“I suppose I shouldn't keep trying to delay the inevitable,” she finally said. “Maybe I should get back to the inn now.”
“I'm getting curious to meet this fellow,” said Clive. “He must not be the sharpest knife in the drawer to let you go, Jane.”
She laughed. “You know what they say: It takes two.” As they walked back to the SUV, Jane admitted how she had canceled Justin's reservation and temporarily peeved her oldest sister. “Pretty immature of me, huh?”
Clive laughed. “Who could blame you for that?”
“Louise. Although, to her credit, she did get over it. The problem is that Justin doesn't know he's been canceled yet. Or maybe he does.” She pointed to the clock in the dash that showed it was nearly three. “Goodness, I had no idea it was this late.”
They both grew quiet as Clive drove back to Acorn Hill. Eventually, he turned on the radio, tuning it to a light classical station, and Jane leaned back in the seat, closed her eyes, and silently prayed that God would give her strength and wisdom for whatever might be waiting at home for her.
Chapter Twenty
There you are,” said Louise late Friday afternoon as Jane and Clive entered the inn.
“Sorry, that took longer than I expected,” said Jane.
“It's my fault,” Clive told Louise. “I enticed Jane into having a late lunch to thank her for all the help she's given me. We discovered all sorts of treasures for my terrace garden.” He went into detail then, telling her about their various finds.
Louise smiled. “That's very nice.”
“Now, if you two will excuse me”—Clive smiled at Jane—“I think I'll see if I can get some writing done.”
“Certainly,” said Louise politely. Then when Clive was going up the stairs, she beckoned to Jane and whispered, “He's here.”
“Here?”
“Actually, he's not here at the inn right now.” Louise was guiding Jane back toward the kitchen, seeking a place where they could talk in private.
“Where is he?”
“Belle took him to town.”
Jane tried to imagine this. Belle and Justin, walking through Acorn Hill together. But it was just too weird, like something out of an old Twilight Zone episode. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.” Louise shook her head as if she too found this rather strange. “As soon as he arrived, I explained to Justin about canceling his room reservation, and he was very understanding. I recommended a nice place to stay in Potterston that he said he'd check out.”
“Oh, good.” Jane sighed in relief.
“And I told him you'd gone out with a guest and would return soon.”
“Yes?”
“And he seemed happy to wait for you. So I told him to make himself at home and got him a cup of coffee. Then he visited with Alice for a bit before she had to leave for a special ANGELs meeting about the Memorial Day service.”
“What time did he get here?”
“A bit before noon.”
“Oh.”
“I had to excuse myself to give Karly Andrews a piano lesson, and that's when I assume Belle made his acquaintance. When I finished the lesson, I found the two of them visiting in the library quite congenially.”
“And Justin, uh, he seemed to like her?”
“Well, Jane, you know how Belle can be. She seemed to be carrying most of the conversation. But I suppose Justin appreciated her company.”
“Right.” Jane felt a jab of guilt. “I really did lose track of the time.”
“Indeed.”
“What should I do now?”
Louise held up her hands. “I have no idea, Jane. I imagine that they'll be back soon… but then I had thought you would be back soon as well.”
“I'm sorry, Louise. I didn't mean to put you in a tough spot again.”
Louise patted Jane on the shoulder. “It's all right, dear. But I am tired. I think I'll go put my feet up and read a bit.”
“Yes,” said Jane eagerly. “Go do that. I'll mind the inn. You just go have a rest.”
“Thank you.” She paused with her hand on the door. “Oh, by the way, Jane, the newlyweds Garth and Gloria Fairview just checked in. Remember the ones you gave Justin's room to?”
Jane gave her a mischievous smile.
“Well, they seem to be a very nice couple. I am glad they were able to come. I believe you did the right thing.”
“Oh, good,” said Jane.
“And Clara's greatnephew Calvin should be by anytime now. Clara called, saying that he and his mother have arrived, and she's going to bring him over here to settle in.”
“Now, you go rest, Louise.” Jane gently nudged her toward the hall. “Everything is under control here.”
After Louise left, Jane began to putter about the already spotless kitchen. It was bad enough knowing that Justin was in town right now, but the idea of Belle and him doing something together—well, it was just too much. Then, as her nerves and imagination began to get the best of her, she wondered what she would do if Justin turned out to be the man of Belle's dreams. Oh, she knew it was absurd, but how would she react if he actually married Belle, settled here in Acorn Hill, perhaps opened his own restaurant? She was feeling seriously close to a meltdown when she heard the sound of the bell in the reception area. Thank goodness for distractions.
“Hello,” she said when she saw Clara and a clean-cut young man carrying a khaki duffle bag.
“Oh, Jane,” gushed Clara. “I'd like you to meet my nephew Calvin.”
Jane shook his hand, deciding that the tall, blond man was older than she'd first assumed, but not much more than thirty. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Calvin. Welcome to Grace Chapel Inn.”
“Thank you, ma'am.” He tipped his head politely.
“I hear you're going to raise the flag for our Memorial Day ceremony.”
“Yes. It'll be an honor.” He smiled shyly.
“Well, it's an honor for us to have a serviceman at the inn. We appreciate what you have done for our country.”
Calvin actually blushed and tipped his head in acknowledgment of Jane's words.
“I just took Calvin over to meet Lloyd at Town Hall,” said Clara. “And Lloyd showed us the pretty flowers you and Craig Tracy planted. They look so nice by the flagpole. It'll be a real special occasion on Monday.”
“I'm looking forward to it.”
“Now, I must be off. I told Janet I'd be right back. She's babysitting Daisy for me. You get settled, Calvin, then come on over to the house. I'm making meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner.” She patted his arm. “I hope that's still your favorite.”
“Sounds great, Aunt Clara.”
After Jane showed Calvin to his room and left him to get settled, she returned to the kitchen. She glanced at the clock, wondering when Justin and Belle would return. Once again, she tried to imagine what he might have to say to her. And what she would say to him. She considered dashing up to her room to freshen up a bit but remembered her promise to mind the inn. She took out a couple of cookbooks, made herself a cup of tea and sat down at the kitchen table.
“Hello,” said Alice as she came through the back door. Jane had just discovered what looked like an interesting recipe for bread pudding.
“Oh, hi,” said Jane, marking the page and closing the book. “How were the ANGELs?”
“Well, Ashley and Kate got into a small disagreement, but we smoothed it out and managed to get our Memorial Day project completed.” Alice sat down across from Jane with a curious expression. “Have you spoken with him yet?”
Jane shook her head.
Alice looked surprised. “But you've seen him, haven't you?”
“No.”
“What happened?”
Jane filled her in.
“Oh dear,” said Alice. “That's my fault. I'd been chatting with Justin, but I had to go to my meeting. Belle came in and I introduced them.”
“That doesn't make it your fault.”
“I suppose not.”
“Not much. He simply told me about his road trip, some of the sights he'd seen.”
“How did he seem to you?”
She shrugged. “Oh, I don't know.” Alice looked uncomfortable. “I've never known him very well.”
“So, you don't have a clue as to why he's here?”
Alice shook her head.
“It's almost six,” said Jane. “Should I start dinner?”
“I'm not terribly hungry. I ordered pizza for the girls and probably ate more than I should have myself. And Louise mentioned she was going to Viola's for dinner.”
“And I had a late lunch.”
“Well, I hate to admit it, but the ANGELs wore me out today,” said Alice. “Although it's a good sort of tired. If you'll excuse me, I think I shall go enjoy a little down time.”
Jane nodded. “I really do marvel at how you stick with that club year after year, Alice. Middle-school girls can be such holy terrors.”
“And that is why I stick to it.” Alice smiled as she stood.
Jane thought about going up to her room. Normally, once all the guests were checked in, there wasn't a great need to have someone downstairs, but Justin might return, and Jane figured it was her duty to meet him. So she sat down in the living room with a magazine and waited. At six thirty, Louise came downstairs and stepped into the room.
“I'm heading to Viola's,” she told Jane. “Justin isn't back yet?”
“Nope.” Jane couldn't mask the irritation in her voice.
“That's odd.”
“Maybe he and Belle have really hit it off.”
Louise frowned. “That seems doubtful.”
“You never know.” Jane shrugged. “Tell Viola hello. By the way, how is Gatsby?”
“He came home from the vet, but he is on a restricted diet now.”
“Give him my best.”
Louise gave her a wry smile.
After Louise left, Jane got up from the chair and began to pace, glancing out the window from time to time. Finally, she was about to give up and go upstairs when Clive came into the room. He glanced around, as if to find Justin, then asked her, “Where is the ex?”
“With Belle,” she said.
He chuckled. “Well, I was just heading to the Coffee Shop. I'm not ravenous after that fantastic lunch, but I am hankering after a piece of that blackberry pie. Care to join me?”
“Maybe so. Louise told me that Belle and Justin went to town. Perhaps we'll run into them there. Do I have time to freshen up first?”
“Of course. I'll be right here.”
So Jane hurried up the two flights of stairs and quickly changed into a pale blue linen dress that Alice had told her looked lovely with her eyes. Then she slipped on some pretty sandals and tied a lacy white cotton cardigan over her shoulders. She brushed her hair, put on some lipstick and blush and a pair of silver hoop earrings, then went back down.
She found Clive waiting for her in the living room. He stood when she came in, nodding at her with a look of appreciation. “You look lovely, Jane.” Then he frowned. “Maybe we should go someplace more festive than the Coffee Shop.”
“No,” she said quickly. “The Coffee Shop is just fine.”
“Would you like to drive or walk?” He looked at her strappy sandals. “Those don't look like the best walking shoes.”
“Maybe we should drive. Do you mind?”
“Not at all.”
“Maybe we'll see Belle and your ex there,” he said as he opened the door for her.
“Maybe.”
But they did not see Belle or Justin. Not at the Coffee Shop or anywhere else in town. At Jane's request, Clive had driven slowly through town before parking at the Coffee Shop. Jane wasn't sure whether to be miffed or relieved that Justin seemed to be playing hide-and-seek. She was tempted to ask Hope if Belle had been there with a strange man but decided not to arouse Hope's curiosity. Why should she worry about Justin if he was being so casual about speaking to her? It was rather typical of him, doing things his way, controlling situations.
“Preoccupied?” asked Clive as he started the car.
“Sorry.” She sighed. “Just frustrated.”
“Do you want to go home now?”
“Did you have something else in mind?”
“I noticed that a film I've wanted to see is playing at the Potterston Theater.”
“Really?”
“Interested?”
Then he told her the title, and she realized she was interested. “Sounds perfect.”
“And you're not worried about missing your ex?”
“He doesn't seem too concerned about missing me.”
“Lucky for me.”
So it was that Jane didn't get home until after eleven. To her surprise, both Louise and Alice were waiting for her. Clive excused himself, and she followed her sisters into the kitchen.
“We were worried,” said Alice. “We had no idea what happened to you.”
“I'm sorry,” said Jane, feeling like she was back in high school again.
“You could have called,” said Louise.
“I really am sorry.” Jane looked at both of them. “I thought I was simply going for pie with Clive. It was nearly seven, and Justin still hadn't shown up here. I thought I might see him in town. When I didn't, I got kind of irritated. I mean what am I supposed to do? Just sit around and wait for him to come? When Clive mentioned a movie, I jumped at the chance.”
“I can understand that,” said Alice. “I'm sure it's frustrating. Justin and Belle came back a little past seven,” said Alice. “You must've just missed them.”
“Oh dear.”
“Justin said he'd come back tomorrow,” Alice told her.
“To see me?” asked Jane. “Or Belle?”
“You, of course,” said Louise.
“I really am sorry I worried you both,” said Jane. “Please, forgive me.”
“It's all right,” said Louise as she hugged Jane. “I do realize this is difficult for you. And I hope you and Justin take care of whatever he came here to do as soon as possible. I'm eager to hear why it is that he's come.”
“You know how I love mysteries, Jane, but I have to admit that the suspense is killing me,” said Alice.
Jane almost laughed as she hugged Alice. “You and me both, sis.”
Then the three of them tiptoed up the stairs, said good night and went into their rooms. Jane quietly closed the door and stood wondering what tomorrow would bring.
Chapter Twenty-One
Saturday morning, Jane overslept. She awoke with a start, pulled on jeans and a sweatshirt and her favorite clogs, and hurried downstairs.
“Good morning,” said Alice as Jane burst into the kitchen.
“Sorry I'm late.”
“I started coffee and made tea. But that's about all. Put me to work.”
Jane tossed out some orders and quickly had things under control. Then Louise joined them after setting the dining-room table, and before long, breakfast was ready. “If you two don't mind serving without me, I'd like to go shower and change into something a little nicer,” said Jane as she poured herself a first cup of coffee.
“Not a problem.”
“And then you will join our guests for breakfast?” asked Louise.
“Sure.”
The truth was, Jane wished that she could lay low today. She didn't feel the least bit hungry, but that was probably because the idea of seeing Justin was beginning to make her stomach clench. Even so, she went back down to the dining room after showering and dressing.
The only ones still there were Belle and the just-marrieds whom Jane had not yet met. She was surprised that they were older than she'd expected, perhaps close to her age. “You must be the newlyweds,” she said to them.
“Yes,” said the woman. “I'm Gloria, and this is my husband Garth.” She turned and beamed at him. “It feels so good to say that.”
�
��Congratulations on your marriage,” said Jane as she sat down and helped herself to a muffin.
“Louise said it was due to you that we got a room this weekend,” said Gloria. “We so appreciate that. Thank you.”
“Yes, after waiting so long to get married, I was worried we might have to wait that long to have a honeymoon too,” said Garth.
Gloria laughed, but Belle seemed sad as she refilled her coffee cup and listened. Jane realized that this banter might be like salt in a wound for Belle. Still, Jane was curious about the Fairviews.
“How long did you wait to get married?” she asked.
“All totaled?” Garth scratched his head as if to think.
“We went together in high school,” began Gloria. “Then we lost track of each other in college. We both married other people. Then Garth's wife was killed in a car accident about ten years ago.”
“And Gloria's husband passed away after a long bout with cancer, just a couple of years ago.” Garth reached for Gloria's hand.
“Both of us were devastated, and neither of us had any idea of marrying again. Then we met at our thirtieth class reunion,” said Gloria.
“That was last August,” offered Garth.
“And, as you know, we got married a week ago.”
Garth nodded toward the window, where the sun was streaming in. “We should get out there and make the most of this wonderful weather, Gloria.”
“I hope you have a marvelous day,” said Jane as the happy couple exited.
“They are so lucky,” said Belle in a dejected tone.
“Yes, but they certainly did wait for their happiness.”
“I've been waiting too.” Belle sighed. “I keep getting my hopes up, just to get them flattened like a pancake again and again. It's so unfair.”
“So how did they get flattened this time?” asked Jane as she reached for the fruit platter.
“You should know,” said Belle. “You just keep stealing all the good men, Jane Howard.” Then she smiled. “Sorry, I hope I didn't sound nasty.”
“I'm stealing all the good men?” asked Jane as she chose a piece of melon.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, you are.” Then Belle began to list off men like Craig Tracy and Kenneth Thompson, acting as if Jane had been seriously involved.
Memories from Acorn Hill Page 38
