Jillian's Promise

by Kristin Noel Fischer

  “That’s an original Squire Broel.” Hank stopped in front of a large abstract sculpture. “Are you familiar with this artist?”

  Lyla nodded. “I interviewed him years ago when he came to the island for the Art Festival. He’s very talented.”

  “Yes, he is.”

  “How do you know about him?”

  Hank grinned. “Much to my father’s dismay, I majored in art and music instead of engineering.”

  “That upset your father?”

  Hank chuckled. “He wasn’t quite sure what to do with an artistic gymnast. He had high hopes of my playing football and studying engineering.”

  “I bet he’s proud of you now. Especially given your success with the gym and the work you’ve done with Avery’s team.”

  “I hope he’s proud. For years, I tried to live up to his expectations, but I was never happy. Life improved once I began pursuing the path I believed God designed for me. Still, it’s difficult when you realize God’s calling for your life contradicts your parents’ wishes.”

  Lyla studied him carefully. “May I ask you a personal question?”

  “Sure. You may ask me anything you like.”

  She bit her bottom lip. “Well, it seems like you’re very serious about church, religion, and God.”

  “My faith is very important to me. I wouldn’t want to live my life without it.”

  Lyla nodded. “Why’d you ask me to join you tonight? Avery told you her father is married to another woman, and you know I’ve been involved with him. Are you trying to save my soul or something?”

  Hank chuckled and looked down at his shoes, embarrassed. “I wish I could say my motives were purely selfless and I was only concerned with your spirituality.” He hesitated and his entire face and neck turned red. “The truth is . . . I like you, Lyla. I don’t know why, I just do. I just like you a lot.”

  A warm, fuzzy feeling floated through her, leaving her speechless. Her chest tingled, and for a brief moment, she forgot about being worried Ronnie was watching her.

  Hank laughed at himself. “You don’t have to say anything. When I visited you in the hospital, you told me things with Avery’s father were complicated. I’m not in a rush, and I don’t want to pressure you, but I want you to know I’m interested. When you’re ready to start dating, I’d like to be first in line to take you out.”

  Lyla swallowed the lump in her throat. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Don’t say anything. And please, don’t tell my sister what I said. She’s always trying to make me act more like the confident heroes in her romance novels. Apparently, women love bold and confident men.”

  Lyla laughed, knowing it was true, but also recognizing there was something sweet and heartwarming about Hank’s vulnerability. Because he’d shared his feelings with her, she told him about her prayer in the hospital chapel, finding the sign at the Farmer’s Market, and her attempt to draw closer to God.

  “I’ve always been amazed by Horatio Spafford’s story,” Hank said. “The lyrics to his hymn are powerful.” To emphasize his point, he sang the first verse in a strong, deep voice.

  When he finished, Lyla clapped. “You’re a man of many talents.”

  He grinned down at her, and they continued forward, looking at all the items available for auction. Just as Lyla began to relax and enjoy herself, an official-looking man wearing a suit and a headpiece approached her. “Ms. Gray?”

  “Yes.”

  “There’s a call for you on the landline. If you wouldn’t mind following me.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Hank said.

  Afraid it was Ronnie, Lyla shook her head. “I’m pretty sure I know who’s calling. It’s nothing of importance, but I’m afraid if I don’t take the call, it will go on all night. I’ll meet you at our table?”

  “Sounds good.”

  Lyla followed the security guard out of the ballroom and down a long hallway. With each step, her apprehension increased. At the end of the hall, the guard unlocked a door that opened into a small, but elegantly decorated, sitting room with a view of the ocean.

  “The phone is on the end table. Line one,” he said.

  Cautiously, Lyla stepped into the room. When the door closed behind her, she felt imprisoned. Gathering her courage, she moved toward the couch and picked up the phone. Immediately, she heard Ronnie’s voice. “You’re driving me crazy in that dress. I can’t stand it.”

  Lyla glanced up and saw a security camera in the corner of the room. “Ronnie, please,” she said in a small voice. “It’s over between us.”

  “It’s not over.”

  “I can’t do this anymore.”

  He started to speak, but on instinct, she hung up on him. With her heart pounding, she marched toward the door, flung it open, and gasped.

  Right in front of her stood Ronnie.

  “I just want to talk.” He entered the room and calmly closed the door. “At the very least, we need to discuss Avery.”

  “Okay,” she agreed.

  He studied her carefully. “So, it’s serious with that guy? You’re with him now?”

  “No, we’re just friends.”

  “You’re just friends.” He sounded hurt and a little bit angry. “Are you sure you’re not leaving me because you’re in love with this other guy?”

  “I’m in love with you,” she said, but as soon as the words left her lips, she realized they were no longer true. When had her feelings changed? Around the same time she’d invited Christ into her heart?

  Ronnie’s face crumpled. “I know you’re in love with me, darlin’. I know. I’m in love with you, too. I’m sorry I’ve kept you waiting. I want to marry you. I do—”

  “But you love your wife.”

  The flicker across his face told her it was true. For the first time, Lyla realized that Ronnie was one of those men who didn’t believe love had both consequences and responsibilities. He’d never been bothered by his infidelity. In his heart and mind, he truly loved both Lyla and his wife.

  But Lyla could no longer accept that.

  “I know you love your wife, and I know you love Avery and me. I’m asking you to please let me go, Ronnie. Please stop calling and pursuing me. If you care about me, please, just let me go.”

  His eyes filled with tears, and Lyla’s did, too, but she kept her hands pressed to her sides, biding her time. Maybe if he saw things from her perspective, she could finally end this.

  “Okay,” he said. “I still want to be part of Avery’s life, but I’ll let you go. If that’s what you really want.”

  “It is.”

  “You’ll let me keeping seeing Avery, right?”

  “Of course.” Lyla’s heart lifted, and before she lost her courage, she told Ronnie good-bye, stepped out of the room, and closed the door behind her. With tears rolling down her face and her adrenaline surging, she strode down the hall.

  Was she truly free? Had Ronnie actually let her go?

  Only time would tell, but she hoped with all her heart it was finally over.

  Chapter 25

  Lyla

  After leaving Ronnie, Lyla slipped into a secluded bathroom, hoping to avoid anyone from the gala. She looked at her tear-stained face in the mirror and cringed.

  She had to fix her makeup before she returned to Hank, but the small clutch she’d brought contained only her phone, wallet, a comb, and a tube of lipstick. Taking an elegant paper towel marked Guest, she wet it and dabbed at her face. Unfortunately, her efforts only made things worse, leaving red marks across her skin.

  Fresh tears fell, and a dull ache seized her heart. She’d been such a fool. How could she face Hank looking like this? Could she call Justine to come pick her up? She opened her cell phone and saw there was no signal.

  When someone knocked on the bathroom door, Lyla froze. She didn’t want to respond in case it was Ronnie. Or worse—his wife.

  The person knocked again before gently pushing open the door. “Hello? Is anyone in here?”
>
  Lyla gasped at the sight of Jillian Foster. Although she occasionally saw Jillian around town, they hadn’t spoken to each other since the night of Marcus’s memorial service.

  Jillian faltered. “I’m sorry. I knocked, but . . .”

  “It’s fine. I was just leaving.”

  Lyla gathered her things, but Jillian stopped her. “Are you okay? Did someone hurt you?”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  Quietly, Jillian unzipped her purse and handed Lyla a package of disposable makeup remover wipes. “Here. Use these. They’re much softer than that paper towel.”

  Lyla hesitated. Jillian’s kindness only increased the guilt Lyla felt toward the entire Morgan family. She never should’ve included Marcus’s story in her book about American heroes—not because he wasn’t a hero, but because she’d neglected to tell the whole truth of his sacrifice.

  Jillian set a small cosmetic bag on the counter. “Please, take whatever you need.” Without another word, she slipped into the separate room that held the commode.

  Lyla stared at the package of makeup wipes and cosmetic bag. Then, she looked at herself in the mirror and washed her face. She used Jillian’s eyeliner and mascara to fix her eyes, although there was nothing she could do to reduce their puffiness.

  A moment later, Jillian opened the door and washed her hands at the sink. “You look better.”

  “Thank you.” Lyla zipped up the cosmetic bag and returned it to Jillian.

  Without speaking, they left the powder room together and headed back to the party. Just outside the ballroom, Lyla stopped abruptly and placed a hand on Jillian’s arm. “I never slept with Keith.”

  Jillian flinched, but Lyla continued, “I’ve always feared that I played a role in your divorce. I want you to know that nothing ever happened between Keith and me. He spent the night on my couch, but nothing happened. I should’ve told you that before, but . . .”

  Jillian’s face turned white. “What?”

  Lyla licked her lips, wanting to divulge the secret she’d kept all these years. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. I’m not proud of the person I used to be, but I’m trying to change. I’m trying to do the right thing.”

  “What are you talking about?” Jillian demanded. “If you didn’t sleep with Keith, what were you doing together all night?”

  Lyla exhaled slowly. “We were talking about your brother.”

  *

  For the rest of the evening, Lyla struggled to pretend everything was fine. Hank asked if something was bothering her, but she assured him she was just tired. Instead of staying for dessert and the speeches, they left the gala right after dinner and drove home in relative silence.

  Hank walked Lyla to the door. “Thank you for coming with me tonight. I hope you enjoyed yourself.”

  “I did.” She knew her distant behavior had upset him, but she couldn’t explain what had happened with Ronnie.

  “Well, good night.” He awkwardly shook her hand.

  “I had a nice time tonight, Hank. Thank you for inviting me.”

  He gave a sad smile. “You’re welcome. I’ll see you at the gym next week?”

  “Yes, we’ll be there.”

  Lyla entered the house where she found Justine, sitting on the couch, nursing the baby. “You’re home early. How was it?”

  Lyla’s throat tightened. She tried to speak, but overcome with regret, she burst into tears.

  “Oh, honey. What happened?”

  Lyla shook her head, embarrassed. Sitting on the couch, she wiped her tears and told Justine the entire story about her affair with Ronnie, admitting that yes, she was talking about Governor Ronald Williams.

  When she finished, Justine blew out a slow breath. Lyla experienced a moment of distress, worried Justine might think less of her, but nothing could’ve been further from the truth.

  Justine unlatched the baby and propped her up to burp. “Governor Williams is a very powerful and charismatic man. I can understand the attraction and power he had over you. You were very brave to leave him.”

  Lyla shook her head. “I’m not brave.”

  “You are. You’re incredibly brave.”

  “If I was brave, I never would’ve stayed with him for so long.”

  “You’re ending it now. You’re trying to change your life now, and that’s what counts.”

  Lyla blinked, thinking if she was really brave, she’d come forward with the secret she hadn’t told Jillian tonight.

  “What is it?” Justine asked.

  Lyla took a deep breath. “There’s more to the story. I have an important decision to make, but I’m not ready to talk about it yet. Would you . . .” she hesitated, not quite sure how to ask the question.

  “What?” Justine’s voice filled with kindness and concern.

  “I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind praying for me.”

  The baby let out an enormous burp and both women smiled. “I think Madison would like to pray for you as well.”

  “The more prayers the better,” Lyla said.

  Justine nodded and scooted closer to Lyla. She placed her hand on Lyla’s shoulder and bowed her head. “Heavenly Father, you are so generous, answering our every need. You said wherever two or more are gathered, there you are also. Please guide Lyla right now as she seeks to make some changes in her life and follow your will. This won’t be easy but give her strength. We love you and know you are constantly watching over us, protecting us from harm. In your name, Amen.”

  “Amen.” Lyla looked up and saw nothing but love and friendship in Justine’s eyes. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Just for the record, that’s not the first time I’ve prayed for you.”

  “No?” Lyla laughed. “I’m glad to hear it because I could honestly use all the help I can get right now.”

  “You’ve got it.”

  Chapter 26

  Jillian

  After the gala dinner, Bryan took the stage and thanked everyone for coming. He introduced the charity’s board members and several other influential Rose Island citizens.

  To everyone’s surprise, the governor himself made an unscheduled appearance. Standing next to Bryan on stage, he delivered an inspiring speech about Chelsea’s Friends. “Without a doubt, we’ve raised a substantial amount of money tonight, but I believe we can do better. Ms. Jillian? Where are you?”

  I reluctantly raised my hand, and the governor smiled. “Ah, there you are. Come join me on the stage, please. Folks, how about a little applause for the person who organized tonight’s event?”

  The crowd exploded as I came to my feet and walked onto the stage. Bryan kissed my cheek and Governor Williams placed an arm around my shoulders. “How can you possibly refuse this little lady? She’s sacrificed so much for our country, and now she’s trying to ease the pain of suffering children. I’m asking you as a personal favor to dig deeper and give more. Can you do that for me?”

  The crowd responded with approval, and several people wrote additional checks, increasing the total amount of money raised to a level that far exceeded the board’s expectations. Bryan was thrilled and thanked me profusely. In all our months together, I’d never seen him so happy.

  What’s he going to say when he learns you kissed Keith? I shuddered at the question. More than that, I was worried about Keith. Had I been foolish to leave him alone with the boys? I’d left messages on both my sisters’ phones, asking them to please stop by the house to check on Keith and the boys, but neither one of them had called me back.

  When I talked to Matt and Drew on their cell phones, both of them insisted everything was fine. “I think Dad took Bella for a walk,” Drew said, “but I don’t know for sure because I’m over at Cooper’s house.”

  “Will you have him call me when he returns?”

  “Sure.”

  I promised to be home soon and hung up the phone. Was I making a big deal out of nothing? Maybe Keith was simply irritated that I’d kissed him and pushed him away, insis
ting there was no chance for us. Maybe he’d been searching his truck for something other than alcohol. I wanted to believe that, but instinct told me otherwise.

  As far as Lyla was concerned, I didn’t know what to make of my encounter with her. I was ashamed to admit had I not seen her tear-stained face in the bathroom, I would’ve turned around and left with only the briefest acknowledgment.

  I’d known for a long time I needed to forgive her, but I hadn’t wanted to. Holding onto my grudge with her, with Keith, and with losing my brother and the baby brought me comfort. I knew it was wrong, but what would I hold onto if I let go of all that anger I’d carried for so long?

  Hold onto me, Jillian. My yoke is easy. My burden is light.

  Offering Lyla my cosmetic bag had been easy, especially compared to hearing her talk about that night she’d spent with Keith. Why, after all these years, had she felt the need to tell me what happened?

  Had she and Keith honestly spent the night talking about Marcus? And how did I get over the resentment that my husband felt more comfortable talking to another woman than talking to me?

  On the drive home, I leaned my head against the leather seat of Bryan’s BMW and closed my eyes. By all standards, tonight’s event had been a complete success. Holding the gala at the Governor’s Villa had not only saved money, but it generated so much interest, we’d sold every last ticket.

  Bryan reached over and squeezed my hand. “Everything all right?”

  I forced a smile, my confession of kissing Keith threatening to stream forth. “I’m just tired. It’s been a long week.”

  “Tonight was amazing.” He flashed me a huge smile. “I know you’re tired, but there’s something I want to show you.”

  “Can you show me tomorrow? I’m exhausted and anxious to get home.”

  “I’m going out of town tomorrow, remember? It’s on the way home. I promise it won’t take long.” He patted my leg. “I’ll have you home before you know it.”