Homespun Christmas

by Aimée Thurlo

  “All right,” Myka said. “We’ll meet back here sometime tomorrow.”

  “Just don’t forget this weekend,” Robyn said. “It’ll be good PR.” She glanced from Joshua to Myka. “Are you two going together?”

  “Huh?” Myka said. “You’ve lost me.”

  “I hadn’t gotten around to asking her yet,” Josh said.

  “Then get busy!” Robyn shook her head as she strode out.

  “What’s she talking about? What did I miss?”

  “Nothing yet. Mayor Allen wanted to hold a town social this year as a sign that bad times are over. He’s found a band that’ll play for free, too. The Heartsongs. Have you heard of them?”

  Myka laughed. “Yeah, but I wouldn’t exactly call them a band. It’s more like one senior gentleman with a fiddle, his retired son who plays guitar and Mabel at the piano.”

  “Good enough for me,” he said. “We should go together.”

  Myka hesitated. “As colleagues, or are you asking me on a date?”

  “Whichever one will get you to say yes,” he answered with a grin.

  “Okay, but let’s keep it informal. I’ll meet you there.”

  “What are you worried about, Myka?”

  “Headaches,” she said. “Will, for one.”

  “Let me handle him.”

  She shook her head. “He’s my problem and I have to deal with him. You’re just caught in the middle.”

  “Maybe, but I can take whatever he throws at me.”

  “There’s something else you should keep in mind, Joshua. What you do, or don’t do, matters more than ever. You’re working as an architect for the town and helping HMI. You’ve got to ignore Will’s negativity. People see you as part of the solution. You’ve earned their trust.”

  He grew serious. “I know, Myka. These days, when I look at the faces around me, I see respect. That means more to me than you know.”

  “It’s what you’ve always wanted...”

  She started to say more, but just then she heard a loud commotion outside her office.

  “What on earth—” Myka hurried into the hallway. A large wheeled cart filled with supplies slated for the dyeing room was blocking the doors of the freight elevator.

  “What’s going on?” she asked, seeing Sophie and Liza.

  “Myka, good! I was about to find you! Can you and Josh take that upstairs?” Liza asked, pointing to the cart. “Sophie and I are running late. We’re supposed to pick up some supplies at Painted Canyon and we have to get there before the vendor closes.”

  “Go,” Myka said without hesitation.

  As the women hurried off, she suddenly realized what she’d agreed to do.

  “Come on,” Joshua said. “I’ll pull the cart into the elevator, you maneuver it.”

  “I...” She swallowed hard. “I’ll help you roll it in, then meet you upstairs.”

  “It’s not the same elevator anymore, Myka,” he said gently. “It belongs to HMI now and it doesn’t even look the same.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Come see for yourself.”

  Curiosity got the better of her, and she followed him. Joshua pushed the button, the elevator dinged and within a few seconds the doors opened.

  Myka stared at the interior, blinked, then continued to stare. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but this...

  Pink was her favorite color, and the interior of the freight elevator had been painted a light rose. Beautiful, small butterflies had been hand drawn over its metal walls, and each had a name inscribed below it.

  “All the people who work here have a butterfly, including you, but you’ll have to sign your own. It’s the pink-and-lavender one at the center, below the quote.”

  As she read what was written there, tears welled up in her eyes.

  “‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’—Eleanor Roosevelt,” she said. “When did they...” Her voice wavered.

  “Everyone knows how hard it was for you to use this elevator and they wanted to help. They asked me to come up with a design that would welcome you.” He took her hand and pulled her farther inside. “So what do you think?”

  “I love it. It’s beautiful, and thoughtful and... I’m speechless!”

  He placed his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to his side. “In almost all cultures, butterflies represent renewal and transformation. It seemed fitting for HMI.”

  “It’s lovely,” she said, signing her name below the central butterfly with the special pen he handed her. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “I do.” He pulled her into his arms, then took her mouth tenderly. The warmth of his body and the power of his kiss wove a spell all their own, pushing the past away and welcoming the present.

  After a brief eternity, she stepped back, but left her hand in his. “What an incredible gift this is, Joshua.”

  “It’s from everyone. I just gave it form.”

  She smiled. That’s what drew her to him most—his belief that imagination was the doorway to new realities. “It’s just perfect.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  THE NIGHT OF the social was blustery and cool with autumn leaves flying freely, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Fortunately, organizers had decided to host the dance inside the community center rather than in the courtyard.

  The auditorium had been transformed into a giant dance floor and it was filled to bursting. Familiar faces pressed in all around her, most dressed in their finest Western wear. Myka had chosen a denim dress with her silver concha belt and her favorite handcrafted turquoise leather boots with cream embroidery on the shaft.

  Across the way, she could see Robyn wearing a long denim skirt. It was the first time in ages Myka had seen her in something other than jeans. She smiled the second she saw J.R. next to her friend.

  The mayor, wearing a Western-cut suit complete with a big turquoise and silver bolo tie, stepped onto the small stage beside the band and opened the festivities with a prayer of thanks. A moment later, he stepped down and the band began to play.

  Although no alcohol would be served, there were plenty of soft drinks. Myka went to the buffet table, picked up a cola and filled her paper plate with two turkey and cheese tortilla pinwheels. Unable to resist the temptation, she took a pumpkin spice cookie, as well.

  Taking a seat against the wall, she ate and watched the line dancers in the center of the room.

  The fast-paced music picked up her spirits. Tonight was for play, not business, and it felt good to get away and just have fun.

  Myka tossed her paper plate into the trash and was about to join the dancers when a strange feeling crept over her. She paused and looked around. There’d been a change in the atmosphere of the room—the music was just as loud, but there was less laugher, and people had stopped talking.

  She wondered what was going on and saw Will, wearing his uniform, standing at the entrance. With him was a man she hadn’t seen in over a year—one she’d hoped never to see again.

  Distracted by the unexpected visitor, she jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” Joshua said and smiled.

  He was wearing a dark blue Western shirt with snaps, not buttons, beneath a leather vest. At his throat was a handcrafted Native American silver bolo tie with a bear paw inlay. He looked darned near perfect, all the way down to his jeans and black boots.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, glancing back at Will and his companion.

  “Who’s that?” he asked, following her line of sight. “Everyone seems to be looking in his direction.”

  “He’s a jerk...and I’d hoped he had left town for good.”
<
br />   “What did he do?” he asked, moving closer to Myka.

  “He played us all for fools. His name is Carl White, and he worked here in IVA’s business office. When the plant closed down he was one of four employees offered a job at one of IVA’s sister companies in San Diego. What really ticked people off is that Carl knew our plant was closing long before anyone else here. Carl sold his house and summer cabin before Independence’s real estate market crashed—which happened the moment everyone got their pink slips. Word was that IVA paid Carl to keep his mouth shut.”

  “And he’s Will’s friend?” he said, watching as the police chief walked with Carl toward the refreshment table.

  “From way back,” she said. “Will bought Carl’s story—that he’d sold his properties because he intended to quit and move closer to his girlfriend.”

  Joshua was quiet for several moments. “There’s more to Carl White than you’re saying, isn’t there?” he asked, watching her closely.

  She shrugged but avoided looking at him. “It’s ancient history...and it’s personal.”

  “All right, then. Forget him. Tonight’s for fun. Let’s dance,” he said and took her arm.

  Just then, Carl came up.

  “Myka, you’re a sight for sore eyes.”

  “Hello, Carl,” she said with a tight-lipped smile.

  “I’m glad to see you’re enjoying life again, darling. We were all worried about you for a while there.”

  Myka drew in a breath. She wanted to kick him as hard as she could with her pointed toe boot. “Thanks, I appreciate that. If you’ll excuse me...”

  She started to go around him, but he reached for her arm. “Can we talk for a moment?”

  “Not now,” she replied coldly.

  Joshua stepped forward, coming shoulder to shoulder with the man. “Myka wants to dance,” he said, turning his steely gaze to Carl.

  “My bad,” Carl said. “You know I work for American Vehicle Accessories in San Diego, right?” Seeing her shrug, he continued. “We’re always donating to one project or another, and since you dealt with most of the execs, I figured you’d want to talk to me about the fire department’s funding problem.”

  “The person you should be speaking to is Mayor Allen,” she said, forcing her voice to stay calm.

  “Phil doesn’t have your insight. I’d have to pitch it to my boss in just the right way. Since you know Mike Petersen, our CFO, I thought you could give me some ideas on the best way to approach him.”

  Myka drew in a breath. That was true. As bookkeeper, she’d dealt with many out-of-town corporate VIPs, including Peterson.

  “All right,” she said after a moment. “Let’s talk.”

  “Step out to the lobby with me. Give me a few ideas on how to approach Peterson with this, and I’ll take it from there.”

  “Can this wait?” Joshua said.

  “No, actually. I’m heading out tomorrow at first light. I’m only in town to see my aunt, and she insisted on coming to the social tonight.”

  “It’s okay, Joshua. I’ll join you in a few minutes,” she said, and left the auditorium with Carl.

  With the sound of the band behind them, she could now speak at a normal level.

  “With Mike, you have to give him the soft sell along with all the details up front,” she said, getting right down to business. “Give him the dollar and cents amount the fire department needs, then explain that if it’s handled right, the donation could be part of a public ceremony that’ll include the press. Publicity like that can be rebroadcast and used in other promotions, so it’ll give AVA a lot of bang for their buck. Let me know if you need anything else.” She started to walk away, but he moved in front of her.

  “Myka, relax,” Carl said softly, closing the distance between them and putting his hand on her shoulder. “It doesn’t have to be all business between us, not tonight. You know I had a thing for you even when you were married, but there’s no need to hold back now. We’re both unattached. Be nice to me, and I’ll be nice to you.”

  She brushed away his arm and stepped back. “If you touch me again, you creep, I’m going to scream loud enough to wake the dead.”

  “Myka, I heard all about the insurance fiasco. Your business depends on the fire department, as do a lot of other companies here. Many are bound to sink if the insurance rates triple. You need what I have to offer. Admit it.”

  She took another step back, but he reached out and snaked an arm around her waist.

  “Stop teasing,” he growled.

  Myka stomped on his toe and jerked free. “Back off!” she yelled.

  Carl made another grab for her just as Joshua came into the lobby. He swung Carl around and decked him with a punch to the jaw. Carl landed on his butt, tried to stand, but only made it to his hands and knees.

  People rushed into the lobby to see what was going on, but Will was one of the first to arrive. He placed Joshua in cuffs as Carl staggered to his feet, insisting that he was fine.

  Mayor Allen, pushing his way through the crowd, tried to calm everyone down.

  “Stop it, Will,” Myka said, grabbing her brother-in-law’s arm. “Joshua was protecting me.”

  “Myka, back away. I’m handling this,” Will snapped.

  “Listen, you’re making a mistake,” Myka said, but Will ignored her and pushed Joshua out the front door.

  Myka started to go after them, but Robyn pulled her back. “I get it. Carl’s pulled those same moves on me, too. Come on, I’ll drive you to the station, and we’ll talk to Will there.”

  “Carl was way out of line and Joshua was defending me. I’ve got to make Will understand what really happened.”

  “He can see it for himself,” Robyn said, pointing to a security camera. “Remember when those were installed last year? Kids were tagging the place and climbing onto the roof.”

  Myka smiled. “You’re terrific, Robyn. Now let’s go turn the tables on Carl, the sleazeball,” she said. “I’ve got an idea.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “First, we spring Joshua. Then, we’ll talk to Carl—together.”

  * * *

  WHEN THEY ARRIVED at the station, Will was at his desk and Joshua sat inside a cell across the room.

  Seeing Myka, Joshua stood up. “You okay, Myka?” he called out.

  “Yes, and I’m here to set things right,” she said firmly, turning to glare at Will. Robyn remained by her side, her expression hard.

  “I already know the facts,” Will said. “I was standing in the doorway, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Joshua throw the punch.”

  “Yes, he did, and if he hadn’t I would have,” Myka said. “You couldn’t see me, could you?”

  “No, just Joshua. Keep talking,” he said.

  Myka explained what had happened, starting from the moment Carl first came up to her. “And if you still don’t believe me, check the security camera covering the lobby.”

  Will looked at Joshua, who’d been listening, then to Robyn, who nodded. Finally, he responded. “Myka, maybe Carl misunderstood...”

  “No. This all started when I was working at IVA. Back then Carl went out of his way to make my life miserable. He’d mouth off and make crude, suggestive remarks, always when no one else could hear him.”

  “Why didn’t you tell Tanner?” Will demanded.

  “Because Tanner would have confronted him, maybe even taken a swing. Carl outranked him, and might have filed assault charges, so I handled it my own way. I recorded some of Carl’s comments, and planned to play them for my supervisor. Then I found out that the last woman who’d accused an exec of sexual harassment was fired. She’d even had a witness. The exec was forced to apologize and she was transferred to another department. Then, after a few months of lousy performance reviews, she
was let go.”

  “You should have come to me. I didn’t work there.”

  “At the time, Tanner and I had just bought the house, remember? I couldn’t afford to lose my job, and neither could Tanner, so I made it my business to avoid Carl. He was eventually promoted and began spending most of his time traveling.”

  “And tonight he hit on you again?”

  “And he grabbed me,” Myka said. “Twice. He was going for a third time when Joshua stepped in.”

  Will picked up his keys and unlocked the cell. “Looks like I owe you an apology.”

  Joshua met his gaze and waited. “I’m not getting one, am I?” he asked, grinning.

  “Hey, I said I owe you one, not that it’s going to happen. Take it as a win.”

  Myka looked at Robyn and shrugged.

  “Looks like Carl and I need to have a talk,” Will said, heading to the door.

  “Wait. Hear me out first. I have an idea that’ll work to everyone’s advantage, but we’ll need backup just in case things go wrong,” Myka said.

  Will gave her a puzzled look. “What exactly do you want to do?”

  “Whatever it is, count me in,” Joshua said.

  * * *

  A HALF HOUR later, Myka and Robyn caught up to Carl in the parking lot outside the community center. He was heading for his car, but seeing them, he stopped and waited. “Hello, darlings. Are you here to smooth things over and maybe strike a deal? It’s going to take more than a smile and a handshake to change my mind now. How far are you ladies willing to go?”

  “You might want to watch what you say, Carl,” Myka said, then pointed to a pickup parked just down the street. “The police chief is right over there, and I know for a fact he’s watching your every move.”

  “My word against yours,” Carl said. “Unless he’s a lip reader.”

  “I could just play back the recording,” Myka said, holding up the small digital recorder.

  “I could also provide statements from the women at IVA who endured your sexual harassment, including me,” Robyn said. “Want that on your next work evaluation?”