by DiAnn Mills
“You two must be getting along better than I thought.” Fred threw him a sideways look.
He refused to let Fred believe he and Alina were involved. “We went to college together.”
“You must have been good friends to know about Anna.”
Ryan stared at the blinding rain. The windshield wipers zigzagged in front of him. Swish. Swish.
“Did I touch on a bad subject?” Fred asked.
“Depends on how you look at it.” Why gloss over the matter? “Yeah, it’s a touchy subject. We dated—we more than dated. I asked her to marry me.”
Fred coughed. “No wonder she blew a gasket when she saw you. So you two were engaged?”
“For two weeks we were officially engaged. She broke it off, and we haven’t spoken since. We graduated from Ohio State and went our separate ways—until now.”
Fred whistled and palmed the steering wheel. “You hadn’t seen her until you and I began our meetings?”
Ryan smiled. “The reunion was less than pleasant, but today she seems like the Alina I remember. I mean, friendly.” His face warmed. The idea of looking like a blushing schoolboy scrolled across his mind.
Fred shook his head. “Thinking about this makes my head swim. Pardon the pun.”
“Well, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t tell her I mentioned it.”
“Of course. Poor girl’s had it rough taking care of Anna … and—”
“Being told she’s losing her job by an old boyfriend?” He shook away the sensation of having a basketball lodged in his throat. He waved his hand at Fred. “Oh, I’ve researched that topic inside and out. God and I have had more than one discussion about it.”
“He has a reason for putting you two together again.”
“I told Him it would be nice if I had an advanced copy of the itinerary.” Ryan’s reflections about Alina bombarded his mind. “I’d like to find out how Anna’s doing. It’s always bothered me that her mother didn’t pitch in and help with the financial care.”
“Her mother died about four years ago—a stroke, if I remember correctly.”
Ryan wondered if Alina had ever reconciled with her; probably not, considering her mother’s unstable temperament. “How about a change of topic here?”
“Sure. What you told me stays private. Didn’t mean to put you in a tough spot.”
“No problem.” Ryan forced a smile. “You didn’t twist my arm.” He surveyed the road. “Are we still heading toward the river?”
“Yes, we’re on River Road. First off, I want to make sure the way to my house is not going to require oars around five o’clock. It’s also a road several of the employees take. James made mention of flooding possibilities earlier.”
The road swerved around a curve to a flat stretch. Water seeped over the ditches and eased across the road. On both sides of the ditches were fields that had soaked up all the rain they could hold.
“I need to call the office.” Fred snatched up his cell phone. “Deidre, we have a potential problem out here on River Road heading south. It’s starting to flood. Best get the word out for those who need to come this way to head on home…. Yeah, anyone who is concerned about flooding. Send a dispatch to the service crews, too. Their safety is more important than keeping customers happy…. Right. I’ll talk to you on Monday.”
Fred’s concern for his employees was one of the differences a small cable company had over the big ones. Although Neon cared about all of its people, making money did rise to the top of the list—like the water gushing onto the road.
“Guess I’d better call the wife and see how she’s faring,” Fred said. “At least I have a truck.”
Ryan tuned out Fred’s conversation. Admittedly, Ryan felt a bit envious. The desire for a wife and family to share his life nudged him more and more all the time, but he didn’t have one single prospect for Mrs. Ryan Erikson. Alina had the best qualifications, but she had this Frank guy in her corner. Sometimes Ryan felt like a lovesick schoolboy. Just when he thought he had her memory tucked away into a far corner of his heart, she stepped right back into his life. Seeing her every day was torture. The same fresh appeal that had attracted him to her in college days now held him captive again.
“See the one-story home on your right?” Fred pointed. “The one way up the hill?”
Ryan’s gaze followed a winding road up to a red-brick ranch-style home. Huge oaks gathered around the front and sides, like sentinels posted to guard the master and his wife. “Very nice, Fred. I like the white fence.”
“Thanks. We love it here. Makes me feel like the king of the hill. I can stand on my back patio and take in all of Radisen and the countryside. We’ve always opened our home to church affairs and Flash get-togethers. Behind the house is a barn with three horses, and on down the hill is a stocked fishing pond. Retirement will be good.”
Ryan smiled. “Grandkids, too?”
“You bet—six of them, four girls and two boys. If you don’t mind, I need to stop at the house and get my other boots. Marta will want to meet you.”
An eagerness to get back to work had already attached itself to Ryan’s thoughts, and meeting Fred’s wife hadn’t been on the day’s task list—neither had the storm, the power outages, the cable problems, or the news about James’s daughter. If the cable connectivity survived the day, he’d be surprised. Patience is what I need. “Sure. I’ll probably wish I had boots before the day is over.”
“Want to borrow a pair of mine?”
“No thanks.”
Marta Lineman met them at the door with steaming cups of fresh coffee. Ryan expected a short, chubby woman who baked chocolate chip cookies and pulled out pictures of their grandchildren. Marta was dressed in jeans and a red sweater and stood close to six feet tall; she was blond, very slender, and looked like she must have captured every beauty queen title in the county. She welcomed Ryan as though he were an old friend. From the way she smiled at Fred, Ryan figured they must have the epitome of a good marriage. Another reason to be jealous.
“Please join us for church this Sunday,” she said. “And afterward for lunch.”
No doubt Fred realized why Ryan hadn’t joined them for worship. The circumstances with Alina left him in an awkward situation. “Thank you. I’ve been attending another church here in town, but I might take you up on your offer.”
“You’re welcome. A couple of the other employees belong:
Deidre, Alina, and James Ferguson. Well, James doesn’t belong yet, but I have high hopes.”
“We’ve got to get going, sweetheart,” Fred said once he changed his clothes and boots. “I might be home early, depending on the weather.”
Marta kissed her husband good-bye. She patted his round, leathery cheek. “You bundle up good and stay dry. I don’t want you coming down with a cold. Oh, I visited with Becky Ferguson and made arrangements to watch her children on Tuesday.”
Ryan wanted God to bless him with a wife and a home filled with the same kind of love and affection.
thirteen
Friday, 2:30 p.m.
Alina had seen enough rain to last for the next year. She’d planned to get up early tomorrow morning and take Anna horseback riding at Fred and Marta’s, but the weather looked to spoil it all. Even if it stopped raining this very instant, it would be days before they could set foot in the fields without sinking to their knees in mud.
She stared at the mass of options on her computer screen. For the present, she had connectivity. Her conscience told her she should be entering data and whipping out reports for Ryan, but her mind chose to wander toward him instead of his requests.
Many times she’d asked herself if the decision to abandon their relationship had really been the best. She wouldn’t have had to tell him the truth about Anna, but her mother would have made sure Ryan found out. Mother’s agenda centered on taking care of herself, and that meant filling Alina with guilt. But now … with Mother gone, dare she confess that her feelings for him hadn’t changed? He’d want a
n explanation for what had happened six years ago; he deserved an answer. God clearly forbade lying—no matter what the reason. Better she deny any feelings for Ryan and stay aloof. Romance came to those who deserved the gift of love. Staying single made sense no matter what her feelings for Ryan were, and she’d resign herself to love him from a distance.
Alina blinked and attempted to focus on the screen, but her head kept nodding from lack of sleep—lack of sleep due to Ryan. What a can of worms. The door opened, and she turned to see Deidre. A worried frown replaced her friend’s normal smile.
“Fred just called. Roads are flooding, and he’s closing down the office early.”
“Oh.” Alina startled. She stood and studied the parking lot. “I can’t tell a thing from here since the parking lot is often under water. You’d better go, then. I’m only minutes from home, and I can take one of the trucks if necessary.”
“All right, but be careful. The weather forecast is nasty. Guess I’ll see you Sunday morning.” Deidre lingered in the doorway.
Alina smiled at her lovely Asian friend. “Out with it, girlfriend. What’s on your mind?”
“You. I imagine you’re planning to see Anna tomorrow, but if you need to talk, I’m only a phone call away. I feel bad about my visit last night.”
“I appreciate you, Deidre. Things needed to be said, and we accomplished it.” Alina turned and studied the continuous downpour. “I’m going to give Homeward Hills a call—make sure they’re all right. That’s probably silly, isn’t it? I mean, the facility is up in the hills.”
“Like Fred and Marta’s house?”
Alina laughed. “Yes, maybe higher. Knowing Marta, she’ll probably call everyone to bring sleeping bags for a party. She’s probably already started the food.”
“No doubt. Well, I guess I’ll head home so I can pick up the kids at day care. Don’t stay late, okay?”
“Me? The eternal workaholic? I’ll think about it.”
Deidre left her alone, and a moment later Alina learned Homeward Hills did not anticipate any problems; however, washed-out roads could be an issue for travelers. She checked the national weather site, typed in the local zip code, and saw the likelihood of more rain. As soon as the office cleared out, she’d move her car to a higher spot in the parking lot.
Fred and Ryan returned less than an hour later as the rest of the staff left for their homes; even James chose to ride out the day with his family.
“This is one time I wish I wasn’t a volunteer fireman,” James said. “I’ll take all the snow you can shovel, but I don’t mess with high water.”
“Play with that little girl of yours,” Fred said.
“I will … I will.” James shook Fred’s hand and punched out for the day.
With a deserted office, Alina wondered if Ryan might speak of the things Deidre had alluded to. She cringed. Strictly business, Alina. Strictly business.
“Are you sure you need to stay?” Fred stepped into her office with Ryan. Both dripped from the rain. “Because as soon as the last crew comes in, I’m wrapping things up and heading home to my sweet wife.”
“I’m fine,” Alina said. “I might as well get caught up on these reports.”
“Actually, we could get a lot of work done with no one here.” Ryan picked up a stack of files on his desk and turned to Fred. “But it’s up to Alina. I could stay and work without her.” He focused on her. “I’m leaving the decision up to you.”
She glanced up at him and hoped she didn’t give away her ragged emotions. “From what I heard on the radio, the electricity is out for several blocks around my apartment complex. Staying right here makes sense to me.”
Fred leaned against the doorway. “All right. Promise me you two won’t stay until dark. Driving through water in daylight is one thing, but trying to maneuver flooded streets in the dark is another.”
“I won’t let her stay late,” Ryan said. “And I don’t plan to either.”
When Fred left, the stillness wore on her nerves. She regretted all of her earlier musings about Ryan, for now a tremendous uneasiness plagued her. She could do this. Because of him, she couldn’t sleep and regularly blew her diet on chocolate and donuts. Each day that passed ticked at the countdown clock. This man not only had tormented her life for the past six years but also had torn apart her livelihood. When it came to Ryan, she made poor choices, and Alina had always prided herself on strength. Bone tired, she realized taking a nap would ensure a better disposition, but when would that happen?
“I believe I’m able to choose when it’s the proper time for me to leave the office.” She wanted to argue until the sun went down. Sleep. It must be the lack of sleep.
Ryan acted as though her words bounced off him as off a springboard. “Of course you are.”
“Don’t placate me, Ryan. I don’t like being told what to do.”
He chuckled and continued rustling through papers. “You never have.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” she asked. From the looks of his narrowed eyes, she must have succeeded in angering him. “Let me do my job and you do yours,” she said. “I’ve never been a helpless female or an idiot. I can tell when bad weather may be dangerous.” Why did she detest the sound of her own voice? She sounded like her mother. Stop this before you regret any more words.
“I see you’re back to being defensive.” Ryan powered on his laptop.
And I don’t enjoy it at all. “Call it whatever you want.”
“Did you have lunch?”
“No.”
“Thought so.”
“You are irritating me. What does lunch have to do with any of this?”
He turned his chair to face her. “I remember a few things about you, like when you don’t eat, your blood sugar drops. When your blood sugar drops, you are irrational and short-tempered. So …” He handed her a sandwich left over from lunch. “This ought to help the situation.”
Alina sucked in a breath. Not a single ugly word danced across her mind. Instead all the memories of the way Ryan had been sensitive to her needs scrolled like the credits of a favorite movie. During their college days, his kiss never failed to sweeten her up. She took the sandwich. “Thank you.”
He chuckled. “You’re welcome. Since we’ve covered the reason your disposition dropped like a bomb and handled it, I’d like your keys so I can move your car. The last I looked, the water was rising quickly.”
She cringed. “I intended to move it once everyone left for the day.”
“I’m already wet. No sense in you going out in it.”
In a few words, he’d defused her agitation. But that was Ryan. How well she remembered. “All right. I’m a grump this afternoon. Sorry.” She reached into her purse and handed him the keys. Anyone else would have told her exactly what they thought of her bitter tongue, and she’d deserve every word of it. This man was her boss. He could recommend she be fired or handle the matter himself. “Why are you so nice to me when I get ugly?”
He placed a hand on the back of her chair and bent over her. “Why not? As much as you want to pretend nothing ever happened between us, I can’t.” He moistened his lips. “I can respect your need for a purely professional relationship. And I will do everything within my power to try to understand when the alarms go off in your head and you lash out like I’m the enemy. If and when the time comes that I feel you’re not cooperating with me in this transition, I will state so and take whatever action I feel necessary for the sake of my company.”
Alina stiffened. Her heart pounded in her ears. “I understand.”
“I hope so. I’m your friend.” He stood and disappeared with her keys.
The rain continued to beat against the windows. Tears dampened her eyes, and she hastily blinked them back. How dare he make her cry? And he had every day since he arrived. Ryan had no right to disturb her quiet life, yet he had in every way imaginable. The old trapped feeling circled around her and pushed her farther into the corner where she had no choice but
to come out fighting. She had to find a way free of this emotional entanglement, but she had no idea where to go, who to see, or what to do.
My heart keeps getting in the way. Lord, I need help. You know what I did. You know my responsibility to Anna. Dealing with Ryan is tearing me apart.
fourteen
Friday, 3:15 p.m.
Ryan blew out an exasperated breath. Alina’s car refused to start. He pressed the hood button, then opened the door and stepped out into the cold, ankle-deep water. His umbrella provided little protection with the wind whipping it about like a kite. Once again, he felt the chill midway to his knees. He pushed away the thought of ruined shoes and new dress pants, inside which the label read: DRY-CLEAN ONLY. His mental outlook flagged while he waded to the hood. Scrutiny of the engine told him nothing more than he already surmised. Dead battery. Alina wasn’t going to like this. She must have left her headlights on this morning.
He slammed the hood, made his way back to the driver’s door, and retrieved her keys. He had serious doubts anyone would attempt to steal a car in this weather, especially one that needed a jump start. Assessing the situation, he saw no alternative but to ask Alina to steer the car while he pushed it to higher ground. A few more inches of water, and she’d be replacing the interior.
He shivered, all because he chose to play Mr. Nice Guy and help a damsel in distress. He hadn’t bargained on ruining his clothes or having his feet wet and cold. An image of Marta fussing over Fred entered his mind. A little TLC might make him a little warmer inside, but fat chance Alina would oblige.
His gaze swept up an incline to where he’d parked his rental vehicle. It stood alone, but the water rose there, too. Rain and more rain. Sure glad it takes less than ten minutes to get to the hotel. As he surveyed the area from beneath the umbrella, he realized the parking lot and its reputation for always being under water gave him no indication about the condition of other areas of town—although from the observations he’d made less than an hour ago, he figured the water level must be rising fast. His gaze swept out to the Ohio River; nothing but flat land except for the tiny hill where Flash Communications sat. The whole area looked gray. Out in the parking lot, little gusts of wind toyed with the water. The wet wind blew in from the north and smacked him in the face, nearly taking away his breath. Living with these weather conditions permanently and by choice defied logic, in Ryan’s opinion. Only a fool would consider a transfer here from sunny California.