Clouds had rolled in during their session, and she picked up her pace as she walked toward her car. The smell of rain was in the air, and she’d rather be safely tucked back in at the farm than inching home through a downpour.
But as she drove past Charley’s and the smell of his tacos drifted into the car, she eased back on the gas pedal.
Why not grab an order instead of cooking dinner? Tired as she was from her first session with the Shabos, she ought to treat herself.
Without further deliberation, she swung into an open parking spot and jogged toward the stand. For once there was no line.
“Hi, Jeannette. I was about to close. I think we’re in for some weather.”
“I agree. Is it too late to place an order?”
“Never. If you catch me with the window up, I’m cooking.” He set about preparing the tacos in his usual unhurried but efficient manner. “How’s everything?”
“Okay, I guess.”
He regarded her over his shoulder. “That sounds a mite tentative.”
“I feel a mite tentative.”
“How so?”
She frowned. Why had she admitted that? She never talked to anyone about personal subjects.
“Um . . . my routine’s been a bit disrupted.” True—and generic enough not to offer any real insights about the reasons for her unsettled mental state.
“Change can be unnerving, no question about it.” He pulled an avocado out of the cooler and began slicing it. “On the flip side, it can also be invigorating.”
“And uncomfortable.” She clamped her lips together the instant the admission slipped past them.
Where had that come from?
If she wanted to keep her private business to herself, she should shut up.
“I hear you. Reminds me of how I felt many years ago, when I decided to leave my small village in Mexico and my grandmother, who’d raised me. She was all I had.”
“If you had reservations, why didn’t you stay?”
“Because of what she said one night while we were sitting outside, looking at the stars.”
When he didn’t elaborate, Jeannette edged closer to the window. “Are you going to tell me the rest of that story?”
“Sure.” He grinned, flipped the fish, and laid out the tortillas. “She’d been encouraging me to spread my wings for months, and she brought up the subject again that night. I finally told her how I felt. She took my hand and said, ‘Life is a risk, mi cielo. Don’t let fear stop you from being everything God intended you to be. Go. Learn. Live. Love. What you and I share won’t change with geography. It will always shine as bright as these stars—even after I’m gone.’”
Pressure built in Jeannette’s throat, and she struggled to find her voice. “That’s a beautiful thought.”
“Also true. My abuela was a wise woman.”
“So you left and launched a new life.”
“Yes—and it’s been an incredible journey filled with remarkable people who’ve touched my heart.” He began assembling the tacos. “I’m sure you understand. You traveled far from your home and began a new life too.”
But for very different reasons.
Charley had left his happy home in Mexico reluctantly, in search of his destiny.
She’d run away from the memories of a life that was gone, seeking to distance herself from people—not establish new relationships.
Her vision misted and she dipped her head to search in her purse for her wallet—and hide her emotions. “I do enjoy the lavender farm.”
“As you should. It’s a lovely, peaceful spot, and you’ve done a remarkable job with the tearoom. Creating a place of beauty and refreshment, along with products that feed the soul as well as the body, is a worthy occupation.” He finished wrapping the tacos in paper and slid them into a bag. “Speaking of the farm—have you had a chance to get to know your new neighbors yet?”
Another subject she didn’t care to discuss.
“Yes—thanks to their dog.”
“Ah.” Charley chuckled. “Toby can be a rascal.”
“You know about Toby?” Was there anything Charley didn’t know?
“Logan and Molly stopped by for tacos on Sunday and we had a long chat. Nice family—in need of a friend, I’d wager. Both of them.”
“Once Logan starts his job and Molly’s in preschool, finding friends won’t be a problem.”
“It’s always better to have friends closer to home, though.”
She scrutinized him as she handed over her money.
Was he suggesting she should be their friend?
Hard to tell with Charley. His manner was as pleasant and easygoing as always. That comment could have just been one of the generic platitudes he tended to toss out.
“I expect they’ll both have plenty of friends soon.” She picked up her bag.
“I wouldn’t be surprised. Molly is a loveable child, and Logan—” He winked. “I imagine he’ll be quite popular with the ladies in town. I believe he’s what you women would call a good catch. Is that the correct term?”
“Yes.” And for whatever reason, the notion of Hope Harbor’s eligible female population descending on her neighbor wasn’t sitting well.
Charley leaned out to check the sky. “I better close before those clouds open up and douse us. You have a wonderful day, Jeannette.”
With that, he rolled down the window on the truck.
As if on cue, a raindrop plopped on her nose, prompting her to hurry toward her car.
But once behind the wheel, she sat and stared at the gray horizon.
Begrudging Logan West some female companionship would be uncharitable. And Molly deserved a mother. No doubt her neighbor would be open to friendly overtures.
Maybe even hers.
Except she wasn’t in the market for a relationship.
Jamming the key in the ignition, she scowled at the shuttered taco stand.
This was all Charley’s fault. She hadn’t had any romantic fancies about her neighbor until he’d planted the seed.
Well . . . not many, anyway.
And certainly no conscious ones. It wasn’t as if she could control the content of her dreams, after all.
Besides, so what if a certain handsome doctor had made more than a few appearances in her slumbering fantasies? It had to be some subliminal, instinctive female reaction. She might not be interested in a relationship with him, but no woman would be immune to the man’s charisma. A few dreams didn’t mean a thing.
She pulled out onto Dockside Drive, aimed the car toward home, and did her best to erase any thoughts of the doctor and his niece from her mind. She’d already stepped way outside her comfort zone with the tutoring gig, and she didn’t need another disruption in her life.
Especially one that was Hollywood handsome.
Not to mention available.
10
“I appreciate your efforts, Reverend Baker. Let me think about your suggestion.” Logan shifted the cell against his ear and massaged his forehead.
After spending countless hours trolling the net for a childcare setup in the area that fit his parameters—with nothing to show for his efforts—the minister had been his last hope.
So much for getting good news on this Friday afternoon.