Maid for Love (A Romantic Comedy) by Caroline Mickelson Page B

you are, you're way off base."
    Zoe turned to face her mother. There was just enough evening light left to read her mother's expression and she didn't like what she saw. It was not the regret she'd expected to see. It was pity. She pushed back from the railing and turned to go but her mother reached out and grabbed a hold of her arm. "Wait, Zoe, just let me say one more thing. You need to make a decision."
    "What decision might that be?"
    "It all boils down to one question you need to ask yourself."
    "Which is?"
    "Is Michael enough for you?"
    The words pierced Zoe's heart. Michael was more than she ever could have hoped for, more than she could have ever expected. The question was ludicrous. She wasn't going to dignify it with an answer. She shook her head. This conversation was not going to happen. "No."
    Marlene's eyes widened and her hand went to her throat. "Oh, Zoe, no."
    "You don't-" but Zoe's words faltered as the horrified look on her mother's face sank in. Her mother wasn't looking at her. She was looking at something over Zoe's shoulder. She whirled around.
    Not something. Someone.
    "Michael." Zoe's heart constricted in her chest. "Oh, God." Judging by the shocked and hurt look on his face, there was no doubt that he'd overheard her. And misunderstood her. "You don't understand. I meant that...my mother asked-"
    He held up his hand to stop her convoluted explanation. Without looking directly at her, he addressed her mother. "Marlene, would you please take my niece and nephew home in Zoe's car?"
    Zoe met her mother's worried eyes and nodded. "My keys are in my purse."
    Despite her obvious reluctance, Marlene nodded. She laid a brief but reassuring hand on Zoe's arm as she passed by her. She paused to look up at Michael. "You didn't hear what you think you did. Listen to what Zoe has to say." With a last sympathetic glance at her daughter, she headed back into the restaurant.
    Zoe took a step forward and closed the space between Michael and herself. He didn't move back but he radiated a distinct wariness that pained her. "Michael, please hear me out."
    "I've heard enough." He looked away.
    A cold chill that had nothing to do with the Atlantic breeze ran through Zoe. As she stared up at Michael she felt a pang of fear at the thought of losing him. Her mother's question ran through her mind. Was Michael enough? Enough for her to give up her gift? Enough for her to surrender her abilities so that she could have his love? Absolutely yes. Now she just had to make Michael see the truth. She reached out to touch his arm, but he shook his head.
    "Don't."
    "We need to talk. I need to talk. Please."
    "Not here." He stood back so she could pass in front of him. "Let's go."
    His tone of voice made it clear that he wasn't willing to negotiate. With a calm composure that belied her thundering heart and shaking hands, Zoe made her way back through the restaurant and out to Michael's car. He opened the passenger door and she slid in.
    She stared unseeingly as Michael drove back toward the beach house. The thought of seeing Josh and Kathryn, of having to face them, made her heart ache. It wasn't fair to them that they were caught up in all of this. Thank heaven her mother was with them. As crazy and unpredictable as Marlene was, Zoe knew she'd handle the situation with the teens as gently and tactfully as possible.
    She shifted in her seat. The moonlight coming in the window allowed her to see how tightly Michael's jaw was clenched. As the miles slipped away, Zoe realized that she had a choice. She could fight for Michael or give up without a struggle. There was no need for her to think. She knew what she wanted. "Pull over."
    "What?" Michael shot her a quick glance. "Why?"
    Zoe drew in a sharp breath. It was time to not only jump in the deep end but to swim the blasted English channel if that was what it took to make Michael hear her out. "Pull over. I'm sick."
    The last two words did the trick. Michael pulled onto a scenic overlook.