He stepped inside, holding out a lovely fall bouquet with deep red, pale pink, and yellow roses surrounded by baby’s breath. “For you.”
She took the bouquet and took an appreciative sniff. “They’re lovely, thank you.”
“I really wasn’t trying to be overbearing in my texts.”
Hope grinned as they moved to the kitchen where she gently set the bouquet on the counter. She reached up to the top of the fridge where she kept her mother’s crystal vase as she said, “I didn’t think you were. I think you suffer the same misfortune a lot of people do. You tend to say things without fully thinking it through.”
He gave her a sheepish smile. “I’d love to argue with you, but I think you’ve seen me enough times to know I’m wrong.”
She laughed, filling the vase partially with water and then mixing the plant food packet with the bouquet in. “Don’t worry about it. I didn’t take any offense.”
“Good. You look beautiful, by the way.”
Hope beamed as she set the flowers in the vase. “Thank you. You look rather nice yourself.” And she meant it. He wore a beige suit with a crisp, white shirt and red tie that nearly matched her dress. His warm smile just about took her breath away. “So, how’d you escape Miss Georgie this evening?”
“Took her to see a friend of hers,” Greyson replied.
“That will be good for her,” Hope said. She clapped her hands. “Rascal, come here, girl. In.”
The dog immediately came and went through the gate to her spot.
Hope double-checked Rascal’s food and water before saying, “Be a good girl while I’m gone.”
Rascal yipped, her tail wagging.
Chuckling, Hope bent and rubbed between the puppy’s ears. “You’re always good, huh? Love you,” she called as she followed Greyson out of the house. She locked the door behind her and accepted his offered arm. His old-school charm and manners melted her heart as he opened the passenger’s door and allowed her to get her skirt settled about her before closing her door. As he buckled himself in and started the car, Hope asked, “So, do I dare ask what all is involved in this date?”
He flashed her an amazing smile which made time stand still as her heart fluttered in her chest. “All in good time, dear lady.”
Hope giggled, desperately hoping it didn’t sound as breathy to him as it did to her. “Luckily for you, I like surprises.”
“That’s what I was counting on.”
They spent the drive laughing over Georgie’s antics, commiserating over her penchant for matchmaking, and talking about their jobs. “You seem kind of young for a veterinarian,” Greyson said at one point.
“Oh, I’m not a veterinarian. That takes at least six more years of school. I’m a veterinary technician. I’ve got a bachelor’s degree and about a semester and a half of a master’s under my belt, but I never finished.”
“Why not?”
Hope looked out her window at the rapidly passing landscape before turning once more to Greyson. “I guess because it was easier not to. When Dad had his heart attack, I dropped all my classes and came home to help while he recovered. Then when he and Mom moved, I just never got around to reapplying, and it stopped being important, you know. I always thought I wanted to be a vet, but the more I volunteer at Healing Hoofbeats, the more I think that’s my true calling. Being a veterinary technician takes care of the bills, and then I devote as much time as I can to horse therapy. I love seeing people’s lives change, even if only for a few moments.”
“Sounds like you don’t have a whole lot of time for a social life.”
She shrugged. “I have a monthly girls’ night with some of the girls in town I grew up with. And there’s a book club with the library I’m pretty devoted to. Rumor has it there will be a guest author at one of our upcoming meetings.”
Greyson lifted an eyebrow. “No dating?”
Hope smirked at him. “Would Miss Georgie be trying to set us up if I were?”
Greyson chuckled. “Knowing my Gram, she absolutely would. I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m incapable of finding a good woman without her pushing me in the right direction. Though I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve considered that she might be right.”
Color flushed her cheeks as Hope looked down at her lap. “I think you’ve let that soft jazz you’re playing get into your head, Greyson,” she said with a teasing smile.
“Maybe that’s why I play it,” he replied with a wink.
Lord, men as good looking as that should absolutely not be allowed to wink at me that way. I’m gonna be a puddle before we even reach the city, Hope thought as she laughed. “What you need to find is a good country station. There are lots in this area.”
Greyson’s nostrils quivered. “No, thanks, I’m good with my jazz.”
“It’s not all about the girlfriend leaving, the dog dying, and the truck breaking down you know,” Hope said.
“You forgot the part about losing the job.”
Hope rolled her eyes. “I think the problem is you haven’t listened to enough good country.”
“Is there such a thing?”
“As a matter of fact,” she replied, her eyes narrowing, “there is. I listen to quite a bit of it.”
He grimaced, but said, “Sorry, Hope, this might have to be an agree to disagree thing.”
She snorted. “You know, Miss Georgie isn’t the only one who doesn’t believe in highway options. Before you go home, I’m going to find one country song that you like.”
“Good luck with that,” Greyson retorted.
Hope looked out the window. As they drove into Kansas City, she watched the buildings grow taller. Truth was, she’d never liked big cities. She felt crowded in them. But she kept her thoughts to herself as Greyson drove through the streets and into a parking lot. The building before them exuded finesse and Hope had to admit she was anxious to see what the inside looked like. She waited patiently as Greyson parked the car and walked around to open her door. “Trezo Mare?” she asked, reading the sign.
“Best Italian seafood in Kansas City,” Greyson said with a smile.
Chapter Seven
Greyson couldn’t quite push down the nerves which had taken over his body since arriving at Hope’s house. He’d expected a similar dress to what she’d worn to his grandmother’s, not the elegantly alluring gown she’d answered the door in. As the server brought them crusty Italian bread and drizzled olive oil over Parmesan cheese to create a scrumptious dip, he smiled at Hope. “Pretty amazing, isn’t it?”
“It is,” she said. “I don’t often come to fancy restaurants, but I love the set-up here. It’s the prefect combination of elegant and cozy.”
He had to agree with her. The comfortable, round booth they sat at allowed them to sit next to each and enjoy a little privacy from other guests. The soft lighting and quiet music gave a romantic atmosphere. He had seen Hope sneak a look across the way at the mostly open kitchen where they could see chefs milling around and the occasional burst of flame. “This is one of my favorite places to come.”
Hope bit into a piece of bread dipped in oil. “I can see why. This is amazing.”
Greyson chuckled. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”
She glanced at him with her head slightly tilted. “You do know I’ve been in big cities before, right? Including this big city?”
“Sure,” he said with a smile. “I just meant the food here is exceptionally good.”
Hope remained quiet, and Greyson wondered if he’d inadvertently offended her. There wasn’t much opportunity to dwell on it as the waitstaff soon brought them their meal. A grin stole over Greyson’s face as Hope closed her eyes upon tasting the first bite of her meal. “Nothing quite like this in Blessings, is there?” he asked.
Her eyes shot open and a frown took over her features. “Could you stop please?”
“Stop what?”
“The digs against my home. So you don’t like country, no biggie. It’s not everyone’s cup
of tea and that’s fine. So you’re not into small towns, okay, that’s great. But I happen to love Blessings and everything there. Why are you so determined to show it up? There’s not exactly a competition.”
“No, because Blessings would lose.”
Hope’s eyes darkened as they narrowed. “Would it really?”
Greyson took a bite of his food, despite the nervous lump building in his throat. “You have to admit, Blessings isn’t exactly the Ritz.”
“We’re also not trying to be,” she retorted. “How many times have you had to cook since you arrived? Even once? No, of course not. Because Miss Georgie’s neighbors have stepped in to help as much as they could. I admit, we could have done something about the lawn, but honestly at this time of year there’s normally not a lot of growth to worry about anyway. Tell me Greyson, does anyone here know you. Not just as a face they see occasionally or even semi-regularly, but really know you? Do they know how much time you’ve spent caring for your grandmother? Do they know what business projects you’re working on? Do they even know your name?”
“Well...”
“I bet they don’t,” Hope interrupted. “This is an awesome place, it really is. And the food is wonderful and the service terrific. But, you’re trying to compare apples to oranges. Blessings is a small town. Not tiny, despite what you might think. I don’t know everyone in town. But I know my neighbors, and I know a good number of the people I grew up with. I still keep up with them and know what they’re doing. The people of town rally around each other when there’s a need. We support one another and we’re proud of our community. And why shouldn’t we be? We have very little crime, our schools are performing admirably, the revitalization of downtown and word-of-mouth spread of the Harvest Festival is drawing people from surrounding communities and beyond to our city. Just what exactly is wrong with Blessings?”
Greyson opened his mouth and closed it a few times before saying, “Nothing’s wrong with it. It’s just not the best place for everyone.”
“You mean the best place for you,” Hope replied. “You’ll never know if it is or isn’t, Greyson, because you’ve already decided it’s not. But if you would put away your biases, you might just see that Blessings is a pretty wonderful place to live.” She stood up. “I’m going to find the restroom.”
“Please don’t call a cab and leave me here looking foolish.”
She turned to him with a glower. “Maybe I should. That’s the second time you’ve implied I would embarrass you, and I promise you there will not be a third.”
“Hope, Hope!” Greyson watched her walk away, mentally kicking himself. What should have been a romantic evening had turned out anything but. And it was his fault. He sighed, poking his fork around his food. “I’m an idiot,” he grumbled.
“Is everything to your satisfaction, sir?” the waitress asked as she stopped by.
Greyson forced a smile. “Yes, everything is wonderful.”
“Would you like a dessert menu to look over later on?”
He hesitated. Greyson wasn’t sure he had enough appetite for dessert after Hope had so thoroughly lambasted him. But he didn’t want to assume that she wouldn’t want dessert either. “Sure, yeah, that would be great.”
“I’ll bring that by your table after you’ve had a chance to enjoy more of your dinner.”
Greyson nodded. He glanced at his watch. A few minutes had passed since Hope left the table. Please, Lord, don’t let her have left without me. He picked up his cell phone and debated texting her. “I’ll give her a few more minutes,” he murmured.
DESPITE THE TEMPTATION to walk outside and call a taxi, Hope remained in the bathroom, desperately trying not to cry. She pulled out her cell phone and called the one person who always had her back.
“Deaden Gone Mortuary, who can we bury for you tonight?”
Hope giggled despite herself. “Oh, don’t tempt me tonight, Daddy.”
“Uh-oh, sounds like trouble. How you doin’, sweetheart?”
“I’ve certainly been better.” She recounted the date, holding back her sniffles. Her dad might have a fun sense of humor, but he also had a protective streak that stretched from coast to coast.
“Sounds like a snob,” he said when she finished.
Hope sighed. “I know he does, and the worst part of it is I don’t think he actually is a snob. I think he’s just so in love with his own ideas that he isn’t willing to listen to anyone.”
“Uh-huh, a snob, bless his heart.”
Sighing again, Hope said. “Yeah, a snob. A snob with a really sweet side.”
“Guess I’m not sure how I can help you, hon. I’m not exactly close enough to pick you up.”
“I don’t need picked up, not physically anyway,” she said. “I guess I just need someone to tell me I’m not just some country hick with no real-life experience.”
“Sweetheart, the first thing you’ve got to understand is that real-life doesn’t just happen in the big cities. We in the small towns of the world do our fair share of living, working, breathing, playing, and dying. There are advantages and disadvantages to either situation. And no, you’re not a country hick. The people in the county over are the hicks.”
Hope giggled. “Oh, Daddy.”
“If you’re not planning on calling a taxi, I suggest you go back out to your date, and see if you can’t get things turned around. If he really does have a sweet side, maybe you can find a way to get yourself on it.”
“Please don’t play matchmaker,” Hope groaned. “Miss Georgie is doing it enough for everyone and then some.”
Chuckling, her father said, “Good for her. Eventually I’d like some grandbabies.”
Hope rubbed her temples with an exasperated sigh. “Dad.”
He chuckled again. “Love ya, sweetheart. Keep your chin up, and show that big city snob what country girls are really like.”
“Love you too, Daddy. I’ll talk to you later.” She put the phone back in her clutch before walking back out to the table. Greyson spotted her and she could practically feel the relief rushing from him.
“You had me worried there for a bit,” he said as she sat down. “Everything okay?”
“Well, I’m not leaving you stranded, if that’s what you mean,” she retorted.
His ears went pink and he said, “Hope, I’m sorry. I guess I’m not any better than Gram about the whole highway thing. I get an idea in my head, and that’s the only way it can be. Frankly, I was pretty rude back there.”
“Yeah, you were,” Hope said. “But, I accept the apology. Just, for the remainder of the date, how about keeping your feet on the ground instead of in your mouth?”
Greyson gave a sheepish laugh. “Deal.”
The waitress stopped by with the dessert menu, and upon seeing Hope’s plate asked, “Ma’am, would you like me to bring you a box?”
“Yes, please. I’ll never finish all of this tonight, and I don’t want to waste a bit of it.” Hope turned to Greyson. “I am curious.”
“That could be dangerous,” he said with a grin.
She smiled. “It could. What is it about city life that so enamors you? I mean, there must be something about it that makes being in a small town so distasteful to you.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever really sat to think about it. I’ve always lived in the big city. My father couldn’t wait to get away from the small town. He loves to visit Gram, don’t get me wrong, but I guess small town charm wasn’t enough for him.”
“Or you?”
“I don’t know that I’d say that. I think it’s the feeling of isolation.”
Hope laughed. “That’s part of what I don’t like about big cities. Surrounded by people, but completely alone in other ways.”
Greyson nodded. “I guess it’s a matter of perspective. There’s also just the general lack of amenities. I mean, surely you didn’t get that gown in Blessings.”
Lifting an eyebrow, Hope grinned. “As a matter of fact, I did. Bitsy Daniels has the
most fashionable boutique in town. She’s worked hard to keep it that way for thirty years.”
“Wait, her name is Bitsy?”
Hope shrugged. “I don’t think that’s her real name, but yeah.”
“And the receptionist at the vet clinic is Dizzy?”
A smile tugged at Hope’s lips. “Yes.”
“Does anyone in your town have a normal nickname?”
“Hmmm, define normal.” Hope winked. “Besides, I’m sure there are people here with weird names too, real or not.”
Greyson shook his head. “Maybe, but I’ve never met them.”
“I imagine that has more to do with the circles you run with than the lack of interesting names,” Hope pointed out. “In a smaller town, the circles actually seem to be larger. So you’re more likely to run into all the fascinating personalities the town has to offer.” She noticed the waitress coming toward them. “By the way, you’ve been hogging the dessert menu. Do you want to pick something out for us to split? I definitely don’t have room to eat an entire dessert by myself.”
“Oh, oops,” Greyson said. “Am I safe in assuming you like chocolate?”
“Always,” Hope replied with a smile.
When the waitress arrived, Greyson ordered a chocolate cake for them to split. Hope had to admit, it was one of the most delicious meals she’d ever enjoyed. The rich, velvety cake melted in her mouth and left her almost wishing they’d each ordered their own, mostly so she could sneak half of it into her box for later. “Did you enjoy your meal?” Greyson asked.
Bless His Heart Page 5