Entrusted (Adirondack Surrender Series Book 1)

by Julie Arduini

  She isn’t going to get a chance to say the grocery store’s name. “Thanks, Shirley. Have a good night.”

  Although I try not to look, it’s impossible not to see Ben’s truck in the plaza lot. I park on the department store side and cause the door to jingle as soon as I enter. Racks of clothes hide a beautiful bay window.

  “Can I help—Oh. Jennifer.”

  Trish’s heels click-clack on the hardwood floor. She stops as soon as she recognizes me.

  “Jenna. I’m looking for harvest decorations, but I can do that myself. You don’t have to help if you’re busy.” Or if you don’t want to.

  “Hmmm.” She taps her chipped nail on her cheek. “I’m covering for my mom tonight, and I’m not quite sure of the inventory.” The shoe sounds continue as she walks across the store then returns. “I’m not seeing anything.”

  I start to back up, ready to exit before her attitude turns on me.

  “Follow me to the register.” She points forward and doesn’t give a chance to respond. Once we reach the cashier area, she takes a scrap of paper and writes something down. “I know where you can get some either online or visit in person. It’s in Saratoga Springs.” She hands me the paper with what seems like a genuine smile.

  “Thank you, Trish. I appreciate your help.”

  She nods. “Say Jenna, if you don’t mind, I feel like I need to tell you something. Not completely job related, but sort of. Do you mind?”

  This question seems more ominous than Pastor Craig asking about Sunday school.

  Okay. She was nice enough to tell me about another store instead of leading me to a useless purchase here. I’ll take a baby step forward in faith with her. “I guess. What’s going on?”

  Trish looks around, possibly to see if there are any customers who could hear, or maybe to see if there was anyone she should be helping. It’s the two of us and the radio playing a Taylor Swift song in the background. “It’s taken me awhile to admit it, and I feel awkward confessing it to you, but I feel like you are here to make good on a lot of mistakes I made. You belong at the senior center, it’s obvious. You have great ideas for the place, plans I never thought about or went forward with to the council.”

  “Well, it sounds like we went to college for different degrees. I studied gerontology.” My throat suddenly feels like I ate crackers with peanut butter. Not sure where this chat is going.

  “This is all new to the council, spending money on behalf of the senior center. Don’t give up. My guess is Kyle Swarthmore will come around if he hears the center is having money trouble. He’ll offer to help out. He’ll befriend you, maybe more, I don’t know. Don’t let him.” Her ponytail bobs as she talks about Kyle.

  “Okay, thanks for the warning.” I start to turn, but she keeps talking, urgency sounds in her voice, and I pause.

  “I dated Kyle before I left for New York City, and he confided in me. He truly is an outsider here, no matter how much he tries to pretend he cares about Speculator Falls. He wants to come in looking like a hero to build trust and then sign little contracts with big fine print. Bottom line, he wants to own most of the town.”

  The letter he sent Ben and his family comes to mind.

  “He already owns a logging company with his father that is poised to come in the woods on Maple Lake Road and take over where the paper company stopped. He wants condos, strip malls, an entire Adirondack suburban experience. The senior center is just a dollar sign to Kyle.”

  By the look in her eyes she’s serious. Her concern for the center appears real, maybe for the first time.

  “Trish, thank you. You didn’t have to tell me any of that. I think we got off on the wrong foot, and I apologize. No matter how long you stay I hope that we can be friends.”

  She bites her lip for a moment. “I was laid off, and there are few prospects in my field. I came home because I couldn’t afford to stay in the Big Apple. After being home I realized Speculator Falls wasn’t the backwoods place I always thought it to be.” She brushes the corner of her eye. “The center and Ben aren’t mine to have. They never were. Jenna, I haven’t made it easy for you with him. I hope you two find a way back. He’s a good guy.”

  My fears about her melt away, and I reach for a quick hug.

  God, You’re amazing. Thank You for this new friendship, and help me find the courage to face Ben.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  One step inside the sanctuary and I pause. Can I really do this, Lord? Sit in the same pew with Ben even if he doesn’t talk to me? Carla sits on the right side of the sanctuary, and it’s tempting to sit with her, Noah, and Will. Yet baby steps bring me to the seat I know best, despite my shaky footing.

  “Good morning.” Ben’s voice is as smooth as always, although not overly enthusiastic.

  “Is it okay for me to sit here?”

  “Sure. Have a feeling Grandma’s got her spies making sure I behave.” He offers a thin smile, which is a little friendlier than the last time we spoke.

  I rest my purse between us. “Thanks. Knowing her, she’ll ask for a report on both of us.”

  His chuckle is calming.

  I can do this. “I realize the service is about to begin, but I want to apologize again. I’ll never have enough words to say how sorry I am that I hurt you.” My words rush out like water. “You did a great job letting go of the past, and my choices threw your progress in your face.”

  Ben wrestles with his bulletin before meeting my gaze. “I forgive you. I already did. It’s the trust I’m struggling with. You didn’t even try to let me explain. And then to get in a vehicle with Swarthmore, I don’t think I can get that image out of my head.”

  I draw in a breath as I watch Pastor Craig bounce up to the podium.

  We’re over. I’ve lost Ben forever. But I need to trust God as much as I want to run out of the church.

  “I hate that I did that, all of it. I understand what you’re feeling.” I reach for his hand to give a quick squeeze. “And I hope we can be friends.”

  Pastor Craig extends his hands into the air. “Good morning and welcome to God’s house. I’m ready to worship Him today. Are you?”

  Ben drops the bulletin and stands as soon as the recorded praise music begins. He nods, but I’m pretty sure he’s answering Pastor Craig.

  And my heart is about to shatter from rejection.

  The late October air is cold enough to switch my walk routine to the exercise room at the plaza. As I enter, I miss seeing Sara’s car nearby at the donut shop side. Wonder if she has a similar sugary tradition in Florida?

  Once I place my ear buds in and shuffle my playlist, I climb the treadmill and start power walking. I’m moving at a good enough clip listening to Mandisa when there’s a familiar whiff near me.

  Kyle.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see he’s on the next machine barely hitting 3 MPH. Please don’t be here just to talk to me. Sure enough, he turns and smiles, slowing his pace to a stop. “Jenna, what a surprise. I didn’t see you there.”

  Uh-huh.

  He wipes his forehead with a towel draped around his neck and steps off the machine. “How are things at the center?”

  And there it is. Trish’s warning about his motives ring in my ears. “Fine. Thanks for asking.” I relax my walk until I can hop off, and then I head for my bag. If I can grab my keys and make a fast exit, perfect.

  “Good to hear. I’ve been in Newark the last week and was afraid I missed your update that the funding problem is taken care of. Is that the case?” He opens the door and follows when I exit.

  I pause outside the windows. “The council reconvenes next week. I’m confident everything will work out.” With God’s help.

  Kyle chuckles. “I admire your faith. Are you sure you want to deal with unknowns? I know how much money and equipment you’re asking for, and I want to help. Don’t be stubborn. Say the word, and I’ll have a check to you for the full amount.”

  As he speaks, I envision the equipment. Expanded
space. The pool table Howard asked for during our meeting. “It would be just like that. I say yes, and you hand me a check?”

  He offers a slick smile. “Well, for that amount I would need a little paperwork behind it. Still, it’s a quick process.”

  My pulse quickens more than it had during the workout. Mentioning Howard tempts me to say yes, but his methods are exactly as Trish said. I need away from Kyle and his agenda. My car’s in sight, and I start walking.

  He doesn’t follow, but his words reach me all the same. “Jenna, use your great business sense. You need my help for the center more than you know. Others around here don’t have my expertise.”

  Kyle remains in place as I reach my vehicle, start it, and throw the gear in reverse. His last words bounce around my thoughts even as I transition to drive and move forward. Just as I turn left onto Maple Lake Road, Ben’s truck pulls into the plaza.

  “Lord, is Kyle right? Is he the better funding source? Or will the council come through for me?” I wait for a reply. “God? I’d love a clear answer. And peace.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Roxy peeks past Dora’s makeshift stage curtain and paces. “Maybe I should go to the council meeting. Tell them how important the arts are to Speculator Falls. Surely they understand my background as a—”

  I turn Roxy away from the audience and re-direct her to my office, which for the harvest party and variety show purposes, is the women’s dressing room. If Roxy says Rockette, I’m fairly certain Shirley’s going to throttle her. “Never mind the meeting. Put on a fantastic show. I’m sure some of the board members will be here. Your actions will speak the loudest tonight.”

  Shirley nods. “Well said, Jenna.” She rolls her eyes in Roxy’s direction. “Burdens on you, fancy feet.”

  I look to the clock. Show time. “Let me make my opening remarks. And as they say, break a leg.”

  Bart shines a borrowed spotlight that blinds as soon as I cross the stage. I hear the applause but can’t quite tell who’s in the audience. Wafts of mulled cider dance past my nostrils. With a smile I take a step forward.

  “Thank you, everyone. I’m Jenna Anderson, and as director I’m pleased to present the very talented members of the Speculator Falls Senior Center. Our first act is Dora Parks and her reading of the Gettysburg Address.”

  Twelve acts and ninety minutes later, the seniors take a bow, and I take the microphone one final time.

  “What a great night! We saw everything from comedy routines, and dances, to karaoke performances. Please continue to relax as members visit your tables to serve cookies and cider. We hope you’re enjoying our harvest portion of the party.”

  Polite applause fills the air. I wave and start to leave the stage for the cookie table when two figures move toward me. Once they enter the spotlight it’s Pastor Craig and Ben, holding a box.

  “What’s going on?” I whisper as the two flank me.

  Pastor Craig takes the mike off the stand. “Jenna, it’s not quite Thanksgiving but the village wanted to show our appreciation for all your efforts.”

  The claps grow louder with added catcalls.

  Okay, Ben, are you a willing participant?

  He thrusts the white box with a red bow into my hand. Our eyes lock, and it feels like we’re the only two in the building. My mouth trembles, and my hands shake.

  “Open it.” Ben’s soft voice sends shivers even as we both look away.

  Pastor pats me on the shoulder. “Go ahead.”

  “I, uh, this is a surprise.” I slip my index finger inside, prying the cardboard lid. Lifting the contents I see a gorgeous snow globe with silver glitter dazzling against the white specks. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Ben insisted we engrave it the way we did.”

  I rotate the large glass and find the silver plated marker. Spectacular Falls. “It’s misspelled like my prom sash.” Gazing past the snow I recognize the building housed in the globe. “It’s the senior center.”

  Applause now reaches a feverish rate, and the crowd chants my name.

  There’s a lump in my throat, and I’m scared I’m going to drop this precious gift. “Ben?”

  He stuffs his hands in his pockets. “I ordered it Labor Day.”

  When we were still together.

  I turn enough to face the crowd without excluding the two next to me. “The center is a success because of the seniors. This gift is exquisite. Thank you Speculator Falls Village Council. Now, let’s eat.” I paste on a smile long enough for the guests to change their attention to their tables. I have to get out of here before I break down in front of Ben. “Please, gentlemen. Enjoy the refreshments.” I wait for them to leave the platform before I hold the gift close, watch my step, and return to my office where I lock the door and start to cry.

  Another Sunday without Sara in town. It’s also below freezing with my first winter storm watch in effect. She’s smart to be in Florida.

  Will waves me over as I step into the church foyer. “Loved the variety show. Say, if we get the snow they’re talking about, I’ll plow you out.”

  “Thanks. Are the meteorologists usually right?”

  Will takes his cap off before entering the sanctuary. “No.”

  I sigh. “Oh, good.”

  “We usually get more than they forecast.” He winks, gesturing me to go first.

  “You’re full of good news, Marshall.”

  We reach the end of the aisle where I sit left and he heads right. Pastor Craig is already at the pulpit looking at his notes. Will smiles. “Guess church is a great place to share good news.”

  I’m the only one in my row. Visions of the snow globe play through my mind and accelerate my heartbeat. Does Ben regret giving me the present? Is it a sign about how Monday’s meeting will be? Where is he, anyway?

  He shows close to the altar call, sitting and giving me only a crooked grin. Once service ends, I swivel my knees toward him. “You okay?”

  Ben shrugs. “I was at the store. Lined up bags of salt and shovels for quick sale.”

  “Ah. I’m pretty sure I need both of those.” I glance into his rich, dark eyes.

  “Already taken care of. I threw what you need into Will’s truck. We usually help each other out. I help him with supplies in exchange for his plowing Grandma’s driveway and her rental property. Your place.”

  I look away, reaching for my purse and standing. He rises, too. Before I stumble over more words to keep the conversation going, Pastor Craig and Brooke walk over.

  “Jenna, no pressure, but I wondered if you had an answer for me regarding Sunday school.” He shakes my hand and then Ben’s.

  “Do you have a deadline for when you need to know?”

  “I don’t need an answer this week if that’s what you mean. I’m hoping to have a teacher in place before the new quarter starts in January.”

  Hmm. It’s the first week of November. Factor in the holidays…

  “Everything okay? Are you looking for more information? I can show you more curriculum from previous years if that helps.”

  Ben chuckles. “I’m sure Grandma has old workbooks to look at. She keeps everything.”

  “Thanks, guys. Pastor, my one concern that has me undecided is I might head home to Ohio.”

  Ben’s smile disappears. “Did you just say you’re going home—as in Ohio?”

  I nod, looking at all three. “I’m considering it.”

  Brooke leans in and gives me a hug. “We’re praying for you. God will show you what to do.”

  Ben runs his hands through his hair and steps back. “I have to go. Jenna, be seeing you. Pastor, Brooke.” He can’t get out fast enough.

  Pastor Craig clears his throat. “This trip to Ohio. Is it permanent?”

  I furrow my brow. “Oh, no. Just for Christmas to visit family. Why?”

  Brooke puts her hand on her husband’s arm. “Honey, did you think she was moving back, too?”

  “I did. Jenna, I’m relieved to hear you’re sticking arou
nd. Gave us a scare.”

  The two continue to grin at the miscommunication while Trish’s dad, Jay, approaches us.

  “Hey, Pastor. Brooke. Jenna. I wanted to let you know the council meeting’s been postponed. I have a client that’s only in town tomorrow and able to meet in the evening. With Fred and Sara gone, we don’t have enough for a vote.”

  Wait. What? “What’s Sara have to do with the council vote?” My voice comes out in a squeak.

  “She’s a tiebreaker. The mayor always votes in case the council has a tie.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  God’s snowy display rivals my snow globe. It’s Thanksgiving morning and the area’s under its fourth storm watch. Will’s outside my window using the plow on the end of his truck, and it’s coming down as fast as he scrapes it.

  Once he clears a path, he knocks on the door and kicks the snow off his boots when I answer. “Hey, Jenna. Need a ride to church for the community dinner? I’m going to pick up Noah in an hour while Carla finishes her shift.”

  “The event’s not canceled?”

  Will chuckles. “We don’t stop unless the state shuts the county down.”

  I sigh. Has to be quite the storm for the governor to issue a closing. “I’ll be ready in fifteen.”

  By the time he returns, I’m on the deck wearing my new pink camouflage boots and nervous I’m going to slip walking down the steps carrying my chocolate pecan pie. I’m so glad no one in Ohio can see me in my clunky footwear.

  With four wheel drive, Will has no problems navigating the barely maintained roads. He pulls into Carla’s driveway and beeps the horn for Noah.

  “So, dare I ask how you and Carla are these days?” I glance over to see my friend shake his head.

  “Sure. Just as soon as you and Ben get back together.”

  Noah slams the door and slides through the snow toward the truck.

  “I’d love nothing better. Ben can’t forget my ride with Kyle. I can’t blame him.”

  “I think you two have a better shot than me and Carla. She doesn’t want to take my money to go to beauty school. She thinks by accepting it, she owes me.” Resignation taints his voice.