“He’s not the enemy. We’re rivals for the same piece of real estate but it’s important to both of us that we handle the conflict well.” She explained how Tom’s kids overheard their argument. “So we’re kind of trying to be friends, I guess.”
“That stinks.”
“That we had a big fight in front of his kids?”
“No, that you’re stuck in the friend zone with Tom Santos. I sure wouldn’t want to be.”
“You’re interested in Tom?” Faith’s stomach pinched as she recalled how Chloe had practically lunged into Tom’s arms on the stairwell.
“Of course not. I haven’t talked to him in eons.” Chloe waved away the suggestion. “It was fun seeing him again tonight, though. Catching up on the past. I would think you’d approve of us revisiting history.”
“High school history isn’t my favorite.” Being an awkward ugly duckling, their parents’ divorce, moving away—not a lot of good memories, as she and Chloe had just touched on. “I’d better get to bed, but I leave for church at 9:15 if you want to come.”
“Sure.” Chloe yawned, wide and loud like a cartoon character. “Where’s the outlet in here? These creaky old buildings never have enough of them.”
After pointing out the outlet by the door—an odd spot, but who knows what the thinking had been for it once upon a time—Faith quickly told her about Tom’s idea for her to refurbish furniture. “Maybe I should fix up something to go in here, too. Next time you visit, you can plug your devices into the nightstand, maybe.”
“Ooh, that’ll be helpful. But I thought you wanted to preserve old things.”
“Sometimes preservation may need a boost. This desk I’m fixing up? It needs help, anyway. I’ve got the cutest green drawer knobs, art deco, but the effect on the mid-century desk is going to give it a fun vibe I think Willa at the Cordova will like.” Faith stopped, sure she was boring her sister. Chloe had come to help her out, but this topic wasn’t her thing, so Faith just smiled. Chloe didn’t have to get it. She was here, and that was a start. “I’ll let you rest.”
Chloe blew her a kiss. “Night, night.”
No big hug. No display of emotion like she’d given Tom, but that was okay. Her sister was here for her, no other reason. “Thanks for coming, Chloe. Really.”
“Sure thing. Hey, do you have good coffee in the kitchen? Or awful stuff?”
After establishing Faith’s coffee supply would pass muster, Faith showered and crawled into bed. Bettina curled at her feet. As long and overwhelming as the day had been, Faith expected to crash immediately, but she had a hard time falling asleep. The day replayed in her head like an old VHS tape, rewinding back to key events, all of which involved Tom.
Him shutting her car door for her. His hands on her shoulders. His gaze on her lips.
She rolled over and punched the pillow. You’re reading too much into things, Latham. And even if you weren’t, what would you want? Another relationship with someone who thought you were more outdated than his grandma? Someone who thought the same about her and her museum idea as those women in town today but at least was nicer about it?
Faith wasn’t stuck in the past. She had nothing against technology. She didn’t value antiques because of their financial worth. She appreciated them because of the stories they could tell, for what they taught about how people once lived. And things, like people, didn’t need to be tossed aside when something flashier or sleeker came along.
The way her parents seemed to have done with each other. The way Chloe went through car leases. The way Faith’s one and only relationship had gone south when he grew bored with Widow’s Peak Creek, her antiquing and, yeah, her.
Better to focus instead on God’s blessings today. Daffodils. The kids’ giggles. Chloe driving here from the Bay Area to support her. She’d have liked some warning, but she wanted to improve her relationship with her sister, didn’t she?
It’s the principle of the matter. Chloe actually came.
The next morning, Chloe actually made it to church, too, despite sleeping until Faith was sure she’d have to go alone. They slunk into the back row just after the service had started.
Nora and Logan, seated up front with their dad and grandparents, turned around as if looking for someone. When they saw her, they waved, grinning.
Faith waved back.
Tom peeked over his shoulder and smiled at her. She shoved away the little thrill his smile gave her.
She forced her attention to fix on the Scriptures and sermon after that—a timely topic, loving your neighbor—until the final notes of the closing hymn. Logan was on her before she could stuff her bulletin into her purse.
“Miss Faith.” His little arms wrapped around her waist.
“Hi, handsome.” She hugged back. “Hi, pretty.” She reached out for Nora.
The sweetness of their return hugs was cut short by Tom’s parents catching up to the kids, leaving Tom lagging behind in conversation with an elder. Though Roberto’s black hair was streaked with gray and his tan skin wrinkled around the eyes and mouth, he looked so much like Tom up close that Faith could easily imagine what Tom would look like in a few decades. Minus the mustache, of course.
“Good morning.” Faith smiled at Tom’s frowning parents. “This is my sister, Chloe.”
As they exchanged polite greetings, Nora stepped away from Faith, but Logan stayed put beneath the shelter of Faith’s arm. Little snuggle bug.
Until Elena snatched Logan’s hand and pulled him away from Faith.
Wow, they didn’t much want to socialize with her, did they? They must be terribly upset she was competing against Tom for the building.
She understood their reasons, but she and Tom had resolved to rise above it. As Tom approached, Faith was determined to try to set a better example for the kids. “Hi, Tom.”
“Hey. Folks, did you meet Faith’s sister, Chloe Latham? We were at school together.”
“Just now.” Elena smiled the same way she did on her real-estate flyers, a smile she’d yet to bestow on Faith.
Chloe jerked her thumb at Tom and then Faith. “Tuesday’s a big day for these two, right? Duking it out at city council.”
It was a joke, but Roberto and Elena didn’t even twitch their lips. Elena laid a possessive hand on Logan’s head. “I don’t think it will be much of a contest. No offense, Faith, but a museum won’t bring in tax revenue the way an exciting new store will.”
How was she not supposed to be offended by that? Faith forced herself to remember that Elena was trying to protect her son.
“Actually,” Tom said, looking at her, “this town needs a museum. Just like it will benefit from an outdoor gear store. Faith and I are in perfect agreement about that. We disagree about where the museum and store should each be, that’s all. But like the sermon reminded us, loving your neighbor isn’t always smooth.”
Could he read her thanks in her eyes? She read something in his—not words, exactly, but warmth.
Logan patted her arm. “We’re going out for Mexican food now. You could come with us.”
“Yeah, come.” Nora jumped, making her pink dahlia-print dress swish.
“Not this time. I’m going to have lunch with my sister, and you’re going to have fun with your grandparents.” It seemed best in every way. Tom’s parents didn’t much like her, and Faith wouldn’t be in danger of falling deeper into this unwanted attraction she had for Tom. Win-win, all the way around.
A few more minutes of small talk and Faith jingled her car keys, a signal as old as the automobile. “Ready, Chloe?”
“Sure.” They said goodbye to the Santos clan. On the way out to the parking lot, Chloe gripped Faith’s arm. “Mexican food sounds really good for lunch, though. I could go for some nachos. I wish you’d have said yes.”
“I’ll make us nachos for lunch.”
“They won�
�t be as good as the ones from the restaurant.”
“Probably not.” Story of her life, when it came to her family.
But she’d make her sister nachos anyway, and then she’d get to work preparing for her presentation to city council on Tuesday. It was time to focus on the future she’d long hoped for. She would be ready.
* * *
The next morning over coffee with Ender, Tom leaned back in his chair at Angel Food Bakery and his stretch cracked his back.
Ender grimaced at the sound. “Yikes.”
“Sorry, I was hunched over my computer until late last night, looking over my proposal for tomorrow’s meeting.”
“Is it finished?” Ender lifted his paper coffee cup to his lips.
Tom tipped one ear down toward one shoulder, stretching his neck. “Yeah, but I’ll look it over once more tonight.”
“Why so glum? You worried about losing the storefront to Faith?”
“Not exactly.” The mayor was in his corner. Other folks seemed to want his store on Main Street, too.
“Cheer up, then. You’re going to get everything you want. And you can finally put me on the payroll. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for the job at the auto-parts store, but I’m ready to work for you.”
“Believe me, I am so grateful for your help, Ender. You’ve got experience with both retail and camping gear, which I sorely lack.” Tom would hopefully make up for it with his exuberance and determination, as well as what he’d learned in his last few years of work. “This...situation with Faith is odd, that’s all. Two good things competing for space.”
“I’m kind of surprised you support a museum now. You never struck me as the history type.”
“Faith’s opened my eyes to that, I guess.” He swallowed his last bite of bear claw pastry, savoring the almond sweetness.
“You’re sure nothing else is going on with you and Faith? And by else, I mean, you know, you liking her?”
“Nope.”
“I admire your devotion to your kids. You’ve totally turned your life around, and that’s good. I want to support you any way I can. That’s the only reason I ask, because you told me how sold you were on your parents’ idea that you not date. Just want to make sure you’re not struggling with that.”
“Faith is a likable person. But that’s it. I’m not in love with her or anything.” Tom crumpled his napkin, signaling a definite change in topic. “Hey, do you know anything about a men’s Bible study group at Del’s Café on Wednesday mornings? Early breakfast, that sort of thing.”
“No, I haven’t heard of it, but I’d go. How’d you find out?”
“Kellan at the bookstore. Sounds like all are welcome.” Tom hadn’t been in a small group since leaving San Francisco, and gathering with fellow men to study Scripture sounded helpful. Except for one thing. “Do you know anything about him?”
“The bookstore guy?”
“Kellan, yeah.”
“I’m not a big reader so I don’t go in his store much. Why?”
“No reason.” He couldn’t admit the guy’s friendship with Faith made him the teeniest bit jealous. He had no right. “We’d better get going. I don’t want to make you late.”
Ender glanced at his wristwatch. “I have enough time to drop into the antiques store to say hi to Angie first.”
“I’m heading that way. I’m going to peek in the livery window one last time before tomorrow’s big presentation.”
It wasn’t yet ten in the morning, so there weren’t many cars parked in front of the Main Street shops. But there was a large white van emblazoned with the Sparky’s Electric logo. “You know, I’ll pop in with you. I want to see how Jason’s doing with the desk he’s retrofitting for Faith.”
Faith had already set up her outdoor display, the green chairs and table with the basket of drawer knobs. On the chalkboard, she’d written, Antiques shopping is my cardio. Heart-quickening finds inside!
Though the closed sign hung in the door, Angie saw them through the window and unlocked the door. “Hey, you two.”
Tom’s greeting for Angie was short and sweet. She was more interested in Ender, anyway. Faith looked up, surprise shining in her eyes. “Tom, I’m glad you could see this.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s all done. I’m texting pictures to Willa at the Cordova, to see what she thinks.”
Tom bent to examine the work Faith and Jason had done, the discreet outlet insert on the desktop plus the addition of a cord clamp on the back to give a tidy look to whatever electronic devices the hotel might place atop the desk. Faith had polished the desk to a gleaming shine and affixed funky green drawer knobs. It was functional and, no other word for it, cool. “She’ll love it.”
“I hope so.” Faith grinned. It was fun to see her so happy.
“I’m heading out,” Ender called. “See you all later.”
“I should go, as well.” Jason patted the desk.
“Everyone leaves just as I’m coming downstairs.” Dressed in a peacock-colored quilted jacket and matching beanie, Chloe let herself through the gold cord, carrying with her the strong floral fragrance of just-applied cologne.
“Good morning.” Faith gestured at the tea cart. “Want some hot tea?”
“Tea? Blech. I’m going to run to the bakery for a double espresso.”
“How about you, Tom?” Faith tucked her hair behind her ear, drawing his attention to her graceful neck. The coloring of her apricot and green floral blouse was a perfect complement to her skin tone. She always dressed in a flattering, classic way, though. Like she knew what suited her.
Tom shoved his hands in his pockets, suddenly feeling shy. Bizarre—he hadn’t been shy since...ever? “No, thanks. I just had a cup of coffee but I wanted to stop in and see the desk.”
“That’s really nice of you, Tom.” Faith’s smile warmed him inside out, better than the coffee had.
Chloe glanced at the desk but didn’t linger. “I’ve gotta say, I’m on Team Faith for obvious reasons, but you guys are handling this competition better than I’d expected. Or maybe I’m missing it because I am in such dire need of coffee. See you in a few.”
“I’d better go, as well,” he told Faith, as Chloe left. “I need groceries. It’s a lot easier to handle that particular chore without the kids.”
“They’re eager to help you buy things you don’t need, I’m guessing.” She followed him toward the door, then out of it so they were standing on the concrete by her green chairs.
“Nora begs, but Logan’s sneaky. I didn’t even notice him hiding Danishes in the cart last time until we were checking out. Gum, too. And that candy that looks like a giant ring.”
She laughed. “You’re off your game, Tom.”
“I’m overwhelmed, is what I am.” But he laughed with her. “Parenting isn’t for wimps.”
“I imagine not. But you’re doing a great job.”
“Yeah?”
“Your kids are fabulous. Sneaky, maybe, but I’m quite fond of them. I’m glad they helped us get over our...antagonism? Is that a good word?”
“You sorta hated me.”
“I never hated you. But you definitely underestimated me.”
“I did,” Tom agreed. “I was wrong. You’re a force, Faith Latham.”
“I’d say the same about you, Tomás Santos.”
No one called him Tomás anymore, except his parents. When he went to college, he’d wanted to start fresh, so he’d introduced himself as Tom.
But his full name sounded like honey from Faith’s lips.
A buzzing sound jolted him from the crazy direction of his thoughts and made Faith break eye contact. She tugged her phone from her pocket and her lips parted. “It’s Willa. She loves the desk.”
“Of course she does. Faith, that’s wonderful.”
He had never
seen Faith wear such a look of delighted astonishment, her lips parted in a sweet smile, her eyes blinking as if she didn’t believe what she’d read. “She’s paying full asking price. I tried to be fair, but I expected there to be negotiation.”
“I’m sure your pricing was more than fair, Faith.”
“She loved the knobs.” Faith squeaked, the way Nora did when she was excited. “And she wants more furnishings. This is going to get the store through its off-season slump, Tom. I can’t believe it. And it’s thanks to you.”
“I didn’t do anything. That was you. And Jason from Sparky’s.”
“It was your idea.” Faith mock-punched his bicep.
“I had no idea if it would work. You’re the one who went with it.”
“Oh, Tom, I’m so happy right now.”
Tom couldn’t help it. He pulled her into his arms and whirled her in a circle. Two circles. He lost the ability to count the moment she was close to him, laughing in his ear. He didn’t want to let her go, but he had to, for propriety’s sake, if nothing else.
Feet back on the ground, she grinned up at him. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?”
“I’d say so.”
“You ready for tomorrow?”
“I think so. Should I wear a tie?”
“Probably.” Her gaze dropped to his throat, where the necktie knot would be. “And shave.”
“What’s wrong with my scruff?”
“Not a thing.” Her cheeks pinked. “I just thought men shaved for important events.”
“Sometimes, I guess.” He scratched his chin. “Your presentation finished?”
“Yep, and Chloe’s having dinner with friends so I have all evening to practice.”
“You shouldn’t be alone tonight.”
“No?”
He shook his head. “You’ll get nervous. Come to dinner tonight. Roscoe and the kids will distract you.”
Her mouth twisted. “Are you serving Danishes and candy rings?”
“You’ll have to come to find out.”
She looked at the concrete beneath her feet for a second. “Okay.”
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