Threads of Love

by Frances Devine

  “Why?”

  “Because if I know Wanda, when she closed the bus depot due to illness, she stashed it there, thinking you’d wait the three days.”

  She followed him to the motel, where they were greeted with a sign stating the clerk would be back in an hour. The joys of small-town life. Now what was Dewayne supposed to do with her?

  He glanced sideways at her. “Want to go into Espanola to see about getting you a cell phone? I mean, it’ll take an hour, but the clerk will be back by then.”

  “Sure.” Her fingers wiggled in her pocket.

  Dewayne grimaced. He ought to demand she toss the ring in the garbage, but couldn’t bring himself to do so. For twelve years she’d used it as a worry stone. He wouldn’t stop her now. His emotions wavered from wanting to spend time with her to wanting to ditch her at the first opportunity. His head didn’t know if he was coming or going where Zoe was concerned.

  “I’ve got a bike in the garage. Wanna ride that?”

  Her face lit up. “I haven’t been on the back of a bike since high school. I’d love to.”

  “Wait here.” Dewayne sprinted across the road and unlocked his scarlet red Harley Fat Bob. Maybe not the most elaborate or bad boy motorcycle, but he loved zipping down New Mexico’s highways on his Bob. Grabbing an extra helmet and a leather jacket that would provide more warmth than the hoodie Zoe wore, he rolled his baby into the sunshine.

  Zoe’s squeal pierced his eardrum. “You just made my day, Dewayne. I’m so excited.” She hitched her purse more securely over her shoulder and climbed on.

  It wasn’t until she was perched up there like a smiling canary that Dewayne realized he’d be riding with Zoe plastered against his back. He froze.

  Zoe frowned. “Come on. What are you waiting for?” The man stood there like a marble statue. She almost clapped her hands. On the back of a Harley! It’d been such a long time. The leather seat cradled her bottom. There wasn’t a back rest so she’d have to … Oh, Lord, help me. She’d be against Dewayne’s back the whole time. No wonder he looked dumbstruck. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea after all. She moved to slide off.

  “What are you doing?” Dewayne pulled a helmet over his head.

  “I thought you’d changed your mind.”

  “Nope.” He handed her a fire-engine-red helmet. “This might be a little big, but it ought to still protect you. And this jacket is warmer than what you’re wearing.”

  “Thanks.” Obviously, he’d gotten over whatever bothered him. Zoe donned the protective gear. She must’ve been mistaken. The fact she’d be glued against him for more than an hour didn’t seem to have any effect on Dewayne. Fine. She tightened her chinstrap. She wouldn’t let it bother her either.

  Dewayne slid on in front of her and gunned the throttle. Zoe rested her hands lightly on his waist. Nothing said she needed to be glued to him, right? But when the cycle shot forward, she yelped and tightened her hold. She was doomed.

  He hadn’t bothered to don a jacket, and his cologne, something woodsy smelling, teased her nostrils. The feel of his strong back beneath her cheek and his taut abdomen under her hands thrust her into the past. Somewhere she had no desire to go. Then why did she keep his ring all these years? She’d asked herself that a million times to no avail.

  Mesas and cacti zipped past her line of vision as they roared down the highway. A silver sports car honked and raced ahead. Zoe closed her eyes, lost in memory of her in shorts on the back of Dewayne’s Yamaha. Back when innocence and youth ruled their lives. They’d ride to the river to picnic, neck, and dream. Until her mother told her they were leaving, and Zoe allowed fear to rule her head.

  Well, she was here now. Let God do what He would.

  She shook herself from the memories when Dewayne slowed in front of a cell phone store in Espanola. It wasn’t her normal carrier, but it would at least give her the opportunity to call her cousins and let them know of her predicament. Of course, she could have probably used Dewayne’s phone, but not having her own cell phone made her feel disconnected. She slid from the motorcycle. Her Jell-O legs threatened to give way.

  “I’ll hurry. I’ll get one of those pay-as-you-go phones then duck into that clothing store next door for something to wear besides these jeans, and we’ll be all set.” She removed the helmet and handed it to him.

  He gave her a lopsided grin. “No hurry.”

  She rolled her eyes and marched into the store. Thirty minutes later, she emerged with a new cell phone then went into the clothing store. After purchasing two changes of clothing, she exited to see Dewayne eating an ice cream cone at a café across the street. She frowned.

  “Don’t worry. I’ve got you a swirl one right here.” He pulled his hand from behind his back and handed her the cone. “Saw you checking out. It’s the least I can do after leaving you to pay for breakfast.”

  “Thank you.” Her face heated as their fingers brushed. She sat in a black wrought-iron chair across from him and hated how he still affected her. “Kind of chilly for ice cream, but very thoughtful.”

  “Never too cold for ice cream.”

  She averted her eyes from his mouth as he took a bite. What was wrong with her? The last thing she needed was to resume a relationship with a past love. And in the last twenty-four hours, they’d spent way too much time together. Maybe she didn’t want the Lord to lead where He would after all. Not if it meant chancing another broken heart.

  Zoe focused on her mix of chocolate and vanilla. What if he decided to hurt her in retaliation for her leaving him twelve years ago? Pain radiated from him every time their gazes met. But could the kindhearted boy she knew have turned into a hard-hearted man? She cut him a sideways glance.

  No. Revenge wasn’t in Dewayne.

  “Now that I have a phone, I need to call my cousins and let them know the situation.” Wouldn’t it blow their minds to know she was hanging out with Dewayne? Finished with the ice cream, she wrapped the waffle cone in her napkin and tossed it in the nearby garbage can.

  She needed her suitcase and a bus ticket. Those were the only things that could protect her. With those in hand, she’d leave Mesquite, and Dewayne, far behind. Now, to convince her heart it was the right thing to do.

  Chapter 5

  Zoe lay in bed the next morning, blinking eyes gritty from a restless night between scratchy sheets. Who decorated these highway motels anyway? Orange paisley bedspread and green shag carpet? Ugh. Just as ugly the second night. A picture of the seventies, and not a favorable one at that. She glanced at her phone. Nine o’clock! When was the last time she’d stayed in bed past seven?

  She’d left phone messages with her cousins the night before, explaining her predicament, that she still planned on being there by Saturday, then flipped aimlessly through the few channels available on the television. Her mind returned time and again to wondering what Dewayne was doing. What his house looked like. Was he thinking of her? Until she’d wanted to throw something at the wall.

  The morning didn’t promise to be any better. Remnants of last night’s dreams left her wanting to shake herself. How was she going to survive two more days—and nights—before the bus traveled through Mesquite?

  She groaned and tossed aside the blankets. Next time she had somewhere to go, she’d definitely think twice about taking the scenic route. And so much for keeping Old Suzy in what she thought was mint condition. What could God possibly mean by stranding Zoe in Mesquite? He works all things for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. She knew that. So what good could possibly come from being stranded in the middle of nowhere? Was having her stranded God’s plan for her and Dewayne to resume their relationship?

  Moving to the bathroom, she reached up and turned on the shower. A barely lukewarm trickle splashed over her fingers. Zoe sighed. What she wouldn’t give for a five-star hotel and hang the cost. She rolled her neck on her shoulders then pulled off the oversized T-shirt she’d slept in and let it fall to the floor. At least
the cold water would help her wake up to face the day.

  After her shower, Zoe toweled off, pulled on jeans, her new long-sleeved T-shirt, and a black hoodie before sticking her wet hair into a ponytail and shuffling to the shabby lobby for a free cup of coffee. Two more days of this?

  “Miss Barnes?”

  Zoe turned to see the motel manager headed her way with her red-polka-dotted suitcase bouncing on the cracked sidewalk. “You found it?” With a bounce in her step, she fairly skipped to the middle-aged woman.

  “Someone turned it in this morning. Said it was left at the depot, and since you said you lost yours, well …” She handed it over. “I assumed it’s yours.”

  “Thank you so much!” Zoe’s heart leaped. Now, if only she had a way to Colorado Springs.

  Dewayne’s Hummer pulled into the parking lot across the street. Zoe grinned. Maybe there was a way, if she paid him to drive her. Coffee forgotten, she rushed across the street, her suitcase bumping behind her. “Someone found my suitcase!”

  He turned, truck keys dangling from his hand. “Wonderful!” His smile lit up his eyes. “You’re all set, once you get a ticket.” His smile faded.

  “Oh.” Her shoulders slumped. Did she really have to ask? Of course she did. Why would Dewayne offer to drive her after all she’d put him through? Suddenly, her idea didn’t sound like such a good one. “Two more days until the bus comes, right?”

  “That’s it. Then you can do what you’ve got to do, come back when I’ve replaced your radiator, and never have to step foot here again.”

  She stiffened at the coldness in his voice. Had dreams of what they’d once had plagued him last night, too? “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “You don’t sound too excited.” Dewayne unlocked the door to his office. “Want some coffee? I’m getting ready to put on a pot.”

  “Yes, please.” She set the suitcase right inside the door and glanced around the sparsely furnished office. A metal desk, clear of clutter. A matching filing cabinet filled one corner beside a rickety table on which sat a coffeepot and Styrofoam cups. Two vinyl green chairs finished off the decor. “You don’t spend a lot of time here, do you?”

  He shook his head. “I actually live in Espanola, when I’m not traveling, which isn’t very often. The man I hired to manage this location is on sick leave.” He measured grounds, stepped out of the room, and then returned with the pot filled with water and set it all to work. “Won’t take but a few minutes. Have a seat.”

  “Thanks.” She plopped in one of the uncomfortable visitor chairs. Did no one in this town have an inkling of decorating sense?

  Dewayne reclined behind his desk, arms crossed, avoiding her gaze. An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Zoe’s palms began to sweat despite the coolness of the day.

  “How’s your mother?” he asked.

  “She died of liver failure last year.” Something else Zoe failed to change. Her mother’s drinking habits. She’d stopped running around with men, even attended church with Zoe, but couldn’t stop the drinking. The knowledge still pierced. Zoe felt as if she had failed somehow.

  “I’m sorry.” He leaped up to grab two cups and filled them with coffee. “Cream and sugar?”

  “Please.” She sighed. She needed to just blurt out her question. She’d opened her mouth to do so when Dewayne handed her a cup and spoke again.

  He nodded at her suitcase. “Are the quilt squares in there?”

  “I haven’t checked.” How could she not after going on about them the way she had? She set her cup on the desk then reached for the case and pulled it toward her. Opening it, she pulled out a handful of embroidered squares in multiple patterns and every color of the rainbow.

  “Here’s mine.” She showed him the white square with Romans 8:28 in red, and roses embroidered around the edges.

  “Why that verse?” Dewayne lifted his drink for a sip.

  “It’s my life verse.” Zoe replaced the quilt pieces then zipped the bag closed again. “After Mom and I left Colorado, a new friend invited me to church. The pastor spoke about God turning everything to good. I’ve found out that He actually does. Even leaving everything I knew turned out for the good. Mom changed her life, for the most part, I found God, and I’m very close to opening my own business.”

  He stared at her without speaking, shrugged, and moved back to his desk. “I’ve got work to do. Feel free to hang out, but I won’t be much company.”

  “Did you find God in the last twelve years?” Zoe’s heart rate increased. Why did she insist on keeping the conversation going when obviously he didn’t want to talk? Because she had nowhere to go, that’s why. And if Dewayne had managed to find God after Zoe left, then she could resume her life knowing someone greater than her cared for him.

  “Yep. Joined a young men’s group after you left.” He opened a drawer and pulled out some papers.

  Wow. The Dewayne she once knew didn’t have time for church or God.

  She sighed. Might as well get it over with. “I’ll pay you to drive me to Colorado Springs.”

  “Storm’s coming.”

  She was absolutely clueless. How plainer could Dewayne get that he didn’t want to be thrust into her company? Her presence dredged up feelings he’d rather leave buried.

  She glanced out the window at the darkening clouds. “Just looks like rain.”

  “Could be different in the mountains.” Dewayne flipped through the service receipts on his desk.

  “Please. I really want to get to Colorado Springs without arriving at the last minute. My cousins said they’d wait, but it really isn’t fair to them.” Her amazing eyes widened.

  He closed his eyes, knowing he’d lost the battle before it began, and released a heavy puff of breath. He never could deny her anything. He’d give her the moon, and a new ring, if she’d let him. “You don’t have to pay me. I guess I could check on the possibility of opening a shop up there. I’ve been toying with the idea for a few months. When do you want to leave?”

  “Now? It won’t take me but a few minutes to check out of the motel.” She grinned. “You’re a lifesaver. I’m know I’m putting you in an awful bind.” She took a sip of her coffee. “We can wait a while to leave. Let you get things straightened away here.”

  “I’ve got no jobs other than yours. It won’t hurt to close the shop for a day. Go check out.”

  She set the coffee mug on his desk then dashed out the door, leaving Dewayne feeling like a lost fool and hating how his heart responded to her smile.

  If he thought being in the same town was tough, how was he going to survive for hours with her in his Hummer? He needed his head examined. Lord, what am I doing?

  He glanced out the window to see Zoe disappear into the motel lobby. So much for catching up on paperwork. He tossed their cups in the garbage, grabbed her suitcase, tossed it in the back of his Hummer, and then leaned against the car to wait for her. He eyed the clouds overhead and prayed they wouldn’t get stuck in a mountain storm. He called his shop in Espanola and asked for one of the guys to drive over and watch the one here in Mesquite. Finished, he glanced back toward the motel.

  Zoe dashed out of the lobby and into a room three doors down. Minutes later, she appeared with a paper grocery sack in her hand and raced across the street without checking for traffic. “I’m ready. Do you need to grab anything?”

  “Nope. Always keep a change of clothes in the truck.” He took the bag from her and set it in the backseat.

  “I really appreciate this, Dewayne. More than you know.”

  She opened the passenger door and slid inside.

  “No problem.” He climbed behind the steering wheel.

  “Don’t lie. It’s a big inconvenience to you, and I’m sorry. Maybe you could just drop me off at the next town and I’ll take the bus from there.”

  “Fine. It’s a big inconvenience, but I said I would do it, and I will.”

  She snapped her seat belt. “Can’t you accept my thanks? What’s wrong with you
? I’ve made you mad.”

  “Nothing’s wrong, and I’m not mad.” He was terrified. Scared to death of a several-hour drive with Zoe. He hooked his own seat belt, started the engine, and backed from the shop garage, glad he’d filled the vehicle’s tank earlier that morning. He was acting childish, but even knowing that, he couldn’t stop. Torn between wanting her to stay and wanting her to go, he didn’t know which end was up. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”

  “Me either,” she mumbled, turning to look out the window.

  Guilty conscience, maybe? Dewayne gave himself a mental shake. Stop being so petty! What was done, was done. Twelve years ago. They had their own lives now, and clearly Zoe didn’t want to resume a relationship with him. Maybe someone waited for her in Oklahoma.

  He had to know. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  She jerked around. “Why would you ask that?”

  “Just making conversation.” He steered the Hummer toward the freeway.

  “No, I don’t. You? A girlfriend, I mean?”

  He shook his head. “I travel too much for a serious relationship.” He pulled into a convenience store.

  “Do we need gas?”

  “Nope.” He turned off the ignition and pushed open his door. “I hadn’t planned on taking a trip. We’ll need snacks and drinks.”

  She shoved open her door. “I’ll get it—in payment for your driving, which I insist on reimbursing you for, plus your time.” She bounded into the store.

  He shook his head and closed his door, hoping she’d get something other than pastries.

  When she returned with loaded arms, he exited the car to help her, and peered into the bags. Chips, bottled water, protein bars, energy drinks, candy, she’d thought of everything. “Good job.”

  “I grabbed a variety of stuff.” She returned to her seat as the first raindrops splattered the windshield. “I remember how you like to snack when you’re driving.”