Begin Again (Crimson Romance) Read online

  Maisie put the ketchup back in the cabinet. “I’m fine.”

  Ginger stood, hands on her hips, white hair poofed up so much she appeared two inches taller than she really was. She probably had stock in the hair spray industry. “Take five.”

  Maisie sighed. “Alright.” Annoyed, she got herself a soda from the fountain and sat down. A customer walked in, and Ginger took care of her. Maisie crossed her legs and bounced her foot up and down. She tapped her fingers as she sipped on her drink, waiting for the five minutes to be up. Turning to glance at the clock, she stood up and, not looking where she was going, fell against strong arms that caught her as she slammed into a solid chest. Her eyes climbed from the teal-colored polo shirt up to the blue eyes of the man she’d just smashed into and recognized them right away. After a gulp she whispered, “I’m sorry.”

  His dimple made an appearance as his lips formed an adorable smile. “Hey, that’s okay.”

  “What can I get you?” She recalled he’d had apple pie last night. “And a slice of pie is on me for almost knocking you down.” She fiddled nervously with the pen inside her apron pocket. What is wrong with me?

  Dazzling Eyes shrugged. “No offense, but I don’t think you could knock me down if you tried.” He walked over to the counter and took a seat on the stool. “Pie would be great. Do you still have apple?”

  We always have apple. “Apple and blueberry.”

  “Apple and a glass of milk, please.”

  Maisie nodded, “Sure, be right back.”

  “I’ll be here,” he said, taking out his laptop.

  • • •

  Man, getting this girl to smile would be harder than he’d thought. Oh well, he always did like a challenge. Standing that close to her when she had run into him, Ryan had noticed a few light freckles on her nose, as if she wasn’t adorable enough with her flaming red hair and striking green eyes. Like Christmas.

  He watched her walk over to him with his order. She was wearing jeans and a light pink T-shirt with a white apron tied around her waist. A plastic tag on her shirt provided her name. He liked it. It suited her. Determined to get a smile from her, he tried again.

  “Thanks, Maisie.” He smiled as wide as he could without looking like a creep. “With pie this good, you’ll be seeing a lot of me.”

  “Good. Let me know if you need a refill on that milk.” While she didn’t smile, before she disappeared behind the swinging doors he could see a slight blush, about the color of her shirt, rise to her cheeks.

  Ryan laughed to himself before taking a bite of the pie. The tart apples, mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg and all encased in the fluffy, rich crust made his eyes close in delight. Having something sweet and rich after a hectic day of taking care of sick animals had become his tradition. Lucky for him, he had a fast metabolism. His momma always said it would catch up with him one day, but even at twenty-seven he weighed the same as he had in high school.

  Ryan watched Maisie as she rushed about the diner. She was always in a hurry, probably why she’d run smack into him. When she handed him his bill for the glass of milk, he gave her ten dollars. “Keep the change.”

  Maisie drew her thin, perfectly shaped eyebrows together. “That’s like a seven dollar tip.”

  He looked at her with as much seriousness as he could muster. “Worth every penny.”

  She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing a heart-shaped earring. “You know, you’re the best tipper I’ve ever had, and I don’t even know your name.”

  He held out his hand. “Ryan Tucker.”

  Maisie glanced at his outstretched hand and hesitated as if deciding if he was a threat to her well-being.

  She placed her hand in his and gave him a quick, firm shake. “Nice to meet you, Ryan.” She looked over at a man holding his glass up in the air. “Well, gotta go. Thanks again for the generous tip.”

  Ryan got up to leave and remembered she still hadn’t smiled. Oh, well, there was always tomorrow.

  • • •

  Lola followed Maisie out to the parking lot beside the diner. “He was cute.”

  Maisie felt her face warm up, like she’d been standing near a fire. “Who?”

  Lola popped her gum. “That guy you waited on at the counter.”

  Unlocking her car, she turned to Lola and decided to continue to play dumb. “Which one?”

  “The one who shook your hand,” Lola giggled. “I think he likes you.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” Maisie opened her car door, looking away from Lola.

  “Yeah, well, I saw him watching you. He didn’t even notice me.”

  Maisie turned back to her and rolled her eyes. “He’s too old for you. And if he was watching me, it was probably because he was waiting for his bill.”

  “Think what you want, but I know what I saw. He’s interested in more than pie.” Lola straddled her moped and fastened her helmet.

  Maisie shook her head. “You’ve got some imagination.” She got into her car and pulled onto Main Street. Unable to stop thinking about what Lola had said, she let her mind wander. He couldn’t be interested in her, could he? Her mouth felt dry, and her palms started to sweat. Ryan Tucker was handsome and kind. He was just a nice guy, that’s all. If he really was interested in her, he was in for a huge disappointment.

  • • •

  The feel of Maisie’s warm hand in his when she shook it was still on Ryan’s mind long after he left Ginger Snaps. In those few seconds he’d found out something important. He no longer just wanted to make a pretty waitress smile, though it was fun trying. He wanted to get to know her. Maisie’s soft touch reminded him he was a man and happy to be one. He folded his laundry and put it away. Even mundane chores were more exciting when he thought about her.

  “What do you think, Rex?” he asked as he looked over at the rat’s cage. “Do you think this could be the beginning to my long overdue happy ending?”

  Rex walked up the ramp to his dish and took out a block of food to nibble.

  Ryan laughed. “I’ll take that as a maybe.”

  Laundry was finished. There were no dishes to wash thanks to his frozen dinner. He sat down and stretched out his legs across the couch. He closed his eyes and imagined running his fingers through the silk that was Maisie’s hair. This wasn’t like him. He’d never fallen for a woman so fast. Maybe he was just homesick.

  • • •

  Ginger unlocked the diner door for Maisie. The sun hadn’t even come up yet, so it was chilly enough to give Maisie goose bumps. As she tied on her apron, Ginger flipped the sign on the door to open.

  “Did you hear the newest about Mr. Oliver’s toy store?” Ginger asked, turning on the lights.

  Maisie shook her head as she opened the register to count the money.

  “It’s being closed down until his daughter can come from New York to run it.”

  Maisie tilted her head. Mr. Oliver’s store had been there since she could remember. She had hoped to one day buy her own child a toy there. The store was no bigger than the diner, but it was a magical place for little kids. Her mom had bought Maisie her first doll in his store. It was the love for that doll that had made her want to become a mom more than anything. “I feel so bad that he has to retire. At least the store will stay open. I was afraid that some auto parts store or barber shop would move in.”

  Ginger rolled her eyes. “Yeah, like we need any more of those in Pleasant Valley.”

  Maisie closed the register and started the coffee brewing. Soon the wonderful aroma would fill the air. “So when is his daughter supposed to show up?”

  “I heard a few months, maybe longer. She ran a candy store in New York.” Ginger knew more news about this town than the local newspaper. But she’d keep a secret for anyone if they asked her to.

  “A toy st
ore owner is the father of a candy store owner. Sounds like a fun family.” Maisie paused. “It’d be really cool if they combined the toy and candy stores.”

  Ginger laughed. “It’d be a kiddo wonderland.”

  The elderly regular came through the door. He always ordered water and spent most of the morning in the corner booth reading the paper. He took up space that a paying customer could use, but Maisie didn’t mind. The man was a part of the diner as much as the cookie art on the walls.

  • • •

  At six o’clock, Ryan walked down the sidewalk to Ginger Snaps. He inhaled the smell of damp wood. Fresh, brown mulch had been put out under the trees today. He opened the door and walked inside. Of all the little businesses along Main Street, Ginger Snaps was his favorite place to go for several reasons: the pie, the charming, small-town atmosphere, and the waitress with the silky red hair.

  He felt disappointment overcome him when he looked around and didn’t see Maisie.

  A bubbly young girl strolled over to him. “Are you ready to order?”

  Hoping the redhead was somewhere in the back, he replied, “I’m still trying to decide.”

  The girl nodded, making her ponytail swish in the process, “Take your time. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Ryan continued to pretend to study the menu. He felt an anxious spark when Maisie came out of the kitchen holding a tray of food.

  He placed the menu down on the counter. After she helped her other customers, Maisie walked over to him.

  “Lola’s on break. Can I get you something?”

  He studied her face for a hint of what she was feeling. Nope. No smile, no sparkle in her eyes. “Apple pie and milk.”

  “Are you becoming one of my regulars, because if you’re going to order the same thing every night, it’ll save time if I don’t have to ask what you want.”

  He smirked. “You never know, one day I might surprise you.”

  Maisie pursed her lips and nodded. “Okay, be right back with your order.”

  What was it about her that felt like home? And why did he care so much if she smiled?

  • • •

  Maisie opened the swinging doors, almost hitting Lola in the face in the process.

  Lola’s eyes looked as though they might pop out of her head at any moment. “Well?”

  Maisie shook her head at her friend. “Well what?” She went back to get the milk. “He is just like any other customer.”

  Lola narrowed her eyes. “I’m telling you, he was waiting on you to take his order.”

  “Lo, you watch too many romance movies.”

  Lola took the glass of milk from her. “Okay, then let’s see how he reacts when I’m the one bringing him his order.”

  Maisie rolled her eyes. She would not play into Lola’s games. Her heart wasn’t in it. Instead of spying, she counted her tips.

  CHAPTER 2

  “So, did you stop by Ginger Snaps yet?” Alice asked Ryan as he was locking up the clinic. He’d picked this building not only because it was in the heart of town, but because of the gorgeous, dark-stained, oak floors and the built-in bookshelves. He’d enjoyed placing pamphlets and books about critters on the white shelves. There was even enough room for critter treats that could be purchased.

  Ryan took off his white lab coat. “I did, and I’m on my way there again now.”

  Alice picked up her purse. “Told you they have great food. Maybe I’ll head over with you. I can grab dinner for the hubby, that way I won’t have to cook tonight.”

  He never cooked. His freezer was stocked full of food he could nuke. “I haven’t tried the food yet, just dessert.”

  She smiled. “They have the best cheeseburgers, and their home fries are awesome.”

  Ryan looked at his assistant who had immediately reminded him of his older sister when they’d met. “Since it’s so close, I just walk.”

  Alice nodded and followed him out. “Fine by me. I’ll need the exercise after the calories I’m about to consume.”

  • • •

  When Maisie looked up from the counter and saw Ryan Tucker walk in with a pretty blond, she felt regret and relief at the same time. Sure, someday she may be able to have a relationship again, but that someday was far off. If that day ever came, a man like Ryan would be easy to care about.

  Maisie went over to the woman sitting next to Ryan. “What can I get you?”

  Ryan looked at Blondie, “It’s on me.”

  She smiled. “I’ll have two cheeseburgers, two home fries, and two sodas to go. Extra ketchup.”

  Maisie nodded and looked at Ryan in his lime green polo. The man liked bright shirts. And they liked him.

  “I’ll think I’ll try the blueberry pie and a glass of milk.” He winked.

  Maisie nodded and headed to the kitchen to put in their orders. So he’d asked for a different pie. Interesting. Lola walked in as Maisie was pouring the two percent into a frosted glass.

  Lola smiled and walked over to her. “I see he’s back.”

  Maisie put the milk carton back into the fridge. “Yep, and I told you so. Did you see who he’s with?”

  “She’s pretty, but you’re prettier. I’m betting he’ll be back tomorrow. Alone.” Lola giggled.

  Maisie’s eyes widened. “You’re hopeless.” She shoved the cold glass into Lola’s hand. “Take it to him.”

  Lola frowned. “Okay, I will. But I get your tip.”

  Maisie let out a huff. “Fine. Tell Ginger I’m taking five.”

  Lola’s mouth dropped open, then she snapped it shut. Maisie never took breaks unless she was told to. She walked out the back of the diner to get some air. Twilight was setting in, turning the sky a purplish hue. The hair on her arms stood up in chill after a few minutes of the brisk breeze. Even outside, the greasy smell of the diner still clung to her clothing. She leaned on the building and took a deep breath to let the cool air fill her lungs. Would her life ever feel right again? She looked up to the sky. Why did you leave me, Luke? Why did you yell at me to run but you didn’t? She felt tears well up in her eyes but rubbed them away before heading back inside.

  • • •

  “The Pleasant Valley carnival is tomorrow night. Are you going?” Alice asked as they covered the birdcages for the night. Ryan kept a couple of parakeets at the clinic. He took off his lab coat as he waited for Alice to grab her purse.

  “Sounds like fun. Maybe I will,” Ryan said as he turned off the lights.

  Alice smiled. “There’s always a big turnout, and there’s even a Ferris wheel, and a local band plays so people can dance.” She paused. “Although most people go for the food.”

  Ryan laughed. “See you tomorrow. Tell that husband of yours I said hello.” Ryan made sure Alice made it to her car okay then turned the corner to head to the diner.

  Summer was due soon, but the Indiana weather felt like winter tonight. Ryan zipped his jacket all the way up and raised his shoulders to keep the cold air out of his ears. As he got closer, he could smell the comforting aroma of the food from within the diner. He opened the door and walked over to his usual spot at the counter. Maisie was taking a tray full of food to a table to his left. When she looked up and saw him, she held up a finger letting him know she’d be right there.

  Quickly warming up, Ryan shrugged out of his jacket. He looked over the food selection on the menu. Fatty food was big here. He’d better stick with the pie or he just may gain that weight his momma had warned him about. He nodded to the elderly gentleman in the corner. Funny he was always here, but Ryan had yet to see him eat anything.

  • • •

  “Hey, Ryan, apple or blueberry tonight?” Maisie asked as she lifted the glass top off the pie stand.

  He smiled. “I’ll stick with apple.”

 
She slightly tilted her head before walking off. “And milk?”

  “Yeah. When you have a minute, there’s something I want to ask you.” He looked tense.

  Maisie scrunched her eyebrows. “What’s that?”

  “I hear there’s a carnival tomorrow night.” He paused. “I don’t know a lot of people here yet and was wondering if you would go with me.”

  Maisie swallowed, unsure what to say. Was she being asked on a date? She shoved her hands in her back pockets so Ryan couldn’t see them trembling. “Uh, I wasn’t really planning on going.” She nervously blew at a stray hair that had fallen over her eye. If he didn’t know anyone, who was the blond he had been with?

  Ryan hesitated as if he were trying to decide what to say next. “As friends, of course.” A good-humored smile crossed his lips. “Although I can’t promise I won’t ask you to dance.”

  She loved to dance and hadn’t since her high school prom. Luke hadn’t been big on dancing, as in never. Maisie’s mouth involuntarily did something it hadn’t done in a long time — it curved into a small smile. The feeling took her by surprise, and she quickly pressed her lips together. “Let me think about it.”

  Ryan cut a piece of pie with his fork. “Take your time.”

  She turned and hurried back to the kitchen as emotions stirred inside her.

  Ginger grabbed ahold of her shoulders and peered into her eyes. “Is that a smile I see?”

  Maisie felt her face grow hot. Even her ears could feel the warmth.

  Ginger smiled at her like a proud mom. “It is. Does it have anything to do with that new regular of yours?”

  Maisie sighed. “I don’t know. He just asked me to go to the carnival with him tomorrow night.”

  “And you’re going,” she said with a stern voice.

  “I don’t know.” Maisie bit her lip. “I wouldn’t want to give him the wrong idea.”

  Ginger put her hands on her hips. “What idea would that be?” She paused to smirk. “Go, have fun.”