by Mia Ross
“Come in, you poor dear. Would you like some tea?”
“That would be great, thank you.”
“George and I have been praying for you every morning,” the kind woman told her as she poured water from her whistling teakettle into two dainty floral cups. “We’re so sorry about what happened.”
“I’m fine, really. Was there any damage here?”
“A few singed azaleas here and there. Nothing to worry about.”
After adding a plate of her homemade lemon squares to a tray, she set it on the table. To move the conversation away from the fire, Caty petted Annabelle and asked what she’d missed the past few days. She polished off four lemon squares and drained her tea while Mrs. Fairman caught her up on the news.
The harmless gossip made things feel more normal, and Caty appreciated the distraction. Then Mrs. Fairman got her attention with something else.
“I’m not sure it’s my place to say anything,” she began with a hesitant look.
Feeling generous, Caty smiled. “Go ahead.”
“Your grandmother, God rest her, was a good friend of mine, and we saw most things the same way. I think if she was here, she’d be talking to you about Matt Sawyer.”
Caty had no doubt she was right. “Okay.”
“He’s just bad news, that one. I adored his parents, and the rest of the family is wonderful. Even the Sawyers have their black sheep, I suppose.”
“I suppose,” Caty echoed, trying not to smile.
“You’re staying out at the farm with him, aren’t you?”
“Marianne offered me a place to stay while I sort things out,” Caty explained patiently. “There’s nothing improper going on, I promise.”
“Oh, you don’t have to tell me,” her hostess assured her, waving away the very idea. “Others around town are talking more than they should about things that don’t concern them. I just didn’t want you hearing it that way.”
Message received. “I appreciate your concern.”
“Anyway, in high school, my Deanna—do you remember her, dear?”
Caty recalled a Barbie-ish cheerleader who worked her way through the Wildcats football team every season. Twice. “Yes, ma’am. She was pretty and popular, all rolled into one.”
“That’s a good description. Such a sweet thing.” Her proud smile drooped into a frown of disapproval. “Anyway, she fell hard for Matt Sawyer, and the minute she told him so, he dropped her like it was nothing. Just broke her heart.”
Caty was certain there was more to it than that, and she felt obliged to defend him. “That was a long time ago.”
The woman leaned in with a knowing look. “Take a little bit of wisdom from an old lady. Men never change. They don’t know how.”
Caty hmmed at that and tactfully changed the subject. There was no way she’d get into an argument with her thoughtful neighbor over Matt. She’d go after anyone who said a bad word about him. One thing resonated, though, and she resolved to do something about it.
She needed somewhere else to live. Matt didn’t care what people thought any more than she did, but the Sawyers had been through enough the past couple of months. They didn’t deserve to be grist for the town gossip mill. And if Caty intended to start her own law practice, she couldn’t have people doubting her integrity. Besides being a personal insult, it would be bad for business.
After twenty minutes, Caty managed to politely extricate herself from the Fairmans’ parlor. She didn’t know how long Matt’s errands would take, but she hadn’t seen Ruthy in a while, so she headed straight there. No matter what the problem was, Ruthy was always full of good ideas. Caty could use some of those about now.
“Hey, you!” Lisa came out from behind the counter to give her a hug. “It’s good to see you out and about.”
“It’s good to be out and about. Is Ruthy here?”
Lisa laughed. “Always. She’s in the kitchen experimenting. Go on back.”
“Thanks.”
Caty poked her head around the doorway to make sure it was safe. You never knew what might be cooking when Ruthy was feeling creative. Her chin had a swipe of flour on it, and she was pensively stirring something in a saucepan, but otherwise things were quiet.
“Knock, knock.”
The woman’s face lit up, and she dropped her spoon to give Caty a warm hug. Then she held her away for a thorough looking-over. “How are you?”
“Fine.”
Ruthy tipped her head with a chiding look. “That won’t work on me, Caty Lee.” She pulled a couple of stools from under the counter, taking one for herself and patting the other one. “How are you really?”
Caty took the seat, because there was no refusing her. “I really am fine. The doctor said my lungs are clear, and Marianne keeps making all my favorite foods. So, except for the wreck of a house I now own, things are good.”
That got her one of those long, penetrating Ruthy looks. Raising a knowing brow, she prompted, “And?”
There was only one thing that could put that sparkle in her eyes, and Caty laughed. “How did you know?”
“It’s all over town, sweet pea. Matt’s been running wild for so long, it was bound to make news when someone finally tamed him.”
“I haven’t tamed him. I like him the way he is.”
“Praise the Lord!” Ruthy exclaimed. “There’s a lot of good in that man. I’m glad he finally found someone who can appreciate him.”
“I definitely do,” Caty confided. “Maybe more than I should.”
“No such thing. If you just give him a chance, he won’t let you down.”
“Speaking of dependable people, I could use some advice.”
“From me?” She looked genuinely surprised. “Whatever for?”
Taking full advantage of the opportunity, Caty spilled her guts. Everything that had plagued her since returning home came tumbling out. Ruthy nodded wisely, offering encouragement at some points, silence at others. Then, since she was on a roll, Caty went for the gold ring.
“Did you know my father?”
Ruthy pressed her lips into a firm line, sorrow filling her normally cheerful blue eyes. “What happened?”
While Caty told her about the letter and photo destroyed in the fire, her eyes welled with tears. “I memorized the whole thing, but it’s gone. I was hoping since you and Gram were friends she might have told you something about him.”
“The only things she ever said were hateful. I wouldn’t repeat them to his child.”
“Why did she and Mom hate him so much?”
Ruthy didn’t respond immediately. Obviously sifting through memories, she took Caty’s hands and gave her a fond smile. “He loved your mother, and now you know he loved you. Isn’t that enough?”
“No, it isn’t.” Caty grasped those flour-covered hands, begging. “I need to know. Please tell me the truth.”
“He was married.”
All the wonderful images she had of him vaporized. “What?”
“Your mother didn’t know at first,” Ruthy continued as if it made a difference. “When she found out, she left him.”
“But it was too late.”
“Don’t you dare say it like that,” Ruthy snapped, squeezing her hands more tightly. “You’re a blessing straight from God, no matter how you came to be. People are much more than their circumstances.”
One of the waitresses came to the pass-through to ask Ruthy a question. While she was gone, Caty mulled over what she now knew. She was as illegitimate as a person could get. Not only had her parents not been married to each other, their relationship was a sin. On the sliding scale of right and wrong, that was atrocious. Brian Jameson had not only betrayed his wife, he’d lied to a woman who’d trusted him.
/> That explained the covert letter, why he’d never tried to find Caty. He had his own family, and she didn’t fit into the picture. She should just forget what she’d learned about him and get on with her life.
When Ruthy returned, she had a glass of lemonade for Caty. After a sip, Caty forced a smile. “That must have been tough for you. Thanks.”
“You deserve the truth. I only wish I’d thought to tell you sooner.”
“You didn’t break a promise to Gram or anything, did you?”
“Not really.”
Apparently there was more to the story but Ruthy wasn’t keen on telling it. Caty wasn’t sure she wanted to hear it anyway, so she decided to let it go. “I should let you get back to your cooking,” she said, sliding off her stool.
“I’ve got time before the lunch crowd.”
Caty laughed to ease the sting of her next question. “Any advice for a homeless, unemployed attorney?”
The woman gave her a motherly smile and took her hand. “Follow me.”
They went up the narrow back stairs to an unlocked door on the second floor. It opened into a small but spotless room, with just enough space for a bed, dresser and kitchenette. A looped-back curtain framed the door of a tiny bathroom.
Ruth Benton was famous for taking in strays, both animal and human. If her character radar approved, she’d offer one of her spare rooms to someone needing a place to stay while they got back on track. Many of them ended up working in her kitchen, at the church or for one of her sons.
On the wall, displayed so it could be seen from every corner of the small apartment, was a sign in a thick black frame.
No Smoking. No Drinking. No Overnight Guests. Beneath the very large letters was a picture of Ruthy wielding a lethal-looking cast-iron frying pan. Her threatening expression said she meant business, but it couldn’t mask the sparkle in her eyes. Caty had no doubt that, given the chance, Ruthy could convince the devil himself to rethink his evil ways.
“It’s not much,” she commented as she opened the windows, “but it’s free. The girl who was using it got her own place a couple days ago. It’s yours if you want it.”
The little studio was well-kept but bland, with cream-colored walls and scarred plank floors. Some new curtains and bedding would spruce things up nicely. “I’m not destitute or anything. I can pay you rent.”
“This place comes free of charge,” Ruthy informed her sternly. “God’s been good to me, and He expects me to pass that along.” Her expression softened into a fond smile. “Besides, it’ll be nice having you around again. You were always one of my favorite kids.”
Being called a kid again made Caty smile. “And you were always one of my favorite grown-ups. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have gotten my waitressing job in Boston. They said I was trained by the best.”
“You were a quick study. I have to get back downstairs, but you’re welcome to stay. The key’s in the cookie jar.”
Thrilled with this sudden good turn, Caty embraced her. “Thanks, Ruthy. You’re the best.”
“Only to folks who deserve it.”
Caty followed her back downstairs and into the dining room. There was some kind of excitement over by the counter, and Ruthy muttered, “Oh, no.”
“What?”
“I’m not sure, but Connie’s not in her uniform and she’s late for work.”
“She looks happy, though. It must be a good reason.”
Detaching herself from her admirers, Connie floated over and waved a sparkling diamond in their faces. “Jason proposed! We’re on our way to Vegas to get married.”
Ruthy congratulated her, then said, “I hate to rain on your parade, but did you forget you’re working today?”
Connie’s delight vanished, and her face twisted with sincere dismay. “I did. Ruthy, I’m sorry. Jason surprised me, and I was so excited I completely forgot. I’ll tell him to change our tickets.”
“Don’t do that,” Caty jumped in. “I’ll cover for you.”
Ruthy turned to her with an astonished look. “Are you sure?”
“I need a job, you need a waitress. Sounds perfect to me.”
“Oh, Caty, thank you!” Connie crushed her in an exuberant hug and added one for her boss.
“All right, then.” Ruthy opened the antique cash register and handed Connie several twenties. “That’s my wedding gift, so you and Jason have fun with it. When you get back, let me know so I can add you back into the schedule.”
“I will,” she promised, waving on her way out the door.
After Connie had blown out of the diner, Ruthy turned to Caty with a smile. “Do you still remember how to take down an order?”
* * *
Matt returned to Harland feeling pretty good about himself. On the passenger seat was the result of his “errands”: a big box wrapped in pink confetti paper and topped with a bow that looked like fireworks. Inside was a classy, burgundy-leather case with the newest version of the laptop Caty had lost in the fire. It had meant making a trip into Kenwood, but he didn’t mind. He couldn’t wait to give it to her.
He’d never let himself get into this situation before, and it should have sent him into a panic. Just the thought of someone depending on him scared him to death. Even worse was the idea of his relying on anyone besides himself. He’d always thought that strength came from standing on your own and taking what came.
Somewhere along the line, things had changed. It had started with his trip to Charlotte, when Caty had occupied most of his thoughts and entering Harland hadn’t made him want to turn around and take off. He’d felt it the other day when Marianne had made pot roast in the middle of the week because it was his favorite. Again when Kyle had grinned up at him with a swipe of grease on his chin while they’d tuned up Matt’s motorcycle.
For the first time he could remember, he felt that he belonged here. It didn’t take a genius to figure out Caty had something to do with that. More than something, actually.
Everything.
As he pulled up outside Ruthy’s, Matt knew he was wearing a goofy grin, but he didn’t care. He was having lunch with the one woman who looked at him and saw beyond what he was to who he could be.
Gift in hand, he walked through the door and stopped short. Dressed in a pink waitress uniform with a ruffled apron and handwritten name tag, Caty stood in the back, chatting with two geezers who were openly flirting with her. Then she glanced up and saw Matt. Her delighted smile warmed him right through, and he strolled over to join her.
“Cute outfit,” he said, approvingly. “Guess this means lunch is off?”
“Not a bit. Have a seat and I’ll be right there.” Eyeing the box, she flashed him a curious little girl’s look. “Is that for me?”
“Maybe.”
Still grinning like an idiot, Matt took a seat by the window. While he waited for Caty, Lisa sidled over with a pitcher of water and a smirk on her face.
“Do you want to tell Marianne or should I?” she asked as she filled his glass.
Ruthy’s selections never changed, but he opened the menu to annoy his nosy sister. “Tell her what?”
“About you and Caty.”
He faked a blank look, and she smacked his shoulder. “You’re terrible! Do you want something to munch on till Caty gets here?”
“A turkey club and sweet tea would be cool. Thanks.”
After a quick hug around his shoulders, she flounced away to get his food. He was halfway through his sandwich when Caty handed off her new table to Lisa and joined him.
“I don’t have much time,” she said, sneaking a pickle off his plate. “Things are crazy, and I’m a little rusty.”
He chuckled. “Try some WD-40.”
“Very funny. That reminds me, h
ow about supper tonight?”
“With my family?” Not exactly what he had in mind.
“No, at my place.” She pointed at the ceiling. “I’m Ruthy’s new tenant.”
“Is that safe?” he asked. “I thought you were a klutz in the kitchen.”
“I’ll figure something out.”
“You’ve been busy while I was gone,” he said. “Tell me about it.”
Her gift was at the end of the table near the window, and while they talked she kept glancing at it. It was entertaining watching her eye the box, trying not to look like she was eyeing the box.
After a few minutes of that, he took pity on her. “Wanna open it?”
That was all the invitation she needed. She slid it over and tore off the paper. He’d had the salesman put it in a DVD-player box so she wouldn’t know right off what it was. Of course, she no longer owned a TV, so she had no use for a DVD player. The look on her face reminded him of the kids when they got clothes for Christmas.
“Thank you. This is really nice.”
He chuckled. “Open it.”
Excited now, she popped open the end. When she pulled out the leather case, her eyes widened and her mouth dropped into an O. “You didn’t.”
She slid the computer out and opened the lid. A little melody played, and the screen came to life with an animated sunrise he’d chosen because she loved mornings. She fingered the track pad and gave him the most amazing smile he’d ever seen.
“Matt, thank you.”
Grinning, he sipped some of his tea. “You’re welcome.”
“You really shouldn’t have done this,” she admonished him. “I know money’s pretty tight for you, with the farm situation and all.”
He shrugged as if it was no big thing. “I got a good deal.”
Sometime next year, he’d actually own the laptop. He wasn’t big on credit, but the delighted sparkle in her eyes was worth every extra penny.
“This was pretty expensive,” she pressed, patting the burgundy case. “Why did you buy it?”
