“You got it. I think we all deserve a break.”
“Guess you’re right about that,” Rob said as he watched Jen untie the string holding the box together. “I’ll tell the guys to climb down. “I can take some of these outside to that old picnic table.”
“You’re welcome to stay here,” Jen said.
“We’re pretty grubby. Outside’s fine. There’s shade in the yard.”
Aaron approached Rob in a shy manner. “Can I come out later and watch you work?”
“Sure you can, sport. Better still, I have some work to do inside too. You can be my helper, that is if your mom doesn’t mind.”
All eyes turned to Jen. “No, that would be fine.” Jen turned to her son. “Why don’t you change into old clothes so you’ll be able to help Mr. Coleman when he’s ready?”
“Cool!” Aaron ran out of the room.
Maryann smiled. “You’re really good with kids. Do you have some of your own?”
“Nope, not married.” Maryann straightened her posture. So this very attractive man was a bachelor. How interesting. “I like kids, that is, as long as they don’t try to move my ladder when I’m working on a roof.”
“Oh, Aaron would never do that,” Jen said.
“Glad to hear it.” Rob winked at Jen.
“Think I’ll go up and change to work clothes myself.” Maryann thought Jen looked tired.
“How’d it go at the school? Did you register Aaron for the fall?”
“I have to arrange for his records to be sent.” Maryann saw worry lines appear around Jen’s mouth and forehead.
“Didn’t Aaron seem to like the school?”
Jen frowned. “I don’t think so. He doesn’t understand why we’re not going back to New York. He likes his old school and he has friends there.”
“Maybe I could talk to him.”
“Do you think it might help?”
“It’s possible. I have two younger sisters and I could usually convince them to do things they didn’t much like. Some people think I have a way of connecting with folks. I’ll have a go at it while we work together later. Maybe I can talk him around.”
“Rob, thank you so much. I appreciate your help.” Jen left the room.
Maryann turned to the man. “That was a really nice thing to say.”
Rob shrugged. “It’s no big deal.”
“You’re a good guy, Mr. Coleman and a very handsome one as well.”
He flashed a smile at her. “Are you flirting with the hired help?”
“Technically, I didn’t hire you. And yes, I guess I am flirting with you just a little. Do you mind?”
He drew closer to her. “I could think of worse things than having a pretty green-eyed blonde warming up the room.”
“Maybe you better have some of this lemonade. I wouldn’t want you getting too warm.”
A look passed between them, and it did intensify the heat in the kitchen. At that moment, three sweaty men descended on the room.
“Guys, we’re taking a break outside in the shade.” They took the pitcher, glasses and box of pastries.
Maryann grabbed a chocolate donut before they made off with all of them. She caught Rob Coleman giving her a long, considering look before he left the kitchen. She smiled to herself and took a big bite out of her pastry. Chocolate had never tasted quite so sweet.
Chapter Twelve
Grant saw his brother sitting at the counter in the diner and decided to join him. Rob was mopping up soft boiled eggs with a slice of white toast.
“That looks good,” Grant said.
Rob gave him a nod. “It is.”
Grant snatched a home fry from Rob’s plate.
“Hey, order your own food.” Rob smacked his hand away.
“I intend to.” Grant favored his brother with a broad grin and chewed the purloined fry with gusto.
“You cops can’t be trusted.” Rob narrowed his eyes.
“Funny, I’ve heard the same thing said about contractors.”
Diane approached them, ponytail swinging. “Chief, what can I get for you?”
“Eggs scrambled easy, wheat toast, O.J. and coffee.”
“Have it for you in a few.” She gave him a big, wide smile. Then she set him up with coffee and refilled Rob’s cup.
As the waitress sauntered away with Grant’s order, Rob turned to him. “She really likes you. Thought about dating her?”
Grant shook his head. “Too young for me. Besides, I’m not that interested in dating.”
Rob eyed him. “You let the divorce with Cary sour you.”
Grant stared down at his coffee cup. “Cary acted like she was crazy in love with me. Didn’t take long once I was deployed for her to latch on to another guy. She didn’t take her marriage vows seriously.”
“Women aren’t all like Cary. She always seemed kind of flighty. You were a real popular guy and she was head cheerleader. So she latched on to you.”
“When I blew out my knee in college and gave up on trying for pro football, I wasn’t quite so appealing anymore.”
“If you ask me, you and her got married too young.” Rob finished his food and pushed the plate away. “Doesn’t mean there’s not some terrific woman out there who’d really love you.”
“Like I said, I’m never letting any woman make a fool of me again.”
Rob gave him a hard look. “It’s not just what happened with Cary, is it?”
Grant stared up at the grease stained ceiling of the diner.
“What happened with Mom and Dad? Right?”
Grant shifted in his seat.
“I hate talking about our old man. You know that. He’s dead. It’s over. Best forgotten.”
Rob pulled him around by the forearm so that they were facing each other. “The thing is it’s not over so long as what happened in the past is affecting the present.”
“This isn’t the time or place for talking about family matters.”
Rob gave a nod. “All right. But we need to discuss it sometime.”
“I’m not so sure of that.”
Diane returned with the coffee pot and topped off their cups much to Grant’s relief. The conversation with Rob had taken a bitter turn. Some things were best buried and unsaid.
Jen watered the thirsty shrubs that lined the drive. The house was coming along nicely thanks to Rob and his crew. She hoped by the time they finished there would be enough money left over to give each of them a bonus. Rob and his workers had painted the front of the house and restored some of its previous glory. New black shutters smartened the white exterior. She was pleased with the results. Gardening was called for as well. She made a mental note to ask Rob about that. She felt certain he’d know someone reliable.
“Hello there.”
Jen looked up. A woman a few years older stared at her. She was wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, had dark wavy hair and a well-endowed figure. The woman removed her sunglasses and continued to watch Jen with curious eyes. Jen shut down the hose.
“Are you the one everybody’s talking about?”
“I’m Jennifer Stoddard. I’m not aware that people are talking about me.”
The woman held out her hand. “Maggie Higgins. Sometimes referred to as Magpie. And in small towns, people do gossip. There’s often not much else to do.”
“I don’t doubt it if they’re finding me a person of interest.”
“Good answer.”
“I’m planning on living here for a while. Actually, I lived here for a while when I was younger. I wouldn’t mind knowing some of the neighbors.”
“We live just up the road from you.”
“Mom!” Aaron came running toward her. “Guess what? I just beat Maryann at checkers.”
Maryann came up right behind him. “Hey, short stuff, I think you cheated.”
“Did not!” Aaron stamped his right foot down and folded his hands over his chest.
Maggie smiled at Aaron. “I have a boy about your age.”
�
��You do?” Aaron blinked, listening with attention.
“I have a daughter too, but she’s older. I have a feeling my son Bobby would like to play checkers with you.”
“Awesome. There’s no other kids around here.” He lowered his head.
“You’ll meet plenty of kids when you go to school.”
Jen noticed the look Aaron tossed in her direction. The mention of going to school in Bloomingvale clearly upset him.
“We’re having a barbecue on Saturday afternoon. My husband Eric loves cooking outdoors. We invite friends, family and neighbors during the summer. Would you like to come? It would be a chance for you to get acquainted with some of the local people that live in town.”
Aaron turned pleading eyes on her. “Can we, Mom?”
“Of course.” She turned to Maggie Higgins. “We will be delighted to attend. Thank you for the invitation. What would you like us to bring?”
“Just yourselves.” Maggie Higgins glanced at her watch. “I better get going. My walking time is about over. If it wasn’t so hot, I’d try jogging back.” Maggie provided Jen with her address and then took off.
“What did you think?” Jen asked.
“I like her,” Aaron replied. “She seems nice.”
“I think she’s nice too,” Maryann agreed. “You’re a good judge of character, Aaron, even if you do cheat at checkers.”
“Sore loser.”
“Come on. Give me a rematch. Bet I beat you this time.”
Chapter Thirteen
Saturday turned out to be sunny and blessedly less humid. Jen started going through her clothes trying to decide what to wear. Was she expected to dress up? Not for a barbecue. Would jeans and a casual short-sleeved shirt be appropriate? It would have to be.
A loud knock sounded at her bedroom door “Are you busy?” Maryann walked into the room.
“I was just trying to figure out what to wear. You know I can’t remember the last time anyone invited me to a party.”
Maryann’s green eyes were bright. “Don’t start getting nervous. It’s just a small town get-together. No big thing.”
“I’d like to make a good impression on these people. I’m going to be living here for at least two years. I want to fit in for Aaron’s sake.”
“Sure, I understand.” Maryann sat down on the bed and kicked off her shoes.
“I can’t figure out what to wear.”
“Want me to loan you a sundress?”
“Like the one you’re wearing?” Maryann’s sunflower dress was form-fitting and flattered her curves.
“I know what you’re thinking. You’re so transparent. Forgive me for saying this, Jen, but you’re awfully conservative. You need to dress up a little. Let me help you.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I have a sports dress that would look great on you. Simple cut, demure, classic lines. Honor bright.” Maryann held up her hand in a Girl Scout pose that made Jen laugh.
“Okay, I’ll try it on.”
“Great.” Maryann bounced off the bed. “And after we fit the dress on you, I’ll help with hair and make-up.”
“Maryann, you know I hardly ever wear any make-up”
Her friend turned around at the door. “Yes, I know. But you definitely need some. At least a little eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. Nothing major.”
Jen shook her head. “Nothing major?”
They decided to walk to the Higgins home rather than drive. It was only half a mile up the road. The Higgins family lived in a spacious old Victorian not all that different from her grandmother’s house. But it was very well maintained. A large porch with comfortable wicker chairs welcomed them. They were about to walk up the front stairs when someone called to them to walk to the back of the house. Sure enough they could hear the buzz of conversation before they arrived.
Maggie Higgins came around to greet them. She’d dressed in navy shorts and a dressy pink T-shirt.
“So glad you could make it,” she said. “I’ll introduce you to everyone. But first, Aaron I want you to meet Bobby.” She glanced around and then called out to a boy half a head taller than Aaron. He came over with a wide grin on his face.
“Aaron, this is Bobby. He’s going into third grade.”
“So am I,” Aaron said.
“I got a cool new game for my birthday. Want to see it?”
“Sure.” The two boys took off together chattering as if they’d known each other all their lives. Jen couldn’t have been more pleased.
“Usually Aaron’s shy with new people, but he’s really taking to your son.”
“Bobby’s outgoing like me. Now I promised to introduce you both to the town people.” Maggie hooked one hand through her arm and the other through Maryann’s. Jen felt as if she were a character in The Wizard of Oz.
First they were introduced to Eric Higgins, Maggie’s husband. Apparently, he worked as a veterinarian.
“What kind of animals do you care for?” Maryann asked.
“Mostly big animals, cows, horses. But we work with dogs and cats as well. I don’t believe in discriminating.”
Jen saw he had strong forearms. He was well-muscled and tall, fair as his wife was dark.
“Eric, you remember Velma Pritchard, don’t you?”
“Sure, I do. She was something of a philanthropist. Donated money to our animal shelter.”
“Well, Jennifer is Velma’s granddaughter.”
Maggie’s husband shook Jen’s hand enthusiastically.
Maggie next brought them over to meet a local doctor. He put down his cold drink and shook Jen’s hand. A trim middle-aged man, he spoke in a pleasant voice. He had graying hair and a ruddy complexion.
“Dr. Gus works with his daughter, Ella.”
She and Maryann shook hands with Ella and the doctor’s wife, Abby Kramer.
“I couldn’t ask for a better partner in the practice than Ella,” the doctor told them. He placed his arm proudly around his daughter.”
Maggie explained that Jen was Velma Pritchard’s granddaughter. The doctor’s face lit up.
“Your grandmother was a wonderful woman. I was her doctor for a number of years. Couldn’t ask for a better patient.”
“Did you visit her in the nursing home?”
“Certainly did.”
Jen worried her lower lip. “Did she die suddenly or were you expecting it to happen?”
Dr. Kramer gave her a sympathetic look. “Your grandmother was elderly. I had expected her to recover. She was feisty. Still she was frail. They phoned me from the nursing home. There was nothing I could do for her. She lay in her bed looking as if she was asleep. Her heart must have given out. A fine lady and never one to complain about anything. Always had a positive attitude even when she was in pain.”
Jen lowered her eyes, feeling both grief and guilt. She should have phoned more often, at least that. But she had been in such a dark place herself. Still, that was no excuse.
Next, Maggie introduced them to a local dentist, Noah Winthrop, who also welcomed them. It seemed he was a bachelor and looked both Maryann and herself over with interest. He gave them a large, toothy grin.
Maryann whispered to her as they walked away to meet yet another town resident. “Did you see that mouthful of capped teeth? He’s a walking advertisement for his wares.” She giggled.
Jen shushed her friend. “I hope I can manage to remember everyone’s name.”
Maggie turned to her. “It’ll probably take a while.”
“I’ve got nearly a photographic memory. I’ll remember for both of us.” Maryann waved a bee away as it buzzed at her.
“Good, because I want to introduce you both to Mayor Longworth. She’s a good person to know.”
The mayor was a woman, plain in appearance, mousy brown hair cut brutally short, wearing black culottes with a white sailor blouse. She gave them each a firm handshake.
“Nice to have new people in town,” she said in an authoritative voice.
�
�Nice to meet you too,” Jen said.
Maggie pulled them along. “Now I’ll introduce you to our police chief.”
“Oh, no, that’s not necessary.” Jen stopped moving.
“Yes, it is.” Maggie dragged her on.
Then Maggie tapped Grant Coleman’s arm, causing him to turn around and face them. Jen saw he’d been in conversation with his mother, brother and sisters.
When Maggie tried to introduce them to the Colemans, Grant stopped her cold.
“We’re already acquainted.”
“Then I’ll just leave you to chat for a while. Eric is signaling me. I need to put out more salad platters and help him with the burgers.” She hurried off before Jen could say a word.
“So Mrs. Stoddard, run any stop signs today?”
She felt herself flush.
“Now Grant, don’t tease her,” Linda said, placing a restraining hand on her son’s forearm.
“Who says I was teasing?” Grant lifted one dark brow.
“We walked here today.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Maryann lifted her chin. “Jen’s a very careful driver. But she might be a little rusty. There’s not much call for driving in the city. Manhattan’s too congested for it to be practical to keep a car available. Much easier to take public transportation or cabs. Of course, if you’re well-to-do there’s always car service or limos.”
“Different world, I guess,” Rob Coleman observed.
“It is that,” Maryann agreed.
“Can I get you ladies a cold drink?” Rob asked
“Sure, I’ll come along with you,” Maryann said.
Jen was left standing there with Grant Coleman, his mother and sisters. She felt awkward and couldn’t think of a single thing to say to them.
“Rob mentioned the house is coming along nicely.” Linda said.
“You’ll come in next week. See what you think.”
“We’ll have to delay it and come the week after,” Lori said. “We have a full schedule next week. Sorry. Mom was planning to let you know tomorrow.”
“No problem. That’ll be fine.” Jen looked from Lori to Sue. “You two wouldn’t happen to be twins?”
Sue smiled. “We are, but we’re fraternal not identical. Most people don’t guess we’re twins. I got my father’s light brown hair and blue eyes. Lori has Mom’s darker coloring.”
The Inheritance Page 5