Diamonds or Donuts

by Lucie Ulrich

  “Okay, what about when you have kids?” Sarah dropped into the chair next to her friend.

  “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, not that there’s even a bridge in sight at the moment.”

  “What about the guy you met recently?”

  After a long sip of lemonade, Pippa tilted her head in Sarah’s direction. “He’s just a guy I met at church. We went out a couple of times, but neither of us felt much chemistry. Looks like I haven’t found my Logan yet.”

  Pain squeezed Sarah’s chest. The thought of not seeing Logan for six months or more crashed on her like an ocean wave. “And I’ve lost mine.”

  Lemonade spurted from Pippa’s mouth. “What? You broke up?” She yanked Sarah’s hand. “You’re still wearing his ring.”

  “Relax, I’m being overly dramatic.”

  “Don’t do that to me.”

  Sarah stood and leaned against the railing. “I love Logan, but I’m mad at him at the same time. Everything was perfect, and I was ready to start my life as a married lady, only to have Logan dump the news on me and expect me to be happy for him.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Pippa joined her, handing Sarah her glass. “But that’s all the more reason to take the job and move here. Think of all the fun we’ll have, and before you know it, Logan will be home and the two of you will be back on the wedding fast track. I’ll even come up and help keep Abigail in line.”

  “Abigail’s not all bad, but I’ll still take all the help I can get.” She sipped her lemonade and breathed in more salt air, savoring the breeze. “As for the job, I won’t make any final decisions until after I speak to your mother. In the meantime, why don’t we finish our snack, take a long walk on the beach, then you can show me around your town.”

  Pippa clinked her glass against Sarah’s. “Deal. Only it’s our town.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Kevin pulled his mid-size SUV into the driveway of his two bedroom house. He locked his weapon in the small gun safe he kept on the top shelf of his bedroom closet, changed into running shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt. The afternoon sun beat on his back as he jogged around his neighborhood park.

  “Hey, Kevin.” Mallory Marshall ran up beside him, her blonde curls bobbing as she ran, a come-hither look on her face.

  Kevin could never understand how she ran with all that hair hanging over her shoulders. “Hello, Mallory.” He chose not to give her the attention she demanded, hoping she’d get the hint—knowing she wouldn’t.

  “Are you going to group tonight? I’m bringing that spicy cheese dip you love so much.”

  Though he’d planned to go, Mallory’s flirtatious advances turned him off to the idea. Ever since he and Angela Fairfax had called it quits four months ago, Mallory had swooped in, hoping to fill the void in his life. Only there wasn’t a void. The break had been amicable, and these days much of Kevin’s spare time was spent finishing college, and studying for his detective exam.

  He continued to run, keeping a step ahead of her. “I’m considering it, but I’m on the early shift, so I’ll see how I feel later on.”

  “Please come, Kevin. We’re always out by nine o’clock or so. Plenty of time to get your beauty rest.”

  “Like I said, I’ll see how I feel.” Waving, he picked up the pace to a sprint, leaving Mallory behind. He wasn’t sure how many more times he’d have to do things like this before she figured out he wasn’t interested.

  “See you tonight.” Mallory’s voice carried in the distance.

  Apparently a few more times.

  An hour later, Kevin showered, changed, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, and headed out back. Though his yard was small, it had enough room for a brick patio and several large trees to shade the hammock he climbed into.

  The air was crisp with just enough breeze to make it the perfect afternoon. It wouldn’t take much for him to fall asleep, save for one thing. He hadn’t been able to get Sarah Alexander’s face out of his head. That gorgeous copper-colored hair framed a perfect oval face, high cheekbones, and the most kissable lips he’d ever seen. He’d had to use every bit of his police training not to get lost in those sparkling green eyes of hers.

  Then there was that monstrous diamond on her finger that had practically blinded him. No, Sarah was definitely unavailable—not that he was looking. But he had to admit if Pippa had planned to attend their home group along with Sarah, he’d be there, Mallory or no Mallory.

  Splashing a handful of water on his face, Kevin pushed himself out of the hammock. Dinner would get his mind off Sarah, and group would help him focus on things of a more spiritual nature.

  One of the best things about living in Sunset Cove, other than the sunsets, was the plethora of quaint shops, restaurants, cafes, and bistros. Since Kevin only lived two blocks from the main strip, he chose to walk to his favorite pizza place.

  Familiar laughter caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat, then resumed at a quicker pace. If Pippa was close by, it was safe to assume Sarah was too. The question was whether to seek out the source or turn around and walk away.

  Before he could decide, the choice was taken out of his hands. Pippa stepped out of a boutique, Sarah by her side. She came to a halt directly in front of him. “Well fancy seeing you twice in one day.”

  Kevin offered a quick nod. “The pleasure is all mine. Would you ladies like to join me for dinner?”

  Pippa tilted her head upward. “Hmmm, let me guess, pizza or burgers?”

  “I’ll have you know I eat a large variety of foods. I even ate a salad once.”

  Sarah laughed, making him just a little giddy. So much for getting her off my mind. “You two choose the restaurant, and I’ll treat. What do you say?”

  “We were going to do a bit more shopping first, but I suppose we could always do it after dinner. What do you say, Sarah?”

  Sarah swung the small bag in her hand, her eyes focused on the ground. “I do hate to see anyone eat alone.” She glanced his way wearing the smile of an angel. “I could go for some pizza. The only thing Pippa offered me was hummus.”

  “You said you weren’t hungry.” Pippa gave Sarah a gentle shove. “I was going to grill chicken and vegetables, but if it’s pizza you want…”

  “Great.” Kevin stepped between the girls, linking arms with Sarah on his right and Pippa on his left. “I’ll order you a veggie pizza, Pip.”

  “A veggie pizza’s fine, as long as it’s smothered with Canadian bacon.”

  “You got it.”

  The sensation of Sarah’s arm tucked around his sent warmth surging throughout Kevin’s body. He vowed to play it cool while praying he wouldn’t break out into a sweat.

  The three laughed over dinner. Sarah spoke little of her fiancé, but enough for Kevin to learn he was an archeologist on an extensive dig, that the wedding date had been put on hold. He guessed from the size of the diamond that Logan was rich. Either that or he’d be making payments for years to come.

  Stop it, Kevin. It didn’t matter that Sarah was beautiful, articulate, and everything he’d ever looked for; she was unavailable, and the sooner he accepted that fact, the better.

  ****

  Sarah and Pippa spent Monday and Tuesday close to home. Long days on the beach, light lunches, and books occupied the majority of Sarah’s time. She refused to pine over Logan’s absence, and looked forward to her interview with Mrs. Bradshaw—which wouldn’t happen until Wednesday afternoon, since Pippa’s folks decided to extend their weekend.

  When the time finally arrived, Sarah’s nerves kicked in. She reminded herself it was only Mrs. Bradshaw, the same Mrs. Bradshaw who, years ago, encouraged Sarah to read children’s classics instead of comic books and taught her that learning could be fun. Nothing bad could come from working for her mentor.

  Shaking the tingles from her fingers, Sarah crossed the expanse of property between the garage and house. She stepped onto the deck. “Hi, Mrs. Bradshaw.”

  Norma Bradshaw stood, her smile warm
and familiar. Other than a few added wrinkles around her eyes and a bit of silver in her hair, the woman hadn’t changed. She extended her arms, welcoming Sarah with a hearty hug. “It’s been too long, Sarah.” She pointed to a small patio table and two chairs. “Let’s have a chat.” When they were both seated, Norma smiled sweetly. “Philippa tells me you’re looking for a job. In fact, she practically strong-armed me into making sure I hire you.”

  “That’s Pippa for you.” Sarah fidgeted on her chair. “I wish I could tell you I had all sorts of recommendations, but I’ve only had the one position at Calvary United. My principal promised me a letter of recommendation, but I won’t be able to get it until after spring break.”

  “Are you happy at Calvary?”

  “I love it there.”

  “Philippa explained the reason you need the job, and I’m more than happy to consider you for the position. In fact, you’re already at the top of my list. I know your character and your work ethic. I feel certain Sunset Christian Academy would benefit from your experience. My only concern is the timeframe. I like to think my teachers would be willing to give more than one year. I want them to grow with the school, as long as they’re a good fit, of course.”

  Sarah’s heart plummeted to her stomach. The last few days had given her a real desire to be part of the community, if only for a short time. “I completely understand. Honestly, I’m prepared to sign on as a sub back home, and I told Pippa so.”

  “That makes sense.”

  It wasn’t possible for her heart to sink any lower, yet Sarah figured it must have, since she could no longer feel it beating. She didn’t want to be a sub. She wanted this job, and a chance to do something for herself. “What if I could promise you two years? If you’re happy with my work after the first year, that is.”

  Norma sat a little straighter. “What about the wedding and your future plans? Would your fiancé be willing to go along with this?”

  Logan’s reaction would be a toss-up. If she was willing to put her life on hold for him to pursue his dreams, she assumed he’d do the same for her. “It won’t be a problem.”

  “I’d want it in writing.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “In that case, I’ll call your principal next week, and if her recommendation is all I expect it to be, I’ll send you a contract.”

  Sarah jumped up and ran around the table to hug her new boss. “I won’t disappoint you, Mrs. Bradshaw.”

  Norma patted Sarah’s cheek. “Of that I have no doubt.”

  ****

  Kevin arrived an hour late for the barbecue. The patio was filled with food and chatter by the time he got there. While mingling with friends, he kept his eyes open for Sarah. When he didn’t see her, he filled his plate with ribs, beans, slaw, and potato salad, took a seat, and enjoyed the company and the food.

  By eight fifteen, the crowd began to thin out, and still no Sarah. Kevin found Pippa in the kitchen. “Where’s your partner in crime?”

  “She took off about a half hour ago for a walk on the beach.”

  “Is she okay?”

  “Why wouldn’t she be?”

  “Just wondering. I’ve been here for an hour and I haven’t seen her.”

  “I think she was a bit overwhelmed by the number of people, so she spent a good portion of the time in the kitchen, making sure nothing ran out.”

  “A true friend.”

  “That’s Sarah.”

  Kevin barely knew Sarah, and didn’t understand how he could be so drawn to her—especially knowing she was engaged. He didn’t believe in love at first sight, but that didn’t change the fact that his heart sped up at the mention of her name, and there was no denying the reaction he’d felt when she’d slipped her arm though his the other night. It was probably for the best that she wasn’t around.

  He finished the last of his soda and tossed the plastic cup in the trash. “Guess I’m going to take off.”

  “Without seeing Sarah? She’s leaving in a few days, and I know she’ll be disappointed if you don’t at least say goodbye. She enjoyed our pizza time as much as I did.”

  The thought of telling Pippa about his feelings was a fleeting one. He saw no need to put her in an awkward position as to whether or not to say anything to Sarah. It would blow over in time. It had to. After all, it wasn’t like Sarah was moving here.

  “You’re right. I’ll go talk to her for a few minutes and leave from there.”

  Grabbing two bottles of water from the cooler, Kevin ambled down the boardwalk. He sat on the top step, catching the final bit of daylight.

  Within a few minutes, Sarah stepped into the light of the lamp at the end of the pier. Her white cotton sundress swayed in the gentle breeze. She smiled and waved. “I wasn’t expecting a welcoming party.”

  He chuckled. “I got here late and the party is pretty much breaking up. Pip said you’re leaving Friday so I thought I’d come and wish you safe travels.” He handed over one of the bottles.

  “Thanks.” She uncapped it and took a large swig. “I’m sure Pippa wouldn’t mind if you stuck around for a while.”

  If not for a certain redhead, he probably would. “I’d like to, but I’m on early shift all this month.”

  “I can totally relate. When I get back to work, I’ll be on teacher shift until the end of the school year, which basically means sunup to sundown.” She took another sip. “Such is the life of a teacher, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “Got any big summer plans?”

  She sat on the step below him, pressed her back against the rail and stretched her legs out. “Actually, I might be making a move.”

  Kevin copied her moves, only he used the opposite rail so that he could look at her. “Egypt?”

  A faraway look clouded her eyes. “I wish.” She faced the ocean. “No, the place I’m thinking of is filled with friendly people, a new job, and a way to help me forget just how separated I am from the man I love.”

  He’d help her forget if she’d give him half a chance. He winced at his own thought. “And where might that be?”

  “Sunset Cove.”

  Electricity sizzled down his spine. If this girl was moving here, he was in for the greatest test of his life. “Really?”

  Sarah tilted her head his way. “If Pippa’s mother decides to offer me the job, which I’m pretty sure she will.”

  “And your fiancé is okay with you moving?”

  She huffed out a laugh. “Logan postponed our wedding and moved to Egypt. The only word I’ve received from him so far was a text message to tell me he’d arrived safely and was headed directly to the site. I love the man, but at this point my fiancé doesn’t have a lot of say in the matter.”

  The hurt in Sarah’s voice shamed Kevin for his earlier thoughts. He had no right to pursue her and vowed to keep his distance, starting right now. He stood and brushed sand from the back of his pants. “It’s getting late for a guy who has to be up at the crack of dawn.” He smiled down at her. “I wish you safe travels home and all the best in the future.”

  Brows squished together, Sarah pushed from the step. “You make it sound like we’ll never see each other again. In case you didn’t catch my earlier drift, I’m moving here. You’re a friend of Pippa’s, so you’re a friend of mine.” She slid her arm through his. “Guess we’d better get back before Pippa thinks we’ve run away together.”

  Run away together? This was going to be so much harder than he ever imagined.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Her vacation over all too soon, Sarah settled into a routine. Though she missed Pippa and longed for the ocean, work kept her busy, and busy was what she needed. Mrs. Bradshaw called five days after Sarah got home to let her know a contract was in the mail.

  Her mother, though not thrilled with the idea of Sarah moving away, did her best to be supportive. Her father, on the other hand, took her the following day to buy some packing materials and set up the truck rental for mid-June. As much as she loved her moth
er, her father was the one who understood her best.

  The Friday after her return, Sarah’s cell rang at five o’clock in the morning. Once her eyes focused enough to see an unknown number, she considered allowing it to go to voicemail, but something told her to pick up. “Hello?”

  “Hey, babe.” Logan’s voice sounded through some crackles.

  Any leftover grogginess left with those words. Sarah sat up and propped her back against the headboard. “Logan, it’s so good to hear your voice.”

  “What?”

  She tried again, louder this time. “I said it’s so good to hear your voice.”

  “Same here.” A series of loud crackles had her pulling the phone from her ear for a few seconds. “Sorry about the bad connection,” he said. “There seems to be some issues with the satellite phone tonight.”

  “That’s okay. I’m just glad to finally be able to speak to you again. I have so much to tell you.”

  “I can’t talk for long, others are waiting their turn. I’m sending a letter home with a list of some things I could use. It may take some time to get there, since our courier only comes every other week. When it comes, would you mind taking it to my parents?”

  “Sure, but why don’t you simply mail it to them?”

  “I’m playing matchmaker.”

  He may have chuckled, but Sarah wasn’t sure. “I have no idea what that means.”

  “Think about it.” More crackles were accompanied by some scratches and pops. “I gotta go, babe. I love you.”

  “Wait! I want to tell you what’s going on with me.”

  “Write it in a letter. I’ll include the address that all mail needs to go through.”

  Without another word, the line went dead. For the next several minutes, Sarah sat, staring at her phone while tears cascaded down her cheeks. He’d finally called, and she hadn’t even told him she loved him. How was she ever going to survive his absence?

  ****

  Sarah spent all of her energy teaching, packing, and cleaning. She gave bags of things to charity, tossed out stuff nobody would want, and painted the living room walls back to their original apartment beige. It felt good to be doing something constructive and to know a new life awaited her.