Firefly Duet: New Beginnings and Lasting Love Read online

  “Are you kidding? That will be my mom’s favorite part. We’re going to knock everyone’s socks off with her authentic Spanish cooking.”

  “Just the thought of that makes my stomach growl,” Jim said. “What else do you have planned?”

  Now that they were off the curvy canyon road and on the highway, Sofia poured another cup of coffee, offering it to him.

  “I’m glad you asked. Are you okay if I take Mom to the lodge? I want to take some more pictures, especially now that I have your mother’s art journals from last night. I’m not sure if that will happen on Friday or Saturday though.”

  “Sure. The key is under the plant near the front door. But you don’t need to do that. I don’t expect you to be working on the before pictures while she’s here or any other work related to the lodge.”

  “I know you don’t. I want to though. I’m excited about the idea of the linking project Doc Cindy suggested. It was supposed to be a way to work through grief about Anthony, but my focus is leaning toward how my photography can help shape something for the Mannis family’s future. About your dad, about your mom’s art, about you, Jett, and Kai building your futures around the lodge. By the way, I have another appointment with Dr. Wheeler tomorrow and Mom is going to come to that.”

  “What about your future?” Jim asked, looking over at her profile as she stared out the window.

  “That is what I’m talking about. One more shot. I could see the lodge restoration even becoming a book.”

  “What does one more shot mean?”

  “Before other things.” She turned his direction. “Before I do the things everyone does.” Sofia waved her hand and laughed a little too hard for his liking before staring out the window again. “Settle down, have kids. All that. It’s going to be a full court press coming from my parents whenever I do go home. You wouldn’t want to move back to New York by any chance, would you?”

  “I’m afraid my New York days are over.”

  “I know. I was kidding.”

  “Was it a mistake for me to invite your mom?”

  “No, not at all.” Sofia shook her head.

  He debated whether to push the elephant in the room completely out in the open. “Do you want to talk about this more?”

  Sofia shrugged. “About what more?”

  Okay.

  Jim took the next exit off the highway and turned left, following the sign to the arrival deck at the airport.

  “Hey, when you see Rafe later, will you let him know he won’t need to drop me off for my doctor appointment tomorrow?” Sofia said.

  “He’ll be crushed,” Jim said, trying to lighten the mood as he pulled the car to the curb.

  “Yeah, well, life doesn’t always work out the way we want.” Sofia pointed toward Mia Russo walking through the double doors to the outside. “There she is.” She opened her door and jumped out. “Mom!”

  He put the car in park, popped the trunk, and got out, watching as the two women embraced. He’d forgotten how much mother and daughter looked alike. Same height, build, long brown hair.

  “You’re thinner. Are you eating enough?” Sofia’s mother asked as they walked back toward the car.

  “Hi, Mrs. Russo.” Jim smiled. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “You too. You can call me Mia, by the way.”

  He reached for her bag and put it in the trunk.

  “Thank you, Jim. Now give me a hug too.”

  He leaned forward, patting Sofia’s mother on the back as she hugged him.

  Sofia opened the car door. “I’m going to sit in the back with Mom so we can talk.”

  “You got it. Enjoy each other. I’ll just drive.”

  The ride back to Ashnee Valley was more awkward than he anticipated. He couldn’t put the window down without the breeze being too windy for the backseat. He couldn’t turn on the radio or they wouldn’t be able to hear each other.

  “Jim, how’s your father doing?” Mia asked at one point.

  “All good. You should ask your daughter too since she’s been living with him.”

  He loved hearing Sofia’s enthusiasm as she spoke about his father. “Ben is great, Mom. He makes me breakfast. We garden. I’ve even fed his chickens and horse. In the evenings we read or listen to country music. It’s been relaxing. Ashnee Valley is an entirely different speed than New York City.”

  “He makes you breakfast? Sofia, that’s something you should do for him, not the other way around.”

  “Dad’s a rancher, Mrs. Russo,” Jim chimed in. “He’s going to have breakfast going long before Sofia’s even awake.”

  It was impossible to avoid locking eyes with Sofia in the rearview mirror after his idiotic response to her mother’s scolding. Sorry. He mouthed the word with a grimace.

  Okay, moron, pretend you’re not listening to every word of their conversation.

  “How’s Dad doing?”

  “You know your father. Work keeps him sane. He’s been in touch with the high school to set up a football scholarship. It won’t be big dollars, but it will be something in Anthony’s name.”

  “That’s wonderful, maybe I can contribute? Dr. Wheeler has this idea…”

  “You don’t even have a job at the moment.” Jim cringed when Sofia’s mother interrupted mid-sentence. “It’s something your father is doing. Carrying the family name forward is important.”

  “It wouldn’t have to be money. I could do something with all the photographs I’ve taken of Anthony and his players over the years.”

  “That’s a nice idea. Why don’t you mention that the next time you talk to him? Oh, you know who we see every weekend? Valerie. We sit with her at the Friday night games.”

  Jim took in the clouds forming over the mountains. “Looks like we might get a little rain.” He rolled his shoulders at the lack of response from the backseat.

  “You’re still going to football games?”

  “Yes. Valerie and your brother remind me so much of your father and I when we first met. Anyway, I think it helps for us to be there. Anthony gave her a ring. Did you know he’d done that?”

  Jim rubbed the back of his neck. Unable to withstand the awkward conversation, he started fiddling with the radio, adjusting the station and volume. “Sorry ladies, I need to interrupt for a moment and catch the weather report. Just give me a minute.”

  “That’s fine, I’ll take in the view,” Mia said. “I’ve never been to Colorado. It’s beautiful.”

  He took a deep breath and kept his attention on the road until his heart couldn’t stop his gaze from lifting and meeting Sofia’s watery eyes in the mirror.

  After the longest hour and a half drive of his life, he finally pulled the car in front of the Sinclair B&B and cut the engine. “Here we are.”

  “This little town is charming,” Mia said.

  “Just wait until we drive through the canyon to get to the lodge,” Sofia responded. “I’ve never seen anything like the mountains around here.”

  “Speaking of driving, I’m going to leave Kai’s car with you ladies. She’s on her way over from work to give me a lift home. Kai’s my sister,” Jim added for Mia’s benefit. “We swapped vehicles, so she has my truck today. You’ll meet her family at the ranch on Saturday.”

  “Sofia told me she has five kids.” Mia smiled. “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. Your whole family has done so much for ours.”

  They got out of the car and Jim lifted the suitcase from the trunk. “I couldn’t have accomplished what I have already on the lodge without your daughter’s help, so it all has worked out well.” Standing behind Mia, Sofia shook her head in his direction, only moving her lips. It’s okay.

  Jim turned and led the way up the short walk and front step of the B&B. He set the suitcase down and opened the door for Sofia and her mother to go first. With Mia occupied checking in, he offered his goodbyes and headed outside.

  “I’ll be right back, Mom. I forgot to ask Jim something.” Sofia descended the step
s behind him. When she grabbed his hand, he followed, letting her pull him across the grass and around the corner to the side of the house.

  “It’s okay.” She stared up at him.

  “What the fuck was that in the car? That passive aggressive shit?” He grabbed the back of his neck, a headache coming on.

  “She’s out of her element. It’s just a reaction to feeling out of control of the circumstances.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m positive. Listen, I know my mother. She’s very comfortable on her own turf. We’ll find our footing again when it’s just the two of us. No offense.”

  Jim shrugged. “None taken, I guess.”

  “There is something you could do that would help.” Sofia pushed him backward until his back rested against the side of the house. “Kiss me.”

  That I can do.

  Slipping one hand in her hair and the other on her backside, he molded her entire length along his body and covered her lips with his. “I’m going to miss you.” He said a few minutes later when he ended the kiss and walked with her to the front of the B&B.

  “Yes, you are.” She waved at Kai arriving in his truck. “See you in a couple days. Don’t worry.”

  He took his sister up on her offer to drive, staring out the window with little conversation between them as they headed through town.

  “Are you all right?” Kai asked eventually.

  He cleared his throat. “I’m fine. Just thinking about all the stuff I want to get done in the next couple days. Could we stop for a second at the senior center gardens? Rafe told me one of Mom’s sculptures is there. Do you have time?”

  “Sure. It’s the angler one. I may stay in the car if that’s okay. I need to return a call to Suze’s doctor.” Kai looked his way with a smile. “It’s not like I haven’t seen that sculpture a million times already.”

  Jim got out and headed down a path along the gentle slope that led to an area that ran along the Talking Fish River. At the bottom of the hill, he turned looking back at the old folks home, a one-story white building with the tall windows. Lifting his hand, he acknowledged Kai’s gesture out the car window, pointing the direction he should take to find the sculpture.

  Only a few steps more and he found himself surprisingly isolated. The river to his left, an embankment thick with brush to his right, a narrow path between. He stepped over roots and rocks muttering at the ridiculous idea any seniors would risk tripping and falling in order to see the sculpture. This is stupid. I should bring it back to the lodge. It’s of me fishing. At least I’ll enjoy it.

  Lifting a low hanging branch, he dipped his head and walked through to a clearing.

  “What.” He said the word out loud letting his head fall back, looking at the blue Colorado sky. He clasped his hands on his head, staring at the sculpture of him and his brother fishing. His pose in the midst of reeling in a fish, where Jett held a net, his prize fish already secured.

  Jim inhaled the scent of pine and mulch and faced the water, examining the rocks forming a bridge across a shallow part of the river. In a familiar gesture, he glanced at his watch hearing his teen voice encouraging a younger Jett as they took turns timing each other racing across and back.

  “Go, go, go! That’s the way, Jett! Twenty-three seconds!”

  “You still beat me by a lot.”

  “I have longer legs. You’ll catch up soon.”

  In the distance, he heard Kai start the engine again and walked back toward the hill.

  I wanted to stay where we left off. Running the rocks. I bet you’ve never understood why I had to leave.

  “How’d it go?” Kai asked when he returned.

  “The path is overgrown. My memory of the sculpture was way off. I thought it was only of me fishing. Not me and Jett.”

  “Ouch. Don’t tell anyone else that.”

  He blew out a breath. “I knew coming home would be hard, but this shit… I’d rather skip the past jumping out from behind every corner.”

  “Good luck. The truth is, Jim, you’re going to have to scour and rinse your heart or you won’t ever enjoy what’s right in front of you.” Kai waited as he buckled his seat belt. “None of you Mannis boys are good at that.”

  “Boys?” Jim grumbled.

  “Yes. I’m including Dad too.”

  “You could be right, but you can cut me some slack. Tomorrow morning, I’m meeting Jett at the lodge now that we have a construction crew signed on. Do you want to be there?”

  “I can’t. I have to work. I trust you. I’m glad you’re finding a way to give Jett a chance.”

  “It’s important to Dad.”

  “Sometimes I try to remember how young he was when Mom died. We’ve tried with him, you know. Over the years. Leo and me.”

  “The reality is, things won’t change until he stops drinking.”

  “I know. I’m just as guilty as anyone for babying him.”

  Her eyes steady on the road, he studied his sister’s profile. Kai’s dark hair came from the Mannis side of the family, definitely not their mother’s side. Deep tan skin like their father from years in the sunshine. Smart. Independent. Strong. “All the Mannis men you put up with are lucky to have you around. Leo too.”

  Kai snorted. “Tell that to my husband when all the kids are screaming for attention.”

  “You’re a good person, Kai. A great daughter. A good sister. A fantastic mother. You run a clinic for God’s sake.”

  She turned, making eye contact for a second. “What is this?” Her laugh, suspicious. “Are you buttering me up for something?”

  He grinned. “No. I’m just saying stuff I should have been here to say a long time ago.”

  She reached sideways and patted his upper arm. “I like this new you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Kai lifted a shoulder, then made the turn up the driveway to her house. “With Sofia. She balances out your natural intensity.”

  Jim let his head fall back on the headrest with a thud as Kai snickered. “Ah, here we go.”

  “Okay, okay. I’ll stop for now.” She took off her seatbelt and opened the door. “But Saturday…I plan to charm Mrs. Russo. You watch. I can be very persuasive.”

  “Kai,” Jim warned with a groan. “Why are you so hell bent on match-making?”

  He got out of the truck and walked around to the driver’s side to look down at his sister. “You’re a busy-body and you’re stupid short.” He took a step backward when she landed a mild punch to his arm. “Ow!”

  “Oh, please.” Kai rolled her eyes. “I’m your older sister and I know best. And I love you – you big dork.”

  Jim opened his arms for a hug. “I love you too.”

  Chapter 18

  Sofia opened the door next to the entrance to the Queen Bee Bookstore and gestured for her mother to go first.

  “That looks like a cute store.” Her mother said as Sofia followed up the stairs to Dr. Wheeler’s office.

  “I still haven’t been in there. We could go in after my appointment if you want.”

  “Let’s do that and then get some lunch. Sound good?”

  “Perfect.” Sofia smiled to herself at the morning being off to a much better start than yesterday’s disastrous ride back from the airport. In the small waiting area, she sat next her mom on the couch and pulled out her phone, sending Jim a quick text.

  Sofia: At doctor appointment. All good. Mom slept well.

  Have a good morning at the lodge with Jett.

  Her phone buzzed quietly notifying her of a reply.

  Jim: Good to hear. So far, Jett’s a no-show.

  Sofia: Hang in there. He’ll show…I hope.

  Jim: For his sake, he better.

  Dr. Wheeler’s office door opened and Sofia stood. “We can head back,” she said, smiling at her mom.

  “Was there another patient here?” her mother asked.

  “Probably. There’s a separate door at the other end of the hall where you can depart from if yo
u want.”

  “Really?”

  “This is a small town, Mom. Everyone knows everyone. It doesn’t ensure total anonymity.”

  “But at least you don’t have to look your neighbor square in the eye,” Cindy joked, standing in the doorway of her office before gesturing them inside. “Mrs. Russo, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Cindy Wheeler”

  “It’s nice to meet you too. Please call me Mia. Dr. Platt in New York says glowing things about you and your practice.”

  “That’s nice to hear. Sit wherever you are comfortable. Sofia, I know you want a water. Mia, would you like one too?”

  Sofia smiled at the ease and friendliness Cindy exuded. She took a deep breath and sat next to her mother’s chair, removing her shoes and tucking her feet underneath her.

  “How was your flight?” Cindy asked.

  Mia set her purse beside her chair on the floor. “It was fine. Long. I don’t travel often. I’d forgotten how tiring it can be.”

  “There’s also the time change.”

  Mia laughed softly in response. “I slept like a rock last night. I’m excited today to see more of the town with Sofia.”

  Cindy placed two water bottles on the coffee table and sat down. “I spent my very early years here, then my family moved to Utah. But here’s always where I’ve felt most at home.” She opened her notebook on her lap. “Sofia and I have met a handful of times in the last few weeks. I’m very sorry for your family’s loss. She’s told me so many wonderful things about Anthony.”

  “Thank you,” Mia said.

  After several minutes of chit-chat, Cindy paused. “I usually ask Sofia where she’d like to begin. Maybe, where we left off from last time or if there are new things on your mind? Perhaps there is something the two of you wish to discuss?”

  Sofia’s eyes met her mother’s deer-in-the headlight expression.

  “We didn’t really come up with a plan, did we?” Mia answered first, her voice a nervous twitter. “For me, I want to be here to support Sofia. Her father and I want her to move forward. Frank, that’s Sofia’s father, always says we need to ‘get back to the business of living’. I think that’s what we all need to be doing. After losing Anthony.”