A Man to Trust (16 page)

She closed the door, leaned back against it and shut her eyes. “Thank You for protecting me from making the worst mistake of my life.”

Ross set aside his guitar and walked toward the kitchen. As he passed the front door, voices in the hallway caught his attention. It was awfully late for someone to be visiting Adrie. He cocked his head to listen. One of the voices was distinctly male.

He ought to check on her and make sure she was okay. But what if it was Eric, the chef, or some other guy she had invited over? All the more reason to step out the door and make sure he knew Adrie had someone watching out for her.

Would she appreciate it or think he was sticking his nose in where it didn’t belong? He turned and stalked into the kitchen. It was none of his business who Adrie invited over. She hadn’t made any promises to him. But he hated knowing some guy was over there with her.

He spun around, marched to the front door and jerked it open—just as her apartment door closed. He strode down the hall, past her apartment and descended the stairs.

Glancing through the window, he scanned the rainy parking lot. His car sat next to Adrie’s white Echo under the lone light. Two spaces down, raindrops bounced off the hood of an unfamiliar silver BMW. He stepped outside and looked around to be sure her late-night caller hadn’t made a quick exit down the street, but he didn’t see anyone.

The chilled air stung his nose. Raindrops spattered his shoulders. He shoved his hands in his pants pockets and huffed. What was he doing standing out in the rain? This was crazy. He looked up at Adrie’s apartment. Shadows flickered across the glowing curtain drawn over her window.

Who was up there with her?

He clenched his jaw and trudged back inside. As he closed the door, a chill traveled up his back. He lowered his head and closed his eyes, trying to summon up a prayer, but no words came.

He was losing Adrie—either to another man or another job. It was time he faced that reality and got on with his life.

Chapter Nineteen

“D
o you have any Christmas cards in yet?” A harried young mother balanced a fussy infant on one hip while she tried to hold the hand of her wiggly preschooler.

Adrie smiled and nodded. “Sure. Let me show you what we have.”

Though it was just past ten o’clock, more than a dozen customers browsed the bookstore aisles, taking advantage of the Thanksgiving weekend sales. The scent of fresh brewed coffee and apple cinnamon muffins floated toward Adrie as she led the young mother through the store. “Here are the boxed cards, and we have individual cards in the display rack.” She pointed them out and patted the preschooler on the head. “Let me know if there’s anything else you need.”

As Adrie walked back to the sales counter, her thoughts shifted to Ross and she frowned slightly. He’d been unusually quiet this morning. At first she thought it was the early hour, but now she wasn’t so sure. Even when several customers lined up to pay for their purchases, carrying coupons from his email promotion, his somber mood didn’t lift.

She couldn’t think of anything she’d said or done on Thanksgiving to upset him. In fact, it had been a wonderful day. She’d never felt closer to him. It didn’t make sense. Glancing around the store, she spotted him in the Bible section patiently listening to an older man talk about a trip to Israel he’d taken twenty years ago.

She slipped behind the sales counter and straightened a stack of calendars.

Ross joined her and rang up the older gentleman’s sale. “Have a nice weekend,” he said as he sent him off, but his words didn’t carry their usual enthusiasm.

Maybe he just needed some friendly encouragement. She turned to him. “It looks like your email with the twenty-percent-off coupon was a big hit.”

“Yep.” He fiddled with the stack of ten-dollar bills in the register drawer.

“We’ve already done more business today than we did all last week.” Surely that would make him look her way and smile.

But he stepped over to the computer and clicked through to the distributor’s website, then made a note on a yellow legal pad.

She drummed her fingers on the counter, trying to come up with something else to help him out of this funk.

His cell phone rang. He pulled it from his pants pocket and answered.

She should step away and give him some privacy, but she stayed put instead, hoping his conversation might help her figure out what was bothering him.

“Hey, Regina.” A slight smile pulled at one side of his mouth as he listened. “Thanks. I’m glad you like them.” He paced to the other end of the sales counter. “Well, I hope it helps the kids. That’s what’s important.”

An image of the foster children bouncing around in the photo studio flashed through Adrie’s mind, making her smile. It sounded like Regina was happy with the photos.

Ross looked up and met her gaze. “Yes, she’s right here. Would you like to speak to her?” He hesitated, listening to Regina again. “Yes, I will. Thanks.” He held out the phone to Adrie. “She wants to talk to you.”

“Thanks.” She took the phone and greeted Regina.

“I wanted to thank you again for coming over on picture day.” Regina laughed softly. “I’m not sure how I would’ve kept the kids busy and held on to my sanity without your help.”

“I enjoyed meeting the kids and sharing my music.”

“They certainly loved your presentation…and that’s why I’m calling. Do you remember Amber, the little girl who answered so many of your questions?” Her tone hinted at some problem.

Adrie’s stomach tensed. Had something happened to Amber? “Of course. Is everything all right?”

“She had to move to a new foster family, and it’s been a rough transition for her.”

Adrie’s heart sank. “I’m so sorry.”

“We hated to move her again, but we really had no choice.” Regina was quiet for a moment. “I had an idea I wanted to run by you, something to help Amber.”

Adrie’s heart stirred. “What did you have in mind?”

“Amber used to take flute lessons, but with these last two moves she had to stop.”

“Yes. She mentioned that when we met.”

“I wondered if you could spend a little time with her and perhaps give her a flute lesson.”

Adrie leaned against the counter and smiled. “I’d love to.” She talked to Regina for a few more minutes, and they set a time for Adrie to meet with Amber.

“Thanks, Adrie. I really appreciate it. I’m sure this will put the sparkle back in Amber’s eyes.”

“I hope so. Please tell her I’m looking forward to seeing her.” Adrie ended the conversation and handed the phone back to Ross. “Remember Amber?”

Ross nodded, his expression wary.

“Regina wants me to give her flute lessons.”

“Did you say yes?”

She nodded. “We start next Wednesday.”

He frowned slightly. “You should be careful.”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t want to make a promise you can’t keep.”

She straightened. “I’m not.”

“Didn’t you just apply for the position in Portland?”

“Yes, but that’s a long shot. I don’t even know if I’ll get to audition.”

“But you might. And if you promise Amber lessons, and then can’t give them, that’s going to hurt her more than if you’d never started.”

Heat flooded her face, and she lifted her chin. “I wouldn’t hurt Amber, and I don’t intend to break my promise.”

He sent her a doubtful, pained look. “I hope not.”

She grabbed a stack of postcards and tapped them on the counter to straighten the pile. “I don’t see why I should have to put my life on hold just because I have my résumé out there.”

“This is not just about you, Adrie. It’s about a little girl who’s been through a lot of pain and disappointment, and I’m just saying you should be careful about the promises you make.”

His words sliced through her heart, and she turned and strode out of the sales area.

Amber sat on the edge of the kitchen chair, swinging her legs back and forth in time to the music as Adrie played her flute.

Adrie lowered her instrument. “Now you try it.”

Amber raised the borrowed flute to her lips, pulled in a deep breath and launched into the A scale.

Adrie nodded and sent Amber an encouraging smile. For a first lesson, it was going extremely well. Amber was an eager student who listened carefully and easily remembered how to finger the notes.

Amber lowered her flute and looked up expectantly.

Adrie clapped. “Bravo! Good job.”

She smiled and ducked her head, soaking up the praise like a little sponge.

A knock sounded at Adrie’s apartment door. She glanced at the clock. How could an hour have gone by so quickly? “I think that’s Ms. Silverton.”

Amber groaned. “Oh, it can’t be time to go yet.”

Adrie answered the door and greeted Amber’s caseworker.

“How did it go?” Regina asked in a hushed tone.

“Great.” Adrie turned to her young student. “We had a good visit and a very productive lesson.”

Regina smiled and nodded. “I’m so glad.” She crossed the living room and stood beside Amber’s chair. “Okay, it’s time to go. Please get on your coat and hat.”

The little girl looked up with pleading eyes. “Do we have to go now? We were just getting to the good part of the music.”

Regina placed her hand on Amber’s shoulder. “I’m glad you enjoyed your time with Ms. Chandler, but I promised I’d get you home in time for dinner.”

“Do we have enough time for me to put the flute away?”

“Sure, that would be fine.”

Amber opened the case, then slowly took the flute apart and carefully wiped each piece before she placed it in the red velvet padding. Finally, she closed the case and secured the two latches. Her lip quivered as she held the case out toward Adrie. “I liked playing your flute. Thank you for the lesson.”

Adrie knelt in front of her. “You know, I don’t use this flute very often. It usually just sits on the shelf in my closet. Would you like to take it with you?”

Her eyes widened. “Really? I can take it home?”

“Sure, if you promise to take good care of it and practice every day.”

“Oh, I will. I promise.” She lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Adrie’s neck. “Thank you.”

Adrie’s throat tightened and she had to force out her words. “You’re welcome, sweetie.”

Amber stepped back, her eyes glistening as she hugged the flute case to her chest.

“Why don’t I hold on to the flute while you get your coat?”

“Okay.” Amber passed Regina the case and dashed off toward the hall.

Regina’s gaze followed her. “You’ve just made her a very happy little girl.”

“I hope it’s okay to give her the flute.”

“It’s very generous. Thank you.”

“Could she come next week for another lesson?” Adrie asked.

Regina beamed. “I was hoping you’d offer. I’ll speak to her foster mom and get back to you.”

“This is a good time for me, but if there’s a conflict, let me know and maybe we can change it.”

“All right.” Regina hesitated. “What you’re doing…it’s very special. I know it means the world to Amber.”

“I love teaching someone who’s so eager to learn.”

Amber hurried back into the room wearing her puffy red jacket and red-and-white-striped knit hat pulled down at an odd angle. She grinned up at Regina and held her hands out for the flute case. “I can carry it now.”

Regina returned her smile. “Okay, here you go.” She turned back to Adrie and held out her hand. “Thank you. I’ll be in touch.”

“It was a pleasure.” Adrie shook Regina’s hand then leaned down and gave Amber a hug. “Take care, sweetie. Have fun with the flute, and I’ll see you next week.”

Amber gave her another tight hug.

Adrie showed them to the door and waved to Amber once more as she took Regina’s hand and walked down the stairs. As she stepped back into her apartment a warm sense of satisfaction settled over her heart.

Amber might have enjoyed the lesson, but Adrie was the one who felt blessed by the time she’d spent with the little girl. She closed her eyes and whispered a quiet prayer, “Thank You, Father. Thank You so much.”

The cold December wind swirled around Ross as he hustled down the street, headed for Tony’s Coffee House. He sank deeper in his coat, wishing he’d remembered to grab his scarf before he’d left the bookstore. As he rounded the corner at Twelfth and Harris Streets he bumped into George coming the other way.

Ross grinned and grabbed his arm. “Hey there, buddy, better watch where you’re going.”

George laughed and slapped Ross on the back. “Good morning to you, too. Where are you headed?”

“Over to Tony’s for some java. Want to join me?”

“Tempting. Very tempting.” He glanced down the street. “I need to be over at the studio by ten, but I have a few minutes.”

“Great.” He and George set off at a brisk pace. “Marian mentioned you’re going back to Seattle soon to spend Christmas with your family.”

“That’s right. I’ll be leaving on Friday.”

Marian and George usually saw each other several times each week. Ross glanced over at George. “Will you be coming back in January?”

George nodded. “I’ve got to square away a few things and look into putting my house up for sale in the spring.” He winked at Ross. “But of course that all depends on how things continue to develop with Marian.”

“I see.” Ross grinned, happy to hear George had serious intentions toward his employer. Ross had grown very fond of Marian, and he felt a sense of responsibility for her.

“We’ve talked about where our relationship is headed and possibilities for the future, but I haven’t proposed yet, so keep this under your hat.”

“I won’t say anything.” It would be hard to keep it from Adrie, but he understood why George wanted to surprise Marian.

“I know most women consider the proposal very important,” George continued. “And I want to do it right, for Marian’s sake. I’m thinking Valentine’s Day would be a nice time to pop the question. What do you think?”

Ross fingered his cell phone in his pocket. What did he know about proposing? He couldn’t even convince Adrie to take their friendship to the next level. “Sounds good to me.”

“I can stay with Ray and Claudia again when I come back after Christmas. But I hope our wedding won’t be too far off in the future.” George released a contented sigh. “Maybe in the late spring or early summer.”

Ross shoved his hands deeper into his pockets. It must be nice to know where your relationship was going and feel confident the woman you loved, loved you back. Ross exhaled and pushed those thoughts aside. “I’m happy for you, George. I hope it works out just the way you planned.”

“Thanks, Ross.” They arrived at Tony’s Coffee House. George pulled open the door and motioned Ross to go ahead.

Ross stepped inside, and warm, coffee-scented air greeted him. Bayside Books Café coffee was good, but some mornings he took the short walk to Tony’s for something special. He ordered a large caramel macchiato, then took his steaming cup and sat at one of the tables by the window.