Intertwined Hearts Series (4 book collection): (Intertwined Hearts, An Exceptional Twist, Tangled Paths & Grafted Vines)

by Kimi Flores

  Robert looked away from Grace’s narrowed eyes. “I have a feeling I’m supposed to say that I don’t mind.”

  “Great, it’s settled then. Abby, do you mind giving Caleb all the information?”

  I had a strange feeling I’d missed something, but I shrugged it off. “Sure. I’ll send the info home with Madison on Monday. Oh, and don’t forget about Back to School night on Tuesday.”

  “Wow, you’ve got a busy week ahead of you. When will you have time to relax?” My mom sighed.

  “When I get home from work every night, just like everyone else, Mom. And Saturday mornings, of course.” I knew my mom worried about me. I threw myself wholeheartedly into everything I did and didn’t take a lot of time off. I didn’t appreciate her bringing this up in front of other people, though.

  Grace steered the conversation in a different direction. “So Abby, what do you have planned for the rest of this gorgeous weekend?”

  “I promised my best friend we would hit the movies tonight, then the farmers market and a couple of antique shops tomorrow. Which reminds me, I should get going.” Picking up plates, I got up and headed to the kitchen.

  After saying my goodbyes, Grace followed me to the front door. “I’d love to go antiquing with you sometime, if you’re up to it.” She wasn’t exactly asking, but I extended an invitation for the next day anyway.

  “Would you like to join us tomorrow? My mom never wants to go, and I’m sure Leah would love to meet you.”

  “I don’t want to intrude, but that would be lovely, darling.” Grace turned and called Caleb over, again smirking. “Would you walk Abby out to her car? It’s already getting dark, plus I’d love for you to bring those boxes in from your car.”

  “Sure,” he said as he pulled the front door open.

  Narrowing my eyes, I watched Grace suspiciously as she slipped away. I finally caught on to her matchmaking. I wasn’t sure how I felt about her trying to set me up with her deceased daughter’s husband, but I couldn’t deny how attracted I was to him. Caleb, on the other hand, seemed clueless about all of it.

  We walked outside, and I pointed to my car. “That’s me. You don’t have to walk me. I’m capable of doing it on my own.”

  “Are you kidding? You don’t know Grace. I’ll walk you all the way, or I’ll never hear the end of it.” He flashed his brilliant smile. This man could make a smart girl turn stupid.

  That one grin made me weak in the knees, and I had to remind myself—he was my student’s dad. The fact that he was only doing this to appease his mother-in-law was a bit mortifying.

  The car unlocked when I clicked the remote. Opening the door, Caleb motioned for me to get in. I looked up through my lashes and thanked him before he closed the door. Of course, he walked over toward the Range Rover I’d been drooling over earlier. He gave me another wave as I pulled away.

  ⁂

  “Look at this. Isn’t it darling?” Grace picked up a third vase and showed Leah. She’d obviously noticed that my best friend did not enjoy shopping for antiques and was working on her love of flowers. I smiled, wondering why I’d never thought about it myself. The older woman caught my eye and winked.

  Brilliant Grace. Absolutely brilliant.

  I turned a corner and there sat the most beautiful ceramic jug I’d ever seen. It was pink with green and white trim, a bronze spout at the bottom, and the word ‘lemonade’ inscribed in green. I fell in love immediately. I sprinted to the shelf, ran my hands down the cool container, turned it up, down, and around. I wanted it.

  “That’s stunning, Abby. You have excellent taste,” Grace said from behind.

  “I love it. It’s my favorite colors and everything.” I flipped it over one last time and saw the price tag. “Wow, hefty.” Placing it on the shelf, I stepped back, and looked at it again from afar, pondering. How much did I really love this jar? A lot. Could I justify spending so much on one item? I didn’t think so. It was a ridiculous price.

  “Why don’t you grab it?” Grace looked at me with curiosity.

  “I think I’m going to pass.” I frowned. “I have a strict rule on sticking to a budget, and this would cost more than I have for the entire day. I love it, but not enough to drop that kind of cash.” I turned to find Leah holding two more clay vases. “Ready to pay? I’m hungry.”

  “Sounds good to me. I can’t believe I’m walking out of an antique shop with four vases.” Leah scrunched up her face.

  “They’re pretty, though. I’m glad you found something you like.” I smiled at my best friend, watched as she paid, then we headed to the farmers market down the street.

  ⁂

  “What are you guys talking about?” I joined the ladies already sitting at a white plastic table next to the food tents. It always amazed me how much longer it took to get my meatless food than it did to prepare everyone else’s.

  “Grace was just talking about Caleb and Madison.” Leah looked at the older woman as though they shared a secret.

  I wondered what that had been about, but didn’t actually care. I was glad they clicked from the get go.

  “Well, I, for one, love your granddaughter. She brightens my day every time I see her. You’re truly a blessed woman.”

  “That I am, Abby. Caleb’s not so bad himself. Wouldn’t you agree?” She looked as though she was seriously anticipating my answer.

  “Um, yes,” I hesitated. “He’s very nice. And talented. I’ve actually read a couple of his books.” I felt my skin flush again, and Leah gave me a knowing look.

  “My friend here is a fanatical reader. She’d rather read than sit here with you and me. Believe me.” Leah pointed at me accusingly from across the table.

  Good. If that was why she thought I was blushing, I’d take it.

  Once we were done eating and threw our trash away, Grace asked, “Okay girls, so what are we on the hunt for today?”

  I spoke up first. “I want to make my tomato and green bean salad, spicy cucumber slaw and chocolate-filled raspberries, but I always get avocados, broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower too. How about you guys?”

  “I think I’ll be coming to your house to eat,” Grace joked. “That all sounds great. I assume you fill the raspberries with chocolate and refrigerate them?”

  “Yes, and I use Ghirardelli, the best chocolate known to man.” I sighed just thinking about it.

  “That sounds divine.”

  “It is, but she doesn’t always share.” Leah bumped my shoulder and winked.

  “I share,” I laughed, “but when you show up two days after I make them, and expect me to have some left, that’s your loss.”

  “Well, I just went shopping the other day, so I think I only need stuff for salsa.” Leah picked up a tomato and sniffed. “Oh man, this smells good.” She handed it over so I could also take a whiff.

  “I’ll get a couple of those.” Grace placed a handful in a bag before paying for all of our produce.

  “Wait, why are you paying?” I questioned.

  “I want to thank you for letting me tag along with you girls.” She looked down. “I love spending time with Caleb. He’s like my son, but I miss having this kind of girl time.” A hint of sadness crossed Grace’s face. “Rene and I used to come here together when she was alive.”

  My heart fell and my eyes filled with tears when I caught Leah’s somber face. Grace’s daughter had died at such an early age. I couldn’t even imagine the pain Grace had endured.

  Clearing my throat, I said, “You’re welcome anytime. You can be our shopping den mom.”

  The look on Grace’s face made my eyes gloss over even more. I couldn’t bring myself to look at Leah now.

  “You girls are so delightful. Thank you.” She sniffed. “Now, before I start blubbering, let’s go find those raspberries.”

  Chapter Four

  When Did I Sign Up For This?

  Abby

  I didn’t particularly enjoy back-to-school night. After working all day, I had no desire to stand in fr
ont of a bunch of judgmental parents, wondering how I was going to help their ‘gifted’ kindergartener get into Harvard someday. Attending these events was a requirement, so I’d have to push through.

  An hour before parents and students were scheduled to arrive, Leah walked into my classroom, holding up a familiar cup of coffee. “Thank heaven for Seven-Eleven.” She winked, handing me the liquid gold.

  “Have I told you you’re my best friend, and I’ll love you forever?” I offered up my cheesiest smile, knowing exactly what Leah’s reaction would be.

  “Yes, but I wish you’d say it when I’m not handing you a cup of coffee.” She had her hands on her hips, pretending to be bothered. “So, what do you want me to do?”

  “Just be here for moral support. You know how I get.” My best friend knew how anxious I got speaking to a large group of adults.

  “Oh, honey, I’ll be here for you, though I may have to get all ghetto and beat any of the snotty moms who look at you the wrong way. I’ll hand you my earrings if it goes that far.” We always joked like this. Leah was about as ghetto as I was.

  “I love you for protecting me, too, not just for your coffee delivery service.” I pulled her into a hug.

  Thankfully, the evening went on without my friend having to show her ninja skills. The number of parents that showed was a pleasant surprise, and they seemed friendly for the most part. However, I did have a helicopter mom hovering over me, trying to make sure I was paying enough attention to her perfect child. I hoped this parent wouldn’t feel the need to volunteer too much.

  “Damn! Who is that?” Leah’s eyes bulged.

  I didn’t even have to look up to know. “Um, that’s Caleb.”

  My friend turned to look at me. “Abby, you’re turning red. Oh my goodness, amiga. You’re crushing on him and you didn’t even tell me.” She pulled me by both arms until we were standing face to face.

  “I am not.” I halfheartedly slapped her shoulder.

  “You so are!” She argued playfully. “Can’t say I blame you.”

  Caleb chose that moment to head over, grinning ear to ear.

  “Look at that smile. Give me something to fan myself with, because I’m gonna pass out,” she mumbled, grabbing a piece of paper and waving it in front of her face.

  “Leah, you’re being too obvious,” I grunted.

  “Hi, Abby, how’s your evening going?”

  Dang, did he ever not look stunning?

  My heart skipped, and my hands got sweaty, along with all the other things I’d read that happened to girls when drop-dead gorgeous guys approached them. Wait, was that actually perspiration starting to drip down the back of my neck?

  “Pretty good. Yours?” I managed to get out. Leah cleared her throat. “Oh sorry, Caleb, this is my best friend, Leah. Leah, this is Robert and Grace’s son-in-law, Caleb.”

  “Oh, Madison’s dad. Very nice to meet you, Caleb.” She smiled cunningly.

  “It’s nice to meet you, too,” Caleb replied politely before turning back to me. “Well, I’m going to let you get back to the other parents. Have a great evening, and I’ll see you on Thursday.” He waved and returned to his in-laws and daughter.

  “See you then.” I was actually batting my eyelashes as he walked away.

  What the heck? You’re making a fool of yourself again, I thought, noticing how well he wore his jeans.

  “Thursday, huh?” Leah moved in front of me, arms crossed, lips pursed, and hip popped.

  “It’s nothing like that. He’s chaperoning the zoo field trip. Besides, you know I have a strict no dating my student’s father policy.” I walked away, straightening papers.

  “Abby, you have a strict no dating anybody policy.”

  I gave her a dirty look. “I have parents to talk to.”

  “Well, hello Dr. Gorgeous.” She peeked over my shoulder.

  I turned around and saw Blaine Zuckerman, in scrubs, with his family. “Oh no, you don’t. That is Peter’s brother.” I held my index finger up, waving it back and forth.

  “I didn’t say I was going to do anything. I’m just enjoying the view. Wow, he’s good looking, too.”

  “I know, but he’s also a part of my past. It’s been hard having his nephew in my class. Did I tell you one of them is going on the field trip on Thursday? Are they trying to torture me?”

  Leah looked at me with wide eyes, as if trying to speak through them, when a deep male voice sounded behind me. “Who’s trying to torture you, Abs?”

  Crap! Peter and his brother were the only ones who had ever called me that.

  I turned and was face-to-chest with Blaine. “Nobody. Um, did you have any questions about Justin?”

  “No, just thought I’d come up and say hi. I haven’t actually had a chance to talk to you since school started.”

  Leah stepped up to us. “Hi, I’m Leah, Abby’s best friend.” She extended her hand.

  I gave her another dirty look.

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Blaine. Abby and I, uh, went to high school together,” he said, somewhat awkwardly. I was thankful he didn’t explain our real connection. “Well, I’ll see you later. It was nice meeting you, Leah.” He walked toward his family.

  Justin’s mom, Tiffany, had her hands on her hips, giving him a disapproving look.

  I turned that same look on Leah. “Why did you introduce yourself to him? I just told you who he was.”

  “I know.” She shrugged. “It was getting awkward just watching you stand there.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m a little on edge.”

  Leah softened. “I know, but you have to deal with this, Abby. You can’t keep tucking it in the closet and closing the door.”

  Thankfully, another parent walked up, saving me from having to respond. Knowing Leah, this conversation was postponed but not over.

  ⁂

  Because the zoo was only a few miles away, I arranged for approved parent drivers to take the kids, instead of the added expense of a school bus. Yet another reason why I loved working at a charter school. If I’d been working for a traditional school district, we’d never have been able to have parent drivers.

  Teachers, students, and parents all met in the classroom for attendance. Blaine approached, the only member of his family chaperoning this time. “Hey, Abs, wanna ride with me?”

  Scanning the room, I met Caleb’s eyes. “Um, actually, I was going to ride with Madison’s father.” I hadn’t actually planned this, and I hoped Caleb wouldn’t think I was pushy.

  Caleb smiled and came a little closer. “Ready?”

  Dumbfounded, I nodded. I’d just put him on the spot, and he’d followed through flawlessly.

  Blaine’s smile dropped. “I guess I’ll see you there then, Abs.” He grabbed his nephew and the two other boys he was driving, as well as the booster seats they needed.

  We walked out to Caleb’s car with Madison and two other kids in tow. “Yay, Miss Abby, are you riding with us?”

  “Yes. I guess I am, sweetie.”

  The three little girls giggled and clapped their hands.

  Caleb opened the back and front passenger doors. I noted that he’d already set the boosters in his backseat. The little girls climbed in and buckled up. He waited while I got in the front seat, and then closed all the doors.

  What a gentleman, I thought, taking in the gorgeous interior of my dream car. It still had that new car smell, rich with leather.

  After starting it up, Caleb leaned toward me and whispered, “Are you going to tell me what that was about?”

  “Sorry.” I grimaced. “I didn’t mean to suck you into that. Blaine is my ex-boyfriend’s brother, and it’s just weird. I saw you, and it came out. I hope you don’t mind.”

  He smiled warmly. “Of course I don’t.”

  “I keep running into his family. I guess it’s just one of the hazards of living in the town you were raised in.”

  He nodded, turning to look behind him as we backed out of the parking space.

  D
amn, he was attractive. His face looked so smooth, almost as if he’d never grown stubble before. That wasn’t true of course. I’d seen him with some nice scruff a few times.

  “He must’ve been a serious boyfriend for this to bother you so much.” He eyed me, putting the car into drive.

  “I guess. He was my high school boyfriend, but we have some bad blood between us, and it’s just awkward with his nephew in my class.”

  “What does awk-wad mean?” We heard Melinda asked from the backseat.

  Caleb and I shared a glance and laughed.

  I turned back. “Awk-ward, means something that makes you uncomfortable.”

  “Oh, okay. Sometimes my shoes are awkward.” The little girl turned toward the window.

  This time I giggled.

  After the short drive, Caleb announced, “We’re here, little ladies.” He pulled into the parking lot, then rushed to open doors. I stepped out as Blaine pulled in beside us, giving me a sexy smile.

  “I have to go get the tickets. Meet me at the front?” I asked Caleb, rushing off to create more distance between Blaine and me.

  I got up to the ticket booth, gave them the field trip information, and paid for the tickets, then walked over to the side gate and joined the other kindergarten teachers. Once parents walked up with their assigned students, I handed over tickets and checked their names off the list. Everyone was here, except my not so favorite helicopter mom. Of course, she’d driven her son, and only her son, because she didn’t want any other children in her expensive sports car. The school was technically responsible for him, though, so I waited an additional fifteen minutes under the warm fall sun until they arrived.

  I wasn’t a sarcastic person by nature, but when Helicopter Mom walked up with a blended iced mocha in her hand, and a strawberries and cream in her gifted son’s hand, I had to say something. “Wow, if I knew you were making a stop, I would’ve placed an order.” That got me a dirty look, but I didn’t care. I reminded her, “Just in case I lose contact with you, we need to go back to school after the zoo.”