Bring Me Flowers (Garden of Love 5)

by Melanie Wilber

  “Come on, Beth. All I want to do is kiss you and hold you in my arms. You know that.”

  More silence. Kendra was about to step in and break this up.

  “Bradley,” Mary Beth said more firmly. “I said no.”

  “Beth--”

  “Have you forgotten the rules we made for ourselves? No kissing in dark secluded places. No spending time alone in tempting situations. I think both of those apply here. Now we can either both go back to the concert, or I will go by myself and you can go home. Which one is it going to be?”

  You go, girl! Kendra silently cheered for her young comrade.

  “I’m sorry,” Bradley whispered. More silence followed.

  Uh-oh. Don’t give in now, Mary Beth.

  “Come on,” Bradley said, sounding apologetic. “Let’s go hear the band.”

  Kendra hurried back to the ladies room, disappearing inside before they rounded the corner. She heard their footsteps pass by, and she opened the door to see them walking hand-in-hand through the auditorium doors. Finally using the bathroom and then returning to the concert herself and reclaiming her seat that just happened to be behind Bradley and Mary Beth, Kendra thought back to her and Trevor’s high school days.

  Trevor had always been very careful about where he took her, and she never had to worry about being alone with him, but she remembered a time when she had been the one to try and push things too far. They had gone to a birthday party for one of her friends. It was loosely chaperoned. No alcohol or drugs were being passed around, but her friend’s parents weren’t keeping a real close eye on where people were either.

  She and Trevor had been very busy and hadn’t seen each other all week. She wanted some time alone with him and had talked him into going for a walk. The house was set on ten acres out in the country, and they had ended up going behind a grove of trees, mostly at her persuasion. Sharing a few innocent kisses in the darkness quickly became something much more. Trevor had been the one to pull back.

  “Come on, Ken,” he said. “This isn’t good, and we both know it. Let’s go back before we do something really stupid.”

  Thinking about how well he had treated her and how great his kisses had always been, she wondered how she could have ever written him out of her life like she had. Since then she had realized what a rare treasure he was. And after all these years he still had a very real place in her heart.

  ***

  “Close your eyes,” Jordan coaxed, reaching for something in the back seat of the car.

  Abby obeyed. They had gone out to dinner to celebrate their two month anniversary, and he had wanted to make the evening special. Unless she hated his gift, he felt certain he had succeeded.

  He took her hand and placed the brochure with a picture of the resort on the front cover. The words “Come to Beautiful Lake Tahoe” were written in bright yellow.

  “What’s this?” she asked.

  “How would you like to go on a weekend getaway with me?”

  “To Lake Tahoe?”

  “That’s the place. Have you ever been there?”

  “You know I haven’t been anywhere, Jordan.”

  “I haven’t made the reservations yet, but I will if you’d like to go. If you say no, I have a backup gift.”

  “Why would I say no?”

  “I hope you won’t, but I thought you might not feel comfortable with us going away together.”

  “You’re planning separate rooms, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, I don’t think you’re going to try anything in Lake Tahoe when you’ve had plenty of opportunities in my apartment.”

  He laughed, glad she hadn’t thought his intentions were less than honorable. “So you’ll go?”

  “Yes, I’ll go! This is so sweet, Jordan.”

  He smiled. “I’m glad. We’re going to have a great time. It’s beautiful this time of year.”

  ***

  My dear friend Kendra,

  Today is one of those days that I really miss having you around. Do you remember when we used to go to the reservoir and take walks together? Well, I could use a good walk with you today.

  I had an interview for a teaching position today. It was absolutely perfect: A private Christian school with an excellent athletic program. I wanted that job, but the principal told me straight out that he’s looking for someone with at least five years experience--even though that wasn’t in the hiring requirements. I realize that I’m going to need to start at the bottom and work my way up. I’ll probably end up at a middle school to start, and I’m fine with that, but I guess I got my heart set on this job and felt confident they were going to hire me--you know how you just have a feeling sometimes? Well, I had that feeling, only this time it was just foolish dreaming, not reality.

  Well, that’s enough about me. Life goes on, as you always say. How are you? Lately I’ve been reading a lot about what you’re doing, but not so much how you’re doing--emotionally, spiritually, that kind of thing. What do you say? Come go for a walk with me and share whatever’s on your heart? I know writing this to you has helped me already. Let me return the favor, all right?

  Your dear friend,

  Trevor

  Kendra read Trevor’s message twice. She felt like getting into her car and driving over to the lake, only she knew Trevor wouldn’t be there. Oh, to take a walk with him again. To feel his hand holding hers. To share whatever was on her heart and know he would listen. To be the object of his affection and sweet kisses.

  I miss you, Trevor.

  ***

  Abby didn’t think twice about Jordan inviting her to go to Lake Tahoe with him until she got some raised eyebrows from some of her friends. She tried to explain how she had never been anywhere except Podunk, U.S.A. and that Jordan only wanted to take her someplace fun and new, but nobody seemed to buy it.

  “Abby, I’m not saying that Jordan is planning anything improper,” Kendra said. “I’m sure he’s not, but going away for the weekend together to a nice place, separate rooms or not, may lead to more temptation than you’ve had together before.”

  Kendra wasn’t the first one to say something to make her doubt if Jordan’s idea was as good as she originally thought. Abby trusted Jordan. She didn’t have any reason not to, and yet she could see how Kendra’s reasoning may be valid.

  “But I already told him I’d go,” she said. “How can I tell him that I changed my mind?”

  “Part of being in a relationship is being honest with the other person, even when you’re afraid of hurting their feelings or making them mad.”

  “But I really want to go,” she wailed. “I never get to go anywhere. Nothing is going to happen. Jordan promised.”

  Kendra didn’t respond, but Abby could see she didn’t think it was a good idea.

  “Okay. I’ll talk to him,” she conceded.

  “Maybe you could find another couple to go with you,” Kendra suggested. “That way you could keep each other honest. Hey, maybe Kristin and Jacob would like to go.”

  Abby thought that sounded like a good solution, and she mentioned her concerns to Jordan. Jordan said he had been having second thoughts also. Abby called Kristin and ran the idea by her. She said she would talk to Jacob.

  By the following week, it was all arranged. They would fly out along with Kristin and Jacob the upcoming Friday afternoon and return on Sunday. Abby was so excited about the trip, she packed and repacked her small suitcase. On Wednesday evening when Jordan came over to her apartment for dinner, she talked him into going shopping with her to pick up a new outfit or two. Walking past the bathing suits in one clothing store, Jordan picked one off the rack and held it up for her to see.

  “I bet you would look fantastic in this.”

  She already had a suit, but she’d had it for a couple of years. She did like the design of the one piece and decided to try it on, liking the way it looked on her even better than she anticipated. Returning from the fitting room, prepared to tell Jordan she was buyi
ng the suit as well, she scanned the area and saw him in the same place she had left him standing, but he was talking to someone.

  “So, how have you been?” the woman asked. “I haven’t seen you for ages.”

  Abby watched as Jordan talked to the beautiful young woman with dark brown hair, large hazel eyes, and a figure she would die for. Immediately she began to feel frumpy and plain. Subconsciously she bit her lip and tucked her thin hair behind her ear.

  “This is my girlfriend Abby,” Jordan said, putting his hand on her back and pulling her against him. “Abby, this is Samantha.”

  Swallowing hard and meeting Samantha’s wide gaze, she noticed the look of scrutiny Samantha gave her.

  “Hello,” Samantha patronized her. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Abby echoed, wondering how Jordan knew her. He looked a little uncomfortable.

  “We need to get going,” Jordan said after an awkward silence. “Nice seeing you Samantha. Take care of yourself.”

  “I always do,” she said, flashing him a pearly white smile without glancing her way again.

  Abby paid for her purchases, and they left the store. Jordan held her hand as they walked, helping her to feel secure once again, but thoughts of self-doubt lingered. She wondered if Jordan was sometimes embarrassed to be seen with her.

  Jordan sighed heavily and scratched the back of his head. “Sorry about that,” he muttered. “If I would have known she was going to be here today, I would have steered clear.”

  “Who is she?” Abby dared to ask.

  “We dated awhile back. I came close to marrying her. That would have been a big mistake.”

  They left the mall and walked in silence to the car. Jordan opened the door for her, and she slipped into the seat. She had allowed herself to think that Jordan might be interested in marrying her. He’d never come out and said as much. She knew it was silly to be thinking about that yet, but she hadn’t managed to keep her heart from hoping. Suddenly her thoughts seemed foolish.

  ***

  Kendra let out a huge sigh and sat back to read the email she had composed. Trevor had been on her mind almost constantly since last week when he had sent her that message about longing for one of their lakeside walks. She had wanted to tell him how she felt but hadn’t gotten up the nerve to write the words. Now she had written them. But did she have the courage to send the message?

  My dear friend Trevor,

  Imagine the cool breeze coming off the water. Imagine the cottonwood trees towering above our heads. Imagine you and me walking along that path beside the lake. Those were some of my favorite times with you.

  I went there today. I haven’t been there for a long time. I’ve always had a hard time going to the lake without you since you’ve been away.

  I walked along the path. It wasn’t the same. It wasn’t right. I wanted you beside me, holding my hand. I wanted to hear your voice, not just remember your words from a computer screen. I miss you Trevor.

  You wanted to know how I’m doing. Well, everything in my life is fine, except for one thing; You’re not here. From the depths of my heart, I think I’m falling in love with you again. Maybe I never stopped. I’m not sure. All I know is that I’d love to feel you holding me. I’d love to feel your lips on mine.

  Forever yours if you’ll have me,

  Kendra Marie Swan

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Kendra decided to wait a day before sending the message. She wanted to take some time to think and pray about it before she took such a huge leap. She supposed there were three ways Trevor could respond: He felt the same; He wasn’t sure how he felt but was willing to explore the possibility; He only wanted her as a friend--that was the one that worried her.

  The following afternoon she knew sending the message was what she needed to do. He deserved to know how she felt, and she couldn’t keep going without sharing her heart. No matter what, she knew she was doing the right thing.

  Seeing she had one message waiting for her when she logged in, she clicked on her inbox and saw it was from Trevor. She decided to read it before sending hers.

  Hey, Kendra. Guess what? I applied for a teaching position at a school in Portland. I saw it posted on the web a few weeks ago, and today they called me and want me to come for an interview this Friday.

  Do you think there’s any way I could see you? I’m flying in on Friday afternoon and leaving Saturday evening. I’d love to have the chance to say hello face-to-face.

  Kendra replied immediately, sending him a message that she would meet him at the airport if he didn’t already have plans for someone to pick him up. Using the excuse about wanting to visit the Western Seminary campus and talk to someone about transferring to their counseling program next fall, she said it wasn’t any trouble for her to come and spend some time with him too.

  ***

  Abby clocked out early on Friday as planned and thanked her boss again for letting her have the afternoon off. Jon waved good-bye from his desk and told her to have fun. He had been glad to hear of the revised plan to include Kristin and Jacob on their trip.

  Arriving at her apartment, she took a quick shower and changed into one of her new outfits. She hadn’t seen Jordan since Wednesday. He had seemed aloof on the drive home from the mall and then had left earlier than usual, claiming he had to be at work early, but she got the feeling his departure and mood had to do with seeing Samantha.

  Her mind had spun with all sorts of thoughts for the last two days. Maybe he still loved Samantha. Maybe he was sorry they had broken up. But he’d said marrying her would have been a mistake, so that was a sure sign he was over her, right?

  So why had his behavior changed so drastically after seeing her at the mall? Maybe it didn’t have anything to do with Samantha but everything to do with her. Maybe he was asking himself why he was with her. Maybe he was beginning to realize being with her was a mistake too.

  Jordan seemed his usual self when he arrived to pick her up. In fact, his all-together sweet mood reminded her of the way he had acted on their second date. She had to drag them both out the door so they wouldn’t be late.

  Meeting Kristin and Jacob at the Eugene airport, they didn’t have to wait long to begin boarding their flight. Abby felt nervous about her first plane ride ever, but Jordan helped her to relax by holding her hand, whispering loving words, and kissing her sweetly.

  “All right, you two,” Jacob interrupted one such kiss by leaning over the seat in front of them. “Any more of that and I’ll have to send you to the principal’s office.”

  “Look who’s talking,” Jordan teased back, giving Jacob a knowing glance. “I’ve seen you putting the moves on that pretty teacher sitting beside you.”

  Jacob winked at them. “She gets sent to the principal’s office often.”

  Kristin grabbed Jacob’s arm and laughed, pulling him back to his seat. “Oh, stop it. And leave those two alone.”

  Abby could tell having Kristin and Jacob along was going to be a good thing. They hadn’t spent much time with other couples, but she liked it so far.

  ***

  Kendra pulled up to the black and white striped barricade and took a ticket from the machine. Driving up the ramp to the enclosed parking structure at the Portland Airport, she maneuvered her way through the concrete maze and found an empty space at the end of a long row of cars.

  Hurrying to the sky bridge, she scurried past other travelers and entered through the revolving door. After receiving Trevor’s message about coming to Portland for the job interview, she had decided to tell him how she felt in person rather than over cyberspace. She felt nervous, excited, and more alive than she had in years with the anticipation of seeing him again.

  I must be a sight, she thought, wishing she had time to go to the ladies’ room and run a brush through her windblown hair. She had gotten a late start from Eugene and had driven in the fast lane all the way up I-5 with the warm May air swirling through her open windows since her car had no air co
nditioning.

  Hurrying to meet him, she hoped she hadn’t kept him waiting. She had a few minutes to spare, but if his flight had been early, he may have already arrived. Punctuality had never been one of her strengths. She wondered if Trevor remembered that about her. If so, she could imagine him shaking his head when he had to come looking for her and found her rushing to meet him.

  Checking one of the monitors, she saw that his flight had been delayed by ten minutes, saving her from that at least. Although having to wait made her more nervous. She spent the extra time debating with herself about how to greet him once she spotted him. Running into his arms hardly seemed appropriate, but a handshake certainly wouldn’t do either.

  Kendra didn’t have to look twice when Trevor came into view. He looked the same. A smile formed on her face without effort, and she felt her feet move beneath her, carrying her closer to that familiar face with each step.

  He didn’t see her until she had come within a few feet of him. Kendra froze in place when his eyes locked on hers. A slow smile emerged on his face, bringing one to her own as well. Trevor didn’t hold back, stepping forward and swooping her into his arms and laughing like she hadn’t heard anyone laugh in years.

  Holding her close for several moments, Trevor finally released her and stepped back. His expression was a little unreadable, but his voice conveyed his sincere happiness that matched his tight embrace. “Great to see you, Kendra.”