Firefly Duet: New Beginnings and Lasting Love Read online

  “Thanks, Mom.” Sofia put her hand on her mother’s. “My father has said those words my whole life. Kind of a ‘pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps’ idea.

  Cindy nodded, then jotted something in the notebook. “What’s that look like for you, Mia?”

  When her mother let go her hand, Sofia rested hers in her lap again.

  “Me?” Mia’s voice rose an octave.

  “Yes.”

  “For myself?”

  Her mother put her hands to her chest and then gestured in her direction. “Or what’s that look like for my daughter?”

  The shrug Cindy gave was misleadingly nonchalant if Sofia’s racing pulse had anything to say about it.

  “Whatever is comfortable.” Cindy glanced back and forth between them.

  “So…” Sofia took over as her mother pushed back in her seat, appearing startled as if she’d been called on by the teacher in a classroom. “I think what those words mean is to get back to your responsibilities. In my case, New York. My job. I need to find a place to live since I couldn’t afford to keep my apartment when I left.” She set her feet back on the floor and busied herself as she spoke, moving her empty shoes from in front of her chair to the side of her chair.

  “I suppose I can start sitting with Valerie at Anthony’s football games again too. That sounds fun.” Sofia both trying and failing to keep disappointment out of her tone.

  “Valerie was…?” Cindy asked.

  “Anthony’s girlfriend.” Mia sat up straight, folding her arms across her chest. “In fact, his fiancée. They just never got the chance.”

  “That must be very painful for you.”

  “It is.” Mia chin lifted. “So many hopes.”

  Sofia made eye contact with Cindy. “My parents are going to start a scholarship at the school where Anthony was a football coach.”

  “What a wonderful and generous offer,” Cindy encouraged. “Sofia and I have talked about a tangible way for her to honor her brother’s memory too.”

  “Right.” Sofia nodded. “I brought that up in the car yesterday, remember Mom? I could put together something with all the photos I’ve taken over the years of Anthony and his teams.” Sofia smiled with enthusiasm. “Maybe others would make donations and his scholarship would be even bigger?”

  “I don’t know if that’s what your father has in mind. Other people involved. I mean. It’s his idea. For Anthony.” Her mother directed a smile toward Cindy. “For our son.”

  “And, my brother.” Sofia voice shook. “You don’t want me to participate? Is that it? Because I’ve brought it up twice now and both times you’ve acted like I’m infringing.”

  Her mother re-crossed her legs and shot a strained grimace in Dr. Wheeler’s direction before turning to Sofia. “Of course, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m…just feeling uncomfortable talking about family business in front of a…someone I’ve just met.”

  “She’s a psychiatrist.” Sofia felt heat flush her cheeks as she stood. “You know what? Let’s not talk. Let’s go downstairs and go to the bookstore and lunch and out to the lodge and pretend this never happened.” A sudden stitch in her side developed as if she’d run a city block. Sofia put her hand on her ribs and turned away from her mother to face Cindy. “Besides, I’ve made the decision to stay in Ashnee Valley and help Jim with the lodge and honoring his late mother’s artwork. It’ll be a good way for me to reboot my photography career and thank the Mannis family for all they’re doing for me.” Sofia clapped her hands. “How’s that for getting back to the business of living?”

  “Let’s slow down. It’s okay to pause for a moment,” Cindy said.

  “Sit, Sofia. Please,” her mother pleaded.

  Sofia remained standing. “I shouldn’t have shouted. I don’t know what you want, Mom. I don’t know why this isn’t going better. I’m sorry.”

  “I’m sorry too, honey.”

  At the shaky tone as her mother continued speaking, Sofia sat again and listened.

  “I’m struggling.” Mia said. “I don’t have a role anymore. I don’t have anything to do. Your father has this scholarship and you’ve always been so independent. Anthony needed me. Not just because he was sick. I thought my next stage was going to be as a grandmother.”

  “Mom.” Sofia picked up the tissue box from the table and held it out. “You have your job. Your brothers and sisters and friends. Who says you won’t be a grandmother? I’m sorry I haven’t been there these last several weeks. I think about Anthony every day. I miss him so much.”

  “I know you do.” Her mother blew her nose and took a deep breath. “Okay, that’s enough of that.” She announced abruptly.

  “If only it were that easy. Loss and grief and trying to find purpose again is difficult work,” Dr. Wheeler said. “It’s also okay to take time to figure it out. The two of you might try these next few days talking less as mother and daughter. Loosen those roles so you can support each other. You’re brave women finding new paths.”

  “I like that idea.” Mia nodded. “I’m afraid I’ve worn myself out and it’s only eleven-thirty. That may be all I have in me today.”

  Sofia slapped her hand to her knee. “Let’s go to the bookstore and lunch. I’m hungry. You’re welcome to join us, Cindy.”

  “That’s sweet, thank you. But I have another appointment coming up.” She closed her notebook. “Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Wheeler,” Mia said.

  “You’re welcome. I’m so glad I had a chance to spend time with you during your visit.”

  “Mom, I’ll meet you in the bookstore in a second, okay?” She closed the door as her mom descended the steps to the street below.

  “Shall I schedule you for next week?”

  “Yes, please, unless you have another slot open right now.”

  Cindy laughed. “Do you still have my cell number in case of emergency?”

  “I do.”

  “Good. Call me if you need anything. Seriously. This isn’t easy.”

  Jim led the way to the upstairs of the lodge, talking with Chris, the contractor and a few others from the construction company he’d hired. “My suggestion is we start from the top and work our way down. Note anything and everything that needs repair.”

  “I usually start outside and work my way inside, then bottom to top. But, sure. We can start this way instead.”

  Jim turned mid-way on the steps. “If you’re telling me that’s the right way to do this, then that’s how we need to do it.” He waved the men back. “Let’s head outside and start over.” The heavy clomp of work boots covered the angry oath Jim muttered as he followed the group.

  Where the hell are you, Jett?

  Gathered outside, he gestured for Chris to take the lead. “Listen, my brother is the one who knows construction better than me. He was supposed to here.” Jim rubbed his eyes as he spoke. “Whatever, that’s not important. I hired you. You’re the expert. Don’t gloss over anything. Tell me everything that’s an issue, no matter how big or small.”

  “You got it. I’m going to have the guys fan off to take a look around on their own too.” Chris pulled a notebook from his back pocket and gestured for the others to disperse. “Let’s you and I start at the back and work our way around.” They walked side-by-side through the overgrown grass around the perimeter of the lodge. “Jett’s your younger brother?”

  “Yep.” Jim answered with a curt nod. “You know him?”

  Chris tilted his head from one side to the other. “Not really. I’ve met him. He has a good reputation as far as construction knowledge, but I don’t think I’ve ever worked directly with him on a job.”

  “You’d remember.” Jim scoffed. “He’s fucking unreliable.”

  Chris grunted. “I can’t say I haven’t heard that too.”

  “I imagine.”

  He quit walking when Chris stopped to look him in the eye. “I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot, but I do have a question.”


  “Ask it,” Jim said. “You don’t need to mince words.”

  “You’re the boss ultimately. Saying that, I lead my own guys and I don’t put up with unnecessary bullshit on the job. I’m not in a position where I have to take this job, if you understand my meaning. How much is your brother going to be involved and how much do I need to worry about it?”

  I really want to pound the shit out of you, Jett.

  Jim shifted his stance, so he could look toward Mercy Mountain and took his time before responding.

  I can’t believe I’m going to say this.

  “This lodge is my late mother’s legacy. This property is going to help support my nieces and nephews going to college. It’s going to be my livelihood, my sister’s and my brother’s. Jett is family. So, somehow, he’s going to be a part of things.” Jim shrugged. “Even though I’d really like to punch his fucking face in right now.”

  Chris laughed with a nod.

  “If that makes you want to opt out,” Jim continued, “I get it and I wouldn’t hold it against you. But if you want the job, then know I’m not going to be cutting any corners. I want this property to put Ashnee Valley on the map.”

  A smile and gesture from Chris got them walking again. “I’m in. Or at least until you get my quote.”

  Jim pulled his vibrating phone from his pocket. “You don’t need to worry about Jett. I’ll look after my brother.”

  “Works for me.”

  “Excuse me a second. You go ahead, I’ll catch up.” Jim stepped away looking at the incoming text.

  Sofia: Did Jett show? I’m pretty sure

  I’m looking at his truck parked downtown.

  Jim: No word. No show. Where downtown?

  Sofia: By Dr. Wheeler’s office. Mom and I were at the

  bookstore after my appointment. Do you think he’s a patient

  of hers?

  Jim: No way. He’s probably at the bar around the

  corner.

  Sofia: I hope not. Is it going okay otherwise?

  Jim: Yes. How about your appointment?

  Sofia: Emotional. Grandmother dreams.

  I’ll tell you about it later.

  Jim: Are you still bringing your mom out here?

  Sofia: I don’t think so, she’s worn out. We’re going to

  have lunch, then I’ll take her back to the B&B.

  I could meet you at the lodge.

  Jim: Can’t. I have to be in Four Bears with Rafe by

  2:30 to look at stone for the fireplace.

  Sofia: Bummer. I’m still going to go and take

  more photos this afternoon.

  Jim: I miss you today.

  Sofia: I miss you too.

  Jim: See you tomorrow at the ranch.

  Sofia: Can’t wait.

  Chapter 19

  Sofia sat cross-legged on the bed writing in a notebook as her mother listed the ingredients they would need to buy to make paella.

  “I found a bakery where we can buy churros for dessert. It’s not far from here. We could stop there first and then go to the grocery and then the farmer’s market,” Mia said.

  “When did you find a place with churros?”

  “Yesterday, after you dropped me off. I napped a little and took a short walk downtown.”

  Sofia gathered her hair into a ponytail and smiled. “You seem like you feel better today?”

  “Yes. I think it was the jet-lag making me feel so out of sorts. My headache is gone, thank goodness.” Mia rubbed her hands together. “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. You know how I love cooking for a crowd.”

  Sofia stood and walked toward the bathroom as she spoke. “I do. It should be fun today. Kai’s kids are adorable, and I can’t wait until you meet Ben.”

  “Who else will be there?”

  Sofia leaned on the doorframe of the bathroom facing her mother and counted off on her fingers. “Ben, Jim, Kai, and Leo, and their five kids. Rafe, he’s Jim’s friend. Dr. Wheeler was invited, but I’m not sure if she’s coming. And maybe Jett, he’s Jim’s and Kai’s younger brother. So, that’s fifteen if you add the two of us.”

  Mia lifted her shoulders in an excited shrug. “Go shower and let’s get moving.”

  An hour and a half later, Sofia put the last of the grocery bags in the trunk and got in the car. “Okay, next stop is the farmer’s market.” She glanced at the sweet little smile on her mother’s face and paused before starting the engine. “What’s that look for?”

  “I’ve missed you. It can’t have been easy to come here on your own. I don’t know if I could have done the same.”

  Sofia pulled her chin back. “Sure you could have, Mom. If anyone has been strong, it’s you. And Dad.”

  Mia nodded. “Thank you. I miss our family’s old life. I miss feeling normal. I don’t know if that will ever return.”

  “I miss the way things used to be too.”

  “I know you do. I’m sorry.” Her mother shook her head. “Today is a good day. We take the days as they come, yes?”

  “Right.” Sofia turned the key in the ignition. “We take the days as they come.”

  And what a glorious blue-sky day it is.

  Forty-five minutes later, Sofia drove under the Mannis Ranch arch toward the house at the end of the lane. The driveway was empty, including Ben’s truck.

  “Oh good. It looks like we’ll be able to get started cooking before everyone arrives. Ben is probably at the senior center. He spends a lot of his time there on the weekends.” Sofia got out of the car, opened the trunk ,and handed her mother a bag before picking up another. “I’ll show you the house and the room where I’ve been staying. The view of Mercy Mountain out the back of the house is amazing.” Sofia opened the door and walked into the kitchen first. “Let’s set everything on the table for now.”

  “This kitchen is darling. It reminds me of the house I grew up in. Your grandmother had a refrigerator just like this, but in robin-egg blue. That’s a vintage oven, if I’ve ever seen one too.”

  “We may have to improvise a bit on cooking pans and utensils. Ben’s been a bachelor for a long time. He pretty much has one of everything.”

  Mia laughed. “We’ll make do. As long as we can find a couple big pans and a big spoon.”

  For the next hour, Sofia washed vegetables, made a salad, and acted as prep-cook to her head chef mother. Glancing out the window over the sink, she saw the first of the family arrive as Kai and Leo’s mini-van pulled into the driveway. Turning off the faucet, she wiped her hands on a dish towel.

  “Kai’s here.”

  Mia set the timer on the stove for the rice to cook. “Perfect timing for a short break.”

  “Hello,” Leo called as he opened the door and ushered the kids into the kitchen with Kai following.

  “Hi, everyone.” Sofia put her arms wide. “Come in.”

  “It smells fantastic in here.” Kai set a large relish tray on the kitchen table. “Hi, Mrs. Russo. I’m Kai, Jim’s sister. This is my husband, Leo.”

  “Hello, everyone.” Mia took off the apron tied around her waist to greet each family member as if she walked a reception line as Kai introduced her family.

  “This is Will, the oldest. Then Jocelyn. And this is her best friend, Nicki.

  “These are the twins Aiden and Luke.”

  Sofia’s mother squatted to meet them eye-to-eye. “Hello boys.”

  Kai ran a hand along her youngest daughter’s hair. “And this is Suze, our youngest.”

  “What a pretty pink dress you’re wearing, Suze.” Mia smiled and stood. “What a lovely family. It’s so wonderful to meet all of you. I wish my husband, Frank, were here. He adores children. Sofia has probably told you we have a very large family.”

  “She may have mentioned that.” Ben chuckled from the doorway surprising the group on his arrival.

  “Ben, you’re here!” Sofia bounced on the balls of her feet. “This is my mother, Mia Russo.”

  “Mia. Welcome.” Ben embraced he
r mother who initiated the hug, her arms wide.

  “Thank you so much for what you’ve done for our family. You and Jim especially. What all of you have done.”

  “Don’t mention it. It’s been our pleasure.”

  “Grandpa, Grandpa, Grandpa. Can we go out back?”

  “It’s okay with me if it’s okay with your mom and dad. Don’t mess up the picnic tables in the yard.”

  “Come on gang. Let’s quit clogging up the kitchen.” Kid voices trailed behind Leo and Ben as they headed through the house and out the sliding door to the backyard.

  “I want to go in the barn.”

  “Can we go fishing later?”

  “When do we eat?”

  Kai turned to Sofia and her mom. “Leo has the patience of a saint. How can I be of help? Put me to work.”

  “The salad you brought looks so yummy,” Sofia said.

  “Do you want to prepare the shrimp?”

  “Sure!” Kai answered Mia’s suggestion. “I’m excited you’re here. Have you ever been to Colorado?”

  Mia resumed her post at the stove. “I’ve never been west of the Mississippi.”

  “What do you think so far? Did Sofia show you the view of the mountains? Dad has the best view in Ashnee Valley – other than the lodge.”

  “It’s lovely. Very different than New York City.”

  “I’ve only been to New York once. I went to visit Jim there when he first got out of the Army. It was exciting.” Kai tilted her head. “I’m more of a nature girl, I guess. I think Sofia’s catching on too. She’s even been fishing. She hasn’t ridden a horse, so we haven’t broken her all the way in yet.”

  Sofia rolled her eyes. “Jim wanted to take me horseback riding on day two or something. I think Ben talked him out of it.”

  “Speak of the devil.” Kai crossed the room to open the backdoor for Jim to enter.

  “Hi ladies. How’s the cooking going?”

  Sofia took a few steps his direction and stopped short. “Hi, Jim.”

  Okay, don’t jump into his arms.

  “Things are coming along,” Mia answered in a cheerful tone and turned back toward the stove.