“She was gorgeous right? Like something right out of a fashion magazine? That’s the kind of girl I see Jason with. He’s too good-looking for someone like me.”
Stephanie nodded. “She really was pretty. Anyway, rumor had it Jason had already bought a ring, and one day she was gone.”
“Gone? Like dead gone? Or like left gone?”
“She left. We found out later that she decided to move to Chicago with some guy she met online. Turns out he had more money than Jason.”
Amanda sighed. “Sounds like a real winner.”
“She was. Trust me. Anyway, Jason is looking for someone honest and trustworthy who won’t do that to him.”
“Does he still love her?”
“No clue. I don’t think he’d take her back if she came crawling on her knees, but I don’t know if he loves her.”
Amanda shrugged. “Okay. I guess I can deal with that.” She hoped she could anyway.
“I wouldn’t have had him text you if I’d thought he was still hung up on her.”
“I know. I’m sure I’m just being silly.” She decided to change the subject. “I’m quitting my job.”
“What? Why?”
“I’ve lived in Maypearl, TX my whole life except for four years of college. It’s time for me to make a change. I’m sending out resumes to see where I want to go. I’m going to put my house up for sale in May and just see what happens.”
Stephanie gaped at her. “That’s not like you. Are you going to try and stay in Texas?”
Amanda shrugged. “I’ve sent resumes to thirteen different states, Texas included. I’m going wherever I’m offered a job that looks good.”
“Wow.”
“I just can’t stay there anymore. I’ll probably try to find another small town, but I’ve just got to leave Maypearl. I mean, I don’t have anything against it, but I need a change. I find that I’m short with my students lately, and it’s because I’m feeling so restless.” She paused for a moment looking down at her hands. “I feel like my life is passing me by. I want kids so badly, but I’ve never even had a steady boyfriend. I’ve seriously thought about going to a sperm bank.”
Stephanie’s eyes were huge at her friend’s words. “Give Jason a chance. I really think he wants a life with you.”
Amanda sighed. “I’m not going to hang all my hopes for the future on a man I met today. We’ll see what happens, but I’m going to make plans anyway.”
Stephanie nodded. “I think I understand.” She paused for a moment. “I really hope it works out for you, though. I’d love to see you move here.”
Amanda nodded. “We’ll see. I’d love to live near you, too.”
“I’ve got to get to bed. I need to be up at six to get the kids ready for school,” Stephanie said. “I thought we could spend tomorrow exploring the area. We could go to some local parks, maybe eat lunch out, that type of thing.”
“Okay. I’m up for anything.”
“I know you and Jason are going to spend the day together on Friday, but I made plans for him to come to dinner on Saturday night. I thought maybe you’d like to spend some time with another couple and their brood.”
Amanda laughed. “That sounds wonderful. Maybe I won’t be so tongue-tied if it’s not just the two of us.”
Stephanie stood and hugged Amanda tight. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She pointed out the bathroom and then headed off to her room.
Amanda sank down onto the bed. She was happy to be there finally, but nervous too. Jason was everything she’d hoped for and more. But would she measure up in his eyes?
Chapter 3
The day with Stephanie flew by. They laughed and joked and generally felt as if they’d never parted. Amanda enjoyed meeting her friend’s children, and did her best to hide the envy she felt. Stephanie knew, though.
She ate dinner with Bob and Stephanie and their two boys and two girls that evening. The boys were nine and seven and the girls were six and four. She found Bob and Stephanie to be strict but fun parents. The kids were constantly laughing and having a good time.
Bob wasn’t working on Friday, so it was just Stephanie and Amanda in the mini-van on the way to Jason’s farm. Stephanie navigated the two lane highways like she’d been driving them all her life. Although it was early
April, there was still a chill in the air, and Amanda wore a light jacket. She’d dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with an old pair of cowboy boots for the day. Jason had warned her that she might spend some of the day trudging through mud as he showed her around.