Love's Truth

by C. A. Popovich

  “No. I haven’t either, and that’s fine with me. We better get going. I hope you feel more settled by doing this, honey. I’d drive anywhere you needed me to achieve that.”

  “It might be unnecessary and ridiculous, but it does. Thanks again, Aunt Jen. I hate the thought of moving again, but I might consider it. I can’t imagine why anyone would be looking for me.”

  “You’re always welcome to come back to live with me.”

  “I know I can always count on you. I hope you know how much I appreciate it. I love you.” Lynette hugged her aunt and climbed out of her car. She waved and raised the map as if thanking a stranger for her help with directions before driving away.

  She stopped on her way home for gasoline and a much-needed break. Visiting the route where her aunt had intervened and where she’d finally found freedom shook her to her core. She’d never forget the oppression of the group and her lingering fear of being hunted down and returned to be subjected to their retribution. She filled her gas tank and drove away as fast as possible. She felt her pocket for her aunt’s note several times on her drive home and planned to put it into her new phone as soon as she was safely inside her apartment. She relaxed when she pulled into her carport.

  “I’m home, Starr.” She absorbed the serenity of her warm body when Starr snuggled into her arms and followed her out the door. She stood leaning against her leg until Lynette encouraged her to go potty. “Go ahead, sweetie. I’m glad to be home, girl. I met Aunt Jen today.” Starr’s ears perked up at the sound of Jen’s name. “We’ll go see her soon. Her birthday’s coming up.” She updated her contacts in her new phone and smiled when she put in Barb’s number. She might never use it, but for some reason it was nice to have it there. She ate a cheese sandwich and sipped a cup of hot chocolate before she rested her head back on the couch, and she wished she’d taken the whole day off. Living this way could be exhausting, and she was so very tired of it.

  She finished her hot chocolate and fed Starr before leaving for work.

  “Hi, Claudia.” Lynette put away her purse and joined Claudia in the kitchen.

  “Hi there. Glad you’re back.” She stopped what she was doing and hugged Lynette.

  “Thanks. I have a new phone number, and I sent it to your phone this morning.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine. I feel safer changing it once in a while. You know why.”

  “I do, and I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself.” Claudia hugged her again and turned to the stove.

  “The chicken smells great. Shall I get the carrots ready?”

  “Yeah. Thanks, and the mashed potatoes are about ready. Oh, Lynette?”

  “Yes?”

  “You might want to let Barb know you’re back. She was worried, which is sweet since you don’t really know her that well.”

  “Thanks. I will.” Lynette turned and asked the question she wasn’t sure she wanted an answer to. “How was your date last night?”

  Claudia stopped working and turned to face her. “It was nice. I think we’re going to be friends, but that’s all. I like her, but I’m going to go back to school for my bachelor’s degree and I doubt I’ll have time to pursue anything more with her. Besides, she’ll be going home in a couple of weeks.”

  “That’s great. You didn’t tell me you were going for a bachelor’s. I think you’ll be headed for an executive chef position in no time. I’m glad your date with Barb went well, though.” Lynette hid her relief behind a smile. “I’ll check her table.” She found Barb staring out the window with her hands wrapped around an empty water glass. Lynette’s stomach turned knowing she’d been responsible for her furrowed brow. “Hi.” She rested her hand on her shoulder so as not to startle her.

  Barb’s face registered relief and something else. Something that sapped some of the strength from her resolve to keep Barb at a distance. Suddenly, she wanted to grab her and kiss her until she was all Barb felt. She blew out a breath to expel the image and unexpected possessiveness.

  Barb stood and pulled her into a quick hug. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

  “Yeah, I’m back. I’m sorry I couldn’t contact you earlier.” A slight untruth. “But I was with my aunt and—”

  “It’s okay, Lyn. You don’t owe me an explanation. I’m glad you’re back.”

  “I need to help Claudia get the food out, but I wanted to say hello.” Lynette turned toward the kitchen.

  “Wait.” Barb gently took her hand. “Would you have a cup of hot chocolate with me later?”

  A tingle of pleasure skittered through Lynette from Barb’s intense gaze and tender touch. She needed to nip this in the bud. She needed to say no. “I’ll stop by your table after we finish cleaning up.” She walked away, leaving Barb grinning ear to ear, and she couldn’t deny her satisfaction at knowing it was because of her. She was in big trouble.

  Lynette worked steadily the rest of the day, grateful for the distraction from her worries. She’d probably overreacted and her aunt had been safe, but changing phone numbers gave her peace of mind. Her aunt drove through three states to bring her back to the safety of her home, and Lynette’s mother was the only one who had her aunt’s contact information. So who had called her? And why were they looking for Lynette? She sighed deeply. She didn’t want to move again and hoped changing her phone number would be enough. She’d review the caller’s conversation with her aunt when she saw her for her birthday.

  She finished filling pans and wiped down the surrounding area before heading to the kitchen. “I think we’re all set out there.” She tossed the soiled towels in a bin and grabbed a couple clean ones.

  “Great. I’m finishing the desserts,” Claudia said.

  Lynette kept an eye on the buffet and refilled the pans when needed while she stole glances at Barb.

  “Is everything good out there?” Claudia asked.

  “Yep. All good. I have a question for you. My aunt’s birthday is coming up, and I’d like to ask you to make a special cake for her.”

  “I’d love to. What’s her favorite?” Claudia looked thrilled.

  “Chocolate-banana with that frosting that’s not too sweet.”

  “Interesting combination. It sounds great. I look forward to creating it. When do you need it?”

  “Her birthday’s next Thursday. I’d also like to invite you to the celebration. Not a big party. Just cake and ice cream and coffee.”

  “I’d love to join you. Let me know what time.”

  “Thank you. Let me know how much I owe you for it.”

  “No way! You’re giving me an opportunity to practice my skills and come up with a new recipe. We’ll take pictures when you give it to her.” Claudia grinned and went back to cooking.

  Lynette looked forward to the plans for her aunt. It was the least she could do to pay her back for her help. She was more of a mother to her than her own mother had ever been.

  Chapter 13

  “Is the offer still good?” Lynette sat across from Barb at her table.

  “Absolutely.” Barb sat back in her chair, content to watch Lynette enjoy her hot chocolate. “Would you like to take a walk with me along the river?”

  Lynette looked at her watch. “I could use a walk.” She finished her hot chocolate and stood.

  Barb swallowed her last bite of food and followed Lynette out the door.

  “This was a good idea.” Lynette leaned her forearms on the railing to watch the river flow. “I needed to unwind.” She took a deep breath.

  “I find it peaceful this time of evening. The crowds seem to disperse, maybe for a late dinner or something. I don’t know. I found it like this twice now.” Barb watched Lynette enjoy the tranquil scene. She seemed unsettled. Almost scared. “Is everything okay with you tonight?”

  “Yes. I’m a little tired. I had a family thing this morning. I’ll probably head home soon to relax.”

  “Ah. Your aunt.” Barb hoped Lynette would open up for her, but she wouldn�
��t push. “My aunt and uncle live in California, so I don’t see them often. They’re both teachers out there and don’t travel much. I always thought it would be interesting to go visit the state.”

  “My aunt lives about forty-five minutes away.” Lynette didn’t elaborate.

  “You said you’re from Idaho. Is she also from Idaho? Are you two close?” Barb wanted to keep Lynette near, but she looked exhausted.

  “She’s like a mother to me, and she’s lived in Wisconsin for forty years.” Lynette turned and smiled. “I’m pretty tired. Thanks for the walk. It helped me relax.”

  Barb could tell Lynette had something weighing heavily on her mind but couldn’t figure out how to help her. “Relaxing is good. I think I’m finally realizing the value of a vacation myself. I’ll walk you to your car.”

  “I’m glad you’re learning to relax. Is being a conservation officer a stressful job?”

  “Usually not, but it can be. I live on an island in upper Michigan with a lot of hunters and fishermen. I’m responsible for making sure they’re following the laws. Sometimes I have to issue citations and they don’t take it well, but mostly I get to cruise around and make my presence known. It’s pretty quiet most of the time, but I could be called for something at any time. Here we are.” Barb opened the car door for her after Lynette unlocked it. “Get some rest tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Thanks.” Lynette hesitated for a second. “Walking with you helped me unwind tonight.”

  “Anytime.” Barb smiled and stepped away from Lynette’s car. She took her time returning to her room after Lynette left. She seemed more closed off and private than ever. Barb hoped she could win her trust, but maybe it wasn’t meant to be. She watched the river for a few minutes before getting ready for bed.

  Barb awoke to a pleasant breeze wafting through the open window. She rolled over, stretched, and enjoyed the feel of being on her own schedule. The sun began to lighten the room, and she watched it brighten. She’d been away from her work duties for over a week and finally felt herself unwind. She rose to take a shower and relaxed under the hot water for a few minutes to enjoy the novelty of a vacation. No rush and no obligations. She dressed, gathered the various brochures she’d collected, and settled on her balcony with a cup of coffee. Barb hoped Lynette would want to go to a few with her, but she was working. She couldn’t expect her to take off whenever she wanted to. As far as she knew, she and Claudia were the only employees working the buffets. She’d booked her room for three weeks, but now she considered extending it another week. It might take that long to get Lynette to open up to her. She hadn’t asked her about Starr. Why would she need a therapy dog? Why was her aunt like a mother to her? She had questions, and she admitted her curiosity was driven by her attraction to her. She wanted to know her. Where did she come from? What things did she like to do? She had an aunt and a therapy dog, and she worked in the kitchen of a large hotel. There was a lot more to her than those things, and Barb had good instincts about people. Somehow she knew Lyn was someone she wanted more of. She finished her coffee and headed to the dining area for breakfast.

  “Good morning.” Barb held her plate out so Lynette could set her omelet on it.

  “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

  “Oh yes. It’s taken a few days, but I’m finally relaxing and leaving work behind. Can you join me for coffee this morning?”

  Lynette looked thoughtful. “Yes. I’d like that. I’ll stop at your table when I’m done in the kitchen.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll see you later.” She’d eaten her breakfast and had two cups of coffee before she wondered if Lyn had changed her mind. She finished her coffee, noted the now nearly empty room, and decided to leave. She’d hoped she could develop something special with Lynette, but maybe she was letting the romantic in her push for something that wasn’t likely, or even feasible. Why was she hoping for more with someone who had so little time and lived far away from Barb’s real life? Was that the pull? That it couldn’t be more than superficial, even if she was trying to kid herself that it could?

  “I thought I’d find you here.” Lynette stood next to her and leaned against the railing.

  “Hey. I’m glad you found me. I missed you at my table.” Barb turned to face her.

  “Sorry. I was talking to Claudia and lost track of time.” She hesitated and bit her lip before taking a deep breath. “I have something to ask you. My aunt’s birthday is coming up, and I’d like to invite you for cake and ice cream. Next Thursday.”

  “I’d love to. Can I pick something up to bring?”

  “No. It’s only cake and ice cream. I think she’ll be touched to have us over. Claudia’s going to make the cake.”

  “I definitely am in!” Barb grinned. “Shall we walk?” She suppressed the urge to take Lynette’s hand.

  “Yeah. I enjoyed the walk we took last night. I’ve got to help Claudia with the lunch soon, but I need a break, and I like being with you.” She hesitated again, like she wasn’t sure what she wanted to say. “I don’t have many friends, and I don’t trust easily. But something about you makes me want to get to know you. To let you know me.” She smiled softly. “Eventually.”

  Barb had hoped Lynette would become more comfortable with her and was glad to hear it. She’d invited her to meet her aunt who was like a mother to her.

  “Does your aunt live near you?” Barb asked.

  “Not far. She’s an artist.”

  “I look forward to meeting her. I’m no artist, but do love to take nature pictures. I love to capture waterfalls and natural snow mounds in the winter. Shall we walk more, or do you need to get back?”

  “This is nice. Let’s go a little farther.” Lynette closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

  Barb enjoyed seeing Lynette happy. Probably more than she should. “I’m glad you agreed to join me.” She continued along the walkway watching Lynette more than the river. She definitely would extend her vacation an extra week. Sometimes, you just knew something was special, even if you didn’t know why. And for Barb, that was definitely the case.

  Barb left Lynette at the door of the hotel and went to her room. She hadn’t planned anything for the morning except to see Lynette at breakfast, so she double-checked the information on the cave tour and decided to plan it for the next day. She hoped Lynette would go with her, but she’d go with or without her. She sat on her balcony and reviewed all the other options. She took another walk by the river before heading back to the dining area for lunch.

  “Hi, Barb.” Claudia stood behind one of the lunch serving tables. “Are you enjoying your vacation so far?”

  “Definitely. Communing with nature is my favorite thing in the world. I love the area, and tomorrow I’m going to tour the cave.”

  “I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s a phenomenal example of nature. I’ll talk to you later. I’ve got muffins to bake.”

  Barb sat at her usual table and laughed at herself. Even on vacation she was a creature of habit. She had the same food every morning, sat at the same table, took a walk each day. She’d gone on vacation to break things up a little, but here she was, pining after a woman she couldn’t have anything permanent with, and trying not to be alone. Somehow, she had to break out of this shell she’d constructed around herself. It was time to grow. And if a real friendship developed with Lyn, then it was a bonus she’d consider a gift. If life was different, if they didn’t live in different states, maybe there could be something more between them. But life was what it was, and friendship worked no matter where you lived.

  Chapter 14

  “Hi, Aunt Jen.” Lynette answered her phone and took it to the restroom for privacy. “Everything all right?”

  “Yes. Everything’s quiet. I wanted to say hello and see how you were doing.”

  “I’m good. I’m working and enjoying the nice weather we’ve been having. You haven’t had any more calls, have you?”

  “No. We probably didn’t need to change phone number
s, but I don’t regret it.”

  “I feel better that we did it. I’d feel horrible if someone came after you looking for me.” Lynette couldn’t be sure anyone from the cult was the caller, or even that anyone was still alive, but the fear of punishment for escaping hadn’t left her even after twelve years.

  “I’m not worried, honey.”

  “I’m going to change the subject. I was going to surprise you, but I changed my mind in case you made other plans for your birthday. I’m inviting myself and couple of others over for a little happy birthday dessert. Next Thursday. Does that work for you?”

  “It sounds lovely. You come anytime. I’ll be home all day.”

  “Can we make it about six thirty? And do you want to invite any of your own friends?”

  “Sounds great. I look forward to meeting your couple of others and I’ll see if anyone I know is free.”

  Lynette laughed. “You take care, and I’ll see you on Thursday.” She disconnected the call and allowed the peace to wash over her from talking to her aunt. She returned to refilling pans with a smile.

  “I made plans with my aunt for six thirty on Thursday. Will that give you enough time?” Lynette asked Claudia as she passed through the kitchen with a pan loaded with chicken.

  “Sure. I’ll make the cake on Wednesday and put it in the freezer.”

  Lynette made sure all the pans were full and went to check on Barb. She skidded to a stop, stunned by her eagerness. Despite her attempts to keep Barb at a distance, she looked forward to seeing her. Talking to her. Somehow, Barb had begun to break through her defenses, and the scary part was she liked it. She sat across from Barb. “Hi there.”