“I’m wiped out,” Lisa said. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Fine with me,” Josie said.
“Oh, before we go.” He gave Lisa her bag with the jeans, then took the small bag and handed it to Josie. “This is to thank you for bringing me along to learn about shopping for Lisa.”
“Oh. Wow. I don’t expect anything.” Her expression faded.
“I know. But you’ve done so much for us. I wanted to do something in return.”
She pulled the box out and opened it. He didn’t know what he’d expected, but it wasn’t the tightness that pulled across her cheekbones, or the drawn circle of her mouth. “I can’t accept this.”
It was as if a sudden artic wind had blown through the shopping mall, chilling everyone in their little circle of three. He looked to Lisa to explain, but she gazed off at who knew what.
“But I picked them just for you. They’re handmade. The stone is amber.”
“I know that. You also got them right there.” She pointed. “At that expensive boutique.”
“I thought—”
“Once again, you’re trying to pay me for something I’ve wanted to do.”
Michael wished a hole would open up and swallow him. What had he been thinking, buying her a gift she could make by herself, as if he could ever fully pay her back? “I’m sorry. I should have thought.”
“No problem. Just don’t try to pay me again, okay?”
“Sure. Okay.”
“I’m going to the car. Can I have your keys?” Josie asked. “You two can catch up with me.”
He held them out to her. She took them, shoved the bag back into his hands, then stalked away.
“I thought you said you didn’t want a relationship with Josie,” Lisa said.
“I don’t.”
“Duh. Get a clue. A guy buys jewelry when he loves the girl.”
He’d hurt Lisa. He could tell by the slump of her shoulders. And he had offended Josie as well. How could one little gift cause such upheaval?
Apparently, he was clueless. Or just insensitive.
“It was merely a nice gesture,” he said. “Nothing more.” His motives had been pure. Hadn’t they?
“Yeah, right.” She thumped the side of his head. “You need to use that big brain of yours, Uncle Michael.” She smiled as if to try to take the sting out of her words. “Use it to think. You know, that basic human trait?”
The resemblance was uncanny. Lisa, telling him he was not human. His sister, telling him he was unfeeling, incapable of loving—right before she drove off in a drunken rage and careened into a telephone pole.
Josie slouched in Mike’s smooth, leather interior, fighting tears. Lisa walked out of the mall and was searching for the car, so Josie had to get a grip.
She swiped at her eyes. It was funny how she could go ages without crying. She was steel, even through Hallmark commercials. But anger…that was what really turned on the faucets.
I refuse to be bought. Never again.
That was what her refusal boiled down to. Everything always came back to her parents. Especially her dad.
Irritated at Mike, Josie twirled her bracelets and tapped her foot. How had he known the exact pieces she had wished for?
He couldn’t have known. Which irritated her even more. Without a clue, he’d bought the very necklace and earrings she’d coveted for months. They were going to be her reward for saving enough for a down payment on the diner. They were going to be a celebration gift to herself.
Now he would probably toss them into his car and forget about them. Or he’d give them to someone else.
She wanted to howl in disappointment, in frustration, as Lisa opened the door and sat beside her.
“There you are. I couldn’t find you,” Lisa said.
“I needed some peace and quiet. Where’s Mike?”
“Getting a Coke. Are you mad at him because jewelry is such a girlfriend-boyfriend thing?”
“I just don’t appreciate gifts given for the wrong reasons. It brings back hurtful memories—of being bought off by my dad.”
“If Uncle Michael was buying you off, he’d pull out a wad of money, not go get you something at a jewelry store.”
“You wouldn’t understand, Lisa.”
“Wanna bet? I always get the Christmas, birthday and Easter guilt-offerings. And he never once got me something handmade, something that he picked out.”
Josie’s conscience pricked. Plus, her faucets were trying to turn on again.
“Enough,” Josie said. “Hop out and watch for Mike. He’ll probably get lost trying to find us.”
Michael couldn’t believe Josie had invited him into her home after the way she had acted at the mall. Yet here he sat at one end of the couch with her at the other. He also couldn’t believe he had been stupid enough to buy her such a personal gift. As Lisa had said, jewelry usually meant something serious, not merely thank you.
But one minute he had been in the shop looking at the amber set, comparing it to Josie’s pieces of jewelry, then the next he’d been picturing her wearing it.
The stones were set in dangly silver, and he always thought of amber as a slice of history. It had seemed like a combination Josie would like.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
“Thanks for letting me come inside to tell Lisa good-night,” he said.
“No problem.” She seemed ready to say something more but stopped.
“I should probably get back to my room and check in with Gary.”
“Gary?”
“My brother. He’s filling in for me at the bank. I need to check in on a new construction loan.”
“Business must be good.”
“It is. And Gary just reeled in a reluctant new client while I was here.”
She studied him until he had to look away.
“I’m afraid I was the problem all along,” Michael said. “Gary and Tom must have hit it off at their dinner meeting.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be. It’s good news. I had been working on him for months.”
“Then that must make it even harder.”
Why was she trying to take something positive and make it sound as if it had hurt his feelings? It hadn’t.
A tightness in his chest reminded him otherwise. “I guess you’re right. It’s hard on the pride.”
He observed the funky picture on the wall once again. Then he slapped his legs. “Well, I should go. You’ve got an early morning tomorrow, I’m sure.”
As he rose from the couch, she put her hand on his arm and guided him back down. “Stay for a minute. I need to talk to you about the necklace and earrings.”
“I’m really sorry about offending you with the gift,” he said, wondering why she’d brought it up again.
Her big brown eyes appeared very serious. “No. I shouldn’t have overreacted. It’s just that my dad always bought me gifts.”
Michael didn’t get the connection.
“But they were only to make up for him never being around. They were a pitiful substitute for the affection I needed so badly.”
“Were your parents divorced?”
She chuckled, but it was more a sound of irony. “No. But it’s a miracle they weren’t. He worked all the time. And traveled lots.”
“That’s interesting,” Michael said. “My dad did the same thing. Either that, or he took me to the bank with him to assuage his parental guilt.”
He remembered being six years old, waiting for his father to come out of a long meeting in the boardroom. “I hated it.”
“I’m sorry,” she said for about the third time. “I reacted to my old insecurities when, really, my main concern is that I don’t want Lisa feeling as if you’ve bought my friendship for her.”
“I can understand that. Thanks for explaining. I’m just sorry for bringing up bad memories for you this evening.”
“I’m okay. Don’t worry about it.”
“I have no idea why I bought you
the jewelry in the first place. I never buy gifts. I always send my secretary to do it.”
She smiled, lifting the heaviness from the room. “I’m impressed. You showed more spontaneity than I’ve given you credit for.”
He laughed. “You’re right. And I enjoyed it. Oh, I almost forgot.” He reached into his wallet and pulled out the business card. “I talked to the woman working at the boutique today about how talented you are. She said she would be willing to look at your work. They sell some on consignment.”
Josie sucked in her breath.
“Now, before you get mad at me for interfering in your business, let me say that you could make the money to buy the diner a lot sooner if you sold jewelry on the side.”
“Did she really say I could contact them?”
“She really did. And you should have seen the prices on bracelets similar to yours.”
“I know.” Josie grinned. “I have a confession to make.”
With that smile, he couldn’t imagine it was anything too horrible. “Okay. Fess up.”
“I’ve been in that jewelry boutique many times. In fact, I’ve admired several pieces by that artist.”
“Then you know how high the markup is.”
She hesitated. “There’s more.”
One side of his mouth quirked up. “Then by all means, do tell.”
Her gaze darted to the front door. “I’ve wanted that amber necklace and earrings for months.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No, I’m not. Looks like you’ve got good taste.”
Amazing. The silence drew out as she smiled at him.
“Thank you for talking to the woman,” she said almost in a whisper.
He could swear her eyes got teary. But she didn’t well up and actually cry. “For what? All I did was get a business card for you.”
“For saying I’m talented. And for going to the trouble.”
His face warmed, and he studied the decor around him. “I would gladly give the necklace and earrings to you now, but I don’t want to risk upsetting you again.”
“After I treated you so badly, I don’t deserve them.”
“Nonsense. You deserve the gift for…well, just for being Josie Miller.”
She laughed like the peal of a bell. “Are you serious? You’d still give them to me after I’ve been such an ingrate?”
“What would I do with them? They screamed your name as soon as I saw them.”
She sobered as she cocked her head to the side. “I know. I thought the same thing the first time I laid eyes on the set.”
“Then you have to have them.” He hopped up, patted his pocket to find his keys. “Be right back. Don’t move.”
He hurried outside, retrieved the bag, then bounded back up the front steps. Slightly out of breath, he handed it to her. “You’re meant to be together.”
She carefully, almost worshipfully, pulled out the velvet box. Once she’d removed the earrings and put them in her ears, she grinned, then shook her head to send them swinging. She removed the necklace and held it up to him. “Would you do the honors?”
He swallowed an irrational lump of fear. He could handle being close to her. “Of course.”
She stood and turned her back to him.
He draped the necklace in front of her. “Lift your hair.”
Once she did, he struggled to fasten the little hook.
“Can you get it?”
“My fingers are rather large and clumsy for this tiny latch.”
Just as she let go of her hair and started to face him, he caught the loop, fastening the necklace in place. “Got it.”
She completed turning toward him, still within the circle of his arms. “Thanks.”
His hands didn’t seem to want to move from under the soft curls at her neck. “You’re welcome.” He stood there stupidly, having no idea what to do next. She was close enough to—
“Are you thinking of kissing me?” she asked, head cocked, as if she might ask the time of day.
He snapped his hands back to his sides. Had he been that easy to read? She didn’t look happy at the prospect, and he couldn’t afford to offend her again today. If he did, she might tell him to forget the deal to help with Lisa. “I, uh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to send that message.”
Her eyes narrowed, putting a crease between her troubled brown eyes. He wasn’t about to stick around and let his rude behavior mess up what had turned into a nice evening.
“I should go call Gary. Thanks again for taking me shopping with Lisa.”
He hurried out the door.
Josie watched the door shut behind him. As she stood there in her dream necklace and earrings, tears scalded her cheeks.
She’d been so sure he was going to kiss her. And, beyond all reason, she’d been thrilled. But then she’d had to open her big mouth, and suddenly he’d been apologizing for sending the wrong message.
Well, which message was true?
It shouldn’t matter. I promised Lisa I wouldn’t fall for Mike.
She touched the round stone hanging near her heart. Lord, I’m fed up with this roller coaster of feelings for Mike. One minute, I think he’s the worst thing since my dad. Then the next, I think he’s the best, most sensitive man, and that maybe You’ve brought him into my life for a reason. Give me clear vision here. And remind me that my calling is to help Lisa.
“No more wishy-washy, Josie,” she said quietly to the still room. “You’ve got to stay strong and do everything for Lisa. And Lisa only.”
Chapter Eight
Everything’s for Lisa. Everything’s for Lisa. The mantra repeated over and over in Josie’s mind as she searched her closet the next afternoon after work.
“What’s up?” Lisa leaned on the door frame to Josie’s bedroom.
“I’m looking for something for us to wear tonight.”
“For me, too?”
“Yep.” Josie tossed a sweater on the bed.
“Why?”
“We’re going out to dinner with Mike.”
“No big deal. Why change clothes?”
“Because it’s time you learn to live in your world instead of fighting it. Here.” She handed Lisa a plaid wool skirt—timeless, classic cut, subdued colors.
“Ick.”
“Don’t ‘ick’ my old clothes. I was thinner a few years ago, so they should fit you pretty well.”
Lisa looked at the label. “It’s my size.” Then her eyebrows arched. “And I recognize the brand.”
“I’ve hung on to a few nice things. From way back.”
“Before you started saving for the diner?”
“Yes. Before I even moved here, my mom used to buy only the best. To impress her friends.”
“Sounds like Grandmother.” Lisa wadded the skirt in her fist. “I guess I could, like, put a cool belt with this thing. And a decent top.”
“As long as it’s not black.” Josie tossed Lisa a pair of tights. “Let’s surprise Mike tonight. I’ve got reservations at a fancy restaurant, so let’s try to fit in for a change.”
Lisa grinned. “I’ll try.”
“Lisa. I’m serious about making this night work. Don’t do anything to aggravate him.”
“Hey, if you’ll make yourself fit in, then I’ll give it my best shot, too.”
As much as it galled Josie to sit in a ritzy restaurant and play the part, she could do it. She might be out of practice, but it would come back to her.
She rooted around near the back of her closet and came up with a gauzy print skirt that hit at her ankles. It would do if she could dress it up. She held it in front of her. “Whadaya think?”
“It’s perfect, Josie. Not too wild, not too stuffy.”
Wild and stuffy. Opposite ends of the spectrum. Just like her and Mike.
If she were lucky, Mike would really botch the evening. That way she wouldn’t feel drawn to his gentle, more vulnerable side. To his thoughtful side—the one that had brought her the business card.
&
nbsp; Of course, thanks to him, she now entertained grand visions of making extra income off something she’d always thought of as a hobby.
Her jewelry.
And that could get her the diner sooner. All her life, she’d wanted to have her very own business. The idea of ordering her world, of being in charge of everything from inventory to payroll, appealed to her.
The diner had fallen into her life at the perfect time. She’d finally been ready to settle in one place. She and Bud had hit it off from day one. He’d even been near retirement and wanted to sell to her.
The restaurant was small enough for her to handle on her own. And she loved the place. Then when the day was done, she looked forward to her beads, her tools, her metals.
She knew, realistically, she couldn’t live off the proceeds from selling jewelry. But she could earn a nice income on the side.
All thanks to Mike, who’d had faith in her talent.
Josie jammed the hanger back into the closet. Botch this dinner, Mike. Please, botch it.
As Michael knotted his tie, he called to quickly check in with Gary. Mason was still happy, and Michael was able to report a little progress with Lisa. But he had to run. Josie had phoned to say Lesson Number Two was that night—dinner for three. And that he should dress in his church clothes.
He chuckled, picturing them back at the hamburger joint in their Sunday best. His stomach growled as he jogged out to the car. He was supposed to meet the ladies at the restaurant, so he needed to hurry. Josie had said to be prompt. Actually, she’d said, “Don’t be late, or I’ll make you pick up the tab.” Which he intended to do anyway. She’d said she’d made reservations at a nice restaurant. Of course, her idea of nice and his idea of nice might be two totally different things.
After a short drive following Josie’s directions, he pulled in the parking lot of the eating establishment. He couldn’t tell what kind of place it was from the outside. It was rustic. Quaint. But the quality of food and service would be the deciding factor.
He walked in and peered around. As he approached the hostess station, the door of the restaurant opened behind him. He turned to see a woman walk in. When she looked up, his heart skittered.
Her Unlikely Family Page 10
