Smitten Book Club Page 15

  “Yes, Mia?”

  “Xander said I smelled funny. My mommy got me some perfume,” she announced with great pride.

  “And it’s lovely. You smell like a princess,” Lia said, causing Mia to sit a little taller in her seat. “Xander meant to say you smelled nice. Right, Xander?”

  Xander’s expression seemed to say that all girls have cooties.

  “May I sharpen my pencil, Ms. Burton?”

  Lia gave a nod and watched Micah, dressed in blue jeans and sneakers, walk politely to the pencil sharpener and set to sharpening.

  “I need to go to the bathroom.” Macy gave a dramatic sigh. Her long hair looked much like Rapunzel’s, contributing to the theatrical look.

  Grace got out of her seat.

  Lia felt she was losing control of her classroom.

  “Macy, you may go to the restroom. Then I want everyone in their seats.” She looked at Grace. “What do you need, Grace?”

  Grace ignored her and twirled around the room.

  “Grace, please sit down.”

  Grace continued to twirl.

  Finally it caused a disturbance with the other kids, so Lia took her aside and signed to her, You have to sit in your chair unless I give you permission to get up. Do you understand? Grace nodded and went back to her seat.

  If Lia didn’t know better, she would say the child was indeed hearing impaired. But she’d wait and see what Joey had to say.

  The classroom was empty, and yellow buses bulging with children had trundled down the windy road toward home. Lia put away a box of crayons and noticed the light snow falling over Smitten. The snowcapped mountains in the distance made for an enchanting scene.

  “Sorry I’m late.”

  She swiveled around to see Joey standing there. Grace smiled when she saw her daddy, picked up her school bag, and ran to him.

  “I had a root canal patient that took longer than expected.”

  “Couldn’t Grace’s mother have picked her up?” Maybe she was out of line for asking, but it was out there now and there was nothing she could do about it.

  Joey looked surprised. He rubbed the afternoon stubble on his chin. “Wow. That’s right. I need to catch you up on a few things.”

  “Okay. Let me just set Grace up with some coloring books and crayons.” Lia could feel Joey’s gaze follow her as she walked across the room to the supplies. It was uncomfortable having him here. Back in town. So silly that she should feel that way after all these years.

  Once Grace was settled at her desk, Joey took the adult seat beside Lia’s desk. He pulled in a deep breath. “It’s like this. McKenzie, my wife, was hearing impaired.”

  “Was?”

  “That’s how Grace learned to sign. It was the way we communicated with McKenzie.”

  Lia nodded, hoping to encourage him to continue.

  He stared at his hands for a moment. “She was killed last December in a random shooting at the mall.”

  Lia’s breath caught in her throat. “Oh, Joey, I’m so sorry.” She was surprised she hadn’t heard, the way gossip traveled through their little town.

  He swallowed hard. “McKenzie’s friend and Grace were with her.”

  Tears welled in Lia’s eyes, though she tried desperately to hold them in check. She looked at Grace, whose furrowed brow showed her determination to color a beautiful snowman. Lia’s heart ached for what this precious child had been through.

  And Joey.

  “That’s why she signs.” He nodded toward Grace. “The counselor says it’s her way of holding on to her mom.”

  With her head bowed, Lia nodded and lifted a barely audible whisper. “I’m so sorry.”

  Joey took another deep breath. “Yeah, me too. I haven’t taken her to a mall since it happened.” Then with resolve he said, “But it is what it is and we have to move on.”

  His comment brought back her professional side. “Of course.”

  “I plan to pick her up on time, but there may be times like today . . . If you could bear with me for a week or two—just till we get settled.”

  “The good news is she is in all-day kindergarten. There is plenty of after-school care nearby if you’re interested.”

  “That makes me pretty uncomfortable. I hate to throw her into another situation where she doesn’t know the adults in charge.”

  “The thing is, I won’t be here next week. Remember, I’ll be attending a kindergarten literacy conference in Morristown. So I can’t guarantee anyone would be able to stay after school with her. You’ll have to make arrangements before Monday.”

  “Fair enough.” He stretched out his hand to hers. “Thank you for your time, Elliana. It’s so great to see you again.”

  The way he said her name ribboned through her like warm cocoa. No one called her by her full name, but the first time Joey met her, way back in grade school, he had declared that Elliana was too pretty a name not to use.

  His hand was strong, protective—she didn’t want to let go. A weak moment enveloped her, and she wobbled to her chair. “Oh dear, I think I need to eat something,” she said, refusing to allow the heat to reach her face.

  Joey lifted a sweet smirk as though he wasn’t buying her excuse, but handed her a packaged cracker from his pocket. “I keep them on hand for Grace.”

  “Thank you.”

  His eyes held hers. Deep in those eyes she got a glimpse of the Joey she had known, the carefree I’ll-lasso-the-moon Joey. But only a glimpse. A shadow cast it away. He walked over to Grace.

  As they edged toward the door he said, “Thank you, Ms. Burton.”

  Sadness tugged her heart as she watched him leave the room and close the door behind him.

  “You’re awfully quiet tonight, Joey.” Suzie passed the dinner rolls to Grace, who pulled one apart and smeared on a glob of jelly.

  “Yeah, I noticed that too,” Sam joined in. “Everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine. Just explained things to Grace’s teacher today.”

  Grace stuffed a bite of roll into her mouth and signed, I like Ms. Burton. She’s nice. She lets me color. She waited a moment and signed again. She smells good too. Like a happy day.

  “That’s right,” Suzie said. “I’d forgotten Lia was the kindergarten teacher.” She turned to Grace. “Just what does a happy day smell like?”

  Ms. Burton, Grace signed with a grin.

  Joey laughed. “It’s funny; now that she mentions it, Elliana did smell good. Like peaches.”

  Once Grace was excused from the table, the guys started to get up as well.

  “Could you wait a moment?” Suzie asked. “I’ve already talked to Sam about this, Joey, but we thought we should mention it to you.”

  Joey studied her. “What’s that?”

  “If it’s all right with you, we want to buy Grace a gym set for the yard.”

  “Whoa, now hold on.”

  “Oh, come on, Joey. We don’t have any children, and we would enjoy watching her play.”

  “Suzie, Sam, we’re not staying here. I’m going to build a house. And in fact, I’m looking for a place to stay while we build it.”

  “But you can stay here,” Suzie encouraged.

  He knew they meant well, but he didn’t want Grace confused as to who her parent was. Kids could get messed up with too many bosses. He wanted her around family; he just didn’t want to live with them.

  “I appreciate it, guys, I really do. Ultimately, we won’t be staying here. We need to get established in a place of our own and settle down to our new normal, you know?”

  Sam nodded.

  “I guess,” Suzie said with a sigh of resignation.

  They cleared the table, and the discussion moved to sports and talk of work. Afterward, the guys settled into TV and Suzie got out her childhood tea set and played with Grace awhile.

  Joey walked into Grace’s room and saw she was already bathed and in her pajamas. He thanked Suzie and read a story to Grace before she went to bed. Once he kissed her good ni
ght, he peeked again before closing the door. They had to find their own place. And soon.

  A gentle snow fell, sparkling the tips of the evergreens in the town square as citizens of Smitten gathered for the annual lighting of the large central evergreen tree and service. Park benches were filled as guests waited, sipping hot chocolate, compliments of the ice rink concession stand. Horses and buggies stood nearby waiting to take passengers on an enchanted ride through town on this snowy night. These rides changed the world, according to old Mr. Cleaver, owner of Cleaver Horse & Buggy Service. People fell in love on his rides, and homes were born. He figured he offered a great service to Smitten, and Lia felt indeed he did. She wondered if she should take a ride.

  A slight wind caused the chain to clink against the flag-pole, and the Garner sisters tuned their stringed instruments in the gazebo. If the weather became too frigid, they’d have to get their instruments out of the cold.

  Lia and her mother each got a hot chocolate, decided where they would meet, then meandered through the crowd to greet friends and neighbors.

  “Nice to see even dentists get a break once in a while,” Lia teased when she stepped up to Sam and Suzie Oliver.

  “Are you kidding? If you’ve grown up in Smitten, you wouldn’t dare miss the lighting of the tree. It’s all about tradition.”

  Lia grinned. “That it is.” She looked around and tried not to sound overly interested. “So where are Joey and Grace?”

  “Oh, uh, they, uh—he said they couldn’t come for some reason. I guess once you move away from Smitten, you forget the old traditions.” Sam’s tone held sadness.

  “That’s too bad. Grace would have enjoyed this.”

  “I know,” Suzie said, head bent.

  “Well, I guess I’d better go find Mom before they leave without us. Good to see you!” Lia waved and headed off, wondering all the while about the mystery of Joey not bringing Grace tonight. No doubt he had his reasons, but what could be more important than building traditions with your children?

  Once Joey had a break in his appointments, he decided he’d better call Martha Burton and find out if that apartment was still available. He’d been too busy on Friday to call her.

  He punched the number into his cell phone. “Mrs. Burton? This is Joey Oliver.”

  “Yes, yes, so good to hear from you. The apartment is available. If you decide you like it, you can move in on Wednesday or Thursday.”

  He hadn’t expected things to move quite that fast, but the least he could do was take a look at it and see if it was a fit for them. He made arrangements to meet Martha after work.

  Suzie was happy to take care of Grace for him while Joey went to look at the apartment. Martha showed him through the small but very quaint rooms. Arched entrances, dark woodwork and trim, two bedrooms, clean carpet, older furnishings, but very neat and tidy.

  “Here’s the other thing. I happen to live nearby, and I know you’re in need of after-school care for Grace. I would be more than happy to watch her. The bus comes right by my house.”

  “Oh?” He liked that idea a lot. That made the place even more enticing. They discussed rental details, and it sounded perfect.

  “You won’t need to sign a lease. I happen to know the landlord has no problem filling this place.” She grinned. “You see, I’m actually the renter.” She lifted her eyebrows. “This is Lia’s house, and I live upstairs.”

  To say he was surprised was an understatement. Why would she do this for him?

  Martha raised her hand to stop any protests. “I’ll just move in with Lia, and you can stay here till your house is built. I’ll help with Grace, and then once your home is ready, I’ll go back upstairs. Simple as that.” With her hands on her hips, she gave a wide grin as though the matter was settled.

  “I can’t—but I can’t—does Elliana know about this?” He was becoming increasingly suspicious, with Elliana being out of town and all.

  “She is always happy to help a friend in need. That’s what friends are for.” Martha was already ushering him to the door. “Now, my furniture will stay here, so I won’t have but a few personal belongings to take downstairs. You said you sold your things before you came here so you could start fresh, so now you can wait and buy furnishings for your house once it’s built.”

  Joey hardly knew what had hit him. It seemed like a crazy idea, but he did need help with Grace after school, and he knew Martha Burton well, and liked her. She would be a good influence on Grace. If Suzie hadn’t joined the Smitten work force, he could have left Grace there, but since she was unavailable, where else could he go?

  Besides, it would be nice to renew his friendship with Elliana.

  Romance is often born from friendship. A gentlewoman is keenly aware of the possibilities.

  PEARL CHAMBERS, The Gentlewoman’s Guide to Love and Courtship

  CHAPTER THREE

  Lia pulled her car into the driveway, cut the engine, and sat there a moment, rubbing the back of her neck. It had been a long week, and all she wanted to do was kick off her shoes and slip into a hot bath. But she had book club tonight. With a sigh she trudged out of the car, grabbed her suitcase from the trunk, and walked toward the front door. She spotted a truck in the back parking area, so she figured her mother had company. Just as well. Lia was too tired to answer all her questions about her conference.

  When she shoved opened her front door, the scent of roast beef and gravy curled through the room and caused her weary body to become alert. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was. The afternoon muffin hadn’t cut it.

  Her mom walked into the room wearing an apron and a smile. “Hope you’re hungry.” She walked over and gave Lia a kiss on the cheek.

  “Mom, you didn’t need to do this. I wasn’t gone that long.”

  “I knew you would be tired after a long conference and the drive home, so I thought I’d surprise you. Why don’t you go wash up? Dinner’s just about ready.”

  Lia smiled. Her mother was always so thoughtful. She hoped she would be more like her someday. Then reality hit her in the head like a brick. A truck in her mother’s parking area. Someone else was here. She was setting Lia up!

  Lia groaned and flopped back on her bed. The last thing she wanted was a blind date tonight. Didn’t her mother remember her book club commitment? She kicked off her shoes and slowly lifted herself in the bed so she could see herself in the mirror. Hair askew, makeup completely soaked into her skin, exposing her tiny freckles. She groaned again.

  A knock sounded at the door. “Lia, dear, dinner is ready.”

  “Coming.” Lia swung into action. She washed her face, touched up her makeup, brushed the auburn strands from her face, and set out to make herself pleasant. She’d deal with her mother later.

  She was totally unprepared for what awaited her in the dining room.

  Hi, Ms. Burton. Grace waved her hands in happy gestures. She ran over and hugged Lia.

  “Elliana.” Joey lifted that heart-stopping grin of childhood.

  “H-hello.”

  “I thought it would be nice to have Joey and Grace over for dinner.” Her mother placed serving bowls on the table filled with salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, roast beef, green beans, cottage cheese, and dinner rolls. “After all, that’s what neighbors do for one another.” She gave a sly glance to Lia, lifted a sweet smile, and said, “Shall we pray?”

  Lia’s voice cracked and just flat-out left her. She couldn’t find a word in her head to save her.

  Mother said a sweet prayer over the meal, much of it having to do with reaching out to the needy and having a servant’s heart. Lia had no idea what that had to do with blessing the food, but assumed her mother was inspired.

  Once the prayer was over, Grace signed to Lia that she loved her new room, though she would miss Uncle Sam and Aunt Suzie. Daddy says we can go visit a lot, though. She stabbed her fork into a green bean and took a cautious bite, smiled, then took another.

  “I thought you were going to build.” Lia
cut a piece of beef. “Did you decide to buy the Baker house down the road?”

  Joey cleared his throat and looked at her mother.

  Mental trumpets blared, and every nerve in Lia’s body sprang to attention. “What’s going on? It’s like you all are keeping a secret from me.” She gave a nervous giggle. And it grew more nervous by the instant. If someone didn’t stop her, she’d soon be a laughing hyena.

  “Well, honey,” Mom began in her sweetest voice, “Joey needed a place, and my apartment is just up there for the taking. I figured I could come down here and help you awhile, since things have gotten so busy. Joey and Grace can stay upstairs until their home is built in the spring or summer.”

  Joey Oliver would be staying in her upstairs apartment, and her mother would be staying in the very same living quarters . . . within the very same four walls . . . as Lia. She hadn’t seen that one coming. She picked up her glass of iced water and drank it till it was almost empty while everyone looked on.

  “It will be like old times, Lia,” Joey said, as though they were in third grade.

  “Yeah,” she squeaked.

  Joey reached for a roll. “You’re okay with it, right?”

  “Don’t be silly. I told you Lia would be all too happy to have you stay upstairs. Isn’t that right, dear?” Her mother gave her daughter an I’ve-raised-you-better-than-that look.

  “And I’ll be paying rent. I’ve already worked that out with your mom,” he said hastily.

  Lia didn’t want to be rude; she was just trying to digest it all. “That’s fine. Really. I just—that’s fine.” She smiled at Grace.

  Her mom gave a sharp nod of her head as though the matter was settled and sank her fork into the gravy and mashed potatoes.

  Joey happily went back to his plate, oblivious to her inner turmoil.

  Lia tried to continue through the meal as normally as possible, though her stomach twisted. Did she want to live this close to the only man she had ever truly loved? Yes, she had been engaged once, but she realized before it was too late that she could never love anyone but Joey. He had cherished her friendship back in the day, but she had wanted more than that. He couldn’t see past her pigtails. She smoothed the linen napkin on her lap and looked over at Grace. The little girl needed help. A woman’s touch. More than Lia could offer in a classroom.