Returning to the present, Chase puts the box of condoms in the night stand on his side of the bed, grabbing clean clothes from the dresser he goes in the bathroom to shower. Standing under the spray of water his thoughts return to Stephanie, she is downstairs fixing her part of the evening meal, she is preparing a salad; the potatoes are already in the oven baking. For his part of their meal he is in charge of grilling the steaks.
Wondering if he is moving too fast; did he need to give her time to heal completely, to adjust to her new home, to get the investigation over with and to try and find the answers to Archibald’s dilemma? Shaking his head Chase concludes this will give him a headache. Resolving to allow their relationship to progress naturally, Chase allows the water flowing from the shower to ease some of the tension from his body.
His stress concerning the investigation is overwhelming to say the least, since the State Police hadn’t been able to give him any answers thus far. The evidence had been sent to the lab in Frankfort, he knows it takes time to process. Chase has explained this to victims numerous times but never had it been someone he loved in danger. He loathes his feelings of ineptness. Washing then rising, Chase steps out of the shower. Drying with a bath towel he comes to the conclusion the best thing for him to do is protect Stephanie, all the rest will have to wait.
Feeling better with his decisions he leaves the bathroom, walking into the bedroom dressed in jeans, his torso and feet bare, he sees Stephanie sitting on the side of the bed. “Hello there. I was just thinking about you.” He stops to lean against the door frame between the two rooms.
“I didn’t realize you were in the shower, I came up to tell you we may have company for dinner.” Seeing his confusion she explains, “Deputy Johnny just called, he said he was on his way over, he needs to talk with you. And he has Marty with him.” Standing she walks to the dresser to get her some clothes, “Since you’re done, I may as well shower and get ready. Do you want to defrost two more steaks? I have added to the salad and the potatoes.” Turning to face Chase she sees him smiling. “What?”
Shrugging his shoulders, not sure if he should tell her they sound like a married couple he remains quiet. Chase walks over bending down he kisses her loudly on the lips. Straightening he turns to get a green t-shirt from his drawer, after putting it on, he responds, “I will do that while you shower. Did Johnny say what time they would be here?” Moving to the door leading to the hallway, Chase stops waiting for her response.
Shaking her head no, Stephanie laughs when she hears the doorbell. Walking in the bathroom, Stephanie shuts the door as Chase turns to go downstairs. Taking the steps two at a time Chase reaches the foyer, opening the door just as the doorbells rings a second time. Seeing Johnny and Marty, Chase smiles then moves aside to allow them to enter. As they cross the foyer Chase says, “Hello Marty, Johnny, Stephanie is upstairs; she will be down in a few minutes. Why don’t we go to the kitchen, I am fixing steaks for supper. Hope you two will join us.” Walking ahead of their guests Chase enters the kitchen, opening the freezer he takes two more steaks out and places them in the microwave, hitting the defrost button he turns to see them standing just inside the door, “Come on in, sit down. Would you like something to drink?”
Marty is the first to respond, “We don’t want to intrude.” Smiling she looks uncomfortable at Johnny. She explains, “I heard through Carrie that Johnny was coming out to speak with you, I kind of just bummed a ride. I wanted to see Stephanie. See how she is doing.” She knows she is babbling but can’t help herself. Johnny had been upset when she tagged along; he had told her he was coming on police business and wasn’t sure she should come with him. Carrie had told him to bring Marty and Johnny hadn’t spoken to her the whole drive here.
Johnny adds, “I told her I was coming on business not a social visit. But your Mother said to bring her.” Shrugging his shoulders he continues to stand at the door. He didn’t want to bring Marty, he has a crush on her but she is from a wealthy family and he grew up in foster care. She is so far out of his reach. When they had been in high school, he would imagine them dating, them growing up and getting married. Then he would remember he was an orphan, while she grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth. He did the only thing he knew to get through high school he ignored her.
Remembering the day at the hospital when he had gone to see Stephanie, he knows he was rude to Marty. But he hadn’t known she was a nurse, he always figured she would have gotten married and was jet setting all over the world. The shock of running into her, of her smiling as if they were friends, she even put her hand on his arm to stop him from walking around her. He had removed her hand informing her he was there to see Miss Tuney, and then he had walked away without a backwards glance. Shocked Carrie hadn’t told him about Marty since she does volunteer work at the hospital, Carrie had to know Marty worked there, he had felt as if he had gotten sucker punched in the stomach.
Looking from Johnny to Marty, Chase tells them, “Nonsense, you two stay for dinner; we can talk business while I grill the steaks. And I am sure Stephanie is ready for girl talk.” Winking at Marty, he adds, “She will be down soon. Sit down; do you want a cold glass of tea?” Chase had known for years Johnny liked Marty but his stubborn pride kept him from seeing the way she looks at him. Or maybe he chooses not to acknowledge it. Either way, Johnny is a fool.
Smiling at Chase Marty sits down at the table; she declines the tea, adding “I will wait for the tea until supper if you don’t mind. And thank you for the kind invite to share your meal.”
Glancing at Johnny he asked, “Did Shane report for duty tonight?” Chase had to adjust schedules for all three deputies, since he will be here most of the time. All three men understood the importance and had volunteered to do the extra shifts to help. Even with Johnny in charge of the office and him doing all of his duties from here Chase felt he needed to keep track of the daily logs and reports.
Nodding his head in responds Johnny explains, “Yes, Shane was on time and he knows Nick will be on call if he needs help with anything.” Not understanding why Nick is considered the third in command since Shane has been a deputy longer and has more training; however, the decision was made by the Sheriff; therefore, Johnny will obey his orders.
Chase notices the tension in Johnny’s stance as he relates the information concerning tonight’s roster, “Is there a problem at work?”
Shaking his head, “No Sir, I was just giving my report.” Johnny looks at Marty than back to Chase. Noticing Chase’s attention is elsewhere, Johnny glances at the door leading into the kitchen. Observing Stephanie standing in the doorway Johnny senses this protection detail has taken on new meanings for Sheriff Chase.
Smiling brightly Stephanie strolls into the room, “Hello Johnny, Marty I apologize for taking so long.” She walks over to stand by Chase he lays his arm across her shoulders. Looking over at Marty, “So how do you like your steak?” Laughing she confides, “Chase almost had a heart attack when I told him I want my steak well done, no pink for me.” Glancing at Chase she sees him scowling and laughs harder. Leaving the crook of his arm Stephanie moves to the table then sits down across from Marty.
Keeping her eyes on Stephanie Marty agrees she likes her steaks the same way. As they hear Johnny snort with disgust both Stephanie and Marty turn simultaneously glaring at him. Uncomfortable with being the center of their attention, Johnny turns to Chase, “I think we should go burn some steaks and then cook ours to perfection.” Ignoring the women he walks out the back door, figuring he was safer waiting for Chase outside.
Chase and Stephanie exchange smiles; he gathers the steaks from the microwave and from the refrigerator. Chase starts to the door stopping when he reaches Stephanie sitting at the table, leaning down he brushes a kiss on her lips. Raising his head a little he smiles telling her, “You ladies have a good visit, I will be outside being manly, cooking our steaks.” Stephanie returns his smile as he walks out the door; Chase winks at Marty just as the door closes behind him.
Blowing out a breath Stephanie turns to Marty asking, “So how have you been doing?” Marty is dressed similar to her; both have on jean shorts and tank tops; Marty’s top is red, while Stephanie’s is aqua.
Shaking her head to clear it Marty replies, “Work has been good.” Stephanie waits as Marty seems to want to say something. A few minutes pass before she continues, “I am so sorry for barging in today. I have wanted to visit but with work and you getting settled, I just didn’t want to impose.” Glancing first down at her hands then raising her eyes to look at Stephanie, “I was talking with Carrie this morning she said Johnny was coming here today so I thought I would kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Man did I screw up. He was so mad he didn’t talk to me once we got in the car, I tried to start conversations but he acted as if I wasn’t even there.” Marty tries not to cry however today she has come to the conclusion she has to give up on Johnny. He just doesn’t have feelings for her.
Closing her eyes briefly to calm herself, Stephanie reaches across the table and pats Marty’s shoulder. “I can’t believe Johnny was so rude.” Stephanie had to keep from going outside and punching him in the nose. Didn’t Johnny realize Marty is a smart beautiful woman; she isn’t going to wait around for him to come to his senses. He will lose her to another man and it will be his own fault.
Squaring her shoulder Marty sits up straight, “Your right, he was rude. Since high school I have had a crush on him, at first I thought he was just shy because he would ignore me even then. I would try to talk to Johnny and he would turn away and not even answer me.” Smiling a sad smile, “When I went away to college, I would keep tabs on what he was doing through Carrie. She would tell me all the gossip.” Looking down at her hands again, “I am crazy, I thought the ride here would give us a little alone time, to catch up, but he was so mad I came he wouldn’t even speak to me. He turned the radio on and ignored me like he use too. Its time I give up and try to move on.”
Knowing she would have to be polite to Johnny as he was a guest in her home Stephanie tried to think of a way for Marty to get home without riding with Johnny. Lost in thought, Stephanie jumps when the doorbell rang. Laughing at her foolishness she pushes to her feet, walking to the door.
Opening the door Stephanie sees a deputy, frowning she asks, “Can I help you?” Waiting for him to answer she observes him, he looks to be about as tall as Chase, he has jet black hair and sexy hazel eyes, he is dark complexioned as if he has Italian heritage. Peeking at this left hand she notices no ring. Not that it really means anything, but it is a plus. She may have found the answer to Marty’s problem.
Clearing his throat he asks if Sheriff Chase Peterson is here. Nodding Stephanie opens the door wider and waves her hand for him to enter, “Yes, he is outback, why don’t we go through the kitchen, it will be quicker.” She caught him just as he turned to leave. Lifting an eye brow he follows Stephanie to the kitchen.
Entering the kitchen Stephanie she asks, “Who should I tell Chase is here?” Biting her lower lips, she sees Marty looking at the visitor and interestingly he is looking at Marty when he answers.
“Oh excuse me Miss, I should have introduced myself sooner, I am Deputy Nick Scalici.” He has seen pictures of Stephanie, due to the investigation, but he had no clue who this beautiful woman is sitting at the table. He smiles and she smiles in return. Yep she is beautiful. He extends his hand; first he shakes Stephanie’s hand then turns and takes Marty’s hand in his. He takes a second to look her in the eyes, she has been upset.
Chase and Johnny walk in the kitchen and see Nick holding Marty’s hand. Chase smiles at Nick as he walks over to him. Nick releases Marty’s hand then turns to grip Chase’s outstretched hand.
Johnny leaning against the door frame frowns as he watches Marty. When Nick had released her hand she had placed it in her lap now she is sitting staring down at her hands.
“What can I do for you?” Chase asks. Feeling the tension in the room, he looks over at Stephanie; she is smiling as she looks from Marty to Johnny. Releasing Nick’s hand he crosses his arms over his chest.
Nick didn’t know Johnny was here; guess the beautiful Marty is taken, just his luck. Dismissing Johnny, Nick speaks to Chase, “The report from the lab came in about an hour ago. Karen asked if I would bring it out to you. I didn’t realize you would be busy, I should have called first.” He hands Chase a red folder. “I hope it is the information you have been waiting for.” He clears his throat as he glances at Marty again, feeling Johnny’s stare he lifts his eyes and stares right back. “Well Sheriff, I should be getting back to town, I am on duty in a couple of hours and need to get some rest, since I have the grave yard shift.” Nick turns to Stephanie, “It was nice meeting you.” He then glances at Marty, “And also meeting you, Marty.”
Not sure if she was doing the right thing or not but figures why not try, “Excuse me Nick.” Nick shifts towards Stephanie, having his attention Stephanie continues, “Would it be possible for you to give Marty a ride back to town? She had just gotten a phone call from the hospital and needs to get back.” Eyeing Marty she prays she gets what she is trying to do.
Quickly rising from her chair Marty agrees with Stephanie, “I would appreciate if you could, I am parked at the Diner, but I hate to ask Deputy Johnny to leave so soon since he haven’t been here very long. Can you take the time to help me?” As Marty finishes speaking she notices Johnny out of the corner of her eyes; he looks furious. Well good, he is a jerk and she doesn’t want to ride home with him. She will miss supper but figured she could grab a burger at the diner.
Tipping an invisible hat Nick agrees to take Marty to the diner. Maybe he had it wrong, maybe Deputy Johnny is blind or stupid and doesn’t see how beautiful Marty is. Either way it didn’t matter to him, he would play the knight in shining armor to her damsel in distress.
Moving from the door, Johnny asks, “What were you going to do if Nick hadn’t showed up? Miss work? Why the rush to leave now? The steaks are just about done.” He sees Marty look at Stephanie. “I brought you here; if you really have to leave I can take you back.”
Stephanie responds for Marty, “Well Johnny, she was going to try to get coverage at the hospital since she didn’t want to ask you to take her back. Now she doesn’t have too, Nick has agreed to take her to her car, problem solved.” Smiling a big smile she winks at Marty.
Chase stands back to watch the play Stephanie has orchestrated. He detects Johnny is confused and furious, while Marty looks relieved. And poor Nick is clueless he has just been played by two of the most beautiful women in Kentucky. Coughing to cover his laughter, he tells Nick, “Thanks for bringing the lab results. I appreciate it as I am sure Marty appreciates a ride to town. Also, I bet Johnny appreciates the timing of your arrival.” Chase observes the situation knowing he has added to the plot; Johnny is clinching his jaw, a sure sign he is mad enough to chew nails. Marty is less tense then when she arrived and Stephanie looks like the cat that got the mouse.
As Chase follows Nick and Marty to the door, he half listens to the two he left in the kitchen. Not hearing any voices from that area, he bids the two goodbye then heads back to the kitchen. So much for the nice supper he had planned for Stephanie. Shaking his head Chase enters the kitchen to sees Johnny sitting on the chair Marty had just vacated and Stephanie is getting the salad items out of the refrigerator.
Stephanie glances at Chase when she hears him walk in. “Are the steaks about ready? I don’t know about you men but I am hungry, the sandwich at lunch is gone.” Smiling she looks over at Johnny.
Sensing Stephanie looking at him Johnny raises his head, “Yeah, they are done. We put them on the heat tray; we were coming in to check to see if you ladies were ready to eat.” Looking at Chase, “I guess I am the third wheel. Hope you don’t mind.” Feeling sorry about his situation, Johnny sits at the table, deep in thoughts of Marty.
Chase and Stephanie look at each other and smile, Chase goes out to get the steaks while
Stephanie starts setting the table. Johnny doesn’t even look up when she moves his hand to put his plate down. When Chase comes back carrying the platter with the food, Stephanie shrugs, “They smell great. Hope everyone is hungry.” Sitting down she looks at Chase and motions for him to do something for Johnny. Mouthing this is her fault. Chase watches as her eyes widen then she shakes her head no.
Placing a steak on Johnny’s plate Chase clear his throat; Johnny looks up, seeing them both staring at him, he resolves to stop thinking about Marty being with Nick. Just because he is miserable doesn’t mean he has to ruin the meal his friend and his lady have prepared. Making himself smile, he thanks Stephanie as she passes the salad bowl to him.
The meal is eaten mostly in silent. Johnny tried to contribute to their conversation. He did ask a few questions about Stephanie’s injuries. And he listened when she explained her healing process. He couldn’t taste the food but they ate so he did too. He also knew they didn’t really understand why he was so upset. He hadn’t told anyone his feelings for Marty. They had no way of knowing he felt as if she had slapped him in his face when she walked out the door with Nick.
Setting her fork down Stephanie leans her elbows on the table. Chase sees the look of intent on her face; he also lays his fork down then leaning back in his chair he waits. He smiles when she doesn’t make him wait long. Shifting in her chair Stephanie turns to Johnny, “Why are you so upset about Marty accepting a ride back to town with Nick?” She tries for a look of innocence as she stares at Johnny.
Not sure how to answer Johnny remains silence for a few minutes gathering his thoughts, pushing up out of the chair he paces, “I have been in love with Marty since she was 16 years old. I just get frustrated that I can’t be with her. I have been ignoring her for years, while at the same time I keep tabs on what she is doing.” Stopping abruptly he stops to face them, “I know I am not making sense.”
A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) Page 12