by Molly Cannon
She told him a little about her family. How her uncle couldn’t ever keep a job, while her aunt worked her butt off to keep food on the table. About how having enough money to get through the month was always an issue hanging over their heads, like an axe ready to fall without warning. She did what she could to help, but it wasn’t enough.
Theo and Ree both planned to attend community college in Dallas after high school. They couldn’t wait to escape from Derbyville and small-town life. But Theo had resigned himself early to his place in Ree’s life. There was never a question that they’d be anything but friends. At least not as far as she was concerned. But still, he jumped on the idea of sharing an apartment in the big city when it came up. It made perfect sense. They would face the next phase of life together. Anything to make their dreams come true sooner. She planned to get her business degree and make enough money to take care of her aunt and uncle. He didn’t know exactly what he was going to do with his life, but he had time to weigh his options.
Theo shook his head, chasing away the daydreams from the past. He finally gave up on the idea of sleeping and got out of bed. Getting up early was a good idea, anyway. He’d have plenty of time to feed Sadie and take her for a walk. So far, she seemed to be adapting to her new surroundings without too much trouble. She would wander to the front window and whine occasionally, no doubt wondering why Marla Jean and Jake had abandoned her, but Theo made a point of spending plenty of time with her, enough so she still felt loved.
After they came in from their walk, Sadie pranced around and barked until Theo got down on the living room floor and wrestled around with her like a goofy kid. Sadie ran off and came back with her favorite toy, an old chewed-up red tennis ball. She dropped it at his feet, and Theo threw it down the hallway, laughing as Sadie chased after it.
It had come as a big surprise, but he actually enjoyed having someone to take care of. Even if that someone was a dog. He’d never been big on the idea of getting tied down with responsibilities. “Travel light and stay unencumbered” had been his motto. But Sadie was such a great dog. The best dog ever. With her brown eyes and smiling face. Who wouldn’t want to have a dog like that? And it was nice to have someone who was happy to see him when he walked in the door. If he ever did think about settling down in one place, he was going to get a dog. A sweet companion just like Sadie. Maybe that was a sign he was growing up.
He glanced at his watch. It was time to take a shower and have breakfast before he got ready to head over to I Do, I Do. He didn’t want to be late the first day on the job. Irene still didn’t seem too happy about the idea of having him underfoot, but he vowed to get in and get the job done and be out of her hair in no time. The only problem was every time he had been around her the last few days, all he wanted to do was get in her hair and stay there. He could admit he was having too much fun pushing all of her buttons.
And his motives weren’t completely pure. He couldn’t ignore the feelings she stirred inside him just by being anywhere in the near vicinity. But there was also a touch of resentment, a dash of vengeance, and a big scoop of desire. Not a healthy mixture. He was probably going to be crazy as a loon by the time Jake got home from his honeymoon. But his plan was to deal with Irene in a strictly professional manner. Unless she decided to give him another one of those genuine, honest-to-goodness smiles. Then all bets were off. After all, he was only human.
Irene had been at the store since eight o’clock. She didn’t have any appointments scheduled, but it gave her some quiet time to finish up the paperwork on Marla Jean and Jake’s wedding. They’d managed to stay within their budget and still have the wedding they wanted. She considered that a success by any measure.
Of course the real reason she’d gotten here early was to brace for the stress and strain of having Theo around working on the renovations. It was silly really. He’d be building shelves, and once he got started there would be no reason at all to talk to him. She hated to admit it, but since the wedding she’d thought of almost nothing but him. The way it felt to be back in his arms out on the dance floor. The way it felt to be held by him when he caught her fall from the ladder. She’d almost kissed him. Or he’d almost kissed her. She wasn’t quite sure.
But the most disturbing thing of all was the way her heart raced when he told her she’d done a good job. Those kind words from him had her sailing through the rest of the weekend on a cloud. It really was just so silly. How could this man who’d walked out on her all those years ago waltz back into her life and make her long for things that had been over a long time ago?
She looked up when he knocked on the glass door. And there he was, big as life, making her heart speed up. Simply having him appear outside her store made her feel more alive. She took a fortifying breath and thought, Get it together, Irene. Waving him inside, she got up from her desk and walked to the door. “Good morning, Theo. You’re right on time.”
He was wearing a tool belt, which should have been illegal. It hung low on his hips over tight-fitting jeans. She dragged her gaze back to his face when she realized he was talking to her and she hadn’t heard a word he’d said.
He had his hands on his hips, looking around the space. “So where do you want the shelves? You have lots of room in here.”
“I have the preliminary plans I showed Jake, but he said you should feel free to offer other ideas, too.” She walked to her desk and pulled out the plans.
He sat down across from her and studied the drawings. “This looks good. I’ll need to make a run to the lumberyard, but then I’ll get back and get started. I hope it’s okay if I’m in and out. I don’t want to disrupt your business too much.” His tone was overly polite.
“Of course, Theo. That’s fine. I don’t have any appointments scheduled today, and I’ll put a sign up saying I’m closed for renovations.”
He stood up and refolded the plans. “Okay, then. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Would you like some coffee? I’m making a run to the Rise-N-Shine.”
“Sure. That would be great.” His tone was solemn. He didn’t sound like he thought coffee was a great idea.
She watched him walk out the door without a smile or a backward glance. She should be happy. He was behaving himself. Treating this professionally. Which was exactly what she wanted. Wasn’t it? Maybe instead she entertained a fantasy that he’d fall to his knees and confess that he should have never left her. That the years without her had been hell, and now seeing her again, he realized what a fool he’d been. Then he’d sweep her into his arms, kiss her, and beg for another chance.
She shook the fanciful notion from her head with a little laugh and walked out into the square. Standing still, she breathed in the summer morning. It wasn’t scorching hot yet. That was something of a miracle. A mild June morning in Texas was something to enjoy. Maybe she should take Theo his coffee and then go drink her coffee at the gazebo and stay out of his way completely. She pushed open the door to the diner and was greeted right away by the owner Bertie Harcourt.
“Good morning, Irene. That was a real nice wedding you threw for Marla Jean and Jake.”
“Thank you, Bertie. I need two coffees to go. Both black.”
“Two? Is one for Theo Jacobson? I’ve heard he was going to be working over at your place today.”
What a surprise. Irene should be used to the speed news traveled at in this town, but it never failed to catch her off guard. “He’s building some shelves for me since Jake is on his honeymoon.”
“Oh, darlin’. Is that difficult for you?” Sympathy oozed from her words accompanied by naked curiosity.
Irene braced herself. “Difficult? What do you mean?”
Bertie leaned over the counter and spoke conspiratorially. “Well, I’m not sure I could deal with spending so much time with someone I nearly married.”
Irene shook her head, dismissing Bertie’s concerns. “Now, Bertie. That was years ago. It’s old news. Water under the bridge. We were both young, and we’ve both moved
on since then.”
“All I know is I saw a few sparks flying around when you two were dancing at the wedding. And I say it’s about time, too. Relax and enjoy it. A young woman like you should be out having a good time. Putting some romance in your life.” Bertie put lids on the coffee cups and sat them on the counter.
“We are just old friends, Bertie. Nothing more.” Irene knew she wasn’t telling the whole truth, but she couldn’t say exactly what she was being dishonest about. “I know how people in this town love to speculate, but Theo will be moving on once Jake gets back. So, I’m afraid everyone will be very disappointed if they expect anything to happen. Because it won’t.” Irene felt like she was rambling and decided to shut up, wondering if she was protesting too much.
Bertie smiled and with a knowing nod said, “If you say so, sweetie. The coffee is on the house this morning.”
Irene could tell she hadn’t changed Bertie’s mind about anything. “Thanks for the coffee. I’ll be back for lunch.”
“Bring Theo with you. Smothered steak is the special, and Theo loves my smothered steak.”
Irene didn’t answer but headed for the door. Maybe she should start making a brown-bag lunch and eating it in her office from now on. But avoiding the diner would only lead to more gossip. In this town she was damned no matter what she did. When she got back to I Do, I Do, Lizzie Harris was waiting outside the door.
“Hi, Mrs. Cornwell. I know I don’t have an appointment, but could I talk to you about my wedding?”
“Congratulations, Lizzie. I didn’t realize you were engaged.” She set the coffee cups down on the windowsill and unlocked the door. “Come on in. I’m about to have some construction going on in here, but we can talk until the builder gets back.”
“Thank you. Matthew asked me to marry him right after graduation. I know we’re young and our parents want us to wait until our careers are established, but we don’t want to wait. If we are going to struggle, we want to struggle together.”
Irene knew that Lizzie Harris and Matthew Long had both graduated from college in May, and their parents had been understandably proud. Irene wasn’t in the business of giving advice on the wisdom of whether someone should get married. It wasn’t her place to say, but she could see storms on the horizon if she took Lizzie on as a client.
“I can understand how you feel. Do you and Matthew want a big wedding?” Feeling her out seemed like the best course to take.
“We don’t have a bunch of money to spend, but we thought you might help us come up with a plan so we can do a lot of the work ourselves.”
“I’ve never helped with a do-it-yourself wedding, Lizzie.”
“We’d pay you for your advice. I don’t expect your help for free.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary. I can point you in the right direction with a few books and online sites.” They sat down at Irene’s desk. “What kind of ideas do you have?”
“Something simple, not very formal, but we’d want to invite all our friends and family.”
“For that you’ll need a venue. Know anybody with a big backyard? And what about a reception?”
“Besides the cake we were thinking finger foods and beer and soft drinks.”
“Okay. That all sounds like things you can do without my help.”
“Well, we need someone to perform the ceremony.”
“You can ask any minister in town, Lizzie. I’m sure they would be happy to preside.”
Lizzie and Irene both turned to look out the window as Theo drove up in his truck up and parked in front of the office. “We don’t want a minister.”
“Okay, there are laypeople who can do that as well.”
“We were hoping for something particular.” She continued to stare as Theo climbed out of his truck.
“So, tell me. I can’t begin to guess.” Irene joined Lizzie in watching Theo unload the lumber from the back of his truck.
“We want an Elvis impersonator. Could you find one? I thought that might be on your list of services.”
“An Elvis impersonator?”
“Like they have at those chapels in Las Vegas.”
“Goodness.” Irene had never anticipated such a request.
“Yes, young Elvis. Matthew loves him.”
“I could try, but off the top of my head, I have no idea where I might find one.”
Theo opened the door, balancing the long boards as he carted them through the door. “Excuse me, ladies. I didn’t realize you had a meeting, Irene.” He stacked the wood against the back wall.
Lizzie stood up. “What about him?”
Irene’s eyes widened and she stood up, too. She turned to study Theo like he was a specimen in a test tube.
He pulled off his work gloves and stuck them in his back jeans pocket. Looking bewildered, he asked, “What about me?”
Irene smiled and walked over, clasping him on the shoulder. “Hey, Theo. How’s your Elvis impression?”
Chapter Eight
I actually do an outstanding Elvis impression, but I only bring it out on special occasions. Why do you want to know?” Theo wasn’t about to let Irene know her question had thrown him for a loop.
Irene was laughing, obviously enjoying herself. “Not me. Lizzie wants to know. Oh, sorry. I don’t suppose you two have met.”
The young woman walked over and held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Lizzie Harris. I’m trying to find an Elvis to perform my wedding ceremony.”
He took her hand and introduced himself. “Theo Jacobson.”
Wide-eyed, she said, “Nice to meet you, Theo. I think you’d be perfect.”
Theo looked from one woman to the other. “I’m not qualified to marry anyone.”
Irene raised her eyebrows. “Actually these days you can be ordained online.”
“Whoa. Let’s back up a minute. You don’t know me from Adam. Why in the world would you want me at your wedding?”
“Well, I guess Irene can try to find someone else. But you’re tall and good-looking, and you have dark hair falling onto your forehead. Don’t you think he’s perfect, Mrs. Cornwell?”
“I’ll admit he has potential.” Irene wasn’t even trying to hide her glee at this turn of events.
Self-consciously, Theo pushed his hair back from his forehead. “Lizzie, I’m flattered, but I’m sure Irene can find someone who does that sort of thing for a living. That’s her job now. To plan the perfect wedding. Do your job, Irene.” There was a note of panic in his voice as the young girl continued to appraise him for his Elvis factor.
Irene took Lizzie by the arm and led her toward the door. “Let me see what I can find out, okay? We should let Theo get to work now.”
“So, you’ll call?” Lizzie asked.
Irene grabbed a business card from her desk. “I will, I promise. And here’s my card if you want to discuss any other questions you and Matthew might have.”
Lizzie thanked her and with one more longing look in Theo’s direction left the office. Irene turned around to find Theo watching the young woman go.
“She’s getting married? How old is she? She looks about sixteen.”
Irene bustled back to her desk and started clearing off the paperwork. “Lizzie just graduated from college, so she’s at least twenty.”
Theo grunted. “That still seems awfully young to me.”
“They are both older than we were when you asked me to marry you, Theo.” She ducked her head, seeming to regret bringing up their past.
He shrugged and said thoughtfully, “We were old for our age. Life forced us to grow up fast and learn to take care of ourselves sooner than most kids.”
“That is true. And we didn’t go through with the marriage, so I guess we were smart enough to realize it didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of working.”
“Is that why I got a Dear Theo letter? You smartened up before we could make a big mistake?” He watched her face flush and wanted to apologize. He’d promised himself not to go down these personal r
oads with her, but every time he turned around, something reminded him of the way things used be between them. And he still had so many unanswered questions.
Irene picked up her briefcase. “Listen, Theo, I know there’s going to be a lot of sawing and hammering going on today. So since I’m not a big fan of sawdust, I’ll clear out and let you get to work. It’s a nice day, so I’ll be working at the gazebo this morning if you need anything.”
Theo nodded. “Okay. I’ll try not to take too long. I’ll get the construction finished today and the staining and varnishing finished tomorrow.”
“That will be just fine. By the way, Bertie said to tell you smothered steak was the lunch special today.”
“Oh, Bertie knows smothered steak is my favorite.” In an attempt to apologize for letting things get personal, he decided to stick his neck out. “In that case, can I offer to buy you lunch?”
Irene studied him for a long moment before saying, “We’ll go Dutch. How about twelve thirty?”
She gave in without a fight, and it took him off guard. He started to say, “It’s a date.” Instead, he wisely said, “Okay, Ree. I’ll see you then.”
She left the office, and he got to work. The first job was to construct built-in shelves all along a sidewall. Jake had done the measuring ahead of time, but Theo had learned to double-check any kind of measurements before he started cutting any boards.
He set up sawhorses out in the alley behind the store and got to work. He made all his cuts and was ready to start on the installation. He moved back inside and started construction. The morning went quickly. A couple of Irene’s potential customers stuck their heads inside the door, and he directed them to the gazebo in the middle of the town square, saying they could find her there.