Diamonds or Donuts

by Lucie Ulrich

  “Never.” Peter’s pleading eyes reminded Kevin of the time he stole a candy bar, and was sick until he fessed up to his father, faced the shopkeeper, promised it would never happen again, and paid for it with his allowance.

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  Tina placed her hands on her son’s shoulders. “Peter understands there are consequences to his actions. He’s been grounded for a month for lying to me and not going back to see if you were okay. Now that he has so much time on his hands, I think some of it might be best spent helping around here. He already mows our yard, and is quite prepared to mow yours until you’re able.”

  “That would be a big help.” Kevin really liked the kid, and didn’t want him to beat himself up over a silly mistake. “How are you at painting, Peter?”

  “Pictures?” The boy frowned. “I can’t even draw a good stick figure.”

  Kevin chuckled. “No, I meant furniture. I have an old dresser I stripped down. Got the drawers painted, but not the base. Think you’d be interested in giving me a hand?”

  The boy’s countenance brightened. “I’ve never done anything like that, but if you teach me, I’m sure I could do it.”

  “So am I.” With some effort, Kevin pushed himself to a standing position and ruffled the boy’s blond hair. “Why don’t we start with the lawn one day this week? I’ll check with your mother and we’ll set up a time and day. When I’m moving around a little better, we’ll tackle the dresser. Sound good?”

  Peter’s wide grin revealed two large dimples that creased his cheeks. “Yes sir.” He hurried through the living room toward the front door.

  “Thank you for being so gracious.” Tina kissed his cheek. “I brought over a shepherd’s pie you can pop into the oven. The instructions are taped to the lid. Please let me know it there’s anything you need.”

  Kevin walked through the house with her. “Thanks, Tina. Your shepherd’s pie is the best.” He opened the front door. “I’ll call you in a few days. Seeya soon, Peter.”

  “Seeya.” Peter hurried from the house.

  Sarah carried two mugs into the living room. “You handled that very well.” She grinned. “Yeah, I listened. Tina is lucky to have you as a neighbor.”

  “Her husband is serving his second stint in Afghanistan. It’s been tough on Peter. He’s really a good kid, so I’m happy to help in whatever way I can.”

  “I’m sure Tina appreciates it.” Sarah held out his mug. “Want to go back outside, or stay in here?”

  “Let’s go back out. I’m going to make a pit stop. I’ll join you in a minute.”

  When he returned, Kevin discovered her sitting in one chair with her feet propped up on another, crossed at the ankles. Her eyes were shut and she looked completely at peace, when he knew she was anything but. He shuffled around her and sat. “And here I thought you came over to keep me company, but it seems you’d rather take a nap.”

  Her eyes remained closed. “I actually came over to talk.”

  “With your eyes shut?”

  “I don’t talk with my eyes.”

  Kevin picked up his coffee mug. “Actually, your eyes say a great deal.”

  Sarah put her feet on the ground and pivoted in his direction. “What are they telling you now?”

  The intensity of her green-eyed stare reached to the core of his heart. “That you have something important on your mind.”

  She straightened. “I do, and I think you know what it’s about.”

  “We can’t keep going round and round with this. We need to figure out what we want. Or more to the point, what you want.”

  “I know. Which is why I can’t stay with you the way I’d planned. There’s someone I need to talk to.”

  Kevin’s heart seized. He knew it had to come to this. “Logan?”

  “Soon, but not today.” She sipped her coffee. “I’m not trying to be secretive or mysterious, and I promise to tell you all about it later. But right now, I need to get my nerve up to face this person and ask some point-blank questions.” She pushed her mug aside. “I have to leave. Will you be okay until Mike gets here?”

  “I’m fine. I’m only taking the pain pills at night and supplementing with over-the-counter stuff during the day. I told Mike not to bother coming, but he’s already missing Pippa. I have a feeling I’m going to have a watchdog until she gets home.”

  Sarah smiled. “You’re lucky to have such good friends.”

  He reached across the table, wrapping his hand around hers. “Does that include you?”

  Her heart fluttered. “You know it does.” She pulled her hand free and stood. “Is there anything I can do for you before I go?”

  “When will you be back?”

  “Tomorrow. I’m going to spend the night with my folks.”

  “Can we have dinner tomorrow night?”

  “I’ll let you know.” She moved beside him and placed a hand on his stubbled cheek. “I’ll call you tonight.”

  Kevin watched her walk away from him and out the front door. He prayed it wouldn’t be the last time Sarah would cross that threshold.

  ****

  Leaving Kevin with that questioning look in his eyes hadn’t been easy, but Sarah had an appointment, and nothing short of death would keep her from being there.

  The two hour drive gave her time to play and replay the upcoming conversation in her head. She prayed and listened to inspirational songs, hoping for peace and calm, which came—at least in the car.

  While standing in front of the twelve-story office building, every nerve in her body pinged. She took a calming breath, pushed through the massive glass doors and rode the elevator to the top floor.

  A dark-haired receptionist barely cracked a smile when Sarah stood before her. “How may I help you?” The woman’s syrupy voice didn’t match her washed-out blue eyes and dyed-black hair that was pulled into a severe bun.

  “I’m here to see Mr. Montgomery.”

  The woman’s red lips puckered as though she’d just sucked on a lemon. “And you are?”

  “Sarah Alexander.”

  Tapping keys on her computer screen, the receptionist sighed. “Your name doesn’t appear on Mr. Montgomery’s calendar.”

  “I spoke to him personally this morning. If you’ll let him know I’m here, I’m sure he’ll confirm it.”

  The receptionist pivoted in Sarah’s direction. “Mr. Montgomery is a very busy man. He’s also very efficient. If your name isn’t on his calendar, then he’ll not be seeing you today.”

  Sarah’s nerves zinged, not out of fear or trepidation this time, but out of anger. Yelling at the woman would only make matters worse, but there was no way she was leaving now that she’d come this far. She spoke clearly and calmly. “As I explained to you, I spoke to Mr. Montgomery this morning. He was already in the office, and we set up a lunch meeting, so perhaps he didn’t think to let you know.”

  Sparks practically shot from the woman’s eyes. “His administrative assistant confirms all meetings, whether held in the office or elsewhere. I would know.”

  The door leading to the hall that would eventually take her to Robert’s office was to the right of the receptionist’s desk. Sarah had only been there once, and it was on a Saturday. She felt sure she could find her way. What she wasn’t sure of was whether or not she’d be tackled by Lemon Face before she made it ten feet. While still debating her strategy, the door from the hall opened, and Robert emerged, all smiles. The tension in Sarah’s shoulders eased, knowing she was safe from a potential choke hold.

  Robert held out his arms. “Sarah, my dear.” He embraced her then held her by the shoulders. “I’ve been looking forward to our lunch all morning. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

  “Not very.”

  He turned to the receptionist. “Ursula, why didn’t you let me know my future daughter-in-law was here?” He didn’t wait for a response. Taking Sarah’s arm in his, he escorted her to the elevators.

  Sarah waved to Ursula over her
shoulder. It wasn’t like her to gloat, but there was a definite sense of satisfaction that came with being right. Perhaps Lemon Face would think twice next time. It wasn’t likely, but one could always hope.

  The restaurant was only two blocks away, so, much to Sarah’s pleasure, they walked instead of calling for Robert’s car. Now that she was so close to talking, the victory she’d felt upstairs was long gone, and her nervousness returned threefold. What had her mother always told her about pride?

  Robert cut into her musings. “I have to admit I was surprised to hear from you this morning. To what do I owe this impromptu visit?”

  She peered up at him. “I need some advice and some honest answers.”

  “I’ll certainly do my best.” He allowed her to go before him as the restaurant door was opened for them.

  Neither said anything more until they were seated at Robert’s usual table, and they’d ordered their drinks.

  Shaking out the white linen napkin, Sarah placed it on her lap then took a long drink of ice water. She liked and trusted Robert, but worried what he might think of her once the conversation got going. After taking a third sip, she set her glass down and faced the man across from her. “Thanks again for seeing me on such short notice. I know how busy you are.”

  “You don’t have to keep thanking me, Sarah. I’m willing to make time for you whenever I can.” A warm smile brightened his face. “You’re obviously nervous, so why don’t you tell me what’s so important that you needed to speak to me instead of your own father?”

  Nerves danced in her belly, but he’d asked point blank, and she wanted to be a straight shooter as well. “You once said to me that Logan was a lot like his mother, and you hoped he wouldn’t disappoint me. What did you mean by that?”

  The smile faded, and Robert sat back in his chair. “Have you been bothered by that all this time?”

  “A little.”

  “I’m so sorry if I said anything to worry you. That was never my intention. I love my son, and he’s a good man, but, as you probably know, Logan is one-track minded. When he sets his mind to something, nothing or no one can stop him from achieving his goal.”

  Sarah fidgeted in her seat when the waiter approached. “I’m beginning to discover that, but that’s not so bad. Is it?”

  “You tell me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Robert asked the waiter for a bit more time, and waited for him to step away before speaking again. “The last several months haven’t exactly turned out the way you and Logan first planned, have they?”

  “Not even close.”

  “And the reason for that is Logan’s determination to be the best in his field. What some consider admirable, others find off-putting. In your case, it’s something you’re going to have to deal with all of your married life.”

  Sarah scraped her teeth over her top lip. This didn’t match the conversations she and Logan had shared recently. Would he follow through on his promise to make things work with Sarah’s new job?

  She lifted her glass, but didn’t drink. “How does any of this make Logan similar to his mother? Abigail gave up her profession for you, which is more than I’m willing to do. At least not right away.”

  The waiter returned and filled their water glasses. “Do you need more time?”

  “Why don’t we go ahead and order?” Robert said.

  Sarah scanned the menu and settled for the ahi tuna, while Robert went for a grilled shrimp Caesar salad.

  When the waiter took their menus, Robert propped his elbows on the table and tented his fingers. “Abigail gave up her career on her own. I never asked her to. Quite the opposite, I encouraged her to work for a while.”

  “Why didn’t she?”

  “Because Abigail much preferred the life of a socialite to that of a mediocre literary editor. Oh, she might have made a name for herself one day, but it wasn’t really what she wanted. Logan grew up believing his mother did what she did for me and that her sacrifice is what makes for a perfect marriage.”

  Tightness in Sarah’s throat had her wondering if she’d be able to swallow the food she’d just ordered, while renewed concerns about whether or not Logan had been completely forthcoming had her stomach tightening. It was time to get down to business. “I need a favor.”

  “Sure, if I can.”

  “I need to see Logan. In person. Can you make that happen?”

  Robert sat back in his chair. “I have a lot of influence in the business world, sweetheart, but Logan’s situation is out of my hands.”

  Tears not only threatened, but fell freely down Sarah’s cheeks. “Sure, no problem.”

  “What’s going on, Sarah? Why are you suddenly so concerned?”

  This was the moment Sarah dreaded—the moment she needed to be honest. She grabbed her napkin and dabbed her eyes. “I’ve met someone.”

  “I thought that might be the case.” Robert’s tone was even, not accusing.

  She dared look at him. “He’s a friend. A good friend. Nothing inappropriate has gone on between us. We’ve never even kissed, but there’s something there.”

  “I gather from your upset you haven’t mentioned any of this to Logan.”

  “I can’t. At least not over the phone, which is the reason I really need to see him.” She bit back more tears. “You must think I’m a terrible person.”

  “Not at all.” Robert’s kind smile eased the tension in her shoulders. “Love is a funny thing, Sarah. Sometimes it smacks you in the face, and you know without a doubt, and other times it’s subtle and mysterious, leaving you to question every move or motive.”

  “But I’m not in love with this guy, who shall remain nameless for now. I simply like him.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “A lot.”

  “And just what is it about this young man that has captured your attention?”

  The laughter she and Kevin shared, the way his inquisitive mind worked, and how he’d managed to add details to her apartment that were perfect for her were but a few of the things that came to mind. She shrugged. “He gets me.”

  Robert frowned. “Meaning?”

  “He’s very perceptive and picks up on things others might not.”

  “Such as?”

  Sarah held out her left hand. “After only a few short meetings, he knew I hadn’t picked out my engagement ring. Not only that, he went on to describe the ring I would have chosen.” Her face flushed. “I’m sorry. Logan explained that it’s a family tradition to give large engagement rings, and it’s not that it isn’t beautiful…”

  “It’s simply not your taste.” Robert shook his head. “You know, for a smart man, Logan can be really dense at times. Once again, it stems back to the way Abigail raised him.” He waited for their server to set their plates in front of them and walk away before continuing. “That said, it would be wrong of me to put all of the blame on my wife. My failure was in allowing Abigail to do so while I occupied myself with business and travel.” He picked up his fork and stabbed a shrimp. “But none of this is about the ring, is it?”

  Sarah shook her head. “So much has changed since April. I love my new apartment, and I’m excited about teaching in a new school, but without Logan by my side, I feel lost and confused.”

  “Have you considered there might be a reason Logan left? That perhaps God is keeping the two of you from making a mistake?”

  It took concentrated effort for Sarah to shut her mouth after it fell open. As wonderful as Robert had always been, this was not the reaction she’d expected. “Why does everybody but me think that way?” She regarded the kind man seated across from her. “Do you not want me to marry Logan?”

  Neither of them had taken a bite of their food, and Robert put down his fork. He smiled. “I want the same thing for you that I want for Logan, which is to be happy.”

  It sounded so simple, yet it was a big, complicated mess. Until Sarah could speak to Logan and determine whether or not her feelings for him had changed, she was no further ahead. She f
orked a small bite of her fish. “If he can’t come home, maybe I should fly to Egypt. Even if I can’t get on the dig site, surely Logan could meet me for a day or two.”

  Robert shook his head. “I’m not sure that’s the best idea. Why don’t you let me work on a few things? I can’t make any promises, but I’ll see what I can do about getting him home, even if just for a short visit.”

  Sarah jumped from her seat, ran around to Robert and squeezed his neck. “Thank you so much.”

  “Like I said, no guarantees.”

  She released her hold. “What will you tell him?”

  “I haven’t the faintest idea.”

  She chewed her bottom lip. “You won’t say anything about our conversation, will you?”

  “Not to worry, my dear. I’m leaving that to you.”

  Sarah returned to her seat and looked at her meal. There was no way she could manage a bite. In all likelihood, she wouldn’t be eating much of anything until she saw Logan face-to-face.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Kevin’s phone rang a little after seven. He didn’t recognize the number, but figured it was Sarah—at least he hoped it was. He’d spent most of the morning and afternoon wondering who she was talking to, if not Logan. He picked up on the second ring. “Hello?”

  “Hi.” Sarah’s voice sounded sweet in his ear. What he wouldn’t give to be with her right now.

  “Hi, yourself. Where are you?”

  “My folks’. We just finished dinner so I decided to take a walk.”

  “How did your meeting go?”

  She laughed. “You didn’t waste any time asking.”

  “Did you expect me to?”

  “No, guess not. Surprisingly, it went better than expected.” There was a slight pause before she spoke again. “I know you want me to tell you about it, but could it wait until tomorrow? I made a promise to myself that all important conversations will only be made face-to-face from now on. It’s too easy to hide or be evasive when speaking over the phone.”

  Not the answer Kevin wanted, but what could he say? She’d called as promised, so he had no reason to believe she wouldn’t follow through and talk to him tomorrow. Besides, he appreciated the fact she wanted to speak to him in person. He winced when shifting on the couch. “Of course it can wait.”