Leaving Oxford

by Janet W. Ferguson

  “That’s different.” She laughed. “But okay.”

  “Great. What do you like to do? Eat, bike, run, hike? Go to movies or concerts?”

  “All of the above.” As Sarah Beth hung up the phone, she stifled a sigh. Adam’s honesty was so refreshing. When was the last time she’d had a relationship like that? No game playing.

  ~~~

  The computer screen glowed in front of Sarah Beth as she sat on Adam’s couch. She tried to concentrate, no easy feat with Adam at her side. The past month, they’d studied, run, and biked, but never ended up having time for activities like movies or concerts. Their studies were among their highest priorities, but their one other priority had taken her by surprise. Battling lust. Why was controlling herself so tough? Never a problem for her. Until now.

  Adam took her laptop and slid it to the coffee table. He kissed her again. And again. She drank in the scent of him, ran her fingers through his hair. This was impossible. Wonderful. Scary.

  He broke away breathless. “I can’t take this anymore. I’m drunk on you, addicted to you. You need to get on birth control, or we’re going to have to stop seeing each other.”

  Searing grief pierced her heart. Stop seeing each other? She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

  He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest, his breath ragged. “I’m sorry. I told you I wasn’t good at this. I don’t know how... I love you, and I want to be with you, but things are so heated, and I absolutely do not want to have children.”

  Blinking back the shock, she studied his face.

  “I don’t want to have children any time in the near future, at least.”

  Those blue eyes crashed through her defenses. “You love me?”

  Adam held her closer. “More than anyone I’ve ever known.”

  His strong arms around her felt so perfect. She’d been lonely since Mark and Holly moved away three years ago. She banished thoughts of right or wrong. “I was anemic at my soccer physicals. I’ve used the pill to control the problem for years.”

  His muscles tensed, and he pushed back and held her at arm’s length. “I don’t want you to do something you don’t feel comfortable with, but the good, the bad, and the ugly is that I’ve been disciplined out of fear of pregnancy. There’ve been times when you’ve stopped things, and other times when I have, but now I’m going to leave that up to you.”

  “Gee. Thanks. No pressure.”

  “I won’t pressure you, and I promise you if we are physically intimate, I won’t be with anyone else. Studies show that intimacy outside of a monogamous relationship is not only unhealthy because of STDs, but it’s also mentally unhealthy.”

  Her head cocked as she frowned at him. “That’s so romantic, Dr. Lancaster.”

  He cupped her face in his hands. “No games. Just me putting my heart in your hands.” With his thumbs, he traced her cheekbones and then her lips, and she gradually forgot everything but his touch.

  ~~~

  Sarah Beth woke to the scent of coffee. In Adam’s bed. Guilt and happiness mingled together. It was nice to be close to someone, to feel loved by someone. There was nothing wrong with that, was there?

  On the night stand, Adam placed a tray with omelets and coffee for two. His blue eyes twinkled. “Scoot over, and let’s eat.”

  “Wow, food. You’ll never get rid of me.” Pushing aside the sheets and pillow, she leaned against the head of the bed. She took the steaming mug he offered and sipped.

  “Why don’t you bring your clothes over and stay?”

  The coffee went down wrong, choking her. She grabbed a napkin and covered her mouth as she coughed.

  “Sorry.” Adam patted her back. “I didn’t mean to freak you out.”

  “You took me by surprise. I have a cooked breakfast, hot coffee, and an offer to move in all before eight o’clock.”

  “Your day’s shaping up quite nicely.” He took the cup and set it aside, then slipped his arms around her. “I know you’ve made my day.”

  She brought her clothes, toiletries, and a few family photos over that same day.

  Chapter 8

  Mondays always came too soon. This one was no exception. Sarah Beth reached her office early and set up her projector for the lunch meeting with the University Foundation and New South Bank. Her participation in the previous marketing meetings hadn’t been so bad, but she knew little of procuring endowments. Was Sam Conrad going to be there? And if so, how would she manage any awkwardness that might arise? Back in her partying days, she would’ve joined his revelry at the lake, dipping into his cooler more than she needed to, probably thinking she was cute and witty.

  But that was then.

  Stomach already growling, she dug through her bag in search of her emergency stash of sour gummy worms. She crammed three in her mouth to ease the rumble. Financial and marketing team members trickled in. No sign of the dean or Teddy Conrad yet. She and Cassie set out the white cardboard boxes that contained deli lunches for everyone expected to attend, plus a few more.

  Men and women in suits filed through the door. A bruised but clean-shaven version of Sam materialized among the bank reps with Teddy Conrad, the dean right behind them.

  Dean Latham motioned. “Sarah Beth, you’ve met Teddy. This is his son, Sam.”

  Slapping on a polite smile, Sarah Beth extended her hand. “It’s interesting to make that connection.”

  Sam’s face reddened. He shook her hand and gave a quick nod.

  Teddy gave Sarah Beth a hug. “Sam, this woman is known as a miracle-worker in the marketing industry. She’s the creative genius behind some of the most well-known ads in the country, maybe even the world.”

  She squirmed at his flattery. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

  “My favorite is that dancing frog.” Teddy laughed. “I crack up every time it plays. How do you think of that stuff?”

  “Well, obviously I’m a little bit weird to come up with that one.”

  “Wait.” Sam pushed his palm out in front of him. “Are you talking about the Super Bowl commercial?”

  “That’s the one, son. Didn’t that crack you up?”

  A partial smile formed on Sam’s lips. “Actually, it did.”

  Sarah Beth shrugged. “See? Weird. I go around the house writing down peculiar ideas. You wouldn’t believe the ones I’ve tossed out.” She put her hands on her empty stomach. “I don’t know about y’all, but I’m starving.”

  “Me, too.” The dean grabbed a lunch box and opened it. “Let’s eat.”

  The meeting and eating at the long conference table in her office commenced. Sarah Beth threw a couple of concepts on the screen while they ate.

  Teddy glanced at the door a few times, then pulled his phone out to make a call. He scowled as he whispered into his cell. “Where are you?”

  A familiar voice answered in the doorway. “I’m right here. Sorry I’m late.”

  All eyes turned to the entry as Jess strolled in wearing a blue linen suit. At the sight of him, Sarah Beth swallowed a partially chewed potato chip, which sent her into a coughing fit. She tried to stifle the whooping sound coming from her throat. “Let’s continue.”

  He took an empty seat, and the dean passed him a boxed lunch and tea.

  “I’m glad you’re finally here, Jess.” Teddy pointed across the table at Jess. “I want to put a face on our marketing campaign, and for obvious reasons, I think Coach Jess McCoy is the face.”

  A small bit of tea spewed from Jess’s lips. He covered his mouth as he sputtered. “What?”

  Teddy ignored the outburst. “We can put him on billboards, the website, and in print. As offensive coordinator, he already pulls in recruits for the team. Why not use him to pull in benefactors, endowments, prospective students?”

  Sarah Beth passed Jess a stack of napkins and attempted to hold back a smile. Nice to know she wasn’t the only one being thrown for a loop today.

  Dean Latham rubbed his chin and looked at her. “You�
��re the advertising genius. What do you think?”

  “I don’t want to be a wet bucket or anything, but I don’t think we should use Jess’s face. Not that his face isn’t good enough. I mean it’s perfect, but—”

  With a napkin covering his mouth, Jess turned her way. His eyes flashed.

  Was he trying not to laugh? “Let’s think this through. What if Jess gets a great job offer somewhere else?” Would he get a job somewhere else? He’d said he wanted to coach in the pros. “All our apples would be in one basket.” Another reason not to get too close to Jess McCoy.

  He lowered his napkin, eyes still twinkling. “I think you mean wet blanket and eggs.”

  “What? Anyway, he might leave, he might not, so maybe use him as one of a number of people. I’m sure we can come up with a few more marketable faces.”

  “I think she’s right.” Jess bobbed his head, his fingers running across his scruffy chin. “Not everyone likes the same face. Use some of the other coaches, players, students, professors. A diverse collection.” He motioned toward her. “Professor LeClair’s face is nice.”

  Sarah Beth managed a weak laugh and avoided Jess’s gaze. “Other than suggesting me, great ideas, Coach McCoy. I’ll get to work on that right away.”

  She went on to lay out her marketing campaign for the group. An hour later, she leaned back in her chair and folded her hands. “We’ve made a lot of progress today. I know you all have business to attend to, so—”

  “Wait.” Teddy cleared his throat. “Before we disperse, I suggest Sarah Beth bring the faces we choose to Memphis for a shoot. A top-notch photographer in the area handles the bank’s business.”

  The tingling started in her hands and climbed up her arms. Her ribs tightened around the half breath she managed to suck in. “I can’t go to Memphis. I...”

  “Sarah Beth’s plate is full.” Dean Latham made a broad gesture. “Besides her own busy career and the foundation work, she’s teaching Advertising and Promotions classes for me.”

  She found her voice. “Send your photographer here, and I’ll direct the shoot.”

  Another nod of approval from Jess. “The photos should be set in Oxford, anyway.”

  The backup helped, but it sent another rush of steam to her cheeks.

  At the close of the meeting, Dean Latham gave her a hug. “All fantastic comments and ideas, as usual.”

  She whispered, “Thanks for saving me from the Memphis trip.”

  Jess excused himself and hustled out the door. The last person mulling around was Sam. He approached her when the office emptied. “I appreciate how you handled our introduction. Sorry about Saturday. I could buy you lunch or something this week as an apology?”

  Not in a million years. She bristled but controlled her expression. “That’s not necessary.” The phone on her desk interrupted. Thank goodness. “Sorry, need to take this.”

  She hurried to pick it up. “Hey, Dylan. Thanks for returning my call.” She slipped a glance toward the door. Yes. Sam was leaving.

  “Los Angeles isn’t the same without you, gorgeous.” Dylan Conner answered in his velvet voice.

  Her relief diminished at his words. One hot mess walked out the door, but she’d dropped into another. “So how about you come visit my hometown, and we’ll hammer out the promo details away from L.A. and its distractions?”

  “Sounds inviting.” Dylan’s tone held a smooth and flirtatious air as usual.

  “My assistant in L.A., Jill, can handle the arrangements for you.”

  “I can make a flight reservation all by myself.”

  “I can expense your trip.”

  “Not a chance. I’ll pop in as soon as my schedule opens. I always look forward to seeing you.”

  Pop in? “Text me if you want me to make hotel reservations. They stay full here with all the events in town.”

  “Will do.”

  “Oh, I can’t wait for you to taste some famous Southern cooking.”

  Dylan coughed. “Whose Southern cooking? Not yours, I hope.”

  “I didn’t say I was cooking.”

  “Thank goodness. I value my health.”

  “I did not make everyone sick that time.” She gave a little huff. “It was a coincidence. Let me know when you make your travel plans, and be careful, okay?”

  “I can’t promise to be careful, but I’ll try not to get hurt. I look forward to spending time with you.”

  Such a flirt. “Bye, Dylan.”

  Now to plow back through the specs for Dylan’s latest movie before the so-called “Hottest Man Alive” descended on north Mississippi, hopefully incognito.

  Hours later, she shut her laptop and closed her eyes. Talking to Dylan brought back so many memories. Painful memories, she couldn’t deal with.

  In Oxford, she’d tried to forget her past, leaving her feeling like little more than a warm body most days. Some hurts left too big a scar.

  What do I do, Lord? I keep going through the motions of living, but I’m so lonely.

  Blinded by tears, she grappled to find her phone and make a call. She needed to talk to family.

  “Hey, Aunt Sarah Beth.” A happy young voice answered on the second ring. “Guess what? I’m teaching my dog a new trick. He’s learning to roll over.”

  His simple words lifted her spirits. “That’s great, Drew. You should bring Winnie next time you come to Oxford.”

  “When are you coming to Atlanta? You could get a dog, and they could play.”

  Biting into her lip, she sighed. “Wouldn’t that be fun?” Her words at least sounded sincere. “Is your dad helping you train Winnie?”

  “Nope. He’s out of town for work. He’s gonna bring me a surprise from Washington, D.C.”

  “How sweet. You know, I can’t wait for y’all to come over and visit soon. I’m getting the pool cleaned this week. Start bugging your mom and dad to bring you when school lets out, and I’ll clean up the pool house, too.”

  “Okay, Aunt Sarah Beth.”

  “Love you, miss you, Drew.”

  “Love you, miss you, but God loves you more.”

  He already talks like Mark. I wish I could go see him.

  Chapter 9

  The scent of coffee and something fried sent a growl through Jess’s stomach. His best friend could always be counted on for a good cup of brew before work. From the smell of it, maybe breakfast. He slipped in the door of Nick’s small, two-bedroom townhouse. “You have some grub? I’m starving.”

  Nick stuck his head around the half wall that separated the kitchen from the minuscule foyer. “Got coffee, and frying eggs. You want some?”

  “That’ll work.” Jess helped himself to a mug, filled it with steaming black coffee, and plopped into a seat at the small oak table. “Where’s little bit?”

  “The carpool picked her up early. The preschool’s taking a field trip to the Memphis Zoo this morning.” A heavy sigh followed his words. “Too many irons in the fire at work for me to go. I’m sick about not being with her.”

  If only Nick could find another good woman, like Paige had been. “You’re doing the best you can. You’re a great dad.”

  Nick flipped the eggs onto plates and joined him at the table. “Thanks.”

  “I’m disappointed I missed seeing the princess today, but she’ll have fun. And it’s the best preschool in Oxford.” Jess smirked. “I’m sure some of the moms are disappointed the single dad’s not there.”

  “Speaking of single, that’s a nice girl you brought skiing. I know you only invited her because of the great ski equipment, but she was the first girl I’ve seen you with who wasn’t—how can I put this nicely? Snooty or shallow. Of course, I rarely see them more than a time or two, so how would I know?” A puff of air whooshed through Nick’s lips. “Oh, except for that Sophia. And you know what I think about her.” He cut his eyes at Jess and shook his head.

  “Is the monologue over?” Jess wiped his mouth. “You’re ruining the eggs.”

  Nick looked at Je
ss’s empty plate and cocked an eyebrow. “Doesn’t look like I ruined them too much.”

  Laughing, Jess rinsed his dish and put it in the dishwasher. “Can you get off Saturday and bring Katie on the boat? I was thinking of taking it out again, and I promised her she could ride soon.” He slung back the rest of his coffee.

  “Any other ladies going?”

  With any luck, but he wouldn’t give Nick more ammunition. Jess turned and walked to the door. “I’ll let you know.”

  As he headed back to campus, Nick’s ribbing trailed him. Or maybe it was thoughts of Sarah Beth. There she was again. The fact that he was pleased with Nick’s approval only unnerved him more. He needed to clear his head. The woman only wanted to be friends.

  At the practice field, Jess sprinted between the white lines, dropping and pushing up in intervals. He ran until his sole focus became breathing and forcing his muscles the next inch. Sweat dripped from his forehead as he rested his hands on his knees and panted.

  Cole jogged onto the field. “What’s up, Coach? Thinking up a new torture drill?”

  Maybe torture was the only thing that would take his mind off this woman.

  ~~~

  Early as usual and prepared for her babysitting duties, Sarah Beth let herself into Chris and Kim’s yellow cottage on the north side of the Square. Her bag pulled hard against her shoulder with the items she’d packed for a tea party and painting with watercolors. Contemporary black frames lined the light blue walls of the quaint home, holding photos of family and students. The smiling faces exuded warmth as she walked through the den.

  “Camilla’s waiting in her room wearing an old Furby costume she found at a garage sale.” Chris whisked by, carrying a tray of hamburger patties. “She plans to decorate you, too.” Turning back, he grinned. “But seriously, thanks for helping out with our CSU family night.”

  “I enjoy it.” She waved him off. “And I get off easy on Tuesdays. You have to deal with students’ deeper issues.”

  Flapping the spatula at her, Chris furrowed his forehead. “And the grilling. No one would come if I let you grill the burgers again.”