by Jenna Brandt
She placed her hand on his chest as her eyes drifted up to meet his. “I thought the kiss made it pretty obvious; I really like you too.”
“Then I guess it’s okay if I do this again,” he said as his mouth came down and claimed hers for another kiss.
This time, there was no hesitancy. Spencer knew exactly what he wanted and let himself get lost in the kiss with the girl who had quickly stolen his heart.
Spencer’s cell phone rang, bringing his attention back to the present. He glanced down at the number. Jane was leaving him a voicemail. It probably had to do with Daryl Burke. Even though he had located Trixie, she had been reluctant to verify his client had been with her. He had told her he would look into helping her resolve a couple of outstanding fines if she was willing to go on the record for Mr. Burke.
As Spencer exited the library, his mind kept thinking about his upcoming double date with Molly. God must have brought her back into his life for a reason. He was going to do whatever it took to make her see how much he still cared.
Chapter 3
After finishing up a phone call with her boss, Molly returned home to find Rick alone. Her mother was at the grocery store, and her father was helping out at the local Boys and Girls Club.
“Tell me why, again, do we have to go on this double date tomorrow night?” Rick asked with irritation as he sat on one end of the sofa with his cell phone in his hands. “I can barely stand the idea of one night with your old high school friends, let alone two.”
“I know it’s not ideal, but it’s for my job,” Molly stated as she finished typing up her notes on her laptop. She glanced over at Rick and further explained, “Spencer will let his guard down much easier if he thinks he’s casually talking to some friends over dinner rather than a reporter looking into his career as a public defender. If he finds out, he’ll shut down. I won’t be able to get anything out of him.”
“So, where’s this place we’re going to, anyway? Does it at least have good food?” Rick asked as he flicked his finger on the screen of his phone.
“We’re meeting up at Sunset Grill. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in town and the local favorite.”
“Just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it’s the best. Most of the time, newer is better. I mean, I make a living because people believe that.”
Irritated by his dismissal of her town’s history, she stated adamantly, “I was raised to believe there is value in traditions and wisdom came with age.”
He snorted. “That sounds like quotes from the Bible, and you know how I feel about religion.”
“I know, I know; it’s a crutch for the weak-minded,” she said as she crossed her arms in frustration.
Even though Molly hadn’t gone to church since she left Crystal Cove, she didn’t judge those who found comfort in having faith. She wished her faith could have done that for her after the events that drove her out of town; instead, she was left feeling isolated and alone. She decided, after that, if her faith couldn’t help her in her darkest time, there was no point in going to church anymore.
“Exactly, I don’t want you going and reverting back to your less enlightened ways. I’ve spent two days in this town, and all everyone seems to talk about is church and football. I would swear I was in Texas if I hadn’t seen the palm trees and ocean myself yesterday.”
“What can I say, Crystal Cove is unique in its own way, made up from a hodge-podge of the kindest people from all over the world.”
“Man, this town is so weird. The more you tell me about it, the more it sounds like a cult.”
“That’s not a very nice thing to say. Why do you have to poke fun at where I grew up? Does it make you feel good; like you’re superior to me because of it?”
“I didn’t mean to upset you. Look, I’m trying. I even agreed to go on this double-date thing you cooked up.”
Reaching out, she patted Rick on the arm. “I promise you won’t regret it. The food is great. The grill is famous for its Pina Colada pie. The owner has won over a dozen awards for it.”
“Really? You’re taking me to a place that’s claim to fame is pie?” He shook his head as he added, “It’s like you don’t even know me.”
“It’s only one night, and let me tell you, the food is way better at the grill’s than anywhere else in town.”
Rick scooted closer to her on the couch. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders as he whispered in her ear, “You’re making it up to me when we get back to Miami.” His hand started to move along the edge of her arm as his mouth moved closer to hers. “Although, with your parents gone, maybe you can start making it up to me now.”
Molly wasn’t in the mood. She tried to squirm away, but it only made Rick try harder. “Oh no you don’t. You owe me and I want to collect now.”
“I think that’s about enough of that,” she heard her father say from behind them. “I have some boxes in the car, Rick. You should go and grab them while I talk with my daughter.”
Ken waited until Rick was out of the room before he came and sat down next to Molly on the sofa.
He gave her a concerned look as he asked, “How much do you really know about this guy, Molly? I’m worried you’re being taken in by his good looks and money, but I raised you to be smarter than that.”
“We’ve been dating for a couple of months now, Dad. Granted, he’s a little hard to get used to, and he can be obnoxious, but he really likes me. He pursued me for three months before I finally gave him a chance.”
“How did you meet him?”
“I interviewed him for a story about plastic surgery and its effects on women’s self-worth. He asked me out right after we were done, but I told him I don’t date sources. He continued to email and call me, which showed me he was serious.”
“Sounds like he wore you down rather than you decided you wanted to date him. I don’t know if I ever told you this before, but guys like him, more times than not, like the chase more than the relationship.”
“I know those types of guys, Dad. I learned that lesson all to well from my time with Spencer Wilmington. He was the biggest user of all.”
Her father shook his head. “It was rotten what he did to you, Molly, but he was young. He’s changed over the years, for the better I might add. We work together at the Boys and Girls Club. He shows up every week and helps tutor the kids there.”
Molly couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her father was defending the man who ruined her life and drove her from Crystal Cove. “Did you ever think he’s just really good at putting on a façade? After all, that’s what he did with me. He was great at pretending to get what he wants.”
“And what exactly does he get from volunteering to help those kids?”
“I’m sure the press loves it, not to mention it makes great conversation fodder for all the women he entertains. Add in the fact it looks great on his résumé, and it’s obvious why he does it.”
“I’ve never heard him brag about it. We go to church with him too. I also want to point out, he doesn’t go around town with women either. I’m telling you, Molly, Spencer Wilmington is a different man from the boy who hurt you.”
Molly didn’t know what to think. Her father had wanted to throttle Spencer when he hurt Molly a decade ago. The fact that he was defending him now made her think there had to be some validity to what he was telling her. How did she reconcile that with what her job required her to do? Simple; if he was guilty of violating his duties as a public defender, it was her job to expose it. Over all of her years of digging for the truth, one thing became clear. Everyone had secrets; the key was to find out what they were and decide if it was worth reporting.
Spencer thought about how he was going to find a date by tomorrow night. He didn’t like the idea of cold-calling someone to ask them to go out with him, especially under the circumstances. He didn’t want to give an unsuspecting woman the wrong impression.
Not that he had a chance with Molly since she had a boyfriend, but he at least wanted t
o show her he’d changed in hopes of building a friendship.
It had been hard not having her in his life. They had become close the few short months they spent together, and he had learned to rely on her as a sounding board. She had been the first person to see him as more than just a jock. She helped him to make the choice to do something else with his life, rather than just blindly follow the plan everyone else had for him. The least he could do was take her out to dinner after all she did for him when they were young.
If calling a random woman up was out of the question, what other options did he have? Work was definitely out of the question. He never mixed business with pleasure; he saw too many colleagues get into huge trouble over it. He did have Bible study tonight. Was there anyone there he could ask to go with him?
Sarah Martin came to mind. She had grown up with them in Crystal Cove, but she hadn’t run in the popular crowd. She had been in band and had gone to church, so Molly would probably be comfortable around Sarah. The other good thing about Sarah was that they had worked on a couple of projects together at the church. They built sets together for the Christmas play, helped hand out candy at the annual trunk-or-treat event, and regularly passed out the communion elements together. The best part was that she wasn’t interested in dating anyone, because she was leaving to volunteer overseas in a month.
As he arrived at the church, he went over what he was going to say to Sarah. It was important he explain the situation to her so she would be discreet.
Several Bible study members greeted Spencer as he entered the church. He looked around, but couldn’t find Sarah anywhere. Was she not coming tonight? If she wasn’t, what would he do? He started running through the list of the other women in the group. None of them would do. Two had outright flirted with him, and the other had a boyfriend.
Silently, Spencer sent up a prayer, asking God to help him figure out what to do. If he couldn’t find a date, he would end up having to cancel, and that would just prove to Molly he hadn’t changed. That was the last thing he wanted to do.
He sat down in one of the seats behind a table and waited for everyone else to do the same. A few minutes later, the small group leader, Josh Benson, took his seat at the front of the group.
He was a short man with brown hair and eyes, and most people would move right over him in a crowd. A few years back, Spencer wouldn’t have been any different.
The funny thing was, Josh was one of the nicest guys Spencer had ever met. Once he gave Josh a chance, they became fast friends. It was funny how life worked out sometimes. The people Spencer least expected to get along with became some of the most important.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m glad to see most of our regular members were able to make it tonight. We’re missing a couple of people though, so let’s pray they are all okay, as well as for tonight’s study,” Josh stated with a smile. “Dear Lord, thank You for this day. We ask that You protect our brother, Paul, and sister, Sarah, since they can’t be with us tonight. If anything is wrong with them, I pray that You help them and keep them safe. We also ask that You bless our study tonight. Open our hearts and ears to hear what You have to say to us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”
Josh bent over and pulled out his Bible, along with a notepad, from his backpack. He placed the items on the table as he said, “Last week, we were talking about Moses’ time in the desert before he came back and freed the Israelites. We discussed how the time apart from his people changed him and prepared him for when he went back. He was better equipped to listen to God and stand up for what was right in a Godly way.” Gesturing towards another member of the group, Josh directed, “Why don’t you read the next set of Scriptures for us, Jonathan.”
Just as Jonathan finished reading the scripture, the door opened to the room and Sarah rushed in.
“Sorry, I’m late,” she said with a sheepish look. “I got a flat tire and had to call a tow truck to help me out. It was a fiasco, but I made it.”
“We’re just glad you’re okay, and that you were able to get here,” Josh said with a friendly smile. “Go ahead and take a seat.”
Sarah slid into a seat next to Spencer, giving him a smile as she pulled out her Bible.
Spencer leaned over and whispered, “I need to speak with you after Bible study.”
She nodded her head. “Okay,” she whispered back.
After the Bible study ended, Spencer and Sarah stepped off to the side.
“So, what’s up?” Sarah asked, pushing her auburn hair behind her ear.
“I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”
“Sure, what is it?”
“Do you remember Molly Price?”
Sarah’s eyebrows shot up in shock. “I’m surprised you’re bringing her up. I’ve never heard you talk about her until now. But yes, I remember her. Everyone would after what happened. Of course, I was friends with her before all that went down. We lost track after she left town though.”
“Well, she’s back in town for the reunion. We bumped into each other and we ended up making plans to go on a double date.”
“That’s an interesting turn of events. I wouldn’t have thought she would want to have anything to do with you, considering what you and your friends did to her.”
“I know, and I feel really bad about all of that. I—”
Sarah raised her hand and stopped him. “I’m not the person you need to apologize to or explain what happened. It’s none of my business. I make it a point to judge someone based on my own interactions with them. Over the years, you’ve proven to be a good person.”
“Thanks, it’s nice of you to say that. And just so you know, I did apologize to her and that’s why I asked her to go out, so I could treat her to dinner. She suggested a double date, and that’s where you come in.”
She gave him a puzzled look. “You know I’m moving overseas in a few weeks, right, Spencer? I mean, I’m flattered, but it’s not a good idea. Plus, I don’t really see you that way—more like a brother.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean it that way,” Spencer said, shaking his head. “I was hoping you would go with me as a friend. I can’t go alone, and I don’t want to give another woman the wrong impression. I figured I could explain the situation, and you would understand.”
Sarah thought about it for a few seconds, then said, “Sure, I guess I can go along and help you out.” She gave him a skeptical look as she added, “But I’m betting it’s going to be an awkward night.”
Spencer hoped Sarah was wrong, but part of him knew she was probably right. He wasn’t looking forward to spending the night watching Molly dote on another man, let alone watch another man kiss the woman who still made his heart race every time he looked at her.
Chapter 4
Molly couldn’t keep her father’s words from rolling around in her head. As she entered the Sunset Grill, she wondered if it could be true that Spencer had changed. If that was the case, could he truly be guilty of the unethical conduct her boss accused him of? She couldn’t see how that would be possible, but it was her job to figure it out.
Across the room, Molly saw Spencer sitting next to a pretty redhead who looked vaguely familiar. She racked her brain to try to figure out how she knew her. Yes, it was geometry class. Sarah Martin sat directly behind Molly when they were both sophomores.
Sarah was one of the few people who was always nice to her, even after what happened to Molly during their senior year. She was grateful for that.
Even though she liked Sarah, the fact she was there with Spencer didn’t sit well with Molly. Suddenly, she regretted her decision to suggest a double-date, and wished she had accepted his offer to go get coffee.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Rick. She was overcome by guilt. She shouldn’t care who Spencer was spending time with. She had a boyfriend, which meant Spencer’s dating activities were none of her concern.
As they approached the table, Sarah waved to her. “Molly, it’s so good to see you.”
; “Thanks, Sarah. It’s good to see you too.” Molly gestured to her boyfriend and added, “Everyone, this is Dr. Rick Colson. Rick, this is Spencer Wilmington and his date, Sarah Martin.”
“Oh, we’re not dating. We’re just friends,” Sarah corrected. “Not that Spencer isn’t a great guy, but we’re more like brother and sister than anything else. Besides, I’m leaving the country for a year anyway.”
“Really? Where are you going?” Molly inquired.
“I’m working with the group, You with Purpose,” Sarah explained. “We’re headed to Uganda to help build an orphanage, along with a couple of houses and a church in an area that was destroyed by a mudslide last year.”
“That’s so great. Good for you,” Molly stated with a smile. “I did a series of stories about women’s rights on the African continent a couple of years ago. It was a challenging, but a rewarding experience.”
“We’ll have to trade notes when I get back from my trip.”
“I’d like that,” Molly stated as she took a seat across from Sarah and Spencer.
“That’s great you get to travel for work, and even better, in that case, you did it to write about such an important matter,” Spencer stated with an appreciative expression.
Rick sat down next to Molly as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “That’s my girl. Molly is always trying to break the next big story.”
“That’s not the only reason I do it,” Molly countered. “I write what I do because I think it’s important to inform the public about what is going on in the world, as well as their local community.”
“Come on, honey. You don’t have to put on for them. After all, you said they were your friends.”
Molly looked across the table. She wanted to correct Rick and tell him that he was right about one of them being her friend, but she was uncertain about the other. She wasn’t sure why she had kept the exact nature of her relationship with Spencer a secret from Rick, but she knew for sure, right now wasn’t the time to correct the lack of full disclosure.
