He sits next to Jenna, and holds her hand.
I tilt my head toward them. "Like what?"
The two share a look and Jenna giggles. "I think I know where he's going with this. You want to stay in Speculator Falls.”
I choose my words carefully. "Oh. That. It would seem that way, right? And I think it is."
Ben leans back in his chair. "You definitely aren't the Trish I remember. You couldn't wait to leave this place."
I look to the floor for a moment. "I didn't appreciate a lot of things." I glance back at the two newlyweds. "I ate a lot of humble pie in New York City. I thought that job and life were the answer to everything. Sometimes the quieter life speaks volumes, you know?”
Jenna nods while scooping this new-to-me recipe on my plate. "We're not so different after all. You'd rather be a big fish in a small pond, right?"
After Ben prays, I pick up my fork and take a bite. "Hmm. I never thought along those lines, but I guess so. I love planning things. Weaving businesses and ideas together to be more efficient and known to the public. That's my passion, and when I was in Indian Lake, I saw the need. We could use that here in Speculator Falls, too."
Ben clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth. He always did that in high school when he was thinking. "I can’t remember if we talked about this at JB’s. Do you want to approach all councils in the county? Or, thinking bigger, would you want to visit all the tourist towns in the Adirondacks? That's a lot of driving, but that might be your funding source."
I take two bites of dinner before reaching for my ice water. There’s kick to that casserole thanks to the spices.
Jenna puts her fork down. "You guys. Can we eat first and then talk business?" She looks to her husband, then me, rolling her eyes. "Oh, forget it. It would be hopeless to try." She grins.
"Sorry, Jenna. I'm not much help. I'm excited." And not just about the work venture. This casserole is delicious.
Ben smiles. "I understand. This is how I felt when I talked about the expansion." He nudges Jenna. "When I wasn't in a complete panic."
We chat about those chaotic times between Ben and Jenna as we finish our meal.
Jenna waves us off after dinner. "You two go on ahead. I'll clean up."
"Are you sure, sweetheart? I can help." Ben offers.
She picks up my empty plate. "Nonsense. The snow is picking up. Let's not keep Trish too long."
We retreat to Ben's den area to look over the drawings and ideas I put together. We're silent for about five minutes.
Ben’s the first to speak. "Doing this for a couple villages probably won't secure any funding. Offering this through the Adirondack village, I think you have a shot. And grant work is probably the way to go."
I can't imagine driving all around the mountains in the winter to secure monies. Earning grants to secure payment to drive to create the actual storefronts, seems an easier plan.
Ben taps the pencil on the desk. "There are a lot of logistics, but we can hammer them out before the meeting. You need more than storefronts. What else ties the area and the businesses together?"
I'm about to answer when Jenna appears in the doorway.
"Hey, babe. All done?"
Her smile seems pained. "I think something's wrong with the baby. I'm cramping."
Ben's face pales. "What do you mean?"
Jenna's voice rises. "I don't know how to explain it, but it's not a normal feeling. It's cramping. Something's wrong. I'm sure of it."
I stand. "Should I call someone?"
He races to his wife's side. "I don't know what to do. The urgent care center is closed. The closest place is Gloversville."
Jenna winces and leans forward, clutching her side. "Wayne. Could you call him? I think he’s able to make calls and use urgent care after hours."
I nod, leave the room, and grab my phone, although without signal, it still gives me Wayne's contact information. I find their landline and thankfully he answers on the first ring.
"Hey, Ben, what's going on?" His husky voice almost makes me forget why I dialed.
"Um, Wayne? It's Trish. I'm at Ben's house, and Jenna has an emergency. We don't know what to do." My voice catches.
"I'll be right there."
Once I return the phone to the cradle, I face the two. "He's on his way. But, he'll have to know that you're pregnant."
Jenna nods, tears spilling down her cheek. "It's okay. I don't care how many people know as long as the baby is healthy."
Ben takes her hand. "Should I call Pastor Craig?"
My eyes dart back and forth as they talk. I can't imagine the fear Jenna must be feeling.
She nods. "I think it's a good idea."
Forty-five minutes later we're at the Urgent Care with Wayne, and Dr. Horton, while Ben and Jenna are in an examination room. Pastor Craig and Brooke meet us there, and the three of us sit in the closed waiting room.
"How far along is she, Trish?" Brooke's mint green colored eyes are filled with compassion.
"I don't know. I'm not sure they wanted to tell me, I just happened to be there when she and Carla were talking."
Pastor Reynolds voice is comforting. "Trish, I'm going to pray with Brooke. Would you like to join us?"
The two are holding hands, but they extend their open hands to me.
"Of course. Thank you."
Pastor clears his throat. "Father God, we ask that You give Dr. Horton wisdom as he checks on Jenna and this precious life within her. Give Ben and Jenna peace. Help all of us continue to put our trust in You. We give You our thanks, and give You the glory in Jesus' name. Amen."
"Amen." Brooke and I say together.
Fifteen minutes later, Ben holds the door open for Jenna.
Pastor Craig, Brooke, and I stand.
"Is everything okay?" I move a piece of stray hair behind my ear.
Jenna walks toward us. "We're fine. My dignity is gone, but the baby is fine."
Ben steps in behind her.
Brooke gives Jenna a hug. "I don't understand, but if you and the baby are fine, that's all that matters."
"It's silly, actually. I thought I was cramping. It was, well, we had taco casserole for dinner. And it didn't agree with me." She looks to the floor.
Ben squeezes her shoulder. "Basically, gas. But I'll take that diagnosis any day."
"Amen. We thank God just the same. We'll let you get home." Pastor smiles, and then turns to me. "Trish, do you need a ride home? Brooke and I can take you."
I open my mouth, but the door opens again. Wayne steps out and joins us.
"No worries, Pastor Craig. I'll take everyone back to Ben and Jenna’s.” He faces me. “Do you need anything from their house?
I think back to my fast dash to my car. I’d thrown all the papers in the backseat before Ben asked me to ride with them in Wayne’s SUV. “Everything but the car. If you can just take me to my vehicle, we’ll let Jenna rest and be done entertaining for the night.” I turn to Ben. “I appreciate everything. I’ll start researching grants. I promise by the council meeting, I’ll be ready.”
His arm is secure against Jenna’s waist. “I know you will.”
“Jenna, thank you for dinner. I’m so glad everything is okay.”
She steps forward and offers a hug. “It means so much that you called Wayne. I really appreciate our friendship.”
Once I step back I’m sure I have a goofy smile. Friendship. That has a nice sound to it.
.***
Ben and Jenna exit Wayne’s SUV as if it were on fire and head inside their home, leaving Wayne, me, and my car a few feet away.
I reach for my keys as I giggle. “They were in a hurry.”
Wayne reached for my hand that has my keys. “Perhaps they wanted to give us some alone time.”
My heart jumps. This isn’t how I expected my evening to end. I didn’t even have time to become nervous. “We’re in their driveway. That would be awkward.”
Wayne chuckles. “I have a feeling Ben’s kissed
Jenna a few times here.”
I lean against the passenger door, giving us a little distance, yet making it so I can’t leave just yet. “It’s his property.”
“Trish. I know this wasn’t a date but here we are. Alone. The snow is falling and we have this spectacular view of the mountains and lakes around us. I’m telling you, this is a scene made for a romantic moment.”
I can totally see how this smooth talker worked his charm with Carla Marshall back in high school. I certainly fell for enticing words that weren’t half as sweet as Wayne’s.
“You have a strong case in your favor, Wayne Peterson.”
He nods and turns the car off. “Can I walk you to your car?”
“Please.” Now my nerves hit and my response sounds like a squeak.
Wayne leaves the vehicle and walks to my door, opening it, and reaching for my hand. It only takes a few steps to land at my car, but I know I created the tiniest of steps to arrive there.
“So this is the part where I say I had a good time. But that makes no sense because Jenna had an emergency. I guess I thank you for being her rescuer tonight.”
Wayne slides his hands around my waist and pulls me close in a dramatic move where I gasp. “Can I kiss you now? Or, would you rather talk out of nerves?” His tone is light and I smile as I place my arms around his neck.
I whisper, “I like the kiss idea.”
He doesn’t say anything, but he bends down and brushes his lips against mine. I tighten my grasp and draw closer, where our embrace doesn’t stop. If a kiss could write a story, Wayne wrote a novel. Even with the cold, my toes curl inside my boots. The kiss deepens before we both step back.
“Wow. That---was worth the wait.” He grins.
“Agreed. I better go before Ben and Jenna kick us off their land.”
He reaches for my hand and gives it a quick kiss. “Trish, I feel like there’s so much promise between us. You looking for a career based here. Me and Noah growing our relationship. The two of us exploring the feelings we have for each other. I don’t want any of this to go away. Tell me you feel the same.”
Kyle’s mocking voice whirls through my mind about missing opportunities because of living here. I’m so shocked by it that I can’t give a direct answer. “Kiss me goodbye, Wayne. Unless you want to keep talking.”
Chapter Twelve
The senior center lot gravel kicks up more than rocks. My palms leave a moist print on my steering wheel as I park and grab my fashion show folder. Standing strong against Manhattan executives never rattled me. Shirley McIlwain? She’s a force.
With a deep breath, I push the main door and focus on the front desk. Shirley’s on the phone, but we lock eyes and her expression changes from a smile to a look that mimics mine when I try Brussel sprouts. She ends the call and keeps her gaze on me.
I give her my best smile. “Good morning, Shirley. I’m here to work on the fashion show rehearsal with Jenna.”
She cranes her neck and seems to look beyond me. “Did you bring your materials for the storefront? Jenna thought if the rehearsal didn’t go too long you could start creating whatever it is you plan to do.”
I nod. “Yes, I’m all set. I left everything in the trunk, but I’m ready. Did you need me to sign in, or can I go to Jenna?”
An exaggerated sigh fills the air. “Of course you’ve forgotten what to do, it was such a short season you were the director here. Sign in, and I’ll page her.”
I stifle a giggle with a bite on my lip. Shirley could just call out to Jenna without paging her.
Jenna’s black suede boots are percussion-like as she walks toward us on the tile floor. Everything from her smile to her red dress and leggings looks radiant. “Good morning, Trish. We’re excited to see how the show comes together. Ready?”
I hug my folder to my chest as she leads the way to the stage. “Are the models nervous?”
She chuckles. “No. This group never says no to performing. They never let me down.”
An hour later, Jenna and I re wrote some of the script and directed Dora Parks on her model walk. Bart Davis worked the kinks out with the sound system. After Jenna explained to Roxy that the program listed everyone in alphabetical order and not by professional experience, Jenna clapped her hands and gathered everyone around the stage. “Let’s break for lunch. If Trish has time, I’d like to run through one more time, no stopping.”
I step forward. “I’m good on time. We hired a recent college grad, she’s more than capable to hold down the fort, especially mid-November.”
Jenna nods. “Great. I’ll see if the volunteers need any help distributing the meals. Trish, do you mind setting the coffee pots out?”
My mind races, trying to remember the routine. “Sure. Do you still have the volunteers fill them and place them on the cart?”
Dora’s eyes widen. “Wow. Shirley said you don’t even remember working here because you were gone so fast.”
Another deep breath. “I’ll go to the cart now.”
Pushing the squeaky tray with wheels gives me the chance to connect with the seniors. Almost everyone has their cup ready for the hot brew.
“I can’t believe it. Trish Maxwell here at the center pouring coffee.” Mabel Coffey, retired realtor, winks as I fill her mug.
“It’s been awhile. Thought I’d stay for lunch while we work on the fashion show.”
Mabel takes a sip. “Good for you. It’s nice to see you here. You seem happier this time around.”
Bart cracks a smile. “Is it because of that paramedic? I went awhile back to a race in Indian Lake to cheer my grandson on and saw you two there.”
These seniors don’t miss a thing. “Wayne is very nice. I guess you could say I am at peace. I chased a silly dream for a long time, never appreciating what I had right here in Speculator Falls.”
Shirley thrusts her customized mug with her name on it at me so fast it nearly hits my chin. “I’m confused. You couldn’t wait to leave the center, but now you’re content working at a department store?”
The temptation to spill coffee on her plate is strong. “I thought New York City would fulfill me. It didn’t. I’m realizing that there’s a lot here that does. I guess that’s the difference people might see in me.”
My answer appears to satisfy them as Will comes around with the fruit cups. I push the cart back to the kitchen and wait for Jenna. But I get no peace when the seniors push on the doors as they retrieve utensils and finish the set up. I decide to stand off to the corner and stay out of their way.
The door swings wide, Shirley and Mabel plunging through almost side-by-side, laughing as they turn toward the pantry area.
Shirley’s deeper voice is easy to recognize. “So, what do you think of Trish being here?”
There’s a few clinks of glass before Mabel responds. “I think it’s working out, she and Jenna are teaming together for the fashion show.”
I don’t want them to think I’m eavesdropping, so I take a step in their direction.
“I suppose. It’s just, I don’t trust her, you know? I have this fear she’s going to have a better offer somehow and ditch the center again.”
Apparently invisible to them, I retreat back to the corner.
Mabel coughs. “Sorry, I inhaled some pepper from the shaker. I disagree. What else does that girl have? She works at the department store. It’s not like any big business is begging for her resume. I heard from her father that she hopes to make this storefront thing an Adirondack-wide venture.” She clears her throat and steps toward the kitchen exit. “I don’t want to burst her bubble, but I don’t see it. Trish Maxwell remains a mountain girl with dreams too big for her britches if you ask me. But kudos to her for humbling herself to move back and even pour coffee here for an afternoon.”
Their synced laughter as they leave pierces my heart and confidence. I want to interrupt their gossip session and let them know I’m not the terrible person they make me out to be. But with each effort to put one foot in front of
the other, the only success I’m having is wiping away my tears with the back of my hand.
.***
Later that afternoon, the department store door opens with not just a gust of harsh wind, but Wayne. He strides over, taking off his earmuffs and leaning over to give me a quick kiss on the cheek. “I thought I could last a day without seeing you, but I was wrong.” His grin is the perfect anecdote to all the things I heard Shirley and Mabel say.
“I’m glad you succumbed. Are you on break?”
He nods and places his gloves and muffs on the counter. “Yes, I have a few minutes. Thankfully, it’s been quiet. How about you?”
I lift one of the glass maple syrup containers and smooth out the wrinkled price tag. “The store traffic has been silent this afternoon. I did visit the senior center earlier to help with the fashion show and it wasn’t so quiet there.”
Wayne reaches for the syrup and returns it to the display, cocking his head as he takes my hand. “Shirley again?”
“Things were actually going pretty well until lunch. I helped out and her and Mabel Coffey were chatting in the kitchen and didn’t see me. They basically said my storefront plans will never work and they think I’ll run again.”
He takes his cold thumb and rubs the back of my wrist in a circle. “Oh, sweetheart. I’m sorry. Don’t listen to them. You know seniors struggle with change. Your ideas are new. It doesn’t mean they are bad, though.”
It takes everything not to jog to the front door and switch the “Open” sign to “Closed” so I can wrap Wayne in an embrace and not let go. “Thank you for saying that. It really threw me, I don’t know why I let them get to me. I was so rattled I couldn’t work on the display window. I told Jenna if she doesn’t mind me coming in after hours, I’d do it then.”
Wayne bites his lip for a moment. “I’m off at six. Want a helper?”
Seriously, why am I keeping the store open when I could run off with Wayne? “It’s not very glamourous. I have tulle and fake snow and just a lot of stuff to organize.”
He lets go of my hand and backs up a step before reaching for his things. “If you’re going to be there, it will be amazing. I’ll bring a pizza.”
Engaged: Surrendering the Future (Surrendering Time Book 3) Page 7
