Even though it hurt her ears, she was tired of arguing. She shook her head and looked out the window, wishing they would arrive at their destination so she wouldn’t have to see him again. She leaned her head against the plush leather seat. His hand on her knee startled her. She looked over at him.
“Does that make you uncomfortable?” he asked. “You just look so great in those jeans.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. Earlier she would’ve thought the facial expression boyishly charming. No more.
She pushed his hand away and scooted as close as she could to her door.
“Oh, come on, Emma. Lighten up.”
She thought of how many times she’d said those very words to Abby. But now, they took on a whole new meaning. She looked into Andy’s eyes. “I heard the things you said about me to Nick. I never meant to give you the impression that I was of loose morals.” Her face flushed. “Because I’m not.”
Lydia Ann’s shop came into view and she breathed a sigh of relief.
He pulled the car over. “To tell you the truth, I don’t exactly mind a girl with loose morals.” He grinned, and she instinctively knew that smile had broken a lot of hearts. At least she’d never given him hers. “But the thing about it is that I don’t think you are one. I think you’re just experimenting. There’s nothing wrong with that.” He put his hand back on her knee and her leg practically burned against his touch. But it wasn’t burning with desire, like she’d once read about in a book. Instead, his touch made her recoil.
She put her hand on the handle, but before she could open the door, he hit the automatic lock. Her heart pounded. “Let me out of here, Andy.”
“Emma,” he said softly. “I know you’re mad. But you can’t deny the attraction between us.”
Attraction? Was he kidding? He reached again for her denim-encased leg. She pushed his hand away, but he grabbed on to her arm.
She gasped. She’d always been taught that there was no place in her life for violence, so the impulse to strike out at him took her by surprise. But instead of punching him, she tried to keep her voice calm. “No, Andy. I’m sorry. But nothing is ever going to happen between us.” She pulled her arm from his grip and reached for the lock. In a swift movement, she’d extricated herself from the car. Whew. She could breathe easier now.
Andy jumped out of the car and hurried to where she stood. “Don’t leave like this. I don’t want you to be mad at me.” He stood too close for her comfort.
She backed away, but he grabbed her forearms. She struggled against him. She heard a buggy coming down the street. Maybe whoever it was would stop.
“Andy. Don’t.” She tried to break free from his hold but he was too strong.
He bent down and pressed his lips to hers.
Horrified, she froze.
“Sweet Emma,” he murmured against her lips. “That wasn’t so bad, now was it?”
He stepped back and grinned, obviously pleased with himself.
Her eyes grew wide in horror as she saw the buggy that had stopped beside Andy’s car. Noah.
Their eyes locked. She brushed away from Andy. “Noah, wait.” She said as he prompted the horse into a trot. “Noah,” she cried louder. “It isn’t what you think.” But it was too late. She watched as the buggy turned the corner, away from where she stood.
She turned and glared at Andy. “Why did you do that?” she demanded. “Do you force yourself on all the girls, or just the— what was it you said—’naïve Amish girls’?”
He sputtered. “I wasn’t forcing myself on you. I was just giving you what you wanted… but were too scared to ask for.”
Her mind was on the devastated look on Noah’s face after seeing what he must’ve thought was a mutually desired kiss. She glanced down at her outfit again, then at the shiny sports car. After what he’d been through with Miriam, this scene must have made him feel like he was reliving it all over again.
She pulled her attention back to Andy. “That wasn’t what I wanted, and you know it. I certainly didn’t want to share anything like that with you.” Her voice was icy.
“What, you’d rather be spending time with that buggy boy? What’s his name? Nomad?” he jeered.
“He’s twice the man you are. Maybe three times.”
“Whatever.” He glared at her.
A blue SUV careened around the corner and pulled beside Andy’s car. Kelly jumped out and rushed to Emma’s side. “Are you okay?”
Emma nodded.
Kelly put her arm around Emma. “You’re shaking. Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked worriedly.
Emma hadn’t even realized she was trembling. “I am now.”
What had been tiny sprinkles before turned into large raindrops. “Come on, let’s get you out of the rain,” Kelly said, guiding Emma to the SUV.
Without another word, Emma climbed inside and pulled the door closed without another glance at Andy.
“Go pick up Nick,” Kelly called to Andy as she opened the driver’s side door. “And you guys had better be gone by the time I get back.”
Emma leaned her head against the seat, barely able to digest all that had transpired.
Chapter Forty-four
Kelly
As Kelly turned the X-Terra toward Lydia Ann’s house, she glanced at Emma, worry evident on her face. Her friend was staring straight ahead, with the kind of expression you’d expect to see on a survivor of a horrible tragedy. What more had happened? It was bad enough that she’d overheard Andy and Nick saying ugly things.
Kelly cleared her throat. “Um. Emma? Do you want to talk about it?” Emma was one of the nicest, sweetest girls in the world. It turned Kelly’s stomach to think that her friend was hurting because of people she’d brought into her life. Emma would never have met guys like Nick or Andy if it weren’t for her.
Emma was silent.
“Did Andy say something else to upset you?” She felt compelled to keep trying. Even if Emma didn’t want to talk about it, Kelly knew from experience that keeping hurt feelings inside wouldn’t do much good.
“He kissed me,” Emma said in a monotone voice.
Uh-oh. It was worse than Kelly had imagined.
“He put his hand on my leg. Then, later, after I got out of the car, he grabbed me and kissed me.”
“I’m so sorry. I wish I’d never introduced you to him. I never dreamed he’d act like that.”
“And Noah saw it happen.”
Now they were getting somewhere. “What was Noah doing there?”
“I have no idea. Maybe he was on his way home from work.” Emma’s voice shook. “Sometimes over these last weeks, he’d come by the shop to see if we were still there. That was probably what he was doing.”
“And you’re sure he saw what happened?”
“Jah. He saw. And immediately took off. He couldn’t get out of there quick enough.” She turned to look at Kelly. “You know how I told you about the girl he used to see? Well, now he must think I’m just like her.” Emma put her head in her hands and moaned. “And I’m really not.”
“I’m sure you can explain it to him.” But Kelly was unsure. Noah was so quiet, mysterious even. Kelly didn’t know him well enough to know if he was the type of guy who would understand what had happened.
Emma shook her head. “See how I’m dressed? That, coupled with the sports car and the kiss…” She trailed off. “I imagine that will be enough to make him not want to consider seeing me anymore.”
They arrived in front of Lydia Ann’s house, and Kelly put the SUV into park. She glanced at Emma. “Oh, I’m sure you’re wrong about that. I’ll bet he’ll come by and you’ll have the chance to explain it to him.” At least she hoped what she was saying was correct. Platitudes were all she had to offer.
Emma looked at her with a tearstained face. The eye makeup that had been painstakingly applied formed black rivulets down her cheeks. She shook her head. “I don’t know. You didn’t see his face when he saw us.” She sighed and slumped in the seat. “I knew I sh
ouldn’t have gotten into the car with Andy after the way he talked about me. I should’ve just walked home. But all I could think was that I wanted to be at Lydia Ann’s as fast as possible so I could get into my own clothes and try and forget about my day.”
Kelly reached out and patted Emma’s arm. “Noah is an honorable man. I feel certain he will listen.” She gave her friend a sideways look. “You really care about him, don’t you?”
Emma nodded. “I never thought I could enjoy spending time with someone as much as I do with Noah.” She managed a tiny smile. “It’s like he understands me in a way no one ever has.” She unbuckled her seatbelt. “Or at least he did. But maybe you’re right. Once he hears that I didn’t want to be hugged or kissed by Andy, surely he’ll understand.
Kelly watched Emma climb out of the car. She certainly hoped they were right. But she had a nagging feeling that it might not be so easy for Noah to get past what he’d seen, no matter how unwanted the actions.
“You’ve been quiet all morning,” Lydia Ann said the next day as they were getting the shop ready for customers. “Sorry I didn’t get the chance to talk to you last night. It looked like you were already in bed asleep by the time I got home with the girls. I hated to bother you.”
Lydia Ann had taken the twins to have dinner with their grandparents to celebrate their recovery from the chicken pox. Emma had been thankful for the quiet house and had gone straight to bed so she didn’t have to tell Lydia Ann about her disastrous night. Plus, she was glad no one had been around to see her in English-style clothes. Although, she’d rather have been in a parade through the town in front of everyone if it could’ve meant Noah hadn’t seen her.
“I was really tired.”
Lydia Ann eyed her suspiciously. “I’m sorry things have been so hectic lately. And for your last few days here, too. I hate to see you leave tomorrow.” She smiled. “It’s been nice to have another adult in the house to talk to. I’m going to miss you a lot.”
Emma’s eyes filled with tears. “Let’s try not to go so long without a visit again, okay? I hate to leave you and the girls. But school will be starting soon, and it’s time for me to get back home.”
“You must be missing your mamm and dat, too.”
“Somethin’ fierce.” She grinned. “I even miss Thomas and Sarah. And I can’t wait to see how my students have grown over the summer.” She shook her head. “Ike Bellar has probably done some major damage over the summer. I’m sure I’ll hear about it. In gory detail.”
“Even though I’m not looking forward to you leaving, I’m looking forward to the get-together tonight. Susanna is going to make her famous bread pudding.”
When Lydia Ann had mentioned having a get-together the night before Emma returned home, it had sounded like such a great idea. But after the events of yesterday, Emma wasn’t so sure. Noah was on the guest list, and Emma’s stomach fluttered as she thought about facing him. But at least she would get the chance to explain things to him before she left town.
“That sounds delicious.” Emma’s voice came out flat.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Jah. I can’t wait.” She forced a peppy tone. She didn’t want to tell Lydia Ann about yesterday. So, she decided to let her in on the other part of her sadness. “It’s just that after being away all summer, it feels weird to be going back home. I’d hoped to figure things out this summer, but I think I may be more confused than ever.”
Lydia Ann looked up from the drawer where she’d been counting change. “How so?”
“In the beginning, I was trying to figure out where I belonged, and if I belonged, and all that.” She shrugged. “I guess I blamed it on my roots. But after meeting Kelly, I learned that maybe having those feelings is just a part of growing up, you know? Because she’s struggled with some of the same things I have, and she isn’t even Amish.” Emma sank onto a wooden stool. “And then spending time with Noah showed me that there are other people of our faith who are similar to me.” She grinned. “Kelly says he ‘gets’ me. And as weird as that sounds, I think she’s right.”
Lydia Ann nodded. “Have you and Noah talked about what might happen after you leave Charm?”
“You mean have we talked about keeping in touch?” The truth of the matter was that Emma was sick at the thought of not seeing Noah on a regular basis. “Not in so many words. He has mentioned the future a few times, though.”
Lydia Ann’s eyes twinkled. “I’ll just bet he has.”
A flush crept across Emma’s face. “I hope to talk to him tonight and exchange addresses so we can write to each other.” She tried to ignore the nervous pang. What if Noah didn’t want to keep in contact with her because of what he’d observed between her and Andy? She had been so foolish to have ever felt flattered by the Englisher’s attention.
Lydia Ann winked. “Exchanging letters isn’t exactly what I had in mind, but I supposed it is a start.”
The bell above the door jingled, and they both turned to greet the customer.
Kelly rushed in, her face flushed from the August heat. “Good morning! I came into town to run some errands for Aunt Irene and thought I’d stop in to see how you were.” She looked pointedly at Emma. “How’s everyone feeling this morning?”
“The girls are fine,” Lydia Ann gushed. “Just a few traces of their spots, but they are doing much better. The doctor doesn’t think they will even have any scars.”
Emma shrugged. She knew the question had been directed toward her. “I’m almost packed.”
“I actually wanted to talk to you about that.” Kelly’s pale yellow T-shirt showed off a hint of her suntan. The denim skirt she wore came just below her knees, and on her feet were yellow flip-flops. Her red hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and there was barely a trace of makeup on her face. Emma made a mental note to mention how fetching her more subdued look was later. She’d noticed more and more lately that Kelly was less “made up” and more natural. Had living among the plain people been the difference?
“What about it?”
“I’d love to give you a ride home. Don’t you dare think about hiring a driver or taking the bus.”
“I don’t want you to go to any trouble.”
“Don’t be silly. It isn’t any trouble at all. We’ll have fun. It’ll be our last hurrah before we go back to our normal lives.”
Emma smiled. “Okay, if you’re sure. But I’ll pay for the gas.” “You’ll do no such thing. We’ll talk about it more tonight and decide what time to leave.” She turned to Lydia Ann. “Do I need to bring anything tonight?”
Lydia Ann shook her head. “No. I think we’re covered. It will just be a small crowd anyway. The three of us, the twins, my in-laws, and Noah.”
Kelly raised an eyebrow in Emma’s direction. “It will be good to see Noah again.” She turned toward the door. “See you tonight.”
Emma watched her go. She was right. It would be good to see Noah again. She hoped to erase the hurt that had been on his face yesterday. Even if she had to beg his forgiveness.
Chapter Forty-five
Abby
Singings just weren’t the same without Emma around. Even though Emma often said she didn’t have much of a voice, Abby missed hearing her sister’s harmonizing. Tonight had been fun, but sitting beside Naomi only made Abby miss Emma more. Naomi hadn’t laughed or commented to Abby between songs. But tomorrow was the day Emma would be back home, and Abby couldn’t wait.
“Hi, Abby.” Jacob caught up with her outside of the barn after the singing was over. “I wondered if you might want a ride home tonight?” Something was off with Jacob, but Abby couldn’t quite put her finger on it. His face looked a little flushed. Did he have a touch of a summer cold?
“Jah. That would be wonderful.” She flashed him a smile. Ever since they’d gotten home from Charm, things were going better than she’d ever hoped. All the tension she’d felt earlier in the summer was gone. Once Emma had given her blessing, she’d been ab
le to allow her feelings for Jacob to blossom. It was almost as if Abby had been allowed to enter a whole new world.
He grinned. “I’m glad you think so.” He led her to his buggy and helped her climb inside. “Do you need to go home right away, or would you like to go for a ride?”
“Oh, I can stay out for a little while.” Her stomach was jumping with excitement. She’d known Jacob for her entire life and still wasn’t used to the fact that he made her feel so giddy. But lately, just one look from him had her feeling like she was going to burst with happiness.
He headed west, and soon they were in front of the one-room school they’d attended and where Emma now taught. Jacob brought the horse to a stop and turned toward Abby. “Would you like to take a walk?” he asked.
She nodded. He came around and helped her exit the buggy. She couldn’t help but relish the touch of his hand, even though it only lasted for a moment. They walked toward a little wooden bench just outside the schoolhouse.
“Is this okay?” he asked.
“Yes. It is a beautiful night.” The moon was full and bright, and the empty schoolyard seemed to glow.
“Remember when we were children and attended here?” He smiled at her. “I always knew you were special, even then.”
She was happy to hear that he thought she was special. She grinned. “I knew you were special, too. The way you’d always look out for me.” She chuckled. “Remember when I almost stepped on that snake?”
He let out a chuckle of his own. “What were you? Six? That poor garden snake was just as scared as you were.”
“I squealed and squealed. You picked me up, and Emma picked up the snake.” At the mention of Emma, she stopped giggling.
He reached over and took her hand. “Listen, Abby. There is something you should know.”
She tried to read his expression. He looked serious. “What’s that?”
Jacob reached out and traced lightly along her face. “I’m falling in love with you.” He cleared his throat. “I’ve never told anyone that before. I know you wanted me and Emma to be together, but we never had the same connection that you and I do.”
Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio Page 19