All during dinner, Kell watched Sidney and Jake banter back and forth. Sidney would ask him a question, Jake would answer. Jake would ask her a question, Sidney would answer. They played question and answer throughout the entire meal. Kell had not ever seen his son so happy with a woman before, so carefree. Jake moved in and out of her realm of femininity without thought or care, fearless, unaware of its great mystery. So much is wasted on the young.
As dinner neared its end, Betty pushed out her chair.“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go and spend some of Big Dan’s money at the silent auction.”
Sidney reached out her hand and Betty gripped it on her way away from the table.“If they have a spa day or something, I’m in. Make a bid,” Sidney told her.
“You’ve got it.” Betty waved her black purse.“I brought my black American Express card.”
Kell laughed at his friend.“I’ll catch up with you in a few minutes, Betty. I want to go over my notes before the speech.”
“No worries, I know how to spend money without the help of a man.”
Kell rolled his eyes and watched her waltz away. Out of the corner of his eye, coming from the other direction, he spotted an elegantly dressed woman wearing a silver dress, diamonds in her ears and around her throat, with long silver gloves and a sparkling purse hanging at her side. She was coming near their table. Astrid Peterson walked toward them, her lips pursed in clear condescension. She arrived at the table with all the pomp and circumstance demanded of her, as Candace’s grandmother and Sidney Franklin’s bed and breakfast competition.
She towered behind Sidney and cleared her throat to make sure Sidney knew she being addressed.“You must be the woman who has granted asylum to my wayward granddaughter?” she asked.
Sidney turned around in her seat and smiled up at the woman. She swallowed carefully and ran a hand across her hair in an attempt to gain her decorum.
Standing, she reached out her hand, and turned to Astrid.“I’m Sidney Franklin. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Astrid eyed her carefully, running her gaze up and down Sidney’s frame, studying her with open curiosity. She took Sidney’s hand with reluctance and gave it one light shake and dropped it as if it were rotten food.“I wish I could say the same. However, since you came to this island, my granddaughter is gone, and my usual Thanksgiving guests have cancelled their reservation and decided to try your new bed and breakfast.” Astrid raised one eyebrow.“I assured them you have no idea how to cook. I’m quite convinced they’ll leave after the first night.” Astrid laughed a little.“It’s been quite disruptive to have you pecking around this island like a spring chicken.”
Sidney tipped her head. Her neck reddened and her freckles brightened underneath her pale skin. She took a couple of deep breaths and gave Astrid one of the most robust smiles he’d ever seen.“I’m so sorry to hear about your guests coming over to my place,” she said with pity.“I can only say that if you’re absolutely certain they’ll return to your house the next day, you have no reason to consider me competition. As for Candace, you know how the young can be. For some absurd reason they like their privacy and the freedom to live their own lives. Go figure.”
Astrid’s eyes widened and she took a step back, laid her hand across her chest and sighed.“You have no idea what you’re doing Ms. Franklin. My family has been on this island for over a hundred years. You are new. New doesn’t last here. This island is built on strong character. People have history here. It’s the tried and true who keep the town going round and round.”
Sidney glanced back towards Matt and then back at Astrid.“I believe you attend Matt’s church isn’t that right?”
“Yes. And I believe you don’t attend any church on the island, do you? Not a very good example if you ask me.”
“I don’t intend to explain my religious beliefs to complete strangers. But if I’m not mistaken, wasn’t it the Prophet Isaiah who said,‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a newthing: now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?’” Sidney patted Astrid on the shoulder.“My new bed and breakfast is going to stay right where it’s at. Feel free to visit your granddaughter anytime.”
Astrid stood up taller, pushed out her chin.“You tell my granddaughter if she would like to talk to me, she needs to come home. I won’t be going anywhere near your new inn. And mark my words, new or not, people like security. They like going back to the same thing because they can count on it. You might be bringing something new for a few days, but in the end, it’s the value of consistency that will win out every time.”
“Perhaps. Or perhaps this island is ready for a change. Time will tell. You have a nice evening, Mrs. Peterson. I’ll send your love to Candace.” Sidney sat back down at her place. She picked up her glass of wine and took a big long drink.
It took Astrid a moment to gather her wits and come up with something to say.“Have a nice evening everyone, she managed to squeak out.“We’re all looking forward to your speech Dr. Kellen. I’ll be presenting you in just a few minutes.”
Matthew spoke up,“Oh, are you speaking as well?”
“I am going introduce him, as my family donated the funds to build the clinic and the fire station, the committee thought it appropriate for me to introduce the key note speaker.”
“Of course, Astrid. We haven’t forgotten how generous your family has been to the island. We wouldn’t be here without you.”
“I’m so glad one of you recognizes that. Have a good evening,” she said, nodding her head. She turned and glided toward her table.
Matt patted Sidney on the hand.“You weathered your first encounter with Astrid Peterson beautifully. Where in the world did you come up with that scripture? It came right out of you.”
Sidney eyes were full of humor and mystery.“Did I ever mention my grandfather was a minister? I was raised week in and week out in church.”
Kell almost choked on his wine.“Aren’t you one for keeping secrets.”
Matt watched her, almost speechless.“Why didn’t you mention any of this before?”
“It’s a long story.”
Betty came back to the table and sat down, a bright smile on her face.“I put in my bid for a gorgeous painting of a cow in a field. I figured I could mail it to Big Dan in a month or so.” She looked around the table.“What’d I miss? You guys look like you’ve just walked through a mine field.”
Matt looked at Kell, Kell looked at Sidney, and all three of them started laughing. Before Kell could explain, Astrid went to the front of the dining hall up the stairs to the stage. She spoke into the microphone and announced the keynote speaker. Doctor Matthew Joseph Kellen.
Kell walked forward to give his speech.
~
After the speech ended, during the applause, Sidney excused herself from Jake and headed to the restroom. She needed to straighten her stockings. And needed a breath of fresh air. Kell’s speech had been fine, but she couldn’t get her encounter with Astrid Peterson out of her mind. What a horrific woman. The nerve of her to show up at the table and threaten her was more than she bargained for. She went to the stall, pulled up her dress, and shifted her stockings around.
As she opened bathroom door to leave, a strong pair of hands pulled her into the corner, directly next to the men’s restroom.
A very blond woman with a rather large chest glared at her, close to her face. She was the waitress the Gypsy Cat Cafe. Amanda, she thought.
“I saw you sitting at the table with Dr. Kellen,” the woman said.
Sidney wrenched her hand away and straightened herself out. She glanced around making sure no one could hear them.“I’m here with his son, actually. It’s Amanda, right?”
The woman cleared her throat and passed her painted nailed fingers through the top of her hair.“Yes. It’s a bit awkward. Kell and I are good friends. What with him being a busy doctor on the island and everything, but we have an understanding.”
Sidney widened he
r eyes and tilted her head, leaning into Amanda.“Oh, really? Does it have something to do with making new people feel embarrassed and weird about moving here?”
“What does that mean?”
Sidney’s patience was running thin. After her encounter with Astrid she didn’t have much left.“It means that if you’re trying to hint at something, you’d better come right out and say it. I’m not one who likes to read between the lines.”
“He’s mine.”
Sidney laughed.“He’s not a piece of clothing on the sale’s rack.”
Amanda glared at her.“Listen Sidney. I’m the head waitress at the most popular cafe in town. You keep your white freckled hands off him and I won’t start rumors about your bad cooking.”
Sidney threw back her head and laughed so hard, the woman stepped back.“Oh my! You can tell the town whatever the heck you want to. The awful truth is that I am a horrible cook, but the whole island knows Betty’s a genius in the kitchen, and she’s my teacher.” Sidney shook her head.“Don’t worry. I’m not a threat to you. I like Jake and I really like Pastor Matt. If you and Dr. Kellen have an agreement that’s wonderful. I wouldn’t worry about me. If Dr. Kellen smiles at you and shakes your hand when he sees you, you’re miles ahead of me. Besides, I’m not attracted to his sort.”
“What sort is that? You don’t like gorgeous doctors?”
“I don’t like melancholy, grumpy old men. I like men who remember how to smile and are kind to strangers.”
“Every woman from this island dreams of Dr. Kellen. What makes you the exception?”
“I have no idea, but believe me, I’m not interested in your doctor. Come stay at my inn. I’ll put you in a room on the west side of the house. He lives right next door. You could bring a pair of binoculars and try to get a peek at him when he’s changing.” She flashed her a sassy smile.
The woman cleared her throat.“How much are you going to charge your guests?”
“For you? On the house for one weekend. I can write it off as marketing and you can tell all the people on the island that my inn is worth staying in.”
“I haven’t ever stayed at an inn before.”
“Come. We’ll drink hot cocoa and tell girl stories with Betty and Candace and eat ice cream till the sun comes up.”
She tilted her head.“I might take you up on that offer.”
“I hope you do.”
Amanda started to walk away and turned back.“You should stop by the cafe more often. People are wondering why you never come to the village.”
“I’ll come by this week.”
A man walked by them to go to the men’s restroom.
“Thanks, Sidney,” Amanda said.
She watched Amanda walk away, grateful she’d dodged that bullet. Hopefully, Amanda wouldn’t prove to be a problem. What was it with that Dr. Kellen? It must be his quiet nature that women found so intriguing. She moved to step out of the hallway, when someone opened the door to the men’s restroom. Her mouth dropped open.
Dr. Kellen stood there with his lips pinched together. He looked as white as snow.“I’m not as grumpy as you think,” he said. His voice dry and parched.“And I’m usually nice to strangers.”
Sidney started laughing again, so much she almost peed her pants. This banquet was proving to be the most exciting night of her year.“Well, it’s hard to forget first impressions. Perhaps, you’re just not nice to red-headed neighbors your son thinks you should marry. Maybe I ought to let Jake know you’ve got a thing for Amanda.”
He blinked and held out his hand.“I’m not interested in Amanda. I don’t know where she got that idea.”
She reached out a hand.“Do you want to dance, Dr. Kellen? We could make some heads turn. Serves the ladies right for treating you like a piece of leftover pie.”
He laughed.“I wonder what kind of pie they think I am?” He rubbed his forehead.
“Lemon meringue.”
“Is that your least favorite?”
“I’ll never tell.” She held out her hand.“So, what’ll it be?”
He took her hand, and they walked out to the dance floor. He put his arm around her back and she set her hand on his shoulder. He led her through the dance floor with determination and elegance. And for the first time in many years, without even realizing it, Sidney got lost in the overwhelming gaze of a man. She forgot the time, the place, the year. She forgot that he was a melancholy old man whom she didn’t like, and she forgot that she’d just promised Amanda the waitress she wasn’t a threat. His strength wrapped her up, and gave her the freedom to let down her guard. He twirled her, he brought her near, he gently pressed her back with his fingers, guiding her across the dance floor in elegance and beauty.
As the dance ended, Kell cleared his throat.“Care for one more dance?” His voice barely a whisper. Their hands had interlocked and she found she didn’t want to let it go.
Sidney forced herself to look over at the table and noticed Jake, staring at his napkin.“I better get back to my date, Dr. Kellen. He’s looking a little forlorn. Besides, you better dance with Amanda, just so she doesn’t think I’m the only lady who gets to dance with the last piece of lemon meringue.”
~
Kell needed to sit for a moment. He needed to gain a sense of gravity. Betty sat in the chair next to him. He heard Sidney speak to Jake, but it felt far away.“Hey mister. Care for a few more dances? Or shall we sneak some more dessert?”
“More dessert,please!”
“I think we better go find some then.”
Betty leaned over to Kell.“She dances well, doesn’t she?”
Kell forced himself to focus on her.“Hm? Oh, right. Yeah, I guess so. I didn’t really notice.”
“I’m sure.” She raised an eyebrow.“You and I both know it’s been a long time since you looked at anyone the way you looked at that woman tonight.”
He tried to ignore Betty. Sidney’s hand still tingled in his own. His throat was tight; he couldn’t swallow. He watched her off in the distance laughing with Jake as they ate more dessert in a corner.
Kell wasn’t usually one to experience jealousy. He knew loss, pain, sadness, but he was unfamiliar with this new feeling he had. An edgy irritation gripped him. He wanted to jump in a cold pool to clear his head. He wished he could go back in time. He wanted to be like Jake. For goodness’ sake, he wanted to be Jake. He wanted Sidney to focus on him the way she focused on his son: without shame, without hesitation. And there it was, the stark truth.
Right there, sitting in the banquet hall, with his head spinning and a plaguing jealousy of his ten-year-old son, that he realized how much he liked her. Despite everything about her that had set him against her to begin with. In fact, it were those very things he found he liked the most. He thought about her all the time. Her wild crazy hair had mesmerized him. He might as well admit it. She was beautiful. And unlike so many other women, she carried herself intact. She didn’t flail about looking for someone to tell her who she was, or for their approval. She already knew and approved of herself.
A few minutes later, Henry Jacobs came over to his table and sat down next to him. He ran a plumbing business on the island. He was one of his regular patients and he appreciated Henry’s frank personality. He’d never been married that he knew of. From time to time Henry would go out with a woman, but it never turned into anything serious.
“Hey, Henry.”
“Hey, Dr. Kellen. I didn’t mean to bother you. Good speech, by the way. I couldn’t help but notice you were dancing with that new innkeeper.”
Kell eyed him suspiciously.“Yes. She came here with my son.”
“That’s what I was wondering about. You guys aren’t dating or anything?”
Kell leaned back and then leaned forward.“No. We are not dating. Why?”
“I’m going to ask her out. Someone told me not to because she and you are neighbors and they thought something was going on. We had quite an argument about it.”
This bothered Kell.�
��What would you be arguing about?”
“Most of the guys thought you’d be interested in her, but the ladies said you wouldn’t be. She’s not your type, they said.”
He didn’t know what to make of that comment.“What was it you wanted to know?”
“Oh, I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t stepping on your toes.”
“No. Sidney Franklin can do whatever she wants.”
Henry’s eyes lit up.“Great. Thanks again, Dr. Kellen. I’ll just go over and talk to her now before she leaves. If you’ll excuse me.”
Betty piped up before Henry slipped away.“It’s not going to matter what any of you think of Sidney.”
Kell turned toward her, confused.“Why’s that?”
“Sidney’s about ready to go back to her ex-husband. The jerk.”
“What are you talking about?”
Betty took a bite of key lime pie.“His name is Jeff. He’s a real piece of work. They were married for ten years.” Betty’s eyes lit up with anger.“Jeff called her the other day and wants her back.”
Kell wasn’t sure what to make of Betty’s story.“I’m sure Sidney’s not going to go back to man she just divorced.”
Betty raised one eyebrow.“It’s amazing what a woman’s willing to do if a man declares his undying love. We can be really stupid sometimes. That girl wants to be married. And she really wants to have some children.”
Kell gulped. It didn’t matter. Even if she stayed single, he couldn’t be with her. She wouldn’t like him. She’d even told Amanda. He wasn’t her type. She liked men who were younger and nicer. Would she go back to her ex-husband?
He twiddled his fingers against a napkin. It was time to get going home. Amanda stood across the room and motioned for him with a seductive smile that she wanted to dance. He supposed he should dance with a few other people, maybe it would help get Sidney Franklin off his mind and out of his head.
He forced a light smile at Amanda when he came near.“You look very nice tonight,” he said.
She beamed up at him.“Thank you. I was hoping you’d notice.”
An Ordinary Love (A Christian Contemporary Romance) (Sidney's Sanctuary Book 1) Page 12