“Of course it goes to the police. It always goes through the legal channel.”
“Charles doesn’t trust the police.” Shelby wouldn’t look at him. “I did what I thought was right.”
“Is that really why you went? Out of concern for Charles?”
“Well, you have the photo now.” Turning her face away, Angelina extended a palm in his direction. “You decide what to do. Burn it if you want.”
“Did Ruby know about this?” Scott asked Shelby. He waited until her head wobbled, then nodded. “What did she say?”
With Angelina’s arm around her shoulders, Shelby sank lower onto the step. “When I showed her the photo, she said she wanted to pray about it.”
A piercing sense of disappointment filled Scott. Earlier, he’d almost let his attraction to Shelby get the better of him. Hadn’t she told him the day he brought the soup that she wouldn’t consider more than friendship? Thank the Lord, Luther’s baying interruption had saved him from his own folly.
He’d almost forgotten a key fact. Yes, Shelby could be the woman of his dreams, but she was too proud. And he hated pride. Hated self-satisfied, cliquish people.
Something told him to keep his mouth shut, but a bigger part of him wanted to beat Shelby over the head with the same weakness that caused her to exclude him a decade ago. For once, he wanted to say what he really thought. “But you didn’t give that a chance, did you? As usual, you were too worried about keeping up appearances. Heaven forbid somebody think bad of you.”
Shelby’s blonde head came up, and tears glistened in her eyes.
“Oh, stop.” Angelina frowned as she snapped at him. “You have no idea how trying to determine the right thing has torn Shelby up. Or how much this job could harm her. She’s the public face on this, not you. Not even the Wentworths. After this project, you get to keep renovating houses with your crew. But if this flip gives her a bad name and sends all her business to her competitors, Shelby won’t have any clients left. Then what will she do?”
The full extent of uncertainty Shelby must be experiencing about her future hit him then. Scott fell silent. He could almost smell the smoke of the bridge he’d just burned.
On the off-chance of running into Scott, Shelby couldn’t bring herself to attend Cornerstone this morning with the Wentworths. Neither could she talk herself into going back to her old church.
Yesterday had been hard, full of painful memories of shock and loss from Chet’s death a year ago. Doubly hard because—before Scott had showed what he really thought of her Friday night—she’d fancied during their topsy-turvy day together that she might be falling for him.
This morning had called for a time of quiet reflection. She’d had her best personal devotion time in months, using the index in her Bible to look up those verses that talked about God being a husband to the widow.
Scott again. Why did he constantly intrude into her thoughts? Frowning, Shelby scratched Maltie’s ears, gazing over the backyard. She winced when a car door slammed. From the blanket on Shelby’s lap, Maltie lifted her head.
“Angelina’s home.” She made the announcement with cheer, although she wished her little sister would be thankful enough when Shelby let her borrow her CRV that she would treat it with greater consideration. One more pay check, and their mom would have enough for a down payment for a used car for Angelina.
Sure enough, doors closed, and steps approached through the house. A popular praise chorus sounded sweet on her younger sister’s tongue. The deck door opened, and a red head poked out.
“There you are! Wow, it’s beautiful out here.” Responding to Maltie’s frantic wagging, Angelina petted her head as she dragged a wrought iron chair across the deck.
“How was campus church?”
“It was great. I hope I’m not disappointing you, but I’d rather keep going there than Cornerstone. I mean, I understand the value of fellowshipping inter-generationally, but I feel like since it’s geared toward college people, campus church will help me connect and grow.”
“You’re not disappointing me.” Shelby smiled. “I’m glad you found a good place to worship.” Although she meant it, her voice lacked its normal enthusiasm.
About to kick her feet up on the opposite chair, Angelina leaned forward and peered at her. “Wait, you’ve been crying?”
“I’m okay now.”
“You’re not okay. You’re hiding at home weeping on your back deck. Did you hear from Scott or something?”
“No, nor do I expect to. That’s not the way men are. Tomorrow he’ll act like nothing happened, except he’ll be all short and reserved. But that’s all right.” Lifting her chin, Shelby tapped her open Bible. “I’ve been reading verses I never noticed before about how God is like a husband to the widow and fatherless, and they reminded me to stop trying to take everything into my own hands. God will take care of us. Both of us.”
“Shelby, don’t worry about me. I love staying here, but if I need to, I can move back to the dorms—”
“No. I’m quite sure God approves of us staying together. Although … I do wish you’d keep up with your dirty clothes. And your dishes from last night are still in the sink.”
Angelina cringed. “Okay, okay. I’ll get on that. If finances are a problem, I could hold off on getting a car—”
“I’m not worried about finances.” Well, not enough to boot her sister out.
“Or look for a job, though I’m not sure how I’d get my art done … and I just had a great meeting with Caitlyn.”
“Oh really?” Shelby tried to hide her dislike for the beautiful young artist, although Angelina probably picked up on it. Today, knowing her sister planned to stop at Caitlyn’s shop after church, she’d sent the old photos and menus for Lester’s study along with Angelina for Caitlyn to frame, sparing herself a trip.
“Yes, I got your stuff dropped off. And Caitlyn said she wanted to feature several of my best pieces during the downtown holiday open house.”
“Why, that’s great!”
“She talked a lot about the store next to Scott’s as a future location where she plans a proper art gallery.”
“I bet she did.” This time Shelby couldn’t bar the sarcasm from her statement. Stroking Maltie’s silky fur, she stared at the golden leaves of the poplar in her back yard. “But as long as you and she get along well, that’s what’s important. I won’t be seeing her—or Scott, either—after next month.”
“Just because you and Scott had an argument doesn’t mean you end your relationship. People disagree all the time. We did what we thought was best. He would’ve done something different, but that doesn’t mean either of us did anything wrong.”
“I know that, Angelina. But we don’t have a relationship, except a working one. And that’s about to end.”
Angelina hefted a sigh and sat up. “Wow, it’s all or nothing for you, isn’t it? You should try giving people a little grace.”
Shelby pressed her lips together. “I’ll forgive him for hurting my feelings, but I can’t let my neediness and uncertainty about the future create unrealistic expectations of people. I have to turn to God.”
“That’s true, but—”
Having finally reached a modicum of peace after a night spent tossing and turning, Shelby had no desire to hear Angelina’s analysis. “As I’ve been praying, I’ve been thinking maybe God let all this happen as a reminder to keep things in check.”
“Really, Shelby? Because that’s not what I see at all.” Angelina looked irritated when a knock on the front door interrupted her. Sighing, she got up. “I’ll go see who it is.”
“Whoever it is, send them away.”
Angelina’s brow furrowed as she paused at the kitchen door. “I was kind of hoping to have a few friends over this evening to study. They love to get off campus, and they keep complaining we never invite them.”
Shelby threw her hands up. “Seriously? Did you not just see me sitting here crying? I need quiet and recovery time, not a passel
of college girls eating up everything in my kitchen. And what about all the laundry and dishes we just discussed?”
“Right. Of course.” Angelina’s hopeful expression fell. “I’ll just … send everyone away. Everyone.”
As her sister disappeared into the house, remorse stabbed Shelby. Angelina’s statement, “you should try giving people a little grace,” hung in the air, convicting her. But what about her? How much grace had Scott given her last night? And what about all those fake “friends” who deserted her as soon as she fell from local stardom? And Angelina … she should grow up and take more responsibility. If Shelby didn’t enforce that, who would?
A moment later, Angelina returned, her brow raised. “Well, look who’s here.”
Aghast that her sister had disregarded her instructions, Shelby whirled around.
Chapter Nineteen
He held his gift on a plate, one slice of decadent, moist, triple-layer chocolate cake. One slice to make it clear it was just for her, and on Ruby’s wedding china at that. But Scott’s stomach dropped as he watched Shelby’s surprise turn not to welcome, but to suspicion. “What are you doing here?”
He swallowed. “Uh … bringing a peace offering for acting like a jerk Friday?”
The goofy smile that lit Angelina’s face made Scott wish his contrite gesture lacked an audience.
“Thank you for your apology, but no peace offering is necessary.” Sitting up straight, Shelby restrained Maltie with her hand. The dog wiggled and whined in protest.
Scott slid the plastic-wrap-covered dessert onto Shelby’s table. “Maybe not, but Lester’s mother’s recipe was, of course, passed down through the annals of time. I can promise you’ve never tasted cake like this before. The Boll Weevil Cafe would love to get their hands on the recipe.”
“No apology is necessary either.” Shelby slid the cake back. “Like Angelina said, we saw things differently. No crimes were committed, at least not by any of us.”
Scott stood there shifting his weight, praying for a crack in her armor. Since he didn’t see one, he’d have to make one. “But I think I hurt you, and that’s a crime in my book.”
Angelina hitched a thumb toward the house. “And on that note, I’m going in to make a sandwich … since no one is offering me cake.” With a lame grin, she popped back inside, closing the French door.
Scott seized that moment to slide into the chair next to Shelby. The sense that he’d spoken the truth without love Friday night had left him sleepless, and he didn’t figure on getting any peace until he’d fixed things.
Shelby rolled her eyes. “Why do men always bring gifts after a fight?”
“I don’t know, is that what they do?”
“Always, although I admit, you were quick on the draw. I expected we’d spend most of this next week not talking to each other.”
Scott drew back with a grimace. “Why? Is that how I come across to you? Mean and petty?”
The surprised glance Shelby flashed him checked his words. As Scott recalled what Shelby had said about his ex-girlfriend’s husband, understanding from the Holy Spirit illuminated the problem. Shelby expected what she was used to. He tried a relaxed response, leaning back and folding his hands. “Not me, no, I can’t stand to keep a fight going.”
To his relief, she gave a faltering but genuine smile. “Fine, but you still don’t have to keep bringing me food.”
Scott lifted an index finger. “But remember, Lester’s courting Ruby too.” “Too?” Shelby’s brows shot up.
Panic made him fumble. “Not ‘too’ like this is a courtship ritual. ‘Too’ as in, in addition. You know. I’m helping him too.”
“Admirable, as long as you know that gifts don’t take the place of an apology.”
“I do know that.” Scott shifted. When Maltie hopped up in response, he patted his lap. Shelby scowled as her pet leapt over to him. As much as he wanted to agree and move on to easier topics as quickly as Maltie changed laps, he’d have to push past his normal reserves if he wanted Shelby to trust him again.
Before he could continue, Shelby spoke. “I don’t like feeling manipulated, like if I don’t respond to the gift with all smiles then I’m in the wrong.” Faint bitterness rang in her words.
“Look, I don’t know what you witnessed growing up or with Chet, but that’s not the way Mike and Mom did things. I don’t go for the stony silences or bribery either. I didn’t intend the cake to do all my talking for me.” He shot her a hopeful grin which she met with an unfazed, horizontal pull of her lips.
It had been a long time since Scott discussed emotions with a girl. God, help me here. “This project’s been challenging for a number of reasons. It’s hard enough when people are new working together, but add to that our different renovation ideas and the fact that you’re grieving your husband, not to mention this Barnes mystery, and it’s been pretty obvious to the Wentworths we needed some help.”
Shelby blew out a breath. “I’ll own that most of that has been my fault, but I don’t like being unprofessional. The client should never know if we disagree.”
“They realize this is a unique circumstance.”
“I do get the sense that they’re more interested in us personally than professionally.”
Scott nodded, hopeful at her observation. “Definitely. And honestly? I’ve been thankful for their advice and patience. Lester’s cake gave me the courage to show up here today. It’s not easy for me to say what I think.”
“You didn’t seem to have any trouble the other night.”
Ouch. Scott grimaced again. “I know, I’m sorry.” Say the rest, the gentle whisper in his spirit urged. He sighed. And talked, even though he’d surpassed his daily word limit a few minutes ago. “I have this problem of believing I have to fix something if I think I’m right. Or saying what I think when I’m angry. I’m sorry for that. I hadn’t thought through what a threat to your career means right now.”
Lips parted, Shelby stared at him. Finally, she said, “Okay, and I’m sorry if I disappointed you … or the Wentworths. I did what I thought was right, but I do intend to leave things alone now.” She smiled. “Obviously, I don’t want a lawyer breathing down my neck.”
Scott grinned back, feeling the weight lift off his chest. “Obviously.” Then, like a splinter in a wound, something else forced its way out. “I think … I wanted your approval too much.”
“My approval?”
“Yeah. I guess … I never got over that from high school.”
Shelby let her breath out in a soft laugh. “But that’s the thing, it’s your approval I wanted.”
“You did?”
“Yes. I felt awful for disappointing you. I may not agree with you all the time, but I totally respect what you think.”
Scott gaped in astonishment that God gave him the very thing he longed for after he quit demanding it. Whatever happened with Shelby after this project, he never had to wonder again if she looked down on him. The freedom of that released something from his past.
Shelby took a breath and pulled Ruby’s china plate closer. For the first time, her eyes lit with the interest he’d expected a girl to show chocolate. “Can I still accept your peace offering?”
“For sure.” No way was he going to reveal that this time, he’d called Lester.
The morning of the excursion to North Augusta Living History Park dawned crisp and clear. After a week of hard work, Shelby looked forward to going out for fun in stylish, short boots, colored jeans, and a long cardigan over her fitted blouse. But she couldn’t quell some anxiety as she parked her CRV in the lot off Lake Avenue. What if Ruby planned a scolding over Shelby’s visit to Charles after she’d promised she’d wait and pray? Best address the problem right out of the gate.
Scott leaned against his truck, chatting with the Wentworths as they waited for her. Shelby was annoyed to find him looking like his Sunday self, cleanshaven, wearing a casual jacket over a dressy navy sweater and jeans with loafers.
“Hey,�
�� he said with a grin after Shelby greeted everyone. “I was just giving Lester and Ruby an update, telling them about the paint crews coming in.” “What did you guys do, take a beach vacation?” Lester joked.
Shelby grinned. “Not hardly. He still found ways to keep me busy, putting down plastic, taping the windows and hinges, cleaning and sanding walls, touching up.” She couldn’t resist poking Scott in the side with her elbow.
Ruby’s gaze followed her gesture, and a smile played around her lips. “I’m glad things are progressing despite a rough start to the week.”
“About that, I want to apologize, Miss Ruby. I know Scott told you what happened. I thought I did the right thing to visit Charles Barnes, but after what Scott said over the weekend, I spent some time thinking and praying.”
Ruby gave her an encouraging nod, but Shelby forced herself to address Scott before turning back to the Wentworths. “Your honesty about what made you so angry with me made me look a little deeper. The truth is, someone told me that my old clients were going to my competitor now, and I let that goad me into action. Even if taking the photo to Charles needed to happen, I shouldn’t have done it out of fear. If I had waited on God’s timing, it would have all gone smoother. I do hope you’re not mad at me.”
“Of course not, dear.” Ruby reached over to pat Shelby’s hand. “It sounds like you’ve learned what you needed to. Now we just trust that God works all things for good, like He promises.”
Here was the second time this week that forgiveness issued so freely amazed and convicted Shelby. Her father and stepmother flashed to mind—and David Barnes. Shelby grimaced. “I think I need to apologize to the Barnes too. It might help calm the waters. What do you think?” She grinned. “I promise, I’ll really listen this time.”
As Lester and Ruby smiled, Shelby almost jumped when Scott rubbed a hand up and down her arm. She glanced at him to see approval written on his handsome features. Approval, not flirtation, she told herself, although somehow that tunneled deeper into her psyche. And handsome? When did he go from normal to handsome?
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