Leaving Oxford

by Janet W. Ferguson

  “Same place, same crew?”

  He shook his head. “Me and Nick, but Sam may be in the penalty box for at least a week.”

  “What are y’all, like the three musketeers?”

  “More like the three amigos...or three stooges.”

  She managed a chuckle. “I appreciate your honesty, too. And I do love the water. Maybe I could be the extra amigo.”

  “Since you love the water.” His focus flew somewhere into the distance. “Hmm, I’ve never had a girl amigo.”

  “I’m probably more of a stooge.”

  He flashed his now familiar confident grin. “See you next time, Sarah Beth.”

  As she drove back down the tree-lined country road, a dam burst inside. Everything rushed back up to the surface. I miss Adam so much. God help me. How long will it hurt this badly, Lord?

  She wept all the way home, and continued to cry while she showered and dressed. Her body shook with the sobs that overwhelmed her.

  She applied Chapstick with shaking hands. No mascara tonight. Then she straightened her shoulders and headed back out the door on her way to help at the Christian Student Union.

  Chapter 5

  Eight years earlier

  Fraternity guys, sorority girls, and jocks all packed into the crowded bar. Sarah Beth endured the mob to catch a glimpse of the popular band. Sweaty elbows bumped her forearm. She moved to the bar and ordered a beer. A soccer game filled the soundless monitor on the screen above her head. Sipping her drink, she swayed as the band began their signature song. A tap on her shoulder turned her head toward a guy wearing a starched shirt and khakis standing maybe two inches away.

  “You wanna dance?”

  From his breath and his posture, he’d obviously had too much to drink. But she did like this song. Why not? “Sure.”

  He grabbed her hand and navigated to the front of the packed dance floor. She laughed at his wobbly moves but enjoyed bouncing and dancing around. When the song ended, she stepped back. “Thanks for the dance.”

  His fingers latched onto her arm. “You can’t leave after just one song.”

  Heat coursed through her, and she planted her feet. I most certainly can. His grip tightened as he tried to jerk her toward him.

  Another muscular arm wrapped around her waist in a side-hug, pulling her in the opposite direction of the drunk. She whipped around, and her gaze traveled up this new man, who stood at least six-five, his sleek light brown hair pulled back in a ponytail.

  “Hey, baby sister. Didn’t you know your big brother would be looking for you?” He winked as he drew her close and lowered his voice. “I know Mark.”

  After she sized up the stranger who’d come to her assistance, she answered the hug. “There you are!” Not one ounce of body fat on this guy and the lightest blue eyes she’d ever seen.

  Her would-be dance partner took a step back, then edged away. She and her brother made their way back to the bar.

  “Thank goodness you came when you did. I was ticked at that guy.” She smirked. “I’m Sarah Beth LeClair, but it seems you already know that.”

  “Adam Lancaster. I was a freshman when your brother was a senior. He’s a great athlete, a nice guy. Gave me some good advice.”

  “Something like ‘study and stay out of the bars?’”

  “Part of it. He had a word of wisdom for those who cared to listen.” Adam chuckled. “He talked a lot about you, too. I saw that guy grab you and figured I’d better intervene before you hurt him.”

  “Growing up with an older brother and playing sports, my blood boils when I get mad.”

  “Adrenaline. Athletes thrive on it.” He paused and mashed his lips together. “I saw you play soccer.”

  Her jaw fell. “You did?” She lifted one shoulder. “Then you know I was mediocre.”

  His eyes traveled down her. “I mean this in a totally non-brotherly way—you had the best legs of any girl out there. That’s what stood out in my mind.”

  For all she knew, this guy was full of it. But he was smoking hot, so she played along. “So you were really into the games?”

  A smile moved across his cheeks revealing deep dimples. “Coach requires us to support other university athletic teams, so I picked girls’ soccer. Didn’t want to look at more sweaty guys.”

  She met his gaze straight on. “You have the most stunning eyes. So blue.”

  “Glad you like.” He inched closer.

  “Not sure about the ponytail thing though. I don’t know if I can feel comfortable with a guy having better hair than me.” She reached around his shoulder and ran her fingers through a few strands. “How’s it so shiny and silky?”

  Adam held her gaze. “I’d have to know you better to share my shiny hair secrets. Want to go outside and get some fresh air?”

  “I think I do.” She followed him, but hesitated at the door. “I’ll text my real big brother first to make sure you’re a nice guy.” She narrowed her eyes. “He’s an agent with the FBI now, you know?”

  “Go ahead.”

  Her cell rang after she sent Mark the text. She stepped out the door and walked toward her SUV. Mark spoke on the other end of the line. “Sarah Beth, I’m on a case, so I only have a couple minutes. Adam’s not an ax murderer or a rapist, but that doesn’t mean I think you should go out with him. We had some good conversations when I was on the team with him, and he was open to me sharing my faith, but he never wanted to commit to it. I hope you’ll take things slow. That’s my spiel.”

  “Got it.”

  “And take your pepper spray, since you’re probably not going to listen to me.”

  She smiled. “Love you, miss you.”

  “Love you, miss you, but God loves you more. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  Adam stood an inch away, almost touching her. A breeze drifted over her, and he brushed his lips against hers. “Am I safe enough?”

  Sarah Beth inhaled the woodsy scent of his skin. “I have the feeling we’re not safe together in so many ways.”

  Her words proved more prophetic than she could have ever imagined.

  They lay in Adam’s backyard hammock, talking and kissing all night. Adam asked Sarah Beth about her family, and he was moved to tears when she told him about the fire that had taken her parents.

  He shared about his wealthy parents’ loveless marriage and his life at boarding schools and summer camps. Adam’s saving grace had been his live-in housekeeper, Alma, and her son, Miguel. Alma filled Adam’s heart with the motherly love that he so desperately craved, and Miguel was like a brother to him. His dream of medical school and funding a clinic in Honduras were tied directly to Miguel’s death from dengue fever. The dream had become his passion and reason to live after he lost his little piece of family and happiness.

  “I guess the prep school thing explains this.” Sarah Beth loosened his ponytail and let his sandy brown hair fall down to his shoulders.

  “You’re not just a pretty face.” He stroked her cheek. “You’re right. I was so tired of prep school uniforms and the mandatory haircuts above the ears. I figured college was my chance to let my hair down before med school. Literally.”

  The evening turned into morning. The night ended innocently enough, though she knew it hadn’t been the best idea to go home with him. It was no big deal. Right?

  Chapter 6

  He should check on Sam. Jess grabbed a six-pack of sports drinks and a bowl of leftover pasta from the fridge, threw them in the truck, and headed out. Too bad his friend didn’t still live right down the street. Sam’s ex-fiancée ruined that setup. Along with Sam’s dad. At the thought of Teddy Conrad, Jess’s muscles flinched. The man was a tyrant and a bully. He hoped Sam’s parents had come and gone already.

  On the way over, Jess pushed back thoughts of Sarah Beth and their talk. But there she was again. Front and center. The way the words sounded when she’d spoken of her life, the way she’d laughed at herself instead of becoming defensive, her patience with Sam despite his arrogance.
And about that smile.

  In the driveway of Sam’s two-story house, Jess parked and slapped his steering wheel. Time out. Obviously, Sarah Beth wasn’t interested in anything beyond friendship. She’d said as much. After collecting the drinks and food, he pounded down the sidewalk.

  No need to knock, so he entered the spacious front entryway. He travelled through the formal living area toward the hall. The TV blared from the back room. “Hey, it’s me. I brought dinner,” Jess called as he neared.

  “I hope you brought enough for dear old Dad.”

  Jess’s muscles stiffened again. Crud. Teddy Conrad greeted Jess as he rounded the corner into Sam’s room. The old man’s Mercedes wasn’t outside. So much for getting in and out without running into Sam’s father. The man sent him into combat mode. And it wasn’t just the fact that Teddy wore designer everything and flaunted his wealth. Teddy defined pushy and controlling. No wonder Sam was grumpy after working for his father at the bank for so long.

  “Thanks for calling us, Jess. He does have a pretty good goose egg.”

  Sam sat up and gave Jess a dark look. “Yeah. Thanks for calling them.” His voice dripped with sarcasm. “What’s for supper?”

  Jess smirked. “Pasta, if you’re nice.” He turned to Teddy. “I didn’t see your car.”

  “Rita ran to the store to get a few things. She’ll be right back.”

  “I guess Sam won’t be needing this food then. I’ll see ya later.”

  “Wait. Sorry.” Sam pointed at Jess. “I was just messing with you. Thanks for looking out for me.”

  “Right. Here’s pasta with your favorite alfredo sauce I had left over.” He passed the dish to Sam and turned to leave.

  Teddy caught Jess’s arm. “I want you and Sam to come to the Foundation meeting Monday. I have ideas that could impact the team, and you’ll want to be there. I’ve cleared it with Coach Black.”

  Jess gave a single nod. “Send me an email with the details.”

  “And one more thing. I told you about that quarterback in Memphis. His father’s a distant cousin of mine and will be in town next week. I’m having lunch with him. Maybe you could happen to be at the same restaurant?”

  Was he kidding? There were only certain times coaches could meet with recruits and their parents. And this wasn’t one of them. A fire burned in Jess’s stomach. “You know I can’t do that. Recruiting violations can blow a whole season.”

  Teddy’s hand still held to Jess’s bicep, and his tone lowered. “This is a small town. It’s easy to run into people on the Square at lunch.”

  Jess pulled his arm from the grip. “See you later, Teddy. Sam, call me if you need something.” His gut simmered. If he’d known Teddy was here... He scoffed. This day started so well. The boat, the sun...that smile.

  ~~~

  Sarah Beth eased into the Christian Student Union parking lot alongside Chris and Kim Hardy, the student minister and his wife.

  Chris hoisted a case of sodas toward Sarah Beth. “Look, Kim. We timed it perfectly. Our favorite CSU volunteer can help me carry the heavy ones.”

  She took the drinks from the lanky thirty-year-old. “You’re lucky I love your wife and daughter so much.”

  As they walked into the old converted warehouse near the Square, Chris nudged her with his elbow. “You know you come for the free food and music.”

  Auburn curls bounced as Kim shook her head. “Ignore my husband.”

  “I usually do.”

  Kim laughed. “How are things?”

  “It’s been an interesting week.”

  Chris opened the door, and Sarah Beth blinked as her eyes adjusted to the lower lights inside the old warehouse.

  “Hello, beautiful lady. Have you missed me?” With a swift side hug, Bryan Freeman, a university student, appeared from behind her. His guitar case hung on his other shoulder and he flashed a huge smile. “Let me take that heavy load from you.”

  She paused as she gauged her response. “I’m fine, and it’s been like three days since I saw you on campus.”

  His blue eyes looked out from under the wispy brown hair hanging down his forehead. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about, Professor.”

  “That’s Ms. Professor to you.”

  Feigning injury, Bryan laid his hand over his heart. “I see how it is. Now I’m recruiting you to sing with me.”

  Having an anxiety attack on stage was the last thing she needed. “Don’t put me on the spot like last month. I haven’t practiced, and I don’t do impromptu.”

  “You know you can do it.” He smiled as he plugged in an amp.

  Sarah Beth cupped one hand to her ear and headed to the bar with the sodas. “I think I hear Chris calling me to carry more snacks.”

  “You can’t hide. I’ll find you.”

  Though she chuckled at their banter, her throat tightened at the thought of singing before the crowd. Her family had loved to sing, but it had been too long, and with the panic attacks she’d suffered the past year, she couldn’t handle the pressure. She was still working on just being normal. She’d better straighten this out now.

  She strode back to the stage. “Bryan, please don’t call me up. I’d have to practice. I was uncomfortable last time.”

  His fresh young face lit up. “Great idea. We can practice at Chris and Kim’s for next Saturday.”

  Chris carried an ice chest across the room. Maybe he could help plead her case. “Chris, you want to defend your favorite volunteer?”

  Dropping the chest on the counter, he grinned. “Practice at our house Tuesday after family night.”

  “I thought you’d help me get out of this.”

  “Maybe God’s calling you to share your talents, Sarah Beth.” Chris broke into an off-key rendition of “This Little Light of Mine” with hand motions. “Hide it under a bushel. No. I’m gonna let it shine.”

  “Stop, stop, Chris.” She sighed. “I’ll try to sing, but not tonight, and only if we practice to a level of professionalism. In case I feel like I’m gonna lose my lunch or suffocate, I’ll only sing backup to your lead, Bryan.” She paused. “Oh, and one more requirement.”

  “Anything for you, Ms. Professor.”

  “That CSU student minister must not sing. His joyful noise can only be appreciated by the Lord Himself.”

  “Very nice, Sarah Beth.” Chris laughed. “God had to save some talents for the rest of the world. That’s what I like to tell myself, anyway.”

  Now she had another event to fret about all next week. Singing in public and sharing more of her story with her new friend, Jess McCoy. Hopefully, she’d handle things better than she had with the last football player she’d hung out with.

  Chapter 7

  Eight Years Earlier

  As Sarah Beth left Adam’s house that morning, still damp from the dew that had gathered while they’d slept on the hammock in his backyard, the cell in her purse chimed.

  Mark greeted her with a sigh. “I’m sure you didn’t listen to my advice, right?”

  As usual, she spilled every detail of the night to her brother, gushing about Adam.

  Mark cleared his throat. “I know you don’t have another family member to tell this to, but even a sister might think that was too much information.”

  “Shut up. I think I could really care for this guy.”

  “Um, sounds like you’re twitter-pated, as they say in the Bambi movie.”

  “Oh, Mark, you kill me with your Disney lingo. Don’t you guys watch anything but kids’ movies anymore?”

  “There’s not much on television we can watch without being corrupted.”

  “I know. I know. Garbage in, garbage out. But, are you saying I’m in love?”

  “I’m saying you’re ‘in like.’ You have a big crush, which is usually how being in love begins.”

  “I want the kind of relationship you and Holly have. How do you know when you find the right person?”

  He paused, but Sarah Beth could hear him breathing on the other end of th
e phone. After another sigh, he said, “I’ve told you this before. Put God first. Don’t confuse passion for love. Love includes the work that happens after the passion. Love becomes a choice.”

  She’d anticipated Adam’s call two days later, but still her breath hitched when she saw his name pop up. There was something between them—something all-absorbing, all-encompassing. Her mind went hazy reliving the soft feel of his lips on hers, the strength of his biceps as he lifted her into the hammock beside him, and those sky blue eyes that riveted her to the marrow.

  “This is Adam, your-brother-from-another-mother.”

  A small laugh escaped her throat. “I’m sorry, but it seems creepy now to think of you in any way familial.”

  “That was just my catchy opening joke to begin light conversation.”

  “You plan these things out?” She smiled as she spoke.

  “I don’t do ‘these things.”

  Sarah Beth could practically hear the air quotes around the last two words.

  “I stay focused and on-course with my life plan.”

  “I’m throwing you off course?”

  “Yes, Sarah Beth LeClair, you’ve thrown me off course. Thrown me for a loop. You’ve thrown me in general.”

  Her heart swelled, and warmth filled her as she listened to his deep voice. There was a tenderness in his tone.

  “I can’t eat or sleep or run or study. I keep seeing those dark chocolate brown eyes of yours. I want to dive in and swim. Hold you like the other night. This isn’t me. I hadn’t planned to get involved with anyone for a long time, maybe never.” He laughed, and she marveled at the fact that she already knew the tone—slightly embarrassed, very tentative. “Now that I’ve scared you off, I wanted to ask if you’d like to hang out. I don’t know how to play the games I’m supposed to play. This is all I’ve got. What do you think?”

  He was deep. And hot. Heart-melting. “I’d like that.”

  Adam let out a deep breath. “So you want to email your schedule for this week, I’ll email mine, and we can figure out what works?”