Alex grinned. “Man, it’s good to see you!”
Ben returned his greeting. “You, too! Been too long.”
Alex eased the truck into traffic and within several minutes, they were on their way back to Mission Canyon.
“So, tell me about this house,” Ben said.
Alex went into detail about the Dempsey property. “Since you flip houses, we were hoping you’d be able to keep us on track.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Ben said. “Your call couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Alex nodded.
Ben continued, “The anniversary of my breakup with Madeline is just around the corner, and I’m glad I don’t have to be in town for that.”
“Did she ever tell you why she broke the engagement?”
Ben shook his head. “No. She never gave me a reason, but I just heard through the grapevine that she’s gotten engaged to a guy from work.”
“Yikes! That’s a tough one.”
“No kidding. It doesn’t help that I run into her all over town. I can’t even go to the grocery store without bumping in to her. Talk about awkward.”
“Well, we’ve got plenty of work to keep us busy, so if you’re looking for distraction, you’ve come to the right place.”
“Right now, a change of scenery and some hard work is just what I need.”
Alex reached over and clasped Ben’s shoulder with his free hand. “Glad to hear it, because we’ve got plenty of both.” Alex hesitated for a moment before continuing, “There is one thing I need to tell you. Every Friday night, which means tomorrow, we’re kind of obligated to go to our neighbors’ house for dinner. It’s a neighborhood thing, and Amy really wants to cultivate good relations. There are three girls that will most likely be interested in you.”
Ben laughed. “How old are they? Eleven?”
“Uh, no. I’d say all of them are in their early twenties.”
“Well, that’s fine,” Ben said. “I don’t mind the company. I know I should be ready to date, but I doubt I’ll be in the mood, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
Alex held up his hands before placing them back on the wheel. “I’m not thinking anything. I just wouldn’t want you to be blindsided by all the attention, or think I had some ulterior motive for asking you here.”
Ben gave a small laugh. “Then thanks for letting me know.”
Alex nodded before leaving Ben to his silent musings. Savannah would certainly be there. Would she react to him in the same cold manner as before? Well, he wouldn’t give her the chance. He sought her out once, and he learned his lesson. Even when they met on the familiar Lone Pine Trail, she kept her distance.
He hated to admit it, but more than anything, Alex wanted to be close to Savannah. She didn’t feel the same, though. Her hasty removal of her hand from his just the other day and her resolute manner in turning from the trail left him with a clear understanding. She didn’t wish for him back.
It was going to be a long summer, living in the shadow of their love. But all seasons pass, and this would too. With Ben’s company added to the little party of the girls, there was no reason to continue to try to include Savannah.
Chapter 12
Savannah checked her phone for the third time while sitting at a window seat at the Adobe Grill. Elle was always prompt, but Savannah wanted to make sure she kept track of the time, so she wouldn’t be late for dinner at Lily and Keith’s. She promised to bring flowers for the centerpiece.
Looking up from her phone, Savannah saw Elle moving through the tables with a huge smile. Her red hair was cut in a curly pixie style. Her peaches-and-cream complexion glowed with a spray of freckles across her nose and a touch of apricot coloring in her cheeks. She was wearing cowboy boots with fringe, a denim skirt, and a white t-shirt with three-quarter-length sleeves. She turned heads.
Savannah stood and embraced her long-time friend. “You’ve cut your hair! It’s adorable.”
Elle raised her hand to the hair while she scrunched up her face. “Thanks! I’ve finally figured out how to manage all these curls.” She gave Savannah another squeeze. “It’s been too long, and I’m happy to see you.”
“I’m so glad we’ve been able to connect,” Savannah said. “I’ve missed you.”
She grinned as the waiter brought chips and salsa to the table, and the two girls fell into comfortable chatter.
Elle talked about her work and her decision to move back home while Savannah shared about her own job and life at home. Soon, their conversation turned to their high school memories, many that included Savannah’s mom.
Elle shook her head. “Her death was a terrible loss for the whole community. I remember your mother as a helper. She was a room mother when we were in grade school, and then in high school, she was always willing to take us wherever we wanted to go.”
Savannah laughed. “I know. When I think about that now, I believe it was her way of keeping tabs on us and making sure we were safe.”
“Well, she was certainly a great undercover operative, if that’s what she was doing. I never guessed.”
Savannah laughed again. It was so nice to remember her mother with someone who could make her laugh about shared memories.
Elle leaned in. “Do you remember that time she picked us up at the dance club?”
Savannah looked heavenward. “Oh, my goodness. How could I forget?! Saved us both, I think.” She paused. “On our way to pick you up, Mom told me she didn’t feel good about us going on that particular night, but she’d already given her permission. We sure were determined to meet those boys from Freedom High. We didn’t even know them! Gosh, they turned out to be creepy. I don’t know how Mom figured this out, but she told me later she just somehow knew she shouldn’t leave the dance club. So, she parked in the lot. When I texted her, she marched right inside and grabbed the two of us.”
Elle nodded while laughing. “And I loved how she did it, too. She acted like we were in serious trouble, so we weren’t embarrassed in front of our friends.”
Laughter bubbled up inside Savannah. “Yeah, and then when we got in the car, she explained why she acted all mad, and told us she had never been so grateful to get a text in her whole life.”
“Later, I found out from some of the others who were there that those guys hit on every one of our friends. They even got a little pushy with a couple of girls we didn’t know. Security asked them to leave,” Elle said.
Savannah nodded. “That was a serious lapse in judgment on our part.”
Elle teared up. “I don’t know if you knew this, but your mom told me that if I ever got in trouble and I couldn’t reach my folks, she wanted me to text or call and she’d come and get me. It didn’t matter who I was with or what happened.” She looked into Savannah’s eyes. “She made me feel safe. I really loved your mom, Vannie. I miss her, too.”
Savannah grabbed Elle’s hand. “Thanks for sharing that with me.”
The waiter placed their entrees in front of them and both girls became quiet as they concentrated on their own meals.
After several minutes, Elle spoke. “There’s a party a week from today, if you’re interested.”
Savannah’s first response was to say no, but she checked herself. She needed to climb out of her shell. “Where is it?”
“It’s at Mission River Park. It starts at three o’clock, but probably won’t get going until after five. It’ll run as long as people are hanging around. The park closes at dusk, which can be around ten o’clock this time of year. What do you think?”
Savannah took a bite from her plate. Her family would be furious if she opted out of the usual Friday evening dinner, but this would give her the opportunity to take her own advice.
Elle continued, “It’s mostly people from high school. I’m going, so if you want to come with me, that’d be fun.”
Savannah nodded. “That’s a great idea,” she said. “Let’s plan on it.”
“It’s a potluck, so just bring a dish to
share, your own table setting, and anything you want to drink.”
Savannah made a mental note, then she said, “It’ll be good to spend some time with you and old high school friends. I’ve been neck-deep in my work for too long.”
Elle laughed. “I agree! It’s time for both of us to have some fun.”
Driving home from the Adobe Grill, Savannah reflected on her afternoon and the memories she and Elle shared. None of them involved Alex. For two blessed hours, she hadn’t even thought of Alex. To be away from home while visiting the happier memories around her mother rested her somehow.
Pulling over to the side of the road, she sent Elle a quick text thanking her for their afternoon together and letting her know she was looking forward to the gathering at the park. It was time to start reconnecting with those who were just as much a part of her past as Alex. Maybe, if she was willing to reach out, she would find other meaningful memories and perhaps even make some new friends.
Chapter 13
Later that evening, Savannah hurried into the Thomases’ home and made her way to the kitchen, carrying the vase of flowers she promised to deliver for the centerpiece.
Standing by the kitchen sink, she fussed with the flowers for a moment before the voices of Shelby and Chantelle came to her from the deck.
“Chantelle, why are you doing this? You’re engaged to Mason.”
“Really, Shel, you’re making a big deal out of nothing. It’s just a little harmless flirtation before I’m snapped up for life.”
“You’re not wearing your ring. Does Alex even know you’re engaged?”
“I’m sure someone’s told him by now.”
“How do you think this makes me feel? You always win. Why do you always have to win?”
“This isn’t about winning or losing, Shel.”
“Then what is it?”
“The chase, I guess.”
A chair scraped against the decking. Savannah hurriedly picked up the flowers and began humming a few bars from her favorite song as she moved to the far end of the kitchen. Chantelle walked through the open French doors. With her back turned toward the deck, Savannah hoped Chantelle would either not see her or determine she couldn’t hear what had been said.
Lily appeared from the dining room, carrying another vase of flowers. Savannah quit humming and gave her a genuine smile as she hugged the older woman. Lily returned Savannah’s greeting with a serious look. “Don’t pretend you didn’t hear that conversation.”
Savannah looked down at her hands.
Lily shook her head. “I don’t know what I did to raise such a child. Well, both of them, really. They act as if they’ve never seen a man before, and they’ve turned his attention into a competition.”
“We all have our bad moments,” Savannah whispered. “Maybe this is just a bad moment.”
Lily put her arm around Savannah. “Bless you for saying this,” she said. “But I doubt it’ll be a bad moment without repercussions.”
Savannah nodded thoughtfully. “I see your point, but they’re sisters. Their bond is strong.”
“My girls have always been competitive. But I’m afraid this will come between them for a long time or do some sort of irreparable damage.”
“Maybe he’ll leave before something disastrous happens.” Savannah was beginning to hope Alex would leave soon. The discomfort of his presence was beginning to wear. But some smaller but insistent part of her basked in his company. Although having him close was a constant reminder of what she lost, his presence reminded her of the joy they once shared. It fed some unnamed hope.
“Maybe. Oh, don’t get me wrong. He’s a nice man. I like him plenty. But I don’t like what’s happening between my girls.” She sighed. “Still, I guess it’s not fair to blame him.” The older woman paused. “I’ve thought about having a talk with both of my girls, but I’ve learned the hard way not to get in the middle of whatever they’re working through. Now that they’re adults, my efforts to help end up looking like interference. They both accuse me of taking sides.”
Were Alex’s feelings for Chantelle growing, or was it truly just a harmless flirtation? Savannah was doubtful. When it came to the heart, nothing was ever harmless.
The caterer came into the kitchen, carrying boxes, and placed them on the counter, and soon the room was bustling with activity as the caterer began prepared the food for dinner.
Savannah and Lily went to the deck, where they arranged the flowers among the table settings. Bright red poppies, pink peonies, and early white and yellow roses gave the table the finishing touches of brilliant color.
While concentrating on the flowers, Alex’s presence came to Savannah on some unseen wave of energy. Looking up, she saw he was watching her through the screen. Almost without awareness, she gave him a small bud of a smile as her eyes flashed in his direction.
Alex met her effort with a smile of his own, and a warm familiar glow came into his sky-blue eyes. Her smile grew, as the familiar fire of their earlier love reignited in her heart. Her eyes searched his. He was open to her gaze, standing there quietly next to someone Savannah didn’t even know.
A commotion began as Amy and Steve began to move out to the deck with Keith and the twins came from behind Alex. Chantelle grabbed his arm, and the spell was broken. Chantelle had changed into an aqua-blue dress that reached mid-thigh. It matched the color of her eyes and showed off her lovely tan legs and shoulders. She was barefoot.
Alex appeared startled by Chantelle’s presence, but warmed to her. Shelby, dressed in white shorts, a pink t-shirt, and sandals, wasn’t far behind her sister. She placed herself directly in front of Alex. “And who’s your friend?” she asked.
That’s when Savannah focused on the young man standing beside Alex.
“Ladies, this is Ben Dalton. We’re longtime friends from high school. He’s here to help us with the house.”
“Nice to meet you,” the girls stated in unison before laughing.
Savannah broke her gaze away from the tight-knit group and concentrated on the flowers with Lily. As she finished, she followed Lily into the house where Alex was introducing Ben. Savannah studied Ben and found she liked his five o’clock-shadow and deep brown eyes. He wasn’t as striking as Alex, but something in his eyes resonated with her.
After the introductions were made, Chantelle and Shelby hurried Alex outside. Savannah watched them go as Alex gave her one more glance over his shoulder. Lily disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Savannah with Ben.
“This is a beautiful home. You must love it here,” Ben said.
“I do love it here,” Savannah replied. “But it’s not my home…exactly.” She laughed. “I live next door.”
“Oh, I didn’t see another house on our way here.”
“It’s set further back from the road, and we both own so much acreage that we’re not all that close in proximity. But we’re the best of friends, and I’ve grown up with the Thomases, so in many ways, they’re my family.”
“It must be nice to be so close to your neighbors.”
“It’s the best of all worlds,” Savannah replied before changing the subject. “So, you’re here to help with the Dempsey house?”
Ben gave her an odd look. “Dempsey house?”
Savannah laughed. “I shouldn’t call it that anymore. It’s the Jensen house, now.”
“Oh, Amy and Steve’s place.”
“Right.”
“Yeah. I flip homes for a living, so we’re hoping to get a lot done in the next six or so weeks.”
“It’s nice of you to come in the middle of what must be your busiest season.”
A faraway look came into Ben’s eyes. “Trust me, they’re doing me a favor.”
The front door opened and Marissa came in with their father and Kelly. Savannah introduced them to Ben. Marissa gave him a quick smile before looking around him, trying to spot Alex. Charles barely nodded before moving out to the deck, and Kelly pasted a smile on her face while she held out a limp ha
nd.
Anger flared in Savannah’s belly. Would it really be hard for her family—and Kelly, too, for that matter—to be civil to a guest of the Thomases? “I’m so sorry,” she whispered in shame. “I—I...”
Ben placed his hand on her arm. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I realize I’m out of my league by attending a catered dinner in such a grand house.”
“You are not out of your league,” Savannah whispered with clenched teeth. “My family is just rude, and I’m sorry for it.”
“Well, it’s not for you to apologize,” Ben said. “And I hope it won’t ruin our opportunity to talk.”
“No. Of course not,” Savannah said. “In fact, why don’t you sit by me, as we can see that Alex will be…occupied.”
“He told me about the girls.”
Savannah looked up at Ben, waiting for him to go on, but he didn’t say anything more, and Savannah didn’t want to be obvious in her prying.
“Let’s join the others, shall we?” Savannah led Ben to the deck, where Alex untangled himself from the other women long enough to give a general introduction. Everyone welcomed Ben with a raised glass of ice tea.
Dinner included game hen in a wild mushroom sauce with fresh asparagus and new potatoes.
Savannah carefully cut her meat while listening to the chatter going on at the table. Kelly was engaging her father, Lily, and Keith in a discussion around the latest prices for beef, while Alex and his fan club talked to Steve and Amy about the renovations. Marissa looked completely bored while Shelby and Chantelle at least put on the pretense of being interested.
Savannah turned toward Ben. “You mentioned that Steve and Amy have done you a favor by having you come out at this time. Is the flipping business in Bend slowing down? I would think this would be your busiest time of year.”
“It is, but I was in between projects and needed to get out of town.”
“Change of scenery?”
“Change of everything,” Ben said. “You see, I’m facing a tough anniversary. My fiancée broke off our engagement about a year ago, and it’s just been a hard thing for me to work through.”
The Second Chance Bride (Country Brides & Cowboy Boots) Page 7
