“Thanks, Jordan but I’m just me. Your turn. Tell me about your parents.”
“Well, I’m very lucky to still have both of them. They both retired early. Mom worked as a police dispatcher which sounds more involved than it was since we lived in a small town and there wasn’t really much serious crime. There were only two full-time cops and a few part-timers. Mostly, they took care of the people who drank too much. There were some that got violent toward their families so the cops had to haul them into the little jail to sleep it off. They also chased speeders and cornered teenagers who were intent on causing some havoc. My brother, Shane, is a cop now probably because he spent so much time riding in a squad car when he was young.”
“Is he in the same small town?”
“No, he’s here actually. He wanted something that wasn’t as tame as our town was.”
“Are you close?”
“Pretty much. Shane’s the best big brother a guy could ask for. When I was a kid, I practically idolized him. He’s two years older than I am so growing up he seemed bigger than life. There was nothing he couldn’t do and nothing he hadn’t already tried before me. I wish we could get together more often but he does a lot of undercover stuff now so I can’t always get in touch with him.”
“Sounds dangerous.”
“I think it is. Shane doesn’t talk about that side of his job though. I suspect he still thinks I’m a little kid who needs to be sheltered from the worst of it.”
“What about your dad?”
“Dad was basically the town handyman. He took care of just about anything anyone needed. He could always fix anything. He’d paint houses or cut down a tree before it fell on a roof. He was even known to drive some of the older people to their doctor’s appointments or stop at the store if someone couldn’t get around. He still helps out when he’s needed.”
“Your family sounds terrific.”
“They are. I, however, was a constant nuisance growing up. If there was trouble to be found, I’d be in the middle of it. More often than not, Brett would get sucked right in with me but it was generally my fault. I think that’s another reason Shane is a cop. He was always dragging me out of something or reading me the riot act when he heard what I’d been up to. There were many occasions that he dealt with the problems I caused on his own instead of turning me in to our parents.
“I don’t think they were ever fooled though. Mom and Dad could see right through me. If they asked me directly if I’d done something, I never lied. I’d tell them what it was and take whatever punishment they gave out. There were lots of times when Brett was sent home and instructed to come clean with his parents. He always did too, once we’d been caught so my parents never had to call his. And they all knew I was the instigator so they were slightly less hard on Brett most of the time. Of course, they always pointed out that he knew better than to follow me but he was my best friend. He never backed down once I started something.
“You’ve seen how Brett is. Well he’s always been like that, always happy and out for fun. The few times I’ve seen him honestly angry were my fault. Shane didn’t hesitate to give him the same lecture I got. Brett took it but, on occasion, Shane would give me an extra dose. If Shane was being exceptionally hard-nosed to me, he’d jump right in the middle of it like he was trying to protect me.”
“Why did you do things if you knew you’d get caught?”
“To be honest, Kiley, I only got caught when I let myself get caught. I’d set it up so Shane would find out because I wanted his attention. I’d tried all his activities, football, basketball, baseball but it backfired. The coaches were always comparing us and I think Shane was disappointed that I didn’t measure up. Our grades were about the same. Then one day, I was rambling about nothing and Brett rearranged some words and we were onto our first scheme.
“After I saw how well it worked, I started pushing the limits. I’d come up with the basic plan. Brett would find a way to sell it and then I would talk us into or out of whatever it was. I usually avoided doing things that were too illegal but not always.”
“Illegal, Jordan?”
“Well yeah but like I said, it wasn’t really anything that bad. I mean, take the car incident for example. There was a married couple who taught at our school. When I was fifteen, I went and told the wife that her husband locked his keys in the car and had sent me to get hers for him.”
“He didn’t really send you?”
“Nope but Brett told me just how to phrase it so she’d believe me. It was hot and we were bored so we drove out to the lake for a swim. We brought the car back before school was over and had planned on slipping the keys back on her desk where we knew she kept them even though we knew I’d probably get caught but figured it would be worth it. What I didn’t count on was Shane being there, waiting with the teachers when we got back. See, he’d been trying to get them to call to report their car stolen. I’d never seen him so furious or so close to physical violence before. It was fascinating in a twisted way. Fortunately, for Brett and me, our teachers had a different idea in mind. School was over the next week and we spent the summer at their disposal. We did unlimited yard work, house painting and garage cleaning. We also had individualized unofficial summer school. Shane made a point to check in with them every week and I’m sure our parents knew about it but they never mentioned it. Now, you’d think that would have reformed most kids, right? Not me though. Brett would occasionally try to talk me out of stuff but if I was determined, he’d help with whatever.”
“Wait a minute. You stole your teachers’ car?”
“More like borrowed it. And we filled the tank for them and washed it. It’s not like they needed it for those three hours.”
“Jordan!”
“I know. You’re thinking I’m not showing any remorse. Kiley, I know we were wrong. We both did but did it anyway. Once Brett knew he couldn’t talk me out of it he coached me on what to say to talk our way out of the trouble we knew we’d be in. But it could have been much worse. We could have stolen a stranger’s car or been drinking and wrecked it.”
“You know how to steal a car?”
“Yes but I never have. I figured it would be good to know in case I ever lost my keys.”
Kiley laughed at how he made it sound so perfectly reasonable. “I’m amazed.”
“Good or bad?”
“Undecided for now. Was that summer awful?”
“No, it turned out to be great. They were both really good people. He was an English teacher and she taught math. I guess they figured out that part of why we got into trouble was that we were bored so they solved the problem by giving us things to concentrate on. And they talked to us while we worked too. We learned a lot about life that summer, not just school stuff. It’s not like they said anything much different from what our parents did but we were kids and it was easier to listen to coming from someone else.”
“So did you stay out of trouble?”
“Yes and no. We did things we shouldn’t have but we didn’t get caught.”
“Like what?”
“There was a racetrack about thirty-five miles away. We hitchhiked there every other week or so. We’d find a woman who’d been deserted by her husband and then get her to bet on the horses for us. We amassed a tidy sum by the time school started again. Shane knew we had unexplained cash but never figured out where it came from.
“He went off to college that fall but came home at least once or twice a month. I made annoying him into an art. We’d hang out and everything would be great. Just before he was about to go back I’d do something to make him wonder what I was scheming. Brett, of course, always told me just what to say and then Shane would have to go. He’d be crazy until he got home again and saw that we hadn’t really done anything. Naturally we had to cause some trouble now and then so he wouldn’t get complacent.”
“What did your parents do about all that?”
“Nothing. They were both very generous with their attention. If they had
a favorite, I certainly never knew. I think they guessed what I was up to and how Brett was involved and decided to stay out of it. I’m sure there was a line somewhere but I never crossed it.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. Or you can tell me every thought that’s crossing your mind,” Jordan waited.
“Hmm, okay. I think you must have always been charming. I think you underestimate yourself or put too much emphasis on your brother’s opinions. I’m not sure I like him but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for now. Your parents are good people. You and Brett were very lucky with your teachers. It’s a good thing you two decided against being criminals because you probably would have been very good at it.
“I envy your friendship with Brett especially the way you’ve made it last over the years. I had what I considered good friends in high school but we haven’t kept in touch. Dee is a very good friend now but we don’t share a past. My uncle is a trainer of sorts and they moved around a lot more than we did so Alyssa and I weren’t as close as I think we could have been if we’d been together all the time. Or maybe I’m wrong. We see other pretty often now but there’s still this distance between us. We’re closer than ever but not like you and Brett are. I could tell that about you guys right away. I bet either one of you would do anything for the other if you ever needed something and I’m sure neither of you would have to ask.” She gasped. “Oh no, I said too much.”
“No, I told you I’m interested in whatever you think. In fact, I need to give some serious consideration to a few of your observations.”
“I…oh…damn!”
“What’s wrong?”
“Well, I said some things—”
“Yes, you did and I appreciate your thoughts.”
“But I was…”
“Perfect. Never be afraid to say anything to me.”
“Jordan, why do you tell me things like that?”
“Because I mean it, Kiley. I’m hoping that you’ll eventually feel comfortable with me.”
Without thinking, Kiley blurted out the question she’d had since the first day. “Why aren’t you married or at least with someone?”
Jordan could tell she was blushing by the way she groaned. “Simple. You’re not ready yet.”
“Oh God,” she groaned again.
“Can I ask you the same of you?”
“No one ever asked. And I wasn’t in love before. Oh damn.”
Jordan felt as if he couldn’t breathe. Could she mean what it sounding like she was saying? Did she even realize what she implied? “Kiley?”
She kept muttering.
“Kiley, please.”
“Just ignore me, Jordan. I can’t seem to make any sense when I try to talk to you.” She wanted to crawl in a hole and hide until she could control her stupid mouth. He must think she is such an idiot.
“I could never ignore you.” His voice dropped seductively. Kiley could feel it everywhere. It was as if he was right there with her, touching her. “Please don’t answer this now but will you marry me someday, Kiley?”
“Uh…oh…I…”
“Wait. Don’t say anything now. I’ve wanted to ask that since the instant I saw you that first day. Every day since then I’ve had to fight myself not to tell you that I know we belong together. I used to wonder why no one ever interested me. When I met you, I realized it was because I was waiting for you to love. I’ll make you very happy, Kiley, if you let me.”
“Oh God…ohgodohgodohgod,” she repeated rapidly. “I-I-I, um, have to go. Bye.”
Kiley hung up before he could say anything. What a damn fool he was! They were having a real conversation. They were getting to know each other. And then he had to go and blow it. Oh, he meant every word but she wasn’t anywhere near ready to hear it. And Kiley thought she lacked control when they were speaking! Why hadn’t he made some nice, safe comment to reassure her, changed the subject and kept on chatting? Still, Dee had suggested she was aware of him. Yeah right, aware of him, yes. Ready for declarations of love and marriage proposals, no. Should he call her back and try to smooth it over or would that just make it worse? Maybe he should give her a little time. He could call tomorrow and check on her. Or maybe he should just wait until Monday and see how distant she was first.
* * * * *
When the phone rang, Jordan glanced at the clock. It was eleven thirty so it could only be Miss Sadie. After her husband died, he had offered her his assistance in any way possible. One night, a few weeks later, Sadie had called him. She asked if he would be kind enough to give her a few minutes’ conversation. She missed having someone to talk to about nothing in particular. She said she would call one of those radio talk shows if he preferred things remain strictly professional but she liked his voice and just hearing him say hello already had her feeling better. It was a simple enough request so Jordan readily complied. Since then, she called him a few times a month and he soon found he looked forward to their chats. Sadie was extremely opinionated and never hesitated to speak her mind. She often claimed to be a cantankerous old bat. Jordan didn’t object. Conversations with Sadie were lively and always entertaining. And at the moment he could certainly use a distraction to get his thoughts off his blunder.
“Good evening, Miss Sadie. What’s your topic tonight?”
“Don’t humor me now, boy. I’m calling for some help.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Settle down. I just need a ride tomorrow.”
“Say that first next time. You had me scared.”
“What’s with you? You seem testy.”
“Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean to be short with you.” He took a deep breath. “How can I help?”
“I have to get my car inspected tomorrow. I’m to drop it off before lunch. I don’t feel like waiting around there so I thought, if you could spare the time, you could pick me up and drive me to the Villa to visit my sister-in-law. Her hip is almost mended but I should see her again while she’s there. I can always take a cab if you have plans.”
“No, no, I’d be glad to,” he answered automatically. He knew Kiley still visited there. He’d heard her talking about it with Dee. It must be someone she met while her mom was there so at least their conversation earlier had explained that mystery. What chance was there that they’d run into each other? Kiley’s friend had to be a permanent resident. Sadie’s sister-in-law would be in the short-term rehab area. Surely they had to be in separate locations.
“Are you sure? You don’t sound sincere,” Sadie stated bluntly.
“I’m sure, Miss Sadie. I made a bit of a fool of myself with Kiley earlier and…”
“At lunch? And you’re still moping?”
“No, she called me tonight.”
“Things are looking up.”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“Why? What did you say, Jordan?” When he hesitated, she used her most determined tone. “I’m waiting.”
Jordan sighed, deciding how much to tell her. Finally, he said that they had been having a good conversation up until she caught him off guard with an unexpected question. When he explained that he answered it very impulsively, he heard her snort.
“Harrumph. Put your foot in it good, did you, boy? Did you mean whatever it was that you said?” He had left out the details but Sadie was reading between the lines.
“Absolutely, with all my heart.”
“Then what are you worried about?”
“It was too soon for my comments. I probably just scared Kiley off for good.”
“That’s nonsense! It’s more likely that you just surprised her. If she’s as good a girl as you say she is she’ll come around. Of course, it would be easier to reassure you if I had specifics.”
“I told you I’m a fool and that’s enough for now.”
“Fine. Stop being ridiculous. From what Brett says, I’d say it’s safe to bet that this Kiley girl is plenty interested in you too. So what if
you came on a bit strong? It’ll work out.”
“Ah then you did accept a date with the playboy tonight.”
“Yes and I’ll thank you not to repeat my comments to him in the future.”
“Why not? I’ve heard you call him both a gigolo and a playboy in person.”
“It’s not the same, coming from you,” she continued to discuss little tidbits with him until Jordan sounded more like himself. Then she reminded him what time to meet her at the garage and wished him a good night.
Chapter Six
“I won’t hear of it, Jordan McKade.” Sadie was annoyed. “If you insist on sitting in this car instead of coming in then I will too. There’s a perfectly good lounge where you can wait.”
“I’m fine here, really,” Jordan tried again. When she continued to glare silently at him, he finally accepted defeat and got out of the car.
“It’s about time.” She took his arm as they walked toward the door. “You’re acting like a petulant child and frankly, it doesn’t suit you.”
Jordan apologized and brushed a kiss on her cheek. “Forgive me? I’m in new territory here and it’s a little unsettling.”
“Hmm, interesting.” She stopped to stare at him. “It may be that you’re even more endearing and adorable when you’re being humble and vulnerable than you are when you’re charming and confident.”
Jordan had to grin. “And you, Sadie Brown, are impossible at all times.”
“That’s my boy.” She patted his arm. “Oh miss, excuse me but could you…” She trailed off at the expression on the girl’s face. Brett and Kiley’s friends had described her perfectly. And she was as punctual as they said she would be.
When Kiley turned toward the woman questioning her, the last person she expected to see there was Jordan. She knew she was blushing and staring like an imbecile and she couldn’t make her mouth function.
He recovered first. “Hello.”
She didn’t respond so Sadie stepped in. “Young man, where are your manners? Introduce me to your friend.”
Questing (Cosmis Connections, Book One) Page 6