Barbecue and Bad News

by Nancy Naigle

  Now, why hadn’t she realized that before? She’d learned that lesson just recently watching Scott and understanding that although his commitment and achievements were different, they were surely not any less valuable.

  An important message.

  “Good luck, my dear. I’ll cover you for a three-month severance. Consider yourself fired . . . in the very nicest of ways. I’ve got to run, dear. You knock ’em dead.”

  Savannah only hoped that somehow she’d patch things up with Scott. If she didn’t, moving to Adams Grove wouldn’t be an option, because he was the very best part.

  She took the exit off I-95 toward Adams Grove.

  Her palms were sweating. “Please let me say the right thing to make this all work out.”

  She drove straight to the County Gazette first. If she struck that deal with Jack first, it would be harder for her to chicken out of the rest of her plan.

  Jack had no idea she’d even been out of town, so he thought she was there to pick up the stuff for the police blotter.

  He gave her a smile and grabbed the folder from its designated spot. “Here you go, Savannah.”

  “Thanks, Jack.” She felt nervous even asking about it now, but she needed to know. “I have a question for you.”

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  “Were you serious about selling the paper?”

  He straightened. “It depends. I won’t sell it to just anyone. Are you interested?”

  “I think I might be. Would you consider selling it to me?”

  He smiled, then his smile faded. “I know you work for GINN.”

  “Oh, Jack. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I’ve done so many things wrong. It was me that wrote that article about Scott Calvin in the Penny for Your Thoughts column.”

  “I know,” he said with a thoughtful nod. “I might seem old-school and out of touch, but I still have a lifetime of contacts in this business. I’m pretty well connected.”

  “I’m so embarrassed. And I’m sorry. So sorry. I quit that job today.”

  “It’s okay. You’re growing. You’re finding you. It’s a process.” He paused and looked her right in the eye. “Would you keep the tone that I’ve set? I like knowing that I provide a good service to these people.”

  Savannah nodded. “I would. I completely respect what you do and why you do it.”

  “I’ll make you a deal you won’t be able to refuse.”

  He trusted her, and she’d never let him down. Maybe things would go her way yet. She held up a finger. “You hold that thought. I’m working on something. Don’t you let anyone else make an offer without talking to me first. We got a deal?”

  Jack nodded. “We sure do.”

  She walked out of the newspaper, reminding herself that the first thing she’d do would be to fix that blasted blind so it wouldn’t slap against the door every time she went in or out of the place.

  She got in her car and let the air conditioning wash over her face. The cool air felt good against her skin. She raised one sweaty palm to the air stream and then the other. “That was the easy part.”

  Driving down Main Street, she pulled along the curb across from the building Daphne was planning to buy from Jack’s family. She could picture the awnings and a bright coat of paint. Lettering across the window and maybe even twinkle lights. Why not? They looked great in the Floral and Hardy window that was just at the end of the block. She’d be close enough to walk from the paper to the tearoom without breaking a sweat on a warm day.

  She wondered if Scott had told Daphne what had happened.

  She hoped not. It would be hard for Daphne to forgive her for hurting Scott.

  The Mini Cooper was tiny enough to park just about anywhere. She pulled back onto the street and turned right toward the sheriff’s station. Worried Scott might refuse to see her if he saw her coming, she parked at the far end of the building and walked around.

  She went inside to find Deputy Taylor in the front office. “Hi, Savannah.”

  It was a relief that he seemed happy to see her. “Hi. Is Scott in his office?”

  “Sure is. Go on back.”

  “Thanks.” There was no way the deputy knew what had happened. He’d been too nice.

  She walked down the hall and then stopped short of Scott’s office door. A moment of panic filled her body with a flood of adrenaline that made her want to run the other way. Then, just as quickly, she recalled being in his arms and feeling safer than she’d ever felt in her life.

  She stepped quietly into his doorway, watching him work until he looked up.

  He didn’t say a word. Just leaned back in his chair.

  “I’m sorry,” she said.

  He put his pen on the desk. “It doesn’t matter.”

  His voice was flat. He was still mad. He had every right to be.

  She straightened. “It does matter. It matters to me.”

  “What do you want?”

  She stepped inside and closed the door behind her. He looked unhappy about that. He opened his mouth, but she jumped in. “Wait,” she said. “Don’t say anything yet.”

  She sat down. “Scott, I love you. I really didn’t mean for all this to happen.”

  “Savannah—” He stood up.

  “Wait. Please just let me get this out. That first day . . . when we met . . .”

  “When I stopped you for speeding.”

  “Yeah . . . that day. I asked you if we’d met.”

  “I remember.”

  “I meant it. I wasn’t playing you. There was something about you that felt familiar. Something about you that sparked with me. That connection was there for a reason. It was meant to be. You felt it too.”

  He sat back down.

  “I never meant to hurt you.”

  “It wasn’t meant to be. You don’t have to apologize.”

  “I can’t change what happened, but I really wish you could forgive me.”

  “It’s not all your fault, Savannah, or Van, or whoever you are. I pick the wrong women. I always have. It’s me.”

  “That’s just it. You didn’t pick the wrong girl. I’m the right girl. I know I am.” A flicker of apprehension coursed through her.

  “No. I’ve been down this road before. Too many times. You really kind of did me a favor. Even if I did forgive you, you’d just leave eventually.” His shoulders hunched forward as he leaned his elbows on the desk.

  She answered quickly, over her pounding heart. “No. Scott. Seriously, I could live here. I love this town. I love the people. I love your momma. I want to be with you, and I want to be a part of this community. You make me a better me. Don’t you see that?” She feared if she stopped talking he would just say no again and she didn’t want to hear it. Couldn’t bear it. “Please believe me.”

  “People shouldn’t have to change to be in a relationship. That’s a recipe for disaster. Savannah, you’ll always be special.”

  “I’m not changing. I’m finding who I am. I want to move here. I gave my notice at GetItNowNews. I want to buy the Gazette from Jack. I just talked to him about it. The only thing that will stop me is you. Please give me a chance.”

  He stared at her for a long moment. “Move here if you like, but don’t do it because of me.” He stood and turned his back to her. “Do it because it’s what you want.”

  “You don’t want me?

  She heard him exhale. Without turning to face her, he said, “I didn’t say that.”

  “But?” Savannah sat there in disbelief. She knew she’d hurt Scott, but she’d really expected he’d forgive her. If you love someone—really love them—there’s nothing you can’t get through. Right? Maybe he hadn’t felt what she’d felt after all.

  Scott shook his head. “I’m sorry, but this heart of mine isn’t up to this again.”

  It was like a da
gger through her heart. What more was there to say?

  She couldn’t make him love her. Her lips quivered. “I wanted you to know how I feel. You’ve changed me. Made me aware of so many things. I went home to Belles Corner. I’m making peace back there. You’re the best thing that’s happened to me in eight years.”

  She headed for the door, then stopped. “Thank you.”

  She walked out and went straight to her car. Her mind was so consumed with thought that she was blind to what was around her, or if she’d even passed anyone on the street. She revved the engine on her little blue car. Scott’s favorite color.

  She drove over to the bank building and parked next to Mike’s truck. It was hard to be mad at him; after all, he was only looking out for his friend. It just sucked that it had to be at her expense.

  All she’d ever done was hurt everyone she’d ever loved.

  Letting people down. It’s what she excelled at.

  She climbed the stairs to the apartment, and Mike walked out on the landing. “Hey.” He looked awkward. “Sorry.”

  “It’s okay, Mike. It’s not your fault. I know you were just looking out for Scott.”

  “Yeah. Brooke said I should have kept my mouth shut.”

  How she wished she’d told him that before he told Scott, but then it would have all come out eventually. It was just a matter of time. It wasn’t Mike’s fault. “Mike, I love him. I really do.”

  “Then how could you make fun of him like that? His job means so much to him.”

  “I’m sorry.” Even the words didn’t sound like enough to her anymore. “I know that just saying I’m sorry doesn’t make it okay, but I’d written that before I got to know him. It was my job.” She lifted her clenched hands as she spoke. “I’m not proud of myself. I’d never stopped to consider the impact my responses had on the faceless people targeted with those sharp words. That’s the kind of stories GINN runs, though.” She lowered her eyes, not even able to look his way. “I’m sorry I ever wrote for them. It’s been a raw lesson for me.”

  “Wrote?”

  “I quit my job this morning.”

  “Well, then maybe something good has come of it.”

  “I guess. Also means I have to give up my apartment. Or sign a lease. It was a corporate apartment.”

  “Maybe you could stay here,” he said. “I know Brooke and Jenn would like that.”

  A raw and different kind of grief consumed her. “I’m sorry I hurt your friend. I’m sorry I put you in that position.”

  “I believe you. I kind of wish I’d kept my mouth shut, to tell you the truth. Brooke and Jenn were so excited about the prospect of you maybe even moving here. Brooke said you’d fit right in.”

  “He’ll never forgive me. You should have seen his face.”

  “I thought I was helping.” His lips pulled into a thin line. “I can tell you this. He’s crazy about you. He’s hurting right now. Talk to him.”

  “I tried. That’s where I just was. He can’t forgive me.”

  “He can. Just give him time. Guys can be as hardheaded as you girls sometimes. If you really love him, don’t stop trying. He’ll come around.”

  She didn’t think there was enough time in the world. “I’m going to go lay down.”

  “Sorry.”

  She closed the door behind her and stood there until she heard Mike walk down the stairs. Thank goodness she hadn’t given the key back to Connor. She plopped down on the couch and stared at the ceiling. She counted the old tin ceiling tiles until she fell asleep.

  A loud rap woke her from a dead sleep. She sat up on the couch, and it came again. Three loud, heavy knocks on the door.

  She ran to the door, praying it was Scott. Had he changed his mind?

  When she swung the door open it was Brooke and Mike.

  “I told her you were sleeping,” Mike said.

  Brooke opened her arms and gave Savannah a hug. “It’s going to work out.”

  “It’s not. He’ll never forgive me.”

  “Don’t be a fool. It’s totally meant to be. I saw y’all on the dance floor this weekend. He is totally smitten with you.”

  Savannah had thought so too, and the feeling was mutual.

  Brooke pointed inside. “Can we come in for a second?”

  “Yeah. Sure.” She stepped aside, and they came in and sat on the couch. “I don’t have anything to offer you.”

  “That’s fine. It won’t take but a minute. I was down at the paper placing the ads for summer camp and Jack said that you had stopped by earlier this morning and said you might buy the paper.”

  “I did. I can’t very well do that now.”

  “Why not?” Brooke rolled her eyes. “Okay, so doofus here shouldn’t have opened his mouth so that nature could take its course, but it’ll work out. Besides, Daphne is about to bust a seam about the new tearoom. She’d be devastated if you didn’t stay. And Jenn and I”—she gave an inconspicuous nod toward Mike—“we’re dying to work on that little project with you.”

  Savannah had been so consumed with her thoughts about Scott that she’d put the mural on the back burner, and that needed to be dealt with. She really was making a mess out of everything. “I wish it had worked out differently, but I think I’ve just burned that bridge. And it’s the only way in and out of this town.”

  “Not the only way,” Brooke said.

  “Well, we’ve got an idea,” Mike said. “Will you give me a chance to make this right?”

  Savannah wasn’t sure she had the energy to even try.

  “Mike has a good idea,” Brooke said. “And while he’s figuring that all out, you need to get yourself pulled together and we’ll spend some time down at Happy Balance. Jenn has something on that smoothie bar to fix any problem that ails you. I’m sure she has a broken heart remedy in her recipe box.”

  How could people who barely knew her be so important in her life all of a sudden?

  “You can do it, Savannah,” Brooke reassured her. “It’s going to be okay. You in?”

  “Okay. Yeah, what harm can it do?” Savannah sucked in a deep breath. “Thanks, y’all.”

  Mike headed for the door. “Well, I kind of think I owe you on this one. I’ve got some work to do.”

  He left, and Brooke waited until she heard him start down the stairs. “While you were gone, Jenn and I think we’ve made some progress. Go get dressed. We need your help.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Savannah and Brooke racewalked all the way down the street to Happy Balance.

  Jenn sprang out through the front door and ran to meet them at the corner, giving Savannah a hug. “You’ve got to stick around. We need you, girl!”

  She hugged Jenn back. Savannah felt welcome here. Like Brooke and Jenn were true friends. “Brooke said you made some progress.”

  “I think so. Come on!” Jenn led the way back to the studio. “Only I don’t know what we do with it next.” She turned the lock with a click and then led them up the back stairs to her apartment.

  Brooke spoke as they climbed the stairs. “So, I can’t see whatever it is that y’all are seeing, but I am an awesome puzzle girl. So when Jenn was writing down all the letters and numbers she saw, I started trying to put them together.”

  “Good idea.” Savannah felt better not focusing on her own problems.

  “Then,” Brooke said, “I took a picture of the mural and printed it out poster size down at the office.”

  Jenn opened the door and held it for them as Brooke kept talking.

  “Oh, my gosh.” Savannah started toward the kitchen. The whole wall was covered in enlarged copies of the pictures they’d taken of the murals downstairs, and dotted with colorful sticky notes indicating every little detail they knew so far. “This is genius.”

  “I know, right?” Jenn handed a marker to Savannah,
and one to Brooke. “It’s like our own game of Clue.”

  “Or an episode of Castle,” Savannah said.

  “Isn’t that guy adorable?” Brooke said.

  “Totally. I love Rick Castle’s boyish charm on that show,” Savannah said.

  “And we were so happy when him and Beckett got together, pretty much like we wish you and Scott would.” Brooke snapped the cap off her marker. “And we’re going to fix that too.”

  “Ugh. Let’s not talk about that right now. Okay, so what do we have?” Savannah focused on the wall.

  Jenn ran down all the images.

  “Little girl crying. Ringlets. Bracelet. Skinned knee. Can’t really tell how old she is.”

  Savannah nodded and added, “And the headstone with all those gorgeous flowers. So many. Can you read it?”

  “No,” Jenn said. “I don’t think it says anything, but there were a bunch of letters in the flowers. Brooke put some words together. Goto. Christ. Learns. Weak. Sinners. Avoid. Way. Rile. Only they don’t seem to mean anything.”

  Savannah stared at the paper. “You can’t see the images in this photocopy. Can we go down to the locker room?”

  “Sure,” Jenn said.

  “Let’s take the picture with us.” Brooke peeled the tape back from the corners and carried the papers with them. “It’s all I’ve got. I don’t have superpowers like y’all.”

  “Real funny.” Jenn led the way.

  When they reached the locker room, Brooke hung the picture on the mirror.

  Savannah stood in front of the mural, looking at the images. Then she looked back at the poster and then sat down on the floor, scanning the entire mural again. “Jenn?”

  “What?”

  “Look up there, where the creek trails off.” Savannah walked closer, pointing out the exact spot where she saw what looked like a door.

  “How did I miss that before? It’s a door. Just beyond those flowers. See it?”

  “Yeah. Yeah, that’s what I see. There are numbers on the door. Four seven something?”