* * *
Jon glanced into the rearview mirror, his focus on Joey. His heart broke for a child who’d never known his father. He’d learned so much from his dad when he was growing up. Support, guidance and love. All three made him who he was today. Not perfect maybe, but striving to be all he could be with God’s help.
If Ashley were as strong as Neely, she would not only survive but she would grow even stronger. That’s what Neely had done. He admired both women, but his gaze lingered on Neely. He listened to the sister’s talk, mainly about their dad, and he empathized with them. Their father had gone through a frightening experience, and that had affected his outlook on life. With his wife gone—from what he knew, a rather demanding wife—no wonder the man felt lost.
He’d witnessed Neely’s frustration, and he wished he could make a difference in the man’s life. His own parents were still healthy and active, and they didn’t need his help at all. One day they would, but for now he thanked the Lord that they lived well. He should see them more often. A flash of guilt zipped through his chest. He could at least call more often. They lived so close, dropping by for a moment should be a no-brainer.
He pulled into Neely’s driveway, and helped Ashley with Joey’s car seat, then said goodbye with plans to pick them up in a half hour. When he pulled away, he spotted Neely holding open the front door while Ashley maneuvered Joey and the car seat through the entrance, but Neely’s eyes were on him. His stomach tightened with the awareness. He gave a last wave and pulled away.
Though he’d agreed to join the sisters for dinner, he’d been disappointed. He longed to spend time with Neely while she got to know him as Jon, a man who had a lot to offer her if she’d let him. He’d lived that dream since she’d walked back into his life. He sighed, wondering what God had in store for him. He hoped and prayed he wouldn’t be hurt if the outcome wasn’t as he wished.
He took only minutes hopping into the shower and dressing. He slipped on navy pants with a blue and gray shirt open at the neck and a gray sport coat, ran a comb through his hair and hurried back to his car. His parents stayed in his mind, and if he had time, he would drop in to say hello, but he didn’t want to keep two beautiful women waiting for him.
A smile broke on his face thinking of Joey. The young boy—not even three—talked to him as if they were best friends. His experience with kids was limited, but he’d found the boy intriguing—bright and curious with a gift for gab at that young age.
Within minutes he pulled into Neely’s driveway. Should he wait or go to the door? He chose the latter. The door opened and Mr. Andrews pushed it wide and waved him in. “Nice to see you again, Jon.”
He stood a moment not sure if he should take a seat or wait.
Neely’s father beckoned him toward the kitchen. When he came through the doorway, her dad had crossed to a pan on the stove and stirred what looked like macaroni and cheese. Farther down the counter, a box validated his guess. “You can’t beat this for dinner.”
Mr. Andrews grinned, and pointed to Joey who’d just sneaked in behind him. “My grandson’s a fan of mac and cheese. Aren’t you, boy?”
Joey nodded, a grin spreading on his face. “Me ’n’ Papa eat mac ’n’ cheese.”
An old wooden high chair sat in the corner, and Neely’s dad dragged it to the table. He hoisted Joey into the chair and placed their dinner onto two plates. He turned. “Somehow you got stuck with both my girls, I hear.”
Jon chuckled, and gave a nod. “Guess I have, but I wouldn’t call it stuck. It’s sort of a privilege.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You think so. Hmm?”
“I have an advantage. They don’t try to tell me what to do.”
Her dad slapped his leg, and let out a guffaw. “You can say that again.” He motioned to the chair. “Have a seat.”
Though he felt uncomfortable interfering with their dinner, Jon pulled out a chair and sat. Joey dug into his mac and cheese, manipulating his small-sized fork like a professional. When he turned, Neely’s father was staring at him.
“What’s your interest in my daughters?”
Huh? The question stumped him. “I’m friends with Neely.”
He arched his brow. “And that’s it?”
So far, but he wanted so much more. He gave a casual nod, and her father did the same.
The sound of footsteps ended the awkward moment. He looked toward the doorway, and watched Neely follow Ashley into the kitchen.
Ashley walked past him to Joey, but Neely stopped and leaned against the door jamb. “Sorry. I decided to take a shower.”
So had he, but he knew women took longer to get dressed. He gave a shrug. “No problem. Your dad and I were talking.” He hoped she didn’t ask about what. “Are you ready?”
She gave a nod, but Ashley paused. “Where are we going, Jon? I want my dad to know just in case.” She tilted her head toward Joey.
So much for the surprise. “I thought we’d go to Assaggi Bistro.”
Neely gave him a questioning look. “I thought you said Howe’s Bayou.”
He gave her a wink. “This is better.”
Ashley turned to Fred. “Did you hear, Dad? We’ll be at Assaggi Bistro if you need me.”
Fred gave Ashley one of his looks. “You think I’m deaf?”
Jon grinned, but Ashley ignored him. She leaned over and kissed Joey’s cheek. “Mama will be back in a little while, big boy.”
Joey held up his fork. “Mac ’n’ cheese, Mama.”
“Yummy.” Ashley tousled his hair before following Neely to the front door.
“Good night, sir. I’ll take good care of your daughters.”
“You’d better.” He grinned and waved him off. Jon made a quick getaway, uncertain at times how to take their father’s sense of humor.
The trip to the restaurant took minutes, and when it came into view, he slowed and found access to parking. He turned off the ignition and gave her a wink. “Have you been here?”
“No, but—”
“Good. It’s fun to introduce you to new restaurants.” He could see she had something on her mind, and guessed what it was. “Dinner’s my treat.”
When she opened her mouth, he gave her a look that closed it. He loved seeing her befuddled. Rarely did Neely give in, but he assumed she didn’t want to embarrass her sister, since he interpreted her money comment as worrying about her sister’s income.
Inside, the maître d’ approached, and Jon pointed to their options. “Would you like to eat on the patio or inside?”
Neely looked at Ashley, and she only shrugged, so Neely turned back to him. “The weather’s great. Outside would be nice.”
He agreed, and they were guided onto the flagstone patio and seated near the stone fountain. The water trickled into the basin and the sound gave him a sense of Tuscany. Lighting strung around the periphery defined the boundaries and plants added to the ambience. He wished the evening had been only with Neely, but her sister deserved some time away from home, too, so he reminded himself to be grateful for the opportunity to enjoy a good dinner with two attractive women.
“This is lovely.” Neely gazed at the decor before checking the menu.
“Let’s start with an antipasto plate. Sound good?” He eyed the two women. They both nodded, and when the waiter arrived, he put in the order along with three iced teas.
Ashley gave him a direct look. “Thanks for being so good with Joey.”
“How could I not? He’s a charmer and so bright.”
She lowered her eyes. “He’s so much like his daddy.”
His stomach knotted with the look on her face, and a response sailed off on the breeze. He looked at Neely before making his mouth work. “I can’t imagine how hard it’s been.”
Her shoulder lifted in a weak shrug. “It’s part o
f life, I suppose. I’m blessed with Joey.”
“You sure are.” He released air from his lungs, grateful when the waiter arrived with the appetizer and drinks. Neely and Ashley delved into the meats, imported cheeses along with artichokes and olives. He waited, wondering if they wanted to say a blessing. They seemed to notice his hesitation, and folded their hands. He offered a quiet praise for their time together and for the food, and then they dug in.
After a few bites, Ashley rummaged in into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. “Sorry. I forget to tell Dad where I put Joey’s bag with his toys and pajamas.” She held up a finger and left the table.
He grinned at Neely. “I don’t think Ashley’s comfortable with babysitters.”
“I think Dad’s been the first sitter so she’s nervous.” She gave him a playful jab. “But then what do you know. You’re not a dad yet.”
Yet. The idea fluttered through him. One day he hoped to be a husband and father. His gaze shifted to Neely as his chest constricted. One day.
Ashley returned, looking more assured. And the waiter arrived to take their dinner orders, two hand-rolled pasta Bolognese and his Angus flatiron steak. He couldn’t pass up their beef. Before he refocused on his appetizer, he heard a familiar voice and lost his appetite.
“Now this is a surprise. Jon with two lovely women.”
Erik’s comment startled both women from their expressions, especially Neely.
Without being asked, Erik pulled out the fourth chair. “Do you mind?”
Jon jumped at his questions. “We’ve already ordered.”
“No problem.” Erik settled into the empty seat, and waved at the waiter.
He managed to keep his jaw from dropping, but Neely and Ashley weren’t as subtle.
When the waiter arrived with the salads and drinks, Erik seemed to know the menu without looking. “I’ll take the house salad and almond-crusted rainbow trout.”
The waiter nodded, and turned to leave, but Erik stopped him. “Add a glass of Chardonnay to that.” He turned and eyed their iced tea glasses. “I hope that doesn’t offend you.”
He had offended them, but Jon gave a one-shoulder shrug, not wanting to make an issue out of his choice of drink. The women didn’t respond.
“It’s nice to see you again, Neely.”
“Thanks.” She glanced his way, and focused on her salad.
He reached to his right, and pressed his hand against Ashley’s. “And it’s great to see you, too, Ashley. It’s been a while, and I know you’ve been through some difficult times.”
She gave a nod. “Yes, but I’ll get through it.”
He didn’t move his palm pressed against her fingers. “I know you will.” He finally withdrew his hand when the waiter brought his salad and drink to the table, but he didn’t lay off his conversation. “I heard you have a son. What’s his name?”
Her eyes brightened. “Joey. Dad asked to watch him while we came to dinner.”
“Really. That was nice for you.” He lifted his wineglass and held it. “Let’s toast to life being the best it can be for all of us.”
Ashley smiled, and lifted her glass.
Though Jon hesitated, he followed when Neely lifted hers. He observed tension in her expression, but she didn’t let it control her. She clinked their glasses and returned her attention to her salad. Jon did the same, half listening to Erik’s line.
Jon had barely touched his salad when the waiter brought the three entrees with the promise of bringing out Erik’s shortly. With their meals on the table, Erik quieted a moment, his gaze drifting from Ashley to Neely and back.
While Jon’s stomach knotted with every tick of the clock, he cut into his steak without interest. What he’d thought would be a pleasant evening had turned into a nightmare. He didn’t trust Erik, and his biggest hope was that Neely meant what she said about not wanting to see Erik, let alone start a relationship with him again. Erik’s unfaithfulness filled his mind, but he refused to bare that news to Neely. It smacked of gossip and jealousy. He wanted no part of it. Neely’s intelligence would outshine Erik’s game plan, if that’s what it was.
“What made you come here today, Erik?” The question—reeking of derision and shame—trudged along his spine. He didn’t treat people in that way, but Erik deserved it. He suspected somehow Erik knew they were there.
“Why do you ask?” Erik’s smile faded.
“I wondered the same thing?” Neely’s silence ended. “Funny you’d find us here.”
“Just lucky.”
Erik’s answer sounded forced.
Ashley chuckled. “I don’t think so. Dad mentioned a man had called asking to speak to Neely, and Dad said he hoped you didn’t mind, but he told him the restaurant.”
Jon’s fist tightened as a smirk grew on Erik’s face.
“I said I was lucky.” Erik chuckled. “Lucky your dad told me where you were.”
No one else laughed.
Erik grasped his wineglass, and as he did, the waiter brought his meal. Everyone quieted, concentrating on the food until Erik lay down his fork and turned to Ashley. “I’m sorry you don’t have Joey with you. I’d love to meet him. Kids are a special gift. I’m sure you feel that way, too.”
Jon choked on his bite of steak, and took a drink of water to wash down the beef.
Ashley gazed at Erik for a moment. “I’m surprised you realize how special they are. That’s nice. Joey is really bright, and he talks so well for his age. He’s not even three.”
“Really.”
His exaggerated enthusiasm grated Jon as he struggled to hold back his anger.
Ashley’s face lit up. “Ask Neely.” She glanced at her sister.
Neely’s eyes sparked, evident that she felt the same frustration.
Erik leaned closer to Ashley. “I’d love to meet him.”
The sick plan emerged, and Jon had to contain the words that flew into his thoughts. Playing up to Ashley could mean only one thing. Erik was using her to get to Neely. He assumed Neely wasn’t that gullible, but he could be wrong. Very wrong.
Chapter Six
Neely couldn’t sleep. The memory of Erik playing up to Ashley turned her stomach. She’d tossed and turned to drift off, but even in repose, dreams assaulted her until she woke and lay staring into the dark, disgusted.
Her first plan was to warn Ashley, but then she had second thoughts. She needed to wait and see if Ashley caught on to Erik’s tact. She’d told her sister her reservations about him, and hopefully Ashley would accept Neely’s concerns.
She crawled out of bed to face the morning. She showered and dressed, but when she headed downstairs, her father had beaten her to the kitchen. He sat at the table, a coffee cup in his hand but no food. “Ready for breakfast, Dad?”
“An hour ago.”
“I’ll fix you something.” She decided not to let his comment get to her. Instead of aiming for the refrigerator, she headed to the front door and collected the newspaper. Her dad had always been an avid reader, and the paper would entertain him while she prepared breakfast.
When she brought the paper to the table, he ignored it. “I should have made my own breakfast, but you keep telling me not to do anything. You know life is boring, sitting and being waited on. I’m not used to it.”
She pulled out the eggs and a bowl to scramble them while she decided how to respond. Her dad was right in some ways. Life without purpose was empty. Without a job or plans for her future, even she had a hollow feeling though she’d designated her purpose as being a support for her dad and sister. Maybe they didn’t need her.
She tempered her frustration. “You’re right, Dad. You need to do things that aren’t stressful to your heart. Breakfast is something you can do, I guess.”
He grumbled as he opened the
newspaper, and spread it on the table.
Her dad’s behavior seemed so unlike him. He’d always been loving and kind, and since she’d arrived and started trying to help him, he’d balked at her attempts. She could walk away and leave him alone, but she’d come to help. How could she turn her back?
She dropped two slices of bread in the toaster, then beat the eggs and poured them into the frying pan. When she finished and set the plate in front of her dad, she poured a cup of coffee for herself and sat across from him. His focus remained on the newspaper as he ate, and she drew the section he’d already discarded in front of her. Though nothing in the news caught her interest, she stared at it anyway.
Her dad shoved the empty plate to the side and looked up. “Thanks. It was good.”
“You’re welcome, Daddy.”
Daddy. Years had passed since she had called him Daddy but today she needed that connection. Her mind veered to Jonny and his relationship with his parents. He didn’t talk about them much, but he’d always had good words to say about his mother and father, and she’d always felt the same. They were church people, active in their faith and raised their children to be believers, too.
Sometimes Neely wondered if that’s what she lacked. She’d gone to church often with Rainie along with her parents and Jonny. Pest that he was, she admired his diligence in attending worship and participating in the youth activities. When they’d talked earlier, he’d mentioned how she’d participated in charitable events, but so had he and Rainie. Maybe that’s how she’d gotten involved with helping others.
That attribute hadn’t come from her parents. Though her dad had a quiet kindly attitude, one that reflected Christian beliefs, her mother attacked the poor. Why didn’t they get out and find a job like everyone else? Her mom held little value for religion. How could people blindly accept that God cared one bit about them? But Neely had listened when she went to church, and she knew why Jesus had died on the cross and she’d accepted the comfort of knowing a loving God cared about her.
Ashley had gotten involved with church through Adam, and she stuck with it. That’s what had given her strength during her terrible loss when he was killed. Neely still couldn’t fathom how she would deal with it. Even her mother’s death four years ago—and their relationship hadn’t been strong—had thrown her off balance. Ashley showed a kind of strength that Neely envied.
Her Valentine Hero Page 6