Love's Truth

by C. A. Popovich

  Chapter 10

  Lynette understood Claudia’s interest in Barb, and she certainly couldn’t blame her. She really did believe Claudia would be a better choice for Barb. Claudia was fun, and sexual, and she didn’t get too attached. She had flings with hotel guests all the time and it never bothered her when they left. Lynette couldn’t be that way. She sighed and pulled into her carport. She didn’t deny her attraction to Barb, but why she couldn’t maintain distance disturbed her. All her concerns melted away when she reached her apartment door and Starr stepped into her open arms. She let her out and fed her before deciding a hot bubble bath was on the agenda. She filled the tub with her favorite scent and wondered if Barb liked bubble baths. She shook the thought away, slipped into the hot water, and felt the tension seep out of her body. Starr lay next to the tub and sat up each time Lynette reached out from under the bubbles. She didn’t have all the answers regarding Barb, but at least she could consider her options with a clear mind. She’d worry about protecting her heart later.

  She stepped out of the tub and wrapped herself in her oversized warm robe. It was one of her gifts to herself to help dispel memories of stepping out of a seven-minute lukewarm shower and drying off with a towel left over from the previous user. She went to bed warm and relaxed, but her dreams were still fraught with images she wanted to forget.

  The next morning, she padded barefoot to the kitchen to make breakfast.

  Lynette sprinkled cinnamon on her oatmeal and took the bowl into the living room to watch the morning news. She rarely had the luxury of going to work in late morning. Claudia was covering breakfast alone and she’d cover dinner. Claudia had asked for the change but didn’t elaborate on the reason. It didn’t matter. Lynette was happy to have the morning off. She was content with her whole flexible work schedule. She rarely had a full day off, but she and Claudia could trade off time as long as the buffet was covered. Starr snuggled on the couch next to her and she attributed her calm to the bubble bath, good night’s sleep, and Starr next to her. “Do you think Barb’s up yet?” She glanced at the clock. She had three hours to herself before she needed to leave. She sipped her coffee and finished her oatmeal, leaving the last bite for Starr. “Do you think she likes oatmeal?” Her pondering about Barb frustrated her. Her thoughts strayed to her smile, her hazel eyes, her strong body, and the feel of her lips on hers.

  “Come on, Starr. Let’s go for a walk.” Lynette’s cell phone rang before she had a chance to hook on her leash.

  “Hi, Aunt Jen.”

  “Hi, honey. I wanted to check in to see how my favorite niece was doing.”

  “Your only niece is doing fine. I have the morning off today, and I was going to take Starr for a walk.”

  “I won’t keep you long. I wanted to tell you I got a call from a woman who claimed to be a friend of yours. She wanted to make plans to see you but couldn’t find your phone number.”

  Lynette clenched her teeth and her stomach roiled. “Did she give you her name?”

  “No. I told her you’d moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, and we’d lost touch. Do you have any idea who she was?”

  “No. Did she say how she got your number?”

  “I’m sorry, honey, I didn’t even think to ask. I’ll change it as soon as we hang up.”

  “Good idea. I’ll change mine again, too, and I’ll come down to see you and get your new number.”

  “Maybe it’d be better if we met somewhere in between. Just in case the quiet has been disturbed.”

  The thought of her someone looking for her made her want to be sick. “That sounds safer. How about the Crossroads? I can be there tomorrow at eight a.m.”

  “Perfect. I’ll meet you there and we’ll exchange numbers. And don’t worry, honey. I can’t believe they care about you after so many years.”

  “I hope you’re right. I can’t believe he’d come for me after so long. I suppose he could have killed everyone else off, and he’s still alive.” Her thoughts bounced around in her head making her dizzy. “It was a female who called, right?”

  “Yes. I didn’t recognize her voice. It wasn’t your mother.”

  “Huh. I’ll see you tomorrow, and thanks, Aunt Jen.” She sat with her hands shaking as she considered the situation. She’d been so careful over the years, but part of her had always wondered if they’d catch up to her again.

  “Come on, Starr. I need to clear my head.” She checked the time before tugging Starr out the door and rushing along the trail. She stopped twenty minutes into the walk to catch her breath, and Starr glued herself to her side. “I guess I’ll slow down, girl. In fact, let’s sit for a minute.” Lynette settled on a fallen log and hugged Starr to her chest. “I like our little apartment and being so close to this park. I’ve already moved three times, and I’m tired of jumping at shadows and living in fear.” She hugged Starr tighter. “At least I have you to keep me grounded and sane. I’ll stay vigilant and change my phone tomorrow. Let’s get home.” She continued the walk at a slower pace and arrived home in time to shower and dress for work. She checked the time again before she left to be sure she had time to buy a new phone.

  Lynette took a moment to settle herself when she arrived at work.

  “Hi,” Claudia said.

  “Hi. It looks like you have the breakfast dishes taken care of. Shall I start the heating pans for lunch?”

  “Sounds good. I’m glad you’re here,” Claudia said.

  Lynette busied herself preparing the lunch buffet and almost managed to push aside her fear. She’d finished filling the pans when Barb arrived.

  “Hey there. I missed you this morning.” Barb speared a slice of ham as she spoke.

  “I’m working late tonight, so Claudia asked me to come in later. Did you sleep well?”

  “I did. I’ll say it again, I’m glad I chose the room I did. It’s quiet there.”

  “Can we talk later? I’ve got to get back to the kitchen.”

  “I look forward to it. I’ll be at my table.” Barb grinned.

  “Ready for me to take out the green beans?” Lynette asked when she returned to the kitchen.

  “Yes. Thanks.” Claudia removed her apron and left.

  Lynette watched her hurry to Barb’s table and run her hand over her shoulder and down her arm before she sat across from her. A growl rose unbidden from her belly. She attributed the reaction to her concern after talking to her aunt. She definitely didn’t have the room in her life for things like dating. Especially after Aunt Jen’s phone call. She went to work washing dishes and refilling pans.

  “Hey, Claudia.” Lynette didn’t want to hold hard feelings for her friend, so she forced herself to smile when Claudia came back into the kitchen.

  “Hey. Can I talk to you for a minute?”

  “Sure.” Lynette dried her hands and followed Claudia to the back room.

  “I’m going out with Barb tonight. The other day you told me you were just friends, so I asked her to go to the dinner cruise with me.” Claudia paused and looked like she was searching for words. “Barb indicated you two might be closer than friends, so I want to be sure you’re okay with this.”

  Lynette appreciated Claudia’s candor. “Barb and I have spent time together, but we’re just friends. You know my history. I’m not ready to trust enough for anything more right now. You two go and have a great time. I know the food is fabulous.”

  “Thanks. See you tomorrow.” She hugged her and hurried out the door.

  Lynette finished cleaning after the dinner buffet and headed home.

  Lynette stepped into her apartment and slid to the floor, holding Starr close. “I’m scared, sweetie. Someone called Aunt Jen. I can’t go back there.” She buried her face in Starr’s fur and let the tears flow. Would life ever be better?

  Chapter 11

  “This is nice. Thanks for accepting my invitation.” Claudia squeezed Barb’s hand as she spoke.

  “Thanks for inviting me. I love this surf and turf.” Barb had to admit Cl
audia was a pleasant date. She still would’ve preferred being with Lynette, but Claudia was intelligent and had a great sense of humor and was nice looking. She didn’t have Lynette’s lovely blue eyes or her soft hair, but still, she was attractive.

  “I told Lynette we were going out tonight,” Claudia said. “I got the impression you two might be more than friends, but she assured me that wasn’t the case. I hope we can see each other again while you’re here.”

  Barb swallowed her bite of lobster and took a sip of water to give herself a moment to think. She wasn’t one to give up and if Lynette was willing, she’d keep seeing her until she told her to leave her alone. But she’d told Claudia there was only friendship between them. She had to accept it. “I’ve only been here a week. I enjoy Lynette’s company, and I enjoy yours. I hope that’s enough for now.” She took another bite of food.

  “Sounds good to me. I’m planning on a career as a chef, and I applied for a sous-chef job that went to someone else, so I’m going back to school for a bachelor’s degree. It probably won’t leave much time for dating.”

  “That’s great. Good luck. Lynette told me you were talented, and I can attest to your prowess in the dessert department. Your cheesecake was wonderful.”

  “Thanks. I do love to create fancy desserts.”

  Barb relaxed and enjoyed their easy conversation as they finished the meal and took a stroll along the river after the boat docked. “Thanks again for the lovely evening.” Barb walked Claudia to her car and opened the driver’s door for her.

  “Thank you for agreeing to join me. I’ll probably see you in the morning for breakfast.” Claudia leaned and placed a quick kiss on her lips, then took her hand, squeezed, and released it before getting in and starting her car.

  “See you tomorrow. Good night, Claudia.” Barb smiled to let her know the soft kiss was all right. “Sleep well.”

  Barb reflected on her evening with Claudia as she walked back to the hotel. She’d enjoyed their conversation, and she certainly was hot. She suspected Claudia would have agreed to share an intimate night, but Barb wasn’t interested in a roll in the hay. She’d been ribbed by friends for refusing to enjoy a sexual relationship just for the sake of an evening not spent alone. She wanted, needed, deeper feelings than lust to share that vulnerability, and she wasn’t going to compromise. She thought she’d found it once with her first lover, but she was naïve and believed just because she felt she’d found love, Ann had, too, but Ann chose to move on. She could live vicariously through her romance novels until she found who she was looking for. She stopped for a few minutes to breathe in the night air and watch the river before heading to her room.

  She tossed and turned for an hour before falling into a dreamless sleep and woke to the sunshine filtering into her room.

  Barb showered and dressed before hurrying to the dining area to look for Lynette. She arrived before the serving pans were out of the kitchen, so she poured herself a cup of coffee and waited by the omelet station.

  “Good morning, Barb. It’s nice to see you first thing this morning.” Claudia readied the omelet area. “You ready for an omelet?”

  “Yes. With Grand Cru cheese, please.”

  “Ooh. Good choice.”

  “Is Lynette here this morning?” Barb asked.

  “She called in earlier. She said she had some personal business to take care of, and she’d be in for the dinner buffet.”

  Barb settled at her table and watched the people outside enjoy the beautiful day. She’d hoped to connect with Lynette and maybe go for a walk by the river, and she wanted to check out the downtown and pick up a couple of souvenirs for her family. She finished her breakfast and checked her phone for a missed call before heading to her room. She put a blank SD card in her camera and slipped on her hiking shoes and headed out for an excursion. She reached the area with the small restaurant where she’d had breakfast and stopped in the gift shop next door. It surprised her that her first thought was that Lynette would probably like the small plate with a picture of Grand Cru cheese. She decided to buy it for her and picked up another one to send to her parents. It was a perfect souvenir from Wisconsin. She wandered through the store for a few more minutes, paid for her choices, and left. She settled on one of the benches located on the sidewalk and watched the people for a while before heading to hike along the river. The trees hung over the water as if reaching for a drink, and Barb snapped several pictures of them as well as the water. She breathed in the fresh air and enjoyed mentally cataloging the various trees growing along the riverside. This was a vacation, after all, and sitting in her room pining for someone made no sense. She wandered and snapped photos and raised her face to the sun, loving the freedom and ease filling her soul. Still, she checked her phone for any messages before heading back to the hotel.

  “Hey, Barb. I looked for you at lunch.” Claudia spoke from the door to the kitchen.

  “I’ve been exploring, and I had a fabulous sandwich in town.”

  “I bet I know the place. They’re well-known in town. I’ve got to get the dinner menu started. I’m glad you’re back.” Claudia hurried into the kitchen.

  Barb returned to her room and checked her phone for any messages. She’d managed to have a nice afternoon and only think of Lynette a few times. She hoped that Lynette might have thought of her also, but she had a growing uncertainty about that likelihood. She took a quick shower and changed before going downstairs to claim her table for dinner.

  “Hi there.” Claudia carried two pieces of cheesecake and two forks. “Can I offer you one of my creations?” She set them on the table and sat across from Barb.

  “Thanks. Dessert before dinner is never a bad idea, in my opinion.” Barb took a bite. “Mmm, great. The hotel is lucky to have you in the kitchen.” She swallowed some coffee and took another bite. “Have you heard from Lynette yet?”

  “Nothing since she called earlier. Why?” Claudia looked concerned.

  “I guess we’ll see her tonight, and I suppose it’s none of my business where she is.” Barb laughed. “We are a couple of busybodies, aren’t we?” She felt the pressure in her chest release when Claudia laughed with her.

  “I know I said I’m going to be too busy for dating, and you’ll be going home eventually, but would you be interested in some company tonight? I don’t have anyone at home waiting for me, so I think we could spend some excellent quality time together. No strings.” She stroked the top of Barb’s hand.

  Barb scrambled for an answer, not wanting to hurt Claudia, but honest was the only way she knew how to be. “You’re beautiful and sexy, and I’m certainly not a virgin, but I’m holding out for love and happily ever after.” She took Claudia’s hand and squeezed gently. “I’m sorry. I’m all about the strings.”

  Claudia sat back in her chair and smiled. “I had to try. Let me know if you change your mind. I’ll be in the kitchen. Thanks for sharing pre-dinner dessert with me. I’ll admit it was a ruse to spend time with you again.” Claudia winked and took their empty plates with her.

  Barb sat for a few minutes people-watching out the window and finishing her coffee while allowing thoughts of her time spent with Lynette to flow. She’d enjoyed the time they’d shared together so far and hoped to see more of her. Lynette said she wasn’t looking for a romantic relationship, and she could accept that, but she hoped they could have time together as friends at least. Part of her wished she could allow herself to accept Claudia’s offer, but she knew she wouldn’t feel right about it. She waved to Claudia as she passed the kitchen door on her way out. She wanted to review the brochures she’d collected and plan an outing for the next day. She propped herself up with pillows on the bed, stretched out her legs, and took a deep breath and released it slowly. She’d heard friends and family talk about the restorative powers of a getaway vacation, and now she understood what they meant. Growing up in a military family had instilled in her a sense of protect and serve, and she took pride in her ability to do her job well. She l
ooked forward to returning home, but she recognized the time to herself in a different environment, doing what she wanted, when she wanted, as a necessary respite.

  She reviewed her options and turned on the TV just to see what Wisconsin’s news looked like.

  Chapter 12

  Lynette looked in all directions before she parked her car on the side street. She sat long enough to make sure no one was around but not long enough to draw attention. She stepped out of her car pretending to look at a map, but really she was scanning her surroundings for anything that seemed unusual. She walked to the intersection, looked at the map, and checked the road for her aunt’s car. She saw her pull up to the curb next to her, and Lynette didn’t have to pretend the show of relief. She raised the map and pointed as if showing the driver where she needed to go. Her aunt waved her into the passenger seat, and they made a big show of pointing to the map and waving out the window to show directions. They put their heads down to look like they were reading the map before they spoke.

  “Here’s my new phone number.” Her aunt passed her a note that Lynette slipped into the front pocket of her jeans.

  “Here’s mine.” Lynette passed a note to her aunt, who put it into her own front pocket. “I’m so sorry for this, Aunt Jen. I hope we don’t hear anything more.”

  “I want you to feel safe. I doubt we needed to go through all this tomfoolery, but I want you to be safe, too. I’m sorry your parents got you involved in all this. It wasn’t fair, and I’ll never forgive my sister for it.”

  “It happened, but I’m free now. I’d sure like to know who it was that called you, but if it was anyone from the cult, I’m certain it wasn’t Mom. She and Dad were completely enmeshed with Matthew and his inner group. She probably never even knew I’d escaped unless he told her. She wouldn’t care one way or the other. I do worry, since she’s the only one who had your number, that she’s involved somehow. Assuming they’re all still alive. I think meeting here, where we stopped for gas when you came to save me, was a perfect spot for today. I haven’t been back here since,” Lynette said.