Cherished - By Kim Cash Tate Page 0,7

in the restaurant, seeing only one face in his mind. “I wonder if she’s still in town.” He only realized he’d spoken aloud when Aaron answered.

“Not sure. Why?”

“I don’t know. I’ve tried to reach her over the years, but I can never get a hold of her. Knowing she might be here in St. Louis . . .” He looked at Aaron. “Do you have her number?”

“No, but wouldn’t take much to get it.”

Brian looked hopeful.

Aaron looked skeptical. “I’m asking again. Why? I don’t think she wants to hear from you. You’ll only upset her.”

Brian sighed. Aaron was right. She’d definitely be upset. But that’s why he wanted to talk to her, to ask her forgiveness. He hated the way things had ended between them. But maybe she’d be better off if he left her alone.

It saddened him, the thought that they might never speak again, that he’d never be able to apologize. But deep down, the sadness stemmed from more than that. He harbored the remotest hope that she might actually forgive him one day . . . that maybe they could even find their way back to a friendship . . . a ludicrous notion at best. But the truth was, he missed her still.

With all the uncertainty about his future, there was one thing about which he was painfully certain. He wouldn’t be sharing it with Kelli.

three

KELLI COULD FEEL HERSELF BEING PULLED FROM A deep sleep, but mind and body fought hard to hold tight. She felt like a deadweight, unable to move, muscles pleading for more time to rest and regenerate. She vaguely wondered what she’d done to aggravate them—when she found herself swatting something away from her face. She'd seen her share of critters in Texas, but what in the world was—?

She jerked upward, opening her eyes—to find Cyd’s dog, Reese, pawing and licking her in the face. She blinked, gaining her bearings. She wasn’t in Texas anymore.

“Hey, girl,” she said, stroking the wavy-haired little dog. “Is this a special welcome or are you planning to do this every morning?”

Kelli checked the clock. Seven twenty. Sunlight was streaking through the mini-blinds. Felt weird to be waking up in Clayton. Although Kelli had grown up in the city of St. Louis, she’d gone to Clayton High as part of the school district’s voluntary desegregation program. But she’d never imagined herself or anyone she knew living here. Seemed like another world.

She yawned, then suddenly reached for her cell phone, remembering she was supposed to call Miles last evening. The screen showed two texts and as many missed calls. She tapped his number, and he answered right away.

“What are you doing up so early? You must be on the golf course.”

“Headed there. Dad and I decided to play a round.” His voice— a little deep, a little Texas Southern—always drew her in. “So you made it safely? I thought you were gonna call.”

“I was planning to, but I was so tired I must’ve fallen asleep.” She smiled into the phone. “Glad to know you care.”

“You already knew that.”

She let his words warm her inside.

“I was hoping you’d call and say you changed your mind.” He paused as if there was still hope. “I’m still not excited about you moving so far. It’s already been forever since I’ve seen you. No telling how long we’ll have to wait now.”

“Forever, Miles? You were in Austin three weeks ago.”

“Three weeks away from you is forever.” His phone shifted, and Kelli heard his car door shut as he greeted his dad. He spoke back into the phone. “I thought we were working on getting closer, not farther apart.”

“I know. I wish something had opened up in Dallas. I think I blanketed the whole town with résumés.”

“Something might open up yet,” he said. “I’m glad you get some time with your family, but I’m hoping St. Louis is temporary. I’m looking forward to us living in the same city again.”

Seemed Miles had stepped up talk of the future once he learned Kelli was moving.

“Well, they say if you’ve got a job, it’s easier to find a job. If I gain some experience here, maybe somebody in Dallas will be willing to give me a shot.”

“I can be patient about the job part but not the seeing you part. Let’s make plans soon, either here or St. Louis. As long as we’re together.”

“Reese, where are you?” a voice called from downstairs.

Kelli covered the phone. “She’s in here, Cyd!”

“I’ll let you go,” Miles said. “Dad’s