Welcome Back to Rambling, TX

by June Faver

  She watched as the older gentleman grinned, his ears turning somewhat pink to display his pleasure.

  “Aw, I been doin’ this a long time,” he said. “And I was in the right place at the right time to get that shot.”

  “You’re awesome, Milton. The Gazette wouldn’t be the same without you.” She shoved her hands in her pockets and strolled away, grinning to herself.

  She had also taken it upon herself to write up an announcement for a baby shower and an engagement party. Maybe Reggie Lee would appreciate her efforts when she returned. Maybe her boss would slap her down for overstepping her job description. So far, Gayle’s job description was still receptionist.

  Yes, indeed. She had overstepped her position.

  “Hey, Gayle.”

  She turned to find Paul leaning on the front counter. He looked cute and boyish. “Hi, Paul. Is school out already?”

  “The bell just rang, and I came right over here.” He stood grinning at her as though she could read his mind.

  “Um, are you still looking for Violet?”

  His grin faded. “Uh, yes. Sure. I need to run another ad for Violet.” His brow furrowed, which was an abrupt change from his previous expression.

  “Did you go to the animal shelter to look for her? I was hoping they might have her there waiting for you.”

  He gnawed his lower lip. “Uh, yes. She wasn’t there.” He heaved a sigh. “I’ll just keep looking for her.”

  She had been there, of course, and hadn’t seen any dog that looked as Paul had described her. Brown and white and black. Hmm…

  He shrugged. “I’m still hopeful.”

  “Aw, that’s so sweet. I’m glad you’re still looking for her.” Gayle leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Had you thought about going over to the radio station and asking them to make some announcements? They’re very nice, and I’m sure they would be happy to help you.”

  “Yes—yes, I’ll try that… By the way, I just wanted to remind you about our lunch together after church on Sunday.”

  “I didn’t forget.”

  That seemed to reassure him. He flashed the boyish smile again. “Well, I’ll see you at church on Sunday.” He raised a hand and waved, then backed out the door.

  Well, that was interesting. She returned to her desk, read over her story on the engagement party, and gave it a couple of tweaks before printing it out and putting it in Reggie Lee’s mailbox. She hoped Reggie would find the article acceptable.

  Now, all she had to do was keep smiling until Reggie returned…and until Sunday after church.

  * * *

  Frank made his way to the kitchen and took another bottle of water from the fridge. Twisting off the lid, he held it to his lips. As he swallowed, he did not feel refreshed.

  When he turned around, Aunt Rosie’s kitchen seemed to close in on him. He felt suddenly bereft. After spending time alone with Reggie, the loneliness wrapped around him like a shroud.

  He had always valued his privacy, but this was something different. He missed her already. He ached to be with her, but he figured Reggie had had enough of him for a while. She had a child…and her father probably wanted to spend time with her too. But that didn’t lessen the pain.

  He sat down at the kitchen table, recalling her sweet face when they had parted. She was happy. He had given her a great adventure in the big city.

  A smile spread across his face. And Reggie Lee had given him even more. She’d opened herself up to him. They had been lovers, but it was so much more than the physical pleasure. He couldn’t recall ever being so enamored of a woman. She tantalized him.

  How could he keep from throwing himself over the edge of that deep abyss called love? He swallowed hard. What if Reggie was really the one love of his life? Did he believe in the concept of soul mates? How could he be sure?

  He didn’t want to ruin his relationship with Reggie. This startled him.

  “Relationship.” He pronounced each syllable separately and then wondered if he was in one.

  Chapter 13

  The next morning, Reggie Lee walked into the Gazette and froze in her tracks. Everyone in the office turned to stare at her at the same time. Her throat constricted as she felt her cheeks redden.

  “Hello, Ms. Stafford.” Gayle stood, smiling at her. She held a sheaf of papers in her hands. “I have your mail and some things you need to sign off on.”

  Reggie accepted the paperwork, gave a terse nod, and headed for her office. The other employees stared at her as she made her way to her office. They were grinning.

  She closed the door and collapsed back against it. They know! Reggie sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Damn! They know…

  Crossing to her desk, she tossed the stack of mail, messages, and other papers needing her attention onto it.

  Well, if the entire staff of the Rambling Gazette knew that she, the editor, had spent a few days being romanced by an incredibly hot and outrageously rich hunk, that was just too bad. Yes, he now owned the building, but it wasn’t as though she had slept her way to the top. Reggie had earned the job of editor by excelling at her job for years, and that was why Phil had named her to the position…and that was before Frank had ever asked her out. And who would have ever thought that her high school nemesis, the notorious Franklinstein, could be so charming?

  She took a moment to see how that felt and realized there was nothing she could do about it. Heaving a loud sigh, she decided her reputation couldn’t be repaired. Everyone knew she was a fallen woman. Might as well hold my head up and just go on with business as usual. Whatever that means.

  Checking through the papers before her, she separated them into three piles: her mail, her phone messages, and the miscellaneous papers that needed her signature.

  She slit open the envelopes and unfolded the first of the enclosures. It was disturbing when she realized she had been staring at the page for a couple of minutes without seeing it.

  There was a tap at the door.

  “Come in,” Reggie said absently.

  Gayle peeked inside. “I found another message. Sorry I misplaced it.”

  “Not a problem.” Reggie heard the bite in her voice. She heaved a sigh and raked her fingers through her hair. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

  Gayle smiled her sweet smile. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Tell me the truth. Why is everyone smiling at me? They look so smug.”

  Gayle looked down. “You’re our boss. Don’t we always smile at you?”

  “Not like that.” She stood up abruptly, sending her chair rolling back to hit the console behind her.

  “Well, you looked so happy when you first came in. We’re just happy for you.” Gayle met her gaze and shrugged.

  “So does everyone know that I went away with Frank…Mr. Bell?”

  Gayle flinched. “Um, well—I guess so. It wasn’t a secret, was it?”

  Reggie felt a squeezing sensation in her chest. “Nooooo,” she groaned.

  “Don’t worry, Ms. Stafford. Nobody’s judging you.”

  “I’m pretty sure they are.” Reggie sat down again and shuffled through the pile of messages. “I guess I’m embarrassed. This is a small town. I don’t want anyone to think badly of me.” She reshuffled the messages without seeing them. “I mean, I have a daughter to think of.”

  Gayle dropped into the chair on the other side of the desk. “You don’t need to feel embarrassed. You and Mr. Bell make such an attractive couple.” She clasped her hands together. “It’s so romantic.”

  Romantic? Yes, it was that. Mr. Franklin Bell sure did know how to wine and dine a girl. But it was probably over. A wave of sadness clenched her insides.

  Reggie Lee Stafford, hometown girl, had zero in common with Franklin Bell, sophisticated world traveler. How could she even think she could hold his in
terest? She recalled the gorgeous redhead from the restaurant. If a woman that hot couldn’t hold on to him, how could a simple mother of a young child hope to compete?

  She cleared her throat. “You shouldn’t make too much of it. Mr. Bell is my friend, and I’m helping him remodel his house. It’s a historical treasure.”

  Gayle was clearly disappointed. “Sorry if I jumped to conclusions.”

  “We’re going to do a feature story about the house renovation. People around here who loved Miss Rosie Bell Grady will enjoy seeing the house restored.”

  “That’s a great idea,” Gayle said. “I can see why Phil made you the editor. You have a natural knack for getting to the heart of a story.”

  “Thanks, Gayle. I guess I’m just a little anxious. I haven’t been in this position long enough to take things in stride.”

  Gayle shrugged. “It’s only natural, but the Gazette has picked up quite a few new subscribers since you took the helm.” She stood and headed for the door. “While you were gone, I found a couple of things to write about. I put them in your mailbox whenever you have time.”

  “Well, let me see them. I need to get back in the right frame of mind.”

  Gayle’s face lit up. “I’ll grab them. Be right back.”

  Reggie was glad she could at least make one member of her staff so happy. She realized that it was Gayle who made her job easier. She took out her memo pad and made a note for the bookkeeper. She wasn’t sure what positions were open, but if there wasn’t something appropriate available, she would create the right position.

  Gayle rushed back into Reggie’s office, clutching two folders. She was grinning and plopped down on one of the chairs in front of Reggie’s desk. “I’m so excited. I hope you like them.” She passed the first to Reggie and seemed to be holding her breath.

  Reggie scanned the local articles Gayle had written. “Oh, wow! You really nailed these. I’m so impressed that you took it upon yourself to cover these stories while I was gone.” She glanced up at Gayle. “I hope you will keep it up.”

  “Oh, I will. No problem. Thank you.” Gayle was practically bouncing in her seat.

  “What else?” Reggie gestured to the other folder Gayle was still clutching.

  Gayle swallowed. “A friend of mine… He lost his dog. So I went to the shelter to see if it was there.” She stopped, blushing. “Oh, Reggie. There were so many animals there, and they all looked so lonely. I took some pictures, and then later, when I was thinking what I could do to help them, I started writing…”

  Reggie smiled at her. “Writing about the animals?”

  “Yes. Some of them had been lost, and some had been surrendered by their owners. Just sad. I was hoping you would allow me to write a little about a different orphan animal each week, and publish it along with their picture in hopes someone would adopt them.” Gayle finally released the folder and slid it across the desk to Reggie.

  She saw an adorable orange-and-white kitten and read about Rusty. “Gayle, this is awesome. I’m sure we can find room for this weekly feature.”

  Gayle let out a little shriek of joy. “I sure do appreciate it. I know most people don’t know that these animals are available. I mean, they know, but if they aren’t reminded, they might never check them out.”

  “I think that’s a great idea. Very creative.” Reggie scanned the next picture, gazing into big brown doggy eyes. “I’ll make sure there is a format change so this can be a weekly feature. Good job.”

  “Oh, thank you…thank you so much.”

  Reggie heaved a sigh. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you for holding down the fort while I was gone. And you can expect to see an increase in your paycheck.”

  Gayle’s grin went wall-to-wall. “Oh, thank you so much. I haven’t had any kind of raise until now. I’m so glad you took over the editor’s desk.”

  “It’s what you deserve, Gayle. And I appreciate you for making sure everything was running smoothly while I was gone.”

  “I—I, uh…” She paused and sucked in a deep breath. “Do you recall when I told you about the young couple that came in looking for an apartment?”

  Reggie nodded.

  “Well, I may have a solution and a way to provide housing for people who don’t want to own a house.” She gazed earnestly at Reggie. “I mean, a lot of people don’t want to bother with the upkeep of a house or deal with yard work.”

  “That makes sense.”

  Gayle pressed her lips together and then popped up from her seat. “Could you just come with me? It won’t take long, I promise.”

  “Sure.” Reggie pushed out of her chair and followed Gayle, surprised when she made her way to the back of the building. They went past the seldom-used employee break room and a storeroom all the way to where a stairway was affixed to the back wall. It ran up to a little landing turnaround and then rose to the second floor. Gayle was on the stairs going up to the next floor.

  Reggie climbed up after her, noting that the handrail was a bit loose and needed to be sanded and repainted. She was more than curious about what Gayle might have discovered while she was in New York City.

  When they arrived at the second-floor landing, Reggie was a little out of breath. “Wow! Kind of gloomy up here.”

  Gayle was grinning though. “Just look at this. It’s got this long central hallway and offices on both sides.” She approached one of the doors and twisted the knob. “Of course, no one has been in here in years, but just look at the space.” She threw the door open and displayed a dust-covered room filled with out-of-date printing equipment and a broken desk.

  Reggie was stunned. “Are you proposing that these offices be turned into apartments?”

  Gayle gave a little squeal of delight. “Yes! I’m so glad you can see it too. I figure that there can be four spacious apartments on each floor. I’m sure they will be filled with renters right away.”

  “But—but who would want to walk up to the fourth floor? That’s quite a climb.” Reggie turned around in a full circle, looking at the high ceilings and grime-covered windows.

  “Oh, no. There is an elevator, but I wasn’t sure how safe it is, so I thought we could just take the stairs and look around.”

  Gayle’s excitement was contagious, and Reggie could see the possibilities. “You’re right. This could be a really cute place. Lots of daylight and plenty of space.”

  Gayle let out a whoop. “I knew you would be on board. I just couldn’t let that sweet couple and their dear little baby down.”

  “Hold on,” Reggie said. “Frank owns the building, and I’m not sure how he feels about being a landlord. The Gazette pays no rent. It was his great-aunt’s charity project because she believed this community needed a newspaper.” She huffed out a sigh. “I’m just not sure if he would want to make the investment.”

  Gayle’s face crumpled in disappointment.

  “I mean, he would have to add plumbing for bathrooms and create a kitchen for each unit. That would be a huge amount of money.”

  Gayle nodded. “Well, maybe you could mention it to him and see if he would be interested. I know there would be lots of interest.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.” Reggie gestured toward the stairs. “I’ll be sure to get his opinion, and perhaps you can show him what you’ve researched.”

  They made their way back down the stairs and emerged into the front offices.

  “I want you to know how proud I am of you for taking this initiative. Very creative problem-solving.”

  Gayle blushed. “My pleasure. I’ll get back to work.”

  Reggie paused and held up one hand. “Wait! Gayle, would you do me a favor?”

  Gayle turned expectantly. “Of course.”

  Reggie sucked in a deep breath and expelled it. “Would it be too much trouble to—I mean, could you possibly—”

  “Wh
atever I can do…” Gayle frowned uncertainly.

  “If anyone asks about Frank—I mean, Mr. Bell—and me…” Reggie gnawed on her lower lip. “Could you explain that we’re just working on his house…and the story?”

  Gayle brightened immediately. “Certainly. I’ll tell them that it’s just business…if anyone asks.”

  Reggie flashed a wide smile. “Fine. That will be fine…if anyone asks.”

  When Gayle had departed, Reggie collapsed into her chair. What have I done?

  Heaving a sigh, she attacked the pile of papers. She read through the messages, noting the calls she would need to return.

  She finished with signing off on certain items and affixing her name to a few checks. That being done, she booted up her computer and scrolled through her emails, finally opening the file with the Dear Irene inbox.

  Well, well, well… There was another letter from Mr. Nice Guy. Staring at it for a few moments before opening the missive, she realized she was smiling. She actually looked forward to this one.

  Dear Irene,

  I’m so confused. I think I love my coworker, but I’m not sure that I’m the right guy for her. In truth, we have very little in common. When we’re together I’m really happy, and I’m sure she is too. But in the long run, I don’t think we have the same goals. I’m not sure this will work out over the long haul. What do you advise?

  Mr. Nice Guy

  Reggie stared at the screen, the words seeming to dance before her eyes. What was going on with Mr. Nice Guy? He had been so crazy about his coworker, and now he was getting cold feet. Was he one of those men who enjoy the chase much more than the catch?

  She huffed out a sigh. Well, just let me tell him what a jerk he is. She dashed off a biting reply, but before she hit send, she paused, her finger hovering above the button. She read over her words before deleting them and beginning again.

  Dear Mr. Nice Guy,

  You seem to be confused as to your feelings for your coworker. True love is a wonderful and enduring state. In the best scenario, this leads to a committed lifelong union. But sometimes people get caught up in the excitement and mistakenly think they are in love when in truth they do not have the basis for a genuine relationship. Being in love is the best thing ever. If you’re lucky enough to find the right person, don’t ever let them go. Perhaps you should step back and consider the depth of your emotional attachment. It might be kinder to end the relationship before anyone gets seriously hurt.