Boardwalk Brides

by Janice Thompson

  Oh well. She’d come to Newark to fly planes, not fall for handsome pilots. There would be plenty of time to think of her love life later. Right now she had bigger fish to fry.

  ❧

  On Tuesday evening Darren ended a long day of flying and made the drive home, completely exhausted. He’d barely made it through the door when his cell phone rang. Determined to get out of his uniform before dealing with anything important, he made the decision to return the call after he’d had a bite to eat.

  After changing clothes and fixing a sandwich, he finally reached for the phone, ready to return the call. When he saw Jason’s number, Darren relaxed. Thank goodness. Nothing work related. He punched the Send key, leaning back against the sofa with the sandwich in hand.

  “Well, hey there.” Jason laughed. “Thought maybe you were avoiding me. Did you listen to my message?”

  “Message? No, sorry. Didn’t even realize you’d left one. I just saw that you’d called.” He went on to explain his exhaustion and his long day.

  “Ah, okay. Well, Brooke put me up to this. You remember that friend of hers she told you about—the one who works for the senator?”

  Darren perked up right away. “Andrea.” He took a bite of the sandwich and listened to his friend’s words.

  “Yes, she’s going to be in town for a speaking engagement. Brooke told her you might be interested in going out for coffee. Nothing stressful.”

  “Ah.” Darren wiped a bit of mustard off his lip and took another bite of the sandwich.

  “So, what about it? Saturday afternoon at four? That way she has plenty of time to get back to the hotel to prepare for her speaking gig. And look at it this way, if things don’t work out, she won’t be sticking around for any length of time.”

  “Right.” It might be a safe plan. Not that he was hoping things would go wrong. He really didn’t know what to think, to be quite honest. After another bite of sandwich and a few concerned thoughts, Darren shifted gears. He wanted to be polite. . .to stay focused on Andrea, but his thoughts kept shifting back to the beautiful woman he’d met a few nights before. Candy Carini.

  “Can I ask you a few questions about Brooke’s roommate?” he finally worked up the courage to ask.

  “Which one?” Jason laughed. “Every other week there’s a new one.”

  “The latest one.” The gorgeous brunette with those amazing eyes. After a moment’s pause, he added, “I’m so torn over this. You know my policy. I never date any of the flight attendants. Never.”

  “Flight attendants?” Jason sounded confused. “Wait. Who are we talking about here? Lilly or Shawneda?”

  “Neither. I’m talking about Candy Carini.”

  “Darren, I—um—hate to be the one to tell you this, but Candy’s not a flight attendant.”

  “Of course she is. I heard her say she just got hired on.”

  “Yes, she did. She’s an Eastway employee, for sure. But she’s not a flight attendant. She’s a—”

  Darren’s stomach plummeted as he finished his friend’s sentence. “She’s a pilot?”

  “Yes.” Jason exhaled loudly. “Did you miss the part where she asked you where you got your wings? And that whole thing about the flight school in Tucson. She was telling you her own story, dude. You should’ve been reading between the lines.”

  Darren felt like slapping himself in the head. How did I miss that? “Did I say anything embarrassing about female pilots?” He squeezed his eyes shut. “Tell me I didn’t.”

  “Nah. There was something about women making inroads in the industry, or something like that. But nothing negative. Why?” Jason appeared to hesitate before asking, “You got a problem with women pilots?”

  “No. . .not really.”

  “ ‘Not really’?”

  Darren sighed. “A couple of friends just lost their jobs, and I heard they were being replaced by new hires. Females.” He went on to explain his mixed feelings. “Just seems pointless to let someone go because of their sex. Ya know?”

  “Yeah,” Jason agreed. “But I’d be willing to bet it has nothing to do with that. Brooke says this girl is really good. And she’s thrilled to be flying for Eastway. So, go easy on her, okay?”

  “Of course. Oh, and by the way. . .”

  “Yeah?”

  “You forgot to give me Andrea’s number.” Darren reached for a pen, ready to think of someone other than Candy Carini.

  When he hung up from his call with Jason, Darren paced the room, a number of thoughts rolling through his head. Candy is a pilot. A pilot. That changed everything. Not that he had any intention of asking her out. Not at all. But, to even befriend a female pilot. . .in light of the current conditions? What would Gary say? Or the others, for that matter. No, he’d better tuck that idea right back into his flight bag and forget about it.

  On the other hand, Candy was new to Eastway and would need friends. He couldn’t very well avoid her just to save face, could he? And besides, she was a believer. God wouldn’t think very highly of Darren if he deliberately opted out of a friendship because of the other guys.

  Determined to shift his focus, Darren finally worked up the courage to call the politically perfect Andrea to confirm their coffee date. He felt like a traitor as he punched in her number. Hadn’t he just told Candy over dinner that he didn’t think much of dating? And here he was, calling up a stranger to ask her out.

  I’m just doing this for Jason and Brooke. One date and I’ll probably never see Andrea again.

  She answered on the third ring. Andrea had a strong, confident voice. . .so strong that it took him by surprise. She jumped on the idea of the coffee date, adding that her schedule was tight. “I hope you’re okay with a getting-to- know-you pre-date,” she said. “Kind of gets the awkwardness out of the way.”

  Getting-to-know-you pre-date? He groaned internally. From the businesslike sound in her voice, she’d probably record every detail of the evening on a spreadsheet. Or worse. Come with a prepared speech on men and politics. Stop it, Darren. You don’t know anything about her.

  By the time they ended the call, she’d won him over with her wit and her verbal speed. The girl could talk a mile a minute. Not that he minded. No, having someone else do the talking saved him from having to do it.

  Now, if only she could save him from having to actually meet her for coffee. . .that would be a trick.

  SIX

  On Saturday afternoon Darren arrived at the coffee shop with his stomach in knots. What was it about first dates— especially blind dates—that made him feel like a kid all over again?

  He looked around the room, thankful to see Andrea hadn’t yet arrived. He knew what she’d be wearing—a navy blue jacket and slacks with a white blouse. She’d been very specific about that. For once, he was happy to be early. It would give him time to collect his thoughts while waiting.

  Darren took a seat at a table and continued the silent prayer session he’d begun in the car. Lord, You know my heart. And You know how awkward this is for me. Just please guide me. And, Lord, if the woman I’m supposed to marry comes walking through that door, then I give You permission to do whatever You like to let me know. It’s gonna take something pretty big, though, ’cause I’m not convinced I’m supposed to be here at all.

  Minutes later, a petite redhead entered the store. Her hair, straight and squared off at the shoulders, gave her a professional appearance, sure. But the rest of her? Wow. Not what he’d been expecting at all. Her small physique caught him by surprise. Darren had imagined a political powerhouse to be tall and sturdy. Sort of a broad-shouldered woman. This one looked more like someone’s kid sister. Dimples and all. Her shiny red hair looked just right against the pale complexion and splattering of freckles.

  Okay, now what? He’d prepared himself to be disinterested. But so many things about this woman struck him as interesting.

  “Darren Furst?” When he nodded, she extended her hand.

  “I’m Andrea. Great to meet you.”

/>   “You, too.” He rose and pulled out a chair.

  She sat and placed her briefcase on the table. He half expected her to open it and begin a business meeting. Her gaze followed his to the bag. “Oh, sorry about that. But it’s leather and I hate to put it on the ground.”

  “Oh, trust me, I understand,” he said, once again taking his seat. “So, um. . .” He felt his nerves kick in and steadied his breathing. “Brooke tells me you’re Paul Cromwell’s campaign manager.”

  “That’s right.” Her face lit up. “Great man, and a great leader. Very well loved in Texas.”

  “How long has he been in office?”

  “He came to D.C. in 2000.” She maintained her joyous expression as she talked about him. “And he’s a well-respected senator. People on both sides of the fence love working with him.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yes. We’re looking forward to the next presidential campaign,” she explained. “And early polls have shown us that Senator Cromwell is a viable candidate to run for office. He’s a great guy, and I know he’d be perfect for the job. He’s truly one of the godliest men I’ve ever known, and his wife is amazing, as well. Perfect first couple. But we’ve got a long road ahead of us.”

  At this point, Darren had to wonder if Andrea had time for a relationship. Sounded like she was up to her eyeballs in work.

  Still, there was something special about her. He sensed her passion, sure, but it was more than that. As she began to talk about the issues that affected their country, he saw her heart for the Lord shining through.

  Eventually her conversation slowed, and Andrea pulled a slip of paper out of her briefcase. She showed him some things she’d jotted down. “I know this sounds crazy, but I’ve learned to just get this part over with. It’s my getting-to- know-you list.”

  “What?” He glanced at it, intrigued. “Wow. I have to answer all of those questions?”

  “Only if you want to.” She laughed. “But trust me, it helps to get some of the big stuff out of the way first. So, if you’re game, I’m game. I’ll answer if you will.”

  “Sure. I guess so.”

  He spent the next few minutes answering her preliminary questions. “I grew up in California. I have never been married. My last relationship ended amicably. I’ve piloted for Eastway for four years. I’m hoping to find someone with an amazing work ethic who shares my love of God, church, contemporary worship music, and Christian concerts. And I like quiet walks on the beach.”

  I like walks on the beach? Where in the world did that come from?

  Darren could’ve slapped himself. He’d only been to the beach three or four times since moving to New Jersey.

  Andrea clicked off her answers to the same questions in short order: “I’m the oldest of four children. Raised in the D.C. area. Top of my graduating class, both in high school and at Stanford. Just out of college, I served as an aid to a prominent senator. Dated loosely but never had time for a serious relationship. No pets. Don’t have time or energy. Love the Lord. Believe firmly in placing Him at the center of every relationship.”

  Darren gave the same one-word answer he’d used earlier: “Wow.” For whatever reason, he couldn’t think of anything else to say.

  ❧

  “C’mon, Candy. We won’t stay long. Just come with us.” Candy looked up into Lilly’s pouting eyes as she answered.

  “I have a flight tomorrow. My first. I can’t stay out late.”

  “Late? It’s not even five o’clock yet. And I’m just talking about coffee here, not dinner. You’ll be back before the sun goes down. But come with us, please. We’re bored.” As they made the drive, Shawneda carried on about a male flight attendant who’d caught her eye.

  “You’re thinking of dating a fellow employee?” Candy quirked a brow. “I thought most airlines advised against that.”

  Shawneda shrugged. “Not Eastway. As long as it doesn’t interfere with my work in any way, I’m free to date who I like.”

  “Wow.” Candy shook her head. “Well, you can count me out of that one.”

  “Listen to her.” Lilly giggled. “She’s probably got an old boyfriend back in Tucson that she’s not telling us about. Someone other than that Russ guy, I mean. That’s why she’s got her antennae down. A handsome guy could walk right by her and she wouldn’t even notice.”

  “Oh, I’d notice.” Candy forced herself not to think about Darren’s gorgeous blue eyes. “But I’d look the other way. Right now God has given me a chance to have the job of my dreams, and I’m not going to do anything to blow it.”

  “So you’re telling me. . .even if He brought Mr. Right and plopped him down right in front of you, you’d look the other way.”

  “Right now, yes.” Candy nodded. “I wouldn’t have any choice. And if he was truly God’s man for me, he’d realize the timing wasn’t right. Not yet, anyway. I’ve got to get through this transition I’m in before I could even think about a man.” Should she tell them that she’d tried to balance work and relationships before, and it had never ended well? Maybe not.

  Thankfully, Lilly dove into an animated story about a boy she used to date when she was in her teens. Shawneda countered with a harrowing tale of a relationship gone wrong when she worked at a pizza parlor during college. She’d just reached the crux of the story when they arrived at the coffee shop. They entered the crowded room, the scent of the coffee drawing them in.

  Shawneda stopped her pizza story midstream just inside the door. “Whoa.”

  “What?” Candy followed her gaze. “Oh, wow.” Darren Furst. With a woman. A really pretty woman. Polished and professional in appearance, the woman put her in mind of a talk-show host, or something along those lines. Was she a coworker, perhaps? She sure didn’t look like a pilot. Not that pilots had a particular look.

  “Oh, man. I know that girl,” Shawneda whispered after examining her from a distance. “High-powered political type. Andrea something-or-other. Brooke introduced me to her a couple months ago. She lives in DC.”

  “So, do we go over and say hello?” Lilly turned to head that way, but Candy grabbed her by the arm.

  “No. It looks like they’re on a date. Leave them alone.” The last thing she wanted to do was interrupt someone’s private time.

  “A date?” Shawneda and Lilly practically squealed in unison.

  Lowering her voice, Lilly echoed, “A date? From what I hear, he’s too career focused.”

  Shawneda shook her head. “Personally, I think some woman must’ve broken his heart. Never made any sense to me that he didn’t get out more and date. If I were five or six years older, I’d slip my arm through his and march him down the aisle.” She giggled, but Candy could see a serious look in her eye.

  “He told me he wasn’t keen on dating, but it sure looks like he’s getting out now.” Candy grabbed a package of coffee to hide from Darren as he looked their way. So much for all that stuff he said. Old-fashioned, huh?

  Lilly nudged her. “You’re buying a bag of coffee to take back to the apartment?”

  “Um, no. Yeah. Maybe.” She peeked around the edge of the bag, trying to get a look at Andrea. She was pretty, no doubt. But was she Darren’s type?

  Darren’s type? Where did that come from?

  They inched their way up in line, the girls going on and on about Darren’s sad dating life. . .or lack thereof, as Lilly put it. Candy refused to join in. He could date whomever he wanted. What business was it of hers?

  “That Darren is a marshmallow,” Shawneda said with a sigh. “I can’t see him paired up with a dynamo like that.”

  “Oh?” Candy looked her way, curious.

  “Yeah. She could steamroll right over him. Brooke told me she’s a real powerhouse. She’s been interviewed on nearly every major news station, and the New York Times ran a piece on her a few months ago. We’re talking about a major player here. In political arenas, I mean.”

  “Not Darren’s type at all.” Lilly wrinkled her nose as they stepped forward i
n line. “I always pictured him with a schoolteacher. Or a librarian maybe.”

  “A librarian?” Shawneda snorted. “He needs someone with a lot of pizzazz to bring him out of his shell. Like, maybe a cruise ship singer or a Hollywood starlet.”

  Candy could hardly keep her thoughts to herself after such a ridiculous comment. Darren was an easygoing, friendly soul, someone who just needed a secure, steady woman at his side. “I see him with a business woman of some sort. Confident, but not outlandish.”

  “Why not a deep-sea diver or a brain surgeon?” A familiar male voice rang out from behind them. Darren. Candy felt her cheeks heat up. She didn’t turn around. She didn’t dare.

  “Then again,” he continued, “my aunt Lucy always said I’d be a pastor and would marry the church pianist. So I guess all of the females in my life have missed the mark when it comes to my dating life.”

  Shawneda and Lilly turned to face him, giggling like schoolgirls.

  “Don’t you know better than to sneak up on a girl when she’s talking about a handsome man?” Shawneda crooned.

  Candy cringed, thankful to suddenly be at the front of the line. She quickly ordered a cup of coffee, then paid for it, wishing she could somehow escape Darren’s gaze. Still, she couldn’t avoid him forever. She turned his way as Shawneda placed her order.

  “I’m sorry about that. I’m usually not so free with my opinions. And I’ve rarely been accused of being a gossip before. Don’t know what came over me.” She tried to take a sip of her coffee, but it burned her lip. Ouch.

  “Oh, I know what came over you.” He gestured toward the other women. “I have it on good authority a lot of chatter about male-female relationships goes on in that apartment of yours.”

  “Hey now.” Shawneda gave him a warning look. “We’re not that bad.”

  “We’re not that good, either,” Lilly whispered, then laughed.