Paige moved up to one of the glowing orange trees and ran her finger along the leaf’s veins.
“The colors will get darker, redder towards October. We can come back again,” Justin said, standing right behind her.
She tilted her head toward him and closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth radiating from his chest.
He took her hand again and continued strolling toward the lake, moving toward a small shelter with some canoes and paddle boats.
“We’re not going out on the lake, are we?”
“You can’t swim?”
“Of course I can, but I’m not good at it. And I hate canoeing; my arms don’t have the strength for that.”
“We’ll get the paddle boats. I’m sure your legs are strong enough.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Wait here.”
Justin went over to the man seated in the shelter while she looked out at the empty, unmoving lake. She took in a deep breath, taking in the slightly damp but fresh air. Mixed into the air was a light pine scent, probably from the trees surrounding the other side of the lake.
Justin jogged over with a grin. “Ready?”
“No, but I don’t think I have a choice,” she said grudgingly.
He led her over to the boat and helped her in. She had one leg in when the paddle boat shook.
She tightened her grip on his hand and he immediately reached over to support her elbow.
“It’s okay, I got you.”
She sighed and smiled. His soft, serious voice always spoke right to her heart.
She got in and Justin kept her hand in his until she was seated.
“You all right?”
“Yeah.”
He went around and got in. “Let’s go.”
She laughed and started paddling. They paddled all the way out to the middle of the lake when Justin shifted his leg off the paddle.
“Let’s play a game.”
She tipped her head back.
“Come on. That’s today’s objective. To do stupid things and waste time.”
“All right. What game do you want to play?”
Justin pulled out his phone from his back pocket and waved it. He scanned through the app store and downloaded the monopoly game.
“We’re going to sit in the middle of the lake and play monopoly. Are you serious?”
“I’ve already downloaded it. Loser will be pushed off the boat.”
“Can I push you down now?”
He placed his phone on his lap and twisted his torso toward her. “You think you can push me off the boat?”
She pretended to crack her fingers, but ended up laughing. “You’re irritating.”
He reached over and brushed his thumb against her lower lip. “You’re beautiful.”
That voice. She pursed her lips and looked down.
“Let’s begin,” he said. “Choose your token.” He handed the phone to her.
They played the game while paddling around the lake, with Justin teasing her about her impending dip in the lake.
Paige laughed so hard that her sides were aching, and her cheeks were so sore that it was becoming a torture to laugh. “Please stop,” she begged, her hands wrapped across her abdomen.
Justin pushed her hair back, smoothing down her hair. “Are you having fun?”
She focused on taking a few deep breaths before answering. “I guess so, but it’s getting kind of torturous.”
With another few rounds, Justin won the game. He returned the phone to his pocket and reached, grabbing her firmly by her shoulders. He gave her a jolt, then grinned when she didn’t cringe or show any fear.
“You’re not going to push me in,” she stated matter-of-factly.
“And you know that because?”
“Because if you do that, I know Mrs. Seymour will nag at you for the rest of your life.”
He leaned in closer until their eyes were leveled. “Is that a threat?”
“Absolutely.”
He grinned and ran his hand down her jaw. “I’ll let you off this time.”
They paddled back and continued to explore the place on foot.
Three hours into their do-stupid-things-and-waste-time day, she went into the washroom and her eyes widened when she saw herself in the mirror.
She had to stop skipping her sunscreen.
Her forehead, bridge of her nose, and cheeks were flushing pink. She wet her hands and patted them against her face. She checked her arms and repeated the process on them.
She didn’t want the day to end just yet.
They hadn’t done much but talked and laughed over the past few hours. They still had tons to do back at home, but she didn’t care.
She wanted to continue wasting the day away with Justin.
For I know the plans I have for you, plans for good…
Maybe this was why everything happened; a fresh start.
God never forgot her.
What she thought was an escape from her stalker, a loss of her job and things she had in New York, was God’s way of reminding her what was truly important.
She stepped out of the washroom and grinned at Justin.
“Tired? Do you want to head back?”
“No, I don’t want to go back yet.”
His lips curled to reflect her grin, but his brows suddenly drew closer and he moved his hands as a shield over her forehead. “Sunburn?”
She swept his hands away. “Just a little.”
“We’re leaving,” he said. “We’ll go somewhere else with shade.”
Her smile returned. “Okay.” She placed her hand into his outstretched palm. “And where is that?”
He shrugged. “Anywhere.”
Chapter Nine
Since the epiphany she had on the lazy Wednesday afternoon, Paige had begun to realize how little fun she had in the past. She thought about the photos and the life she had before the stalking.
The stalking didn’t destroy her life. She didn’t have much of a life even before then.
She was working all the time.
Whatever free time she had, she spent it on volunteering at the soup kitchen, reading, or learning something new.
She did went out with friends for meals. She did visit her mom at home when she had to clear her annual leave and spend time at the hospital with Andrew when he got sent home from an injury.
But she couldn’t recall spending an entire day doing nothing but having fun and laughing.
It was good for her to be here.
Paige pulled up in front of Jane’s house and smiled when Jane got into the car.
“Hi,” Jane said with a small smile. “Thanks for letting me come along.”
Last Sunday at church, Paige had mentioned that she wanted to go over to Cheyenne to buy some towels and sheets for her new bed. Since Jane was right there, Paige casually asked if she would like to join her.
Jane appeared genuinely surprised, but was quick to agree.
“Don’t be silly, it’s great to have company.” She headed toward the mall in Cheyenne without the help from her GPS.
“How’s the house coming along?”
“Good. Everything inside is almost done. Left with the front deck.”
Jane nodded, her hand moving to fiddle with her fringe.
“Is everything all right?”
Giving her a dry laugh, she put her hand down and asked, “Are you seeing Justin?”
Paige laughed softly. “I didn’t know you gossip.”
“You don’t have to tell me anything. It’s just everyone has been talking about it.”
“Really?” She frowned and turned to her. “Tell you what. You tell me what they say, and I’ll answer your question. I’ll even tell you which is true and which isn’t.”
Jane beamed. “Aren’t you afraid that I’ll tell others what you told me?”
She turned to Jane and pretended to study her expression. “Hmm, I don’t know. I think you can be trusted. You won’t let me down, will you?”
“No. I p
romise I won’t say anything, not even to Mrs. Seymour or my mom.”
Paige nodded with a wide grin. “Okay, so tell me.”
“Justin has been at your house 24/7.”
“24/7? As in staying over?” She turned to Jane and saw her head bobbing up and down. “Nope.”
“You guys went out to dinner, then took a romantic walk home?”
“We were actually forced to walk back. Mr. Seymour drove, and after dinner, Mrs. Seymour said she’d to go to the grocer and sent the two of us walking back.”
“Oh…”
“But,” She paused, taking a quick glance over at Jane. “It was kind of romantic.”
“They said you guys kissed.”
“Almost.” She knew Jane would probably be expecting some explanation, but she wasn’t really comfortable about sharing the details.
“Are you guys officially a couple?”
“No,” she answered.
“Oh…” Jane mumbled. “You two would make a cute couple. You’re both so good-looking.”
“That’s nice, thanks. For the part about me being good-looking, not the couple thing,” she quickly clarified, then laughed.
“And you?” Paige asked. “Am I allowed to ask if you’re seeing anyone in town?”
Again, Jane reached for her hair.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me.”
“It’s complicated.”
“Complicated?”
Jane nodded, her eyes moved to gaze out of the window while her hands formed a strong clasp on her lap.
“Jane.” Paige stopped at the red light and continued. “You are okay, right? If you need anything, if there’s anything I can do…”
“Thanks,” Jane mumbled.
The traffic light turned green and Paige was about to step on the gas when she saw Jane tearing up. “Did I say something wrong? I’m so sorry.”
“No, no.” Jane sniffed and used her finger to brush away the drop of tear hanging precariously on the edge of her eyes. “Just ignore me.”
Paige hesitated for a moment, then stepped on the gas and continued toward the mall.
Once they got to the parking lot, she switched on the park-assist and allowed technology to do its job.
“Wow,” Jane exclaimed as the steering wheel began moving by itself. “I’ve seen this in the commercials, but being in the car is really cool.”
“Yeah, I know. What my lousy skills lack for, technology makes it up.”
“But what if it spoils? I mean these things tend to break down after a while.”
“That was what Justin said. Don’t worry, I’m practicing.”
They headed into the mall and started shopping around, with Paige buying towels and all the other things her fully renovated house needed. Even with Jane’s help, they could only carry that much. So she bought only enough cutleries for two people, just enough for the dinner she was supposed to prepare.
As they were moving past a boutique, she noticed Jane staring at a dress in the window display.
“See something you like?”
“No, I can’t wear a dress like that.”
“Why not?” Paige asked, staring at the sleeveless sundress.
“I just feel better with loose fitting clothes.”
Paige gave Jane a head to toe scan. Each time she saw Jane, she was wearing some form of long sleeve shirt that appeared a size or two larger that what she should be wearing. Her top would be matched with a box skirt that would reach her shin.
Jane’s outfit that day was slightly different.
Instead of the stiff, old-fashioned skirt, Jane was wearing a pair of light blue denim with a red and white checkered shirt.
Paige pinched her lips and said, “You can definitely pull that off.” She put down the handful of bags she was holding and reached over, gathering all the loose material of Jane’s shirt on her back.
Jane was caught off guard, and with the bags in her hands, she couldn’t react.
“Paige.” Jane took a step away, pulling her shirt from Paige’s hand. “I’m not like you all, I can’t pull off a dress like that.”
“You all?” Paige arched a brow and waited.
Jane opened her mouth to speak, but bit down on her lips at the last moment.
Paige wondered how long Jane had been hiding behind her glasses and her oversized clothes. She picked up all the bags on the floor. “Let’s put all these bags in the car and go get our hair done. I’m really tired. I can definitely use some pampering.”
It had been some time since Paige got a hair cut. She could use a trim.
“Oh, I don’t…I’ll wait for you at the coffee shop.”
“Come with me, please?” Paige looked over and saw Jane drawing in a deep breath. “Please?” she pleaded before Jane could turn her down.
“Okay. I’ll wait in the shop.”
“No, you’ll get your hair washed and cut. My treat.” She widened her steps, hurrying to the car and back to the mall before Jane could come up with an excuse to get out of it.
With her hands free of bags, Paige looped her arm around Jane and dragged her into the hair salon.
Jane was quite uncertain about getting a new haircut, but after much persuasion, she gave in.
“I love the color of your hair. It’s so vibrant,” Paige commented, trying to get Jane’s wide, concerned eyes off the mirror. She leaned forward and took Jane’s spectacles off the laminated dark wood shelf. “Have you tried wearing contact lens before? It’s so much more convenient.”
The hairstylist must’ve caught on to what Paige was trying to do. He agreed with everything Paige said and encouraged Jane to try them. With the hairstylist as her accomplice, Paige managed to convince Jane.
Over at the optical store, Paige watched as Jane finally got her contacts in.
Jane rubbed her hands down her jeans before twisting them together. “Are you sure about this?”
Though Jane wasn’t wearing her spectacles, her hand moved over to where her spectacles rim used to rest on her cheeks.
Paige pulled Jane’s hand down. “You look great.” She bent down and looked into the mirror. “You definitely should get them. Your specs will destroy your new hairstyle. Look how nice your hair frames your face now.”
After another fifteen minutes of persuasion, Jane made payment and it was on to the next stop. In the next two hours, Paige got Jane a whole new makeup set and the dress in the display window. Then, they went on to buy a few more dresses, another bag of clothes, and four pairs of shoes.
Worried that Jane would simply keep the new clothes and shoes in the bags, Paige coaxed, begged, then guilt Jane into wearing one of the dresses they had bought.
With her makeup, new haircut, and contacts, Jane looked like another person.
Paige grinned and stuck both her thumbs up. “You look great!”
Jane rubbed her hands down her new black dress with an adjustable zip down to the belt on her waist.
“Just one thing.” Paige stepped forward with her palms raised by her chest. Then moved over to the zip and pulled it down slightly. “There’s no need to zip it all the way up. It’s nicer like this.”
Jane turned to the mirror and tugged at the end of her dress. “It seems a little short.”
It was barely above her knees. “The dress is fine, and you look good. Let’s go.”
They were about to return to her car when they bumped into Gloria and her gang of friends. Paige had seen them hung out after church, but she hadn’t spoken to any of them besides Gloria.
She did recognize the guy who caught up with Justin and her the other night. Keith, she remembered. And the woman who had shown up at her house along with Gloria.
“What the hell did you do, Jane?”
Jane smoothed down her hair and her hand reached over to her cheek before dropping down to her side.
“You think some makeup and a haircut will make a difference?”
Paige’s eyes widened, and she blinked at how rude Glo
ria was. No wonder Jane had no confidence. Even if Jane had any, it would’ve eroded after years of hanging out with such poisonous tongue. “I think she looks beautiful.”
“Looks like someone found herself a new best friend,” the woman beside Gloria said.
“Keith,” Gloria said, almost in a purr. “What do you think?”
Keith blinked, then gave a nonchalant shrugged when Gloria gave him a nudge.
Paige couldn’t be bothered to speak to Gloria or her friends. She grabbed Jane’s arm and gave her a nudge. “Let’s go.”
Jane followed along, but Paige noticed her glancing over at Keith several times even as they headed toward the parking lot.
She didn’t say anything until they were in the car. “The complicated relationship,” she said, putting the key into the ignition, “does that have something to do with Keith?” She started the car and pulled out of the lot like Justin had taught her. When she was finally out of the parking lot with her car safe in one piece, she continued. “You can do better.”
She hadn’t spoken to Keith before, but his reaction to Gloria’s provocation disgusted her. Even if Jane and him weren’t in a complicated relationship, he should’ve stood up for Jane.
“He isn’t like that when we’re alone. I don’t know why, but he just becomes a jerk when he’s with them.”
“So you’re secretly dating?”
“No, I don’t know.” Jane stared out of the window. “We’ve never gone out in public. I think he’s embarrassed of me,” she said softly.
Paige could feel the hurt in Jane’s words. “Then why?”
“I don’t know. When he’s with me, he’s different. He seems to care.”
But not enough to bring you out. She pursed her lips, stopping herself from speaking out her thoughts.
“I know, you must think I’m an idiot.”
“No. I just feel that you’re mistreating yourself,” she clarified. “Do you think that things with him will ever change?”
Jane’s hands twisted together.
“I didn’t tell you that you look great because you’re my friend, or because it was my idea for you to make these changes. You do look amazing.”
“Still, it isn’t good enough for him,” Jane whispered.
Paige sighed softly and pressed her lips into a thin line.
She didn’t want to be a wet blanket, neither did she want to give Jane any false hope. But when the silence drew on and Paige saw Jane’s vacant stare, she caved. “Things could change. If you really like him, you have my support.”
A Fresh Start Page 11
