Sean climbed back into the car. “All set.” He paused to glance at her. “You look pleased with yourself. What’s up?”
“Nothing. I was just thinking.”
“About good old Craig?”
The smile vanished. “Don’t be silly.”
Busying himself backing out and turning the car around, Sean avoided making eye contact with her. “Hey, you don’t have to keep up appearances for my sake. I’m neutral, remember? Think of me as your shrink. Anything you want to tell me will remain privileged information. If you’re interested in making up with him, I’ll be glad to help.” Sean was warming to his subject. “You know, give you pointers from the male point of view, stuff like that.”
Stunned, Rachel stared over at him. “Let me get this straight. Are you offering advice on my love life?”
“One professional to another. No charge.”
“That’s big of you.” She folded her arms across her chest and stared straight ahead. “You’re starting to sound just like my mother. What makes you think I can’t handle my own problems?”
“I never said you couldn’t. I like to see folks happy, that’s all.”
“I assure you, Mr. Bates, I’m as happy as a kid in a candy store.” Her voice rose. “As a bee in a rose garden. As a hound dog baying at a full moon. As…”
“Okay, okay, I get the idea. You forgot ‘Happy as a pig in a mud hole.’”
“I skipped that one on purpose.” Making a face at him Rachel felt the beginnings of another smile twitching at the corners of her mouth. “I was trying to keep my analogies from getting too earthy.”
“So, you do care what others think of you.”
“Of course I do.”
“Good. In that case, I should mention that your former boyfriend threatened me back there.”
“No way. Craig doesn’t care what I do or who I’m with.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. He told me that if I didn’t treat you right, he was going to break every bone in my body.” Sean grinned over at her. “Sounds to me like he still cares for you. Either that or he took an instant dislike to me for no reason.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“If you say so. Nevertheless, the guy looks like he could bench-press a bus axle, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t complain about me in front of him. I value these bones.”
And nice bones they are, Rachel thought, eyeing him surreptitiously. Considering how good-looking and appealing Sean was, it wasn’t hard to imagine that Craig had been jealous. Even if he didn’t want her for himself anymore, she supposed he wouldn’t want to see her interested in an outsider.
“I still think you’re overreacting, but I’ll talk to Craig when we pick up my car and make sure you don’t have anything to worry about.” Rachel pointed out the car window as a busy quick-stop came into view. “There’s Hickory Station. The red-and-white building on the right. Pull in anywhere. We’ll go inside to eat.”
“It’s a gas station.”
“Among other things.” Rachel had to laugh at him. “You’d better get used to not having candlelit dining rooms, linen tablecloths and highbrow waiters, Bates. This is rural Arkansas, not some metropolis.”
She led the way to the door and stepped aside so Sean could open it for her. Thankfully, he had that part of Southern manners down pat.
Tantalizing aromas immediately caught and held her attention. The front cash register was located at the end of a deli counter where fried chicken, potatoes and corn dogs stood in trays under heat lamps. Beyond that array was a pizza oven, and a separate service area with tables and benches for those who wanted to eat there instead of taking their food home.
Rachel recognized one of the cashiers as a young woman she’d gone to school with but had never gotten to know well. The two employees manning the kitchen were older members of her church. Fortunately, no one else with close personal connections to her was present, which helped her relax.
“I’m going to go get myself a soda,” she told Sean. “Want me to get one for you, too?”
“Sure. Anything.” He was gravitating toward the enticing aroma of freshly baking pizza. “What would you like to eat?”
“Food. Surprise me. I’m hungry enough to eat cardboard.”
“Me, too.”
By the time Rachel brought their drinks to a table, he was waiting for her. She slid into the opposite side of the booth, taking care to gather up the extra folds of her skirt and tuck them neatly beside her.
“They were all out of plain cardboard, so I ordered a deluxe special,” Sean said. “Hope that’s okay.”
“It’s wonderful.” Sighing, Rachel took a deep draft of her icy soda. “I didn’t know how tired I was until now. Guess I’ve been running on adrenaline.”
“Me, too.”
Weary, she let down her guard enough to reach over and pat the back of his hand where it rested on the table. “Thanks for all you’ve done for me. I really am grateful.”
He froze, glanced at her hand atop his, then withdrew from her touch with a terse “You’re welcome.”
Rachel giggled. “Hey, I wasn’t making a pass at you.”
“I never said you were.”
“No, but you acted like it.”
“I did not.”
“Did so.”
“Did not.” His eyes narrowed. “You’re the one who warned me about the local gossip mill. It’s going to be pretty hard to convince anybody we’re not involved if word gets around that we were holding hands over a pizza.”
“Okay. You’ve made your point,” Rachel said. She settled back against the hard plastic of the booth. “For the record, I want you to know I’m not looking for romance—or anything like that.”
“Glad to hear it. Neither am I.”
That piqued her curiosity. “Any particular reason?”
“Many. All good.”
“And private, I suppose.”
“Very.”
She began to smile over at him. “You don’t mind quizzing me about my love life, though, do you.”
“That’s different.”
“Oh? In what way?”
“Because I’m in a position to help you if you’ll let me.”
“And I suppose I’m not smart enough to do the same for you?”
Sean snorted derisively. “You do have a way of twisting whatever I say, don’t you. All I meant was—”
“I know exactly what you meant,” Rachel countered. “You have the degree in psychology and you come from a cosmopolitan background, so naturally you’re much more enlightened than a simple country girl like me.”
She tossed her head, swinging her hair back over her shoulders, her chin jutting out proudly. “Don’t make the mistake of selling us country folk short, Mr. Bates. We may not be as sophisticated or as professionally educated as some people you’ve met, but we’re not stupid. I’d lots rather be stranded on a desert island with an Arkansas hillbilly than with a college professor.”
Sean chuckled. “Are you through?”
“Yes.” Folding her arms across her chest she faced him boldly, defiantly.
“Good. Then, just sit there. I’m going to see if dinner’s ready. Okay?”
Rachel pulled a face and said, “Not dinner. Supper.”
She watched Sean shake his head and laugh softly to himself all the way to the counter. When he turned around with the pizza tray in his hands his amusement was so evident that it brightened his whole face.
In retrospect, Rachel didn’t know how she’d managed to get through the remainder of the long day. By the time she and Sean had reclaimed her car and she’d driven home, she was so exhausted she’d simply fed her hungry pets, showered and gone straight to bed. Even the knots of tension in her shoulders and neck hadn’t kept her from sleep.
By morning she felt almost human again, which was a good thing, since she had another full day ahead of her.
She’d decided on a simple skirt and blouse and was rummaging through her s
mall closet, looking for matching sandals, when the telephone rang. That was when she noticed the blinking red light on her answering machine. She knew who had called—and who was on the line this time.
“Hi, Mom.”
Martha Woodward didn’t bother with a greeting. “Where were you?”
“It’s a long story.”
“So I heard. What was wrong with your car?”
Rachel sighed. If her mother knew that much, she knew the rest of the story. “Flat tires.”
“I heard that, too. I’m glad you called Craig. He’s such a nice boy.”
“I called the tow truck, Mother. Craig just happened to be driving it.” Good thing he wasn’t there when we went back to get my car.
“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” Martha said.
“I hardly think God assigned Craig to tow truck duty last night just so he could look after me.”
“Why not? Stranger things have happened. Besides, I understand you needed rescuing. Who better to do it than the man you were planning to marry?” She sighed wistfully. “You two make such a lovely couple.”
“Made. Past tense, Mom. I’m never going to be a Slocum, so you might as well give it up.”
“If you weren’t so stubborn, I’m sure you and Craig could work out your differences.”
Boy, am I glad I didn’t tell her everything, Rachel mused. I’d never hear the end of it. “That’s between Craig and me, Mom. I don’t want to discuss it.”
“I know, I know. Which reminds me, I talked to cousin Hannah yesterday. Who’s the new man at your school? She says he drives the bus.”
“He’s just a guy. Nobody special.”
“That’s good, dear. I’d hate for you to get a reputation for taking up with any man who paid you mind. Especially since you and Craig broke up so suddenly.”
“Mother…”
“Okay. I’ll try to quit worrying. But you’ll always be my little girl, no matter how old you get. You know that.”
“So you’ve said. Listen, if I don’t get a move on I’m going to be late for work. As it is, I’ll be lucky to have time to grab a bite of breakfast.”
“Too bad you didn’t bring home the leftovers last night,” Martha drawled. “You used to love cold pizza for breakfast. Bye, dear. Have a nice day.”
To Rachel’s delight, Samantha arrived wearing new, clean clothes. Hannah Brody delivered her to the classroom door and stepped inside to make sure the child was okay.
As soon as Rachel had greeted the little girl she turned to Hannah. “Thanks for seeing that she made it.”
The older woman made a sour face. “It was my fault yesterday. I’m sorry. My diabetes had kicked up that morning and I felt like a limp dishrag, so I sent her on the bus. She’s a bright little thing. I never dreamt she’d get herself all turned around like that.”
“We all made mistakes,” Rachel said kindly. “How are you feeling today?”
“Much better, thanks.” She swiped at her damp brow. “It’s gonna be another hot one, though.”
“I know. I’ve been leaving the air conditioner on at home so my poor animals don’t cook while I’m gone.”
“You still got that cute little wiener dog?”
“Schatzy? Yes. It’s been two years since I brought him home, and Muffin is still sulking. I don’t think she’ll ever get over having a dog living under the same roof.”
“Reminds me of some of the kids I’ve looked after over the years.” Hannah glanced toward Samantha. “This one’s sweeter than most, but she’s got some strange ideas, that’s a fact.”
“Oh? Like what?” Stepping closer for privacy Rachel cocked an ear toward the veteran foster mother. Hannah’s instincts had been honed over the years and whatever observations she made were bound to be useful.
“She sees things that ain’t there,” the older woman whispered. “I can’t tell whether she’s just got a good imagination or if she really believes it.”
“Like what?”
“She says she can see guardian angels.”
Angels? Again? “I know,” Rachel said. “She told one of the other kids there were angels in the classroom. His mother got mad at me because she thought I was teaching spiritual ideology. Anything else?”
“Not that I know of. She’s only been at my place for a few days. If I figure out any more, I’ll let you know.”
“I appreciate that. And if I learn anything that I think will help you, I’ll do the same.”
Hannah patted Rachel on the shoulder. “You’re a good girl. I knew from the time you was little you’d make a wonderful teacher. Always readin’ to the other kids and makin’ sure they could write their names. Like it came natural to you.”
“I guess it did.” She surveyed her busy classroom with a blissful smile. “There’s nothing I’d rather do. No place I’d rather be than here.”
“I can tell. Well, I’d best be goin’. Now that I know what size our little darlin’ wears, I can pick her up a few new outfits on my way home. Just happened to have that blue one she’s wearin’in a box of extra clothes. I try to keep nice things on hand. You never know when a new kid’ll show up or how long they’ll stay, and I can’t always get out to go shopping.” She chuckled under her breath. “Had to throw those old shorts of hers into the wash machine to get her to stop wearin’ ’em. She said her mama gave ’em to her. I didn’t think I was ever goin’ to get her out of ’em. Not even to sleep.”
“Well, one step at a time,” Rachel said as Hannah started for the door. “Will you be coming to get her this afternoon, or shall I put her on the bus?”
The older woman held up one hand, fingers splayed. “The bus. Number five.”
Laughing, Rachel nodded. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget that. I imagine I’ll be having flashbacks about yesterday afternoon for years to come!”
Hannah paused at the open door and gestured with a jerk of her head. “Speak of the devil. Look who’s here.”
It wasn’t necessary for Rachel to be told that Sean was nearby. Her thudding pulse had informed her of his presence the moment she’d heard him call a greeting to someone else on the playground. That, coupled with the judgmental expression on Hannah’s face, was plenty of forewarning.
“He works here,” Rachel alibied, fighting to keep her tone even. “I’d expect him to be on campus.”
“More’s the pity. Well, take care. Tell your mama hello for me when you see her, y’hear.”
“Of course.”
Though Rachel was bidding the foster mother goodbye, her attention was riveted on Sean. He seemed especially chipper today. There was a spring in his step, a twinkle in his eyes. He looked happy. Too happy. It was disconcerting.
When he got closer and his focus narrowed on Rachel, she chanced a cautious smile. “Good morning.”
“It certainly is,” Sean said brightly. “I saw Mrs. Brody bringing Samantha. Is everything okay?”
“Fine. She’s fine. None the worse for yesterday’s trauma.”
“Who? Samantha or Mrs. Brody?”
Rachel laughed. “Actually, both of them. Hannah’d been having some trouble with her health but she’s better today. And Samantha is wearing a pretty new dress, so I’m sure she feels better, too.”
“That’s great. Well, guess I’d better get to work.” Sean turned to go, then paused. “Oh, by the way, I stopped at Slocum’s to gas up my car this morning and had a nice, informative talk with your friend, Craig. You’ll be glad to hear he’s not going to murder me, after all.”
No, but I may. “What kind of nice talk?”
“Oh, nothing much. I just assured him I wasn’t dating you. He seemed pretty relieved. The guy’s still nuts about you. Maybe you should give him another chance.”
Watching her expression harden, her lips press into a thin line, Sean was beginning to get the idea she was anything but pleased he’d made peace with Craig. He leaned to one side as if studying her pearl earrings.
“Oops.”
“O
ops, what?” Rachel absently fingered each stud and found nothing amiss.
“I think I see steam coming out of your ears.”
“That’s highly possible.”
“Then, this must be my cue to exit. See ya!”
“Not if I see you first,” Rachel muttered. To her surprise and chagrin, Sean grinned back at her.
“I should warn you. I have excellent hearing,” he said.
Embarrassed, Rachel felt warmth infuse her cheeks. “Just as long as you can’t read my thoughts.”
“Would I like what I learned if I could?”
“That would depend upon whether you’d minded your own business lately,” she told him. “As they say around here, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’”
Sean continued to grin at her. “Ah, another bit of folk wisdom for my files. I’ll make a special note of it. Thanks.”
She would have loved to come up with a witty retort to put him in his place and give herself the last word. Unfortunately, no insightful gems popped into her head.
Slamming the classroom door she leaned her back against it and fought to steady her ragged breathing. What was it about that particular man that set her nerves on edge? He’d been nothing but pleasant to her—even helpful—yet half the time she found herself snapping at him as if they were sworn enemies. Life was too short, too precious, for that kind of attitude toward anyone. Besides, it wasn’t her nature to be shrewish. If anything, she was too easygoing, too accepting of those who marched to a different drummer.
Some of that attitude she’d learned by becoming involved in a local church that welcomed everyone equally, no matter what their social or financial status. And some had come directly from her late father. In Rachel’s opinion, any man who could put up with Martha Woodward for over thirty years was a candidate for sainthood.
“I still miss you, Daddy,” she whispered, looking wistfully at the children milling around in the classroom. And if I miss you, how much worse must it be for a child like Samantha? She lost both parents at once. No wonder she feels the need to imagine angels watching over her.
Blessings of the Heart and Samantha's Gift Page 21
