The Valentine Verse: A Contemporary Christian Romance

by JoAnn Durgin

  “Whoa. That’s impressive.” Thornton took another small bite of the pastry. “Brie must be very talented. I know only the best of the best are admitted there and some of the greatest musicians of our time have come out of Berklee.”

  “You’re not kidding. Quincy Jones still pops in and teaches classes, and he’s not the only one. Brie has a terrific voice. She’s very pretty and has her own unique style. Like it or not, those are advantages for an aspiring performance artist. Dad just hopes Brie will have a career singing in concert venues instead of airport lounges since it’s costing him a fortune to send her there. He and Mom own a popular restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale. It’s Greek, but I guess that goes without saying. They’ve sacrificed a lot for all of us, but they also made us work for certain things, like all good parents should.”

  “You’re blessed, Vara. I’m sure you know that.” Thornton sipped more of his coffee.

  “I do. My family’s nowhere near perfect, and not that there haven’t been some legendary battles of wills in our house through the years, but we’re all good.” She grinned. “Due to change at any given moment.”

  “Do you miss them a lot?”

  Vara’s green eyes were bright as she nodded. “Like I mentioned, we talk all the time, so that helps. I was home for Christmas. You know, it’s ironic how I always wished for snow on Christmas in Florida. I’ve never had that, but at least I have snow in abundance here in Minnesota.”

  “That’s the spirit!”

  “In many ways, it’s empowering to be on my own and away from my family,” she said. “It makes the times when we’re all together more meaningful because we choose to be there. I’m sure you know a little something about that.”

  “Yes, to a lesser extent.” Vara had been right in her assumption that he chose to come home to Cherish for his vacations. That was his version of a hiatus. Because of his lifestyle, his concept of getting away from it all was opposite from how most people operated. Andrea was also right in that he’d come to the coffee shop this morning hoping Vara would find her way back.

  “It’s not a lesser anything, Thornton. It’s a different situation, that’s all.” With that, Vara laid claim to the last bite of pastry.

  Pulling an empty chair over to their table, Ron plopped down on it with a heavy sigh.

  Thornton shared a glance with Vara. “Everything okay there, buddy?”

  “I’m on a break and needed a place to sit for a minute if you don’t mind.” Ron waved his hand. “Carry on. Just ignore me and pretend I’m not here.”

  “Thanks for the drink,” Vara said. “How much do I owe you?”

  “It’s on the house since you survived the first death by chocolate. Andrea’s rules.”

  Thornton put a quick hand on Ron’s arm. “For the record, you’re always welcome to sit here, but I don’t make a habit of ignoring my friends.”

  “I’m being hypothetical or whatever. I have reasons.” Ron definitely wasn’t his usual cheery self. Something was going on with him.

  “Can you tell us what’s going on?” Vara had adopted the same soothing, calming tone she used with Charlotte that drove his grandmother crazy.

  Ron fixed his brown eyes on him. “Thorn, do you remember Laura Soccorsi?”

  “Yeah, but I don’t think I’ve seen her since high school. Didn’t she move to St. Louis?”

  “She did, but now she’s back in town. She’s never married.”

  Thornton glanced around the coffee shop. “Is she here now?” He hadn’t seen Laura in a few years but felt fairly certain he’d recognize her.

  “She came in earlier and got a cappuccino to go. Word on the street is that she, well, she wants me.” Ron’s cheeks flushed crimson, and he crossed his arms on top of the table. “I don’t mean she wants me in that way or anything. I mean she wants me as her husband if what her aunt told Melissa at the bank can be trusted.”

  “That’s not such a bad thing, is it? Laura would make a fine wife. But let’s be honest. If she wants to marry you, I think it’s safe to say she has feelings for you in that way.” Thornton felt the force of Vara’s frown. “What? Was that a chauvinistic statement?”

  “Teetering right on the edge.”

  “I wasn’t assessing her potential to bear children, Vara. Laura’s a very nice woman. Is that better?” What was wrong with him? Now he sounded pompous and overbearing. Thornton focused on Ron again. “I’ve heard rumors that Melissa can’t keep a secret, but from what I know, you can trust her information to be accurate.”

  “Forget about rumors and hearsay,” Vara said. “Bottom line, would you like to date her? Isn’t that what’s most important here?” Why was she looking at him? Sure, he didn’t have extensive experience with women, but he was familiar enough with two widows back at the house to understand Vara was sending him a message. He wasn’t completely clueless.

  The other man slumped farther down on his chair. “Laura’s beautiful and sweet, but I’m no good for her.”

  “Okay, this attitude isn’t helping. Don’t underestimate yourself. Sit up straight and don’t slouch. That’s Lesson #1 if you want to attract a woman.” Not that he meant to be unkind, but he knew the history. Ron had been overweight in high school and suffered from inferiority issues because of it. Come to think of it, Laura had been his female counterpart. Seemed the old insecurity issues were resurfacing.

  Thornton avoided looking at Vara like he’d always heard not to look directly at the bright sun. Same basic theory. “You’ve got a lot to offer a woman, and Laura’s smart enough to realize it. Let’s focus on that.”

  Ron straightened on the chair and squared his shoulders. Much better. “She’s like this big, successful, professional woman now. Not big as in plus-sized. Not that there would be anything wrong with that.” He lowered his head to his hands with a groan. “I’m hopeless. I can’t say anything right. How am I supposed to say anything to her?”

  “You’re doing just fine.” Thornton put a reassuring hand on his arm and squeezed.

  “Laura and I were both overweight in school, and we kind of bonded because of it,” Ron added for Vara’s edification. “I mean, they called us Dough Boy and Dough Girl, but we didn’t date or anything. Now she’s all gorgeous, and I’m...” He gestured down the front of him. “A grown-up man who wears an apron and serves coffee all day.”

  Time for another pep talk. Insecurity was one thing, but he hated to hear Ron degrade himself. “You’re healthy and in great shape now, and you run this place singlehandedly in Andrea’s absence. I know how important you are around here and how much she depends on you. You know how Andrea is, buddy. She wouldn’t trust anyone to do that but her best employee.”

  Ron appeared to be considering his words. “I suppose.”

  Vara brightened. “You know, Ron, the first morning I came into the shop, you were so friendly that you made me feel welcome. Immediately,” she stressed. “Then today, you called to me and started to fix my drink almost as soon as I walked in the door. You can’t put a price on that kind of special treatment. Not only that, but I can tell you love what you do here. Don’t ever discount the value of how important that is. If a man doesn’t like his work, then he’s not content. And if he’s not content, then he can’t be the kind of man a woman needs.”

  Well, well. Interesting. Animated Vara was a force to be reckoned with, another idea she might consider borderline offensive. He’d keep it to himself, but he liked how she was willing to join the cause. In that regard, she fit in well with the small-town spirit. Not bad for a big city girl.

  Thornton turned his attention back to Ron. “Would you like me to put in a good word for you?”

  “I could talk to her if you want.” Vara glanced across the table at him. Was that a challenge? “Or we both could.”

  “I don’t know.” Ron’s brow creased. “What could you say that wouldn’t sound obvious?”

  Vara patted his arm. “You just leave that to me. I didn’t act in a couple of plays in high sc
hool for nothing. I wasn’t great, but the critics said I was believable. Even though Laura doesn’t know me, it might actually be better received and seem less obvious if it comes from another woman.”

  She had a point. Thornton sat back with a satisfied smile. Vara clearly knew what she was doing. She had sisters, after all, and women knew more about these matters. If left to the males to figure it out, the human species might never have thrived. Died out, in fact.

  “By saying she’s back in town, do you mean Laura’s moved home to Cherish permanently?” Vara was already on the case.

  “According to Melissa, that’s the story.”

  Thornton chimed in again. “I say we work on securing you a date with Laura for the Valentine Dance.” As he’d hoped, Vara glanced his way. Maybe it was shameless, and he wasn’t exactly subtle, but he’d seize any opportunity to drop hints about the upcoming event then wait and see if she asked about it or expressed any interest in going.

  “Baby steps, Ron.” Vara retrieved her cell phone from her purse. “A dance isn’t the best idea for a first date.” Although she didn’t look at him, Thornton had to wonder if that statement was somehow intended for his benefit.

  Thornton finished his coffee as Vara gathered a few basic facts from Ron and input them into her cell phone. From everything he knew about her, Vara was a person of her word. If she’d offered to help, then she’d follow through.

  What a woman.

  Chapter Ten

  Later That Same Morning

  “I can see Charlotte’s in no mood for therapy today.” Rosalinda’s shoulders rose and fell with her sigh. “I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing, Miss Vara.”

  Vara refused to give up so easily. While she didn’t want to pressure her patient, she could tell Charlotte’s mind was elsewhere. “Charlotte, do you not feel well?” Although Vara was certain she heard the question, the older woman sat in her wheelchair and made no move to write on her board or attempt to speak. She’d been mostly unresponsive since she’d arrived an hour earlier.

  “How has she been since our session last Thursday?” Vara listened as Rosalinda relayed the basic schedule and the few recent improvements in Charlotte’s speech or word usage. The report wasn’t as encouraging or positive as she’d hoped.

  “Charlotte wanted to try and get to church for the first time since the stroke, but it was too cold.” Rosalinda shook her head. “Such a shame, too. Thornton was disappointed. I think it would help her to know others are concerned and praying. The ladies send her cards, but it’s somehow different when they can tell her in person.”

  “I understand. Hopefully, she’ll be able to go soon,” Vara said. “Being surrounded by friends is important during the recovery process, and we’ll all be happier when spring comes. Maybe we can bundle her up and take her for a spin around the block or something soon. Anything to get her out of the house might be beneficial. I’m sure that will brighten her spirits.”

  On the drive to Cherish earlier that morning, and after a discussion with Charlotte’s physical therapy team, she’d debated whether or not to mention something to Rosalinda. Now that the opportunity presented itself, Vara felt the nudge to speak. “Rosalinda, if I may make a couple of suggestions?”

  “Of course, Miss Vara.”

  “Is there a reason the drapes are closed in the living room? They’re beautiful, but they’re also heavy and dark. If the room were brighter, it might help lighten Charlotte’s spirits.”

  “I agree, but that is unfortunately Charlotte’s preference.” Rosalinda watched her closely. “Is there something else, child?”

  “From your perspective, how is her physical therapy coming along?”

  “As well as can be expected.”

  “Is it possible for Charlotte to be out of the chair at times?” Vara said next. “I’m thinking I could walk with her here in the house as we go over some of her words or play a word game. The front corridor is certainly long enough.”

  Rosalinda sighed. “The staircase wears her out. Thornton carries Charlotte when he’s here, but I’m not strong enough.”

  Vara hadn’t considered the stairs, but as large and winding as that staircase was, going up or down would likely wear out many people, and especially a woman past the age of 70 who’d recently suffered a stroke. The mental image of Thornton carrying his grandmother up and down the stairs was a sweet one, but there should be an easier alternative.

  “Would it be possible to put a bed in the study or somewhere else here on the main level for Charlotte? At least temporarily?”

  Rosalinda blew out a sigh. “If only it could be, child. I have suggested it to her. So has Thornton, but as you well know, Charlotte’s set in her ways, and she won’t hear of it.”

  Charlotte motioned for Rosalinda. “Rose?”

  “I’ll be right there,” Rosalinda called to Charlotte. “Excuse me, Miss Vara. I will be back.”

  While she waited for Rose to return, Vara studied the oil portrait of a young boy hanging above the fireplace. She’d assumed it was Charlotte’s son. As she looked at it more closely now, she began to wonder if she’d been mistaken.

  “This must be Thornton,” she said after Rosalinda stepped beside her again. “Unless he strongly resembles his late father.”

  Rosalinda’s gaze followed hers. “Yes, it is Thornton. Charlotte commissioned this painting when he was eight. She’d hoped to capture his boyish penchant for fun and adventure.” She blew out a soft sigh. “As you can see, instead of capturing the mischievous gleam in his eye, the artist instead portrayed him in a much more serious manner.

  Our dear boy was always getting into trouble with something or other. Smart as a whip, too. That was part of the problem, you see. He was intelligent but also easily bored. He was always taking things apart and then putting them together again. That started from the time he was old enough to sit up on his own. He crawled only a month or two before he started walking on his own, and that was at ten months of age.” Her smile emerged. “He never was one to take the long route if he could find a faster way to get where he wanted to be, you see.”

  “A boy ahead of his time, you might say,” Vara mused. “Since he liked taking things apart and putting them back together, his work now makes perfect sense.”

  “Yes, although he also had an unfortunate penchant for taking apart kitchen appliances.”

  Vara laughed. “Is that when you first banned him from your kitchen?’

  “Could be.” Rosalinda gave her a sidelong glance.

  “Charlotte must have been a young widow. I take it she never remarried?” Vara hoped that wasn’t too personal a question.

  “She was never interested in any man except her Little Man Thornton as she called him. Oh, how that boy hated that name. Still does. I can’t say that I blame him. But he became her entire world. Still is, I dare say.”

  That could be healthy to a point, Vara knew, as long as Charlotte hadn’t smothered Thornton. Living vicariously through someone else could also be detrimental and might explain why he might have acted out his frustrations. “I imagine she misses him when he’s traveling.”

  “That she does, but Charlotte also knows she can’t keep him from doing what he loves. He’s a grown man and, by rights, he should be married and starting his own family now. But he’s good about checking in with her, and I set it up so she can Skype with him.”

  Rosalinda focused her dark eyes on Vara. “Thornton is a good man. In here.” She moved her hand over her heart.

  “Yes, he is. Just please don’t tell him I said so.” They shared a smile.

  “He’d do anything for Charlotte,” Rosalinda said, still looking up at the portrait. “He’s very devoted.”

  “Everything except stay here in Cherish full-time.” Vara crossed her arms and stared at the carpet. “I suppose, other than family, there’s no real reason for him to stay.”

  “Yes, and Charlotte knows he’ll be leaving her again in a few weeks. Although she understands, I know
it also weighs heavily on her mind.” Rosalinda released a sigh. “In any event, Charlotte wondered if you’d perhaps do her a favor this morning.”

  “Sure. Anything,” Vara said. “What does she need?”

  “They’re preparing for a book sale at the town library, and she has a box of donations. I believe we’re done here for today, and she hoped you might be so kind as to drop it off there on your way out of town.”

  “I’ll be happy to do that for her, but please try to work with her later if you can. Charlotte seems unusually tired this morning. Maybe after she rests a bit, she’ll be more responsive.”

  “I hope that’s the case, Miss Vara. I’ll take care of her, and we’ll see you again on Thursday.”

  Ten minutes later, Vara hurried up the front stairs of the library with the box. If it weren’t so cold, she’d linger and admire the ornate structure, perhaps walk all the way around the building. This might be a great place to bring Charlotte for a walk at a future date. Although she didn’t know much about architecture, Vara recognized the style as more prevalent in Europe.

  “Let me get the door for you, Miss.” A lanky, older gentleman gave her a kindly smile and tugged open the heavy door. He stood aside and waited for her to enter the building first.

  “Thank you so much.” Vara gasped when she stepped inside and spied the grand staircase. It reminded her of the grand staircase on The Titanic. At the top of the stairs was a landing which then jutted to the right and left sides with another shorter staircase leading to an upper level atrium. “This is spectacular!”

  He motioned to the box. “Here, let me take that for you.” When he held out his arms, Vara transferred it to him with a grateful smile.

  “It’s more bulky and awkward than heavy, but thank you.” Following his lead, Vara stomped her boots on the large mat just inside the door.

  “I’m Sherman Manton. I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  “I’m Vara Alexandris. It’s nice to meet you, Sherman.”

  “Likewise. You must be the lovely lady from Minneapolis I’ve heard about. You’re here to work with Charlotte. Is that correct?”