A Time to Heal

by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

  “Then let's go. Should we take separate cars?” Kat tugged her purse strap back on her shoulder.

  “I can drive,” Deni said. “I brought the van so we can take one car. I won't guarantee the back seats are clean though.”

  “I work in a school. I'm not afraid to sit back there. I always have hand sanitizer.” And she wasn't afraid to use it. Lori glanced at the other women. They were all dressed fashionably, while she still wore her teacher uniform of dress pants, comfy slip-on shoes, and a top that didn't show ink marks.

  She had time to change before she came. Why hadn't she? As always, she seemed to be dressed not quite right. Her shoulders tightened. How did these women always know what to wear? Even Alison, who'd still been serving customers when Lori had arrived looked like she stepped out of a fashion magazine. Then again, she knew this was a special night so that didn't count. But Kat knew to wear cute denim capris and a plain top, and she'd added a lot of silver and turquoise jewelry. And Deni? Well, her artist's eye showed in her creative outfit too.

  “Me either. Working at a newspaper, you don't see a lot of clean and tidy spaces.” Kat snickered. “I can say that since my desk area is one of the messiest.”

  It didn't take long to drive to the beach front where Hemingway's had opened in one of the old railroad buildings. Would they even be able to find a free table and enough chairs? “Did anyone make a reservation?”

  “Lori, this will be fine. Don't worry. It's supposed to be big inside, and they are using the second and third floors too. There will be room for us.” Deni parallel parked the van. “We'll have to walk a bit, but that just means we can eat dessert. Right?”

  “Not for me. I've had plenty of sugar this week experimenting with a new cupcake flavor. I may need to sign up for a bride boot camp soon.” Alison opened the door.

  Lori followed. Maybe she should take up running or hiking, maybe spend less time reading and editing photos? Especially since she would be standing in front of strangers in a bridesmaid dress. “Let me know if you do. If they take bridesmaids, too, I might join you.” Plus, if Lucy were living at the lake house, Lori might need a place to escape.

  Lori followed the others up the stairs to the second floor where the reception would be held—if Alison and Chad approved. Tonight, boaters who’d come down for the beginning of the weekend filled almost all the tables. Silverton in the winter was a peaceful place to live, but the moment the weather hinted of warmth, the streets and beach filled with tourists.

  Unless, like Deni and Joel—and herself for now—you were blessed to live on property on part of the private beach, it was difficult to find a place of solitude. The higher the temperature, the harder it was to find a place to sit and watch the boats on the water. Or if it was close to the end of boating season like today, everyone flocked to the small lake town to grab those last few moments on the water.

  “There they are!” Alison sped up.

  Alison really did love Chad. Lori could see it in her eyes when she talked about him or like the way she practically ran across the room, in heels, no less to get to him.

  Chad waited at a table overlooking the water. He wasn't alone. Joel, Wade, and Trey were there too. Trey? Maybe he was the photographer? Her shoulders ached. Too much tension today and now adding someone she didn't know to the night made her wish for her couch and a pile of art history papers to grade.

  “Woo hoo. Wade's here. Someday that man is going to ask me out,” Kat whispered.

  How could Kat prefer Wade? He was never around, always taking off across the country for his work. He'd never be someone you could depend on. And if things didn't go his way? Nope, she'd rather stay far from Wade, and if there was a way to dissuade Kat, she'd do it.

  Deni touched her husband's arm. “Joel, did you know about this?”

  “Yeah, I helped him pick out the ring. Sorry, but I promised him I wouldn't tell you. You know I don't like secrets.” Lori watched Joel's face. He appeared to mean it. He and Deni had a tough time when they met, mostly thanks to Chad. Thankfully, all had been resolved and forgiveness granted.

  “It's okay. This time. I would have had a hard time not telling Alison.”

  Lori hovered at the edge of the group, unsure of where she should sit. By Kat would be logical. They were the only single women, but who would be next to her? She moved closer to Deni. That would be perfect. Deni on one side and Kat on the other.

  “This place is amazing. Are you really going to pick it for the reception?” Kat asked.

  Chad pulled out a chair for Alison. “If the food is as good as the twinkle lights, which according to my fiancée seems to be a need for a good reception. We should get settled and order our meal so we can say yes or no to this place.”

  Joel pulled out the chair next to Alison and nodded to Deni to claim it. Kat took the chair next to Joel.

  Again, Lori’s hesitation cost her unless she could claim the chair at the end of the table close to the wall. At least one side of her wouldn't require conversation. Trey beat her to it.

  “I hope you don't mind. I like to be facing the majority of the room, so I can watch everyone.”

  “That's a bit creepy.” But she understood. Maybe not for the same reasons—she did like looking at the people—but it was also a way to locate the exits without being obvious.

  “Not really, I like to see the expressions and the way the light changes the view across the room. Guess you'll be sitting next to me?”

  “Not much choice.” The only open chair was between Trey and Wade. Great. Stuck between a man she didn't know and one she wished she

  didn't.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Trey didn't care for the way Wade talked over everyone at the table. The guy loved his sports. Funny thing is, he'd never heard Chad talk much about baseball. But maybe that's because they spent their time fishing and shooting photos. Then again, he didn't know Chad well. When he moved into town, Alison connected the two of them, suggesting he teach Chad how to take a good photo. From the interrogation Chad gave him about his relationship with Alison, he had a feeling it was more Chad's idea.

  Chad had nothing to worry about. Alison was fun to be friends with, but she was always jumping from idea to idea. Trey couldn't keep up. He reached for his glass of water and bumped Lori's hand as she reached for the same glass.

  She jumped. “Oh! I thought that was mine.”

  “I didn't mean to scare you. And it is your glass. I'm always going for the wrong side. I blame it on being left-handed in a right-hand world. Where were you anyway?”

  She scrunched her eyebrows together. “Right in front of you.”

  Nice try, but he was onto her. He'd noticed her tendency to fade away to another place. “Are you always so easily startled?”

  “It's been a long day—week—month at school.” She opened the menu that lay on the table and ran her finger down the margin of the first page.

  “What's the problem?

  “It's an intense college prep academy for all grades. We have gifted students who were bored in other schools, along with some students whose parents feel they may benefit from smaller classes. The teaching staff challenges them to reach and grow beyond their potential. Some of them have a little trouble adjusting to no longer being the smartest in their class. It does throw some students off that they aren't able to pass a test without reading the book and doing the homework.”

  It sounded like she'd memorized parts of the school's mission statement. “Do you like working with these kids? Chad mentioned you worked at an elementary school before. That has to be different.” When Alison had introduced them at the bakery, he realized this was Alison’s quiet friend, the one Chad had told him about when they were discussing the wedding party. Trey liked a challenge, especially one with green eyes a touch of gold highlights.

  Lori took a sip of water. “The kids I teach are taller.” She pulled her phone out of her bag and opened her notes. “Excuse me. I need to capture a thought before it gets away.
”

  An evasive move to change the subject? Maybe. Her fingers flew over the phone. Long slender fingers, unadorned by rings. He sat back in his chair and studied the crowded table. He didn't know most of these people, but he hoped to. Moving to a new place had both advantages and disadvantages. Here only Alison was aware of his family, their push to have him married, and their wealth. He'd made her promise not tell anyone. He wanted to be Trey—just Trey. Not the son of a famous author.

  She slid her phone back into her purse. “I thought you were Alison's friend. But you must know Chad well since you're in the wedding.”

  “It did surprise me that he asked. I thought they'd want me to be the photographer, but they have someone else in mind. There was a mention about numbers, and he needed one more person to stand up at the front of the church.”

  “That makes sense. Alison has three bridesmaids, and they need an escort down the aisle. Are you upset about not taking their wedding photos? I wonder who they will pick.”

  “No. I don't mind because they are friends. I'd rather not be in that uncomfortable spot of them not liking what I chose to shoot. As for who is taking them, I have no idea.” He planned on finding out. He wanted to make sure whoever they picked was worth the money that his friends would have to spend.

  “Will you sneak your camera into the reception?” Her eyes sparkled.

  “Yes. Will you?”

  “Absolutely. I may never show them to Alison, but I'm not missing a chance to capture something the photographer might miss.”

  “What? We don't miss good shots.”

  “Sure you do. Professionals are all about capturing the perfect shot and missing the precious moments of spontaneity.”

  “And you're not?” Though he wouldn't admit it, Lori was right about posed shots, but he'd sit for hours waiting for the sun to be a little lower for a sunset shot. The amateurs around him would start clicking the moment the sun dropped enough to elongate shadows. “No. That's because I'm not a professional. I like the candid moments during an elaborate function.”

  A bare facts kind of woman.

  A woman who liked photography.

  A woman who didn't fawn over him because of his father. But then she didn't know about him, but he had a feeling she wouldn't.

  A rare thing in his life, and he wanted to know more about her.

  “How's it going at that fancy school, Lori? You know those kids need to get involved in real sports.” Wade leaned across Lori to speak to Trey. “Right? That's how we all learned to get along. Be a team player, and the world works better for you.”

  Lori scooted her chair back from the table, but too soon connected with the wall behind her. Wade's aftershave didn't just waft, it flooded her air space. A sweet memory surfaced. She pushed it back to the depths of no-longer-my-life.

  “Not everyone is interested in smacking a ball, Wade. There are other ways to learn how to get along.” Trey pushed his chair back next to Lori's.

  We're they going to fight about this? With her in the middle?

  “Like what? Taking pictures of pretty flowers?” Wade snorted. “Yeah, sorry, Reeves. I know you're into that photography stuff, but sports is what I know.”

  “We have sports programs. Fencing, dance, and gymnastics give the children a chance to excel at being the best individual they can be. They learn to rely on themselves for their own successes.” She forced her hand to relax.

  “Yeah, right. Those are sports.” He used air-quotes around sports. “Maybe I should help them start a soccer team.”

  She forced herself not to shudder. “If you'd like to volunteer, I'm sure the school would be thankful.”

  “I'll think about it, but I'm pretty busy, plus I have that trip overseas coming up.” Wade turned back to Kat. “So Kitty-Kat, tell me what are you doing after this? Want to head over to St. Louis, catch some music?”

  Say no, Kat! Say no! Lori gripped the napkin in her lap. Her fingernail snapped. She winced.

  “He does come on a bit strong, doesn't he?” Trey whispered in her ear.

  She jumped.

  “I seem to have an odd effect on you, and I'm thinking it's not good.”

  She rubbed her forehead. “Like I said it's been—"

  “You have a headache.”

  “I do. How did you know?”

  “The head rub gave me a hint, and the way you are squinting to keep the light out of your eyes. Migraines?”

  “Yes. I'm hoping this evening goes fast.” She reached down and pulled up her purse that was much too big for an event like this and dug around inside. “I have some pills in here somewhere.” She opened the container, popped two in her mouth, and drank some water. “I hate that they make me sleepy.”

  “You shouldn't take them if you're driving.”

  “I'm not. I rode over with Deni and the girls. Which means I'm here until they are ready to leave. Then I’ll have to drive my car home. I guess that means I will be driving. I’ll roll down the windows and blast the radio to stay awake.” Laughter and high fives went up at the end of the table. “It's going to be a long night.”

  At the other end of the room the band practiced their mike checks. The light in the room changed from warm white to pulsating colors. None of that helped Lori feel better, but she was thankful they had made it through dinner before the atmosphere switched from dining to nightclub.

  Chad and Alison stood at the end of the table. “We've made a decision.” He wrapped his arm around Alison's waist. “Everyone mark your calendars. We're going with December twenty-ninth for the wedding. It's a good day because—”

  Wade leaned over Lori and said to Trey, “This is great. A long party week instead of one night, and they aren't ruining New Year's Eve with a wedding.”

  Lori's stomach turned.

  “Quiet, Wade. Chad's still talking. It's his night. Why not give him some respect?” Trey said.

  If her stomach would stop rolling, she might appreciate Trey's comment more.

  “Alison likes the look and feel of this place, so the reception will be here.” Chad planted a kiss on Alison's cheek.

  “Really, dude?” Wade smacked the table. “You're getting married. Let's see a real kiss.”

  “Funny, Wade, but I think I'll save that for private moments. I'm not big on public displays of affection.”

  “Lori, you look a little pale, maybe even green, but it's hard to tell with these lights. Would you like me to take you to your car?” Trey leaned closer. “Alison and Chad will understand.”

  “But it's their night, and you're a guest too.” She hated having to leave things like this because of headaches. The disappointed looks she'd received in the past suggested she wasn't believed. It wasn't as if anyone could see her head pounding inside.

  “The big announcement stuff is over, and if we miss anything, I'm sure one of them will tell us. We've got several months ahead to learn all the details.”

  “Less than four.” She looked down to keep the lights out of her eyes. Places like this made her migraines worse.

  “What?”

  “That's how many months we have to help them plan their wedding. It could be an easy four months or...” She glanced at Wade, then at Trey. “Not.”

  “Pretty sure Chad doesn't expect us guys to do much planning. That's all done by the bride and her friends, right?”

  “I suggest we take advantage of tonight's band, maybe practice our wedding dance moves.” Chad looked around the table. “Alison, have you decided who is going to be paired together for this hoopla?”

  Fear that she and Wade would end up together made her gather her courage. Her friends might be disappointed, but she couldn't stay here one minute longer. “Trey. I would love a ride.” She reached down to get her purse and brushed his arm. She stifled as a gasp at the pleasurable warmth it sent through her. It must be the headache combined with the medication.

  Comfort. That's all that was.

  She lightly touched the ring hanging from a necklace hid
den under her shirt.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Once Lori and Trey were in the car, she leaned against the headrest. Trey glanced over at Lori a tear glistened at the corner of her eye. “Why don’t I take you straight home? I can pick you up in the morning to get your car.”

  “Thank you. I think driving this way would be a mistake.”

  Other than telling him which way to turn, Lori remained quiet on the trip to the lake house. He slowed the car to a stop in front of the cottage. She hadn't left on any lights.

  “This is home. Thanks for the ride.” She pulled on the door handle. It wouldn't open.

  “Sorry about that.” He shifted the gear stick into park. “Would you mind if I walk you up those stairs? I can use the flashlight on my phone. I'd hate for you to fall. Chad and Alison would never let me forget it if you broke your leg before the wedding plans were done.”

  She offered a soft chuckle. “No. I don't suppose they would, but Wade could take my place in planning.”

  “Pretty sure Alison wants a sport-themed wedding complete with a reception to see how far the guests can throw rolls, or the maybe compete for the best chairs?”

  “Best what?”

  “You know, the prime seating where you get to eat sooner rather than last?”

  “Lukewarm fried chicken and green beans. I've been seated at those last-to-be-served or to go to the buffet line a few times.” She opened the car door. “I'll be fine. I promise not to fall.”

  “You can't promise that.” He turned off the car and met her on the other side, the flashlight showering the path in front of them. “If I don't walk you, somehow it will get back to my mother, and I'll be in trouble for not being a gentleman. You know how mothers are. Even when you’re an adult, they have spies everywhere. Or at least it seems like mine does.”

  “Mine didn't. Wish she would have.” Lori's voice broke.

  What did he say to that? He had questions, a lot of them, but he didn't know her well enough to ask. Did she want him too? Or should he leave it be?