A New Attitude

by Charlotte Hughes

  “You don’t want it to interfere with your health, either,” Marilee added.

  “Oh, I feel fine and I like staying busy. Takes my mind off things.”

  Marilee wondered what it was that Winnie didn’t want to think about. She imagined it had to do with her family.

  Nell looked thoughtful. “I could use your help with the housework,” she said. “Now that Sam has agreed not to hire someone to take care of me, I could use an extra hand. Nothing strenuous, you understand. You could come in for a couple of hours in the afternoon, maybe two or three times a week. I pay top wages,” Nell added with a wink.

  “That sounds good,” Winnie said.

  “And I plan to pay you for all you do around here,” Marilee told her.

  “I’m not taking money from you,” Winnie said. “It’s only fair that I do my share around here, you giving me a place to stay and all.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “I’m not taking your money and that’s that.” She paused. “What you could do is run me over to this garage sale. It’s supposed to be huge. Says in the paper they have a bassinet. I still have a little money from when I helped cook meals at Blessing Home.”

  “Okay,” Marilee said easily, deciding that if the bassinet was still available, she would buy it for the girl.

  MARILEE ARRIVED HOME FROM WORK on Monday to find Sam on a ladder, repairing the beam in her ceiling. She came to an abrupt halt just inside her door. “Oh, Sam. I wasn’t expecting you,” she said, trying to hide the breathlessness in her voice.

  He glanced down at her and smiled as she shrugged out of her jacket. The smile wavered slightly at the sight of her powder-blue sweaterdress that, while conservative, emphasized each curve. He tried not to stare. “Winnie let me in. I’m just finishing up here.”

  Marilee hesitated. She had not asked him to make the repairs, but now that he was here it would be simpler to let him do the work. “I’ll pay you, of course.”

  “We’ll see.”

  From her vantage point, Marilee couldn’t help noticing how good he looked in snug-fitting jeans and a navy pullover. There ought to be a law against any man looking that good, she thought, wishing her body would not react every time she saw him. But what woman, even a Christian one like herself, wouldn’t get all warm and flustered around such a man? And she had no doubt Sam knew exactly what he did to women and how to work it to his advantage. The confident, almost cocky, smile on his face said it all.

  “May I get you something to drink? Iced tea?”

  “Winnie already gave me a glass.”

  “Well, then, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

  She found Winnie preparing dinner. “You didn’t have to cook today. I’m off Monday nights, remember?” she protested.

  “You can set the table and do the dishes afterward. Besides, I promised Clara and Ruby I’d take care of you, and I never go back on a promise.”

  “Winnie, I don’t need you to take care of me.” She kept her voice low, hoping Sam would not overhear.

  The girl faced her. “Look, Marilee, I’ve always pulled my weight. I’ve been working since I was eleven years old. In my daddy’s grocery store,” she added. “And Mrs. Brewer and I worked out a schedule so I’m going to start cleaning for her tomorrow after school. I plan to help out on groceries.”

  “That’s very noble of you, but I don’t expect it, and I’ve already told you I don’t want you to overexert yourself, what with the baby and all. Besides, we both agree your education is very important.”

  “Working will make the time go faster while I’m waiting for the baby to come. And it’s only for a few hours a week, just so I can have spending money.” When Marilee continued to look doubtful, she went on. “If I find it’s too hard on me or it’s getting in the way of my schoolwork, I’ll give it up.”

  Marilee knew there was no sense arguing with her. Winnie had a mind of her own, and would not be swayed once she made a decision. It hadn’t taken Marilee long to figure that one out. “As long as you promise not to overdo things.”

  The girl nodded. “Oh, I invited Sam for dinner. I hope it’s okay. He’s been up on that ladder for three solid hours now. I told him I’d fix a plate for him to take back to Nell.”

  “I suppose it’s the least we can do,” Marilee said. “But I don’t mind telling you, he makes me nervous.”

  “That’s ‘cause you’re attracted to him. And I don’t blame you one bit. He’s a handsome devil. You have to admit, he certainly knows how to fill out a pair of jeans.”

  “He’s a devil, all right,” Marilee muttered. “Which is why I plan to stay as far away from him as I can. And I’m not attracted to him. I’m a married woman.”

  “Whatever. By the way, your lawyer called and said for you to call him back. Said he’d be in the office until six.”

  Marilee glanced at the clock and saw she had only minutes to return the call. She hurried to the telephone and dialed Tate Radford’s number, and was surprised when he answered.

  “You’ve got a court date in three weeks,” he said, giving her the day and time. “It’s just a temporary hearing, but I plan to set up visitation with your son.”

  “That’s wonderful news!” she exclaimed.

  “Don’t get your hopes up, Marilee. The judge can order it, but if the boy doesn’t want to see you, you’re going to have a tough time making him comply.”

  “Well, it’s a start. Uh, Tate, I’ve been wondering. Can the judge order counseling for Josh and me?”

  “You can ask for anything. Whether you get it is a different story. I think, though, under the circumstances, the judge will feel it’s in the best interests of your son. Oh, by the way, I spoke with the child advocate. He’ll contact you soon. In the meantime, you might want to look into finding a good family counselor so we can present it before the court. If you go through the mental health office it’ll be easier on your pocketbook.”

  Marilee was grinning when she hung up. She told Winnie about the conversation.

  “I told you it would work out,” Winnie said. “But if your son’s here I might be in the way.”

  “Nonsense. You’re part of the family.” She looked up and found Sam standing in the doorway. Her mouth went dry.

  “I’m all done out there.”

  “Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes,” Winnie announced.

  Sam looked amused. “Did you check with Marilee?”

  Marilee chuckled in an attempt to hide her unease. “Winnie runs the house, Sam. If she says it’s okay, then it’s okay.”

  “There’s a half bath through that door,” Winnie said, pointing. “You can wash up in there.”

  Sam grinned. “Yes, ma’am.” He turned for the bathroom. Winnie and Marilee stared.

  “Nice behind,” Winnie whispered. “And don’t tell me you didn’t notice, because I saw you looking.”

  Marilee blushed as she reached into a drawer for the flat-ware. “Would you hush, before he hears you?”

  “You think he doesn’t know he’s got a nice behind?”

  “I’m sure he’s well aware of it. That’s the problem. He’s full of himself.” Marilee leaned closer. “Trust me, Winnie, the man is a wolf. He’s sullied more than one woman’s reputation in this town.”

  “I figure it would be worth it.”

  Marilee shot her a dark look as she began setting the table.

  “All clean,” Sam announced, stepping out of the bathroom.

  “And just in time,” Winnie said.

  They dined on chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans. “Where’d you learn to cook so well, Winnie?” Sam asked, once he’d tasted everything.

  “I was the oldest child in my family, so I learned at an early age,” she said. “And I was always cooking for our church. We had something going on all the time. Picnics on Sunday, pancake suppers, potluck dinners. Our members liked to eat more than they liked to pray.”

  Marilee and Sam laughed.


  Marilee felt her tension ease up. “If she keeps cooking like this, I’m going to have to go into a larger-size dress. Don’t forget, Winnie, I’m not eating for two.”

  “You look fine to me,” Sam blurted, then wished he hadn’t when he noted the blush that rose to her cheeks almost immediately. He turned to Winnie. “When is your baby due?” It sounded like a safe subject.

  “She’s due around Christmas.”

  “She?”

  “I’m having a girl.”

  Sam arched one eyebrow. “Oh, yeah?”

  “Don’t argue with her,” Marilee said. “If she says she’s having a girl, then it’ll be a girl.”

  “Do the kids at school give you a hard time about being pregnant?” he asked.

  Winnie eyed him. “Do I look like the type who’d take crap off anyone?” Sam grinned and shook his head. “Actually, a bunch of my girlfriends are planning to give me a huge baby shower. And my English teacher is going through her attic looking for things.”

  Marilee didn’t respond. If Winnie had friends, they had certainly been scarce. Not one had called or visited. She suspected the girl was just pretending to have a lot of friends so people wouldn’t feel sorry for her predicament.

  Sam turned his attention to Marilee. “I forgot to tell you. I’ve already begun work on Blessing Home. Right now I’m patching holes. I’ve ordered the shingles, and they should be in next week.”

  “Thank you, Sam,” Marilee said, truly touched. She made a mental note to have Ruby contact him about the costs. “The sooner we can get those poor girls back where they belong, the better.”

  “Would y’all excuse me, please?” Winnie said, pushing her chair from the table. “I just remembered there’s something I have to do for class tomorrow.” She looked at Marilee. “Don’t forget to prepare a plate for Nell before Sam leaves.” The girl disappeared up the stairs.

  Marilee wondered if Winnie really had something to do or was just trying to give Sam and her a little privacy. “That girl never stops,” she told Sam.

  “My mother says she’s going to help with the housekeeping at our place.”

  “She claims she’s up to it, but if it gets to be too much for her, I’m going to put my foot down.”

  “She’s young and healthy. She’ll be okay. She’s a good cook, that’s for sure.”

  They sat in silence for a moment, and Marilee suddenly felt uncomfortable. She wondered what he was thinking.

  “How are things with your son?” Sam asked after a moment.

  Marilee told him about her conversation with the attorney. “I mailed Josh a card today, inviting him out to lunch next Saturday, but I’m not getting my hopes up.”

  Sam nodded. “Things will work out, Marilee.”

  “I’m counting on it.” She looked up, and their gazes locked. It was difficult not to look at him, the striking face bronzed by wind and sun that gave him a rugged, outdoorsy look. She averted her gaze, reminding herself she had no business thinking any man handsome and certainly not a rounder like Sam. She had to admit he’d been nothing but kind toward her, but with his reputation, she was certain he had ulterior motives, even if he claimed not to. She wondered what his ex-wife had been like. She imagined a woman in fishnet stockings and animal skins.

  “Here, let me help you clean up this mess,” he said, pushing back his own chair and grabbing several plates.

  She jumped to her feet, taking the plates from him. “No, no, I’ll do it.”

  “I don’t mind—”

  He seemed eager to help, but she wanted to do it herself. After all, he’d worked on her ceiling and door. “You’re our guest, Sam,” she said, wanting to include Winnie as well, so he wouldn’t get the mistaken impression that he was there on her account. “Would you like coffee?”

  “No, thanks.”

  “I certainly don’t mind making it.” Actually, she wanted to get him out of there as quickly as possible, but she didn’t want to appear rude. “And we need to discuss payment for the repairs you made.”

  “Next time, you cook for me.”

  She looked at him. The way he said it, one would have thought he’d just made an intimate request. Her stomach did a tiny flip-flop, and she felt all aflutter. Marilee glanced away quickly. “Yes, well, I suppose that can be arranged.”

  Sam cocked his head to the side, studying her. “Do I make you nervous, Marilee?” he asked, thinking maybe that wasn’t a bad thing. At least she wasn’t indifferent toward him. That had to mean something.

  Marilee wondered if he knew just how nervous he did make her. “Don’t be silly,” she said, trying to laugh it off. She raked the uneaten food into the trash, hands shaking as she scraped the plates vigorously. “Whatever gave you that idea?”

  “Because you’re scraping those plates so hard I’m afraid you’re going to chip the paint.”

  Her hands stilled. She looked at him, and for a moment they simply gazed at one another. She should wring Winnie’s neck for inviting him, then disappearing like that when she didn’t know the first thing about entertaining men. Oh, she’d been a gracious hostess when Grady had invited one or two of the deacons to the house, but this was different. Way different. Here she was, newly separated and trying to come to terms with her new life, and she was spending the evening with a man like Sam, who left her breathless and tongue-tied and made her stomach feel like freshly churned butter.

  “Sam, I am afraid you have me at a definite disadvantage,” she confessed.

  “Oh?” He stood and crossed the room. “How so?”

  She straightened. “That should be obvious. I’ve been married half my life, and I am not accustomed to spending time with a single man. I’m not trying to be rude here, just honest. I don’t know how to say it any other way. You’re obviously more comfortable with this sort of thing than I am.”

  “Perhaps we can do something to remedy your, uh, discomfort,” he said, taking a step closer. “I’ll bet you’d enjoy my company if you got to know me better.”

  She saw the challenge in his eyes. “Is that so?” she asked, wondering if she was about to witness the infamous Sam Brewer make his move.

  “We could spend more time together.”

  The plate she held slipped from her hand. Luckily, it landed in the trash can on a wad of paper towels and didn’t break. She retrieved it. “You and me spend time together?” she repeated a bit more sharply than she’d meant, in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. “Like on a date? Are you serious?”

  Sam was taken aback by the abrupt change in her, the rebuke in her voice, a haughtiness he’d never seen in her. The muscles in his back stiffened. Did she think she was too good for him? In his mind, he suddenly saw her on that float in the homecoming parade, the adoring crowd cheering her on. And him, the school dropout, sweeping trash from the street with a push broom, doing anything he could to make a buck because money had been so tight after his dad died. And later, sharing a pint of whiskey with his buddies and wondering what she looked like beneath that red velvet dress but knowing she would never give him a second look.

  Some things never changed. He may have come up the economic ladder, but in her mind he still wasn’t good enough.

  “Actually, I wasn’t thinking along those lines, Marilee,” he said coolly. “I just figured since we’re neighbors and all, it might not be a bad idea for the four of us to get together some time.”

  “Four of us?”

  “You know, you and me, my mother and Winnie. My mother seldom gets out of the house, and I’ll bet Winnie could use a break. We could all take in a movie or grab a bite to eat.”

  “Oh.” Marilee suddenly felt like crawling beneath the kitchen table. How ridiculous she must appear to him, assuming he would want to date her when it was obvious they hadn’t the first thing in common. Hadn’t Winnie accused her of dressing like a librarian? Men like Sam didn’t go for her type; they wanted a woman who was fresh and exciting, and…younger. And all this time she’d thought he was pursuing her,
perhaps secretly hoping he was so it would take the sting out of Grady’s public rejection. “Yes, that could be arranged,” she said at last.

  Sam would have had to be blind not to notice her embarrassment, and he felt rotten for causing it, but he was not going to let her step on his pride just because Grady Abernathy had done it to her. “I’m sorry I gave you the wrong impression. I suppose I should go.”

  She couldn’t look at him. “Let me prepare your mother’s plate.” She did so in record time, wrapped the plate in aluminum foil and handed it to him. Still avoiding eye contact, she opened the back door. “Give Nell my best.”

  “Good night, Marilee.”

  She closed the door behind him and locked it. She felt like an idiot. How could she be both relieved and disappointed that Sam hadn’t come on to her like she’d expected? What was wrong with her? Were her hormones out of whack or was she finally having the breakdown she’d promised herself?

  Or was the man playing games with her? Marilee pondered it for a moment. That was a possibility. She’d heard Ruby mention men who were “players,” and Sam Brewer was probably one of them, if not the best. Only she wasn’t savvy enough to know the rules, and that made it dangerous dealing with men like him. Perhaps she was just being hopeful. It would be easier on her ego to keep thinking Sam was nothing but a scoundrel and a womanizer than to accept the notion he wasn’t the least bit interested in her.

  Marilee suddenly had a roaring headache. It was all too much for her poor mind to consider.

  “Get a grip,” she told herself as she finished cleaning the kitchen and turned off the light.

  Upstairs, she passed by Winnie’s room on the way to her own. Inside, the girl was lying on her bed staring at the ceiling, her expression forlorn. “Are you okay?” she asked.

  Winnie mumbled something incoherent and turned over, but not before Marilee noted the red eyes. Had Winnie done the unthinkable and cried? Perhaps she was worried she would be sent back to Blessing Home once it was restored. Marilee tried to remember what she’d said to Sam earlier when they’d discussed the renovations. Something about getting the girls back where they belonged. She groaned inwardly, knowing she’d stuck her foot in her mouth more than once that night.