Concealed Hearts (Hometown Jasper #4) - Nicky James Page 0,94
the bakery, a picnic table sat in the shade of a giant maple, a good two dozen or more feet from the back door. It was propped open with a wedge, and the delicious smells leaked out from inside.
Belinda’s back was turned. She stared off at a scattering of birds on the horizon as they flew across the sky in a V formation. It was another indication of the coming change of seasons.
I removed my Stetson and finger-combed my wavy hair so it wasn’t flat, approaching on silent feet. When I was less than ten feet away, Belinda turned her head, glancing over her shoulder.
“Windsor Elkhart.”
“Afternoon, Lynny-loo.”
She patted the table beside her and shuffled over. “Did you come to join me?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“I’ve never minded your company.”
I straddled the bench, facing her. She continued to study the horizon, a faraway look in her eyes. I didn’t know what to say, but she beat me to it. “Can I still be sad?”
She wasn’t going to make this easy on me. “Come here.” I wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into a hug. She didn’t resist. “Believe me, I considered this a hundred times over. If I was a straight man, I wouldn’t have thought twice about asking you out. You’re a beautiful, charismatic, and caring woman, Lynn, but it wouldn’t have been fair to you. I couldn’t give you what you deserve, no matter how much I wanted to at times.”
“I know that now. I understand.” She pulled free from my arms and brushed away invisible dirt from the shoulders of my uniform. “He’s a lucky man.” She smiled, but her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I hope he takes good care of you.” When a tear snuck out and rolled down her cheek, I wiped it away, cradling her face.
“I never meant to hurt you.”
“I know.” She clasped her hand over mine, squeezing. “You didn’t. You never once made me believe there was a chance for us. I did that to myself.” She dabbed her eyes. “Never mind these damn tears. I’m the one who made my dreams too big. You were always a perfect gentleman. I should have read the signs.”
She pulled herself together and glanced at her lunch. She picked up a raspberry scone that looked like the ones Nally made.
“Share a scone with me?”
“I’d love to.”
We sat side by side and shared the treat. Our friendship wasn’t compromised. If anything, it would grow stronger because there were no more secrets between us.
* * *
When I arrived home, it was going on three o’clock. Tomi’s rental wasn’t in the driveway, so I shot him off a quick text.
Windsor: Just getting home. How are things going with your family?
When he didn’t answer right away, I tucked my phone into my pocket and headed inside. Felix sat in the corner of the couch, knees drawn up, engaged in his phone. The TV droned in the background, playing some sitcom. He glanced up when I came in and smiled. It didn’t reach his eyes and seemed forced. The heavy weight of the previous day was still doing a number on him.
“How’s it going?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Okay, I guess.”
“Are you talking to Grant?” I gestured to his phone.
His cheeks pinked as he picked at a hole in his sock, burying his phone in his lap as though it would make what he was doing vanish. It took a full minute, but he nodded.
“Good. Don’t feel ashamed for who you are, Felix. Embrace it. Grant was worried. I’m sure he’s glad to hear from you.”
“He was.”
“Did you find yourself something to eat?”
A shake. He looked uncomfortable and edgy again.
“Tell you what. I’m going to hop in a quick shower, change, and we can take a drive to collect some of your stuff from home. On our way back, we’ll grab pizza. How’s that sound?”
Leery gray eyes climbed high enough to meet mine. “You’re not making me go home?”
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea. What do you think?” I thought it was important he be part of the decision making process.
Felix couldn’t shake his head fast enough. “I can’t stay there. Dad … he’ll… I just can’t.”
I didn’t press for him to finish the sentence. If what Grant had shared with Tomi was accurate, it wasn’t safe for Felix to be at home anyhow.
“You can stay here until we sort things out. Unless you have somewhere else you’d rather go.”