Holden's Heart

by Jayna Morrow

  “Nah, most of his fear is in his head. It’s like what I told you about doubting yourself. Your brain gives you incorrect information, too.”

  “Gee, thanks,” Irelynn muttered.

  “It’s the truth. It’s in your head.”

  “I’ll work on it.”

  “I believe you now since I’m seeing progress. Listen, Holden is a great guy with a skewed self-image. He can be a bit much at times, but he always manages to come out on top. He’s helpful, and he’s smart—”

  She tried not to interrupt, but she couldn’t take it anymore. “It sounds as though you’re trying to sell him to me. Gabriel, I’m not buying. But I will work with him even though he’s...eccentric, as you called him.”

  “I want to make sure that you’re comfortable. You didn’t sound convincing earlier.”

  “I’m fine. Everything is under control. Go play with that sweet baby.” She hung up the phone and finished her daily tasks. There were a lot more orders than usual, but she welcomed the business. She glanced up as Holden walked across the catwalk. Maybe he found her cell phone.

  Irelynn grabbed her purse and locked up the office. Either she would collect her phone and leave for the day, or she’d head straight to Bishop to get a new one. She met Holden at the end of the catwalk.

  His skin was flushed. There were grass stains on the knees of his jeans. He grinned and held out her phone. “I had to crawl around on all fours to find it. Everything is in working order.” He beamed. “I’ll see you at six thirty.”

  “Thank you so much, Holden. I use my phone for so many things.”

  She pulled into her reserved parking space a short time later, and her calendar alarm sounded. What did she have left to do?

  DINNER WITH HOLDEN HEARTH 6:30.

  He’d gone into her calendar and scheduled their dinner. He was something else.

  Then tiny orange dots on the screen caught her eye. She scrolled. Same orange dots. She read over the event details. He’d set up the DINNER WITH HOLDEN HEARTH 6:30 entry as a continuous, daily calendar event for months. How could one man be so sweet and so aggravating at the same time?

  She hauled her frazzled brain in the house. The man exasperated her, and she was tired from playing in the pasture. What she needed now was a hot shower and a few minutes to unwind. She was putting the finishing touches on her hair and make-up when knocking at the front door startled her.

  She gave her reflection a last once-over, sighing at her handiwork. Then she opened the front door.

  Holden filled the doorway with his broad shoulders. He looked very much like a superhero with the low sun shining behind him.

  Her heart beat wildly.

  “You look beautiful, Irelynn. And you’re ready on time. I took you for the punctual type.”

  Though still light out, it was less bright than a few hours ago. And cooler. They wouldn’t melt this evening.

  And she was a lot more flustered than usual. “Thank you. This is as close to glamorous as I could manage.” She didn’t know what to do with her hands, so she crossed them over her waist.

  “Can I come in?”

  She nodded, and her curls bounced. “Of course. I don’t know where my manners are this evening. Come on in.”

  “Thank you.”

  He stepped onto the tile floor of the entry. Dressed in dark jeans and a black V-neck T-shirt, he filled her space.

  Suddenly, the open floor plan of her studio-style townhome made her feel exposed. Not that she had anything to hide. She’d learned that the fewer walls, the more confidence one needed in sharing their home with guests.

  “Why aren’t you dressed up?” she asked. “This was supposed to be a glamorous evening.”

  He froze and the tips of his ears burned red. “I didn’t think you’d go through with it. Guess I was wrong about that. You look fantastic in that dress.”

  Her simple, black sheath dress featured some lace overlay and embroidered designs throughout. The subtle details added a richness and character that she loved. She owned few dresses, and she wore this one to weddings and funerals. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to change.” She’d draw too much attention if she were the only one dressed up.

  “Go ahead.” She turned and walked toward the bedroom area, divided with several sets of shelves in a row, and he added, “Should I step outside?”

  “No, it’s OK. I’ll get what I need and go into the bathroom. Why don’t you have a seat on the couch while you wait? You worked hard today.”

  She retrieved the clothing and disappeared into the bathroom. “All that work to do my hair and make-up.” She muttered, slipping on a pair of comfortable jeans. Paired with a flattering black top, she stepped into black flats. She padded back to the great room. “OK, I’m ready.”

  She scanned the room. No sign of Holden.

  Then a shuffling noise came from the floor by her TV.

  “I’m down here. Your cords were a mess. I hope you don’t mind, but I straightened them out. You had a cable connection loose, and you’re DVD player and media box weren’t even plugged in. I set those up for you, too. Did you know you have surround-sound speakers? You have them sitting in a corner.”

  “Are you an electrician now? Do you charge an hourly fee for your services?” She stood in the middle of the living area.

  “A simple thank you would suffice.” He stood and straightened his clothes. “Ready to go?”

  “Yes and thank you. I’m not skilled at setting up electronic equipment. I don’t watch much television anyway.”

  “That painting is beautiful. Is it one of yours?”

  Irelynn picked her purse up. He was doing it again, turning the conversation on her. “No, that’s my father’s painting of me when I was about seven years old. Let’s go.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Any place you’d like to eat?”

  “I thought you’d have that sorted out.” She locked the door. The red sports car sat in the driveway. After her conversation with Gabriel, she’d never be able to look at it, or Holden, the same way again. A superhero enthusiast with a four-wheeled cape.

  He took her hand, pulling it away from the car door a split second before she made contact with the handle. Then he opened the door for her.

  “What a gentleman. Thank you.” She slipped into the seat and let the soft leather envelop her.

  Holden rounded the front of the car and took his place behind the wheel.

  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re acting like a man on a date.”

  He shrugged. “I did have everything sorted out. Candelaria downtown is upscale. It’s been around for a long time, too.”

  “Now we’re both not dressed for a place like that.”

  “Do you want to change again? I brought something dressier in case.”

  “Absolutely not. Let’s eat somewhere casual.”

  “We’ll save the fancy dinner for another night. How does your schedule look for dinner tomorrow night?”

  The smirk on his face incited a scowl from her. “You should know.”

  “I had a feeling.”

  The engine started and vibrated, blocking out the rapid heartbeat she always developed when she was around Holden. Whether it was frustration or something else, she couldn’t be sure.

  And he was sitting in the driver’s seat with a grin on his face, looking as if he could leap over a building with little effort.

  “I thought I made it clear that I’m seeing someone. I don’t know why you did that to my phone.”

  “Pretty sure you gotta see someone to see someone. I’ve only seen what’s-his-name once this week. I checked your phone. He didn’t call or text today at all.”

  “His name is Emerson. And you said you weren’t interfering in our relationship anymore.”

  The sound of a car approaching drew her attention. Emerson pulled up to the curb next to them.

  “That’s him now. I bet he wanted to surprise me for dinner. That’s why he didn’t call or text.”

/>   “Sounds logical. Go check it out.” He sounded deflated. “You know him better than I do. If he does want to take you to dinner, I’ll understand.”

  She opened the door and clambered out, leaning over to say, “We talked about this being a possibility.”

  “I remember. Go on now. He’s waiting.”

  This whole scene was discomforting. What if Emerson didn’t like the fact that she was about to go to dinner with Holden? Or that she had eaten with Holden the night before? Sure, he was a temporary co-worker, but something told her that Emerson still wouldn’t be too keen on the idea. She walked over to Emerson’s car. Her heart was beating fast, but this time for a different reason. The driver’s side window slid open.

  “Irelynn, sweetie. What are you up to?”

  “I was heading out to dinner with a friend. How about you?”

  “I know I haven’t been around much lately, but I stopped by to let you know that I’ll try to have lunch with you tomorrow. No promises though.”

  “I understand. I know you’re busy, but that would be wonderful. We need some time together.”

  “I know, sweetie. I haven’t been there for you as I should be. So who’s your friend with the nice car?”

  “Holden Hearth. He’s Gabriel’s brother, and he’s working at the dairy this week. He hasn’t been back to Sweet Home in a long time, so he invited me to dinner.” She braced herself for the storm.

  “I see. Well, that’s nice of you to show him around town. Perfect timing, too, since I’m so busy this week.”

  And every week. She held her tongue on that and asked a question instead. “You’re not angry?”

  “Why would I be? Irelynn, I trust you completely.” He patted the hand she’d laid on the window frame. “Do you know what a lucky woman you are to have a man who trusts you?”

  “Yes, I am blessed. I thought you would be jealous.”

  And shouldn’t he be at least a little jealous? No, that was wrong of her to think. Why did relationships have to be so complicated?

  “I’m not the jealous type, Irelynn. You should know better than that. Anyway, I have to run. I’m exhausted, but I have dinner with clients at seven. Go eat with your friend and have fun. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know about lunch.”

  “OK.”

  “Goodnight, sweetie.”

  “Goodnight, Emerson.”

  Holden had waited. “He didn’t come by to take me to dinner. He’s meeting clients instead.”

  “Then we’re still on for dinner. Why aren’t you excited about that?”

  “Holden, he didn’t mind that I’m having dinner with another man!”

  “So you told him. Two words.”

  “Oh?”

  “His loss.”

  “You’ve got it all wrong. Emerson and I are having lunch tomorrow.”

  “Then why are you so upset about his reaction?”

  “I’m not upset. I’m confused. I thought, maybe even hoped, that he’d be a little jealous. I know I would be if I found out he’d gone to dinner with another woman. Is it wrong to think that way?” She strained to remember what the Bible taught about relationships and trust and jealousy. She didn’t have a deep memory bank full of Biblical knowledge. She’d gone to church her whole life, off and on. She’d studied the Bible, here and there. She believed with all her heart. But she wasn’t a scholar. That was something she needed to work on. Painting helped. She used to meditate on her Sunday school lessons while painting. The creative process cleared her mind, and she could appreciate the Word of God. But it had been a long time since she’d painted anything.

  “I could tell you again what I think.”

  “Don’t say it.”

  “Let’s go eat and talk about other things. Take our minds in a whole other direction.”

  She nodded in agreement. Emerson would make everything right at lunch tomorrow. Right now, she didn’t want to think about him.

  They drove into town. Once inside the restaurant, Irelynn had a terrible thought. Emerson was taking his client out...she whipped her head left and right.

  “Relax. I saw his car parked at the Mexican restaurant a block over. He’s not eating here.”

  She crossed her arms and lifted her chin indignantly. “I’m looking for an open booth.”

  “Whatever.”

  “How about that one?” She pointed to a booth on the right. He shook his head.

  “Can’t sit on the right side of a room. It feels weird. Left only.”

  “You are strange indeed. It doesn’t make sense at all. If we choose a left booth now, while we’re facing this direction, then it will become a right booth once we sit facing another direction.”

  “Not if I sit facing the same direction I’m facing right now.”

  “In that case, why don’t you choose a right booth, but sit facing the opposite direction. The end result would be the same.”

  Holden responded with a gravelly grunt.

  “I have a table ready for you. Right this way.”

  The hostess led them to a table in the center of the dining room. After she seated them and left menus, Irelynn stuck her tongue out at Holden.

  “What was that for?”

  “For refusing to acknowledge that my theory has merit. You may be a genius, but you don’t know everything.”

  “What did you say?”

  “What?”

  “Did you call me a genius?”

  “It’s called sarcasm. That’s what you get for acting like a know-it-all so much.” She snatched up her drinking glass and took a long drink while she scolded herself for letting that slip. Talk about putting her foot in her mouth. “Or do I owe you an apology?”

  “It’s OK.”

  An unsettling feeling passed between them.

  She didn’t want to hurt his feelings. The word had just slipped out.

  “If I didn’t know better though, I’d say you’ve been talking to my big brother. Did y’all play the get-to-know-Holden-Hearth game?”

  “He might have mentioned a few things during our last phone conversation.” Her gulp of water mauled her stomach with an acidic bite. “And he didn’t say you were a genius, exactly. Very bright with a tendency to tinker were his words, I believe.”

  “You’re a terrible liar, and Gabriel is a traitor. So he told you I was a genius. What else did he tell you? I just love it when people paint a pretty picture of me. Now there’s some sarcasm for you.”

  “A genius, eh?”

  “Don’t go around advertising it, but my IQ is higher than average. More trouble than it’s worth if you ask me.”

  “And why is that, Holden? Maybe it’s time you figure out how to use that colossal brain of yours to get what you want out of life.”

  The waitress took their order and brought their drinks.

  Irelynn didn’t know Holden was capable of being this quiet. Brooding was a better word. He didn’t like it when the conversation turned to him.

  Elbows on the table, Holden stared her down. Oh yes, he had a superpower all right. All he had to do was pin her with those gorgeous brown eyes and...

  Bam!

  Pow!

  Like the words of comic book. Willing herself to look away, she sought refuge in the action going on around her. The restaurant was bustling. Most of the restaurants, and there were quite a few more now, usually were. Sweet Home was a different place than it was even a few short years ago. With all the new housing, the population had doubled. Something new popped up monthly, and she sketched every one.

  Hundreds of sketches filled several boxes in her home. It made her nervous having Holden there even for a short amount of time. She glanced back at him. That feeling he created within her...she knew what it was now. Her heart hammered out an erratic rhythm. Holden was nothing like Emerson. He was genuine. He was ever-present if a bit overbearing. He was a kindred spirit, who hid a part of his soul. She wished she’d never agreed to have dinner with him again, putting herself at risk of a moment like t
his. A moment that had been flickering like a flame in a drafty window, waiting for a break in the wind to shine brighter than ever. Holden was that windbreak. And the urge that grew within was the urge to paint again.

  They finished dinner and sat enjoying coffee.

  “To answer your earlier question, I do use my brain to get what I want out of life.”

  Holden’s sudden confession surprised her. It took a moment to formulate the words. “And do you have everything you want?”

  “Not everything. But I’m working on it.”

  9

  Holden led Irelynn down another downtown street. Her lighthearted expression grew as they passed by shops, stopping for her to point out certain features or textures of the old buildings.

  “You want to get some frozen yogurt?”

  “I’m still stuffed from dinner. Thanks for the offer though.”

  “Just trying to be a gentleman. I think we’ve seen everything within strolling distance.” He stopped and leaned against the brick wall of the yogurt shop.

  She stood illuminated in the glowing moonlight, and he held back the urge to kiss her right then and there. She wasn’t his for kissing yet. His attempts to show she deserved better than what Emerson had to offer had failed. Irelynn, with her stubborn Irish emotions, would have to find out the hard way. She’d explained the origin of her unusual name to him earlier. She hadn’t reached her breaking point with Emerson yet. He prayed, for both their sakes, that Emerson wouldn’t hurt her too severely before the truth revealed itself.

  “Holden? Holden Hearth, is that you?”

  He attempted to make out the face belonging to the voice. A sense of familiarity overwhelmed him, but he couldn’t be sure. “Yeah, it’s me.”

  The man clapped several times, uttered something to the woman next to him, and then crossed the street quickly. “Oh, my word, if it isn’t Holden Hearth.”

  If Holden had worn his glasses, he could have seen Olen Wyatt coming. Too many years of being called four-eyes and the geek with glasses left him with a distaste for them. Though his vision wasn’t so horrible that he couldn’t drive without them, details and faces were hard to make out at a distance.

  Olen was with Mrs. Lissemore.