Betrayed Hearts

by Susan Anne Mason

  Her expression turned pensive. “I don’t have much family either. My mother died when I was young.”

  “What about your father?”

  A flicker of something like fear passed over her features. “We don’t get along. I haven’t seen him in years.”

  Her jaw tightened as though clenching her teeth together. Could her father be the reason for her pain?

  “So what made you move to Rainbow Falls?” He wanted to learn everything he could about the mysterious Lily Draper. But his question obviously hit a nerve. He swore he could see the walls coming up around her as she shrugged.

  “Needed a change of scenery.”

  He stayed silent, waiting for her to offer more.

  She fiddled with the necklace again. “I broke up with a boyfriend and wanted a fresh start.”

  He nodded, noting she didn’t meet his eyes. There was definitely more to the story than she was willing to tell.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “I know it’s hard ending a relationship.”

  She raised her head to level a direct stare at him. “Speaking of relationships, I hear you and the town librarian have a thing going.”

  Nick nearly choked on his water before he got control. He wiped the moisture from his chin with his sleeve. “Maxi has a big mouth,” he muttered.

  “Is it true?” Lily’s dark gaze pinned his.

  Annoyance, like an itch that wouldn’t go away, crept under his skin. “Not that it’s anyone’s business, but no. Sarah Jane and I have been on a couple of dates. That’s it.”

  Heat crept up his neck. Was she trying to make him uncomfortable on purpose? If so, it was working. Maybe it was time to cut his losses. He handed her the nearly empty bottle as he stood. “Thanks for the water. Let me know if you have any more plumbing problems.” He stifled a groan at the way that had sounded.

  She raised a provocative eyebrow. “You’ll be the first person I call.”

  Nick bent to pick up his toolbox in an effort to hide his embarrassment. After a quick nod, he left without looking back. Confusion swirled through his brain as he clomped down the stairs. He couldn’t seem to get a handle on this woman. One minute, she appeared withdrawn and nervous around him. The next, almost flirtatious.

  He threw his tools into the back of his truck and attempted to shrug off his discomfort. The image of his old girlfriend, Cheryl, flashed to mind. Sensual and fun loving, she hadn’t been at all suited to a life of ministry. Was Lily a brunette version of Cheryl? If so, he needed to figure out why he was always attracted to the wrong type of woman.

  He stared up at the window to Lily’s apartment as though the answers would become apparent in the glass. A brief movement at the curtain made him start. Had she been watching him the whole time? With a grunt, he jumped into the driver’s seat and plugged his key into the ignition. Before he could start the engine, his cell phone chimed out a welcome distraction.

  “Nick. Hi, it’s Sarah Jane.”

  Nick forced himself not to take out his bad mood on someone who didn’t deserve it. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “If you aren’t busy this afternoon, I’d like to discuss a couple of ideas for a church fundraiser.”

  Nick’s tense muscles relaxed. This was exactly the sort of woman he needed in his life. Dedicated to her church and the community—to all the same things that mattered to him.

  “Sounds good. I’ll meet you in the church hall in half an hour.”

  3

  “Your job is to answer the phone, book appointments, and greet customers,” Maxi informed Lily on her first morning at the salon. “When things are slow, you sweep the floor, launder the towels, and generally do any odd jobs Peg needs done.”

  Lily pushed her ponytail over one shoulder, relieved Peg had handed over the rest of her orientation to Maxi. “Sounds easy enough.” Anything had to be easier than hauling beer at Hank’s. “And what do you do around here exactly?”

  Maxi grinned at her. “I’m the manicurist, pedicurist, and occasional hair stylist.”

  “Really? You look too young to be qualified for all that.”

  “I started doing this part-time in high school, so I’ve had lots of experience.” She closed the till with a bang and blew the spiky fringe of hair off her forehead. “Someday I’m going to own my own shop. Maybe even in New York City.”

  Lily chuckled. “That’s dreaming big.”

  “No point in dreaming small.”

  The jingle of the front doorbell cut their conversation short. Two young men entered the shop. They lifted motorcycle helmets from their heads. Not exactly the types Lily expected to frequent the Cut ‘N Curl. Her breath caught at one of the men’s likeness to Curtis. Longish black hair swept the collar of his leather jacket. He stood, feet wide apart, staring at Lily with undisguised interest. Before she could ask either one what they wanted, Maxi let out a squeal and raced over to hug the lanky red-head in the ragged denim jacket.

  “Jason, what are you doing here?”

  “Just came to say hi,” he said. “Plus Marco wanted to check out the new girl.”

  Marco’s eyes had not left Lily’s face except to roam slowly over her body. A queasy sensation swirled in her stomach, like she was back in Hank’s bar with the customers leering at her.

  Maxi waved a hand in her direction. “Lily, these are my friends, Jason Hanley and Marco Messini. Guys, this is Lily.”

  Lily managed a polite smile. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” Marco flashed her a grin, revealing a dimple on either side of his mouth.

  “Aren’t you working today?” Maxi gazed at Jason in undisguised adoration.

  “Nah. Tony gave us the day off. Not much happening.”

  “Jason and Marco work at Tony’s auto body shop,” Maxi explained.

  “Oh.” Lily squirmed under the intense scrutiny of Jason’s cohort. “I should get back to work.” She sent Maxi a silent apology and headed to her desk.

  To her dismay, Marco followed, helmet tucked under one arm. “So, Lily, you have a boyfriend or anything?” He wiggled his eyebrows in a suggestive manner.

  Lily remained standing, not willing to give him the advantage. She crossed her arms and looked him in the eye. “Not right now. Just left a big, mean one back home.”

  Marco gave a loud laugh, apparently not the least intimidated.

  A door slammed in the back.

  “If you’re not here for a haircut, Jason Hanley, I’d appreciate you letting my staff get back to work,” Peg bellowed from the rear of the shop.

  Jason looked sheepish. “OK, Ma.”

  Ma? Seemed everyone in small towns were related.

  “If you’re not working today, there’s a list of chores at home that need doin’.”

  “Geesh. Embarrass me in front of the women, why don’t you?” Jason’s face flushed as red as his hair.

  Peg grinned, leading Lily to believe the woman’s annoyance was mostly put on for Jason’s sake.

  “I need to get my own place,” he grumbled. “No one to boss me around.”

  “Go right ahead, young man. I’ll help you pack.”

  With a growl, he pulled on his helmet. “Come on, Messini. I don’t need this hassle.”

  Marco followed Jason to the front door and winked at Lily. “See you again soon.”

  Maxi watched out the store window until the motorcycles roared away. She wandered back to the desk and sighed. “Isn’t Jason wonderful?”

  Lily stifled a laugh. “He seems nice.”

  Maxi leaned a hip against the desk. “He is.” She lowered her voice, glancing over to where Peg had gone back to work. “But I have to be careful around Peg. She’s a tad overprotective.”

  “Really?”

  “Yup. But I’ll take my chances if Jason ever notices me that way. Hey, you want a coffee or anything? I’m going down to the diner for a muffin.”

  Maxi jumped from one topic to another like a butterfly flitting from flower to flower.

  “Coffe
e would be great. Thanks.”

  Once Maxi had taken Peg’s order and left the shop, Lily took the opportunity of a quiet moment to flip discreetly through the appointment book. All the entries were made in pencil, some harder to read than others. Three pages later, she came upon the name she’d been looking for, only half expecting to see it. Chloe Martin appeared next to a 3:30 PM manicure on Thursday. Lily’s pulse galloped. Could she really be lucky enough to find her sister this soon? The odds were in her favor. After all, how many Chloe’s could one small town have?

  Lily closed the book, determination straightening her spine against the hard back of the reception chair. Whatever it took, she would be here on Thursday afternoon when Chloe Martin arrived.

  ****

  I’m doing the right thing.

  For courage, Nick repeated the mantra all the way to the library. Courage to do what his head told him he should. Then why did his collar seem too tight and his feet feel like lead?

  Pushing his doubts aside, he opened the heavy oak door to the Rainbow Falls Library and stepped inside. He allowed a moment for his eyes to adjust to the indoor lighting and reminded himself once again of all Sarah Jane’s good qualities. Her many hours of volunteer work, her faithful devotion to the church, and her unwavering support of Nick’s bid to take over her uncle’s ministry when he retired.

  She’d proven her commitment again the other day with the good ideas she’d proposed for several summer fundraisers—fun events that would bring in some much needed revenue for their small parish. No one could fault Sarah Jane for her dedication to the church.

  Nick inhaled the comforting scent of old books as he walked toward the information desk where Sarah Jane stood speaking to Mr. Dennison. She took the elderly man by the arm and led him down one of the aisles. Nick waited several minutes, shuffling from one foot to the other. Maybe he shouldn’t bother her while she was working. He’d come back later, or better yet, call her at home tonight. He’d taken two strides toward the main door when he heard his name called.

  “Nick? What are you doing here?”

  Plastering a smile on his face, he turned to face her. “Hi, Sarah Jane. I came to talk to you, but if you’re busy, it can wait.”

  A quizzical expression joined the slight blush on her cheeks. She fiddled with the buttons on her blue cardigan. “I have a free minute now. Do you need help finding a book?”

  “No.” He shoved his hands into his pockets.

  “Do you have a question about the fundraiser?”

  He took that crumb and ran with it. “Yeah. I’d like to discuss the summer fair with you in more detail. I was wondering if you were free on Saturday night…for dinner.” There, he’d done it.

  A bright smile creased her face, making her plain features seem almost attractive. “I’d love to have dinner with you.”

  “Good. I’ll pick you up about six.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  A sour sensation burned in Nick’s stomach moments later as he jogged down the steps of the library to the sidewalk below. Shouldn’t he be feeling a lot happier when the girl he’d asked out had accepted a date with him? He raised his eyes to the clear blue skies above.

  Lord, if it’s Your will for me to marry Sarah Jane, I’d sure appreciate Your help to feel a bit more enthusiastic come Saturday.

  ****

  Wednesday morning, Lily sat on the side of her bed, tapping one bare foot on the braided floor mat. With a free morning, she could’ve enjoyed the luxury of sleeping late, but instead found herself unable to relax. Her mind worked overtime, replaying the life-changing events of the last few weeks like a repetitive slideshow.

  She pushed off the bed and padded to the window where she peeked through the curtains at the dawn breaking over the quiet community. She wished the new light seeping over the trees could illuminate her memory of the past. Why didn’t she remember anything about this town where she’d apparently spent the first five years of her life? She ran an absent finger over the scar on her collarbone. Could her mind have blocked out not only the tragedy that had occurred here, but the existence of her birth family as well?

  A force beyond her will compelled her to the nightstand beside her bed where she once again retrieved the yellowed newspaper clipping. She slipped back onto the bed, unfolded the page in her lap, and smoothed out the creases. Her hands trembled as they had the moment she’d taken it out of her father’s hiding place. Her desperation at that moment, the bone-deep hopelessness of being broke and homeless, rushed back with a chill that had nothing to do with the early morning coolness of her room.

  Lily fingered the locket she always wore around her neck. Mama had given it to her when she was six—told her they’d found it in the pocket of her clothing in the hospital. Inside, the photo of a smiling young woman was thought to be her birth mother. Lily clicked open the locket and traced the edges of the worn picture. If only she could remember this woman who’d lost her life in such a tragic manner.

  Lily refolded the fragile newspaper and tucked it away in her night table. With a determined huff, she pushed off the bed, straightened the blankets, and headed for the shower. Time to go back to the library to see what else she could find out about the deaths in her family. Maybe something there would jog her frozen memory.

  An hour later, she approached the Rainbow Falls Public Library, an impressive stone structure standing majestically against the clear sky. A set of steep cement stairs led up to the oak doorway. Lily walked inside, soaking up the atmosphere of the historic building. At this early hour, a reverent hush hung in the air. She suspected she was the first customer of the day.

  The same woman as before sat behind the information desk. This time Lily paid closer attention to her appearance, remembering what Maxi had said about her interest in Nick. She wore her brown hair pulled back into a tidy knot at the nape of her neck. Not a speck of makeup adorned her very pale face. If the girl had any eyelashes at all, they were invisible, even behind the magnification of her black-rimmed glasses.

  She looked up as Lily approached. “Good morning. May I help you?”

  Deliberately pushing Nick out of her mind, Lily managed a brief smile. “You must be Sarah Jane.” Lily offered. “Maxi North told me you were the librarian. I’d like to look at your archived newspapers on microfilm again please.”

  Sarah Jane removed her glasses and set them on the desk in front of her. “Of course. What dates would you like today?”

  Lily couldn’t tell if the sour expression on the woman’s face was meant for her, or if maybe her hair was pulled a touch too tight. Lily gave her the dates she needed.

  “If you’ll come to the back room, I’ll pull the films for you.”

  Lily followed Sarah Jane past the rows of books to the back of the building where they entered the small, glass-paneled room with several microfiche workstations. While Sarah Jane slipped into a locked area, Lily sat down at one of the tables and removed a notebook and pen from her shoulder bag.

  A few minutes later, Sarah Jane returned with the films.

  “Thank you.” Lily turned her attention to the viewer and threaded the film with quick movements, trying to ignore the other woman who hovered nearby.

  After several tense moments, Sarah Jane spoke. “You’re new in town, aren’t you?”

  Lily lifted her head from the viewer. “Yes.”

  The pale eyes narrowed. “You’re Nick Logan’s new tenant.”

  “That’s right. I’m Lily Draper.”

  Sarah Jane managed what looked more like a grimace than a smile. “I’m…Nick’s girlfriend.”

  The possessive tone did not escape Lily. Nor did the air of disapproval. Lily stiffened on her chair, as painful memories surfaced. Memories of harsh accusations from other jealous women over the years. “Funny, Nick never mentioned he had a girlfriend.”

  In fact, he denied it.

  Sarah Jane’s lips thinned. Her eyes hardened into a cold glare as she folded her arms across her thin fram
e. “That’s odd since…well, we’re practically engaged.”

  Engaged? Lily fought to keep her jaw from dropping. Either Nick had misrepresented their relationship, or Sarah Jane was exaggerating…a lot.

  The bold statement, as well as the woman’s antagonistic stance, sparked old hostilities in Lily. Sarah Jane was no different than the self-righteous high school girls who’d waged constant war against her. Lily lifted her chin. She wasn’t sixteen any more, and she refused to be intimidated, especially when she’d done nothing to antagonize this woman.

  “Engaged?” Lily echoed. “So are you two living together?” Maybe Nick had failed to mention that pertinent detail as well.

  Beet-red blotches appeared on the girl’s horrified face. “Of course not. That wouldn’t be proper.”

  “Why not?”

  “Well…I…we haven’t been dating that long...”

  Lily raised an eyebrow. “And you’re practically engaged?”

  The girl’s mouth opened and closed, reminding Lily of a fish out of water. “Um…not quite. But I hope to be…very soon.”

  Bingo. Major exaggeration. “I’ll have to congratulate Nick the next time I see him.”

  Sarah Jane’s eyes widened. “Oh, no. Please don’t say anything.” She clutched the neck of her blouse as though she were suffocating. “Excuse me. I have to get back to the front.”

  If it weren’t for the small prick of guilt hovering on the edge of Lily’s conscience, she would’ve found the woman’s bolt from the room almost comical. Sarah Jane must have some severe insecurity issues if Lily’s five minutes in town threatened her relationship with Nick. Lily shook her hair back in a deliberate attempt to push the remorse aside and concentrate on the articles instead.

  A few minutes later, her efforts were rewarded. “Local Girl Succumbs to Injuries.”

  Lily’s hands trembled as she focused the lens and read each word. The article re-capped the horrible events of the day David Strickland had killed his family and ended with the news that the five-year old daughter, Addie Strickland, had lingered in the hospital for several weeks but had finally died from her injuries.