Catching Serenity

by JoAnn Durgin

  “We have reservations in twenty minutes,” he said under his breath.

  “This will only take a minute, promise. I’ll be right back.”

  Mrs. Marciano met her halfway and tugged her close. “I remember that guy now. He’s that Shores football player who owns some big sports store in Hilton Head and wouldn’t give a dime to the school when they needed new uniforms last year.” Shaking her head, she clicked her tongue. “Blame fool.”

  Serenity’s brows rose. “Are you calling me a blame fool?”

  Her neighbor pumped the rubber heel of her shoe up and down. “Well, of course not. You’re a darling girl, but I don’t want to see you with this man. He’s not the right one for you. Didn’t I hear something about a handsome doctor who’s new in town? Now he’s the one who should be bringing you roses and squiring you to dinner, not some full-of-himself hotshot in a fancy suit who thinks he’s too good for the town where he grew up.”

  “Spencer might have had a valid reason for not donating money, and I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt,” Serenity said. Everyone knew way too much about her private life. Hearing a loud commotion, they both looked up to see Spencer by the car. Gyrating like a man gone wild, he shook his leg with Mrs. Marciano’s cat, Mr. Darcy, latched onto his pant leg. His cheeks were beet red as he glared at Mrs. Marciano. What on earth?

  “Is this your stupid cat?”

  “See, even Mr. Darcy knows a rat when he sees one. I wouldn’t trust that one further than I could throw him.” Her neighbor stomped toward the car, clapping her hands and calling to her cat. Releasing his prey, the feline bounded into the arms of his mistress, leaving behind his flustered victim. After mumbling a few words of apology to Spencer, Mrs. Marciano passed her on the sidewalk with a wink. “Mr. Darcy’s a good judge of character. Don’t let that guy try anything tonight.”

  Serenity swallowed her grin. “I appreciate your concern, but Spencer’s passing through town, and he’s only taking me for a friendly dinner.”

  Mrs. Marciano huffed and snuggled Mr. Darcy close. “Chances are that’s not all he wants. Tell what’s-his-name to go amuse himself and stay home with me tonight, Serenity. I’ll fix you one of those peanut butter and banana sandwiches you love. Then we can make popcorn and watch Who’s the Boss. It’ll be fun. Just you and me. The only man allowed is Mr. Darcy.”

  “It’s tempting, but Tony and Angela will have to wait.” Serenity gathered the woman’s bony shoulders in a quick embrace. “Another night soon. I promise.” Spencer chose that moment to lean inside his car and tap the horn, and both women startled.

  Serenity closed her eyes. “Please tell me he didn’t just do that.”

  “Well, I could, but I’d be lying.” Mrs. Marciano quirked a brow. “My offer still stands.”

  “It’s more tempting by the moment, but maybe it won’t be so bad. Say a prayer for me.”

  “You got it, honey, but I’ll have my eye out when he brings you home tonight.” That statement brought more comfort than it should.

  Seeing her approach the car, Spencer scurried around by the passenger door, still open. “I’ll never understand old people,” he groused, watching as she settled in the leather seat and buckled her seat belt. When he slid behind the wheel, he continued his spiel. “Don’t they have anything better to do than meddle in everybody else’s lives? Guess it makes their own lives more interesting.” Before starting the car, he gestured to his pant leg. “That crazy cat put teeth marks on the bottom of my pants. I doubt my tailor can fix them.”

  “I’m sorry about that, Spencer.” Time to distract him. “Tell me more about your business.” That seemed to soothe him somewhat and the lines on his forehead relaxed. Leaning back against the seat, Serenity glanced out the window and spied her neighbor still standing on the front walkway, shaking her head, as he pulled away from the curb. She listened as he told her about his life in Hilton Head, grateful he didn’t seem to expect much of a response. His voice was rather husky, but nice. As he drove, he asked her a few questions about her business, but he managed to bring the conversation full-circle soon enough.

  During dinner, they reminisced about growing up in Croisette Shores and the places they used to go as teenagers. They’d run in different groups in school, so they didn’t share many memories. Still, she enjoyed their conversation about some of the more quirky teachers. As she suspected, he perked up when she told him she’d always liked watching him play football. Thinking better of it, she stopped herself from telling him she’d harbored a secret crush on him. When the subject turned back to the wonder that was Spencer, Serenity focused on the delicious dinner. In the end, listening to the inflections and nuances in his accent was more entertaining. She’d never met a man more impressed with himself.

  After returning to her small rental home a couple of hours later, Spencer shifted in the seat to face her. “Why don’t we stop tiptoeing around the real issue here?” He ran a finger up her arm in a too-familiar manner. The first genuine question he’d asked her all evening, and it had to be that one?

  Removing her arm from his reach, Serenity frowned. “We had a nice dinner, but please don’t spoil the evening, Spencer. I thought I made it clear this isn’t a date.”

  He sighed and leaned his head against the seat. “Look, Serenity, I’m sorry for that stupid stunt back in high school. I know I acted like a real jerk, but I say it’s time to get over it. We’re grown-ups now, not silly kids.”

  She nodded, somewhat appeased. “Apology accepted. Thanks for a lovely dinner, but if you’ll excuse me, I should go inside now.”

  “Not so fast.” He exerted gentle pressure on her arm with his fingers, warm but again too familiar. Seeing her deepening frown, he released his hold. “Why didn’t you ever return my calls or emails? I was in Atlanta on business several times, and I know my grandparents told you.” While not accusatory in tone, he sounded pouty, a quality she found neither appealing nor attractive in a man. Slowly running one finger down the curve of her jaw, he kept his eyes on her face, moving from her eyes down to her lips. “I’m sure you appreciated the benefits their generosity offered.”

  When he brushed his thumb over her bottom lip, she recoiled from his touch. Never would she give into this man’s intimidation or anything else. “Yes, your grandparents invited me over for meals and helped me get on my feet when I first moved to Atlanta, but I worked my way through college completely on my own.” Why was she bothering to justify herself? This man deserved no explanations. Her anger almost overtook her as Serenity ground her teeth and stared out the front window of the car. “I’m only going to tell you this once, so please listen.”

  “Anything you want to tell me, babe.” His fingertips caressed the top of her shoulder.

  Enough is enough. Throwing open the door, Serenity scooted across the leather seat and out of the car. She marched toward the house, not bothering to close the car door. Only a few steps behind her, Spencer was so close that by the time she reached the top step, she could feel his warm breath on her neck. Fear didn’t enter the equation, only irritation and annoyance that she’d fallen for his old tricks.

  Whirling around, her lips almost collided with Spencer’s chin as he leaned close. She should have slammed his luxury car door when she had the chance. “I’m not your babe, I owe you nothing, and the only thing I owe your grandparents is a debt of gratitude. I paid them back in full for every monetary thing they ever gave me.” She should send them condolences they had to suffer Spencer for a grandson. “You played me for the fool and used me to make Kendall jealous back in high school, and it seems you haven’t changed your spots.” Inhaling a quick breath, she glared at him. “If you think my friendship with your grandparents gives you inherent rights or liberties, then you’re sadly mistaken. Please leave. This evening is over.”

  A small smile played about his lips, a smile she no longer considered the least bit attractive. “You’re a gorgeous woman, and I’m extremely attracted to you. Come on. We’re co
nsenting adults. Give me a chance to make up for my past transgressions. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life alone, do you?”

  How dare he? “There are worse things in life, trust me.” Like spending it with the likes of you. Her words dripped with barely-concealed loathing. To think he implied she’d be alone the rest of her life if she didn’t give into his selfish desires. How colossal an ego must this man have? One hand on the front door, Serenity hesitated, not willing to turn the key in the lock until Spencer was gone. Her hand trembled and she pulled it out-of-sight, not wanting him to see how much he’d affected her. If he dared to touch her again, she’d slap his face hard and not look back.

  “The lady asked you to leave, Quarterback. You’d best do as she says, you yellow-bellied, no good varmint.” Mrs. Marciano stood on the ground below the front steps, iron skillet at-the-ready. How in the world could such a seemingly frail, older woman handle a heavy cast iron skillet like it was featherweight? Dressed in her housecoat and fluffy pink slippers, the elderly woman pressed her lips together and her dark eyes flashed.

  Serenity suppressed the urge to run and throw her arms around the dear woman. Poised behind his mistress, Mr. Darcy kept up a steady stream of hisses at Spencer. From all indications, the cat was a better judge of character than she’d been. Gullible. That’s what she was. Why had she ever agreed to go out with him? How foolish she’d been to give Spencer the benefit of the doubt and fall for his sweet-talking ways. Never again.

  “Mind your own business and shove it, Granny.” Spencer’s words came out a rude snarl. “Go back in your little house and leave us alone. This is between me and Serenity.”

  He turned back to her. “You’d better watch it, Serenity, or you’ll end up all by yourself like Granny, a lonely old woman with a crazy cat to keep you company. That’d be a real shame.” Those words stung as much for her neighbor as herself. One thing her mother and father taught her was to never let anyone see you flinch.

  “Say whatever you want about me, but I can’t tolerate anyone who insults my friends.”

  “Look,” he said, raking a hand over his short hair. “Truce, okay? I thought...well, after what you’d been through—”

  “What, Spencer? That I might be a little lonely? That I might need a big, strong man to take care of me? Let me tell you something.” Another thing she couldn’t abide was arrogance from someone who thought they knew what she—or anyone else—needed. With one finger, she beckoned him closer. He complied, moving so close they were almost nose-to-nose. Serenity bit her tongue not to say what a year ago she would have said.

  “Sure. Tell me, babe.” Leaning one hand against the outside of the house, he gave her a salacious smile.

  Raising her chin, she met his eyes. You are a new creation in Christ. Let your words be seasoned with grace. “I’ll...pray for you.”

  He snorted. Instead of turning away in disgust as she suspected, he surprised her by putting his hand around her waist and drawing her closer. “Religion’s a crutch. You can pray for me all you want as long as you let me—”

  With a disgusted grunt, Serenity pushed him away. He flailed his arms to catch himself as he teetered on the edge of the top step. “I’ll pray the Lord will teach you a few lessons, Spencer. I should have let Mrs. Marciano beat you over the head with that skillet when she had the chance. But I doubt even cast iron would penetrate your thick skull. I’ll take loneliness over being with a man like you any old day of the week, babe.”

  “Serenity! I saw Sheriff Harris patrolling the next street over. Want me to flag him down?” Mrs. Marciano sat on her front stoop, the skillet beside her. Bless her heart, she’d probably sit there all night, if needed. As foolish and embarrassed as she felt, Serenity adored her neighbor’s watch care over her.

  Spencer scowled. “I swear, that old snoop’s worse than a bloodsucking leech. Like I said, we could be real good together. Call me if you ever come to your senses.” Muttering under his breath, he stalked down the sidewalk. After closing the passenger door, he hurried around the front of the car and climbed into the Mercedes. The tires squealed as the car sped away from the curb and tore down the street.

  Mrs. Marciano scrambled to her feet and walked across the short expanse of yard that separated their homes. “You okay, honey? That overgrown hormone didn’t hurt you, did he?”

  Serenity blew out a breath and tried to shake off the lingering repulsion. She shivered and crossed her arms over her middle. “No, he didn’t hurt me. Thanks, Mrs. Marciano. You did me a huge favor tonight. I appreciate how you always watch out for me. I feel pretty stupid.”

  “That’s what neighbors are for, and no reason to beat yourself up about it. You learned your lesson and it’s time to move on.” She smiled. “Tony and Angela are on every night, you know. Back-to-back episodes.” The older woman eyed her. “You sure you’re okay? I could keep you company, or you can come over if you want. Mr. Darcy and I are good listeners.”

  “I’m tired, and I’m sure I’ll be better once I get inside and shake it off. I’m sorry Spencer was so rude to you. No one deserves that kind of treatment.”

  She shrugged. “That guy’ll get his due one of these days and then maybe he’ll understand you get back what you give in this life. Seems to me he’s doing his share of taking.”

  Sad fact, but also true. She’d pray for Spencer. Wasn’t that the right thing to do as a Christian? “How about I come over tomorrow night?”

  Mrs. Marciano brightened. “Sure thing. Seven o’clock. You bring the popcorn.”

  ~CHAPTER 13~

  On Thursday afternoon, Jackson sat beside Serenity on the floor of his office. Oversized paint and wallpaper sample books were scattered around them. They’d been making selections—some permanent, some tentative—for well over an hour. Stretching her arms over her head, she stifled a yawn and shot him an apologetic grin. “Sorry.” She crossed her legs and balanced one of the books on her lap.

  “Late date last night?” Jackson adjusted his position so he’d carry the burden of the book’s weight as he casually thumbed through wallpaper samples. Although he moved his eyes across the page, he saw nothing.

  “I don’t date. Not really.” Reaching across his lap, Serenity’s silky hair brushed against his arm as she flipped a few pages. Long and straight, her hair reached halfway down her back. Smelled great, too. So many women wore their hair short these days, but he’d always preferred long hair. The color of spun gold, it was enough to drive a man to distraction. While surprised she didn’t swoop it off her neck like most women in town—probably because of the humidity—he was glad she didn’t. He’d lost some serious sleep thinking about her. For the last twenty minutes, he’d tried not to think about how great Serenity looked in her fitted jeans and pretty blue top. He liked how she didn’t wear much makeup, and her skin actually seemed to glow from the inside out, as ridiculous as that seemed. She was like a walking advertisement for healthy eating and clean living.

  Matter of fact, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her since Sunday afternoon. The woman was incredible, and not just physically. He liked the way she fussed over her crusty father, the close relationship she shared with Charlie and Maya, the carefree spirit she exhibited when playing in the waves with Maya later in the day, how she escorted her dad to supper at Hermann’s. They’d invited him to come along, but he’d declined, wanting her to have time alone with Clinton. Somehow he sensed that’s what they both needed. Then, as now, he’d tried to be discreet in how attracted he was to her, but he figured she’d noticed his frequent glances although he tried to avoid outright staring.

  Her nearness now had him conjuring up ways he could spend time with her without her accusing him of trying to date her. Serenity was right about one thing. Starting his new practice and renovating the playground should absorb most of his energies. He’d known his share of beautiful women, but the one sitting next to him now was different in more ways than he could count. Odds were, she’d laugh in his face if
he told her he hadn’t dated anyone seriously the last four years. Sure, a few outings here and there, some kisses, but nothing he cared to take to the next level. His decorator would be more than annoyed if she suspected he wondered how soft her hair would feel sifting through his fingers. Wondered what it’d be like to take her hand in his, draw her close and kiss her...

  He needed to stop this trail of thinking. Time to focus. He’d gone too long without female companionship. That’s all he needed. Good old friendship. Right. More like the psychologist needed his head examined. Seeing Serenity with that slimy guy at church had bothered him. Sure, he’d been good looking, but Jackson could spot overconfidence and a wolf in sheep’s clothing a mile away. Not one to jump to judgment as a general rule, he’d irrationally disliked the man on sight. He was too smooth and impressed with himself.

  Serenity flipped over a few more pages before pointing to a pale yellow wallpaper with a small palm tree design. “This one would look great on the bottom portion of the walls if you want to do a chair rail.”

  Jackson snapped to attention. “What’s a chair rail? And why don’t you date...not really?” He tried to keep his voice even. Call him selfish, but if he couldn’t date Serenity, he didn’t want anyone else keeping her company.

  “That’s a two-fold question.”

  “I’ve got time. Remember, I like two-fold things.”

  “How can I forget?” With a small smile, she angled her head toward the long, empty wall behind his desk. “A chair rail is a dividing strip of molding lining a wall horizontally. It’s a good way to break up a wall and make it more visually appealing. A chair rail usually runs anywhere from two to four feet from the floor. There’s wallpaper below the wood strip and a solid color painted above it, so it’s a backdrop for paintings, photos or whatever you want to hang on the wall.”

  She stopped, her brow furrowed as she absently curled a long strand of blonde hair around one finger. It’d been a long time since he’d seen a fully-grown woman do it. The action was playful, almost wistful. “Did that sound as cut-and-dried boring as I think it did?” When he didn’t answer, she smiled. “Earth to Jackson. You’re staring at me.”