Читать книгу Where Azaleas Bloom - Sherryl Woods, Sherryl Woods - Страница 11

5

“I heard she might have to apply for food stamps,” a woman shopper at Raylene’s boutique said. Her entrance set off the bell that would have let Lynn know she was there. Her voice, unfortunately, was plenty loud enough to carry to Lynn in the back room, stopping her in her tracks. Lynn knew she should make her presence known, but instead, flushed with embarrassment, she waited to see what might be said next.

“You’re kidding!” her companion responded. “Isn’t Ed playing golf at Pinehurst or someplace like that this week?”

Lynn felt a chill. There was no doubt at all that they were speculating about her and the financial mess she was in. How was she supposed to go out there now and wait on them? Unfortunately, Raylene had just left for the bank and Adelia was off today. She had no choice.

She drew herself up, plastered a smile on her face and walked out front as if she hadn’t just overheard the two women talking about her. Worse, as soon as she saw them, she recognized them.

“Good morning, Alicia. How are you? And you, too, Kelly Ann?”

Both women, who’d been in school with her and now had kids about the same ages as Lexie and Jeremy, blushed furiously.

Alicia recovered first. “Lynn, I had no idea you were working here,” she said.

“Apparently not,” Lynn said wryly. Unable to stop herself, she felt compelled to add, “Unless, of course, you set out to embarrass me.”

As soon as she’d uttered the bold comment, Lynn formulated an apology, but to her astonishment, Kelly Ann walked over to her and gave her an impulsive and apparently sincere hug.

“Don’t you dare think a thing like that,” Kelly Ann admonished. “If anyone in this town ought to be embarrassed, it’s that no-account husband of yours.” She said it with unmistakable and obviously heartfelt disdain.

Lynn regarded her with gratitude. “I appreciate the sentiment, but please, if you hear people talking about what’s going on with us, try to quiet them down. I don’t want the kids to hear this kind of gossip. The situation is tough enough on them as it is.”

“We’ll put a stop to it,” Alicia promised, obviously eager to make amends for her careless comments. “I just wasn’t thinking. You know me. If I know something, I tend to blab it. I’ll watch it from here on out. I know how I’d feel if it were me people were talking about and my kids overheard it.”

“When did you start working here, hon?” Kelly Ann asked, thankfully changing the subject.

“Just a couple of months ago, part-time. Raylene has Adelia Hernandez working full-time. I fill in on weekends or when either of them is off during the week.”

“Does Raylene have you on commission?” As soon as she’d asked, Kelly Ann turned pale. “Is that too personal? I was only asking because I thought maybe we could make up for being so thoughtless before.”

Lynn nodded. “Salary, plus commission,” she confirmed.

“Well, then, Alicia, we need to whip out our credit cards and get busy,” Kelly Ann said cheerily.

Lynn, who hadn’t bought so much as a cheap T-shirt for herself since the separation, watched in awe as the two women quickly spent more money than she made in a month.

Kelly Ann stood back and surveyed their purchases with satisfaction as Lynn put everything into bags. She gave Lynn a wide grin.

“That ought to make up just a little bit for us coming in here and being so insensitive,” she said.

“I appreciate the sales,” Lynn said. For once it didn’t seem to matter whether the purchases were made out of guilt or pity. She simply focused on what a nice boost they’d be to her paycheck.

“Do you have a regular schedule?” Kelly Ann asked. “If you do, we’ll make sure to come in when you’re working.”

“No. I’m usually here three days a week, but I’m never sure which days those might be. It depends on when Raylene or Adelia need to be off,” Lynn said. Even though she was picking up more hours from Mitch, she added, “And if you happen to hear of anyone else looking for someone part-time or full-time, let me know.”

“We surely will,” Alicia promised.

Kelly Ann gave Lynn another hug before they left. Lynn stared after them. While it grated to recall how the encounter had begun, she felt better about how it had ended. It had been a revelation, in fact.

Maybe people in town really would take her side over Ed’s. She’d wondered about that. He was the son of a beloved insurance executive whose company handled policies for most everyone in town. Ed was now the big shot in charge, a position that commanded a lot of respect. She’d been so intent on running their home and being involved in a few things at school that her own circle of friends had grown smaller.

Just thinking about the possibility that she could have moral support while this awful mess played out buoyed her spirits. It was possible that the deliberate attempts to isolate herself to avoid the judgments she thought people might be making had been unnecessary. It was time to hold her chin up and start facing people.

* * *

When Raylene returned from the bank, she looked at the receipt book and whistled. “Nice sales!”

Lynn chuckled. “Guilt sales,” she said, then explained what had happened.

Raylene shook her head. “I’m glad it turned out okay and you’ll make a nice commission, but I hope those two learned a lesson.”

“I doubt it,” Lynn said with a shrug. “You grew up in this town, same as me. People talk. It’s not going to change.”

Raylene sighed. “I suppose, but I don’t have to like it, especially when I see one of my friends hurt by their thoughtlessness.”

“I’m not hurt, not really,” Lynn said. “In fact, it was eye-opening. I assumed everyone was going to take Ed’s side, so I’ve been avoiding people. He’s the big wheel in town. He prides himself on knowing everybody and taking real good care of them.”

“He’s not taking such good care of you, though, is he?” Raylene said knowingly. “That will matter to people, Lynn. Family counts in this town, and the way a man treats his family says a lot about his own moral character. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit to see him lose business over the way he’s handling this divorce. Carter was saying just last night that once the insurance policy for the police department is up in a few months, he wants to negotiate with another company.”

“You’re kidding,” Lynn said, astounded. “Because of me and the kids?”

“Because a man who screws up his personal life can’t be trusted with other people’s business,” Raylene said. “And that’s just about a direct quote. Of course, Carter is one of those stand-up guys with a strict moral code, which makes him a fantastic police chief but a little tough for those of us with flaws. You remember how we met, the day Sarah’s little boy ran off while I was supposed to be watching him? Carter didn’t think much of me then.”

Lynn recalled the terrifying incident all too well. “Give the man a break. He didn’t understand about the agoraphobia at that point. And he did apologize for his judgmental attitude after Travis filled him in.”

“He did,” Raylene said, smiling, “And proved he had plenty of redeeming qualities.”

“The man adores you,” Lynn said. “Flaws and all, assuming you have any. He certainly stuck right by you while you were fighting the agoraphobia and couldn’t leave the house. I think we all marveled at that.”

“He was a saint, no question about it. And he’s been a rock for his sisters since their parents died, but he has his judgmental moments. Of course, when it comes to dealing with Ed, I happen to agree with his decision. I’m moving all my policies the first chance I get, too.”

Lynn gave her a wry look. “Much as I love the idea of retribution, you do realize that if Ed’s business goes under, my situation will get even worse.”

Raylene stared at her with dismay. “Well, fudge! I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Believe me, I have,” Lynn said. “I have nightmares about it. One second I want the man to wind up a pauper, the next I realize he could drag me and the kids down with him.”

Raylene’s expression turned thoughtful. “Okay, then, we need to find you another job, something better than what I can offer you for now. You’re smart. You’ve been running a household for years, without a lot of help from Ed, I imagine. You have skills that can be used in the workforce. We just have to focus on creating the perfect resume.”

“I did snag another part-time job just yesterday,” Lynn admitted.

Raylene’s eyes lit up. “Really? Tell me.”

“Mitch hired me to handle his billing and payroll. I just started learning his system this morning. We’re going to go over a few more things later this afternoon when I get home from here.”

A grin spread across Raylene’s face. Lynn suspected that the twinkle in her eyes had nothing at all to do with Lynn having found more work.

“Mitch, huh?” Raylene said, clearly fascinated. “How’d that happen?”

Lynn didn’t want to mention her foolish decision to check out a clerk’s job in a dangerous section of town, so she said simply, “He knew I was looking for something part-time and mentioned that he could use some help. The best part is I get to work from home.”

Raylene’s grin spread. “The best part, huh? I’d have thought that would be spending more time with Mitch. The man is a serious hunk.”

“So Grace has mentioned,” Lynn said wryly. “That seems to be the consensus in certain circles.”

“And you hadn’t noticed?”

“I’ve known Mitch since grade school. He’s an old friend, that’s all.”

“Maybe that’s what he was in school, when you were gaga over Ed, but circumstances have changed,” Raylene reminded her. “You could do a lot worse. And don’t forget I’ve seen the way he looks at you when you’re both at the house for dinner.”

“That’s concern, nothing more. He’s worried about the toll the divorce is taking on me and the kids. That’s the kind of man he is.”

“And there’s something wrong with being thoughtful and compassionate?”

“Of course not, but it’s not exactly the basis for some big romance, the way you’re hinting.”

Raylene laughed. “Honey, I’m not even hinting. I’m telling you flat-out you need to take another look at the man before someone else comes along and snaps him up. He’s been immune to most of the passes I know have been directed his way, but you can’t count on that resistance to last forever.”

“Come on, Raylene,” Lynn protested. “How can I even think about him that way? He’s still grieving for Amy, and my divorce isn’t even final. For all I know, we could wind up losing the house and having to move to be closer to one of my sisters. Why start something that doesn’t have a chance?”

Raylene gave her a chiding look. “I am way too familiar with that defeatist attitude. I kept trying to let Carter off the hook. I worked really hard not to fall in love with him, because I thought my situation would never change and I refused to have him tied down to a woman who couldn’t even leave the house. The thing was, he didn’t want to give up. He fought for what we had. I think you and Mitch could have that same kind of staying power.”

“Based on the way he’s looked at me at dinner?” Lynn said skeptically. “You’re still lost in some romantic fog. Not every situation has a fairy-tale ending.”

“I’m just saying you shouldn’t give up without a fight. Assuming you’re even the tiniest bit attracted to him, that is,” she said, regarding Lynn slyly. “Are you?”

Lynn hesitated, then said, “Okay, I am the tiniest bit attracted.” She held two fingers maybe an inch apart. “This much, anyway.”

Raylene laughed. “Couples have started with a lot less. Come to dinner tonight. Mitch usually stays, as you know. Let me get the lay of the land.”

“No way,” Lynn said, shuddering at the thought. “I do not want to sit there with you studying us like we’re specimens under a microscope. It would be too embarrassing.”

“Are you saying that you’ll never join us for dinner again?” Raylene asked with a frown. “The last thing I meant to do was scare you off.”

“You didn’t. Not entirely anyway. I just don’t think I can pretend it’s simply another casual dinner after all this talk of attraction and looks and such. Maybe in a couple of weeks, but not tonight.”

Raylene relented and backed off. “If you change your mind or Mitch talks you into it, the offer’s open. You’re always welcome.”

“What makes you think Mitch will even attempt to talk me into it? When would he do that?”

“You did say he’s coming over when you get home from work, right? I imagine I can plant the idea in his head before then,” Raylene said with confidence. “I promise I’ll be more subtle about it than I was with you.”

“Have you caught some kind of matchmaking fever? I hear it’s been going around in Serenity.”

“What can I say? It’s a community curse,” Raylene said unrepentantly. “Now go on home and freshen up so you’ll be stunning when Mitch drops by. You’ve done more than your share of selling in here this morning. You’ll have a nice fat commission in your check this week.”

“I am not setting out to impress Mitch,” Lynn said with what she hoped sounded like suitable indignation.

“Of course you’re not,” Raylene said innocently. “I’m just thinking a little eyeliner to go with that mascara you put on this morning, a touch of gloss on your lips and maybe another swipe of that blush.”

Lynn groaned. “Was I that obvious?”

Raylene laughed. “Not to Mitch, I’m sure. He probably just noticed you looked more beautiful than ever. Only women pay attention to the little, telltale details like extra makeup.”

“I am so humiliated,” Lynn said. “I feel like a teenager who got caught drawing hearts and initials on the front of her school notebook. And I know exactly how that felt, because it happened way too often when my crush on Ed first developed. I do not want to be that lovesick girl ever again.”

“How about a strong woman going after what she wants?” Raylene asked. “I think that would demonstrate a whole new level of maturity and intelligence.”

“Or make me look more foolish than ever,” Lynn said direly.

Raylene gave her a sympathetic look. “From what I’ve seen when you’re around Mitch, I don’t think you need to worry about that a bit.”

But even her friend’s words of encouragement didn’t quite calm the very bad case of nerves Lynn was suddenly feeling as she headed for home and an unavoidable encounter with the man who’d been at the center of their conversation.

* * *

Mitch had been so distracted all day by his son’s unexpected announcement, even the guys had called him on it. When he was in his truck and heading for home before remembering he was supposed to stop over at Lynn’s, he knew his worry over Nate’s decision ran even deeper than he’d realized.

He considered calling Lynn to postpone till tomorrow, but he didn’t want her worrying that he’d changed his mind about the job. He turned the truck around and headed back to her house, parking in her driveway this time, not Raylene’s.

When Lynn answered the front door and spotted his truck, she studied him with confusion. “Weren’t you just next door working?”

He nodded. “Sorry. I took off, then remembered I was supposed to come over to check on how you were making out with the computer systems. I turned around and came back.”

She frowned at the admission. “Was there someplace else you needed to be? This can wait.”

“To be perfectly honest, I’d be glad for the company,” he told her. “I can’t promise you, though, that my mind’s going to be on work.”

Lynn looked vaguely alarmed by that. “Why?”

“Are you sure you want me laying my problems on you? You seem to have plenty going on in your life these days.”

“Which is why listening to you would be a real break,” she assured him. “Come on in and tell me.”

“I had a call from my son Nate this morning,” Mitch explained as he followed her inside. “He announced that he’s engaged and wants to bring the girl home this weekend. I didn’t even know he was seriously dating anyone.”

“Wow! That must have come as a shock.”

“You have no idea.”

She gestured toward the sofa. “Why don’t you have a seat in here for a minute? Can I get you something to drink? I have iced tea and water. I’m afraid that’s it. There might be a can of frozen lemonade left in the freezer. I could make that.”

“Iced tea would be great.”

“Sweetened or not?”

“Straight’s good,” he said, following her into the kitchen, startling her when she turned suddenly and found him right behind her.

“I thought you were going to wait in the living room.”

He shrugged. “I like the feel of this kitchen. If it’s all right, let’s just stay in here.” Besides, he was less likely to act on impulse and give in to the ridiculous urge he had to kiss her if they were separated by her kitchen table.

“Sure, here’s fine,” she said, putting ice into two large glasses, then adding the tea from an old-fashioned glass pitcher like the ones his mom used to have with fruit painted on the glass. She’d always served orange juice in hers.

“So, you really weren’t expecting Nate’s big news?” she said, when she’d taken a seat opposite him.

He shook his head. “I honestly don’t know what he’s thinking. He’s still a kid.”

“How old?”

“Twenty-one.”

She fought a smile. “And how old were you when you and Amy got married?”

Mitch frowned at the question. “Twenty, but that’s not the point.”

“Really?”

“I was old at twenty. I’d already been working construction for a couple of years. I knew what I wanted out of life. Nate’s changed his major three times. I’m not even a hundred percent sure what his degree will be in. I’m not criticizing him for that. He’s hardly the first kid to get out of college and not be sure he wants to work in the field he majored in, but shouldn’t he figure that out, maybe even be earning some money before he takes a huge step and gets married?”

“Maybe they’re not planning to get married right away,” Lynn suggested. “Did he mention the timetable?”

“No,” Mitch confessed, taking hope for the first time since morning.

“Or how old his fiancée is? Maybe she’s even younger than he is and wants to finish college. They could be planning on a long engagement.”

“Or he could have told me this just so I’d let the girl sleep in his room,” Mitch added dryly, reaching a conclusion he should have formed early on. “I’d just blown that idea out of the water right before he made his big announcement.”

Lynn looked startled. “You don’t think he’d lie just to get your approval for sleeping with her, do you?”

Mitch considered the question, which he thought was fair, but eventually shook his head. “Nah. Nate’s not like that. He’s always been pretty open with us, or at least with his mother. He figured out early on that we appreciated honesty more than evasions.”

“A lesson more kids should learn,” Lynn said. “I constantly tell Jeremy and Lexie that the truth will get them in a lot less trouble than a lie. They’re still working on believing that, since I punish them either way.”

Mitch chuckled. “Yeah, that’s a hard one for kids to figure out. Maybe you need to tell them in advance, here’s what’s going to happen if you tell me the truth and this is the much harsher punishment if I catch you in a lie. Sometimes it takes that kind of clarity to get through to them.”

“Good plan, but they usually don’t think they’re going to get caught in the lie.”

“But they always do, don’t they? They’ll catch on eventually. My boys did.” He met her gaze. “And I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. Nate and Luke are terrific young men. Amy saw to that.”

“I imagine you were a big influence, too,” Lynn told him. “How could you not be? You’re an admirable man.”

Mitch couldn’t help being flattered and a little startled by her open declaration. “You sound as if you mean that.”

“I do. I told you before that I’ve never heard a bad word about you around town, but I’ve seen it for myself recently. You’ve taken me under your wing, given me a job.” She flushed as if she felt she’d said too much. “And speaking of that, we should probably get to work. I’m sure you’re anxious to get home and have dinner. You didn’t plan on staying to have dinner at Raylene’s tonight, did you?”

He shook his head. “Nah, I figured they deserved a night off from having me underfoot. I wasn’t such good company anyway.”

“Your company’s just fine,” Lynn said.

Mitch hesitated. “But I am starving,” he said. “How about I order some food from Rosalina’s? We can eat while we go over these bills.”

She looked as if she were about to refuse, so he held her gaze. “You have anything against pepperoni or jalapeños on your pizza?”

Her eyes widened. “Jalapeños?”

“Trust me. It’s worth staying awake half the night for that combination. You’ll never want a plain old cheese pizza again.”

“If you say so.”

“Is that a yes? I can give Rosalina’s a call?”

“Sure, why not?” she said.

“I’ll order a salad, too. We can pretend we’re being healthy. How about soda? You want a bottle of soda to go with that?” he asked, already hitting speed dial on his cell phone.

“You have their number programmed into your phone?” she teased.

“And the entire menu memorized,” he said unrepentantly. “Now, about that soda?”

“Sure. Diet soda, if that’s okay.”

“Suits me.” He placed the order, then sat back and took a good long look at the woman seated across the table. She looked different somehow.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she asked, squirming uncomfortably.

“You look different.”

“Different how?”

“More rested, I guess. Did you take a nap this afternoon?”

She shook her head, but there was an odd smile tugging at her lips.

“Well, your eyes are brighter. It looks good.”

To his surprise, she actually laughed the way he’d remembered. “What?” he demanded.

“It’s eye makeup. Raylene swore to me that men never noticed things like that, so I put some on for the first time in ages.”

Mitch could see it, then, the thin stroke of liner on her lids, the hint of pale blue shadow, the darkened lashes.

“Was that for my benefit?” he asked, oddly pleased to think it might be.

She blushed furiously at the question. “Maybe it was just a test. Maybe I was trying to prove her wrong, to show her that some men are observant.”

He grinned at the deliberate evasion. So she wasn’t totally immune, after all. Now he just needed to figure out what he wanted to do with that information.