by JoAnn Durgin
Heather liked him as much as he liked her. Chase knew it in his gut. When he was with her, his brain went in ten different directions. He’d start to second guess the wisdom of pursuing a relationship with her but then she’d turn those mesmerizing eyes—alternately blue or green—on him, and every rational thought flew right out of his mind.
She must have assumed he wouldn’t want to pursue a relationship with her once he found out about her father. That had to be a major reason for her hesitation and why she hadn’t returned his calls. Why she’d told him she wasn’t right for him. Was she ever going to tell him about Jeremy Montague and the empire of casinos owned by Montague Enterprises?
It’s not like Heather’s had the opportunity to tell you, Chase.
With another groan, he fell back in the bed. No major life decisions needed to be made tonight. He’d already called Heather, and it was her choice whether or not to call him back.
If she returned his call, he’d ask her to help out with the swim event. Then maybe they could talk and figure out if they should walk away from each other…or join hands and see where a relationship between them might lead.
Normally, he’d meet a pretty woman and want one date. Now he was thinking about a relationship? Yeah, he was. Why deny it? Heather wasn’t the type of woman he wanted to take out to dinner and leave on the doorstep at the end of the evening. If he started something with her, he wanted more. A lifetime kind of more.
“You’ve got it bad, buddy.”
And if she doesn’t call you back? Rolling over, Chase bunched the pillow beneath his head.
“I’m going to think positive, Lord. I need some serious shut-eye here. You’ve been working extra hard on me. I need to try and function in your house tomorrow morning. So, take a break. Please. Good night.”
Yes, he was being irreverent, but he was human. The Lord knew that all too well.
~~♥~~
“Heather Bear, you were magnificent up there on that stage! You said such wonderful things about your father, and I was so proud of you.”
Heather quickly embraced her grandmother. “Thank you, Grandma. I wasn’t sure what to say, but I’m thankful I didn’t sound like a bumbling idiot. Performing a pas de deux is a whole lot easier for me than speaking in public.”
“Well, you were absolutely fabulous. Speaking of dancing, I want you to be sure and give me the date of opening night for your next ballet. I’ll be in the audience clapping louder than anyone.”
“I’d love for you to be there, Grandma. I’ll call you in the next few days and give you the details.” The date was imprinted on her brain, but if she told Anna now, her grandmother wouldn’t remember by the time she got back to her hotel tonight.
“Jeremy’s taking all of us out and we’re going to paint the town tonight. Want to come along with us and join the party?” Anna snapped her fingers above her head and swayed her hips. Her 5’ 6” grandmother had lost a little weight since the last time Heather had seen her, and her black dress accentuated a trim figure. Interesting since shuffleboard was the only “sport” she claimed to play at her exclusive, gated retirement community. She still colored her hair a rich auburn color and her face was unlined, her skin as dewy and youthful as ever. Then again, she’d been blessed with a naturally beautiful complexion and good genes.
Anna had been a highly sought-after socialite beauty at Heather’s age, and now at the age of 73, she was still a very attractive woman. If she wanted, Heather felt sure Grandma M. might begin “keeping company” with a gentleman companion or a second husband one day soon. On the other hand, Grandpa had been gone a long time and she’d never seemed interested. Anna certainly never lacked for friends and activities.
Heather smiled. “I don’t think I can keep up with you. Living in Palm Beach has turned you into a bona fide party animal, hasn’t it?”
“Girls of all ages need to have fun, sweetheart. You need to find yourself a handsome young man.” Anna tweaked Heather’s chin, the flash of her diamond bracelet glittering in the dim lighting. Her fingernails were painted their signature deep red for the fall and winter months, and then she’d switch to pink and coral shades for the warmer seasons. “Such a beautiful girl. I hope you’re going to give me some great-grandbabies before I’m too old to enjoy them.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Her grandmother surveyed her for a long moment and then tilted her head with a knowing smile. “Something tells me you’ve already found a man.” She draped her arm around Heather’s shoulders. “Tell Grandma M. all about him.”
Heather stared at Anna, not sure how to respond. When Ellyn joined them, Anna turned to her former daughter-in-law. “Ellyn, does Heather have a new beau? She’s being very secretive, but I strongly suspect she does.”
Her mother glanced at Heather with a question in her eyes. “Why don’t we let Heather answer that question?”
Nothing like being forced into a corner by her own family. They meant well but usually it was her father who asked the pointed questions.
“Okay, yes. I’ve met someone. We’re not dating, but he’s a very special man.”
“I knew it!” Anna snapped her fingers again but this time it annoyed Heather. She’d never liked talking about her love life—or lack thereof—and she hadn’t wanted to say anything to her mother yet. She hadn’t even had a date with Chase. Talk about jumping the gun.
“You seem more settled and calm, sweetie,” Anna said. “When a woman has that quiet, private air about her—not to mention that mysterious Mona Lisa smile—it means she’s happy with her man but maybe doesn’t want anyone else to know about him?” Raising a brow, she moved one hand to her hip. “As long as he’s not married or tells you he’s married but separated because things haven’t been good in a long time, then I’m sure he’s a perfectly wonderful man. So, tell us, what’s his name and where did you meet him?”
Both ladies leaned in to hear Heather’s brief explanation. They found the Best Man/Maid of Honor scenario charming. “Chase is a youth pastor in a church downtown,” she told them, saving that tidbit for last. When Anna asked what he looked like, Heather withheld her sigh. She gave them a basic physical description and ended by saying, “He’s a very handsome man with a heart to match.”
Anna spoke first. “So, he’s a man of the cloth? I understand those men can be quite passionate since they don’t…keep regular company with a woman, to put it delicately. Why, poor Chase must be frustrated since he’s repressed his—”
“Grandma M.!”
“Anna!”
Oh, my. Heather covered her mouth and stifled her smile and Ellyn’s cheeks colored beet red. Her poor mother appeared absolutely mortified. She’d heard her grandmother’s bawdy comments were the stuff of legend but she’d never heard one up close and personal before.
Unperturbed, Anna smiled while Ellyn shook her head. Heather needed to ramp up the prayers for her family members. Grandma M. had only been a holiday churchgoer for as long as Heather could remember.
“So, you haven’t actually had a first date yet with this man?” Anna said. At Grandma M.’s question, Ellyn’s expression turned skeptical.
“No, not exactly. We’ve spent a lot of time together with all the wedding activities for Ava and Sawyer. Long enough to know he’s a great guy.” A dedicated, loyal, intelligent, handsome…and yes, passionate man.
“If he’s caught your eye, then I’m sure he’s a wonderful man.” Anna gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I see your father is chatting up my old friend, the mayor. I’ll catch up with you again soon, Heather Bear. Love you.”
“Love you, too. Bye, Grandma.”
Ellyn gave her a hug. “Keep me posted about Chase, darling. Thanks again for coming, and I’ll see you again soon. Let’s do lunch one day next week.”
“I’d like that.” Watching her mother leave, Heather wondered why she’d said anything to them about Chase. Even if she wanted, how was anything ever going to happen between them?
/> Heather’s gaze strayed to where her father talked with the mayor and other city dignitaries.
She suppressed her sigh.
Chapter 15
~~♥~~
Wednesday—Late Afternoon
Engrossed in his work, Chase didn’t bother looking at his cell phone to see who was calling. He always answered his cell in case one of the kids had an emergency. For whatever reason, his dad usually called him on his landline at work. He picked up the phone. “This is Chase.”
“You’re gonna be so jealous of my tan.”
Chase laughed and sat back in his office chair. “Mancini, don’t you know you’re not supposed to call anyone on the mainland while you’re on your honeymoon?”
“It’s the rainy part of the afternoon, so we’re chilling in the room. The rain here is like clockwork. It rains for 15 minutes every day, usually early to mid-afternoon. Then the rainbow pops out and off we go to do some more exploring. You’d love the hikes and waterfalls here. They’re unbelievable.”
“I’m sure I would. Don’t tell me you called me for honeymoon tips. That’d be pretty pathetic, dude.”
Sawyer chuckled. “No problem there, but”—he grunted—“thanks for that basket you sent to our room. You’re creative, buddy, especially for a single pastor. I’ll give you that much. Listen, I just called to check in and see what’s new since we’ve been gone.”
“Not too much. Heather and I eloped right after your wedding. We’re expecting our first baby in nine months. Wedding night babies aren’t just a myth, you know. We couldn’t be more ecstatic. Top that one, buddy.”
Sawyer’s laughter was so loud that Chase had to hold the phone away from his ear. He waited for his friend to calm down.
“Did the Lord tell you to call me?” Chase said. “He’s been riding me pretty hard lately.”
“Matter of fact, He might have done that in a roundabout way. Let’s hear it.”
“Did you know Heather’s dad is some big casino guru or something? Owns a bunch of casinos across the United States. Rich. Powerful.”
“So?”
Chase chuckled. Good old Sawyer. He should have expected that kind of response. “Answer the question, please.”
“I know a little something about it,” Sawyer said. “Why? Is that a problem for you?”
“That’s a loaded question. I took my dad to his GA meeting last night, and we passed a theater where Jeremy Montague was being honored—a lifetime achievement kind of thing. I looked him up and discovered his connection to Heather. Thanks for putting up with my lie just now, by the way.”
“No worries. Gave me a good laugh, buddy. You’re always so matter-of-fact, and you said it so seriously, it took me by surprise.”
Chase told Sawyer how Heather offered to help him go along to the motel to find Trevon and Rachelle. “She’s impressive, Sawyer. I don’t know any other girl who would’ve stepped in like she did, no questions asked. Of course, she had no idea what she was getting into, but she was willing. She was terrific with both kids. Rachelle really took to her, and I think I gained some ground with Trevon. Jamal told me that Trevon said he might come sometime this month. No promises, but I’ll take what I can get.”
“That’s good news,” Sawyer said. “Good to hear it. Like I said at the wedding reception, Heather’s tough when she needs to be. She’s no shy wallflower, and she’s worked hard to establish her career apart from her family’s wealth. You’ve got to admire her. Does the fact that Heather’s dad builds casinos bother you because of your dad’s addiction? Or, are you concerned about the reaction of members of the church if you date her?”
“My dad’s addiction has everything to do with his inability to cope with my mom’s death,” Chase said. “As far as the church, I might take some heat from the more conservative members of the church if I date Heather, but I can handle it.” Unfortunately, that was to be expected, no matter how unfair.
“Chase, you know how it is at the AA meetings we’ve attended with Eric. You’ve counseled him about his addiction, and thank the Lord he’s conquered it. The people at those 12-step addiction programs—no matter the addiction—all come broken and with their faults bared to the world. They’re there because they’ve acknowledged they have a serious problem and need help to conquer an addiction. It’s a voluntary partnership. They don’t have requirements or standards of behavior. They want to get better, and they support and encourage each other. That’s a huge step.”
“Agreed to all of the above,” Chase said, wondering where Sawyer was going with that speech. He loved how they kept each other accountable and counseled one another.
“Your dad’s doing something significant by going to those Gamblers Anonymous meetings, Chase. Think about it. It’s taken him a lot of years to get to this point, but he’s getting help because he knows he can’t do it on his own.”
“Yeah, I’m proud of him for that.” When was the last time he told his Dad he was proud of him for anything? Wow. He’d been too focused on David’s stubbornness and inability to function without gambling or alcohol. His father claimed to have been clean for eight months now. And all Chase had done was grumble about the fact that David didn’t want him to come to his meetings.
Chase cleared his throat. “You’re right, Sawyer. That is significant. I guess I needed you to remind me.”
“On a larger scale, isn’t that how the church should function?” Sawyer said. “It should be open to people who want to better themselves and acknowledge how God is working in their lives. Buddy, I know how much it grieves you that your dad doesn’t know the Lord. I’m suggesting that if he can conquer this addiction, then the rest will fall into place. Keep praying for him, and I will, too. I have the feeling he’ll come around. If people in the church judge him harshly and unfairly, then that’s their problem. Let God handle them.”
“Right. We’re all EOS—Equal Opportunity Sinners,” Chase said. No one was better than anyone else no matter how loudly they squawked or how many committees they joined. If only everyone in the church understood that principle.
“Exactly. Hang on a second,” Sawyer said. Chase waited while Sawyer talked with Ava in the background. “Ava told me that Heather expressed doubts about how you’d react to her father, so that seems to confirm what you said. I take it she hasn’t said anything to you about him?”
“No, but it’s not like she’s had time. We haven’t had a ‘real’ date, and in the past two months since I’ve known her, she’s never said anything about her parents.”
“Like I suggested before, ask her out,” Sawyer said. “If it’s true that she has doubts, I don’t think she’d accept a date without telling you first. She’s very upfront and honest.”
The phone call from Kendra popped into Chase’s mind. “You know what, I just got a brilliant idea. Thanks, Sawyer. You’ve been a big help. I’ll let you get back to your regularly scheduled programming. You lovebirds have fun.”
“Glad I could help. Hang on. Ava wants to say something.”
“Hi, Chase.”
“Hey, Mrs. Mancini. I hope you’re having a good time.” Brilliant, Chase. What could he say to a woman on her honeymoon? He never expected to be having this conversation and he’d heard congratulating a bride wasn’t politically correct.
“We’re loving Hawaii. I just wanted to mention one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Heather is handling all the classes at the studio while I’m gone. Which means she should be there teaching until six tonight.”
Chase smiled. “What’s the address of the studio? All I know is that Heather lives 3.2 miles from Miss Carlisle’s Dance Studio.”
“If Sawyer has his way, we’ll be changing the name soon.” Ava relayed the address and Chase recorded it on his phone. “You know, there’s a good sandwich and ice cream shop called Carson’s not far from the studio.”
“Thanks, Ava.” Chase smiled. “I sense an ice cream craving coming on tonight.”
C
hapter 16
~~♥~~
Wednesday Early Evening
Turning the key on the glass door of Miss Carlisle’s Dance Studio, Heather smiled and waved as the last student departed with her mother. After the third day of doing the internship work in the ballet office each morning and then teaching ballet classes in the afternoon, Heather was exhausted in her bones. Still, it was the best kind of exhaustion.
The kids had been cooperative and the lessons had gone as well as could be expected. The teenage dance students she’d recruited to help with the check-in process had done a great job. They’d been so cute when they’d asked lots of questions about her life as a ballerina. They seemed in awe of her, and that was kind of fun. She’d rather have aspiring dancers following her around, hanging on her every word, than creepy adult males.
During the run of a show, she sometimes had one or two strange men try to get into her dressing room to see her. They’d leave notes or flowers for her after a performance. This behavior was customary for the principal ballerina, and the guys had been harmless, thank the Lord.
Aware of the possible dangers, the ballet dispatched a driver to pick her up and take her home each evening as well as for the matinee performances. That’s also why she’d taken self-defense classes and always carried pepper spray in her pocket or handbag within easy reach.
After grabbing a water bottle and downing the entire contents, Heather tossed it in the recyclable bin in the darkened outer lobby. When her cell phone rang, she picked it up from the front desk and glanced at the display. Chase Landers. She bit her lower lip. He’d called her yesterday afternoon, too, but she hadn’t returned the call. Matter of fact, he’d called her another time before that.
“Oh, Chase. Give it up, please.” With a sadness she couldn’t shake, Heather put the phone back on the desk. He hadn’t left a message either time before, and she hoped he wouldn’t now. If she heard his voice, she might break down and call him. Best not to go down that path. Where could it end but eventual heartache? She couldn’t do that to herself. More importantly, she couldn’t do it to Chase. He was too special, too…wonderful.
