Whispers of the Heart

by Stephanie Wilson

  Ellie stifled a giggle at Earlene's acknowledgment. I'll bet she has every column memorized, she thought to herself. Knowing gossip was much more interesting than Afghans, Ellie primed her for an even juicier topic.

  "I'll bet Mr. Bancroft has just as busy a schedule. And what they don't realize is that it isn't just their life they are running ragged. It's ours too," Ellie retorted.

  "Tell me about it," Earlene said again. Then warming to the subject, "Mr. Bancroft hardly leaves his office before 9 p.m., unless he has a business meeting or something. It's just too bad he doesn't have a nice woman to go home to," she sighed. "Maybe if he did, he wouldn't work so hard."

  Of course, everyone at Crawford Industries knew the single secretary had always wanted a more intimate relationship with Mr. Bancroft. In fact, some said she purposefully delayed finishing work so she could remain at the office until late, hoping for that dinner invitation that never came. Many of the secretaries laughed behind her back but all looked with pity at the woman, no longer young, who had given fifteen years to a man who hardly remembered her last name.

  Ellie covertly rolled her eyes as she carefully planned her next question. "Well ... perhaps one day he will," she said lightly. "Do you know what I think? I think Mr. Bancroft needs an aggressive woman. One who isn't afraid to say what she thinks, ask him for dates, and maybe even ask him to marry her. Maybe someday, some woman will be that brave. Course, everyone says that if the stakes are high enough, even ordinary people do marvelous things. What do you think, Earlene?"

  "Yes, well you may think Mr. Bancroft needs that kind of woman but I happen to know what Mr. Bancroft needs. He detests that kind of aggression. I ought to know. I have worked for him longer than anyone else has here. In fact," Earlene confided, "I may even know him better than Erika. After all, we work up here together for hours on end."

  "Well then, Earlene, why don't you do something about it? You're single, he's single! You work well together. Give it a shot! I would be glad to help you out. You know, I give a lot of advice to Erika and she certainly has no shortage of male friends. In fact, why don't you just march into his office right now and ask him to dinner tonight. Tell him ... tell him you must discuss something in private with him, away from the office. Go ahead and I'll wait for you."

  "Oh, no. I could never do that," Earlene said sadly. "I mean, what would I even talk to him about over dinner? No, no. Besides, he is in a very important meeting right now."

  "Now, Earlene, I'm sure he wouldn't mind an interruption from you. That's what assistants are for," Ellie said waiting with baited breath. Surely now she would confide exactly who was in that office.

  "No, no, this meeting isn't just any meeting," Earlene said while lowering her voice, making sure no one was standing near the door to her office.

  "Nothing is more important than your life. The only thing I wouldn't interrupt is a shareholder's meeting and that isn't for another month," Ellie said a little too loudly.

  "I know, that's what I thought this morning when ..."

  Just then the door to Lawrence Bancroft's office opened wide and seven men emerged looking ill at ease with stony faces. Ellie was surprised at the combination. The first was the illustrious Mark Hillston, then the corporate attorney who handles stock exchange, an accountant, Steve Caslin and three heavyweight shareholders.

  "Earlene, I need you in here right way," boomed a voice from around the corner causing both Ellie and Earlene to jump out of their seats, looking somewhat guilty.

  "Oh, Ellie. Nice to see you again. We don't often get the pleasure of your company up here. What's the occasion?" he asked looking sharply at Earlene. "I suppose your work has lightened with Erika gone."

  "Yes, but everything is in control. I wanted to come up and tell you that Erika just called but you were in a meeting. She would like to talk to you as soon as possible. She said it was important."

  Directing the next question to Earlene, he asked, "Why wasn't she put through to me immediately?"

  "Well, I thought you wouldn't want to be interrupted ..." Earlene spoke hesitantly.

  "What did you tell her," Lawrence countered sharply.

  "Just that you were in an important meeting," she said defensively.

  "When I'm done giving you some dictation, get her on the line."

  "Well, I guess I'll be getting back to work," Ellie said cheerfully, hiding a small smile at her ingenuity. A quick mind, she reminded herself smugly, always gets me out of sticky situations quite nicely.

  Lawrence's eyes narrowed at the retreating figure. "I didn't realize, Earlene, that you and Ellie were on such ... friendly terms."

  "I didn't realize you even noticed whom I was friendly with," she said faintly, trying to imitate the aggressive woman Ellie promised Lawrence would be interested in.

  Lawrence turned shocked eyes on his secretary as she slipped past him into his office. Well, what has gotten into her, he asked himself.

  Ellie's deliberately slow swing accelerated after rounding the corner of the executive office. Oh, my, she said to herself. I can't believe that was so easy. What in the world was that meeting about? I've just got to find out. That combination of men surely spells trouble. I can't even think what that could mean! Their areas of expertise and responsibility could only mean a problem with corporate stocks. Steve would know ... I’ll just have to wait until later to find out.

  The elevator bell jarred Ellie's mind to the present and to her work ahead. It would be another long night.

  Chapter Five

  Erika's first day in Idaho proved to be as exhilarating as she had hoped. After the morning visit from Maime, she had busied herself with unpacking, organizing and inventorying her supplies. Maime's warning of "stocking up" wasn't lost on Erika. Though she hadn't the vaguest idea of what it meant or how bad the weather could get, she was taking no chances.

  Looking up from the pinewood breakfast table, Erika sighed as she once again took in the expansive view. She would never get used to the beauty, not even in a hundred years, she promised. She had been used to the glass and steel cities of the world, the crowded California beaches, and the vacation villas crammed with the rich and famous. This untouched beauty, this wilderness ... was new. It struck a chord in her being, one she had never felt before. It was freedom.

  Quickly she checked her black leather watch for the millionth time and finally it read 2:45 p.m. Time to find the marina and meet up with "Papa".

  Erika thrust her long list of grocery items into her purse. She then secured the door with a contraption she had invented earlier using a stick and pinecone and made her way toward the shoreline of her tiny cottage. The brisk air had warmed slightly. Yet, for a Californian, 60 degrees still required a sweatshirt and jacket.

  As she picked her way long the trail that undoubtedly led to the marina, Erika inhaled the woodsy scent that almost singed her lungs with its freshness. The absorption in her surroundings was so complete that if she hadn't looked up at that moment, she may not have seen the marina at all.

  "Oh, Hello, sweet thing," Maime called as Erika entered through the market door. "Papa's just puttin' some gas in the wagon, and then you two can be on your way."

  "Maime, I should have mentioned this to you this morning. The locks on the cottage doors are stuck or something. When I arrived late last night, I wasn't able to latch the door. Do you think you could have someone look at it before nightfall? It makes me a little uncomfortable."

  "Well, sure thing. Humph, those locks were working just fine when I last checked them. We'll fix it, honey, don't you worry your pretty head another minute."

  "Thanks, Maime," Erika replied softly. "I'll just look around until your husband is ready to go."

  The door opened abruptly but Erika was looking at the magazines and didn't look at the new arrival. T.J. Morgan was surprised and thankful her back was toward him. He, of course, recognized her immediately. He hadn't expected her to be here at this time of day. It was certainly not his desire to run into
her again so soon. Reluctantly he noticed Maime's strict eyes trained directly at him. He couldn't back out now. He would just have to be quiet until he reached the back room. Maybe Maime wouldn’t give him away.

  "Well my, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes," Maime almost yelled from behind the counter. "My little Timmy! You showed up just in time ... I've got a favor to ask you."

  T.J. swore under his breath as Erika slowly turned inquisitive, then surprised eyes on him as immediate recognition crossed her beautiful features. It was obvious she was as reluctant to renew the acquaintance as he was. Well, that is just fine, he told himself. He would have to tell Maime about the situation so she wouldn't interfere ignorantly.

  Deliberately taking his time closing the front door, T.J. slowly swaggered toward Maime. Observing the twinkle in her eye, he knew or surmised the undercurrent between him and the lady. His undying affection for Maime, however, clouded his annoyance.

  "What's the favor?"

  "Well, Papa had promised to take our guest into Newport this afternoon to stock up on supplies because of the bad weather comin' down off the mountain ..."

  "But, Maime, there's no ..."

  "Jus' as I was telling her, it may look bright and cheerful outside but before one knows it, the storm clouds could be a rollin'. Anyway, I need you to run her into town for us." Just as T.J. began to object she added, "I also need you to fix a couple of things at Anderson's place and its cottage. Seems we have a lock situation at the cottage."

  A tender love welled in T.J.’s rusty heart over Maime’s continued protection. Never thought I would see the day when my Bible believing Nanny would be a willing participant in a little deceitful game. T.J. chuckled fondly at the memory of Maime's paddle which was used on his backside the day she caught him lying to his cousins. He would have to remind her when they were alone. For the love of Maime, T.J. would do most anything. But it was a stretch when Marie was included in the favor.

  Erika was standing in the corner of the storefront, yet she could hear the entire conversation. So, if Tim is responsible for maintenance around here, she pondered to herself, why then does he need to travel as frequently as it seems he does. Doesn’t add up, she thought. Shrugging, Erika shook her long hair, realizing it wasn't her concern. The uncomfortable truth was that even with the knowledge of their unequal stations in life; it didn’t seem to matter to her quivering insides. Why he could evoke such strong responses within her, she didn’t know. She decided the strong reaction was simply disdain. She wouldn’t analyze it however, for she really didn’t want to find out the true reason.

  She would adamantly refuse to ride into Newport with that man. Never again would she subject herself to his abuse. She didn't want to be anywhere near him.

  "I guess we meet again," she said interrupting their dialogue. The look on Tim's face told her he wanted nothing to do with her either. "Maime, if your husband is too busy, I'll just go tomorrow. It really isn't that necessary. You have what I need here anyway."

  "Well, if the lady doesn't need to go ..."

  Horrified that her plan was going awry, Maime hurriedly injected. "Honey, it’s absolutely necessary and no bother at all, is it Tim?" she asked emphatically. Maime wasn't used to being crossed. "I simply couldn't sleep knowing you're up here with no supplies. It would worry me to death."

  T.J.'s eyes hardened as he realized Maime could give away his cover. Maime, of course, knew firsthand about his desire for privacy, yet, she was willing to break that confidence if he didn't do as she wanted. Softening, T.J. decided to go through with Maime's plan. Besides, if it caused Marie as much displeasure as it seemed, then how could he resist?

  As the older woman began to introduce the couple, he quickly interrupted.

  "Actually, we've already met. We had the pleasure of each other's company on the ride back to the lake last night. I would be happy to escort you to Newport," he added in a conciliatory tone.

  Sighing, Erika realized the futility of arguing her point further. She would have to acquiesce. She promised herself this would not happen again.

  "Maime! I'll be finished in a few minutes ..."

  "Papa! Come here and meet Marie, the tenant up at the cottage. Tim's here too, he has agreed to take her into town ... because you're too busy ..."

  "I'm not too ..."

  "Oh, don't worry; I've already explained the situation to them. Tim has to run into town to get a few things, too."

  Papa came from around the corner where he had been repairing a motorboat. Wiping his weathered hands on an oily cloth and looking slightly confused, he came forward to meet Erika. His jeans were soiled with grease, his shirt was torn and dirty, and his face was also creased with soil and sweat. Erika felt she had never met a more open and honest man. He was short, old, but agile. His work was obviously a source of great enjoyment for him. She could relate to that. And, he had a sparkle in his eye that could capture anyone’s heart.

  "Nice to meet you, gal. Hope you enjoy your stay. If there's anything we can do for ya, don't hesitate to ask."

  "Now, you kids better set out. You know, sun’s goin' down a lot quicker these days. When you come back, we'll have supper ready for ya. It'll be late and we would really appreciate the company. It isn't often we get to have young people around our table anymore," Maime added deliberately melting their stubbornness. "Now, out with you," she said pointedly while physically pushing them out the shop door.

  Maime watched with crinkled eyes as the couple stiffly made their way to the old truck out back. Straining to see if Timmy opened her door, she failed to notice her husband creep up behind her.

  "Well," he boomed causing her to jump and hit her head against the window. "What are you up to now? You know perfectly well I had intended to take the girl myself ..."

  "Oh, I know that, but when Timmy walked in, it was too good to be true. I had to take advantage of the situation," Maime replied with a disgruntled look and an aching bump on her head.

  "Now you're talking like him! Maime, I warned you earlier," he said wagging a coarse finger in her face, "stay out of his love life. It's got nothin' to do with you. A person's got to make that decision for himself. He's a bachelor and he likes it that way. Nothin' you say can change the facts. It was obvious they didn't want to be around each other, so don't force it. This is gonna backfire and you'll be the one to blame. Forcin' isn't the way of nature," Papa said while walking back to his shop.

  "That's what you think, Papa," Maime muttered. "How do you think I got you if not for forcin'?" Then chuckling to herself she made her way to the kitchen to start the fixin's for a romantic, homey dinner. "What men don't know," she said smiling to herself.

  T.J. didn't open the door for Erika. He got in and started the truck. She, of course, took the cue and jumped inside the now familiar truck. Here we go again, she thought.

  "Well, how do you like your first day at the lake?" he asked sarcastically, as if expecting a negative reply.

  "It’s absolutely wonderful," Erika exclaimed "It's so beautiful and I feel completely at home. In fact, I've been reconsidering how long I'm going to stay. Perhaps, I'll never leave. I’ve been toying with the idea of writing a novel. I can’t imagine a place filled with more inspiration," she said gaining a sense of satisfaction at his disgruntled face. He would love that, she inwardly laughed.

  "When the sun goes down, we'll see just how much you like it," he retorted rudely.

  For the next forty minutes, T.J. didn't say another word to her. Engrossed in his own thoughts, he failed to notice her restlessness in his company. All he could do was tell himself that she wasn't desirable, she wasn't what she appeared and he was not excited to see her again. Of course, the task became harder and harder as her presence permeated the very air he breathed.

  For Erika, the trip was horrible. It was becoming more and more clear that her resolve to remain distant from this man was near impossible. She couldn't help the physical attraction that would not obey her mind. The alternative was to pa
ck her bags and fly back to Los Angeles.

  However, it was alarming to also know that she had never felt so free, so alive as she felt in his presence and in his country. It may be the only chance she had to experience it. The memories of this trip, she knew, would last a lifetime. No, she couldn't pass it up. She would live it and cherish it. There would be enough time after she returned home to regret his intrusion into her life.

  T.J. and Erika arrived at the Newport General Store exactly one hour after they left the lake. Very few words were spoken between them. The tension was as thick as the murky fog had been the night before. Each preoccupied with the individual battle they were fighting.

  "Well ... we're here," T.J. replied while cranking the emergency brake. The horrible squeak jarred the combustible air.

  "This is the Big Store," Erika pronounced baldly.

  "Sorry to disappoint you but we haven't escalated to the big box stores you're probably used to."

  Dismayed, Erika schooled herself to ignore her companion and his rude comments. As she pushed with all her might on the sticking truck door, she promised herself she would make her purchases quickly and be on her way.

  T.J. refused to offer Erika assistance as she ungracefully climbed down from the truck. A twinge of guilt momentarily surfaced. His mother and Maime had raised him differently. It really was second nature and expected in his world. Somehow this woman brought out the manners she thought were best suited to Moose, his pet bear.

  Abruptly T.J. told Erika he was going to walk down the street and pick up some supplies at the hardware store. He would meet her back at the truck after she made her purchases.

  Erika, having never grocery shopped for herself, was a little bewildered at the term "stocking up". After roaming the aisles with a cart that had a stubborn loose wheel, the choices became more difficult. Her grocery list was long but ineffective. The first few items on her list were the usual low fat frozen dinner entrees. She replaced those items after realizing the cottage did not have a microwave oven and that they would be soggy after the one-hour ride home.