His laugh is soft. “Busted. I want you to know, not because I feel the same way, but because I want to be honest. I like you, Trish. But I think Jill has a crush on me, and I’m not sure how she will act when our boss talks to her.”
.***
Two days later, my head’s reeling from all Wayne shared, what I’ve sketched for the storefronts, and what I need to accomplish at the store. The small bell at the register jars me back to attention.
Mom returns the bell to the counter. “Trish? Are you paying attention? Yesterday you had the closing report to the penny. Today, your numbers make it look like we were robbed overnight.”
I feel like a toddler, remembering the time she caught me sneaking cookies to my room. “Sorry. I wasn't focused.”
“I'm here today to catch your mistakes, but it won't be long before this is all on you. It's important.”
I nod. “You're right. I promise I'll do a better job.”
Before Mom can reply, Jenna enters with Roxy Tarantelli and Dora Parks, the two ladies from the senior center who could not be more opposite.
Jenna walks right to the counter, her smile wide. “Good morning, ladies. I found our last models and thought we'd take a chance in stopping by and picking out something for them to wear. While they browse, we could talk details. If you want.”
Roxy and Dora make their way to the back racks with new women’s merchandise.
I look to Mom, who nods, so I assume I can join the others. “We’re starting to get winter pieces. Could I take some to the dressing room for you?”
Roxy is already holding up a winter coat with fringe. “This reminds me of our Rockette costumes.” Her fingers trace the heavy material.
Dora leaves the new arrival area and heads toward clearance. “Any long skirts?”
Jenna raises her eyebrows as the senior finds a plaid gray skirt. “I’m sure we’ll find something perfect for both of you.”
The two ladies find a couple choices and visit the dressing rooms. Jenna joins me and sighs. “I worked on the program for the Christmas party. Were you going to create the coupons for me to place inside?”
I lean in so the ladies can't hear. “Do you feel okay? Do you need a chair?”
She waves me off. “No, Trish, I'm fine. Thanks, though.”
“Okay, but you’ll tell me if you need to sit or something, right?”
Jenna nods. “Promise.”
“Alright. About the coupons, yes, I plan to do those.” I bend down to the built-in shelf within the counter. “I already made them for the models. They’re green paper stock in case they shop during a time I have someone else working. That way they will know the difference in discount. I'll do the ones for the program in red.” I hold them up.
Jenna leans in. “They look great. Your printer is way better than mine. I think it's time to purchase a new one for the center.”
I turn and see Roxy lift a sweater full of silver bling. When I unpacked it from shipment, I thought of her.
Jenna looks over to her and claps her hands. “I love it. That's completely your style. Looks like your size, too.” She returns her attention to me. “I’m using the Christmas program and fashion show to introduce some of the improvements we’ve made with Howard’s inheritance. We have new sound equipment, gaming systems for exercise, and by then we should have expanded space and updated office equipment.”
“Well, until you get that printer, let me print your programs.”
Dora steps out from the dressing room door, holding a bland brown sweater my mom must've ordered when she was distracted. “This is it. This is what I'll wear.”
Jenna closes her eyes for a moment, then blinks several times. “Remember, Dora, it's a Christmas-themed program. I think the members want to see bright colors.”
Dora pushes her glasses up her nose and travels back to winter selections. “How about this?” She finds a plain white cable sweater.
Roxy sighs and slaps her hand on her forehead.
I jump up and run to the next room where the sports equipment is. Once I find the ski poles, I present them to the group. “Throw a scarf around her with ski goggles and ta-da, she looks ready to go down Oak Mountain.” I wink.
One by one the ladies smile. Jenna nods. “Brilliant. Thank you. And for the print offer.”
I take Roxy and Dora's items from them so I can store them with the rest of the models’ clothes. “My pleasure. Ladies, I look forward to seeing you both in the show.”
Roxy flashes me a megawatt smile. “Trish, you were a delight to work with today. Thank you.”
The trio zip up their coats and wave good-bye as another customer walks in. It takes a second before I realize the woman is marching right toward me, and I don’t see a return in her hand.
The paramedic jacket and the swinging ponytail prove this is not a customer. It’s Jill. “Hey, Tish. Just wanted to say thanks. I get to spend my weekend taking a refresher class because you got me in trouble.”
Chapter Eight
Jill’s green eyes almost have a Sci-Fi quality as she lasers in on me.
“It’s Trish.”
She folds her arms against her chest and taps her foot. “Like it matters. I made a mistake and I got written up. Know anything about that?”
“I understand that you aren’t supposed to talk about a patient’s history in a public place.”
Her gaze narrows. “I know your type. You swing your hair and bat your eyes and think men like Wayne will come running. Thing is, I’ve heard your name around town, and your reputation is worse than the winters around here. I’ve been in town since you left. I also don’t plan on leaving.”
I start to open my mouth, but clamp it shut. Hot tears sting, but I will not allow them to fall in Jill’s presence.
Jill doesn’t let up on the eye contact. “Wayne’s a decent guy. He’s a father. The last thing he needs or deserves is trouble like you.”
The door opens, and we both turn to look. Before I realize who it is, Jill shakes the wrinkles from her coat and puts it on. “Have a good day.” With a flash of a smile, she’s gone.
There’s no chance to recover because Carla, Wayne’s first love and mother of his child, seems headed right toward me. Please don’t let this be another ambush.
Carla has her black work attire on complete with her logo, Untangled by Carla. “Hi, Trish.” She stops at the glove table and picks up a pair, so I'm not sure if she's shopping or in-between hair clients.
“Hi, Carla.” I walk over to the kid's section close by where stuffed animals need to be reorganized after a mom brought in her two preschoolers. I steal a glance and notice Carla visiting tables and racks without really picking much up. “Is there something specific you're looking for?”
Carla pauses in the junior department, which for our small region is only four racks and five feet away from me. “Not really. I mean, nothing I can buy.” A nervous edge laces her words.
I wipe my hands, fuzzy from the stuffed toys, on my slacks and join her, which brings dread with every step. “Is there anything I can help you with?” Please say no.
Her purse strap falls from her shoulder to the crook of her arm. “Actually, there is. Do you have a minute?”
My words come out slow and shaky “I guess so.”
“Noah told me about the race a week or so ago. He mentioned you went with him and Wayne.”
This conversation is going exactly where I don't want it to go.
I nod.
She offers a thin smile. “He had a great time, by the way.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Noah, or Wayne?”
“Oh, Noah. Definitely Noah. I mean, I'm sure Wayne did, but I wouldn't talk to him about, well, you know.”
I don't think I do.
“Anyway, your name keeps coming up. Noah said his dad mentioned fishing and hiking, and maybe even rafting down the Sacandaga.”
I twist a lock of hair around my finger. “For the two of them?”
Carla clears her throat. “My impression w
as you'd be part of the experience. And if that's accurate, I just wanted to make sure you're truly interested.”
Her gaze appears strong. Way more intimidating than I remember when she pulled me over during her sheriff days.
“Well, Carla, I admit, these plans are a surprise to me. I'm not against them, I just haven't been invited. Yet.” I smile.
She rolls her eyes. “He always was a procrastinator. Thing is, if he actually invites you, Wayne, that is, you don't strike me as an outdoorsy type.” Her words are measured, guarded before she quickly adds, “No offense.”
I'm blinking so much she must think I'm sending Morse code.
“So, if you don't want to do those things, and you aren't interested in the people that plan to invite you, well, don't hurt Noah. It's all I'm saying. I remember the day Ben learned you skipped town without telling him in person. I won't have my son experience that torment.”
And there it is. New and improved Trish still getting the punishment.
I let go of my hair and place my hands on my hips, eyes narrowing. “I understand your concern. But I wouldn't ever hurt Noah or Wayne on purpose. I've changed. Grown. And right now we're all friends.”
“Wayne seems to think you’re as natural to the Adirondacks as a bear. I'm not so sure I agree.” She folds her arms against her chest.
I steal a glance at the shelves. Log cabin knick-knacks. Black bear figurines. I’ve seen those my entire life. I didn’t love them, but I’m an Adirondack girl. Now. “I'm definitely not a professional runner. And if I went fishing, I probably would catch a tire. But I deserve the opportunity.”
“Speaking of, what if a big-shot job somewhere else comes along? Will you ditch them?”
And then my feet sprint right into my mouth. “You mean like you did by going away to beauty school, leaving Noah, instead of Wayne?” Because all of Speculator Falls remembers the trouble Noah got in at school when Carla put all her relationships in jeopardy with her choices. “No offense.”
The door jingles but I'm not able to see who my customer is.
“I didn't abandon them. That's your track record here in Speculator Falls, Trish. I'm not saying it to be mean. I'm being protective.”
I look to the floor because I don't have what it takes to focus on her. Not after dealing with Jill. The tears are falling, and I pray she doesn’t see them. With a quick wipe of the cheek, I sigh. “Your message has been received. I hope you're happy with your shopping today.” I step away and right into Wayne's chest.
Carla makes good use of the awkward moment and exits.
Wayne’s hand cups my chin. “Trish? Everything okay?” His touch is warm, smooth, and as comfortable as a cup of hot cocoa. “You’re crying.”
I step back and shake my head. “Not the best day, but I’ll be okay.”
He arches his eyebrows. “Did Carla say anything to hurt you?”
“No. Really. She’s looking out for Noah. I get it. Before she came in, Jill was here. She made it clear she has her sights set on you. And that she knows all about the real me.”
Wayne sighs. “I’m sorry. When do you close? Can I take you out to dinner? I’d love to talk this out and make you feel better.”
One glance at the clock, and my heart leaps. I get off work in less than an hour. “I can meet you at Jack Frosty’s at six.”
“Great. I have to pick up a few groceries at JB’s, but I’ll come back here and meet you. Does that work?”
I nod. “You don’t have to do this, you know.”
He winks. “You’re right. I don’t have to. I want to.”
Be still my heart.
Chapter Nine
It’s not quite six-thirty when Wayne puts his hand on my lower back and escorts me to a booth at Jack Frosty’s.
He leans in and his breath hits my ear close and whispers. “Pretty full tonight.”
I nod and wave at Pastor Reynolds and Brooke.
Wendy places our menus on the table and grins. “Britanny will take your orders shortly. You two have an enjoyable evening.”
My cheeks warm when Sara Bivins smiles our way and gives a thumb’s up gesture. “I feel like everyone is looking at us.”
He chuckles. “I’m sure everyone is thinking, ‘Wow, what a stunner Trish Maxwell is.’”
I roll my eyes and play with my napkin.
“Why do you do that?”
I look up into those gorgeous eyes. “What?”
His husky voice has my full attention. “Roll your eyes. I haven’t known you long, but you don’t seem able to take a compliment.”
With a sigh, I push away the napkin. “I have trouble believing them. For the longest time, I only heard them from my parents. I figured they had to say it. Then, Ben. But I didn’t really pay attention to his kindness because I was too busy thinking about myself. For a very brief time, Kyle Swarthmore said things that any girl would want to hear. After I heard him say it to someone else, I finally figured it out that it was just a line he gave all the girls. You are the first person to consistently compliment me. Stunning isn’t a word I’d use to describe myself.”
He nods, and looks up as our teen waitress places two glasses of ice water in front of us on the table.
The girl cracks her gum. “Ready to order?”
“Hi, Brittany. I think so. Trish?”
We tell her what we want and once she leaves, I reach for my drink.
He offers a sweet smile. “Our waitress was my son’s first girlfriend. Didn’t last long.”
“Teen romances rarely do, I suppose.”
Wayne starts to say something, then stops. After a pause, he clears his throat. “Trish, I apologize on behalf of men like Kyle. Honestly, up until very recently, I wasn’t much different than him. I’ve been upfront about my feelings for you, but I need to work on getting to know you. Showing you I can be trusted. And what I say to you, and about you, can be believed.”
Before I can answer, his hand slides across the table, and gives it a squeeze. Of all the romantic gestures, this is the most comforting display of affection I’ve ever known. “I trust you, you’ve proved yourself.”
He leans in, and I’m pretty sure all the ice melts in my water. “I wish you could see yourself like I do. You’re intelligent, beautiful, kind, and creative. You help others. You aren’t afraid to try new things. And you bounce back when it doesn’t work out. Would you be willing to try something with me that might help improve your self-esteem?”
I rest my elbows on the table. “What do you have in mind?”
Wayne bites his lip. “Would you read the Bible with me?”
Okay, I didn’t see that coming. “Sounds harmless. Why?”
“Because God’s Word is full of promises about what He thinks of us. I’d love to go through a study or a list of verses so you could see how loved you are. Who cares if people around here don’t love you, even though I believe they do. What you need is to believe God loves you.”
.***
An hour later, Wayne goes to the register to pay, and I want to pinch myself. Our dinner feels like a Hallmark movie and I don’t want it to end.
Sara Bivins, Speculator Falls mayor, matriarch, and Ben’s grandmother, reaches for my arm as I walk by her table. “Trish, how are you? It’s so good to see you smiling.”
Wayne’s words are still fresh in my mind as I resist dashing away because I feel awkward around her for how I treated Ben and the senior center. “Thank you, Sara. Things are coming together slowly. I’m helping Mom at the store and working on an idea for a business that would help the Adirondack villages.”
Her smile could defrost an ice sculpture in seconds. “That’s wonderful, dear. If there’s anything I can do to help, call me.” She releases her hold and pats my arm.
“That means a lot. I will.”
Sara looks to the front of the restaurant. “I won’t keep you. It looks like Wayne is ready.” She winks. “He’s a good man. I’m very proud of how fast he’s grown up in such a short time.�
�
“He says any positive changes in his life is all God’s doing.”
Sara nods. “Praise the Lord. You two have a wonderful evening.”
I wave goodbye and meet Wayne at the door. “Ready?”
He opens the door and a blast of cold air greets us. “To take you back to your car, yes. For this weather? Not so much.”
Once he turns on the SUV and clicks on the heater, I see a few snowflakes dance onto the windshield. Although it isn’t even November, snowflakes don’t come as a surprise. They can happen any time after September.
Before he puts the vehicle in gear, he turns on the windshield wipers. “I did hear we could get a few inches tonight.”
“Of course. I’ve been so busy at the store I didn’t think to take my car in and put winter tires on.”
Wayne keeps the SUV in park and looks at me. “Do you want me to take you home? I’m off tomorrow, I could drive you to work, even put tires on for you.”
Seriously, does he have a white horse nearby? Because he is a knight in shining armor.
“You don’t have to. If it gets too snowy I can go slow.”
He shakes his head. “Trish, I don’t have to, I want to.”
It’s my turn to reach for his hand and squeeze. “Thanks, Wayne. I’ll take you up on that.”
Our ride is relatively quiet as Wayne switches on the radio and Brad Paisley’s latest song fills the car. The snow accelerates and I watch him navigate the windy road before the vehicle starts sputtering.
“Is everything okay?”
Wayne keeps maneuvering the steering wheel. The noises and jerking only increase before the car stops. “No. Can’t be.”
I arch my eyebrows. “What’s going on?”
“This has never happened before. I’m out of gas.”
I lean over to look at the controls, but I can’t see where the gas gauge is, and I’m certain Wayne’s kidding. “Funny. You just don’t want me scared because something is really wrong with the vehicle, right?”
He turns to me and shrugs. “No, I really ran out of gas. I always check it before a medic run, but…”
“But this isn’t your work vehicle.”
Wayne nods and knocks his head against the headrest. “Right. I wasn’t thinking straight. I was excited to be with you tonight and I didn’t even notice the light. I’m so sorry.”
Engaged: Surrendering the Future (Surrendering Time Book 3) Page 5
