“Eric’s putting out burgers,” Linda said.
“I’m starving,” Lori said.
Linda and Sue followed close behind. That left Jen standing with Grant. She looked down at the grass.
“So Mrs. Stoddard, am I making you uncomfortable?”
She looked up and met his eyes for the first time. They made her think of silver bullets. Well, he wasn’t the Lone Ranger, now was he?
“As I said to your mother, please call me Jen.”
“Is that to prove how democratic you are, just folks like the rest of us?”
“I don’t appreciate your sarcasm. What did I ever do to deserve it?”
“Excuse me,” he said, “I need to check in with the station.” He whipped his cell phone from his pocket and hurried off.
The man was outright rude. She could think of nothing she’d ever done to incur his hostility. If anything, she’d given employment to his entire family. She was the one who ought to be angry at him, not the other way around. What was going on in that thick skull of his? He might be the most physically attractive man she’d ever laid eyes on but he had no manners whatsoever.
Chapter Fourteen
Maryann didn’t remember the last time she’d found any man quite so appealing. She and Rob Coleman had walked off together and stood in a semi-private spot beneath the shade of a large elm tree.
“A quarter for your thoughts,” he said.
“That’s pretty steep.”
“Inflation.” He shrugged, the dimple forming in his cheek.
“I was thinking how friendly people are around here.”
He gave a quick nod. “It’s a good town all right. A decent place to live and raise children. We all want to make it even better. Get more people to visit, buy our goods and services. You’re in that kind of field, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I work in marketing. That’s the area of my MBA.”
“You’d be a real asset to this town.”
Maryann shook her head. “I’m not staying, just visiting with Jen this month and helping her get settled in.”
He took a swallow of the water bottle he held. “Too bad.”
“What could I possibly do around here? I’m used to working for a big corporation. I’m a product marketing manager.”
“Is that how you know Mrs. Stoddard?”
Maryann took a drink of diet soda from the plastic cup she held. “Actually I knew her husband Bill before I knew Jen. He introduced us. I interned at the company. He was my boss, a vice president. He recommended me for my job.”
“What happened to him?”
Maryann lowered her eyes. “He died of a brain tumor. It was awful. He was really a great guy. Jen and Aaron suffered a lot. That’s why I’d like to see them happy here. Jen’s a wonderful friend. I can tell your brother doesn’t like her. But he’s made up his mind without knowing her. I think he’s really unfair.”
Rob Coleman shook his head. “My brother’s a good man. He cares about people.”
Maryann dropped her cup into a nearby garbage bin and placed her hands on her hips. “Well, sure, I’d expect you to say your brother’s okay.”
He placed his hand on hers and she felt a frisson of electricity. She quickly withdrew her hand but wondered if he’d felt something similar when they touched.
“The thing you have to understand about Grant is that he’s the oldest of the four of us.” Rob looked around as if to make certain no one stood nearby able to listen in on their conversation. “Our father was good at fixing things and did all kinds of repairs for a living. But he drank.” Rob lowered his voice further. Maryann moved closer.
“When the old man drank, he wouldn’t just pass out the way some drunks do, and he didn’t act silly either. He got mean. My mother hated him drinking, wanted him to quit. Mom would eventually lose her temper with him and they’d fight.”
Maryann swallowed hard. “You mean argue or physically fight?”
“Both. He put her in the hospital a couple of times. But she wouldn’t press charges. Said it was just as much her fault as his. Well, Grant didn’t see it that way. As he got older, he tried to stop them from fighting. So the old man turned on him and beat him up. Grant hated him. I remember Grant telling him he wished Dad would die. That was right before the old man drove off drunk and wrapped himself around a utility pole.”
Maryann’s eyes opened wide. “How horrible.”
“Yeah, it sure was. Grant’s a good guy. But he’s complicated. He took more abuse than the rest of us. And he was sensitive about coming from a poor family. Got himself a football scholarship to college. Injuries stopped him from having a pro career. But he went into the Marines as an officer. He served with honor. And now he does an outstanding job as police chief.”
“What about you Rob? Did you serve in the military as well?”
He gave a nod.
“And is that how you hurt your leg?”
“A gimpy foot seems like a small price to pay for surviving. I still got a leg to stand on and I’m grateful for it. We served our country, Grant and me. I’m proud of the fact.”
“Of course, you should be.”
“Tell me a little about yourself.”
“I’m originally from Connecticut. My dad’s an engineer and my mother teaches foreign languages, French and Spanish to be exact. I’m twenty-seven years old and I’ve worked in the business world since I was twenty-one. I got my graduate degree evenings while I worked days. I suppose you could say I’m highly motivated.”
Rob cocked one eyebrow. “Why is that?”
“I guess I always felt in competition with my older brother. Hank and I weren’t close growing up. He was seven years older than I was, and my parents’ pride and joy. They adored him.”
“But you evened the playing field. Right?”
She shrugged. “Not exactly. Hank’s a neurosurgeon, one of the best in the country.”
“Maryann, if you’re not happy in New York City, why not look for a way out of the rat race?”
She shook her head. “I’m a city girl, Rob. It’s all I know how to be. And I do love the culture, the theatre, the opera, ballet, museums. They’re all there. Fine restaurants. The city’s alive day and night. Here they roll up the sidewalks after it gets dark.”
“Now you’re exaggerating. I’m going to prove to you that this town is a great place to live and work.”
“Is that a challenge?”
“You bet it is.” He gave her a broad grin.
“Fine. I like a good challenge.” She lifted her eyebrows.
“It means you’re going to be spending a lot of time with me.”
“Am I?” She gave him a teasing, flirty smile and he loved it.
“We’re going to be joined together like Siamese twins whenever I’m not working.”
She lifted her chin in a confrontational pose. “Are we now?”
“Think you can handle it?”
“I’m tougher than I look.”
Chapter Fifteen
Jen decided to buy a car at the dealership out on the highway.
She drove the rental with Maryann as passenger. It felt good getting away from working on the house. Around them the flat farmland stretched out on both sides bursting with growing crops, cradling them in its bountiful fertility.
“Inspiring, isn’t it, seeing all of this?”
Maryann glanced around. “I’ll say. What a contrast to the city.”
Jen glanced at her friend sideways. “I saw you and Rob Coleman looking very cozy at the barbecue.”
Maryann shrugged. “Don’t go trying to act like a matchmaker, Jen. You know I’m going back to New York after Labor Day weekend. I really need to get a new job.”
“There might be something for you around here.”
“Yeah, like maybe the diner will need an extra waitress?”
“Just saying, you can never tell. With life, anything is possible.”
“When did you get so optimistic?”
“
I’m just being selfish. I hate to see you leave.”
Jen took a deep breath. “So what do you think I should say to the car salesman?”
“Tell him what you’re looking for. Don’t talk price. Let him tell you. I’ll let him know whatever he’s asking is too much.”
“Are you sure it will be?”
“Of course, it will. Honestly Jen, sometimes you’re a tad naïve. They always jack the price higher for women.”
They were almost at the dealership when Jen saw a truck slow down ahead of them. She put her foot on the brake pedal, pressed down, and it went to the floor. Nothing happening. Jen began to feel sick to her stomach.
“Oh, no!”
Maryann turned to her. “What’s wrong?”
“The brakes are gone.”
“My God, Jen, look out! We’re going to smash into the back of that truck.”
Jen did her best not to panic. Her heart hammered. Her mind raced. “I can turn into those fields off the side of the road.” She pulled the wheel sharply, veered into a corn field and then yanked up the emergency brake.
They came to a jerky stop, the car covered with vegetation. Maryann had called for emergency assistance before Jen finished catching her breath.
“Glad the airbags didn’t blow up,” Jen said. Her heart still pounded. “What now?”
“I guess we wait for the police to come. The car rental company will demand a full report.”
The police weren’t long in coming. Who should get out of the patrol car with a uniform officer falling in stride right beside him, none other than Chief Grant Coleman. Jen let out a groan.
Chapter Sixteen
Grant Coleman threw her a knowing look as he approached the car. Then he shook his head. “We have to stop meeting like this.”
“Not very funny or original.” Jen frowned at him.
“I think you need a refresher course in driving, Mrs. Stoddard.”
Maryann came toward him, hands fisted at her hips. “That is so unfair! Jen is an excellent driver, careful and mature. The brakes went out on the rental. That’s certainly not her fault.”
“All right, ladies, call the rental company. If they approve, we’ll have the car towed to Stuart’s, that’s our local garage in town. Dave Stuart is a first-rate mechanic. He’ll see to the car and let us know what’s going on. Meantime, can I offer you transportation back to town?”
Jen cleared her throat. “Actually we were driving to the car dealership just a few miles up the road when the brakes failed. I need to buy a vehicle of my own and return the rental.”
“Okay, I’ll drive you over there if you’re up for it.” He strode back to his cruiser expecting them to follow.
Maryann raised her eyebrows as they exchanged a look.
“We both have cell phones, Chief. We can request a cab.”
“Why bother? I’ll save you the trouble.”
“Fine, I’ll just get my handbag.” Jen went back into the rental car and retrieved her pocketbook. Maryann did the same.
“I might be able to help you work a deal on a car. I know a fella works there, salesman by the name of Art Garrison.”
“That won’t be necessary. I don’t want to take advantage of you, Chief. I’m certain you have much more important things to do with your time.”
He gave a quick nod. His expression was distant, giving nothing away, but Jen had a feeling that she’d offended him. They rode in uncomfortable silence. She was grateful when Grant Coleman pulled into the dealership’s lot. Pick-ups were most prominent on the lot.
“Thank you for taking us here,” Jen said, hoping she sounded polite as well as appreciative.
“Anytime, Mrs. Stoddard. We public servants aim to be helpful to the public.”
“Chief, please call me Jen. Everyone does. There’s no need to be so formal.”
He placed his hand to his square jaw as if contemplating something. “And here I thought all you high class rich people frowned on familiarity with us lesser folks.”
“I don’t understand.” She wanted to ask what his problem was but realized being hostile or confrontational wouldn’t get her anywhere with this man.
“Jen? Ready?” Maryann asked.
Jen nodded and they entered the showroom. They were instantly hit by a blast of arctic air. Jen wished she’d brought her summer jacket. She shivered. A salesman dressed in a gray business suit, striped blue tie and white shirt approached them. The smile showed a mouth full of teeth like a shark. He appeared to be a few years older than she was and had something of a beer belly.
“What can I help you with today, ladies?”
“We’re interested in purchasing a new car,” Maryann said. “My friend has moved back to Bloomingvale and needs family transportation.”
The salesman gave them a steady look and then extended his hand, shook first Maryann’s hand and then Jen’s. “My name’s Chuck. I’d like to help you choose a fine automobile. We have a terrific selection. Do you see anything on the floor that interests you?”
“I’m not certain.”
“Well, why don’t you have a look around, see if there’s anything you like, and then we can talk.”
She and Maryann walked slowly around the showroom looking at the cars on display and their price range.
“I’m not looking for anything expensive,” she said softly to Maryann. “The thing is I feel pressured now because we don’t have the rental.”
“I know. It’s a real problem.”
“I think I’d like to look at some of the used cars on your lot,” she told the salesman.
“Sure thing.”
Finally, they chose a car Jen felt she could afford. The salesman tried to talk them into a number of extras which Jen refused. He also wouldn’t come down on the price. Jen began to perspire in spite of the chilled air.
Then she heard a familiar voice. “Art, I want to introduce you to Mrs. Stoddard. She’s come back to Bloomingvale to live and she needs a reliable car.”
She turned. “Chief, I thought you’d left.”
“I did, but thought I should come back and check on you.”
“I’m not your responsibility.”
“Well aware of that.” He leaned negligently back against a fire engine red car, his muscular arms crossed in front of him. “Art here is the manager of Garrison’s. His dad owns the place.”
Chuck looked from Grant Coleman to Arthur Garrison. “I’ve been helping this lady and her friend, but Art if you’d like to take over negotiations, that’s fine with me.”
“I’ll see you get the commission,” Garrison said. He had a deep, gravelly voice and like Grant Coleman was a tall imposing man.
Chuck walked away.
“Art, can you give Mrs. Stoddard a good deal on one of your cars?” Grant looked relaxed and in his element.
“Don’t see why not.” Art Garrison turned to her. “Which car catches your fancy?”
Jen told him and sure enough he offered her a much better deal than Chuck had.
After Jen had signed the paper work, she left the showroom in something of a daze. By that time, Grant Coleman was long gone. It felt like a relief that she wouldn’t have to thank him for his help.
Chapter Seventeen
“That was twice today the police chief came to your rescue,” Maryann observed as they stopped to pick up groceries before heading back to the house. “He is a strange man. I mean he acts as though he dislikes you, and then goes out of his way to be helpful.”
“I don’t comprehend him any better than you do.” Jen parked the car and got out.
Maryann followed her. She gave Jen a speculative look. “Maybe his feelings are different than what we thought.”
Jen gave an uncomfortable shrug. “I don’t think so. He does seem complicated though.”
After Jen took a cart, Maryann followed her. She looked at the store with interest. “This is a pretty cool store. Reminds me of the bodegas in the city.”
“DeNuccio’s Market i
s another one of the shops that’s been here forever. It’s a family owned business like Bigelow’s Bakery, and they take pride in providing quality.”
Maryann examined strawberries and then peaches. “These are good. Best I’ve seen in a long time. Is all the produce like this?”
“It is. Kind of spoils you for the supermarkets.” They loaded up on produce and then took a look at the fish counter.
“Now this isn’t as good as New York, but it will have to do I suppose.” Maryann wrinkled her nose.
“I think beef and poultry are the strong suits here. There’s no Fulton’s Fish Market and no nearby ocean. You have to consider that.”
“Not a problem. We’ll manage. I like fruits and vegetables better anyway.”
“Across the street next to the post office you’ll see an Italian restaurant.”
Maryann peered through the front window. “The Red Pepper? Interesting name for a restaurant.”
“Best pizza in the heartland.”
Maryann laughed. “Which means it doesn’t measure up to Manhattan.”
Jen faced her friend. “That’s not what I mean. One of the DeNucci children opened The Red Pepper back when I was in school. They do great Italian food. Everything fresh. All ingredients bought right here at DeNucci’s. We’ll have to eat there soon. You’ll see.”
“And here I thought they offered nothing but a diner in this dinky town.”
“Well, the diner’s really popular too. But for a special meal, you can’t beat The Red Pepper. It’s jammed in the evenings.”
Maryann sniffed as they got into the automobile again. “I think they spray the inside of a resale to give it a new car smell.” Maryann leaned back against the bucket seat.
“I hardly noticed. I’m not all that comfortable driving the car yet.” She found her hands were holding tight on the steering wheel.
“You’ll get used to it.” Maryann gave her an encouraging smile.
“I hope so.” Jen couldn’t forget how the brakes had failed on the rental car. It had been downright terrifying. They could have been in a bad accident–or worse. She gripped the steering wheel until her hands began to sweat.
The Inheritance Page 6