by Jodi Vaughn
“I don’t know. Isn’t that illegal? I don’t have a handicap sticker on my car.” She gave Elizabeth a look.
“Honey, people know me and they know I’ve been riding in your car. They won’t say a word,” Elizabeth assured her.
“I don’t feel right about it.” Heather stopped at the parking space and waited.
“Well, how would you feel about me walking two blocks instead of ten feet?” Elizabeth countered.
“Fine. But if we get a ticket, you’re paying for it.” Heather pulled into the handicap parking spot.
Elizabeth smiled and unbuckled her seat belt. “See. How hard was that?”
“Pretty hard. I’m not used to breaking the law.” Heather frowned.
Elizabeth snorted and opened her door.
Heather grabbed her backpack and walked around and helped Elizabeth step onto the curb.
The bell above Bettie’s Boutique rang as two women walked out. Heather held the door open for Elizabeth.
“Hello, Miss Elizabeth. Is this your granddaughter with you?” A middle-aged woman stepped out from behind the counter.
“No, Stacey. This is Heather Smith. She’s a friend. And we are here to get her a dress. She has a date on Friday night,” Elizabeth gushed. “Heather, this is Stacey Landers. She owns the boutique.”
Heather forced a smile. She didn’t want the whole town knowing her business. “Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you. We have some new items that I think you’ll love.” Stacey smiled brightly.
“Stacey, I need a different size,” a customer called out from the back.
“I’ll be right there.” She turned back to them. “I’ll let you both look around, and if you have questions, let me know.” She hurried over to a rack and picked off the same dress in a couple of sizes.
“What about this?” Elizabeth held up an animal print dress.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think it’s my style.”
“Here’s a pretty dress.” Elizabeth held up a purple dress with puff sleeves.
“That may be too fancy.” Heather bit her lip.
The bell rang as Heather was going through a rack of sale items.
“Look, Heather, this is a nice dress.” Elizabeth held up a black dress with long sleeves.
“It’s a dinner date. Not a funeral.” Heather cocked her head.
“A dinner date? Let me guess with who.” Gabriela strolled over, looking like she’d just stepped off a magazine cover. She wore slim white jeans and a yellow shirt which showed off her body. “Grayson.” She smirked and tucked her sunglasses on the top of her head.
“Shush.” Heather looked around the boutique. “I don’t want the whole town to know.”
“It’s not like they’re not going to know once you guys go to the restaurant.” Gabriela shrugged. “Wait, is he taking you to Loftin’s?”
“Yes.”
A slow smile tugged at her lips. “Then everyone will know by Sunday morning.”
“Ugh. Can a girl not have any secrets?” Heather buried her face in the rack of clothes.
“Not here.” Gabriela shrugged. She smiled at Elizabeth. “Hello, Ms. Elizabeth. How are you?”
“I’m getting around better. But we are having a hard time figuring out something for Heather to wear. I don’t suppose you could help out, since you’re the expert?”
“Sure. I’d be happy to.” Gabriela quickly went through the clothes and pulled out a black crop top and a short off-white shirt. “This would look great on you.”
“That’s too short.” Elizabeth narrowed her eyes.
Gabriela grinned. “I guess it is.” She put the clothes back and went to another rack. “You could wear something like this gray dress. Pair it with some black high heels.” She held out a formfitting dress.
“I don’t know. That looks pretty tight.” Heather cringed.
“You should have come over and looked through my clothes.” Gabriela raised her eyebrow.
“I know. I’ve just been so busy, and well, I feel weird about not paying you.”
Gabriela nodded. “Give me a minute.” She went through two racks and finally pulled an outfit together. “How about this?”
She held out a flowy peach-colored skirt and a pretty white blouse. “I would do some simple jewelry like maybe this necklace.” She pulled a gold necklace off a mannequin and found some matching earrings on display on the counter. “All you need is some heels. Do you have some nude or maybe black heels?”
“I don’t own any heels,” Heather admitted.
“Well, don’t buy them here. Stacey overprices her shoes.” She stared at the owner as she came out of the dressing room.
Heather didn’t miss the way Stacey shot daggers at Gabriela.
“I have a pair of nude heels in your size in my car. I was going to donate them. You can have them.” Gabriela shrugged. “So what do you think of the outfit?”
Heather smiled. “It’s perfect.” She looked at Elizabeth. The old woman smiled and nodded.
“Well, go try them on.” Elizabeth nudged her.
She stepped into the dressing room and quickly changed into the new clothes. She ran her hand over the soft material. She’d never had new clothes in her life.
“Come on out and let’s see how you look,” Elizabeth called out.
She opened the dressing room door and stepped out.
“Oh, Heather. You look lovely.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with emotion. “Do you like the outfit?”
“I do. But it’s a lot of money.”
“Don’t worry about that. It’s my treat.” Elizabeth nodded.
“Oh no, I can’t let you do that.” She shook her head.
“Oh yes, you can. Besides, I need people who work for me to look their best when they are on a fancy date.” Elizabeth pulled out her wallet.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Heather blinked back the tears.
“You’re welcome.”
“Where’s Gabriela?” She looked around.
Elizabeth stepped closer. “She and Stacey had words. Gabriela left.”
Heather lowered her voice. “Was it over the shoe comment?”
“I couldn’t tell. They were too far away. But Gabriela didn’t look too pleased. She did say she was putting those shoes in your car.”
“I’ll have to thank her for that.”
“She certainly knows her fashion. That’s for sure.” Elizabeth patted her hand. “Now go change so we can get these clothes rung up.”
Heather went back into the dressing room and quickly changed.
She carefully hung up each item.
New clothes for a new life.
Chapter 28
“I can’t believe this is happening. Just my luck.” Heather turned the key once again. And once again, the engine did nothing.
“Could it be your battery?”
“I don’t think so. It was fine yesterday.” She turned the key again. Nothing happened.
“I’ll run inside and call Gus. He’s a mechanic.” Elizabeth opened the door.
“Hang on and let me help you.” She hurried around the car and assisted Elizabeth inside Bettie’s.
Within minutes of making the call to Gus, he was there. For a small town, people moved pretty quickly.
Gus pulled his head out from under the hood. “Sounds like the alternator. Can’t really make an official diagnosis until I tow it back to my shop.”
“How much is it going to cost to fix it?” Heather groaned.
He grinned. “Well, I won’t know until I get her back to my shop and poke around. Could be an easy fix or it could be more expensive.”
“Perfect.” Heather sighed. “How am I going to get to town without a car?”
“Use my truck. In fact, if I were you, I’d sell it and just drive my truck. That way you can save up and buy something newer. A car is not useful on a farm.”
“What would I get?”
“One of those small trucks. A Toyota maybe.”
Elizabeth shrugged.
Gus scratched his chin. “I might have a buyer for your car. That is, if you want to sell it.”
“Really? Who?”
“Well, my grandson. His vehicle was an old beater, and it finally gave up the ghost. He’s looking for a car since he’s headed to college in the fall.”
“Wait, is your grandson Justin?”
“He is. Do you know him?”
“I know he works for Grayson.” She nodded.
“Grayson’s a good man. He hired my grandson when no one else was hiring.” Gus lifted his chin.
“Yes, well, she has a date with Grayson Friday night. That’s why we are here shopping.” Elizabeth beamed.
“Elizabeth!” Heather glared at her.
“Oh, sorry. I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone.”
“I tell you what, let me know what’s wrong with the car and if your grandson is still interested, tell him to make me an offer.”
“I’ll do that.” Gus grinned from ear to ear.
“Gus, is there any way you can drive us back to the farm?”
“Yes, ma’am. We’ll tow the car to the shop, and I’ll take you both home in my truck. This is Wednesday so I’ll have an idea of what’s wrong with it by Friday.”
It was after lunch when they arrived back home.
“I’m about worn out. Not sure if it was from all the shopping or the excitement from riding in a tow truck.” Elizabeth settled into her chair in the living room.
“Or maybe it was how Gus was flirting with you,” Heather teased.
“He was not.” Elizabeth scowled. “He’s just friendly. That’s all.”
Heather laughed. “I’ll make us a quick lunch. How does chicken salad sandwiches sound?”
“I see you’ve been practicing expanding your cooking skills.” Elizabeth arched her brow.
“I’ve been watching some cooking shows.” She shrugged.
“Good. That’s good. Every farmer’s wife needs to know how to cook.” Elizabeth smirked.
“Whatever.” She ignored the comment and took her clothes upstairs to hang them up.
She came back down and made a quick lunch for them. Elizabeth complimented her on the sandwiches, saying they were some of the best ones she’d ever had.
Heather had beamed at the compliment.
She loved cooking. Lately she’d started experimenting with different ingredients.
“I’ll do the dishes.” Elizabeth stood.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Besides, my physical therapist says it’s okay.” She walked to the sink. “While I’m doing this, go in my room and look at the new quilt pattern I’ve been working on.”
Heather stepped into Elizabeth’s bedroom and stopped. She had spread out five blocks of a quilt on her bed. The colors were vibrant against a black background. The pattern was of a star and with the blocks lined up against each other, they looked like stars found in the night sky.
She walked into the kitchen. “They are beautiful. Reminds me of a starry night.”
Elizabeth stopped and turned. “The pattern is called Hunter’s Star. I guess it does look like a night sky. You have a good eye.”
“Maybe but I definitely can’t quilt.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Maybe you’ll pick it up later in life. You’re young. You have your whole life ahead of you.”
That night as Heather fell asleep she stared out her window into the night sky, marveling at how much her life had changed in such a short time.
Chapter 29
“Do you do this for everyone?” Heather tried not to squirm as Gabriela applied the makeup.
“No. But when Ms. Elizabeth called, I couldn’t refuse. Plus, I love a good makeover.” Gabriela’s voice held a tint of excitement.
“Thanks for the shoes. I wanted to tell you the other day, but you had left before I came out of the dressing room.”
“Yeah, well, that old bat Stacey didn’t appreciate me helping pick out an outfit for you.”
“Why? You did a wonderful job. I mean, she should hire you. She’d probably get a ton more customers if she did.”
Gabriela stopped. “No, Heather. She wouldn’t. No one in Harland Creek will hire me.”
Heather wanted to press her for more information, but she could tell by the firm expression Gabriela was done with this conversation.
“Gus called and told me I would need a new alternator. I’m really considering selling the car and saving up for something else. A truck maybe. What do you think?”
“I think if you’re staying here a truck would be more practical. You can’t be driving in a pasture in a car. Do you have anyone interested in it?”
“Actually, I do. Gus’ grandson. He’s looking for a car for college. I told him to make me an offer and get back to me. He’s going to run some comps and see what a fair price would be.”
“Sounds like you have a plan. And guess what? I’m almost done.” Gabriela swiped the lipstick across Heather’s lips and took a step back.
“You look beautiful.” She nodded.
“I do?” Heather had never heard those words before.
“Yes. And if Grayson McCade is too stupid to tell you that, then I would drop him like a hot potato.”
“I don’t think Grayson is stupid.” Heather defended him.
A slow smile crept across her mouth. “Neither do I. Now turn and look in the mirror.”
She stood from the chair and turned around to look in the mirror above the dresser.
She gasped.
“I’m guessing that’s a good gasp and not a horrified gasp.” Gabriela cocked her head.
“I look beautiful.” Her makeup had been tastefully applied. The bronze pallet of eyeshadow accentuated her blue eyes and the blush highlighted her cheekbones. Even her light-pink lipstick made her lips look perfect. Gabriela had used a curler and given her beach waves which fell across her shoulders. She never imagined she could look like this.
“You’ve always been beautiful. I just shone a spotlight.” Gabriela shrugged and began gathering up her supplies. “I need to get going. Agnes has it in her head for me to help her with those dang beehives.”
Heather turned and gave Gabriela a quick hug. “Thank you.”
Gabriela gave her an uneasy look and ducked her head. “No problem. I just want all the juicy details after the date.”
Heather snorted. “There won’t be any juicy details. It will probably bore you.”
“I like boring.” Gabriela grabbed her bag and stopped. “Oh, one more thing. Don’t take that ugly backpack.”
“What’s wrong with my backpack?” Heather scowled.
“First of all, you’re not fourteen anymore, nor are you in school. You need a proper purse. I brought you one. It’s not new but it will do until you can get one you really like.” She pulled out a small black purse.
“Where am I going to put all my stuff?” She frowned.
“You don’t need to be carrying your stuff around on your back like a turtle. All you need is the basics. Your driver’s license, money and credit card, and your keys. Well, since your car’s not running, you don’t even need that. Oh, and you’ll need your lipstick.” She slung her bag on her arm. “Now go have fun.”
Gabriela disappeared out the door.
Heather took another look at herself. She still had to get dressed. She glanced at the clock on the bedside table, noting the time. Grayson would be here any minute.
She quickly began to get dressed for her very first date.
Chapter 30
“That was the best meal I’ve ever eaten.” She sighed and sat back in her chair.
“Loftin’s is the only place to get a good steak in Harland Creek.” He took a sip of his iced tea. “Do you feel like desert?”
“I couldn’t eat another thing.” She shook her head.
“You look beautiful.” Grayson couldn’t keep his eyes off Heather.
She ducked her head. “You told me that already.”
She looked up at him. “You know I don’t normally look like this. And I’m probably not going to start wearing makeup to work on the flower farm.”
He laughed. “You could wear a gunny sack and still look beautiful.”
She frowned. “What’s a gunny sack?”
He laughed again. “I have one hanging up in my barn. I’ll show you before we go stargazing.”
Her eyes widened. “Stargazing. I completely forgot. I should have brought a change of clothes.”
“Don’t worry about it. We can stop by your house and you can change. You didn’t think I was going to be dressed like this all night, did you?”
She laughed and relaxed.
“That looks good on you.”
“Gabriela picked out the outfit.” She glanced down.
“I wasn’t talking about the outfit. I was talking about the smile.”
“I guess I have a lot to smile about. A new home and a job I like. I never thought I would find those things.”
He took her hand in his. “Heather, I…”
“Grayson, I’m sorry to interrupt your date.” Sloan stopped at the table and looked down at him.
She pulled her hand away and took a sip of water.
“Sloan, you remember Heather from church.”
“Hello again, Heather.” Sloan didn’t smile but had kept his demeanor professional.
“Is everything okay?” Grayson frowned. Unease snaked in his belly. “It’s not Olivia, is it?”
“No, no. As far as I know she’s fine. Actually, I’m not here to see you. I’m here to see Heather.” He kept his gaze on her.
“Me?” She frowned, looking confused.
“Yes. It’s about the car that was towed to Gus’ shop. Apparently, when he ran the VIN number to get some comps to determine the value of the car for resell, the car came back flagged.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that the car was reported stolen in Georgia. I’m going to need you to come with me to the station to answer some questions.”
“Stolen! I didn’t steal that car. There must be some mistake.” Her eyes widened. She looked very much like a cornered animal.