Tangled in Time, (Miss Main Street Book 1)

by Angela Castillo

  Darcy put her face in her hands. “I’ve been trying to convince myself it wasn’t that serious.”

  “Well, don’t you care about him?” Kayla surveyed the pile of clothes on the bed. “I mean, you wouldn’t be this nervous if you didn’t have feelings, right?”

  “Of course I do,” Darcy moaned. “But our friendship is precious to me. I have this little box of things from my childhood. I’ve got a tiny china doll in there, from Gran. I have my first blue ribbon from a school art fair. Things like that. And I almost feel like Ramsey’s in there too. I mean, at least our relationship is. If something happened to mess that up . . . it would be like burning the box. And then there’s Mrs. Johnson.”

  “Ramsey’s mother?” Kayla raised an eyebrow. “I thought you two get along real well.”

  “We do. But I can tell she’s worried I’m going to hurt him. I mean, after the last girl.”

  Kayla tucked her knees under her chin, tanned skin showing through ragged holes in the jean fabric. “No risk, no reward. Darcy, it’s been seven years. And there’s a spark between you two brighter than the fourth of July. I can’t live your life for you, but I wouldn’t want you to miss something fantastic.”

  ###

  An hour later, Darcy considered herself reasonably primped. She’d found a black velvet top, dark skinny jeans and leather boots. A locket from the showcase downstairs completed the look. After several changes, she’d left her hair loose around her shoulders.

  Five minutes ‘till 7. She went down to the shop.

  A man’s shadow fell through the thick shades.

  She swung the door open. “Didn’t your mama teach you not to pick up a girl early . . . Daddy?”

  Her father’s silver hair gleamed under the porch light. A grin lit up his strong, clean-shaven jaw line. “Sweetheart! You didn’t answer my call from the airport, so I caught a taxi. Do you have any idea how much an hour-long cab trip costs? But it doesn’t matter. Surprise!” He opened his arms.

  Darcy tried to keep the shock from her face. “Wow!” Her heart pounded under the black velvet as she returned his quick hug. “How are you? Come in and see the shop.”

  “You certainly look nice.” Her father sniffed the air. “You’re wearing perfume. Do you have plans?” He removed his black sports coat, folded it over his arm and stepped into the shop.

  “As a matter of fact, I was heading out to dinner. But I can reschedule. It’s nice to see you.” Darcy sighed and shut the door behind him. She pulled her phone out of her pocket.

  “Oh, don’t cancel on my behalf.” Her father waved his hat. “It’s my fault for surprising you.” His broad smile couldn’t cover the concerned wrinkles Darcy knew so well. “Just wanted to check on my little girl and see how you are doing.” He walked to the middle of the shop and turned slowly, his gaze traveling over the displays. “Everything looks nice. I like the renovation choices. Adds to the charm.”

  ‘Thank you, Dad.” Darcy noticed his hand traveling to his breast pocket, where he used to keep his cigarettes years ago, before he’d stopped smoking. It was something he only did when he was worried or stressed.

  He swung back towards the door and stuck his head out. “You coming in or what?” he called.

  That familiar tread on the porch. Could it be? Darcy’s heart sank down to her leather soles.

  Jared stepped in the door. The low light created shadows from his cheeks, causing his face to look thinner than normal. His head almost brushed a low-hanging chandelier as he moved further into the shop. His gaze traveled to Darcy’s eyes and locked on until she felt he would suck the life from her.

  “Hello, Darcy.” He said in a cool tone. “Your dad invited me along to see your little store.”

  Before Darcy could say anything, the front steps creaked. Ramsey. She went to the door and her father leaned over the glass showcase, eyebrows raised.

  She clenched her jaw and turned the knob. “Hi,” she said, trying to sound calm, but her heart fluttered like a frightened bird. Ramsey wore the same white dress shirt he’d donned for dinner at his parents, but there was something different about him. His shoulders were thrown back, his chin lifted. He handed her a small bouquet of red roses.

  “Um. Thank you.” A sudden temptation seized Darcy, to throw the flowers at her father and Jared, grab Ramsey’s arm and run. But I’m 24, not 8.

  Ramsey’s eyes flicked over her face. “Wow, you look beautiful. I did mention this was a Wimber restaurant, right? Not that I’m complaining.” His glance settled on the other two men in the room.

  Darcy dabbed a few drops of sweat from her forehead. “Ramsey, this is my Dad, Henry Nolan. He surprised me, just got in.”

  Ramsey blinked, and his smile twitched at the corner. He reached out a hand. “Hello, Mr. Nolan. I believe I met you at the funeral. Your daughter and I grew up together.”

  Mr. Nolan shook the offered hand and then reached for his pocket, where Darcy knew he kept a handkerchief to unobtrusively wipe his fingers. “Ah, yes, the mechanic. Nice to see you.”

  Jared cleared his throat.

  “And this is . . .” How am I ever going to finish this sentence? She squared her shoulders. “My ex-boyfriend, Jared Malt. I’m not sure what he’s doing here.”

  Ramsey hesitated, then held out his hand. “Ramsey Johnson.” A muscle in his cheek twitched.

  Jared’s eyes flicked over Ramsey’s work shoes, lingering on a grease stain on his right thumb. He shrugged and held out his hand. “Darcy, you didn’t say you were having car trouble. Hopefully this fellow can hurry up and fix it so your plans won’t be delayed.”

  Darcy bit her lip hard and took a deep breath. “He is my plan.” She grabbed a glass vase from a shelf and put the roses in it. Then she went and stood by Ramsey. “I’m sorry to leave you in a lurch,” she said to her dad, “but there’s leftover meatloaf upstairs that isn’t too terrible if you’re starving. You’ll probably want leave for whatever hotel you’re staying at before I’m home, but we can catch up tomorrow. Actually,” she tapped her chin. “I have a big event in the morning, so it’ll have to be tomorrow night.” Despite her breezy words, a lump the size of Texas had formed in her throat. She glanced up at Ramsey.

  Flashes of dismay moved over his face. “Well, shall we?” he said in a hollow voice.

  “You’re really going to leave? Just like that?” Jared stepped towards her.

  “Come on, son.” Mr. Nolan clapped him on the shoulder. “The hotel has a decent restaurant, eh?”

  Jared’s face turned scarlet, but he nodded. “Fine with me.”

  Darcy’s father gave her a peck on the cheek. “Have a nice time, dear. We’ll see you in the morning.” The two men walked out, leaving Darcy and Ramsey alone in half-lit silence.

  Ramsey stepped outside the door.

  Darcy followed. “Ramsey.” His name stuck in her throat. She stumbled down the porch steps after him as he walked to his gleaming red truck.

  He opened the door for her in silence, and she climbed inside, thankful she had decided against the pencil skirt. The truck smelled like pine and Ramsey combined, with just a hint of the car shop smell. She slid down onto the leather seat.

  His keys jingled as he slipped them into the ignition, but he didn’t turn it on. He gripped the steering wheel and stared straight ahead, out at the shop.

  Darcy stared down at her purse, settled in her lap like an egg in a nest. “I had no idea they were coming.”

  “And you haven’t told your dad about me, obviously.” Ramsey’s voice was cold.

  “Well, no. I don’t tell my parents much. They worry, and overreact, and treat me like a little girl. I want to prove to them I don’t need their interference.”

  Ramsey turned to stare at her, his eyes filled with pain and confusion. “Let me ask you one thing. How long ago did you break up with that guy?”

  Darcy put her head in her hands. “Right after I came back, so last month. But it was over long before that.”

  “L
ast month?” Ramsey sputtered.

  “I don’t know why I stayed with him so long. I should have told you.”

  “Yeah, it would have been nice to know.” Ramsey took a deep breath and blew it out. “I just figured you’d tell me something like that. I thought we could trust each other.”

  “Wow, okay.” Multiple replies buzzed along with this one in Darcy’s brain, but she held back. “I should have told you, but so much has happened in the last month, with the shop, and losing Gran. I’ve been so muddled and confused.”

  “What’s confusing? Worried your parents might disown you for dating a lowly mechanic?”

  Darcy’s cheeks burned. “Honestly, I don’t know. My parents might care about that stuff, but I don’t focus on money. I love Wimber, Ramsey. I chose to come here. I knew I’d have to live a different life if I ran the shop.”

  “Still, you miss it, right? The swanky dinners?” He looked over her outfit. “The diamonds and dresses?”

  “Actually, I don’t. But it hurts that you would think I was so shallow.” Darcy yanked on the metal handle. “Goodnight, Ramsey.” She pushed the door open and jumped out, slamming it behind her.

  She stomped back to the shop, fighting the urge to turn around. The truck’s engine rumbled, and headlights lit up the porch as she went back inside.

  12 BUSY DAY

  R ed, white and blue pennants fluttered over the dozens of booths that lined both sides of the street. Merchants bustled about their displays as they talked shop and made last minute changes.

  Mrs. Johnson lifted the lid of an elephant-shaped cookie jar and peered inside. “Do you have any wiggle room on these prices? Just in case someone asks?”

  Darcy lowered her eyes, hoping Mrs. Johnson didn’t notice how red and puffy they were. So far, Ramsey’s mom hadn’t mentioned the disastrous attempted non-date, so Darcy figured she didn’t know about it. Her cheeks hurt from the smile she’d plastered on her face first thing that morning. “I’m trying to clear out some space, and these items have been in the store for years.” She touched a small china doll and frowned. “I suppose I can go down by a few dollars if someone is interested. Except for your crafts.”

  Mrs. Johnson picked up a fluffy felted rabbit, one of the many adorable woodland creatures on the table, and turned it over in her hands. “I’m anxious to see how they do since I’ve only sold them online. Thanks for allowing me to share your booth.”

  Darcy polished a crystal angel with the corner of her t-shirt. “I needed someone to watch things outside anyway. Speaking of, I’d better make sure the shop is ready. Did you find your coffee?”

  Mrs. Johnson lifted one of Kayla’s signature blue and gold cups. “I’m good.”

  Darcy went inside and surveyed the shelves. Silver and copper trinkets winked from various perches, and the green glass pieces she’d found in a downstairs closet a few days ago gleamed in the window. Each one was worth more than twenty dollars. Hopefully a collector or two will stop by.

  She dusted the counter and waited.

  The door to the shop opened and her dad came in. He wore a polo shirt and creased khaki shorts.

  “Good morning!” he boomed in his I’m-in-charge-everyone-look-at-me voice. “How’s my favorite ray of sunshine?” He gave Darcy a hug and glanced around the shop. “No customers yet? I thought Saturday was supposed to be the busiest day.”

  Does he even realize what he did? “Dad, it’s 8:30. I don’t usually open until 10:00, but today I’m starting early because of the special event.” Darcy tried to keep her tone even. “Remember Yorefest?” She folded her arms. I can’t believe how nonchalant he’s acting. Does he really think everything’s okay after last night? And where is Jared? I hope he went home.

  Her father peered outside. “Ah yes. Yorefest and the infamous cannon incident. You wouldn’t let a dog come near you for years.” He strode to the middle of the store, boards creaking under his chalk-white golf shoes. “Hopefully you’ll bring in the money for rent this month with the extra business. I noticed you haven’t cashed my check yet.”

  Darcy sucked in her cheeks and pulled a basket of small knickknacks from beneath the counter. “I’m doing fine, Dad. Gran left me enough to pay expenses for several months. So far, I’ve pulled in the money to cover costs. Will you please stop questioning everything?”

  Her father held up his hands. “Fine, fine. I want us to have a good visit. Speaking of which, Jared and I are staying at the resort just outside of town. They have a fabulous chef, brought in from New York, if you can believe it. It’s a half-hour away, but worth the drive. Anyway.” He sighed. “I’m sorry if you felt awkward yesterday. But as you know, Jared’s father is one of my business partners, so I try to keep them happy. The poor guy begged me to let him tag along.” He rubbed his chin. “I know this is a lot to ask, but would you join us for dinner tonight? To help him see there’s no hard feelings?”

  “I don’t think so, Dad.” Darcy glanced over at the door. Why did he have to come by right now? Customers could pour in at any minute. “I’m over Jared. Last night was terrible.” I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing Ramsey and I had a fight. But what’s the point of being angry? Dad’s never going to understand what he did. Or care about it, for that matter.

  “Come on, sweetheart.” Her dad stepped closer, and his forehead wrinkled. “I think you could at least give him a proper goodbye. I mean, breaking up with a text? That’s not how Nolans do things. We face our problems.”

  Darcy hid her clenched fists beneath the counter. “Dad, I don’t really care how anyone else in the family does anything.” But she could feel her resolve crumbling, and she knew it showed all over her face.

  Her father patted her shoulder. “Come on. I’ll pick you up at eight sharp, all right? I’m telling you, the swordfish is like nothing you’ve ever tasted.”

  I do feel bad about breaking up with Jared like that, and I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to apologize. Darcy suddenly felt like a wilted flower, dried up and smashed inside a giant book. “I’ll come, Dad. But just for a few minutes.”

  Her father’s lips split into a smile. “Good. I hate to see you two kids mad forever.” He moved to the door, but paused in front of the window. “I wish your mother could have flown down with us, but she had a shoot she couldn’t put off. She loves these quaint small-town events. Takes her back to her roots.” He turned around. “I think I’ll see if Jared wants to golf at the new course by the hotel. Do they have reasonable clubs to rent?”

  Darcy checked through the items in the basket to make sure everything was priced. “How would I know? I don’t golf. I’ve never been golfing in my life.”

  “I thought maybe that fellow who was taking you to dinner might have mentioned something about the course. It’s the only one for miles.”

  Darcy set the basket down and put her hands on her hips. “That ‘fellow’ has better things to do than to smack a little white ball around on a Saturday morning.”

  She picked up the basket again and headed out the door, slamming it hard behind her.

  As she dropped her wares on the table, the glassware and silver pieces clattered.

  Mrs. Johnson looked up from her novel. “Everything all right?”

  Darcy was tempted to stomp her foot and scream, but instead she nodded. “I wish my dad would let me live my own life.”

  “We parents do tend to meddle.” Mrs. Johnson opened her book again. “When our children’s happiness is at stake, it’s hard to know when to stop.”

  Darcy’s father came out of the shop, closing the door carefully behind him. “Ladies, hope your sales are successful.” He walked on down the sidewalk with long, hurried strides. Darcy sat down in a chair and put her head in her hands.

  Kayla came out of her shop to stand beside them, wiping her hands on her apron. “We’ve already been slammed in the cafe. But I wanted to check on you two. Ready for your day?”

  “I guess so.” Darcy stood and brushed off the back of her jeans. Cu
stomers approached the various booths to examine the goods for sale. She raised her voice as a group of cowboys rode by, their horses’ hooves clattering on the pavement. “I’d better go back inside.”

  “Okay, I just wanted to hear about last night,” Kayla yelled over the noise.

  Darcy wrinkled her nose.

  Mrs. Johnson looked up from her book, opened her mouth, closed it and stared down at the pages.

  Kayla stepped back. “That bad, huh? I guess I’d better save you some sweet rolls for later.” She tapped her chin. “I’ll bring ‘em by tonight. Have a good day, Mrs. Johnson.”

  Mrs. Johnson put her novel down again. “I suppose I’d better start manning this booth in earnest. Have a good day as well, Kayla.”

  Darcy went back inside. “God, I need your help today.” Her prayer echoed through the empty shop. “Attitude is everything with customers, as Gran always said. I have to put this situation aside for a while.” I’ll try to work things out with Dad tonight. I should call Ramsey later too. I shouldn’t hold a grudge about what he said, it must have been quite a shock for him last night. The thought of seeing Jared set her teeth on edge. He’s like that dented pan in the back of the cupboard that keeps turning up again, no matter how many times you keep throwing it out.

  The shop was quickly filled with antique shoppers, bargain hunters and collectors. Darcy soon wished she’d found someone to work inside with her too. All day she ran back and forth, helping customers find items and then ringing them up. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and patient for the most part. Several large pieces of furniture walked out the door, and Darcy kept emptying her cash register into the bank bag. The few times there was a break from customers, she’d carry out more merchandise to fill the gaps on the table outside.

  The third trip out, Mrs. Johnson turned from a woman she was chatting with. A smile spread over her freckled face. “I’m having such a good time. Did you notice how many felted friends I’ve sold?”