He looked at her, arms crossed. “Hello, my girl. How’re you this fine evenin’?”
“Fine, Hodge, fine. Please join me. I’m a bit early. I’m meeting Tristan for dinner.”
He tilted his head to one side. “You and Tristan? I wasn’t aware you two were an item.”
Not wanting to mislead Hodge, she told the truth. “We’re only friends, yet he thinks there’s more to our relationship than there is. I’m telling him tonight. He’s not taken my hints in the past, and it’s time to set things right.”
“You’re doin’ the right thing, not leadin’ him on and all. That lad is bonkers about you though. You’re all he talks about when he’s workin’.”
The information did nothing for April’s state of mind. She felt her face warm.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to upset you, but this is best. You cannot go on lettin’ him think there’s a chance for him if you don’t return his feelin’s.’”
“Yes, but it isn’t going to be an easy task.” She sipped her tea and peered over her cup and saw Tristan enter the room.
Hodge followed her gaze and stood to leave. “Good luck, love. I’ll be sayin’ a prayer for you.”
“Thanks,” she whispered, and said a silent prayer herself.
“Good evening, April.” Tristan leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
She pulled back out of reflex. He’d never done that before. Anxiety gripped her.
Tristan sat, started to speak, but was interrupted by Effie’s approach. “What would you like?”
April gave her order. Tristan gave his choice without touching the menu.
Tristan gazed at April. “You look lovely tonight. Thanks for meeting me for dinner.” Now that he had her all to himself, he appeared to be in his element.
April’s voice trembled. “Tristan, thank you for dinner. I certainly don’t want to put a damper on it, but I can’t sit here and eat while I have this on my mind. You’ve been a good friend since our years in school, and I don’t want to lose that—but I must tell you before we go any further—”
Tristan interrupted. “—but you have no romantic interest in me whatsoever.” He leaned back and crossed his arms.
April choked on her tea and sputtered. How had he guessed? He wasn’t surprised. At a loss, she sat motionless, clutching her tea like it was a life preserver.
Tristan shook his head. “Don’t look so shocked. I’ve known for some time. I wanted to be sure—you know—hear it from your own lips. Also, I ran into Polly this afternoon, and for some reason she came across extremely nervous, so unlike Polly. When I asked her what was wrong, she was evasive.” He took a sip of water and gazed at her thoughtfully before going any further. Tristan grinned like the Cheshire cat. “She told me why you agreed to dinner.”
April’s first inclination was anger at Polly, then she felt complete relief. Possibly, Polly’s revealing the truth to Tristan had given him time to calm and realize the truth of the situation.
April sighed. “Well, I guess that leaves Polly out for a secret-keeper.”
“Don’t be too angry with her. For the life of me I’m not sure why she was so upset that you didn’t want a closer relationship with me.” He gulped his water and frowned.
Effie appeared with their dinner, giving April time to think. Hesitant to respond any further, she mulled over the implications. They ate silently for a while. They both relaxed and started talking about Polly—how volatile she’d become. They’d all gone to school together, and Tristan and April didn’t remember Polly ever having been so touchy. Comparing notes, they realized the metamorphosis had begun a couple of years before—a short time after April and Polly had opened Books–on-the-Green.
Their talk evolved to include the bookstore and what books they were both interested in. Before either of them had realized it, dinner was over, dessert served and eaten, and it was time to leave.
Hodge said goodbye as they left and gave April an understanding wink. Tristan held the door open for her, and they stepped out onto the wet stone walkway. A fine mist still lingered, scenting the air with a fresh scent of rain. Walking silently together down the path, Tristan said, “April, I had a nice time in spite of the outcome regarding our relationship. We’ll always be friends.”
“Yes, we will.” She gave him a hug.
“I wouldn’t worry too much about Polly. She’s probably been a bit stressed with a new business and all.”
“I suppose you’re right. It’ll be hard, but I may have a talk with her. Possibly get her to see a doctor or something. Stress can kill a person.”
Tristan stopped at the end of the walk and faced April. “I’m not sure if I’d suggest that to Polly. She may be offended.”
“I’ll certainly be praying about it, and her.”
“I’ll stop by the shop on Monday, and we can have tea—as friends.”
April laughed. “Sounds good.” Her step was lighter as she walked away, hearing Tristan’s laughter behind her. She took out her phone with a sudden urge to call Ryan and tell him what a surprise turn dinner with Tristan had taken.
She froze. What was she doing?
Ryan was someone she’d bought the cottage from and spent a few days with, and that was all. He wasn’t a part of her life, she reminded herself, but it was a hard truth to swallow.
Chapter 17
Neville, North Yorkshire, England
2017
Colin paused from addressing the group when Vita strolled in late as usual for the meeting with her signature lavish vegetable arrangement on a large crystal tray. She made a display of struggling with it, her knees buckling slightly under the weight. Tom scrambled to her aid. Her radiant smile praised his chivalry.
Colin continued with updates from the construction site amid clanging sounds emanating from the refreshment table, the crystal ringing out its pleasant tone. Vita sashayed to a front row seat, directly in his line of vision.
Someone chimed in about another factory tour after the meeting. Colin addressed the question, and a motion was made to end the meeting with a prayer for the meal. Chairs scraped across the floor as everyone moved toward the food.
Colin shuffled papers and removed the display board with the renovation plans. Susannah hadn’t looked at him—even once—while he was speaking, and he had no idea why. She and Letice chatted quietly at the back of the serving line. He strolled their way, but when Susannah saw him, she whispered something to Letice and headed for the restroom.
He barely heard Letice mutter under her breath. “Stubborn woman.”
He joined her in line, and she smiled at him. “Good presentation, Colin.”
“Thank you. I hope you all will be pleased with what the crew has accomplished so far. I think they’ve done an impressive job.” Colin peered over Letice’s shoulder in the direction of the restroom. He lowered his voice and met her curious gaze. “If you don’t mind my asking, is Susannah all right? She doesn’t seem herself today, and I think she’s avoiding me.”
“Oh, I don’t think so. She’s tired. Hasn’t been sleeping well lately.” But her expression told him she wasn’t telling the whole truth. She turned from him toward the food and began to fill two plates. She shot him a look and said unemotionally, “Wipe that gob smacked look off your face. It’s not all for me. One is for Susannah.”
“I see.” He raised an eyebrow, and chuckled. “There’s nothing wrong with a hearty appetite, even if they’re really both for you.”
She swatted at him and added good naturedly, “Aren’t we cheeky today.” Hesitating, she continued. “So, Colin, I noticed you and Vita at dinner the other night. Does this mean you two are an item again—after all these years?”
He opened his mouth to set her straight when a loud pounding stopped his response. Everyone turned to locate the source.
“Listen all.” Tom pounded his fist on the table, dishes bouncing. “Let’s wind this up soon and get to the factory. I have a full day’s work to get done in half a day.”
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Silence fell in the room, followed by murmurings until Letice declared, “Tom, we just started eating. You can wait a half-hour more.” She muttered, “That nutter.” Colin bit back a laugh.
Amanda joined in, hands on her hips. “Tom, if you need to leave early, we understand—you don’t have to take the full tour. After all, you did leave early during the first one.”
Tom glared. Colin remembered he’d been a bit of a hothead in school, and much of that had carried over into adulthood. Tom’s jaw clenched.
Vita spoke up. “Don’t get your feathers ruffled, Tom. Come sit here—” She patted the empty chair beside her. “—and let’s have a chat.”
His demeanor shifted. “Oh, all right.”
Letice met Colin’s eyes and mouthed the word—nutter. She had him pegged for sure. He noticed Susannah sat across the room. He took his plate and headed straight for her.
He smiled when, finally, she met his eyes. “Mind if I join you?”
“No, please have a seat.”
He took the seat across from her to offer adequate space. He glanced at Letice, who had joined them, his eyes pleading to not inquire about dinner with Vita again. “I hope you’ll be satisfied with the work done at the factory. You’ll both be joining in with the tour, right?”
“I would, but I have something else pressing this afternoon. In fact, I better head out now.” She looked at her untouched plate of food. “I’ll take this with me, Letice.” And with a soft smile, she rose from the table and left the building.
Colin had to fight the urge to go after her. Something certainly wasn’t right, but he had no right to interfere. They’d only started to get to know one another. They hadn’t even been on a proper outing yet, though their unexpected dinner the other night had been wonderful, and she had seemed to enjoy herself. Had he missed something?
∞∞∞
A knock at the door disturbed Susannah’s thoughts as she clipped and arranged yellow flowers into a cobalt blue vase. Dark green stem cuttings slid from her fingers into the trash bin as she walked to the door. She pulled off her muslin apron and tossed it on the back of a chair and opened the door to find Letice. “What a surprise.” Susannah waved her into the cottage. She hadn’t seen or spoken to her since the meeting two days before. “Please come in.”
“Cheers. Hope you don’t mind my dropping by.” She sauntered over to the sofa and made herself comfortable. “I have something I want to discuss if you have a moment.”
Susannah was halfway to the kitchen when she called over her shoulder. “Would you like a cup of tea?”
“Wish I could, but this will only take a bit of your time.”
Sher turned to see Lettice bite her lip. What was it? She was always thinking of a new ministry project. Not that she minded helping. Susannah settled into the overstuffed chair opposite her friend. “What do you wish to discuss?”
Letice clasped her hands tightly. “First, I have a confession. I prodded Colin about having dinner with Vita.” She held up a hand, palm facing Susannah. “I shouldn’t have, and I could’ve choked Tom because he interrupted Colin’s response, but I only wanted to make certain there wasn’t anything in his manner that suggested he felt something for her.”
She sighed. “I got my answer. He asked if you were okay, said you wouldn’t meet his eyes at the meeting. He practically ran to you when he saw you at the table. If that man’s not interested in you, I’m a codfish.” She drew in a deep breath and continued, “You’re a kind person who deserves happiness. After your impromptu dinner, I thought things were well between you. What’s happened?”
She ran fingers through her hair. “Letice, I …” Her head dropped to the back of the chair, eyes closed tight. A single tear fell from the corner of her eye.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. Please forgive me. Your relationship with Colin is none of my concern.” She rose and then knelt beside Susannah’s chair, and pulled her into a hug.
Susannah collapsed into her and began sobbing. “No, you’re my friend, and I need your support.” She drew back and swiped a tissue from the box on the side table and dabbed her eyes. “Forgive me for being such a watering can.”
“You cry all you want. Makes you feel better.” She eased back onto her heels. “Do you want to talk about it?”
How to truly explain the pain she’d been through, caused by the only man she’d ever loved.
She looked at Letice who sat patiently waiting. Diann couldn’t be here, and God had placed this precious woman—her new friend—right in her path.
She squared her shoulders. “My husband abandoned my son and me. It broke my heart. He’d never wanted children, and when I accidently got pregnant, he left soon after Ryan was born. I’m not sure I can ever trust another man. It’s a struggle I’ve prayed over for years. Maybe God doesn’t want me to have another romantic relationship. If I get too close to Colin, I’m afraid I’ll make such a mess of it that he’d leave too.” She hiccupped. “I’m aware that’s not rational, but there it is.”
Letice patted her hand. “My dear, you can’t blame yourself for that.”
“That’s what Diann’s been telling me, but I keep telling myself I should’ve been more careful and not gotten pregnant. It was a total surprise.”
“You have to be kidding me. You were married, God wanted you to have your son, and nothing on earth could’ve stopped that. It was His will.”
Susannah’s eyes met hers. “That’s another thing Diann has been telling me, and I realize it’s true, but I’m human. My insecurities surface every time I tell myself that.”
“Okay, I’m going to be blunt. For one, stop it. Satan is trying to keep you from moving on. We all get hurt. That’s life. Take a chance with Colin. I’ve known him for a very long time. He’s a constant fellow, always dependable and kind. And of all people, he would understand. His wife—” Her words came to an abrupt stop. “I shouldn’t be telling you this. It’s Colin’s place to reveal his past to you. Suffice it to say, he’s been hurt too. Give him a chance.”
Susannah sighed and silently prayed.
“Now, let’s get down to why I actually came over. I’m troubled about the homeless ministry. Vita has slowly tried to push her agenda with this project when Colin is away on business and all.”
“Letice, I’m not so sure about getting more involved in this than I already am. Wouldn’t you be more qualified—since you’ve worked with such diverse ministries in the past? And you know Vita better than I do.” She exhaled sharply. Vita was a force to be reckoned with—besides, Susannah was a virtual stranger in Neville.
“You’d be perfect. You grasp the ins and outs of this type of ministry, having helped Diann. Certainly, we’ve assisted some of our members, and non-members, with urgent needs, but this is different. None of us have any experience in this field. Please say you’ll think about it at least. You don’t have to give me an answer right now.”
A sudden thought came to Susannah. “Letice, why I didn’t think of this earlier is beyond me. Diann is coming for a visit. I’m not sure when, but she’d have valuable input I’m sure Colin would welcome.
Letice’s face glowed. “You’re right. See if you can get an exact date, and we’ll set a meeting as soon as she arrives.” She jumped to her feet and froze. “But how will we manage Vita—once she has her mitts on something it’s hard to get her to relent. She’s in charge of the flat decorating and the celebration. But that’s later on. She’s been easing her way into more committees and gradually shoving others to the background. Before long she’ll be in charge of everything, and people will be dropping like flies because she’s so difficult to work with. We won’t have any committees at all.”
“Oh, I don’t know. Is there someone who can ease her back to her own duties?”
“Perhaps Colin could sort her out. She’s always had a thing for him, which seems to continue to the present.”
“Yes, but …”
She gave Susannah a keen look.
“You should call him, see if he’ll contact her and smooth her feathers about her assigned duties. Play up the asset she is to the group. We don’t need any worries going on with her.”
Susannah’s stomach tightened. “Worries … what do you mean?”
“Now, now, I didn’t mean anything by that.” Letice jumped from her seat and grabbed her bag. “Let me know when Diann is coming, and we’ll have tea and discuss all. Cheers!” Nearly out the door, she called over her shoulder, “And don’t forget to call Colin, love.”
Susannah stared after her in disbelief. Now, she’d have to bring up Vita to Colin. It seemed Letice had placed her on a slippery slope. After all, she and Colin were only friends.
She rested her head in her hands. Letice was right. Perhaps she was allowing Satan to keep her from moving on. She needed to let go of what Aaron did to her.
Susannah took a deep breath and called Colin. The rings fluttered in her ear repeatedly, not going to voicemail yet. “Hello,” an unfamiliar voice answered—a very feminine one. “May I help you?”
Susannah was too dumbfounded to form words.
“Is anyone there?” A moment of silence, a sound of shuffling, and a male voice from the background asked, “Who is it?” The woman replied, “No one there, Colin. Guess the call was dropped.”
Susannah punched the end button. A hundred thoughts swirled in her head until she was lightheaded. The woman could be a secretary or business associate? And why hadn’t he answered if he were in the room?
More suspicious thoughts crowded their way into her mind. They didn’t know each other that well and had no claims on one another. This was why she didn’t want another relationship. Pain always seemed to worm its way in. The hurt never fully healed.
The phone’s ring jerked her thoughts back. Still clutching it tightly, she looked to find Colin was calling. She continued staring at the screen but couldn’t bring herself to answer.
∞∞∞
Colin listened to the ringing, having redialed the dropped call. He waited patiently for Susannah to answer. He hadn’t saved her number yet, but when he checked the call list on his phone, he’d figured out it was she who’d called.
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