“This is good.” Plate cleaned, she set it down. “If this is any indication of your other entrees, you should draw quite a crowd.”
“Especially once we put your script into action.”
She frowned and dropped her gaze. He had way too much faith in her. What if her drama was stupid and actually kept people away? Then she’d be a failure twice over. And she’d devastate Mrs. Tappen in the process. She couldn’t do that.
Which meant it was time she asked for help. “Listen, the mystery... I’m struggling a little.”
“Okay.” He leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees with his hands twined and dangling between them. “How can I help?”
“Well...” How could she explain that every time she opened her computer screen, her mind went blank? Especially when her thoughts drifted in his direction? “I know we talked about a Bonnie and Clyde plot, but...” She frowned. “If we go that route, I’m afraid the show will be predictable.”
“What do you mean?”
“How hard do you think it’ll be for your patrons to figure out the crime-spree duo committed the murder?”
“Ah. I see what you mean.” He scratched his jaw. “What if they weren’t the killers? Maybe they could even be the sleuths. That’d throw people off, right?”
“True. That brings us to motive and backstory.”
“Okay.”
“Would you mind brainstorming with me?”
“For sure. Where should we start?”
“How about we go to the kitchen?” She stood. “I’ve got all of my notes in there.”
He nodded, and Mom rose with a groan. “Think I’ll head in to bed. Rest these aching bones of mine. Do some reading.” She crossed the room and kissed Paige’s cheek. “Love you, Doodlebug.”
Paige smiled at her old childhood nickname. “You, too.”
Except, now she’d be alone with Jed. Her stomach flip-flopped. Feigning confidence she far from felt, she raised her chin and took long, brisk steps toward the kitchen. She flicked the light on en route to the table.
Jed sat across from her with his long legs stretched out to the side and his ankles crossed. “Doodlebug.” He chuckled. “I’d forgotten that one.”
“Whatever, baby boy.” It’d only taken the neighborhood kids hearing his grandmother’s endearing term once to run with it—not exactly what young boys wanted to be called. Although that was much better than what some of the older kids nicknamed him—Jed the Booginator.
But she’d never tease him about that one. No one liked to remember their experiences with school bullies, even if Jed had eventually grown up and filled out enough in high school to silence those jerks. Funny, he’d never tried to get revenge. As the quarterback with a pack of muscly friends on his side, he could’ve easily made his former tormentors pay.
“What’s got that busy little brain of yours turning?” Tenderness radiated from his eyes.
She straightened. “Huh?”
“What’re you thinking about? Based on your frown, it must be something important.”
She studied him. “I was just thinking about the Fuller twins.”
He laughed. “Man, were they troublemakers. I thought for sure they’d both end up in juvie before their thirteenth birthday. Although Dalton didn’t fare much better. He landed in prison before he hit twenty.”
“Really? For what?”
“Involuntary manslaughter—bar fight that got out of hand. But the other one, Clayton, he’s really turned himself around. Married with a couple of young’uns. He’s a pretty good carpenter—he’s helped me knock out a wall or two. Matter of fact, I should probably give him a call to see if he can help us with our renovations.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“About what? Him knowing how to handle a hammer? He always did like working with his hands.”
“It’s hard to believe you’d let him near your theater. I mean, I get grace and everything, but wow. I couldn’t do that.”
“Forgive someone?”
“Forgive maybe, but bless?” She shook her head. “That had to be hard.”
“We were a couple of stupid kids, not to mention the Fullers’ old man was a mean drunk who beat their mama in front of them.”
“I didn’t know that.” But still, a rough upbringing didn’t give anyone license to act like a bully. “So you’re saying their daddy made them do it?”
“No. I’m saying I’ve chosen to let it go.” His face softened, and his gaze latched on to hers as if he could see deep into her heart. As if what he saw broke his. “All your anger is tearing you up. You’ve got to let it go.”
How had this conversation taken such a personal turn? “Please, let’s not talk about that now.”
“I’m here as a friend.”
“Don’t.” She raised her hand and pushed her notebook aside. “It’s late, and I’m tired. I think you should leave.”
He remained seated, watching her with the kindness in his gaze threatening to push her to tears. But she refused to cry in front of him.
He stood. “I’ll see myself out. Have a good night.”
As she watched him leave, an ache so deep that it squeezed her lungs spread through her chest.
His grandmother’s words, spoken the day they made cinnamon rolls, resurfaced. What if God brought you here to help you heal?
And maybe even to love again? Was she brave enough to try?
Chapter Thirteen
Jed closed his office door to mute the renovation noises reverberating through the theater. Total costs looked to be tracking a bit higher than he’d hoped. But maybe if he and his buddies tackled the lobby themselves...
A knock sounded on the opened door, and he glanced up.
Paige stood in the hallway, wearing a cute little sundress that brought out the peach undertones in her skin. She wore the top half of her hair pulled back. The rest cascaded to her shoulders in loose curls with a few tighter ringlets framing her face. A slight pink highlighted her soft shoulders and cheekbones, as if she’d been in the sun.
“Hi.” Her voice was soft, and she appeared to be having a tough time maintaining eye contact.
Seemed she grew more beautiful every time he saw her. “Hey.” He motioned her in and stood to meet her. “Come in. Everything all right?”
“Yeah, I just... I had some questions about the script... Do you have any reference materials I could borrow?”
“On script writing, you mean?”
“No. History. On trains, heists, robberies in the 1800s? I’ve found some information and images, what have you, online but was hoping for... I don’t know exactly. I figured you probably did a fair amount of research before deciding on the renovations and might have kept some of the books.”
He quirked a brow at her. “You asking if I’ve got a library stashed somewhere?”
She laughed. “Right. I’d almost forgotten your book allergy.”
It was nice to know she felt comfortable enough with him again to tease him like this. The girl was beautiful regardless, but when she laughed and her smile lit her eyes... It was enough to make a man lose all sense. “We could visit the Pioneer Museum. I need some decorating ideas anyway.”
She studied him, as if she were weighing his words, or maybe trying to place motive behind them. “Mind if I bring Ava along?”
“Of course not.” He got a kick out of that little girl, though he knew he couldn’t let himself get too attached. She and her mom would be leaving soon enough.
“A museum visit sounds nice. That way I can bounce ideas off you, ask questions or whatever.” She paused. “Script writing is new to me. I don’t want to mess this up.”
Poor girl was as nervous as a foal in a pen of steeds. Had her mom told her how much was at stake? Probably. She’d never been tight with her words. If Paige knew Grandma would
lose her home if the theater didn’t turn around right quick, she’d be knotted up with fear. He needed to do what he could to reassure her. Build her confidence.
“You got time to go now?” He’d planned on working on payroll this afternoon, but he could do that later. “I could slip away for a few hours.”
“Sure. I’ll call my mom. Ask her to have Ava ready.”
“Great.” He sprang to his feet, fighting a grin. Keep it professional. This was nothing more than a work-related deal. Hoping for anything else would smack him square on the noggin.
He led the way out and down the hall.
She paused at the front entrance. “I’ll see you in a few.”
“Makes more sense to drive together, don’t you think?”
She scraped her teeth across her bottom lip. “All right.” She offered a hint of a smile. “Just let me grab my purse.”
A moment later, she met him at his truck, climbed in and sat quietly with her hands clasped in her lap, the way she had on their trip to New Life Furnishings...toward the end. Truth be told, she’d almost turned chatty until he had started blabbing about the past. Note to self—steer clear of potentially painful or irritating topics.
He stopped at a four-way. “When you worked for that fashion magazine, what’d you write about?” Lame conversation starter, especially considering his knowledge of fashion consisted of where to buy the cheapest, most durable pair of jeans.
“It varied. I wrote features, so I spent a lot of time with designers.”
“That must’ve been interesting.”
“It was.”
“Bet you’ve got some interesting stories to tell.”
“Most of the designers were pretty normal, but there was this one woman.” Her soft laugh captivated him. “I usually did interviews at restaurants to keep conversations relaxed. But this one designer wanted to meet at a vintage wedding store, which wouldn’t have been so bad, but turned out she had a reason for the location.”
“Which was?”
“She started trying on dresses. Like nearly every one.”
“Why?”
“For the magazine pictures.”
“That’d frustrate me to no end. I’m guessing you didn’t get much interviewing done.”
“It took a while. All day, to be exact.”
He pulled into her mom’s driveway and put his truck in Park.
“I’ll be right back.” She dashed out and returned with a grinning Ava on her hip and an overstuffed diaper bag dangling from her shoulder. Her mom followed her out, waved and then hurried to her car. She returned a moment later with Ava’s car seat.
“Ma’am.” He tipped his hat at her.
“Jed, good to see you.”
He helped her get the car seat in, and then he stepped out of the way so Paige could strap her little one in.
“All set, little princess?” He squeezed her foot.
“Me and Mommy bye-bye. To see the pwetty dwesses.”
He laughed. “I’m sure there’ll be plenty of those.” He held a fisted hand out to her, but she just stared at it. “Aw, come on. Don’t leave me hanging. Give your buddy Jed a fist bump, now.” She continued to stare at him, so he grabbed her little hand, gave it a quick shake and then bopped her nose.
“Guess that means you’re good to go.” He winked, stepped back and shut her door.
“You all have fun.” Humor danced in Mrs. Cordell’s eyes, suggesting that she suspected he and her daughter were heading out for more than a research outing.
If only that were true.
Then again, why couldn’t it be? He’d captured her heart once. He just needed to do so again—to keep her in Sage Creek for good.
He kept the conversation light on the way to the museum. When Ava attempted to join in, he made sure to include her. That was easy enough, so long as he mentioned horses or puppies. Matter of fact, he got a kick out of just how talkative the little girl was.
After a while, Paige began loosening up, too. By the time he pulled into the museum parking lot, it was almost as if the old Paige had reemerged.
The Paige he’d fallen in love with.
And he couldn’t—wouldn’t—lose her again.
* * *
With Ava in her arms, Paige slowed as she exited the museum’s restroom. She watched Jed chat with a pair of kids while their mother stood, laughing, a foot away. Paige vaguely recognized the woman, though whether from her school days, Trinity Faith or having bumped into her around town, she wasn’t sure. She couldn’t hear what Jed was saying, but she assumed a ridiculous joke was involved.
He’d been in a punny mood today. It had started when she’d shared an idea she had for what she hoped to be a hilarious shoot-out. Playing on the words quick draw, and then having the less-than-intelligent bandit go searching for a pencil and paper.
Cheesy, but Jed acted like the whole scenario was the funniest thing since Andy’s cow-tipping attempts. He’d spent the rest of the morning either teasing Ava or popping off one joke after another.
Hanging out like this and acting goofy with each other felt like old times. Made her long for what they’d had, before life had knocked her flat and Jed had gotten caught up with the popular group.
But had he left her, or had she been the one to pull away first? Regardless, he should’ve held tightly to her. Fought for her.
Like her daddy should’ve done with Mom, and should’ve done with her.
Jed’s statement, spoken softly yet firmly that day they’d driven to New Life Furnishings, swirled through her mind. Not everyone’s like your dad, Paige.
The boys Jed had been talking to darted off, and he glanced her way with an adorable tilt of his mouth.
She was falling, too deeply and too quickly.
He sauntered over with one hand in his jeans’ pocket. “You ladies hungry?” He poked Ava in the belly, producing a giggle. “What do you say, Miss Curly Q? You aching for some broccoli and onions?”
Ava pushed her bottom lip out and crossed her arms, shaking her head with such enthusiasm, her curls zinged back and forth.
Paige laughed and kissed Ava’s cheek.
“What do you say, Mama?” His gaze snagged hers. “Want to grab a bite before we head back?”
“Sure. We could do that.” Clearly, her heart, not her head, had control of her mouth. But it was just a meal. With an incredibly handsome man. Whom she’d once loved deeply.
And was beginning to fear that maybe, just maybe, she still did.
“Awesome.” He guided her out of the museum with a hand to the small of her back. “Don’t know about you, but I’m getting pretty stoked. I’ve got a lot of decorating ideas.”
As they stepped out into the hot noon sun, Jed dropped his hand. She felt an urge to inch closer to him, if only to feel his touch once again.
Stop that! She smoothed her hair behind her ears and focused on his truck. Anything other than the strong cowboy walking beside her. “Coming here was a great idea. I’ve got a lot of ideas, too.”
“Like what?” At his truck, he unlocked it and then reached past her to open her door. Always the gentleman, he took Ava from her, buckled her in and then rounded the truck to the driver’s side.
When he climbed in, she pulled a notebook and pen from her purse. “The first idea’s kind of silly, maybe a little too slapstick.”
“Slapstick might work. Let’s have it.”
“You’ve heard the phrase ‘acknowledging the corn’?”
“Yep. Means telling the truth.”
“So, during the ‘investigation,’ the sheriff could say something about folks needing to acknowledge the corn and one of the cast members could grab someone’s corn and start chatting it up. Like I said, a little silly—”
“It’s all in the setup and delivery.”
“I hope to
knock out the first draft tonight. Hopefully you and your grandma will like it.”
“I’m sure it’ll be great. You’ve always been a fantastic writer.”
“But this is new.” She ran a hand up and down the back of her arm. “I’ve never even been to a murder-mystery theater before.”
“Really?”
She gave a one-shoulder shrug.
“Guess we best rectify that, then. But my place is out—the remodeling started this morning. We won’t have another show until the reopening.” He frowned. “Might be hard getting tickets—most other dinner theaters sell out pretty quick.” He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “Tell you what, I’ll do some calling around, see what I can find.”
A night out with Jed. Like a date.
That wasn’t a date.
She took a slow, deep breath to rein in her emotions.
They were spending way too much time together already.
Ava chattered in the seat behind them. Mostly gibberish, but Paige made out a few words. House, mama...and rabbit?
Jed laughed and looked back through the rearview mirror. “That’s quite a story, princess.”
He was better with kids than she would’ve expected. Kind. Attentive. Hilarious.
Much better than her baby-leaving ex-husband.
She’d lose a lot if she moved back to Chicago, and not just whatever might come of her and Jed. She’d lose their friendship, too, which, if she were being honest, she’d really missed. They’d been so close once.
But she’d be giving up a lot, risking a lot, to stay.
They arrived at Wilma’s to find the lunch crowd had already come and gone, which only added to Paige’s awkwardness. The quiet demanded to be filled with more than Ava’s constant chatter. Though, her prattle did help. It kept Jed occupied and the conversation centered on safe topics, such as children’s songs, random animals and the abundance of toys Paige kept stocked in her diaper bag.
But then the waitress brought their food and Ava became preoccupied with finger painting her tray with peanut butter and jelly.
Jed leaned forward with his mocha eyes latched on to hers. “I had a nice time today.”
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