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Chapter Eight
Daniel sat on the step outside Heather's apartment, checking his watch every few minutes. It was almost nine. He leapt to his feet and started pacing. The date must have gone well this time. He grimaced. Something deep inside welled in his chest. Jealousy. He suddenly didn't want her to have anyone. He squeezed his eyes shut. Don't be a jerk. I want her happy.
But Claudia's words echoed in his head. Whether you want to admit it to yourself or not, you love her. Maybe he had more feelings for Heather than he allowed himself to entertain. The thought of her kissing someone else ... He gritted his teeth. And worse, the memory of her kissing me. He could still remember how her lips felt. Soft, inviting. Never had he been as confused as he was in the moment they kissed. Guilty, because he was cheating on Claudia. Transfixed because of the electricity he experienced with Heather—a feeling he'd never felt with anyone. And almost annoyed, because he knew he shouldn't feel that way about his best friend.
He shivered against the chilly night air, but he refused to go in. The Santa Anna winds were finally over and the temperature was lowering fast to a normal California winter. Of course, it had to be tonight.
As he waited and the hour slipped into two, the confusion started to melt away. Clarity took hold and he began to see a new truth about Heather. No, maybe it's just a rebound reaction. But the more he thought about the way she talked, and moved, and joked, and laughed, and...
Face it, he'd denied it long enough. He loved her. A big smiled broke on his face. I love her. Maybe since they'd first met. A peace washed over him at that realization. A burden dropped to the floor and finally, everything made sense.
He checked his watch again. Now he wanted her home so he could tell her. Of course, she'd probably think he was crazy and this would sting worse than Claudia's rejection. But he'd have to risk it. Steps echoed up the walkway.
His heart jumped. He rubbed his palms together and stepped out of the shadows so he didn't scare her.
The amber light overhead shined on her as she passed by. She looked radiant. “Hey there, friend. What are you doing out here?"
"Waiting for you, actually."
She withdrew her keys from her purse and stepped around him to the door. “It's a bit cold to be waiting outside, don't you think?"
"Nah, I'm good.” He waved and followed her inside.
She dropped her stuff on the dining room table and walked to the fridge. “You thirsty? Want a water or soda? Or, I made punch earlier."
He shook his head. His heartbeat started to increase and suddenly he felt nervous. Like he didn't know how to talk to her. His throat closed off, his tongue lay like a lump of cotton. This absurd. It's just Heather. “Um, maybe I will take water.” His voice cracked.
She turned slowly around and eyed him, suspicious. “What's going on?"
"Nothing."
"Right.” She got him a bottle of water and motioned to the living room. “Come on, spill it."
They walked to the couch and sat.
Daniel opened his mouth to tell her everything he'd been thinking, but something else came out. “So, how was your new date?"
A big grin encompassed her face. “Actually, the date stunk worse than ever, since he never showed..."
"Then why do you look so happy?"
"Well, when I left the date I was a ball of nerves. I took a little too long to go at a green light and a car plowed into the back of me."
"What?"
"Yeah, my bumper's dented pretty bad."
"Are you okay?” His eyes went to a small knick by her right eyebrow. He scooted closer to her and reached out a hand. “You're hurt."
She batted his hand away. “It's just a scratch. Trust me, it's nothing. Barely hurts anymore. Besides, there's more to the story."
He crossed his arms and sighed. “Fine, please continue."
"Thank you.” She smiled. “So, the most unexpected thing happened. I ended up going out with the guy who hit my car. He's a youth pastor at the Faith Community Church on Lemon. Do you know it?"
Daniel shook his head.
"Whatever.” She waved it off. “He's so nice, cute, amazing, oh...” She clapped her hands together like a love struck high-school girl. “I found gold this time. I can't wait for you to meet him."
Daniel's heart sunk. He tried to smile, but was sure it fell flat. “So, you like him?"
"A lot.” She pulled off her shoes and kicked her feet into his lap. “So, enough about me. Did you see Claudia today?"
From bad to worse. “Yeah."
"And?"
He didn't meet her eyes. “We're over."
Heather kicked her feet to the floor and scooted next to him. “Oh, Daniel, I'm so sorry."
He shrugged, trying hard to hide the emotion that threatened to spew out. “Whatever, right? Obviously God has other plans for me.” Like you.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed. “I believe that."
He hugged her back and inhaled deep. She smelled of berries and coffee. His heart accelerated. He could have held her forever.
Pulling back, she stared him in the eyes. “Are you going to be okay?"
"Fine.” Now fake a smile and make her believe you. He grabbed the remote, trying to change the subject. “So, what's on TV tonight?"
She glanced at the black screen. “I don't know. Are you sure you wouldn't rather talk?"
He snickered. “Positive.” Nothing could be more painful at this point.
It took her a moment to give in, but she finally turned to the TV and relaxed against him. The silence ended up being just as excruciating. Every time her hand grazed his, a bolt of electrical current shot through his system. He needed to just tell her. But he couldn't. Not now. Not when there was another guy on the horizon. He'd probably just get hurt.
* * * *
Heather logged onto the travel site and ordered two tickets to Denver, Colorado in faith that she could talk Steve into going with her. For the past week and a half, they'd seen each other every day and got along amazingly well. He had mentioned that he didn't have any family locally and she assumed he wouldn't want to spend Christmas alone. She'd been hinting at the idea of him going with her to visit her folks and though he hadn't said yes or no, he hadn't acted disturbed by the idea. So just maybe.
Her cell phone rang in her purse. She dug it out and looked at the screen. She beamed. Steve. “Hey, I was just thinking about you."
"Good things, I hope."
"Always."
"You up for lunch?"
She glanced at the clock on her computer. “Absolutely. When can you get here?"
"How about now?” His voice said behind her.
She spun around and grinned. “Hey, you! What are you doing here?” She closed her phone and stood to greet him with a hug.
"I had to meet with the director of Youth With A Mission down the block and thought I'd stop by and see what you're up to.” He glanced beyond her cubical at the newsroom. “So, this is where you work?"
"Yep. This is it."
"It's way quieter than I thought it would be.” He peered around the room. “I guess I always pictured a newsroom hopping with activity. Phones ringing off the hook. People running around with ideas for stories. A mad boss shouting orders at everyone."
Heather laughed. “There are days, but most of the action is upstairs. Right now, almost everybody is out to lunch. I tend to take mine late."
"Are you free? Can you go now?"
"Sure.” She pulled her leather coat off the back of her chair and maneuvered into it. “Where do you want to go?"
"Do you like Greek?"
"Love it."
"Cool, because there is this new restaurant I've been dying to try."
"Sounds good."
Within ten minutes, they were seated in a tall blue booth next to an inside waterfall. A waitress took their order and then left them to talk.
Heather stared at him. He seemed mo
re attractive every time she saw him. He wore blue jeans and a designer printed T-shirt that showed off his time in the gym. He smelled good, too. Mom will love him. A pastor? Come on. He's golden.
She bit her lip. I need to just come out and ask him about Christmas. She opened her mouth to do just that, when the waitress arrived with their food.
"This looks so good. I haven't had moussaka in so long. I love it,” Steve said, looking at what resembled lasagna.
"I've never tried that before.” She stared at it. “What exactly is it?"
"Baked eggplant, potato, and meat sauce, topped with béchamel.” He scooped a little on a fork and handed it to her. “Try it."
"Like I know what that is.” She slid it from the fork into her mouth. It tasted kind of like the shepherd's casserole her mother used to make her as a kid. “That's not bad, but I think I'll stick to my traditional chicken gyros."
He smiled. “Well, at least you tried it."
"My mother taught me well."
Okay, time to ask him. She took a deep breath and looked up.
His eyes were focused on his food, and he didn't seem to notice she was about to talk. “Oh, I have to tell you what happened at youth group last night. This could only happen to me."
She forced a smile. Not the right time. It's okay. Just breathe and listen. Heather dumped the tomatoes off her sandwich and looked at him. “What happened?"
He launched into a story about a kid who fell off a skateboard and landed on another kid. Both of them left with broken bones. The story was interesting, but she was getting antsy. She waited, praying for an opening.
"That's awful."
He nodded, before stuffing a Greek olive in his mouth.
Now or never. “So, as you know I'm planning to go to my mother's house in Denver for the holiday next week, and I wondered..."
The waitress brought them extra napkins and Heather sat back and waited for her to leave.
"You wondered?"
Heather nodded. “I have an extra ticket, and I wondered if you'd like to go with me."
He unwrapped the straw and stuffed it in the lid of his cup. “When is it again?"
"December 23—27."
He inhaled through his teeth, shaking his head. “I can't at that time. My church has a strict policy about the pastoral staff being around for the Christmas services. Plus, I'm taking the middle school students caroling at an elderly home on the twenty-third."
Heather tried not to show her disappointment. How could she expect a guy she barely knew to go home and meet her folks?
"I'm sorry you're disappointed,” he said.
"I'll get over it.” Maybe it didn't matter. She sort of had a guy now, right? Maybe that was enough to appease the critics and keep the blind dates at bay.
* * * *
Daniel waited until he saw Heather climb in her car, before entering the newsroom. Noelle waited for him, taping her watch as he approached.
"I couldn't come in until she left."
A sly smile crept on her face. “You know, I always knew it was you."
"What?"
"The one she was supposed to be with."
"Well, I know that now.” He shook his head. “But she doesn't yet."
"Thus the reason you're here, right?"
"Exactly.” He handed her the note and money. “Can you have it to me by the end of next week? She leaves on the twenty-third."
Noelle nodded, stuffing the money in her top drawer. “No problem. She's all yours. I'll call you the minute it's ready, okay?"
He stuck out his hand. “You're the best.
* * * *
The week flew by and before she knew it, it was time to go. Heather prepared to pack, wishing she didn't have to go on this trip. No matter how much she loved her family or how much she tried to prepare emotionally, the holidays were always a stressful time.
Someone knocked at her front door. She dropped a wadded sock on the bed and walked in the living room. She opened the front door and smiled. “Daniel, my friend! You're just in time to pull my suitcase down from the top of the closet."
He wrinkled his brow, but a hint of a smile showed her he wasn't upset. “Yeah, okay. I see what I'm good for."
She looped her arm in his. “That and a cup of sugar, you being my neighbor and all."
He followed her into the room and she pointed to the top of the closet. “So, after everything, you're actually going to your mom's without a date?"
She licked her lips. “Yeah."
"What happened to Pastor Perfect?” He dropped the bag on the bed and stepped back. “You couldn't talk him into going with you?"
Heather moved to unzip it. “He couldn't get away from his duty at church. It's too bad though because I bought a ticket for him and everything.” She walked to the dresser and pulled out a stack of jeans. “I just hope my mom will believe me when I say I'm dating someone."
Daniel toyed with a tag on the outside of the suitcase. “Take me."
Heather's heart leapt into her stomach. She looked at him, surprised. “You?"
"Why not? I can vouch for you or play your boyfriend. Whatever works best to keep the vultures at a distance?” He smiled.
"You mean it? You'd go with me?"
He took her hand. “Of course."
She felt speechless which was something that didn't happen often. “And work?"
"The warehouse is closed for the next week and I'm off until New Years."
"Do you think they can change the name on the ticket?"
He shrugged. “It's worth trying."
Wow. “Um, yeah, sure. Can you get packed in thirty minutes? We leave at six."
He put both his palms on his thighs and pushed to a stand. “Yep. How cold is it there?"
"Compared to here? Very."
"Then I better get packing. I've got to dig all that stuff out of boxes.” He kissed the top of her head and moved to the door. “See you in a few minutes. You want to get coffee on the way?"
"Why don't we get it at the airport while we're waiting for the plane?"
He nodded, waved and left.
Heather started humming. She was taking her best friend with her. He would protect her and make it a lot more fun.
Thank you, Lord.
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Chapter Nine
Daniel ran in his bedroom, flung open the closet door, tossed his duffel bag on the bed and started emptying his drawers into it. Adrenaline pumped through his system. He couldn't believe he was going with Heather to her mother's house. He felt nervous. It was dumb to be anxious. It was Heather. His good friend. But he was meeting the parents. Better yet, he'd seize the opportunity and get up the nerve to tell her how he felt.
After his bag bulged on all sides, he zipped it closed and crossed to his living room. He reached for his leather jacket, walked out and locked the door behind him.
Heather stood ready, poised with bags, in front of her place. “Good timing."
"Is a shuttle picking us up?"
She checked her wrist. “Yeah, in about five minutes or so. Why don't we wait out in the carport?"
"Good idea."
They walked out to the curb and Heather rested on her suitcase. Daniel paced next to her.
"Please sit down. You're making me nervous,” Heather said.
Daniel sighed and sat on the curb.
A second later, a white van drove toward them.
"That's it.” Heather stood and rolled her suitcase toward the vehicle before it even stopped. “Let's go. I hate getting to the airport late."
"You act like you're excited to go.” Daniel handed his duffel bag to the driver. Then moved to join Heather in the van.
"No, I just know with you going it will probably be fun. Besides, I actually love flying."
"I knew you were weird."
"Hey.” She socked him playfully.
The driver slammed the doors closed then moved to the driver's seat and they were off.
"So,
what's your story going to be? Are we dating or what?"
She laughed. “How about we keep them guessing? I think that's more fun."
"What if they ask?"
"I'll play coy.” She interlaced her fingers with his. “Thanks for doing this."
He swallowed. “Yeah."
* * * *
The plane landed around eight in the evening. Her family waited at the end of the terminal, big smiles and readied hugs. They moved in a group to baggage claim and waited for the carousel to turn on.
Her father, a good-looking man with salt and pepper hair and mustache, kissed her cheek and welcomed her home. The rest of her family seemed a bit too preoccupied with the presence of Daniel.
Her mother pushed a strand of her shoulder-length, strawberry-blonde hair from her cheek and smiled at him. “It's nice to have one of Heather's friends with us for a change. She never brings anyone with her."
Daniel nodded. “Glad to be here."
Heather's sister, Jayne, was a younger version Heather in every way. They could have almost been twins if they'd been closer in age. She looped her arm in his and grinned. “So, where did the two of you meet?"
"Come on. You guys have heard me talk about Daniel a million times before.” Heather pursed her lips. “I've known him since my freshmen year at San Diego State. He's also been my neighbor for three years."
"Oh, that Daniel.” Her mother beamed. “She's right. She's talked about you a million times, I just never thought you and she..."
"Mom..."
Her mom looked at her and smiled.
Oh brother. This was going to be fun.
A siren went off, followed by a red flashing light on top of the carousel, then bags started dumping out onto the conveyor belt. Heather's was the third one, followed by Daniel's duffel bag.
Her father took her suitcase. “Great, now we can get out of here."
They walked out of the airport and instantly cold air slapped them in the face. Heather pulled her wool jacket tighter around her and shivered. “Well, we're not in California anymore. That's for sure."
Daniel laughed, his teeth chattering. “You can say that again."
Heather started tapping her heels together. “There's no place like home, no place like home."
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