Coveting Love (Jessica Crawford)

by Schwimley, Victoria

  John scoffed. “I hate the country. In fact, I despise the country.” He waved his hands in the air. “With all the singing birds, croaking frogs, and everyone running around all day with smiles on their faces; it makes me want to puke. I tell you, Jessie, it’s all a fake. Nobody in their right mind can be that happy all the time.”

  She smiled gaily at John and playfully ruffled his hair. “You big idiot, of course, people can be that happy.”

  Her description hardly fit John. He was not a big man at all. In fact, he was rather small. He stood only five-feet-two inches, with a rather small carriage to match. He had blond wavy hair in which he took great pride. He could have been one of the models if it weren’t for his height.

  “Hey, cut that out!” he protested. He made a futile attempt to straighten it with his hands, but finally gave up as he saw the laughter spilling from her eyes.

  “Well, despite your opinion, it's the best place to clear your head if…” She stopped in mid-sentence, a smile suddenly coming to the corners of her mouth. She snapped her fingers as an idea struck her. She ran from the room, leaving John standing in her office, staring opened-mouth at the door that slammed behind her.

  John shook his head in confusion. “Women,” he said aloud, to no one at all, since there wasn’t anyone in the room. “I’ll never understand them.” He sighed then let himself out of her office, turning the light out behind him. He doubted she would return to the office today. He was glad he had decided not to get involved with women. They were nothing but trouble. Jessica was the biggest testimony to that fact.

  **********

  CHAPTER 2

  Gazing down the road, Sarah Crawford waited anxiously for her daughter’s car to come into sight. She worried endlessly when Jessica drove the distance to her house alone at night. Jessica was her life. God forbid anything should happen to her.

  She had become her savior when her husband had left her. She poured her soul into making sure Jessica had the best opportunities available to her. She didn’t mean to put her on the spot in regards to finding a husband. She just did not want to see her end up alone, as she was.

  She heaved a sigh of relief as she caught sight of her daughter’s bright red Mustang coming down the road. It had been so long since their last visit together, and Sarah had missed her daughter terribly. She smiled as she remembered that visit. She had been feeling under the weather and Jessica had insisted on administering to her needs. She had even tried her hand at cooking a meal, much to Sarah’s horror.

  As the car drew closer, Sarah could see that Jessica was not alone. She guessed Amy had decided to tag along. Sarah was fond of Amy. She knew Amy reciprocated the affection. She had taken Amy under her wing after her own mother had died in an automobile accident, when Amy and Jessica were in college.

  She ran to meet the car as it swung into the driveway. She noticed Mrs. Cooper standing at the picture window in her living room and waved to her. Embarrassed at being caught snooping, Mrs. Cooper let the draperies go, and quickly fled from the window. Mrs. Cooper was the resident busybody of the neighborhood, but having this reputation did not seem to stop her from spying.

  Jessica jumped out of the car and ran into her mother’s waiting arms.

  “Mom!” she cried, throwing herself into her arms and hugging her tightly, as if she were a child welcoming her mother home after a long absence. “It’s so wonderful to be home.” She turned and gestured toward Amy. “Look who I managed to talk into coming along.”

  Sarah opened her arms to Amy, who flew into them. “I’m so happy to see you again, Amy. It has been so long since you visited. I’ve missed you,” she scolded.

  Amy smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to ignore you. I was just now able to find the time to get away. My father was sick not too long ago; I had to fly home to check on him,” she explained.

  “Yes, Jessie told me about your father’s illness. I was so sorry to hear about it. I hope he’s better now.”

  “Much better,” Amy assured her

  “Actually,” Jessica cut in, “I had to drag Amy here this weekend. She thought she would be a bother, but I told her you wouldn’t mind.”

  After Jessica had left John that afternoon, she sought out Amy and attempted to persuade her to join them, but Amy was determined she would only be a hindrance to the trip. Refusing to accept no for an answer, Jessica had persisted, until finally Amy had surrendered.

  Amy cast her friend an impatient glance, but Jessica just grinned back at her. Sarah placed her arms around both girls’ shoulders and led them into the house.

  They had only just reached the doorstep when they remembered their luggage. Laughing, they ran back to the car for it. Amy admitted Jessica had been right. This little reprieve was just the thing she needed. She was smiling when they rejoined Sarah.

  Sarah frowned when she saw Jessica carrying her laptop computer. “I thought you were here to enjoy yourself this weekend.”

  “I’m sorry. I promise I’ll try to relax as much as possible, but something came up at the last minute. I need to try to get a little work done.” She smiled apologetically, looking every bit as sorry as she felt.

  Sarah shrugged. “I suppose a girl has to make a living. Now, if you found yourself a husband you could take some of that burden off yourself and have a little fun in your life.”

  Jessica rolled her eyes. “I have you and Amy, and lots of other friends, and I have plenty of fun in my life.”

  If there were any issues that strained the mother and daughter’s relationship, it would be Sarah’s determination to find Jessica a husband. Sarah felt that Jessica ought to be married. If Jessica weren’t going to take the time to find a husband for herself, then Sarah would find one for her. The issue was a constant struggle between them.

  Sarah glanced at Amy, who only shrugged. Sarah was not going to get any help from her. It figured. They were friends through and through. Sarah gave up.

  Jessica nudged her friend with her shoulder as they walked through the door. “You certainly seem to be in a happy mood all of a sudden,” she said.

  “You were right. A little motherly love was just what I needed to lift my spirits. That and a really good apple pie,” she said, sniffing the air and laughing. “That is heaven I smell coming from the kitchen.”

  “It’s ready whenever you are,” Sarah tossed back over her shoulder as she disappeared through the door with a load of suitcases in either arm.

  “I can’t wait,” Amy said. “I’ll be ready just as soon as I unpack my things.”

  Jessica glided quietly up behind her mother and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Sarah smiled, turning to face her daughter. She was so proud of her. She worked hard at her job and was good at it.

  “So then, what’s up with Amy?” Sarah blurted out.

  Jessica, taken aback by her mother’s intuitiveness, said, “What do you mean? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Sarah eyed her suspiciously, assessing her expression. Jessica looked quickly away. Sarah narrowed her eyes. “She seems quiet, and disturbed about something.”

  “That’s sweet of you to worry, Mom, but don’t. Amy will be all right. She just has a lot on her mind right now. Just give her some time and a little love. She will be just fine, and of course, maybe some of that apple pie.”

  Sarah smiled in reply, but she was not that easily convinced by her daughter’s dismissive reply. Inwardly she sighed, but held her tongue. “Well, I sure hope so. You know Amy is just like a daughter to me. I don’t like to see her unhappy.”

  “I think Amy is lucky to have you to care about her.”

  “Could you reach up there and get my good china cups down. I can never reach those things.”

  Jessica glanced up toward the cups resting on the top shelf. “Why don’t you just put them on a lower shelf?” she asked, as she took them from their resting place on the shelf and placed them carefully on the tray, and then added, “What do you do when I‘m not
here?”

  Sarah grinned at her. “Easy, I just don’t use them.” She picked up the tray of coffee and cups and walked from the room, leaving Jessica laughing behind her.

  Amy was just coming down the stairs when Jessica entered the living room. She noted the amused expression on the two women's faces. “I didn’t realize making coffee could be so much fun,” she said, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. “Did I miss something?”

  Jessica shook her head. “Nothing important. Mom and I were just catching up, that’s all.”

  Amy raised her eyebrows and looked pointedly at Jessica, the unspoken accusation pungent in the air. Jessica shook her head and looked away. She knew Amy could see right through her. She would let her know that she had not revealed her secret, later.

  “I forgot the pie,” Jessica said, thus allowing herself to escape to the kitchen.

  “So, Sarah, what’s new in your life?”

  “There’s never anything new in my life,” Sarah teased. It’s mostly just the same old thing. I have been doing quite a few handicrafts, with the help of Mrs. Burke. We’re getting ready for the spring bazaar at the church. Rev. Clarke thinks this year’s bazaar will be a good one. He hopes to raise a lot of money for the church.”

  “Does Mrs. Davis still head that affair?” Jessica asked, offering plates of pie to Sarah and Amy. She had fond memories of Mrs. Davis, but she imagined by now she must be too old to do the job.

  Mrs. Davis, aside from her own mother, had always been one of Jessica’s favorite “Ladies of the Lord” as the congregation had so fondly referred to them. If anyone ever deserved the name, it was these women. They were a tireless group. If there was someone in need, these women were there. They routinely sent care packages to children in orphanages all over the world, shamelessly soliciting money from big companies all over the United States, refusing to accept no for an answer. They were right there with letters of gratitude and care packages for the volunteers of the nine-eleven attack. Most recently, one could find them working endless hours going door-to-door collecting items to ship to the troops fighting overseas.

  “Yes, she does,” Sarah answered, pleased that her daughter had remembered something from her days in church. “In fact,” she continued, “if you girls are around on Sunday, perhaps you would like to attend service with me. I’m sure she will be there, and I’ll bet Rev. Clarke would be surprised, and delighted, to see you.”

  Jessica frowned at her mother, catching her point well. This was another mission she was on; get Jessica Crawford to church before her soul rots.

  “I don’t know. We’ll have to see what happens. We have this new project we’re working on, and it’s going to take a great deal of concentration.” She stopped, suddenly aware of how stupid she sounded. It was just an excuse; of course, it was, and they all knew it.

  She flushed slightly, feeling more than a little guilty. She proceeded to tell her about the project they were starting on, leaving out the part of her meeting with Phillip Stewart.

  Amy cast a disapproving glance in her direction. Jessica returned it with a “stay out of this, it’s none of your business” look. Amy had no choice but to keep quiet, considering what Jessica was hiding for her.

  “Well, let me know if you change your mind,” Sarah said, unable to hide the disappointment in her voice. “Now, if you two will excuse me, I think it’s rather late and time for me to turn in.”

  Jessica looked at the clock, astonished to discover that it was already two a.m. She had no idea they had been talking so long. She stood, stretched, kissed her mother good night, and then watched as she walked up the stairs.

  “How are you feeling?” she asked, noting the look of weariness in Amy’s eyes. “I suppose we should get you into bed. You need all the rest you can get.”

  Amy nodded absently. She had other things on her mind.

  Jessica suddenly remembered her promise to talk this evening. She decided sleep could wait just a little longer. She sat back down and pulled Amy’s hand into her own.

  “Have you thought any more about what you want for the baby?”

  Amy shook her head. “I’m not sure, Jess. This is all so sudden, and such a surprise to me. I certainly was not expecting to fall in love, get pregnant, and find out the father is married all in a course of just a few short months.”

  “Do you really love him?”

  Amy nodded. “I think I really do.”

  Jessica arched her brow in concern. “And does he love you?”

  Amy looked thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t know. He says he does, but I can’t help feeling that if he really loved me, he would tell his wife he wants a divorce.”

  “I agree. Maybe it would help if you told him about the baby.”

  She shook her head again. “I’m sure you’re right, Jess. But I don’t want him out of pity or obligation. I want him to marry me because he loves me, not because I’m carrying his baby.”

  “I can’t say that I blame you. Maybe a little time away from him is a good idea. It will give him a chance to think a little, and miss you a lot.”

  Tears began to cloud Amy’s vision. “I hope so. I know you’re right about one thing. I am tired and need to get some sleep.”

  Jessica nodded in agreement. “Okay, let’s turn in.” Then as an afterthought, she added, “Maybe in the morning we could take mom to breakfast, and then perhaps do some shopping. That is, if you’re feeling up to it.”

  Amy nodded. “I think some fresh air would be nice. Then after lunch we might go down to the lake and do a little work on this project.”

  “I don’t know. It’s awfully cold at the lake this time of year, and although it’s great for ice skating, it’s not very good for stationary reflection.”

  “Aw, come on, Jess. Where is your usual spirit and zest for adventure?”

  Jessica frowned. “I left it back home at the deli when I found out you’re pregnant.” She grinned at Amy, then snapped off the light and headed for her own room.

  Sleep didn’t come easily for Jessica that night. She lay awake in her bed for quite some time thinking about Amy’s problems. She was concerned about her. Not because she didn’t think she could handle a baby. She knew Amy would make a wonderful mother, and she had a good job, so she wouldn’t have to worry about money.

  Amy was an emotionally sensitive person. She had fallen hard for this man. Jessica couldn’t help but feel angry with him for doing this to her friend.

  They had the project to distract them. She was grateful for that. It would help keep Amy’s mind off her own misery. She also felt a stab of envy toward Amy for having found a man whom she could share her heart with, one with whom she wanted to give her entire soul. Then she remembered that his soul was not free to give, that it belonged instead to another woman. She found herself wondering what drove men to cheat on their wives. She had to admit she knew virtually nothing about men, and she wasn’t too sure she wanted to.

  It was nearly three a.m. when sleep finally overcame her.

  The smell of coffee penetrated Jessica’s sleep. It drifted deep into her sense, arousing her from her dreams.

  She rose up on one elbow and glanced over at the clock. Groaning, she flopped back onto the bed and rolled over onto her stomach. It was only eight o’clock. She had forgotten how early her mother rose every day.

  “Oh all right,” she said to her nagging conscience. “I’m getting up.”

  Climbing out of bed, she pulled on her robe, and then went into the bathroom to splash some cool water into her eyes, making a vain attempt to wash away Mr. Sandman.

  She walked over to the window, peered out, and smiled. Sure as the sun had risen, there was Mrs. Cooper standing at her front window trying furtively to catch a glance at something going on. How sad to having nothing more important in your life than what was going on in your neighbor’s. Jessica waved, and then chuckled, as Mrs. Cooper frantically pretended to wash her window.

  Jessica glanced toward the sky. Despite the c
old, the day was going to turn out to be nice and clear. She might be able to let Amy have her trip to the lake after all.

  Crossing to her suitcases, she lifted the heavy bags onto the bed and went about the task of unpacking them. She frowned at the wrinkles. She knew she should have unpacked them last night. She chose a pair of faded jeans and a yellow pullover sweater—the least wrinkled of them all. She dressed quickly, pulled on her boots and then joined her mother in the kitchen.

  “Good morning,” Sarah called as Jessica flopped down in a chair at the kitchen table, resting her head in her arms.

  “Morning,” she mumbled, lifting her head and glancing around, trying to find Amy. “I see Amy isn’t up yet.” She stated this more as an observation than an actual question.

  Sarah answered her anyway. “No, I haven’t seen her yet. She looked pretty tired last night. I think we should let her sleep.”

  “I don’t think so.” They both turned to face the doorway just as Amy was coming through it. “I’m just fine, thank you, but I can see once again, I am the topic of conversation.”

  Jessica took in Amy’s appearance. She did indeed look just fine. She wore a yellow jumpsuit and a pair of ankle high boots. Her golden hair curled softly around her cheekbones. She had secured it in place with matching gold combs that were studded with diamonds. They had been a college graduation gift from her father.

  Jessica had always been envious of the way Amy looked in clothes. Oh, what was she saying? She was jealous of the way Amy looked, period, but today she looked even more stunning. Her pregnancy wasn’t obvious yet, so her figure was still quite slim. However, now, she glowed with hormonal radiance.

  “Well,” Jessica began, rising from the table and walking to the doorway to stand beside Amy, “you look perfect today, as usual. A bit overdressed for window shopping don’t you think?” she snapped, her jealousy showing a bit too much.