by Mona Ingram
They were the words she’d ached to hear, but they’d come too late. Especially with Chris’ words still echoing in her head.
She steeled herself to look at him. “Just tell me this, Jesse. Why did you pretend to care?” If she could understand that, maybe this whole experience would have been worthwhile.
“Pretend? Didn’t you hear what I just said? I’m falling in love with you.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so, Jesse.”
“What are you talking about?” He walked around in a circle.
Lexie seized the opportunity to stand. If he reached for her, she wouldn’t be able to resist.
“You should check your Victoria papers more often.”
“And why would I do that?” Something shifted behind his eyes.
Lexie exhaled a long, slow breath of air. “I know about your girlfriend, Jesse. The two of you make an attractive couple.”
“My girlfriend?” He held up both hands in a gesture of appeal.
“Yes. I believe her name is Sylvia.”
He closed his eyes for a moment. “Sylvia MacMillan isn’t my girlfriend.”
“Maybe you should tell her that.”
He glared at her and opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.
“I cared about you, Jesse. I cared a lot.” She almost choked on a sob. “But when I love someone, I don’t share him with other women. At least not knowingly.”
She turned and walked quickly between the rocks, the path blurry through her tears. She listened for him to call her back and God help her, she would have gone, but the only sound was the high piercing call of an eagle. She climbed into her car and was headed north within moments.
JESSE CLENCHED HIS teeth to keep from calling out to her. Watching her walk away was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do, but the truth was he was afraid of what he might say. He didn’t know if he was angrier at himself for not telling her earlier, or at her for suggesting he’d used her. He slumped down on the rock she’d occupied and tried to think rationally... and honestly. Was there any truth in her accusations? Had he failed to tell her so she would offer her unique perspective on the operation of the Bistro? Possibly, but it wasn’t as if he’d hunted her down. She’d appeared here at the diner out of the blue, and had volunteered the information.
He should have told her last night, as he’d originally planned, but the conversation had taken a personal turn when they started to exchange life stories. He hadn’t wanted to ruin the intimacy of the evening. Understandable, but look where that had landed him!
As he sat there, the anger slowly leaked out of him, and was replaced by a grim determination. He’d give her a few days to calm down, and then he’d hunt her down. He hadn’t built several successful businesses by taking no for an answer, and he wasn’t about to start now. He looked in the direction she’d taken, and a slow smile spread across his face. What had she said as she was leaving? ‘...when I love someone, I don’t share him with other women.’ He rose, brushed off the back of his jeans and started down toward the Beaver. It was a start... something to hang onto.
It would have to be enough.
IT WAS LATE AFTERNOON by the time Lexie pulled up to the motel in Qualicum Beach. She smiled politely as the room clerk enthused about how lucky she was to get a cancellation at the last minute. At this point, all she wanted to do was kick off her shoes, change clothes and get out on the beach. She’d bought some beach wear at a no-name store along the highway to supplement her meagre wardrobe of work clothes. Driving the last few miles to the motel, she’d had some spectacular views of the beach. The tide was out, revealing miles of hard packed sand. There was so much of it that even though there were a lot of tourists out walking, it wasn’t crowded. Just what she needed to clear her mind.
She unpacked quickly, setting the few personal items she’d brought with her on the vanity in the bathroom. They looked pitiful sitting there on the expansive surface. Odd how they’d seemed right at home on the compact little shelves she’d been utilizing in her cabin at Arbutus Cove.
She had to stop thinking like this. She’d come here to clear her head and plan her future, not dwell on her past mistakes.
A low set of steps led down to the beach. With the lowering sun at her back, she set out. The outgoing tide revealed sculpted ripples in the sand. Small pockets of water remained in random low spots and she headed for them like a four-year old, splashing her way through with no consideration for her clothes. This is what she needed, and the tension of the day disappeared like the tiny creatures skittering for their burrows in the sand.
She turned to look back, surprised at how far she had come. The tide was turning now, lapping at her feet, the water warmed by the residual heat of the sun on the sand. Moving laterally along the beach, it occurred to her that she should have done this the day she left the Bistro. Getting involved with the diner so quickly had been a mistake.
Or had it? It could be argued that discovering the diner had been one of the best things to happen to her in ages. While it pained her to think that nothing would come of her relationship with Jesse, she’d experienced the short-lived joy of seeing Carly and Brandon become excited about their futures. She had no doubt that they would both succeed, but she’d been looking forward to being even a small part of their success – and of the other young people from the community who would benefit from the re-opening of the Youth Centre.
She’d given herself a lot to think about, but then wasn’t that why she’d come here? To get out of her own way and let life ebb and flow around her, like the inescapable movement of the tides.
LEXIE WAS BEGINNING to think that perhaps her mother was right. The famous soprano had often extolled the healing powers of spas in Europe, especially those at the seaside. Lexie had never been invited to accompany her mother, who preferred to recover from strenuous tours in what she termed ‘luxurious aloneness’. At the time, the exclusion had hurt the young Lexie, but she began to understand it now. During the week she spent on Qualicum Beach, she rarely spoke to anyone, preferring her own thoughts as she came to terms with her present situation.
In spite of her lingering anger at Jesse, she began to accept his point of view. And after much soul-searching, she admitted that she missed him more than she’d ever thought possible. Sitting on a beach towel, staring out at the Coast Mountains, she spoke the words out loud for the first time. “I love him,” she murmured, reveling in the warm glow that suffused her body. “I love him,” she said, louder this time. The words wound around her heart and she threw back her head and laughed with abandon, freed by the admission. Like the sand castles erected daily by carefree children, the walls around her heart crumbled, and she dared to dream of what might be.
Grabbing her backpack to use as a pillow under her head, she felt something hard. Curious, she stuck her hand in one of the pockets and came out with the keychain Luc had given her. What must he be thinking about her disappearance? The last thing the young boy needed was another adult disappearing from his life. Eyes brimming with tears, she clasped the piece of driftwood in her hands and promised herself that no matter what, she’d see him at least once more. As for Jesse, she could only hope it wasn’t too late to make a fresh start.
“WE’RE SORRY TO SEE you go, but we hope you enjoyed your visit.” The room clerk eyed Lexie curiously as she checked out.
“Thank you,” said Lexie with a smile. “It’s been exactly what I needed.”
“A lot of our guests say that,” murmured the room clerk as she watched Lexie pull out of the parking lot.
Lexie pulled through the gates of Golden Valley Farm an hour and a half later. Off the main highway, the farm resembled something out of a fairy tale. A stream meandered through the valley, widened in several spots where livestock went down to drink, lifting their heads as she drove by.
“Welcome to Golden Valley Farm.” An attractive blonde woman greeted her as she entered the small retail area. “My name is Anneke.”
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br /> Lexie shook the extended hand. “I’m Lexie Swinton.” A flash of recognition crossed the other woman’s face. “I used to work at Bistro Provencal in Victoria.”
“Ah yes. How nice to finally meet you.”
Surprised by the warmth of the greeting, Lexie continued. “I came to apologize for everything that happened. You and your husband have been good to us, and I feel partly responsible.”
A small frown marred the other woman’s face, then she brightened as a man entered the room from the back. “This is my husband, Jan. Jan, this is the chef from Bistro Provencal.”
Pale blue eyes assessed her frankly. “Thank you for sorting everything out so quickly,” he said, pumping her hand vigorously. “Anneke and I didn’t know what we were going to do if we lost your business.”
Lexie shook her head. “I don’t work there anymore. I only stopped by to apologize, but I don’t understand. Has everything been resolved?”
“Yes.” He turned to his wife. “About a week ago, wasn’t it?”
She nodded.
“Your Mr...” He turned to his wife again.
“Mr. Cooper.”
“Right. Your Mr. Cooper came and sorted everything out. As a matter of fact, we talked about the dangers of putting all our eggs in one basket. Mr. Cooper encouraged us to find other customers.” He gave her a sheepish smile. “Something we should have done long ago, but this was a lesson well learned.”
Lexie looked around as though Jesse might pop out from behind one of the pieces of equipment. “Jesse came here?”
“Yes. We had a nice visit and showed him around.”
“Oh.” Lexie couldn’t think of anything else to say. “That’s good then.” She checked her watch. “I should get going if I’m going to make it to Victoria by tonight.”
“Terrible traffic,” said Anneke, following her outside. “Drive carefully.” She waved at the departing car and her husband came to stand beside her. “That was strange,” she said, half to herself.
“I was thinking the same thing,” he said, raising his hand in farewell. “But I have a feeling they’ll work it out.”
Chapter Sixteen
ANNEKE WAS RIGHT. THE traffic was terrible, and Lexie had arrived just at rush hour. She’d forgotten how traffic from the Dockyard clogged the streets early, and forced herself to slow down and watch where she was going. Thankfully, the parking lot at New Beginnings wasn’t full; she was in the elevator and at the studio in moments.
“Hi stranger.” Jodi greeted her with a knowing grin. “I thought you might be back today.”
“Why?” Lexie had no idea what her friend was talking about.
Jodi pointed to the silent television screen behind the counter. “They’ve been talking about that auction all day.” She rolled her eyes. “I finally had to turn the sound off. Couldn’t stand to hear that woman’s voice one more minute.”
Lexie looked at the screen, and pinpricks of apprehension marched down her spine. “She really is beautiful, isn’t she?”
Jodi glanced dismissively at the screen. “If you like that sort of thing. Perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect skin.”
Lexie laughed. “Whose side are you on, anyway?”
“So it’s still on with the flyboy?” Jodi jerked her head toward the harbour. “I’ve seen him down there several times this week. Must be busy.”
“I wouldn’t know. We had a big fight and I haven’t seen him for a week.”
‘Oh, for God’s sake.” Jodi rolled her eyes. “When are you two going to stop playing paddy-cake and get on with it?”
“Soon, I hope.”
“Wait.” Jodi’s eyes sparkled. “Are you going to bid for him at the auction?”
Lexie’s pulse rate leaped as she imagined claiming her prize. “I hadn’t thought about it, but that’s not a bad idea. I’m not sure if I could afford him, though.”
“Since when did that ever stop you? Do it, Lex. Show him how much you want him.” She dug under the counter and came out with the old newspaper, which was still folded at the photo of Jesse and Sylvia. “Believe me, if I thought I had half a chance, I’d go for him myself.”
“Over my dead body.” Lexie picked up the newspaper. “May I take this?”
“Sure, I don’t need it.” Jodi gave her a quick once-over. “Wear something sexy. Oh, man. I wish I could be there to see the look on his face. Good luck, kiddo.”
Lexie stepped out into the parking lot and made up her mind. She had to return the key to the cabin sooner or later, and there didn’t seem to be any Coastal Air aircraft in sight. Clutching the newspaper, she ran lightly down the ramp to the water level. Inside the small office, an employee was on the telephone, and she waited until he was finished before stepping inside. He wore a dark blue jumpsuit with the Coastal Air logo and his name – Dave – embroidered below.
“I’d like to leave something for Mr. Cooper,” she said, prying open the wire and removing the key. “Could you please see that he gets it?”
The young man picked up the key. “Will he know what it’s for?”
“Tell him it’s for the cabin at Arbutus Cove. He’ll know.”
Dave’s head snapped up and he studied her for a moment. “All right, thank you.”
Lexie hesitated, then shoved the newspaper across the counter. “And this, if you don’t mind. Give him this as well.”
Dave’s gaze flickered to the newspaper, then back to Lexie. “I’ll do that.”
Heart thudding, she walked back up the ramp. She hadn’t planned to leave the newspaper, but now that she had, there was no taking it back. As she reached the top of the ramp, she turned and looked down at the office. Dave was standing there looking at her, a puzzled look on his face. She smiled and continued to her car.
“I’M SORRY, BUD. THIS is going to be a real bore. I know you’d rather stay home with Maggie, but her sister needed her tonight.” Jesse straightened Luc’s tie and stepped back to admire the boy’s new outfit. “Maybe we should be putting you up for auction as well. The ladies would really go for you.”
“Daaad. Get serious.” Luc rolled his eyes, but Jesse could tell that he was secretly pleased. “I don’t get this action thing anyway.”
“It’s called an auction.” Jesse checked his appearance, then they headed for the garage. “Between you and I, it’s a silly thing that women like to do. Let’s see, how can I explain it? Men get up on the stage and women offer money to take him out to dinner. Whoever offers the most money wins, and they go to dinner together.’
“Why?”
Jesse checked Luc’s seatbelt then turned the ignition. “It’s about the money, and trust me, that’s the only reason I’m doing it. All of the money goes to a charity. This one is for childhood drug education.”
Luc shrugged. “Kids already know about drugs.”
“Exactly. They have access to drugs much too early. I’m supporting a new programme to get them at an earlier age and see if that makes any difference.” He shot a concerned look at his son. “Kids rarely hear about the dangers of drugs until it’s too late.”
“Like my Mom?”
“She was older, but... yeah.” It still hurt every time Luc brought it up, but Jesse was determined not to sweep it under the rug. He reached over and gave his son’s leg a squeeze.
“I know, Dad,” Luc said, his tone heartbreakingly adult. “We have to keep trying.”
THE AUCTION WAS WELL under way by the time Lexie arrived. Instinct told her that Jesse would be one of the last to be auctioned, so she hadn’t worried about showing up late. She paid the admission fee, received her bidding paddle and wended her way between the massive plants that partly hid the glittering crowd. If anyone noticed her clutching her Big Bad Wolf keychain, they were too polite to mention it. It was the perfect good luck charm, and something told her she would need all the luck she could get tonight.
She watched with barely concealed amusement as several of Victoria’s ‘eligible’ men were auctioned off. Some of them m
ight actually be single, but she doubted that they were truly available.
The lighting on the stage changed subtly, and the auctioneer’s voice lowered. “And now, ladies,” he intoned, pausing to let the suspense build, “the bachelor you’ve all been waiting for, Jesse Cooper.”
Amid cheers and whistles, Jesse walked onstage and acknowledged the auctioneer, who continued with his patter. “All right ladies,” he said with a broad sweep of his hand. “What am I bid for this fine specimen?”
The bidding was fast and spirited. Lexie was having such a good time watching the antics of various women that she forgot to bid. Caught in the back of the room, she’d never be able to catch the attention of the spotters. Realizing her error, she started to push her way forward.
As quickly as it started, the bidding stopped. A low murmur spread through the room, and women all over the room clustered together, pointing toward the stage.
Sylvia MacMillan had made her way to the center of the stage, and had slipped her arm possessively through Jesse’s. Catching the auctioneer by surprise, she relieved him of his microphone and purred into it. “Come on, ladies. You have to do better than that if you think I’m going to let this fine specimen get away.” She tossed her head, her blonde hair rippling down her back. “Isn’t that so, Darling?” She lowered the microphone and pressed a kiss into the side of Jesse’s neck.
Smile firmly in place, he nibbled softly on her ear lobe, and several women near Lexie sighed aloud.
Suddenly, the glitter of jewels, the scent of exclusive perfume and the romantic music was more than Lexie could bear. “Excuse me,” she said, looking about wildly for the closest exit. “Excuse me.” She didn’t care who she bumped into; she had to get out of there before her heart broke into a million pieces.
