Love Finds You: A Helena's Grove Novella

by Ivy Alexander

  Zack shrugged, “I don’t know, I just think it’s really great of you to take time out of your busy life to spend your summer with your seventy-five year old half-aunt that you hardly know.”

  Jen couldn’t ignore it anymore. Zack was definitely fishing. She realized he was acting suspicious of her, but why? There was no way he could know that she was gaining a promotion and salary increase by coming out here. That conversation was between her and her dad only. No one at the office knew. No one. The complexity of Zack’s character was evident, and the more time Jen spent with him the more she realized that he was not ignorant; he was smart. And although he seemed to play the ‘flirty country boy’ role, there was more to him than met the eye. Jen had a sixth sense about people. She could usually tell when they were lying or just not saying what they were actually thinking. Zack clearly had questions that he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, ask straight out. But what were they? What was he suspecting her of?

  Jen suddenly felt self-protective and decided to cut the crap. If he had a question he should ask it. “Is there something you want to ask me?” she inquired, her lawyer face on.

  Zack faced her. “Why do you ask that?”

  “Because you seem to be thinking more than you’re saying. You’re fishing for something and I’m not a mind reader, so let’s hear it.” She folded her arms and waited.

  His eyes seemed to get darker as he looked straight at her. A few uncomfortable seconds went by. Finally, he broke the silence.

  “I’m not fishing,” he began slowly as he started walking again. “I’m just trying to understand you better. There aren’t very many people that go out of their way for the elderly in this world; I actually admire you for it.” Even though he tried to sound sincere, it didn’t work, and Jen caught the cynicism in his voice.

  Jen didn’t follow him. “Are you one of those people? Those who go out of their way for the elderly? You seem to go out of your way for Aunt Gabby.” The sarcasm dripped from her voice.

  “Yeah, I guess I admire myself for it as well,” Zack turned and shot back.

  “I’m glad to see that you are so pleased with how you turned out.” Jen put a hand over her heart in mock admiration.

  “Look, I’ll admit I’m not perfect, but I think I’m a pretty decent person. I do things for Aunt Gabby because I truly love her; she is practically the only family I have left. I understand you aren’t used to sharing things, being the only child of a big lawyer in New York City.” He raised his hands and used his fingers to ‘quote’ the words lawyer and New York City, and Jen held back the urge to slap him. Instead, she held up her hand to stop him from going any further. She was trying to compose herself. “Do NOT talk about my family, I’m warning you,” she said, feeling her anger rising.

  “So you can judge me and what I do but I can’t do the same? Seems unfair.” Zack immediately had his guard up.

  “News flash! Life is unfair.” Jen raised her eyebrows and stared straight into Zack’s eyes.

  In an instant Zack turned and grabbed Jen’s left arm above the elbow. His grip was strong. “Do not lecture me about life and its unfairness Miss Berkley. Don’t do it.”

  His eyes had a sad, faraway look and Jen felt a pang of regret in her heart. They stood there, breathing heavily. Words escaped Jen as she almost felt the deep sorrow he was telling with his eyes. What had happened to him?

  “I’m sorry about your mother,” Jen whispered, finally breaking the silence.

  Zack blinked and loosened his grip on her arm. Suddenly returning from the mental place he had been, he let out a large sigh as if defeated, and then turned and began to walk away from her.

  Jen was reeling. She couldn’t just let him go.

  “I appreciate what you do for Aunt Gabby,” she mustered, calling after him. He stopped and turned half-way, putting his hands on his hips and kicking at something in the grass.

  “I don’t need your appreciation; I don’t do it for you. I do it for her.” Zack abruptly turned and began walking back toward her. “And let me tell you something that you don’t seem to understand.” He was inches from her face now. “The Aunt Gabby you know is not the Aunt Gabby I know,” his voice was deep and low. “The Aunt Gabby I know is the woman who helped take care of me and my family when we needed it most. The woman who taught me how to grow and take care of rose plants. Who fed me and Annie lunch every day through the summers because my mother worked full-time. She was one of the chaperones at my junior high school dance.”

  Jen was backing up. “I appreciate that she has been there throughout your life, but she is still my aunt. My blood aunt. And I…”

  Zack was suddenly furious and cut Jen off. “I have spent every holiday, every birthday and every special event with her since I was eight. She was there for both Annie and I when our dad died, and again when our mother died. She’s taken care of us with no thought of herself.” Zack’s intensity was growing with each sentence. “I know that you think you can just swoop in here after twenty years of absence and win her heart. So she’ll love you like you’ve been around since you were a little girl. Because that’s what your daddy has told you. You’re used to people falling all over you and getting your way. But I’m here to tell you that whatever you want from Aunt Gabby, you won’t get it!”

  Jen was blown away. “What is it that you think I want from her?” She had to force a whisper and felt weak.

  Zack just shook his head. “I won’t let her get hurt.”

  “Wait a minute.” Jen’s strength suddenly returned. “I would NEVER hurt Aunt Gabby. She’s my aunt and if you think you love her more than...”

  “Oh I don’t think I love her more than you do Jen,” Zack interrupted her again; “I know I do.”

  They stood there, breathing heavily and glaring at the fire in each other’s eyes. The intensity between them was fierce. She saw his eyes flicker toward her lips for a split second, and then back to her eyes. Then he turned and began walking away.

  Heart pumping and thoroughly confused, Jen couldn’t let him have the last word. “Blood is thicker than water, Zachery!”

  He turned, “And love is thicker than blood.”

  Jen fumbled for some witty comeback but nothing came. As Zack walked away, bewilderment wracked Jen’s brain. What the hell had just happened? They had gone from politely laughing and having a great time, to bitter and frustrated, again! She stormed off in the direction of the beer booth. She needed a drink and that was the closest thing available.

  While she made her way back to the fairgrounds her mind replayed her conversation with Zack. She couldn’t believe she was arguing with him over who loved Aunt Gabby more! That was ridiculous! This wasn’t kindergarten. And what the hell did he mean when he said he wouldn’t let her get hurt? Jen wouldn’t hurt Aunt Gabby in a million years.

  Jen reached the booth, bought a cup of beer, and then found a spot under a tree to sit and think. She had never experienced encounters like the ones she’d had with Zack. They had known each other only a few weeks. But in that time, they had had many strange incidences: She threatened to stab him. He had insulted her numerous times. They were enemies, and then became friends and then were enemies again. They had flirted and yelled, laughed and scowled, joked around and had one serious fight. Damn, it was like she was in a relationship with none of the perks! She had already had so many ups and downs with Zack LaFaye she wondered how much more could happen between them. If their ‘encounters’ were going to be a reoccurring theme throughout the rest of the summer, she wasn’t sure she could take it.

  Chapter 10

  The next evening Jen was in her room standing in front of a full length mirror. Her outfit was one she would never have picked for herself. She easily could have worn one of her own dresses to the dance, but her only white one had been ruined at the cow branding; Jen shook her head angrily at the memory. Annie had once again insisted on dressing her for the occasion. The dress was white with a lacy overlay; a brown braided belt hugged her waist. A
short denim jacket complimented the look, and brown cowboy boots gave it just the right finishing touch. She had to admit, Annie had done well, the outfit looked good on her. Even Jen’s hair, which she almost always wore straight, was now in curls and the look was beginning to grow on her. Annie would be there any minute to pick her up. Aunt Gabby claimed she was too tired to go to a dance tonight after having such a full day at the fair yesterday. Jen had firmly declared she would stay home with her, but Aunt Gabby wouldn’t hear of it.

  “You’re ride is here!” Aunt Gabby called up the stairs.

  “I’ll be right down,” she called back. It amazed her how stuck in time this place was. Two months ago Jen would never have dreamed she’d be going to a country dance, in this outfit, waiting to be picked up in a truck by her girlfriend. It made her feel like she was ten years younger. With a dab of lip gloss and one final twirl, she was off. She walked down the stairs and into the kitchen.

  “Alright Annie, are you ready to teach me some country…” her voice trailed off as her eyes fell upon Zack standing there instead. At least, she thought it was Zack! She drew her breath in and had to fight hard to conceal a gasp. His navy blue cowboy jeans were complimented by clean, black boots; a solid black, button-up shirt was tucked in at the waist, and the sleeves were rolled to the elbow, showing off his tan forearms. But most shocking was his face, his rugged cowboy look had vanished. His hair was combed and the fast growing, unruly beard had been shaved, leaving only a very nicely trimmed goatee. If Jen hadn’t felt fifteen before, she definitely did now.

  “I, uh,” she blinked, “I wasn’t expecting…”

  “Annie got wrapped up in something so I offered to pick you up,” Zack explained.

  “I see,” was all Jen could get out.

  “I hope that’s alright with you.”

  “Just fine. Good bye Aunt Gabby,” Jen waved as she turned to walk out the door.

  “You kids have fun!” she called back.

  Zack followed Jen out to the truck and paused before opening the passenger door. “Listen Jen,” he started, “I’m really sorry about yesterday.”

  “You know you apologize a lot; you do realize that.” Jen wasn’t in the mood for another of Zack’s requests for forgiveness.

  A small smile crossed his lips. “Yes, well uh, I tend to say things the moment they come into my head without thinking them through, and it gets me into trouble sometimes.”

  He took a step closer, his fingers fiddling with the rim of a black cowboy hat he had just put on. Jen tried to just focus on her breathing, until she smelled his cologne, and then decided breathing was a bad idea. He smelled amazing.

  “I would love for you to have a good time tonight,” he continued. “I don’t want you to worry about me saying something rude, or you feeling like you’re being attacked because that isn’t my intention.”

  “Well, maybe you needed to think about that yesterday,” Jen stated, “because I felt attacked.”

  “Again, I’m really sorry.” His dark eyes searched hers and she could see that he was being sincere. “Aunt Gabby is the closest thing to a mother I have left. With how close you are to your father, I’m sure you can understand my wanting only the best for her.” He leaned in closer and whispered, “And I’m being serious when I tell you I want the same for you.”

  Jen’s heart skipped a beat, and then it melted a little. Damn this man and his charm! She just knew it was trouble.

  “I understand,” she said, clearing her throat and trying to come up with something that sounded coherent. “And I accept your apology. I just hope you know that I’m not trying to take anything away from your life here, I just want to try and build a little one of my own.”

  The minute it came out she regretted it. It was a lie; she didn’t want to stay there; didn’t want to build any kind of a life there. She was there for the summer only, period. As much as she loved Aunt Gabby and the charm and easy pace of Ohio, she could never live there. But it was too late; she had said it and she couldn’t take it back. Zack seemed to accept her feelings and opened the door for her. Then he made his way to the driver’s side.

  Once the truck was started he turned to her before putting it in gear. “You look gorgeous, by the way.” He smiled at her and her heart skipped another beat. ‘You too,’ she wanted to say, but all that came out was a whispered, “Thank you.”

  Annie was the first to greet them when they arrived at the pavilion. The dance was in full swing and the place looked beautiful. Lights were hung, canopy style along the pavilion ceiling. Lanterns hung around the outside giving the place a rustic charm. A small band was situated in the corner, and the guitars and banjos played a slow country melody that filled the evening air. It looks like a scene from a movie! Jen thought.

  “Jen!” Annie squealed and grabbed her hand when she reached her. “Oh, get ready! I’m going to teach you to line dance tonight!”

  Jen looked at Zack for help but he just laughed. “Uh, I don’t know, I have two left feet...” she started.

  “I don’t believe you,” Annie said waving a dismissive hand at her. “With that body there is no way you aren’t good at dancing. Trust me, I know these things. I can spot a dancer a mile away even if they’ve never danced a step before. Besides, line dancing is easy as one two three. You’ll have a great time I promise!” Jen laughed at Annie’s vigor and nodded in agreement.

  Annie pulled Jen onto the dance floor and began showing her steps. At first, Jen felt as though she were a little kid learning to ride a bike again, but as the night went on, she slowly started to get the hang of it. Each dance was a new challenge and Jen felt herself enjoying the rhythm and movement of each step. It was a warm night, and she finally ditched her denim jacket. She had no idea line dancing could be such a workout! On and on she went, learning each new move. Soon, she was getting most of the steps right. The more she danced, the more she realized she was having the time of her life!

  The night wore on and the music slowed down. Jen stood by a table with Annie, taking a break and enjoying some iced tea when Zack sauntered over to them.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.

  Jen thought the question was aimed at both of them, but it seemed that was Annie’s queue to leave. Suddenly, she was out dancing again before Jen could even answer. She rolled her eyes inwardly. “I’m having a great time,” she said truthfully.

  “You seem surprised,” Zack observed

  “I am a little,” she admitted. “I would never have thought that a country Fourth of July dance would be my thing but...” She shrugged her shoulders.

  “I’m glad you’re having a good time.” He smiled at her and his dimple came through. It was so much easier to see without the facial hair covering it up.

  Jen glanced at him, and then looked down at her drink, feeling unusually shy. She felt that funny twinge in the pit of her stomach again. Keep it together Jennifer! The song ended and a new one began.

  “Dance with me.” Zack offered his hand.

  “Oh I’m kind of tired, and a little sweaty because of the line dancing,” she fumbled her words. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to dance with him. She was afraid of what might happen if she did.

  Zack laughed at her protests and grabbed her hand. “That wasn’t a question.”

  He led her onto the dance floor. The song the band was playing was one she’d never heard. It was a typical western song; trucks, fields, beer and a girl in a red dress. Nothing new, but the beat was great. It was clearly one of Zack’s favorites because he started singing along, and he was good! He could sing too? Was there anything he couldn’t do?

  Zack was an excellent dancer as well; his feet twisting and turning to the rhythm like he was born to dance. More than once he lifted Jen off the ground with ease and expertise, and then twirled her in a gentle but strong fashion. The song ended and Zack dipped her; his hand on the small of her back. They laughed as he slowly brought her back up to a standing position.

  �
�You’re amazing!” Jen exclaimed.

  “I’m going to try not to be offended by the surprise in your voice,” he teased.

  A new song started. Zack listened for a moment and then made a gesture like he’d been shot in the heart. “I love this song,” he stated dramatically.

  “I can tell,” Jen laughed. “Are you always this affected by music?”

  He gave a sideways smile. “Only the ones I really like.”

  Without asking, he wrapped his right hand around her waist and scooped her hand into his. They swayed to the music and Jen caught Zack looking at her intently. She quickly laid her head on his shoulder, her face turned in toward his neck; the smell of his cologne and the sound of the music intertwining. He began humming along with the song and Jen could feel the deep rumble in his chest. She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. The lights from the pavilion were dancing in them. He shared her gaze and planted a small kiss on her forehead. Her heart was beating fast. The song ended with their gaze still locked. It was the moment; Jen could feel it. The moment where they would decide what happens next. What happened next could change everything, transform everything, ruin everything. The timing was perfect. He looked at her lips and leaned in. Jen closed her eyes. His hands tightened around her waist.

  “Zack!” a high-pitched voice came from somewhere.

  The moment was shattered; his hands left her waist, and Jen’s eyes opened to see a pretty dark haired girl walking toward them. Jen recognized her, she had danced with Zack several times throughout the night, not that she was keeping track.

  “Hey I never got introduced to your friend,” the girl said with a smile as fake as margarine.

  Jen, although somewhat annoyed, looked down at her feet and tried to hide a smile; she knew how this scene played out. This girl was in love with Zack LaFaye. Of course she was. There had to be at least one.

  Zack cleared his throat, “Oh sorry, umm, Jen this is Melanie.”