Barbecue and Bad News

by Nancy Naigle

  Jenn nodded. “I think it’s four seven zero five three.”

  “Hold on a sec,” Brooke said. She took her marker and checked off the numbers four, seven, five, zero, and three on her notepad. “Yep, they’re all here.”

  “An address?”

  Savannah tilted her head. “I’m going to run home and get my computer. I’ve got an idea.”

  “I’ve got a computer,” Jenn said.

  “Yeah, but I need mine, and I have something else that I think will help. It won’t take me long. Hang tight.”

  “We’ll be right here.”

  Savannah laid her marker on the bench and jogged back to the apartment. She swept up her laptop, went to her car and dug out the CDs that she’d borrowed from Jack, and then ran back to Happy Balance.

  Jenn and Brooke were sitting at the smoothie bar when she came back in.

  Savannah could barely talk, she was so winded. “There was a little girl who went missing a few years back.”

  Jenn ran to her side. “Do you think this message is something about that? Do you think Frank Gotorow did something to that little girl?”

  “I don’t think so. His victims were always women. Never children.” She started her computer. “Brooke. The little girl’s name was Christina. Rework those letters.” She clicked a few keys and turned her attention to Jenn. “Can you see if you can find an online GIS for this town?”

  “What the heck is a GIS?” Jenn asked.

  Brooke chimed in. “Geographic information system. Basically it’s an online map of all the properties and owners in an area. We use them all the time down at the extension office.”

  “Right,” Savannah said. “Can you see if there’s one for Adams Grove and track any address that starts with 47 or 53?”

  Savannah started searching the CD for articles about the missing child. There were several. No doubt Jack and Bee had done everything in their power to get the word out. For a moment, she thought they should stop and call Scott, but he’d told her to stay out of this, and there was no sense in making things even worse between them . . . if that was even possible. If they found anything at all, she promised herself they’d bring him into the loop.

  “Anything, Savannah?” Jenn was typing on her computer. “I’m not seeing anything here. We’ll have to go down to the courthouse.”

  “Wait a second. The little girl, Christina, her birthdate is April seventh.”

  “Four seven. It’s not an address.” Brooke clapped her hands. “This is about her.”

  “Y’all. She was abducted on May third.” Savannah stopped typing. “It says here that she was abducted on May third, three years ago, from her uncle’s place of business. No one heard a sound. It was like she’d just disappeared.”

  “How sad.” Brooke rewrote all the letters on individual pages of sticky paper and started rearranging them.

  “It was Jack’s grandniece’s little girl. He was just telling me about it. They never found her.”

  “She could be alive,” Jenn said.

  “Or at least they could have closure.” Brooke kept moving the letters around.

  Jenn pressed her hands to her heart. “Brooke. That’s awful.”

  “I’m just trying to be realistic here.”

  Jenn tsked. “Well, stop it.”

  “We have to tell Scott,” Savannah said. “He told me to leave this alone. But even if he hates me, I have to tell him.”

  The front door of the yoga studio opened, and Brooke scrambled to move the giant printout behind the counter.

  “Sorry. I must’ve forgotten to lock it when I came in,” Savannah said.

  Mike made his way through the space. “I figured y’all would be here.”

  Brooke walked over and gave him a kiss. “Hey, honey. What’s up?”

  “I need y’all to come with me,” he said.

  “Now?” Savannah needed to talk to Scott.

  “Yes, now. We’re going to Daphne’s new shop.” Mike started toward the door. “Come on.”

  “Oh, Lordy. Daphne knows? I can’t face her.”

  “It was use Daphne or call in a fake crime, and that’s against the law. Let’s just give it a try.” Mike put his hand on her shoulder. “Trust me. Scott’s mom is one of your biggest fans. Plus she’s the only person who is kick-ass enough to tell Scott to wake up and smell the coffee. Trust me. We’ve all done stupid stuff in love before. Daphne is going to get Scott down to her building. It’s step one.”

  Brooke tucked the papers behind the smoothie bar. “This can wait. We need to talk to Scott.”

  Mike nodded. “And if this plan works, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing.”

  Savannah followed along, but she wasn’t sure this was a good idea.

  “Should we tell Mike?” she whispered to Brooke.

  “Just hang tight.”

  When they reached the front door of the tearoom, Savannah closed her eyes and prayed she wouldn’t retch right here on the doorstep. “I can’t do this.”

  They shuffled her inside under protest.

  “Oh, Savannah. I heard what happened.” Daphne pulled her into her arms and rocked her. “Honey, we all do something we regret in our lifetime, especially when it comes to love.”

  “I’m one big fat walking mess,” Savannah said. “I hurt everyone I love.”

  “That is not true.” She pulled a paper towel from a roll sitting on a table. “Here, dry those tears. We’re fixing this. That pigheaded son of mine can’t get out of his own way sometimes when it comes to affairs of the heart.”

  “I already went and talked to him this morning, Daphne. He doesn’t want to forgive me.”

  “Like heck he doesn’t. I know my boy, and I saw you two together. I knew the minute I met you that you were going to be a permanent fixture in Adams Grove. I’ll steer him in the right direction.”

  “I don’t think he wants to be steered.”

  Daphne laughed. “Not a man on God’s green earth does, dear; the trick is doing it so they have no idea.” She gave her a theatrical wink. “I’ve got lots of years of experience doing that. Stick with me.”

  A sick feeling twisted in Savannah’s gut.

  “We don’t have much time.” Daphne looked to Mike. “Okay, you know what to do.”

  Mike nodded and left.

  Brooke took Savannah by the hand. “Come on. You and I are going to wait back here until Daphne gives us the signal.”

  Scott had just slugged back the last of a tall glass of iced tea and pushed his plate away when Mike walked into Jacob’s Diner.

  “Hey, Mike,” Scott said.

  “There you are. I’ve been trying to track you down.”

  “What’s up?”

  “I had no idea your mom was buying the old building up on Main Street.”

  “She’s not.”

  “That’s not what Brooke said. I was just walking down the street and your mom was up on a ladder in there. I went in to see what the heck she was up to, and she said she’s opening a tearoom.”

  “She hasn’t mentioned a word about it to me. Which is fine, but why the heck was she up on a ladder?”

  Mike lifted his shoulders. “My darn dad is the same way. Always getting into one thing or another. They think they’re still forty or something.”

  Scott stood and pulled a fold of money from his front pocket. He peeled off the bills and tossed them on the table. “I guess I better get down there and see what’s going on.”

  “Yeah. I figured you’d want to know.”

  “Thanks, man. I appreciate that.”

  Mike followed him outside. “Hey, Scott. I’m really sorry about that stuff with Savannah. She’s a nice lady. I’m sure it’ll work out.”

  Scott just shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, man.” The last thing he intended to do w
as have any more conversations about Savannah with anyone.

  He marched down the block to the old building, and sure enough, there was his mother up in the display window with newspaper and some Windex.

  Staring at her from outside the window, he gave her a what-the-heck-are-you-doing look.

  She waved and smiled. “Hey, son!”

  He went inside and she scurried down the ladder.

  He rushed to her side and spotted her to the ground. “You’re gonna break your fool neck climbing that thing.”

  “Oh, stop. I’m just fine.”

  “Mom, you can’t do this stuff by yourself. What is this about you buying this place?”

  “I know. I was going to tell you the other night at the dance, but then you and Savannah left in a hurry.” She nudged him with her elbow. “I love that girl.”

  So do I, he thought, but that’s not going to happen.

  “I’m opening my tearoom. I’m finally going to do it. I’m calling it Timeless Tea.”

  As pissed as he was that she’d gone and done something like this without even a mention to him, he was excited for her. She’d had that dream as many years as he could remember back. It wouldn’t be a bad thing to get those kazillion teapots out of the dining room either.

  “That’s a perfect name.” He nodded. “I like it.”

  “Savannah came up with it. She said she’s going to help me some.”

  Just the mention of her name made him feel like he was being wrapped in a cocoon of anguish. “Mom, maybe you shouldn’t count on her help.”

  “Why not? She’s amazing. I knew you two would hit it off.” Joy bubbled in her laugh and shone in her eyes. How could he tell her the truth?

  He stood there, but his mouth wouldn’t move.

  “What is it?” she asked. “I know you like her. I saw the way you looked at her the other night. Am I wrong?”

  Scott shook his head. “Mom. Don’t push.”

  “Are you saying you don’t like her?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  Daphne dropped the bottle of cleaner, and it splashed across the floor when it hit the ground. She backed up against the ladder, knocking it over, too. “Oh, my goodness. I can’t believe I just knocked that over,” Daphne said, rushing forward to clean it up.

  Scott picked up the ladder and righted it. “That’s exactly why you don’t need to be in here alone.”

  “I’m not alone,” Daphne said. “Brooke is here somewhere. Brooke?”

  “Look who I found,” Brooke said.

  Scott turned around and saw Savannah standing next to Brooke.

  “Hi, dear. How lovely to see you.” Daphne hugged Savannah and then grabbed Brooke by the arm. “Brooke, come look at this outside. I think I might need to get you to help me with it.”

  They practically ran outside and Savannah stood there, not five feet away from Scott.

  He turned and looked behind him. His mother and Brooke stood right in front of the door, talking but intently watching.

  “It wasn’t my idea,” Savannah said. Her voice sounded tired.

  His teeth clenched. Why did his mom insist on butting in? She had no idea what was going on here. He found it hard to even speak to Savannah. “My mom will stop at about nothing when she thinks she’s right.”

  “I think she’s right too.” Savannah nervously moistened her lips. “I want her to be right so badly.” Her faint smile held a hint of sadness.

  “Are you buying the paper?”

  Savannah lowered her eyes. She looked so fragile today, so unlike the strong, feisty girl he’d been spending time with. “Scott, I love this town, the people. But mostly it’s you that makes me want to be here. I love you.”

  “Don’t . . .” He looked away.

  “I can’t not love you. It’s too late.”

  He shook his head.

  “I don’t blame you if you can’t forgive me. I’m so sorry I made such a mess of things. It just all happened so fast. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  He steadied his breath and turned back to look her in the eye. “What will you do?”

  “Does it even matter?” She stared at him, hoping, wishing that he’d take her in his arms and tell her it would be okay, but he didn’t move. “I quit my job. My apartment was tied to my job. If I go back, I guess I’ll have to sign a new lease.” She looked at him, held his gaze for a long moment.

  He stared at her. It was hard to separate the emotions he was feeling. He was mad as hell, hurt, and sad. He loved her too, but they were polar opposites in so many ways.

  “I guess I should leave.” She lifted her chin. “I have a lease to renew.”

  He nodded. “I guess you should.”

  She stepped past him. He could just barely hear her say good-bye as she passed by.

  That good-bye felt like a bullet.

  He heard the door close, but he couldn’t move. Standing in that spot, he felt so much and absolutely nothing at all.

  “Don’t be a fool, Scott Calvin.”

  His mother’s voice rang like the echo of that bullet ricocheting around the room.

  She stepped forward with her hands on her hips. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s you. Don’t let your pigheaded pride keep you from what you really want. Trust me, pride will get you absolutely nowhere when it comes to love.”

  He didn’t respond. How could he?

  “What else can I even say? Figure this out, son.” She slammed the door behind her and he stood there by himself in the dark, empty building.

  Daphne ran out into the street. “Please don’t leave, Savannah. He’ll come around. I know he will.”

  Savannah stopped and turned. Scott’s back was to the door. “Thanks for trying.”

  Brooke ran over to Savannah’s side. “I’m so sorry. I thought he’d come around.”

  “He will. You’ll see.” Daphne scrubbed her hands across her eyes. “It’s so infuriating. It will work out. You’ll be here working on the paper. He’ll have to get used to the idea. Please don’t leave,” she pleaded.

  “I think I better tell Jack that I can’t buy the paper.” Savannah stopped and turned to Daphne. “I really made a mess of things, but I want you to know that my friendship with you was sincere. Every moment of it. I’d like to at least call and check in on you.”

  “I hope you will.”

  “I will. I can promise you that, Daphne.”

  Brook and Daphne didn’t say another word as they walked to Savannah’s car.

  Savannah reached for Brooke’s hand. “Please tell Scott everything. Hand it all over to him. Don’t waste another moment.”

  Brooke nodded.

  When she got in her car, Savannah knew she should go see Jack, but she just couldn’t bear to talk about it right now. She’d left his CDs in Happy Balance too. She’d have to get that worked out. Another day, though. It would have to be another day.

  She got on the interstate and headed north. She headed back to the only place she belonged right now, and really she didn’t even belong there anymore.

  The traffic was horrendous, but she didn’t even care. She felt numb to the world and everything around her. She’d already quit her job, and she really didn’t regret it. She’d figure something else out.

  The whole ride back to northern Virginia, that look on Scott’s face haunted her. He was so hurt. So disappointed. Why hadn’t she told him when she had the chance? She knew better than to lie.

  It would have been hard to tell him. He would have been mad, but to keep hiding it . . . it was wrong, and she couldn’t blame him for not forgiving her.

  Evelyn’s ringtone sounded from her purse.

  She dug her phone out and stuck it on speaker since she was still navigating the traffic.

  “How did it go?” Evelyn asked.

 
“It didn’t.”

  “He’ll come around.”

  “He won’t, but that’s okay. Not everything we want or wish for is meant to be.”

  “You’ve softened, Van. It’s a good thing. You deserve change and a new chance. You’re going to see that it will all work out for you.”

  “I think I want to un-quit.”

  “I fired you, remember?”

  “Only because I quit.”

  “Well, I’m not letting you come back. You need to open up yourself to this change. It’s time, honey.”

  “He doesn’t want me.”

  “Okay, well if it’s not him, it’s someone or something. Take some time. You’re going to find a new path.”

  “I’ve held on to some things for a long time. I made mistakes.”

  Evelyn’s laugh filled the car. “My goodness, I think you’re growing up.”

  “You’re not mad that I’m leaving?”

  “I’m disappointed. Of course. You’re making me money hand over fist, but Van . . . my sweet Savannah, you are my friend. When you came to me green as a tree frog, you had the most desperate look in those beautiful eyes. It nearly broke my heart. I’ve watched you grow into a confident woman. You’re smart. You’re good-hearted. It’s time for a change. You’re ready. I know that you are.”

  “You’ve been so wonderful. How will I ever thank you?”

  “Just because your life is changing a little does not mean we won’t always be friends. You just keep me in the loop. And you keep doing a few articles freelance for me. Never burn a bridge . . . especially one that can help pay the bills.”

  “I definitely learned that from you a long time ago.”

  “You love him. He’ll come around.”

  “Scott? That’s not going to happen. Forget about that.”

  “Easy to say. You won’t.”

  “I’ll have to.”

  “No. Just give him a little time, but not too much. The more time you let go by, the more he gets used to the idea that you’re gone. If you want my advice, I say get your fanny down there to Adams Grove and stay there until he gives in.”

  “I’ll think about it, but I’m beat. For now, I’m just going to go to my apartment and try to get used to the idea of a new life. Until the lease runs out.”