“Where are we going? Not Deli on the Rye, I hope. I’m getting burned-out on sandwiches.”
“We’re headed to the church to get my car.”
“Hmm. Someplace we need to drive to. Intriguing.” This playful side of Kayla intrigued him. “I can drive my rig.”
She chuckled. “I’d never be able climb into your pickup with this skirt.”
He admired her fitted black skirt and red heels. “Okay, I see your point.” He spotted her car in the church parking lot, and within minutes she’d whisked them off to the other side of town where a food cart sat on the side of the road. “I didn’t know Oak Knoll had food carts.”
“This one only comes to town on Sundays. I discovered it when my mom was in Florida. They make the best pulled-pork barbecue you’ll ever taste. Trust me when I say order the special.”
“Two specials, please.” He had no idea what it was, but he trusted Kayla’s advice. He withdrew his wallet and paid.
“I can get my own.”
“No way. Not after you saved me from those women at church this morning.”
She grinned. “They were harmless.”
“To you, maybe, but not me,” he said with a dramatic flair.
He took a large bag that seemed rather heavy for only two meals, and Kayla grabbed the giant drink cups filled with lemonade. “Where to now?”
She pointed across the street to a neatly manicured grassy knoll that looked onto a pond half-covered with lily pads. “There are a few benches and picnic tables.” They strolled across the road side by side. “I can’t believe we get this place to ourselves. Maybe there’s something to eating after the lunch rush.”
“This is normally a busy spot?” He placed their bag on a large wooden picnic table.
“On nice days like today, yes.” They sat and Kayla pulled out two foil-wrapped packages and handed him one.
As he unfolded the wrapper, steam billowed out, carrying the barbecue aroma straight to his taste buds. He blessed the food for them, then dug in. Flavor exploded in his mouth. She hadn’t been kidding that this sandwich would be the best he’d ever tasted. He didn’t even mind that it was a sandwich.
Kayla caught his attention and pointed to her chin.
He reached for a napkin and wiped the dripping sauce. “Thanks. How do you feel about your mom remarrying?”
“I’m happy she’s happy. They both look very much in love.”
“But?” He suspected there was more, or she wouldn’t have been in such a hurry to escape the restaurant earlier.
“I’m worried they’re rushing. Stan has three grown children, and apparently he doesn’t expect them to welcome my mom, and that really bothers me. And then I thought about family gatherings and realized I may have to deal with hostile stepsiblings. I’ve never even had a sibling. It’s a lot to process.”
“I didn’t know you’re an only child. I am, too.”
“How would you handle the situation if it were you?”
“I’d buy them all trips to Italy, and they’d adore me for life.” He took another bite.
She shook her head. “Be serious. What would you do?”
He swallowed and sobered. “I don’t know, Kayla. It’s difficult to see myself in that situation, considering my mom’s health issues.”
She frowned. “Sorry.” A little sauce clung to the side of her mouth.
He wanted to kiss it away but instead reached across the table and gently wiped it away. Her eyes widened and locked on his. “Sauce.”
She cleared her throat. “Thanks. Have you noticed how often we eat together?”
He hadn’t until she mentioned it. “Why do you suppose that is?”
“I don’t like to cook and neither do you.” She propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her laced fingers.
“Ah, I learned another thing about you. You don’t cook.”
“I didn’t say I don’t cook. I don’t enjoy cooking, so I eat out often.”
He dipped his chin. “You want to walk?”
“I’d love to, but these shoes weren’t made for walking, and I’ve already done more than my feet appreciate.”
“Okay, let’s just sit and talk some more.” He racked his mind for a safe topic. “The float is ready to be painted.”
Her face lit. “That’s great news. Why didn’t you say something sooner?”
“I forgot.”
“Can I see it today?” Excitement danced in her eyes.
“Sure. Let’s go.” Would she like the extra something he’d included that wasn’t in the original design?
Chapter 11
Monday evening after work, with paint roller in hand, Kayla rested her knees on the float and carefully applied primer to one end of the bridge while Derek worked toward her from the opposite end. Jill and Charlie worked on the arbor near the front. Jill’s laughter brought a smile to Kayla’s face.
Derek’s surprise had turned out to be a swing attached to the arbor rather than the simple bench. Whoever rode the float would get to sit there. They were holding a drawing at the shop to see which lucky citizen would get to ride the float. She almost wanted to do it herself, but she’d be way too busy with other things.
Contentment settled on her. This was the life. Sunshine beat down on her back, increasing her pleasure. “I had no idea painting could be so relaxing.” Kayla shot a grin toward Derek.
“When you’re with friends, and it’s not detail work—it’s fun. But tedious painting is not for me.” Derek loaded his roller.
“I’ll be sure to get someone else to paint the tedious spots. I can’t thank you enough for designing and building this.” Kayla would have to think of a way to thank him, but later. Right now she was enjoying the company and the unseasonably warm weather. Spring had taken a leap toward summer. The thermometer in her car read seventy-five degrees on her way over, and she loved the warmth.
“It’s been fun.” He flashed a grin before returning his attention to the bridge. “It was a nice change of pace to use my hands in a creative way.”
Kayla tipped her head to the side. “I imagine your life as a singer didn’t lend itself to this kind of thing.”
“Nope. But change is in the air.”
Kayla studied his profile in the dim light. Was he trying to tell her he’d decided to return to LA? Or was he suggesting something else?
“I heard worship went well yesterday, Derek,” Jill said. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there. It was my Sunday to volunteer in the children’s service.”
“You didn’t miss much,” he shot back.
“Don’t let him kid you, Jill.” Kayla reloaded her roller. “The spirit of the Lord was in that room yesterday, and I don’t think one person there thought twice about the fact that DJ Parker was leading them.” Somehow even she’d managed to forget he was a famous singer and enter into worship.
Derek stared at her as if in disbelief. “Are you kidding me? Clearly you were sitting in the front, or you would have seen something completely different.”
“Huh?” Kayla stilled. “What are you talking about?” The only comments she’d heard had been positive.
“Those women you rescued me from after church had their cell phones out and were waving them in the air during worship.”
Her jaw dropped, and she snapped it shut. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”
Charlie chuckled. “’Fraid not. I saw them, too.”
Kayla shot him a look. “I didn’t know you attended Oak Knoll Community.”
“I don’t normally, but a certain lady invited me to visit, then ditched me for the children’s service.”
“Oh no! Jill, you should have said something. I’d have filled in for you.”
Jill whipped the paintbrush in the air and flicked white paint that landed a foot from Kayla. “Oops, sorry about that.”
Kayla took a rag and wiped up the paint. Maybe no one would see the splotch, but she wanted the float to be as close to perfect as possible.
J
ill sent Charlie an exasperated look. “I didn’t know he would be there, or I would have asked you to step in.”
Kayla pressed her lips together. Was there trouble in paradise already? She studied her friends—the two looked as smitten with one another as ever. The momentary concern evaporated. “So other than Mary and Bethany’s odd behavior, did the rest of worship go well from your perspective, Derek?”
“I suppose so. I did my best to block them out, but it was hard.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know what got into those two. They aren’t like that normally.” Was that the kind of thing Derek had dealt with during his career? Of course it was, because that was what people did at concerts, but not during church. “I wonder if someone should speak with them.”
“I believe Pastor Miller was going to have a gentle talk with the ladies.” Derek ducked his head and rolled paint over the last of his side of the bridge. “Better him than my mom. When I told her about it, you should have heard her.” He chuckled.
“Speaking of moms, Kayla, I heard your mom is engaged,” Jill said. “When’s the big day?”
Stan had stopped in last night, and she’d enjoyed getting to know him. She could understand why her mom had fallen for him. He was a kind and considerate man who put others before himself. “They haven’t set a date, but I have a strong feeling they want to get married as soon as possible. My mom is flying out with Stan on Friday to meet his children. He’s invited them to his place for the weekend.”
“Are you going?” Charlie asked.
She shuddered. “No.” Meeting her future stepsiblings under those circumstances would not be good. “Call me a coward—I don’t care—but I’d rather get to know them when they aren’t in shock or angry that their dad is remarrying.”
Derek looked at her sympathetically. “You’re not a coward. You’re smart.”
Her heart thrilled at his words. “Thanks.” His kindness along with everything else made it difficult not to fall for him. She steeled herself against his charm, but it wasn’t easy when everyone around her was finding love. Being content to stick to her list had been much simpler when those closest to her were single. Now it bothered her a lot that she couldn’t find someone who matched all the qualifications on her list. Granted, Derek came closer than any man ever had; however, he wasn’t an option. Then again, maybe he was? He really seemed to be putting roots down in Oak Knoll.
The screen door on the house slammed. “Hi, everyone.” Estelle stood on the porch holding a tray with a pitcher and cups. For once a genuine smile lit her eyes. “I made lemonade and Helen made sugar cookies.” She sat on the top stair and rested the tray on her lap. “Come and get it.”
Kayla stifled a groan. Right when everything was going so well, she had to make an appearance. Her stomach twisted as guilt for her harsh feelings toward the woman ate at her. Estelle might not be the kind of person Kayla had thought she was, but she didn’t have to treat the star with disdain. Especially since she was making an effort to be kind. “Thanks, Estelle. That was nice of you to bring those out for us. How about we all take a break?”
Derek narrowed his eyes. “Just a quick one. We don’t want the paint to dry on the brushes and rollers.”
“What a taskmaster.” Kayla rolled her eyes and playfully punched his shoulder. “No wonder you are so successful at everything you do.” She might have been teasing him, but there was an element of truth to her words. The man worked hard and put everything into whatever he did. She admired that quality.
He hopped off the end of the float and offered her a hand. She placed her fingers in his palm and stepped down. “Don’t let her fool you, Kayla,” he said softly into her ear. “Estelle never does anything without an ulterior motive. She’s up to something, so be careful.”
Kayla turned startled eyes toward him. Clearly the two had history, but she’d never taken him for being bitter. “Thanks for the warning, but I think she may just be trying to fit in with your friends.”
* * *
Derek eyed Estelle with suspicion as she handed him a cup of cold lemonade. Maybe Kayla was right about Estelle, but he wouldn’t let his guard down so easily. Her warning about him regretting crossing her never strayed far from his mind.
Jill, Charlie and Kayla all took cookies and drinks, then sat in the shade on the porch.
“So when is this festival I keep hearing so much about?” Estelle crossed her legs at her ankles.
“April twenty-ninth.” Kayla sipped from the cup and smiled. “This tastes like fresh-squeezed lemonade.”
“It is.” Estelle dipped her chin. “Do you like it?”
Kayla nodded. “It’s perfect. Will you be here for the festival, Estelle?”
Derek’s gaze shot to Estelle’s.
“Maybe. I don’t have any firm plans.”
Surely she wouldn’t be here that long? Derek’s pulse ramped up. When his mom asked that he allow Estelle to continue to stay, he’d never imagined she’d still be here. Regret for not insisting his mom send her packing threatened to overwhelm him.
Lord, what is going on here? I felt like You directed me to leave this up to my mom, but now I’m not sure.
Peace settled over him and his pulse slowed. Okay. I understand You are in control of this. Please help, though, because I don’t like this—at all.
Charlie got up and said, “Thanks for the snack, Estelle, but we’d better get back to painting.”
Estelle didn’t even bother to look at Charlie. She kept her cold eyes focused on Derek and stood with the tray. Without a word, she pivoted and sashayed inside.
Derek rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, that was awkward.”
Jill laughed softly as she ambled past him. “Don’t worry about her, Derek. She’ll go home sooner or later. It was nice of her to bake for us.”
“I hope she leaves sooner rather than later, cookies or not,” he mumbled as he copied Charlie and tossed his ice into the planter.
“Derek. Come quick!” Estelle’s piercing yell ripped through the air.
Mom! His heart kicked into double time, and he charged up the stairs and into the house. “Where are you? Mom?” He ran into the kitchen and spotted his mother lying on the tile floor, pushing against Estelle, who seemed to be trying to keep her prone.
He rushed to her side. “Mom, what happened?”
“I slipped and knocked my head. I’m fine, other than this pounding headache.”
“Do you think you can get up?” Derek asked.
Mom gave Estelle a patient smile. “If you would give me a hand, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
Estelle bit her lower lip and shot him a concerned look. His heart softened toward her slightly. She couldn’t be all bad if she cared this much for his mother. “Do you hurt anywhere besides your head?”
“My hips and back hurt, but I’m sure I’m fine. It’s not like I’m a frail old woman. I just slipped on a wet spot.”
“Okay. How about you sit up nice and slow?” He’d heard once that when someone fell, it was best not to help her get up. Something about if the person could stand on her own, then she was fine, but if not, you could risk injuring her further. However, he offered her a hand to pull her up so she could sit.
Mom sat there for a moment with closed eyes. “A little light-headed.”
He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat.
Her eyes blinked open. “Okay. I’m better now.” She used one arm to push up to standing and swayed.
Derek caught her and scooped her into his arms. “I’m taking you to Emergency.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“Just the same. I want to have your head checked for a concussion.”
“He’s right, Helen.” Estelle brushed a curl from Mom’s face. “You should get checked out. I’ll even go with you.” She offered a sweet smile.
“You’re a nice young woman, but I know what going out in public is like for you. I want you to stay here. My son can take me.” Her
words, though slow, were clear.
Although his mom was light for a five-foot-five woman, his arms were beginning to shake.
“Allow me.” Charlie’s bulky frame filled the entrance to the kitchen.
“I can walk,” Mom snapped.
Shocked to obedience, Derek set her down. “Okay. Sorry.” She never snapped. Mom was one of the most patient people he’d ever known.
She looped her hand around his arm. “If we must do this, let’s get a move on. It’s getting late.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He kept his gait slow.
Charlie stepped out of the way, and Derek spotted Jill and Kayla behind him, both wearing worried expressions.
“I’m going to run her to the hospital.”
“Would you like one of us to keep you company?” Kayla asked.
He started to shake his head, but Mom interrupted.
“That would be lovely, Kayla.”
“I need to run home and change and then I’ll meet you there.” She spun around and bolted for the door.
Charlie kept his voice low. “Don’t worry about anything here. Jill and I will clean up.”
“Thanks.” He wondered at his mom’s acceptance of Kayla’s offer but kept his thoughts to himself as he helped his mother climb into his pickup.
Fifteen minutes later he pulled into the hospital’s parking lot and parked. “How you doing, Mom?” She hadn’t spoken once since they’d left her house.
“I’m alive. Let’s get this over with.” She pushed open the door and slid out before he could assist.
He ran around and offered his arm as they walked inside.
“I hate this place,” Mom grumbled.
He raised a brow but remained silent as he guided her to the check-in counter. It wasn’t long before Kayla rushed in. Her face lit when her gaze landed on them. She looked good. Her jeans fit perfectly, and the sleeveless teal-blue blouse she wore complemented her fair complexion.
She strode over to them and sat across from him. “Did they say how long she’d have to wait?”
He shook his head. “But they don’t seem to be overly busy.” Just then his mom’s name was called. “Would you like me to go with you?”
A Valentine for Kayla Page 9
