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Her mom frowns. “Is Holly being unkind again?”
“No.” Willow snaps her mouth shut.
“How about this…” I bend over the counter and scribble my signature into the white cotton. “I’ll have my team send over some signed merchandise and a couple of records. You got a record player?”
“No.” She bounces with excitement. “But I can use Harriet’s. She wouldn’t mind.”
“I’ll get them to send a record player too.”
“That’s too much,” Margot whispers, but when she sees Willow’s puppy dog eyes, she relents. “Like I’d say no. What do you say?”
“Gah! Thank you, Tate! The girls in my class won’t believe it!” Off she goes again, sneakers smacking against the hardwood floor.
Margot watches her disappear, an edge of concern to her smile. “She’s had some trouble with a few of her classmates recently. She’s not into your typical girly stuff, and kids can be mean if you’re different.”
“Kids fucking suck. She seems like a good one.”
“She’s the best. Since she discovered your music, she’s found some common ground and a space to escape.” She turns to me. “I know you didn’t write your songs for her, but they did a lot of good. So, thank you.”
Emotion clogs in my throat. To know my songs helped a young girl, and in Iris Meadows no less, makes the stress and chaos worthwhile.
I glance away, coughing into my fist. “That means…that means more than you can imagine.”
Groaning, Margot buries her face in her hands. “You’re really hard to dislike.”
“Are you supposed to dislike me?” I laugh.
“You’re Talia’s…”
The word ex-husband sits on the tip of her tongue. I hold my breath.
“Her something complicated,” she squeaks. And exhale. “I never knew the two of you before you left—not like Harriet and Parker. Talia didn’t like to talk about it at first, and I don’t like to make assumptions about someone until I’ve met them.”
Gulp. “What’s the verdict?”
She twists her lips. “I don’t think it’s my place.”
“C’mon, you have to tell me now.”
To her credit, Margot kills me kindly. “You were her person. Talia is stubborn, and I think you were stupid to leave when she told you to. I get wanting to give the person you love everything, but it isn’t always the answer.” The emphasis on everything hits home. I think about the new truck, the house, the student loans. I knew we were struggling and instead of looking at the root cause, I threw money at the problem. “Oh god.” She presses her palms to her cheeks. Something tells me she’s never usually this bold. “That was too honest. I’m sorry.”
“No. Don’t apologize.” I stare at the floor, kicking around some fallen leaves and petals. “I want to make it right.”
“We know. She knows. But what are you going to do when it’s time to say goodbye again? You’re a huge celebrity.” She deliberates her next words. “That doesn’t just stop overnight.”
If I had my way, it would.
“Appreciate you being honest with me.” I dig out my wallet from my pocket. “I’m not about to leave here empty-handed. What would you recommend?”
She waves me off. “Oh, I don’t charge friends.”
“We’re friends?”
A deep blush creeps over her cheeks.
“I will not accept freebies.” I slap my credit card down. “You got any pink tulips? They’re her favorite.”
I take my time walking home, soaking up the final hours of sun and Margot’s words.
