A Man to Trust (15 page)

Chapter Seventeen

A
drie held her breath as the strains of Vivaldi’s Second Symphony rose to the final crescendo. The music was so beautiful she felt like her heart would burst. The last note sounded and held for several seconds, then the conductor turned and bowed. Applause broke out across the Mount Baker Theater auditorium. Adrie and Ross quickly joined in.

She leaned closer to Ross, hoping he could hear her words above the crowd’s response. “That was fantastic.”

His grin spread wider and his dark eyes glowed. “So you liked it?”

“Are you kidding? I loved it.” She often listened to classical CDs and practiced her flute most days, but it had been at least seven months since she’d attended a live performance.

He slipped his arm around her shoulder. “I am glad we could come tonight.”

“Me, too.” She smiled up at him, enjoying the possessive drape of his arm around her. Sharing the evening with Ross had been the perfect way to end her birthday celebration.

He glanced at the program. “Looks like there’s a ten- minute intermission. Would you like to walk out to the lobby?”

“Sure. I’d love to take a look around.” She had only been in the theater twice since it had been remodeled. She lifted her gaze to the elaborate Moorish dome and ornate chandelier in the center of the ceiling. How many hours had it taken the workmen to refurbish it to its original 1927 elegance? They walked out to the mezzanine, passed the beautifully carved columns and descended the stairs to the main floor lobby.

“I’ll be back in a couple minutes.” Ross wove his way through the crowd toward the water fountain and men’s restroom. She stepped up next to the unusually tall mirror-backed chairs against the lobby wall. The theater was considered an architectural treasure with its lovely dark wood ceiling and unique furniture and fixtures. Even the EXIT signs looked like they were specially designed with unique Moorish style lettering.

“Adrie?” a feminine voice called.

She turned and searched the crowd. Charity Holmes, a friend from the Western Washington University orchestra, waved and crossed the lobby toward her.

Adrie greeted her with a hug. “It’s good to see you. When did you get back?

“Just last night.”

“I’m sure your family is happy to have you home for Thanksgiving.”

Charity nodded. “I’m glad I live close enough to drive up for the weekend.”

“How are things going with the Oregon Symphony?”

Charity lifted her eyes to the ceiling. “Amazing. I love Portland. It’s such a great city. I’ve made some good friends. I’m sharing an apartment with one of the other violinists.” She took a step closer to Adrie, and her expression sobered. “I heard what happened between you and Adam.”

Adrie’s heart lurched. She knew word of her broken engagement had spread among her friends, but most of them were kind enough not to mention it. But Adam also played in the Oregon Symphony. Had he told Charity the same stilted version he had shared with several other friends?

“I’m so sorry,” Charity continued. “You must’ve been devastated.”

Adrie squared her shoulders and met Charity’s sympathetic gaze. “It was hard at first, but as my grandmother says, it’s better to find out a person’s true character before you say, ‘I do,’ rather than after.”

“That’s for sure.” Charity lowered her voice. “Did you hear he and Marie broke up?”

Adrie’s throat tightened, and she had to force out her words. “I’m not really in contact with either of them.”

Charity leaned closer. “Well, Marie found out he was flirting with the orchestra’s associate librarian, and she confronted him. He denied it, but she didn’t believe him. And after everything that happened with them and you, it’s no wonder she didn’t trust him.”

A spurt of elation flashed through Adrie, but it quickly faded. “I’m sorry. It sounds like they’re both suffering for their poor choices.”

“That’s very generous considering how they treated you.” She patted Adrie’s arm. “So, what’s new with you? Are you still helping your grandmother at the bookstore?”

“Yes, but we hired a new manager to take my place, so I’ve been looking for auditions.”

Charity’s expression brightened. “Hey, one of our flutists has to go back to Idaho to take care of her mother.”

Adrie’s pulse quickened. “Are they looking for subs to fill in for her?”

“No, she’s giving up her position.”

Adrie blinked, her mind spinning.

“The auditions are in a couple weeks. But I’m sure there’s still time to apply. Oh, wouldn’t it be great if we could play together again? And Candice and I are looking for another roommate to share the apartment. You could stay with us.”

The Oregon Symphony had a wonderful reputation. But how would she feel playing in the same orchestra with her ex-fiancé? She bit her lip and then slowly shook her head. “I don’t know, Charity. I’m not sure auditioning there would be a good idea.”

Her friend sent her a knowing look. “Hey, this is a great opportunity. Don’t let the fact Adam is there hold you back. It might be awkward at first, but you’d get over that in a little while.” Charity squeezed her hand. “Oh, please say you’ll at least apply.”

Before she could answer, Ross returned.

Adrie’s stomach tightened. She hoped Charity wouldn’t say any more about the opening in Portland. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to apply, and if she did, being hired was a long shot. Why upset Ross with that possibility?

Adrie introduced Ross to Charity, who batted her eyelashes and extended her hand. “Hello, Ross.”

He smiled and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Charity.” They talked for a few more minutes about the concert and their Thanksgiving plans.

“I better get back to my seat.” Charity gave Adrie a quick hug. “I’ll talk to a few people and email you if I hear anything else.”

Adrie forced a smile. “Okay. Thanks. Enjoy the time with your family. Say hello to everyone for me.”

“I will.” Charity flashed a final smile at Ross, then turned and walked back into the auditorium.

“Ready to go back to our seats?” Ross asked.

She nodded. He placed his hand on her lower back and guided her through the thinning crowd. The warmth of his hand sent a pleasant sensation through her, reminding her how much she enjoyed being with Ross.

What would he say if he knew about the opening in Portland? If she did apply and received an invitation to audition, would he encourage her to go, or would he ask her to stay?

Ross lifted the fragrant evergreen wreath and placed it on the nail next to the bookstore’s front door. The florist had added a bright red bow, holly sprigs and pinecones. He cocked his head, checking the position. “It looks a little too close to the door. Maybe I should move it. What do you think?” When Adrie didn’t answer, he glanced over his shoulder.

She stood on the sidewalk, nibbling on her thumbnail and staring off down the street.

“Adrie?” He reached for her and lightly touched her arm.

“What?” She blinked and looked up at him.

“You seem like you’re a million miles away.” He couldn’t keep a hint of frustration out of his voice.

“Sorry.” She shifted her gaze back to the storefront.

“Do you like the wreath there?”

“It looks okay. What do you think?”

He sighed. “I just said I thought it was too close to the door.”

“Oh, go ahead and move it. Whatever you think is fine with me.”

He mustered a half smile, then took her hand and gently pulled her down on the front step next to him. “What’s going on, Adrie?”

She frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve been trying to carry on a conversation for the last twenty minutes, but you haven’t heard half of what I’ve said.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve just got a lot on my mind right now.”

“Such as?”

She looked away for a few seconds, and then turned back. “Remember my friend Charity, the one we talked to last night at the concert?”

“Sure. She was the friendly blonde with the eye problem.”

“Eye problem?”

“Yeah, she was always looking up at me and fluttering her eyelashes.”

Adrie’s lips tilted up, and she bumped his shoulder with hers. “Come on. Be serious.”

He stifled his chuckle, glad to see her smile, even if just for a moment. “Go on.”

“Charity plays violin in the Oregon Symphony.” She lifted her gaze to meet his. “One of their flutists is leaving. They’re looking for someone to replace her.”

He clenched his jaw, determined not to let his conflicting emotions show on his face. She had been waiting and praying for this opportunity for a long time. It was important to her, just as important as opening his photo studio again was to him.

Steeling himself, he forced out his next words, “Are you going to audition?”

“They’re only scheduling auditions for the top three candidates.”

“But you’re going to apply?” He held his breath. Maybe she’d say no. Maybe she didn’t really want to leave him and move so far away.

She nodded. “But I’ve learned my lesson. I’m not going to let myself get so emotionally invested like I did with Minneapolis. There’s lots of competition. I’ve got to be prepared for this to be a long process with some rejections before something finally opens up.”

He pressed his lips together and watched the tattered leaves tumble down the street.

“At least Portland is closer than Minneapolis.” She fiddled with the hem of her jacket. “If it works out, I could drive home to Fairhaven sometimes.”

He doubted that. Portland was at least a four-hour drive without any traffic, and the area between Seattle and Tacoma was notorious for delays. Once she got settled and made new friends, trips to Fairhaven would probably be few and far between.

Why was he getting so worked up? Even if she auditioned, what were the chances she’d get the position?

His spirit sank a few more feet. Who was he kidding? Adrie was beautiful, talented and eager to move ahead with her career. Once they met her and heard her play, the decision would not be difficult.

Like a knife in his chest, the truth sank in—as much as he wanted to ask her to stay, he couldn’t do it. He would not be the destroyer of her dreams.

It was time to prepare himself to say goodbye.

Chapter Eighteen

A
drie carried a plate of pumpkin cheesecake squares into Nana’s dining room and placed it on the buffet. She smiled as she looked at the beautiful flower arrangement her grandmother had made using colorful mums and peach-colored roses. Hand-painted Pilgrim figures stood on one side of the arrangement and a set of turkey salt and pepper shakers stood on the other.

Adrie loved the way her grandmother decorated for every holiday. It was a fun tradition, and it had inspired her to start her own collection.

Nana stepped into the room with a large apple pie. She placed it next to Irene’s colorful fruit tart. “Look at these lovely desserts. I can’t wait to try one of your pumpkin squares.”

“I used your recipe,” Adrie said.

“I’m sure they’ll be delicious.” She leaned over and kissed Adrie’s cheek. “I’m so proud of you, honey, for so many reasons.” Her grandmother’s eyes shone with approval and tenderness.

“Thanks, Nana,” Adrie said, hoping she could always live up to her grandmother’s hopes for her.

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner with Nana had been a treat. But she wasn’t the only one on hand to help. George arrived before noon, bringing extra folding chairs. Nana put him to work scrubbing and peeling potatoes, while Adrie snipped green beans and finished decorating the top of the seven-layer salad. Ross arrived around one, eager to lend a hand. Her grandmother passed him the potato masher, and he whipped the big pot of spuds into shape in no time. When the turkey was roasted to a golden brown, Nana removed it from the oven and handed George the carving knife and fork.

Adrie’s eyes misted. Grandpa Bill had always carved the turkey. Nana and George exchanged a tender glance, then he set to work slicing the bird.

After dinner, Adrie’s gaze traveled around the table, her heart and her stomach both full. The laughter and lively conversation of these dear friends had brightened the holiday and raised her sagging spirits. And having Ross seated next to her made the holiday complete.

George sat beside Marian, along with his brother-in-law, Ray, and Ray’s wife, Claudia. Ross sat next to Ray, and the two had spent a good part of the meal talking about photography and all the best scenic spots in Whatcom County.

Irene sat on the other side of the table with her adult grandson, Alex. Nana’s friends Hannah and Barb sat next to Irene, along with Les Hawkins, their mailman.

It was a tight squeeze to fit everyone in, but Adrie had never been happier. These dear friends seemed as close as family, and since her parents and brother were so far away, it was wonderful to have them join their celebration.

Her grandmother beamed a bright smile. “All right, who’s ready for dessert?”

Adrie helped pass out plates, then returned to her place next to Ross.

He glanced at her overflowing dessert plate. “Looks like you had a little trouble making up your mind.”

She sent him a playful smile. “I thought I should try a little of each dessert. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”

“Good idea.” Ross lifted his fork and took another bite of his pumpkin cheesecake square. “These sure are delicious.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh, you made them?” He sent her a teasing grin.

She laughed and gave his shoulder a playful bump. “You know I did.”

“In that case I better have another one.” He got up to refill his plate.

Nana’s phone rang. “Oh, I hope that’s the kids.” She rose from her chair and strode into the kitchen. A few seconds later she leaned her head out the kitchen doorway. “Adrie, it’s your parents.”

Adrie’s heart leaped, and she hurried to join Nana. With the time difference and challenge of making an international call, she didn’t get to talk to her parents on holidays very often.

Nana handed her the phone. “Here you go, sweetie.”

“Thanks, Nana.” For the next few minutes Adrie shared the latest news, first with her mom and then her dad. She’d emailed them about not making the cut for the Minneapolis audition, but she gave them the rest of the story. Then she told them about meeting Charity at the concert and the opening in Portland.

“That’s great you have a friend there,” her father said.

She bit her lip, debating if she should tell him Adam also played with the Oregon Symphony, but she decided against it.

“So did you apply for this new position?”

“Not yet, but I plan to work on my letter tonight. I have a CD and résumé ready, so I should be able to mail it tomorrow.”

“Good. Your mom and I will be praying about it. Might be just the right spot for you. Portland isn’t too far from Fairhaven. I’d much rather have you there than all the way across the country. At least you’d be a bit closer to your grandmother.”

“I’m trying not to get my hopes up. I’m sure a lot of people will apply.”

“True. But you’ve got talent, honey. And you’ve worked hard for a long time. I think that will pay off soon. Just keep praying and trusting and let’s see what God will do.”

Adrie smiled. “Thanks, Dad.” It had been a while since she’d received such encouraging words from her father.

“You’re welcome, honey. And remember, Mom and I love you. We’ll be proud of you no matter what job you decide to take. The most important thing is that you’re following the Lord and serving Him with your whole heart. That’s what really matters.”

Tears misted her eyes, and she had to swallow before she could answer. “That’s what I want, too.”

“Then you’ll be fine. Just fine. Keep praying and trusting, honey.”

“Okay, Dad, I will.”

“That’s my girl.”

She blinked a few times. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you, too. Now go enjoy your holiday.” Her father chuckled. “Sounds like you have a houseful today.”

“We do. It’s been fun, but I wish you were here.”

“Me, too, but at least we got to talk on the phone this time.”

“I’m glad you finally got through.” She talked to him for a few more minutes, then finished her call and hung up the phone. She pulled a tissue from the box on the counter and walked back into the dining room.

Ross looked up as she returned to the table. “Good call?”

She nodded. “One of the best.”

He tipped his head, questioning her with his eyes.

“I haven’t talked to my dad for a few months, so that was special.”

He slipped his arm around her shoulder. “I’m glad.”

“What about your parents?” she asked. “Are you going to give them a call?”

He frowned slightly. “I guess I should.”

“It would probably mean a lot to them.”

With a thoughtful nod, he got up from the table and pulled his phone from his pants pocket. “You’re right. Might as well take care of it now.”

“Wait.” Adrie got up. “Maybe we should pray first.”

He hesitated a second. “Okay. Thanks.”

She led him into her grandmother’s sunroom, then clasped his hand and bowed her head. She slowed her breathing and focused her thoughts. “Father, please give Ross an extra measure of love and patience as he talks to his family today. Soften their hearts and help them see who You really are. Please draw them closer to each other and to You.”

After a few seconds, he tightened his grip on Adrie’s hand. “Lord, I want to build a stronger relationship with my family, and I want to help them get to know You. Please help me forgive them for past mistakes. I know You can change their hearts, because You changed mine. I trust You to do that for my family, too. Thank You.” He released a deep breath. “Amen.”

“Amen,” Adrie added, then smiled up at him, her heart warmed by his honesty and trust.

How could she have doubted his faith? His commitment ran deep, and it drew her to him in a stronger way.

Adrie bit her thumbnail and carefully read through her résumé one last time. Her life and training were summed up on those two pages, and there was a lot more white space than type. Was it enough to impress the decision makers at the Oregon Symphony? A nervous quiver passed through her stomach.

“Let it be enough, Lord,” she whispered, then hit Print and leaned back on the couch. She lifted her hand and rubbed her tight neck and shoulders as her printer hummed and churned out her letter and résumé.

Maybe a cup of chai would soothe her jangled nerves. She walked into the kitchen and spotted the large plate of leftover desserts on the counter. One more pumpkin cheesecake square tempted her.

A knock sounded at her apartment door, and her heart leaped. It was a little late for Ross to drop by, but she couldn’t think of a better way to end the day. Spending time with him would be much more comforting than a cup of chai or a rich dessert. She hurried to the door and pulled it open.

Adam Sheffield stood in the hallway.

She gasped, then blinked to make sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her.

“Hi, Adrie.” He tipped his head and sent her a charming smile, looking pleased that he’d surprised her.

“Adam, what are you doing here?”

“I’m in town for a few days, and thought I’d drop by and say hello.” His gaze traveled over her with a slight lift of his eyebrows. “You look great.”

Her stomach clenched, and a warning flashed through her. She needed to keep her guard up against his flattery. “How did you get in downstairs?”

“It was unlocked. I didn’t think you’d mind if I came up.”

She did mind, but it seemed rude to put it that bluntly. “I’m sorry, Adam. It’s late. This isn’t a good time for a visit.” She stepped back and reached for the door handle.

“Hey, it’s not even ten o’clock, and it’s a holiday weekend.”

“Shh!” She glanced toward Ross’s door, hoping he hadn’t heard Adam.

“What are you worried about?”

“I don’t want to…bother my neighbors.” She lowered her voice. “We’re opening early tomorrow. I need to call it a night.”

“Ah, come on, Adrie. Can’t you spare a few minutes for an old friend?”

Was he being loud on purpose? She glared at him. “Keep it down.”

He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “No one would hear us if you’d let me in.”

All kinds of reasons why that was a bad idea raced through her mind, but inviting him in would be better than Ross discovering her talking to her former fiancé in the hallway. “Okay, but just for a minute.”

He stepped past her into the apartment and glanced around, a slight smile on his lips. “Looks like things haven’t changed much around here.”

Adrie closed the door and crossed her arms. “You’re wrong, Adam. A lot of things have changed, including me.”

He chuckled as he walked toward the couch. “Oh, Adrie, you’re always so serious.”

Irritation flashed through her.

“You should lighten up and enjoy life a little.”

“I enjoy life just fine, in spite of the fact that my former fiancé betrayed my trust and broke our engagement.”

His expression faltered. “How many times do I have to apologize before you forgive me?”

She closed her eyes. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation again. What do you want, Adam? Why are you here?”

He studied her for a moment and released a resigned sigh. “There’s an opening for a flutist with the Oregon Symphony. I wanted you to know.”

She shot a quick glance at her open computer on the coffee table.

A slow smile spread across his face. “You already heard?”

She hated that she couldn’t keep a secret from him, while he had always been adept at hiding the truth from her.

“Are you going to apply?” A hopeful light sparked his dark brown eyes.

“I’m considering it.”

“I’ve got some influence. I’ll put a good word in for you.”

“Please don’t. If I get an audition, I want it based on my abilities, not anyone’s influence.”

He clicked his tongue. “You’re still mad at me, aren’t you? That’s why you won’t let me help.”

She released an exasperated huff. “Adam, do you have any idea how much you hurt me, let alone how much money I had to pay to cancel our wedding? We’re talking about thousands of dollars.”

His shoulders drooped. “I knew you were upset, but I didn’t think about the money.”

“Well, you should have. I’m still paying off those bills.”

He met her gaze. “I thought helping you get the position in Portland might make up for…everything that happened.”

“Don’t bother.”

He tipped his head, looking slightly hurt. “What can I say? What do you want me to do?”

A genuine apology would’ve been nice. But he didn’t have a clue.

He walked toward her holding out both hands. “Come on, Adrie, can’t you give a guy a break? I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just got carried away. It was only that one time.”

Those excuses were not enough to change her mind about Adam Sheffield. She turned, walked toward the door and pulled it open. “Goodbye, Adam.”

He stared at her for a moment, confusion and a hint of hurt in his eyes. “Bye, Adrie,” he said as he walked out.