by Nan O'Berry
His hands smoothed down her shoulders and pressed at the small of her back. In response, she moved closer and molded her body to his. Using the left toe of her shoe, she drew a line in the dirt as she brought her leg behind her right. His lips drew back leaving her delicately balanced between bliss and happiness. She breathed in and her eyes fluttered open.
His warm, caring eyes gazed down at her. “There,” he murmured. “A woman like you needs to be kissed, just like that, at least once a day if not more often.”
Jenna blinked.
His hand slid to hers and held it, brushing his thumb across her skin. “Come on, let’s eat.”
“Yeah, let’s eat,” she whispered.
Hand in hand, he led her toward one of the picnic tables that stood proudly in the park. “After you.” He bent at the waist and allowed her to step in front of him.
“Thank you, kind sir,” she stated in mock refinement.
“Always, ma’am.”
She led him over to a shade table and set her bag on top. Holding on to the edge of the picnic table, she lifted her leg to place it over the seat and found his hand on her arm steadying her motion. The intense heat in his eyes made her a bit nervous. She gave a shy glance at the ground. “Thank you.”
Carson helped her over the seat and when she sat down, he replied. “You’re welcome.”
She watched him round the corner of the table and sit across from her. “So, tell me about your job.”
“It’s nothing special. You wouldn’t be interested,” he replied, brushing her off.
“Why not let me be the judge of that,” she said and pulled the items from her bag.
“I’m working at KVINO.”
She paused. “The radio station?”
“Yep.” He nodded.
“That must be exciting.” Pulling a plastic knife from one of the food kits in the bag, she sliced the cheese to place on the salads.
Carson reached over and took a piece. Plopping into his mouth, he savored the blend of hickory roast wood and sharp cheese. “Oh, that’s good,” he said and closed his eyes in delight.
“One less slice for you.” She shook her plastic utensil at him.
Carson held up his hands in his defense as he grinned.
She pried open the plastic, spread the thin slices on each salad and pushed one across toward him. “They only had two choices of dressing, Italian or Ranch.”
“Ranch,” Carson said.
She handed the small packet over to him. “So, do you work in the accounting department?”
Carson busied himself tearing the edge of the dressing packet open. “No.”
Fork in hand, Jenna stared at him, her brow wrinkling. “You’re very secretive.”
“I like the suspense.”
She smiled.
“What are the big projects over at the Refurbish this week?”
Between bites, she told him of the table she was working on.
“Sounds like it’s quite a project.”
“It is. Connie bought it at an estate sale in Sacramento a few months ago and she’s just gotten around to wanting it done. Do you go antiquing?”
“Me?” Carson paused, then shook his head. “The only old thing I ever liked was my Grandmother. She was one of those women who never stopped, always seeing the need to jump in and do more.”
“She sounds so young at heart,” Jenna remarked.
“She was.”
Jenna halted. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He shook his head. “She loved life right up until the last. The one regret I do have is that she never got to see her great- grandchildren.”
“You-you have children?” Jenna whispered.
“No.” Carson studied his salad. “I never got around to having a wife either. I guess you could say, I let her down in that respect.” He reached over and twisted the cap off the bottle of water.
“My Nonna would love to see great grandchildren.” Jenna sighed. “It’s the finding the right man that I’m having trouble with.”
“Well…” Carson put the bottle down and folded his arms across the top of the picnic table. “Maybe, I can help with that?”
Jenna’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about?”
“Some of my friends want me to come to their backyard barbecues.” He leaned closer, over the table and dropped his voice. “To meet ladies.”
Jenna grinned and shook her head. “I don’t think you’ll have any problems with that part.”
Carson shrugged nonchalantly. “Not everyone is perfect. I just feel like a piece of meat put on a hanger for women to look at.”
“So how does that help me?”
“Well…” Carson glanced up. “If you show up, we can check out all the men you could be dating and tell me which women to keep out of reach.”
“I see…a mutual date aid society, so to speak.”
“So to speak,” he said earnestly.
She glanced away and thought about his suggestion. “When is this party?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t agreed just yet.”
“Understandable,” she replied putting her fork down.
“But, you’d go, if I decided to? In order to protect me?”
“Well, if it’s protection you need, St. Helena’s only ‘date aid’ worker would be honored to be at your side.”
Carson’s winning grin reflected the laughter in his eyes. “Touché.”
A sharp ring of a bell made them both freeze.
Carson’s brow furrowed as he shifted his gaze around looking for the source.
“Pardon me.”
Carson blinked as Jenna dug through her purse to locate her blackberry.
“I know these are passé. But, I love mine,” she continued speaking as she pulled her phone out and checked the screen. “I hate to break this up.” Jenna rose and began to sweep the leftover food and containersinto the plastic bag. “That’s my alarm. I have to get back to work.”
Carson rose and moved to her side intent on helping her move away from the table. “Is that a call from Connie?”
“No.” Jenna pulled her leg from under the table. “I like to be punctual. I set my alarm for lunch every day, so I can get back on time.”
“You set an alarm.” Carson paused.
Jenna pushed her hair back from her face. “Sure.” She blinked. “Don’t you?”
While she waited, Carson thought for a bit. With a shake of his head, he said, “No. I don’t set an alarm for lunch. I usually eat then get back to work once my meal is finished.”
“Sure.” Jenna stepped away from the table and threw the bag away. “Just like I said. When you’re done, you go back to work.”
Carson shook his head. “Not the same thing, Jenna. I don’t rely on bells, whistles, and planners.”
“I have a lot going on, Carson. I need my planner.”
“Do you? Really?”
Jenna paused as he shook his head. “All right, you don’t think I can make it without my planner, do you?”
“It’s not what I think, but what you have to think about.” He pointed out.
Pressing her lips together, she lifted her chin in defiance. “Fine. I’ll make you a bet.”
“A bet?”
She nodded. “On Sunday, we’ll stroll through downtown. The only plan I’ll make is to meet you after church at the parking lot.”
“No planner?”
“None.”
“No Blackberry.”
“Nope.”
She waggled her brows. “And we’ll check out the single people.”
“Deal.” He stuck out his hand.
“Deal,” she agreed.
They shook hands.
№
“I must be crazy,” Jenna mumbled as she walked out of the church with her Nonna at her side.
“Did you say something, dear?” Liliana Cardilino inquired as they paused at the massive oak doors and dipped their fingers into the font and made the sign of the cross
upon their forehead.
“No. I just realized I left my phone at home,” she fibbed.
“You can pick it up when you go back to the cottage, can’t you?” Liliana asked as the moved down the brick steps toward the parking around the side.
“Actually,” Jenna began. “I thought I might go downtown for a stroll.”
“Good.” Her grandmother slid her arm under Jenna’s and leaned closer. “Get out, let the world see the brave granddaughter I have.”
“Nonna,” Jenna warned with a shake of her head. “I’ve been back at work for several weeks now. I think everyone can see that I’m moving on.”
“Oh, they see you out, but do they believe you?”
Jenna glanced at the woman at her side.
Her grandmother looked up and gave a shrug of her shoulders. “What? It’s true, and you know it. Remember the adage, there’s always more fish in the sea.”
Jenna gave her grandmother a scolding glance. “You act like as if I’m going to scope out men.”
Her grandmother’s face filled with surprise. “You’re not? I thought maybe, you and Frankie were going to go down to the park and make a list of eligible bachelors.”
Jenna’s shoulders dropped. “You are being a bad influence on me.”
“Oh…” Liliana’s smile broadened. “I hope so.”
“Nonna!” Jenna gasped.
“What?” Liliana gazed around. “I’m an old woman. I’m entitled to push my granddaughter to live a little. If you don’t get out and make memories, what will you have to cherish when you hit my age?”
“I have memories,” Jenna replied in her own defense as they reached her grandmother’s four door late model sedan.
Liliana drew herself up tall and shook her right forefinger in her granddaughter’s face with such force Jenna had to step back. “You. You have a notebook full of ideas. Idea’s won’t warm your feet on a cold winter’s night.”
“Nonna.” Jenna gasped ahain.
“Shush, you.” Liliana snorted and opened the driver’s side door. “You go out and have fun. Buy a notebook for rating men, not keeping ideas.”
“I love you, Nonna.” Jenna leaned close and pressed a kiss on her cheek.
“I love you, too. Even if I will have to go to confession again on Tuesday.”
Jenna laughed. “Go home to Grandpa. I’ll see you later.”
She waited for her grandmother to shut the car door. Then, Jenna took two steps back so her grandmother could pull the car out from the parking lot. “If you only knew,” she whispered under her breath. She was going to meet a man, though they seemed to be just friends…she paused, only that kiss they shared the other day was not one between friends. Do not get carried away, Jenna.
As hercar faded into the distance, Jenna walked over to her own vehicle and climbed inside. Checking the time on the dashboard, she slipped her key into the ignition. She needed to hurry because she didn’t want to keep Carson waiting. Pulling back, she made her way over to the parking lot near the park. Parking next to the trees, she watched as Carson rose from one of the benches to make his way toward her.
“You made it,” he greeted as she pushed her door open.
“Sorry I’m late, Nonna wanted to have a conversation at the church.”
He nodded. “You two have a nice pray?”
Jenna gave him a playful slap on his shoulder. “Very funny.”
“Yeah, I have my moments.” He laughed.
She exited the car and shut the door. Flicking the button on her key chain, she automatically locked it.
“So, where should we start?” Carson inquired looking around.
“I would say, Main Street.”
“Very well, Main Street,” Carson agreed as he took her hand in his.
Chapter Seven
They strolled up to the courthouse. Sunday seemed to be the biggest day in town. People were walking by, stopping to look in the windows of the shops that were open.
“This happens every Sunday?” Carson asked as he gazed around.
“For the most part.” Jenna nodded. “It’s tourist day. Lots of people from the surrounding towns come in to visit the vineyards.” She pointed across the street. “They stop at the different specialty shops for samples. You can almost make a meal of it.”
“I see.” Carson smiled. “Let’s cross the street.”
They moved to the crossing and waited for several bicyclists to make their way past. Carson placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked over to Sweet and Savory Bristo next to the Grand Hotel. “Let’s walk up this way.” He pointed toward the Pungent Barrel Wine and Cheese shop. “There seems to be a lot of people milling about.”
As they walked down the street, Carson pointed to a woman standing over by the tables set up outside the library. “Say, she’s cute.”
“Hmm?” Jenna blinked. “Who?”
“The blonde standing over there.”
Jenna recognized Marie Bryant. “She’s too young.”
“Really?” He gave her an innocent look.
“Yes,” Jenna answered. “She just graduated from high school and I doubt her father would approve of an ‘older man’.” She put air quotes around the world older.
“Ouch.” Carson winced. “Okay, who do you think I should look for?”
“Someone mature.”
“Mature.” He nodded. “How about her?” He pointed at another woman walking toward them in a bright orange velour jogging suit.
Jenna chuckled and shook her head, then leaned close. “Connie’s married,” she whispered. “Even more important, she’s my boss.”
“Oh…”
“Jenna, hello. Good to see you out today.” Connie glanced at her, then shifted her attention to Carson and her smile broadened. She kept her eyes focused on the man beside Jenna and spoke without breaking her smile, “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your date?”
“Oh, we’re just friends.” Jenna smiled. “Connie Larson, this is Carson Murphy. He’s taken a position out at the radio station.”
“Murphy?” Connie’s eyes widened. “Are you related to the new DJ, Teague Murphy?”
Carson bent his head and gave her a sideways glance before answering, “I’m afraid so, but you must keep it quiet.”
“Oh, indeed.” Connie grinned looking from Jenna to Carson. “My, how exciting, I’ve never met a disk jockey before.”
Carson leaned forward. “We’re called radio personalities now.”
“I’ll try to remember that.”Connie giggled. “You two have a good time. I want to get over to the used book sale and pick up a copy of Maria Adair’s newest.”
“See you later,” Jenna called.
“Nice to have met you.”
Connie turned around and raised a hand in acknowledgement, then she hurried across the street.
“You didn’t tell me you were a radio personality.”
Carson shrugged. “Teague is the personality. I’m just Carson.”
They walked forward to where Babette Hampton set up a table for samples.
A young woman in a white blouse with an apron tied at her waist smiled as they approached. “Hi, Jenna.” She held up a platter of cheese. “Would you like a sample?”
“Hi, June. Sure. What do we have today?”
“We’ve got a nice aged Asiago with thin slice of ripe tomato on a French baguette, or some Feta rolled in a baby spinach leaf, on a whole wheat cracker, sprinkled with a dash of vinaigrette. Last, but not least…” She smiled broadly. “A triangle of pita bread stuffed with some baby greens, blue cheese and an apple chunk.”
“I see what you mean about making things a meal,” Carson whispered as they made their selection.
With the sample of cheese on a napkin, Jenna pointed to the wines on the next table.
“Which should I choose?” he asked.
“Not a wine man?”
He shrugged. “In my line of work, I’m more familiar with beer.”
“Ah.” S
he nodded. “Well, let’s see what you’ve chosen.”
He glanced at the appetizer in his hand. “I have the Feta.”
“Well, I would suggest a nice dry white wine or a dry red. They would have just enough tang to handle the taste of the cheese.” Jenna pointed to the small cup of white. “This would work.”
Carson picked it from the table and murmured a thank you to the young man standing behind it watching over the goods.
Jenna pointed to the sample of red. “Is this from RYO?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s a late harvest sweet.”
“Thank you.” She took it from him and they moved on.
“Not much liquid here at all,” Carson commented looking down at the plastic cup that was no bigger than a plastic pickle cup.
“The object is not to get tipsy, but to sample, enjoy, and perhaps go visit the winery to purchase your favorite.”
“Ah.”
They paused their walking.
“Try it,” Jenna urged.
Carson took a bite of his cracker and cheese. The warm flavor rolled over his tongue and he closed his eyes in bliss. “Oh, that’s good.”
“Now sip, don’t gulp.”
Bringing the tiny cup of wine to his lips, he took a small taste. The blend of flavors exploded along his tongue. His eyes widened in surprise. “Wow.”
“A good wine and a great cheese can make a meal.”
“I see.”
Jenna took a bite of her tiny slice of pita bread.
“So,” Carson began. “That gentleman behind the wine display.”
She glanced back over her shoulder. “No. Sergio is a player. I need a man that is more stable.”
“You need a man that can lead you on an adventure.” Carson shoved the last of his cracker into his mouth and chewed.
Jenna gave him a sour look. “You and my Nonna have been talking.”
“Me? Your granny?” He shook his head. “Not hardly.” Taking the empty cups and napkins from her hands, Carson tossed them into the trashcan. Then reaching out, he laced his fingers between hers and they continued to walk.
