Secretly In Love: A Madison Creek Novella

by Jackie Castle

  “We’re not lying,” Max said before he retreated from Sage’s thunderous glare.

  Ma threw up her hands and returned to her seat. “Guess you’ll have to read it and solve the mystery.”

  “Go ahead, Sweet Sage. Maybe you really do have an admirer.”

  “Don’t say it as if it’s a complete shock, Moi.” Sage ripped off the edge of the envelope and tipped out the folded sheet of pale green stationary. A country-styled checkered pattern ran across the top.

  She opened the letter to find a short note, yet as she read the words, her throat clamped closed.

  “Well?” Moi urged and when Sage said nothing, she snatched it from her hands and read it out loud.

  Sage, I think I’ve already written a thousand words describing how I feel, but after writing and re-writing each line a hundred times, it comes down to one simple fact. The more I see you, the more I want to spend my life with you. Dare I hope there’s a chance for us? I can only wonder. And maybe dare to hope. With much love and devotion, someone who deeply admires you.

  Hearing it out loud only sent a deeper shock through her. It had to be a joke. Had to.

  “I don’t think the twins had anything to do with this one, Sweet Sage.” Moi handed the letter back.

  Sage’s throat turned to sandpaper.

  Ma stood and went to the sink where she rinsed the potatoes. “Nope. Don’t think it’s anyone in this house. But it certainly was moving. Whoever sent it must feel deeply for you, lass.”

  Sage shook her head and swallowed, cringing when it felt like rocks going down her throat. “It’s a joke. Has to be.”

  Moi leaned back in her chair and opened her textbook. “Oh, I don’t think so. Someone loves you. The question is, who?”

  Problem was, that was the problem. There was no who. Since sinking herself into college studies and trying to keep up with her classes, her circle of friends had shrunk considerably. Most of their old friends had moved off or were getting married. Even at church, she hung out either with her family or Moi and Nikolai.

  Nikolai?

  Nope, definitely not him. If he was going to fall in love with someone, it would probably be Moi who was beautiful and graceful. He was handsome and kind. The two of them would make a perfect couple.

  Besides, he was nothing more than her best friend. He didn’t even act like he was interested in her, especially after the way he’d been so standoffish when he stayed over the other night.

  “Doesn’t matter.” Sage folded the letter and tucked it into her bag. “It’s probably a prank someone is playing on me. And I don’t have time for games.”

  “But—”

  “No buts. If someone really cares for me, writing is an immature way to let me know. I don’t have time for this kind of nonsense. We need to study. I have to pass this test.”

  Moi opened her mouth to argue. But Sage firmly glared at her friend to let her know the subject was closed.

  Still, it didn’t stop her from reading the note several times over during the next twenty-four hours. Finally, unable to stand it anymore, she called Moi early the next morning while she waited on her front porch for Nikolai to pick her up.

  “What if it’s Nick?”

  “It’s not.” Moi denied. “He doesn’t write, Sweet Sage. How many times have we teased him about his hate for handwriting? If it were him, he would have sent you an email. And half the words would probably have been misspelled.”

  “He’s not that bad. And there’s auto-correct.” Sage smacked her forehead. “You’re right. I’m being stupid. This is completely stupid. I got to go, he just pulled onto my street. See you in class.”

  “Are you going—” but before Moi finished her question, Sage had hit the end button and tucked her phone into the back pocket of her jeans. She stood beside the battered mailbox at the edge of her yard by the time he pulled up in front of her house. The back seat was emptied and as she climbed inside, a fresh scent of pine hit her. He’d even vacuumed the carpets! Wow.

  “Are you settled into your new home?”

  Nikolai grinned. “Yep. It’s an old lady’s camper for sure. Afghans all over the place and these pink flamingo stickers covering the walls and painted on the outside. It’s crazy. But Ethan isn’t using it at anymore.”

  Sage raised her brow in curiosity. “Really? Where’s he staying then?”

  “The barn is fixed up enough that he’s built a couple of bedrooms in the loft. The bottom area will be the recording space. It’s looking really nice and he scored a great deal on the equipment. I’m going to help him set up a computer system so he can make videos and work the audio.” He went on for the next two blocks about all he’d done the day before.

  She had to smile, not having seen her friend this animated and happy since he returned from the mission trip last summer. “You really admire him, don’t you?”

  “I do. They’re both fun to be around. I’m supposed to pass on an invitation to dinner tonight. Miss Haley would like all of us to get together to discuss how she wants this first weekend to go. Think your mom will mind?”

  “One less mouth to feed? No way. I’ll send her a text and let her know I won’t be home until later.”

  He pulled onto Old Orchard Road that would lead them past the Madison farm and onto the highway to Muskegon.

  “I think I should give you a little heads up. Mr. Ethan is really put out about your tires. Just so you’re not side-swiped when he comes up with some kind of plan to get them replaced.”

  Sage’s eyes flew open. “What? Why? I’ll get them fixed.” She slumped in the seat. “Eventually.”

  Nikolai laughed at her and pushed his sunglasses higher on his nose. He needed to shave, but she thought he looked more rugged and sexy with the sparse growth of light hair covering his firm chin.

  Sage fixed her eyes on the passing scenery, reminding herself for the millionth time that he was her friend and nothing more. Though a huge part of her wished it was him who’d penned those words she’d read last night. Over and over. And again this morning, several more times.

  * * * *

  Sage gaped at the spread of food laid out before her.

  That night at the inn, Miss Haley served what she called a big, heaping pan of chicken enchiladas covered in a red sauce. Sage offered to help her carry the huge platter, but the lady would have none of it, urging her to “sit on down and relax a spell.”

  This was to be a trial run of one of the meals she’d serve on Friday night, or what she’d named her Tex-Mex rockin’ and rolled menu which also consisted of a diner’s choice of burritos, enchiladas, or crispy chicken flautas. Whatever those were.

  She set a bowl of something she called pico which consisted of tomatoes, onions, something like parsley and green peppers. Miss Haley warned them to proceed with caution, but promised it would add a bit of kick to the meal.

  Leon’s head bobbed in appreciation as he took a small bite of an enchilada. Nikolai forked a larger mouthful. The moment he closed his mouth around the bite, his eyes flew open. Choking, he gulped down a glass of water before Miss Haley tossed a tortilla at him.

  “You’ll need bread to put out the fire, sugar.” She rolled her eyes in exasperation. “I’ll need to make a Yankee wimp batch it seems.”

  Sage was laughing too hard to try hers. Taking Leon’s cue, she tasted a sample, avoiding the chunks of dark green. “Not bad. It takes a little getting used to, but I like it. Loads of flavor.” The more she chewed, the hotter the fire grew in her mouth. “Though the flavor really… stays. Intense! Can I have one of those?”

  “You betcha.” Haley tossed another tortilla onto her plate.

  Sage let the flat bread sit on her burning tongue.

  Mr. Ethan sat at the head of the table, wiping at his eyes as he silently chuckled between bites. She noticed he kept a rolled tortilla in one hand, pushed any bits of green stuff to the side with his fork and had piled a large dollop of sour cream on top of the enchiladas. Swallowing, he pushed th
e container toward Sage. “This helps. A lot.”

  Nikolai reached for it at the same time she did and their hands bumped. He quickly withdrew and motioned for her to go ahead. So she spooned some onto her plate, then his.

  “Thanks,” he muttered.

  Haley piled some of the pico stuff on hers, remarking that it wasn’t at all hot to her.

  Ethan jibed, “That’s because you’ve burned out your taste buds, babe.”

  She shot her fiancé a glare before turning to her cook. “Well, Leon, I believe they’ll not be able to take it. So let’s leave the peppers out of the chicken mixture and just add a few slices along the top.”

  “Yes, ma’am. It is a little warm. I think we can spice it up with a dash of cayenne for flavor, and avoid the heat. You’ll still get the distinct taste that you’re looking for, but not send them drowning themselves in water.”

  A slow smile brightened her blue eyes. “That’s why I just adore you. You think like me about food needing flavor. We will never serve bland meals here.”

  Ethan let out another stifled laugh. “It’s good. Hot? Of course. But I love the taste. It reminds me of some of the Mexican restaurants we tried in California. But not here. So, once again, I’ll encourage you to keep your peppers as a side dish. People can always add the heat, but you certainly can’t take it away.”

  Haley’s nose wrinkled. “Nothing wrong with a bit of heat.” She tossed a wink at Nikolai. “Right?”

  A fevered flush reddened his face. “I don’t know, Miss Haley. I’m more of a simple fella. I’m okay with just good ol’ salt and pepper.”

  Why did it seem they were talking about more than just food seasonings?

  For the rest of the meal, Haley went over how she wanted people served and what meals they’d offer for each night. The more they talked, the more Sage’s stomach fluttered with nerves. It sounded like they were expecting quite a crowd and she hoped she wouldn’t flub her first waitress job.

  At least, they’d start with a buffet, so all she had to worry about was keeping the tables clean and glasses filled. They’d only be open for few hours each night. She could do this.

  Ethan took kitchen duty while Haley showed them the drink bar and where to find clean table linens and silverware.

  Leon, strangely, stayed at Sage’s side while Haley gave instructions, and she found herself sandwiched between him and Nikolai, who kept shooting dark looks at the cook. Was he jealous? She almost laughed out loud. That was dumb.

  “Nick, I want you to be in charge of keeping the ice machine going. Come with me, and I’ll show you how to fix it if it gets stuck. That happens from time to time.”

  Left alone with Leon, Sage fidgeted with the items on the wall table. An empty plate with a few remaining cookie crumbs and a bowl of fruit.

  “I wanted a chance to apologize.” His voice was low and as sultry as his pale gray eyes. He was dressed in a turquoise blue linen shirt and beige vest over black slacks. Always so stylish like Moi-Joy.

  “About what?” She glanced down at her peach colored t-shirt and faded jeans, and resisted the urge to inwardly cringe.

  He picked up a tangerine and rolled it between his long fingers. “Miss Haley set me right, see? About not stopping to check if you were all right. It was rude of me. I had my mind on other things, but still, I did see your car. I didn’t stop because I didn’t want to be late.”

  “That’s okay, really”

  “No, it’s not. I came to live in this town, so I could make friends. Get to know the townspeople before I take on my real job. I’ll be a chef over at the Lakeshore when it opens. Miss Haley told me if I go around with my nose in the air, I’m ….” He pressed his forefinger to his mouth as his brows pinched in thought. “Oh, that I’ll get a nostril full of dust. Or something crazy like that.”

  The both started laughing. “She has some funny sayings, doesn’t she?”

  “Yeah, she does.” He chuckled, and Sage liked the throaty sound of his laugh. “But, she’s good hearted. And she was right. I grew up in cities most of my life. I’m not used to small towns and need to be reminded, I guess, to be friendlier. So,” He pressed his hand to his chest. “May I beg your pardon? I promise if I ever see you stranded beside the road again, I’ll be sure to stop.”

  “Yes. Forgiven and forgotten.”

  He held out his hand. When she grasped his he bent down to brush her knuckles with a soft kiss. “Thank you.”

  Her face had to be turning every shade of red, which meant her freckles must look like polka dots on a pink poodle skirt. She ducked her head, and moved to straighten a stack of brochures.

  “So,” Leon went on, shoving his hands into the pockets of his slacks. “This will be your first waitress job?”

  “Yep. I keep telling myself it’ll be easy. But I’m so nervous! My stomach fills like I swallowed butterflies.” She cringed and rubbed her tummy. “Unless that’s the peppers?”

  He laughed again, and it was music to her ears. “I’m sure you’ll do great. You’ll want to secure your hair into a neat bun. Let a few of your curls hang loose around your face. The customers will adore your smile. And you have a nice voice. They’ll respond well to that, too. Just… if you don’t mind me offering a few tips I’ve picked up?”

  “Please. Tip away. I… I appreciate any help you can give.”

  His beautiful face relaxed. She wished she could take a picture of him. He’d make a stunning angel with some shimmering dark wings and a smoky gray background.

  Focus, Sage!

  “Don’t hover, but every time you pass by your tables, make sure their glasses aren’t empty. When you ask if they want anything else, offer a few dessert suggestions. And make sure you write their orders. Don’t get cocky and mentally take an order. It can get crazy and you’ll forget. A forgotten customer is an angry customer who won’t come back. Know what I mean?”

  She nodded. This didn’t sound easy at all.

  “Hey,” He placed his hands on her shoulders, and she feared her knees might buckle. “If you have any questions, or if you’re not sure about something, come ask me. I’ll be slaving away in the kitchen.” He gave her a wink, and she nearly forgot how to breathe.

  She nodded again, unable to get her mouth to work properly. What was wrong with her? He was just a guy for Pete’s sake. A gorgeous guy with eyes to die for, but still….

  Breathe you goober. Stop acting like you have brain damage! Breathe, in… out…in…

  “Wow. That’s great. Th-thanks, Leeeon.” She snapped her mouth shut before she started blubbering like a fool.

  Haley and Nikolai returned at that moment. Leon snatched his hands off her shoulders.

  Sage moved down the table, straightening things that didn’t really need to be straightened. Event booklets, menus from other local restaurants, and a box of pastel green paper with a checkered pattern running across the top. Then she reached the end of the table and had nothing left to occupy her nervous hands.

  “You ready to go?” Nikolai barked. “I think we’re done here, right?”

  “Yeppers.” Haley clapped her hands, bouncing on tips of her red boots. “I’m sure I’ve left you all brain dead with my ramblings. Sage, I’d like your phone number before you leave. And I want you to have my number and Ethan’s. And don’t just call us if you’re going to be late or miss work. Call anytime you need anything. We’re here for you, girl. Got it?”

  Was she for real? The sincere look in her big blues made Sage believe she was. Mr. Ethan lingered just behind his fiancé. Leon excused himself, saying he needed to rise early the next morning. As his footsteps faded up the stairs, Mr. Ethan asked, “Mind if we have a quick word with you, Sage?”

  She glanced at Nikolai, who shot her a knowing look.

  “Sure.”

  “Listen, I know you’ve only just met us. So this will probably seem very forward of me, but—”

  “This is about my tires, right?” Sage had to interrupt him. She’d thought about what
Nikolai told her and had already made up her mind she simply couldn’t allow the nice couple to buy her tires. Ma would go through the roof.

  She motioned toward Nikolai. “He warned me. But only because he knows me so well.”

  “Sorry man.” He held up his hands defensively. “She’s my best friend. And I do know how she can be. I had to warn her or she’d kill me dead. You don’t wish to face the ire of an angry red-head, sir.”

  She scowled at him, then conceded with a shrug. “He’s right. Sorry. But listen, I’m not saying no. Just, let me work for you a week. Let’s see how things go. Maybe if my pay is going to be decent, I can work out a loan that I can pay back.”

  “A trade is what I had in mind, Sage.” Ethan spoke quickly, as if worried she’d cut him off again. “I need a website, too. Actually two. One for Winters End Adventure Lodge and a separate, but linked one for the recording studio I’ll have running soon. It needs to be similar to Haley’s but different. Know what I mean?”

  “Then why don’t you just pay me for a website and I’ll go buy my own tires? If you don’t mind my asking.”

  A crooked grin pulled at his lips. “Because, I can’t afford to pay you. I was going to barter with Bob Benton from the auto shop for a set of retreads. There’s a favor he’s been asking me for. I was going to agree to his request. In return for the tires. And then trade the tires to you for the website.”

  Sage gaped at him for a long moment, then looked to Nikolai to make sure he was for real.

  “That’s how he works.” Nikolai chuckled. “Amazing, isn’t it?”

  Haley shook her head. “Yankees.”

  “So, do we have a deal?” Ethan asked, extending his hand.

  Ma might not go so far through the roof once she explained this crazy idea. Sage shook. “Okay. Deal. But I’ll do the website first. When you’re satisfied with my work, then I’ll take the tires.”

  “Oookay. If you promise to not drive your car outside of town?”