It wasn’t her fault, but... he didn’t need to remind himself she was his cousin’s widow. Or that she was ten years younger. Or that she had married Ben for his money.
She’d fulfilled the contract. She’d made Ben happy.
The trip back to Beaufort was a blur.
“Maia?” He entered the gallery by the back door.
“I’m here.”
He went directly to his office and flipped open the blinds. He wanted the sunlight.
“We have the Roundtree showing scheduled for next month.”
He said it as if pronouncing doom. Maia clasped her hands together.
“Yes. Are you re-considering?”
He knew she was afraid he’d say cancel, and while he wished there were more hours in the day and that grief hadn’t entered their lives, the fact remained bills had to be paid, plus he had obligations to employees and clients.
Responsibilities.
He stayed at the window, staring outside at the narrow passageway and the painted brick wall of the store next door. Not a lot of sunlight, but better than no window at all.
“Luke.” Maia’s voice was almost a whisper. “We don’t have to take care of it now. I know what to do and the contract is already signed.”
“Then maybe I should make a run down to Charleston.”
He could almost hear her worrying over him the way she’d fretted over Ben. He could’ve reassured her that he was fine, but he didn’t. He wasn’t fine. The only acceptable antidote was action.
But first he had to see Juli again.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“I appreciate your help.”
“No problem.” Luke drove up to the street and checked for traffic before pulling out of the driveway.
“I hope it’s not too inconvenient.” Juli could see he didn’t want to discuss it, or anything, with her. “I could go by myself.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, then rested a hand on the armrest. Her fingers wanted to tap. She kept them still.
He touched his forehead. Did he have a headache? He could do better than speak two words and nothing more. If he would actually talk to her instead of making her prod and poke, she wouldn’t have to drive him crazy by pestering him.
“I know you’re busy,” she said.
He kept his attention on the road as they rode down Atlantic Avenue. He said, “I told you I’m willing to help. Not to mention that as Ben’s executor, I have to help.”
Have to help. Well, if he was doing this because he was required to, then she’d let him get on with it and be done.
“I could’ve met you at the bank and saved you some time. It’s not too late. You can take me back to the house. I’ll drive over myself.” Juli stared out of the window because she couldn’t fake a smile today.
The turn signal clicked-clicked-clicked as Luke slowed and pulled off to the side of the road.
“What are you doing?”
Silence, except for the sound of the idling engine.
“What do you want, Juli? To drive yourself? Are you uncomfortable in the car with me?” He hit the steering wheel, but lightly. “If I’ve offended you, I’m sorry. I’m trying to be helpful.”
“Offended?” She stared at the side of his face since he persisted in looking forward. “No. I didn’t want to force you to do anything you didn’t want to do—whether for Ben’s sake or mine. I know you’d rather be anywhere but here with me. You didn’t ask for this, it’s been forced on you. It wasn’t part of what you expected to do as Ben’s executor.”
“No, it isn’t.” He rubbed his forehead again, then shook his head. “But in a lot of ways it’s easier for me now because I don’t have to worry about selling the house and countless other tasks because the estate stays with you. If you want to handle it all yourself, say the word. I’ll take you back home.”
He was right. This was easier on him and he could walk away. He could say, you’ve got it now, it’s your problem. Then what would she do?
“I’d like your help.”
“So, what’s wrong?”
Out of nowhere, it felt as though her eyes would explode with tears. She covered her face and breathed deeply—in, out, and over again.
“Are you alright?”
She nodded, took another deep breath and withdrew her hands. “It feels final. I didn’t expect it to feel that way.”
“Final.”
“I know it’s stupid. I thought I was ready.”
“Do you want to wait for another day?”
She shook her head. “No, it won’t be any better.” His eyes were red, too. “Somewhere Ben is looking at us and laughing at my foolishness.” Some of the flood leaked out of the corner of her eyes. She brushed the wet away and forced a smile.