by T. I. Lowe
“What in the world?” she asked, walking over to it.
Crowley followed behind her and let out a small chuckle. “Now that right there makes me miss my momma something awful.” He opened the glass doors and pulled two dinner plates out. The china cabinet housed twenty fine china place settings—each piece in a pattern of its own. The plate in Crowley’s right hand was white with a red and gold ring around the edge. The plate in his left hand was blue willow. Leah took them out of his hand delicately and studied the patterns.
“Momma and Lulu spent an entire day in a china shop selecting each mismatched piece. Momma knew she was blessed to live well financially, but she said she be darned if she would put up with the pretenses of it.” Crowley chuckled lightly again.
Leah looked over all of the various patterns that seemed so whimsical. “Your mom sounded like my kind of woman.”
Crowley gathered some flatware from the silverware drawer and handed it over to Leah. He then pulled two salad plates out, one with a bumblebee in the center with a Kelly green border, and the other a lively magnolia flower pattern. He led Leah back to the kitchen and laid out the place settings on the island countertop.
After a hearty supper, Leah helped Crowley with the dishes. As they stood at the sink, Leah noticed how quiet he had become. She nudged him with her hip. “What’s on your mind?” she asked as she handed him a soapy plate.
He shrugged and looked towards her. “This was the first meal eaten in this house since my parents died.”
“No. Really?” Leah shook her head in disbelief.
Crowley nodded.
Leah roughly did the math. “So this house has just been sitting out here for over ten years, all alone?” She pulled the plug in the sink and dried her hands on a kitchen towel that Crowley handed to her.
He focused on drying his own hands. “Lulu kept on about throwing a house dedication party, but finally agreed to hold it in the gardens. It was the spring after my parents’ passing, and it seemed too personal…too intimate to have the entire world invited in.”
Leah wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. “Thank you for inviting me in,” she said with her head against his chest.
He lightly rubbed her back. “You think you could do the same?”
Leah looked up at him. “Same what?”
Crowley’s hypnotic eyes bored into hers. “Invite me in, Leah,” he whispered.
“I want to, but when I try the words get stuck….” She looked away.
“If this is going to work,” he gently squeezed her a bit closer into his embrace, “then you are going to have to. Sharing all of this with you ain’t easy for me either.”
“You may not feel the same way about me once you get to really know me.” She knew their relationship would surely be over once he found out she was a murderer.
“It’s a bridge we are going to have to cross shortly,” he warned her. He released her but gathered her hand in his. “You ready to go?” he asked at they headed to the front door.
No, I’m not. “Sure,” she said instead, quietly.
Once outside, Leah headed to the driver’s side of the tricked-out Gator, but Crowley beat her there. “I want to drive.” She grinned as she pretended to whine.
“Not this time, Lee,” Crowley smirked as he slid his hat on backwards and took on the air of pure mischievousness. “Buckle up. I’m going to show you how to really drive this thing.”
As Leah snapped the seat belt into place, Crowley cranked the engine, dropped it into gear, and shot off towards a patch of woods beside the plantation. He made quick work of the gears and sent the Gator barreling down a bumpy path at lightning speed, making Leah grab ahold of the arms rails to steady herself.
Crowley reached a clearing and in precision, he took a sharp right and slammed on the brakes, causing the Gator to fishtail back into the direction they had just come from. With the dust engulfing them, he dropped it back into gear and shot back off again, causing Leah to whoop and holler in true country girl fashion.
In that thrilling moment, she resolved that she must have been born with dirt road roots twining through her veins. Leah had never felt so alive until stepping foot on the southern soil of Rivertown, South Carolina.
Chapter Twenty-One
The spring moved in a rush towards summer with Leah taking on more café responsibilities and Lulu actually letting her. The two ladies enjoyed each other’s company so much that they spent most Sundays after church attending flea markets and farmers’ markets.
Leah continued her solitary jogs and her coffeehouse visits with Ana. Leah even helped organize campouts for the town’s youth. Crowley camped out with the boys at the river cabin one weekend, complete with a day of fishing and supper by a bonfire. The next weekend, Leah and Ana chaperoned the girls at the pool house, which was more like a slumber party with manicures, dancing, and swimming. She liked the idea of bringing life around to keep the lonely plantation company.
May arrived with Leah and Crowley’s friendship on constant pause. He seemed to be waiting for her to open up to him before moving any further in their relationship. Leah couldn’t blame him. She was nearly content with them just staying friends as long as she got to keep him.
After the breakfast crowd dissipated one morning, Crowley strolled in wearing his lawyers best—a tailored grey suit, white dress shirt, and a blue and grey–striped necktie. Leah looked up and smiled at the handsome man grinning back at her. She checked to make sure he was wearing his black dress shoes, and he was. She thought he was absolutely beautiful, inside and out.
“Wearing your hero uniform, I see,” she said.
“Yes ma’am. I’m also taking your Jeep,” he said as he grabbed his own cup of coffee while Leah made him a breakfast wrap. “I’m going to get it serviced after I get out of court.”
“Okay. Thanks. There’s some money in the glove box to cover it,” Leah said.
“Then tomorrow, you and I are going to have our date at the DMV.” Crowley sipped his coffee. “One sandwich will be enough for today,” he whispered, making Leah laugh.
“I know where you are going. Tell Nate I said hey.”
“You want me to smuggle you something back?” he asked.
“No thanks.” She assembled the egg whites and crumbled turkey sausage onto the whole wheat tortilla, lightly sprinkled it with cheese, and wrapped it up neatly.
“One donut won’t hurt you,” he said.
“Hush before Lulu hears you. One won’t, but I’m like an alcoholic with a cocktail. One is never enough.” She placed the sandwich in a bag and handed it over. “So…anything interesting on the court docket?”
“Freeing Jessup Barns,” Crowley said as he gave her a ten-dollar bill and held up his bag. “Thank you, ma’am.” He headed out the back door.
Leah followed behind him as she yelled out to Lulu, who was in the walk-in pantry, “I’ll be right back, Lulu.”
Crowley fished the key from under the floor mat and climbed in the driver’s seat. He reached to adjust the seat farther back. As he did, Leah scooted on the edge of his lap and looked at him. He placed his hands on her hips and waited for the question he knew was coming. He loved how comfortable she was becoming with him.
She straightened his necktie. “Why on earth would you want to help that drunk get out of prison?” Jessup had been locked up for a couple of months, and, in Leah’s opinion, that is where he should stay.
Crowley rubbed his thumbs in circles on her hips. “Jessup hasn’t always struggled with alcoholism. He used to be a straight-up guy who was a true asset to this town. That man could figure out how to fix anything.” He waited for Leah to look up at him before he continued. “At least, until a car crash claimed the lives of his sweet wife and young son. His world crashed down and died along with his family that day, leaving him all alone and devastated. He turned to the bottle to cope. I’m not supporting that choice, but I can sympathize.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Leah wh
ispered.
“Jessup’s story ain’t mine to tell.” Crowley tucked a curl that had escaped Leah’s ponytail behind her ear.
“I hope you don’t use ain’t in the courtroom.” She grinned as she tried to tickle his side, but he was too fast. He grabbed up her hands and tickled her.
“That’s proper language in these here parts. Ain’t no judge gonna hold it against this here country boy.”
Leah placed a light kiss on Crowley’s cheek and climbed out of his lap. As she neared the back door, she turned before he closed the Jeep door. “Crowley Mason, you are one fine lawyer.”
“You mean my good looks or my mad lawyer skills?” he asked with a chuckle.
“Both. Always both.” Leah waved and headed back in the café.
She found Lulu stirring a pot of strawberry preserves on the stove. It was her first batch of the season. She had shown Leah the recipe yesterday and told her by the end of strawberry season, Leah would have it memorized. The little lady made enough to last the entire year.
Leah leaned against the counter beside Lulu and fiddled with her apron ruffle. “I’m such a hypocrite.” She was right disgusted with herself at being so judgmental about Jessup.
“Ain’t we all,” Lulu said as she turned the stove burner off. “It’s ready.” She stepped out of the way so Leah could move the molten liquid over to the large kitchen work table.
“I’m no better than Jessup Barns. Here he is coping with a bottle of liquor as I point my finger at him in judgment, while I cram large amounts of junk food in my mouth to cope.” Leah shook her head.
“It’s easy to point out someone else’s sin sometimes. But…hey…” Lulu patted Leah’s hand to get her attention. “I think both of you are on the wagon at the present.” She smiled.
Leah smiled slightly back at her. “I’ll bake him a cake when Crowley gets him home.”
“Crowley is asking the judge to place Jessup in a rehabilitation facility before allowing him to go home. So it may be a while.” Lulu handed Leah a small ladle and took one herself so they could begin filling jars with the preserves.
“I just feel so bad for him…” Leah filled another jar with the vibrant red jam.
“Jessup doesn’t need pity. He needs support, yes, but not pity. Maybe you can go up on a visitation day and share with him how you struggle with your grief. Maybe the two of you can help one another move on from what you’ve endured,” Lulu said.
“Yes ma’am.”
****
On her way home from her daily jog on a humid May afternoon, Leah stopped short at her Jeep Wagoneer. Strapped onto the roof were two surf boards and placed on the back window was a surf logo sticker. The gift made Leah laugh. Crowley had driven her to the DMV a few days back, where she finally got her license renewed and registered her Jeep. He kept teasing her about enjoying their date to the DMV.
Her eyes caught the card tucked under the windshield wiper. She pulled it out and read it.
Does a day at the beach count as a real date?
I sure hope so. I’ll pick you up at nine in the morning.
P.S. I’ve already okay’d it with the boss. Just sleep in and be ready to do some surfing.
~Crowley
Leah, excited for a new adventure, hopped into her Jeep and headed about five miles down the road to a surf shop, where she purchased a pair of board shorts and a rash guard top. She returned to the café to do some extra prep work to ease her conscience about taking the following day off. She precooked the chicken soup minus the whole wheat noodles, which would be added tomorrow. She also made up a few batches of her now-famous oatmeal bars and six dozen brownie bites so that Lulu wouldn’t have to do any extra baking for lunch.
At five the next morning, Leah sat at her small dining table, unable to sleep in, smelling the aromas of freshly baked muffins and coffee escaping up from the café. The routine of the café was second nature to her now, and it was all she could do to not go help out. She resisted the urge and instead caught up on some laundry and housework.
Around eight, Lulu opened the door without a knock—it was her way, and Leah found it comforting. The petite lady carried an oversized wicker picnic basket and a grin on her face. Lulu absolutely loved witnessing the relationship of her two favorite people blossom right before her.
“I’m sorry for skipping out on you this morning.” Leah looked remorseful, making Lulu laugh.
“Child, you deserve some time off every now and then too,” Lulu said, placing the basket on the table. “Besides, you did so much prep yesterday that I had time to make you and Crowley lunch.”
“That was sweet of you. Thank you,” Leah said as she bent slightly to give Lulu a hug.
“Have yourself a big time today,” Lulu said as she left.
By ten, Leah and Crowley were on the beach setting up. Crowley spread a large blanket out, and Leah placed her bag and picnic basket on top. He pulled off his T-shirt and tossed it on top of the blanket as he watched Leah pull her oversized T-shirt off to reveal her board shorts and rash guard shirt.
“Are you kidding me, Lee?” He stood with his hands on his hips. “I got all excited yesterday when you came rushing home with a surf bag. I thought finally you were going to show off some of that lovely body to me.” He winked.
“Dream on, Crow.” Leah grinned as she secretly admired his swim trunks, slung low on his lean hips.
They spent the better part of the day playing in the water. Leah got up on the surfboard successfully a few times before wiping out. Crowley seemed at home on his board and easily rode wave after wave. Famished, they returned to their picnic and devoured sandwiches, fresh vegetables, and homemade cookies. After the late lunch, the pair stretched out on the blanket to sunbathe.
Crowley reached over to tug at the bottom hem of Leah’s board shorts. “You know you could have sent me off with a less covered-up picture,” he said over the roar of the ocean.
“What are you talking about?” Leah asked as she lazily batted his hand away from her thigh.
“I’ve got to leave for a law conference in Atlanta tomorrow. Then I have to go straight to Columbia afterwards to help Matt and his firm out with a high-profile case,” Crowley said as his eyes drifted shut.
Leah’s eyes opened wide. “How long are you going to be gone?” She worried she sounded desperate.
“I shouldn’t be gone for more than two, maybe three weeks at the most. It depends on how the trial progresses.”
They lay quietly for a long period as Crowley dozed. Leah felt uneasy about his abrupt departure tomorrow.
“Why didn’t you tell me before now?”
Crowley opened his sleepy eyes and rolled to his side to face her. “Sweetheart, you don’t tell me anything about yourself, but you are actually hurt when I don’t. How’s that make any sense?” He caressed her cheek, but she pulled away.
“I’m sorry. It’s none of my business…” She was disgusted with herself for him being so right about her.
“I told you, didn’t I? I only just agreed to it all this week.” He watched her as he ran his hand through her damp hair.
“Why did you decide to go?” She rolled onto her back and placed her left hand over her eyes.
Crowley pulled it away and placed a kiss on her scarred palm. “I want more, Leah. I worry we are going to make a mess of it, if you can’t trust me. I decided to go to give you some space. We play all the time—fishing, bike riding, raising Cain on the Gator— and that’s all great. I’ve never enjoyed someone’s company as much as yours…but it’s not enough.” He ran his long index finger along the uneven scar. “I need to know you better.” He released her hand and rolled onto his stomach.
Leah replaced her hand over her eyes and gave the only part of her she could muster to confess. “Before I moved here, I had been living the past ten years in Olympia, Washington.” She let the bit of truth resonate before continuing. “The only decent thing I did in all that time was to volunteer at a children’s group home.�
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“That was generous of you,” Crowley said, hoping to nudge her to continue. He reached over to wipe some sand from her shoulder, using it as a reason to touch her.
She dropped her hand and stared over at him. “No. Not really. The only reason I did it was because I was lonely and living in some kind of hell on earth. I volunteered not for those poor kids, but for me. I was grasping for some thread of comfort your childhood home is supposed to provide you.”
They stared at each other for a few moments, listening to the ocean waves crashing on the shore and the seagulls singing their song.
Leah shook her head. “You’re not going to like the person I was before I arrived here.”
“I really like the woman before me, Leah. Your past won’t change that,” he said confidently. He seriously doubted her intentions for volunteering at the children’s home was as selfish as she downplayed it.
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” She took a deep breath. “It’s easy for you to say that now, but…” Leah wanted the conversation to be over. She continued to watch Crowley as she twirled a long curl anxiously through her fingers.
He reached over and cradled her nervous hand, without another word. He knew she had opened up all she would on the beach, so he let the conversation conclude.
He gazed at her sideways until his eyes drooped and then shut completely. His bottom lip pouted out slightly, and Leah knew he had dozed off. He seemed to always be so at peace with life. Here they were discussing their relationship—a relationship Crowley pursued at a snail’s pace—and he was so confident with it that he could just lay there and doze off.
Not Leah. She lay there watching him and worrying. She knew she had given him enough information that he could easily find out all he needed to know about her. He was a resourceful man. Her hope was that he would investigate while on his trip—away from her so that she wouldn’t have to see the sting of disappointment that would surely flood his enchanting eyes when he found out who she really was. She knew it would be there in volumes.