by JoAnn Durgin
“Yes, it’s very cute. Randy’s a nice man, but contrary to what the fire captain says, we’re not dating. Neither do I plan on starting anything with him.” Sarah frowned. “Why give him false hope? I want to help people, but I need to leave Rockbridge in order to do that. Becoming a nurse isn’t a ‘bother’ in any sense of the word. Medical training will give me the opportunity to change lives for the better. I can’t imagine anything that would be more fulfilling than that.”
Debbie’s expression softened. “You’d also lose patients, honey. Could you accept that? Being a nurse takes a certain backbone. You’re strong, Sarah, but beneath it all, you have one of the kindest, most tender hearts I’ve ever known. Death is a part of life we can’t escape, no matter how much we might want to. I’m not sure you could withstand losing patients over and over again, and I hate the thought of you getting hurt.”
Sarah swallowed the lump stuck in her throat. “I know, and I appreciate your concern for me. But I have to try, Deb. Don’t you see? I don’t want to be one of those people who, later in life, regrets what could have been and sits around bemoaning lost opportunities.”
Debbie grabbed her hand, giving it a brief, warm squeeze. “That’s the difference between you and the other girls in this town. You’re thinking beyond Rockbridge. You have goals. If anyone can make it happen, it’s you. Speaking for myself, my goal is to marry Arnie and have babies with him. He’s my dream.”
Relieved for the turn in conversation, Sarah smiled. “I know, and I’m sure you will. I’d better go make your milkshake before your break is over or else Myrna gets after me for dawdling.”
“Thanks sweetie. Better make it with two small scoops this time.” She patted her stomach. “I gained a few pounds last month.”
After plopping the scoops of vanilla ice cream into the blender, Sarah went through the automatic motions of adding chocolate syrup, cocoa and milk before replacing the lid. As she absently listened to the loud whirring of the blender, she pondered how different her goals were from Debbie’s. Her friend came into Perry’s every single weekday afternoon on her break from the beauty shop. Although she frequently experimented with different hairstyles, she’d worn the same perfume the past four years. Debbie always ordered a chocolate shake, usually with three scoops of ice cream. She’d dated Arnold Franklin exclusively for five years. When Arnie eventually proposed, they’d marry and start a family. Safe. Familiar. Predictable.
Stopping the blender, Sarah removed the lid and then poured the thick shake into a tall parfait glass. Grabbing the can of whipped cream, she swirled it over the shake and then spooned chocolate shavings on top. She tried not to breathe in the tempting aroma of the rich chocolate. Every time her friend complained about her weight, Sarah turned a deaf ear. If she didn’t have height on her side, she’d be sunk. With her height and the larger bone structure of her dad’s side of the family, she’d never be considered dainty, and she’d worked hard to lose the extra twenty pounds she’d gained in the past couple of years. Another reason to miss playing softball, but swimming laps at Thornton’s Creek helped her stay slender.
“Here you go.” Sarah placed the milkshake on the counter. Debbie was working a crossword puzzle, but she smiled and thanked her.
As she delivered more lunch platters and took orders, Sarah’s thoughts strayed to Sam again, wondering how he could have known she’d written that poem. She hadn’t considered it very good, but maybe it hadn’t been so silly after all. Who knew it’d actually reach him all the way across the globe? Then to think he’d read it and, based on his comment, taken it to heart—even received a blessing from it? Without knowing it, Sam had given her encouragement and a return blessing.
You always have these things under your control, don’t you, Lord?
“I’m leaving my money on the counter, sweetie.” Grabbing her purse and crossword puzzle book, Debbie gave her a quick wave and headed to the door. “See you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Deb. Have a great day.”
The relative quiet of the diner was dispelled a few minutes later when the front door swung open, sending that bell jingling. Captain Lewis had finally arrived with his boisterous entourage to the tune of Elvis Presley crooning “Can’t Help Falling in Love” from the jukebox.
Somehow, that seemed very fitting.
Chapter 5
~~♥~~
Sarah couldn’t keep count of the people streaming in through the door behind Sam. Everyone seemed to be chattering at the same time, increasing the level of noise and filling the diner with excitement. Talking with Charlie, Sam removed his Stetson and led the group as he slid into the big corner booth. As many people as possible, both men and women, squeezed in with him. A couple of guys pulled up chairs, crowding the already narrow space between tables. If it were anyone but Sam, taskmaster Myrna would hustle out of the kitchen and demand they not block the aisles.
“Scoot on over there and get their orders,” Myrna said from behind her. “Be sure and suggest the sandwich platters with fries. And malts or shakes. Whatever Sam wants is on the house.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Pulling her menu pad from the pocket of her apron, Sarah approached the table with a smile. Tess sat next to Sam and the way she fawned over him was shameless. If one more person joined the party, she’d practically be on his lap. Sarah hoped Sam would have more propriety than to allow such a thing from happening. When it came to her sister, she’d seen several guys act the part of a fool. She wouldn’t put it past Tess to toy with the affections of a returning serviceman.
The next few minutes passed quickly as Sarah explained the day’s specials to various members of the group. Instead of listening to her, the girls hung on Sam’s every word and then had to ask her to repeat the rundown again.
“Stop staring at Sam and write down my order.”
Sarah’s cheeks flared with warmth at Kathy Parker’s barked command. “I’m sorry,” she said, trying not to show how the other girl’s harsh comment flustered her. She hoped her nerves didn’t betray her as she poised the order pad in her hand. “What would you like?”
“I imagine Sarah’s thinking about how she’d like to scrub the lipstick off my cheek,” Sam said. “I’m sure I look like a clown.” When he gave her a slight nod, Sarah shot him a grateful glance.
“More like Sarah wants to add her own lip print to your cheek, Sam. Pity, though. She doesn’t wear lipstick. Never does.” Kathy tossed her a dismissive glance. “Once a tomboy, always a tomboy.” Her blue eyes fixated on her. “Right, Sarah?”
Sarah steeled herself not to lash back in anger. Her father always advised her to smile and wish an antagonist a “great day.” Even on the softball field after a game, the hallmark of good sportsmanship was to shake the hand of the opponent, win or lose.
Sorry, Dad. Lord help me, but I can’t bypass this opportunity.
“That might be so, Miss Parker, but I’d prefer going swimming or fishing down at Thornton’s Creek any day than shopping for a ridiculously expensive party dress I’ll wear once and then throw away.”
Kathy stared at her, aghast, and Tess barely disguised her shock. Sam leaned close to hear whatever Charlie whispered, but they both appeared amused. Sarah didn’t want to know what might be said about her after that most unbecoming outburst, and her cheeks burned with shame.
What am I doing? Sarah wished she could sink into the floor. So what if everyone in town knew Kathy was spoiled and bought an expensive new dress for every occasion? More than one of her fancy frocks had been found in the trash bin behind Tucker’s General Store the next day. Couldn’t the girl or her family donate them to the Salvation Army or some other deserving charity? Still, in spite of Kathy’s rude remarks, she was her customer. She’d paste on a smile and give her the best service possible if it killed her.
Catching Myrna’s stern glance from across the diner, Sarah inhaled a quick breath. “I’m sorry. That comment was inexcusable, and I hope you’ll accept my apology. Now, if I can please get the rest
of your orders, we’ll start preparing everything.”
Never one to back down, Kathy gave her a tight-lipped smile. “Be a good little girl and bring me a strawberry shake. Lots of whipped cream and a cherry on top. Plumpest one you can find.”
“I’ll do my best.” At least Sarah could still speak through gritted teeth. The one good thing to result from her lack of civility was that everyone at the table was now quiet and focused. In a matter of another two minutes, she’d taken the rest of their orders. Aware that Captain Lewis studied her with curiosity, she avoided him.
“What was that all about?” Jimmy said as Sarah fled into the kitchen. “I could feel the shock waves all the way in here.” The aroma of burgers and onions on the grill greeted her, normally something she liked and found oddly comforting. Now, with everything combined, she didn’t feel so good.
Draping one arm across her middle, Sarah groaned and leaned against the sink. “I think I might be sick. Kathy Parker said something I didn’t like, but my pitiful attempt to kill her with kindness didn’t exactly work. Failed miserably, in fact. Oh, Jimmy, my big mouth gets me in such trouble sometimes.”
“Take a couple of deep breaths and you’ll be fine. You don’t have a big mouth, but you’re honest and forthright. From where I’m standin’, that’s a real good thing. I don’t know what she said, but that girl’s jealous of you. Gettin’ in her digs makes her feel better about herself. Don’t you pay her any mind.”
Sarah lifted her head. “Jealous of me? How do you figure that?” Doing as Jimmy suggested, she breathed in and out a few times before moving over to the steel table in the middle of the kitchen. She spread out the menu tickets, quickly separating them. She’d worked at Perry’s so long, she could go through the motions in her sleep. Keeping busy now was the best thing.
“You got better grades all through school, for starters. That’s one thing her daddy’s money couldn’t buy. Not to mention you could swing that softball bat like nobody’s business.”
“Yes, but Kathy’s attending college while I’m still here.” Sarah caught herself before she used the word stuck. Like most of the citizens in Rockbridge, Jimmy was a native and probably never considered leaving. Been married forever and raised four children, all of whom still lived in town with their families. In one way or another, half the townspeople were related to one another.
“All in good time.” Jimmy’s dark eyes were kind. “I’ve always said you’re gonna do great things, Jelly Bean. You wait and see.”
“Thanks for the vote of support, Jimmy.” She kissed his cheek. The man was like a favorite uncle who’d slip her a bag of cherry jelly beans—her all-time favorite—when Dad brought her into Perry’s most Saturdays for lunch. “I’ll go make the milkshakes, get the coffee, and slice the pie if you can start on the rest.”
“Sure thing, boss.” After giving her a salute with his spatula, Jimmy tossed more beef patties onto the grill.
Her stomach and spirits soothed, Sarah lifted her chin and pushed open the swinging door leading to the dining room. Passing her on the way, Myrna nudged Sarah’s shoulder, her customary gesture of reassurance. “Don’t let that blonde bomber bother you none, honey. She’s a bigger fan of herself than anyone else out there is.” With the encouragement from Jimmy and now Myrna, their support went a long way toward assuaging her frazzled nerves. These people were part of her, like family.
Three minutes later, in the middle of mixing more milkshakes, Sarah turned off the blender.
“Very impressive.”
No mistaking that deep voice.
Her heart racing, Sarah slowly turned around to face Sam. He’d hung up his uniform coat, removed his tie, and the top button of his starched white dress shirt was unfastened. If that wasn’t distracting enough, his sleeves were rolled to reveal tanned, muscular forearms. She couldn’t ignore how Sam’s broad, straight shoulders tapered to his trim waist. He’d always been athletic, but now his physique was more filled-out and masculine. Military men certainly knew how to impress a girl by virtue of being so precise and neat. Among other things.
She grinned. “I’m sure even an esteemed Air Force pilot can learn to make a milkshake in one or two easy lessons.”
“Another day, perhaps. I’m referring to the way you stood up to Kathy. Not that you didn’t stand up for yourself when you were a kid.” Sam crossed his arms on the counter and surveyed her. “You’ve grown up, Sarah.”
Clearing her throat, she returned to her task. “Well, I’m not sure insulting the daughter of one of the town’s most prominent citizens is worthy of praise or in any way advisable, but thank you. I think.” She darted another quick glance at him before returning to her task. “You, of all people, should understand that tact can sometimes be a stumbling block for me.”
“It’s not an insult if it’s true. You made your point convincingly.”
She poured the strawberry shake for Kathy into a glass and began to add the whipped cream. “That might be so, but I was unbelievably rude and should have held my tongue. I don’t intentionally set out to cause trouble, you know. Thoughts roll from my mind and come tumbling out of my mouth apparently without any forethought or sensitivity.”
Sam chuckled. “I wouldn’t call you trouble. You’ve always been spirited and, as such, you sometimes find yourself in situations, for lack of a better word.”
Enough about her shortcomings. Time to change the subject. “So, you’ve got the entire town abuzz today. Your parents must be very proud of you. Rightly so.”
He waved his hand. “Today being the key word. Tomorrow morning, I’ll be yesterday’s news and nothing more than the new guy behind a desk at Rockbridge Savings & Loan.”
Was he serious? “You’ll never just be that guy, Sam.” She nodded to the table behind him. “Your entourage is waiting. Don’t let me keep you.”
“I needed to escape for a few minutes. Find some sanity. Catch up with an old friend. All of the above.” Sam nodded to the counter behind her, his gaze moving down to the lower shelf. “Is the book yours?”
“Yes, in a manner of speaking. I’ve borrowed it so many times from the library that it might as well be mine.” With a glance to make sure Myrna was busy elsewhere in the diner, Sarah pulled it out and held up the copy of To Kill A Mockingbird.
“You always did spend a lot of time in the library. I’ve heard this book’s excellent. May I see it?”
She held onto it for a few seconds and they enjoyed a playful tug-of-war. The same as they’d done years ago, something she’d nearly forgotten.
“I did say please.” He used to say that, too. Sam’s familiar, teasing smile lines surfaced, doing strange things to her stomach as he tugged harder on the book. Something pinched her insides at the same time but not in a bad way. Sarah allowed the book to slip from her fingers. At least Sam would actually read To Kill A Mockingbird. Most people in Rockbridge would be more concerned about the price of milk at Johnson’s Market or the weather forecast than reading a powerful story of racism and the good and evil warring within the souls of men.
He eyed the cover. “This book won the Pulitzer, right?”
“Last year. For a first-time author, that’s quite an accomplishment.”
“I need to catch up on my reading,” he said. “I’ll see if I can get a copy and we can compare notes.” Sam ran his finger over the author’s name. “Harper Lee.”
“Sounds like a man’s name, but it’s a woman.” Sarah leaned her elbows on the counter. “The book’s fabulous, and very thought-provoking. There’s going to be a movie, too, and it’s supposed to be out by the end of this year. I only hope it does justice to the novel.”
He thumbed through the book for a few seconds before handing it back to her.
Dropping a pitiful looking cherry on top of the shake, Sarah plucked it out with a frown and then tossed it in the trash can.
“Nice shot. You play ball?” That comment brought back full-force the first time they’d met almost eleven years ago.
“Thanks. Not so much anymore.” She stabbed a straw down into the shake.
“Why not?”
Sarah met Sam’s gaze head-on. “Because I’ve grown up.” Selecting the fattest, juiciest cherry she could find in the jar, she plopped it on top of the strawberry shake. “If you want to make yourself useful, would you kindly deliver this strawberry confection to Miss Parker? I’d be most obliged. Maybe it’ll help smooth things over if the resident hero brings it to her.”
“Will do. I hope I’ll see you again soon.” Taking the spoon she handed to him, Sam gave her a wink and headed back to his table. Oh, my. He used to wink at her a lot, too, but it was different now. Or maybe she was imagining things.
You’ve grown up, too, Mr. Lewis.
Chapter 6
♥
Two Nights Later
Cleaning the tables at Perry’s Diner shortly before closing time, Sarah’s thoughts strayed to that long ago, humid August day when she’d first met Sam. Side by side with Tess, she’d marched down their street to the Lewis house, a modest but well-maintained, one-story ranch. She’d carried a homemade pie while Tess prattled on endlessly about her expectations for the new boy in town.
After ringing the doorbell, they waited on the front steps. The oven mitts were almost threadbare and the heat from the dish started to sting Sarah’s hands. “Please open the door sooner than later,” she muttered, tempted to put the pie on the ground.
As if on command, the front door swung open and Sarah raised her chin to meet the eyes of a very tall teenage boy with the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. Her favorite color of blue, reminding her of a robin’s egg. Wearing a San Antonio Missions T-shirt and shorts, he sported a mop of longish, dark curls.
“Wow,” Tess murmured under her breath.
Whatever. At least he didn’t have hideous acne and seemed cleaner than most boys. Uppermost in Sarah’s mind was getting back home to her puppy. “Hi. Welcome to the neighborhood.” Shifting the pie in her arms, Sarah stuck out one hand. “I’m Sarah Jordan and this is my old—older sister, Teresa. We live four doors down. Can I please put this pie down somewhere?”