But now she wanted to save Ashley the heartbreak of getting involved with Erik, and she needed to ask subtle questions to learn what reaction he’d had on her at dinner. His drinking might be a good turn-off for her sister.
She headed for the telephone in the living room, not wanting her father to hear the conversation. As she reached to pick up the phone, it rang.
Her chest tightened hearing Jonny’s voice.
“Two questions— Would you be willing to get involved with me in some of the church’s charitable activities? They’re doing a number of things that I know you’ve always enjoyed. My second question is do you want to run tonight, or meet me at the gym when I’m off work?”
She stared at the phone, wondering which question to answer first and weighing what she really wanted to say. Part of her wanted to ease away from Jonny. He was too appealing, and she’d already considered easing him into a relationship with Ashley, although that hadn’t been successful. Her pulse skipped, knowing she’d been happy that it hadn’t. What was she thinking?
“What kind of charitable activities?” That was the only question that gave her time to organize her thoughts.
“The bell rang and I have to get to class. Let’s talk later. How about running tonight?”
“The park?” She wanted to say no but couldn’t.
“Good. I’ll pick you up about three-thirty.” His voice faded as if he were hanging up, but then came back strong. “Almost forgot. I have another proposition for you. See you later.”
Before she could ask, he’d hung up. What kind of proposition? He’d used that phrase before. She tossed possibilities in her mind. Probably something to do with the church charitable works. But maybe not. Did it have to do with Ashley? Her chest constricted worse than before. Jonny had been amazing with Joey. The image stayed with her and made her grin. Big-shouldered Jonny and the tiny little two-year-old carrying on a conversation. Amazing.
She sank into the chair, again having second thoughts about calling Ashley. First her mind needed to be settled. What did she want for her sister? Would her sister even care about what she wanted? It was Ashley’s life. Laying off her dad and sister might be what she needed to do. They survived before she returned home, and her interference only seemed to add conflict to their lives. She closed her eyes, assaulted by her questions.
When she pulled her mind free of her problems, she rose. She’d eat toast, and then set out on the errands she needed to run—groceries, her dad’s prescription refills, and giving Rainie a call. She hadn’t seen her since the party although they’d talked a couple times on the phone. Rainie had a good mind and often gave good advice, but her issues with Jonny were out of bounds. She longed for answers that she couldn’t seem to find herself. She’d settle on one, determined to pull away from Jonny, but then the softer side of her sent her in the opposite direction. This was so unlike the girl known for her unassailable ability to follow her decisions.
* * *
“Look at the trees. The leaves are turning colors.”
Jon gazed across the field to the distant trees beyond the inline track. “They’re beautiful.” And so was she. He watched the sunlight filter through her dark hair, striking it with reddish gold. It took him back to an autumn long ago, the one when she wore her pumpkin shirt. The vision made him grin.
“Are you going to tell me your proposition?” She gazed at him with question in her eyes.
He loved seeing her uncertain for once. Neely’s confidence needed to be shaken once in a while. She’d challenged him many times in the past. The memories of those days eased through him. “Let’s run first.” Before he gave her a chance to rebut, he darted off, and she followed.
“Unfair.”
Her voice drifted to him from behind. He slowed a little so she could catch up, flashed her a grin, and then took off again. Though he had longer legs, Neely pushed herself to the limit and wasn’t too far behind him. When his lungs felt as if they would burst, he slowed to a trot, and let her catch up to him. Her cheeks were rosy from the cool breeze or maybe from exertion. He figured his looked the same. Hearing her gasping for each breath, he eased to a slow trot, and stopped. He hung his head toward the earth, and sucked in air. Neely did the same.
“You are challenging me, aren’t you?” She tilted her head toward him, each of them hanging downward making the earth look cockeyed.
He tried to plant an innocent look on his face. “Would I do that?”
She rose and chuckled. “I think so. Now—” She put her hands on her hips. “While I fill my lungs, tell me your proposition.”
He had two of them, and he weighed which one to suggest first. “Next Friday is homecoming, and I wondered if you’d like to go to the football game. It’s home, and Rainie and Ty will be there, too. Afterward Rainie suggested we drop by the house.” He studied her expression, unsure of which way she would go with her response.
“Will your parents be home?”
He let lose a chuckle. “Are you worried about chaperones?”
A grin played on her face as she gave him a poke. “No. I’d like to see them. It’s been a long time.”
“Yes. They’ll be home as far as I know.”
“Then I’ll accept.” Without warning, she darted off again.
He followed, glad to keep the other discussion for later, and her positive response to the homecoming bolstered his spirit. He took off, and shot past her before he slowed.
She let out a “not fair,” and he slowed to run beside her. They circled the inline track three more times until he admitted it was enough. When they approached the park bench along the edge, he swung onto the seat.
Neely joined him, panting as if she’d run out of air. “Whew. That was a workout. I’m glad you’re not my personal trainer.” She leaned her head back a moment drawing in deep breaths.
He leaned forward, thinking of his next proposition, and wondering if he should even mention it.
She straightened her back. “I meant to tell you I did spend a day with one of the trainers, but I didn’t learn much more than I already knew. So I’m good to tackle it on my own.”
He patted her back and let his arm linger there a moment, enjoying the feeling of oneness. She didn’t seem to resist, and that encouraged him. “I had another thing to tell you. It’s the actual proposition I made reference to on the phone.”
Her expression let him know he’d aroused her curiosity. “You might not be interested, but I heard yesterday they are planning to hire another clerk in the front office. I’m not sure if they want to bring someone in from the outside or transfer someone from another school in the district, but it might be a job opportunity for you if you’re interested.”
She remained quiet as if scrutinizing the idea. “I don’t suppose they pay much.” She bit the edge of her lip. “But then it’s a start until I find something better, isn’t it?”
“That’s what I thought.” He slipped his arm farther around her back and drew her to his shoulder for a moment. He didn’t push his luck.
“My other option is to move back to Indianapolis. I might find some opportunities there through friends.”
His stomach lurched. “You could, but I know you came here for your dad and sister, too.” He hated playing the guilt card, but he did.
“You’re right.” She looked thoughtful. “I suppose I could drop by the school and see what it’s about. Do you think that’s okay? It’s not a secret is it?”
He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “If it were, then I wouldn’t know about it.”
“I suppose so.” She chuckled. Then her expression grew serious. “I’ve been struggling about my decision to come here, and I’ve been asking myself if Dad and Ashley really need my support. Coming home could have been a mistake. I seem to stir up more problems being here than being in Indianapolis.”
She shrugged, and he let his arm slip to the bench back. “Dad’s upset with my trying to help him. Even my suggestion to use the bedroom down stairs riles him a little. I can’t seem to do anything right.”
He monitored the response that struck him as soon as he heard her reasoning. He’d learned a lot about her family, hearing Neely and Rainie talk when they were young. Neely’s mother had been a controller, and maybe her dad feared she’d become one, too. But he wasn’t sure he should bring it up. “Maybe your dad’s been alone long enough that he thinks he can handle things on his own.”
She pondered his comment for a moment. “Probably. My mom told him what to do all the time even when he’d been doing everything for her without complaint.”
She’d hit the nail on the head. “Do you think your suggestions are too reminiscent of your mother’s? Or maybe he misses her more than you know.”
Her head lowered. “I’d never thought of that. Thanks. I really wish I knew what I could do to help without interfering.”
“I can help, perhaps. If I have a chance to talk with him, I might be able to wrangle the conversation in that direction.” He studied her expression for a frown but saw none. “Want me to try?”
Her expression softened. “If you’re subtle. Can you be?” She arched a brow.
“Just watch me.”
She chuckled, then eased upward and kissed his cheek. “Thanks. You’re a nice man, Jonny.”
His cheek tingled with the pressure of her kiss, and he lost himself in the moment. When he managed to gather his wits, he thanked her for the compliment but longed to remind her that a man is called Jon not Jonny. It wasn’t the name. He’d been Jonny for years, but to Neely the name seemed connected to words like pesky and pest and his four-years-younger status. Calling him Jon meant he’d grown beyond those years. Would she ever let the past go?
A faint pink tinted her cheeks, and it dawned on him that the kiss surprised her as much as him.
Neely glanced at her watch, and sighed. “I should be on my way. I want to talk with Ashley.”
“About your dad?”
“Dad and Erik.”
The reference caught him, and he took a moment before he asked. “I know the problem with your dad. What about Erik?” He faltered, realizing his question might be too personal.
“His behavior. Didn’t you think he was coming on to Ashley?”
Whew. Her comment opened the door, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to enter. No matter what he said, it could blow up in his face. “He seemed friendly.”
“Too friendly. Years ago he knew Ashley, but she was my little sister and that was it. He tolerated her.”
“You mean like you tolerated me?”
She blinked at the comparison. “I suppose, and now look at you. No more pesky Jonny. You’re a handsome man with a good heart.”
“Thanks again.” Her words wrapped around him, and he wanted to tell her how much he cared about her, but he contained the desire to be that open. She knew he’d had a crush, as he’d called it, but today’s feelings were far more than a boyish crush. He’d lingered in his mind all these years. But dreams were difficult because they were dreams. The dreamer didn’t expect them to be real, but with Neely’s return to Ferndale, his dream bordered on reality. “So what you’re saying is today Ashley is a beautiful woman.”
A frown flickered on her face, and then vanished. “She is.” She shook her head. “What upset me were his comments about Joey. Erik never doted on kids. He went out of his way to avoid them. Do you think someone can change that much?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t dote on children when I was younger.”
“Sure you did. Remember the neighbor boys? I recall you keeping an eye on them in the yard, running for their ball when it rolled into the street and giving them tips on how to pitch.”
His pulse skipped. “You remember that?”
“Sure.” She grinned. “You remembered my dumb pumpkin T-shirt.”
But he’d loved her. He turned his back on that topic. “Do you think Ashley fell for his comments?”
She raised one shoulder. “I don’t know, but I want to find out—and not on the phone. I want to look into her eyes. Then I’ll know.”
He wished he could read Neely’s eyes. Then he’d have a better grasp of what was going on in her head.
“You can talk with my dad and find out what he’s thinking, but I’m the one that has to talk with Ashley.”
He longed to ask her why Erik’s relationship with Ashley had her concerned. Was it Erik’s past or an interest in him she didn’t want to admit? He didn’t even hint at the question. It was safer.
* * *
Neely headed down the hallway to return to the high school parking lot after she learned job applications had to be filled out at the administration office. She should have guessed, but now she had second thoughts. When she’d stepped inside the building, she realized working at the high school bound her to memories she wasn’t sure she wanted to keep fresh. Still, a job was a job. If she decided to stay in Michigan, she needed an income and medical benefits. Living at her dad’s, or her sister’s, wasn’t an option. Though Ashley had invited her as soon as she’d heard Neely was coming home, Neely feared it would stifle both of them. Staying with her dad was temporary, but she’d lived alone too long to share a home with someone, even family.
Of course, she’d change everything if she married, but at the moment she didn’t see a wedding in her future. She leaned back and drew in a breath. Why would she dismiss marriage as a possibility? Everyone wanted to be loved by that special person, and just because that special person wasn’t beating on her door today, who said he wouldn’t beat on it tomorrow?
Returning her focusing to the issue at hand, she learned at the office they were hiring since they were losing the woman who shifted between the attendance office and picked up the slack in the front when they were busy. The secretary invited her to speak to the principal, but it seemed senseless. The administration office took care of hiring. She wondered if it was worth giving up her workers’ compensation for a salary, but the benefits were good, and the salary would depend on her qualifications.
Instead of going to her car, another idea came to mind, and she veered down the wide hallway toward the gymnasium. When she arrived, the gym was empty. A frown slipped to her face before she calculated the boys were getting ready for their next class. Disappointed, she started to step away when a door opened and Jonny came into the gym carrying some equipment. She stepped toward him.
He saw her, and a smile grew on his face. “Nice surprise.”
“I decided to check out the job. I learned it has benefits, but I have to apply at the administration office.”
He tossed his head back. “I should have thought of that. Sorry.”
She rested her hand on his, and warmth spread through her. “Nothing to be sorry for. I appreciate your telling me about the opening.”
“Mr. Turner?”
Hearing the student’s voice, Neely dropped her hand.
“What, Mike?” Jonny looked past her toward the student.
She turned and saw a slender boy with acne and a shock of unruly hair.
The teen shifted from one foot to the other. “I won’t be in class today. I’m sick. So I’m going home.”
Jonny shook his head. “You look healthy to me.”
“Really. It’s my stomach.”
“See you tomorrow. You don’t want to miss homecoming, do you?” He flashed a grin at Neely.
“That’s why I’m going home today.” The boy spun around, and walked away.
Jonny sh
ook his head again. “You never know what’s up. The kid hates PE, but if his parents gave him permission to leave, who am I to argue?” He dropped the subject, and touched her shoulder. “I’ve wondered about your talk with Ashley.”
“We haven’t talked yet. I’m heading to her place after I stop at central office. Think of me in about a half hour.”
“I will.” A tender look washed across his face.
The expression left her with questions. “I’ll let you get ready for class.” She lifted her hand in a wave.
“Neely?”
She stopped and looked back.
“I can pick you up, but you’ll get here really early. Do you mind if Rainie and Ty bring you to the game, and I’ll take you home?”
His forlorn look touched her. “That’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She returned to her car while her mind played with Jonny’s expression. “Think of me in a half hour,” she’d said, and his face said more than his “I will,” but she didn’t know what the look meant.
The stop at the administration office consisted of filling out an application and learning that someone from another building had expressed an interest in the job. That was that. They would choose someone they knew over someone they didn’t, even when she’d dropped Jonny’s name there, too.
Though discouraged, she bolstered herself with the knowledge that if one job appeared another would follow, and maybe one that she was better suited for. She headed for Ashley’s, working on what she would say. She hadn’t discussed Erik with her since their dinner with Jonny, and she hoped their conversation would be casual but enlightening.
When she pulled into the driveway, the house looked quiet, and she wondered if they were home. She walked up the steps, and reached for the bell, then hesitated. If Joey were sleeping—maybe Ashley, too—she’d awaken them. Instead she gave a couple of taps and waited. In seconds, the door opened, and Ashley grinned as she stepped back. “I was thinking of you just a few minutes ago.”
Her Valentine Hero Page 7