by J. M. Hill
Something wasn’t right.
I was wearing holey sweats and a tee shirt, and my hair was still pretty wet, but I didn’t care, I opened the front door and started toward their house. It was cold, really cold, which caused me to quicken my pace. I had my slippers on, but even with snow covering the ground I could feel the sharp edges of gravel poking the bottoms of my feet. I hurried across to the Anderson’s front steps and then to their door. It was partially opened, so I just walked in. I’d been in their house a hundred times, but for some reason I felt like I was being intrusive. I heard murmurs coming from their offices in the upstairs loft.
“Guys?” I called, not very loudly.
No answer, so I stomped the snow off of my now-damp slippers and walked through the entry to the stairs. I shivered from the cold as I climbed the stairs, the voices becoming clearer. I heard a woman’s voice, and then the same woman laughed. I stiffened, unable to move because I recognized the laugh. Nina Sandler.
Well, crap.
The low murmuring of Michael’s voice was followed with more of Nina’s incessant giggling, and I couldn’t help my eye-roll. Michael was funny, but he wasn’t that funny. I turned to make my way to the front door, really not wanting to be seen. The footsteps and voices grew louder as they approached the top of the stairs.
“Grace?” Michael called just as I reached the front door.
Damn!
I turned slowly to face him, completely humiliated.
“Is something wrong?” He asked worriedly.
“Um…no…sorry for disturbing you,” I stammered, and tried to remember the reason that would explain why I was standing at his front door, in my pajamas and slippers. With wet hair.
“I-I was just looking for Garrett,” I could feel my face turning red. “We were supposed to watch the game.”
“He probably fell asleep.” Michael surveyed my appearance with his eyebrows pulled together. “What are you doing with wet hair and…are those your slippers? You’re going to catch pneumonia.”
“Okay then,” I said quickly. “Bye.”
Michael bit the corner of his mouth as if trying not to laugh, and I turned to go, again.
“Oh, Grace?” He called, and I turned around slowly, wondering why he was determined to prolong my humiliation. When I faced him, his eyebrows were raised in amusement. “This is Nina Sandler.” He motioned with his hand to the perfect blonde standing very close to him. “Nina, this is Grace Burke.”
“Hello,” Nina smiled a perfect smile. “It’s nice to meet you.” Something in her tone gave me the impression she didn’t think it was ‘nice’ to meet me at all. As I looked at her, in all of her blonde perfection, I suddenly felt very self-conscious.
“It’s nice meeting you too.” I tried to smile. “Sorry for disturbing you.”
They watched me, and Michael looked like he was enjoying my embarrassment. A grin touched the corner of his mouth, and I narrowed my eyes in an attempt to give him an angry look. I don’t think I succeeded, because I heard him chuckling as I went out the door.
I ran back to my house, kicked off my wet slippers by the door, plopped onto the couch, and tried to focus on the game. My teeth chattered from the cold, and I shivered. I grabbed the quilt from the back of the sofa, wrapping it around my shoulders and went into the kitchen to make myself a cup of hot tea. I put the kettle on the stove, turned the burner on high and pulled a cup from the cupboard.
The front door opened, and I figured it was Kate and Miles, but when I looked up Michael was walking toward me with his hands in his jacket pockets.
“Hey.” He smiled and slipped his jacket off, still looking a little amused.
Irritated that he was enjoying my humiliation, I tried not to look at him as I answered.
“Hey.” I was still shivering as I opened the cupboard to get the box of tea, and Michael came around the corner to stand beside me.
“Are you cold?” He asked.
I nodded as I pulled a tea bag out of the box and dropped it into my cup.
“Well, it’s no wonder,” he said. “What are you doing outside with wet hair?”
“Your brother,” I said disdainfully. “He was supposed to be here at seven, and I was worried.”
“Ah,” Michael said in understanding.
The kettle began to whistle and I pulled it off the burner and poured the boiling water in my cup. I could feel his eyes on me, which made me uncomfortable because I knew I looked completely ridiculous.
“Would you like some tea?” I asked, not making eye contact.
“Sure.” He opened the cupboard and retrieved a cup setting it beside mine, I dropped in a tea bag and poured the hot water. “Thanks.”
I could hear the smile in his voice as I took my tea and walked over to the couch, curled up on the end and wrapped my hands around the cup trying to get warm. The linen closet door closed in the hallway, and Michael came over and spread another quilt over my legs. “Thanks,” I said. Why did he have to be so thoughtful all the time?
He went back into the kitchen for a moment, and then sat down across from me on the couch holding his cup of tea, grinning smugly while he watched the TV.
“What’s so funny?” I asked him, more irritated than before. He shrugged casually, and I turned to face the TV in time to hear him laugh quietly.
“What are you laughing at?”
“You,” he said unapologetically.
“Thanks so much.”
He didn’t say anything, though he was still grinning, and I wanted to smack him. Then I realized how ridiculous I probably looked at his house earlier, and I couldn’t really blame him for laughing.
I sighed. “Sorry. I probably embarrassed you. I didn’t know you had company.”
Now he looked irritated as he turned to face me. “Why on earth would you think you embarrassed me?”
I swallowed hard and looked down at my cup nervously. “Well, I just barged in on you and your guest, and I know I look ridiculous in these stupid, grungy sweats.”
He shook his head slowly with an exasperated look on his face.
“First of all, she wasn’t a guest,” he said plainly. “She’s just a client, and she was just picking up some drawings.”
What? Just a client? I tried to pay attention to what he was saying.
“Second, you are always welcome in our home. There’s nothing you would ever disturb, okay? And besides, you always look beautiful.” He turned back to the TV as he took a drink of his tea. “Even in your stupid, grungy sweats.”
My face heated from his compliment, and I heard him laugh again. We sat quietly, watching the game when Miles and Kate walked in.
“Hey, guys!” Kate chirped. “Where’s Garrett?”
“I think he fell asleep,” Michael replied. “I swear, whenever we go to Mom and Dad’s, he stays up all hours playing those video games.” He watched me for a moment before standing up and walking to the kitchen, setting his cup in the sink. “I’m heading home. Good night.” He patted the top of Kate’s head. “Night, Grace. Thanks for the tea.”
“Night,” I murmured, still trying to process that Nina was just a client.
He chuckled and shook his head as he walked out the door. I got up from the sofa and started to my room, saying good night to Miles and Kate, who watched me with curious expressions. I closed the door to my room, and plopped on my bed, still embarrassed over my display of stupidity in front of Michael.
“Stupid wet hair, and grungy stupid sweats,” I grumbled to myself.
After tossing and turning for an hour, I decided I was done thinking. I put on a Mozart CD and tried to concentrate on the intricate melodies until I fell asleep.
It was a typical Monday at the store, slow. Kate and I spent most of the day decorating the store for Christmas, and it looked really great. Miles showed up early in the afternoon to help Kate with some kind of paperwork, so I spent the remainder of the afternoon dusting shelves and returning misplaced books to their correct spots while
I waited for five o’clock to come around.
As I arranged cookbooks, a deep voice interrupted my boredom.
“I’d like to speak to your boss please.”
Evan Taylor stood beside the register with his hands deep in the pockets of his faded jeans, and a wide grin.
I laughed as I strode towards him. “What are you doing here?”
He surprised me with a strong hug. “I’m looking for a gift for my mom and she loves to read, so I figured I’d come to an expert.” He pointed to my foot. “How’s the ankle?”
“Completely healed, I had a great doctor.”
He grinned. “True.”
“So a gift for your mom, huh?” I asked.
“It’s her birthday, and I don’t even know where to start when it comes to books.” He looked around, pulling a random book from the shelf next to him without paying attention, as he continued scanning the store.
“Um, Evan?” I bit my lip and tried not to laugh. “I’ve met your mom, and I’m not sure she’d be interested in that one.” I pointed to the book in his hand. He looked at me with a raised eyebrow and then at the title of the book he was holding. His face turned a deep shade of red. He placed the book of Kama Sutra back on the shelf, and shook his head in embarrassment.
“What kind of bookstore is this anyway?” he asked, feigning shock, but I could tell he was embarrassed. “I told you I need help.”
The door to the coffee shop opened, and Michael walked in looking beautiful in a cream v-neck sweater and brown leather jacket. He smiled, and my stomach did a complete back-flip. I smiled in return, and attempted to return my focus to Evan.
“Well, does she enjoy the classics? Or does she prefer more recent authors?” I asked.
“I have no idea.”
I grimaced at him, and motioned for him to follow me. I showed him a beautiful collection of Jane Austen books I had on display. Michael leaned against the coffee counter, watching me.
“You can’t really go wrong with Jane,” I told Evan. “Especially for classics.”
“Okay, Jane it is,” he agreed, quickly.
“Would you like me to wrap them for you?”
He nodded with an appreciative smile, and we walked to the counter. My eyes involuntarily found Michael again, who still watched as I rang up the sale. I chatted casually with Evan as I wrapped the books.
“Where’s Kate?” Evan asked.
“She’s in the office,” I told him. “I’ll get her so you can say hi.”
I walked around the counter to hand him the gift bag, and then pulled him by the elbow to the coffee counter, where Michael stood.
“Michael, right?” Evan asked.
“Yeah,” Michael said, and they shook hands. “Nice to see you again, Evan.”
“Evan Taylor!” Kate shrieked, and threw her arms around his neck.
“Hey, Katie-Bug!” Evan gave her a hug. “It’s great to see you.”
Kate introduced Evan to Miles excitedly. “What brings you here?”
“I needed a birthday gift for mom, and if she doesn’t like it I’m blaming Grace.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “Oh yeah, because I’m sure she’d love the first book you chose.” We laughed, and I glanced over at Michael, still leaning against the coffee counter, his eyes on me. I felt my face get red as I looked back at Evan. “Really, if she doesn’t like it, just bring it back. I’m sure we can find something else.”
“I’m sure she’ll love it,” he said glancing at his watch. “I’d better get going. It was great seeing you both.” He lifted the bag, examining it closely. “Nice job on the wrapping. Do you mind if I take the credit?”
“Whatever you feel is necessary,” I said.
“Thanks. I’ll see you soon?”
I nodded, and he waved goodbye. I watched as he got into a white Land Rover that looked brand new. Michael came towards me, looking out the window at Evan.
“Hey.” I smiled at him.
He looked at me, running his hand through his hair and smiled weakly.
“Hey. How’s your day?”
“Um, very boring, and yours?”
“I was hoping you’d join me for one of our favorites.” He motioned toward the coffee counter, and I nodded.
He followed me behind the counter, helping me make our macchiatos, and sat at one of the tables. He shrugged out of his jacket, and I forced myself to look away otherwise I’d be ogling. But, I could smell his cologne and it caused my head to whirl.
“So, you’ve known Evan since high school?” He asked, eyeing his coffee cup.
“Since ninth grade.”
He started to say something, but Garrett came through the door and strode to our table. I glowered at him.
“I think you’re in trouble, big brother,” Michael cautioned him, and Garrett surveyed my expression.
“Now, stop giving me the stink-eye, Gracie.” He held his hands up defensively. “I didn’t mean to, but I fell asleep. I’m sorry.”
“Fell asleep?” I asked raising an eyebrow skeptically. “A Sunday night Broncos game, and you fell asleep?”
He pulled a chair next to me and sat down, watching me with amusement.
“I’m really mad at you,” I told him. “I went over to your house looking for you.”
“That’s true,” Michael said. “I’m surprised she doesn’t have pneumonia. She came over in slippers, with wet hair.”
“Yeah, it was a sight.” I continued glaring at Garrett. “I embarrassed your poor brother.”
Garrett laughed then, reaching over and putting me in one of his head-locks, rubbing the top of my head with his knuckles.
“You’re in big trouble, mister!” I said between squeals.
“Yeah, I’m scared.” He let go of me and I blew my hair out of my face, scowling at him.
“I’ll make it up to you,” he said. “I’ll make you some brownies for tonight’s game.”
I snorted a laugh. “You can’t make brownies.”
“Oh, yeah. Well I guess you’ll be making them.”
Garrett kissed the top of my head and strutted to the office.
“So, are you going to watch the game with us tonight?” I asked Michael.
He shook his head keeping his eyes on me. “I have some drawings I need to get done.”
“For Nina?”
He nodded.
“Well, I promise I won’t disturb you tonight.” I smiled, making an attempt at humor. He folded his arms across his chest, leaning back in his chair.
“You weren’t disturbing me last night.”
“Oh, well, that’s good.” I laughed nervously.
Garrett came from the back holding my coat and purse.
“Michael and I are going to take you home, Miles and Kate aren’t ready to leave yet.”
On the drive home, Garrett and I made bets and talked trash to each other about the football game. The red Porsche was parked in front of the Anderson’s and my stomach sank.
“We’ll see you later, little brother,” Garrett told Michael as he climbed out of the car.
Michael turned to me. “See you in the morning for our run?”
“Absolutely.” I tried to paste a smile on my face. “See you at seven.”
He waved, and started toward their house. Nina stepped out of her Porsche, all legs and blonde perfection, greeting Michael with a kiss on his cheek. I was unable to repress the sigh that escaped, and Garrett chuckled.
“She’s just a client.” He patted the top of my head. “Stop worrying. Let’s go make some brownies.”
I looked up at him with my eyebrows raised in surprise. “You’re going to help?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m going to supervise.”
ELEVEN
I was humming along with the music playing in the store, organizing a shelf of children’s classics when someone cleared their throat, getting my attention. Evan stood with a wide smile, the blue sweater he wore making the blue of his eyes more vivid.
&nb
sp; “Returning some books?” I teased.
He laughed and shook his head. “No, she loved them. I wanted to thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad she liked them.”
“If you’re not too busy I thought maybe I could buy you a cup of coffee?” He motioned to the coffee shop with his thumb. “Unless this is a bad time.”
“Sure, what would you like?”
“Just regular coffee. Do you have that here?” He asked with a smirk.
“Hmm, regular coffee? I’ll have to check.”
He chuckled and followed me to the counter.
“Where’s Kate?” he asked.
“In the office.” I motioned with my head to the back of the store. “You should go say hi, or I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Be right back.”
When he returned, I was carrying a tray with our coffees and some blueberry bread to a table, and sat across from him.
“Have you moved to Fall Rivers permanently?” I asked.
“Yep.” He took a sip of coffee. “Over Thanksgiving weekend. I’m still at St. Joseph’s every now and then, but mostly I’m in Boulder. Did you know the Anderson’s are building the new Oncology wing?”
I nodded.
“I saw Garrett there just last week. He seems like a great guy.”
“He is a great guy,” I clarified. “All three of the Anderson’s are great guys.”
“Garrett is, uh…” he paused for a moment.
“A goofball?”
We both laughed.
“Yes,” Evan said. “He’s also huge! You could show a movie on the guy’s back!”
“True.”
“He sure thinks the world of you and Kate,” he added. “Not that I blame him.”
I just smiled, and took another sip of my coffee. There was a somewhat uncomfortable moment of silence as he turned his cup around on the table, keeping his eyes down.
Something was different about Evan. I remembered him as a teenager, All-American boy good looks with long blonde hair he kept smoothed into a low ponytail, collecting girl’s phone numbers as he waited tables at Mario’s. I used to watch him, thinking he was so wonderful, but because I was so much younger than him, it was more of a schoolgirl crush than anything else.
