Lonely Nights of Winter (Moonridge Memories, #3)

By L.M. Pfalz

In book three of the Moonridge Memories series, Theresa's world is turned upside down. Between an unusual offer from her mother, David leaving town on business, and her smarmy new boss at work, Theresa's life quickly spirals out of control. If that isn't enough, the bonds of friendship are tested when tragedy strikes her best friend Beth, who begins to question her place in the group.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.M. Pfalz
• Release date: Apr 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301944361

L.M. Pfalz

L.M. Pfalz started writing novels at the age of 13, as a way of channeling her vivid imaginings after packing away her childish playthings. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but has spent most of her life in Florida. She currently resides in the Tampa Bay area with her cat, Cheshire.

Book preview

LONELY NIGHTS OF WINTER

Moonridge Memories

Book 3

by

L.M. Pfalz

Copyright 2012 L.M. Pfalz

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1…Golden Opportunities

Chapter 2…Absence Makes The Heart Grow Weaker

Chapter 3…Perfection

Chapter 4…Home Sweet Home

Chapter 5…Good Girls & Bad Boys

Chapter 6…Time To Say Goodbye

Chapter 7…Moving Day

Chapter 8…Something In The Air

Chapter 9…Rich Boys

Chapter 10…Flora's Birthday

Chapter 11…Something To Hide

Chapter 12…Weight of the World

Chapter 13…Power Play

Chapter 14…Turning Point

Chapter 15…Strong Enough

Chapter 16…Ghosts of the Past

Chapter 17…The Funeral

Chapter 18…Secrets of the Heart

Chapter 19…Employer Benefits

Chapter 20…Bad Girls

Chapter 21…Control

Chapter 22…O Tannenbaum

Chapter 23…The Blizzard

Chapter 24…No Place Like Home

Chapter 25…Change of Heart

Chapter 26…The Aftermath

Chapter 27…Severed Ties

Chapter 28…Christmas Day

Author's Note

Chapter 1

Golden Opportunities

Moonridge, Ohio – December 3, 2012

Theresa bounced her wailing baby on her hip when her cellphone began to ring.

David! Can you get that? she shouted, as she poured a generic brand of Froot Loops into a plastic bowl. David!

Mom, said five year-old Andrew, sitting at the dining room table. I want Cocoa Puffs.

We only have Froot Loops. She slid the bowl in front of him.

These aren't Froot Loops, he said with a grimace. These are Fruity Circles.

Close enough. She walked away from the table and picked up her cellphone off the kitchen counter. She flipped it open and said, What?

Well, someone's in a snippy mood.

Theresa curled her lips inward, biting her tongue. Hello, Mom. What do you want?

I want a less rude greeting from my daughter for one. Who is that screaming like a banshee?

Flora, Theresa said, as David walked in. She shot him a look and handed the baby off to him. She silently mouthed Mom to him, and his face twisted with disdain. David's got her now, she said into the phone.

Good. I hardly need a migraine this early in the morning.

What do you want, Mom?

I want to see you.

I don't have any reason to see you.

"Well, maybe I have a reason to see you. It's been awhile. I haven't even seen Flora since she was born. It's her birthday soon, isn't it?"

The ninth.

That's what I thought. Are you having a party?

Mom, can I call you back later? I have to get the kids to school, and I need to go to work.

The loading docks?

No, I'm CEO of the company now, Theresa remarked. Of course the loading docks.

You're gonna wind up in a wheelchair at this rate.

Theresa rolled her eyes. I'll call you this evening, Mom.

No. Stop by here after work.

What for?

There's something I need to talk to you about.

And that's what a phone is for—

Dammit, Theresa, why do you have to make everything so difficult? It's a mere half-hour out of your precious life. Do you think you could spare that?

Theresa gritted her teeth. Sure. But this had better be important.

Good girl. See you this afternoon.

Theresa flipped her phone shut and groaned.

David eyed her from the table. Something wrong?

No, nothing's wrong. I just have to spend the afternoon with my mother.

My condolences.

Theresa pinched the bridge of her nose, gently massaging it. She could feel a stress headache coming on. Is Nathan up yet?

I don't think so, David said.

Violet?

I heard her singing along to the radio, so I assume Eliza's up too, he said. You know, Theresa, you should really start checking who's calling before you pick up your phone. Then you never have to answer when your mother calls.

You're a friggin' genius, Theresa retorted. She walked down the narrow hallway of their three bedroom apartment. Now having five kids, the place felt like a sardine can, and privacy was nothing but a pipe dream. She opened the door to her daughters' room. Six year-old Violet sang along with the Abba song Dancing Queen, while three year-old Eliza sat on her bed sucking her thumb and watching her older sister.

Hi, Mommy, said Violet, bopping along to the radio. Sing with me!

Theresa smirked. Not right now, sweetie. You have to get ready for school.

Come on, Mommy. Just this song. You know the words.

I should. I'm the one who taught it to you.

"Come on!" Violet grabbed Theresa's hand with both of hers and pulled her into the room. Theresa reluctantly sang along, while dancing with her little girl. Eliza climbed out of bed and began twirling around, trying to join in with their dancing.

Once the song ended, Theresa collapsed on to Violet's bed with her girls, laughing with them and trying to catch her breath. She brushed Eliza's black hair away from her face, amazed by how much she resembled her. Violet took more after David, having blonde hair and blue-gray eyes.

Mommy, she said. When I grow up, I wanna be a star.

You do, huh?

Uh huh. Just like you shoulda been.

Theresa's smile faded, thinking of her own shattered dreams. Come on. It's time to get ready for school now.

After dropping off Nathan, Andrew, and Violet at school, and Eliza and Flora at her mother-in-law's house, Theresa went to work at Allen's Appliance & Electronics Emporium. When she arrived, she found her co-workers lumped together on the dock, while a barrel chested man with a silver-handled walking cane stood before them.

That's the last of them, their supervisor said to the barrel chested man.

Good, he replied and cleared his throat. Good morning, everyone. A low rumbling of morning came from the crowd. The man continued. I am Lee Tyler Allen, founder and owner of Allen's Appliance & Electronics Emporium. He presumably held for applause, but none came. "Well, I have a big announcement to make. Now that my little store has expanded to five—count 'em—five locations in Ohio, I have decided it's time to take my leave. At seventy-two years-old, I am retiring and leaving this store, the original Allen's Appliance & Electronics Emporium, in the capable hands of my youngest son, Chip Allen."

A man, who Theresa hadn't previously noticed standing off to the side, stepped up alongside his father and waved to the crowd. He couldn't have been much older than thirty-five, and his broad toothy smile made him look more like a used car salesman than a business owner.

Now, said Mr. Allen, I have some last minute business to take care of before I drive off into the proverbial sunset. The supervisor handed him a clipboard, and he put on a pair of reading glasses, which sat on the end of his nose. Due to some unforeseen cutbacks, I'm afraid there will have to be some layoffs before I relinquish control of my company. If I call your name, step forward. Baker. Fifty-nine year-old Phillip Baker stepped forward, his face drawn and his eyes staring down. Ratchett. Jim Ratchett stepped forward, clutching his wool cap fitfully in his fists. And Thompson.

Theresa's heart sank. She stepped out from the crowd, the young Allen staring right at her. She gave Jim's arm a squeeze and whispered, Not your fault.

Mr. Allen said, You folks can gather up any things you might have here and clear on out. Good luck with your future job search. And to the rest of you, be thankful, and show my son the same respect you've shown me. I bid you farewell.

He shook his son's hand, patted him on the shoulder, and walked down the cement stairs to an awaiting black town car. As the car drove away, Chip Allen exhaled and said, Whoo-wee. This is some day, huh? Theresa rolled her eyes and started to walk away with Phillip and Jim. Now, wait just a second there, you three, he said. My dad might not mind ruining people's lives, but I sure do. There won't be any layoffs just yet. So, everyone get going on your work, while I go familiarize myself with my new office.

Chip started to pass the group, when Theresa walked up to him and said, I wanna talk to you.

Hey, Thompson, her co-worker, Lenny, said. Don't rock the boat, yeah?

She ignored him. Can I have a minute of your time?

Absolutely, Chip said. Let's go inside where it's warm. She followed him in, and he led her to the executive offices, an area of the store Theresa had never been before. Do you want some coffee?

No. I wanna know what just happened back there.

Excuse me?

I've worked here for fourteen years—Phillip Baker even longer than that. We have guys out there who haven't even been here for two years and sit around and watch us break our backs. Yet, we're the ones who are almost sent packing? Suspicious, don't you think?

The operative word there is 'almost'. He poured himself a cup of coffee. No one's getting laid off.

Not today maybe. But what about tomorrow, or the next day? Do you think I'm stupid, Mr. Allen? I know what your father was doing. Phillip is the oldest one here, Jim has the lowest IQ, and I'm the only woman. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.

My father's a businessman. He sees statistics, not people. On paper, you three looked like a liability.

Jim's strong as an ox. He can lift twice the amount of any of the guys out there. And Phillip has the energy of a man half his age.

He grinned. Wonderful testimonials. So what about you?

I do my job.

And you're loyal. He sat down at his desk and pulled a file out of one of its drawers. He perused it. Fourteen years is a long time. You haven't taken many sick days, just...maternity leave.

Five kids. I've never taken all of the time I was allotted though. The time off isn't paid, as you probably know, and so I couldn't afford to.

Hm. You like the work you do?

It's a job...a job I need. I don't have to like it. Theresa watched as Chip read her file more thoroughly in a few moments of awkward silence. Finally, she said, Anyway, I should get back—

Fourteen years, and you're still on the loading docks. He looked up at her and shook his head. Doesn't seem right. How would you like a promotion?

First I'm fired, now I'm promoted? She scoffed. I don't think so.

"I didn't fire you. This store is under new ownership, and I have very different opinions from my father. I like loyalty. It gives me a lot more bang for my buck. There's a position I need to fill that I think you'd be perfect for."

What's that?

My assistant.

Your assistant?

Surprisingly, my father didn't have one. Do you know why?

Today was the first time in fourteen years I even saw Mr. Allen. So, no, I have no idea why.

Well, I need one. And I like you. He stood up and approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder. In a lowered tone, he said, You'll give me a lot of bang for my buck. Theresa narrowed her eyes and studied him. He smiled and clapped his hands together, startling her. So! It's settled.

Wait, Theresa said, I'm not even qualified for a position like that.

You have five kids at home. Is this really an argument you want to make?

It doesn't feel right—

Your salary will almost double.

Theresa's eyes widened. You're joking.

He shook his head. You were severely underpaid as it was. It's almost...criminal.

No, it's just Moonridge.

He smirked. Well, it's time to set things right. And I need someone who knows the ropes around here.

But I don't even know what this job entails.

Answering the phone, setting up meetings, running errands, filing—nothing you can't handle.

How do you know? You've just met me.

Well, I trust my gut. And my gut tells me that you're the right woman for the job. So, do you want it?

No. But I need it, so I'll take it.

Good. Your desk is right outside my office. Familiarize yourself with the computer.

The computer. Anxiety over her inexperience formed a knot in her stomach. Right. She turned to leave.

Oh, and Ms. Thompson? As part of my staff and now acting as my right hand, I expect you to look the part. Jeans and a sweatshirt don't cut it. You know what I mean?

Theresa pursed her lips. "Yes, sir. And it's Mrs. Thompson."

Chapter 2

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Weaker

Moonridge – December 3, 2012

Pst, pst, pst. Wake up, little princess, Beth whispered, leaning over her six year-old daughter's bed. It's time to get up and learn lots of new things at school.

Tina's big brown eyes fluttered open. Can't I stay here and rule over the kingdom instead?

Aww, sweetie, I thought you liked school.

She sat up in bed, the covers pulled up over her lap. She shrugged. Melody's moving away. She won't be back after Christmas break.

Melody had been Tina's best friend since preschool, and they were practically inseparable. Beth hugged her little girl, rubbing her back. Aww, I'm so sorry, Tina. I know how much it hurts to lose someone you care about.

"It's not fair, she said, leaning back against her pillow. I'm never gonna have another best friend ever again!"

Of course you will. You are the nicest, sweetest, prettiest little girl I know. Beth smiled at her. Kids will be begging to be your best friend. You'll see.

Tina shrugged. I don't know, Mommy. No one else seems to like me much.

Oh, sweetie, I'm sure that's not true. What makes you think that?

They call me 'weird' a lot.

They do?

Tina nodded, her little brow in a deep furrow.

Well, they just need time to get to know you, that's all, Beth said. Things will get better, I promise. Besides, soon you'll be out of school, and it'll be Christmas, and we'll have so much fun. You won't even think about those big meanies.

Tina nodded again. "That's true. I do like Christmas."

Beth smiled. Come on, princess. We're having waffles for breakfast—your favorite.

Mmm! Tina threw back the covers and ran out of the room.

Beth followed, but stopped in the hallway to knock on her son's bedroom door. Aaron! Come out for breakfast! She glanced back at the partially ajar master bedroom door. Wil!

A grunt from their bedroom followed. Beth ignored it and continued on to the kitchen. Tina had climbed up onto the counter to get a glass out of the cupboard.

Tina! Beth said, picking her up and setting her down on the floor. What have I told you about climbing on the counters? You could fall and break your little neck.

Sorry, Mom, Tina said, heading into the dining room.

Fourteen year-old Aaron passed her, his hair disheveled. Hey, squirt.

Hey, brother.

Mom, I forgot, I need seven bucks for a ticket to the winter dance on Saturday, Aaron said.

Oh, you decided to go after all? That's great! Beth said. Who are you taking?

Renee.

Beth smiled. She was over here for that science project during Thanksgiving break, wasn't she?

We're just going as friends. We study together. That's all.

Well, I'm sure you'll have a great time. I'll get you the money after breakfast.

Thanks, Mom.

Beth lifted the lid of the waffle maker. She slid a spatula under the two freshly made waffles and set them on a plate. Aaron, did you see your dad get out of bed?

What, are you kidding? It's not two minutes before his work day starts, is it?

Hey. Be nice when he comes out here.

I'm always nice. He's the one who—

Wil shuffled into the kitchen with greasy, unwashed hair and wearing a coffee-stained, cigarette-burned T-shirt. He passed Beth and Aaron without saying a word and went straight to the coffee maker. He took his World's Best Dad mug out of the cupboard and poured himself a cup of coffee.

Wil? Beth said. I'm making waffles. Would you like some?

He cast a sidelong glare at her, picked up his mug, and returned to their bedroom.

I guess not, she muttered.

Even after the kids ate their breakfast and went off to school, Wil still hadn't reemerged. It was only fifteen minutes until he had to be at work, so Beth reluctantly entered the master bedroom. The room was dark, with only slivers of light peeking through the closed dark blue curtains. Wil lay in bed, the covers pulled up over his head. Beth knelt one knee on her side of the mattress and leaned in to give his arm a nudge. He moaned, unmoving.

Wil? It's almost time for work. You don't wanna be late.

Seven years, he said, his voice muffled under the blanket. Beth pulled it down for him, but he kept his eyes averted from hers. Seven years.

I know, Beth said. She'll come back when she's ready to.

His eyes slowly shifted to meet her gaze. They looked like two bottomless pits, void of love and life. She's not coming back. His tone was softer now, almost a whisper. She's dead.

No, she's not. Lacey's stronger than that, you'll see her again. In the meantime, Aaron and Tina still need their dad.

Wil sat up in a huff, shadows taking up residence over his eyes. Don't you dare lay a guilt trip on me.

Beth climbed off the bed, standing up straight. Sorry. I just—never mind. I need to get to the diner. I'll see you this afternoon, okay?

He said nothing and returned to his prior lying position. Beth left the room, fighting back tears. It hurt her to see him in so much pain, but it hurt more when he took it out on her. She removed her parka from the front hall closet and put it on over her waitress uniform. She left their small, one-story house and drove to the new Beth's Diner, located where the old one had burned down. She went inside where Winny, her sister-in-law, was already behind the counter making fresh coffee.

Hey, Winny, Beth said. She walked into the back area and hung up her parka on a wooden peg by the swinging door. Thanks for starting the coffee.

It's in my job description, Winny said with a half-grin. How's Wil?

Beth returned to the main dining room, tying an apron around her waist. The same.

He'll snap out of it, she said. One of these days.

Beth nodded but had already begun to lose hope. Any word from Michael?

New topic please.

Sorry. I thought he would've come around by now.

Winny shrugged. "We haven't seen him in months. I'm used to