Under Currents (20 page)

“What is Caleb doing here?” her mother whispered.

“Repenting, perhaps or needing spiritual guidance."

“Well, he shouldn’t be here.”

“I wasn’t aware that being a saint was a prerequisite of attending church."

When everyone stood to sing, Caleb did also and stared ahead at the cross at the front of the church. Mr. Higgins joined him. The two men shook hands, then Caleb offered him a hymnal.

In Julie’s eyes, Mr. Higgins was the bravest man in town. Despite physical threats and boycotts against his store, he’d refused to fire Caleb. A ping of guilt stung Julie as she realized she hadn’t stood by him.

But he didn’t stand by me. Instead, he turned away.

Even if she were willing to sacrifice all, Caleb had never told her how he felt about her. Several times he’d said he was only after an easy lay. Besides, he had the other woman now.

After church, Caleb shook hands again with Mr. Higgins and talked. People watched her and Caleb, waiting for any sign of acknowledgement between them. She purposely turned from him and offered Arnold another smile.

Julie walked out on the front steps of the church under the awning and opened her umbrella. The air smelled clean and fresh as rain hit the asphalt. She recalled it was one of Caleb’s favorite smells. She caught a glimpse of him speeding up the paved road. He wore Jeremy’s poncho. In seconds, he vanished from her sight.

"Get close to me,” Julie said to her children.

Ally and Scott crouched around her.

“It's really coming down,” Scott said. “No fishing today.”

“May I?” Arnold Bridges asked. He stood with his enormous umbrella, offering to help. “Let your son walk with me.”

“Thanks," Julie said.

Without being told, Scott joined Arnold.

By the time they reached her van, the two umbrella’s had bent back from the wind.

“I don’t think I helped much,” Arnold said. "We were destined to get wet."

“Thanks for trying. You’re as drenched as we are. You’d better run to your car and get out of this rain.”

“Good seeing you again,” Arnold said.

Julie gave a brief wave and climbed in her van, then started the engine. She drove home with the heater blowing full blast. Once home, she made hot soup and sandwiches for lunch.

She peered out the kitchen window. Caleb stood at the edge of his boat ramp. Overhead the thunder rumbled and lightning streaked the sky. Was he battling the demons that taunted him? If only she could help. She drew the curtains and forced Caleb from her mind.

Scott entered the kitchen. “Ally’s napping, and I’m bored.”

“Read a book.”

“Aw, Mom. I’ve read all my books.” He grabbed a banana and peeled it. “That man likes you.”

“What man?”

“The one that helped us to the car.”

“Oh, him. He’s the new doctor in town.”

After Scott finished his banana, he tossed the peeling through the air into the trash.”Score!” He studied her for a moment. “Do you know a man named Reece Stanford?”

Reece Stanford.

“Who is it?”

“Just someone Grandma and Aunt Noreen talked about.”

“What about him?”

He shrugged. “Just heard them talking about him. That’s all.”

“What’d they say?”

He shrugged again. “Nothing.”

“Oh, this is part of their secret you overheard.”

He nodded. “It’s hard keeping a secret.”

“Do you want to share it with me?”

“Nope. It’s a secret. Remember?”

“Maybe next time you won’t listen in on someone’s private conversation.” Julie pulled a trash bag from the pantry. “Since you’re bored, go clean out your closet.” She tossed him the bag. Think of it as a treasure hunt. There’s no telling what you’ll find. Maybe some of those test papers you’ve hidden from me.”

His eyes widened.

“You’re not the only one who stays on top of other people’s business.”

♦♦♦

It was Thursday when Arnold Bridges called. It shouldn’t have surprised her after Sunday. At first when he asked her to dinner Saturday evening, she considered turning him down until she recalled Caleb and the twenty-one year old slut at the Burger Barn.

“Yes, Arnold, I’d be delighted,” she finally said. Faith had two nice restaurants, and they decided on the Catfish Den. Julie assumed she’d be more at ease in the family owned restaurant, and more people would be there to witness the date. "See you at six."

Her parents’ eagerness to babysit emphasized how thrilled they were she was interested in someone besides Caleb.

♦♦♦

Riding beside Arnold, Julie tried to think about what to say. With him being highly educated, she didn’t want to come across as a country bumpkin. “Everyone is delighted to have a doctor in town.”

“I'm finding the people very receptive. I've had a full waiting room every day since opening.”

“That's great.” Julie choked on his strong aftershave. A flowery sweet scent that didn't appeal to her.

“Now if I can just find the right house. I’ve looked at several.”

“Where are you living now?”

“In my office. I set up a cot in back. I’ll have my belongings and furniture shipped once I find a suitable house.”

“Seen anything you’re interested in?”

“A house upon the ridge overlooking the river.”

Homes on the upper ridge were more expensive than the ones along the lower level of the river where Julie lived.

“I didn’t realize there was a house for sale up there.”

“It’s the third house down from Senator Vincent’s summer home.”

“He owns a home on the river?”

“Yes. Very elegant.”

Julie couldn’t help but think about Caleb, living in a cell for ten years. It didn’t seem fair that the senator not only owned a fine house in Jefferson City and D.C. but also owned a river home.

At the restaurant, Arnold told his life story, then started on his plans for his practice. She waited patiently for a chance to mention her rafting business.

"I'm proud of my—"

"Oh, good, our food is here," he said, not giving her a chance to complete her sentence. Then he lifted a handkerchief from his pocket and blew his nose.

Julie cringed. Suddenly, the food placed in front of her didn't seem appealing.

“Have you ever been married?” she asked.

He nodded as he chewed. Once he swallowed, he looked across the booth at her. “Yes, twice.”

“Divorced or widowed?”

“My first wife, Sue passed on, and my second wife divorced me and married her karate teacher, of all things.” He patted her hand and smiled warmly. “I’m looking for wife number three. I don’t see any need to brood over Delores.”

“That’s a good attitude. I miss my hus—”

“You see Delores wasn’t my type from the beginning. I let the fact that we were good in bed together blind me.”

Obviously not good enough.

"My husband and I—"

"I'll make sure I get a prenup signed next time."

He cut her off and hadn't heard a damn word she’d said. Even Frank listened.

“I guess you could say I had my first surgery today. Drained the fluid from a sore on a man’s toe. He’d let it become terribly inflected.”

The food in Julie’s mouth wouldn’t go down. Instead, she had the urge to throw up. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”

When she returned, he’d finished his food. Without asking if she wanted dessert, he’d already paid the check.

“Too bad Faith doesn’t have a theater,” Arnold said. He held the door open for her. “It sort of leaves a date a little short.”

Not short enough.

“You know you’re a small town when you don’t have a Wal-Mart or McDonalds. Most people drive to Poplar Bluff,” Julie said.

“We could rent a movie, pick up some popcorn and drinks, then go back to your place.”

“No, I’m rather tired. I had a rough day at work.”

“You work on Saturdays?”

“Yes, and most Sundays. During the summer I work almost every day.”

“What do you do?”

It's about time you ask.

“I own Boats and Floats.”

“The rental place?”

“Yes. I rent canoes, rafts, and tubes and shuttle people up the river."

"That’s interesting. I assumed you might be a professional—maybe a teacher. Though you don’t look like any of the teachers I’ve ever had.”

“Nope, just a small town country bumpkin like everyone else in Faith.”

“I didn’t mean to imply that it was beneath me. I think it’s good that you have a business. Really.”

She nodded. On the ride back to her house, she remained silent and let Arnold chatter like a lost parrot. Someone really needed to put him back in his cage and toss a blanket over it.

He pulled in her driveway, and she unsnapped her seatbelt before he’d even stopped. He came around and opened her car door never once realizing her distress or her boredom. Obviously, he found himself the only topic worth talking about.

She allowed him to escort her to the door.

He paused while she fumbled in her purse for her key. “Too bad we didn’t get those movies. It helps to get a couple through that awkward stage before the first few kisses.”

“Maybe you didn’t understand what I said, but I’m calling it a night. I’m exhausted.”

He stared at her with wounded eyes, for the first time really hearing what she’d said.

“Oh.”

“I’m sorry. Thanks for dinner.”

“May I call you again?”

"I don’t think so.”

“Did I offend you?”

“No. But the next time you take someone out, stop talking long enough to hear what she says.”

He appeared confused and scratched his head.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so blunt,” she offered.

He smiled. “You mean honest?”

She nodded.

“I didn’t realize I was talking too much. I’m nervous, and since moving here there hasn’t been anyone to really talk to.”

“It takes time to fit in a small town.”

Before she could stop him, he lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Goodnight, Julie.”

Caleb pulled into his gravel driveway and rode around to the back. She hoped he had witnessed Arnold's romantic knightly-kind-of kiss. But mainly, she hoped it would cause a spark of jealousy to sting Caleb.

She wanted him to feel the deep jab she'd felt when he'd been at the Burger Barn with Casey. After Arnold left, she went inside and made sure her door was locked.

♦♦♦

Frank dreaded what he had to do. He opened the old cabin door and entered. “Hopkins, you here?”

“On the back porch. Grab a beer and join me.”

Frank opened the refrigerator and removed a beer before entering the screened-in-porch. He sat in a chair beside Hopkins.

“You ever talk that woman into marrying you?”

Frank shook his head. “Nope, I screwed up. I’m sure it’s over.”

“Boss tell you to come see me?”

“Yep. Go ahead with your plan. But remember no one gets  hurt this time. You understand?”

He shrugged. “No pain, no gain. Let’s just say no one will get killed this time. But if the bitch doesn’t sign soon, I’m taking out one of her kids.”

Chapter Twelve

Uneasiness settled over Casey when Julie Ross, the owner of Boats and Floats drilled her with a harsh glare. She remembered the older brunette from the Burger Barn. Caleb hadn't been able to take his eyes off her. And when she left with her children, he'd appeared wounded and his playful mood deflated.

Maybe Caleb wasn’t gay.

Why would he want someone this old? She figured the lady was close to thirty if not older. She realized she'd never asked Caleb his age. But it was different with men.

Casey studied the number of people coming in and going out and reasoned the place brought in a lot of money. She only had sex to offer, but this woman had sex and money, and her body wasn't too bad for being so ancient.

The woman found the right sized tube for their ice chest, then turned to her. Their gazes met. She couldn’t resist being catty. “You’re Caleb’s friend. He’s really yummy, isn’t he?”

♦♦♦

Julie wanted to slap the smile off the girl’s face, but she restrained herself. Instead, she chose to ignore her. She hadn’t recognized the blonde waitress at first. The top-heavy girl only wore a bikini top with daisy-dukes. Then she noticed the rose tattoo.

I figured she’d have a tramp stamp.

Julie glanced at the people with her, afraid she'd see Caleb. Not that she should care. She wanted to ask the girl how many times she'd slept with him.

Stop this now.

But the jealousy bubbled up like a witch’s brew. Lord help her. She loved Caleb and always would.

After the group left with Larry, her driver, Julie walked out to the river, knelt down beside it, and let the cool water run over her hands. Her jealous rage eased slowly. Finally, she stood and returned inside. Hopefully, Dana wouldn't recognize how agitated she was.

“That’s the girl Caleb’s been dating. She’s a waitress in Eminence.  I’ve seen them together,” Dana informed her.

“Oh really? I didn’t recognize her," Julie lied.

Julie left early to pick up her kids. The ride to her parents' home gave her a chance to harness her green-eyed-monster and put it back in its cave.

In her mom’s kitchen, Julie poured a glass of water and turned back to her mom. "You're too quiet. What's on your mind?"

"Just wondering...never mind."

“Out with it, Mom.”

“Your dad and I hoped things would go well between you and that doctor. But you haven't mentioned him again.”

“His name is Arnold.” Julie set the glass in the sink. “The date was almost hilarious. At least now it is but not then. It didn’t go well. Let’s leave it at that.”

“That might’ve been a fluke. You should always give someone at least two chances.”

“Trust me, he could have ten chances and still wouldn’t get it right.”

“Is it Caleb?”

“No. Arnold was boring and self-centered. Look, Mom, I’ve got my kids. I love the rafting business. I have everything I need. I actually had someone start clearing the poison ivy and weeds from the campground this past week.”