Last Chance for Justice, page 10
With college behind her now, she was no closer to knowing what she wanted to do with the rest of her life than she had been the day she first packed up and moved into a dorm room at the age of eighteen. Why was that? Other students, even her roommate at college, seemed to find their life direction with ease, while she continued to drift. Some days she thought she wanted to be a missionary in some exotic, faraway land; other times she felt more drawn to work with the elderly or with children, and to teach, right here on the home front. She’d spent the last four years of her life begging God for an answer—loud and clear—but none had come.
And now here she was, in Bloomfield with her mother, feeling an inexplicable pull to stay in this quaint, somewhat behind-the-times town. It made no sense.
“A penny for your thoughts.”
The voice seemed to come out of nowhere, jarring her back to the present. She blinked and turned toward the tall, dark-haired man in the driver’s seat. He had braked his nearly new black sedan at one of the few stoplights in town and now sat grinning at her.
Embarrassed, she smiled back. “It’ll take more than a penny to worm anything out of me,” she said, hoping her tone came across as light as she intended. “I don’t give up information easily—or cheaply, for that matter.”
Hayden laughed. “Why am I not surprised?” He nodded. “You strike me as a strong woman who knows what she wants in life and goes after it with gusto.”
Wow, Rachel thought. How absolutely wrong can a guy be? But she wasn’t about to let him know what an indecisive flake she was.
She shrugged. “I guess. Nothing wrong with a little gusto now and then.”
The light changed and Hayden turned his attention back to driving. “So, are you okay with a burger? I mean, if you’d rather have something else—maybe something a little nicer—our town does have a few decent places to eat. You know, places where you can actually sit down at a table, study a menu, and give your order to a waitress.”
Rachel laughed. “No, I don’t think I’m up to that tonight. Let’s stick with a burger. I’ve got my mouth all set for one—with lots of drippy cheese, of course. And fries.”
“Of course. What’s the point of a burger without cheese or fries?”
“No point at all.”
They laughed together as Hayden pulled into a parking spot in the lot next to Burger Heaven. “How’s this?” he asked, turning in his seat after shutting off the ignition.
Rachel read the sign. “Works for me. And the name seems appropriate for a Sunday too.”
Hayden smiled. “I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. So, let’s go get those drippy cheeseburgers and greasy fries. I just might order a giant milkshake to top if off.”
Rachel felt her eyes widen. Did she dare? Sure, why not? Though Hayden didn’t know it, she hadn’t been out on a date in ages, so why not splurge and go all out?
“I’m up for that,” she said, reaching for the door handle. “And the sooner, the better.”
Chapter 10
With no new revelations coming from Myron’s journal, Lynn had finished her tea and headed upstairs to run a bath. The very thought of luxuriating in the warm water sounded almost decadent, particularly since she’d packed some strawberry scented three-in-one shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath before she left home. How was that for great planning?
She smiled as she stepped into the nearly hot water and lowered herself all the way to her neckline. This was going to be fun. And if the water cooled off before she wanted to get out, she’d just drain it and add more.
Lynn closed her eyes and leaned back against the cold porcelain edge, shivering at the sensation. After a few moments, her skin temperature adjusted, and she sighed. Maybe having the house to herself for an evening wasn’t such a bad thing after all—though she couldn’t help but wonder how Rachel and Hayden were getting along.
Just the evening before, Lynn had been so certain that John Currey had snagged Rachel’s attention—and he no doubt had. But now he had competition with the tall, handsome, recently divorced accountant.
Divorced. Not so sure I like that for Rachel. Even though it was a brief marriage and there were no children involved, it was still a very serious relationship that just didn’t work out. True, I’ve heard it was Hayden’s wife who ended it—ran off with someone else, which must have been devastating for him. But who knows what might have precipitated such a decision? Is he really faultless in all this? If nothing else, it doesn’t speak very highly of his choice of a life partner.
A crunching sound from outside caught her attention, and she opened her eyes. Was someone walking around out there? Had Hayden and Rachel returned? She hadn’t heard a car come up the driveway, and it had only been an hour or so since they left. Lynn really didn’t expect them for a while yet. But if not them, then who was it?
She heard the noise again, more than once actually. Yes, someone was definitely outside. It had to be Jason . . . didn’t it? Who else could it be?
“Beasley?” she called. “Come here, boy.”
Her faithful dog, who had been snoozing on the bench at the foot of the king-sized bed, took his sweet time responding. By the time he finally sauntered into the bathroom and offered her a sleepy but quizzical look, she had begun to wonder if he’d even heard her.
“A fine watchdog you are,” she scolded. “Didn’t you hear that noise? Aren’t you supposed to bark and alert me when someone’s around?”
Beasley yawned and sat down, watching her with his warm brown eyes. She didn’t doubt his loyalty, but his worth as a protector had definitely come into question.
“Never mind,” she said, waving him away. “Go on back to bed. There’s nothing you can do anyway.”
As if he’d understood her dismissal, he stood and turned back toward the bedroom. Certain he’d fallen asleep again before she even climbed out of the tub, Lynn grabbed a clean towel to dry herself.
“So much for a nice, leisurely soak,” she grumbled. “Even though I know it’s only Jason out there, skulking around as he always does, there’s no way I’m going to relax now. Might as well put on a warm robe and go back downstairs to wait for Rachel.”
She talked to herself often these days, particularly since Daniel died. She’d caught herself many times and even considered directing her comments toward her dead husband, as if she were talking to him, but she knew that wasn’t a scriptural response.
“I should use these times for prayer,” she said aloud. “After all, Lord, I know You’re listening. Besides, You know who’s out there, and You’re the only One who can really protect me anyway—if I need protecting, that is. I suppose old Jason is harmless, as Myron always said, but . . . well, sometimes I wonder.”
She cinched her robe with a tie belt and ran a comb through her hair before sliding her feet into slippers and exiting the bathroom. Sure enough, Beasley lay snoozing on the bench. Lynn shook her head and made her way out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Maybe she’d put the kettle on and fix another cup of tea, along with a piece of toast this time. Rachel should be back soon, and perhaps she’d join her for a cup while she told her about her evening out with Hayden. Lynn had missed hearing about Rachel’s social life while she was away at college. During her daughter’s high school years, Lynn had relished Rachel’s updates. It would be fun to hear them again . . . though she had to admit she would have preferred the update to be about an evening out with John rather than Hayden. Was it just because Hayden was divorced . . . or could it have something to do with the fact that John was a pastor? A youth pastor, to be sure, but a pastor nonetheless, and Lynn had always dreamed of Rachel marrying someone in full-time ministry, someone who would draw her into ministry right alongside him. And with her fresh-from-Bible-college diploma tucked away in her personal belongings, she’d be the perfect pastor’s wife.
Enough of that, Lynn Myers. You’re meddling and matchmaking, instead of leaving things in God’s hands—quite capable hands, mind you. Now leave it alone, will you?
With no more sounds coming from outside, Lynn turned the fire on under the kettle, plopped a tea bag in a mug, and sat down at the table to wait.
Rachel’s stomach was pleasantly full, though she hadn’t quite been able to finish the last of her fries. The quarter-pound burger, loaded with cheese and tomatoes, had been delicious, but it was the chocolate shake that had undone her.
Half a chocolate shake, she reminded herself as Hayden steered his sedan down Cemetery Road. It was the first time she’d shared a shake with anyone in ages, but when the waitress brought the mammoth drink in two vessels—one a decorative glass with a straw and spoon, the other a half-full metal container, cold to the touch, she’d looked at Hayden imploringly.
“There is no way in the world I can drink all this,” she’d said. “Not with a burger and fries too. You should have warned me.”
He’d laughed and reached out to take the portion of the shake in the tall metal cup. “Don’t worry. I hoped you’d say that because I love chocolate shakes and have no problem helping you drink one.”
And so they had shared the drink, talking and laughing throughout the meal until at last Rachel glanced at her watch and said, “I hate to do this, but we’d better get back. I don’t like leaving Mom alone in that big old house at night.”
Hayden said he understood and quickly paid the bill before escorting her back to his vehicle and opening the passenger side door. It wasn’t the first thing he’d done that night that impressed Rachel with his manners. It seemed Hayden Blackstone was not only handsome and successful, but polite as well.
Now, as Hayden parked the car just yards from the front porch, Rachel watched him turn off the ignition and pivot toward her. The night was dark, with only the faintest light coming from the stars and a sliver of moon. But Rachel could see his features, including his smile, as he gazed at her.
“That was fun. I hope you had a good time.”
“Absolutely,” Rachel answered, “despite the five-gallon chocolate shake.”
Hayden chuckled. “They don’t skimp on portions there, that’s for sure.”
He paused, and Rachel felt her stomach clench. Surely he wouldn’t try to kiss her, not after only one date—which wasn’t even really a date, she reminded herself. It was just a shared meal with a new acquaintance, and that certainly did not warrant a good-night kiss.
“I . . . hope you’ll consider doing this again sometime,” he said, raising his eyebrows. “Would you? We could even go somewhere nicer—the Fancy Schmantzy, maybe.”
Rachel grinned. She knew about Bloomfield’s only upscale restaurant, and she wouldn’t mind going there at all. Still, if she accepted Hayden’s invitation now, then she really had to count it as a date . . . didn’t she? Especially if they went to such a nice place.
She shrugged. “Sure, we can do this again sometime, though I’m not sure I brought anything nice enough for the Fancy Schmantzy. Seriously, anywhere is fine with me. Personally, I love Bert’s Barbecue.”
Hayden laughed. “A girl after my own heart. I’d rather eat at Bert’s than just about anywhere. Okay, Bert’s it is. When?”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, when should we go? Tomorrow night? The next night? You name it, I’ll pick you up.”
Rachel hesitated. Unless her mom suddenly came around to Rachel’s way of thinking, their stay in Bloomfield was temporary at best, so she really couldn’t put him off too long. Still, tomorrow night was a bit soon. And besides, she had to consider her mom.
“To be honest,” she said, “I really don’t feel right leaving Mom alone again so soon. Maybe we should wait a few days.”
“Why not bring her with us? I’d love a chance to get to know her better.”
Rachel cocked her head. This guy really did know how to get to her. “I’d like that. Tell you what. Let me talk to Mom and see what she says about the three of us going out to eat together—maybe in a couple of days. I can let you know tomorrow. Would that be all right?”
“That would be great. Sure.”
With that settled, Hayden exited his side of the car and hurried around to open the door for her and offer his hand as she stepped out.
This chivalrous stuff could grow on a girl, Rachel thought.
By the time he walked her to the door, she determined to say a quick good night and get inside before he got any crazy ideas. He probably knew better than to try to kiss her yet, but she wasn’t taking any chances.
“Good night, Hayden,” she said, snagging her key from her purse and shoving it into the lock. “Now that you have my cell number, why don’t you call me tomorrow and we’ll see what we can work out about the three of us going out to eat soon?”
With that, she stepped inside, turning to watch Hayden as he said good night and headed back down the porch steps. It had been a nice evening, but she was nowhere ready to let a brand new friendship morph into anything more serious.
Lynn resisted the impulse to jump to her feet and hurry to the front door to welcome Rachel home. She’d heard the car drive up, the crunch of footsteps to the front door, and the quick good night the two had uttered before Rachel closed the door behind her. Lynn’s patience was fraying by the time her daughter finally stepped into the kitchen.
“Hey, Mom,” she said, “I saw the light and figured you were in here waiting for me.”
Lynn felt her cheeks warm. “What makes you think I was waiting? Maybe I was just sitting here having a cup of tea.”
Rachel chuckled. “You were having a cup of tea while you waited. I know you, Mom.” She eyed the kettle on the stove. “Is the water still hot?”
Lynn nodded. “It should be. I just turned off the burner a few minutes ago.”
“Good. I’m full, but I think I have room for tea.”
In a few moments Rachel had joined her mother at the table, her own mug of tea in front of her. “So how was your evening?”
Lynn raised her eyebrows. “My evening? Who cares about my evening? I want to know about yours.”
“Aha! I knew it. You were waiting for me.”
Lynn sighed. “Okay, I was waiting. Now reward me. How did it go? What do you think of this guy, Hayden? Are you going to see him again?”
“Wow, are you full of questions!” Rachel sipped her tea before continuing. “It went well. We pigged out on major burgers, with drippy cheese and greasy fries and a mega-shake, which we shared. I’m thinking we each ingested something like ten thousand calories, at least.”
“I don’t know how you do it,” Lynn said, shaking her head. “If I ate half as much as you, I wouldn’t fit through the front door.”
“Come on, Mom, how many times have you told me you used to be just like me when you were young? Ate all day long, anything you wanted and as much as you wanted, and never gained an ounce.”
Lynn groaned. “Yeah, well, those days are long gone. Now I just look at food and gain weight.”
Rachel smiled. “I suppose I’ll be that way some day, but for now I’m going to enjoy myself.”
“So . . . did you? Enjoy yourself, I mean?”
“I did. Hayden’s a nice guy—polite too. We talked and laughed and had a good time.”
“Did he ask you out again?”
Rachel set her cup down and raised her eyebrows. “As a matter of fact, he did. And he wants you to come with us. I told him how much I like Bert’s, and it turns out that’s his favorite place too. So he offered to take us both. What do you think? I told him I’d let him know tomorrow, and then we’ll pick a day and time.”
Lynn shook her head. “That’s really sweet of both of you, but you don’t need your mother trailing along on your dates. You two go and have fun. I’ll pass.”
“Oh, no, you don’t. To be honest, not only do I want you to come along because I enjoy your company and want to give Hayden a chance to get to know you, but I also want you there for the very reason that it will make it seem like less of a real date.” She paused and reached her hand across the table, laying it on Lynn’s arm. “Mom, I’m not ready for a serious relationship, and going out on dates is a sure way to risk having one. But if it’s just a three-way dinner at Bert’s, it’s safe. So you see? You have to come.” She grinned. “It’s your duty as a mom—to protect your daughter.”
Lynn laughed. How could she resist such logic? “Okay, fine. I’ll come with you. But just this once. I can’t see us ending up as some sort of ongoing threesome.”
“Perfect,” Rachel said, withdrawing her hand and picking up her tea. “I’ll tell him tomorrow.” She took a couple of sips and then said, “So, you never did tell me about your evening. You’re in your robe. Does that mean you soaked in the tub like you said you might do?”
“I did. And I highly recommend it. That tub is heavenly—not to mention huge. Fill that thing up with warm water and bubbles, and you can get lost in there.”
Rachel laughed. “You’re tempting me. I just might have to give it a try before we go to bed.” She glanced at Lynn’s nearly empty cup. “Can I get you a refill?”
Lynn shook her head. “No, thanks, honey. This is my second cup. If I drink anymore I’ll be up all night.”
“Yeah, me too,” Rachel said, setting her own cup down. “So what about the journals? Find out anything else about Last Chance?”
“I’m afraid not. To be honest, I didn’t really try that hard after you left. That tub was calling me. But I plan to get back to it tomorrow.”
