rehab center for nearly a month and aside from the first night home, she’d been positive and upbeat, working hard on getting back to her pre-accident self. 

“I wasn’t up to going out yet,” her mother said and Grandma Jane smiled. 

“It’s understandable, Claire,” she said gently, placing her hand over her daughter’s. “I’m glad you’re back though and we can start our tradition again, with an addition, of course.” Grandma Jane looked over at Cole and winked.

“I’m glad to be included,” he said, taking Mallory’s hand, lacing their fingers together and resting it on the table.  She looked down at the open display of affection and realized she was comfortable with it.  Things had been going well with them.  Cole was attentive as ever, sometimes too attentive, if she was being honest, but she was happy with him.  He made her feel content and safe and her mother was constantly telling her how glad she was Mallory had given a relationship with Cole another chance. 

“How are things with you two, anyway?” Grandma Jane smiled.  She’d watched from a distance, but hadn’t said much about their relationship.  Mallory knew it made her grandmother
happy though, she was just more subdued about it.  She looked around the table and couldn’t help but notice the ease at which everyone was with each other. 

Her mind drifted to the
scene when she’d brought Ryan to the same table.  The ease had been nonexistent and her mother and grandmother had looked at Ryan with suspicion.  She should’ve known then she shouldn’t even try and make it work.  She thought about Ryan a lot though, wondering where he was and when he’d left.  She’d heard nothing from him since she’d run into him at the Hollins’ party, but sometimes she’d feel that last kiss they’d shared and her heart would ache a little.  She wouldn’t dwell on it too long though.  She’d made her decision and while that decision hurt sometimes, she knew it had been the right one.  Cole made her happy and he fit in her little circle. 

“Things are good, Grandma,” she said, smiling over to Cole, who smiled back and squeezed her hand.

“You seem happy, so that makes me happy, especially after everything that’s happened recently.”

Cole squeeze
d her hand again and before they could say anything more, Kenna approached the table.  Mallory saw her glance down at her and Cole’s interlaced hands.

“I still can’t get used to you two as a couple again,” she said with a headshake and a slight smile. 

“Well, get used to it,” Cole said. 

“I will, for the next few days anyway.”

“What do you mean by that?” Mallory asked.

“Tonight is my last night at Mabel’s,” Kenna said with a big smile.

“What?” they all seemed to exclaim at once.  Kenna was a fixture at Mabel’s and she’d told Mallory nothing about quitting.

“Yeah.
  I’m moving to New York,” she said, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly.

“What?” Mallory gaped,
staring up at her friend.

“
You know that gallery owner I’ve been working with?  He offered me a job working there and I said yes.”

Mallory could almost feel her chin hit the floor.

“When did this happen?  Why didn’t you tell me?” Mallory said in disbelief.

“We’ve both been busy,” Kenna said and Mallory stood up, taking her friend by the arm.

“Excuse us for a sec,” she said, dragging Kenna over to a secluded corner of the restaurant.  “What are you talking about, moving to New York?”

“It’s an amazing opportunity, Mal.  I’m excited.  What’s the big deal?”

“You didn’t even tell me.  How could you not tell me?”

Kenna’s
eyes softened and she reached for Mallory’s hand.

“The last couple of months have been crazy, we both know that. 
First Ryan, then your mom and now Cole.  We’re at two totally different stages in our lives. Things have been going really well with my art and I can’t pass this up.”

Mallory looked up into
Kenna’s eyes and they were sparkling.  She’d never seen her friend so excited and it was at that moment Mallory realized things were changing.  They’d been changing, but the thought of Kenna not being in Kennebunkport solidified that.  She’d always been there, even when Mallory went off to college.  She could always count on Kenna being there, but now Kenna was leaving and Mallory was the one being left behind.

“I just can’t imagine you not being here.  I know we don’t get to hang out that much, but at least I knew you were there if I needed you.”

“I know, but I want this. I want to try this.  It may backfire on me and I may come back to Kennebunkport with my tail between my legs, but I won’t know if I don’t try.  I can’t live with regret, Mal and I will regret not taking the chance.”

“I know, Kenna.  I know you have to, but…” Mallory said, embracing her friend. “I’ll miss you.”

“And I’ll miss you.  But, you’ll be fine.  You’ve got your mom…and Cole.”  Mallory couldn’t help but notice the way Kenna said Cole’s name, with a mix of doubt and wonder.

“I know, but it’s not the same.”

“You’ll have to come visit me in New York then.”

“You can count on it,” she said, hugging Kenna once more.

****

“That’s wild about Kenna, huh?” Cole said as they sat in the den of his house.  They’d finished dinner at Mabel’s and driven back to Mallory’s house, with the intention of hanging out and watching TV.  Once they’d gotten her mother settled, she’d told them to go out together.  Mallory insisted they wanted to stay and spend the evening with her, but her mother was adamant, saying there was no way they wanted to spend the evening with an old lady.  Mallory didn’t want to leave, as memories of her mom’s accident flooded through her mind.  Her mother assured her she’d be fine though and Mallory eventually agreed.

Cole’s parents were in Bermuda and his sister had returned to New York.  They had
the entire house to themselves and it seemed almost cavernous when they walked in. 

Cole got them some drinks and led them to the den.  They settled next to each other on the comfortable leather couch.

“It is crazy.  I can’t believe she’s actually leaving Kennebunkport,” Mallory agreed.

“Do you think she’ll be gone for long?”

“Until recently, I would’ve said no.  I would’ve said this was just some crazy Kenna idea, but after seeing her art at the show and how hard she’s working, I think this may be permanent,” Mallory sighed.

“You don’t sound happy about that.”

“Of course I’m happy for her.  It’s just strange knowing she won’t be here.  It’ll just be me.”

“You have me,” he said
, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. 

“You’re leaving for Harvard in two weeks
.  Kenna will be gone and you’ll be gone and I’ll still be here.”

Cole stiffened and sat up, turning his body to face her.

“I’ve been thinking about that…a lot.  About when I go back to Cambridge.  I really don’t want to let you go, now that I finally have you back.”

“We’re not breaking up when
you leave, are we?”

“No. 
Of course not.  What I mean is that I don’t want to go to occasional weekend visits or nightly Skyping after spending almost every day with you for the past couple of months.”

“Well, we don’t really have a choice, now do we?  Unless you’re planning on dropping out of law school,” she laughed, but Cole suddenly leaned in and kissed her, silencing her.

“We do have a choice and it doesn’t require me dropping out of school.”

“Then what choice do we have?”

“Come to Cambridge with me.”

“What?” she exclaimed.

“Come to Cambridge with me.  Move in with me.”

She sat silently, staring at him, trying to absorb what he’d just asked her.

“You know I can’t do that, Cole.”

“Yes, you can.  You’re a nurse, and an awesome one at that.  There are amazing hospitals in Boston.  You could get a job no problem and we could be together.”

“Cole…my mom.  I have to look out for her.”

“She’d be fine.  I could arrange for a home nurse to stay with her.  I’ve actually already looked into it.  You know she’d love it if we moved in together.”

“You’ve already looked into a home nurse?”

“Yeah, a little.
  I just wanted to see if it was doable and it totally is.  We’d come back and visit almost every weekend.  Say you’ll at least think about it.”

“I can’t do that, Cole.  You know that.  I can’t believe you’re even asking me to consider this ridiculous notion.”

“I don’t think it’s ridiculous,” he said, hurt in his voice.

“I’m sorry.  That was harsh, but I just can’t do it.”

“You won’t even think about it?  Not even for a second?”

“What’s there to think about?  I can’t come with you.  My place is here…with my mom.”

Cole sighed and leaned back onto the couch.

“For how long?” he asked.

“Excuse me?”

“How long is your place with your mom? 
Forever?  Are you ever going to have a life of your own?  Are you going to get married?  What about kids?’

It was Mallory’s turn to sigh, which she did and leaned back next to Cole.

“I can’t think about any of that now.  I need to focus on the present.”

“But do you think about it?”

“Of course I do.  I tried having a relationship and look at what happened?  My mother nearly died.”

“But she didn’t.  You can’t keep blaming yourself.”

“Logically, I know that, but I’m still working through this.”

“So where does it leave us then? 
You and me?”

“Exactly where we are now.
  Why do things have to change?”

“Because I’ll be two hours away.
  I love you, Mallory.  I’m not afraid to say it.  You know I’ve been in love with you since we were 14 years old and I don’t want to lose you, not when I just got you back.”

Turning her head to
him, she smiled.  He looked worried and she reached up, gently stroking his cheek.

“You’re not losing me,” she said softly. “But, I can’t go with you. 
Maybe someday, but not now.  We’re in a good place right now.  Let’s just stay here for a while.”

He smiled and leaned in, kissing her slow and softly.

“I’ll stay wherever you want me to as long as we’re together.”

Chapter Thirty

Kenna left for New York and the time Cole had left in Kennebunkport went by quickly.  Work and looking after her mom had kept her busy and Cole had been by her side constantly, even staying with Mallory’s mom on nights she had to work late.  Her mother constantly told her not to fuss, but Mallory wasn’t ready to ease up just yet. 

Cole asked her to drive down with him to Boston when it was time for him to return.  She’d only agreed after Grandma Jane promised to stay with her mother while Mallory was away.  Her mother said it was completely unnecessary, but not wanting to do anything to jeopardize Mallory and Cole’s relationship, she’d agreed to Mallory’s conditions.  

The drive to Boston had been quiet and relaxing.  They listened to music and talked and Cole was constantly taking her hand.  She’d glance over to him and realize how much he really did love her.  She didn’t feel worthy of his devotion, especially when she didn’t feel the same way.  She loved Cole, but she knew it wasn’t the way he loved her.  He was her best friend, aside from Kenna.  She loved him for everything he’d done for her and she was becoming more comfortable with their relationship.  She liked the feel of his arms around her and when he kissed her, it made her happy, not in the make your toes curl up kind of happy, but happy, nonetheless.

She hadn’t been to Boston in ages and as Cole navigated the narrow streets, she couldn’t help but think how foreign it felt.  It was so different than Kennebunkport.  There was
a sophistication in the air she only felt on Ocean Avenue back home.  She’d never been to Cambridge before and she’d only ever seen Harvard in the movies.  It looked as prestigious in real life as it had on TV. 

Cole’s apartment was a few miles from campus.  The brownstone building looked expensive and Mallory knew it was when he pulled his car into an underground parking garage. She’d
never even seen pictures of Cole’s apartment.  Truthfully, until this summer, Cole was like an enigma when he was away at school.  He’d text and they’d chat on the phone occasionally, but Mallory never really knew the Ivy League Cole.  She knew the Kennebunkport Cole and she was curious if they were different.

“Pretty swanky building,” she said as he parked the car and they both got out.

“I was wondering how long it was going to take you to start in on this,” he smirked as he opened the trunk.  He pulled out his suitcases and Mallory grabbed a duffle bag. 

“You didn’t think I’d let up just because you’re my boyfriend now, did you?” she smiled back as they walked.

“I think I’ve told you this before, but I really like that term boyfriend,” he said with a grin.

She just smiled and followed him to the elevator.  They took it to the top floor and soon she was standing in his apartment.

She wasn’t sure what to expect, but she wasn’t surprised when she walked in.  Most college kids lived in a small, modest dorm or apartment.  Most college kids had roommates to share the cost.  Cole had neither.  There was a spacious living room with black leather couches.  The kitchen was large with sleek, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.  She wondered if Cole had actually ever cooked anything in it.  She doubted it. 

“Wow,” she finally said.

“Alright.  What remark are you going to make now?”

“No remark.”

“I can see it brewing in your head.”

“I was just thinking this is definitely different than my living accommodations during college
,” she said, setting the bag on the floor.

“
Ya know, Mal, I can’t help which family I was born into,” he said.  He usually shrugged off her comments, but when she looked at him this time, he seemed hurt.

“I know that,” she said, suddenly apologetic.

“It’s not like I’m one of those trust-fund kids who mooches off their parents for life.  In a few years, I’ll be a lawyer, making my own money and working hard to take care of you.  Hopefully your comments will stop then.”  He set the suitcases down and slowly closed the space between them.  He linked his arms around her waist and pulled her to him, leaning down and kissing her softly. 

Closing her eyes, she
gave into the kiss, but her mind wandered to his comment about working hard to take care of her.  Cole was looking towards the future and that future obviously included her.  When she allowed her mind to drift to that place, she realized it might not be so bad being Mrs. Nicholas Hollins and letting someone else take care of her for a change.  In fact, it might be downright amazing.

****

Since she’d be leaving first thing in the morning to make her evening shift at the hospital, Cole insisted on taking her to dinner to introduce her to some of his friends.  They made the short jaunt from Cambridge to the Little Italy section of Boston to a place called Mother Anna’s. 

She was nervous as they waited at a wrought ir
on table on the patio.  Cole ordered them each a glass of wine and she sipped it slowly as she looked around.  She’d liked Boston the few times she’d been there and she realized she’d probably become much more familiar with it now that Cole would expect her to visit.

“You okay?  You look as
if you’re a million miles away,” Cole asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You look nervous or something.”

“I am, a little,” she admitted.

“What are you nervous about?”

“Meeting your friends, I guess.”

“You have no reason to be nervous.”

“Well, I am.”

“Why?”

“They’re Harvard law students, like you. 
Not exactly in my social circle.”

“It doesn’t mean they’re better than you.”

“I know that,” she said defensively.

“Then start acting like it.  You’re awesome.  Well, not as awesome as me, but you’re still pretty awesome and I wish you’d realize that,” he laughed and she did the same.

“Hollins!” a deep voice called out and they both jerked their heads around.

Three guys and a girl Mallory recognized as Veronica from
Kenna’s art show were walking towards them.  She felt a pit of unexpected jealously form in her stomach as she saw the pretty blonde. 

“You didn’t tell me Veronica was coming,” she whispered discreetly to him. 

“I didn’t know she was,” he whispered back and then grinned. “Jealous?”

“No,” she said quickly.

“Liar.  And just so you know, you’re cute when you’re jealous,” he said, kissing her on the cheek before the group reached them. 

Cole stood up and shook hands with the guys and then leaned in for a quick hug with Ve
ronica.  Everyone sat down and Mallory tried relaxing her nerves.  They all looked smart and she found them all to be surprisingly good-looking. 

“So, are you ready to get back in the saddle?” one of the guys, who was tall and bulky with short black hair said.

“Definitely.  The sooner we’re done, the better,” Cole answered and then put his arm around Mallory. “This is Mallory.  Mallory, this is James, Matt, Sam and you know Veronica.”

“Hi,” she said to each of them and she noticed a smile curling up on Sam’s face.

“So you’re the famous Mallory?”

“Excuse me?” she said, confused.  When she turned to look at Cole, he looked as if he was blushing.

“Enough, Sam,” Cole said, but Sam ignored him.

“We’ve been hearing about you for years.  It’s nice to finally meet you.”

It was Mallory’s turn to blush.  Everyone was laughing, except for Veronica.  When Mallory glanced at her, her mouth was formed in a line and her eyes were focused on Cole.

“For years, huh?”
Mallory grinned.

“Yup.
  It was always Mallory this, Mallory that.  It was always Mal, Mal, Mal back home in Maine.”

“I wasn’t aware of this,” she said, grinning at the still blushing Cole. “I figured when Cole came back to school he forgot all about everyone back in Maine.”

“Hardly.  He may have forgotten everyone else, but not you,” Sam continued. “Maybe now he’ll shut up.”

Laughter erupted and Mallory couldn’t recall ever seeing Cole’s face so red, but he was laughing and eventually put his arm around her.

“Okay, now that you’ve sufficiently embarrassed me, can we please change the subject?”

“I’m kind of enjoying this,” Matt piped in. “Seeing Cole all flustered when he’s normally the epitome of cool.”

The waiter appeared then and took the drink orders before disappearing again.

“So what do you do, Mallory?” James asked as he buttered a piece of bread and Mallory couldn’t help but notice Veronica hadn’t said a word since sitting down.

“I’m a nurse at the hospital in Kennebunkport,” she said, reaching for a piece of bread herself.

“My mom’s a nurse back home in Houston,” Matt chimed in.

“Oh yeah?”

He nodded. “I have the upmost respect for what you do.  We’re all taking the easy way out being lawyers.”

There was collective laughter from the group and then Veronica’s eyes focused on Mallory.  She couldn’t deny Veronica was striking.  Flawless skin, chocolate brown eyes and corn silk hair. 

“When I was in Kennebunkport earlier this summer, you were with a guy.  Ryan was his name, I think?” she said in a condescending voice.  Mallory adjusted uncomfortably in her seat and she thought she detected Cole doing the same.

“Yeah, that’s right,” was all Mallory said.

“Whatever happened to him?  Cole told me you two were pretty tight.” Veronica leaned in and her eyes darted between Mallory and Cole.

“Things didn’t work out,” Mallory answered bluntly.  She’d gone the whole meal without Ryan crossing her mind and then Veronica had to go and change that.  She knew she hadn’t liked Veronica the moment she met her at Kenna’s art show, and this little display solidified that. 

“Well, that happened just in the nick of time for you, Cole, didn’t it?  You were able to snatch her up.  Too bad you had come back to Cambridge so quickly.”

“We’ll manage,” Cole said cooly as he met Veronica’s stare and he reached over, gripping Mallory’s hand tightly.

The waiter walked by then and Mallory raised her free hand.

“I’m gonna need another glass of wine,” she said with a sigh.

****

“And there he stood, pants down to his ankles in front of the whole class!” Mallory managed to get out, her gut hurting from laughing so hard.  Everyone else was laughing just as hard as she recounted the story of Kenna de-
pantsing Cole in gym their eighth grade year.  Kenna had received three days of in-house suspension, but it was worth it because they still told the story ten years later and it was just as funny each time.

The wine had worked well.  It had become the anesthesia she’d hoped it would.  It mellowed her out and she was able to ignore Veronica’s constant glare.  She was much more relaxed than usual and she thought Cole’s friends, aside from Veronica, had been charmed by her easy manner.

“On that note, we should head back to my place.  I think we’ve heard enough embarrassing stories about me for one night,” Cole said, throwing his napkin onto the table.  Mallory was sufficiently stuffed with baked ziti and she thought going back to Cole’s was a good idea.

“It was nice meeting you all,” Mallory said, standing up.

“Same here,” Sam said, raising his beer glass and finishing it off. 

“We’ll be sure to keep an eye on Mr. Hollins for you,” Matt added.

“I’d appreciate that,” she said with a drunk grin as she turned to Cole, grabbed his shirt, and pulled him in for a deep kiss.  The guys whistled and clapped, but Veronica didn’t look pleased.  Cole, on the other hand, looked delighted.