But what kind of life would she lead without the basic skills required for employment? She was a decent cook, but would a restaurant ever hire her? She shook her head and hummed along as her fingers created music from her heart.
She saw the shadow on the ground when she opened her eyes and knew she wasn’t alone. She turned, held her hand up to shield the sun, and stared up into a set of too-appealing brown eyes.
“You’re really good.”
She looked out at the river, afraid of slipping under his spell if he was nice to her for too long. “I’m just messing around.”
“I can’t wait to hear you when you’re really trying.”
She slipped the guitar strap from around her neck and stood up, needing to find level ground when speaking to Lyle. He had a way of unnerving her during the most mundane conversations. “You all done for the day?”
“We are. Jack wanted to do more, but I could tell he needed a break.”
“It’s not easy for him, reliving those days. He’s moved on, accepted his vision loss, but that doesn’t make it easy to look back.”
“I could tell.” He took a deep breath and stared out over the water. “It’s one hell of a story.”
Anger bubbled to the surface. “It’s not a story. It’s his life.”
He whipped his head around and glared at her. “I know it’s his life. I sat there and watched how difficult it was for him to tell me. For that I’m sorry, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s got an experience worth sharing. Whatever his motives, whatever his intentions, I’m glad I get the chance to tell it.”
“I hope you’ll be gentle. I mean, what I’m trying to ask is…” She rubbed her forehead. Sometimes she just couldn’t think of the words to express what she wanted to say. “Please don’t turn his nightmare into some kind of trashy soap opera. Like when everything comes crashing down on the rich and powerful golden boy. That’s what they used to call him, you know. The golden boy. He’s as dark as I am, but everything he touched turned to gold. He’s clawed his way back through hard work and determination. I don’t want you to use him and his troubles to sell books.”
“I can tell you think highly of my profession.”
Erica looked back toward the house. She knew Jack needed time to sort out his feelings. “I’m not sure he’s doing the right thing, telling everyone what happened.”
“He doesn’t seem to have any doubts.”
“We live a simple life in Denver, Lyle. He’s happy there, out of the limelight. I don’t know why he wants to open all this up again.” She frowned at him. “What in the devil are you grinning about?”
“You said my name. I wasn’t sure you knew it.”
She felt defenseless against his boyish charm. “I know your name. I’ve said it while cursing a number of times.”
“I’ll bet you have.”
Every time they spoke was like wading through quicksand. She needed to change the subject. “How’s the cabin coming? I haven’t seen you working on it lately.”
“Have you been watching for me?”
She rolled her eyes. “I haven’t heard any annoying banging coming from the other side of the river.”
“It’s coming along. I’ve done almost all I can do before they run the power.”
“When will that be?”
“A week from Thursday.”
“And then you’ll move in?” Part of her wanted him away from the conniving Olivia, but part of her knew him living within a stone’s throw was dangerous.
“Not right away. I hope to be in by Thanksgiving. My brother’s coming to visit, and it would be a lot easier to catch up when I’m here instead of Lower Fork.”
“Where is he visiting from?”
Lyle picked up a rock and tossed it into the river. It skipped four times along the surface. “Denver. He’s a pilot for Eagle Airlines.”
“A pilot and a writer?” Could she feel any more out of her league? “Your parents must be proud.”
“Mom and stepdad. Yeah, I guess. My stepdad likes that I’m not under their roof anymore.”
“You don’t get along?”
Lyle laughed. “We get along fine. I think he and my mom are ready to have the place to themselves. They still act like a couple of newlyweds.”
“Really?” Erica couldn’t imagine growing up in a family filled with love. “When did your parents divorce?”
“They didn’t. My dad died in a plane crash when I was nine. We moved out here when I was eleven and Dodge—my stepdad—leased our land until he and Mom fell in love and got married. They’ve been head over heels ever since.”
“That must have been wonderful growing up around all that love after losing your father.”
“It was. It was hard when my dad died. I really didn’t want to move out here from Atlanta, but now I can’t imagine living anywhere else. My friend Jill just picked up and moved east with her fiancé a few months ago. As happy as I am for her, I can’t imagine living so far away from my family.”
“Did you go away for college?”
He sent her a sidelong glance that made the tips of her ears burn. “If you consider Westmoreland going away. I went to Warlock State. Lived in the dorms, had the full college experience, but I wasn’t far from home.”
“You must be excited to see your brother again?”
“I am. I wish it was just him and not his wife. Her parents live on the other side of our property, just off the six north, but she won’t go anywhere without Kevin. She’s always been clingy.”
“Sounds like they’re sickeningly in love, too.”
“And have been since they were thirteen.”
“Thirteen? They fell in love at thirteen?”
“Well, it was an on again, off again thing all through college, but she finally dragged him down the aisle,” he pursed his lips, “five, almost six years ago.”
“I think that’s wonderful, falling in love with someone so deeply you can’t imagine being without them.” When she looked up, he was staring at her, and she wished she’d kept those thoughts to herself.
“I suppose I should at least try to think of it like that. Shiloh’s always been spoiled rotten, so it’s hard for me to have much sympathy for her. She’s the annoying sister I never wanted.”
“I always wanted a sister.”
Lyle reached down and picked up another rock. He tossed it in the air a few times before asking, “I’ll bet it was hard for you after your brother left home.”
Oh, no. She wouldn’t talk about her past with him just because he knew a few details. She picked up her guitar and turned toward the house. “I’d better get back. I’ll see you later.” When she reached the house and closed the door behind her, he was watching her as he fingered the rock. She had to be more careful. Talking to him had been a mistake. She couldn’t afford to make that mistake again.
Chapter 21
Olivia dropped the check off at table two and was just about to walk backward through the kitchen door with her hands full of dishes when her brother came into the restaurant. The look on his face when he spotted her told her everything she needed to know. He thought her guilty.
She pushed through the door and dropped the plates into the sink. Tommy stood behind her when she turned around.
“Take a break,” Tommy said. He’d inherited their father’s deep voice, dark hair, and penchant for ordering her around.
“Can’t.”
She tried to muscle past him, but he grabbed her shoulders. “I said take a break.”
“I’ll take a break when we don’t have customers waiting for their food.”
Tommy pulled the busboy from his post at the sink. “Wash your hands and take these burgers out to table,” he looked at the ticket, “four.” Tommy pointed at the outside door. “Let’s take that break.”
Olivia huffed out an exaggerated breath and jerked the door open. She stomped around the corner, away from the dumpster’s nauseating smell.
“Why didn’t you tel
l me about the suspension?” he demanded.
“Looks like I didn’t have to.”
“Damn it, Olivia. What the hell happened?”
“Don’t you take that tone with me. You’re not my father, and I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“If you haven’t done anything wrong, why didn’t you tell me you got suspended for sexual harassment?”
Olivia covered her face with her hands. “Good Lord, does everyone in town know ?”
“Everyone but me.” He stepped closer and yanked her into his chest. “Tell me.”
When she finished, he asked, “The pencil sharpener? How in the world did that happen?”
“I don’t know, but I was so surprised, I didn’t realize he’d taken the picture until it was too late.”
“The little shit. And he went home and posted it all over the Internet. Where the hell was his mother then?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me.”
“For what? This wasn’t your fault.”
Olivia looked up at her brother, standing with his hands on his hips and a scowl on his face. He had more responsibilities in his life than anyone she knew and she’d assumed he’d think she’d screwed up again. His unflappable belief in her innocence left her staggered. “You’re not mad at me?”
“No. I’m mad at the kid and the teacher who left you two alone.”
“If it wasn’t this, it would have been something else. He was out for blood because I sent him to the principal’s office last week.”
“Good. He’s got a record of bad behavior. That should help your case.”
“Nope. She sent him back to class without so much as a detention. His record is squeaky clean. Unlike mine.”
“What do you mean unlike yours? Have you been in some other kind of trouble you haven’t told me?”
“No, but they’ll check my background and see that I have a reputation.”
His face grew dark with anger. “You’re twenty-four years old. Do they expect all their teachers to be lily white? I know for a fact that’s not the case.”
Olivia’s jaw dropped. “Are you telling me you’ve dated a teacher?”
“I’ve dated lots of women. And yes, some of them were teachers.”
“When do you go on these dates? All I ever see you do is work.”
“Lately, all I have done is work.” He put his arm around her shoulder and led her back toward the door. “We’re going to fight this, Olivia.”
“If they ever find someone to do the investigation.” She hugged him before going back inside. “In the mean time, you’ve got your waitress back.”
“Let’s hope it’s temporary.”
***
Lyle needed a break. He’d been typing out his notes from his last meeting with Jack for so long his fingers were cramping. He glanced at the clock and realized it was after five, so he stood up and retrieved a beer from the refrigerator. His phone rang just as he popped the top. He took his first sip while eyeing the display. “Hey, stranger.”
“Hey, yourself,” Jill said with a smile in her voice. “How’s the book coming?”
“It’s practically writing itself. This guy’s journey is…” Lyle couldn’t quite put into words how affected he was by Jack’s story. “Let’s just say I’m enjoying my work.”
“I heard there might be another reason you’re enjoying your work.”
He leaned against the counter and crossed his ankles. “What are you talking about?”
“Olivia thinks you’re hot for his sister, although from what she’s said, I can’t imagine why.”
“I’m not hot for his sister. Jeez, Olivia’s such a juvenile.”
“You don’t find her attractive? Olivia said she was pretty, but she had an attitude.”
“She’s got an attitude, all right. From what I can tell, I think it’s justified. She had a rough childhood, which she refuses to talk about.”
“So ask your interview subject.”
“He’s very careful to skirt around my questions about her. I’m not sure, but I think something happened after he left home that he feels guilty about.”
“That sounds like heavy stuff. Are you sure you want to get involved with a woman who may have a checkered past?”
“I never said I was involved.”
“You never said you weren’t. I know you. Plus, Olivia’s got a sick sense when people are attracted. It’s kind of her thing.”
“Whatever.” Lyle pushed away from the counter and flopped onto the couch. “How’s the wedding planning?”
“Urrgh. Don’t ask. Whoever said this was fun eloped.”
“It’s not too late, ya know.”
“Speaking of the wedding, can you let Olivia know the bridal shop called and her dress is ready?”
“Why are you telling me? Why not call her?”
“I did call her, but she didn’t answer. How’s she doing?”
Lyle grabbed the remote and turned the TV to ESPN. “She’s more upset than she’s letting on. She went to work at the Tap today, which is good because all she was doing was sitting around moping.”
“No one can mope like Olivia.” Lyle heard someone talking to Jill. “I’ve got to go. Don’t forget to tell Olivia about the dress.”
“I won’t. Talk to you later.”
Lyle flicked through channels until he settled on a Rockies game in the third inning. Olivia came home just as their hotshot young pitcher shut out the side.
“Hard day?” she asked before kicking his feet off the couch and sitting down.
“I’m taking a break.” He crossed his ankles on the coffee table. “Jill called. Your dress is ready.”
“Oh, that was quick.” Olivia snatched his beer and took a swig. “How did she sound?”
“Who?”
“Jill. Did she say anything strange?”
“Strange how?”
“About the wedding?” Olivia asked.
“I don’t think she’s enjoying the planning, but…” He shrugged.
Olivia chewed the inside of her lip like he’d seen her do when she was stressed. “I think something’s going on with her.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know, but I have a sinking feeling she’s not into this wedding.”
“I just told you she wasn’t,” Lyle said.
“I know, but I’m worried she’s having second thoughts.”
“About getting married? Jill?” He scratched behind his ear. “Why would you say that?”
“It’s just a feeling I get. She seemed mildly interested in picking out her dress and the bouquet, but she’s let her mom steam roll her through the rest. It’s like she doesn’t even care. When a woman stops caring about the details of her wedding, it can mean only one thing.”
“She’d rather elope?” Lyle guessed.
“That she’s questioning her decision.”
Lyle dropped his feet to the floor and sat up. “You think she’s changed her mind about marrying Ty?”
Olivia shrugged. “I don’t know, but something’s not right. I just can’t put my finger on what it is.”
Chapter 22
Jack drifted around the store trying not to knock anything over. He was bored after only ten minutes in the used instrument store Erica had dragged him to when he said he needed to get out of the house. Erica, on the other hand, was deep in a discussion with a store employee about the merits of owning a ukulele.
He stepped outside into the cool October day. The sun felt good on his face. Jack didn’t want to wander too far; he hadn’t told Erica he was leaving and he never felt too confident walking around unfamiliar places. He edged down to the next window and wondered if it was where the enticing coffee smell originated.
“Window shopping?”
Jack spun around, unable to keep the grin off his face. Perhaps that was why he’d felt restless earlier. “Hello, Olivia. This is a nice surprise.”
“It’s a surprise.�
�� She held something, but he couldn’t tell what. “They’ve got great coffee and pastries if you’re looking for a treat.”
“Running into you was treat enough, unless you care to join me?” Being unable to see her face and read the emotions on display irritated him. He felt sure Olivia had a face full of emotions.
“I suppose I could buy you a cup of coffee to thank you for the flowers. They were unnecessary, you know.”
“Some of the best things in life are unnecessary.”
“Like diamonds and pearls?” she asked with a laugh.
“Like stolen kisses and undeniable chemistry.”
When she stood silent, he could only wonder how his words affected her. “Am I in trouble again?”
She linked her arm through his. “Come on, money bags. You can buy me coffee and a pastry.”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
He ordered what she recommended: a cinnamon bun and the house blend coffee. His admiration for her grew as she asked him about what he liked instead of reading him the menu and making him feel inadequate. He knew she must be an excellent teacher. An idea, long debated and set aside, sprung back to life in his head. Later, he decided. For now I’ll simply enjoy her company.
“So how’s the suspension?” he asked after they snagged a booth by the window. “Any progress?”
He wanted to snatch back his question when her body tensed and her easy mood disappeared. “They’ve appointed an investigator from Pueblo. Now I wait.”
“Will you be interviewed?”
“Yes. Next week.”
“Are you nervous?”
She shrugged and drummed her fingers on the table. “I could tell you no, but I’d be lying. I try not to lie.”
Guiding the Fall Page 10
