Roadside Attraction (Castle View Series Book 2) (14 page)

“I’m going to miss you too.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll call when I reach the next town.”

He left the car and went straight to his room. He was already packed. All he had to do was strap the duffle on to the bike and he could leave, but he’d promised Maggie that he would show the new chef the ropes before he left. That was one promise he would keep. Besides, he wanted to meet the man who was replacing him in her kitchen.

He knew it was selfish, but he hoped he wouldn’t be replaced in her heart as quickly.

Josh was sitting on his Indian in the parking lot when she arrived at the restaurant. He looked more like a romance cover model than an executive chef. He stood as she walked up to the doorway. “I should have given you a key.” It hadn’t occurred to her that he would need one. Especially once they started sleeping together. Now, it was a moot point and she felt stupid stating the obvious.

“I just pulled up.” He fell in step with her. “Angelina, that’s my sister, decided to take me to breakfast this morning before she heads home.”

“Did you have a nice visit?” Maggie cringed at the question as she unlocked the front door. They sounded like they were strangers making polite conversation, not lovers. Of course, they weren’t lovers anymore. The connection they had felt was part of the past, not quite a one-night stand, but not a relationship either.

Josh ran his hand through his hair, a gesture Maggie recognized as a sign of frustration. She just didn’t know if it was at her or at his sister’s impromptu visit. “I still don’t know what she expected of me. I mean, I’ve been very clear on what I’m doing. It’s not like I just ran away from home, like a five-year-old who needs walked back to the house.”

“She was probably worried about you.”

He didn’t respond to her statement, but instead, looked around the restaurant. She watched him and tried to understand what he was seeing. The dining room gleamed with the polished wood chairs and the goblets already sitting on the table with silverware and linens. Finally, he looked at his watch. “What time is this guy supposed to show up? I’d like to get this done so I can get ready to leave in the morning.”

“He’s supposed to be here at eleven. I can walk him through if you need to leave.” She nodded to her office. “I’ll go make out your final check.”

“No hurry. I was just wondering.” He leaned on the hostess stand. “We’re in that ex-phase aren’t we? Where we are overly polite?”

Maggie laughed. “I guess we are. Do you want some coffee or something while we wait?”

“Coffee would be good.” He went to the server area and while she watched, he started a pot. He didn’t look at her while he worked. “I am going to miss you Maggie Castle.”

Tears filled her eyes and she thought about her discussion with her mother yesterday. She wasn’t making a mistake here, she told herself. She had responsibilities. She had people counting on her. She took the cup he offered her and took a sip. “If I could go, I would.”

He stared at her for a long time but didn’t respond. Finally, a voice came from the entry area breaking the moment.

“Hello? Anyone here?”

Josh nodded to the front. “Your new chef has arrived. Let’s get this over with.”

She followed him to the sun-filled entryway where a tall man in his late forties soon, grinning as he took in the restaurant. She stepped around Josh and thrust out her hand. “Maggie Castle. You must be Larry Phillips.”

“Guilty as charged. The restaurant is lovely. I checked out the tiger enclosure down the road. I take it that it’s part of the holding group. And where the name came from? Tiger Café? I was expecting something much more casual than this.” He waved his hand around the sparkling dining room.

Maggie nodded. “Yep. We partner with the sanctuary as well as the winery in marketing and financing.”

“This is perfect. I’m anxious to get a peek at your kitchen and your menu.” He considered Josh. “Are you my prep chef?”

Josh barked a laugh and held out his hand. “Sorry, no. I’m the outgoing guy. I told Maggie I’d walk you through the kitchen and the menu. We’ll cook up a few of the more specialized items and the rest of the staff will be here for a meet and greet as well as a family meal at two.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Larry looked at Maggie’s cup. “Any more of that coffee? I’d love some before we get started.”

Josh stepped between them. “Let me handle this Mags. We’ll let you know when we’re ready for the staff meal.”

Maggie watched as the two men walk into the kitchen. Larry was chatting about the building and restaurant set up as they disappeared into the back. She turned the other way and headed into her office. She had things to get done after being off work for her mother last week. But when she sat down, the only thing she could think of was Josh and being on the back of the Indian, the wind in her face. And a future ahead of them.

***

Josh kept it together while he walked Larry through the kitchen. He’d trained new chefs before at the family restaurant. Guys who walked in thinking they knew everything about cooking and had to be dealt a meal of humble pie while they learned to take over the kitchen. Larry wasn’t like that. He was excited about the opportunity and took Josh’s insight to heart. Or the guy was better at faking it than any other person Josh had ever met.

By the time the staff meal started, Josh felt comfortable leaving his kitchen in Larry’s hands. How had it become his kitchen this quickly? He’d been in St Josephs less than a month, yet leaving this kitchen was going to be harder than leaving the family restaurant had been a few months ago.

Cari pulled him aside as the meal was ending. “The new guy seems nice.”

“He’s a good chef. I’m leaving you in good hands.” He put his arm around Cari. “Thanks for all your help. I really appreciated you driving me back and forth to town.”

“You could stay, you know. Let this guy return to Spokane and find his own kitchen. We need you here.” Cari snuck a pointed look at Maggie. “We
all
need you here.”

Josh watched as Maggie laughed at some joke Larry had just told. “She’s fine. Just keep an eye on her for me, will you?”

“If you’re sure.” She handed him one of Maggie’s business cards. “I’ve put my cell and email at the back. If you don’t want to call her and beg for your job in two weeks, call me. I’ll deal with this new guy.”

Josh kissed the top of Cari’s head. He tucked the card into his wallet and took some plates to the kitchen. He worked at cleaning up the place while the party outside wound down. As staff members brought their empty plates into the kitchen, he said his goodbyes. Finally, it was just him and Bryan.

“Man, I can’t believe you’re doing this.” Bryan slapped him on his back. “If you need a place to stay here, you can bunk with me. I’ve got plenty of room.”

“You know it’s not that. I never intended on staying. I wouldn’t have even been here longer than a day if my bike hadn’t broken down.” He didn’t add the real reason he’d stayed around—meeting Maggie. Bryan didn’t need to know that.

“Fate happens when you’re making other plans.” Bryan shook his head solemnly as Josh stared at him. “What, I can be deep.”

Josh pulled him into a hug. “Keep cooking, man. You’re going to be great someday.”

Bryan puffed up his chest. “I have to be, I learned from the best.” He waved as he walked out of the kitchen.

Then Josh was alone. The dishes had been cleaned and put away. The stoves were all off. Prep was done and in the walk-in for tomorrow’s lunch. There was only one thing left to do. Get his check from Maggie and say goodbye.

He knocked on her office door and peeked inside. She sat at her desk, looking out the window. “Hey, everyone gone?”

She smiled. “It’s their day off. They have lives. The only reason they came in was for the extra hours and to say goodbye to you. Cari even cried when she left. You made an impact, Josh Reyes.”

“With Cari or with you?” He sank into the couch and gave her a crooked grin. She blushed, remembering their first time right on that piece of furniture. He patted the cushion. “Should we take it out for one last test drive?”

“Is that code for having sex?” Maggie stood and walked around the desk. “As tempting as that is, I have a meeting with Mark and Brad at four. I’ve got to fight for what little marketing money I have in the budget.”

He took her hands and pulled her toward him, standing up as she came close and kissed her. “I will miss you Maggie.”

She fell into his chest and he felt the hot tears soak his tee shirt. “I’ll miss you too.”

He stroked her dark, curly hair. The smell of floral shampoo filled his senses and he closed his eyes, remembering showering with her. He pushed the memory away. “You can still come with me. I’m leaving at five tomorrow morning. You know where to find me.”

“And you know I won’t be there.”

They stood there holding each other for a long time. Finally, she pulled away and brushed way her tears. She took an envelope from her desk and handed it to him. “See you around.”

“See you around.” He walked out of the office and as he turned the corner, he heard her sobs that she’d tried to hold in when he held her. It took everything for him not to turn around and give in. He could stay. If he did, he’d regret it. This was his time. Freedom from responsibilities. Freedom from connections. This is what he wanted.

Then why did he feel like he was throwing away his life?

After the meeting with Mark and Brad, Maggie drove directly to her mom’s house. Bursting into the front door, she found her sitting where she’d left her last night—in a large recliner where her mom sat reading a mystery novel from her favorite author.

“I need to talk to you.” Maggie stood in front of the chair.

Mom lowered the book and slipped a bookmark between the pages to hold her place. “So you’ve decided?”

Maggie sank into the couch next to her. “You already know?”

“I know you. You’re in love with the guy. And for once, you need to honor that feeling and see where it goes.” Mom took a sip of water. “So what do you need from me?”

“Assurance I’m doing the right thing, for one. What if he’s a serial killer or something?” Maggie tucked her hair behind her ear.

“His sister came to see me this week. Apparently the boy is well liked, responsible, and comes from a good family. I ran a background check on him too. He seems clean. A little heavy in debt, but that’s mostly due to that silly motorcycle. Apparently he could have paid cash for it, but he wanted to start building a credit history.” Mom adjusted in her chair. “I’m feeling a little stiff. Do you mind if we walk and talk?”

Maggie stood and moved her mother’s walker closer. “Wait, you ran a background check on him? How?”

“I have a friend who’s a private investigator. I’m sure I mentioned Phil at some time.” She pulled herself up and steadied herself before she moved the walker. 

“No, I don’t think so.” Maggie considered her mother. The woman was a mystery and stronger than Maggie had realized.

“Between you and Brad, he’s gotten a lot of business lately.” Mom smiled at her. “Never mind that. Let’s get back to your problem. You want to go but you don’t want to leave the restaurant in a lurch. I think I have an answer to that too. You said Cari’s been taking on more of the management. Have her handle the restaurant. She can come to me with questions, and I’ll have my accountant do the books.”

“But Mark and Brad . . .” Maggie’s heart pounded. Her mother made this idea seem not so crazy. Except for her brothers.

“I’ll handle your brothers. If you want to go, go.” They made a circle around the down stairs and returned to the living room. Mom lowered herself into her chair. “I’m beat. Time for a little nap.”

“I’ll check in with you tomorrow.” Maggie moved the walker so her mother could recline.

“Think about it tonight then call me. We’ll make this work and after a while, you’ll know what you want to do. Take some time for yourself.”

Maggie thought about her mother’s words. Was it that easy? Tami was away at college. Cari could handle the day-to-day management of the restaurant. Her mom could help her if something bad happened. Or Maggie could come back. Going didn’t mean forever. It just meant for now.

She pulled her car into her house and stared at the little cottage for a long time before grabbing her keys and making her way inside. She had a long night in front of her.

***

The cell was ringing when he returned from the small laundromat provided as a service to the motel guests. He’d finished washing everything but the sweat pants and t-shirt he wore. Those would go into the first load the next time he stopped to wash clothes. Of course, who knew when that would be. The lure of traveling the open road didn’t deal with the domestic issues of clean clothes, a soft bed, and three meals a day. At least he had his tablet. He’d spent some time last night downloading several books he’d been meaning to read and never had the time. Now, he had nothing but time. And laundry, he reminded himself.

He grabbed the phone without looking at the display. “Hello?”

“Joshua? Is that you?” His father’s voice boomed into the small motel room even without using the speaker function.

Josh sank down on the bed. “Yes Papa, it’s Josh. How are you feeling?”

“The rumors of my death were exaggerated.” He barked a laugh, followed by coughing. “I’m still locked up in this hospital room but I need you to come home.”

That was his father’s way, straight to the point. “I’m not coming home. At least not yet.”

“Look, you sister told me about the little diner you’ve been cooking in. And I know there’s some girl attached, but you can bring her with you. I want you here with the rest of the family.” Manuel Joseph Reyes never just asked for something, he told you how things were going to go. “I’ll expect you by the end of the week.”

“I’m not coming home, Papa.” Josh repeated his words, knowing that his father had heard him the first time. He’d just ignored his youngest son. As usual.

“This is upsetting to your mother.” His father threw in the guilt card.

“Tell her I’ll call once a week.” Josh held his ground. It hadn’t happened often, but this time, his defiance felt good. This was what he was meant to do, he could feel it. “Look, I’ll come home if you are really sick. What did the doctors say?”

“I’m not sick,” his father bellowed.

Neither one of them said anything for a few beats, then his father huffed in the phone. “You are my son. You should do what your father instructs. It’s the way.”

“A man shall leave his family home and make his own way in the world.” Josh hoped the scripture he was remembering from years of Sunday school was at least close to being right. His father read his bible every night before bed. No Tom Clancy fiction for Manuel Reyes. He was a non-fiction purest.

Josh felt as well as heard the sigh from his father.

“I will not fight with you about this. However, I will ask you one more time to come home. There are things we need to discuss.” His father paused, and then added one word. “Please.”

“I won’t be gone forever. I’ll keep in touch with Angelina and Mama.” Josh wouldn’t back down, not this time.

“It’s important, Joshua.” His father ended the call. Josh lay flat on his bed, thinking about the old man and what he’d said. He didn’t think he’d ever heard his father say please before in his entire life. 

He changed into jeans and pulled on his boots. He’d grab some takeout from The Galaxy, bring it to the room and chill. He had an early wakeup call tomorrow already set. It was time to leave and start his adventure. Again.

The next morning, he opened his door and stopped abruptly in the middle of the doorway. Maggie stood in front of his door, a duffle in her hands. “Maggie, what are you doing?”

She looked down at the duffle. “I didn’t know what to pack. I’m sure I’ve forgotten half of what I need so you better be willing to go shopping with me when I need something.”

“I don’t understand.” He looked at her then at his bike.

Maggie’s eyes widened and then she brought her hand up to her lips. “Oh, no. Tell me you weren’t just being polite and you never wanted me to come along at all.”

He stepped toward her and pulled her into his arms. “I want you to come. I just never thought you would.” He kissed her. Her face was wet with tears. He broke off and leaned back. “Don’t tell me you’re crying?”

“I’m happy.” Maggie wiped her face and handed him her bag. “Is this too big?”

He shook his head and walked with her to the bike. “It’s perfect.” He finished packing the bike then handed her his extra helmet. He surveyed her outfit. Jeans, heavy boots, several layers of shirts and a leather jacket. The girl must have ridden before.

He walked through the motel room that had been his home for the last week, checking that he didn’t leave anything behind. When he was certain he had packed everything, he set the key down on the table and went outside. Maggie was fumbling with the strap on the helmet. He adjusted it, then tapped her nose with a finger. “We should be able to get through Montana today. You just tell me when you want to stop for breaks. There’s no hurry. We’ve got all the time in the world.”

***

Maggie hadn’t even suggested stopping, yet she was glad when she felt the bike’s engine shift and Josh pulled into the parking lot of a local chain of restaurants. Known for their omelets, the place knew how to put on a good breakfast. She was hungry and realized she hadn’t eaten in a while. Not a full meal, at least since Sunday. She’d had a lot of time to think while Josh drove them out of St. Josephs and out to the freeway. She knew she was doing the right thing for herself. She just worried about the ones she left behind. Did everyone feel this strong of pull toward home when they tried to leave? Or was her response intensified since this was the first time since college she would be away from Castle View and her family?

Josh turned off the bike and climbed off. She waited for him to hold out his hand to steady her and then she dismounted too. She pulled off the helmet and let her hair down around her shoulders. Her legs felt weak on the solid pavement. “She’s got a nice ride. Not too bumpy at all.”

Josh smiled and pointed to the restaurant. “Let’s go get some breakfast. I need a cup of coffee.”

“Don’t tell me you’re feeling sleepy.” Maggie looked at her watch. “It’s not quite eight in the morning. We won’t get anywhere if you can only drive a few miles without getting drowsy.”

Josh held the door open for her, then followed her inside. “Not drowsy, I just need some coffee. I’m feeling like I’m in withdrawals.”

They found a booth and sat on opposite sides of the table. The waitress brought a pot of coffee with the menus and filled both cups on the table. After they’d ordered, he leaned back in the booth. “How’s your mom?”

“Surprisingly well. I guess having a hip replacement these days isn’t a big deal.” She sipped her coffee.

“Unless you do it after a fall and in the middle of the night with a surgeon you’ve never met.”

“Well, since you put it that way, I guess she’s lucky to be alive.” Maggie brushed her hair out of her face. “Where do you think we’ll end up today?”

Josh finished his coffee and held it up to get their server’s attention. Finally, his cup filled, he took a sip and set it down, his hands wrapped around the mug. “You’re going home.”

She sat back stunned. “What are you talking about?”

He put his hand up. “Just listen to me. You shouldn’t be taking off on a joy ride now. If anything happens while you’re gone, you’ll never forgive me. And honestly, that’s not the way I want our lives to start.” He took her hand in his. “Besides, I’m not going on. I’m going home myself.”

“Something your sister said?” Maggie liked the way her hand felt with his covering it. She felt warm all over. She shook her head. There were more important things to think about. “I can’t believe you’re just now figuring this out.”

“I never said I was a smart guy.” He grinned. “I’m sorry I led you on. I like you, I really do. And hopefully after we get our lives in order, maybe we can try to work
us
out.”

“Maybe I don’t want to work us out.” Maggie pulled her hand out from under his and crossed her arms, knowing that she was acting like a child.

He tapped his spoon on the table. He didn’t look at her. “Maybe not, but I think you do. You wouldn’t have come with me if you didn’t.”

She pushed her coffee away. “Just take me home.” She started to stand but the look he shot her was filled with such pain, she sank back down. “Fine, just tell me why you’ve done a one-eighty on the trip?”

“I owe you that.” He rubbed his forehead, then leaned forward, his arms on the table. “My father is ill. He has asked me to come home to handle a few things.”

“Like take over the restaurant?” Maggie sighed. If Josh went home, he wouldn’t be coming back to St. Josephs any time soon.

To her surprise, he shook his head. “My brothers are more than capable of handling one restaurant. Papa wants to make things right between us before he goes to heaven.”

Maggie’s eyes widened. “He’s dying? I thought you said he was just ill?”

“He’s not dying. I talked to his doctor last night. Papa just thinks if he doesn’t make things right, he will die. He’s kind of superstitious. Of course, it didn’t help anything that Mama told him he had the curse floating around his body when she visited him at the hospital.”

“Your mother is a fortune teller?”

Josh shrugged. “She thinks so. The more important thing is that Papa believes it.”

“Wait, why would she lie?” Maggie sipped her coffee watching his face.

A grin spread over his face. “Because I’m her favorite. Mama doesn’t like it when the family is fighting.”