A Man to Trust (17 page)

George joined him. “I’m glad we ran into each other. Ray and I were talking last night, and I wanted to let you know what he said.”

“Okay.”

“Ray was a judge for the
Washington Trails
magazine photo contest.” George looked at Ross over the top of his glasses. “He was quite impressed with your entries.”

Ross sat up straighter. “Thanks. I didn’t know Ray was a judge.” He hadn’t heard anything since he’d sent the prints off two months ago.

“This is his sixth year.” George glanced around and back at Ross. “I’m not supposed to tell you, but he gave you a very high score. Of course it has to be averaged in with the other judges’ numbers, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you were a finalist, maybe even the winner.”

Ross’s chest expanded. “Wow, that would be nice.”

George cradled his coffee cup in his hands. “He was pleased with the Heart Gallery Project photos, too. You really captured something special with each of those kids.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Ray thinks you’ve got what it takes to run the studio.”

Ross’s pulse jumped, and he set down his coffee cup. “What do you mean?”

“He’s talked about retiring for years, but last night was the first time he sounded serious about selling the business. I’m not sure how much he’s asking, but I thought you should know he’s open to you buying him out.”

Ross’s hopes sank like a rock dropped in a pond. “It sounds like a great opportunity. But I can’t afford to buy his business.”

George held up his hand. “Don’t dismiss the idea outright. Ray’s pretty well set. He wouldn’t need all the money up front. Maybe you could work out some kind of deal.”

Ross sat back and rubbed his chin. If he owned his own studio again, he could do what he loved every day. He’d also be able to show his father he could be a successful businessman.

But what about his promises to Adrie? If he took over Ray’s studio, she would be back at square one—stuck in Fairhaven, searching for a manager to replace her and locked out of her dreams. Ross clenched his jaw. He couldn’t do that to her. It wouldn’t be right. Not after all the time she’d invested in training him.

He slowly shook his head. “I appreciate the fact he’s flexible, but even if I had the money, I couldn’t pull the rug out from under Adrie like that. She’s got her name out there, and she’s hoping to hear from the Oregon Symphony any day.”

“But what if that doesn’t work out? What if she stays in Fairhaven?”

Ross’s chest tightened. “I wish she would, more than anything. But she’s got her heart set on playing her flute, and she can’t do that here, at least not full-time in an orchestra the way she wants.”

George steepled his fingers. “What about you, Ross? What about your future? A chance to buy an established business like this doesn’t come along every day. Ray’s built a good reputation. He’d let you keep the Clarkson name if you want.”

Ross stifled a groan. How could he turn this down? It would take years for him to rebuild his business without the help of someone like Ray. But hurting Adrie would be a high price to pay.

“Why don’t you at least talk to Ray? See what he says. Then you could make your decision based on facts.”

Ross tightened his grip on his coffee cup. He wanted to do what was best for Adrie. But wasn’t there some way they could both have what they wanted? Did he really have to sacrifice his dream for hers? And if he did, where did that leave him—tied to a job he’d hoped was temporary and without the woman he loved?

Chapter Twenty

A
drie carefully placed her flute back in the padded case and glanced across the platform at Ross. He slipped his guitar strap over his head and held his guitar with one hand as he talked to one of the other guitarists on the worship team.

The spotlight shone down on him, highlighting his dark hair and strong facial features. The moss-green sweater he wore accentuated his broad shoulders and athletic build. He was a handsome man. She’d always known that, but she couldn’t seem to take her eyes off him tonight.

She’d waited all day for him to suggest they ride to worship practice together, but the invitation never came. She’d driven to church alone, and spent the whole time trying to figure out why he was pulling away. During practice he’d only acknowledged her once with a brief half smile.

Was he still bothered because she’d promised Amber flute lessons when there was the remote possibility she’d be invited to audition in Portland?

“Adrie?” Geoff Swenson stepped into her line of vision.

She blinked and looked up. “What? Sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.”

Geoff grinned and glanced at Ross. “I noticed.”

Adrie’s face flamed.

“Here’s a copy of the new song we’ll be introducing in two weeks.”

“Thanks.” She stashed the papers in her folder. “I’ll take a look at it this week.”

“Thanks. See you Sunday.” Geoff moved on to distribute music to the others.

Ross placed his guitar in the case and latched it closed. Without looking Adrie’s way, he walked off the platform and picked up his coat from the front pew.

Adrie grabbed her flute case and followed him. “That was a good practice. I liked your intro on that last song.”

He glanced at her, then looked down and frowned slightly as he zipped his coat. “Thanks.”

“Did you get your copy of the new song Geoff wants us to learn?”

“Yeah, I got it.”

She bit her lip, her heart aching at the distance she felt between them.

He looked up and met her gaze with a mixture of tenderness and regret in his eyes.

Her heart sank. “What is it, Ross? What’s wrong?”

He quickly shuttered his expression. “Nothing.” But rather than walking away, he stood waiting for her.

She quickly pulled on her coat. “Do you want to stop for coffee on the way home?”

A look of relief flashed in his eyes, and his expression eased. “Okay.”

They walked out of the sanctuary together, and he held the front door open for her.

The cold wind whistled around her and blew down her neck. “Brr, it’s freezing out here.” She tucked her hand in the crook of his arm.

He leaned toward her. “I’ll keep you warm.”

She snuggled in closer, wanting to restore that sense of connection between them. She needed Ross. She counted on his lighthearted comments and constant encouragement to lift her spirit and help her focus on what was good and right in the world. These last few days, he’d kept her at arm’s length, and it had been a painful wakeup call.

As they crossed the parking lot, her steps slowed and she glanced up at the sky. “Look how bright the stars are tonight.”

He lifted his eyes. “You can even see the Milky Way.”

His warm breath fanned across her cheek. She shifted her gaze from the stars to his familiar profile, and she held on to his arm a little more tightly.

“Why don’t we take my car?” he said.

She nodded, pleased that he suggested riding together. “Okay.”

“Would you like to go to Skylark’s?” He opened the door for her.

“That sounds good.” She slid into the seat and smiled her thanks as he shut the door. Ross’s friendship was a special gift, and she never wanted to take it for granted.

He climbed in and started the car. As they pulled out of the parking lot, Adrie’s cell phone rang. She retrieved her phone from her purse. An unfamiliar number with a Bellingham area code flashed on the screen. She lifted the phone to her ear and answered.

“This is Evelyn Johnson, from St. Joseph’s Hospital. Is this Adrienne Chandler?”

She frowned. “Yes, this is she.”

Ross shot her a questioning glance, then returned his focus to the road.

“Marian Chandler arrived by ambulance a few minutes ago. She asked us to call you.”

Adrie’s stomach dropped, and she clutched the phone. “What happened?”

“She fell at home. The doctor examined her, and she’s on her way to X-ray now. She may have some broken bones. She wanted us to let you know.”

“All right. Thank you. Please tell her that we’re on our way.” Adrie’s mind spun as she tapped the screen to end the call.

“What’s going on?”

“That was St. Joseph’s Hospital. Nana fell. She’s in the E.R.”

Ross pulled in a sharp breath.

“Can you take me there?”

“Sure.” Ross set his jaw, turned right at the next street and took the entrance to the 5 Freeway north. He accelerated and moved to the left lane.

Adrie gripped the door handle and lifted a silent prayer.
Please let her be okay, please.

Ross made the trip to St. Joseph’s in less than seven minutes. He pulled into the E.R. parking lot and took the first open spot. They jumped out of the car and dashed into the hospital.

After a brief wait, they were ushered into the curtained exam room where Adrie’s grandmother lay on a bed with a white sheet pulled up to her chest. She looked pale and fragile, and a pillow and folded towels rested around her right arm.

“Oh, Nana.” Adrie rushed to her grandmother’s side and clasped her uninjured hand. “Are you in pain? What does the doctor say?”

Nana gripped her hand, and a look of relief washed over her face. “I’m so glad you’re here.” Tears glistened in her eyes.

“Of course we’re here. Everything’s going to be all right.” Adrie sent Ross a worried glance. Her grandmother seemed so vulnerable and shaken.

Ross stepped up next to Adrie. “They said you fell. Tell us what happened.”

Nana sighed and gave her head a weary shake. “I wanted to put some ornaments near the top of the Christmas tree, so I pulled my kitchen stool into the living room. One minute I was reaching up there, then the next I lost my balance and fell off the stool.”

Adrie cringed. “And you were all by yourself. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s my own fault. I should’ve waited until you came over, but I was prideful and sure I could do it myself.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Nana.”

“I know better than to climb up on a stool like that. You know what they say, there’s no fool like an old fool.” Her grandmother’s eyes filled and she looked away.

Adrie bit her lip and glanced at Ross.

“It’s all right, Marian,” Ross said. “Accidents happen to everyone.”

She sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry. This pity party is not doing me any good.”

“It’s okay, Nana. What does the doctor say?”

“I have a broken wrist and a possible concussion. I want to go home, but they said I need to stay overnight for observation. I’m just waiting for a room.”

“Okay, I’ll stay with you,” Adrie said.

“No, I want you to go home and get your rest. You and Ross have to take care of the store.”

Adrie wanted to argue, but she didn’t want to upset her grandmother. “All right, but I’m not leaving until you’re settled in your room.”

Nana gripped her hand again. “As long as it’s not too late.” She shifted her gaze to Ross. “You’ll be sure she gets home safely?”

“You have my word on it.” He laid a comforting hand on Adrie’s shoulder. “We’ll stick around until you’re set for the night.”

Adrie looked up into his eyes, and thankfulness flowed from her heart. What would she do without Ross?

Adrie held tightly to her grandmother’s good arm as she guided her up the steps and into her house late Sunday afternoon. “Take your time, Nana. We’re not in a hurry.”

“Maybe you’re not, but I can’t wait to get home again.” Nana grimaced and held her injured arm close. “Three days in the hospital is too long for me.”

“They would’ve let you out sooner if you’d been good.” Ross grinned and winked at Adrie as he followed them into the house carrying Nana’s small overnight bag.

Her grandmother chuckled. “I suppose you’re right. I did keep those doctors and nurses hopping.”

“Where would you like me to put your bag?”

She nodded toward the hall. “My bedroom is the second door on the left. Put it up on the bed. That’ll make it easier for me to put things away.”

He nodded and headed down the hall.

“I’ll put your things away for you, Nana. Why don’t you sit down and rest.” Adrie slipped off her coat, then helped her grandmother.

Nana looked pale and tired. She wore a sling to protect her right arm, which was in a cast, and sank down in her favorite spot at the end of the couch. Adrie quickly hung up their coats. She planned to stay with her grandmother as long as she needed her. And her first goal was convincing Nana to take a nap.

Ross returned to the living room. “What else can I do for you, Marian?”

“Would you mind bringing in the mail?”

“No problem. I’ll be right back.”

Ross had been a wonderful help. He’d worked extra hours so Adrie could spend part of each day with Nana at the hospital. He’d managed the store practically on his own and done a terrific job. Today he’d driven Adrie to church, taken her out to lunch and then gone with her to bring Nana home. She could’ve managed without him, but it would’ve been much more difficult.

Now if she could just help her grandmother regain her strength, perhaps the weight she had been carrying would lift off her shoulders.

Adrie headed into the kitchen to make her grandmother a cup of tea, and her cell phone rang. She hurried back to the living room and pulled it from her purse. The unfamiliar number began with a 503 Oregon area code. Her pulse jumped, she tapped the screen and answered.

“This is Martha Warrenton, personnel manager with the Oregon Symphony. Is this Adrienne Chandler?”

She gripped the back of her grandmother’s wing chair. “Yes, it is.”

“We received your application. Are you still interested in the flutist’s position?”

“Yes…I am.”

“We’re holding the audition here in Portland on December 16.”

Adrie swallowed. “December 16?” That was only four days away.

Martha Warrenton hesitated. “I’m sorry this is such short notice. We made our initial selection over a week ago and invited three candidates, but one of them isn’t able to come. So we reviewed the applicants, and decided to extend an invitation to you.”

A ripple of uneasiness traveled through Adrie. She hadn’t been a first-round pick. What did that say about her chances? “I appreciate the invitation. I’ll look forward to meeting you.” She forced enthusiasm into her voice, but wasn’t sure she sounded too convincing.

How could she leave town this Thursday? The timing couldn’t be worse.

Ross returned with the mail and handed the stack to Marian.

Adrie walked toward the kitchen as Martha Warrenton gave her a few more details about the audition and promised to follow up with an email. Adrie thanked her, finished the call and slipped the phone into her pocket.

“Everything okay?” Ross asked.

Her stomach tightened into a painful knot as she turned to face him.

He stood in the kitchen doorway, questions reflected in his dark eyes.

The flicker of excitement she’d felt during the call faded. “That was a woman from the Oregon Symphony. They want me to come down for an audition.”

He tensed. “When?”

“This Thursday.” Her chin quivered and tears gathered in her eyes. “How can I go to Portland and leave Nana here all by herself? And what about the store? This is our busiest time of year. How are you going to manage by yourself?”

He frowned and shifted his weight to the other foot. “Don’t worry about the store. I can handle it.” He rubbed his jaw. “Maybe we can ask one of Marian’s friends to stay with her.”

“But it’s almost Christmas. I’m sure they’re all busy.”

“I can hear you in there, making plans without me,” Nana called.

Adrie took a deep breath and walked into the living room. “Sorry, Nana. I didn’t mean to leave you out of the loop.” She sat next to her grandmother.

“I know, dear.” Nana patted her knee. “Now, there’s no need to worry about me. Barb or Irene will stay with me. They love to hover like mother hens. I’ll be just fine.” She reached for Adrie’s hand. “Go to that audition and give it your best.”

“Oh, Nana.” Her voice broke as she reached over and gave her grandmother a gentle hug.

Ross cleared his throat. “I’ll make some calls. See if I can line up a few more people to help at the store.”

Adrie sniffed and sat back. “Thank you, Ross.”

“No problem.” He quickly turned and strode out the door.