by Emma Miller
Laura did not want to have a relationship again. Not yet. So why did every ounce of her being act like she wanted one now? Right here. Right now. She licked her lips and wondered what to say and whether he was thinking anything at all like what she was thinking.
He moved even closer, brought his mouth near her left ear and said, “You look amazing.” His warm breath against her neck sent a patch of goose bumps down her arm, and she was thankful that the new dress had long sleeves.
“Thanks.”
“I’m glad you came,” he said.
She smiled. “Me, too.”
“Y’all coming, or not?” Kaden called from the line by the food.
“We’re coming.” David waved a hand in front of her. “Ladies first.”
Her stomach growled loudly, and she laughed. “And it’s a good thing, because these ladies are hungry.”
Laura filled her plate with roast beef, black-eyed peas, turnip greens and cornbread. David went for the meat loaf, potatoes, sweet peas and a roll.
Returning to the table, Daniel offered grace and they began eating, the kids chattering noisily and the adults talking about the delicious food, which Hannah described as “good ol’ family-reunion-style cooking.” Laura had never had enough family to have a family reunion, but she imagined if she did, it would be something like this. Everyone eating and laughing and chatting. They treated Laura as if she belonged here, with all of them, regardless of the fact that they’d all attended church this morning and she’d stayed home. Not once did anyone ask anything about the father of her children or why she was on her own. In fact, the only questions they asked were ones that would allow them to get to know her better...and even help her out.
“So, if you’re going to keep working after the babies are born, have you found a place for them to stay?” Jessica asked between bites of chicken and dumplings. “Because I work at the Claremont day care, and I have to say, we have an amazing nursery program.”
“You’d say all of your programs are amazing, wouldn’t you?” her husband asked.
She took another bite, grinned. “It’s the truth.”
“She’s right, the day care is top-notch,” Hannah said. “I decided to stay home with Autumn, but if I did send my kids anywhere, that’s where they’d go.”
“I haven’t decided what I’m doing yet,” Laura said honestly. She had planned to look and see what was available, but since she’d only been in Claremont for a week, she hadn’t had a chance. “I hope to spend a few weeks with them before I have to take them anywhere.” She hadn’t asked David about that, and she also wasn’t sure how she’d stay with her girls if she wasn’t working.
Suddenly her meal didn’t look as appealing, and her stomach churned for another reason. What if she couldn’t afford to spend a little time with the girls before going back to work? And how hard would it be to leave them if they were merely weeks old? Then another worry—how would she afford to pay for day care?
The majority of the table moved ahead with conversation, but David, sitting in the next chair, leaned toward Laura. “I don’t have a problem with you bringing them to the bookstore. We’ll work it out.”
And just like that, her worries eased up a little. She still knew that she’d need to find something for the girls eventually, but if he’d let her start out bringing them with her to the bookstore, that would help. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Don’t worry,” he said.
She couldn’t make that promise, because even now, she continued to think of her concerns, but she smiled, nodded and began to eat again.
“I wanted to talk to both of you about a book club for women that I’d like y’all to start at the bookstore. I think it’d be very popular, and I know it’d be beneficial to all of us,” Mandy said. “Daniel has recommended the women at church spending more time together away from the regular church services, and I agree that it’s a great idea. I was thinking about a book club that focused on women of the Bible, specifically the women in the lineage of Christ.”
“Oh, I’ve seen those books, the series, I mean. Is that what you’re talking about?” Destiny asked. “It starts with Tamar, then Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary, right?”
Mandy nodded. “That’s the one. David, it’s called The Lineage of Grace. Could you order those for us? And Laura, do you think you could kind of lead us in the book club? I think there are study questions we could use, but I’ll admit that I’ve never been in a book club before.”
“I can order the books tomorrow,” David said.
“And I’d be happy to help lead it,” Laura said, excited that they were starting yet another book club to help David’s store. “When were y’all thinking you’d want to meet?”
“Maybe Tuesday evenings?” Mandy said. “How about seven-thirty, so we’d have time to get the kids fed and done with homework and all. Would that work?”
“That’s after the bookstore closes, but I think after hours for the adult book clubs would be better anyway. Less interruptions. It sounds great.” Laura’s appetite had completely returned now, and she turned her attention back to the delicious roast and gravy. She also found herself easily chatting with the others at the table and could tell that no one seemed to think any less of her or judge her or...anything. In fact, she realized that the “church friends” weren’t so bad.
Maybe, with David’s encouragement and with the friendships that she’d begun to develop with those seated at this table, she might actually find her way back to church again, too.
Chapter Eight
David’s store was more packed than it’d ever been, with parents browsing—and buying—while their kids were busy enjoying the book club with Laura. He stayed attuned to his customers’ needs but also peeked at what was happening in the children’s area at every opportunity.
“I could totally live in a boxcar,” Kaden said. “I like these berries a lot.” He popped another couple of blueberries in his mouth and grinned at Laura, who proceeded to explain that the kids in the book didn’t only live on berries. Then she also reminded Kaden of how good he had it to be able to live with his parents.
“Yeah, I know,” Kaden said, “but still, I think I’m gonna ask Mom to get us lots of berries from the grocery. I do really like ’em.”
The other kids in the group joined in with their comments of berries, questions about the children in the book and about boxcars in general.
“This is wonderful for Kaden,” Mandy said as she moved to stand near David and see the interaction. “For all of the kids really.” Then she lowered her voice and added, “And it’s good for Laura, too, don’t you think?”
“I do,” he agreed. Indeed, Laura had been just as excited, or maybe even more, than the children about beginning the book club this week. Tonight was only the second night, but both evenings had filled the bookstore and also had the kids talking about looking forward to their next meeting. Consequently, David had his highest weekday sales ever.
“She showed me some pamphlets she printed out online about the train station in Stockville. Said she wanted to take the children on a field trip in the spring to look at real boxcars.”
“I know. She mentioned that to me yesterday, and I think it’s a great idea,” David said, liking the notion of Laura still being here in the spring and praying his business continued to pick up so he could ensure that they still had a bookstore to run.
“She’d be a great schoolteacher,” Mandy said, “but I can’t help but think she’s also very good at what she does here. I can’t see her doing both, but if she does eventually take a job in the school system, maybe you could find someone else for this position?”
“Maybe so,” David said, but he felt the same as Mandy; Laura was perfect for the bookstore. “Or maybe she’d decide to just work here.” If he could pay her.
Mandy
nudged him with her shoulder. “That’s what I’m talking about.”
David knew it was a long shot, but he thought it would be wonderful if the bookstore could eventually hold its own.
“So did those books for the women’s book club come in yet?” Mandy asked. “I was hoping to get started on the first one.”
“They’ll be here tomorrow.”
“Awesome. I’ll pick them up and hand them out to everyone at church tomorrow night.” She looked again at Laura. “Think she’d want to come to church with us for the midweek study?”
“I asked, and she said she still didn’t think she was ready. But it wouldn’t hurt for you to ask, too.” He loved it that Mandy and several others in town had taken an interest in Laura, not only personally but also spiritually. She had that quality, the ability to draw you in and make you care about her, probably because she cared so much for others. Now, in fact, she’d taken little Savannah Jameson in her lap and was letting her help turn the pages in the book.
“Look at that, isn’t that precious,” Mandy said, watching Savannah’s eyes widen as she looked up at Laura telling the story. The little girl turned the page and then moved her hand to rest on Laura’s tummy. “Hold these books,” Mandy said, passing the stack in her arms to David. “I’ve got my camera in my purse.”
David took the books and watched as Mandy quietly got her camera ready then raised it to take several pictures of Laura surrounded by the children. Laura was so into the discussion that she didn’t notice.
“It’s moments like that you can’t get in a studio,” Mandy said. “I’m predicting that will be a gallery favorite.”
“I’d like a copy,” David said, then when Mandy smiled knowingly, he added, “for the bookstore. It’ll be good for customers to see the book club in action.”
“Uh-huh,” Mandy said, still grinning, but David didn’t acknowledge anything. Laura didn’t feel that way about him; she never had, or she’d have noticed his attention when they first met back in college instead of zeroing in on Jared. And the next time David had a relationship, he wanted someone who wanted him.
“You ready for me to ring you up?” He indicated the books balanced in his arms.
“Sure.” Mandy obviously decided to drop her suspicions for now, and he was grateful. He didn’t need all of the customers browsing the bookstore to think there was something going on between him and his employee.
They moved to the checkout counter and David took her payment while Titus Jameson stood nearby. Mandy paid, said hello to Titus and then returned to the children’s reading area to continue watching Kaden and the other kids.
“Anything I can help you find, Titus?” David asked.
“No, I just wanted to thank you for this book club that you’ve started. Savannah, well, she loves reading, but she hasn’t seemed to enjoy it as much ever since her mom left.” He nodded toward the big boxcar prop and all of the children sitting around it. “She’s really taken to this story and to Laura.” His mouth flattened, and David could tell the guy was holding back on his emotions. Titus was only a couple of years older than David, but he’d been through a lot this year with his wife leaving him for someone else and then heading out of town with the new guy. From what David had heard, she hadn’t even seen Savannah since she left.
David swallowed past his own emotions and said, “Well, it looks like Laura has taken to Savannah, too.”
Titus nodded. “I can see that, and I appreciate it more than you could know.” He ran a hand across his chin and said, “Something else, David.”
“What’s that?”
“Business has been down, you know. Not a lot of people building right now with the economy the way it is.” Titus owned the only construction company in town and had always seemed to do very well with his business, but David hadn’t seen any new houses going up lately or renovations, for that matter. “I was wondering,” Titus continued, “if you might have any work you’d like to get done.”
David shook his head. “I wish I could help you,” he said. “The truth is that I am wanting to make some changes to one of the rooms in my apartment upstairs, but I was thinking my dad and I would work on that when he’s here for Thanksgiving.”
“I understand,” Titus said solemnly.
“The thing is, I’d much rather hire someone to do it, and for that matter, I’d love to hire someone to fix up the old farmhouse I inherited from my grandmother. It needs, well, pretty much everything. But I just can’t do it right now.” He didn’t explain that the economy was also killing him, but Titus’s knowing nod said he understood.
“No problem,” he said. “Something will work out. Hey, could I put a couple of flyers up in your window? Maybe someone needs work done. It’s getting close to Christmas, you know, and I want Savannah to have a good one, especially with everything she’s been through this year.”
“Sure.”
“I’ll go get a couple from my truck and put them up tonight if that’s okay.”
“That’s fine,” David said, “and if I hear of anyone needing work done, I’ll tell them to call you.”
“I’d appreciate that,” Titus said.
“I’ll do the same.” Zeb Shackleford had moved to the counter with a small stack of books and heard the last of their conversation.
Titus gave the older man a smile. “Thank you, Zeb.”
Zeb’s mouth slid to the side as he watched Titus make his way out of the store. “That boy’s had a tough year.”
“I know. I wish I could help him out,” David said.
“I know you do,” Zeb said.
David looked at the four books Zeb had on the counter and watched the man withdraw his worn wallet. He quietly whispered, “Don’t. I’m not taking it.”
Zeb whispered back, “One day, I’m repaying you.” He pointed to David. “You can count on it. Somehow, I will.”
“Laura said you were going to repay us by letting us go with you for some of your visits to read to the kids.”
Zeb’s face split into a smile and sent his wrinkles branching in all new directions. “I was going to ask y’all about that tonight. I know you’re busy this month with the extravaganza, Destiny’s book signing, Thanksgiving and all. Hoping y’all will be real busy for Black Friday.”
“Me, too,” David said.
“But how about in December y’all can come with me to the hospital? I try to go each night that month, since the kids are thinking about Christmas and all. It’s easy for them to get sad during the holidays.” He shrugged. “I try to help ’em stay happy.”
“That sounds great,” David said.
“Good deal.” Zeb took his books off the counter. “Tell Laura I said good-night. I’m heading home.”
“I will.”
* * *
Laura loved every minute of her time with the kids and also enjoyed chancing a glance at David every now and again to see him smiling, obviously thrilled with the customers filling his store. When the book club hour ended, she found that the kids lingered, wanting to talk to her more about Henry, Violet, Jessie and Benny, the four children in the story. Laura was especially taken with Savannah Jameson. The little girl continued to ask questions about Violet and seemed to drink in every word. Laura had dreamed of teaching children who were that eager to learn, and it was just as wonderful as she’d thought it would be.
By the time they were down to the last customer, it was ten minutes past closing time. The pretty lady lingered at the doorway chatting with David while Laura tidied up the children’s area and tried not to look overly interested in the fact that they were talking. The woman’s name was Haley Calhoun, and Laura had learned that she was one of the two town vets. Haley had stopped by to pick up a couple of books David had ordered her about quarter horses, and she was nice to Laura, but in Laura’s opinion, she was a bit ni
cer to David. She talked about church and about the fact that she thought David should have a puppy or a kitten in the bookstore, and Laura couldn’t help but notice that she and David seemed to get along very well. And they looked good together, too.
Haley wore a fitted white jacket, black riding pants and black boots. She’d explained that she’d come straight from riding because she’d remembered that the bookstore closed at 6:00 p.m. The fact that she looked absolutely stunning in her riding gear only added to Laura’s discomfort at watching her stick around and talk to David.
David laughed at something she said, and Laura did a one-eighty to keep from staring and dropping her jaw. Instead she moved as far away from the front of the store as possible and checked the author names for alphabetization.
She hardly paid attention to the books, however, because she was too busy silently chastising herself. She wanted David to be interested in someone. She didn’t want to have a relationship herself, so why should she care that he was showing another female attention? She shouldn’t.
Moving from the A’s to the B’s, she caught sight of a C book, yanked it out, found the correct location and jabbed it into place with as much force as she could muster.
“Easy there, slugger. They tend to sell better if they are still in one piece.”
She’d been so absorbed in her thoughts/jealousy/whatever that she hadn’t heard him finally tell Haley goodbye. Her cheeks flamed and from the way his brows lifted and his glasses followed suit, he could tell.
“You upset about something?”
“No, of course not.” She forced a laugh. “I’m just happy that everything went so well tonight, aren’t you?” Did that sound too enthusiastic? Because she was happy, but she was also angry, and she wasn’t about to admit why.
