It had to be Jon.
And whoa! While Jason had been handsome, her ex-beau came in a distant second in the hot department to the brown-eyed man smiling into the camera, whose chiseled jaw, flawless features, and confident bearing were the stuff of Hollywood.
Going from this to whatever lay under the camouflage he’d layered on after the accident would be devastating. No wonder he—
“People always said I resembled my mom.”
As Laura spoke, Ashley pried her gaze off the image of Jon and compared mother and daughter. “Yes, you do. The similarity is remarkable.” She examined the older couple. “They look like nice people. The kind you’d welcome as neighbors or friends.”
“They were. I was blessed to have them as parents.” She held out her hand for the phone.
After committing Jon’s image to memory, Ashley gave the cell back. “I get the feeling the four of you were close.”
“Very. Jon and I still are. More than ever, with Mom and Dad both gone. I also have Bill and the boys to fill in the gaps. I wish Jon had someone too.” She tucked the phone back in her purse.
“I imagine the injury had a huge impact on his life, beyond derailing his plans to go into the diplomatic service.” If she made a few comments about him, Laura might offer information without her having to ask specific questions.
The other woman hiked up her eyebrows. “He told you about that?”
Whoops.
In light of Jon’s reticence, she probably shouldn’t have mentioned anything he’d shared with her.
She lifted one shoulder, as if the disclosure was of no consequence. “It just came up in conversation.”
Laura’s expression was difficult to decipher. Skepticism? Curiosity? Satisfaction? Approval?
All of the above?
The owner returned for their tea order while Ashley tried to analyze her companion’s demeanor, but it was hard to interpret the vibes wafting her way as they both settled on the house specialty—lavender lemon.
After the woman departed, Laura picked up the conversation. “I think it’s fair to say his life took a dramatic turn. When you’re as handsome as Jon was, with a fellow model for a fiancée, such a radical change in appearance would have huge consequences.”
Fellow model?
Fiancée?
“You didn’t know that part of his background?” Laura appraised her with discerning brown eyes that were a match for her brother’s in the photo.
“No.” Somehow she found her voice.
The tearoom owner returned with a loaded three-tier stand filled with savories, scones, and sweets, but Ashley was too busy trying to absorb Laura’s news to do more than half listen to the owner’s description of each item.
Jon had been a model. Engaged to a woman as beautiful as he was handsome.
The kind of injury he’d suffered would be hard enough to stomach for the average person, but for someone who was used to being in front of a camera? A man with silver-screen looks, whose larger-than-life photo may have appeared on billboards?
No wonder he took refuge behind a disguise. Perhaps as much to hide his face from himself as from others.
And if vanity also played a role, as she’d mentioned to him, there was valid justification.
While Laura helped herself to one of the tiny croissants filled with lavender-studded chicken salad, Ashley took a cucumber sandwich and set it on her plate.
“I’m sorry for all your family has been through in the past few years.” The words were inadequate, but she infused her tone with heartfelt compassion,
“Thank you.” A brief cloud passed over the features of her new acquaintance. “I won’t lie. It’s been tough. Tougher on Jon. In addition to the grief over Mom and Dad, he had to contend with both a broken body and a broken engagement.” She sighed. “I wish he didn’t live hundreds of miles away. I’d worry less if he had a close friend or two nearby, but as you may have realized, Daisy is his main source of companionship.”
“I’m sure he could make friends if he wanted to. I haven’t been here long, but Hope Harbor appears to be a very welcoming town.”
“I picked that up too.” Laura waited until the owner poured their tea before continuing. “But to be welcomed, you have to be willing to be approached or do the approaching yourself. If I were staying longer, I’d encourage Jon to do that. It’s harder from 1,200 miles away.” She shook her head and took a sip of tea. “It’s such a shame. He’s a terrific guy. The kind of man who sticks by a friend through thick and thin. You won’t find anyone more loyal or caring or conscientious. Did he tell you about Daisy?”
“No. We haven’t had many conversations, and most are work related.”
“A pity.” Laura didn’t elaborate on that succinct reply, instead returning to the subject of his dog. “He adopted her from a rescue shelter in Colorado while he was recovering from his injuries. I convinced him to move there after he was released from the hospital, when he needed a lot of help. You should have seen the poor thing back then. She’d been abused and wouldn’t let anyone get close. But Jon worked with her until he earned her trust, showing incredible patience and compassion. And look at her today. She’s a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog who adores her owner.”
Another insight into her landscaper’s character.
If he’d been that kind to an animal in distress, it was easy to imagine the compassion and care he would lavish on a person who’d won his heart.
“My dad and I had a rescue pup once too. She was well worth the effort to win over. Daisy is one lucky dog.”
“That she is.” Laura dabbed the napkin at the corner of her mouth. “The thing is, the accident didn’t change who Jon is inside, and people who take the time and make the effort to get to know him will see that. If anything, he’s more compassionate than ever.” She put her napkin back in her lap. “And now, enough heavy talk. We’re here to relax. Try the mini chicken salad sandwich. It’s fantastic.”
For the remainder of the tea, their conversation spanned a wide range of topics. But it didn’t return to Jon.
Unfortunately.
Yet what they’d discussed had been enlightening. In the course of those first few minutes, she’d learned more about the wounded landscaper than she had in all her encounters with the man himself.