by Taylor Hart
“You really can’t just stay for a few days?” Jonathon played with her hand and smiled brilliantly at her as she stood next to Kevin's car.
“Nope. I missed a week for my dad’s funeral.” She studied Jonathon’s face and wondered if she really knew this guy at all. So many confusing thoughts had been on her mind all afternoon. “I need to get back.”
“Why don’t you come for Thanksgiving? Mom told me to ask you.” His long arms pulled her gently closer to him. “I want to spend time with you.”
"We have to go," Kevin said from the driver's seat. "Nice to meet you, Jonathon."
Jonathon moved to the front window. "Nice to meet you."
Sara slipped in the car, feeling relieved.
Genova gave her the kind of expression that said, 'what the crap is going on?'
Sara shrugged.
Jonathon said goodbye to Genova and Kevin, then bent and leaned into the back seat. "Thanks for coming and I'll see you next week and we can make more plans." He lightly kissed her.
"Okay." She didn't know what else to say.
He paused and gazed into her eyes. “I love you, Sara. It was real,” he whispered against her ear. “It was real, and we will be together now. We’ll make it work, I promise.”
Sara blinked a couple of times, trying to get her mind around how fast life seemed to be going. "I'll talk to you later."
“Call me when you get back.” He stood and shut the door.
Kevin pulled away from the curb.
Genova immediately turned around in the seat, smiling. “So?”
“So.” She repeated back to her.
“Oh, come on.” Genova whined. “You have been glued to him all afternoon, and I don’t think I can count how many times I saw you kissing. What’s the deal?” Her face was flushed with excitement for Sara.
Sara hesitated then confessed, “He sort of asked me to marry him.”
Genova gasped, shocked. “What did you say?”
Chapter 20
“What do you mean you’re not sure if you accepted or not?”
It was Monday morning and Sara was walking to her entrepreneurship class and talking to her brother, Mark, on her phone.
She hefted her backpack back into place on her shoulder and started climbing the stairs to the classroom. “It’s complicated.”
“Well—uncomplicate it for me. Do you like the guy or not?” Mark always had a way of seeing things simply.
Sara walked into class and bumped into Beau, dropping her phone. Beau bent down and picked it up. He handed it to her.
She could see the question in Beau’s eyes. She took the phone and spoke into the speaker.
“I have to go, Mark. I’ll call you later.”
“You better!”
Beau held the phone out to her. “Good morning, Ms. Fairbanks.”
“Mr. Hennings,” she said, nodding back and turning to go to her seat.
Beau spent the class going over the framework for writing their business plans. Sara watched how he moved around the class, easily answering questions and laughing with the students. She tried not to compare him to Jonathon, but it was pointless.
Jonathon. Why did it have to be so complicated? Everyone kept asking how she felt about him and the truth was, she didn’t know. She needed time. She needed a chance to get to know him again.
After class Linda leaned over and asked, “So what’s the scoop with your guy who just got back from Africa?"
Sara dropped her book. “I don't know."
“Come on, Sara. Everyone knows about Mr. Wonderful. You’ve been talking about him for the last year. So how was he?"
"Who is this guy?” Rob chimed in, scooting closer and raising his eyebrows. “Why was I not informed?”
Sara felt her cheeks redden. “It’s not that big of a deal.”
Rob bumped Linda’s shoulder lightly. "Oh, I can tell from the look on your face it's a big deal."
Linda nodded. "Yeah, give us the scoop on your hot guy."
Pulling her bag onto her shoulder she laughed at their interest. “No scoop. I have to go.”
She turned and bumped into Beau.
“H-hey.”
Instantly, she was nervous. "Hi."
A smile played on his lips. “Oh, don’t let me interrupt, Ms. Fairbanks. Go ahead and give them the scoop on the hot guy.”
Sara caught that look in his eye. The one that told her his curiosity was more than casual.
“Uh.” She glanced back. Rob and Linda were looking between her and Beau, expectantly.
Leaning easily against a chair, Beau folded his arms casually. “Well. How was he?”
“No,” she said, her gaze steady on Beau. “I have to go.”
"Wait," Rob called out.
She paused, hating that all she could feel we're Beau's eyes on her.
He looked between her and Beau. "I wanted to let you guys know I'm getting baptized at the Christian Varsity Center next week. Pastor Paul is doing a couple of them. I wanted to invite you guys."
Sara was speechless. Her heart was elated for Rob. "Awesome. Sure."
Rob laughed. "Right, me. The nonbeliever is coming home." He paused. "Wait, that would make a really great song title."
They all laughed.
Sara hesitated when she met Beau’s eyes. “Wow, who would have thought?” She couldn’t keep herself from smiling.
Beau smiled too, but it didn’t seem to reach his eyes. “Yeah, who would have thought?”
They both stood there for what seemed like forever. Sara thought about that night. The one that she'd been trying not to think about since it happened.
Beau took a step closer to her. "Could we talk?"
Her heart raced.
That kiss. That kiss. That kiss. She couldn't get it out of her mind. She took off. "Sorry, I have to run." She couldn't talk to the man about whatever he wanted to talk about until she figured out how she felt about Jonathon. She waved at Rob. "Congrats, I'm happy for you."
Rob looked confused. "See ya."
Later that night, Sara sat in the small office set aside for part-time staff of the paper. She’d been pouring over what to write as an answer for her Beatrice article. It just didn’t feel right the way it was. Usually it was easy for her to answer the ‘love questions.’
Carey walked by and turned, seeing her there. “H-hey.” He dropped his gaze and leaned into the door. “I’m sorry about your dad.”
Sara sighed. She wanted to still be upset with Carey, but she didn’t feel like she had it in her at the moment . . . and she could use a friend. “Thanks.”
Carey met her eyes and stepped into the office, pulling the chair to him. “I’m sorry about everything.”
Sighing heavily, she leaned back. Carey had been one of her closest friends last year. Well, she thought he’d been her friend. And she felt so confused. “It’s okay. I’m sorry if—if I did anything that made you think—.” Beau’s face popped into her mind. “I’m sorry if I led you on.” It was the fear that had been at the back of her mind the past couple of weeks.
Scrubbing his hand over his face he smiled. “It was my fault.” He delayed, looking at her closely. “I wasn’t really being honest with myself. I can see that now.”
Sara was grateful he was being normal to her again.
He stood and it seemed like he didn’t know if he wanted to stay or not. “How’s the article?”
Sara turned her computer so he could see. “I don’t know what’s wrong with it?”
Leaning down, his shoulder brushed hers and he stared at her for a second. Then he pulled the chair over and sat down, scanning through it. “Well,” he said fixing an error. “I think your answer stinks.”
Surprised, Sara laughed. “Well, don’t hold back, Carey.” It felt good to laugh. It felt good to be talking with Carey. “What do you mean?”
Carey cleared his throat, and Sara thought that his cheeks reddened a little. “Your reader is asking you if she should give this other guy a shot and you tell h
er that she shouldn’t hurt her boyfriend.”
Sara folded her arms, realizing that Carey was talking about them. “Carey—don’t.” She looked away.
“Sara . . .” He leaned forward, touching her hand lightly. “I’m not talking about me.” His lips tensed and he pulled his hand away. Shrugging, he stood. “Really, I’m not talking about us—but I am talking about you.” He raised his eyebrows and pointed to her.
Sara was confused. “What?”
Carey shook his head slowly. “You don’t see it, do you?” He walked to the door and then turned back. “Sara—if he was the one, I don’t think you’d have to defend your decision so much.” The corner of his mouth turned into a sad smile. “I know I’m not the guy—I get that. But I don’t think it’s Jonathon, either.” He tapped the door with his pen. “I’m just sayin'. Goodnight, Sara.”
Chapter 21
The night lay ahead of her. Genova was out with Kevin and Jonathon was coming next weekend. The weekend before Thanksgiving. They’d been texting and talking and emailing. He would be down next week for his basketball try out. She still didn't know how she felt about him. About everything he'd said about their future plans.
Plans he hadn't asked her about, she noted to herself as she opened the freezer and assessed the ice cream situation. Not good. Cookies and cream was her favorite but Sara knew it’d been in there for a few weeks.
She decided to skip the ice cream and opened her computer, going to her email to see if she’d heard back from any of the part time jobs at the University. Answering phones would be preferable, especially if she could study while she answered phones.
There was an email from Beau. Her heart rate hitched inside her chest. Even though it wasn't a personal email, it was for class; an outline of an example of a business plan.
Beau.
They hadn’t spoken since earlier in the week when he'd asked her if they could talk.
She'd been purposefully trying not to make eye contact with him during class and she stayed out of his way at the Christian Varsity.
Clicking the computer shut, she went to the couch and huffed out a sigh.
She was bored and she felt a bit skittish. She wished Genova was available to do something fun with, but she wouldn't interrupt her and her fiancé. It was weird to think that Genova would be getting married soon.
She pulled out her photo album from beneath the coffee table. She’d brought it with her after the funeral. It had been by her father’s bed and dropping it into her suitcase had felt right. It was a part of her dad that was tangible—the pictures of them together.
Dwelling on her dad’s death hadn’t been an option. It had all been a whirlwind with school and Jonathon coming back. She was proud of the fact that she was caught up in all of her classes. Trying to stay focused in school was essential to keeping her grades up for her scholarship. The plastic that held the pictures to the page cracked a little as she opened it.
There was a knock at the door. She stood, wondering who it could be. She thrust the door open, holding the album in her hand.
Beau stood there, wearing his leather jacket, holding a helmet under his arm.
Adrenaline spiked inside of her. "What are you doing here?" It was stupid, but Sara thought of how she had her hair in a ponytail and wore sweats.
Beau smiled. “Hi.”
Her mouth felt dry, and her skin felt hot. The man was gorgeous. She hated to think about that, but … he was.
"Uh," he said, running his hand through his hair. "I never got the chance to talk to you this week and I just …" he trailed, frowning. He took a step back. "You know, on second thought, I shouldn't have stopped."
Maybe it wasn't the right thing, but she didn't want him to leave. “Do you want to come in?”
Beau met her eyes.
For a long time, both of them stared at each other. There was this energy between them. This tension that felt like it had always been between them.
"Okay," he said softly and moved toward her.
She stepped backwards, almost dropping the album. Beau caught it, shut it, and handed it back to her. Inhaling, she noticed he smelled like the beach. She liked the beach. Mentally, she kicked herself. Why was she smelling him?
Beau glanced at the photo album. “Am I interrupting?”
“No, I was just looking at pictures of dad.” She thought of how crazy it had been that Beau had been with her through all of it. She gestured to the couch. "Want to sit?"
He settled into the couch.
She sat next to him.
Suddenly, it felt awkward, again.
Beau let out a long sigh. "Honestly, I don't know why I'm even here." He stood. "Clearly, you're having some time with your thoughts and I know you've had a lot hit you, lately." He started to move back to the door. "I'll just—"
"Do you want to see a picture of my tenth birthday party?" She opened the album and pointed to a picture. The truth was, she really didn't want him to leave, even though it did feel awkward between them.
He let out a light laugh and took his jacket off. "How did you read my mind." He plunked down next to her, gingerly sharing the album.
Their shoulders touched and, again, she inhaled his wonderful scent. She ignored all of her feelings and pointed to the picture. "That’s dad standing behind me. And, of course, Mark and James sword fighting.” Sara laughed at thoughts of how crazy her brothers were.
Beau smiled and took his jacket off. “You guys look really happy.”
She reflected on that and shrugged. “We were. Dad had to be both parents, and he did a good job of it. Granted, the farm was a nice place to raise a family. We could find him somewhere on the property anytime we needed him.” She turned the picture and saw her dad and James branding a calf. James looked like he was about fifteen.
“I always hated branding season. I couldn’t get over how much it probably hurt the animals.” Sara turned the page over. “Oh, look at this. Isn’t this so Mark?” Mark was dressed like a hippie for Halloween.
Beau smiled and nodded. "Nice."
“I think deep inside he’ll always be a free spirit. My dad always said growing up would change him, mature him, but I think it just gave him the tools to actually be a successful hippy. He won’t starve.” She laughed again and looked at Beau.
He laughed too. “Did you really want to hitchhike across America?”
“Yes,” she said, studying Mark’s picture. She looked back to Beau. “Ya know I never used to worry about him, because dad did all the worrying. Maybe I better start.”
“Naw, Mark will work it all out. He seems like a good guy.”
Sara realized that Beau was really paying attention to the photos and it touched her. "Thanks for sharing this with me."
Beau nudged her. "What are cousins for?"
She let out a light laugh. "True."
He grinned at her and she felt her stomach flip flop. She noticed that he’d gotten a haircut. “Your hair looks nice."
The side of his lip turned up. "Thanks."
Ah, even more chemistry between them.
Beau looked at her lips.
No. No. No. What was she doing? She scooted back a little bit. "So, you never told me what you wanted to talk about?"
Beau stared down at her album. He turned the page. “Is this your senior prom?”
Mortified, she covered the picture with her hand. “That dress was hideous. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
Beau swiped her hand away. “I think you look good.” He peered closer at the picture.
Her phone rang. She tugged it off of the coffee table and stared at the number. Jonathon. She wasn't going to answer it with Beau here. That was just … not right. She declined the call and texted him. 'I'll call you later.' She put the phone back on the coffee table.
Beau stared at her. "Everything okay?"
She knew she'd be blushing, which was stupid. "Fine."
"Good." He held her eyes a moment longer, then turned his attention to
the coffee table.
She had a whole bunch of papers scattered on it. She found that, when she wrote her Beatrice articles, she liked to go pen to page and try a bunch of different drafts.
Beau picked up the final article.
Immediately, she tried to snatch it away. "Hold up."
But Beau stood, his eyes on the article.
"Beau!" She stood, too, trying to get the paper back. "Give it!"
“You’re Beatrice?” He asked, letting out a laugh.
"Give it back!" Embarrassed, Sara tried to get it again.
But Beau turned his back to her and kept reading. “Dear Beatrice. I have a boyfriend, but I’m attracted to someone else. What do I do? Signed, Lonely Heart.”
She tried to grab it again, still unsure of her response.
His eyes filled with intrigue. "Hmm….what will she say?" He cleared his throat. “Dear Lonely Heart. No worries. Love is meant to be easy. If it feels too hard, it’s not the right one. Signed, Beatrice Fairfax.” Beau cocked his head to the side and scrunched his nose up.
She ripped the paper out of his hand. "Did anyone ever tell you it's rude to read other people's things?"
Beau put his hands together and then did an exploding motion. He made an explosion noise. "I can't believe that you're Beatrice. I'm mind blown right now."
She couldn't help but let out a laugh at his explosion noise. "Guess I am full of surprises."
He pushed his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and sized her up. "Yes, you are."
The way he looked at her slightly embarrassed her and slightly…made her feel like he liked what he saw.
"Stop." She turned and put the article into a folder and then inside her bag. She cleaned up the rest of the articles. "I guess now you know my secret." She took the paper to the trash in the kitchen and then came back.
Beau was staring at the photo album again.
It was a picture of she and Jonathon. One they'd taken before he'd left for Africa.
It was unnerving the way he stared at it. She picked up the album and closed it. "I think the trip down memory lane is over, don't you?" She put the album beneath the coffee table.