“Okay. Thanks, Todd. You’re a wonderful friend.”
“I always will be, Carla. You can count on that.”
The call ended, and Todd stood for a moment, his eyes closed. “God, help her. Please help her make the right decision.”
Carla looked at the phone in her hand. Her throat was tight, and she blinked back tears. Had she lost Todd? Or had he ever been hers? She’d probably imagined that he cared for her. She’d built up the good-bye kiss to be something he’d never intended.
But at least she had his friendship, and she knew he would pray.
Chapter 9
The locker room was empty when Carla walked in. Should she change into her workout clothes or wait until she talked to Vlad and Lee? She still wasn’t a hundred percent sure what she should do. But she’d prayed and committed the situation to God. She’d trust Him to guide her. She only hoped He didn’t wait until the last minute. Her nerves were so on edge.
The door opened and a skater she’d seen around the rink came in. The girl paused when she saw Carla, then smiled and walked over.
“Hi, I’m Dana Saunders. You’re Carla Daniels, right?”
Carla nodded. “It’s nice meeting you.”
Dana hesitated, then took a deep breath and let it out. “Look, Carla, this isn’t any of my business, but there’s something I think you need to know, if you don’t already.”
“Oh? What’s that?” Was this going to be another smart aleck trying to get under her skin?
“What did Lee tell you about his split with Susan?”
Uh-oh, another gossip. “Just that she left because he’d messed up at Nationals.”
A sound of exasperation came from Dana. “That’s not what happened.”
Carla tensed. Had Lee lied to her? Or was this girl trying to stir up trouble?
“All right, you might as well tell me.”
“Look, I don’t go around gossiping, but if you’re going to be Lee’s partner, you need to know a few things. I trained right here for the last year they skated together. Susan and I weren’t best friends, but I knew her pretty well and could see her frustration.”
Carla couldn’t help but see the girl’s sincerity. “Okay, I’m listening.”
“I don’t know what Lee was like when you were his partner, but since I’ve known him, he’s been undisciplined. When he trained with Susan, he wanted his way about everything, and he ignored his coach most of the time. He was late to practices, if he made it there at all. He tried crazy moves that their coach advised against. And he wanted to be in complete control of Susan. The reason he fell at Nationals was because he was careless with a throw and lost his balance. Susan could have been injured badly. Luckily she wasn’t, but it really shook her up and she couldn’t handle it anymore.”
Carla nodded. “But if he’s so bad, why was Vlad willing to coach him?”
“Vlad is Lee’s last chance. He’s been turned down by several coaches. And Vlad doesn’t have that great a record either. He was pretty much in coach limbo until Lee came along.” She stepped over to a locker and pulled out leotards. “Look, everyone knows this. It’s no secret. I just thought someone should tell you. You seem like a nice person, and you’re doing really well on the ice, considering how long it’s been since you trained. I have to get ready now. See you later.”
Carla thanked her and left the locker room. She stood a moment in the hallway, her eyes closed, then headed for the coffee shop. As she’d hoped, Vlad and Lee were there. She ordered a mocha latte and walked over to them. Lee made room for her on his side of the booth.
Vlad frowned and jerked his head toward the latte. “I hope that’s sugar and fat free.”
She smiled. “As a matter of fact, it is, Vlad. I’ve decided I’ve been eating entirely too much sugar and saturated fat.”
He nodded and gave her a little smile. “Good girl.” He turned back to Lee. “Now, this is what I’d like for you to work on today.”
“Just a minute, Vlad.” Carla bit her lip. “I have some news for you both. I’ve made my decision. I’ve decided not to return to competitive skating.”
Surprise crossed Vlad’s face, but the look on Lee’s was something else. “You can’t do that! You promised.”
“Lee, you know that’s not true. I was leaning toward a yes, but I was wrong.” She lifted her chin and looked in his eyes. “I love skating, Lee. But I never did like to compete. I don’t think I realized that until last night. And I know I have other things I want to do. Things I’m not willing to give up for the uncertainty of a gold medal.”
“Carla, please reconsider.” Lee’s eyes were begging.
“I’m so sorry. But to be honest, even if I wanted it, which I don’t, I can’t trust you, Lee. You lied to me about the breakup with Susan, and you’ve already been careless on the ice.” She stood. “I do want to thank you for inviting me to partner with you again and for the nice things you said about my skating. I wish you all the best in your career. But it’s not for me.”
She offered her hand. “Good-bye.” For a moment she thought he’d ignore it, but finally, he reached out and briefly took her hand.
She turned to Vlad. “Thanks for your willingness to work with me.”
He smiled and nodded. “I hope you’re not making a mistake.”
“I’m not.”
She returned to the locker room with a lightness in her step that had been missing for nearly two weeks. She looked at her watch. If she hurried, she could call Todd before he got busy.
Todd whistled as he filled the pans for the lunch buffet steam table. The daily fried chicken lay crisp and golden brown in one large pan. Slices of meat loaf lined another, and spaghetti and meatballs filled the third entrée pan.
He was thankful he’d had most of the dishes prepared when Carla called. Otherwise, he’d have been so distracted there was no telling how things might have turned out. He laughed as he scooped the mashed potatoes into their slot and then poured gravy.
Alan was already getting the salads and desserts in place.
All Todd could think about was a certain beautiful blond. She’d sounded happy but perhaps at loose ends when she called. As though she’d burned one bridge and wasn’t sure how to build another.
Her voice had sounded different when she said his name. Almost like a caress. Whew. Better stop that. He might go off the deep end and do something foolish. Like hop a plane to Colorado. He stopped in the middle of transferring the green beans. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea.
“Here. Better let me do that.” Alan took the pan from his hand. “Good thing I got back here when I did. There’d be green beans all over the floor.”
Todd gave him an absentminded smile and went to the grill. One ticket hung on the rack. Just for a cheeseburger and fries. He pulled a tray of hamburger patties from the walk-in.
Should he go? He’d been careful not to interfere the past week, preferring to leave things in God’s hands. But she’d made her decision to come back. There was nothing wrong in him going there now for a day or two, was there? Just to let her know he was there for her? And maybe propose?
He chuckled. Better not get ahead of himself here. And better get his mind back on his grill before he lost a customer. He’d also better get his head together before the rush hit.
After the lunch run, Todd waved good-bye to Hannah and Alan and drove home. He had a few hours before he’d need to be back at the diner. He took coffee and his phone out to the deck and checked out flight schedules. He could get a plane out of Wichita at eleven tonight. That would be the best bet. He’d need to be back home in a couple of days. Alan and Hannah could manage without him, but he didn’t want to put the responsibility of the diner on them for any longer than that. Especially on such short notice.
He made a quick call to the diner and talked with Alan. After being reassured he and Hannah would be happy to run the diner for a few days, he ended the call, got on his computer, and took care of his airline ticket. Then he made r
eservations at a hotel in Colorado Springs and made sure he could gain admittance that late at night.
Finally, he ran upstairs and packed a suitcase.
By the time he’d brought his suitcase downstairs and set it by the door, it was time to return to the diner. He’d need to take off a little early to shower and shave, so Alan and Hannah would have to close up.
As Todd drove back to the diner, it suddenly occurred to him that his impulsive action might backfire on him. What if Carla resented his showing up unexpectedly? Lord, go with me.
Carla glanced at her cousins’ photos lying on the bed beside her. Eve was the one closest to her in age. By the time they’d all scattered, the two of them had grown apart because they were both busy with their own interests, but for a while when they were little kids they’d been stuck like glue. She remembered them playing dress-up at Grams’s house.
Danni and Zoe had been several years older, and Carla remembered practically worshipping them from afar. They’d pretty much ignored their younger cousins back then, but there had also been some kind moments. Such as the time Danni had found her crying in the elm tree in Grams’s backyard after she’d climbed up and was afraid to come back down. Danni had climbed up in her brand-new designer jeans and rescued Carla. But even better, she hadn’t told anyone about her young cousin’s fear.
Carla smiled and picked up Zoe’s photo. Carla must have been about nine the year she’d talked sixteen-year-old Zoe into letting her ride with her on the Ferris wheel. Carla, frozen with fear, had held onto the bar for dear life, and by the time she’d gotten off the ride, she’d been white as a ghost and shaking all over. A neighbor boy who’d gone to the fair with them had made fun of her and Zoe had threatened to smack him if he didn’t stop. Then she’d bought a snow cone for Carla.
Carla laughed, and anticipation rose up in her for the coming reunion. Just two more days. She could hardly wait.
Chapter 10
Todd took a deep breath and offered up a quick prayer before he punched in Carla’s number. It rang three times. Maybe she was still sleeping. He glanced at his watch and groaned. Only seven o’clock. He should have waited.
He was about to end the call when a groggy “hello” stopped him.
“I woke you up.”
A yawn. “Todd? Is that you?”
“Yeah. Sorry. I should have checked the time. I thought it was later.”
She laughed. “It’s okay. I need to get up anyway. I want to do a little more sightseeing today. I meet the cousins tomorrow.”
“I know.” He cleared his throat. “Want some company on your sightseeing tour?”
“What?” A squeal reverberated off his ear. “Todd! Are you coming here?”
“Well, actually, I’m already here.” He held his breath.
“Oh, that’s great! Have you had breakfast yet?”
He grinned. She sounded like she was glad. “No, I was hoping we could go together.”
“Yes. Wonderful. Give me a half hour. Where do you want me to meet you?”
The happiness in her voice about bowled him over. Maybe he should have done this sooner.
“I’m not really familiar with the restaurants in town. What do you suggest?”
“Well, there’s a big pancake house in town, but if you want some local color, I know just the place.” She rattled off the address to a place called Mac’s Chuck Wagon.
Twenty minutes later, he parked in front of the café, which was sandwiched between a small museum and a bookstore.
He locked his rental car and waited another fifteen minutes for Carla to get there.
When she drove up and parked, he opened her door for her and she almost sprang into his arms. Without thinking, he pressed his lips to hers.
“Carla.” His voice was shaky.
She blushed and stepped back. “Sorry I almost knocked you over. I don’t know what got into me.”
“Well, I’m not sorry. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about me coming here unannounced.” He grinned and took her arm, guiding her toward the door. “Let’s get inside. You didn’t wear a very warm jacket.”
“I didn’t realize the temperature had dropped. It must be twenty degrees colder than yesterday.” She stepped through the door and Todd followed her.
A waitress dressed cowgirl style smiled and directed them to a booth. She left menus and promised to be right back.
Todd glanced across the table. Carla’s hands were folded on the tabletop, and it seemed the most natural thing in the world to wrap them in his.
“I can’t believe two weeks could seem so long.”
She nodded. “I know. Even in the midst of all the excitement, I was lonely. How is Hannah?”
“She’s fine now that she knows you’re coming home. I was half expecting her to come to Colorado and kidnap you.”
She giggled. “She would have, too. Can’t you just see that?”
They spent the next hour eating bacon, eggs, and biscuits and cream gravy, and enjoying each other’s presence. Todd breathed a sigh of relief. He needn’t have worried. Carla was still Carla.
He glanced at her as they stepped outside. “Okay, where to now?”
“How would you like to go ice skating?” She flashed an appealing smile in his direction.
“Are you serious? I haven’t skated in years.” He frowned. “You’re not serious.”
She laughed. “No, but I thought you might like to see the old rink where I trained when I was a little girl.”
“That, I can handle.”
Todd followed Carla to her hotel so she could leave her car. They drove to the rink and after she showed him around, they went for a drive.
She directed him to the Broadmoor where she and her cousins would be staying. “Grams arranged it all ahead of time. We’ll be staying at a fancy expensive cottage on the grounds here somewhere.”
Todd whistled. “I’ve heard of this place, but you have to see it to believe it.”
She nodded. “I was nervous at first, but now I can’t wait to see my cousins again. When we came for the funeral, everything seemed so rushed and unreal. I can barely remember even talking to them.”
He started the car and they continued their tour, stopping for lunch at a little mountain cabin that had been converted to a restaurant.
It was no wonder she’d wanted to stay here. The place was beautiful, with the magnificent mountains as a backdrop to it all.
“I can see now why you were eager to come back. But are you sure about not moving here? I’d hate for you to regret it later.”
“I’m sure. It drew me for a while, and I wouldn’t mind coming back for a visit once in a while, but I’m ready to go home. Although I’m looking forward to seeing Danni, Zoe, and Eve, I can hardly wait until it’s time to go.” She gave him a wistful look. “When do you have to leave?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. When are you going to the Broadmoor?”
“We’re supposed to meet with Grams’s attorney there tomorrow morning at nine. I guess I’ll go ahead and check in then.”
He nodded. “Let’s have breakfast together before you go.”
“Okay. That’ll be nice.”
He’d already called and made reservations for dinner that evening. He hoped he hadn’t been presumptuous.
“Are you free tonight for dinner?”
“Is this an invitation?” Her lips curved in a teasing smile.
“It is, if you’re free. I know it’s short notice.”
“I’m free. I’ve burned my bridges with the one person I called friend in this town.” She shook her head. “And I think the term friend was stretching it a little where Lee was concerned.”
“In that case, can I pick you up around eight?”
“Of course. Should I dress fancy or wear my jeans?” She grinned.
“Not formal, but something nice, I guess.”
He slipped his hand into his jacket pocket and tapped nervously on the small box. He wouldn’t care if she came in her bathrobe wit
h her hair in curlers. As long as she gave him the right answer.
Carla dabbed at the wisp of hair that wouldn’t stay where she wanted it. She wasn’t sure if what she was feeling was nervousness, anticipation, excitement, or a combination of them all. She’d felt like an idiot when she’d thrown herself into Todd’s arms that morning.
Butterflies began a dance in her stomach. Of course, he hadn’t seemed to mind. That kiss about knocked her socks off.
She gave herself another once-over in the mirror. She’d chosen a simple black, knee-length dress with a single strand of pearls and small pearl earrings. Her hair was pulled back and held with a pearl comb. Maybe a little old fashioned, but the pearls combination had belonged to Grams, and for some reason, she felt like wearing them tonight.
Todd arrived promptly at eight, looking handsome in a brown plaid sweater and tan pants. He tucked her arm through his and gazed deeply into her eyes. When he spoke, his voice was husky. “You look so beautiful.”
“Thanks. So do you.” She felt heat rise to her face. “Handsome, I mean.”
He laughed and held the car door for her.
They drove for a few blocks to a small, but very nice restaurant. Carla was surprised when they were led to an enclosed patio that only had one occupied table. A fireplace roared in the corner and candles graced their table. Soft music played in the background, broken only by the clinking of silver on china.
Todd held her chair for her, and she smiled up at him. He bent and touched her lips with his then sat across from her. She felt almost dazed for a moment, as though she were floating on a cloud of dreams.
“This is lovely, Todd.”
“I hoped you’d like it.” He touched her hand and smiled. A waiter arrived to fill their glasses from a pitcher of water. He told them his name and left their menus.
After they’d ordered, Carla looked at Todd. “We were so busy sightseeing today, you never did tell me what you’ve decided about Harrington’s offer.”
“I turned him down.” He frowned. “It turned out he wasn’t the sort I wanted to do business with. But aside from that, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of having someone else’s money tied up in my business. I’ve been thinking of fixing up the diner. Making it a real fifties-style place.”
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