Romance Through the Ages

by Amy Harmon

  Dixie crossed her legs, bouncing her red-booted foot. “And sometimes you just need to know when things are over. Just saying, y’all.”

  Dani locked eyes with Breezy. From what Colt had told Dani, Dixie and he were experiencing problems, and what Dixie had just said didn’t sound too promising for Colt.

  “I agree.” Lindsey straightened in her chair. “Sometimes you do need to know and admit when things are over.”

  Sonnet chuckled. “Don’t even try to tell me it’s over with you and Ethan.”

  “Oh, yeah. Over with a capital OVER. I will never make that mistake again.” Lindsey nodded emphatically. “It’s over for good this time.”

  Disappointed, Breezy said, “But, Lindsey, you love Ethan.”

  Some of the other ladies laughed because they knew it was true, too.

  “It’s true,” Breezy insisted. “She does.”

  “I used to love him.” Lindsey shook her head. “But not any more.”

  Breezy sighed. “I’m sorry.”

  “Breezy, maybe you should date Ethan,” teased Candy. “I hear he’s available.”

  Lindsey glared at her. “I said I don’t want him. I didn’t say he was free for the taking.”

  Breezy caught Dani’s eye and they smiled. Oh, yeah, Lindsey and Ethan would be a couple again in the next few weeks. No doubt.

  “And you, Lindsey, can date Andrew. I hear he’s available, too.”

  “Very funny,” Breezy and Lindsey said in unison.

  “You looked very cozy at dinner Monday night.” Candy smiled wickedly as she revealed Breezy’s secret.

  The women turned to stare at Breezy again.

  Iris said, “Really? How fun.” Extra emphasis on fun.

  “Thanks for nothing, Candy.” Breezy sighed. “Yes, ladies, I had dinner with Andrew. That was all. And after dinner, I drove straight home. Alone. There will be no more dinners. I am not taking the job. And there is no romance. Period.”

  After a pause, Candy told Breezy, “You could work for me as a waitress.”

  “Thanks, Candy, but I think I would make a horrible waitress.” Besides, she didn’t think Candy really needed another waitress; her friend was just being nice.

  “Well, if you want to try, come on by. I can keep you busy.”

  “Seriously, Breezy,” said Sonnet. “Why not work for Andrew? It’s just temporary anyway, right? Until you get something better?”

  The other ladies echoed the sentiment.

  She looked around the semicircle of friends. She felt so blessed by their support, misguided as it may be tonight. “I’m not sure what other options I have. But three days of job hunting in town haven’t brought me even one other offer.”

  When Candy sputtered in protest, Breezy smiled. “No other offer not caused by pity. Thank you, Candy. I appreciate you and your generous offer more than you know. And I appreciate you all, but what if I regret going to work for Andrew? So many things could go wrong.”

  “And so many things could go right, too.” Dani put up her hand and started counting off on her fingers. “First of all, Andrew is easy on the eyes.”

  Candy said, “That’s for sure.”

  “Second,” Dani continued. “He has always liked you and treated you great.”

  “He did.” Breezy agreed. “Right up until the very moment he dumped me for LA.”

  “Third,” Dani went on, “you need a job. And Andrew would make a great boss. You were always able to wrap him around your little finger.” She held up her little finger. “Big time.”

  Breezy laughed. “Okay, okay, I’ll consider working with Andrew as a last resort. But I’m giving myself another week first to find something else. For right now, I just need to watch a really good romance movie. And it sounds like nearly everyone needs that tonight, too, since you’re far too involved in setting me up with my former boyfriend.”

  Lindsey nodded. “And setting me up, too, with my former boyfriend.”

  Iris said, “Then we’d better watch the most romantic movie of them all. How about Pride and Prejudice?”

  Breezy sighed deeply. “Colin Firth?”

  Candy rose to grab her oversized DVD case. “I’ve got that one.”

  “Bring on the romance,” Breezy said, settling back into the cushions.

  Sonnet picked up her glass and took a sip. “I wonder if Colin Firth needs an assistant.”

  Chapter Ten

  Save something for a rainy day. —American Saying

  Tuesday, May 14

  The sign on Andrew’s new store read Grand Opening on June 23rd. He’d chosen the day before the Mayor’s Gala, hoping for extra exposure. He wasn’t selling surfboards yet, but Breezy could see through the window that the store interior was taking shape.

  The good news? She’d found a meteorologist job. The bad news? In addition to being out of California, it didn’t start for sixty days. So she still needed an interim job.

  She was here today to see if Andrew was serious about the job offer—and if he was, to gratefully accept. She’d spent the last week pounding the pavement, making calls, and going online. There was nothing in Aspen Grove unless she knew how to rebuild an engine for Ethan’s garage or wanted to wait for a month. Everybody was pretty much fully staffed already. She was going to accept the Utah job. She didn’t have any other choice at this point.

  Breezy sucked in a big breath for courage, and pushed open the door of Andrew’s new store. “Hi.”

  Andrew stood with a group of construction workers, apparently in a serious conversation. But the instant he caught sight of her, he told them, “Be back shortly,” and headed her way with a grin. Motioning around the store, he said, “What do you think of the new respectable me?”

  She shook her head. “I should have known you’d be selling surfboards.”

  “What else? I’m an expert on the subject.” He motioned her toward the closest counter. “Let me show you around.”

  In addition to the many different brands of surfboards hanging on two walls, Andrew showed her wetsuits and traction pads, surf booties and sandals, swimsuits and surf shorts, amid the still-unpacked boxes. “We’re not opening for a few weeks, but I think the store is coming together nicely.”

  “It’s all really nice, Andrew. I’m impressed. Really.”

  He studied her. “I’m still filling positions.”

  She sighed again. “Wanna hire an old friend?”

  “Are you kidding? I’d love to work with you. You know that.” His face lit up even more and she couldn’t help smiling. His cheerfulness was catching. “And you will look so cute in the little outfits my cashiers will be wearing.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Tie-dye?”

  He laughed. “Actually, only the vests.”

  “You should get Fiona to work for you, then. She loves tie-dye.” She shook her head. “Are you sure you’ve changed?”

  “Oh, I’ve changed all right. You are looking at the new and improved Andrew North.” He winked. “What do you think?”

  “I think I hope you pay better than you schmooze.”

  “For you, Babe, extra pay.”

  She crossed her arms and leaned against a glass counter holding expensive sunglasses. “Hazard duty?”

  He grinned. “It is going to be fantastic spending time with you again, Breezy.”

  “Working together,” she clarified.

  His grin faded to a more serious half-smile. “I’ve missed you, Babe.”

  Oh, no. That was exactly what she was afraid of. He was really cute, and she was definitely drawn to his happy attitude, but she wasn’t about to be burned by Andrew again. She wasn’t sure this would work, but, unless she found another job in town, and there weren’t any right now, she needed to make her car payment.

  She smiled, as brightly as she could. “I’ll take the job, Andrew. Thanks.”

  “That’s awesome.” He took her hand and held it up to his lips. “Like old times.”

  Oh, criminy. She was in trouble now.
She tugged her hand loose. “Perhaps not exactly like.”

  He smiled a slow seductive smile. “Who knows where destiny will lead us.”

  She’d better remind herself she needed the money before her job in Utah started. “I can start next Monday. Does that work?”

  “May 20th?” When she nodded, Andrew said, “That would be great, Babe. And what are you doing this Friday evening?”

  She grabbed the first thought that shot past. “Got to wash the dog.”

  He laughed and chucked her under the chin. “You are so cute when you’re flustered.”

  As she stumbled through a goodbye and made her escape from his store, she shook her head. When had life gotten so hard?

  Oh, yes, she remembered. It was the moment the Firing Squad had entered it.

  When her phone rang and Lindsey invited her to come to dinner with Dani at Candy’s Café, Breezy was glad for some female moral support. She was going to need all she could get.

  If only she could keep her friends from trying to fan the matchmaking flames.

  * * *

  Noah stared at the young lady sitting in a chair on the far side of his desk. “So what do you want to see happen here at KWAC?”

  Dressed in an orange tie-dyed shirt, Fiona frowned and looked hesitant. She opened her mouth, but couldn’t seem to find the words.

  Noah tried to look encouraging, nodding and smiling.

  Fiona sighed. “I just know that I’m hearing a lot of coworkers talk about finding other jobs. I’ve never seen people so down about working here. I don’t really know what to do, except hire Breezy back. People really like Breezy.”

  What she left unsaid was that people really didn’t like Pamela Gladstone, but she didn’t have to. He knew Pamela was hard to get along with. But Pamela was here at Bentley’s insistence.

  “So you think I need to raise morale here at the station?”

  She nodded. “It would help. A lot.”

  “Do you have any ideas for raising morale?”

  “Other than Breezy, I don’t really know.”

  “If you think of something, please do let me know. I value your suggestions. You’ve been here a lot longer than I have.”

  “Okay.” She stood.

  “Thanks for coming in.” He rose and opened the door for her. She skittered out, more nervous than he’d ever seen her.

  He closed the door and crossed back to his desk. She hadn’t told him anything that the last ten people hadn’t said.

  Work at the station was suffering.

  Morale was down.

  Ratings were dropping.

  And falling ratings made him very, very nervous.

  A knock on the door startled him. He sighed and called out, “Come in.”

  Gabe stuck his head around the door. “Ready for the daily hate mail?”

  Exasperated, Noah said, “What do these people want, anyway? Can’t they give me a chance to get things working right?”

  “Most of them seem to want Breezy Jones back on the weather.” Gabe handed a stack of printed emails to Noah and took a seat.

  As Noah glanced through them, Breezy’s name popped up again and again. “This person hopes I get run out of town on a rail. And soon.”

  “That’s not the worst one,” Gabe said, rubbing his soul patch. “One woman wants to, well, I don’t want to ruin the surprise. But it’s not very nice. Most people around here don’t like Pamela.”

  After reading through them all, Noah looked up. “What is it about Breezy Jones that makes people so loyal to her?”

  “What makes you so interested in her? It’s probably the same thing.”

  “She’s cute. I’ll give her that. And funny. But that’s not enough to be such a popular weather woman.”

  “The people want Breezy. Why not give them what they want?”

  “You want to repeat that for Mr. Bentley, do you?” Noah sighed again. “I just hope they get used to her soon.”.

  He wasn’t sure, though. Pamela was great on screen, but Aspen Grove wasn’t falling in love with her. They were apparently already in love with Breezy. “I’ve got to stick with Pamela and hope for the best. I’ve got to raise the ratings.” He tapped his pen on the desk. “What do you think I should do?”

  “Get some dinner. Let’s go to Candy’s Café.”

  “You’re no help.”

  “Dinner will help. Trust me.”

  * * *

  Friday, May 17

  The station was receiving more hate mail every day. Three days later, as Noah sat perusing the latest batch, his secretary rang through. “Ms. Jones is here to see you.”

  “Breezy?” He brightened immediately. She’d come back! Why it should make him this happy was a mystery, but he’d hoped she’d come to her senses and return for her job.

  “No. This Ms. Jones is Breezy’s mother.”

  What on earth was Breezy’s mother doing here at KWAC? Was this a good development or a bad one? She couldn’t be happy that her daughter had quit and perhaps blamed him. Was she delivering her hate mail in person? “Show her in.”

  He stood and adjusted his tie, inexplicably nervous.

  A moment later, the door opened. A woman, probably in her fifties, entered.

  Noah could see at a glance that Breezy took after her petite yet shapely mother. This woman had streaks of gray in her curly short hair, but still looked… cute. As the proverbial button.

  “Hello, Mr. Drake. It’s good to meet you at last.” She put out her hand and smiled. “I have heard sooo much about you.”

  He just bet she had. Shaking her hand, he said, “I am delighted to meet you, as well, Ms. Jones. Please, have a seat. And I want to thank you for the delicious soup you sent over to me when I was sick.”

  “I’m so glad you liked it. And you’re welcome.” As she settled her small frame into one of his large chairs, she said, “I’d also like to welcome you into the community. My husband would come but he had other obligations this week.”

  Obligations, huh? Like defending his daughter’s career honor? Perhaps he was at home right now, sharpening his sword? Despite the ridiculous thought, he smiled and nodded encouragingly.

  “You have a lovely smile.” Breezy’s mother smiled back at him and it lit up her face. “You wouldn’t believe how much the ladies in town are talking about that smile of yours.”

  Surprised, he tipped his head. “They are?”

  “Oh, yes. Your smile is well known already.” She leaned forward. “Mr. Drake, I would love to have you join my family for Sunday dinner in two days. I know you’re all alone in town and it’s a shame that you should have to spend Sunday dinner alone, too.”

  Surprised at the unexpected invitation, Noah said, “That’s very generous of you. Thank you.”

  “People say my roast beef and mashed potatoes are the best they’ve ever had. And my pumpkin pie.” Growing serious, she asked, “Do you like pumpkin pie, Mr. Drake?”

  He couldn’t help smiling again. “It’s one of my favorites.”

  “With real whipped cream?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Good.” She nodded. “About six then?”

  “That would be wonderful. Thank you.” He smiled at her again. “I met your husband at Paul Nelson’s retirement party. I understand Mr. Jones did a fantastic job as meteorologist here for many years.”

  “Thirty.” Her eyes narrowed just a bit. “My daughter will be at dinner, too.”

  “Really.” Why did his mouth go dry at the thought?

  “I believe you’ve already met her.”

  “Breezy?” he asked hesitantly. Or did they have another daughter?

  She nodded happily. “Breanne. Yes.”

  Thinking Breezy wouldn’t want him there, he began, “Are you sure—”

  She motioned away his question. “She will love to have you there, as will my husband.”

  He wasn’t so sure about Breezy being delighted. Or her father, for that matter. She had been most definitely not
delighted the last time he’d spoken with her. Could this possibly end well? But it would give him a chance to learn why everyone in Aspen Grove thought Breezy was so great. More importantly, it would give him a chance to see her again. And, all of a sudden, he had a great urge to see her.

  Mrs. Jones reached into her purse and pulled out a small notebook, tore out a sheet, and handed it to him. “Our address.”

  She’d come prepared.

  “Thank you. I’ll be there. Six o’clock. What would you like me to bring?”

  “Absolutely nothing but your charming self and your famous smile.” She stood. “It was very good to meet you, Mr. Drake. I’ll see you next Sunday.”

  He stood to let her out, but she was already halfway to the door. Once there, she turned and gave a cute little wave, then she let herself out.

  Noah almost laughed. Breezy may look like her petite mother and be just as sunny, but he suspected his little weather wizard had gotten her steadier personality from her father.

  He went back to work in a strangely happier mood.

  * * *

  Sunday, May 19

  Breezy’s mother handed her another plate. “We’ll need four set today, Dear.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know Kendra was coming for Sunday dinner.” It had been a few weeks since Breezy had seen her sister, who was working on her latest art project. Kendra was fine at a family dinner, but tended to embarrass Breezy when they went out in public. While their mother may be an amateur flibbertigibbet at times, Kendra was a pro. Still, Breezy enjoyed spending time with her.

  As Breezy walked past her father, who sat at the head of the table, she patted his shoulder. He looked up over his newspaper and smiled at her.

  “Your sister couldn’t get away this weekend,” her mother said as she bustled between the kitchen and dining room.

  Setting the fourth place at the table, Breezy asked, “Who’s coming to dinner, then?”

  “Oh, Breezy, you are going to be so surprised.”