by Debby Mayne
"You must have been standing right there," he said.
"You're late."
"Um . . ." A grin spread over his lips. "Guilty as charged."
"Do they let you get away with that in the Army?"
"Air Force," he corrected.
Why couldn't she keep that straight? "Air Force, whatever. I thought the military was into punctuality."
"They are." His smile turned into a frown. "Somehow I get the feeling you're angry at me."
"No, Nick, I'm not mad. It's just that I've been a little stressed." She left out the fact that she started feeling that way as soon as she heard he was coming home.
"Wanna talk about it?"
"Maybe later. But now we need to go to church." She grabbed her sweater and handbag from the table by the door and nudged him outside. After she locked the deadbolt, she nodded toward the Town Car at the curb. "Nice wheels. Whose is it?"
"Uncle Arthur's."
"Yeah, I figured. I can't see any of your cousins driving a land yacht."
He laughed. "You're still the same old Paula."
Tilting her head to one side, she cast a teasing glance his way. "Of course I am. Who else would I be?"
4
So tell me," Nick said with a wry grin on his face. "Is that associate pastor you dated still at the church?"
Paula stifled a laugh. "Yes, and he's still pining for me."
Nick's jaw went slack. "He is?"
"No, silly." She didn't know if she was more annoyed by Nick's reaction or the fact that she'd caused it. "Drew and I are just friends. We discovered that a couple of months after we started dating."
"Maybe that's just what you think. He really might be pining for you."
"I don't think so. He didn't waste any time finding someone else."
Paula saw the rise and fall of Nick's chest as he sighed. "Does that bother you?"
"If it did, I wouldn't have introduced them. She was one of my new customers at the shop. When she told me she was lonely and wasn't seeing anyone, I thought she'd be perfect for Drew."
Nick rubbed his chin and shook his head. "You're one of a kind, Paula."
When they arrived at Crystal Beach Community Church, Paula started to open her door, but Nick reached over and took her hand. "This is a lot harder than I thought it would be."
She blinked. Nothing had ever been hard for Nick. What was he talking about?
"I've been looking forward to seeing everyone at church, but not knowing what's going on with you and me, well . . . I feel sort of lost."
"Nick, honey, we're all lost, so get over yourself."
Nick grimaced then chuckled. "You won't let me get away with anything, will you?"
"Not on your life. I've known you long enough to see what you're doing."
He snorted. "Okay, so stay there and let me at least put on a show of being a gentleman."
As he got out, Paula thought about what a gentleman Nick actually was . . . always had been. His mama and daddy had done a nice job. If he weren't so Greek, he could have gone anywhere in the South and blended right in.
The instant they walked into the Bible class, Nick was swarmed with old friends. Paula stood back and watched him work his magic. Even Drew hung on every word Nick said.
"So when are you coming home?" Michael asked.
"What are you talking about, Mike?" Drew said. "He is home."
"I mean for good."
Nick shrugged and cut a glance toward Paula. She folded her arms and pretended not to be fazed.
"Still trying to decide," Nick replied softly. "There are a lot of factors to consider."
"Been overseas yet?" another guy Paula didn't know asked.
"No, not yet."
"If I were you, I'd do another stint and put in for someplace in Europe or Japan. Do some traveling while you can."
Feeling flushed, Paula crossed the room and poured herself a cup of water. She felt Nick's eyes on her the entire time, but she tried not to let him know the effect he had on her.
After another fifteen minutes of chatter—all about Nick— Michael instructed everyone to find a seat. "We have a lot to cover, and we're already running late, so I'd like to just jump in. Let's read the verse silently, and then we'll talk about it."
During the entire Bible study, as they discussed the analogy of fishing on the sea and being fishers of men, Paula felt Nick's frequent glances at her.
When the last prayer and amen had been said, Nick remained seated with his head bowed. Paula sensed something bothering him, so she left him alone and joined the others by the refreshment table.
Drew's girlfriend, Molly, approached her. "He's very cute."
"Yeah," Paula said. "He is that."
Molly leaned against the wall and stared at her then laughed. "Why do I sense something you're not saying?"
Paula grinned. "Maybe because you don't have the sense to leave this one alone?"
"Paula, I've known you for a while now, and I can tell something's up. Drew already filled me in on your history with Nick. He even said that was why you weren't into the relationship with him, which I'm thankful for, by the way."
"So what else did Drew tell you?"
"Don't be so defensive. There's no shame in liking Nick. What's not to like? He's cute, smart, and nice."
"Everyone loves Nick." Paula couldn't keep the sarcasm from her voice. "But that's not the point."
Molly widened her eyes. "Maybe that is the point."
Nick left the group of guys who'd surrounded him and walked over to Paula. "Ready to find a seat?"
"Sure." Anything to keep from talking. Communication was highly overrated.
All the front pews were taken up by the family of a new member being baptized.
"Looks like we're gonna have to sit in the back," Nick said. "I know how you like the front row."
She shrugged. "Not when someone's getting baptized."
Steph and Charlene walked into the church, waved, and continued on toward the other side, where some of their younger family members sat. "I wonder why they weren't at Bible study this morning," Paula said.
"Aunt Ophelia needed some help with the kids. Adam and Marissa cut out last night, and they won't be back until tonight."
"They have some mighty spirited kids."
"Yeah, why do you think Aunt Ophelia talked Steph into sticking around?"
"I hope the peanut butter got the gum out."
"Huh?"
She laughed. "Ya had to be there."
"I guess." Nick glanced around and waved at some people he recognized. "I can't believe what I'm seeing."
"What's that?"
"Stan Margolis."
Paula leaned back to see Stan. "Why do you seem so surprised?"
"I know God can do anything, but Stan's the last person I expected to see here."
Paula chuckled. She thought about something her mother once said. "Being here doesn't make him a Christian any more than standing in his garage makes him a car."
Nick burst out laughing. "I remember your mother saying that once, and she was right."
After church, Nick guided her toward the parking lot and the waiting land yacht. "Wanna go see Aunt Ophelia?"
"What? And get roped into helping chase after Adam's kids?"
"I'll take that as a no."
"Oh, I didn't say that. I wouldn't miss this show for anything in the world."
"Good," Nick said, smiling. "I promised Aunt Ophelia we'd entertain them for an hour or so."
"You got me good this time, Nick. You're going to owe me big time."
He gave her a look that used to melt her insides all the way to her toes. "And I plan to pay my debt."
For once, Paula was speechless. She reached over and turned on the radio. The sounds of Big Band music filled the car.
"Uncle Arthur," Nick explained. "Turn it to something you like."
Paula folded her arms. "What makes you think I don't like this?"
"Nothing." He smiled as he steered th
e Town Car out of the church parking lot.
He'd barely pulled up at the curb of the house when Joey and Cleo zoomed out of the house like it was on fire.
"I bet Aunt Ophelia will be glad to see us," Nick muttered.
Ophelia popped her head out the door. "Did you see where they went? I told them not to leave the yard."
Nick took off running after the kids while Paula walked up the porch steps and joined Ophelia. "Thanks for inviting me to the party, Mrs. Papadopoulos."
The woman flapped her hand. "Don't be silly. Around here, you're family. You're always welcome."
Nick came from around the house with each hand on the shoulder of a child. "Look what I found."
"We weren't doing anything wrong, Yia Yia," Joey said. "Hey, Paula. Yia Yia made you some more baklava. She said it was the way to your—"
"Joey!" Mrs. Papadopoulos shook her head but wouldn't look Paula in the eye.
"What?" Joey said. "I didn't do anything wrong."
Nick laughed. "Joey, you got some lessons to learn about how to behave around women."
"Since when would you know how to behave, Nick?" Paula asked.
"Yeah, you're right. I could use some lessons myself since I've never really grown up."
"You don't have to grow up," Paula reminded him. "Just know how to act like you have."
Mrs. Papadopoulos cleared her throat, reminding them she was still there. "You kids want some lunch? I made some avgolemono soup, and it's still hot."
"Yes, of course we want lunch." Nick took both kids by the hand and led them to the door. "Right, Cleo?"
"What about me?" Joey piped up.
"All depends. You gonna behave?"
"Cleo started it."
"Yeah, right. She made you run off into the neighbor's yard, huh?" Nick tossed a wink over his shoulder toward his aunt. "One of these days you'll learn that even when it's the girl's fault, you gotta take some of the rap. Otherwise, you'll never get anywhere with 'em."
"It's not my fault," Joey insisted.
"I didn't say it was your fault, but you still have to take some of the blame."
Mrs. Papadopoulos placed her hand on Paula's shoulder as they hung back. "I wonder if any of Nick's advice will stick with Joey."
"If it does, you'll be chasing girls off with a stick very soon."
Mrs. Papadopoulos broke into broad grin. "That'll be Adam and Marissa's problem, won't it?"
They walked into the kitchen still laughing as Nick stood at the stove scooping soup out of the largest stockpot Paula had ever seen. "What's so funny?" he asked. He took one look at his aunt. "Never mind. I don't think I wanna know."
Nick couldn't remember ever seeing Paula look so pretty as she was right this minute. He'd always been attracted to her, but maturity made her even more beautiful. And to top it off, she'd grown into her wit that showed wisdom beyond her years. But there was something different he couldn't put his finger on.
After he placed the soup down in front of Joey and Cleo, he pointed to the chairs. "You ladies have a seat, and I'll serve you."
"No, that's okay—" His aunt scurried toward him.
He gently took her by the arm and walked her to the table then pulled out the chair. "Have a seat, Aunt Ophelia, and I'll bring the soup to you."
Paula nodded and sat down next to her. "I don't mind being waited on."
Aunt Ophelia fidgeted for a moment before shaking her head. "I guess it's not a bad thing."
"No, it's a very good thing, Aunt Ophelia." Nick placed the first bowl in front of her. "I'll bring the bread after I serve Paula."
"You should have given Paula hers first, Nick." She leveled a motherly look at him.
"Oops." He offered an apologetic grin. "I'm still learning about manners and stuff."
"At least you admit it," Paula said.
Aunt Ophelia looked stricken until he winked, then she smiled. "Nick, your mama and papa are coming over in a couple of hours. I told Ursa to bring some rice pudding."
"Are you trying to make me fat?" Nick asked as he carried two bowls of avgolemono to the table, setting one in front of Paula and the other where he was going to sit. "Bread?"
"Over by the stove," Aunt Ophelia said.
Once he sat down, he bowed his head, and the women followed. He offered a blessing before they started eating.
"This is yum!"
"Thanks, Paula. It's Arthur's mother's recipe. She gave it to all the girls who married her sons, just like we do with our—"
"Um, Aunt Ophelia," Nick interrupted. He shook his head as Paula's spoon stopped midway to her mouth.
"I should check on the shop pretty soon," she said. "I have my part-timers working, and I need to make sure they have enough cash for change."
Nick grabbed at the change of topic. "Stephie said you're doing a big Internet business these days. How's that working out?"
Paula gave him a rundown of how she'd started selling wholesale to shops all over the country after a small chain store owner purchased some of her natural soy candles and soap. He knew she was rambling to prevent Aunt Ophelia from sticking her foot in her mouth again, but he was happy to hear all about her success.
"Want me to drive you over there?" he offered.
"If you don't mind, I'd like for you to take me home so I can get my car, in case I have to stay at the shop."
Nick knew better than to argue with her. Joey and Cleo were so busy eating, they didn't say a word until they finished.
"I want some baklava," Cleo blurted.
"It's not for you," Joey reminded her.
"But I really want some," she whined.
Aunt Ophelia jumped up and scrambled over to the tray of pastries on the counter. "Let me get these boxed up for you to take home, Paula. I made them just for you."
Paula carried her bowl to the sink and glanced at the baklava on the counter. "That's way too much sugar for one person. Why don't you keep some here for the family, Mrs. Papadopoulos?"
"Oh, but you love baklava, and I wanted—"
"I know, and I appreciate it, but really . . ." Paula rubbed her belly. "I can only eat so much."
Mrs. Papadopoulos nodded. "Okay, you kids can each have one small piece, but you have to promise to behave the rest of the afternoon."
Paula noticed Nick trying to hold back his amusement as his aunt handed her a plastic container filled with pastries. "Ready to take me home?" she asked.
"Let's go."
They'd almost made it to the curb when a full-size van pulled up behind the Town Car and some people from the Bible study group piled out. "Nick! Hold on a sec! Where ya goin'?"
5
Paula groaned inwardly as Michael headed toward her and Nick. "Your mother told us there was plenty of food, and we're starving."
"My mother?" Nick placed his hands on his hips. "Where did you see my mother?"
Steph came around from behind the van. Paula glared at her, but she wouldn't look Paula in the eye.
Nick turned to Paula. "How important is it to leave right this minute?"
Paula took out her cell phone. "Let me call Oria and see how things are going at the shop."
As she stepped away from the noisy group around the van, she felt Steph staring, but when she glanced up, Steph was never looking directly at her. Ooh, that girl is in deep swamp water.
"Everything's fine here," Oria said. "Business is steady."
"Do you need change or anything?"
"Nope. Most transactions have been credit or debit."
Paula thought for a moment. "So do you need me at all this afternoon?"
"Not really, unless you want to come in," Oria said. "I know how you can't stand leaving things alone here, but this place practically runs itself."
Something about the way she said that bothered Paula, but she tried to ignore the feeling. "Okay, then. I guess I'll just leave you alone, unless you need me. I have my cell phone."
"Paula, why don't you relax and try to have some fun on your day off?"
That's what she got for hiring the sister of one of Steph's childhood friends—advice. "I'm relaxed. In fact, I'm so relaxed I have to hang up before the phone falls on the ground."
She flipped the phone shut to the sound of Oria's laughter. What was it with people, all thinking they knew what she should be doing?
Nick didn't waste any time when he spotted her walking toward him. He held up his finger to pause the person talking to him and was by her side in a flash.
"Everything okay at the shop?"
She nodded. "I don't have to go in."
"That bothers you, doesn't it?"
Paula faked a smile. "Of course not. Why would it bother me?"
"You say that enough times, you might start believing it."
She was about to make a snippy comment when Steph broke away from the group on the Papadopoulos lawn and started moving toward her and Nick. Her hesitation let Paula know she was up to something.
"The guilty always return to the scene," Paula whispered to Nick. "Don't look now, but your cousin is about to make a confession."
Nick glanced over his shoulder then back at Paula. "Why don't I let you interrogate her while I show everyone inside?"
She was about to blast him for leaving her to do the dirty work when Steph replaced Nick on the sidewalk. A tiny grin played across her lips.
"What's this all about? Are you conspiring?" Paula cleared her throat. "Scratch the last question. I know you're conspiring. Just tell me the plan now. I hate surprises."
Steph held up both hands, but she had guilt written all over her face. "I'm innocent. We ran into Aunt Ursa, and she said there was still a ton of food left from Nick's homecoming party, and if we were hungry there was no reason to go out to lunch, and . . ."
"You're doing way too much explaining," Paula said.
"I have a clear conscience."
"No, you just have a bad memory." Paula snickered. "Whatever. If everyone's hungry, this is the place to be. There's food all over the house." She suddenly remembered something. "When your mother cooks avgolemono, how much does she normally make?"
Steph shrugged. "Enough for whoever is coming."
Paula figured as much. "I don't know how you do it, but your family is amazing. I'd hate to be an enemy of the Papadopoulos family."