A Man to Trust (4 page)

She strained the chai into two mugs and held one out to him. “Here you go.”

He was a coffee man—a committed connoisseur of cappuccinos, lattes and espressos. But there was no way he could refuse when she offered him tea with that inviting smile. “Thanks.” He accepted the mug and took a sip. The warm, creamy drink flooded his mouth with a sweet tangy flavor.

“So, what do you think? Do you like it?”

He lifted his mug in a toast to her. “This is definitely the best chai I’ve ever had.”

She sent him a delighted look. “Really?”

“Yes…of course it’s the only chai I’ve ever had, but—”

“Oh! You’re awful!” She gave him a playful shove.

“No, I’m not.” He grinned. “Just a truthful guy who loves to tease a little. But I’m totally enjoying my first cup of chai.”

Her smile returned, and a new light sparkled in her eyes.

His spirits soared. He’d finally made a connection with her.

“Time to open up,” Marian called, jingling her keys as she walked past, headed toward the front door. “Something tells me it’s going to be a great day.”

Ross winked at Adrie over the rim of his mug and took another sip of chai. “I believe it is.”

Ten minutes later Ross stood by Adrie as she pulled a box cutter from her skirt pocket and slit open a carton of books. He reached down and folded back the flaps for her, revealing the stacks of new books. “How do you know where to put them?”

“Just check the info on the back.” She pulled out a book, flipped it over, and pointed to the lower right-hand corner. “It tells you what type of book it is right here.”

Ross nodded, reaching into the box to lift out a few more copies. This didn’t look hard. She’d given him the tour, and there were signs on the shelves denoting the different sections.

The phone rang, and Adrie looked up. “I need to get that. I’ll be right back. Do what you can.” She sent him a doubtful glance, then crossed the store and slipped behind the sales counter.

He turned over the first book.
Christian Living/Personal Growth/Women/Discipleship.
Frowning, he scratched his chin. They had both a Christian living section and a women’s section. Where was he supposed to put this title?

The bell over the door jingled. He looked around for Marian, but he didn’t see her. Adrie was still behind the counter, holding the phone between her shoulder and ear while she made notes on a pad. Guess it was up to him to greet their first customer of the day.

A middle-aged woman with short gray hair stepped in and looked around with a nervous glance.

He straightened and offered her a smile. “Good morning. Can I help you find something?”

“I just want to look around.” Her clothes—worn jeans and faded red T-shirt with the words
The Chuckanut Radio Hour
printed on the front—suggested she was a local, though she didn’t seem to be familiar with the store.

“Take your time. If you need any help, just let me know.” He picked up a book from the box and read the back cover information.

“Could I take a look at that?” The woman pointed to the title he held in his hand.

“Sure.” He passed her the book,
Hope in Hard Times.

Tears glistened in her eyes as she focused on the beautiful seascape on the cover. “I’m going through a hard time right now, and I’m fresh out of hope, that’s for sure.”

Anguished questions filled the woman’s eyes. “Is this a good author?”

He swallowed hard. “Mrs. Chandler and her granddaughter, Adrienne, select all the books for the store. I’m sure they only bring in authors they trust.”

Biting her lower lip, the woman turned over the book and read the back.

Had he given her the right direction? He shoved his hands in his pants pockets and silently breathed out a prayer.
Lord, this woman needs more help than I can give her. Would You give me a hand?

She looked up, blinking back tears in her tired brown eyes. “I lost my job yesterday.”

Her words hit him like a punch in the stomach. “I’m sorry.” It wasn’t hard for him to recall how miserable it felt to be without a job, uncertain how you’d pay the rent or buy groceries.

“My husband has been out of work for over a year, since the cannery closed. I’m not sure what we’re going to do now. He’s diabetic, and we lost our insurance.” She shook her head, weary lines of defeat creasing her forehead.

“Why don’t you sit down and take a look at this book?” He guided her to an overstuffed chair in the corner. “I’ll check around and see what else I can find for you.”

He shot off another quick prayer as he scanned the shelves. He snagged two other titles that looked encouraging.

She looked up as he approached. “Is it okay if I just sit here for a few minutes and read several pages? I need to be sure about the book before I spend any money.”

“Sure. Take your time. Here are a couple more you might like.” He set them on the small table beside her, then glanced down the aisle at the box of books waiting to be shelved. Giving her some books to browse didn’t seem like it was enough.

Memories of his talks with Cam over the last few months rose in his mind. Those conversations had given him the courage and hope he needed while he was jobless and wondering how he would make it until a new job came through. Maybe he could help this woman the same way Cam had helped him.

He pushed away his discomfort and squatted down next to her chair. “I’m sorry you’re going through a rough time. I know what it’s like to be out of work. I lost my job a few months ago.”

Her eyebrows rose. “You did?”

He nodded. “This is actually my first day working at this new job.”

A slight smile tipped up one side of her mouth. “Your first day. Wow. It must feel good knowing you’ll have a paycheck coming in soon.”

“Yes, I’m thankful.” He glanced around the store. “It’s a whole new line of work for me, but I think I’m going to like it.” He turned back to her. “And what about you? What kind of job are you looking for?”

“I’m a dog groomer,” she said with a bashful smile. “I’ve been doing that for about ten years, but the shop where I’ve been working just closed. The owner decided to retire.”

He nodded and settled on the floor beside her chair ready to listen as she told him the rest of her story.

Adrie hung up the phone and made a final note about the inventory system Chuck at Village Books had recommended. Faint sounds of conversation at the other end of the store registered in her mind. She looked up and cocked her head to listen, but the words were unclear. Suddenly, her pulse jumped. Ross must be talking to a customer. She tossed aside her pen and hustled around the counter and down the aisle. Her steps stalled when she reached the end.

Ross knelt next to a plump woman in her fifties. She was seated in the blue overstuffed chair by the front window. Both their heads were bowed, and his hand rested lightly on her shoulder. Tears slipped down the woman’s weathered cheeks as she held her hands clasped tightly in her lap. A golden stream of sunlight flowed through the window, creating a bright puddle on the floor around them.

Adrie felt like an intruder as she crept closer, but her curiosity urged her forward until she could hear Ross’s quiet prayer.

“Father, please give Nancy courage and strength. You see her situation, her need for a job, for insurance, and for a way to pay her bills. Please take care of those needs. But most of all, please help her remember that You love her and that she never has to carry this load alone. You are right here with her now and always.”

Nancy sniffed. “Thank You, God. Thank You for bringing me here today. Thank You for helping me.” Her choked voice barely rose above a whisper, but the message was clear. Ross’s prayer meant the world to her.

A hushed reverence filled the air for a few seconds, then Ross said a quiet Amen.

Nancy lifted her head and slowly rose to her feet. “Thank you.” She smiled through her tears. “I don’t even know your name.”

“It’s Ross. Ross Peterson.”

She held out her hand and clasped his. “Well, thank you, Ross. You’ve been God’s messenger of hope for me today.”

Nana walked up next to Adrie. “What’s going on?” she whispered.

“Ross was just praying with that woman.”

“Really?” Nana beamed. “That’s wonderful.”

Nancy picked up two of the books and walked toward Adrie and her grandmother. “Do you know where I can pay for these?”

“I can help you with that,” Nana said.

“You know, that was real smart of you to hire that young man.” Nancy nodded toward Ross as she started down the aisle with Nana. “He’s got a true gift for listening and helping people.”

Her grandmother nodded. “I believe he does.”

Ross’s dark brown eyes shone as he walked up to Adrie. “Wow, that was something else.”

Adrie stared at him. “You prayed with her,” she said in a hushed voice.

He shrugged and slipped his hands in his jeans pockets. “Yeah, she was pretty upset when she first came in.” He lifted his gaze to meet Adrie’s. “I did recommend some books. But what she really needed was someone to listen and pray.”

Adrie nodded slowly as she looked from Ross to the woman at the sales counter. Maybe she had misjudged him.

Chapter Four

A
drie glanced at her watch and walked toward the front door to lock up for the evening. Her first day working with Ross hadn’t been nearly as uncomfortable as she’d thought it would be. “Looks good,” she said as she passed him wiping the tables in the café.

He sent her a cocky grin and lifted his hand in a salute. “Thanks. I’ve been slaving away all day. Glad to know I still look pretty good.”

“I meant the tables, not you.”

“Oh.” He gave her a sad-puppy-dog face.

She shook her head and laughed. His sense of humor was corny, but he did have a way of brightening her day.

Just as she reached to flip the sign to CLOSED, the door cracked open, and an older, distinguished man with silver hair and a mustache looked inside. Adrie pulled the door open the rest of the way. “Please, come in. We’ll be closing in a few minutes, but there’s still time to do a little shopping if you like.”

“Thank you.” He glanced around the store.

“Can I help you find something?”

“Actually, I’m looking for Marian Stanton.”

Adrie hesitated. Who was this man, and why did he use her grandmother’s maiden name?

“Adrie, have you seen my glasses?” Nana called as she walked toward them, searching the shelves on her way. “I thought I put them beside the phone, but they seem to have taken up legs and walked off.” Her words faded as she noticed the man standing with Adrie.

“Marian?” The gentleman stepped forward, a hopeful smile on his face.

Her grandmother squinted at him. “Yes? I’m sorry, I can’t see too well without my glasses.”

Warmth and affection radiated from his face. “It’s me, Marian. George.”

She gasped and raised her hand to her mouth. “George? Oh my goodness.”

He moved closer and captured her hand in his. “I would’ve known you anywhere. You’re just as lovely as ever.”

Nana laughed softly and waved his compliment away. “You must need glasses just as much as I do.”

Ross walked around the end of the bookcase, a hint of concern in his eyes. He leaned in close to Adrie. “Everything okay?” His warm breath fanned across her cheek.

She swallowed and squelched her reaction. “I think so.”

Nana turned to them. “Adrie, Ross, this is George Bradford. He’s…an old friend.” She again faced George. “This is my granddaughter, Adrienne Chandler, and our new store manager, Ross Peterson.”

George shook Ross’s hand, then he extended his hand to Adrie. “I can definitely see the resemblance. Your grandmother looked a lot like you when we first met about fifty years ago.”

Adrie shot her grandma a questioning look. She had never heard her mention George Bradford.

“So I understand it’s just about closing time,” George addressed Nana.

“Yes, but that’s not a problem. How can we help you?”

“Well, I’d like to see your store, but to be honest, I was hoping I could invite you to dinner.”

Nana’s eyes widened. “Well…I’m not sure… I was just planning a simple dinner at home this evening.”

“Good. Since you don’t have other plans, why don’t you join me? I saw a nice restaurant just down the block with outdoor seating, and it’s a beautiful evening.” He waited expectantly.

Nana hesitated a moment more, then her face brightened. “All right. I’ll just get my purse from the office.” She turned and walked away.

Adrie followed her grandmother into the office and quietly closed the door. “Grandma, who is that man?” she whispered.

“I told you, dear, his name is George Bradford. We’re old friends.” Nana took a hairbrush from her purse and ran it through her soft silver pageboy, checking her appearance in the small mirror beside her desk.

“Well, he certainly seems happy to see you.”

“It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with old friends,” Nana added with a secretive smile.

“But he’s taking you out to dinner. That’s like a…a date.”

“Yes, I suppose it is.” Nana applied some lipstick, then faced Adrie. “You don’t need to be concerned, dear. George was always a perfect gentleman when we dated in college.”

Adrie frowned. “But I thought you dated Grandpa in college.”

“I did. But I also dated George.”

Adrie gasped. “At the same time?”

“Oh, no, dear. I dated George the first two years. Then he graduated and took a job in Portland. Your grandpa stayed in town and pursued me. That’s how I knew he truly loved me. But George was a fine young man.” Nana dropped her hairbrush into her purse. “Now, there’s no reason to worry. It’s just dinner with an old friend.”

Adrie laid her hand on her grandmother’s arm. “All right, but you haven’t seen this guy for a long time. He may have changed, so be careful. Take your cell phone, and call me if you have any trouble.”

Nana chuckled as she snapped her purse closed. “This is a little strange, isn’t it? I’m usually the one giving you advice before you go out on a date.”

Adrie followed Nana out the office door. They found Ross and George seated in the café, engaged in conversation.

George stood as Nana approached and nodded toward Ross. “You’ve got a fine young man managing things for you, Marian.”

She nodded. “Yes, I believe we do.”

“Ready to go?” He offered her his arm.

“I am.” Nana slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow as though she did it every day of her life.

Adrie gripped the back of a café chair and watched her grandmother and George Bradford stroll out of the store. The bell jingled, the door closed and she turned to Ross. “I can’t believe she’s going out on a date with a man she hasn’t seen in fifty years.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty cool.” Ross grinned, but he quickly sobered. “What’s wrong?”

Adrie bit her lip. Should she tell him? Would he understand? If she didn’t say something to someone she was afraid she might burst into tears. “I’m worried about her. I don’t want her to get hurt.”

“George seems like a decent guy.”

“But she adored my grandpa, and when he got sick and died, she was devastated.” Her throat tightened, making her next words difficult. “She couldn’t sleep, and she wouldn’t eat. I thought I was going to lose her, too.” Hot tears burned her eyes.

He stepped over and slipped his arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Adrie. That must have been a difficult time for both of you.” His gentle tone and caring touch sent a comforting wave through her.

She nodded and swallowed, trying to loosen her tight throat. “I miss my grandpa every day, and I thought Nana did, too.” She stepped away from Ross and shuffled some papers on the sales counter.

“I’m sure she does. You can’t be married that long and not miss your mate.”

“Then how can she walk out the door with her old boyfriend at a moment’s notice?”

Ross sent her an understanding look. “I know this is unexpected, but your grandpa’s been gone for over a year. Maybe she’s ready to look ahead and think about the future.”

Was that true? Was her grandmother done grieving and ready to find a new love?

“It’s just dinner with an old friend right now.”

She nodded and pulled in a calming breath. “You’re right. I don’t know why I’m getting so emotional about this. He’s probably just in town for the day, and nothing will come of it.”

But what if she was wrong? What if her grandmother decided she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life alone? Was George Bradford worthy of her grandmother’s trust?