Wow. No hurry, huh? It’s Saturday.
“Sure. Why not. I’ll talk to Ward and Evelyn.”
He nodded, seeming satisfied, and then knocked his knuckles on her desk. “Hey, you know, this could wind up being just the thing you need to put the sparkle back in your eyes. I like your hair longer like that,” he added as she finished bandaging her knees. He leaned forward to give her a hug and kissed her forehead. Being reminded that her sparkle was missing just made her outlook that much bleaker.
“Thank you, Dad, and thanks for the opportunity, too.”
“I think you’re the best choice for running that store. I also want you to be happy, honey.”
Everyone said time would heal the pain and someday she’d be happy again, be able to smile and laugh without feeling so guilty, but she wasn’t sure that was possible.
Chapter Two
James put a hand to his brother’s shoulder and steered him away from the station house break room so they couldn’t be overheard. “Now tell me again? She’s moving?” Vincent looked fit to be tied.
“She might be moving. I didn’t intend to eavesdrop. Miss Evelyn told me she was in her office and I should feel free to wait in the hallway if I wanted to. Leah seemed upset earlier and I wanted to make sure she was all right.”
“From hurting her hands and knees?” James knew Leah was a little accident prone at times and hoped she was okay.
Vincent opened his mouth to speak but then paused, as though considering his words. “That was only part of it. When I looked into her eyes…it’s like the funeral was yesterday for her, like she’s still hurting that bad. James, if she likes this other store, if she moves away…”
“I know. Kiss the dream good-bye.” He let out a long sigh and rubbed the closely trimmed hair on his jaw. “She leaves on Monday?” Vincent nodded. “Then it’s a damned good thing we’re off tonight. We have to talk to her.”
Vincent nodded again and looked relieved. “Her dad told her that this contractor doing the work on the store is single, and made it sound like she might take a liking to him. He sounded like he’d approve if she wound up with the guy.”
James shook his head. “Not if we have anything to say about it. Let’s finish this shift and then we can make some plans.”
Vincent nodded and they parted ways.
Several hours later, with the workday done and reports filed, they changed out of their uniforms, and Vincent headed home to make preparations there while James drove over to Stigall’s. He parked his truck next to Leah’s car and climbed out. Miss Evelyn exited the store a few minutes later and when she laid eyes on him, leaning against his truck fender, she seemed happy to see him.
“Well, good evening, Mister Elder.”
He smiled and nodded at her as she walked up to him. Even at his paltry five feet nine inches she still had to look way, way up to see him. “Evening, Miss Evelyn. You know you’ve been calling me Mister Elder since I was a kid. Isn’t it about time we were on a first-name basis?”
“If you insist, James. It’s a delight to see you this fine summer evening. If you’re waiting on Leah, she should be out any minute. I must say, I think your timing is impeccable.”
“Is it?”
“It is. Much like Vincent’s earlier when he came by the store. I won’t say more. Leah can explain when she comes out. Have a wonderful evening.” She looked like she had plenty more to say but didn’t.
“Good night, Miss Evelyn.” That was as close as he could get to a first-name basis with that lady. He’d known her practically his whole life and he’d respected her just as long.
A group of employees exited the side door and then Leah came out right behind them and turned to lock the door. The other employees nodded to him congenially, casting curious looks back as they went on their way.
She pulled up short when she turned to walk to her car and saw him. She looked down at her shoes. “I guess this is no coincidence. Did Vincent send you to check on me?”
Her voice was sweet like honey, not too high, not too low, with just a trace of Texan accent, and the urge to touch her was strong. She looked around the parking lot before finally peering up at him. He wanted to trace the tip of her perky nose and kiss her soft pink lips that held no trace of a smile before she looked away again. Vincent had been right. She was still hurting.
He gazed down at her, wanting to stroke the silky strands of her hair, to caress her neck, and squeeze her shoulders which looked uncomfortably tight. Instead, he kept his hands to himself, afraid he might scare her off before he said a word.